JP2010210691A - Stereoscopic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a stereoscopic imaging apparatus capable of adjusting a focus lens and an angle of convergence with a single actuator, and reducing the size and cost of the apparatus.
When a lead screw 104 is rotated by a focus motor 102, a moving member 112 that moves on the lead screw 104 is connected to focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 via connecting members 114-1 and 114-2. When the moving force in the direction of the optical axis is transmitted to the lens, the focus adjustment can be performed, and at the same time, the rotational driving force of the focus motor 102 is transmitted to the rotating member 106 via the reduction gear train 116, and the rotating member 106 is rotated. Rotational driving force applied to the two imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 via the two shafts 108 and 110, the connecting members 114-1 and 114-2, and the focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2. Is transmitted and the angle of convergence can be adjusted.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a stereoscopic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a stereoscopic imaging apparatus that captures a stereoscopic image composed of left-eye and right-eye images.

  As this type of conventional stereoscopic imaging apparatus, there are those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

  In Patent Document 1, an integrated frame that integrally holds a pair of left and right eye moving lenses is provided, and a driving force is transmitted from a single drive motor to the integrated frame via a cam. There is a description of simultaneously moving the moving lens in the optical axis direction.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for adjusting the convergence angle formed by the optical axes of the left-eye lens and the right-eye lens mechanically (optically) using a liquid prism, a right-eye image, and a left-eye image. A technique for electronically adjusting the convergence angle by changing the cutout frame is described.

Patent Document 3 describes a technique for mechanically adjusting the convergence angle by adjusting the reflection angles of the left and right total reflection mirrors.
JP-A-8-304943 JP-A-8-149515 JP 2001-13605 A

  The stereoscopic imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not mechanically correct the convergence angle. Note that Patent Document 1 describes that the convergence angle is electronically adjusted by changing the image cutout range in the same manner as Patent Document 2, but in this case, the effective area of the image sensor becomes narrower. There is a problem that the number of pixels of the stereoscopic image is lowered.

  The stereoscopic imaging device described in Patent Document 2 uses a liquid prism to optically adjust the convergence angle, and thus requires a component that ensures the positional accuracy of the liquid prism, resulting in a problem that the device is enlarged. .

  The stereoscopic imaging device described in Patent Document 3 has a problem that the left and right total reflection mirrors increase in size as the angle of view increases.

  Further, paragraph [0003] of Patent Document 2 states that “a convergence angle is reduced when a distant subject is focused, and a convergence angle is increased when a close subject is focused. However, Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe a focus actuator adjustment and a convergence angle adjustment using a single actuator. There is no description to be done.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the focus lens and the convergence angle can be adjusted with a single actuator, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost. An object is to provide an imaging device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 includes a first photographing optical system including a first focus lens and a first subject image formed through the first photographing optical system. A first imaging unit having a first imaging element that outputs one image, a second imaging optical system including a second focus lens, and a subject that forms an image via the second imaging optical system A second image pickup unit having a second image pickup device that outputs a second image showing an image, and the first and second image pickup units being separated from each other by a predetermined baseline length in the left-right direction, A unit support mechanism that supports each of the first and second focus lenses, a focus adjustment mechanism that adjusts the positions of the first and second focus lenses, and a subject image formed on the first and second image sensors, respectively. To the focus adjuster A focus control means for outputting a focus drive command to the camera, and a convergence angle adjusting means for adjusting the convergence angle by rotating the first and second imaging units, wherein the first and second imaging optical systems A convergence angle adjustment mechanism that rotates the first and second imaging units so that the optical axis substantially intersects the subject on the shooting distance, and the focus adjustment mechanism and the convergence angle adjustment mechanism are configured to perform the focus control. The actuator is connected to a single actuator whose drive is controlled by a focus drive command from the means, and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses, respectively, and the driving force of the actuator is applied to the first and second focus. A connecting member that transmits to each lens frame of the lens, and a driving force that is transmitted to the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses via the connecting member. And a focus lens driving mechanism for moving the first and second focus lenses in the optical axis direction, respectively, and the first and second focus lens lens frames or focus lens guide shafts via the connecting member. And a unit rotation mechanism for rotating the first and second imaging units respectively by a driving force.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first and second focus lenses are simultaneously driven to focus on the subject using the driving force of a single actuator, the actuator at the time of the focus driving The first and second imaging units can be rotated by this driving force, and the convergence angle can be adjusted so that the convergence angle corresponds to the subject distance. As a result, the first and second images (left-eye and right-eye images) having a good convergence angle over a subject distance from close to infinity can be captured, and a single actuator can be used. Since the focus adjustment and the convergence angle adjustment can be performed simultaneously and mechanically, the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the stereoscopic imaging device according to the first aspect, the focus control unit calculates an integrated value of the high-frequency component of the output signal obtained from at least one of the first and second imaging elements. The focus drive command is outputted so that the integrated value is maximized.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the photographing apparatus includes a photographing distance detecting unit that detects a photographing distance of the subject, and the focus control unit captures the subject detected by the photographing distance detecting unit. The focus drive command is output based on the distance.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the stereoscopic imaging device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first and second imaging optical systems are bending optical systems.

