JPH10173963A - Image pickup device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely conduct rotation of a camera section in the horizontal direction and in the tilt direction while the image pickup device main body is placed on a desk top or the like. SOLUTION: This image pickup device is provided with a video camera main body section 2 including a display section, a lens 6 whose optical axis is set in parallel with the video camera main body section 2 and with a camera section 1 having a reflecting mirror 5 fitted to the tip of the section 1 turnably around a shaft 13 orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens 6, and the image pickup direction of the camera section 1 is moved stably in both horizontal and vertical directions while keeping a thin profile and a small size as a whole.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and a storage medium, and is particularly suitable for use in an image pickup apparatus in which a camera unit including a lens is rotatable in a horizontal direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an imaging apparatus such as an integrated video camera, various imaging apparatuses in which a camera unit including a lens can be rotated in a tilt direction have been proposed.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a conventional integrated video camera (hereinafter referred to as a video camera) in which a camera section can be rotated in a tilt direction. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1 denotes a camera unit which includes a zoom lens elongated in the optical axis direction, an image pickup device such as a CCD attached to the end thereof, a signal processing circuit board, and the like, and is covered with an outer cover. I have. Reference numeral 2 denotes a video camera body, 3 denotes a display unit including a liquid crystal display element or the like, and 4 denotes an operation button group.

In the conventional video camera constructed as described above, the front of the optical axis direction is the photographing direction. However, the camera unit 1 is moved relative to the video camera main body 2 by a shaft rotating mechanism (not shown). Since it is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis, the imaging direction can be tilted.

[0005]

Hitherto, a tilt mechanism of a video camera has been employed mainly to enable a low angle and a high angle during hand-held shooting. However, in recent years, as a new use of video cameras, taking pictures of the photographer himself or surroundings while standing on the table,
By taking the shot video into a personal computer or transmitting it by connecting it to a transmission device, it is being used for a videophone or a video conference system via a telephone line. In such a usage, horizontal rotation (panning) is required more than tilt rotation.

However, in the configuration of the video camera shown in the conventional example, since the zoom lens extends long in the optical axis direction (photographing direction), it is necessary to rotate the camera unit in the horizontal direction with respect to the video camera body. In addition, it is necessary to arrange a camera unit including a zoom lens which is long in the front and rear, above the upper surface of the video camera main unit, or to sufficiently separate the camera unit from the video camera main unit in the lateral direction. However, such a configuration is very impractical because it becomes very unstable in shape and cannot be made compact as a whole.

In the conventional example, the bottom of the camera section is flush with the bottom of the video camera body in consideration of the sense of stability when the camera section is horizontal. Since the corners of the video camera protrude below the bottom of the video camera body, there is a problem that the video camera cannot be stably placed on the desktop as it is.

In view of the above problems, it is a first object of the present invention to enable a photographing direction to be freely changed in a horizontal direction and a tilt direction in a state where an imaging apparatus is placed on a table or the like.

Another object of the present invention is as follows.
In addition to the object of the first invention, it is an object of the present invention to improve the degree of freedom of a shooting mode.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a tilt rotation angle to be secured in a wide range and efficiently.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging apparatus main body; and a camera section having a lens optical axis arranged in parallel with the imaging apparatus main body. A rotation center axis is provided in the front in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lens optical axis, and a reflecting mirror is rotatably mounted around the rotation center axis as a rotation center.

Another feature of the present invention is that
The imaging device main body unit is characterized by integrally including a display unit.

Another feature of the present invention is that the main body of the image pickup apparatus has a display section detachably provided.

Another feature of the present invention is that the camera unit has a lens optical axis arranged in parallel on a side surface of the image pickup device main unit.

Another feature of the present invention is that the camera section has a lens optical axis arranged in parallel on an upper surface or a bottom surface of the imaging device main body.

Another feature of the present invention is that the camera section is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole.

Another feature of the present invention is that the camera unit is rotatable around the optical axis of the lens.

