Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device with which it is possible to reduce a misalignment of irradiation light in captured images.SOLUTION: The imaging device comprises: an imaging element; a light-emitting device located away from the imaging element in a top view and including a plurality of light-emitting units; a lens located above the light-emitting device; and a control unit which, by controlling emission of the plurality of light-emitting units, is capable of controlling irradiation light from the light-emitting device on an irradiation plane perpendicular to the center axis of the imaging element and including the center point of an imaging region. The control unit is capable of selecting a light-emitting unit capable of irradiating the center of the imaging region with light as a reference light-emitting unit serving as a reference for control of the irradiation light. The light-emitting device is capable of emitting the irradiation light on the irradiation plane, with the reference light-emitting unit taken as a point of reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, an imaging device is disclosed that includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light independently controlled to a plurality of irradiation regions, a distance measuring unit that measures distance for each of a plurality of distance measuring regions set within a shooting angle of view, and a control unit that causes the light emitting unit to irradiate light to the plurality of irradiation regions according to the distance measurement result in the distance measuring unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide an imaging device capable of reducing the deviation of irradiation light in a captured image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an imaging element, a light emitting device that is disposed separately from the imaging element in a top view and includes a plurality of light emitting units, a lens disposed above the light emitting device, and a control unit that can control irradiation light from the light emitting device on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging element and includes the center point of the shooting region by controlling the light emission of the plurality of light emitting units. The control unit can select a light emitting unit capable of irradiating light to the center of the shooting region as a reference light emitting unit that serves as a reference for controlling the irradiation light, and the light emitting device can irradiate the irradiation light based on the reference light emitting unit on the irradiation surface.

[0006] An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an imaging element, a light emitting device that is disposed separately from the imaging element in a top view and includes a plurality of light emitting units, a lens disposed above the light emitting device, a driving unit that moves the lens, and a control unit that can control the irradiation light from the light emitting device on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging element and includes the center point of the imaging area by controlling the light emission of the plurality of light emitting units. The control unit can detect a positional deviation between the light irradiated from the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the center point of the imaging area on the irradiation surface, and the driving unit moves the lens so that the light irradiated from the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the center point of the imaging area coincide with each other on the irradiation surface based on the information detected by the control unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of reducing the deviation of irradiation light in a captured image.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments illustrate an imaging device for embodying the technical idea of the present disclosure and are not limited thereto. In addition, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure only thereto without specific description, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the sizes, positional relationships, etc. of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. In the following description, the same names and reference numerals indicate the same or similar members, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. As a cross-sectional view, an end view showing only the cut surface may be used.

[0010] In each drawing, as a direction expression, a rectangular coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis is used. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The direction in which the arrow points in the X direction is denoted as the +X direction, and the opposite direction of the +X direction is denoted as the -X direction. The +X direction corresponds to the left direction, and the -X direction corresponds to the right direction. The direction in which the arrow points in the Y direction is denoted as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction of the +Y direction is denoted as the -Y direction. The direction in which the arrow points in the Z direction is denoted as the +Z direction, and the opposite direction of the +Z direction is the -Z direction. As an example, the imaging device according to the embodiment irradiates light in the +Z direction and performs imaging using the light returned from the subject in the -Z direction.

[0011] In the terms of the embodiment, the top view refers to a view of an object seen from the +Z direction. In the following embodiments, along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis includes that the object has an inclination within a range of ±10° with respect to these axes. In addition, in the following embodiments, "perpendicular to the axis" means that the angle formed with the axis is within a range of 90° ± 10°.

[0012] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of the Imaging Device According to the First Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the imaging device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of the overall configuration of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the imaging device 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the irradiation surface 200 irradiated with light by the imaging device 100 and the corresponding region 11. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for controlling the brightness of a plurality of light emitting units 20 by the imaging device 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the irradiation surface 200 irradiated with light by the imaging device 100 and the corresponding region 11. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the deviation of the irradiation light from the light emitting device 2 according to the separation distance between the imaging element 1 and the light emitting device 2. Note that FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the imaging device 100 including the central axis 1C of the imaging element 1 included in the imaging device 100 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 included in the imaging device 100. The central axis 1C and the central axis 2C are axes extending in the direction along the optical axis 3C of the lens 3 included in the imaging device 100, respectively. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, part of the light emitted from the light emitting device 2 is indicated by a solid line or a broken line. FIGS. 3 and 5 show the state of the irradiation surface 200 irradiated with the irradiation light from the light emitting device 2 as viewed from the direction in which the imaging device 100 is located.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device 100 includes an imaging element 1, a light emitting device 2 that is arranged separately from the imaging element 1 in a top view and includes a plurality of light emitting units 20, and a lens 3 that is arranged above the light emitting device 2. Further, the imaging device 100 has a control unit 4 that can control the irradiation light L from the light emitting device 2 on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis 1C of the imaging element 1 and includes the center point AC of the imaging region A by controlling the light emission of the plurality of light emitting units 20. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device 100 includes an imaging lens 5 that transmits light from a subject, a housing 6 that houses the imaging element 1, the light emitting device 2, the lens 3, and the imaging lens 5 inside, and a distance detection unit 7 that acquires and outputs information regarding the distance to the irradiation surface 200. The control unit 4 can select a light emitting unit 20 that can irradiate the center point AC of the imaging region A with light Ls as a reference light emitting unit 20s that serves as a reference for controlling the irradiation light L. The light emitting device 2 can irradiate the irradiation surface 200 with the irradiation light L based on the reference light emitting unit 20s.

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 2, when all of the plurality of light emitting units 20 included in the light emitting device 2 emit light, the obtained irradiation light L is indicated by a dashed line, and the light Ls irradiated from the reference light emitting unit 20s to the center point AC of the imaging region A is represented by a solid line. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, among the plurality of light emitting units 20, only the reference light emitting unit 20s emits light, and the other light emitting units 20 do not emit light.

[0015] In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the corresponding region 11 is a region on the irradiation surface 200 where light is irradiated from the plurality of light emitting units 20. The plurality of light emitting units 20 and the plurality of corresponding regions 11 correspond to each other one-to-one. The plurality of corresponding regions 11 are arranged in a matrix in each of the X direction and the Y direction according to the plurality of light emitting units 20.

[0016] In FIGS. 3 and 5, the irradiation area 201 shown in white is the area on the irradiation surface 200 where light is irradiated by the corresponding light-emitting unit 20 emitting light. Among the irradiation areas 201, the reference area 11s is the area irradiated with the light Ls by the reference light-emitting unit 20s. The non-irradiation area 202 shown by dot hatching is the area on the irradiation surface 200 where light is not irradiated because the corresponding light-emitting unit 20 is not emitting light. The area filled in black is the area on the irradiation surface 200 that does not include the corresponding area 11. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since only the reference area 11s is included in the irradiation area 201, the reference numerals of the irradiation area 201 and the reference area 11s are shown together.

[0017] The light-emitting device 2 can cause all the light-emitting units 20 included in the light-emitting device 2 to emit light, and can also cause the plurality of light-emitting units 20 to emit light individually or in groups. The imaging device 100 can perform partial irradiation on the irradiation surface 200 by causing the plurality of light-emitting units 20 of the light-emitting device 2 to emit light individually or in groups. Partial irradiation means irradiating light on a part of the area of the irradiation surface 200. The irradiation light L is not limited to the irradiation light when all the plurality of light-emitting units 20 included in the light-emitting device 2 emit light, and may be partial irradiation light.

