WO2014068976A1

WO2014068976A1 - Image capturing device

Info

Publication number: WO2014068976A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/006432
Authority: WO
Inventors: 充仙洞田
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2012-11-01
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Also published as: JPWO2014068976A1

Abstract

An image capturing device (100) is provided with a device housing part (110) and an image capturing part (120). The device housing part (110) holds a portable terminal (200). The image capturing part (120) is disposed on the principal surface (212) side on the reverse side to a principal surface (211) on which a display part (220) is provided. The image capturing part (120) is attached to the device housing part (110) so as to be able to capture an image of the reverse side to a display surface of the display part (220). The image capturing part (120) captures an image of a subject in an image capture area that is a region where image capturing is possible. The captured image of the subject captured by the image capturing part (120) is displayed on the display part (220). Consequently, the image capturing device is easily attached to the portable terminal, captures an image of the subject, and displays the captured image of the subject on the display part of the portable terminal.

Description

Imaging device

The present invention relates to an imaging device, for example, an imaging device attached to a mobile terminal having a display unit on a main surface.

In recent years, a technique described in Patent Document 1 has been disclosed as an imaging apparatus for reading adjacent images. This Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for scanning a paper surface as a subject while rotating a roller using image sensors (line sensors) arranged on a straight line.

However, as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, in the method using the line sensor, if the paper surface is distorted when the paper surface is scanned, the roller does not rotate well and an accurate image cannot be read. . In the method using the line sensor, a certain skill is required for the reading operation.

As a technique for solving the technical problem described in Patent Document 1, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for taking an image of a paper surface as a subject without scanning a line sensor, using an enlarged reading device as an example. ing. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, an image pickup unit (two-dimensional contact image sensor) is provided as an image input unit on the bottom surface of the apparatus housing unit, and a display unit (liquid crystal display) is provided as an image display unit on the surface of the apparatus housing unit. Is provided. And an imaging part images the paper surface arrange | positioned at the bottom face side of an apparatus housing | casing, and a display part displays the picked-up image by an imaging part.

Japanese Patent No. 3471654 JP-A-7-322012

As described above, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, an image pickup unit is provided on the bottom surface of the apparatus casing as an image input unit, and a display unit is provided on the surface of the apparatus casing as an image display unit.

However, while portable terminals such as portable information terminals (for example, smartphones and tablet terminals) that already have a display unit are widely used, the technology described in Patent Document 2 uses portable terminals such as portable information terminals. Thus, there has been a problem that it is impossible to meet the demand for attaching only the imaging device to the portable terminal. Moreover, although the expansion reading apparatus shown by patent document 2 can also be utilized in combination with a portable information terminal, a display part will overlap and it will uselessly cost.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to easily attach to a mobile terminal, image a subject, and display a captured image of the subject on a display unit of the mobile terminal. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of

An imaging device of the present invention is an imaging device attached to a mobile terminal having a display unit on a main surface, wherein the display unit is provided among an apparatus housing unit that holds the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal. It is arranged on the main surface side opposite to the main surface, and is attached to the apparatus housing unit so as to image the opposite side with respect to the display surface of the display unit. An imaging unit that images the subject, and a captured image of the subject captured by the imaging unit is displayed on the display unit.

According to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to easily attach to a mobile terminal, image a subject, and display a captured image of the subject on a display unit of the mobile terminal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal to which the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached. FIG. 2A is a side view of the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit in which the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a mobile terminal. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation of imaging a subject using an imaging unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an operation of imaging a subject using an imaging unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of imaging a subject using the imaging unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of imaging a subject using the imaging unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit in which the imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to a mobile terminal. FIG. 8A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000A. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit in which the imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is attached to a mobile terminal. FIG. 9A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000B. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an optical system of the imaging unit of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit in which the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached to a mobile terminal. FIG. 11A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000C. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG.

<First Embodiment>
The imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the mobile terminal 200 to which the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached. FIG. 2A is a side view of the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the mobile terminal 200.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit 1000 in which the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.

For convenience of explanation, first, the configuration of the mobile terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

2A and 2B, the mobile terminal 200 includes a terminal main body 210, a display unit 220, and a terminal-side connector unit 230. The portable terminal 200 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the terminal main body 210 is configured by housing an electronic component or the like for operating the mobile terminal 200 in a casing.

The display unit 220 is provided on one main surface 211 of the two

main surfaces

211 and 212 of the terminal main body 210. The display unit 220 displays processing contents performed on the mobile terminal 200, operation buttons for operating the mobile terminal 200, and the like.

