Lens protection member and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of acquiring a subject image with excellent imaging quality by suitably preventing reflection of a lens protection member into the subject image.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 comprises: a plurality of wide angle lenses 14A and 14B projecting toward a subject side; image pickup devices 12A and 12B for capturing a subject image formed with the wide angle lenses 14A and 14B; an image pickup device body 10 holding them; and a lens protection member 20 for protecting the wide angle lenses 14A and 14B. The lens protection member 20 has cover parts 21A and 21B which move between a protection position to protect at least a part of the wide angle lenses 14A and 14B and a saving position outside an image circle in the imaging areas of all of the image pickup devices 12A and 12B or outside of the imaging areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens protection member and an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Imaging devices capable of capturing wide-area subject images, such as 180° panoramic images and 360° spherical panoramic images, are equipped with ultra-wide-angle lenses with a curved front surface that protrudes toward the subject. Because of this, the curved surface of the ultra-wide-angle lens protrudes outward from the body, and if the front surface is left exposed when not shooting or during storage, it may become scratched or dirty. Therefore, to protect the front surface of ultra-wide-angle lenses, a cap-shaped protective cover shaped to fit the lens is currently used as a separate part from the imaging device body.

[0003] With such a protective cover that is a separate part from the imaging device body, it is a hassle to put it back on after each shooting. To solve this problem, a technology is known that provides at least two protrusions that protrude further toward the subject than the curved surface of the wide-angle lens (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-242364

[0005] However, in the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the protruding portion is disposed within the angle of view of the wide-angle lens, and therefore the protruding portion may be reflected in the subject image, leaving room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, an imaging device includes a plurality of lenses, a plurality of imaging elements that respectively capture subject images formed by the plurality of lenses, and a lens protection member that protects at least one of the plurality of lenses, and the lens protection member moves between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the lens and a retracted position outside the image circle within the imaging area of ​​all the imaging elements or outside the imaging area. According to a second aspect, an imaging device includes a lens, an imaging element that captures an image of a subject formed by the lens, an imaging device body that holds the lens and the imaging element, and a lens protection member that protects the lens, and the lens protection member moves between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the lens and a retracted position that is positioned in a portion of the imaging device body or an area outside the imaging device body that is reflected in the imaging element. According to a third aspect, an imaging device includes a plurality of lenses, a plurality of imaging elements that capture an image of a subject formed by the plurality of lenses, and a lens protection member that protects at least one of the plurality of lenses, and the lens protection member moves between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the lens and a retracted position that corresponds to an area where the imaging areas of the plurality of imaging elements overlap. According to a fourth aspect, the lens protection member is a lens protection member that protects at least one of a plurality of lenses of an imaging device that includes a plurality of lenses and a plurality of imaging elements that each capture an image of a subject formed by the plurality of lenses, and moves between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the lens and a retracted position outside the image circle within the imaging area of ​​all the imaging elements or outside the imaging area. According to a fifth aspect, the lens protection member is a lens protection member that protects the lens of an imaging device that includes a lens, an imaging element that captures an image of a subject formed by the lens, and an imaging device body that holds the lens and the imaging element, and moves between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the lens and a retracted position that is positioned in a part of the imaging device body or an area outside the imaging device body that is reflected in the imaging element. According to a sixth aspect, the lens protection member is a lens protection member that protects at least one of a plurality of lenses of an imaging device that includes a plurality of lenses and a plurality of imaging elements that capture a subject image formed by the plurality of lenses, and moves between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the lens and a retracted position that corresponds to an area where the imaging areas of the plurality of imaging elements overlap. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device showing a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the imaging device and the angle of view according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the image circle of the imaging device, the imaging area of ​​the imaging element, and the retreat area according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device showing a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device showing a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device showing a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device showing a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cover portion of a lens protection member of an imaging device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device showing a seventh embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 21] 23A and 23B are diagrams for explaining the schematic configuration of an imaging device according to a fourteenth embodiment and the relationship between the imaging device and the angle of view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) An imaging device 100 to which a lens protection member 20 according to a first embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, (a) and (b) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when imaging, and (c) and (d) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when not imaging. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment is used. In FIG. 1, (a) is a front view of the imaging device 100 when placed on a desk or the like, and (b) is a side view.

[0009] 1, the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment includes an imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 20. The imaging device 100 of the first embodiment captures spherical still images and moving images (hereinafter referred to as "spherical panoramic images").

[0010] The imaging device body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, two imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses these. The imaging device body 10 also includes a power button, a shooting button, operation buttons, an LCD, a microphone, a speaker, a memory card slot, a USB terminal, a circuit board that controls the operation of the entire imaging device 100, and the like (all of which are not shown). In this embodiment, the normal position is when the rectangular parallelepiped imaging device body 10 is placed vertically, and the direction along the long sides of the rectangular parallelepiped (vertical direction) is the length direction, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction and along the short sides (horizontal direction) is the width direction.

[0011] Each of the lens barrels 11A and 11B houses an imaging optical system 15A or 15B, which is made up of multiple lenses including wide-angle lenses 14A or 14B. Each of the lens barrels 11A and 11B holds a wide-angle lens 14A or 14B at one end that protrudes from the housing 13, and holds an imaging element 12A or 12B at the other end inside the housing 13.

[0012] The imaging device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with two (a pair) of imaging optical systems 15A, 15B including wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, imaging elements 12A, 12B, and lens barrels 11A, 11B that hold these. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the imaging device 100 may also be equipped with three or more of these components. This also applies to other embodiments described below.

[0013] Wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B have a curved front surface that protrudes toward the subject, and are held by lens barrels 11A and 11B so as to protrude from the surface of housing 13. Wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B collect light from the subject and form an image on the imaging surfaces of imaging elements 12A and 12B.

[0014] At least one of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B must have an angle of view greater than 180 degrees, and preferably has an angle of view equal to or greater than 200 degrees. In the first embodiment and other embodiments described later, ultra-wide-angle lenses having an angle of view of 200 degrees are used as the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0015] Each of the image sensors 12A and 12B receives light collected by the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B on its imaging surface and converts it into an electrical signal to obtain an image of the subject. There are no particular limitations on the image sensors 12A and 12B, and suitable examples include XY address type solid-state image sensors such as CMOS sensors and progressive scan type solid-state image sensors such as CCD sensors.

[0016] The lens barrels 11A, 11B and image sensors 12A, 12B configured as described above are arranged back-to-back on one side of the longitudinal direction (upper part) of the vertically long housing 13, with the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B facing in opposite directions and with their optical axes IA, IB coaxial. Using imaging optical systems 15A, 15B each including the two wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, image processing such as distortion correction and projective transformation is performed on each image (partial image) captured by the two image sensors 12A, 12B. After this image processing, a splicing position where the subjects overlap is detected in the overlapping portions of the two images using a technique such as pattern matching. The two images are then stitched together using the overlapping portions based on this splicing position to generate a single omnidirectional panoramic image. Stitching multiple images together using the overlapping portions of multiple images in this manner is called a "stitching process."

[0017] In the imaging device body 10, imaging optical systems 15A and 15B including wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B are disposed above a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped housing 13, so that the user can hold the area below the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B in their hands. Therefore, the housing 13 (body) of the imaging device body 10 also functions as a handle (holding portion). The material of the housing 13 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as resin and metal can be used.

[0018] Hereinafter, in this specification, the horizontal direction is referred to as the X direction, the left direction as the positive X direction (+X), and the right direction as the negative X direction (-X). The up-down direction is referred to as the Y direction, the up direction as the positive Y direction (+Y), and the down direction as the negative Y direction (-Y). The direction intersecting the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction, the depth direction as the positive Z direction (+Z), and the front direction as the negative Z direction (-Z).

[0019] In addition, in imaging device 100, the side where one wide-angle lens 14A is provided is referred to as the front, and the side where the other wide-angle lens 14B is provided is referred to as the rear. Therefore, for example, in the front view of FIG. 1(a), the left direction in the width direction of imaging device 100 is the X-positive direction (+X), the right direction is the X-negative direction (-X), and in the length direction, the upward direction is the Y-positive direction (+Y), and the downward direction is the Y-negative direction (-Y). In the depth direction of imaging device 100, the direction from one wide-angle lens 14A toward the other wide-angle lens 14B (backward) is the Z-positive direction (+Z), and the direction from the other wide-angle lens 14B toward one wide-angle lens 14A (forward) is the Z-negative direction (-Z). The subject side of each wide-angle lens 14A, 14B is referred to as the front, and the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the subject toward the interior of housing 13, is sometimes referred to as the rear.

[0020] The lens protection member 20 includes a pair of cover portions 21A and 21B symmetrically arranged in the front and rear. When a subject image is not being captured, the cover portions 21A and 21B are configured to move to a protective position, as shown in FIGS. 1(c) and 1(d), which is closer to the subject than the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and covers and protects at least a portion of each wide-angle lens 14A and 14B. When a subject image is being captured, the cover portions 21A and 21B are configured to retract to a retracted position outside the image circle within the imaging area of ​​all of the image sensors 12A and 12B or outside the imaging area, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). The image circle refers to a circular area in which light passing through a lens forms an image on a surface including the imaging surfaces of the image sensors 12A and 12B (see FIG. 4).

[0021] The configuration of the pair of cover parts 21A, 21B will be described in detail below. The pair of cover parts 21A, 21B are formed in a generally rectangular shape (roughly U-shaped) in a plan view along the outer periphery of the upper end of the front or rear side of the imaging device body 10. The length of the cover parts 21A, 21B in the width direction (X direction) is generally the same as the length of the housing 13 in the width direction, and the length (thickness) represented by t in FIG. 1(d) is a length that can cover at least the vicinity of the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and is narrower than half the length of the imaging device body 10 in the depth direction (Z direction). With these dimensions, when the cover parts 21A, 21B are placed in a retracted position on the outer periphery of the upper end of the housing 13, the cover parts 21A, 21B do not protrude outward from the housing 13.

