JP3972165B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera with a wireless antenna used when performing wireless communication with other devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-37129 discloses an electronic still camera that is equipped with a rod antenna for wireless communication, performs wireless communication of image information, and effectively utilizes space by integrating display means and operation means. ing.
[0003]
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-77726 discloses a camera system that can transmit a captured image to a monitor device via a rod antenna for wireless communication.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the wireless communication antenna of the electronic camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-371293 is a rod antenna and has a structure protruding from the electronic camera body. In general, the camera is small, and unlike ordinary communication devices, the camera posture changes depending on the subject, such as vertical shooting, upward shooting, and downward shooting. There has been a problem in that the communication performance deteriorates due to performance degradation, or the user unconsciously covering the antenna unit or touching the antenna.
[0005]
Also, in the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-77726, the antenna for wireless communication is a rod antenna and has a structure protruding from the camera, so the same problem occurs.
[0006]
Even when the electronic camera is connected to a portable wireless communication terminal with a cable and the image data of the electronic camera is transmitted wirelessly, the antenna part of the wireless communication terminal is hidden unintentionally or is suitable for wireless communication. There was a problem that the antenna turned to a position where it was not present and the wireless communication performance deteriorated.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a camera that does not impair wireless communication performance by providing a wireless antenna at a portion or opening that is necessarily exposed during camera operation or photographing. The purpose is that.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to the first aspect of the present invention is covered by a user's hand or an accessory during use of the camera exterior body, an opening formed in the exterior body, and the opening. An opening located in a non-existing region, which displays a sensor unit through which sensor light for subject photometry or distance measurement passes, a sensor unit for performing flash light control, a light emitting means, a finder, photographing information, or an image It comprises a wireless antenna provided in at least one of openings provided with display means, a speaker or a microphone, and communication means for performing wireless communication with other devices via the wireless antenna.
[0009]
According to the present invention, since the wireless antenna is provided at or near the portion that is exposed without being touched by the hand when using the camera, the user unconsciously covers the wireless antenna unit with the hand or the accessory device. No problems occur and wireless communication performance is not impaired.
[0010]
The camera according to the second aspect of the present invention is a camera exterior body, an opening formed in the exterior body, and an opening located in a portion of the opening that is not covered by a user's hand or an accessory device during use. And a communication means for performing wireless communication with other devices via the wireless antenna, and the wireless antenna is provided in a portion exposed by movement of a moving member when the camera is used. The moving member is a power switch.
[0011]
According to the present invention, since the wireless antenna is provided in a part exposed by the movement of the moving member when using the camera, there is a problem that the user unconsciously covers the wireless antenna part with his hand or an accessory device. The radio antenna is protected when the camera is not used.
The camera according to the present invention 3, camera and exterior body of the opening formed in the outer member, of the opening, located at a site which is not covered by the hand or attached equipment user at the time of use A wireless antenna provided in the opening; and a communication means for performing wireless communication with another device via the wireless antenna, wherein the wireless antenna is provided in a portion exposed by movement of a moving member when the camera is used. A loop antenna that is exposed by movement of the lens cover when the camera is used, is formed in a loop shape along the outer periphery of the lens disposed in the opening of the camera, and is also used as a member that holds the lens It is characterized by that.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a camera according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera 10 capable of wireless communication.
[0014]
The electronic camera 10 forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converts it, outputs it as image data, controls the entire electronic camera 10, controls the sampling timing of the image data, and controls the image data. Information processing means 14 for performing control such as recording control, graphic recognition of image data, blinking recognition of image data, reading of model information of the electronic camera 10, communication control, display control, etc., image size change, sharpness correction, gamma Image processing means 16 that performs processing such as correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, a frame memory 18 that temporarily stores image data, a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, and a confirmation key Designating means 19 provided with switches, mode change switches, etc., image data, etc. Compression / decompression means 20 that controls the compression of information by a technique typified by JPEG and motion JPEG, and the process of expanding / decompressing the compressed data, and recording / reading image data on a removable recording medium 22 For this purpose, a recording medium interface 24 for converting data is provided. The recording medium 22 is a detachable recording medium represented by a semiconductor such as a memory card and MO, magnetic recording, and optical recording.