The terminal-side connector section 230 is provided so as to be exposed from the terminal main body 210. The terminal-side connector unit 230 is a connection unit that inputs and outputs a predetermined signal to the terminal body 210. As will be described later, the terminal-side connector portion 230 is coupled to the device-side connector portion 130 of the imaging device 100. Thereby, a predetermined signal can be input and output between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200. 2A and 2B, for convenience of explanation, the terminal-side connector portion 230 is displayed so as to protrude from the outer shape of the terminal main body 210. However, the terminal-side connector portion 230 may be provided so as not to protrude from the outer shape of the terminal main body 210.

Next, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the imaging device 100 includes an apparatus housing 110, an imaging unit 120, a device-side connector unit 130, a signal wiring unit 140, and a contact arm 150. And a daylighting plate 160 and a mounting surface 170.

The device casing 110 holds the mobile terminal 200. The device housing part 110 has a housing part 111 and an opening part 112. The device casing 110 is formed of, for example, an elastic member such as resin or elastomer, a metal material, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the housing portion 111 is formed in a concave shape in the device housing portion 110. The accommodating part 111 is formed so as to correspond to the outer shape of the mobile terminal 200. The accommodating part 111 accommodates the portable terminal 200.

As described later, the imaging unit 120 is provided in the opening 112. The opening 112 is formed so that at least the apparatus housing 110 does not interfere with the angle of view of the imaging unit 120. Here, the opening 112 has a slope (notch). However, this slope is not always necessary depending on the optical system of the imaging unit 120.

The imaging unit 120 is attached to the central part of the opening 112 of the apparatus housing 110. The imaging unit 120 images a subject in the imaging area. The imaging area of the imaging unit 120 is an area that can be captured by the imaging unit 120 and corresponds to the angle of view of the imaging unit 120.

3A and 3B, the imaging unit 120 is disposed on the main surface 212 side opposite to the main surface 211 on which the display unit 220 of the mobile terminal 200 is provided. Has been. In addition, the imaging unit 120 is attached to the apparatus housing unit 110 so that the opposite side of the display surface 221 (the right side surface in FIG. 2A) of the display unit 220 can be imaged. The imaging unit 120 is attached to the apparatus housing unit 110 so as to be disposed at a position corresponding to the captured image display region 222 of the display unit 220 on the opposite main surface 212 side of the portable terminal 200. Here, in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220 is one of the display areas 221 of the display unit 220. Part. That is, the display area 221 of the display unit 220 corresponds to the outer shape of the display unit 220, but the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220 occupies a part of the display area 221.

The imaging unit 120 includes one or a plurality of lenses (not shown), an imaging element (not shown), and a lens barrel (not shown) that holds them. The imaging surface of the imaging device is provided so as to be substantially parallel to the surface of the display unit 220 of the mobile terminal 200.

In FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, and 3B, the imaging unit 120 employs a wide-angle camera unit. However, the imaging unit 120 may be configured by a camera with an optical system or a two-dimensional (contact) image sensor as long as it captures an image.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the device-side connector unit 130 is connected to the imaging unit 120 via the signal wiring unit 140. The device-side connector portion 130 is formed so as to be coupled to the terminal-side connector portion 230. The device-side connector unit 130 is a connection unit that inputs and outputs predetermined signals to and from the imaging unit 120. A terminal-side connector portion 230 of the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the device-side connector portion 130. Thereby, a predetermined signal can be input and output between the imaging device 100 and the terminal device 200.

The signal wiring unit 140 connects the imaging unit 120 and the device-side connector unit 130. The signal wiring unit 140 is composed of a power supply line and a signal line. As the signal wiring unit 140, for example, FPC (Flexible printed circuits) or a thin coaxial line is used.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the contact arm 150 is rotatably attached to the apparatus housing unit 110 by a hinge 151. Further, the device side connector part 130 can be attached to the contact arm 150. After the device-side connector portion 130 is attached to the contact arm 150, the device-side connector portion 130 can be coupled to the terminal-side connector portion 230 by rotating the contact arm 150 around the hinge 151.

1A and 1B, the daylighting plate 160 is provided so as to cover the imaging area of the imaging unit 120. As described above, the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 is an area in which the imaging unit 120 can capture images, and corresponds to the angle of view of the imaging unit 120. Thus, by covering the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 with the daylighting plate 160, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from adhering to the imaging unit 120.

In addition, the daylighting plate 160 has a light introducing portion 161. As shown in FIG. 1B, the light introducing portion 161 is disposed on the end surface of the daylighting plate 160 so as to be exposed on the side surface of the device housing portion 110. The light introducing unit 161 guides external light into the daylighting plate 160. The daylighting plate 160 transmits reflected light from the subject. As a material for the daylighting plate 160, for example, a transparent material such as glass or resin (acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.) can be used. By adding a light guide function to the daylighting plate 160, even if the imaging side of the imaging unit 120 in the device casing 110 of the imaging device 100 is in close contact with a subject such as a paper surface, it is necessary for imaging by the imaging unit 120. The amount of light can be secured.