  By adopting a bending optical system, the first and second imaging optical systems can be reduced in size, and the first and second focus lenses can be adjusted even if the convergence angle is adjusted because of the bending optical system. Therefore, the focus lens driving mechanism can be easily configured.

  The stereoscopic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the unit rotation mechanism is erected on a rotating member that rotates by a driving force of the actuator and the rotating member. The two connecting shafts connect the two shafts to the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses, respectively.

  That is, the rotation center of the rotation member, two shafts on the rotation member, the connection point between the connection member and the lens frame of the first and second focus lenses, and the first and second imaging units. Two sets of four-joint link mechanisms are formed from the center of rotation, and two sets of four-joint link mechanisms are driven simultaneously by the rotation of the rotating member, and the convergence angle is adjusted.

  The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the unit rotation mechanism includes an actuator support mechanism that supports the actuator so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the apparatus body, and An actuator moving mechanism for moving the actuator in the front-rear direction by a driving force of the actuator, and a shaft that is erected integrally with the actuator, and the connecting member includes the shaft, the first and the first The lens frame of the second focus lens or the focus lens guide shaft is connected to each other.

  That is, the actuator is moved in the front-rear direction (sliding), a shaft standing on the actuator, a connection point between the connection member and the lens frame or the focus lens guide shaft of the first and second focus lenses, Two sets of slider / crank mechanisms are configured from the rotation centers of the first and second imaging units, and the two sets of slider / crank mechanisms are driven simultaneously by the sliding movement of the actuator, and the convergence angle is adjusted. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the stereoscopic imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the focus lens driving mechanism has the same moving direction as the first and second focus lenses by the driving force of the actuator. It has a moving member that moves in the direction, and the connecting member connects the moving member and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses.

  That is, when the moving member is moved in the same direction as the moving direction of the first and second focus lenses by the driving force of the actuator, the first and second focusing members are connected via the connecting member connected to the moving member. A driving force is transmitted to the lens frame of the second focus lens, and the first and second focus lenses are driven to focus simultaneously.

  As shown in claim 8, in the stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, the unit rotating mechanism includes a rotating member that rotates by a driving force of the actuator, and two shafts that are erected on the rotating member. The focus lens driving mechanism is guided by the two shafts and has a moving member that moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the first and second focus lenses by the driving force of the actuator. And the connecting member connects the two shafts and the lens frames or focus lens guide shafts of the first and second focus lenses, respectively, and the moving member and the first and second focus. The lens frame is connected to the lens frame.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the stereoscopic imaging device according to the fourth aspect, the unit rotation mechanism includes an actuator support mechanism that supports the actuator movably in the front-rear direction of the apparatus main body, and a driving force of the actuator. An actuator moving mechanism that moves the actuator in the front-rear direction; and a shaft that is erected integrally with the actuator; and the focus lens driving mechanism is configured to drive the first and the first by the driving force of the actuator. A moving member that moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the second focus lens, and the connecting member connects the shaft and the lens frame or the focus lens guide shaft of the first and second focus lenses, respectively. , Connecting the moving member and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses, respectively. It is characterized by a door.

  According to the present invention, when the first and second focus lenses are simultaneously driven to focus on a subject using the driving force of a single actuator, the driving force of the actuator during the focus driving The first and second imaging units can be rotated, whereby the convergence angle can be adjusted so that the convergence angle corresponds to the subject distance. Further, since focus adjustment and convergence angle adjustment can be performed simultaneously and mechanically by a single actuator, the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall configuration of stereoscopic imaging apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1 includes a plurality (left eye and right eye) of imaging units 10-1 and 10-2, and acquires parallax images obtained by capturing the same subject from a plurality of viewpoints. However, this is an apparatus for recording as image data for recording in a predetermined format.

