JPH10191128A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability and the portability of an image pickup device and to attain miniaturization. SOLUTION: This image pickup device is composed of an image input part 7001, a recording reproducing part 7002 and a display part 7102. In this case, a wireless communication means is provided to each of the parts which are separable and combinable so as to allow each part to transfer signals in a wireless way, when the parts are separated and a wired communication means is provided to each of the parts so as to allow each part to transfer signals in a wired way when the parts are combined. Furthermore, communication terminals consisting the wired communication means and power supply terminals for conducting power supply are provided on the same face. Thus, a power supply board to receive power supply from a battery and an image input board to supply signals to a main body are provided closely to each other in the inside of each case.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging device,
In particular, in an imaging apparatus such as a video integrated VTR, the image input unit, the display unit, and the recording / reproducing unit are configured to be separable, and are suitable for use in an apparatus configured to wirelessly transmit and receive signals at the time of separation. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 13A and 13B show the appearance of a schematic configuration of a conventional wireless imaging apparatus. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 5001 denotes a wireless camera main body, 5002 denotes a main body for receiving a wireless signal, 5011 and 5012 denote antennas for transmitting a wireless signal, and 5010 denotes a camera lens.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of a circuit block of a conventional wireless imaging device. FIG.
Reference numeral 5201 denotes a camera unit, and 5202 denotes a main unit including a display unit and a recording / reproducing unit.

Reference numeral 5211 denotes an image pickup unit of a camera;
An A / D conversion circuit 2 converts an analog signal from the imaging unit 5211 into a digital signal, a camera signal processing circuit 5213 processes a digital signal of the A / D conversion circuit 5212, and a control unit 5217 controls the camera signal processing circuit 5213. It is a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer). Reference numeral 5232 denotes a camera unit power switch for turning on / off power supplied from a battery (not shown) to each electric circuit of the camera unit 5201.

Reference numeral 5216 denotes a camera section operation key. When the camera section operation key 5216 is operated, the microcomputer 5217 reads the information. The microcomputer 5217 is
When the operation state of the camera operation key 5216 is read, a signal corresponding to the operation state is transmitted as a control signal from the transmission antenna 5233 to the main body 5202 via the wireless transmission circuit 5231.

The video signal from the A / D conversion circuit 5212 is also transmitted to the modulation circuit 5230 and the wireless transmission circuit 523.
1 is transmitted from the transmission antenna 5233 to the main body section 5202 via the transmission antenna 1.

The transmitting antenna 5233 of the camera section 5201
The radio wave transmitted from the wireless communication circuit 5235 is received by the reception antenna 5234 of the main unit 5202.
And supplied to a demodulation circuit 5236 to be demodulated into an original video signal. Then, of the signals received by the receiving antenna 5234, the control signal output from the microcomputer 5217 of the camera unit 5201 is transmitted from the wireless receiving circuit 5235 to the first microcomputer 5220.

The main unit 5202 is provided with two microcomputers 5220 and 5221. The second microcomputer 5221 mainly performs system control of the entire VTR. Microcomputer 5221 are communicating with each other.

Reference numeral 5237 denotes a main body power switch for turning on / off power supplied from a battery (not shown) to each electric circuit of the main body. Reference numeral 5219 denotes an operation key of the main body, and the first microcomputer 5220 reads the operation status. The digital signal from the demodulation circuit 5236 is returned to an analog signal by the D / A conversion circuit 5214 and supplied to the finder unit 5215.

The finder section 5215 includes a camera section 52.
01 for displaying an image picked up by the image pickup unit 5211, and provided to enable an observer (not shown) to monitor the image being picked up. 52
Reference numeral 22 denotes a mechanical unit of the VTR. The operation of the mechanical unit 5222 is controlled by the second microcomputer 5221 while communicating with the first microcomputer 5220.

Reference numeral 5223 denotes a recorder signal processing circuit.
The video signal output from the D / A conversion circuit 5214 is processed, supplied to the electromagnetic conversion block 5224, and processed by the recording medium 52.
25 (cassette tape). The recording medium 5225 is driven by a mechanical unit 5222 of the VTR.

