Abstract:
An electronic apparatus for taking an image of an object comprises a lens for receiving the image of the object in the form of optical signals, and a converter for converting the optical signals from the lens into electrical signals the converter being adjustable in orientation with respect to the lens.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to an electronic apparatus and, more particularly, to a digital camera or digital video camera having an adjustable charge couple device (“CCD”) and a method of operating the same.  
         [0002]     Unlike a traditional camera in which an image taken by a lens system is projected onto a film, in a digital camera, an image taken by a lens system is projected onto a charge couple device (“CCD”).  FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a digital camera  10 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , a digital camera  10  includes a lens system  12 , a CCD  14 , an analog to digital converter (“ADC”)  16 , and a microprocessor unit (“MPU”)  18 . The lens system  12  may include a focus detection sensor and a focus lens for taking an image in optical form. The CCD  14 , which may include photosensitive elements, converts optical signals provided from the lens system  12  into electrical signals. The electrical signals, in analog form, are converted by the ADC  16  into digital signals. The MPU  18  includes an image compressor  181  for compressing the received digital signals and an image processor  182  for converting the compressed digital signals in a picture format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group).  
         [0003]     The digital camera  10  further includes an on-board or built-in memory  22 , a removable memory  24  and a display device  26 . Pictures provided from the MPU  18  are stored in the built-in memory  22  or removable memory  24 , for example, a PC or PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash) card or an SM (Smart Media) card. A user of the digital camera  10  may view the pictures through the display device  26 , for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), or display the pictures on a PC or TV. Generally, the CCD  14  of the digital camera  10  is immobile with respect to the lens system  12 . That is, a user of the digital camera  10  is not allowed to move or rotate the CCD  14  with respect to lens system  12  during operation. Likewise, a conventional digital video camera may include a CCD or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor for converting optical signals into electrical signals. The CCD or CMOS sensor is also immobile with respect to a lens system even though a digital video camera has a more complicated structure than a digital camera. The immobility of a CCD or CMOS sensor may disadvantageously cause inconvenience in photography, which will be discussed in detail by reference to  FIGS. 2A  to  2 E.  
         [0004]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram illustrating methods of taking pictures at different locations or directions.  FIGS. 2B, 2C ,  2 D and  2 E are schematic diagrams illustrating images taken at the different locations or directions shown in  FIG. 2A . Referring to  FIG. 2A , a location labeled with b in front of a center part of an object  30  by a distance d 1  is assumed to be the best photo-shooting location.  FIG. 2B  shows an image taken at the location b at a straight angle. Referring to  FIG. 2B , the whole of object  30  is taken with moderate margins.  
         [0005]     In some cases, however, the best photo-shooting location may happen to be in a lake, blocked by trees or rocks, or may have been preoccupied by a crowd. A second best location e 1  in front of object  30  near a first side part  32  thereof separated by the distance d 1  may therefore become an actual photo-shooting location.  FIG. 2C  shows an image taken at the location e 1  at a straight angle in a direction n, approximately normal to object  30 . Referring to  FIG. 2C , a second side part  34  of object  30  is truncated, i.e., only a part of object  30  including first side part  32  is taken, resulting in a severe margin issue.  
         [0006]     To alleviate the truncation issue, one may step backward from the location e 1  to a location e 2  in front of object  30  near first side part  32  separated by a distance d 2 .  FIG. 2D  shows an image taken at the location e 2  at a straight angle in the direction n. Referring to  FIG. 2D , the truncation issue is eliminated. However, since the distance d 2  is greater than d 1 , the image of object  30  in  FIG. 2D  is smaller than that in  FIG. 2B . Moreover, the margin issue may become worse.  
         [0007]     To alleviate the truncation issue, alternatively, one may stay at the location e 1  and take a picture of object  30  from a direction F instead of the direction n.  FIG. 2E  shows an image taken at the location e 1  at a straight angle in the direction F. Referring to  FIG. 2E , the truncation issue is eliminated. However, the margin issue is not alleviated and, what even worse, an optical distortion issue may occur, where a close end  32  of object  30  appears larger than a remote end  34 . The optical distortion issue, which may be worse with digital cameras or digital video cameras than with traditional ones, will be further discussed below by reference to  FIGS. 3A  to  3 E.  