[0022] Both ends of the cover parts 21A, 21B are pivotally supported by shaft members 22A, 22B on both side surfaces of the housing 13. With this configuration, the pair of cover parts 21A, 21B are connected to the housing 13 of the imaging device main body 10 by the shaft members 22A, 22B, and are independently rotatable about the centers of the shaft members 22A, 22B as rotation axes XA, XB.

[0023] The materials of the cover portions 21A and 21B and the shaft members 22A and 22B of the lens protection member 20 are not particularly limited, and known materials such as resin, metal, or a combination thereof may be used.

[0024] Furthermore, the rotation axes XA and XB of the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B are arranged to coincide with a line that intersects (is perpendicular to) the optical axes IA and IB of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B in the width direction of the imaging device body 10. Therefore, the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B can rotate about the rotation axes XA and XB, which are parallel to the width direction (X direction), along the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, at an angle of approximately 90 degrees between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and a retracted position. Furthermore, each cover part 21A and 21B is biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch so that it does not easily move from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0025] Furthermore, housing 13 has storage sections 16A and 16B for storing cover sections 21A and 21B, which are recessed in an L-shape in side view on the upper outer periphery of the front and rear sides. Steps on the bottom and side surfaces of storage sections 16A and 16B function as stoppers to prevent cover sections 21A and 21B from rotating any further.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the housing 13 is recessed to provide the storage sections 16A and 16B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As long as the cover sections 21A and 21B are arranged outside the image circle in the imaging area or outside the imaging area, for example, the cover sections 21A and 21B may be arranged along the outer periphery of the upper end of the housing 13 without recessing the housing 13.

[0027] By configuring cover sections 21A, 21B and storage sections 16A, 16B as described above, as shown in (b) of Fig. 1, when shooting, cover sections 21A, 21B are stored in storage sections 16A, 16B in a substantially vertical position and do not protrude outward from housing 13. On the other hand, when not shooting, as shown in (d) of Fig. 1, cover sections 21A, 21B are positioned to protrude substantially horizontally toward the subject side of the curved surfaces of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and cover and protect the areas near the vertices of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0028] In addition, the cover parts 21A, 21B are dimensioned so that a predetermined gap Δ exists between their inner surfaces and the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, making them movable so as not to come into direct contact with the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0029] 2(a) and 2(b), when the imaging device 100 of this embodiment is placed on a mounting section 1 such as a desk, the imaging device body 10 is supported by the cover sections 21A and 21B that protrude toward the subject of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and the lower end of the housing 13. Therefore, the cover sections 21A and 21B also function as supports for the imaging device body 10. By making the cover sections 21A and 21B rectangular in plan view, the portions located in front of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B are made linear, and further, the outer surfaces of these linear portions are tapered to correspond to the orientation of the imaging device body 10 on the mounting section 1.

[0030] The effect of the lens protection member 20 configured as described above will now be explained. When a subject image is not being captured, for example, from the state shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pair of cover portions 21A and 21B of the lens protection member 20 are held and rotated downward about the rotation axes XA and XB. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the pair of cover portions 21A and 21B are positioned closer to the subject than the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and cover and protect the areas near the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0031] Furthermore, because a predetermined gap Δ is present between the inner surfaces of cover portions 21A, 21B and wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, they do not come into direct contact with each other. Therefore, wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B are protected by lens protection member 20, and scratches on wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B can be prevented even if they are placed on a desk or dropped over. Furthermore, because lens protection member 20 is connected to imaging device main body 10, loss of lens protection member 20 can be prevented, and wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B can be protected by easily and immediately operating cover portions 21A, 21B when not taking pictures.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an example of use when not taking pictures, in which the imaging device 100 is placed horizontally on a table or other mounting portion 1 with the other wide-angle lens 14B covered and protected by the other cover portion 21B. (a) of FIG. 2 shows a front view, and (b) a side view. As shown in FIG. 2, even when placed on the mounting portion 1, the wide-angle lens 14B is protected by the cover portion 21B and can be prevented from being scratched. Furthermore, by supporting the imaging device body 10 with the cover portion 21B and the lower end of the housing 13, the imaging device body 10 can be placed stably on the mounting portion 1. Furthermore, by providing a straight portion on the cover portion 21B and further tapering its outer surface, the contact area between the cover portion 21B and the mounting portion 1 is increased, further improving stability when placed on the mounting portion 1.

[0033] On the other hand, during shooting, the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B of the lens protection member 20 are rotated upward around the rotation axes XA, XB, and as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B are retracted from in front of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B toward the storage portions 16A, 16B, and are stored in these storage portions 16A, 16B.

[0034] As a result, in the first embodiment, the entire lens protection member 20 including the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B can be positioned outside the image circle of the imaging area of ​​the pair of image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging area. Furthermore, the entire lens protection member 20 can be positioned in an area outside the angle of view of all wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. Then, a subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. In this case, the lens protection member 20 does not appear in the subject image and does not affect the imaging quality of the combined subject image.

[0035] 3 and 4, the relationship between wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and the angle of view, and the relationship between the image circle and imaging area and the retracted positions of cover portions 21A, 21B will be explained. In the following, unless multiple identical components are individually described, they will be referred to simply as lens barrel 11, image sensor 12, cover portion 21, shaft member 22, and optical axis I without distinction. The same applies to other components that are provided symmetrically in the vertical, horizontal, or front-to-back directions.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the imaging device 100 and the angle of view. In Figure 3, (a) is a side view of the imaging device 100, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a plan view (top view). Each view in Figure 3 shows the angle of view (200 degrees) of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and the common area outside the angle of view is shaded.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the image circle IC, the imaging area of ​​the image sensor 12, and the retracted position. (a) in FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the image circle IC and the image sensor 12 when an image of a 200-degree subject space in all directions, including up, down, left, and right, is formed on the imaging surface of the image sensor 12. (b) in FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the image circle IC and the image sensor 12 when an image of a subject space of 200 degrees is formed on a horizontal line passing through the center of the imaging surface of the image sensor 12. (c) in FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the image circle IC and the image sensor 12 when receiving a subject image of a 200-degree space on a diagonal of the imaging surface of the image sensor 12. (d) in FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the image circle IC and the image sensor 12 when receiving a portion of the subject image of a 200-degree space on the imaging surface of the image sensor 12. In each diagram in FIG. 4, the areas outside the image circle IC or outside the imaging area in the imaging area of ​​the imaging surface of the image sensor 12 are shaded.

[0038] When capturing a subject image with imaging device 100 equipped with multiple wide-angle lenses 14 as in this embodiment, in order to improve the imaging quality of the subject image and simplify and speed up the stitching process, it is desirable that images of objects other than the subject, that is, lens protection member 20, do not appear in the subject image. To achieve this, a configuration may be adopted in which lens protection member 20 (more specifically, cover portion 21) is retracted outside the angle of view of wide-angle lens 14 during capture.

[0039] However, even if lens protection member 20 is retracted outside the angle of view of one wide-angle lens 14, it may come within the angle of view of another wide-angle lens 14, causing lens protection member 20 to be reflected in an image of a subject captured using that wide-angle lens 14. For this reason, it is desirable to retract lens protection member 20 to a common area (shaded areas R1 and R2 in FIG. 3) that is outside the angle of view of all wide-angle lenses 14. With this configuration, lens protection member 20 will not be reflected in an image of a subject captured through either wide-angle lens 14A or 14B.

[0040] Incidentally, even if cover unit 21 is reflected in an area that is not used to generate the spherical image, it does not affect the imaging quality of the spherical image, even if it is within the angle of view of wide-angle lens 14. The subject image is generated by receiving the light image formed by wide-angle lens 14, that is, the image formed on part or all of the area within the image circle IC, and converting it into a signal by image sensor 12. Depending on the range of the image formed by wide-angle lens 14 and the specifications of image sensor 12, the relationship between the image circle IC and the imaging area of ​​image sensor 12 varies as shown in (a) to (d) of FIG. 4.

[0041] Therefore, if the lens protection member 20 is retracted to a region other than the region corresponding to the overlapping portion between the image circle IC and the imaging surface (the white portion in FIG. 4 ), reflection of the lens protection member 20 can be prevented, and the imaging quality of the generated celestial sphere image will not be affected. For example, in the case of (a) in FIG. 4 , the size of the image circle IC is smaller than the imaging region and the image circle IC fits within the imaging region, and the lens protection member 20 is retracted to a region corresponding to the shaded portion outside the image circle IC. In the case of (b) in FIG. 4 , the diameter of the image circle IC is larger than the short side of the imaging region but equal to or smaller than the long side, and a part of the image circle IC protrudes from the imaging region, and the lens protection member 20 is retracted to a region outside the image circle IC in the imaging region or a region corresponding to the shaded portion outside the imaging region. In the cases of (c) and (d) in FIG. 4 , the size of the image circle IC is larger than the imaging region and the imaging region is disposed within the image circle IC, and the lens protection member 20 is retracted to a region corresponding to the shaded portion outside the imaging region.

[0042] In the first embodiment, by storing the covers 21A and 21B in the storage sections 16A and 16B recessed in the housing 13 during shooting, the lens protection member 20 is retracted to an area outside the image circle IC in the imaging area of ​​all the imaging elements 12A and 12B or outside the imaging area of ​​all the imaging elements 12A and 12B. Furthermore, as shown in each diagram in FIG. 3, the lens protection member 20 is disposed in areas R1 and R2 that are outside the angle of view of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B in all directions including the X, Y, and Z directions. This more appropriately prevents the lens protection member 20 from being reflected in the subject image.

[0043] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 20 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 20 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 100 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 20 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the cover unit 21 is provided on the imaging device body 10 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction (up and down) between a protection position and a retracted position. In the protection position, the cover unit 21 is configured to protrude toward the subject side of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. This configuration allows the cover unit 21 to be easily moved between the protection position and the retracted position. The cover unit 21 also functions as a support, allowing the cover unit 21 to be stably placed on the mounting portion 1, such as a desk, and appropriately preventing scratches, tipping, dropping, and the like. The cover unit 21 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis X that intersects with the optical axis I of the wide-angle lens 14 and extends in the width direction of the imaging device body 10. Therefore, the cover unit 21 moves approximately concentrically along the curved surface of the wide-angle lens 14, preventing contact with the wide-angle lens 14 during movement.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B are each rotated to move between the protection position and the retracted position of each wide-angle lens 14A, 14B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In another embodiment, for example, the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B may be rotated in conjunction with each other, which would make it easier to move the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B between the protection position and the retracted position, improving operability.