Another feature of the present invention is that a pedestal portion for rotatably holding the camera portion around the optical axis of the lens is provided, and the pedestal portion is attached to and detached from the imaging device main body portion. It is characterized in that it can be configured.

Another feature of the present invention is that a rotation center axis attached to the tip of the lens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, and a rotation center about the rotation center axis. And a reflecting mirror provided, wherein the rotation center axis is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the lens optical axis direction.

Another feature of the present invention is that a center axis of rotation attached to the tip of the lens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, and the center axis of rotation is freely rotatable about the center axis of rotation. A reflecting mirror, an angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the reflecting mirror, and a focal length controlling means for controlling a focal length of the lens according to the rotating angle of the reflecting mirror detected by the angle detecting means. It is characterized by having.

Another feature of the present invention is that the lens is a zoom lens.

Another feature of the present invention is characterized in that a processing means for electrically inverting a mirror image of the signal which has been made into a mirror image by the reflecting mirror is provided.

Another feature of the present invention is that the processing circuit includes a memory for one line in the horizontal direction, and reverses each time one line of an input signal is stored in the memory. It is characterized in that the mirror image inversion processing is performed as a whole by repeating the processing of reading in the direction over one screen.

[0024] The storage medium of the present invention is characterized by storing a program for causing a computer to function as the focal length control means.

[0025]

Since the present invention comprises the above technical means, it is possible to stably rotate in the horizontal direction while the camera unit is mounted on the main body of the image pickup apparatus while maintaining a thin and compact shape as a whole.

According to another feature of the present invention, only the camera unit is detached from the main body of the image pickup apparatus, and it is possible to take a picture while freely performing pan and tilt rotation at a position away from the photographer. As a result, the degree of freedom of the photographing mode can be much improved.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, the rotation center axis of the reflecting mirror can be moved in a direction parallel to the lens optical axis direction, so that the tilt rotation angle can be greatly widened.

According to another feature of the present invention, since the mirrored image signal is electrically inverted by the reflecting mirror, there is no inconvenience due to the use of the reflecting mirror. Similar images can be generated.

[0029]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image pickup apparatus and a storage medium according to the present invention. FIG.
1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a video camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a camera unit, which includes a zoom lens that extends in the optical axis direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1), an image pickup device such as a CCD attached to the end thereof, a signal processing circuit board, and the like. These components are covered with an exterior cover.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a video camera main body, and reference numeral 2a denotes a pedestal portion formed by extending a lower portion of the video camera main body 2 to the side, for holding the camera unit 1 rotatably in a horizontal direction. 3 is a display unit including a liquid crystal display element and the like,
4 is an operation button. Reference numeral 5 denotes a reflecting mirror.

In FIG. 1, a light beam from a subject in a shooting direction indicated by an arrow is reflected by a reflecting mirror 5, and the angle of the traveling direction is changed. At this time, the angle of the reflecting mirror 5 is set to be about 45 ° with respect to the optical axis of the zoom lens of the camera unit 1, and the camera unit 1 is arranged so that the optical axis direction of the zoom lens is vertical. I have. For this reason, the traveling direction of the light beam from the subject substantially in front of the video camera is bent by about 90 ° by the reflecting mirror 5, and the light beam enters the camera unit 1 almost parallel to the optical axis of the zoom lens.

The camera section 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape.
It is held rotatably in the horizontal direction with respect to the pedestal 2a. For this reason, it is possible to rotate the entire circumference in either the left or right direction around the optical axis of the zoom lens. At this time,
Since the opening direction of the reflecting mirror 5 that rotates integrally with the camera unit 1 is the photographing direction, photographing can be performed in all directions in the left or right direction around the optical axis of the zoom lens.

The upper surface of the camera unit 1 is formed at substantially the same height as the upper surface of the video camera body 2, but only the opening of the reflecting mirror 5 is disposed above the upper surface of the video camera body 2. Therefore, even when photographing in the direction of the video camera main body 2, the photographing can be performed without the reflection mirror 5 being blocked by the video camera main body 2.

