JPH10191123A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the constitution of a device case by decreasing the number of components provided to an outer surface of an image pickup device without reducing remote controller control functions. SOLUTION: A device is provided with an opening 100 which introduces a remote operation signal light S2 together with an image pickup light S1 from an object 401 to the inside of a case 102, emits a remote control signal light S3 externally and after the remote operation signal light S2 in introduced to the inside of the case 102 via the opening 100, a light is received by a remote control light receiving element 414. Furthermore, the remote control signal light S3 is emitted externally via the opening 100 to allow the remote operation signal light S2 and the remote control signal light S3 so as to pass through the same optical path as the image pickup light S1 from the object, thereby the device eliminates the need that windows for the remote operation signal light S2 and the remote control signal light S3 are provided to the surface of the case 102.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging device,
In particular, it is suitable for use in an imaging device with a remote control function that requires compactness.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a video recorder integrated camera (hereinafter, a video integrated camera) equipped with a 0 × zoom lens. As shown in FIG. 11, in the conventional video integrated camera, the entire optical length of the lens occupies more than half of the total product length. Furthermore, in the field of integrated video cameras and still cameras in recent years, the mounting of a high-magnification zoom lens is an indispensable condition. is expected.

A function that must be mounted together with a lens is a remote control function. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a remote control light-receiving window 413 for selectively transmitting infrared light for a remote operation signal is provided on an exterior part of the imaging device, and a remote control light-receiving element provided inside the remote control light-receiving window 413 is provided. Remote control device 6
A configuration for receiving modulated infrared light corresponding to various commands from 50 is common.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram for explaining an example of functions inside a video-integrated camera having a remote control function as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, reference numeral 401 denotes a subject, 402 denotes an imaging lens, 403 denotes a CCD device provided as a photoelectric conversion element, and 404 denotes a CCD signal processing circuit for performing predetermined signal processing on the output of the CCD device 403.

Reference numeral 405 denotes a CCD signal processing circuit 404.
406 is a video signal processing circuit that generates a recording signal to record an output signal of the camera signal processing circuit 405 on a video tape, 407 is a head amplifier, and 408 is a head amplifier. This is a recorder mechanism that records an output signal of the amplifier 407 on a video tape via an electromagnetic conversion system.

Reference numeral 409 denotes a servo circuit for driving the recorder mechanism 408 by a predetermined operation; 410, a lens control circuit for controlling an imaging lens; 411, a system control circuit for controlling the entire video-integrated camera; A key unit in which switches are arranged, 413 is a remote control light receiving window, 414 is a remote control light receiving element, and 415 is an amplifier circuit for amplifying the output of the remote control light receiving element 414. The system control circuit 411 is connected to each block by a communication line in order to control the operation of the entire system according to signals from the key unit 412 and the remote control light receiving element 414.

[0007]

As is apparent from the above-mentioned video-integrated camera, the demand for functions of an image pickup device has recently been increasing day by day, and it is unavoidable to enlarge the lens and mount a remote control light receiving element. It is in. However, on the other hand, the demand for more compact imaging devices is also increasing, and it is important how to pursue compactness while mounting lenses and remote control light-receiving elements that become longer due to higher magnification. It has become a challenge.

When pursuing the compactness of the image pickup apparatus, one of the important points for downsizing of the parts is that the number of parts provided on the surface of the image pickup apparatus is reduced as much as possible to make the configuration of the housing. That is to simplify.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of components provided on the surface of an imaging device and reduce the number of components provided on the surface of the imaging device, thereby simplifying the structure of the device housing. And

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus comprising: an opening for introducing imaging light and signal light from a subject into a housing; and an opening inside the housing via the opening. A light receiving element for receiving the incident signal light inside the housing.

Another feature of the present invention is that
An opening for introducing imaging light and signal light from the subject into the housing, and a signal light incident on the inside of the housing via the opening, for receiving light inside the housing. A light receiving element and an optical path bending means for bending an optical path of the signal light are provided, and the signal light bent by the optical path bending means is received by the light receiving element.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means bends the signal light by approximately 90 degrees.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means is constituted by an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. And

Another feature of the present invention resides in that an opening for introducing imaging light and signal light from a subject into the inside of the housing, and an opening inside the housing via the opening. An imaging lens for receiving the imaging light from the incident subject from the inside of the housing, and a signal light incident on the inside of the housing through the opening to receive the light inside the housing. And an optical path bending means for bending the optical paths of the imaging light and the signal light from the subject, and receiving the imaging light from the subject by the imaging lens after bending by the optical path bending means. In addition, the signal light is received by the light receiving element.