[0012]

In the conventional imaging apparatus configured as described above, when wireless communication is not performed, the wireless camera section 5201 and the receiving side main body 52 are not connected.
02 had to be connected by wire in order to communicate with it. Further, in order to supply power from the receiving side main body 5202 to the wireless camera section 5201, a cable different from a communication cable had to be connected. For this reason, the conventional imaging apparatus has poor operability and portability, and it is difficult to reduce the size.

Further, when wireless communication is not performed, the wireless camera unit 5201 is attached to the receiving main unit 5202 with the battery mounted. However, since the receiving side main body 5202 is also equipped with a battery, there is a problem that both the wireless camera section 5201 and the receiving side main body 5202 have batteries in this state. That is, since the wireless camera unit 5201 and the receiving side main body 5202 have a battery in an overlapping manner, the weight and volume of the imaging device are increased, which deteriorates portability and hinders miniaturization.

Further, in the case of the conventional image pickup apparatus, since the antenna for wireless communication protrudes outside the housing, the antenna becomes a hindrance when not in use, and the portability is deteriorated. there were. Further, when wireless communication is not performed, there is a problem that the design of the imaging device is degraded because the antenna protrudes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, it is a first object of the present invention to improve the operability and portability of an imaging apparatus and to make it possible to reduce the size.

It is a second first object to improve the operability and design when wireless communication is not performed.

[0017]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising an image input section, a recording / reproducing section, and a display section which can be separated and combined with each other. Each of the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit includes a wireless communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals at the time of separation, and a wired communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals at the time of uniting, and The communication terminal constituting the communication means and the power supply terminal for supplying power are provided on the same surface.

Another feature of the present invention is that
It is characterized in that the communication terminal and the power supply terminal are arranged on the same surface as each of the attachment parts respectively provided in the image input part, the recording / reproduction part and the display part.

Another feature of the present invention is that the communication terminal and the power supply terminal are on the same surface as a battery mounting portion provided in each of the image input portion, the recording / reproducing portion and the display portion. It is characterized by being provided.

Another feature of the present invention resides in an image pickup apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and combined with each other, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit And a display unit, comprising: a detecting unit for detecting a separated united state, a wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal wirelessly at the time of separation, and a wired communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal by wire at the time of uniting. The image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit perform wireless communication when separated, and perform wired communication when united.

Another feature of the present invention is that, in an image pickup apparatus including an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and combined with each other, the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit And a display unit includes a battery for supplying power for operation, and a power supply terminal for transmitting and receiving power, and the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit are provided when separated. It is characterized in that power is supplied from a battery and power is supplied from either one to the other at the time of merging.

Another feature of the present invention resides in an image pickup apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and combined with each other, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit And a display unit, wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals at the time of separation,
It is characterized by comprising a wired communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal by wire at the time of combining, and a switching means for selecting the wireless communication means and the wired communication means.

Another feature of the present invention is that, in an image pickup apparatus including an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and combined with each other, the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit And a display unit, a detection unit for detecting a separated united state, a wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal wirelessly at the time of separation, a wired communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal by wire at the time of uniting, and the wireless communication unit. Switching means for selecting a wired communication means and a switching means for selecting between the wireless communication and the wired communication by controlling the switching means in accordance with an output signal of the detection means for detecting the separated united state. I have.

Another feature of the present invention is that at least the image input unit and the display unit are configured so as to be able to be separated and combined, and the transmission and reception of signals between the image input unit and the display unit at the time of separation is performed wirelessly. An imaging apparatus each having a wireless communication means for performing the above-mentioned steps, characterized by comprising a storage section for a transmitting / receiving antenna used for transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly.

Another feature of the present invention is that the receiving portion for the transmitting / receiving antenna is provided on the battery mounting surface.

Another feature of the present invention is that the storage section for the transmitting / receiving antenna is provided on a surface on which the image input section and the display section are mounted.

Another feature of the present invention is that the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit are configured to be separable and unitable, and the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit In the imaging apparatus, each of which has wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other, it is characterized in that the imaging apparatus is provided with a storage section for a transmitting and receiving antenna for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals.

Another feature of the present invention is that the receiving portion for the transmitting / receiving antenna is provided on the battery mounting surface.

Another feature of the present invention is that the receiving section for the transmitting / receiving antenna is provided on a surface on the mounting side of the image input section, the recording / reproducing section, or the display section. I have.