[0046] (Second embodiment) Next, an imaging device 101 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The imaging device 101 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same basic configuration as the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment, except that the positions at which the cover portions 21A and 21B are supported are different. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those in the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The same applies to the other embodiments described below.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device 101 according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 5, (a) and (b) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when imaging, and (c) and (d) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when not imaging. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of how the imaging device 101 according to the second embodiment is used. In Fig. 6, (a) is a front view of the imaging device 101 when placed on a desk or the like, and (b) is a side view.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging device 101 of the second embodiment includes an imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 20.

[0049] The imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, two imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses these components. The lens barrels 11A and 11B house imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, including wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. The housing 13 also has recessed storage compartments 16A and 16B that house cover sections 21A and 21B. These storage compartments 16A and 16B also function as stoppers that limit the movement of the pair of cover sections 21A and 21B.

[0050] The lens protection member 20 includes a pair of cover portions 21A, 21B symmetrically arranged in the front and rear. The cover portions 21A, 21B are configured to move between a protection position, which protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the imaging elements 12A, 12B, or an area outside the imaging areas. The area outside the image circles is an area outside the angle of view of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. Furthermore, the cover portions 21A, 21B are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, preventing them from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0051] The cover portions 21A and 21B of the second embodiment are formed in a generally rectangular (generally U-shaped) shape in plan view, similar to the first embodiment. Both ends of the pair of cover portions 21A and 21B are pivotally supported by shaft members 22A and 22B on both side surfaces of the housing 13, and are independently rotatable in the vertical direction about rotation axes XA and XB at the centers of the shaft members 22A and 22B, and are connected to the housing 13 of the imaging device body 10 by the shaft members 22A and 22B.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the rotation axes XA and XB of the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B are spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., 3 mm) upward in the length direction from a line intersecting with the optical axis I of each wide-angle lens 14A and 14B in the width direction of the imaging device body 10. Therefore, the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B can rotate around the rotation axes XA and XB parallel to the width direction (X direction) along the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B by an angle of 90 degrees or more between a protection position that protects the vicinity of the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and a retracted position inside the storage parts 16A and 16B.

[0053] In the imaging device 101 of the second embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B of the lens protection member 20 are held and rotated downward about the rotation axes XA, XB. As a result, as shown in Figures 5(c) and 5(d), the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B are positioned at a downward incline toward the subject from the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, covering and protecting the vicinity of the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. Therefore, the lens protection member 20 can protect the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and prevent scratches, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, by arranging the pair of cover parts 21A, 21B at an incline downward, the length in the depth direction (Z direction) is shorter than in the first embodiment, and the gap Δ is also shorter. This makes it possible to suppress the bulkiness of the imaging device 101 in the depth direction. Also, in the second embodiment, as shown in each diagram in FIG. 6, the imaging device can be placed stably on a placement part 1 such as a desk, and scratches, tipping over, dropping, etc. can be prevented.

[0055] On the other hand, during photography, the pair of cover parts 21A, 21B are rotated upward around the rotation axes XA, XB, and stored in the storage parts 16A, 16B, as shown in (a) and (b) of Figures 1.

[0056] As a result, in the second embodiment as well, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 21A, 21B can be retracted to an area outside the image circles or outside the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0057] As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 20 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 20 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 101 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 20 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0058] Also, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the cover unit 21 can be easily moved between the protection position and the retracted position by rotating the cover unit 21 about the rotation axis X (XA, XB) of the pivot support unit. Furthermore, the cover unit 21 functions as a support, allowing the cover unit 21 to be stably placed on the mounting unit 1, such as a desk. In the second embodiment, the cover unit 21 rotates about an imaginary line that intersects with the optical axis I of the wide-angle lens 14 and is positioned a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction from a line extending in the width direction of the image capture device body 10, i.e., about the rotation axis X. Therefore, the cover unit 21 rotates around the outer periphery of the wide-angle lens 14 by an angle of 90 degrees or more and is disposed inclined forward of the wide-angle lens 14, thereby reducing the bulkiness of the image capture device 101 in the depth direction.

[0059] (Third embodiment) Next, an imaging device 102 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 102 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 5, (a) is a front view during imaging, and (b) and (c) are a front view and a plan view when one cover part 21A protects the wide-angle lens 14A during non-imaging. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of how the imaging device 102 according to the third embodiment is used. In FIG. 8, (a) is a front view of the imaging device 102 when placed on a desk or the like, and (b) is a side view.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the imaging device 102 of the third embodiment includes an imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 20.

[0061] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a housing 13 that houses these elements. Lens barrels 11A and 11B house imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0062] The basic shape of housing 13 in the third embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped, but the top surface on which lens barrels 11A and 11B are located is formed in an arc shape (dome shape) corresponding to the shape of lens barrels 11A and 11B. By using such a shape, the bulkiness of imaging device main body 10 and the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B in the left-right direction (X direction) is reduced, and reflection in the subject image is suppressed.

[0063] Further, storage portions 16A and 16B for storing cover portions 21A and 21B are recessed in housing 13. The inner surfaces of these storage portions 16A and 16B also function as stoppers that limit the movement of the pair of cover portions 21A and 21B.

[0064] The lens protection member 20 includes a pair of cover portions 21A, 21B symmetrically arranged in the front and rear. The cover portions 21A, 21B are configured to move between a protection position, which protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is a position that is outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. The cover portions 21A, 21B are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, preventing them from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0065] The cover sections 21A and 21B of the third embodiment are formed in a generally semicircular (generally C-shaped) shape in plan view to correspond to the arc-shaped upper surface of the housing 13. The pair of cover sections 21A and 21B are supported at both ends by shaft members 22A and 22B on both side surfaces of the housing 13, and are independently rotatable in the vertical direction about rotation axes XA and XB at the centers of the shaft members 22A and 22B, and are connected to the housing 13 of the imaging device body 10 by the shaft members 22A and 22B.

[0066] In the third embodiment, the rotation axes XA and XB of the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B are provided so as to coincide with an imaginary line that intersects with the optical axis I of each wide-angle lens 14A and 14B in the width direction of the imaging device body 10. Therefore, the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B can rotate about the rotation axes XA and XB parallel to the width direction (X direction) along the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B at an angle of approximately 90 degrees between a protection position that protects the vicinity of the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and a retracted position inside the storage parts 16A and 16B.

[0067] In the imaging device 102 of the third embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, one cover portion 21A of the lens protection member 20 is held and rotated downward about the rotation axes XA and XB. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c), one cover portion 21A is positioned to protrude substantially horizontally toward the subject side of the curved surface of one wide-angle lens 14A, covering the vicinity of the apex of the wide-angle lens 14A. Similarly, by rotating the other cover portion 21B, the other cover portion 21B covers the vicinity of the apex of the wide-angle lens 14A. Therefore, the lens protection member 20 protects the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and prevents scratches and the like.

[0068] Also, in the third embodiment, as shown in each figure of Figure 8, the cover parts 21A and 21B function as support parts, allowing the device to be placed stably on a mounting part 1 such as a desk, and preventing scratches, tipping over, dropping, etc.

[0069] On the other hand, during photography, the pair of cover parts 21A and 21B are rotated upward about the rotation axes XA and XB, and are stored in the storage parts 16A and 16B as shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0070] Therefore, in the third embodiment, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 21A and 21B can be retracted to an area outside the image circles or the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A and 12B, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0071] As described above, in the third embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 20 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 20 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 102 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 20 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0072] Also, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by rotating and moving cover portion 21 about rotation axis X (XA, XB) of the pivot support portion, cover portion 21 can be easily moved between the protection position and the retracted position, and cover portion 21 functions as a support portion, allowing it to be stably placed on mounting portion 1 such as a desk. Also, cover portion 21 is configured to rotate about an imaginary line that intersects with optical axis I of wide-angle lens 14 and extends in the width direction of imaging device body 10, that is, about rotation axis X, so cover portion 21 moves approximately concentrically along the curved surface of wide-angle lens 14, preventing contact with wide-angle lens 14.

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) An imaging device 103 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Figs. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of the imaging device 103 according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 9, (a), (b), and (c) are a front view, a side view, and a plan view (top view), respectively, during imaging. In Fig. 10, (a) and (b) are a front view and a side view, respectively, during non-imaging.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the imaging device 103 of the fourth embodiment includes an imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 120.

[0075] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0076] The lens protection member 120 includes a pair of cover portions 121A, 121B symmetrically arranged on the left and right (or front and rear). These cover portions 121A, 121B are configured to move between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the imaging elements 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. Furthermore, the cover portions 121A, 121B are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, preventing them from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0077] Here, the cover sections 21A, 21B of the first to third embodiments are provided above the housing 13, and are configured to rotate and move in the up-down direction (vertical direction) around a rotation axis X that intersects with the optical axes IA, IB of the wide-angle lens 14 and extends in the width direction (X direction) of the image capture device body 10. In contrast, the cover sections 121A, 121B of the fourth embodiment are configured to rotate and move in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) around a rotation axis X that intersects with the optical axes IA, IB of the wide-angle lens 14 and extends in the length direction (Y direction) of the image capture device body 10.

[0078] The configuration of the cover sections 121A, 121B of the fourth embodiment will be described below. The pair of cover sections 121A, 121B of the fourth embodiment are configured with strip-shaped members that extend from the top to the bottom of the imaging device body 10 along the outer periphery of the side surface of the housing 13 when in the retracted position. Due to this shape, the pair of cover sections 121A, 121B protrude in a rectangular (U-shaped) or C-shaped configuration in plan view toward the subject side of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B when in the protection position when not taking pictures. Furthermore, the thickness t (see FIG. 9(b)) of the pair of cover sections 121A, 121B is narrower than the length of the housing 13 in the depth direction, but can be made thicker than the cover sections 21A, 21B of the first embodiment, etc., and can therefore cover a larger area for the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0079] The pair of cover parts 121A, 121B are arranged with their ends overlapping each other at the top and bottom of the housing 13, and each of these overlapping ends has a pair of elongated holes 123A, 123B formed along the extending direction thereof. Engagement pins 122A, 122B, which serve as shaft members, are inserted into the elongated holes 123A, 123B to connect the pair of cover parts 21A, 21B to the housing 13 of the imaging device main body 10. The engagement pins 122A, 122B are provided at the center of the top or bottom surface of the housing 13, in an area outside the image circle of the imaging area of ​​the imaging elements 12A, 12B or outside the imaging area. Therefore, the engagement pins 122A, 122B are not reflected in the subject image.