  The main CPU 12 (hereinafter referred to as “CPU 12”) functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1 according to a predetermined control program based on an input from the operation unit 14. The power control unit 16 controls the power from the battery 18 and supplies operating power to each unit of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1.

  A ROM 22, a flash ROM 24, an SDRAM 26, and a VRAM 28 are connected to the CPU 12 via a bus 20. The ROM 22 stores a control program executed by the CPU 12, various data necessary for control, and the like. The flash ROM 24 stores various setting information regarding the operation of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1 such as user setting information.

  The SDRAM 26 includes a calculation work area for the CPU 12 and a temporary storage area (work memory) for image data. The VRAM 28 includes a temporary storage area dedicated to display image data.

  The monitor 30 is composed of, for example, a display device including a color liquid crystal panel, and is used as an image display unit for displaying captured images, and is used as a GUI during various settings. The monitor 30 is used as an electronic viewfinder for confirming the angle of view in the shooting mode. A so-called lenticular lens having a semi-cylindrical lens group is disposed on the surface of the monitor 30, and the user can view stereoscopically when displaying a three-dimensional image (3D image). The display control unit 32 converts the image data read from the image sensor 48 or the memory card 70 into a display image signal (for example, an NTSC signal, a PAL signal, or a SCAM signal) and outputs the image signal to the monitor 30. Character and graphic information (for example, data for on-screen display) are output to the monitor 30. Further, the display control unit 32 can output an image to an external display device connected via a predetermined interface (for example, USB, IEEE1394, LAN).

  The operation unit 14 includes operation input means such as a shutter button, a power / mode switch, a mode dial, a cross button, a zoom button, a MENU / OK button, a DISP button, and a BACK button. The power / mode switch functions as a means for switching on / off the power source of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1 and switching the operation mode (reproduction mode and photographing mode) of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1. The mode dial is an operation means for switching the shooting mode of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1, and in accordance with the setting position of the mode dial, a 2D still image shooting mode for shooting a two-dimensional still image and a two-dimensional moving image are shot. The shooting mode is switched between the 2D moving image shooting mode, the 3D still image shooting mode for shooting a 3D still image, and the 3D moving image shooting mode for shooting a 3D moving image.

  The shutter button is composed of a two-stage stroke type switch composed of so-called “half press” and “full press”. When the shutter button is pressed halfway in the still image shooting mode, shooting preparation processing (that is, AE (Automatic Exposure), AF (Auto Focus), AWB (Automatic White Balance) When the shutter button is fully pressed, image capturing / recording processing is performed. In the moving image shooting mode, shooting of a moving image starts when the shutter button is fully pressed, and shooting ends when the shutter button is fully pressed again. Depending on the setting, the moving image is shot while the shutter button is fully pressed, and the shooting can be ended when the full press is released.

  The cross button is provided so that it can be pressed in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and a function corresponding to the operation mode of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1 is assigned to the button in each direction. For example, in the shooting mode, a function for switching the macro function on / off is assigned to the left button, and a function for switching the flash mode is assigned to the right button. In the shooting mode, a function for changing the brightness of the monitor 30 is assigned to the upper button, and a function for turning on / off the self-timer is assigned to the lower button. In the playback mode, the frame advance function is assigned to the left button, and the frame return function is assigned to the right button. In the playback mode, a function for changing the brightness of the monitor 30 is assigned to the upper button, and a function for deleting the image being reproduced is assigned to the lower button. Further, at the time of various settings, a function for moving the cursor displayed on the monitor 30 in the direction of each button is assigned.

  The zoom button is an operation means for performing a zooming operation of the imaging units 10-1 and 10-2, and includes a zoom tele button for instructing zooming to the telephoto side, and a zoom wide button for instructing zooming to the wide angle side. It has.

  The MENU / OK button is used to call a menu screen (MENU function), and is used to confirm selection contents, execute a process, etc. (OK function), and is assigned according to the setting state of the stereoscopic imaging apparatus 1 Is switched. On the menu screen, the MENU / OK button is used for, for example, adjusting the image quality such as exposure value, hue, shooting sensitivity, number of recorded pixels, setting of self-timer, switching of photometry method, whether to use digital zoom, etc. All the adjustment items that 1 has are set. The stereoscopic imaging device 1 operates according to the conditions set on this menu screen.

