Wide-field imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a compact wide-field-of-view imaging apparatus capable of photographing a wide-field-of-view image in which image distortion is reduced and a joint in composition is inconspicuous.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus is provided with a flexible imaging device 4, an imaging device sticking member 8 to which the imaging device 4 is stuck, a plurality of element lenses 1 arranged along a concentric circle having a radius larger than that of a circle drawn by the outer shape of the imaging device sticking member 8 with the center position of the circle as a fulcrum 6, and an image signal processing part for obtaining a complete combined image by connecting element images formed on the imaging device 4 for each element lens 1. The imaging device-attaching member 8 is configured to smoothly connect the imaging region-supporting portion 80A having a semicircular cross section to which the region of the imaging devices 4 on which the elemental images are formed is attached, and the wire lead-out region-supporting portion 80B having a linear cross section to which the region of the imaging devices 4 in which the wires for signal transmission are embedded is attached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wide-field imaging device for acquiring an image with a wide field of view (angle of view), such as a panoramic image. [Background technology]

[0002] In terms of video media technology, in addition to the high sense of realism that video brings, there are high expectations for the realization of technology that will enable the viewing and experiencing of a variety of programs, such as VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality). Among these technologies, there is a strong demand, particularly in the fields of broadcasting and medicine, for an imaging device that can capture an image with an ultra-wide field of view without image distortion.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique for acquiring an image with an ultra-wide field of view that uses one or more cameras equipped with an ultra-wide-angle (fisheye) lens is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Furthermore, in camera systems for drive recorders that contribute to safe driving, there are known systems that achieve wide-field capture by stitching together images obtained from two cameras, one for the front and one for the rear, and two cameras for blind spot compensation, based on information obtained from a separate wide-angle lens (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below). Furthermore, a device is known that achieves wide-field (omnidirectional) imaging by arranging multiple cameras with lenses facing outward on the outer surface of a cylinder (see, for example, Patent Document 3 below).

[0004] Furthermore, a photography technique using multiple lens groups has been proposed for a camera using an overlapping image system known as TOMBO (see, for example, Patent Document 3 below), and in particular, a camera that achieves ultra-wide-angle photography equivalent to a 180-degree angle of view by performing a synthesis process on each image acquired using multiple optical prisms is known (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-315380 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-250193 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-61109 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Compound Eye Camera Using CMOS Image Sensor and Its Applications" by Takashi Toyoda, Journal of the Institute of Image Information and Television Engineers, Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 284-287 (2019) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, due to the characteristics of the ultra-wide-angle (fisheye) lens, problems such as curved image distortion and reduced light intensity, particularly in the periphery of the image, cannot be avoided. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 cannot avoid the occurrence of problems such as image distortion caused by the lens, as with the technology described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, when combining images from multiple cameras into a single image, the seams between the images become noticeable, and a satisfactory image is not necessarily obtained.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 employs a method of dividing a planar imaging element into multiple imaging areas and combining the images from each area, but since the imaging element itself is planar and the difference in the shooting direction of each image (parallax) is extremely small, it is difficult to achieve wide-field imaging. In addition, the technology in Non-Patent Document 1 adds multiple prisms to the technology in Patent Document 3, but this does not result in a fundamental improvement in image quality, as the system becomes larger, the seams are noticeable when the images formed by each compound eye lens are combined, and curved distortion occurs due to the lenses. The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a compact wide-field imaging device that can capture images with an ultra-wide field of view, with reduced image distortion and inconspicuous seams when combined. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The wide-field imaging device of the present invention comprises: a flexible film-like imaging device that forms an optical image carrying subject information, photoelectrically converts the optical image to obtain elemental images, and has a built-in wiring section that is connected to an external device; an imaging device attachment member to which the imaging device is attached; a plurality of element lenses arranged along a concentric outline of the imaging device attachment member, the outer diameter of which is larger than that of the circular or polygonal shape of the imaging device attachment member, with the central position of the circular or polygonal shape of the imaging device attachment member as a fulcrum; an image signal processing unit for cutting out a partial region including a central region of each of the element images obtained by forming an image on the imaging device for each of the element lenses to obtain a partial element image, and for connecting the obtained partial element images to obtain a complete combined image, The imaging device attachment member is characterized in that it is configured to connect an imaging area support part having a circular or polygonal cross section, which is attached to the area of ​​the imaging device where the element image is formed by the element lens, and a wiring pull-out area support part having a linear cross section, which is attached to the area of ​​the imaging device that incorporates signal wiring for sending image signals to an image signal processing unit. Here, the term "complete" refers to a state in which, when adjacent element images are joined together, overlapping areas may occur but no missing areas are formed. Also, the term "circular or polygonal shape" refers to a shape that is a part of a circle or a polygon.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that the imaging device attachment member is configured such that the wiring lead-out region support portion is smoothly connected to both ends of the imaging region support portion so as to be integrated with the imaging device attachment member, and that the imaging region support portion is configured to have a horseshoe-shaped cross section as a whole. In this case, it is further preferable that the imaging region support portion is configured to have a cylindrical or rectangular tubular shape, and the wiring lead-out region support portion is configured to have a flat shape. Here, the term "cylindrical or rectangular tubular shape" refers to a "shape that forms a part of a cylindrical or rectangular tubular shape."