Another feature of the present invention is that the optical path bending means bends the imaging light and the signal light from the subject by approximately 90 degrees.

Another feature of the present invention is that a portion of the optical path bending unit that bends the signal light is an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. It is characterized by being constituted.

Another feature of the present invention is that a light emitting element for emitting signal light and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element are led out of the housing.
An opening for introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing.

Another feature of the present invention is that a light emitting element for emitting signal light and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element are led out of the housing.
An opening for introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing, and an optical path bending unit for bending the optical path of the signal light are provided, and the signal light is bent by the optical path bending unit, and then the signal light is passed through the opening. And is led out of the housing.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means bends the signal light by approximately 90 degrees.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means is constituted by an element having a property of reflecting light having a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. And

Another feature of the present invention is that a light emitting element for emitting signal light and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element are led out of the housing.
An opening for introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing, and an imaging for receiving imaging light from the subject introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing. A lens, comprising: an optical path bending unit that bends an optical path of imaging light and signal light from the subject, and after bending by the optical path bending unit, receives imaging light from the subject by the imaging lens.
The signal light from the light emitting element is led out of the housing through the opening.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means bends the image light from the object and the signal light from the light emitting element by approximately 90 degrees.

Another feature of the present invention is that the portion of the optical path bending means that bends the signal light is an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. It is characterized by being constituted.

Another feature of the present invention is that a light emitting element for emitting signal light and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element are led out of the housing.
An opening for introducing imaging light from a subject and signal light from the outside into the housing, and receiving the signal light introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing. And a light receiving element.

Another feature of the present invention is that a light emitting element for emitting signal light and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element are led out of the housing.
An opening for introducing imaging light from a subject and signal light from the outside into the housing, and receiving the signal light introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing. And a light path bending means for bending the optical path of the signal light, the signal light bent by the light path bending means is received by the light receiving element, the signal light emitted from the light emitting element An optical path is bent by the optical path bending means and then led out of the housing through the opening.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means bends the signal light by approximately 90 degrees.

In another feature of the present invention, the optical path bending means is constituted by an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. And

Another feature of the present invention is that a light emitting element for emitting signal light and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element are led out of the housing.
An opening for introducing imaging light from a subject and signal light from the outside into the housing, and a signal light introduced into the housing through the opening, inside the housing, A light receiving element for receiving light; an optical path bending unit configured to bend the optical path of the imaging light from the subject and the optical path of the signal light; and the imaging light from the subject that enters the interior of the housing through the opening. An imaging lens for receiving light inside the body, and after receiving the imaging light from the subject and the signal light from the outside by the optical path bending unit, receiving the light by the imaging lens and the light receiving element, respectively. In addition, the signal light emitted from the light emitting element is bent by the optical path bending means and then led out of the housing through the opening. .

Another feature of the present invention is that the light path bending means bends the image light from the object and the signal light from the light emitting element by approximately 90 degrees.

Another feature of the present invention is that a portion of the optical path bending unit that bends the signal light is an element having a property of reflecting light having a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. It is characterized by being constituted.

Another feature of the present invention is that the wireless communication apparatus further comprises a transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an audio signal and a video signal to be recorded in a device outside the casing.

Another feature of the present invention is that the transmitting means adds a remote control signal for remotely controlling an operation of a device outside the housing, an audio signal and a video signal. The added signal is modulated in a form corresponding to a device outside the housing, and the modulated signal is converted into an optical signal and transmitted.

Another feature of the present invention is that the signal light is signal light for remote control.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an entire image of an imaging apparatus having features of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes an imaging lens image (not directly looking at the lens) that is visually recognized when the imaging device is viewed from the subject side; 202, a microphone unit that captures audio; 203, a photographer holding the imaging device It is a grip part for doing.

A major feature of the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment configured as shown in FIG. 1 is that the length of the image pickup apparatus in the direction of the subject is much shorter than that of the conventional image pickup apparatus represented in FIG. is there. This is, as detailed below,
By prioritizing placing the lens in the housing 102 and lowering the priority of directing the lens directly at the subject, it is possible to realize such a compact imaging apparatus.