  The DISP button is used for inputting an instruction for switching the display contents of the monitor 30, and the BACK button is used for inputting an instruction for canceling the input operation.

  The flash light emitting unit 36 is composed of, for example, a discharge tube (xenon tube), and emits light as necessary when photographing a dark subject or in backlight. The flash control unit 38 includes a main capacitor for supplying a current for causing the flash light emitting unit (discharge tube) 36 to emit light. Charging control of the main capacitor according to a flash light emission command from the CPU 12, Control of discharge (light emission) timing and discharge time is performed.

  Next, the photographing function of the stereoscopic imaging device 1 will be described. The imaging unit 10 includes a photographing lens 40 (a zoom lens 42, a focus lens 44, and an aperture 46), a zoom lens control unit (Z lens control unit) 42C, an aperture control unit 46C, an imaging element 48, a timing generator (TG) 50, an analog A signal processing unit 52, an A / D converter 54, an image input controller 56, and a digital signal processing unit 58 are provided. In FIG. 1, the respective units in the imaging units 10-1 and 10-2 are distinguished from each other by reference numerals 1 and 2, but the functions of the respective units are substantially the same. Explanation will be made with 1 and 2 omitted.

  The zoom lens 42 is driven by a zoom actuator (not shown) and moves back and forth along the optical axis. The CPU 12 performs zooming by controlling the position of the zoom lens 42 by controlling the driving of the zoom actuator via the zoom lens control unit 42C.

  The focus lens 44 is driven by the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism 100 and moves along the optical axis. The CPU 12 outputs a focus drive command, which will be described later, to the focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism 100 to control the position of the focus lens 44 and perform focusing, and each of the photographic lens 40-1 and the photographic lens 40-2. Adjust the angle (convergence angle) formed by the optical axis. Details of the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism 100 will be described later.

  The diaphragm 46 is composed of, for example, an iris diaphragm, and operates by being driven by a diaphragm actuator (not shown). The CPU 12 controls the aperture amount (aperture value) of the diaphragm 46 by controlling the driving of the diaphragm actuator via the diaphragm controller 46C, and controls the amount of light incident on the image sensor 48.

  The CPU 12 drives the photographing lenses 40-1 and 40-2 of each imaging unit in synchronization. That is, the photographing lenses 40-1 and 40-2 are always set to the same focal length (zoom magnification), and focus adjustment is performed so that the same subject is always in focus. In addition, the aperture is adjusted so that the same incident light amount (aperture value) is always obtained.

  The image sensor 48 is constituted by, for example, a color CCD solid-state image sensor. A large number of photodiodes are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the image pickup device (CCD) 48, and a color filter is arranged in a predetermined arrangement on each photodiode. The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD by the photographing lens 40 is converted into signal charges corresponding to the amount of incident light by the photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out from the image sensor 48 as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the TG 50 according to a command from the CPU 12. The image sensor 48 has an electronic shutter function, and the exposure time (shutter speed) is controlled by controlling the charge accumulation time in the photodiode.

  In the present embodiment, a CCD is used as the image sensor 48, but an image sensor having another configuration such as a CMOS sensor may be used.

  The analog signal processing unit 52 is a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) for removing reset noise (low frequency) included in the image signal output from the image sensor 48, and amplifies the image signal to a certain level. The image signal output from the image sensor 48 is subjected to correlated double sampling processing and amplified.

  The A / D converter 54 converts the analog image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 52 into a digital image signal.

  The image input controller 56 takes in the image signal output from the A / D converter 54 and stores it in the SDRAM 26.

  The digital signal processing unit 58 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with a color filter array of a single CCD), a white balance adjustment circuit, a gradation It functions as an image processing means including a conversion processing circuit (for example, a gamma correction circuit), a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, and the like, and a predetermined signal for the R, G, B image signals stored in the SDRAM 26 Process. That is, the R, G, B image signals are converted into YUV signals composed of luminance signals (Y signals) and color difference signals (Cr, Cb signals) in the digital signal processing unit 58, and gradation conversion processing (for example, A predetermined process such as gamma correction is performed. The image data processed by the digital signal processing unit 58 is stored in the VRAM 28.

  When the captured image is output to the monitor 30, the image data is read from the VRAM 28 and sent to the display control unit 32 via the bus 20. The display control unit 32 converts the input image data into a predetermined format video signal for display and outputs the video signal to the monitor 30.