[0080] With this configuration, the pair of cover parts 121A, 121B can rotate independently around the engagement pins 122A, 122B extending in the length direction (Y direction) of the imaging device body 10 as the rotation axis X. Furthermore, by providing the engagement grooves 24A, 24B, the pair of cover parts 21A, 21B can move in parallel in the direction away from and toward each other as shown by the arrows in (a) of Figure 9, and the distance between them can be increased or decreased.

[0081] In the imaging device 103 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, the pair of cover portions 121A, 121B of the lens protection member 120 are held and moved in directions away from each other and away from the side surface of the housing 13. In this state, the pair of cover portions 121A, 121B are rotated forward and backward about the rotation axis X. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the pair of cover portions 121A, 121B are positioned closer to the subject than the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and cover and protect the vicinity of the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0082] A predetermined gap Δ is provided between the inner surfaces of cover portions 121A and 121B and wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, preventing direct contact. Furthermore, cover portions 121A and 121B only move toward the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B by the length of slots 123A and 123B. Therefore, even if imaging device 103 is placed on its side on a desk or the like or if imaging device 103 falls over, cover portions 121A and 121B are prevented from unexpectedly moving toward wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. Therefore, wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B are appropriately protected by lens protection member 120, preventing scratches and the like.

[0083] On the other hand, during photography, the pair of cover parts 121A, 121B are rotated around the rotation axis X and moved laterally to be disposed on the side of the housing 13. Next, the pair of cover parts 121A, 121B are moved in a direction approaching each other, and the pair of cover parts 121A, 121B are disposed along the side of the housing 13, as shown in (a) to (c) of FIG.

[0084] Therefore, also in the fourth embodiment, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 121A, 121B can be retracted to an area outside the image circle in the imaging area of ​​all the imaging elements 12A, 12B or outside the imaging area.

[0085] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 120 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 120 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 103 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 120 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0086] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the cover portions 121A and 121B are configured to rotate about a line that intersects the optical axis I of the wide-angle lens 14 and extends in the length direction of the image capture device body 10 between a protection position for the wide-angle lens 14 and a retracted position. This configuration allows the cover portions 121A and 121B to be easily moved between the protection position and the retracted position. Furthermore, the lower surface of the image capture device body 10 and the lower surfaces of the cover portions 121A and 121B that intersect with the lower surface of the image capture device body 10 and extend in the depth direction function as supports, allowing the image capture device 103 to be placed stably on a desk or the like and appropriately preventing scratches, tipping, falling, and the like.

[0087] (Fifth embodiment) Next, an imaging device 104 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 104 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 11, (a) and (b) are a front view and a side view, respectively, of the main parts during imaging, and (c) and (d) are a front view and a side view, respectively, of the main parts during non-imaging. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the cover portion 221A of the lens protection member 220. In FIG. 12, (a) is a perspective view of the cover portion 221A and the wide-angle lens 14 during imaging, (b) is a perspective view of only the cover portion 221A from a different direction during imaging, (c) is a perspective view of the cover portion 221A and the wide-angle lens 14A during non-imaging, (d) is a perspective view of only the cover portion 221A during non-imaging from a different direction, and (e) is a perspective view of the guard piece 225A of the cover portion 221A and the operating portion 226A.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11, the imaging device 104 of the fifth embodiment includes an imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 220.

[0089] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses these elements. Lens barrels 11A and 11B house imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0090] The lens protection member 220 includes a pair of cover portions 221A, 221B symmetrically arranged in the front and rear. These cover portions 221A, 221B are configured to move between a protection position, which protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. The cover portions 221A, 221B are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, preventing them from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0091] The configuration of one cover part 221A will be described below with reference to Fig. 12. The configuration of the other cover part 221B is the same as that of one cover part 221A, so a description thereof will be omitted. As shown in each drawing in Fig. 12, the cover part 221A includes a base part 224A, three guard pieces 225A, and an operating part 226A.

[0092] The base portion 224A is formed from a cylindrical member and is fixed to the housing 13 at the outer periphery of the wide-angle lens 14A. The three guard pieces 225A are formed from arc-shaped rod-like members and are arranged side by side in an arc shape on the upper surface of the base portion 224A so as to surround the wide-angle lens 14A. One end (base end) of each guard piece 225A is rotatably supported by the support portion 222A of the base portion 224A, and the other end (tip end) is a free end. The guard piece 225A has a length that is approximately one-third the circumferential length of the base portion 224A. A gear 228A is provided at the supported base end of each guard piece 225A.

[0093] An operating unit 226A made of a ring gear is housed inside the base portion 224A and is rotatable circumferentially within the base portion 224A. An operating lever 227A is provided on the operating unit 226A and protrudes to the outside through an opening 230A in the base portion 224A. Therefore, by operating the operating lever 227A, the user can rotate the operating unit 226A clockwise or counterclockwise within the base portion 224A by the length of the opening 230A. A gear 228A of the guard piece 225A meshes with a gear 229A of the operating unit 226A, and these gears 229A and 228A constitute a drive mechanism that opens and closes the cover portion 221A.

[0094] With this configuration, when operation lever 227A is operated to rotate operation portion 226A clockwise or counterclockwise, this rotation is transmitted to gear 228A of three guard pieces 225A via gear 229A. As a result, the three guard pieces 225A rotate in unison around pivot portion 222A, and the free ends, i.e., the leading ends, rotate in a direction approaching base portion 224A (open direction) and a direction away from base portion 224A (close direction). In addition, by providing a stopper or the like that maintains the open and closed states, accidental opening and closing of cover portion 221A can be prevented during and after photography.

[0095] In the imaging device 104 of the fifth embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, for example, the operating lever 227A of one cover portion 221A of the lens protection member 220 is operated to rotate the operating portion 226A clockwise. This operation causes the three guard pieces 225A to rotate in the closing direction and rise, and as shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d) and 12(c), the tip of each guard piece 225A protrudes further toward the subject than the curved surface of one wide-angle lens 14A. As a result, the three guard pieces 225A surround and protect one wide-angle lens 14A.

[0096] A predetermined distance Δ' is provided between the outer surface of the protruding tip of each guard piece 225A and the apex of the wide-angle lens 14A. Therefore, even if the wide-angle lens 14A is placed face down on a desk or the like or collides with an obstacle, each guard piece 225A protects the wide-angle lens 14A, preventing it from directly hitting the desk or the like and preventing scratches, etc. For the other cover part 221B, by performing the same operation as for the one cover part 221A, the other cover part 221B can protect the other wide-angle lens 14B and prevent scratches, etc.

[0097] On the other hand, during photography, for example, the operating lever 227A of one cover part 221A is operated to rotate the operating part 226A counterclockwise. This operation causes the three guard pieces 225A to rotate in the opening direction, and as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) and 12(a), each guard piece 225A is stored in parallel along the base part 224A.

[0098] Therefore, in the fifth embodiment as well, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 221A, 221B can be retracted to an area outside the image circles or outside the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0099] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 220 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 220 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 104 that can obtain subject images with excellent imaging quality by preventing reflection of lens protection member 220 in the subject image.

[0100] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the cover portion 21 has a plurality of guard pieces 225 arranged to surround the periphery of the wide-angle lens 14. The guard pieces 225 are pivotally supported at their base ends by the imaging device body 10, with their tip ends being free ends, and are arranged along the surface of the imaging device body 10 in the retracted position, and rotate around the pivotal support portion as a fulcrum to stand up in the protective position, with their tip ends protruding further toward the subject than the wide-angle lens 14. With this configuration, the wide-angle lens can be appropriately protected when not shooting, and can be retracted to a position where it is possible to prevent the lens from appearing in the subject image when shooting.

[0101] (Sixth embodiment) Next, an imaging device 105 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 105 according to the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 13, (a) and (b) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when not capturing images, and (c) and (d) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when capturing images.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 13, the imaging device 105 of the sixth embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 320.

[0103] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses these elements. Lens barrels 11A and 11B house imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0104] The lens protection member 320 includes a pair of cover portions 321A and 321B symmetrically arranged on the left and right. The cover portions 321A and 321B are configured to move between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and a retracted position. In this embodiment, the retracted position is a portion of the imaging device body 10 or an area outside the imaging device body 10 that is reflected by the imaging elements 12A and 12B, and corresponds to an area where the imaging areas of the imaging elements 12A and 12B overlap. The cover portions 321A and 321B are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, preventing them from shifting from the protection position and the retracted position.

[0105] Here, with reference to FIG. 3, we will explain "portions of the imaging device body 10 or areas outside the imaging device body 10 that are reflected in the imaging elements 12A and 12B." The housing 13 of the imaging device body 10 of this embodiment has a shape that is elongated downward because it functions as a handle and is provided with an LCD, operation buttons, etc. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), a part of the imaging device body 10 (the unshaded portion shown by solid lines in FIG. 3) falls within the angle of view of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and the housing 13 or the user's hand holding the housing 13 may be reflected in the subject image. Even if the housing 13 is shortened to fit outside the angle of view, the user's hand holding it, a tripod, a support rod, etc. may be reflected in the subject image.

