Patent ID: 7623177
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: G02B,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image capturing device having multiple optical systems, comprising: a first image capturing optical system which has a first lens and a first image capturing element with a relatively wide angle of view and which has a variable angle of view; a second image capturing optical system which has a second lens and a second image capturing element with a relatively narrow angle of view and which has a variable angle of view; a user operating unit which sets a zoom position; and a control unit which outputs one of an image signal from the first image capturing optical system and an image signal from the second image capturing optical system in accordance with the zoom position which is set by the user operating unit, the control unit performing control to output the image signal from the first image capturing optical system while controlling the second image capturing element to a non-operational state when the zoom position falls within a first zoom range which is at a wider angle than is a predetermined first threshold zoom position and the control unit performing control to output the image signal from the second image capturing optical system while controlling the first image capturing element to a non-operational state when the zoom position falls within a second zoom range which is positioned nearer to a tele side than is the first threshold zoom position; wherein the control unit comprises: a first amplifying unit which is connected to the first image capturing element and which amplifies and outputs the image signal from the first image capturing optical system; and a second amplifying unit which is connected to the second image capturing element and which amplifies and outputs the image signal from the second image capturing optical system, wherein the first amplifying unit and the second amplifying unit have a characteristic that an output terminal attains high impedance when supply of power is stopped and are connected in parallel to each other; and the image capturing device further comprises a unit which selectively connects the power supply of the first amplifying unit or the second amplifying unit in accordance with the zoom position which is set by the user operating unit.