[0018] Here, for example, in an imaging device that performs imaging using irradiation light from a light-emitting device arranged at a distance from the imaging element, in the captured image by the imaging device, the irradiation light from the light-emitting device may be shifted according to the separation distance between the imaging element and the light-emitting device. For example, the center of the irradiation light may be shifted from the center of the imaging area by the imaging element, so that the center of the irradiation light may be located at a position shifted from the center of the captured image. In addition, an area where the irradiation light is not irradiated may unintentionally occur in the imaging angle of view. In particular, in close-up imaging where the distance to the subject is short and the distance to the irradiation surface is short, the shift of the irradiation light with respect to the imaging area becomes prominent.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 6, an example of the deviation of the irradiation light with respect to the imaging region according to the separation distance between the imaging device and the light emitting device will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an object S1 and an object S2 are located in the imaging region A. The entire irradiation region B0 is a region where light can be irradiated by the light emitting device 2. The partial irradiation region B1 is a region where light is actually partially irradiated from the light emitting device 2. The region B2 where partial irradiation is desired is a region where partial irradiation of light is desired by the light emitting device 2. The entire irradiation region B0, the partial irradiation region B1, and the region B2 where partial irradiation is desired are regions included in the imaging region A. When partial irradiation is performed on the object S1 with a predetermined brightness, the partial irradiation region B1 may deviate from the region B2 where partial irradiation is desired depending on the separation distance between the light emitting device 2 and the imaging device 1. On the other hand, depending on the separation distance between the light emitting device 2 and the imaging device 1, since the object S2 is located outside the entire irradiation region B0, it may not be irradiated with sufficient irradiation light, and blackening or the like may occur in the captured image by the imaging device 1.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the control unit 4 can select the light emitting unit 20 that irradiates the light Ls to the center point AC of the imaging region A as the reference light emitting unit 20s that serves as a reference for controlling the irradiation light L. The reference light emitting unit 20s is a light emitting unit selected based on the separation distance between the imaging device 1 and the light emitting device 2, and is a light emitting unit that serves as a reference when generating the irradiation light from the light emitting device. Generally, the irradiation light of the light emitting device (including the entire irradiation light and the partial irradiation light) may be generated based on the center of the light emitting device in a plan view. On the other hand, in the light emitting device according to the present embodiment, the reference light emitting unit is selected based on the separation distance between the imaging device 1 and the light emitting device 2, and the irradiation light is generated based on the reference light emitting unit. Note that when the irradiation light of the light emitting device is generated, the reference light emitting unit 20s does not necessarily have to emit light, and includes both the case of emitting light and the case of not emitting light.

[0021] For example, the control unit 4 shown in FIG. 2 calculates and obtains the irradiation angle θ of the light from the light emitting device 2 to the center point AC of the imaging region A through the lens 3 based on the distance e between the central axis 1C of the imaging device 1 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2, and the irradiation distance d from the imaging device 100 to the irradiation surface 200. The irradiation angle θ is the angle formed by the central axis LC along the traveling direction of the light irradiated from the light emitting device 2 to the center point AC of the imaging region A and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 and the optical axis 3C of the lens 3 overlap, the signs of the central axis 2C and the optical axis 3C are shown together. The distance e between the central axis 1C of the imaging device 1 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 can be determined in advance. Also, the irradiation distance d can be obtained based on the information regarding the distance to the irradiation surface 200 obtained by the distance detection unit 7. The control unit 4 can specify and select the reference light emitting unit 20s that irradiates the center point AC of the imaging region A with the light Ls based on the lens distance h between the light emitting device 2 and the lens 3 and the obtained irradiation angle θ. The light emitting device 2 can irradiate the irradiation light L with the light Ls irradiated from the reference light emitting unit 20s as a reference on the irradiation surface 200. Thereby, the imaging device 100 can irradiate the irradiation light L with the center point AC of the imaging region A as a reference. By irradiating the irradiation light L with the center point AC of the imaging region A as a reference, in the present embodiment, an imaging device 100 capable of reducing the deviation of the irradiation light L in the captured image can be provided.

[0022] The "irradiation light L with the light Ls as a reference" may be, for example, the irradiation light when all of the plurality of light emitting units 20 emit light, and the light Ls is located at the center on the irradiation surface 200. Also, the "irradiation light L with the light Ls as a reference" may be, for example, the partial irradiation light when only some of the plurality of light emitting units 20 emit light, and the light Ls is located at the center on the irradiation surface 200. As an example, the "irradiation light L with the light Ls as a reference" is the partial irradiation light when all of the light emitting units 20 included in a group formed by a plurality of adjacent light emitting units 20 among the light emitting units 20 provided in the light emitting device 2 emit light, and the light Ls is located at the center on the irradiation surface 200.

[0023] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light-emitting device 2 can irradiate a wider area on the irradiation surface 200 than the imaging area A by the imaging device 1. For example, when the imaging angle of view of the imaging device 1 using the imaging lens 5 and the irradiation angle of view of the light-emitting device 2 using the lens 3 are substantially the same, and when the imaging device 1 and the light-emitting device 2 are separated by a distance e, there may be a region where the irradiation light from the light-emitting device 2 is not irradiated on the imaging area A by the imaging device 1. This becomes particularly prominent when performing close-up photography. In the imaging device 100, since the light-emitting device 2 can irradiate a wider area on the irradiation surface 200 than the imaging area A by the imaging device 1, the light-emitting device 2 can irradiate the entire imaging area A by the imaging device 1 with the irradiation light L even when performing close-up photography.

[0024] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of light-emitting units 20 are arranged at least along the direction in which the light-emitting device 2 and the imaging device 1 are arranged. Specifically, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light-emitting device 2 and the imaging device 1 are arranged in the X direction, and the plurality of light-emitting units 20 are arranged in each of the X direction and the Y direction, and are at least arranged in the X direction. Thereby, the imaging device 100 can easily bring the center of the irradiation light L by the plurality of light-emitting units 20 closer to the center of the captured image on the irradiation surface 200.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the distance from the center 20C of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 20 to the center 11C of the corresponding region 11 is Dn (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the brightness preset to the reference distance Ds at a position farther than the distance Dn is Bs, the control unit 4 controls the light-emitting unit 20 with the brightness Br n to emit light. The brightness Bs indicates, for example, illuminance. Br n =Bs×(1 / Dn 2 ) ··· (1)

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the reference numerals representing the centers 20C of the light emitting surfaces of the light emitting units 20 include the reference numerals from the center 20C-1 to the center 20C-7 of the light emitting surface of each light emitting unit 20. Further, the reference numerals representing the corresponding regions 11 include the reference numerals from the corresponding region 11-1 to the corresponding region 11-7. The reference numerals representing the center 11C of the corresponding region 11 include the reference numerals from the center 11C-1 to the center 11C-7 of the corresponding region 11. The center 20C-1 to the center 20C-7 of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 20 and the center 11C-1 to the center 11C-7 of the corresponding region 11 correspond one-to-one. Further, the reference position 300 is a position farther than the distance Dn, and the reference distance Ds is the distance from the imaging device 100 to the reference position 300. Information on the reference position 300 and the reference distance Ds is stored in advance in a memory or the like, for example.

[0027] For example, in the imaging device 100, the irradiation angles of the light from each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 to the irradiation surface 200 are different according to the positions of each of the plurality of light emitting units 20. In other words, the distances Dn from the plurality of light emitting units 20 to the corresponding region 11 on the irradiation surface 200 are different. For this reason, depending on the difference in the distance Dn, there may be a difference in the brightness of the irradiation light from each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 on the irradiation surface 200. In the imaging device 100, the brightness Br represented by the above formula (1) n is used to control each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 to emit light, so that the unevenness of the irradiation light from each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 on the irradiation surface 200 can be reduced.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 4 causes the light emitting units 20 among the plurality of light emitting units 20 on the irradiation surface 200 to emit light, where at least a part of the region corresponding to the light emitting unit 20 is included in the imaging region A by the imaging device 1, and does not cause the light emitting units whose entire regions corresponding to the light emitting units 20 are not included in the imaging region A by the imaging device 1 to emit light. More specifically, the 15 corresponding regions 11 including the reference region 11s are regions of the light emitting units 20 where at least a part is included in the imaging region A by the imaging device 1. The control unit 4 causes 15 light emitting units 20 where at least a part is included in the imaging region A by the imaging device 1 to emit light, and does not cause the light emitting units 20 other than these 15 to emit light. As a result, the irradiation region 201 is irradiated with the irradiation light L, and the non-irradiation region 202 is not irradiated with light. In the imaging device 100, by performing such control by the control unit 4, the light emitting units 20 that irradiate light not used for imaging by the imaging device 1 can be reduced, and the power for driving the light emitting units 20 can be reduced. Thereby, the power consumption of the imaging device 100 can be reduced.

