Imaging Device

• US 20090027510A1
• Filed: 12/08/2005
• Published: 01/29/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Yumiki, Naoto
• Granted Patent: US 8,031,240 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/222.100
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/00 Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor lens hoods or caps G03B11/04
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 5/00 Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/675 comprising setting of focusing regions
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/68 for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/687 by shifting the lens or sensor position

Abstract

Whether a digital camera body (1) is in a horizontal shooting attitude (a) or in either of vertical shooting attitudes (b), (c) is detected by using drive means of an image blurring compensation device. In the case where a focus drive means detects that the digital camera body (1) is either in an upward attitude (d) or in a downward attitude (e), a shooting attitude thereof can be inputted. The inputted shooting attitude is recorded together with an image, whereby the image can be displayed in the same orientation as the image at the time of shooting thereof, even if the image is shot either in the upward attitude (e) or in the downward attitude (e).

Claims

1. An imaging device for outputting an optical image of an object as an electrical image signal, comprising:

an imaging optical system for generating the optical image of the object;

imaging means for receiving the optical image generated by the imaging optical system and converting the optical image into the electrical image signal;

first attitude detection means for detecting whether the imaging device is in a horizontal attitude or in a vertical attitude at the time of shooting, and generating an attitude determination signal;

second attitude detection means for detecting whether the imaging device is in an upward attitude or in a downward attitude at the time of shooting; and

image recording means for recording the attitude determination signal, together with a shot image outputted from the imaging means, in accordance with a detection result of the second attitude detection means when the imaging device is either in the upward attitude or in the downward attitude.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 further comprising,

attitude input means for inputting information indicating whether the imaging device is in the horizontal attitude or in the vertical attitude, wherein

the attitude determination signal is written into the shot image by the attitude input means after detection of whether the imaging device is in the upward attitude or in the downward attitude.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the attitude determination signal is written into the shot image after detection of whether the imaging device is in the upward attitude or in the downward attitude and subsequent detection of whether in the horizontal attitude or in the vertical attitude.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising,

an image blurring compensation device for detecting vibration applied to the imaging device, and driving a compensation lens of the imaging optical system in two directions which are orthogonal to an optical axis, wherein

the first attitude detection means determines an attitude of the imaging device in accordance with a signal for driving the compensation lens.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the image blurring compensation device includes a first actuator and a second actuator for driving the compensation lens in the two directions which are orthogonal to the optical axis, and

the first attitude detection means determines the attitude of the imaging device in accordance with a value of a driving current of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising,

a linear actuator for driving a focus lens unit, wherein

the second attitude detection means determines the attitude of the imaging device in accordance with a signal for driving the focus lens unit.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the imaging device is in the upward attitude, a focus lens unit is moved so as to focus on an infinite position.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the imaging device is in the downward attitude, a focus lens unit is moved to a position for a macro shooting.