[0011] It is also preferable that a connecting mechanism having a plurality of hinge members is provided between the element lens holders that hold the element lenses, and between each of the element lens holders and an adjacent element lens holder. In this case, it is preferable that the hinge members are torque hinges. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism is preferably configured such that each of the hinge members is interposed between predetermined plate-like members, and these plate-like members are connected at any angle.

[0012] It is also preferable that a partition wall for preventing crosstalk is provided between adjacent lens elements. Furthermore, when the imaging area support portion of the imaging device attachment member has a polygonal cross section, it is preferable that each face of the polygonal shape is set so as to intersect perpendicularly with the optical axis of the corresponding element lens in the central region of each face. The above-mentioned "element lens" includes not only a single lens but also a lens system made up of a combination of multiple lenses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the wide-field imaging device of the present invention, elemental images are obtained by photoelectrically converting the optical image of the formed subject image, and the device is equipped with a flexible film-like imaging device that has built-in wiring connected to the outside, an imaging device attachment member to which the imaging device is attached, and a plurality of elemental lenses that are arranged along the outer contour of a concentric shape with a larger outer diameter than the circular or polygonal shape of the attachment member, with the center position of the circular or polygonal shape of the outer contour as a fulcrum.For each elemental image obtained by focusing on the imaging device for each elemental lens, a partial elemental image is obtained by cutting out a portion including the central region of the elemental image, and the obtained plurality of partial elemental images are joined together to obtain a complete combined image.Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image with a wide field of view but with inconspicuous seams when combined, and a compact wide-field imaging device can be constructed that can reduce image distortion.

[0014] The imaging device attachment member is configured to connect an imaging area support portion having a circular or polygonal cross section that attaches the area of ​​the imaging device where the element images are formed by the element lenses, and a wiring lead-out area support portion having a linear cross section that attaches the area of ​​the imaging device that contains signal wiring for sending image signals to an image signal processing portion, so that the film-like imaging device attached to the imaging area support portion of the imaging device attachment member is subsequently attached to the linear cross-sectional wiring lead-out area support portion connected to the imaging area support portion, and can be further pulled out along the direction of extension of the linear cross section. This prevents the film-like imaging device from moving unexpectedly at the end of the imaging area support portion, which could damage the extremely thin signal wiring built into the film-like imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a wide-field imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a part (a part around one element lens) of the wide-field imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a wide-field imaging device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of some elements of this wide-field imaging device. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams (a) to (c) sequentially showing a method for acquiring a wide-field image by processing and combining element images (A to I) acquired by each element lens. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a part (a part around one element lens) of a wide-field imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a wide-field imaging device in which the number of lens elements can be changed according to a third embodiment of the present invention (when three lens elements are used). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a wide-field imaging device in which the number of lens elements can be changed according to a third embodiment of the present invention (when five lens elements are used). [Figure 8-1] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view (a1) and a bottom view (b1) showing the concept of a torque hinge used in a wide-field imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8-2] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views (a2-1) and (a2-2) and a bottom view (b2) showing a connecting member actually used in the wide-field imaging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8-3] 8-3 is a bottom view showing the positional relationship between the connecting member and the element lens holding portion shown in FIG. 8-2. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a general imaging device according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of a wide-field imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) The wide-field imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The wide-field imaging device according to this embodiment is a device that can capture an image with a wider field of view (angle of view) than any other imaging method used in television cameras. In addition, Figure 2 is an enlarged view to explain in detail a part of the wide-field imaging device according to embodiment 1, but since both Figures 1 and 2 are conceptual diagrams, the shapes of the corresponding areas shown in both figures do not necessarily match.