[0106] In this way, in an image captured by the image sensors 12A and 12B, a portion in which the imaging device body 10, a hand, or the like is reflected is generally treated as a "discarded area" (an area that may be discarded and not used in the generated subject image), and the image of the imaging device body 10, etc. reflected in this discarded area is erased by image processing, a logo mark, or the like. For this reason, by retracting the lens protection member 320 to a portion of the area of ​​the imaging device body 10 that would originally be reflected in the discarded area of ​​the subject image, or to a portion of the area outside the imaging device body 10 where a hand, etc. is placed, that would originally be reflected in the discarded area of ​​the subject image, it is possible to suppress the impact on the imaging quality of the generated subject image (here, a celestial sphere panoramic image). Note that the "area of ​​the imaging device body 10" refers to the area in which the imaging device body 10 is present. Furthermore, the "area outside the imaging device body 10" refers to an area on an extension of the length direction along the Y axis of the imaging device body 10, an area on an extension of the width direction along the X axis, etc., and is an area around the imaging device body 10 in the up-down direction, left-right direction, diagonal direction, etc. (circumferential direction), and is a direction in which a hand or a tripod holding the imaging device body 10 is present. In the case of the sixth embodiment, the cover parts 321A and 321B are retracted below the imaging device body 10 which is long in the length direction along the Y axis (outside the lower end, in the direction in which a hand is present), on an extension of the length direction.

[0107] As described above, when generating a 360-degree spherical panoramic image, image processing such as distortion correction and projective transformation is performed on multiple images captured by multiple image sensors 12 using multiple wide-angle lenses 14, and then a stitching process is performed to stitch the multiple images together. The portion of the overlapping area between the imaging regions of the multiple image sensors 12 used in the stitching process may be referred to as the “stitching area” hereinafter. In the overlapping area between the imaging regions of the multiple image sensors 12, if a lens protection member is captured in an image captured by one of the image sensors 12, that portion becomes a blind spot, reducing the stitching area used in the stitching process. In such a case, the portion of the image captured by one image sensor 12 in which the lens protection member is captured is not used, and an image captured by the other image sensor 12 is used in that portion to create a panoramic image. The stitching process can be performed using the remaining area of ​​the overlapping area between the multiple image sensors 12, excluding the area in one image where the lens protection member is captured and the area in the other image that overlaps with that area. Therefore, within the range where the stitching area is ensured, the lens protection member can be retracted to a position corresponding to the area where the imaging areas of the multiple image sensors 12 overlap, and it is possible to suppress the lens protection member from being reflected in the generated omnidirectional panoramic image.

[0108] Note that the larger the stitching area, the higher the stitching accuracy and the higher the imaging quality of the celestial sphere panoramic image. Therefore, when the lens protection member is reflected in an area where the imaging areas of multiple image sensors 12 overlap each other, the lens protection member is retracted to a position where the stitching area is larger, preferably to a position where the stitching area is at its largest. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of the stitching process.

[0109] As described above, by setting the position corresponding to the area where the imaging areas of the multiple image sensors 12A and 12B overlap, that is, the area with a field angle wider than 180 degrees and where the stitching area can be secured, as the retraction area of ​​the lens protection member, it is possible to appropriately suppress the deterioration of the accuracy of the stitching process and also appropriately suppress the reflection of the lens protection member in the omnidirectional panoramic image.

[0110] For example, when three or more wide-angle lenses 14 are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction, it is preferable to retract the lens protection member 20 to a position where the lens protection member 20 is not reflected within an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of wide-angle lenses 14 (for example, 360 degrees / 3=120 degrees in the case of three wide-angle lenses), i.e., a position corresponding to a field angle position wider than 120 degrees.

[0111] The retracted position in the sixth embodiment is a position located in the area of ​​the imaging device main body 10 or in the area outside the imaging device main body 10, in a portion that is reflected in the imaging elements 12A and 12B, and is also a position corresponding to the area where the imaging areas of the imaging elements 12A and 12B overlap.

[0112] The configuration of the cover parts 321A and 321B of the sixth embodiment will be described below. The pair of cover parts 321A and 321B are formed in a box shape that respectively accommodates, covers, and protects the left and right halves of the imaging device body 10. The cover parts 321A and 321B have lens accommodation parts 331A and 331B and body accommodation parts 332A and 332B.

[0113] The cover parts 321A, 321B are rotatably supported by shaft members 322A, 322B extending along the depth direction (Z direction) at the lower end of the housing 13. Therefore, the pair of cover parts 321A, 321B can rotate about an angle of approximately 180 degrees up and down, with the centers of the shaft members 322A, 322B as rotation axes XA, XB, between a protection position where the image capture device body 10 is covered and protected and a retracted position where the image capture device body 10 is exposed.

[0114] The cover parts 321A and 321B rotate downward around the rotation axes XA and XB, and function as handles when placed below the imaging device body 10 as shown in (c) and (d) of Figure 13. In this state, the imaging device body 10 can be placed on a desk or the like, and the cover parts 321A and 321B also function as a support base for supporting the imaging device body 10.

[0115] The lens housing sections 331A and 331B are configured to bulge so that their inner surfaces are located closer to the subject than the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and a predetermined gap is provided between them and the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, respectively, and cover the vicinity of the left and right halves of each wide-angle lens 14A and 14B. The main body housing sections 332A and 332B are rectangular parallelepipeds and cover the left and right halves of the imaging device main body 10 below the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, respectively.

[0116] In the sixth embodiment of the imaging device 105 having the above-described configuration, when a subject image is not being captured, a pair of cover portions 321A, 321B of the lens protection member 320 are arranged on the outer periphery of the imaging device body 10, as shown in (a) and (b) of Figures 13A and 13B, to cover the entire imaging device body 10 including the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0117] As a result, the lens protection member 320 protects not only the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B but also the entire imaging device body 10, improving impact resistance and appropriately preventing scratches and the like from adhering to these lenses, as well as dust, dirt, and the like.

[0118] On the other hand, during shooting, the pair of cover parts 321A, 321B are rotated in the opening direction (X direction) around the rotation axes XA, XB. By this operation, the pair of cover parts 321A, 321B are arranged back to back below the imaging device body 10, as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG.

[0119] Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 321A, 321B can be retracted along the extension direction of the imaging device body 10, on the opposite side of the length from the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. Also, the pair of cover portions 321A, 321B can be retracted to positions corresponding to the area where the imaging areas of the imaging elements 12A, 12B overlap. Then, the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0120] As described above, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 320 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 320 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 105 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 320 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0121] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the cover unit 321 has a box shape that can be held by the user, and is disposed on the outer periphery of the wide-angle lens 14 in the protected position, and is moved to a position along the extension direction of the imaging device body 10 and disposed below where the wide-angle lens 14 is not provided in the retracted position. Therefore, the cover unit 321 functions as a handle and also as a support base when placing the imaging device body 10 on a desk or the like, allowing the wide-angle lens 14 to be positioned further away from the user's hands and the mounting unit 1, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in photography. Furthermore, by covering the entire imaging device body 10 with the box-shaped cover unit 321, the durability of the imaging device 105 can be improved.

[0122] (Seventh embodiment) An imaging device 106 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 106 according to the seventh embodiment. In Fig. 14, (a) is a perspective view when not capturing an image, and (b) is a perspective view when capturing an image.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 14, the imaging device 106 of the seventh embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 420.

[0124] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0125] 14, the imaging device body 10 is provided with an LCD (display device) 17, a shooting button 18a, operation buttons 18b, etc. on the front of the housing 13. The LCD 17 has a touch panel function and displays an operation menu, a subject image, etc. The shooting button 18a is a button for issuing instructions to start and end shooting of a subject image. The operation button 18b is a button for issuing instructions for various operations. The housing 13 is also provided with a pair of guide grooves 19 on the front and back sides, which guide the arm portion 434 of the lens protection member 20 (described later) in the up and down directions.

[0126] Lens protection member 420 includes a pair of cover portions 421 provided symmetrically in the front and rear, and a pair of link mechanisms (movement mechanisms) 433. Note that in Fig. 14, only one cover portion 421A, link mechanism 433A, and guide groove 19A are visible, and the other cover portion and the like that are symmetrical to these are hidden behind the rear surface of imaging device body 10. In the following, these configurations will be described using the terms cover portion 421, link mechanism 433, and guide groove 19 without any distinction between them.

[0127] The pair of cover parts 421 are configured to move between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area that is outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. Furthermore, the cover parts 421 are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, so that they can be prevented from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0128] The pair of cover portions 421 in the seventh embodiment are formed from plate-like members having curved surfaces that protrude toward the subject, corresponding to the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. Each cover portion 421 is formed with an area large enough to cover the entire wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. Furthermore, each cover portion 421 is formed with dimensions adjusted so that, when positioned on the subject side of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, a predetermined gap is provided between the inner surface of the cover portion 421 and the vertex of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0129] The pair of cover parts 421 can move between a protection position in front of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and a retracted position by a pair of link mechanisms 433. This retracted position is a position along the surface of the housing 13, between the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and the LCD 17. Therefore, the LCD 17 is not blocked by the cover parts 421 during shooting.

[0130] The link mechanism 433 has four arm portions 434 and a joint portion 435. The four arm portions 434 are inserted into the guide grooves 19 of the housing 13, one end of each arm portion 434 is rotatably connected to the upper and lower ends of both sides of the cover portion 421 by the joint portion 435, and the other end of each arm portion 434 is rotatably connected and fixed to the inner wall of the housing 13 or the like by the joint portion 435.

[0131] With this configuration, arm portion 434 is movable in the up-down direction (Y direction) within guide groove 19, with joint portion 435 on the housing 13 side as a fulcrum. As a result, cover portion 421 connected to one end of arm portion 434 moves up and down between a protection position for wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and a retracted position. Note that in this embodiment, cover portion 421 is held with fingers and moved up and down manually, but it may also be configured such that link mechanism 433 is operated by an appropriate drive mechanism such as an electric motor to automatically move cover portion 421 up and down.

[0132] In the imaging device 106 of the seventh embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, the pair of cover portions 421 of the lens protection member 420 are held and pushed up, and the pair of cover portions 421 move upward by the link mechanism 433. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the pair of cover portions 421 are positioned closer to the subject than the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and cover the lenses of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. Therefore, the lens protection member 420 can protect the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and prevent scratches and the like.