[0015]
The information processing means 14 is constituted by a ROM that stores a model number of the electronic camera 10, a unique number such as a manufacturing number, an operation program, and constants, and a RAM that is a storage means serving as a work area when the program is executed. The connected memory 26 is connected.
[0016]
The wireless communication means of the electronic camera 10 used for transmitting / receiving image data and the like to / from an external device by communication includes a transmission / reception means 28 for transmitting / receiving information such as image data in response to a command from the information processing means 14, Is composed of a high-frequency module 29 that transmits the signal on a generated carrier wave and an antenna 30 that wirelessly transmits and receives the carrier wave and data.
[0017]
The electronic camera 10 also includes a D / A converter 34 for displaying image data on the display means 32, and a character generator for converting code information commanded from the information processing means 14 into display character or message data. 36, and a light emitting means 37 for emitting light simultaneously with photographing to make up for insufficient light quantity at the time of photographing the subject, storing electric power for causing the light emitting means 37 to emit light, and outputting a signal for instructing light emission at the timing of photographing, A light emitting circuit 38 for adjusting the amount of light of the subject is provided.
[0018]
A photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0019]
The image to be photographed is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 12, and the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 16. The image data obtained in this way is subjected to amplification and noise reduction processing by the image processing means 16 and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 18. The information processing means 14 sequentially transmits the image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the D / A converter 34 and displays it on the display means 32.
[0020]
When a release button provided on the designation means 19 is pressed, a mode for photographing the subject is entered. Then, the information processing means 14 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the compression / decompression means 20 and outputs a command for executing the compression processing of the image data under a predetermined condition. Then, a process of sequentially recording the image data on the recording medium 22 is performed on the recording medium interface 24. When the amount of light of the subject is insufficient at the time of shooting, power for light emission is stored in the light emitting circuit 38 in advance, and the light emitting means 37 is caused to emit light at the timing of shooting by pressing the release button. If it is determined that the amount of light has reached an appropriate amount, light emission is stopped.
[0021]
FIG. 2 shows a plurality of connected devices that can be connected to each other wirelessly.
[0022]
According to the figure, there are a plurality of electronic cameras 10, 70, 72, 74 capable of wireless communication and a printer 76 to which a recording medium 78 can be mounted around a communication terminal 40 such as a wireless telephone. In addition, information such as image data can be transmitted to each other.
[0023]
As shown in the figure, the communication terminal 40 includes an antenna 42 for wireless communication with a public line, wireless communication means 44 for short-range wireless communication with a plurality of connected devices in the vicinity, and connection related to communication. Display means 46 for displaying device information and images, designation means 48, 48... For designating / selecting connected device, telephone number, character, image, audio data, output device and address of the data, etc. A speaker 50 that serves as a telephone handset and outputs sound and a microphone 52 that inputs sound are provided.
[0024]
When the electronic camera 10 establishes communication with the communication terminal 40 and then presses a transmission button provided in the designation unit 19 of the electronic camera 10, the information processing unit 14 sequentially reads the designated image data from the recording medium 22. After conversion into a predetermined data format, a process of transmitting to the external communication terminal 40 via the transmission / reception means 28, the high-frequency module 29, and the antenna 30 is executed.
[0025]
As a short-range communication protocol of the wireless communication means 44, a protocol based on the specifications of “Bluetooth” or “wireless LAN” which has been attracting attention in recent years may be used. The communication terminal 40 may be a mobile communication body such as a mobile phone or a PHS that is generally used, and is not limited to a mobile communication body, and is a personal computer that is used for transmitting information such as image data by communication. Or a printer.
[0026]
When the frequency of the radio wave used for wireless communication becomes a high frequency of about 2.5 GHz, the wavelength of the radio wave becomes about 12 cm. The antenna length for wireless communication only needs to resonate at a value of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc. of the wavelength, and when limited to short-range wireless communication, communication is possible even with weak radio waves. Therefore, it is sufficient that the length of the wireless antenna is about 1.5 cm. Therefore, a wireless antenna can be built in a small opening provided in advance in the electronic camera 10 and used for communication. Providing a dedicated wireless antenna independently for the electronic camera 10 obstructs the operation, and the small electronic camera 10 increases the possibility that the user unconsciously touches the wireless antenna during operation. As described above, if the user unintentionally touches the wireless antenna, the sensitivity of the communication is extremely lowered, which hinders the communication.