More specifically, in order to guide the imaging light S1 from the subject to the optical axis of the lens that is not directly facing the subject, the imaging light S1 from the subject is once bent by a reflecting means such as a prism, so that the lens is The light is incident along the optical axis.

By the way, when the compactness is pursued to the utmost, there is a case where the space for providing the remote control light receiving window does not remain on the subject side surface of the imaging apparatus as shown in FIG. In such a case, it is considered that the remote control light receiving window is provided on the side surface, the upper surface, or the rear surface where a space for providing the remote control light receiving window is obtained.

However, since the photographer himself may be included in the camera as a subject, it is desirable that the infrared light emitted from the remote controller be formed on the same surface as the surface on which the imaging light S1 from the subject is taken into the apparatus main body. That is, since it is necessary to receive infrared light for a remote controller on the front surface of the device main body, it is not practical to provide a light receiving window on the side surface, the upper surface, or the rear surface of the device.

Next, a method of receiving infrared light for a remote controller in the image pickup apparatus configured as shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image pickup optical system and its peripheral configuration in the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and blocks having the same functions as those of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. is there. Further, the connections between the respective blocks are in accordance with the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 13, but for the sake of simplicity, those connections are omitted in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the image pickup light S1 from the subject 401 and the remote control signal light S2 from the remote controller (not shown) are transmitted to the opening 1
00 and together with the inside of the housing 102.

Then, the imaging light S1 from the subject 401 is reflected by the mirror 101 so that its optical axis is substantially 90 degrees.
° and is guided to the lens barrel 402. The imaging light S1 from the subject guided to the lens barrel 402 is shown in FIG.
In the same manner as in No. 3, processing such as photoelectric conversion, various kinds of signal processing, and electromagnetic conversion is performed and recorded on a tape (not shown).

Similarly, the optical axis of the remote control signal light S 2 is also bent by approximately 90 ° by the mirror 101, and the remote control light receiving window 413 provided near the lens barrel 402.
Through the remote control light-receiving element 414. The output signal of the remote control light receiving element 414 is also input to the system control circuit 411 as in the case described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, as described above, the mirror 101 provided to reduce the size of the imaging device is provided.
, The imaging light S1 from the subject and the remote operation signal light S
By bending both of the optical axes 90 degrees by 90 degrees, it is not necessary to form the remote control light receiving window 413 on the surface of the housing 102 while maintaining compactness.
It is possible to provide a remote control function.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging optical system and a peripheral configuration thereof according to the embodiment, and blocks having the same functions as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As in the first embodiment, the light path of the image pickup light S1 from the subject 401 is bent by the mirror 701 and guided to the image pickup lens 402. Further, the imaging light S from the subject captured by the imaging lens 402
A dichroic mirror 702 that reflects only the infrared light region is provided alongside the mirror 701 at a position where there is no vignetting, and the remote control signal light S2 reflected by the dichroic mirror 702 receives the remote control signal light S4.
It is led to 14.

Then, the dichroic mirror 702
Is made to match the infrared light transmission characteristic of the remote control light-receiving window 413, there is no need to provide the remote control light-receiving window 413 as shown in FIG. It can be further increased. In this case, the mirror 701 and the dichroic mirror 70
2 may be arranged on the same plane, but need not be arranged on the same plane.

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments described above, the imaging light S1 from the subject and the remote control signal light S
2 is bent by the bending means to shorten the length of the image pickup apparatus in the direction of the subject. However, the remote control light receiving window 413 on the surface of the housing 102 need not be provided on the surface of the housing 102 without providing the bending means such as the mirror 101, the mirror 701, and the dichroic mirror 702 as described above.

Since the imaging lens 402 is long, FIG.
A mirror 801 that reflects only the imaging light S1 is provided as shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the remote control light receiving window 413 and the remote control light receiving element 414 are not so long, the remote control signal light S2 may be directly incident on the remote control light receiving window 413 without bending.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the optical axis of the incident light is bent by 90 degrees.
The bending angle does not necessarily have to be 90 degrees.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
2 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging optical system and its peripheral configuration in an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG.
The blocks having the same functions as those of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the imaging light S1 from the subject 401 is introduced into the inside of the housing 102, and is modulated signal light using the same optical path as that. The remote control signal light S3 is led out of the housing 102 through the opening 100.

