KR20070035561A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of taking a wide range of images, suppressing the generation of parallax to obtain good image quality, and enabling an imaging device having a relatively large package. Each of the plurality of divided subjects obtained by dividing a wide range of subjects is individually photographed by the plurality of imaging means 11 and 12, and the imaging means 11 and 12 are the lenses 1, 3A, 3B and the imaging element 6. Each of the NP points 9 of the plurality of imaging means 11 and 12 in a small radius area centered on one NP point 9, and in each of the imaging means 11 and 12. An optical element 5 having a reflecting function behind the refractive surface of the lens 1 closest to the subject, and being rearward from the optical element 5, and having the NP point 9 and the respective directions of the lens 1 The imaging device 6 arranged outside the space consisting of a straight line passing through the outer periphery thereof constitutes an imaging device in which the light rays bent by the optical element 5 are detected.

Imaging means, lenses, imaging elements, NP points, optical elements

Description

Imaging Device {IMAGING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of imaging a wide range such as the overall orientation.

As is known, various cameras have been developed in which a plurality of video cameras are housed in one housing and simultaneously photographing the entire orientation or the entire circumference.

In the above-described camera configuration, parallax (parallax) occurs if the viewpoint centers of the video cameras do not coincide with each other, resulting in a problem in that a plurality of images cannot be connected to each other with high quality.

Thus, in order to solve the problem of parallax, for example, by using a mirror, a configuration in which virtually the viewpoints of the plurality of cameras are virtually coincident (for example, refer to Patent Document 1) or a mirror is not used. Optical systems (see Patent Document 2) and the like have been proposed that solve parallax (that is, realize non-parallax).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 39-8140

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-0162018

However, in the configuration using the electron mirror, there is a problem that handling is difficult because the entire volume of the mirror portion is required because the mirror portion is required, and it is necessary to prevent cracking or contamination of the mirror.

On the other hand, in the optical system which realizes the non-parallax without using the latter mirror, since there is no mirror, there is an advantage that the size of the device and the ease of handling equivalent to those of a normal lens can be realized.

However, in the latter configuration, it is a condition that the optical system including the image pickup device is included in a space passing through the non-parallel point (NP point) serving as the viewpoint center and the outer peripheral portion of each direction of the lens without causing parallax. Therefore, use becomes difficult unless it is an imaging device composed of a relatively small package.

Therefore, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in selecting an image pickup device is small.

On the other hand, if an image pickup device composed of a relatively large package can be used, an image pickup device that is generally inexpensive and a large image pickup device with a large number of pixels can be used. If the number of pixels can be increased, the resolution of the image can also be improved.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an imaging device which can photograph a wide range, suppress the generation of parallax, obtain good image quality, and make it possible to use an imaging device having a relatively large package. .

The imaging device of the present invention is to photograph each of a plurality of divided subjects which divided a wide range of subjects individually by a plurality of imaging means, and the imaging means includes an imaging element for detecting a lens and a light beam passing through the lens, From the main rays passing through the center of the aperture stop of the lens of the image pickup means, the main rays located in the Gaussian region are selected, and the linear components in the water space of the selected main rays are extended to intersect with the optical axis. When defined as an NP point, each NP point of a plurality of imaging means is collected in a small radius area centered on one NP point, and in each imaging means, a reflection function is performed behind the refractive surface of the lens closest to the subject. And an optical element having a rearward side than an optical element having a reflection function, and passing through an NP point and an outer circumferential portion in each direction of the lens. Is arranged on the outside of the line formed of a space, a bent by the optical element having the light reflection function will be detected by the imaging device.

According to the configuration of the image capturing apparatus of the present invention described above, it is possible to eliminate parallax between the image capturing means by aggregating each NP point of the plurality of image capturing means into a predetermined radius area centered on one NP point. Become.

Then, since each of the plurality of divided subjects obtained by dividing a wide range of subjects is individually photographed by a plurality of imaging means, a wide range of subjects can be photographed without causing parallax.

Further, in each imaging means, an optical element having a reflecting function is disposed behind the refractive surface of the lens closest to the subject, and is composed of a straight line passing behind the optical element and passing through the NP point and the outer peripheral portion in each direction of the lens. Since the image pickup device is disposed outside the space, the image pickup device disposed outside is provided with a relatively large image pickup device regardless of the size of the space formed by the NP point and the straight line passing through the outer peripheral portion of each direction of the lens. It becomes possible to use.

This makes it possible to use an existing general-purpose imaging device having a relatively large package. For example, it becomes possible to use a CCD solid-state image sensor of high quality and high definition, and a CMOS type solid-state image sensor of a high function.