In the case where the angle of view of the zoom lens is relatively wide, when shooting in the direction of the video camera body 2,
Although a part of the lower side of the screen is blocked by the video camera body 2, it can be used practically without any problem. In addition, in a direction other than this direction, that is, in a range of 200 ° or more, photographing can be performed without any interruption.

Next, the essential configuration of the camera unit 1 of the video camera according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a sectional view. FIG.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the camera 1, and FIG.
Shows a state in which the camera unit 1 is rotated 90 ° to the left, that is, a state in which the shooting direction is 90 ° to the left.

In FIG. 2, reference numerals 6a to 6c denote zoom lenses, 7 denotes an image sensor such as a CCD, 8a to 8c denote camera circuit boards, 9 denotes a shaft fixing plate, 10 denotes a recorder circuit board, and 11 denotes a camera circuit board 8d and a recorder. A wire harness 12 for electrically connecting to the circuit board 10 is a recorder mechanical chassis.

In FIG. 2, the luminous flux from the subject is shown in FIG.
As in the case shown in FIG.
The traveling direction can be changed in the vertical direction inside. Thereafter, the light enters the zoom lens 6 through the opening 1a of the camera unit 1 and forms an image on the image sensor 7 through the lens groups 6a, 6b, and 6c.

The subject image formed on the image sensor 7 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 7 into electric signals, which are sent to the camera circuit boards 8a to 8c. In the camera circuit boards 8a to 8c, various kinds of signal processing are performed to produce video signals, which are sent to the recorder circuit board 10 through the wire harness 11, and are recorded on a magnetic tape (not shown) or are displayed on a display unit. It is projected. The camera circuit board 8 and the recorder circuit board 1 are on both sides of the wire harness 11.
0 are connected to connectors 8d and 10a, respectively.

At the lower end of the camera section 1, a horizontal rotating shaft section 1b is provided.
The horizontal rotating shaft portion 1b is rotatably fitted to a hole 2b formed in a pedestal portion 2a of the video camera body, and the camera portion 1 is rotatably held in a horizontal direction. You. Further, the shaft stopper plate 9 is attached to the horizontal rotation shaft 1b from the inside of the pedestal 2a of the video camera body, and the camera 1 is firmly fixed in the vertical direction.

As described above, the camera unit 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the zoom lens 6, which is a member constituting the camera unit 1, is generally a cylindrical shape or a shape close to a cylindrical shape. is there. Therefore, portions 8b and 8c of the camera circuit board 8 disposed outside the zoom lens 6
Can also be easily configured by using a flexible substrate, etc.
In addition, it is possible to efficiently form the cylindrical shape.

In the description of FIG. 1, the angle of the reflecting mirror 5 is about 45 ° with respect to the optical axis of the zoom lens of the camera unit 1.
, The traveling direction of the luminous flux from the subject almost in front of the video camera is bent by about 90 °, and the light flux enters the camera unit 1 almost in parallel with the optical axis. However, the angle θ of the reflecting mirror 5 with respect to the optical axis of the zoom lens is about 4 ° with respect to the rotating axis 13 of the reflecting mirror arranged orthogonally to the optical axis of the zoom lens.
It is variable within a range of about ± 10 ° around 5 °.

In this case, when the angle θ of the reflecting mirror 5 is inclined by 1 ° below 45 °, the photographing direction is inclined by 2 ° below horizontal. Therefore, by varying the angle θ of the reflecting mirror 5 in the range of several degrees up and down, it becomes possible to rotate the shooting direction in the range of several tens degrees up and down.

Next, the electric circuit configuration of the video camera according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 3, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c and 7 are:
The description is omitted because it is the same as that described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 101 denotes a CDS / AGC circuit that samples a signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 7 and performs auto gain control (hereinafter abbreviated as AGC) for electrically amplifying the signal.

