Camera

Abstract

A camera according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a lens, a liquid crystal panel, an imaging element, a first drive circuit component, a camera substrate, and a second drive circuit component. Light is incident on the imaging element via the lens and the liquid crystal panel. The first drive circuit component drives the imaging element and causes the imaging element to capture an image of an object. The imaging element and the first drive circuit component are disposed on the camera substrate. The second drive circuit component drives the liquid crystal panel and causes the liquid crystal panel to display a specific image. The lens is disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the imaging element.

Description

camera

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a camera that captures images that can be used to measure distances.

[0002] A technique for measuring the distance to each pixel by utilizing the blur of an image is known. A filter with a special pattern formed on it is attached to a camera lens, and an image of an object with the special pattern superimposed thereon is captured. When the object moves out of focus, the image becomes blurred. The degree of blur depends on the extent to which the object moves out of focus. When a special pattern is superimposed, the shape of the blur differs depending on whether the object is closer to the in-focus position or farther away from the in-focus position. Therefore, the distance to the object for each pixel can be measured based on the degree and shape of the blur for each pixel of the image. The special pattern is called an encoding pattern.

[0003] The optimum shape of the coding pattern depends on the object being photographed. To change the coding pattern according to changes in the object being photographed, the filter must be replaced. Replacing the filter is not easy. If the filter is not replaced, the distance may not be measured accurately depending on the object.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-3648

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera that captures images that can be used to accurately measure distances.

[0006] A camera according to an embodiment includes a lens, a liquid crystal panel, an image sensor, a first drive circuit component, a camera board, and a second drive circuit component. Light is incident on the image sensor through the lens and the liquid crystal panel. The first drive circuit component drives the image sensor, causing the image sensor to capture an image of an object. The image sensor and the first drive circuit component are disposed on the camera board. The second drive circuit component drives the liquid crystal panel, causing the liquid crystal panel to display a specific image. The lens is disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the image sensor.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a side structure of a camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a planar structure of a camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of a camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of an electrical configuration of a camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a coding pattern used in a camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of a coding pattern used in a camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to the seventh embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description exemplifies devices and methods for embodying the technical concepts of the embodiments. The technical concepts of the embodiments are not limited to the structures, shapes, arrangements, materials, etc. of the components described below. Modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally included within the scope of the disclosure. For clarity of explanation, the drawings may show schematic representations of the size, thickness, planar dimensions, or shape of each element, modified from the actual embodiment. Elements in multiple drawings may have different dimensional relationships or ratios. Corresponding elements in multiple drawings may be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. Some elements may be designated by multiple names, but these names are merely examples and do not necessarily mean that these elements may be designated by other names. Furthermore, elements that do not have multiple names may also be designated by other names. In the following description, "connected" means not only a direct connection but also a connection via another element.

[0009] 1A, 1B, and 2 are diagrams illustrating an example of a camera 60 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the camera 60 as viewed from the side. Fig. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the camera 60 as viewed from above.

[0010] The camera 60 includes a camera board 10. The position where the camera board 10 is arranged is referred to as the lower part of the camera 60. Multiple components of the camera 60 are arranged on the upper surface side of the camera board 10. The components include, for example, a camera module 12, an LCD driver 16, and a camera driver 18. Although not shown, other circuit components such as resistors and inductances are also arranged on the camera board 10. The camera board 10 includes wiring that electrically connects the multiple components and circuit components of the camera to each other.

[0011] The camera module 12 includes a camera housing 11 and an image sensor 14 disposed inside the camera housing 11. The image sensor 14 captures color images. Examples of the image sensor 14 include a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor. In this specification, the side of the camera board 10 on which the camera module 12 is disposed is referred to as the upper side of the camera board 10.

[0012] The IR filter 28, lens module 46, liquid crystal panel 38, light shielding plate 42, and cover board 44 are arranged in this order above the camera module 12. The IR filter 28 is in close contact or nearly close contact with the camera module 12. The lens module 46 is in close contact or nearly close contact with the IR filter 28. The liquid crystal panel 38 is in close contact or nearly close contact with the lens module 46. The light shielding plate 42 is in close contact or nearly close contact with the liquid crystal panel 38. The cover board 44 is in close contact or nearly close contact with the light shielding plate 42.

[0013] One end of the flexible printed wiring films 20 and 22 is electrically connected to the camera board 10. The liquid crystal driver 16 is a drive circuit component. The liquid crystal driver 16 drives the liquid crystal panel 38 and causes the liquid crystal panel 38 to display a specific image. The liquid crystal driver 16 is an integrated circuit formed as an IC chip. The liquid crystal driver 16 supplies a drive signal to the liquid crystal panel 38 via the flexible printed wiring film 20. The drive signal includes a voltage signal and a control signal.