[0017] Before describing the wide-field imaging device according to the first embodiment, a general imaging device according to the prior art will be described as a prerequisite. 9, a typical imaging device according to the prior art includes an imaging lens 101 that converges incident light carrying image information of a subject, and a camera (imaging device) body 102. The camera body 102 includes an imaging device 103 with a planar light receiving portion on which an image of the subject is formed by the lens 101, and an image signal processing unit 130 that processes image signals photoelectrically converted by the imaging device 103. The image signals processed by the image signal processing unit 130 are sent to an external display device 122, printer 123, or the like, and visualized as an image. However, in the general imaging device described above, the light receiving portion of the imaging device 103 is flat, so image distortion is particularly large in the peripheral areas of the image, and if multiple lenses are combined to reduce such image distortion, the device inevitably becomes larger.

[0018] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the wide-field imaging device of this embodiment comprises a flexible film-like imaging device (flexible imaging device) 4 with built-in wiring connected to the outside, an imaging device attachment member 8 to which the flexible imaging device 4 is attached and which has an outer periphery (semicircular) whose cross section is a part of a circle, a plurality of element lenses 1 (element lenses A to I) arranged along a concentric circle (circumference passing through the center of the element lens exit surface) 5 having a larger radius than the circular part of the outer shape, with the center position of the circular part that is the outer shape of the imaging device attachment member 8 as a fulcrum 6, and an image signal processing unit 30 (see FIG. 1) that cuts out a partial region including the central region of each element image for each element image (see FIG. 4(a)) formed on the flexible imaging device 4 for each element lens 1 to obtain a partial element image (see FIG. 4(b)), and then joins together the obtained plurality of partial element images to obtain a combined image (see FIG. 1). The imaging device attachment member 8 is formed so that an imaging area support part 80A having a semicircular cross section, which attaches the area of ​​the flexible imaging device 4 where the element image is formed by the element lens 1, and a wiring pull-out area support part 80B having a linear cross section, which attaches the area of ​​the flexible imaging device 4 which incorporates signal wiring for sending image signals to the image signal processing part 30, are smoothly integrated together, and preferably has a horseshoe-shaped cross section as shown in Figure 1.

[0019] The flexible imaging device 4 also includes a photoelectric conversion section, and is capable of obtaining elemental images in accordance with the subject images formed for each element lens 1. In practice, the image signal processing section 30 combines partial elemental images relating to each elemental image to obtain a combined image with a wide field of view (viewing angle of 180°). Furthermore, the flexible imaging device 4 attached to the imaging area support portion 80A of the imaging device attachment member 8 is set to be curved with a constant curvature, and each element lens 1 (A to I) is configured to be arranged on optical axes 7 arranged at equal angular intervals with a fulcrum (fulcrum of each optical axis) 6 as the base point so that light carrying the subject image can be focused at equal intervals on the flexible imaging device 4 curved in this manner. In other words, the element images formed on the flexible imaging device 4 by each element lens 1 are cut out (trimmed) so that they are joined together without any omissions, and the cut-out partial element images are then subjected to predetermined image processing to join them together, thereby obtaining a wide-field image. Furthermore, in order to prevent crosstalk occurring between adjacent lens elements 1 in the light passage between each lens element 1 and the flexible imaging device 4, partition walls 9 may be provided between adjacent lens elements 1.