Reference numeral 102 denotes analog-to-digital conversion (hereinafter A).
/ D conversion), and the CDS / AGC
This is for converting an analog signal output from the circuit 101 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 103 denotes a camera signal processing circuit that performs a process such as gamma correction, color separation, and a color difference matrix, and then adds a synchronization signal to generate a standard television signal.

Reference numeral 104 denotes digital-analog conversion (hereinafter, referred to as
D / A conversion) for converting the output signal of the camera signal processing circuit 103 from a digital signal to an analog signal. Reference numeral 105 denotes a mirror image inversion processing circuit which takes out a signal from a stage preceding the camera signal processing circuit 103, electrically performs mirror image inversion processing, and returns the signal to the camera signal processing circuit 103.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a recorder circuit, and the D / A
The video signal converted by the conversion circuit 104 into an analog signal is recorded on a tape or displayed on a display unit.

In the video camera having the above-described configuration, the light flux from the subject which is reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 and turned in the vertical direction is reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 and at the same time becomes a mirror image. Thereafter, the zoom lens groups 6a, 6
Images are formed on the image sensor 7 by b and 6c, and the signals output from the image sensor 7 are also mirror images.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the mirror image reversal processing circuit 105 performs the process of electrically performing the mirror image reversal process again. Thereby, the D / A conversion circuit 104
Is a normal state image in the video signal which is the output of.

As a specific operation of the mirror image inversion processing circuit 105, a memory for one line in the horizontal direction is used, and the signal output from the image sensor 7 is read in the opposite direction every time one line is stored. Is repeated over one screen, so that mirror image inversion processing is performed as a whole.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a video camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, 1 to 10 and 12, 13
Are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 14 denotes the video camera body 2
And a pedestal section 15 for holding the camera section 1 rotatably in the horizontal direction, and a member 15 for detachably locking the pedestal section 14 and the video camera body 2 and fixed to the camera section 1. The convex member 16 is a member that similarly detachably locks the pedestal portion 14 and the video camera main body 2, and is a concave member fixed to the video camera main body 2.

Reference numeral 17 denotes an electric contact on the camera unit 1 side, 18 denotes an electric contact on the video camera main body 2 side, 19 denotes a wire harness for electrically connecting the camera circuit board 8 and the electric contact 17, and 20 denotes an electric contact. This is a wire harness that electrically connects the contact 18 and the recorder circuit board 10.

With the above-described configuration, the pedestal portion 14 and the video camera main body 2 integrated with the camera portion 1 are slid in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing to disengage the convex member 15 and the concave member 16, It becomes possible to separate into two parts.

In this case, although not shown, the camera unit 1
By electrically connecting the electrical contacts 17 on the side and the electrical contacts 18 on the side of the video camera body 2 via a connection cable, the camera section 1 can be installed at a location remote from the video camera body 2; Further, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform shooting by setting both the horizontal and tilt directions to free angles.

In both the first and second embodiments described above, an example has been described in which the angle is manually set in both the horizontal and tilt directions. However, the horizontal and tilt are electrically driven using an actuator. By setting the angle of the direction, it is possible to obtain even more convenience and the degree of freedom of the photographing mode. Even in this case, the gist of the present invention does not change at all.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 13a denotes a reflector bearing portion, and 13b
Is a rod that supports the reflector bearing portion 13a so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In FIG. 5, the traveling direction of the light beam from the subject is changed by the reflecting mirror 5 as described above.