[0014] The liquid crystal driver 16 supplies a drive signal to the liquid crystal panel 38, causing the coded pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 38. The image sensor 14 captures an image of the object on which the coded pattern is superimposed. The distance to the object for each pixel can be measured from this image.

[0015] The camera 60 may be used not only to capture images for distance measurement but also as a regular camera. In this case, the LCD driver 16 supplies a drive signal to the LCD panel 38, causing the LCD panel 38 to display an aperture pattern. The aperture pattern has a central portion that transmits light and a peripheral portion that blocks light. The diameter of the central portion is variable by a control signal. The central portion diameter is determined by the brightness of the surroundings of the camera measured by an optical sensor (not shown). The central portion diameter is smaller when the surroundings of the camera are bright and larger when the surroundings are dark. The central portion diameter (i.e., aperture value) is also determined by the depth of field of the camera 60. The smaller the aperture diameter (larger the aperture value), the deeper the depth of field.

[0016] The camera driver 18 is a drive circuit component. The camera driver 18 supplies a drive signal to the image sensor 14, causing the image sensor 14 to capture an image. The camera driver 18 is an integrated circuit formed as an IC chip. The camera driver 18 supplies a drive signal to the liquid crystal driver 16 via the camera board 10. The camera driver 18 drives the image sensor 14 in accordance with the drive of the liquid crystal panel, thereby capturing an image. The camera driver 18 may also control the drive timing of the liquid crystal driver 16 in accordance with the drive timing of the image sensor 14, thereby synchronizing the capture of an image by the image sensor 14 with the display of an image (encoded pattern or aperture pattern) by the liquid crystal panel 38.

[0017] An image signal output from the image sensor 14 is supplied to the camera driver 18 via the camera board 10. The camera driver 18 supplies the image signal to an external processor via a flexible printed wiring film 22. The processor includes a processor that processes the image signal. The image signal processing includes distance measurement. The processor supplies a drive signal corresponding to the aperture pattern or the coded pattern to the liquid crystal driver 16 via the flexible printed wiring film 22. The processor also supplies a shooting drive signal for driving the camera to the camera driver 18 via the flexible printed wiring film 22. The liquid crystal driver 16 supplies a drive signal to the liquid crystal panel 38 via the flexible printed wiring film 20. The liquid crystal drive signal input to the camera board 10 from the flexible printed wiring film may be transmitted to the liquid crystal driver 16 via the camera driver 18, or may be supplied to the liquid crystal driver 16 from wiring formed on the camera board. Details of the processor will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0018] The IR filter 28 passes light other than infrared light and prevents infrared light from entering the image sensor 14.

[0019] The lens module 46 includes a lens housing 47, a lens 48 disposed within the lens housing 47, and an actuator 50. The lens 48 may be composed of a single lens or multiple lenses. The actuator 50 is electrically connected to the camera driver 18 via wiring (not shown). The camera driver 18 determines the focus state from the output signal of the image sensor 14, and drives the actuator 50 to move the lens 48 in the optical axis direction so that the lens 48 is in focus. The camera driver 18 determines the focus state based on, for example, the phase difference between the output signals of two pixels.

[0020] The liquid crystal panel 38 includes an array substrate 32, a liquid crystal layer 34, and a counter substrate 36. The liquid crystal layer 34 is disposed between the counter substrate 36 and the array substrate 32. The counter substrate 36 is disposed below the liquid crystal layer 34. A black matrix, an overcoat layer, an alignment film, etc. are formed on the counter substrate 36. Because the liquid crystal panel 38 is disposed to control the transmission of visible light or the pattern of the coded apertures, the counter substrate 36 does not include a color filter. The counter substrate 36 may have a multi-layer substrate. The array substrate 32 is disposed above the liquid crystal layer 34. A common electrode, pixel electrodes, an alignment film, active elements, etc. are formed on the array substrate 32. An example of an active element is a thin film transistor (TFT). The array substrate 32 may have a multi-layer substrate. In this embodiment, an active matrix liquid crystal panel is used as the liquid crystal panel, but a passive matrix liquid crystal may also be used. As the passive matrix liquid crystal, for example, a TN type liquid crystal with a fast response speed may be used.

[0021] The flexible printed wiring film 20 is electrically connected to either the array substrate 32 or the counter substrate 36. In one example, the flexible printed wiring film 20 is connected to the surface of the array substrate 32 on the liquid crystal layer 34 side. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the gap between the light-shielding plate 42 and the array substrate 32. Since the array substrate 32 requires a contact area with the flexible printed wiring film 20, the array substrate 32 is larger in size than the counter substrate 36.