That is, the imaging light S1 from the subject 401
Is reflected by the mirror 101, the optical axis thereof is bent by approximately 90 degrees and guided to the lens barrel 402. The imaging light S1 from the subject guided to the lens barrel 402 is subjected to processing such as photoelectric conversion, various signal processing, and electromagnetic conversion in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. Will be recorded.

In this embodiment, the light emitting element 414a
Emits the remote control signal light S3. The optical axis of the remote control signal light S <b> 3 is bent by approximately 90 degrees by the mirror 101, and is led out of the housing 102 through the opening 100. The light emitting operation of the light emitting element 414a is controlled by the system control circuit 411, similarly to the remote control light receiving element 414.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the mirror 10 provided to reduce the size of the image pickup device is provided.
1 to bend the optical axes of the imaging light S1, the remote control signal light S2, and the remote control signal light S3 from the subject by 90 degrees, thereby maintaining compactness.
The remote control signal receiving window and the light emitting window for emitting the modulated signal light do not need to be formed on the surface of the housing 102, thereby enabling the remote control function to be provided.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging optical system and its peripheral configuration according to the embodiment, and blocks having functions equivalent to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the light path of the imaging light S1 from the subject 401 is bent by the mirror 701 and guided to the imaging lens 402. A dichroic mirror 702 that reflects only light in the infrared light region is provided alongside the mirror 701 at a position where the imaging light S1 from the subject captured by the imaging lens 402 is not vignetted. The remote control signal light S <b> 3 reflected by 702 is guided to the opening 100.

In such a configuration, by making the infrared light reflection characteristics of the dichroic mirror 702 appropriate, there is provided an optical filter for suppressing radiation of unnecessary frequency band light contained in the remote control signal light S3. This eliminates the need and can increase compactness. In this case, the mirror 701 and the dichroic mirror 702 may be arranged on the same plane, but need not be arranged on the same plane.

(Sixth Embodiment) In the above-described fourth and fifth embodiments, the imaging light S1 from the subject and the remote control signal light S
The length of the image pickup device in the direction of the subject is shortened by bending the optical path by the bending means 3. However, without providing the bending means such as the mirror 101, the mirror 701, and the dichroic mirror 702 as described above, it is not necessary to provide the remote control light receiving window and the window for emitting the control signal light on the surface of the housing 102. be able to.

Since the image pickup lens 402 is long, FIG.
, A mirror 801 that reflects only the imaging light S1 is provided, while the remote control light receiving element 414 and the remote control signal light emitting element 414a are not so long, so that the remote control signal light S2 and the remote control signal light S3 do not bend. so,
The light may be directly emitted (received) from the light emitting unit (light receiving unit) through the opening.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the optical axes of the incident light and the emitted light are bent at 90 degrees, but the angle at which the optical axis is bent by the bending means is not necessarily 90 degrees.

(Seventh Embodiment) In the above-described embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, an example is shown in which the light receiving element 414 is provided with an element unit in which the light emitting element 414a is juxtaposed. The element 414 and the light-emitting element 414a do not necessarily have to be arranged side by side. For example, they may be arranged at positions separated from each other as shown in FIG.
Further, only the light emitting element 414a may be provided without providing the light receiving element 414.

The light-receiving element 414 and the light-emitting element 414a in each of the above-described embodiments or their units are fixed to a lens barrel molded with resin (mold), and the position of the light-receiving element 414 and the light-emitting element 414a with respect to the reflection plate is regulated. It can be done easily.

(Eighth Embodiment) As described above, the imaging apparatus configured to transmit a remote control signal can form a video editing system by connecting to an external apparatus as shown in FIG. it can. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the video editing system includes a video signal output line 607, an L-channel audio signal output line 608,
Channel audio signal output lines 609 are respectively connected.

Then, the three output lines 607, 60
8, 609 is a stationary VT as a recording device
It is connected to R602. In addition, a remote control signal light 604 is emitted from a light emitting element (not shown) provided inside the video integrated camera 800.

The editing system of this embodiment having the above-described structure operates as follows. That is, the operator operates the video-integrated camera 800 to select a necessary part and an unnecessary part from the loaded recorded tapes (not shown).

The video-integrated camera 800 has a function of normally playing back only necessary portions selected by the operator and fast-forwarding or rewinding unnecessary portions. During normal playback, the stationary VTR 602 is set to the recording state. I do. Also,
At the time of fast-forwarding or rewinding, the remote control signal light 604 is emitted from the light emitting element so that the stationary VTR 602 is temporarily stopped.