At this time, the mounting angle θ1 of the reflecting mirror 5 with respect to the optical axis of the zoom lens is set to 45 °. For this reason, the direction of the light beam from the subject in the horizontal direction is changed so as to coincide with the optical axis of the zoom lens.
The light enters the zoom lens 6 from a, and forms an image on the image sensor 7 through the lens groups 6a, 6b, and 6c of the zoom lens 6. Then, the subject image formed on the image sensor 7 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 7 and processed as described in the above embodiment.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the reflecting mirror 5 is rotated upward by .phi.1 to a position 5 'indicated by a broken line set at an angle of .theta.2. In this case, the luminous flux from the object above the horizontal by an angle of ψ1 which is twice as large as φ1 is changed by the reflecting mirror 5 so as to coincide with the optical axis of the zoom lens. And forms an image on the image sensor 7 through the lens groups 6a, 6b, 6c of the zoom lens 6. Hereinafter, as in the case where the subject is in the horizontal direction, the subject is recorded on the tape or displayed on the display unit.

As described above, when photographing a subject in the horizontal direction and when photographing a subject located above the horizontal direction, photographing can be performed without any problem with the rod 13b lowered to the bottom. It is. However, when photographing a subject located below the horizontal direction, a part of the light beam from the subject may be blocked by the camera unit 1.

Therefore, in order to photograph a subject located below the horizontal direction without being blocked by the camera section 1, in the present embodiment, the rod 13b can be raised upward as shown in FIG. Like that.

In FIG. 6, the reflecting mirror 5 is set at an angle of θ3, which is rotated downward by φ2 from the angle θ1 when a horizontal subject is photographed. The rod 13b is in a state in which the stopper 13c abuts on the rod support 1c of the camera unit 1 and is raised to the top.

The reflecting mirror bearing 13a supported by the rod 13b, the reflecting mirror rotating shaft 13, the reflecting mirror 5
Is also set upward together with the rod 13b. For this reason, the reflecting mirror 5 is more suitable for photographing a subject in the horizontal direction described above and for photographing a subject above the horizontal direction.
The light flux from the subject is reflected at a position distant from the camera unit 1.

Therefore, the light beam from the object below the horizontal by an angle of ψ2, which is twice the angle θ2, can also enter the opening of the reflecting mirror 5 without being blocked by the camera unit 1, so that the reflecting mirror 5 The direction is changed so as to coincide with the optical axis of the zoom lens. Hereinafter, an image is formed on the image sensor 7 as in the case where the subject is in the horizontal direction.

As described above, in the video camera of the present embodiment, since the reflecting mirror 5 can be moved upward, even if the shooting direction is set lower than the horizontal direction, a sufficiently wide range can be blocked. It is possible to shoot without any.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where the photographing direction is set below the horizontal. As is clear from FIG. 7, in this case, the reflecting mirror 5 is set upward and rotated downward as compared with the case shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown by the arrow, the photographing direction can be set sufficiently below the horizontal direction.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 5 is rotated up and down and the reflecting mirror 5 itself is also moved in parallel in the up and down direction, so that a wide rotation angle in the tilt direction can be secured. .

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the camera unit 1 is rotated 90 degrees to the left, that is, a state in which the shooting direction is 90 degrees to the left. In FIG. 8, the same components as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 30 denotes a reflecting mirror rotation angle encoder provided as angle detecting means for detecting the rotation angle of the reflecting mirror 5, 31 denotes a zoom motor for varying the focal length of the zoom lens 6, and 32 denotes a zoom. The zoom encoder detects the focal length of the lens 6.

In FIG. 8, the light beam from the subject is reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 and the traveling direction is changed in the vertical direction as described above. At this time, since the mounting angle θ1 of the reflecting mirror 5 with respect to the optical axis of the zoom lens 6 is set to 45 °, the direction is changed so that the light flux from the horizontal subject coincides with the optical axis of the zoom lens 6. The zoom lens 6 enters the zoom lens 6 through the opening 1a of the camera unit 1.
Through the lens groups 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d of the image sensor 7
Image on top.

At this time, the zoom lens 6 is set to have a focal length within the range of the luminous flux of α at the widest angle. However, the luminous flux in this range is entirely reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 without any interruption, and the zooming is performed. It is guided into the lens 6.