[0029] Hereinafter, each element constituting the imaging device 100 will be described in detail.

[0030] (Imaging device 1) An area sensor including a plurality of pixels arranged in a biaxial direction can be used for the imaging device 1. For the imaging device, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like can be used.

[0031] (Lens 3 and imaging lens 5) Each of the lens 3 and the imaging lens 5 can be configured to include a light-transmissive glass material or resin material. The light transmittance of each of the lens 3 and the imaging lens 5 preferably has a transmittance of 60% or more with respect to the emission peak wavelength of the light emitted from the light-emitting device 2. Various types of lenses such as a spherical lens, an aspherical lens, a Fresnel lens, and a diffractive lens can be used for the lens 3 and the imaging lens 5. The lens 3 and the imaging lens 5 may each be configured by combining a plurality of lenses. Specifications such as the diameter, angle of view, F-number, and focal length of the lens 3 and the imaging lens 5 can be appropriately selected according to the use of the imaging device 100. Further, the imaging lens 5 may have an autofocus function, an auto-zoom function, or the like.

[0032] (Housing 6) The housing 6 can be configured to include a metal material, a resin material, or the like. From the viewpoint of reducing stray light or the like in imaging, the housing 6 preferably has light-shielding properties or absorptivity with respect to the wavelength of sunlight or light from external lighting devices or the like. The housing 6 may be provided with an emission window that allows the light irradiated from the light-emitting device 2 to pass through, an incident window that allows the light incident on the imaging element 1 to pass through, or the like. The control unit 4 and the distance detection unit 7 may be disposed inside the housing 6.

[0033] (Distance detection unit 7) The distance detection unit 7 detects the distance from the distance detection unit 7 to the irradiation surface 200. The imaging device 100 can detect the distance from the imaging device 100 to the irradiation surface 200 based on the predetermined arrangement position of the distance detection unit 7 in the imaging device 100 and the information regarding the distance from the distance detection unit 7.

[0034] The distance detection unit 7 can use LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging). However, as long as information regarding the distance to the irradiation surface 200 can be acquired and output, devices or equipment other than LiDAR, such as millimeter-wave radars, ToF (Time Of Flight) sensors, and stereo cameras, may be used as the distance detection unit 7. Further, the distance detection unit 7 is not limited to outputting information indicating the distance to the irradiation surface 200 itself, and may output signals or data regarding the distance to the irradiation surface 200 that do not indicate the distance to the irradiation surface 200 based solely on the output information.

[0035] (Light-emitting device 2) With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the configuration of the light-emitting device 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic top view showing an example of the light-emitting device 2. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the light-emitting device 2 includes a substrate 21, 63 light-emitting portions 20 disposed on the +Z-side surface of the substrate 21, and a first light-transmissive member 26 disposed on the 63 light-emitting portions 20. In the example shown in FIG. 7, seven light-emitting portions 20 are arranged in the X direction and nine light-emitting portions 20 are arranged in the Y direction. However, the number of light-emitting portions 20 is not limited to 63 and may be any number.

[0037] Each of the 63 light-emitting portions 20 emits light upward from the light-emitting device 2 from the light-emitting surface 261, which is the upper surface of the first light-transmissive member 26. The first light-transmissive member 26 is disposed so as to straddle the 63 light-emitting portions 20. The light-emitting surface 261 refers to the main light extraction surface in the light-emitting device 2. The light emitted from the light-emitting portion 20 is preferably white light, but may be light having a specific wavelength such as blue. The wavelength and chromaticity of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 20 may be appropriately selected according to the usage of the imaging device 100. Note that the center 20C of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting portion 20 shown in FIG. 4 described above corresponds to the center of the region corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting portions 20 on the light-emitting surface 261.

[0038] In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the substrate 21 is a plate-shaped member that is substantially rectangular in a top view. The substrate 21 is provided with wiring on which a plurality of light-emitting portions 20 can be mounted. Note that the shape of the substrate 21 in a top view may be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, substantially polygonal, or the like. It is preferable to use an insulating material as the base material of the substrate 21, and it is preferable to use a material that is difficult to transmit light emitted from the light-emitting portion 20, external light, or the like. Further, it is preferable to use a material having a certain strength for the substrate 21. Specifically, the substrate 21 can be configured with ceramics such as alumina, aluminum nitride, mullite, silicon nitride, or resins such as phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide resin, BT resin (bismaleimide triazine resin), polyphthalamide, and polyester resin as the base material.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the 63 light-emitting portions 20 are arranged vertically, horizontally, or in a matrix in a top view. From another perspective, the 63 light-emitting portions 20 are arranged along the X direction or along the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the 63 light-emitting portions 20 are arranged along each of the X direction and the Y direction.

[0040] The first width Wx represents the width along the X direction of the light-emitting part 20. The second width Wy represents the width along the Y direction of the light-emitting part 20. The first width Wx and the second width Wy are, for example, 30 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, and preferably 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. The first width Wx and the second width Wy may be substantially equal or different. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the adjacent light-emitting parts 20 are arranged at a predetermined interval in a top view. From the viewpoint of the light-emitting characteristics of the light-emitting device 2, the first interval dx in the X direction and the second interval dy in the Y direction are preferably as narrow as possible. However, there is a limit to the interval at which a plurality of light-emitting parts 20 can be mounted. In order to achieve both good light-emitting characteristics and an interval at which a plurality of light-emitting parts 20 can be mounted, it is preferable that both the first interval dx and the second interval dy are 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the light-emitting part 20 in a top view is substantially rectangular. However, the shape of the light-emitting part 20 in a top view may be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, or a polygon such as a substantially triangular or substantially hexagonal shape.

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of light-emitting parts 20 includes a light-emitting element 22, a wavelength conversion member 24 disposed on the light-emitting element 22, a covering member 25 that covers each of the side surfaces of the light-emitting element 22 and the wavelength conversion member 24, and a second light-transmitting member 27 disposed on the wavelength conversion member 24.

[0042] By including the light-emitting element 22 and the wavelength conversion member 24, the light-emitting part 20 can emit a mixed-color light of the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 and the color of the light emitted from the wavelength conversion member 24. In the light-emitting part 20, the combination of the light-emitting element 22 and the wavelength conversion member 24 can increase the degree of freedom of the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting part 20. Further, by including the covering member 25 in the light-emitting part 20, the light leaking from the light-emitting part 20 and the covering member 25 can be reduced, and the light extraction efficiency of the light-emitting part 20 can be increased.

[0043] Further, the light-emitting device 2 has a plurality of light-emitting units 20, and the covering member 25 integrally holds a plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and a plurality of wavelength conversion members 24. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the covering member 25 is disposed between adjacent light-emitting elements 22 and between adjacent wavelength conversion members 24, thereby integrally holding the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and the plurality of wavelength conversion members 24 included in the plurality of light-emitting units 20. By providing the light-emitting device 2 with the plurality of light-emitting units 20, the amount of light that can be emitted from the light-emitting device 2 can be increased. Further, since the covering member 25 integrally holds the plurality of light-emitting elements 22 and the plurality of wavelength conversion members 24, the mounting of the light-emitting device 2 can be easily performed.

[0044] The light-emitting element 22 has at least a pair of positive and negative electrodes 23 on the surface (i.e., the lower surface) opposite to the light-emitting surface 261.