[0020] Each component of the wide-field imaging device according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below. First, the optical system will be described. Here, element lenses 1 are arranged at equal angular intervals in nine directions with a fulcrum 6 of the optical axis as the base point. The wide-field imaging device of this embodiment aims to obtain a wide-field image with a 180-degree angle of view, and each element lens 1 is selected to be capable of capturing an image with a cross-sectional field angle of 20 degrees or more (180 degrees ÷ 9 (lenses) = 20 degrees) (Edmund, product number 48652, diameter φ5 mm, focal length f7.5 mm, effective field angle (cross-sectional) 36.9°). The focal length, size, performance, etc. of each element lens 1 are generally the same, but different lenses may be used as needed.

[0021] Next, the imaging device attachment member 8 will be described. The imaging device attachment member 8 has a horseshoe-shaped (U-shaped) cross section as shown in Figure 1, etc., and in the wide-field imaging device of this embodiment, the overall shape is a cylindrical type (a cylindrical type with one side open) extending in the depth direction of the paper in Figure 1 as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0022] As described above, the imaging device attachment member 8 is composed of a semi-cylindrical imaging region support part 80A and a planar wiring lead-out region support part 80B smoothly connected to both ends of the imaging region support part 80A, and as shown in Fig. 3(b), a film-like flexible imaging device 4 is attached continuously to the outer surfaces of these two types of support parts 80A and 80B. As a result, a convex semi-cylindrical flexible imaging device 4 is formed on the imaging region support part 80A, and a planar flexible imaging device 4 is formed on the wiring lead-out region support part 80B. The flexible imaging device 4 is configured as a bendable cable called an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), in which extremely fine signal wiring is embedded in a thin insulating material (plastic film), for example.

[0023] In this embodiment, since the imaging device attachment member 8 has a horseshoe-shaped cross section, the signal transmission wiring built into the flexible imaging device 4, which transmits the image signal obtained by photoelectric conversion processing to the image processing unit, can be temporarily disposed on the planar wiring pull-out area support part 80B. This allows the flexible imaging device 4 to be smoothly pulled out toward the downstream image processing unit, so that the image signal can be transmitted to the image processing unit without damaging the signal transmission wiring built into the flexible imaging device 4.

[0024] Furthermore, by attaching the imaging device attachment member 8 to the device housing 20 using screws or the like so that the center of curvature of the outer contour of the imaging area support portion 80A coincides with the fulcrum 6 of the optical axis, the surface of the flexible imaging device 4 attached to the imaging area support portion 80A and the circle described by the circumference 5 passing through the center of each light emission surface of the nine element lenses 1 (A to I) can be arranged concentrically with the fulcrum 6 of the optical axis as the center. This makes it possible to make the distance between each element lens 1 and the position on the flexible imaging device 4 where the image is formed by that element lens 1 equal, and when the focal length of each element lens 1 is the same, the subject image formed by each element lens 1 can be formed well on the flexible imaging device 4 without causing blurring or the like.

[0025] Next, a back focus adjustment mechanism for one element lens 1 of the wide-field imaging device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2, the element lens 1 is held by a cylindrical lens adapter 11, and this lens adapter 11 is housed in a cylindrical element lens holding part 10. Although not shown, threaded parts that screw together are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens adapter 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the element lens holding part 10 (the same applies in the following description), and by screwing and rotating the lens adapter 11 inside the element lens holding part 10 around the optical axis 7 of the element lens 1, the distance (back focus length) between the emission surface of the element lens 1 and the flexible imaging device 4 can be adjusted.

[0026] If the inner periphery of the lens adapter 11 is configured to allow the insertion of a metal washer, for example, it is possible to install an aperture mechanism of the desired size by selecting the opening diameter of the washer to be inserted. By operating this aperture mechanism, blurring and distortion can be reduced, particularly in the peripheral areas of the element images of each element lens 1, which contributes to higher resolution. Adjacent element lens holders 10 are fixed to the device housing 20 by element lens holder connecting members (20) that form part of the device housing 20. The wide-field imaging device of this embodiment has an overall cylindrical shape (a cylindrical type with one side open) extending in the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 3(a), and the interior of this wide-field imaging device contains an imaging device attachment member 8 having a horseshoe shape (U-shape: the cross section is also shown in FIG. 1, etc.) as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0027] That is, Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the overall shape of the wide-field imaging device of this embodiment, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view showing the shape of the imaging device attachment member 8 to which the flexible imaging device 4 is attached, which is arranged inside the device housing 20, as described above. As shown in FIG. 3(a), nine element lenses 1 are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction in the middle in the vertical direction of a cylindrical device housing 20 (only seven element lenses 1 are visible). 3(b), the drawn-out tip portion of the flexible imaging device 4 attached to the imaging device attachment member 8 is divided into four end regions, and multiple signal wires are extended to near the tip of each end region. These signal wires are connected to terminals that are connected to the image signal processing unit 30.