In order to efficiently guide light to the daylighting plate 160, the daylighting plate 160 may be tapered, or a projection may be provided on the surface of the daylighting plate 160 to diffusely reflect incident light. At this time, the technology of the light guide plate used for the backlight of the liquid crystal display or the front light of the touch panel can be applied to the daylighting plate 160. In the technology of the light guide plate, it is applied that irregular reflection and diffusion occur when light hits a projection (or a depression) provided on the surface of the light guide plate.

The mounting surface 170 is formed in the device casing 110 substantially parallel to the main surface 212 on the opposite side of the main surface 211 provided with the display unit 220 in the mobile terminal 200. Further, when the placement surface 170 is placed on the subject, the placement surface 170 is provided so as to be in contact with the subject. In addition, the focus of the imaging unit 120 is set on the placement surface 170. Thereby, the imaging unit 120 can focus on the subject in contact with the placement surface 170 and image the subject. As a result, a clear captured image of a focused subject can be acquired. Although the mounting surface 170 has been described as being formed on the device casing 110, it may be the surface of the daylighting sheet 160 attached to the device casing 110.

Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the mobile terminal 200 is placed in the housing portion 111 of the apparatus housing 110 of the imaging device 100 so that the display unit 220 of the mobile terminal 200 is exposed. To accommodate. Thereby, the mobile terminal 200 is attached to the imaging device 100.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the apparatus-side connector 130 is coupled to the terminal-side connector 230. Specifically, first, the device-side connector portion 130 is attached to the contact arm 150, and the contact arm 150 is opened. Then, the contact arm 150 is rotated about the hinge 151, and the device-side connector part 130 is inserted into the terminal-side connector part 230 to couple them together. Thus, by inserting the device-side connector portion 130 into the terminal-side connector portion 230 and coupling them together, the mobile terminal 200 can be prevented from being detached from the imaging device 100.

Through the above operations, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the imaging unit 1000 in which the imaging device 100 and the portable terminal 200 are combined is completed.

Next, an operation for reading a captured image of a subject will be described.

4 to 7 are diagrams for explaining an operation of imaging a subject using the imaging unit 1000. FIG. Here, the subject of the imaging apparatus 100 is a sheet 2000.

Here, an example will be described in which a plurality of captured images are captured by the imaging apparatus 100 while the imaging unit 1000 is moved on the paper 2000, and the plurality of captured images are connected and connected.

FIG. 4 shows a captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220 of the mobile terminal 220. As shown in FIG. 4, the captured image display area 222 is a part of the display area 221 of the display unit 220. In the captured image display area 222, an image of the subject captured by the imaging unit 120 is displayed. In FIG. 4, the captured image display area 222 is surrounded by a thick frame. Here, the imaging area (not shown) of the imaging unit 120 corresponds to the captured image display area 221. That is, the size of the imaging area (not shown) of the imaging unit 120 and the size of the captured image display area 221 are substantially the same. Further, in the imaging unit 1000, the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 and the captured image display area 222 are captured by the imaging unit 120 when viewed in a direction parallel to the perpendicular of the main surface 211 of the terminal body 210 of the mobile terminal 100. The area and the captured image display area 222 are arranged so as to overlap each other. Note that the imaging area is an area that can be imaged by the imaging unit 120 as described above.

First, the imaging dedicated application software stored in advance in the terminal body 210 of the mobile terminal 200 is activated.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the imaging unit 1000 is disposed on the paper 2000. At this time, the image pickup unit 1000 is placed on the paper 2000 with the image pickup side of the image pickup apparatus 100 (the left side in FIG. 3B) facing the surface of the paper 2000.

The imaging unit 120 of the imaging apparatus 100 images the paper 2000 in the imaging area. A captured image of the paper 2000 captured by the imaging unit 120 is input to the terminal main body 110 via the device-side connector unit 130, the signal wiring unit 140, and the terminal-side connector unit 230. In the terminal body 110, a control unit (not shown) causes the captured image of the paper 2000 to be displayed in the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the captured image A 1 of the paper 2000 is displayed in the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220.

As described above, here, the size of the imaging area (not shown) of the imaging unit 120 and the size of the captured image display area 222 are substantially the same. In the imaging unit 1000, the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 and the captured image display area 222 are the same as the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 when viewed in the direction of the normal to the main surface 211 of the terminal main body 210 of the mobile terminal 100. Are arranged so as to overlap each other.