[0045] The light-emitting element 22 has various semiconductors such as III-V group compound semiconductors and II-VI group compound semiconductors. As the semiconductor, it is preferable to use nitride semiconductors such as In X Al Y Ga 1-X-Y N (0≦X, 0≦Y, X + Y≦1), and InN, AlN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, InGaAlN, etc. can also be used. The light-emitting element 22 is, for example, an LED or an LD (Laser Diode). The emission peak wavelength of the light-emitting element 22 is preferably 400 nm or more and 530 nm or less, more preferably 420 nm or more and 490 nm or less, and even more preferably 450 nm or more and 475 nm or less, from the viewpoints of emission efficiency and excitation of the wavelength conversion substance.

[0046] The wavelength conversion member 24 is, for example, a substantially rectangular member in a top view. The wavelength conversion member 24 is provided so as to cover the upper surface of the light emitting element 22. The wavelength conversion member 24 contains a wavelength conversion substance that wavelength-converts at least a part of the light from the light emitting element 22. The wavelength conversion member 24 can be configured using a light-transmissive resin material, an inorganic substance such as ceramics or glass. As the resin material, a thermosetting resin such as a silicone resin, a silicone-modified resin, an epoxy resin, an epoxy-modified resin, or a phenolic resin can be used. In particular, a silicone resin or a modified resin thereof, which is excellent in light resistance and heat resistance, is suitable. Here, the light transmissivity is preferably a property of transmitting 60% or more of the light from the light emitting element 22. Further, the wavelength conversion member 24 can use a thermoplastic resin such as a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, a methylpentene resin, or a polynorbornene resin. Furthermore, the wavelength conversion member 24 may contain a light diffusing substance in the above resin. For example, the wavelength conversion member 24 may be a material in which a wavelength conversion substance is contained in a resin material, ceramics, glass, etc., or a sintered body of the wavelength conversion substance. Also, the wavelength conversion member 24 may be a member in which a resin layer containing a wavelength conversion substance is disposed on the upper surface or the lower surface of a molded body such as glass.

[0047] Examples of the wavelength conversion substance contained in the wavelength conversion member 24 include yttrium aluminum garnet-based phosphors (for example, (Y,Gd)3(Al,Ga)5O 12 :Ce), lutetium aluminum garnet-based phosphors (for example, Lu3(Al,Ga)5O 12 :Ce), terbium aluminum garnet-based phosphors (for example, Tb3(Al,Ga)5O 12 :Ce), CCA-based phosphors (for example, Ca 10 (PO4)6Cl2:Eu), SAE-based phosphors (for example, Sr4Al 14 O 25 :Eu), chlorosilicate-based phosphors (for example, Ca8MgSi4O 16(Cl2:Eu), silicate phosphors (e.g., (Ba,Sr,Ca,Mg)2SiO4:Eu), β-sialon phosphors (e.g., (Si,Al)3(O,N)4:Eu) or α-sialon phosphors (e.g., Ca(Si,Al) 12 (O,N) 16 :Eu), etc., oxynitride phosphors, LSN phosphors (e.g., (La,Y)3Si6N 11 :Ce), BSESN phosphors (e.g., (Ba,Sr)2Si5N8:Eu), SLA phosphors (e.g., SrLiAl3N4:Eu), CASN phosphors (e.g., CaAlSiN3:Eu) or SCASN phosphors (e.g., (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu), etc., nitride phosphors, KSF phosphors (e.g., K2SiF6:Mn), KSAF phosphors (e.g., K2(Si 1-x Al x )F 6-x :Mn where x satisfies 0 < x < 1.), or fluoride phosphors such as MGF phosphors (e.g., 3.5MgO·0.5MgF2·GeO2:Mn), quantum dots having a perovskite structure (e.g., (Cs,FA,MA)(Pb,Sn)(F,Cl,Br,I)3 where FA and MA represent formamidinium and methylammonium, respectively), II-VI group quantum dots (e.g., CdSe), III-V group quantum dots (e.g., InP), or quantum dots having a chalcopyrite structure (e.g., (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)(S,Se)2), etc. can be used. The above wavelength conversion materials are particles. Also, one of these wavelength conversion materials can be used alone, or two or more of these wavelength conversion materials can be combined and used.

[0048] In the light-emitting device 2, a blue LED is used as the light-emitting element 22, and the wavelength conversion member 24 contains a wavelength conversion material that wavelength-converts the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 into yellow, thereby emitting white light. As the light-diffusing material contained in the wavelength conversion member 24, for example, titanium oxide, barium titanate, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, etc. can be used.

[0049] The covering member 25 is a member that covers the side surfaces of the light-emitting element 22 and the wavelength conversion member 24. The covering member 25 directly or indirectly covers the side surfaces of the light-emitting element 22 and the wavelength conversion member 24. Among the 63 light-emitting portions 20, the covering member 25 may be spaced apart between adjacent light-emitting portions. The covering member 25 is preferably composed of a member having a high light reflectance in order to improve the light extraction efficiency. As the covering member 25, for example, an organic material such as a resin containing a light-reflective substance such as a white pigment can be used. Further, the covering member 25 may be, for example, a light-reflective member composed of an inorganic material containing boron nitride or an alkali metal silicate. In this case, furthermore, titanium oxide or zirconium oxide can be included.

[0050] Examples of the light-reflective substance include titanium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, barium titanate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, silicon oxide, etc. It is preferable to use one of these alone or in combination of two or more of these. Further, as the resin material, it is preferable to use a resin material mainly composed of a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, an epoxy-modified resin, a silicone resin, a silicone-modified resin, or a phenol resin as a base material. Note that the covering member 25 may be composed of a member having translucency or absorbency with respect to visible light as necessary.

[0051] The light-emitting portion 20 is electrically connected to the wiring 211 provided on the substrate 21. The substrate 21 preferably includes the wiring 211 disposed on the surface. The substrate 21 may include the wiring 211 inside. The light-emitting portion 20 and the substrate 21 are electrically connected by connecting at least a pair of positive and negative electrodes 23 of the light-emitting portion 20 and the wiring 211 of the substrate 21 via a conductive member. Note that the wiring 211 of the substrate 21 is set in terms of configuration, size, etc. according to the configuration and size of the electrode 23 of the light-emitting portion 20.

[0052] The wiring 211 can be composed of at least one of copper, iron, nickel, tungsten, chromium, aluminum, silver, gold, titanium, palladium, rhodium, or alloys thereof. Further, a layer of silver, platinum, aluminum, rhodium, gold, or alloys thereof may be provided on the surface layer of the wiring 211 from the viewpoints of wettability and light reflectivity of the conductive member connecting the wiring 211 and the electrode 23.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 8, each of the seven light-emitting portions 20 has a light-emitting element 22 and a wavelength conversion member 24, and the electrode 23 of each light-emitting element 22 and each wiring 211 of the substrate 21 are electrically joined.

[0054] The first light-transmissive member 26 and the second light-transmissive member 27 contain, for example, a light-diffusing substance, and efficiently mix the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22 and the light emitted from the wavelength conversion member 24. Further, the first light-transmissive member 26 collectively covers the upper surfaces of the plurality of light-emitting portions 20 and the upper surface of the covering member 25 disposed between the light-emitting portions 20. When the light-emitting device does not have the first light-transmissive member, when the light-emitting device is viewed from above, the body color of the upper surface of the light-emitting portion 20 and the body color of the upper surface of the covering member 25 when the light-emitting device 2 is not emitting light may be different. For example, the body color of the upper surface of the light-emitting portion 20 may be the body color corresponding to the wavelength conversion substance contained in the wavelength conversion member 24, and the body color of the upper surface of the covering member 25 may be the body color corresponding to the light-diffusing substance contained in the covering member 25. In the light-emitting device 2, by the first light-transmissive member 26 containing a light-diffusing substance and collectively covering the plurality of light-emitting portions 20 and the covering member 25, the difference between the body color of the light-emitting portion 20 and the body color of the covering member 25 can be reduced. Thereby, a light-emitting device having an excellent appearance can be obtained. A light-emitting device having an excellent appearance means, for example, a light-emitting device having a simple appearance in which the color difference of each part is not emphasized when not emitting light. For example, when the light-emitting device 2 is used as a flash light source in a portable communication terminal, the light-emitting device 2 can be visually recognized from the outside of the housing. In this case, if the light-emitting device 2 has a simple appearance, the degree of freedom in the design of the portable communication terminal is improved without impairing the appearance of the entire portable communication terminal. Note that the first light-transmissive member 26 does not necessarily have to collectively cover the plurality of light-emitting portions 20 and the covering member 25. For example, the first light-transmissive member 26 may include a plurality of light-transmissive layers, and each light-transmissive layer may be disposed separately on the second light-transmissive member 27.