[0028] Next, we will explain the image processing method used in the wide-field imaging device of this embodiment, in which each element lens 1 sequentially images the corresponding area on the flexible imaging device 4, and the partial element images of the element images obtained by photoelectric conversion in each of these areas are sequentially combined. As shown in Fig. 4(a), each of the element lenses 1 (A to I) forms an image of a subject (with a predetermined viewing angle) on the surface of the flexible imaging device 4. The formed optical images (A to I) are set so that adjacent optical images (A to I) overlap with each other by a predetermined viewing angle. 4(b), so that adjacent optical images (A to I) do not overlap with each other, a rectangular range that is a required angle of view is cut out from the image signal of each optical image (A to I) formed on the surface of the flexible imaging device 4. This cutting out of the rectangular range is performed by image processing in the image processing unit. In this embodiment, nine elemental lenses 1 are arranged within the range of a semicircular cross section, and therefore the required angle of view (horizontal direction) per elemental lens 1 is 20°, and therefore the cut-out range of the elemental image is determined as shown in Fig. 4(b). This cut-out range of the elemental image can be considered to remain unchanged as long as the optical system is the same, so once the position is determined, there is no need for subsequent position adjustment. Due to the nature of the lens, the actual optical image is projected onto the imaging device in a form in which the subject is inverted vertically and horizontally. Therefore, the rectangularly cut (trimmed) elemental images (A to I) need to be further processed to rotate them by 180 degrees.

[0029] Next, as shown in Figure 4(c), by performing image processing to sequentially combine the rectangularly cut (trimmed) elemental images (A to I), the seams become inconspicuous and a continuous wide-field-of-view image spanning 180° in the horizontal direction can be acquired. In this elemental image combining process, once the positions are determined, no further position adjustment is required.

[0030] The flexible imaging device 4 may be an integrated imaging device or may be a plurality of imaging devices arranged in parallel. Furthermore, even in the case of an integrated imaging device, the image may be divided into regions of elemental pixels, read out, and then each elemental image may be combined and output to an image processing unit.

[0031] The flexible imaging device 4 may be, for example, a solid-state imaging element such as a CMOS, a CCD, or a TFT. Furthermore, the number of element lenses 1 used in the wide-field imaging device can be increased or decreased as appropriate. For example, it is possible to use a larger number of element lenses 1 than the element lenses 1 used in the wide-field imaging device of Figure 1, thereby creating, for example, a cylindrical optical system or a spherical optical system that covers a shooting range of nearly 360°. Furthermore, the wide-field imaging device of this embodiment may be an imaging device for capturing still images or an imaging device for capturing moving images, and either can be selected depending on the use of the images to be captured.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a part of a wide-field imaging device according to embodiment 2, and shows only the parts corresponding to Figure 2 in embodiment 1. When the same components as those in embodiment 1 are used, they are indicated by the same numbers, and when the components have been changed, they are indicated by numbers with an a added to the number of embodiment 1. That is, in the wide-field imaging device of embodiment 2, the cross-sectional shape of the imaging area support portion of the imaging device attachment member 8a is only partially shown in Figure 5, but its specific shape is not a semicircular cross-section but a semi-polygonal cross-section, and the flexible imaging device 4a attached to this imaging area support portion is also formed to have a semi-polygonal cross-section. In the second embodiment, since the flexible imaging device 4a has a polygonal shape, the flexible imaging device 4a can be arranged perpendicular to the optical axis 7 of each element lens 1. Therefore, it is possible to improve image distortion such as at least horizontal field curvature compared to the case where the imaging surface has a circular (curved) cross section as in the first embodiment.