  The AF detection unit 60 captures R, G, and B color image signals captured from one of the image input controllers 56-1 and 56-2, and calculates a focus evaluation value necessary for AF control. The AF detection unit 60 includes a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, a focus area extraction unit that extracts a signal within a predetermined focus area set on the screen, and an absolute value within the focus area An integration unit for integrating data is included, and absolute value data in the focus area integrated by the integration unit is output to the CPU 12 as a focus evaluation value.

  During the AF control, the CPU 12 searches for a position where the focus evaluation value output from the AF detection unit 60 is maximized, and moves the focus lens 44 to that position, thereby performing focusing on the subject (main subject). That is, at the time of AF control, the CPU 12 first moves the focus lens 44 from the closest distance to infinity, sequentially acquires the focus evaluation value from the AF detection unit 60 in the moving process, and determines the position where the focus evaluation value becomes maximum. To detect. Then, the position where the detected focus evaluation value is maximum is determined as the in-focus position, and the focus lens 44 is moved to that position. Thereby, the subject (main subject) located in the focus area is focused.

  In place of the AF detection unit 60, a subject distance detection unit 34 that uses a known triangulation method or the like that detects a shooting distance (subject distance) with a subject is provided, and the CPU 12 includes the subject distance detection unit. A focus drive command for focusing on the subject (main subject) may be output based on the information indicating the subject distance detected by 34.

  The AE / AWB detection unit 62 takes in image signals of R, G, and B colors taken from one of the image input controllers 56-1 and 56-2, and integrates values necessary for AE control and AWB control. Is calculated. That is, the AE / AWB detection unit 62 divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 8 × 8 = 64 areas), and calculates an integrated value of R, G, and B signals for each divided area.

  The CPU 12 obtains an integrated value of R, G, and B signals for each area calculated by the AE / AWB detection unit 62 during AE control, obtains the brightness (photometric value) of the subject, and obtains an appropriate exposure amount. Set the exposure for That is, the photographing sensitivity, aperture value, shutter speed, and necessity of flash emission are set.

  Further, the CPU 12 inputs an integrated value of R, G, B signals for each area calculated by the AE / AWB detection unit 62 during the AWB control to the digital signal processing unit 58. The digital signal processing unit 58 calculates a gain value for white balance adjustment based on the integrated value calculated by the AE / AWB detection unit 62. Further, the digital signal processing unit 58 detects the light source type based on the integrated value calculated by the AE / AWB detection unit 62.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 64 performs compression processing on the input image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 12 to generate compressed image data in a predetermined format. For example, compression processing conforming to the JPEG standard is applied to still images, and MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264, and the like are applied to moving images. A compression process conforming to the H.264 standard is performed. The compression / decompression processing unit 64 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 12 to generate non-compressed image data.

  The image file generation unit 66 generates an image file storing a plurality of JPEG format still image data generated by the compression / decompression processing unit 64.

  The media control unit 68 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the memory card 70 in accordance with a command from the CPU 12.

  The external connection interface unit (external connection I / F) 72 is a device for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external image processing device (for example, a personal computer, a portable information terminal, and an image storage device). The communication method with the external image processing apparatus is, for example, USB, IEEE1394, LAN, infrared communication (IrDA), or the like.

  Next, the focus adjustment of the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 in the photographing lenses 40-1 and 40-2 and the adjustment of the convergence angle in the two photographing lenses 40-1 and 40-2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the convergence angle when viewing a distant object is small, and the convergence angle when viewing a near object is small.

  When shooting a subject at a short distance with a small angle of convergence, there is a problem that the subject in the left and right images is greatly displaced, making it difficult to achieve clear stereoscopic vision, or causing the eyes of the viewer to become tired. appear.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the convergence angle is adjusted according to the subject distance so that the convergence angle is increased when shooting a short-distance subject, and the convergence angle is reduced when shooting a long-distance subject. adjust. As a method of adjusting the convergence angle, adjustment is performed so that the optical axes of the photographing lenses 40-1 and 40-2 substantially intersect at a subject (main subject) on the photographing distance.

  In the present invention, as will be described later, the adjustment of the convergence angle is mechanically linked to the focus adjustment of the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the left and right imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 and the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism 100, and FIG. 4 shows the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which saw through the inside.

  In these drawings, an image pickup unit 49-1 is a unit in which the photographing lens 40-1 and the image pickup element 48-1 described above are integrated, and is rotatable to the apparatus main body by a lens unit rotating shaft 51-1. Similarly, the image pickup unit 49-2 is a unit in which the photographing lens 40-2 and the image pickup device 48-2 are integrated, and the lens unit rotation shaft 51-2 is pivotable to the apparatus main body. It is supported.