[0022] The flexible printed wiring film 20 may be connected to the surface of the array substrate 32 on the light-shielding plate 42 side.

[0023] Furthermore, the flexible printed wiring film 20 may be connected to the surface of the counter substrate 36. In this case, the counter substrate 36 needs a contact area for the flexible printed wiring film 20, so the counter substrate 36 is larger in size than the array substrate 32.

[0024] The liquid crystal driver 16 generates a first voltage signal, a second voltage signal, and a control signal. The liquid crystal driver 16 supplies the first voltage signal to the pixel electrodes of the liquid crystal panel 38 via the active elements. The liquid crystal driver 16 supplies the second voltage signal to the common electrode of the liquid crystal panel 38. The liquid crystal driver 16 supplies the control signal to the control terminals of the active elements of the liquid crystal panel 38. The control signal corresponds to the image to be displayed (the coded pattern or the aperture pattern). The active elements are rendered conductive or non-conductive depending on the pixels of the image to be displayed. The voltage applied between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode varies for each pixel. The transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 34 varies for each pixel. As a result, the liquid crystal panel 38 displays an image.

[0025] The light-shielding plate 42 is disposed on the array substrate 32. The light-shielding plate 42 has an opening in the center. Light incident on the light-shielding plate 42 passes through the opening and enters the liquid crystal panel 38. The portion of the light-shielding plate 42 other than the opening is a light-shielding portion that does not transmit light. The light-shielding plate 42 controls the intrusion of external light that is unnecessary for imaging and that is directed toward the imaging element 14. Instead of providing the light-shielding plate 42, the same light-shielding pattern as the light-shielding plate 42 may be printed on the array substrate 32 or the counter substrate 36, so that the array substrate 32 or the counter substrate 36 also serves as the light-shielding plate 42.

[0026] The cover board 44 is disposed on the light shielding plate 42. The cover board 44 is a plate-like member that protects the liquid crystal panel 38. Instead of providing the light shielding plate 42, the cover board 44 may be printed with the same light shielding pattern as the light shielding plate 42, so that the cover board 44 also serves as the light shielding plate 42.

[0027] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of the camera 60. Although the flexible printed wiring films 20 and 22 are not shown in Fig. 2, the contacts 20a and 22a of the camera substrate 10 to which the flexible printed wiring films 20 and 22 are connected are shown.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a distance measurement system including a camera 60. The camera 60 is connected to a processor 54. The processor 54 is connected to a coded pattern memory 56. The coded pattern memory 56 stores coded pattern data representing a coded pattern to be superimposed on an image of an object. The coded pattern is a pattern that becomes blurred when the object moves out of focus.

[0029] The processor 54 supplies a drive signal corresponding to the coded pattern data to the camera driver 18. The camera driver 18 controls the drive timing of the liquid crystal driver 16 in synchronization with the drive of the image sensor 14.

[0030] The image signal output from the image sensor 14 is input to the processor 54 via the camera driver 18. The liquid crystal panel 38 displays the coded pattern, and the image sensor 14 captures an image of the object on which the coded pattern is superimposed. The processor 54 has a number of blur correction kernels corresponding to the distance to the object. The processor 54 convolves the image signal with the blur correction kernel for each pixel of the image of the object. The processor 54 detects the correction kernel that produces a calculation result that minimizes blur, and determines the distance corresponding to that correction kernel as the measurement result of the distance to the object. Note that multiple measurement results may be obtained using only one image of the object on which one coded pattern is superimposed. In this case, if two images of the object on which at least two different coded patterns are superimposed are used, only one correction kernel will produce a calculation result that minimizes blur.

[0031] The processor 54 displays a distance image representing the distance for each pixel on the display unit 52. An example of a distance image is an image in which each pixel is represented by a color according to the distance.

[0032] The processor 54 may not only display the distance information but also perform various controls using the distance information. For example, when the distance measurement system is applied to a self-propelled robot, the processor 54 controls the movement of the robot so as to avoid the object according to the distance to the object.

[0033] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of coding patterns. The coding pattern memory 56 stores a coding pattern group having two different coding patterns shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The coding patterns are determined so that the degree of blur varies depending on the degree to which the object deviates from the focused state. Furthermore, the coding patterns are determined so that the shape of the blur differs depending on whether the object is in front of the focused position or behind the focused position. In other words, the coding patterns must not have a point-symmetric shape.