[0033] Next, a wide-field imaging device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. When components with the same functions as those in the first embodiment are used, they are designated by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted to avoid complication. Furthermore, when a component corresponds to a component in the first embodiment but has a different function or shape, or when it is desired to individually number multiple identical components, the component is designated by a reference numeral in the first embodiment with an additional symbol added.

[0034] The wide-field imaging device according to the third embodiment has a similar configuration to the wide-field imaging device according to the first embodiment, but has the advantage that the back focal length can be easily adjusted even if the number of element lenses 1 included is increased or decreased. That is, in the wide-field imaging device according to the present embodiment, the back focal length can be increased by increasing the radius of curvature of a circumference 5 (see FIG. 1 ) passing through the center of the exit surface of each element lens. Conversely, the back focal length can be decreased by decreasing the radius of curvature of this circumference 5. Therefore, by making it possible to freely adjust the connection angle of the connection mechanism connecting the element lens holders 10 (back focal adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, 12c) that hold the element lenses 1 with each other using multiple hinge members such as torque hinges, it is possible to easily adjust the number of element lenses 1 and to significantly change the back focal length. This will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 8-1 is a cross-sectional view (a1) and a bottom view (b1) showing the conceptual shape of torque hinge 13, Figure 8-2 is cross-sectional views (a2-1) and (a2-2) and a bottom view (b2) showing the specific shape of connecting mechanism 18 including three torque hinges 13b1, 13b2, and 13b3, and Figure 8-3 is a bottom view showing the positional relationship between connecting mechanism 18b and element lens holding portion 10. Note that although Figures 8-2 and 8-3 describe the members of connecting mechanism 18b as a representative example, the members of the other connecting mechanisms 18a, 18c to 18f also have similar shapes and mechanisms.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, of the back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, and 12c (each of which has a lens adapter 11 and an element lens holding part 10) that adjust the back focus length of three element lenses 1a, 1b, and 1c, adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, and 12c are connected to each other by connecting mechanisms 18b and 18c interposed between their respective side wall parts (side wall parts of the element lens holding part 10). These connecting mechanisms 18b and 18c and the other connecting mechanisms 18a, 18d-18f all have the same structure, so their structure will be described again using connecting mechanism 18b as a representative example. Specifically, connecting mechanism 18b is composed of two plate-shaped connecting members 15, two plate-shaped connecting members 15', and three torque hinges 13b1-13b3, and is configured to connect these plate-shaped connecting members 15, 15 at a predetermined angular position. This allows connecting mechanism 18b to be in either the state shown in FIG. 8-2(a2-1) or the state shown in FIG. 8-2(a2-2) depending on the function of the three torque hinges 13b1-13b3. A planar expanded view of connecting mechanism 18b (viewed from the bottom) is shown in FIG. 8-2(b2).

[0036] First, the two plate-shaped connecting members 15′, 15′ are fixed to the outer wall portions of the element lens holding portions 10, 10 of the back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, respectively, and one of the plate-shaped hinge members 131, 131 of each of the two torque hinges 13b1, 13b3 is attached to the corresponding plate-shaped connecting member 15′, 15′ with screws 16, 16. In addition, the other of the plate-shaped hinge members 131, 131 of each of the two torque hinges 13b1, 13b3 is attached to the corresponding plate-shaped connecting member 15, 15. As a result, the plate-shaped connecting member 15', torque hinge 13b1, plate-shaped connecting member 15, torque hinge 13b2, plate-shaped connecting member 15, torque hinge 13b3, and plate-shaped connecting member 15' are connected in this order to form connecting mechanism 18b, and back focus adjustment mechanism 12a and back focus adjustment mechanism 12b are connected using this connecting mechanism 18b. Furthermore, because each of the torque hinges 13b1 to 13b3 can be set to any angular position, a smooth transition is possible, for example, from the state in FIG. 6 to the state in FIG. 7 (for connecting mechanism 18b, from state (a2-1) to state (a2-2) in FIG. 8-2), and the distance between back focus adjustment mechanism 12a and back focus adjustment mechanism 12b can be changed arbitrarily. That is, the distance between the adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a to 12f can be changed to any desired value.