  The photographing lenses 40-1 and 40-2 have a bending optical system in which the optical axis L is bent by the prisms 53-1 and 53-2 as shown in FIG. 51-1 and 52-2 are arranged coaxially with the optical axis of each bending optical system, respectively, and are arranged so that the optical axis L is separated by a predetermined baseline length. In FIG. 3, 59-1 and 59-2 are cover glasses or front lens.

  The focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 in the photographic lenses 40-1 and 40-2 respectively have focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2 through which the lens frames 55-1 and 55-2 are inserted. These are arranged so as to be movable in the optical axis direction by a non-rotating member (not shown).

  On the other hand, the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism 100 is disposed at an intermediate position between the two imaging units 49-1 and 49-2, and includes a focus driving actuator (focus motor) 102, a lead screw 104, and a rotating member. 106, two shafts 108 and 110, a moving member 112, two connecting members 114-1 and 114-2, and a reduction gear train 116.

  The two shafts 108 and 110 are erected on the rotating member 106 at a point-symmetrical position around the lead screw 104, function as a guide shaft for the moving member 112 that is screwed into the lead screw 104, and a connecting member 114. -1 and 114-2 each function as a support shaft that rotatably supports.

  The moving member 112 and the connecting members 114-1, 114-2 are connected, and the other ends of the connecting members 114-1, 114-2 are rotated around the focus lens guide shafts 57-1, 57-2, respectively. The shaft is movably supported and is connected to the lens frames 55-1 and 55-2.

  Accordingly, when the moving member 112 moves on the lead screw 104, the connecting members 114-1, 114-2 move with the movement of the moving member 112, and with the movement of the connecting members 114-1, 114-2. The focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 held by the lens frames 55-1 and 55-2 are moved in the same direction as the optical axis direction (the axial direction of the lead screw 104).

  On the other hand, a gear (not shown) is provided on the output shaft of the focus motor 102 (the output shaft on the side facing the lead screw 104), and the rotational driving force of the focus motor 102 is transmitted from this gear via the reduction gear train 108. Thus, it is transmitted to the outer peripheral gear of the rotating member 106.

  Therefore, when the focus motor 102 is rotationally driven, a rotational driving force is transmitted from its output shaft to the rotary member 106 via the reduction gear train 116, and the rotary member 106 rotates. The rotation of the rotating member 106 causes the imaging unit 49 to pass through the two shafts 108 and 110, the connecting members 114-1 and 114-2, and the focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2 on the rotating member 106. -1 and 49-2 are transmitted with rotational driving force, and the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 rotate around the lens unit rotation shafts 51-1 and 51-2, respectively.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 rotate in opposite directions with the rotation of the rotating member 106. FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the rotation center of the rotation member 106, the shafts 108 and 110 on the rotation member 106, the focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2, and the lenses of the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2. The unit rotary shafts 51-1 and 51-2 and links (including those that can be regarded as links) connecting these units constitute two sets of four-bar linkage mechanisms.

  When the rotating member 106 rotates in the clockwise direction from the state shown in FIG. 5A, the imaging unit 49-1 that is rotatably supported by the lens unit rotating shaft 51-1 is shown in FIG. As shown, the imaging unit 49-2 that rotates counterclockwise and is rotatably supported by the lens unit rotating shaft 51-2 rotates clockwise, thereby adjusting the convergence angle. It is like that.

  As described above, when the focus driving lead screw 104 is rotated by one focus motor 102, the connecting members 114-1, 114-2 and the lens frame 55-1 are moved from the moving member 112 moving on the lead screw 104. , 55-2, the moving force in the optical axis direction is transmitted to the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2, and the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 can be moved (focus adjustment), and at the same time, the focus motor When the rotational driving force of 102 is transmitted to the rotating member 106 via the reduction gear train 116 and the rotating member 106 is rotated, the two shafts 108 and 110 on the rotating member 106 and the connecting members 114-1 and 114-are rotated. 2. Rotation driving force is transmitted to the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 via the focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2. It is, by rotating in the opposite direction the imaging unit 49-1 and 49-2 to each other can (convergence angle adjustment).