[0027]
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the configuration position of the camera according to the present invention.
[0028]
According to the figure, the electronic camera 10 includes a lens 80 for forming a subject image on the light receiving element surface during photographing, a holding frame 81 for holding the lens 80 or the protective lens, and a part of the lens barrel. The lens barrel antenna 82 provided on the lens barrel, the planar antenna 83 provided on the side of the lens barrel, and the slide type are configured to slide to the position of the lens 80 when the electronic camera 10 is not in operation or during shooting. A lens cover 84 for protecting the lens 80, a light emitting unit antenna 86 provided at a part of the opening of the light emitting means 37, and a viewfinder window for confirming the angle of view of the subject when the user takes a picture. 88, a finder antenna 89 provided in a part of the finder window 88, a sensor window 90 through which sensor light passes when performing communication with the remote controller, AE and ranging, and a part of the sensor window 90. Examples of a sensor antenna 91 is provided is shown.
[0029]
By providing the wireless antenna at the above-described site, it is possible to prevent the problem that the user touches the wireless antenna when operating the electronic camera 10 and the communication sensitivity is extremely lowered.
[0030]
FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the electronic camera 10.
[0031]
According to the figure, the back of the electronic camera 10 is exposed or covered according to the operation of the viewfinder 92, the power switch 93 instructing to start or stop the processing operation of the electronic camera 10, and the power switch 93. A power switch antenna 94, a cross key 95 which is a part of the designation means 19, a display means 32, a display antenna 96 and a display lamp in a part of the opening of the display means 32. 97, 97... Are provided. Although not shown in the figure, an antenna 30 for wireless communication may be provided in the opening for the indicator lamps 97, 97..., And when the electronic camera 10 is provided with a speaker or a microphone, You may provide in the opening part for a speaker or a microphone.
[0032]
Among the embodiments of the antennas described above, the lens barrel antenna 82 and the planar antenna 83 are configured such that the lens cover 84 slides when the electronic camera 10 is not used (or not in operation), and the lens 80 and the antenna 80 are used. Since each wireless antenna can be covered, the wireless antenna can be protected when the electronic camera 10 is not operating. The power switch antenna 94 provided on the back of the electronic camera 10 is also covered with the power switch 93 when the power is turned off (when the electronic camera 10 is not operating), so that the wireless antenna is protected.
[0033]
In general, when an independent wireless antenna is newly provided on the surface of the electronic camera 10, electromagnetic waves generated in a processing circuit inside the electronic camera 10 leak to the outside from an opening near the antenna, or the electronic camera is caused by external electromagnetic waves. 10 processing circuits are not preferable because the possibility of causing electromagnetic interference increases. However, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, it is possible to reduce the extra openings by diverting a part of the openings that exist in the past and are necessary for the function of the electronic camera 10 as a wireless antenna. It becomes.
[0034]
FIG. 5A shows a front view of the finder window 88 and the finder antenna 89 shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5B shows a side sectional view of the finder window 88 portion.
[0035]
According to FIG. 5B, a finder window 88 configured to be an optical path and a high-frequency module 29 to which a finder antenna 89 is integrally connected are provided in the opening of the front exterior member 98 of the electronic camera 10. Is provided. Between the front exterior member 98 and the rear exterior member 99, an objective lens 100 for the finder window 88 and an eyepiece 102 are provided. Thus, by providing the finder antenna 89 inside the finder window 88 and enabling wireless communication through the opening of the finder window 88, the finder antenna 89 is protected from the outside and an extra opening is provided in the electronic camera 10. Need not be newly provided.
[0036]
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the camera according to the present invention.
[0037]
According to the drawing, an insulating lens barrel 104 holding a lens 80 and a protective lens 103 and a high frequency module 29 are fixed to the front exterior member 98. In addition, a holding frame antenna 106 that functions as a wireless antenna is provided on the front surface of the lens barrel 104 as a member for sandwiching and holding the protective lens 103. The holding frame antenna 106 and the high frequency module 29 are connected by an antenna cable. In the figure, the lens barrel 104 and the holding frame antenna 106 are shown as being screwed together. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is fitted with an appropriate holding force. Or may be joined.
[0038]
Further, the conducting member of the holding frame antenna 106 may be a loop antenna instead of an annular member. Thus, by using the holding frame of the protective lens 103 as an antenna, a large antenna shape can be obtained, and the communication state can be kept good.