Therefore, since the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220 is arranged right above the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 (in a direction parallel to the perpendicular of the main surface 211 of the terminal main body 210 of the mobile terminal 100), the display unit 200 is a sheet of paper. 2000 captured images can be displayed at a position directly above the imaging area of the imaging unit 120. Therefore, by displaying the subject paper 2000 on the display unit 220 at the original size (equal magnification), the intuition of the imaging operation can be maintained as if the paper 2000 is seen through the mobile terminal 200. Can do. If an enlargement magnification is set in advance, it can also be used as a pseudo magnifier. Further, as is generally known, if image processing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, and parallel movement is used later, the information of the captured image once captured can be changed to various displays.

Further, the imaging device 100 is provided with a daylighting plate 160, and the daylighting plate 160 is brought into contact with the surface of the paper 2000, and the imaging unit 1000 is placed on the paper 2000. For this reason, the imaging unit 1000 can guide the light incident on the light guide 161 of the daylighting plate 160 to the imaging unit 120. Thereby, the imaging unit 120 can image the paper 2000 as a subject.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the imaging unit 1000 is moved on the paper 2000 in the direction of the arrow Y1. In this case, the captured image A 2 of the destination paper 2000 is displayed in the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220. In addition, the captured image A 1 captured first is displayed in an area other than the captured image display area 222 in the display area 221 of the display unit 220. In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, a part of the outer shape of the captured image A1 is indicated by a dotted line.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the captured image A1 and the captured image A2 have overlapping areas. In this case, the control unit (not shown) of the mobile terminal 100 connects the captured image A1 and the captured image A2 in the overlapping area and causes the display unit 120 to display the images. As a result, the plurality of captured images A1 and A2 are displayed on the display unit 120 by being connected at the overlapping region of both the images A1 and A2. In addition, the process which connects a some captured image in an overlap area | region is called a joining process (mosaicing process). This stitching process is executed each time a captured image is captured.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the imaging unit 1000 is further moved on the paper 2000 in the direction of the arrow Y2. In this case, the captured image A3 of the destination paper 2000 is displayed in the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220. The captured images A1 and A2 captured first are displayed in a region other than the captured image display region 222 in the display region 221 of the display unit 220. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the outer shapes of the captured images A1 and A2 are indicated by dotted lines.

Then, as described with reference to FIG. 6, a joining process is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the captured image A1, the captured image A2, and the captured image A3 have overlapping regions, the control unit (not shown) of the mobile terminal 100 performs the captured image A1, the captured image. A 2 and the captured image A 3 are connected in the overlapping area and displayed on the display unit 120. As a result, the plurality of captured images A1, A2, and A3 are connected to each other in the overlapping region of the images A1, A2, and A3 and displayed on the display unit 120.

The captured images A1, A2, and A3 and their combined images are converted into text or converted into links linked to the images by image processing or an image recognition application. As a result, the user of the imaging unit 1000 can use various services. These have already been put into practical use in fields such as world cameras known as AR (Augmented Reality) technology.

In this manner, a series of operations of “starting up the mobile terminal 200 of the imaging unit 1000, starting a necessary application, and starting a target service” is simply superimposed on the subject. With this simple operation, a new interface that can be replaced can be realized.

Further, the image pickup apparatus 100 of the present invention can be used as a retrofit to mobile terminals 200 that are already widely used. Therefore, for example, the device casing 110, the signal wiring unit 140, the device-side connector unit 130, and the like of the imaging device 100 can be customized according to the outer shape of the mobile terminal 200 and the like. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus 100 can be configured to correspond to various types of portable terminals 200 of various manufacturers. As a result, the mass production effect of hardware can be produced, and the cost can be reduced.

As described above, the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device attached to the mobile terminal 200 having a display unit on the main surface 211. The imaging apparatus 100 includes an apparatus housing part 110 and an imaging part 120. The device casing 110 holds the mobile terminal 200. The imaging unit 120 is disposed on the main surface 212 side opposite to the main surface 211 on which the display unit 220 is provided. In addition, the imaging unit 120 is attached to the apparatus housing unit 110 so that the opposite side of the display surface of the display unit 220 can be imaged. In addition, the imaging unit 120 images a subject in an imaging area that is an imageable area. Then, a captured image of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 120 is displayed on the display unit 220.

As described above, in the imaging device 100, when the mobile terminal 200 is attached to the device casing 110, the imaging unit 120 is disposed on the main surface 212 side opposite to the main surface 211 on which the display unit 220 is provided. The opposite side of the display unit 220 with respect to the display surface 222 can be imaged. In addition, a captured image of the subject imaged in the imaging area by the imaging unit 120 is displayed on the display unit 220 of the mobile terminal 200. Thereby, according to the imaging device 100 concerning this invention, it can attach to the portable terminal 200 easily, can image | photograph a to-be-photographed object, and can display the picked-up image of a to-be-photographed object on the display part 220 of the portable terminal 200.