The subject image formed on the image sensor 7 is photoelectrically converted here and sent to the camera circuit board 8 as an electric signal. In the camera circuit board 8, various kinds of signal processing are performed to generate video signals, which are sent to the recorder circuit board 10 through the wire harness 11, and are recorded on a tape or displayed on a display unit.

At the lower end of the camera unit 1, a horizontal rotation shaft 1 is provided.
The camera unit 1 is rotatably fitted in a hole 2b formed in a pedestal portion 2a of the video camera body, and the camera unit 1 is rotatably held in a horizontal direction.

Further, since the shaft stopper plate 9 is attached to the horizontal rotating shaft portion 1b from inside the pedestal portion 2a of the video camera body, the camera portion 1 is firmly fixed in the vertical direction.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the reflecting mirror 5 is rotated upward by φ1 and the position 5 ′ indicated by a broken line is set to the angle θ2. In this case, the luminous flux from the object above the horizontal by an angle of ψ1 which is twice as large as φ1 is changed by the reflecting mirror 5 so as to coincide with the optical axis of the zoom lens. And forms an image on the image sensor 7 through the lens groups 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d of the zoom lens 6. Hereinafter, similarly to the case where the subject is located in the horizontal direction, the subject is recorded on the tape or displayed on the display unit.

However, as in the case of photographing a subject in the horizontal direction, when photographing a light beam in the range of the angle α, the leftmost light beam α1 indicated by the broken line is not reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 'from above. Luminous flux, causing trouble in shooting.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the focal length of the zoom lens 6 is set so that the range of the light beam becomes the angle β. Looking at the leftmost light flux β1 at this time, the light flux β1 is reflected obliquely from the upper front and reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 ′. As a result, the entire light flux is reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 ′. This makes it possible to shoot as intended, set at an angle of 設定 1 above the horizontal.

As described above, the fact that the angle of the reflecting mirror 5 is set to θ2 is detected by the reflecting mirror rotation angle encoder 30, and the signal is given to the control means on the camera circuit board 8.

When the photographer operates a zoom switch (not shown), the control means drives the zoom motor 31. Thereby, the zoom motor 31 changes the focal length by moving the lens group 6b that performs zooming of the zoom lens 6 in the optical axis direction. The change in the focal length is detected by the zoom encoder 32, and the signal is sent to the control means. The control means changes the focal length of the zoom lens 6 so that the range of the light flux does not exceed β.

As described above, when the photographing direction is set above the horizontal, the zooming by the zoom lens 6 can be performed in the maximum variable focal length range that does not exceed the range that can be reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 '. .

On the other hand, if the focal length is not changed in the variable focal length range when the photographing direction is horizontal, the angle of the reflecting mirror 5 that can be rotated within a range not exceeding the range in which the light beam can be reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 is much larger than φ1. It will be small.

Next, the reflecting mirror 5 is rotated downward by φ2 from the angle θ1 for photographing a horizontal subject,
The case of the position 5 ″ indicated by the broken line set at the angle θ3 will be described.

In this case, the direction of the light beam from the object below the horizontal by an angle of ψ2, which is twice φ2, is changed by the reflecting mirror 5 ″ so as to coincide with the optical axis of the zoom lens.
Hereinafter, the image sensor 7 is operated in the same manner as when the subject is in the horizontal direction.
An image is formed on the top, recorded on a tape, or projected on a display unit.

However, in the same way as when shooting in the horizontal direction, when trying to shoot a light beam in the range of α,
The light beam on the rightmost side is a light beam indicated by a broken line α2 blocked by the camera unit 1 and reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 ″. That is, a state in which a lower part of the subject is blocked by the camera unit 1. It is taken as.

Therefore, the focal length of the zoom lens 6 is set so that the range of the light flux becomes β.
Looking at the rightmost luminous flux at this time, the luminous flux β from the subject obliquely below without being blocked by the camera unit 1.
2 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 ″.

That is, within the range of β, the entire light beam is guided into the zoom lens 6 without any interruption, and the intended photographing, which is set at an angle of ψ2 below the horizontal, becomes possible. .