[0133] On the other hand, when shooting, if the pair of cover parts 421A, 421B are held and pushed down, the pair of cover parts 421 move downward by the link mechanism 433. As a result, the pair of cover parts 421 are disposed at a retracted position between the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and the LCD 17, as shown in (b) of FIG.

[0134] Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 421 can be retracted to an area outside the image circles or outside the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A and 12B, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0135] As described above, the seventh embodiment also provides lens protection member 420 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 420 in the subject image. As a result, imaging device 106 can be provided that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 420 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0136] Moreover, in the seventh embodiment, the cover part 421 is made of a plate-like member. A link mechanism 433 (movement mechanism) is provided that moves this cover part 421 between the protection position and the retracted position along the surface of the image capture device body 10. This configuration allows the cover part 421 to be moved easily with little force. Furthermore, when in the retracted position, the cover part 421 is disposed in an area other than the display part (LCD 17) and operation parts (shooting button 18a, operation button 18b) provided on the image capture device body 10, and therefore does not interfere with the visibility of the LCD 17 or the operation of the shooting button 18a, operation button 18b, etc.

[0137] (Eighth embodiment) An imaging device 107 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 107 according to the eighth embodiment. In Fig. 15, (a) and (b) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when not capturing images, and (c) and (d) are a front view and a side view, respectively, when capturing images.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 15, the imaging device 107 of the eighth embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 520.

[0139] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0140] 15, the imaging device body 10 is provided with an LCD 17 on the front surface of the housing 13. The imaging device body 10 is also provided with a heat sink 40 made up of a plurality of plate-like members protruding from the front and rear surfaces of the housing 13 to the outside.

[0141] The lens protection member 520 includes a rectangular cylindrical cover portion 521 that opens at the top and bottom. In this embodiment, the cover portion 521 is configured to move between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and a retracted position. The retracted position in this embodiment is a position where the cover portion 521 is disposed in a portion of the imaging device body 10 or an area outside the imaging device body 10 that is reflected by the imaging elements 12A and 12B, and also corresponds to an area where the imaging areas of the imaging elements 12A and 12B overlap. The cover portion 521 is prevented from shifting from the protection position to the retracted position by being biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch.

[0142] Cover portion 521, which has a rectangular cylindrical shape, is arranged on the outer periphery of housing 13 and is connected to housing 13 with a stopper (latch, etc.) or the like to prevent it from accidentally coming off housing 13. Cover portion 521 is arranged along housing 13 so as to be movable up and down between a protection position where it covers and protects wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and a retracted position, and displacement from the protection position and the retracted position can be prevented by biasing, a latch, etc.

[0143] It should be noted that cover portion 521 can be easily moved by manually holding it and moving it up and down, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, if a guide rail is provided on the side of housing 13 and a shaft provided on the inner surface of cover portion 521 is engaged with this guide rail, cover portion 521 can be moved up and down more smoothly and stably.

[0144] Cover portion 521 is formed to a length that allows it to cover wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and LCD 17 in the protected position. The front and back surfaces of cover portion 521 are configured to protrude further toward the subject than the curved surfaces of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, preventing direct contact between the inner surface of cover portion 521 and wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and providing a circulation gap 41 between cover portion 521 and imaging device body 10 in the retracted position, allowing outside air to circulate.

[0145] In addition, the cover portion 521 is disposed at the retracted position below the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and the LCD 17 and on the outer periphery of the imaging device body 10. In addition, in this retracted position, the cover portion 521 covers the heat sink 40 protruding from the housing 13. Therefore, by holding the cover portion 521, the user can hold the imaging device 107 without directly touching the heat sink 40. Therefore, the cover portion 521 (i.e., the lens protection member 520) of this embodiment functions as a handle (holding portion).

[0146] Furthermore, the heat sink 40 is disposed in the flow gap 41 between the cover portion 521 and the imaging device main body 10, and outside air flows around the periphery of the heat sink 40, further improving the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink 40. Therefore, the cover portion 521 (lens protection member 520) of this embodiment also functions as a heat dissipation member. Moreover, since the cover portion 521 protrudes outward in the depth direction beyond the housing 13, by placing the cover portion 521 in the retracted position, the imaging device 107 can be placed more stably on a desk or the like. Therefore, the cover portion 521 (lens protection member 520) of this embodiment also functions as a support stand.

[0147] In the imaging device 103 of the eighth embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, the cover portions 521 of the lens protection members 520 are held and moved upward, and as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B are entirely covered by the respective cylindrical cover portions 521. Therefore, the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B are protected by the cover portions 521, and scratches and the like can be prevented.

[0148] On the other hand, when taking a photograph, the cover portion 521 is held and moved downward to be placed in a retracted position on the outer periphery of the heat sink 40 as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG.

[0149] Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, when capturing an image of a subject, cover portion 521 can be retracted to the surface of imaging device body 10 except for the area in front of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. Cover portion 521 can also be retracted to a position corresponding to the area where the imaging areas of imaging elements 12A and 12B overlap. Then, the image of the subject can be captured using wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0150] As described above, the eighth embodiment also provides lens protection member 520 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 520 in the subject image. As a result, imaging device 107 can be provided that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 520 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0151] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the cover portion 521 has a cylindrical shape that can be held by a user, and is disposed on the outer periphery of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B in the protection position, and is disposed on the surface of the image capture device body 10 excluding the area in front of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B in the retracted position. Therefore, the cover portion 521 functions as a handle, enabling stable holding, and also functions as a support base when placing the image capture device on a desk or the like, enabling stable placement. Furthermore, a circulation gap 41 is provided between the cover portion 521 and the image capture device body 10, allowing outside air to circulate, thereby enabling efficient dissipation of heat from circuit boards and the like built into the housing 13.

[0152] In the eighth embodiment, the imaging device body 10 is provided with a heat sink 40 that protrudes outward to improve heat dissipation, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the heat sink 40 may not protrude outward from the housing 13. In this configuration, the depth direction lengths of the imaging device body 10 and the cover part 521 can be made smaller, and reflection of the imaging device body 10 and the cover part 521 in the subject image can be further suppressed.

[0153] (Ninth embodiment) An imaging device 108 according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 108 according to the ninth embodiment. In Fig. 16, (a) is a perspective view of the main parts during imaging, and (b) is a perspective view of the main parts during non-imaging.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 16, the imaging device 108 of the ninth embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 620.

[0155] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0156] The lens protection member 620 has a pair of cover portions 621A that are provided symmetrically in the front and rear. Note that only one cover portion 621A is shown in Fig. 16, and the other cover portion that is symmetrical to it is hidden behind the back surface of the imaging device body 10 and is therefore not shown. In the following description, the two will be referred to as cover portion 621 etc. without any distinction between them.

[0157] The pair of cover parts 621 are configured to move between a protection position where they protect at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position, which is outside the image circles or imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B.

[0158] The pair of cover units 621 of the ninth embodiment has multiple cylindrical covers 636 that move along the optical axis between a protection position and a retracted position by different distances. Each cover unit 621 has a different diameter, and is configured as a nested or telescopic structure in which a cylindrical cover 636 with a smaller diameter is inserted inside a cylindrical cover 636 with a larger diameter. The cylindrical cover 636 with the largest diameter moves the smallest, and the cylindrical cover 636 with the smallest diameter moves the largest. The multiple cylindrical covers 636 are provided so that they can slide relative to each other along the optical axis of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. With this configuration, the length of the cover unit 621 from its tip to its base end is flexible.

[0159] The pair of cover parts 621 can be configured to be automatically extendable and retractable by a known drive mechanism such as a motor and gears, but can also be configured to be extendable and retractable manually without a drive mechanism. Also, the cover parts 621 can be biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch to prevent displacement from the protection position and retracted position or unexpected extension and retraction.

[0160] In the imaging device 106 of the ninth embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, the driving mechanism or the like is used to slide each cylindrical cover 636 of the pair of cover units 621 toward the subject, extending the cover units 621 and positioning them in a wall-like manner around the outer peripheries of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, as shown in FIG. 16(b). As a result, the tip of the cylindrical cover 636, which has the smallest diameter and the greatest amount of movement, protrudes further toward the subject than the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. Therefore, the cover units 621 protect the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and prevent scratches and the like.

[0161] On the other hand, when taking a photograph, the multiple cylindrical covers 636 of the pair of cover parts 621 are slid toward the housing 13 by driving the drive mechanism, etc., and the other cylindrical covers 636 are stacked and stored inside the outermost cylindrical cover 636, as shown in (a) of Figure 16, thereby contracting the cover parts 621 and placing them in a retracted position.

[0162] Therefore, in the ninth embodiment, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 621 can be retracted to an area outside the image circles or outside the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A and 12B, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0163] As described above, in the ninth embodiment, it is possible to provide lens protection member 620 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 620 in the subject image. As a result, it is possible to provide imaging device 108 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 620 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0164] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, the cover unit 621 includes a plurality of cylindrical covers 636 that are disposed around the outer periphery of the wide-angle lens 14 and move along the optical axis between a protection position and a retracted position by different amounts of movement. In the retracted position, the cylindrical covers 636 are housed within the imaging device body 10. In the protection position, the tip of at least the cylindrical cover 636 with the greatest amount of movement among the plurality of cylindrical covers 636 protrudes toward the subject further than the wide-angle lens 14. With this configuration, by housing the cylindrical covers 636 in the retracted position within the imaging device body 10 during shooting, reflections in the subject image can be suppressed. Furthermore, when not shooting, the cylindrical covers 636 are disposed in the protection position, and the tip of the cylindrical cover 636 with the greatest amount of movement protrudes toward the subject further than the wide-angle lens 14, thereby appropriately protecting the wide-angle lens 14.

[0165] In the ninth embodiment, the cylindrical cover 636 with the largest diameter is fixed to the housing 13, and the cylindrical covers 636 with smaller diameters housed inside it slide sequentially, with the cylindrical cover 636 with the smallest diameter moving the largest distance and its tip projecting toward the subject, a so-called telescopic structure, but this configuration is not limited to this. As another embodiment, a configuration may be used in which the cylindrical cover 636 with the smallest diameter is fixed to the housing 13, and the cylindrical covers 636 with larger diameters arranged on the outer periphery slide sequentially, with the cylindrical cover 636 with the largest diameter moving the largest distance and projecting toward the subject. Also, the number of cylindrical covers 634 is not limited to multiple, and there may be only one.

