Patent ID: 7477312
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A photographing apparatus comprising: an imaging element; a reflecting member provided between an object and the imaging element; and an optical fiber array provided between the imaging element and the reflecting member and formed by bundling a plurality of single optical fibers, the apparatus comprising, wherein an image-focusing member is provided between the reflecting member and the optical fiber array, has an annular effective photographing region and forms an annular image in the effective photographing region; the optical fiber array has an object-side surface which is doughnut-shaped; the optical fiber array has an element-side surface which differs in shape from the object-side surface; and image-data converting means for converting image data obtained at the element-side surface in accordance with positions where image signals are acquired at the object-side ends of the single optical fibers which constitute the optical fiber array, wherein the element-side surface of the optical fiber array is substantially rectangular.