  By adjusting the amount of movement of the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 by the lead screw 104, the reduction ratio in the reduction gear train 116, the reduction ratio by the four-bar linkage mechanism, etc., the target subject is focused. Thus, when the focus is driven, the convergence angle can be adjusted so that the optical axes of the two imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 substantially intersect on the subject.

  In the first embodiment, the other ends of the connecting members 114-1 and 114-2 are pivotally supported by the focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2, respectively. Not limited to this, the lens frames 55-1 and 55-2 may be rotatably supported.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism according to the present invention will be described.

  6 is a perspective view showing the left and right imaging units 49-1, 49-2 and the focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism 100 ′, and FIG. 7 is an imaging unit 49-1, 49-2 shown in FIG. FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in 1st Embodiment shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the angle of convergence between the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 is adjusted by the rotation of the rotating member 106, but it is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The second embodiment is different in that the convergence angle between the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 is adjusted by moving the focus motor 102 in the front-rear direction.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the focus motor 102 is supported by a motor support mechanism including two guide shafts 150 and 152 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the apparatus body. Two shafts 108 and 110 are erected integrally.

  A pinion gear 154 is attached to the lower output shaft of the focus motor 102 (an output shaft facing the lead screw 104), and a rack gear 156 that meshes with the pinion gear 154 is disposed. The pinion gear 154 and the rack gear 156 constitute a rack and pinion.

  When the focus motor 102 rotates, the rotational driving force of the focus motor 102 is converted into a linear motion by the rack and pinion, and the focus motor 102 moves in the front-rear direction along the guide shafts 150 and 152 of the motor support mechanism. Let

  By moving the focus motor 102 in the front-rear direction, the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 can be rotated in opposite directions (convergence angle adjustment).

  The focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 are driven by the lead screw 104 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 rotate in opposite directions with the movement of the focus motor 102 in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in the figure, the two axes 108 and 110 that move (slide) in the same direction as the focus motor 102 moves in the front-rear direction (the vertical movement in FIG. 8), and the focus lens guide shaft 57- 1, 57-2, lens unit rotation shafts 51-1 and 51-2 of the imaging units 49-1 and 49-2, and links (including those that can be regarded as links) connecting these two sliders.・ Crank mechanism is configured.

  When the focus motor 102 (two shafts 108 and 110) slides upward in FIG. 8 from the state shown in FIG. 5A, the image pickup is rotatably supported by the lens unit rotating shaft 51-1. The unit 49-1 rotates counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 1B, and the imaging unit 49-2 supported rotatably by the lens unit rotating shaft 51-2 is clockwise. Thus, the convergence angle can be adjusted.

  As described above, when the focus driving lead screw 104 is rotated by one focus motor 102, the connecting members 114-1, 114-2 and the lens frame 55-1 are moved from the moving member 112 moving on the lead screw 104. , 55-2, the moving force in the optical axis direction is transmitted to the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2, and the focus lenses 44-1 and 44-2 can be moved (focus adjustment), and at the same time, the focus motor When the rotational driving force of 102 is converted into a linear motion through the rack and pinion and the focus motor 102 slides back and forth, the two shafts 108 and 110 on the focus motor 102 and the connecting member 114-1 114-2 and the focus lens guide shafts 57-1 and 57-2, the imaging unit 49- , 49-2 rotational driving force is transmitted to can be rotated in the opposite direction to the imaging unit 49-1 and 49-2 to each other (convergence angle adjustment).

  By adjusting the amount of movement of the focus lenses 44-1, 44-2 by the lead screw 104, the amount of movement of the focus motor 102 by the rack and pinion in the front-rear direction, the reduction ratio by the slider / crank mechanism, etc. When focus driving is performed so that the target subject is in focus, the convergence angle can be adjusted so that the optical axes of the two imaging units 49-1 and 49-2 substantially intersect on the subject.