Moreover, in the imaging device of the said invention, it is also possible to set it as the structure which is arrange | positioned so that each imaging element may not interfere spatially in the adjacent imaging means.

In such a configuration, since the imaging elements of the adjacent imaging means do not spatially interfere with each other, even if an imaging element with a relatively large package is used, the NP points of the adjacent imaging means can be easily matched easily.

Moreover, in the imaging device of the said invention, it is also possible to set it as the structure where the bending direction of the light beam by an optical element differs in adjacent imaging means.

By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to select the bending direction of the light beam by an optical element suitably, and to prevent the imaging elements of adjacent imaging means from mutually mutually interfering.

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to use a relatively large imaging element of a package, and at the same time eliminate parallax between each imaging means, and photograph a wide range, for example, an entire orientation.

In addition, since the imaging area is shared using a plurality of imaging means, the imaging is performed. Therefore, by photographing at high resolution with each camera, it is possible to capture a wide range at high resolution.

Moreover, according to this invention, since the freedom degree of selection of an imaging element becomes high, it is possible to expand the freedom degree of the design of an imaging device.

And since an image pick-up element with a large package can be used, using a comparatively large image pick-up element with many pixel numbers, it becomes possible to raise a resolution and image | photograph high-definition image.

In addition, it is possible to reduce the size of the imaging means regardless of the size of the package of the imaging element, thereby miniaturizing and reducing the overall weight of the imaging device.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram (top view) of one imaging unit constituting an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit of FIG. 1 viewed from the side. FIG.

3 is a schematic plan view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention in which two imaging units are arranged adjacent to each other.

4 is a schematic plan view showing a state when two imaging units of FIGS. 1 and 2 are adjacent to each other.

5A and 5B are sectional views seen from the side of each imaging unit of the imaging device of another embodiment of the present invention.

6A and 6B are sectional views seen from the side of each imaging unit of the imaging device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of the code]

1: front lens

2: barrel

3A, 3B: Lens group

4: aperture aperture

5: optical mirror

6: imaging device

7: filter

9: NP point

11: first imaging unit

12: second imaging unit

As one Embodiment of this invention, the schematic block diagram of one imaging part (camera) which comprises an imaging device is shown in FIG. 1 is a top view, and FIG. 2 is a side view.

This imaging device is comprised by arranging a plurality of imaging parts (cameras) shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 radially, and joining adjacent imaging parts.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, each image pickup unit (camera) has a front lens 1 provided at a front end portion, and a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are combined behind the front lens 1 (first lens). Group 3A and second lens group 3B] are disposed. In addition, the aperture stop 4 is disposed between the first lens group 3A and the second lens group 3B.

Each part of these front lens 1, the 1st lens group 3A, the 2nd lens group 3B, and the aperture stop 4 is arrange | positioned inside the barrel 2 along the central axis of the barrel 2.

Each imaging section is configured to match the NP point 9 serving as the viewpoint center.

This NP point 9 selects the main beam located in the Gaussian region among the main beams passing through the center of the aperture stop 4 of the lens of the imaging unit (camera), as described in Patent Document 2 described above. In this case, the point where the linear component in the water space of the selected main light beam is extended to intersect the optical axis is indicated. The plurality of imaging units (cameras) are configured by using the NP point 9 as the center of the viewpoint, and configuring the imaging device so that the NP points 9 are substantially coincident with the plurality of imaging units (cameras). It is possible to prevent parallax from occurring between images taken with).

Roughly matching the NP point 9 of each imaging part corresponds to setting the NP point 9 of each imaging part in a predetermined radial area (sphere) specifically.

In order to eliminate the parallax and connect the images picked up by each imaging section, at least the NP points 9 of each imaging section are arranged in a region (sphere) having a radius of about 50 mm, more preferably the NP points of each imaging section It is configured to be disposed in an area (sphere) of about 20 mm.

The barrel 2 is joined to the imaging unit (camera) adjacent to the side by the bonding surface shown by the line 2A in FIG.

The intersection point of the extension line 2B of the joining surface 2A of the barrel 2 substantially coincides with the NP point 9.

In addition, this bonding surface 2A substantially coincides with the space which consists of a straight line which passes through the outer periphery of the NP point 9 and the front lens 1 in each direction.

Both the front lens 1 and the lens groups 3A and 3B are arranged so that the center axis of the lens coincides with the center axis of the barrel 2.

In the present embodiment, the optical mirror 5 is provided at the rear end of the second lens group 3B, in particular, and the optical mirror 5 reflects the light rays from the subject, and the upper direction U in FIG. ) To bend the optical path.