Therefore, in the present invention, unlike the technique of Patent Document 2, it is desired to attach only the imaging device 100 to the portable terminal 200 using a portable terminal such as a portable information terminal (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal) that has already been widely used. Can meet the demand. Moreover, since the imaging device 200 does not have the display unit 220, the display unit 220 does not overlap. Therefore, compared with the case where the enlarged reading device described in Patent Document 2 and the portable terminal 200 are combined, the cost is reduced. Can be reduced.

In addition, according to the present invention, an image immediately below the display surface of the display unit 220 can be read by attaching the imaging device 100 close to or in close contact with a subject afterward to the portable terminal 200 such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

Furthermore, since the information of the captured image of the read subject is electronic information, the image recognition application or embedded application distributed on the Internet as well as enlargement or reduction, parallel movement, and rotation display can be used. It is also possible to connect to various services such as text conversion (OCR: Optical Character Reader) and links from images (for example, video playback, audio playback, map, commerce, additional information, etc.). That is, a new interface (IF: Interface) that seamlessly leads from real world information to cyber information can be realized.

Furthermore, by displaying the captured image immediately below the display surface of the display unit 220 on the display unit 220 at an equal magnification, it is possible to provide a highly intuitive image capturing function. In addition, an image recognition result or the like can be applied from the captured image that has been captured, and linked to the Internet. In this way, a new user interface with an intuitive operation can be realized.

In the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the imaging unit 120 is on the main surface 212 side opposite to the main surface 211 on which the display unit 220 is provided. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the captured image display area 221.

Thus, the imaging unit 120 is disposed at a position corresponding to the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220. That is, since the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220 is disposed immediately above the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 (in a direction parallel to the perpendicular of the main surface 211 of the terminal body 210 of the mobile terminal 100), the display unit 200 is the subject. The captured image of (paper 2000) can be displayed at a position directly above the imaging area of the imaging unit 120. For this reason, the intuition of imaging operation can be maintained.

In the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the size of the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 corresponds to the size of the captured image display area 221 of the display unit 220. Thereby, the captured image of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 120 is displayed on the display unit 220 at the original size (equal magnification), thereby further imaging as if the paper 2000 was seen through the mobile terminal 200. Intuitive operation can be maintained. That is, it is possible to intuitively scan a subject in the real world (for example, an advertisement or a book (so-called paper medium)) by displaying the captured image of the subject at the same magnification.

Further, in the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the central part of the imaging unit 120 is arranged at a position corresponding to the central part of the captured image display area 221 of the display unit 220. Thereby, since the center part of the captured image display area 222 of the display unit 220 and the center part of the imaging unit 120 can be associated with each other, the display unit 200 more accurately captures the captured image of the paper 2000. Can be displayed at a position directly above.

In the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 220 has a rectangular captured image display area 221. At this time, the central portion of the imaging unit 120 is on the main surface 212 side opposite to the main surface 211 on which the display unit 220 is provided, and two pairs of parallels constituting the captured image display region 221 of the display unit 220. Among the lines, they are arranged at positions corresponding to the center line of at least one parallel line. As described above, since the central portion of the imaging unit 120 is arranged on the center line of the parallel lines facing each other, for example, the subject is imaged while moving the imaging device 100 along the center line of the parallel lines. In addition, the center part of the subject can always be arranged in the center part of the captured image.

In the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the captured image of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 120 and the central axis of the captured image of the subject displayed on the display unit 220 are You may arrange | position so that it may mutually become parallel on the surface of a substantially perpendicular | vertical direction with respect to a display surface. As a result, the central axis of the captured image of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 120 and the central axis of the captured image of the subject displayed on the display unit 220 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surface 221 of the display unit 220. Since they are parallel to each other, the intuition of the imaging operation can be maintained.

The imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a daylighting plate 160. The daylighting plate 160 is provided so as to cover the imaging area of the imaging unit 120, and transmits reflected light from the subject while guiding external light. Thereby, the imaging unit 120 can capture a captured image of a subject with high luminance.

In the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal 200 has a terminal-side connector section 230 for inputting and outputting a predetermined signal. In addition, the imaging device 100 includes a device-side connector unit 130. The device-side connector unit 130 is connected to the imaging unit 120 and is formed so as to be coupled to the terminal-side connector unit. Thereby, the imaging device 100 can be electrically connected to the portable terminal 200 by coupling the device-side connector unit 130 and the terminal-side connector unit 230. As a result, for example, an electrical signal such as a shooting command can be input from the portable terminal 200 to the imaging apparatus 100.