[0055] The first light-transmissive member 26 and the second light-transmissive member 27 can contain, for example, a resin material or the like used in the above-described wavelength conversion member 24 and a light-diffusing substance.

[0056] (Hardware Configuration of Control Unit 4) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 404, and a communication I / F (Interface) 405. These are connected to be communicable with each other via a system bus B.

[0057] The control unit 4 is communicably connected to the imaging element 1, the light emitting device 2, and the distance detection unit 7 via the communication I / F 405. Note that the imaging device 100 may further include a display unit or the like that displays various notifications, and these may be communicably connected to the control unit 4.

[0058] The CPU 401 executes control processing including various arithmetic processes. The ROM 402 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs used for driving the CPU 401 such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 403 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 401. The SSD 404 is a non-volatile memory capable of storing information regarding the distance input from the distance detection unit 7, various information such as a captured image acquired by the imaging element 1, or programs. The communication I / F 405 is an interface for performing communication between the control unit 4 and devices other than the control unit 4. In the imaging device 100, devices other than the control unit 4 are the imaging element 1, the light emitting device 2, the distance detection unit 7, or an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0059] (Functional Configuration of Control Unit 4) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 4 included in the imaging device 100. The control unit 4 shown in FIG. 10 includes an input unit 41, a selection unit 42, a light emission control unit 43, and an output unit 44. Each function of the input unit 41 and the output unit 44 can be realized by a communication I / F 405 or the like. Note that a part of each function of the input unit 41 and the output unit 44 may be realized by the CPU 401 executing processing defined by a program stored in the ROM 402 or the like. Each function of the selection unit 42 and the light emission control unit 43 can be realized by the CPU 401 executing processing defined by a program stored in the ROM 402 or the like.

[0060] Each function included in the control unit 4 can also be realized by one or more processing circuits. Note that the processing circuits include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (digital signal processor), an electric circuit, or the like that can execute each of the above functions. In addition, a part of the above functions included in the control unit 4 may be realized by an external device such as a PC that is communicably connected to the control unit 4. Furthermore, a part of the above functions included in the control unit 4 may be realized by distributed processing between the control unit 4 and an external device.

[0061] The input unit 41 inputs a plurality of captured images Im acquired by the imaging element 1 by controlling communication between the imaging element 1 and the control unit 4. In addition, the input unit 41 inputs information Sd regarding the distance from the distance detection unit 7 by controlling communication between the distance detection unit 7 and the control unit 4.

[0062] The selection unit 42 selects, as a reference light emitting unit 20s that serves as a reference for controlling the irradiation light L, a light emitting unit 20 capable of irradiating the center point AC of the imaging region A with the light Ls based on the information Sd regarding the distance input from the distance detection unit 7 via the input unit 41. For example, based on the interval e and the irradiation distance d shown in FIG. 2 described above, the selection unit 42 obtains, by calculation, the irradiation angle θ of the light from the light emitting device 2 through the lens 3 to the center point AC of the imaging region A. The selection unit 42 can specify and select a reference light emitting unit 20s capable of irradiating the center point AC of the imaging region A with the light Ls based on the lens distance h between the light emitting device 2 and the lens 3 and the obtained irradiation angle θ. The selection unit 42 passes the selection information Cs indicating the selected reference light emitting unit 20s to the light emission control unit 43.

[0063] The light emission control unit 43 controls the light emission of the light emitting device 2 via the output unit 44 so as to irradiate the irradiation light L with the reference light emitting unit 20s as a reference on the irradiation surface 200. For example, based on the selection information Cs indicating the reference light emitting unit 20s, the light emission control unit 43 selects a light emitting unit 20 that emits light with the reference light emitting unit 20s as a reference. The light emission control unit 43 causes the light emitting device 2 to irradiate the irradiation light L including, for example, the emitted light from the reference light emitting unit 20s and the emitted light from each of the selected plurality of light emitting units 20. The light emission control unit 43 can cause all the light emitting units 20 provided in the light emitting device 2 to emit light, and can also cause the plurality of light emitting units 20 to emit light individually or in groups.

[0064] In addition, the light emission control unit 43 can control the brightness of the light emission of each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 in the light emitting device 2 via the output unit 44. Specifically, the light emission control unit 43 can cause the light emitting unit 2 to emit light with the brightness Br n represented by the above-described formula (1).

[0065] The output unit 44 outputs the control signal C1 from the light emission control unit 43 to the light emitting device 2 by controlling the communication between the light emitting device 2 and the control unit 4. In addition, the output unit 44 can output the captured image Im input from the imaging element 1 via the input unit 41 to an external device by controlling the communication between the control unit 4 and an external device such as a PC.

[0066] <Operation of Imaging Device 100> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of imaging device 100. Imaging device 100 starts the operation shown in FIG. 11, for example, with the start condition being that an operation input for starting shooting by the operator is received by the operation unit of imaging device 100.

[0067] First, in step S11, imaging device 100 acquires information Sd regarding distance by distance detection unit 7, and inputs the acquired information Sd regarding distance to control unit 4 via input unit 41.

[0068] Subsequently, in step S12, based on the input information Sd regarding distance, imaging device 100 selects, by selection unit 42, a light emitting unit 20 that can irradiate light Ls to the center point AC of imaging area A as a reference light emitting unit 20s serving as a reference for controlling irradiation light L. Selection unit 42 passes selection information Cs indicating the selected reference light emitting unit 20s to light emission control unit 43.

[0069] Subsequently, in step S13, imaging device 100 selects, by light emission control unit 43, a light emitting unit 20 that emits light with reference light emitting unit 20s as a reference based on the selection information Cs indicating the reference light emitting unit 20s.

[0070] Subsequently, in step S14, imaging device 100 determines, by light emission control unit 43, the brightness Br of each of reference light emitting unit 20s and the light emitting unit 20 to be emitted among the light emitting units 20 included in light emitting device 2 n using the above-described formula (1).

[0071] Subsequently, in step S15, imaging device 100 outputs a control signal C1 to light emitting device 2 via output unit 44 by light emission control unit 43, so that each of reference light emitting unit 20s and the light emitting unit 20 to be emitted among the light emitting units 20 included in light emitting device 2 emits light with the brightness Br n determined in step S14. Thereby, imaging device 100 can irradiate irradiation light L from light emitting device 2 to irradiation surface 200.

[0072] Subsequently, in step S16, the imaging device 100 executes imaging by the imaging element 1. The imaging device 100 inputs the captured image Im to the control unit 4 via the input unit 41. The imaging device 100 can execute imaging by the imaging element 1 in accordance with the timing of irradiating the irradiation surface 200 with the irradiation light L by the light emitting device 2. After the imaging device 100 acquires the captured image Im by the imaging element 1, the imaging by the imaging element 1 is stopped. The light emitting device 2 stops irradiation after irradiating the irradiation light L for a predetermined irradiation time. Note that the imaging device 100 may stop the irradiation of the irradiation light L by the light emitting device 2 in accordance with the stop of imaging by the imaging element 1.

[0073] Subsequently, in step S17, the imaging device 100 outputs the captured image Im input via the input unit 41 to an external device such as a PC. Note that the imaging device 100 may not output the captured image Im to the external device, but may store it in the SSD 404 or display it on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel provided in the imaging device 100.

[0074] Subsequently, in step S18, the imaging device 100 determines whether to end the imaging. For example, the imaging device 100 can determine to end the imaging when an operation input to end the imaging is received using the operation unit of the imaging device 100, and determine not to end the imaging when the input has not been received.