With the above function, the reproduction signal can be recorded on the stationary VTR 602 only when the video-integrated camera 800 is performing normal reproduction, and the substantially edited video can be recorded on the stationary VTR 6.
02 is recorded on the tape loaded.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The use form of the modulated signal light is not limited to control-related signals such as the remote operation signal light S2 and the remote control signal light S3. For example, if a relatively wide transmission capacity is used to transmit, for example, a video signal, an audio signal, or data such as a date, a title, and a track number, the audio signal transmission line 608 shown in FIG. Wireless video editing can be performed without connecting the reproducing apparatus and the recording apparatus via the 609 or the video signal transmission line 607.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image pickup optical system and its peripheral configuration according to the ninth embodiment. Blocks having the same functions as the blocks described in the previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. It is attached.

As described in the above embodiment, the optical path of the imaging light S1 from the subject 401 is bent by the mirror 101 and guided to the imaging lens 402.
Then, after being converted into an electric signal by the CCD 403, the electric signal is recorded on a recording tape by the recorder mechanism 408.

The video integrated camera 800 shown in FIG. 10 is equipped with an image memory 802. For example, when a switch (not shown) in the key unit 412 is operated,
From the system control circuit 411 to the video signal processing circuit 801
A command is transmitted through the camera signal processing circuit 405, and a video at the moment when the switch is operated is captured as a still image from the moving image from the camera signal processing circuit 405, and a reproduced RF signal reproduced by the recorder mechanism 408 is converted into a video. The signal processing circuit 801 demodulates the image into a video signal, and from the demodulated moving image, the image at the moment when the switch is operated can be taken in the image memory 802 as a still image. ing.

The still image fetched into the image memory 802 as described above is output to the terminal B of the switch 803 via the video signal processing circuit 801 in accordance with a command from the system control circuit 411. At this time, switch 8
03 is tilted to the terminal B side by the system control circuit 411, and the still image output signal of the image memory 802 is guided to the addition circuit 804.

The addition circuit 804 includes the system control circuit 4
11 and the still image output signal output from the image memory 802, and the modulation circuit 80
5 to output an addition signal.

In the modulation circuit 805, the stationary VTR 60
Adder 804 to generate a signal light of a form corresponding to
Is modulated, and the modulated signal is output to the light emitting element 414a.

The modulated signal light S4 emitted from the light emitting element 414a is a signal light having both image information and remote control information. The signal light is bent by the mirror 101 and emitted toward the stationary VTR 602. The light enters the inside through the light receiving window 605 of the stationary VTR 602 and is received by the light receiving element 606.

The signal light received by the light receiving element 606 is photoelectrically converted here to be converted into an electric signal. Then, the electric signal output from the light receiving element 606 is
After being demodulated here, it is supplied to a distribution circuit 807, and is distributed to the video signal and the remote control signal by the distribution circuit 807. Then, the video signal is led to a video signal processing circuit, and the remote control signal is led to a system control circuit.

On the other hand, if the switch 803 falls to the terminal A side according to a command from the system control circuit 411, the lens unit 4
The video being captured, which is supplied to the camera signal processing circuit 405 via the video signal 02, can be transmitted to the stationary VTR 602.

Further, by moving the switch 803 to the terminal B side and controlling the video signal processing circuit 801 in accordance with the instruction of the system control circuit 411, the moving picture being reproduced by the image recorder mechanism 408 is set in the VTR 602.
Can also be transmitted. Further, the video signal processing circuit 8
By adding an audio signal processing function to 01, not only video information but also audio information can be transmitted.

In the above description of the embodiment, the video-integrated camera is set as the transmitting side, and the stationary VTR is set as the receiving side. However, it is possible to record the video-integrated camera as the receiving side. In addition, it is also possible to use a video integrated camera for both the transmitting side and the receiving side. In this case, the video-integrated camera is provided with a demodulation circuit and a distribution circuit shown in the stationary VTR in FIG.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but is also applicable to an apparatus composed of one device. You may.

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

In this case, the program code of the software 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 also included in the embodiment of the present invention 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 a memory provided in a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is operated 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.