In the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when captured images (for example, A1 and A2) of a plurality of subjects that are continuous with each other and have overlapping regions are captured by the imaging unit 120, a plurality of subjects are captured. The images (A1, A2) are connected by overlapping regions. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a composite image in which captured images of a plurality of subjects are connected by overlapping regions between the captured images.

The imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a placement surface 170. The mounting surface 170 is provided so as to be able to contact the subject substantially parallel to the main surface 212 on the opposite side of the main surface 211 on which the display unit 220 is provided in the mobile terminal 200. At this time, the focus of the imaging unit 120 is set on the placement surface 170. Thereby, the imaging unit 120 can focus on the subject in contact with the placement surface 170 and image the subject. As a result, a clear captured image of a focused subject can be acquired. In the present embodiment, the mounting surface 170 has been described as being formed on the device casing 110, but may be the surface of the daylighting sheet 160 attached to the device casing 110.

<Second Embodiment>
An imaging apparatus 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit 1000A in which the imaging device 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 8A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000A. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. In FIG. 8, constituent elements equivalent to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. The configuration of the mobile terminal 200 is as described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the imaging unit 1000A is configured by attaching the mobile terminal 200 to the imaging device 100A.

The imaging apparatus 100A includes an apparatus casing 110A, an imaging unit 120, a device-side connector unit 130, a signal wiring unit 140, a contact arm 150, a placement surface 170, and a light irradiation unit 180. .

Here, FIG. 3 (a), (b) and FIG. 8 (a), (b) are contrasted. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the daylighting plate 170 is attached to the device casing 110. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the imaging apparatus 100A does not have the daylighting plate 170. In addition, the imaging apparatus 100A includes a light irradiation unit 180. In these respects, they are different from each other.

8A and 8B, the mounting surface 170 of the apparatus housing 110A is provided in a region excluding the opening 112.

The light irradiation unit 180 is attached in the opening 112. The light irradiation unit 180 irradiates the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 with light. As shown in FIG. 8B, the light irradiation unit 180 is connected to the signal wiring unit 140 and receives power and signals from the signal wiring unit 140. As a material of the light irradiation unit 180, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) can be used. Not only the light emitting diode but also the entire imaging area can be illuminated with a small number of light sources by surface light emission, such as a light guide plate.

As described above, the imaging apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the light irradiation unit 180. The light irradiation unit 180 irradiates the imaging area of the imaging unit 120 with light. Thereby, even when the mounting surface 170 of the imaging device 100A attached to the portable terminal 100 is placed on a subject (for example, a paper surface), the light irradiation unit 180 emits light into the imaging area of the imaging device 100A. Can be irradiated. In particular, even in an environment where there is little light, such as at night, the subject can be stably imaged by the imaging device 100A.

<Third Embodiment>
An imaging device 100B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit 1000B in which the imaging device 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 9A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000B. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an optical system of the imaging unit 120 of the imaging apparatus 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, constituent elements equivalent to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are given the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. The configuration of the mobile terminal 200 is as described with reference to FIG.

9A and 9B, the imaging unit 1000B is configured by attaching the mobile terminal 200 to the imaging device 100B.

The imaging apparatus 100B includes an apparatus housing unit 110B, an imaging unit 120, a device-side connector unit 130, a signal wiring unit 140, a contact arm 150, a placement surface 170, a light irradiation unit 180, and a first irradiation unit. An optical mechanism 191 and a second optical mechanism 192 are provided. A dotted line shown between the imaging unit 120, the first optical mechanism 191 and the second optical mechanism 192 indicates a range of light from the subject.

Here, FIGS. 8A and 8B are compared with FIGS. 9A and 9B. In FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the imaging unit 120 employs a configuration in which light from a subject is directly imaged from the imaging area side. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the imaging apparatus 100B is a reflection optical system using a first optical mechanism 191 and a second optical mechanism 192, and an imaging unit. 120 optical systems are configured. In this respect, they are different from each other.

As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10, the first optical mechanism 191 and the second optical mechanism 192 exhibit a function as a reflecting plate that reflects light. Further, the first optical mechanism 191 and the second optical mechanism 192 are provided on the optical path until at least reflected light from the subject enters the imaging unit 120. The first optical mechanism 191 and the second optical mechanism 192 are configured by, for example, a prism or a mirror.

As described above, the imaging apparatus 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the first optical mechanism 191 and the second optical mechanism 192 (reflecting plate). The first optical mechanism 191 and the second optical mechanism 192 are provided on the optical path until the reflected light from the subject enters the imaging unit 120. The optical system of the imaging unit 120 is configured by a reflection optical system. As a result, the optical path length from the subject to the imaging unit 120 can be increased. As a result, the subject can be imaged by the imaging unit 120 even if there are physical limitations on the angle of view, subject depth, and the like of the imaging unit 120. In particular, configuring the optical system of the imaging unit 120 with a reflective optical system is effective when photographing a subject in the vicinity.