         [0008]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram illustrating methods of taking pictures at different locations or elevations.  FIGS. 3B, 3C ,  3 D and  3 E are schematic diagrams illustrating images taken at the different locations or elevations shown in  FIG. 3A . Referring to  FIG. 3A , at a first location P 1  at a distance D 1  from an object  40 , images are assumed to be best taken from a point B at a first elevation.  FIG. 3B  shows an image taken at the point B at a straight angle. Referring to  FIG. 3B , the whole of object  40  is taken with moderate margins.  
         [0009]     In cases that the point B is not accessible, points E 1  and C at different elevations from the first elevation at first location P 1 , or a point E 2  at the first elevation at a second location P 2  at a distance D 2  from the object  40  may be taken into consideration.  FIG. 3C  shows an image taken at the point E 1  at a straight angle, in which a lower part  44  of object  40  is truncated, disadvantageously resulting in undesired margins.  FIG. 3D  shows an image taken at the point E 2  at a straight angle, where the truncation issue is eliminated at the cost of a smaller image. Moreover, the margin issue may not have been alleviated.  FIG. 3E  shows an image taken at the point C at an angle of depression. Referring to  FIG. 3E , the truncation issue is eliminated at the cost of an optical distortion, where an upper part  42  of object  40  appears larger than lower part  44 . Moreover, the margin issue may not have been alleviated.  
         [0010]     It is therefore desirable to have a digital camera or digital video camera including an adjustable CCD or CMOS sensor, which is movable or rotatable with respect to a lens system, for eliminating both the truncation issue and margin issue without generating optical distortion.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention is directed to an electronic apparatus and a method of operating the same that obviate one or more problems resulting from the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.  
         [0012]     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus for taking an image of an object that comprises a lens for receiving the image of the object in the form of optical signals, and a converter for converting the optical signals from the lens into electrical signals, the converter being adjustable in orientation with respect to the lens.  
         [0013]     Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus for taking an image of an object that comprises a lens for receiving the image of the object in the form of optical signals, and a converter for converting the optical signals from the lens into electrical signals, the converter being movable with respect to the lens in a direction.  
         [0014]     Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus for taking an image of an object that comprises a lens for receiving the image of the object in the form of optical signals, and a converter for converting the optical signals from the lens into electrical signals, the converter being rotatable with respect to the lens around an axis.  
         [0015]     Still in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for taking an image of an object that comprises providing an electronic apparatus including a lens and a converter for converting optical signals from the lens into electrical signals, the converter being adjustable in orientation with respect to the lens, positioning the electronic apparatus at a point in front of the object including a first part and a second part away from the first part, directing the lens toward the first part of the object at the point such that the first part is accessible by the lens while the second part is not accessible by the lens, and adjusting the converter in orientation with respect to the lens until the second part of the object is accessible by the lens.  
         [0016]     Yet still in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for taking an image of an object that comprises providing an electronic apparatus including a lens and a converter for converting optical signals from the lens into electrical signals, the converter being movable in a direction with respect to the lens, positioning the electronic apparatus at a location in front of the object including a first side and a second side away from the first side, directing the lens toward the first side of the object at the location such that the first side is accessible by the lens while the second side is not accessible by the lens, and moving the converter in the direction with respect to the lens until the second side of the object is accessible by the lens.  
         [0017]     Further still with the present invention, there is provided a method for taking an image of an object that comprises providing an electronic apparatus including a lens and a converter for converting optical signals from the lens into electrical signals, the converter being rotatable with respect to the lens around an axis, positioning the electronic apparatus at an elevation in front of the object including an upper side and a lower side away from the upper side, directing the lens toward the upper side of the object at the elevation such that the upper side is accessible by the lens while the lower side is not accessible by the lens, and rotating the converter with respect to the lens around the axis until the lower side of the object is accessible by the lens.  
         [0018]     Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
         [0019]     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
         [0021]     In the drawings:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a digital camera;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram illustrating methods of taking pictures at different locations or angles;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 2B, 2C ,  2 D and  2 E are schematic diagrams illustrating images taken at the different locations or angles shown in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram illustrating methods of taking pictures at different locations or elevations;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 3B, 3C ,  3 D and  3 E are schematic diagrams illustrating images taken at the different locations or elevations shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable charge couple device (“CCD”) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD shown in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable CCD in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD shown in  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  shows a structure of an adjusting system for adjusting a CCD in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable CCD in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD shown in  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable CCD in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD shown in  FIG. 8A ; and  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  shows a structure of an adjusting system for adjusting a CCD in accordance one embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable charge couple device (“CCD”)  50  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4A , adjustable CCD  50  includes a geometric center M corresponding to a geometric center R of a lens  52  in an electronic apparatus (not shown) such as a digital camera or digital video camera. Center M is the intersection point of a pair of axes A H  and A V , which are orthogonal to one another. Adjustable CDD  50  is movable in a horizontal direction with respect to lens  52 . Specifically, adjustable CCD  50  is movable along the horizontal axis A H  during operation.  