[0030]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1A to 1D show a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is an outline view showing a schematic structure of an embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7001 denotes an image input unit, 7002 denotes a recording / reproducing unit, and 7102 denotes a display unit. 1A to 1C, the image input unit 7001, the recording / reproducing unit 7002, and the display unit 7102 are shown in a separated state. In this state, the image input unit 7001, the recording / reproducing unit 7002, and the display unit 7102 transmit the antennas 7033, 7073 respectively.
The wireless communication is performed via 34 and 7134.

700 shown in the recording / reproducing unit 7002
2a, 7002b, 7002c, and 7002d are lock holes, and these lock holes 7002a to 7002d are
As described later, the recording / reproducing unit 7002 and the display unit 7102
Is provided for use when combining with.

Also, 71 shown in display portion 7102
Reference numeral 15 denotes a finder unit, which is provided to display an image transmitted from the image input unit 7001. This allows the user to monitor the image captured by the image input unit 7001 by looking at the finder unit 7115.

Next, reference numerals 7041, 7043, and 7143 denote batteries. Also, 7050 and 7150 are mounting parts, 7052 and 7152 are connectors, and 7055 and 7
155 is a power supply terminal.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view showing a state in which the image input unit 7001, the recording / reproducing unit 7002, and the display unit 7102 are combined. In this state, the image input unit 70
Reference numeral 01 denotes a battery 7041 from which the image input unit 7001 and the recording / reproducing unit 7002 are integrally united by being attached to the mounting unit 7050 of the recording / reproducing unit 7002.

Also, lock holes 7002a, 7002b, 7002c, 70 provided in the recording / reproducing section 7002 are provided.
02d and a lock claw (not shown) provided on the display portion 7102 are fitted to each other to form the recording / reproducing portion 7002.
And the display portion 7102 are integrally united. The details of the structure for attaching these will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment, when combined as described above, the connector (connector 8051 in FIG. 2) on the image input unit 7001 side and the recording / reproducing unit 7002
The transmission and reception of signals are performed through the connector 7052. That is, in the combined state, signal transmission is performed by wire instead of wireless signal transmission. When the antenna is not used, for example, at the time of uniting, the antennas 7033, 7034, and 713 are stored in an antenna storage section described later.
4 are stored and united.

The connector 7 on the recording / reproducing unit 7002 side
053 and a connector (not shown) on the display unit 7102 side, so that these recording / reproducing units 7002
Transmission between the device and the display unit 7102 is performed by wire.

As described above, the image input unit 7001, the recording / reproducing unit 7002, and the display unit 7102 are integrally connected, so that the image captured by the image input unit 7001 can be transferred to the display unit 7102 via the recording / reproducing unit 7002. The image can be displayed on the finder section 7115 and the image reproduced by the recording / reproducing section 7002 can be displayed on the finder section 7115.

Power is supplied to the image input unit 7001 via a power supply terminal (7141 in FIG. 2) on the image input unit 7001 side and a power supply terminal 7055 on the recording / reproducing unit 7002 side. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image input unit 7001 is attached to the recording / reproducing unit 7002, but the image input unit 7001 may be attached to the display unit 7102 instead of attaching to the recording / reproducing unit 7002.

A recording / reproducing unit 7002 and a display unit 710
2 and the image input unit 7001 may be wirelessly communicated. The image input unit 7
001 and the recording / reproducing unit 7002, and the display unit 710
2 may be wirelessly communicated, or the image input unit 7001 and the display unit 7102 are combined,
You may make it communicate with the recording / reproducing part 7002 wirelessly. Although not shown in FIG.
033, 7034, and 7134 are accommodated in the same antenna accommodating section as that described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

Reference numeral 8011 in the image input unit 7001 denotes an imaging unit; 8012, an A / D conversion circuit for converting an analog signal output from the imaging unit 8011 into a digital signal;
Reference numeral 3 denotes a signal processing circuit for processing a digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 8012, and reference numeral 8017 denotes a signal processing circuit 8.
013 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer).
Microcomputer). The microcomputer 8017 also communicates with the imaging unit 8011 and controls the imaging operation of the imaging unit 8011.

Reference numeral 8032 denotes a power switch of the image input unit.
Battery 7 input via power supply terminal 7141
The on / off control of the power supply from the power supply unit 041 to each electric circuit via the microcomputer 8017 is performed. Also,
The microcomputer 8017 receives information such as the remaining amount of the battery 7041.