<Fourth embodiment>
An imaging apparatus 100C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging unit 1000C in which the imaging device 100C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile terminal 200. FIG. 11A is a plan view of the imaging unit 1000C. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG.

In FIG. 11, constituent elements equivalent to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 are denoted by reference numerals equivalent to those shown in FIGS. The configuration of the mobile terminal 200 is as described with reference to FIG.

11A and 11B, the imaging unit 1000C is configured by attaching the mobile terminal 200 to the imaging device 100C.

The imaging device 100C includes an apparatus housing 110C, an imaging unit 120A, a device-side connector unit 130, a signal wiring unit 140, a contact arm 150, a placement surface 170, and a surface light emitting unit 195. .

Here, FIGS. 3A and 3B are compared with FIGS. 11A and 11B. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the imaging unit 120A is configured with a two-dimensional (contact) type image sensor, and is different from the imaging unit 120 shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). Is different. Further, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the surface light emitting unit 195 is attached on the imaging unit 120A.

The imaging unit 120A is configured by a two-dimensional (contact) image sensor as described above. This two-dimensional (contact) image sensor is, for example, amorphous silicon (amorphous silicon: a-Si) or the like as described in JP-A Nos. 64-62980 and 2004-138768. Each film is laminated on the substrate by a thin film process so that the photoelectric conversion film is sandwiched between the individual electrode and the common electrode. The two-dimensional (contact) image sensor is configured by arranging a plurality of light receiving elements in a two-dimensional manner on a light-transmitting positive substrate and providing openings between the light receiving elements. The light from the light source passes through the opening between the light receiving elements and is reflected by the document surface. The light receiving element receives the reflected light and reads an image on the original surface by a photoelectric conversion action. As described above, the two-dimensional (contact) image sensor reads information of a captured image of one screen without requiring a mechanical scanning unit.

The surface light emitting unit 195 includes, for example, an LED (not shown) and a plate-shaped light guide plate (not shown). As shown in FIG. 11, the surface light emitting unit 195 is formed to have the same size as the imaging unit 120A and is provided on the entire surface of the imaging unit 120A. In FIG. 11, the surface light emitting unit 195 is disposed on the front surface of the image capturing unit 120A, but the surface light emitting unit 195 may be disposed on the back surface of the image capturing unit 120A like a backlight.

Note that the number of pixels of the two-dimensional (contact) image sensor and the number of pixels of the display unit 220 (for example, a liquid crystal display) can be made the same or different. In this case, the intuitive operability as described above can be ensured by displaying at the same magnification by image processing.

As described above, in the imaging apparatus 100C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the imaging unit 120A is configured by a two-dimensional image sensor. Thereby, compared with the imaging part comprised with the lens, the image pick-up element, and the lens-barrel, an imaging part can be comprised with a compact structure. Further, by using a two-dimensional image sensor for the imaging unit 120C, it is possible to read information of a captured image of one screen without requiring a mechanical scanning unit.

In the above embodiment, the signal connection between the

imaging devices

100, 100A, 100B, and 100C and the portable terminal 200 is physically performed using the device-side connector unit 130, the signal wiring unit 140, and the terminal-side connector unit 230. It was realized by simple electrical connection. On the other hand, signal connection between the

imaging devices

100, 100A, 100B, and 100C and the mobile terminal 200 can be realized in a non-contact manner (without physical connection) by using wireless communication. In this case, each of the

imaging devices

100, 100A, 100B, 100C and the mobile terminal 200 is provided with a wireless communication unit (not shown) such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication device, and the imaging devices 100, 1
Radio signals are transmitted and received between 00A, 100B, and 100C and the portable terminal 200. At this time, power is supplied to each wireless communication unit from a separately provided battery.