And the imaging element 6 is arrange | positioned outside the barrel 2 so that the light beam reflected by the optical mirror 5 can be received. That is, the imaging element 6 is arrange | positioned outside of the space which consists of the straight line which passes through the outer peripheral part of each direction of the NP point 9 and the front lens 1. As shown in FIG.

This imaging element 6 has an area larger than the cross-sectional area of the barrel 2 of the portion where the optical mirror 5 is disposed.

The imaging element 6 is disposed inside a unit (not shown) provided outside the barrel 2.

In this unit, in addition to the imaging element 6, the filter 7 and the adjustment mechanism of the optical system which are not shown in figure are provided.

As the optical system of the imaging unit is configured in this manner, the light rays from the subject pass through the front lens 1 closest to the subject, and further, the first lens group 3A, the aperture stop 4, and the second lens group. After passing through 3B, the optical mirror 5 is bent upward by about 90 degrees to cause an image to form on the light receiving surface on the imaging element 6. Thereby, the imaging element 6 can receive and detect the light beam from the subject.

And since the light beam is bent by the optical mirror 5 and the light reception is detected by the imaging element 6 outside of the barrel 2, the imaging element 6 is placed inside the barrel 2. Since it is not necessary to make it accommodate in, it becomes possible to use the comparatively large imaging element 6.

In addition, since the filter 7 does not need to be accommodated in the inside of the barrel 2 in the same way, a relatively large filter 7 can be used.

The imaging device (camera) of this embodiment is arrange | positioned so that two or more imaging parts 11 and 12 may contact along the bonding surface 2A of the barrel 2 in a horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. It is to make it possible to photograph a wide range in the horizontal direction. FIG. 3 is a plan view seen from the upper direction U in FIG. 2.

As shown in Fig. 3, in the optical system of the two imaging units 11 and 12, since the NP point 9 is substantially shared, the parallax free image can be acquired. This is because, in the horizontal direction, any of the imaging sections 11 and 12 is disposed so as to be enclosed in a space composed of a line passing through the NP points 9 and the outer peripheral portions of the front lenses 1 in each direction.

For example, if the imaging element 6 to be used has a small package size such as a bare chip or the like, it is possible to embed the package of the imaging element in the barrel 2 without bending the optical axis in the optical mirror 5, but it is a normal CCD solid state. In an imaging device and a CMOS solid-state imaging device, since the package size is large, it is difficult to enclose it in the barrel 2.

In contrast, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, since the optical axis is bent in the upward direction U in the optical mirror 5 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the imaging element 6 has a large package dimension. Even if it is, the optical system other than the imaging element 6 can be contained in the space which consists of the line 2A which passes through the NP periphery 9 and the outer peripheral part of each direction of the front lens 1. As shown in FIG.

However, in the case of the imaging units 11 and 12 having the imaging device 6 having a large package dimension, the optical axes are the same in both the adjacent first imaging unit 11 and the second imaging unit 12. When arranged by bending in the upward direction U of Fig. 4, the NP points 9 may be shared because the packages of the imaging elements 6 interfere with each other in the region 20 indicated by the oblique portions as shown in the plan view in FIG. It becomes impossible.

In order to solve this problem, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first imaging unit 11 is configured to bend the optical axis in the upper direction U as in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the optical mirror 5. On the other hand, in the 2nd imaging part 12, it is comprised so that an optical axis may be bent in the lower direction D by the optical mirror 5, up-down reverse from FIG. 1 and FIG.

By configuring in this way, the adjacent 1st imaging part 11 and the 2nd imaging part 12 do not interfere with the package of the imaging element 6, and the several adjacent imaging parts 11 and 12 do not interfere. It is possible to share the NP point 9 at.

In addition, although the case where two imaging parts were used was demonstrated in FIG. 3, it is also possible to set it as the structure which has three or more imaging parts.

Thus, when three or more imaging parts are used, the position which does not spatially interfere with the position of the imaging element 6 of an adjacent imaging part, for example, is mutually in the opposite direction, alternately, the upper direction U and the lower direction ( D) in the upward direction (U) and downward direction (D), the imaging device 6 having a relatively large package can be used for an optical system that suppresses the generation of parallax without a mirror.

In addition, when the optical path length from the front lens 1 to the imaging element 6 is made equal in all the imaging units constituting the imaging device, the imaging spots are used to determine the irradiation spot of the light incident on the imaging element 6. The size, the focus, etc. are roughly the same.