(Effects of the Embodiment) According to the present embodiment,
Since the remote control signal light is introduced into the housing and then received by the remote control light receiving element, the remote control signal light is introduced into the housing through the optical path together with the imaging light from the subject. This makes it possible to realize a remote control function without providing a light receiving window for receiving the remote control signal light on the surface of the housing. Thus, the configuration of the housing of the imaging device can be simplified, and the design and manufacture of the housing can be facilitated.

Further, there is provided an optical path bending means for bending the optical path of the imaging light and the remote control signal light from the subject which has entered the inside of the housing through the opening, and the optical path bending means is used to bend the image from the subject. Since the light and the remote control signal light are received, the length of the imaging device in the direction of the subject can be made extremely short, and a form of the imaging device with high compactness can be realized.

Also, since the optical path bending means selectively reflects light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the remote control signal light, it selectively transmits light of a specific wavelength before the remote control light receiving element. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a remote control light receiving window for causing the remote control to be provided.

Further, since the modulated signal light is emitted from the light emitting element inside the housing, it is possible to emit the signal light from inside the housing through the optical path together with the imaging light from the subject. This makes it possible to emit the modulated signal light to the outside of the housing without providing a light emitting unit for emitting the signal light on the surface of the housing. Thus, the configuration of the housing of the imaging device can be simplified, and the design and production of the housing can be facilitated.

Further, there is provided an optical path bending means for bending the optical path of the imaging light and the signal light from the object which has entered the inside of the housing through the opening, and the imaging light from the object is bent by the optical path bending means. Since the signal light that is received and emitted inside the housing is bent by the bending unit and then emitted to the outside of the housing, the length of the imaging device in the direction of the subject is extremely short, and imaging with high compactness is achieved. The form of the device can be realized.

Further, since the optical path bending means selectively reflects light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light, light of a specific wavelength is selectively transmitted before the light emitting element. It is not necessary to provide an optical filter.

Further, remote control signal light from a light emitting element disposed inside the housing is led out of the housing through an opening for introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing. Therefore, a remote control function can be realized without providing a light-emitting window for guiding the remote control signal light to the outside of the housing on the surface of the housing. This allows
The configuration of the housing of the imaging device can be simplified, and the design and manufacture of the housing can be facilitated.

Also, since the remote control signal light from the light emitting element disposed inside the housing is bent by the optical path bending means and led out of the housing, the length of the image pickup device in the direction of the subject can be reduced. It is possible to satisfactorily provide a remote control function for remotely controlling an external device while shortening the length and making the imaging device compact.

Also, since a remote control signal for remotely controlling the operation of a device outside the housing, an audio signal, and a video signal are added and wirelessly transmitted, a video-integrated camera (playback side) A video editing system can be configured without connecting the recording side device and the recording side device via a signal transmission line.

[0094]

According to the present invention, the number of components provided on the surface of the imaging apparatus can be reduced and the configuration of the apparatus housing can be simplified without reducing the remote control function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an imaging device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging optical system and a peripheral configuration thereof in an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging optical system and its peripheral configuration in an imaging device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging optical system and its peripheral configuration in an imaging device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging optical system and its peripheral configuration in an imaging device according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video editing system according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging optical system and its peripheral configuration in an imaging device according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an imaging device showing an example of a conventional video integrated camera.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a remote operation signal transmission device and a state in which infrared light for a remote operation signal is transmitted to an exterior part of an imaging device.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions inside a video-integrated camera having a remote control function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 opening 101 mirror 102 housing 201 imaging lens image 202 microphone unit 203 grip section 401 subject 402 imaging lens 403 CCD device 413 remote control light receiving window 414 remote control light receiving element 414a light emitting element 410 lens control circuit 411 system control circuit

Claims (24)