[0075] In step S18, if it is determined not to end (step S18, NO), the imaging device 100 repeats the operations after step S11 until it is determined to end. On the other hand, in step S18, if it is determined to end (step S18, YES), the imaging device 100 ends the operation.

[0076] As described above, the imaging device 100 can perform imaging using the irradiation light L from the light emitting device 2.

[0077] [Second Embodiment] Next, the imaging device according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same names and reference numerals as those in the embodiments already described indicate the same or similar members or configurations, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0078] <Configuration of the Imaging Device According to the Second Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the imaging device according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic top view showing an example of the overall configuration of the imaging device 100a according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the imaging device 100a. FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the imaging device 100a including the central axis 1C of the imaging element 1 included in the imaging device 100a and the central axis 2C of the light-emitting device 2 included in the imaging device 100a. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 13, part of the light emitted from the light-emitting device 2 is indicated by solid lines or broken lines.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the imaging device 100a has a drive unit 8 that moves the lens 3. The control unit 4 can detect the positional deviation δ between the center 11sC of the reference region 11s, which is the region corresponding to the reference light-emitting unit 20s on the irradiation surface 200, and the center point AC of the imaging region A on the irradiation surface 200. Based on the information detected by the control unit 4, the drive unit 8 moves the lens 3 so that the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A coincide with each other on the irradiation surface 200. In this embodiment, these points are mainly different from those in the first embodiment. In other words, the imaging device 100a according to the second embodiment is the same as the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment until the reference light-emitting unit 20s is selected, and further includes a step of moving the lens 3.

[0080] In the example shown in FIG. 13, a part of the irradiation light L obtained when all of the plurality of light emitting units 20 included in the light emitting device 2 emit light is represented by a broken line in a state where the optical axis 3C of the lens 3 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 substantially coincide. Also, a part of the light Ls irradiated from the reference light emitting unit 20s to the center point AC of the imaging region A is represented by a solid line. In the example shown in FIG. 13, among the plurality of light emitting units 20, only the reference light emitting unit 20s emits light, and the other light emitting units 20 do not emit light. The central axis LC1 is a central axis along the traveling direction of the light irradiated from the reference light emitting unit 20s to the center point AC of the imaging region A in a state where the optical axis 3C of the lens 3 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 substantially coincide. The irradiation angle θ is an angle formed by the central axis LC1 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2. The central axis LC2 is a central axis along the traveling direction of the light irradiated from the light emitting device 2 to the center point AC of the imaging region A in a state where the lens 3 is moved.

[0081] In the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment, by irradiating with reference to the reference light emitting unit 20s, the irradiation deviation caused by the separation distance between the imaging element 1 and the light emitting device 2 is reduced. Note that, also in this case, the center 11sC of the reference region 11s corresponding to the reference light emitting unit and the center point AC of the imaging region A may not coincide, and an irradiation deviation may still occur.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the lens 3 is moved based on the positional deviation δ between the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A, so that the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A coincide on the irradiation surface 200. Thereby, the deviation between the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A can be reduced. By reducing the deviation between the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an imaging device 100a capable of reducing the deviation of the irradiation light L in the captured image. "The coincidence of the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A" does not require complete coincidence, and at least a part of the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A may overlap.

[0083] Further, for example, if only the movement of the lens 3 is used to align the center 11sC irradiated on the irradiation surface 200 from the center of the light emitting device 2 with the center point AC of the imaging region A, a long distance may be required as the movement distance of the lens 3. This is particularly prominent during close-up photography. In the present embodiment, by combining the movement of the lens 3 and the selection of the reference light emitting unit 20s so that the center 11sC of the reference region 11s coincides with the center point AC of the imaging region A, while reducing the increase in the movement distance of the lens 3, the deviation between the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A can be reduced. As a result, the deviation of the irradiation light in the captured image can be further reduced.

[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the drive unit 8 can move the optical axis 3C of the lens 3 by moving the lens 3 by an amount α in the +X direction with respect to the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2. By moving the optical axis 3C of the lens 3, the irradiation light Ls from the reference light emitting unit 20s moves in the +X direction according to the movement amount α. As a result, the imaging device 100a can irradiate the central point AC of the imaging region A with the irradiation light Ls from the reference light emitting unit 20s.

[0085] In the examples shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the drive unit 8 can move the lens 3 along the direction in which the light emitting device 2 and the imaging element 1 are arranged. Specifically, in the examples shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the light emitting device 2 and the imaging element 1 are arranged in the X direction, and the drive unit 8 moves the lens 3 along the X direction. As a result, in the imaging device 100a, it becomes easier to bring the center of the irradiation light L by the plurality of light emitting units 20 closer to the center of the captured image on the irradiation surface 200.

[0086] (Drive unit 8) As the drive unit 8, an actuator, a stepping motor, a servo motor, a piezoelectric element, a voice coil motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like can be used. The drive unit 8 can also appropriately include power transmission members such as gears, pulleys, and belts.

[0087] (Functional configuration of the control unit 4) FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 4 included in the imaging device 100a. Note that, for the control unit 4 shown in FIG. 14, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 9 described above can be used. The control unit 4 shown in FIG. 14 includes a detection unit 45 and a movement control unit 46. Each function of the detection unit 45 and the movement control unit 46 can be realized by the CPU 401 executing processes defined in a program stored in the ROM 402 or the like.

[0088] The detection unit 45 acquires the irradiation distance d based on the information Sd regarding the distance to the irradiation surface 200 input from the distance detection unit 7 via the input unit 41. The detection unit 45 detects the positional deviation δ based on the irradiation distance d. The detection unit 45 passes the detected positional deviation δ to the movement control unit 46 as information detected by the control unit 4.

[0089] The movement control unit 46 determines the movement amount of the lens 3 based on the positional deviation δ received from the detection unit 45. The movement control unit 46 outputs a drive signal C2 to the drive unit 8 via the output unit 44 according to the information m regarding the movement amount of the lens 3. Thereby, the movement control unit 46 can move the lens 3 so that the center 11sC of the reference region 11s and the center point AC of the imaging region A coincide with each other on the irradiation surface 200. The output unit 44 outputs the drive signal C2 from the movement control unit 46 to the drive unit 8 by controlling the communication between the drive unit 8 and the control unit 4.

[0090] <Operation of the imaging device 100a> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the imaging device 100a. The imaging device 100a starts the operation shown in FIG. 15, for example, with the start condition being that an operation input for starting shooting by the operator is received by the operation unit of the imaging device 100a. Note that the description of the same operations as those shown in FIG. 11 described above is omitted, and the differences from FIG. 11 will be mainly described.

[0091] In step S25, the imaging device 100a obtains the irradiation distance d based on the information Sd regarding the distance to the irradiation surface 200 input from the distance detection unit 7 via the input unit 41 by the detection unit 45, and detects the positional deviation δ based on the irradiation distance d. The detection unit 45 passes the detected positional deviation δ to the movement control unit 46.

[0092] Subsequently, in step S26, the imaging device 100a determines the movement amount of the lens 3 based on the positional deviation δ received from the detection unit 45 by the movement control unit 46.

[0093] Subsequently, in step S27, the imaging device 100a outputs a drive signal to the drive unit 8 via the output unit 44 according to the information m regarding the movement amount of the lens 3 by the movement control unit 46. The operations after step S28 are the same as the operations after step S15 in FIG. 11.

[0094] As described above, the imaging device 100a can perform imaging using the irradiation light L from the light emitting device 2.