A part or all of the above embodiments can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.
(Appendix 1)
An imaging device attached to a mobile terminal having a display unit on a main surface,
An apparatus housing for holding the mobile terminal;
It is arranged on the main surface side opposite to the main surface on which the display unit is provided in the portable terminal, and the device housing unit is capable of imaging the opposite side with respect to the display surface of the display unit. An imaging unit that is attached and images a subject in an imaging area that is an imageable area;
An imaging apparatus in which a captured image of a subject imaged by the imaging unit is displayed on the display unit.
(Appendix 2)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein a central part of the imaging unit is disposed at a position corresponding to a central part of a captured image display area of the display unit.
(Appendix 3)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein a size of the imaging area of the imaging unit corresponds to a size of the captured image display area of the display unit.
(Appendix 4)
The display unit has a rectangular captured image display area,
The central part of the image pickup unit is a main surface side opposite to the main surface on which the display unit is provided, and at least of two pairs of parallel lines constituting a captured image display region of the display unit. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, disposed at a position corresponding to the center line of one parallel line.
(Appendix 5)
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein a central axis of a captured image of a subject imaged by the imaging unit and a central axis of a subject image displayed on the display unit are arranged in parallel to each other.
(Appendix 6)
The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, further comprising a daylighting plate that is provided so as to cover the imaging area of the imaging unit and that guides external light and transmits reflected light from a subject. .
(Appendix 7)
The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a light irradiation unit that irradiates light to the imaging area of the imaging unit.
(Appendix 8)
The mobile terminal has a terminal side connector part for inputting and outputting a predetermined signal,
The imaging device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, further comprising a device-side connector portion connected to the imaging portion and configured to be coupled to the terminal-side connector portion.
(Appendix 9)
9. The supplementary note 1-8, wherein when the captured images of a plurality of subjects that are continuous with each other and have an overlapping region are captured by the imaging unit, the captured images of the plurality of subjects are connected in the overlapping region. Imaging device.
(Appendix 10)
Of the portable terminal, a mounting surface that is formed on the device casing so as to be in contact with a subject, substantially parallel to the main surface opposite to the main surface on which the display unit is provided. With
10. The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein a focal point of the imaging unit is set on the placement surface.
(Appendix 11)
11. The supplementary note 1 to 10, wherein a reflection plate is provided on an optical path until reflected light from the subject enters the imaging unit, and an optical system of the imaging unit is configured by a reflection optical system. Imaging device.
(Appendix 12)
The imaging apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 11, wherein the imaging unit is configured by a two-dimensional image sensor.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. The embodiment is an exemplification, and various modifications, increases / decreases, and combinations may be added to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications to which these changes, increases / decreases, and combinations are also within the scope of the present invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-241991 filed on November 1, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

The present invention can be applied to, for example, an imaging apparatus attached to a mobile terminal having a display unit on the main surface.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 100A Imaging device 100B Imaging device 100C Imaging device 110 Device housing part 110A Device housing part 110B Device housing part 110C Device housing part 111 Storage part 112 Opening part 120 Imaging part 120A Imaging part 130 Device side connector part 140 Signal wiring unit 150 Contact arm 151 Hinge 160 Daylighting plate 170 Mounting surface 180 Light irradiation unit 191 First optical mechanism 192 Second optical mechanism 195 Surface light emitting unit 200 Portable terminal 210 Terminal body 211 Main surface 212 Main surface 220 Display unit 221 Display area 222 Captured image display area 230 Terminal side connector unit 1000 Imaging unit 1000A Imaging unit

Claims

An imaging device attached to a mobile terminal having a display unit on a main surface,
An apparatus housing for holding the mobile terminal;
It is arranged on the main surface side opposite to the main surface on which the display unit is provided in the portable terminal, and the device housing unit is capable of imaging the opposite side with respect to the display surface of the display unit. An imaging unit that is attached and images a subject in an imaging area that is an imageable area;
An imaging apparatus in which a captured image of a subject imaged by the imaging unit is displayed on the display unit.
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a central part of the imaging unit is arranged at a position corresponding to a central part of a captured image display area of the display unit.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a size of the imaging area of the imaging unit corresponds to a size of the captured image display area of the display unit.
The display unit has a rectangular captured image display area,
The central part of the image pickup unit is a main surface side opposite to the main surface on which the display unit is provided, and at least of two pairs of parallel lines constituting a captured image display region of the display unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is disposed at a position corresponding to a center line of one parallel line.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a central axis of a captured image of a subject imaged by the imaging unit and a central axis of a subject image displayed on the display unit are arranged in parallel to each other.
The imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a daylighting plate that is provided so as to cover the imaging area of the imaging unit, and that guides external light and transmits reflected light from a subject. apparatus.
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate light to the imaging area of the imaging unit.
The mobile terminal has a terminal side connector part for inputting and outputting a predetermined signal,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an apparatus-side connector section connected to the imaging section and configured to be coupled to the terminal-side connector section.
9. The captured image of a plurality of subjects that are continuous with each other and having an overlapping region is captured by the imaging unit, and the captured images of the plurality of subjects are connected by the overlapping region. Imaging device.
Of the portable terminal, a mounting surface that is formed on the device casing so as to be in contact with a subject, substantially parallel to the main surface opposite to the main surface on which the display unit is provided. With
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a focal point of the imaging unit is set on the placement surface.