[Others]
The focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various types are conceivable. In short, the focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism is driven by a focus adjustment actuator from one focus drive actuator. Any mechanism that mechanically rotates a plurality of imaging units at the same time and adjusts the convergence angle may be used.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram used to explain the relationship between the subject distance and the convergence angle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing two left and right imaging units and a focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism used to explain the first embodiment of the focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inside of the imaging unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram used for explaining the convergence angle adjustment in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing two left and right imaging units and a focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism used for explaining a second embodiment of the focus / convergence angle adjustment mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inside of the imaging unit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram used for explaining the convergence angle adjustment in the second embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stereoscopic imaging device, 12 ... Main CPU, 34 ... Subject distance detection part, 40-1, 40-2 ... Shooting lens, 44-1, 44-2 ... Focus lens, 48-1, 48-2 ... Imaging element 49-1, 49-2 ... Imaging unit, 51-1, 51-2 ... Lens unit rotation axis, 55-1, 55-2 ... Lens frame, 57-1, 57-2 ... Focus lens guide shaft, 60 ... AF detector, 100, 100 '... focus / convergence angle adjusting mechanism, 102 ... focus motor, 104 ... lead screw, 106 ... rotating member, 108, 110 ... shaft, 112 ... moving member, 114-1, 114-2 ... Connecting member 116 ... Reduction gear train 150, 152 ... Guide shaft 154 ... Pinion gear 156 ... Rack gear

Claims (9)

A first imaging optical system including a first focus lens, and a first imaging device that outputs a first image showing a subject image formed through the first imaging optical system. An imaging unit;
A second imaging optical system including a second focus lens; and a second imaging element that outputs a second image indicating a subject image formed through the second imaging optical system. An imaging unit;
A unit support mechanism that separates the first and second imaging units in the left-right direction by a predetermined base line length and supports the first and second imaging units in a rotatable manner in the apparatus body;
A focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positions of the first and second focus lenses;
Focus control means for outputting a focus drive command to the focus adjustment mechanism so that a subject image is formed on each of the first and second imaging elements;
Convergence angle adjusting means for adjusting the convergence angle by rotating the first and second imaging units, and the optical axes of the first and second imaging optical systems substantially intersect at the subject on the imaging distance. A convergence angle adjusting mechanism for rotating the first and second imaging units as described above,
The focus adjustment mechanism and the convergence angle adjustment mechanism are:
A single actuator whose drive is controlled by a focus drive command from the focus control means;
A coupling member coupled to the lens frame of each of the first and second focus lenses and transmitting the driving force of the actuator to the lens frame of each of the first and second focus lenses;
A focus lens driving mechanism that moves the first and second focus lenses in the optical axis direction by a driving force transmitted to the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses via the connecting member;
A unit rotation mechanism for rotating the first and second imaging units by a driving force transmitted to the lens frame or the focus lens guide shaft of the first and second focus lenses via the connecting member;
A stereoscopic imaging apparatus comprising:   The focus control unit calculates an integrated value of high-frequency components of an output signal obtained from at least one of the first and second imaging elements, and outputs the focus drive command so that the integrated value is maximized. The three-dimensional imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: Provided with a shooting distance detecting means for detecting the shooting distance of the subject,
The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus control unit outputs the focus driving command based on a shooting distance of the subject detected by the shooting distance detection unit.   The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second imaging optical systems are bending optical systems. The unit rotating mechanism includes a rotating member that rotates by a driving force of the actuator;
Two shafts erected on the rotating member,
5. The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member connects the two shafts and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses, respectively. 6. The unit rotation mechanism includes an actuator support mechanism that supports the actuator movably in the front-rear direction of the apparatus body, an actuator movement mechanism that moves the actuator in the front-rear direction by the driving force of the actuator, and the actuator A shaft erected integrally, and
5. The stereoscopic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member connects the shaft and a lens frame or a focus lens guide shaft of the first and second focus lenses. The focus lens driving mechanism has a moving member that moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the first and second focus lenses by the driving force of the actuator,
The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member connects the moving member and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses. The unit rotating mechanism includes a rotating member that rotates by a driving force of the actuator;
Two shafts erected on the rotating member,
The focus lens driving mechanism includes a moving member that is guided by the two shafts and moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the first and second focus lenses by the driving force of the actuator.
The connecting member connects the two shafts and the lens frames or focus lens guide shafts of the first and second focus lenses, respectively, and the moving member and the lenses of the first and second focus lenses. The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frames are connected to each other. The unit rotation mechanism includes an actuator support mechanism that supports the actuator movably in the front-rear direction of the apparatus body, an actuator movement mechanism that moves the actuator in the front-rear direction by the driving force of the actuator, and the actuator A shaft erected integrally, and
The focus lens driving mechanism has a moving member that moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the first and second focus lenses by the driving force of the actuator,
The connecting member connects the shaft and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses or the focus lens guide shaft, respectively, and connects the moving member and the lens frames of the first and second focus lenses. The three-dimensional imaging device according to claim 4, wherein each of the stereoscopic imaging devices is connected.

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