[0095] [Third Embodiment] Next, an imaging device according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the imaging device 100b according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a cross-section of the imaging device 100b including the central axis 1C of the imaging element 1 included in the imaging device 100b and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 included in the imaging device 100b. In the example shown in FIG. 16, part of the light emitted from the light emitting device 2 is indicated by solid lines or broken lines.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 16, in the imaging device 100b, the control unit 4 can detect the positional deviation δ between the light Lt irradiated from the center 261C of the light emitting surface 261 of the light emitting device 2 and the center point AC of the imaging region A on the irradiation surface 200. Based on the information detected by the control unit 4, the driving unit 8 moves the lens 3 so that the light Lt irradiated from the center 261C of the light emitting surface 261 of the light emitting device 2 and the center point AC of the imaging region A coincide with each other on the irradiation surface 200. In this embodiment, these points are mainly different from those in the first embodiment. From another perspective, in this embodiment, without selecting the reference light emitting unit 20s shown in the first embodiment from the plurality of light emitting units 20, by moving the lens 3, the light Lt irradiated from the center 261C of the light emitting surface 261 of the light emitting device 2 and the center point AC of the imaging region A are made to coincide, which is mainly different from the first embodiment.

[0097] In the example shown in FIG. 16, in a state where the optical axis 3C of the lens 3 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 substantially coincide, a part of the irradiation light L obtained when all of the plurality of light emitting units 20 provided in the light emitting device 2 emit light is shown by a dashed line. Also, a part of the light passing through the central axis along the traveling direction among the light Lt irradiated from the center 261C of the light emitting surface 261 of the light emitting device 2 to the center point AC of the imaging region A is represented by a solid line. The irradiation angle θ is the angle formed by the central axis of the light Lt and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2.

[0098] The control unit 4 shown in FIG. 16 calculates and obtains the irradiation angle θ of the light from the light emitting device 2 to the center point AC of the imaging region A through the lens 3 based on the distance e between the central axis 1C of the imaging element 1 and the central axis 2C of the light emitting device 2 and the irradiation distance d from the imaging device 100b to the irradiation surface 200. Based on the obtained irradiation angle θ, the control unit 4 can detect the positional deviation δ between the light Lt irradiated from the center 261C of the light emitting surface 261 of the light emitting device 2 and the center point AC of the imaging region A. Based on the positional deviation δ, the driving unit 8 moves the lens 3 so that the light Lt irradiated from the center 261C of the light emitting surface 261 of the light emitting device 2 and the center point AC of the imaging region A coincide with each other on the irradiation surface 200. Thereby, in this embodiment, an imaging device 100b capable of reducing the deviation of the irradiation light L in the captured image can be provided.

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the light emitting device 2 can irradiate a wider area on the irradiation surface 200 than the imaging area A by the imaging element 1. For example, when the imaging angle of view of the imaging element 1 using the imaging lens 5 and the irradiation angle of view of the light emitting device 2 using the lens 3 are substantially the same, there may be a region where the irradiation light from the light emitting device 2 does not irradiate the imaging region A by the imaging element 1. This becomes particularly prominent when performing close-up shooting. In the imaging device 100b, since the light emitting device 2 can irradiate a wider area on the irradiation surface 200 than the imaging region A by the imaging element 1, the light emitting device 2 can irradiate the entire imaging region A by the imaging element 1 with the irradiation light L even when performing close-up shooting.

[0100] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the plurality of light emitting units 20 are arranged at least along the direction in which the light emitting device 2 and the imaging element 1 are arranged. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the light emitting device 2 and the imaging element 1 are arranged in the X direction, and the plurality of light emitting units 20 are arranged in each of the X direction and the Y direction, so they are at least arranged in the X direction. Thereby, the imaging device 100b can easily bring the center of the irradiation light Lt from the light emitting device 2 closer to the center of the captured image on the irradiation surface 200.

[0101] In the imaging device 100b, the control unit 4 can cause the light emitting unit 20 to emit light with the brightness Br represented by the above-described formula (1). n In the imaging device 100b, by controlling each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 to emit light with the brightness Br represented by the above-described formula (1), it is possible to reduce the unevenness of irradiation of the irradiation light from each of the plurality of light emitting units 20 on the irradiation surface 200. n

[0102] ​In imaging device 100b, control unit 4 can control, on the irradiation surface 200, the light-emitting units 20 such that among the plurality of light-emitting units 20, the light-emitting units 20 at least a part of the area corresponding to which is included in the imaging area A by imaging element 1 emit light, and the light-emitting units the entire area corresponding to which is not included in the imaging area A by imaging element 1 do not emit light. For example, control unit 4 can control such that irradiation area 201 in FIG. 5 described above is irradiated with irradiation light Lt. In imaging device 100b, by performing such control by control unit 4, the light-emitting units 20 that irradiate light not used for imaging by imaging element 1 can be reduced, and the power for driving the light-emitting units 20 can be reduced. Thereby, the power consumption of imaging device 100b can be reduced.

[0103] (Functional configuration of control unit 4) FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of control unit 4 provided in imaging device 100b. Note that for control unit 4 shown in FIG. 17, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 9 described above can be used. Control unit 4 shown in FIG. 17 mainly differs from control unit 4 shown in FIG. 14 in that it does not have selection unit 42.

[0104] (Operation of imaging device 100b) FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of imaging device 100b. Imaging device 100b starts the operation shown in FIG. 18, for example, with the start condition being that an operation input for starting imaging by the operator is received by the operation unit of imaging device 100b. It differs from the operation shown in FIG. 15 described above in that step S22 in FIG. 15 is not performed. According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, imaging device 100b can perform imaging using irradiation light L from light-emitting device 2.

[0105] As described above, the preferred embodiments have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope described in the claims.

[0106] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other numbers used in the description of the embodiments are all exemplified for specifically describing the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplified numbers. Also, the connection relationships between components are exemplified for specifically describing the technology of the present disclosure, and the connection relationships for realizing the functions of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0107] The division of blocks in the functional block diagram is an example, and a plurality of blocks may be realized as one block, one block may be divided into a plurality, or some functions may be transferred to other blocks. Also, the functions of a plurality of blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single piece of hardware or software in parallel or time-division. Further, some or all of the functions may be distributed among a plurality of computers.

[0108] The imaging device of the present disclosure can reduce the deviation of the irradiation light in the captured image, and thus can be suitably used for cameras mounted on smartphones, tablets, PCs, notebook PCs, etc., and digital cameras, etc. It is particularly suitable when performing close-range photography where the distance to the subject is short and the distance to the irradiation surface is short.