[0034] It is not necessary to use two coding patterns for distance measurement, and in some cases, distance can be measured using one coding pattern. Also, distance may be measured using three or more coding patterns. The type of coding pattern can be changed depending on the type of object and the measurement environment. The coding pattern memory 56 may store a plurality of coding patterns or a plurality of coding pattern groups, and a coding pattern or a coding pattern group may be selected depending on the type of object and the measurement environment.

[0035] According to the first embodiment, light is incident on the camera module 12 via the liquid crystal panel 38 and the lens module 46. The liquid crystal panel 38 displays a coding pattern. The image sensor 14 captures an image of the object on which the coding pattern is superimposed. The processor 54 can determine the distance to the object based on this image. Because the liquid crystal panel 38 displays the coding pattern, the coding pattern can be easily changed depending on the type of object. An optimal coding pattern is used depending on the object. This makes it possible to accurately determine the distance to any object. The lens module 46 is in close or nearly close contact with the camera module 12. The liquid crystal panel 38 is in close or nearly close contact with the lens module 46. This prevents unnecessary light other than the coding pattern from being irradiated onto the camera module 12, and allows the camera 60 to be made thinner.

[0036] The processor 54 transmits a drive signal to the liquid crystal driver 16 and a drive signal to the camera driver 18 to the camera driver 18. The camera driver 18 supplies the drive signal to the liquid crystal driver 16 in synchronization with the image capture by the image sensor 14. This synchronizes the display timing of the coded pattern with the image capture timing of the image sensor 14, enabling accurate distance detection. Furthermore, the camera driver 18 is directly connected to the processor 54. The liquid crystal driver 16 is indirectly connected to the processor 54 via the camera driver 18. This eliminates the need for a flexible printed wiring film connecting the processor 54 and the liquid crystal driver 16.

[0037] Second Embodiment Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a camera 60a according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the side. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the camera 60a according to the second embodiment.

[0038] The camera 60a includes a liquid crystal panel 38a instead of the liquid crystal panel 38 of the first embodiment. The liquid crystal panel 38a includes an array substrate 32, a liquid crystal layer 34, and a counter substrate 36. The liquid crystal panel 38a differs from the liquid crystal panel 38 in the arrangement order of the array substrate 32, the liquid crystal layer 34, and the counter substrate 36. In the liquid crystal panel 38a, the array substrate 32 is disposed below the liquid crystal layer 34. The counter substrate 36 is disposed above the liquid crystal layer 34.

[0039] The flexible printed wiring film 20 is connected to the surface of the array substrate 32 on the liquid crystal layer 34 side. The array substrate 32 needs a contact area with the flexible printed wiring film 20, so the array substrate 32 is larger in size than the counter substrate 36.

[0040] The flexible printed wiring film 20 may be connected to the surface of the array substrate 32 on the IR filter 28 side.

[0041] Furthermore, the flexible printed wiring film 20 may be connected to the surface of the counter substrate 36. In this case, the counter substrate 36 needs a contact area with the flexible printed wiring film 20, and therefore is larger in size than the array substrate 32.

[0042] The second embodiment having such a configuration also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0043] Third Embodiment FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a camera 60b according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the side.

[0044] The third embodiment relates to a modification of the first embodiment. The camera 60b differs from the camera 60 in that the liquid crystal driver 16 is disposed on the flexible printed wiring film 20 rather than on the camera board 10. Therefore, the third embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the camera board 10 does not require installation space for the liquid crystal driver 16, so the planar size of the camera board 10 can be reduced. Not only the liquid crystal driver 16 but also the camera driver 18 may be disposed on the flexible printed wiring film 22.

[0045] Fourth Embodiment FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a camera 60c according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the side.

[0046] The fourth embodiment relates to a modification of the second embodiment. The camera 60c differs from the camera 60 in that the liquid crystal driver 16 is disposed on the flexible printed wiring film 20 rather than on the camera board 10. Therefore, the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, the camera board 10 does not require installation space for the liquid crystal driver 16, so the planar size of the camera board 10 can be reduced. Not only the liquid crystal driver 16 but also the camera driver 18 may be disposed on the flexible printed wiring film 22.

[0047] Fifth Embodiment FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a camera 60d according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the side.

[0048] The fifth embodiment relates to a modification of the second embodiment. The camera 60d differs from the camera 60b in that solder balls 74 are used instead of the flexible printed wiring film 20 as components connecting the liquid crystal driver 16 and the liquid crystal panel 38a. The solder balls 74 are arranged on support portions 72 arranged in a two-dimensional array on the camera substrate 10a around the camera module 12. The support portions 72 include wiring therein, and the solder balls 74 are electrically connected to the camera substrate 10a via the support portions 72. The camera substrate 10a is also referred to as a BGA (Ball Grid Array) substrate.