Also in this case, the fact that the angle of the reflecting mirror 5 is set to θ3 is detected by the reflecting mirror rotation angle encoder 30, and a signal thereof is given to the control means on the image sensor 7.

When the photographer operates a zoom switch (not shown), the control means drives the zoom motor 31 and
The zoom motor 31 changes the focal length by moving the lens group 6b that performs zooming of the zoom lens 6 in the optical axis direction. The change in the focal length is detected by the zoom encoder 32, and the signal is sent to the control means. The control means changes the focal length of the zoom lens 6 so that the range of the light flux does not exceed β.

As described above, when the photographing direction is set below the horizontal, the zoom lens 6 can be operated in the maximum focal length variable range that is not obstructed by the camera unit 1.

Conversely, if the focal length is not changed in the variable focal length range when the photographing direction is horizontal, the angle of the reflecting mirror 5 that can be rotated within a range not blocked by the camera unit 1 is much smaller than φ2. Become.

As described above, by rotating the reflecting mirror 5 up and down and setting the limit of the focal length range in which photographing can be performed according to the rotation angle to the zoom lens 6, the range that can be reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 is maintained. In addition, it is possible to ensure the maximum rotation angle in the tilt direction that allows shooting without being blocked by the camera unit 1.

Next, an electric circuit configuration of the video camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 107 denotes a microcomputer constituting the focal length control means, which performs variable focal length control of the zoom lens 6. Reference numeral 108 denotes a motor driver that drives the zoom motor 31 that moves the lens group 6b that performs zooming of the zoom lens 6, and 109 denotes a zoom switch.

In the video camera configured as described above, the set angle of the reflecting mirror 5 is detected by a reflecting mirror rotation angle encoder 30 provided as angle detecting means.
The information is transmitted to the microcomputer 107. Also, zoom switch 1
When 09 is operated, the signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 107.

The microcomputer 107 operates according to a program stored in the storage medium 111. The program constituting the focal length control means is reproduced from the storage medium 111 by the storage medium reproducing means 110 and supplied to the microcomputer 107. You. The microcomputer 107 outputs a signal for driving the motor driver 108 according to these signals.

The motor driver 108 has a microcomputer 107
Is moved in the direction of the optical axis to change the focal length. The change in the focal length is detected by the zoom encoder 32, and the signal is sent to the microcomputer 107. The microcomputer 107
Control is performed so that the focal length of the zoom lens 6 is changed within a predetermined range determined by the set angle of the reflecting mirror 5.

As described above, the zoom lens 6 is controlled within the focal length determined by the microcomputer 107 according to the set angle of the reflecting mirror 5.
In the case where the focal length is changed, as described with reference to FIG. 8, it is possible to perform shooting without exceeding the range that can be reflected by the reflecting mirror 5 and without being interrupted by the camera unit 1.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of this embodiment, the lens optical axis of the camera unit 1 is provided in parallel with the upper surface (bottom surface) of the video camera body 2, and in the present embodiment, the video camera body It is arranged on the base 2a.

By arranging the camera unit 1 in this manner, the optical axis can be moved in the horizontal direction by rotating the reflecting mirror 5, and by rotating the camera unit 1 about the lens optical axis as the rotation center, the tilt direction can be adjusted. Can be moved with respect to the optical axis. That is, in the present embodiment, although the manner of moving the optical axis is different from that of the above-described embodiment, the optical axis can be smoothly moved in the horizontal direction and the tilt direction as in the above-described embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, also in this embodiment, the lens optical axis of the camera unit 1 is provided in parallel with the upper surface (bottom surface) of the video camera body 2. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the pedestal 2 is attached to the right end of the upper surface of the video camera body 1.
1 shows an example in which a is protruded, and the camera unit 1 is arranged on the upper surface of the video camera body 2. Also in this case, the manner of moving the optical axis is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, and the optical axis can be smoothly moved in the horizontal direction and the tilt direction.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the video camera body 2 and the display unit 3 are integrally formed. However, the video camera main body 2 and the display unit 3 may be configured to be separable, and the video camera main body 2 and the display unit 3 may be separated and used separately.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) Note that the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and is constituted by a single device. May be applied.