[0109] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <Item 1> An imaging device including an imaging element, a light-emitting device that is disposed separately from the imaging element in a top view and includes a plurality of light-emitting units, a lens disposed above the light-emitting device, and a control unit that can control the irradiation light from the light-emitting device on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging element and includes the center point of the imaging region by controlling the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units. The control unit can select a light-emitting unit capable of irradiating light to the center point of the imaging region as a reference light-emitting unit that serves as a reference for controlling the irradiation light. The light-emitting device can irradiate the irradiation light based on the reference light-emitting unit on the irradiation surface. <Item 2> The imaging device according to <Item 1>, wherein the light-emitting device can irradiate a wider area on the irradiation surface than the imaging region captured by the imaging element. <Item 3> The plurality of light-emitting units are arranged at least along the direction in which the light-emitting device and the imaging element are arranged, and the imaging device according to <Item 1> or <Item 2>. <Item 4> Each of the plurality of light-emitting units can irradiate light to a corresponding region on the irradiation surface. When the distance from the center of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit to the center of the region corresponding to the light-emitting unit is Dn (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the brightness preset to a reference distance at a position farther than the distance Dn is Bs, the control unit controls each light-emitting unit with a brightness Br n emitted by the following formula, and the imaging device according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 3>. Br n = Bs × (1 / Dn 2 ) <Item 5> Each of the plurality of light-emitting units can irradiate light to a corresponding region on the irradiation surface. The control unit causes the light-emitting unit, among the plurality of light-emitting units on the irradiation surface, in which at least a part of the region corresponding to the light-emitting unit is included in the imaging region by the imaging element, to emit light, and does not cause the light-emitting unit in which all of the region corresponding to the light-emitting unit is not included in the imaging region by the imaging element to emit light. The imaging device according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 4>. <Item 6> Further having a drive unit that moves the lens, the control unit can detect a positional deviation between the center of the region corresponding to the reference light-emitting unit and the center point of the imaging region on the irradiation surface, and the drive unit, based on the information detected by the control unit, moves the lens so that the center of the region corresponding to the reference light-emitting unit and the center point of the imaging region coincide with each other on the irradiation surface. The imaging device according to any one of <Item 1> to <Item 5>. <Item 7> The drive unit moves the lens along the direction in which the light-emitting device and the imaging element are arranged. The imaging device according to <Item 6>. <Item 8> An imaging device includes an imaging element, a light-emitting device that is arranged separately from the imaging element in a top view and includes a plurality of light-emitting units, a lens arranged above the light-emitting device, a driving unit that moves the lens, and a control unit that can control the irradiation light from the light-emitting device on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging element and includes the center point of the imaging region by performing light emission control on the plurality of light-emitting units. The control unit can detect a positional deviation between the light irradiated from the center of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device and the center point of the imaging region on the irradiation surface. The driving unit moves the lens so that the light irradiated from the center of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device and the center point of the imaging region coincide with each other on the irradiation surface based on the information detected by the control unit. <Item 9> The imaging device according to Item 8, wherein the light-emitting device can irradiate a wider area than the imaging region by the imaging element on the irradiation surface. <Item 10> The imaging device according to Item 8 or Item 9, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged at least along the direction in which the light-emitting device and the imaging element are arranged side by side. <Item 11> Each of the plurality of light-emitting units can irradiate light on a corresponding region on the irradiation surface. When the distance from the center of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit to the center of the region corresponding to the light-emitting unit is Dn (n is an integer of 1 or more) and the brightness preset at a reference distance located at a position farther than the distance Dn is Bs, the control unit causes each light-emitting unit to emit light with a brightness Br n represented by the following formula for the imaging device according to any one of Items 8 to 10. Br n = Bs × (1 / Dn 2 ) <Item 12> Each of the plurality of light emitting units can irradiate light to a corresponding area on the irradiation surface. The control unit causes the light emitting unit among the plurality of light emitting units, at least a part of the area corresponding to the light emitting unit on the irradiation surface is included in the imaging area by the imaging device, to emit light, and does not cause the light emitting unit whose entire area corresponding to the light emitting unit is not included in the imaging area by the imaging device to emit light. The imaging device according to any one of <Item 8> to <Item 11>.

Explanation of Signs

[0110] 1 Imaging device 11, 11-1 to 11-7 Corresponding area 11s Reference area 11sC Center of the reference area 11C, 11C-1 to 11C-7 Centers of the corresponding areas 1C Central axis of the imaging device 2 Light emitting device 2C Central axis of the light emitting device 20 Light emitting unit 20C, 20C-1 to 20C-7 Centers of the light emitting surfaces of the light emitting units 20s Reference light emitting unit 21 Substrate 211 Wiring 22 Light emitting element 23 Electrode 24 Wavelength conversion member 25 Coating member 26 First light transmissive member 261 Light emitting surface 261C Center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device 27 Second light transmissive member 3 Lens 3C Optical axis of the lens 4 Control unit 41 Input unit 42 Selection unit 43 Light emission control unit 44 Output unit 45 Detection unit 46 Movement control unit 401 CPU 402 ROM 403 RAM 404 SSD 405 Communication I / F 5 Imaging Lens 6 Housing 7 Distance Detection Unit 8 Driving Unit 100, 100a, 100b Imaging Device 200 Irradiation Surface 201 Irradiation Region 202 Non-Irradiation Region 300 Reference Position A Imaging Region Center Point of AC Imaging Region B System Bus Br n Brightness Bs Brightness at Reference Distance B0 Entire Irradiation Region B1 Partial Irradiation Region B2 Region to be Partially Irradiated Cs Selection Information d Irradiation Distance Dn, D1~D7 Distances Ds Reference Distance dx First Interval dy Second Interval e Interval h Lens Distance Im Captured Image L Irradiation Light LC1, LC2 Central Axis of Irradiated Light Ls Light m Information Regarding Movement Amount S1, S2 Object Sd Information Regarding Distance Wx First Width Wy Second Width α Movement Amount δ Position Shift θ Irradiation Angle

Claims

1. An imaging element, In a top view, a light-emitting device that is disposed at a distance from the imaging element and includes a plurality of light-emitting units, A lens disposed above the light-emitting device, A control unit that can control the irradiation light from the light-emitting device on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging element and includes the center point of the imaging area by controlling the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units, The control unit can select a light-emitting unit that can irradiate light to the center point of the imaging area as a reference light-emitting unit that serves as a reference for controlling the irradiation light, The light-emitting device is an imaging device that can irradiate the irradiation light based on the reference light-emitting unit on the irradiation surface.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting device can irradiate a wider area on the irradiation surface than the imaging area captured by the imaging element.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged at least along the direction in which the light-emitting device and the imaging element are arranged.

4. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units can irradiate light to a corresponding area on the irradiation surface, Let the distance from the center of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit to the center of the region corresponding to the light-emitting unit be Dn (n is an integer of 1 or more), and when the brightness preset at a reference distance located at a position farther than the distance Dn is Bs, the control unit controls each of the light-emitting units to have a brightness Br represented by the following formula ｎ The imaging device according to claim 1, which emits light in. Br ｎ = Bs × (1 / Dn ２ )

5. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units can irradiate light to a corresponding area on the irradiation surface, The control unit causes, on the irradiation surface, a light-emitting unit in which at least a part of the area corresponding to the light-emitting unit is included in the imaging area captured by the imaging element among the plurality of light-emitting units to emit light, and does not cause a light-emitting unit in which the entire area corresponding to the light-emitting unit is not included in the imaging area captured by the imaging element to emit light. The imaging device according to claim 1.

6. Further comprising a drive unit that moves the lens, The control unit can detect a positional deviation between the center of the area corresponding to the reference light-emitting unit and the center point of the imaging area on the irradiation surface, The drive unit moves the lens so that the center of the area corresponding to the reference light-emitting unit and the center point of the imaging area coincide with each other on the irradiation surface based on the information detected by the control unit. The imaging device according to claim 1.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the drive unit moves the lens along the direction in which the light-emitting device and the imaging element are arranged.

8. An imaging element, In a top view, a light-emitting device that is disposed at a distance from the imaging element and includes a plurality of light-emitting units, A lens disposed above the light-emitting device, A drive unit that moves the lens, By controlling the emission of the plurality of light emitting units, there is a control unit capable of controlling the irradiation light from the light emitting device on an irradiation surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging device and includes the center point of the imaging region. The control unit is capable of detecting a positional deviation between the light irradiated from the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the center point of the imaging region on the irradiation surface. The driving unit is an imaging device that moves the lens so that the light irradiated from the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and the center point of the imaging region coincide with each other on the irradiation surface based on the information detected by the control unit.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting device can irradiate a wider area than the imaging region by the imaging device on the irradiation surface.

10. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of light emitting units are arranged at least along the direction in which the light emitting device and the imaging device are arranged.

11. Each of the plurality of light emitting units can irradiate light on a corresponding region on the irradiation surface. When the distance from the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit to the center of the region corresponding to the light emitting unit is defined as Dn (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the brightness preset at a reference distance located at a position farther than the distance Dn is defined as Bs, the control unit controls each of the light emitting units to emit light with a brightness Br represented by the following formula ｎ The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, which emits light in. Br ｎ = Bs × (1 / Dn ２ )

12. Each of the plurality of light emitting units can irradiate light on a corresponding region on the irradiation surface. The control unit causes the light emitting units, among the plurality of light emitting units on the irradiation surface, whose at least a part of the region corresponding to the light emitting unit is included in the imaging region by the imaging device, to emit light, and does not cause the light emitting units whose entire region corresponding to the light emitting unit is not included in the imaging region by the imaging device to emit light. The imaging device according to claim 8.

Images