Thereby, since the specification requested | required by the imaging element 6 in each imaging part is the same, the imaging element 6 of the same structure can be used easily.

In the imaging device of the present embodiment, each imaging unit (camera) 11, 12 photographs each of a plurality of divided subjects which have divided a wide range of subjects individually, and processes not shown image information. It is configured to connect and process one image by means.

As this processing means, for example, a signal processing circuit, an editing apparatus having a signal processing circuit, or the like can be used. By selecting the configuration of the processing means, it is possible to embed the processing means in the imaging device or to install the processing means outside the imaging device.

The concatenation process is executed immediately after shooting or after accumulating the captured video information.

According to this embodiment mentioned above, in each imaging part 11 and 12, the optical mirror 5 is arrange | positioned between the 2nd lens group 3B and the imaging element 6, and the light beam from a subject is optically mirrored. It is bent by (5), and it is comprised so that light may be received in the imaging element 6 arrange | positioned outside the barrel 2, and it is larger than the cross-sectional area of the barrel 2, and the package is relatively large imaging element 6 It is possible to use).

In addition, in the first imaging section 11, the light beam is bent in the upward direction U, and in the second imaging section 12, the light beam is bent in the downward direction D, and the imaging section 11, which is adjacent to the optical mirror, is bent. In 12), since the directions in which the light beams are bent by the optical mirror 5 are made opposite to each other, the imaging elements 6 can be prevented from interfering spatially.

Thereby, it becomes possible to use the existing general-purpose imaging device 6 with a relatively large package. In addition, the filter 7 can also use a relatively large general purpose.

For example, it becomes possible to use a CCD solid-state image sensor of high definition and high definition, and a CM0S type solid-state image sensor of high function.

Particularly, in the CM0S type solid-state imaging device, since the peripheral circuit portion is also formed in the chip, the configuration of the present embodiment is effective because the package is large for the light receiving surface.

In addition, since the imaging area is shared by using a plurality of imaging units (cameras), imaging can be performed at a high resolution with each imaging unit (camera), so that a wide range can be captured at a high resolution.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the parallax can be eliminated between each imaging part 11 and 12, using the imaging element 6 with a comparatively large package, and a wide range, for example, an overall orientation can be imaged.

For example, a wide angle of view imaging device using a high-definition, high-definition CCD solid-state image sensor and a high-performance CM0S-type solid-state image sensor can be realized.

In addition, since the degree of freedom of selection of the imaging element 6 is increased, the degree of freedom of design of the imaging device can be increased.

Moreover, compared with the case where the imaging device 6 of a large package is put in the barrel 2 of each imaging part, it is possible to miniaturize the barrel 2 regardless of the size of the package of the imaging device 6, As a result, the size and weight of the entire imaging device can be reduced.

Then, as another embodiment of this invention, sectional drawing seen from the side of each imaging part which comprises an imaging device is shown to FIG. 5A and 5B, respectively.

In this embodiment, the imaging element 6 does not interfere spatially by shifting the position of the optical mirror 5 in the adjoining 1st imaging part 11 and the 2nd imaging part 12. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the first imaging unit 11, the optical mirror 5 is disposed in the vicinity of the second lens group 3B. In addition, as shown in Fig. 5B, in the second imaging unit 12, the optical mirror 5 is disposed away from the second lens group 3B.

5A and 5B, illustration of the filter 7 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the previous embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and the same reference numerals are used to omit duplicate explanation.

According to the structure of this embodiment mentioned above, in the adjacent 1st imaging part 11 and the 2nd imaging part 12, the position of the optical mirror 5 is shifted back and forth, The height and horizontal position are different. Thereby, the imaging element 6 can be prevented from spatially interfering.

Therefore, as in the previous embodiment, it becomes possible to use the imaging device 6 in a relatively large package.

In addition, in FIG. 5A and 5B, the distance from the 2nd lens group 3B to the light receiving surface of the imaging element 6 is comprised so that it may become substantially equal. As a result, the optical path lengths from the front lens 1 to the imaging element 6 become substantially equal, and the specifications required for the imaging element 6 become approximately equal, so that the imaging element 6 having the same configuration can be easily Can be used.

Subsequently, as still another embodiment of the present invention, cross-sectional views of the respective imaging portions that constitute the imaging device are shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, respectively.

In this embodiment, in the adjacent 1st imaging part 11 and the 2nd imaging part 12, the imaging element is changed by changing the angle of the reflection surface of the optical mirror 5 and the optical axis of incident light from a subject. (6) does not interfere spatially.