         [0038]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD  50  shown in  FIG. 4A . Referring to  FIG. 4B , at location e 1 , where the truncation issue may occur, lens  52  is directed at a straight angle toward first side  32  of object  30  in a normal direction n. The CCD  50  is then adjusted to move leftward, i.e., away from first side  32 , in a horizontal direction with respect to lens  52 , approximately orthogonal to the normal direction n. Adjustable CCD  50  is moved until the lens  52  and CCD  50  are aligned in a direction, for example, direction c 1 , where the whole of the object  30  or at least a majority of the object  30  is in the camera&#39;s viewing range. As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  52  was directed in the direction c 1  without adjusting the CCD  50 . Since the lens  52  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction n, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  50 , together with the lens  52 , is directed in the direction c 1 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 2B , i.e., taken at the best location b.  
         [0039]     Likewise, at location e 2 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  52  is directed at a straight angle toward second side  34  of the object  30  in the normal direction n. The CCD  50  is then adjusted to move rightward, i.e., away from second side  34 , in a horizontal direction with respect to the lens  52 , approximately orthogonal to the normal direction n. The adjustable CCD  50  is moved until the lens  52  and the CCD  50  are aligned in a direction c 2 . As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  52  was directed in the direction c 2  without adjusting the CCD  50 . Since the lens  52  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction n, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  50 , together with the lens  52 , is directed in the direction c 2 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 2B .  
         [0040]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable CCD  60  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the adjustable CCD  60  includes a similar structure to the adjustable CCD  50  shown in  FIG. 4A , except that the adjustable CDD  60  is movable in a vertical direction with respect to a lens  62 . Specifically, the adjustable CCD  60  is movable along the vertical axis A V  during operation.  
         [0041]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating adjustable CCD  60  shown in  FIG. 5A . Referring to  FIG. 5B , at a first elevation E 1 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  62  is directed at a straight angle toward the upper part  42  of the object  40  in a normal direction N. The CCD  60  is then adjusted to move upwardly, i.e., away from the upper part  42 , in a vertical direction with respect to the lens  62 , approximately orthogonal to the normal direction N. The adjustable CCD  60  is moved until the lens  62  and the CCD  60  are aligned in a direction C 1 . As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  62  was directed in the direction C 1  at an angle of depression without adjusting the CCD  60 . Since the lens  62  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction N, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  60 , together with the lens  62 , is directed in the direction C 1 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3B , i.e., taken at the best elevation B.  
         [0042]     Likewise, at a second elevation E 2 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  62  is directed at a straight angle toward the lower part  44  of the object  40  in a normal direction N. The CCD  60  is then adjusted to move downwardly, i.e., away from the lower part  44 , in a vertical direction with respect to the lens  62 , approximately orthogonal to the normal direction N. The adjustable CCD  60  is moved until lens  62  and the CCD  60  are aligned in a direction C 2 . As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  62  was directed in the direction C 2  at an angle of elevation without adjusting the CCD  60 . Since the lens  62  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction N, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  60 , together with the lens  62 , is directed in the direction C 2 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3B .  
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a structure of an adjusting system  70  for adjusting a CCD  72  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the adjusting system  70  includes a first plate  74  and a second plate  84 . The CCD  72  is mounted on the first plate  74 , which in turn is mounted on the second plate  84 . The first plate  74  is movable in either direction along a pair of first rails  76 . A first motor  78  provides a force through a first transmission device  79  to control the movement of the first plate  74  along the pair of first rails  76 . In one embodiment according to the present invention, the first motor  78  includes a step motor, and the first transmission device  79  includes a screw.  
         [0044]     The second plate  84 , on which the first plate  74  and in turn the CCD  72  are mounted, is movable in either direction along a pair of second rails  86  approximately orthogonal to the first rails  76 . A second motor  88  provides a force through a second transmission device  89  to control the movement of the second plate  84  along the pair of second rails  86 . In one embodiment according to the present invention, the second motor  88  includes a step motor, and the second transmission device  89  includes a screw.  