[0039]
FIG. 7A shows a front view of the display means 32 and the display antenna 96 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7B shows a side sectional view of the display means 32 portion.
[0040]
According to FIG. 7B, the protective cover 108 that protects the display means 32, the display unit antenna 96, and the display substrate 110 are attached to the opening of the rear exterior member 99. The display substrate 110 includes a display unit 32, a display driver 112 that controls the display unit 32, a display unit antenna 96 that is used for wireless communication, and a high-frequency module 29 that generates radio waves that oscillate during wireless communication. . In this way, the display antenna 96 and the high frequency module 29 are provided inside the protective cover 108 serving as an optical path, and wireless communication is enabled through the opening of the display means 32, whereby the display antenna 96 is protected and electronic It is possible to obtain a sufficient antenna length without newly providing an extra opening in the exterior member of the camera 10.
[0041]
The light emitting unit antenna 86, the sensor antenna 91, and the like may have the same structure as the finder antenna 89 and the display unit antenna 96.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the camera of the present invention, the wireless antenna of the camera is provided at or near a portion that is exposed without being touched by the hand when using the camera. There is no problem of covering the wireless antenna with the attached device, and the wireless communication performance is not impaired.
[0043]
According to another aspect of the invention, since the wireless antenna of the camera is provided in a portion exposed by the movement of the moving member when the camera is used, the wireless antenna is used by a user or an accessory device unconsciously by the user. The wireless antenna is protected when the camera is not in use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of connected devices that can be connected to each other wirelessly. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a configuration position of a camera according to the invention. FIG. 5 (a) is a front view of the finder window shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 (b) is a side sectional view of the finder window shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 7A is a front view of the display unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the display unit shown in FIG.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electronic camera, 19 ... Designation means, 22 ... Recording medium, 28 ... Transmission / reception means, 29 ... High frequency module, 30 ... Antenna, 32 ... Display means, 37 ... Light emission means, 38 ... Light emission circuit, 40 ... Communication terminal, 44 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Wireless communication means 70 ... Electronic camera 72 ... Electronic camera 74 ... Electronic camera 76 ... Printer 80 ... Lens 81 ... Holding frame 82 ... Lens barrel antenna 83 ... Planar antenna 84 ... Lens cover 86 Light emitting unit antenna, 88 ... finder window, 89 ... finder antenna, 90 ... sensor window, 91 ... sensor antenna, 92 ... finder, 93 ... power switch, 94 ... power switch unit antenna, 95 ... cross key, 96 ... display unit Antenna: 98 ... Front exterior member, 99 ... Rear exterior member, 100 ... Objective lens, 102 ... Eyepiece lens, 103 ... Protective lens, 10 ... lens barrel, 106 ... protective frame antenna, 108 ... protective cover, 110 ... display substrate, 112 ... display driver

Claims (3)

The exterior of the camera,
An opening formed in the exterior body;
Among the openings , an opening located at a part not covered by a user's hand or an accessory device during use, a sensor part through which sensor light for subject photometry or distance measurement passes, or dimming a flash A wireless antenna provided in at least one of a sensor unit, a light emitting unit, a finder, a display unit for displaying photographing information or an image, an opening in which a speaker or a microphone is disposed ,
Communication means for performing wireless communication with other devices via the wireless antenna;
A camera comprising: The exterior of the camera,
An opening formed in the exterior body;
Among the openings, a radio antenna provided in an opening located in a part not covered by a user's hand or an accessory device at the time of use,
Communication means for performing wireless communication with other devices via the wireless antenna,
The wireless antenna is provided in a portion exposed by movement of a moving member when using a camera,
The moving member, characterized and to Luke camera to be a power switch. The exterior of the camera,
An opening formed in the exterior body;
Among the openings, a radio antenna provided in an opening located in a part not covered by a user's hand or an accessory device at the time of use,
Communication means for performing wireless communication with other devices via the wireless antenna,
The wireless antenna is provided in a portion that is exposed by movement of a moving member when the camera is used, and is exposed by movement of a lens cover when the camera is used , along an outer periphery of a lens that is disposed in the opening of the camera. is formed in a loop shape, wherein the to Luke camera that is a loop antenna that also serves as a member for holding the lens.

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