[0049] In the first to fourth embodiments, the flexible printed wiring film 20 that electrically connects the camera substrate 10 and the array substrate 32 curves from the camera substrate 10 and the array substrate 32 toward the periphery. Therefore, the planar size of the cameras 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c is slightly larger than that of the camera substrate 10. In the fifth embodiment, the solder balls 74 that electrically connect the camera substrate 10a and the array substrate 32 are disposed directly below the array substrate 32. Therefore, the planar size of the camera 60d is not larger than that of the camera substrate 10a.

[0050] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to a sixth embodiment.

[0051] In the sixth embodiment, the array substrate 32 of the first embodiment is replaced with an array substrate 32a made of a flexible printed wiring film. One end of the array substrate 32a is electrically connected to the camera substrate 10.

[0052] The sixth embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the sixth embodiment, the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film are configured as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for a contact area between the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film. This allows the planar size of the liquid crystal panel 38 to be smaller than that of the first embodiment, and eliminates the need for a process for connecting the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film. Furthermore, the connection between the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film does not become unstable.

[0053] In the sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal driver 16 may be disposed on the array substrate 32a, as in the third embodiment.

[0054] In the sixth embodiment, as in the modified example of the first embodiment, the counter substrate 36 may be made of a flexible printed wiring film instead of the array substrate 32 .

[0055] Seventh Embodiment FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cross-sectional structure of an example of a camera according to a seventh embodiment.

[0056] In the seventh embodiment, the array substrate 32 of the second embodiment is replaced with an array substrate 32a made of a flexible printed wiring film. One end of the array substrate 32a is electrically connected to the camera substrate 10.

[0057] The seventh embodiment has the same effects as the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the seventh embodiment, a contact area between the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film is not required. Therefore, the planar size of the liquid crystal panel 38 can be made smaller than that of the first embodiment, and the process of connecting the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film is not required. Furthermore, the connection between the array substrate and the flexible printed wiring film does not become unstable.

[0058] In the seventh embodiment, the liquid crystal driver 16 may be disposed on the array substrate 32a made of a flexible printed wiring film, as in the fourth embodiment.

[0059] In the seventh embodiment, as in the modified example of the second embodiment, the counter substrate 36 may be made of a flexible printed wiring film instead of the array substrate 32a.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0061] 10...camera board, 12...camera module, 14...imaging element, 16...liquid crystal driver, 18...camera driver, 20, 22...flexible printed wiring film, 32...array substrate, 34...liquid crystal layer, 36...opposite substrate, 38...liquid crystal panel, 40...IR filter, 42...light shielding plate, 44...cover board, 46...lens module, 46a...lens group, 46b...actuator, 60...camera

Claims

1. A camera comprising: a lens; a liquid crystal panel; an image sensor into which light is incident through said lens and said liquid crystal panel; a first drive circuit component that drives said image sensor and causes said image sensor to capture an image of an object; a camera board on which said image sensor and said first drive circuit component are arranged; and a second drive circuit component that drives said liquid crystal panel and causes said liquid crystal panel to display a specific image, wherein said lens is arranged between said liquid crystal panel and said image sensor.

2. A camera according to claim 1, wherein said first drive circuitry synchronizes the display of said particular image by said second drive circuitry with the capture of an image of said object.

3. The camera of claim 1, wherein said second drive circuit components are disposed on said camera board.

4. A camera according to claim 3, further comprising a flexible printed wiring film connecting said second driving circuit component and said liquid crystal panel.

5. The camera according to claim 4, wherein the liquid crystal panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate comprises a plurality of active elements and a plurality of pixel electrodes, and the flexible printed wiring film is connected to the first substrate.

6. A camera according to claim 5, wherein said first substrate is closer to said lens than said second substrate.

7. A camera according to claim 5, wherein said second substrate is closer to said lens than said first substrate.

8. A camera according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible printed wiring film connecting said camera board and said liquid crystal panel, said second drive circuit components being disposed on said flexible printed wiring film.

9. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera substrate is a ball grid array substrate having a plurality of solder balls arranged in an array, and the liquid crystal panel is connected to the camera substrate via the plurality of solder balls.

10. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate being a flexible printed wiring board having a plurality of active elements and a plurality of pixel electrodes, and the first substrate is connected to the camera board.

11. A camera as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a processor to which an image captured by the imaging element is input, wherein the second drive circuit component causes at least two of the specific images to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel, and the processor calculates the distance to the object according to the shape of the blur in at least two images of the object on which the at least two specific images are respectively superimposed.

Images