         [0045]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable CCD  90  in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 7A , the adjustable CCD  90  includes a geometric center M corresponding to a geometric center R of a lens  92  in an electronic apparatus (not shown) such as a digital camera or digital video camera. The center M is the intersection point of a pair of axes A H  and A V , which are orthogonal to one another. The adjustable CDD  90  is rotatable with respect to lens the  92 . Specifically, the adjustable CCD  90  is rotatable around the vertical axis A V  during operation.  
         [0046]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD  90  shown in  FIG. 7A . Referring to  FIG. 7B , at location e 1 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  92  is directed at a straight angle toward the first side  32  of the object  30  in a normal direction n. The CCD  90  is then adjusted to rotate clockwise with respect to the lens  92  around the vertical axis Av. The adjustable CCD  90  is rotated until the lens  92  and the CCD  90  are aligned in a direction, for example, direction c 1 , where the whole of the object  30  or at least a majority of the object  30  is in the camera&#39;s viewing range. As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  92  was directed in the direction c 1  without adjusting the CCD  90 . Since the lens  92  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction n, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  90 , together with the lens  92 , is directed in the direction c 1 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 2B .  
         [0047]     Likewise, at location e 2 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  92  is directed at a straight angle toward the second side  34  of the object  30  in the normal direction n. The CCD  90  is then adjusted to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the lens  92  around the vertical axis Av. The adjustable CCD  90  is rotated until the lens  92  and the CCD  90  are aligned in a direction c 2 . As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  92  was directed in the direction c 2  without adjusting the CCD  90 . Since the lens  92  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction n, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  90 , together with the lens  92 , is directed in the direction C 2 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 2B .  
         [0048]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram of an adjustable CCD  100  in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8A , the adjustable CCD  100  includes a geometric center M corresponding to a geometric center R of a lens  102  in an electronic apparatus (not shown) such as a digital camera or digital video camera. The center M is the intersection point of a pair of axes A H  and A V , which are orthogonal to one another. The adjustable CDD  100  is rotatable with respect to the lens  102 . Specifically, the adjustable CCD  100  is rotatable around the horizontal axis A H  during operation  
         [0049]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the adjustable CCD  100  shown in  FIG. 8A . Referring to  FIG. 8B , at a first elevation E 1 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  102  is directed at a straight angle toward the upper part  42  of the object  40  in a normal direction N. The CCD  100  is then adjusted to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the lens  102  around the horizontal axis A H . The adjustable CCD  100  is rotated until the lens  102  and the CCD  100  are aligned in a direction C 1 . As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  102  was directed in the direction C 1  at an angle of depression without adjusting the CCD  100 . Since the lens  102  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction N, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  100 , together with the lens  102 , is directed in the direction C 1 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3B , i.e., taken at the best elevation B.  
         [0050]     Likewise, at second elevation E 2 , where the truncation issue may occur, the lens  102  is directed at a straight angle toward the lower part  44  of the object  40  in a normal direction N. The CCD  100  is then adjusted to rotate clockwise with respect to the lens  102  around the horizontal axis A H . The adjustable CCD  100  is rotated until the lens  102  and the CCD  100  are aligned in a direction C 2 . As a result, the camera functions as if the lens  102  was directed in the direction C 2  at an angle of elevation without adjusting the CCD  100 . Since the lens  102  is held at a straight angle in the normal direction N, the optical distortion issue is prevented. Furthermore, since the CCD  100 , together with the lens  102 , is directed in the direction C 2 , the truncation issue is prevented. An image taken in accordance with the present method is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3B .  
         [0051]      FIG. 9  shows a structure of an adjusting system  110  for adjusting a CCD  112  in accordance one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the adjusting system  110  includes a first plate  114  and a second plate  124 . The CCD  112  is mounted on the first plate  114 , which in turn is mounted on the second plate  124 . The first plate  114  is pivoted against a pair of first arms  116 , which define a first axis A H  (shown in dotted line) around which the first plate  114  is rotatable. A first motor  118  provides a force through a first transmission device  119  to control the rotation of the first plate  114 . The second plate  124 , on which the first plate  114  and in turn the CCD  112  are mounted, is pivoted against a pair of second arms  126 , which define a second axis A V  (shown in dotted line) around which the second plate  124  is rotatable. The first axis A H  and the second axis A V  are approximately orthogonal to one another. A second motor  128  provides a force through a second transmission device  129  to control the rotation of the second plate  124 .  
         [0052]     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0053]     Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.