[0166] (Tenth embodiment) An imaging device 109 according to the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 109 according to the tenth embodiment. In Fig. 17, (a) is a perspective view when not capturing an image, and (b) is a perspective view when capturing an image.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 17, the imaging device 109 of the tenth embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 720.

[0168] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0169] The lens protection member 720 includes a pair of cover portions 721A, 721B symmetrically arranged in the front and rear. The pair of cover portions 721A, 721B are configured to move between a protection position where they protect at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area outside the image circles or outside the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B.

[0170] The pair of cover portions 721A, 721B of the tenth embodiment are made up of three divided pieces 737A, 737B. Each divided piece 737A, 737B is connected to the housing 13 of the imaging device body 10 by a hinge portion 738A, 738B. Each divided piece 737A, 737B can be moved left and right or up and down via the hinge portion 738A, 738B to move closer to or separate from each other. In this case, "close to" means that the divided pieces 737A, 737B are in contact with each other or arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap between them.

[0171] Each of the divided pieces 737A, 737B is biased in a separation direction by the hinge portions 738A, 738B to a retracted position behind the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and this position (open state) is maintained. The lens protection member 720 also includes a known locking mechanism (e.g., a protrusion and recess that fit together) for connecting the divided pieces 737A, 737B and maintaining the close-up state (closed state). The divided pieces 737A, 737B can be prevented from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position by the biasing force of the locking mechanism, the biasing force of the hinge portions 738A, 738B, or biasing by a biasing means such as a spring or by being fixed by a latch. The divided pieces 737A, 737B cover and protect the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, either together or individually.

[0172] The retracted area does not have to be strictly an area outside the image circle or outside the imaging area of ​​all of the imaging elements 12A and 12B. For example, due to design constraints or the biasing force of the hinge portion 738A, a part of the cover portion 721A, 721B (such as the divided pieces 737A and 737B) may be retracted to a retracted position where the imaging device main body 10, etc., is located in a portion where it is reflected in the imaging elements 12A and 12B, or to a retracted position corresponding to an area where the imaging areas of the imaging elements 12A and 12B overlap.

[0173] In the imaging device 109 of the tenth embodiment configured as described above, when not capturing a subject image, the split pieces 737A, 737B are moved manually or by a known drive mechanism against the biasing force of the hinge portions 738A, 738B to a protective position in front of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and then the locking mechanism is activated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the split pieces 737A, 737B are brought close to each other and connected to each other, protruding toward the subject beyond the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, forming a single cover portion 721A, 721B that covers the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B. The locking mechanism maintains the split pieces 737A, 737B in a close position, preventing accidental separation. Therefore, the lens protection member 420 protects the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and prevents scratches and other damage.

[0174] On the other hand, when shooting, when the locking mechanism is released, the spring force of the hinge portions 738A and 738B moves each of the divided pieces 737A and 737B in the opening direction, and they are positioned in a retracted position behind each of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, as shown in (b) of Figure 17.

[0175] Therefore, in the tenth embodiment as well, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 721A, 721B can be retracted to an area outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. Alternatively, the pair of cover portions 721A, 721B can be retracted to a position where the imaging device body 10, etc., is disposed in an area reflected in the image sensors 12A, 12B or a position corresponding to an area where the imaging areas of the image sensors 12A, 12B overlap. Then, the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0176] As described above, the tenth embodiment also provides lens protection member 720 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 720 in the subject image. As a result, imaging device 109 can be provided that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 720 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0177] Furthermore, in the tenth embodiment, the cover portion 721 is made up of a plurality of divided pieces 737, which are connected to the imaging device body 10 by hinge portions 738. In the protection position, the divided pieces 737 are positioned on the subject side of the curved surface of the wide-angle lens 14 via the hinge portions 738, so that they come close to each other to cover the wide-angle lens 14, and move in a direction separating via the hinge portions 738, so that they move to the retracted position. With this configuration, when not taking pictures, the divided pieces 737 are close to each other by the large-area cover portion 721 to more appropriately protect the wide-angle lens 14, and when taking pictures, they separate into small divided pieces 737 and retract, so that reflections in the subject image can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0178] (Eleventh embodiment) An imaging device 110 according to an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 110 according to the eleventh embodiment. In Fig. 18, (a) is a perspective view when not capturing images, (b) is a perspective view when capturing images and one cover part 821A is in the middle of opening, and (c) is a perspective view when capturing images and one cover part 821A is open.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 18, the imaging device 110 of the eleventh embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 820.

[0180] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0181] Lens protection member 820 has a pair of cover portions 821A provided symmetrically at the front and rear. Note that only one cover portion 821A is visible in Fig. 18, and the other symmetrical cover portion is hidden behind the back surface of imaging device body 10 and is therefore not shown. In the following description, both will be referred to as cover portion 821 without any distinction between them.

[0182] The pair of cover parts 821 are configured to move between a protection position that protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area that is outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. Also, in this embodiment, the pair of cover parts 821 may be configured to retract to a position where the imaging device body 10, etc., is located in a portion that is reflected in the image sensors 12A, 12B, or to a position corresponding to an area where the imaging areas of the image sensors 12A, 12B overlap.

[0183] The lens protection member 820 of the 11th embodiment has the same basic configuration as the lens protection member 720 of the 11th embodiment, except that the pair of cover portions 821 are composed of more divided pieces 837 and have smaller areas than the pair of cover portions 721 of the 11th embodiment.

[0184] The pair of cover sections 821 is made up of nine divided pieces 837 and is connected to the housing 13 of the imaging device body 10 by hinge sections 838. The divided pieces 837A, 837B are biased in the direction of separation by hinge sections 838A, 838B, and are connected in close proximity to each other and equipped with a locking mechanism for maintaining this close proximity. Each divided piece 837A, 837B can be prevented from shifting from the protection position and the retracted position by the biasing force of this locking mechanism or hinge sections 838, or by biasing by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch.

[0185] In the imaging device 110 of the eleventh embodiment configured as described above, when not capturing a subject image, the split pieces 837 are moved manually or by a known drive mechanism against the biasing force of the hinge portions 838A and 838B to a protective position in front of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and then the locking mechanism is activated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the split pieces 837 approach each other and protrude further toward the subject than the curved surfaces of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, forming a single cover portion 821 that covers the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B. The locking mechanism maintains the split pieces 837A and 837B in a close proximity, preventing accidental separation. Therefore, the lens protection member 820 protects the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B and prevents scratches and other damage.

[0186] On the other hand, when shooting, when the locking mechanism is released, the spring force of the hinge portion 838 moves each of the divided pieces 837 in the opening direction as shown in (b) to (c) of Figure 18, and they are positioned in a retracted position behind each of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0187] Therefore, in the eleventh embodiment as well, when capturing an image of a subject, the pair of cover portions 821 can be retracted to an area outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A and 12B or outside the imaging areas. Alternatively, the pair of cover portions 821 can be retracted to a position where the imaging device body 10, etc., is located in an area reflected in the image sensors 12A and 12B, or to a position corresponding to an area where the imaging areas of the image sensors 12A and 12B overlap. Then, the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0188] As described above, the eleventh embodiment also provides lens protection member 820 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflection of lens protection member 820 in the subject image. As a result, imaging device 110 can be provided that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 820 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0189] Furthermore, in the eleventh embodiment, the number of divided pieces 837 is greater than in the tenth embodiment, but the area of ​​each divided piece 837 can be made smaller, so that reflection of each divided piece 837 in the subject image can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0190] (Twelfth embodiment) Next, an imaging device 111 according to a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging device 110 according to a twelfth embodiment. In Fig. 19, (a) and (b) are a plan view and a front view during imaging, (c) is a front view with the cover 921 pulled upward, (d) and (e) are a front view and a plan view during non-imaging, and (f) is a front view when the imaging device 111 is placed on a desk or the like.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 19, the imaging device 111 of the twelfth embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 920.

[0192] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0193] The lens protection member 920 includes a rod-shaped (or thin plate-shaped) cover portion 921 provided on the top surface of the imaging device body 10, and an axis member 922 that rotatably supports the cover portion 921. The cover portion 921 is rotatable around the center of the axis member 922 as a rotation axis XC. The cover portion 921 is housed in a storage portion 16 recessed in the top surface of the housing 13.

[0194] The cover portion 921 is configured to move between a protection position, which protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. The cover portion 921 may be biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, so that it can be prevented from shifting from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0195] In the imaging device 111 of the twelfth embodiment configured as described above, when capturing a subject image, the cover portion 921 of the lens protection member 920 is stored in the storage portion 16 of the housing 13, as shown in (a) and (b) of Figure 19.

[0196] As a result, in the twelfth embodiment as well, when capturing an image of a subject, the cover portion 921 can be retracted to an area outside the image circles in the imaging areas of all the image sensors 12A and 12B or outside the imaging areas, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0197] On the other hand, when a subject image is not being captured, as shown in (c) of Figure 19, cover portion 921 is pulled upward to protrude from storage portion 16. Next, cover portion 921 is rotated about rotation axis XC toward the front of one wide-angle lens 14A (or toward the front of the other wide-angle lens 14B). This causes the tip of cover portion 921 to protrude toward the subject beyond the curved surface of one wide-angle lens 14A, as shown in (d) and (e) of Figure 19.

[0198] 19(f), when the imaging device 111 is placed on a mounting portion 1 such as a desk, the cover portion 921 functions as a support portion, and the cover portion 921 and the housing 13 stably support the imaging device 111. As a result, the lens protection member 920 and the housing 13 of the 12th embodiment can prevent the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B from coming into direct contact with the mounting portion 1 or the like, and can stably place the imaging device 111 on the mounting portion 1 or the like such that the imaging device 111 can be prevented from tipping over or falling. Therefore, in the 12th embodiment, the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B can be easily protected by the rod-shaped cover portion 921 and the housing 13, which have a simple configuration.