[0037] Here, the basic concept of a torque hinge (e.g., HG-TS03 (manufactured by Sugatsune Kogyo)) 13 will be explained using Figure 8-1 ((a1) is a side view, and (b1) is a bottom view). The torque hinge 13 is formed by connecting two plate-shaped hinge members 131 with a hinge pin 132. The torque hinge 13 is a hinge that can be used freely, holding the two connected plate-shaped connecting members 15 at any butt angle position. However, since the required torque varies depending on the size and weight of the imaging device used, an appropriate type and number of torque hinges 13 (e.g., three torque hinges 13b1, 13b2, and 13b3 are used in Figures 6 and 7) can be selected depending on the situation. Note that a hinge member having a different mechanism or a replacement member can be selected instead of the torque hinge 13.

[0038] When increasing the number of element lenses 1, in order to arrange the element lenses 1 without changing the radius of curvature of the circumference 5 (see Figure 1) passing through the center of the exit surface of each element lens, the angles of the torque hinges 13a2 to 13f2 in each connecting mechanism 18a to 18f (the butt angles of the lower parts of the plate-shaped hinge members 131) are adjusted to be smaller (and further, the angles of the torque hinges 13a1 to 13f1 and torque hinges 13a3 to 13f3 in each connecting mechanism 18a to 18f (the butt angles of the lower parts of the plate-shaped hinge members 131) are increased), and the distance between adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a to 12e is adjusted to be shorter.

[0039] That is, for example, when changing from a state in which three element lenses 1a, 1b, and 1c are arranged within a semicircular range as shown in FIG. 6 to a state in which five element lenses 1a to 1e are arranged within a semicircular range as shown in FIG. 7, the angle of each torque hinge 13b2, 13c2 in each connecting mechanism 18b, 18c arranged between the three back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, and 12c (the abutting angle between the lower parts of the plate-shaped hinge members 131) is reduced (and further, the angle of each torque hinge 13b1, 13b3, 13c1, 13b3 in each connecting mechanism 18b, 18c (the abutting angle between the lower parts of the plate-shaped hinge members 131) is increased), adjustments are made to shorten the distance between adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, and 12c. In addition, a back focus adjustment mechanism 12f for the element lens 1f is installed via a connecting mechanism 18a in an empty space adjacent to the back focus adjustment mechanism 12a, and a back focus adjustment mechanism 12d for the element lens 1d is installed via a connecting mechanism 18d in an empty space adjacent to the back focus adjustment mechanism 12c. The angles of the torque hinges 13a2 and 13d2 in these connecting mechanisms 18a and 18d (the lower butting angles of the plate-like hinge members 131) are adjusted to the desired angle. ) is reduced (and further, the angle of each torque hinge 13a1, 13a3, 13d1, 13d3 in each connecting mechanism 18a, 18d (the lower abutting angle between the plate-like hinge members 131) is increased), so that the distance between adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12f and the distance between adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12c, 12d are adjusted to be equal to the distance between adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a, 12b, 12c.

[0040] As described above, the intervals between adjacent back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a to 12d, 12f, including the added back focus adjustment mechanisms 12d, 12f, are reduced in accordance with the number of the mechanisms, and then the back focus length of each element lens 1 is adjusted so that the focus is matched in the back focus adjustment mechanisms 12a to 12d, 12f. In this embodiment, connecting mechanisms 18e and 18f are also provided on the vacant area side of the added back focus adjustment mechanisms 12d and 12f.

[0041] Contrary to the above explanation, when reducing the number of element lenses 1, unnecessary back focus adjustment mechanisms and connecting mechanisms are removed, and the angle of each torque hinge of a specified connecting mechanism (the lower butt angle between the plate-shaped hinge members 131) is adjusted to widen the gap between adjacent remaining back focus adjustment mechanisms, and finally the back focus length of the corresponding element lens 1 is adjusted using each back focus adjustment mechanism. Furthermore, when the focal length is to be increased without changing the number of lenses used, the back focus length can be increased by adjusting the back focus adjustment mechanism.

