Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element – Using a periodically moving element
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-17
2001-09-18
Phan, James (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
Using a periodically moving element
C359S196100, C348S335000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292286
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly, to a plate for supporting a light path refraction plate of an image processing device capable of improving the resolution of a color coupled device by successively projecting lights to a plurality of places on a pixel of the color coupled device, and an image processing device employing the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, in a camera such as a still camera or a cam corder adopting a solid state color coupled device, the quality of the photographed image depends on the resolution of the solid state color coupled device. Accordingly, it is preferable to adopt a solid state color coupled device of high resolution in order to get a high quality image.
However, in order to improve the resolution of the solid state color coupled device, many more light receiving elements have to be integrated in a limited area thereof, so the technique for integration should be high. Furthermore, the higher the degree of integration, the smaller the light receiving area becomes, so a light receiving element of higher sensitivity should be used.
Therefore, it is very costly and difficult to design and manufacture a high resolution color coupled device, causing the camera in which it is installed to be expensive.
Various suggestions have been offered to solve the above-mentioned problem, and a few of them are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-172568 (Applicant: CANON), and Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-240185 (Applicant: TOSHIBA).
In order to vary the refractivity of an incident ray of light projected to the color coupled device, JP Publication No. 9-172568 employs four plate glasses of different refractivities and JP Publication No. 63-240185 employs two prisms displaced by four piezoelectric elements, respectively. Accordingly, the incident ray of light to the color coupled device is projected to a plurality of places of the pixel, improving the resolution of the color coupled device.
According to the JP Publication Nos. 9-172568 and 63-240185, however, since the plate glasses or the prisms are supported to be rotated in one direction, a plurality of plate glasses or prisms are required in order to vary the refractivity of the light. Accordingly, the volume thereof increases while the structure is complicated. As a result, the camera employing the same becomes voluminous, and the assembly process becomes difficult. Further, manipulation of the camera is also complicated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a plate for supporting a light path refraction plate to be rotated in multi-directions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device for use in a camera having a simple structure, and is easy to assemble.
The above objects are accomplished by a light path refraction plate supporting plate according to the present invention, including: a frame for supporting a light path refraction plate for refracting and projecting an incident ray from an object to a color coupled device; a first holder for rotatably supporting the frame in a second direction; a second holder for rotatably supporting the first holder in a first direction which is in perpendicular relation with respect to the second direction; a first connecting section for connecting the first and second holders; and a second connecting section for connecting the frame and the first holder.
The supporting plate has a predetermined elasticity, and the frame, the first holder, the second holder, the first connecting section, and the second connecting section are made of elastic material and are integrally formed. Further, the first and second connecting sections are in parallel relation with respect to respective rotational axises thereof. The first and second connecting sections may be in the perpendicular relation with respect to respective rotational axises thereof, and be in the shape of the letter I or U.
The above objects are also accomplished by an image processing device including a light path refraction plate, a supporting plate, and a driving section.
The light path refraction plate is arranged in front of the color coupled device, for refracting and projecting incident ray of light from an object to the color coupled device.
The driving section includes a first actuator for rotating the first holder in the first direction, thereby successively projecting respective lights of an image of the object to a predetermined number of places in respective pixels of the color coupled device; and a second actuator for rotating the frame in the second direction. The first and second actuators are bimorphemic piezos, and are in contact with the first holder by first and second operational pieces.
According to the present invention, since one light path refraction plate is supported by the supporting plate and a pair of bimorphemic piezos to be rotated in two directions, the volume is decreased, and the structure is simplified, and the assembly and manipulation thereof become also simplified.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5315411 (1994-05-01), Blanding
patent: 5754226 (1998-05-01), Yamada et al.
patent: 0 689 349 A1 (1995-12-01), None
patent: 0 928 104 A2 (1999-07-01), None
Kim Jong-cheon
Lee Sung-hee
Lim Dae-soon
Phan James
Samsung Electronics Co,. Ltd.
Sughrue Mion Zinn Macpeak & Seas, PLLC
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