[0199] As described above, in the twelfth embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens protection member 920 that is positioned at the protection position when not capturing images to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches, and that is positioned at the retracted position when capturing images to prevent reflections of the lens protection member 920 in the subject image, and that has a simple configuration. As a result, it is possible to provide an imaging device 111 that can prevent reflections of lens protection member 920 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0200] (Thirteenth embodiment) An imaging device 112 according to the thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device 110 according to the thirteenth embodiment. In Fig. 20, (a), (b), and (c) are a plan view, a front view, and a side view during imaging, (d) and (e) are a plan view and a front view with the cover portion 1021 pulled out to the side, (f) and (g) are a front view and a side view during non-imaging, and (h) is a front view of the imaging device 112 when placed on a desk or the like.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 20, the imaging device 112 of the twelfth embodiment includes the imaging device body 10 and a lens protection member 1020.

[0202] Imaging device main body 10 includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13 that houses them. Lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B, each including a wide-angle lens 14A and 14B.

[0203] The lens protection member 1020 includes a rod-shaped (or thin plate-shaped) cover portion 1021 provided on one side of the imaging device body 10, and an axis member 1022 that rotatably supports the cover portion 1021. The cover portion 1021 is rotatable around the center of the axis member 1022 as a rotation axis XC. The cover portion 1021 is housed in a storage portion 16 recessed in the top surface of the housing 13.

[0204] The cover 1021 is configured to move between a protection position, which protects at least a portion of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position. The retracted position is an area outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging areas. The cover 1021 may be biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch to prevent displacement from the protection position or the retracted position.

[0205] In the imaging device 112 of the twelfth embodiment configured as described above, when capturing a subject image, the cover portion 1021 of the lens protection member 1020 is stored in the storage portion 16 of the housing 13, as shown in (a) to (c) of Figure 20.

[0206] As a result, in the thirteenth embodiment as well, when capturing an image of a subject, the cover portion 1021 can be retracted to an area outside the image circles in the imaging areas of all the image sensors 12A and 12B or outside the imaging areas, and the subject image can be captured using the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0207] On the other hand, when a subject image is not being captured, the cover portion 1021 is pulled out to the side and protrudes from the storage portion 16, as shown in (d) and (e) of Figure 20. Next, the cover portion 1021 is rotated about the rotation axis XC toward the front of one wide-angle lens 14A (or the front of the other wide-angle lens 14B). This causes the tip of the cover portion 1021 to protrude toward the subject beyond the curved surface of one wide-angle lens 14A, as shown in (f) and (g) of Figure 20.

[0208] 20(h), when the imaging device 112 is placed on the mounting portion 1 such as a desk, the cover portion 1021 functions as a support portion, and the cover portion 1021 and the housing 13 stably support the imaging device 112. As a result, the lens protection member 1020 and the housing 13 of the thirteenth embodiment can prevent the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B from coming into direct contact with the mounting portion 1 or the like, and can stably place the imaging device 111 on the mounting portion 1 such as a desk, preventing the imaging device 111 from tipping over or falling. Therefore, even in the thirteenth embodiment, the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B can be easily protected by the rod-shaped cover portion 1021 and the housing 13, which have a simple configuration.

[0209] As described above, in the thirteenth embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens protection member 1020 that is positioned at the protection position when not taking pictures to protect wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B and appropriately prevent scratches and the like, and that is positioned at the retracted position when taking pictures to prevent reflection in the subject image, and that has a simple configuration. As a result, it is possible to provide an imaging device 111 that can prevent reflection of lens protection member 1020 in the subject image and can acquire subject images with excellent imaging quality.

[0210] (Fourteenth embodiment) An imaging device 113 according to a fourteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging device 113 according to the fourteenth embodiment and the relationship between the imaging device 113 and the angle of view. In FIG. 21, (a) is a side view of the imaging device 113, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a plan view (top view). Each view in FIG. 21 shows the angles of view of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, and shades regions R1 and R2 outside the angles of view. In FIG. 21(a), the common regions outside the angles of view of both wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B are regions R1 and R2. In FIG. 21(b), the common region outside the angles of view of both lenses is the overlapping region of regions R1 and R2. In FIG. 21(c), the common region outside the angles of view of both lenses is the region surrounded by a virtual line (dash-dotted line).

[0211] As shown in FIG. 21, an imaging device 113 of the fourteenth embodiment includes an imaging device body 10' and a lens protection member 20'.

[0212] The imaging device main body 10' includes two lens barrels 11A and 11B, imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a rectangular parallelepiped housing 13' that houses these elements. The lens barrels 11A and 11B hold imaging optical systems 15A and 15B that include wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B.

[0213] The image capturing devices 100 to 110 of the first to thirteenth embodiments are disposed in the housing 13 so that their optical axes IA and IB are coaxial. In contrast, in the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21(c), the lens barrels 11A and 11B are disposed at positions offset from each other in the width direction (X direction) of the image capturing device body 10, and the optical axes IA and IB are offset. This arrangement allows the base length of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B to be shorter than in the first to thirteenth embodiments. Therefore, the parallax between the subject images captured using the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B is reduced, allowing stitching processing to be performed more accurately and efficiently, thereby improving the imaging quality of the generated omnidirectional panoramic image.

[0214] Furthermore, in the fourteenth embodiment, the length of the imaging device body 10 in the length direction (Y direction) is shortened to enhance the effect of suppressing reflection in the subject image.

[0215] In the fourteenth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, cover sections 21A', 21B', which are generally U-shaped in side view, are pivotally supported on housing 13' so as to be rotatable between a protection position that protects at least a portion of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and a retracted position above image capture device body 10'. Cover sections 21A', 21B' are biased by a biasing means such as a spring or fixed by a latch, so that displacement of cover sections 21A', 21B' from the protection position and the retracted position can be prevented.

[0216] In the imaging device 113 of the fourteenth embodiment configured as described above, when a subject image is not being captured, the pair of cover portions 21A', 21B' of the lens protection member 20' are rotated downward. The pair of cover portions 21A', 21B' are positioned closer to the subject than the curved surfaces of the pair of wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B, and cover and protect the areas near the vertices of the wide-angle lenses 14A, 14B.

[0217] On the other hand, when photographing, the pair of cover parts 21A', 21B' are rotated downward and placed in a retracted position above the housing 13. Therefore, also in the fourteenth embodiment, when photographing a subject image, the pair of cover parts 21A', 21B' can be retracted to an area outside the image circle in the imaging area of ​​all of the image sensors 12A, 12B or outside the imaging area.

[0218] As described above, the fourteenth embodiment also provides a lens protection member 20' that protects the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B when not capturing images, appropriately prevents scratches, and suppresses reflections in the subject image when capturing images. As a result, an imaging device 103 that can capture subject images with excellent imaging quality can be provided. Furthermore, the twelfth embodiment includes two wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, which are arranged plane-symmetrically such that the optical axes IA and IB of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B are offset from each other in the width direction or length direction. This configuration shortens the base lengths of the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B, reducing the parallax between the two subject images and enabling the generation of high-quality images.

[0219] Furthermore, the lens protection members 20 to 1020 shown in the second to thirteenth embodiments can also be applied to the imaging device 113 of the fourteenth embodiment. Even with this configuration, the lens protection members protect the wide-angle lenses 14A and 14B when not capturing images, thereby appropriately preventing scratches and the like. During capturing images, the lens protection members can be retracted to a position outside the image circles of the imaging areas of all the imaging elements 12A and 12B, or outside the imaging areas, or within the imaging device body 10, or in a portion of the area outside the imaging device body 10 that is reflected in the imaging elements 12A and 12B. Alternatively, the lens protection members can be retracted to a position corresponding to an area where the imaging areas of the imaging elements 12A and 12B overlap. As a result, an imaging device 113 capable of capturing subject images with excellent imaging quality can be provided.

[0220] Although the embodiments have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0221] For example, the sixth and eighth embodiments are configured to have multiple wide-angle lenses 14. However, the sixth and eighth embodiments are not limited to this configuration, and may have only one wide-angle lens 14. Even in this case, by having the cover units 321 and 521 as described above, the cover units 321 and 521 can be retracted to retracted positions where they are located in areas of the imaging device body 10 or areas outside the imaging device body 10 that are reflected by the imaging elements 12A and 12B, and a subject image with excellent imaging quality can be acquired.

[0222] Furthermore, in the fifth, seventh, and ninth embodiments, the retracted positions are outside the image circles in the imaging areas of all of the image sensors 12A and 12B or outside the imaging areas, but they do not have to be strictly these positions. For example, due to design or engineering constraints, part of the guard piece 225 of the cover portion 221 in the fifth embodiment, part of the cover portion 421 made of a plate-like member in the seventh embodiment, and part of the cylindrical cover 636 of the cover portion 621 in the ninth embodiment may be retracted to a retraction area located in a part of the area of ​​the image sensor body 10 or an area outside the image sensor body 10 that is reflected in the image sensors 12A and 12B, or to a retraction area corresponding to an area where the imaging areas of the image sensors 12A and 12B overlap, and even in this case, the effect on the imaging quality of the subject image can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 10, 10': Imaging device body 12, 12A, 12B: Image sensor 14, 14A, 14B: Wide-angle lens (lens) 20, 20', 120~820: Lens protection material : Lens protection material 21, 21A, 21A', 21B, 21B', 121A, 121B, 221A, 221B, 321, 321A, 321B, 421, 421A, 421B, 521, 621, 621A, 721, 721A, 721B, 821, 821A, 921, 1021: Cover 41: Distribution interval 100-113: Imaging device 222A: Axial support 225, 225A: Guard piece 636: Cylindrical cover 737,737A,737B,837,837A,837B: Split piece 738, 738A, 738B, 838, 838A, 838B: Hinge part I,IA,IB:Optical axis

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple lenses and a plurality of image pickup elements for respectively capturing subject images formed by the plurality of lenses; a lens protection member for protecting at least one of the plurality of lenses; Equipped with The lens protection member moves between a protection position where it protects at least a part of the lens and a retracted position outside the image circle in the imaging area of ​​all the imaging elements or outside the imaging area. An imaging device characterized by:

Images