[0042] (Modifications) The wide-field imaging device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, the focal length, size, performance, and other characteristics of the element lenses may be the same for all of the element lenses, or the characteristics of some or all of the element lenses may be different from each other as needed. In the above embodiment, the wiring lead-out region support portions of the imaging device attachment member are configured to extend parallel to each other in cross section from both ends of the cylindrical imaging region support portion, but these two wiring lead-out region support portions may be configured to extend non-parallel to each other in cross section. Furthermore, if the imaging region support portion is configured to be spherical or polyhedral, the wiring lead-out region support portion will be configured to be cylindrical or rectangular, but its outer diameter may be constant in the direction of extension of the wiring, or may expand or contract in the direction of extension of the wiring. Furthermore, the outer surface of the wiring lead-out region support portion may be flat, or may be slightly curved in the direction of extension of the wiring.

[0043] Furthermore, the wiring extraction surface may be extracted from the back side, not just the light incident side.In this case, even if the imaging area support part is rectangular cylindrical, spherical, or polyhedral, the wiring extraction area support part does not appear on the surface, so a viewing angle of 360° can be formed. Furthermore, the image to be acquired may be not only visible light but also infrared light, ultraviolet light, or other radiation, and can be selected depending on the use of the image to be acquired. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1, 1a~1e element lenses 2. Imaging device 4. 4a Flexible imaging device 5 Circumference passing through the center of the lens exit surface 6. Fulcrum (of the optical axis) 7 Optical axis 8, 8a Imaging device attachment member 9 Bulkhead 10-element lens holder 11 Lens adapter 12, 12a-12d, 12f Back focus adjustment mechanism 13, 13a1~13f3 Torque hinges 15 Plate-shaped connecting member 16 screws 18a~f Connection mechanism 20 Device housing 30, 130 Image signal processing unit 80A Imaging area support part 80B Wiring pull-out area support part 101 Lens 102 Camera (imaging device) body 103 Imaging device (flat) 122 Display device 123 Printer 131 Plate-shaped hinge member 132 Hinge pin

Claims

1. a flexible film-like imaging device that forms an optical image carrying subject information, photoelectrically converts the optical image to obtain elemental images, and has a built-in wiring section that is connected to an external device; an imaging device attachment member to which the imaging device is attached; a plurality of element lenses arranged along a concentric outline of the imaging device attachment member, the outer diameter of which is larger than that of the circular or polygonal shape of the imaging device attachment member, with the central position of the circular or polygonal shape of the imaging device attachment member as a fulcrum; an image signal processing unit for cutting out a partial region including a central region of each of the element images obtained by forming an image on the imaging device for each of the element lenses to obtain a partial element image, and for connecting the obtained partial element images to obtain a complete combined image, A wide-field imaging device characterized in that the imaging device attachment member is configured to connect an imaging area support part having a circular or polygonal cross section, which attaches the area of ​​the imaging device where the element image is formed by the element lens, and a wiring pull-out area support part having a linear cross section, which attaches the area of ​​the imaging device that incorporates signal wiring for sending image signals to an image signal processing unit.

2. The wide-field imaging device of claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device attachment member is connected to both ends of the imaging area support portion so as to smoothly integrate the wiring pull-out area support portion, and is configured to have an overall horseshoe-shaped cross section.

3. 3. The wide-field imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging region support portion has a cylindrical or rectangular tubular shape, and the wiring lead-out region support portion has a planar shape.

4. 2. The wide-field imaging device of claim 1, further comprising a connecting mechanism having a plurality of hinge members interposed between the element lens holders that hold the element lenses and between the element lens holders and adjacent element lens holders.

5. 5. The wide-field imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the hinge member is a torque hinge.

6. 6. The wide-field imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured such that each of the hinge members is interposed between predetermined plate-like members and connects these plate-like members at any angle.

7. 2. The wide-field imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a partition wall for preventing crosstalk is provided between adjacent lens elements.

8. The wide-field imaging device of claim 1, characterized in that when the imaging area support portion of the imaging device attachment member has a polygonal cross section, each face of the polygonal shape is set so that it intersects perpendicularly with the optical axis of the corresponding element lens in the central region of each face.

Images