That is, as shown in Fig. 6A, in the first imaging unit 11, the angle formed by the optical axis of the reflecting surface of the optical mirror 5 is set at the vertical vicinity (about 60 °) compared with 45 ° in Fig. 2. have. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6B, in the second imaging unit 12, the angle formed by the optical axis of the reflecting surface of the optical mirror 5 is set in the horizontal vicinity (about 30 °) compared with 45 ° in Fig. 2. have.

6A and 6B, illustration of the filter 7 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the previous embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and the same reference numerals are used to omit duplicate explanation.

According to the structure of this embodiment mentioned above, in the adjoining 1st imaging part 11 and the 2nd imaging part 12, the angle which forms the optical axis of the reflecting surface of the optical mirror 5 with the optical axis differs. The horizontal position of the imaging element 6 is made different. Thereby, the imaging element 6 can be prevented from spatially interfering.

Therefore, as with each of the foregoing embodiments, it becomes possible to use the imaging device 6 in a relatively large package.

In addition, in FIG. 6A and 6B, the distance from the 2nd lens group 3B to the light receiving surface of the imaging element 6 is comprised so that it may become substantially equal. As a result, the optical path lengths from the front lens 1 to the imaging element 6 become substantially equal, and the specifications required for the imaging element 6 become approximately equal, so that the imaging element 6 having the same configuration can be easily Can be used.

In each embodiment mentioned above, although the optical mirror 5 was arrange | positioned between the 2nd lens group 3B and the imaging element 6, the optical mirror is the rear end of the front lens 1, and the imaging element ( If it is more than 6), it can also be arrange | positioned in other positions.

In that case, since the position where the light is bent becomes the front side, for example, a part such as the second lens group 3B may enter the unit outside the barrel 2.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration is bent by reflecting light from the subject using the optical mirror 5, but is not limited to the optical mirror 5, but has an reflective surface or the like and expresses the same function. You may use an element.

In each of the above-described embodiments, all of the optical axes of the light bent by the optical mirror 5 are in the vertical plane including the central axis of the barrel 2 (directly upward and downward directions in FIG. 3, immediately upward in FIG. 5, In Fig. 6, it is in the inclined upper direction in the vertical plane.

In this invention, it is not limited to the perpendicular surface containing the center axis of a barrel, and you may bend with respect to this perpendicular surface in the inclination upper direction or the inclination lower direction.

In addition, when the surface is bent at a large angle from the vertical surface, the optical path is blocked by the bonding surface of the adjacent imaging unit, so that it is not excessively inclined.

And as another embodiment, in each imaging part, an optical element is comprised so that incident light may be bent in the same oblique upper direction with respect to the perpendicular | vertical surface containing the center axis of a barrel so that an imaging element may not interfere spatially. It is also possible.

In this invention, what is necessary is just to prevent an image pick-up element from mutually interfering between imaging parts adjacent, and for this, for example, you may arrange | position an optical element so that it may be bent in a different direction or it may be bent at another position.

In addition, the structure of each imaging part does not necessarily need to be equal to all imaging parts.

For example, one or more imaging parts in a center part may be a structure with a higher resolution than the imaging part of a peripheral part among many imaging parts arranged in the horizontal direction.

In addition, you may change an angle of view by an imaging part.

Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, although the some imaging part was bonded by the horizontal direction and the imaging device was comprised, it is also possible to laminate | stack multiple layers (layers) which joined the some imaging part in the horizontal direction.

In this case, for example, in the upper layer and the lower layer, if the direction in which the optical axis is bent is aligned in the same direction, the image pickup device does not spatially interfere in the upper and lower layers.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other configurations can be taken without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims (3)

An imaging device which photographs each of a plurality of divided subjects obtained by dividing a wide range of subjects individually by a plurality of imaging means, The imaging means includes a lens and an imaging device for imaging the light beams passing through the lens, NP point is selected from the main light rays passing through the center of the aperture stop of the lens of the image pickup means, the main light rays located in the Gaussian region, and extending the linear components in the water space of the selected main light rays to intersect the optical axis. When defined as Each NP point of the plurality of imaging means is collected in a minute radius area centered on one NP point, In each of the imaging means, an optical element having a reflection function is disposed behind the refractive surface of the lens closest to the subject, The imaging device is outside the space formed by a straight line passing behind the optical point having the reflective function in each direction of the NP point and the lens, and the NP point is located behind the imaging element. And a light ray bent by the optical element having the reflecting function is picked up by the imaging element. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein in the adjacent imaging means, each of the imaging elements is arranged so as not to interfere spatially. 2. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein in said adjacent imaging means, bending directions of light rays by said optical element are different from each other.

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