[Claims] An opening for introducing imaging light and signal light from a subject into the housing; and a signal light incident on the housing through the opening, the signal light being transmitted to the inside of the housing. And a light receiving element for receiving the light. 2. An opening for introducing imaging light and signal light from a subject into the housing, and a signal light incident on the inside of the housing via the opening, the light being transmitted to the inside of the housing. And a light path bending means for bending an optical path of the signal light, wherein the signal light bent by the light path bending means is received by the light receiving element. Imaging device. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the optical path bending unit bends the signal light by approximately 90 degrees. 4. The optical path bending means according to claim 2, wherein the optical path bending means comprises an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. An imaging device according to item 13. 5. An opening for introducing imaging light and signal light from a subject into the housing, and imaging light from the subject incident on the interior of the housing via the opening. An imaging lens for receiving light inside the body, a light receiving element for receiving signal light incident into the housing via the opening inside the housing, and an imaging light from the subject And optical path bending means for bending the optical path of the signal light. After bending by the optical path bending means, the imaging light from the subject is received by the imaging lens, and the signal light is received by the light receiving element. An imaging device characterized in that: 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the optical path bending unit bends the imaging light from the subject and the signal light by approximately 90 degrees. 7. A part of the optical path bending unit that bends the signal light is formed of an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. 7. The imaging device according to 6. 8. A light emitting element for emitting signal light, and an opening for guiding signal light emitted from the light emitting element to the outside of the housing and introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing. An imaging device comprising: 9. A light emitting element that emits signal light, and an opening for guiding signal light emitted from the light emitting element to the outside of the housing and introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing. And an optical path bending means for bending an optical path of the signal light, wherein the signal light is led out of the housing via the opening after being bent by the optical path bending means. 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the optical path bending unit bends the signal light by approximately 90 degrees. 11. The optical path bending means according to claim 9, wherein the optical path bending means comprises an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. An imaging device according to item 13. 12. A light emitting element for emitting signal light, and an opening for guiding signal light emitted from the light emitting element to the outside of the housing and introducing imaging light from a subject into the housing. An imaging lens for receiving imaging light from a subject introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing; and an optical path for bending an optical path of imaging light and signal light from the subject. After bending by the optical path bending means, receiving the imaging light from the subject with the imaging lens, and transmitting the signal light from the light emitting element to the outside of the housing via the opening. An imaging device characterized in that it is derived. 13. The optical path bending means converts image light from the subject and signal light from the light emitting element to approximately 90 degrees.
The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the imaging device is bent once. 14. The optical path bending means according to claim 1, wherein the portion for bending the signal light is formed of an element having a property of reflecting light having a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. 14. The imaging device according to 13. 15. A light emitting element that emits signal light, and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element is led out of the housing, and imaging light from a subject and signal light from outside are introduced into the housing. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an opening for performing the above operation; and a light receiving element that receives a signal light introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing. 16. A light emitting element that emits signal light, and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element is led out of the housing, and imaging light from a subject and signal light from outside are introduced into the housing. And a light receiving element that receives the signal light introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing, and an optical path bending unit that bends the optical path of the signal light. The signal light bent by the light path bending means is received by the light receiving element, and the optical path of the signal light emitted from the light emitting element is bent by the light path bending means, and then the housing is provided through the opening. An imaging apparatus characterized in that the imaging apparatus is led out of the apparatus. 17. The imaging apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the optical path bending unit bends the signal light by approximately 90 degrees. 18. The optical path bending means according to claim 16, wherein said optical path bending means is constituted by an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of said signal light. An imaging device according to item 13. 19. A light emitting element for emitting signal light, and a signal light emitted from the light emitting element is led out of the housing, and imaging light from a subject and signal light from the outside are introduced into the housing. An opening for introduction; a light receiving element for receiving signal light introduced into the housing through the opening inside the housing; an optical path of imaging light from the subject and the signal; An optical path bending unit configured to bend an optical path of light; and an imaging lens configured to receive imaging light from a subject that enters the inside of the housing via the opening inside the housing, the imaging lens including: After bending the imaging light from outside and the signal light from the outside by the optical path bending means, the imaging light and the light receiving element respectively receive the light, and the light emitted from the light emitting element And the signal light after bent by the optical path bending means, the imaging apparatus being characterized in that so as to derive the housing exterior through the opening. 20. The optical path bending unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical path bending unit converts the imaging light from the subject and the signal light from the light emitting element into approximately 90%
20. The imaging device according to claim 19, wherein the imaging device is bent once. 21. A part of the optical path bending means, which bends the signal light, is made of an element having a property of reflecting light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light. 20. The imaging device according to 20. 22. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits an audio signal and a video signal to be recorded on a device outside the casing.
An imaging device according to item 13. 23. The transmitting means adds a remote control signal for remotely controlling an operation of a device outside the housing, an audio signal and a video signal, and outputs the added signal to the outside of the housing. 23. The imaging apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the imaging apparatus modulates the signal in a form corresponding to the apparatus, converts the modulated signal into an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal. 24. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal light is signal light for remote control.