Further, in order to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, a device connected to the above-mentioned various devices or a computer in a system is operated so as to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes a program that is implemented by supplying the program code of the software described above and operating the various devices according to a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the software program code itself implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to a computer are provided.
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other operating system running on the computer. Needless to say, the program code is included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with application software or the like.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided on the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is stored based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the first embodiment performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0107]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the main body of the video camera is placed on a table or the like, the camera unit can be rotated in the horizontal direction and in the tilt direction. An imaging apparatus capable of freely and stably performing the imaging can be provided while maintaining a thin and compact shape with few protrusions.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the camera section can be installed at a place distant from the image pickup apparatus main body, and photographing is performed with the horizontal and tilt directions set at free angles. As a result, it is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus with increased flexibility in photographing mode and improved convenience.

According to another feature of the present invention, the rotation angle in the tilt direction can be efficiently secured over a wide range.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, since a signal which has been mirrored by a reflecting mirror is electrically subjected to mirror image inversion processing, an image similar to a normal image can be generated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a video camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a video camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a video camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a video camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a video camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a video camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a video camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a conventional example and showing a configuration of an integrated video camera in which a camera unit can be rotated in a tilt direction.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a video camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a video camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera part 2 Video camera main body 3 Display part 4 Operation button 5 Reflection mirror 6 Zoom lens 7 Image sensor 8 Camera circuit board 9 Axis fixing plate 10 Recorder circuit board 11 Wire harness 12 Recorder mechanical chassis 13 Reflector mirror rotation axis 14 Base part 15 Convex member 16 Concave material 17 Electrical contact on camera side 18 Electrical contact on video camera body 19, 20 Wire harness 101 CDS / AGC circuit 102 A / D conversion circuit 103 Camera signal processing circuit 104 D / A conversion circuit 105 Mirror image inversion processing circuit 106 Recorder circuit

Claims (14)

[Claims] An imaging device main body; and a camera having a lens optical axis arranged in parallel with the imaging device main body, wherein the camera is disposed in front of the camera and substantially orthogonal to the lens optical axis. An imaging apparatus, wherein a rotation center axis is provided in the direction, and a reflecting mirror is rotatably mounted around the rotation center axis as a rotation center. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device main body unit integrally includes a display unit. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus main body includes a display unit detachably. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera unit has a lens optical axis arranged in parallel on a side surface of the imaging device main body. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera unit has a lens optical axis arranged in parallel on an upper surface or a bottom surface of the imaging device body. apparatus. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera section has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera unit is configured to be rotatable around the optical axis of the lens. 8. A pedestal section for rotatably holding the camera section around the optical axis of the lens, wherein the pedestal section is configured to be detachable from the imaging apparatus main body section. Item 8. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 7. 9. A rotating central axis attached to a tip of the lens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lens optical axis, and a reflecting mirror attached rotatably about the rotational central axis, An imaging apparatus wherein a central axis is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the lens optical axis direction. 10. A rotation center axis attached to a tip of the lens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lens optical axis; a reflecting mirror rotatably mounted around the rotation center axis; and rotation of the reflection mirror. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an angle detection unit that detects an angle; and a focal length control unit that controls a focal length of the lens according to a rotation angle of a reflecting mirror detected by the angle detection unit. 11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the lens is a zoom lens. 12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising processing means for electrically inverting a mirror image of the signal which has been turned into a mirror image by the reflection mirror. 13. The processing circuit includes a memory for one line in the horizontal direction, and repeats a process of reading one line of an input signal in the reverse direction every time the signal is stored in the memory over one screen. 13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein mirror image reversal processing is performed as a whole. 14. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the focal length control means according to claim 10.