Reference numeral 8016 denotes an image input section operation key, the operation state of which is read by the microcomputer 8017. The microcomputer 8017 uses the read information as a control signal from the antenna 7033 via the wireless transmission circuit 8031 to the recording / reproducing unit 7002 and the display unit 7102.
Send to

The signal processing circuit 8013 of the image input unit
Is supplied to the antenna 7033 via the modulation circuit 8030 and the wireless transmission circuit 8031, and is transmitted from the antenna 7033 to the recording / reproducing unit 7002 and the display unit 7102.

The radio wave received by the antenna 7034 is transmitted to the wireless reception circuit 8035 and the demodulation circuit 8036.
And demodulated into a video signal. Also, the antenna 7
The control signal output from the microcomputer 8017 of the image input unit 7001 is supplied from the wireless receiving circuit 8035 to the first microcomputer 8020 among the signals input to the 034.

The recording / reproducing unit 7002 has a first
A second microcomputer 8021 is provided in addition to the microcomputer 8020, and the second microcomputer 8021 mainly includes a VTR.
Performs overall system control. Note that these first microcomputer 8020 and second microcomputer 8021
They exchange information with each other.

Reference numeral 8037 denotes a power switch of the recording / reproducing unit 7002.
2 for turning on / off the power supplied to each of the electric circuits. Reference numeral 8019 denotes operation keys, from which the first microcomputer 8020 reads the information. And operation key 8
If the operation 019 is an operation related to the operation of the image input unit 7001 (for example, a zoom operation to change the focal length of a lens of the imaging unit or a focus operation to change the focus), the control signal from the first microcomputer 8020 is transmitted wirelessly. Part 8
The signal is supplied to the antenna 7034 via the antenna 045, and transmitted from the antenna 7034 to the image input unit 7001.

In the image input unit 7001, of the signals input via the antenna 7033,
The control signal transmitted from the first microcomputer 8020 of the second microcomputer 002 is transmitted from the wireless receiver 8042 to the microcomputer 8017.
Supplied to The microcomputer 8017 includes a recording / reproducing unit 700
Various controls of the image input unit 7001 are performed according to the control signal from the control unit 2.

Next, reference numeral 8022 denotes a mechanical section of the VTR, the operation of which is controlled by the second microcomputer 8021. The second microcomputer 8021 is the first microcomputer 8020
While controlling the operation of the mechanical unit 8022, the operation of the mechanical unit 8022 is controlled.

Reference numeral 8023 denotes a recorder signal processing circuit.
The video signal supplied from the demodulation circuit 8036 and the D / A conversion circuit 8014 is processed and recorded on the recording medium 8025 (cassette tape) via the electromagnetic conversion block 8024. The recording medium 8025 is driven by a mechanical unit 8022 of the VTR.

At the time of reproduction, a video signal is reproduced with a signal flow reverse to that at the time of recording. That is, the signal read from the recording medium 8025 is transmitted to the electromagnetic conversion block 8024, the recorder signal processing circuit 8023, and the A / D conversion circuit 806.
1. Wireless transmission unit 8045 via modulation circuit 8026
Sent to Then, the signal is output from the wireless transmitting unit 8045 to the antenna 7034 and transmitted from the antenna 7034 to the display unit 7102.

In the above description, the recording unit or the reproducing unit is a VTR, but a recording medium such as a solid-state memory such as a semiconductor, a hard disk, or an optical recording medium may be used.

In FIG. 2, reference numerals 7051, 7052, and 7053 denote connectors, which are an image input unit 7001 and a recording / reproducing unit 70.
02 are combined, the antennas 7033 and 7033
It is used not for wireless communication performed via the G.34 but for wired communication performed via these connectors 7051 to 7053.

In the display portion 7102, the radio wave received by the antenna 7134 is provided to the wireless receiving portion 8135 and the demodulation circuit 8136 to be demodulated into a video signal.
Note that among the signals input via the antenna 7134, a control signal output from the microcomputer 8017 of the image input unit 7001 is transmitted from the wireless reception unit 8135 to the microcomputer 8120. Reference numeral 8137 denotes a power switch of the display portion 7102 for turning on / off the power supplied from the main battery 7143 to each electric circuit of the display portion 7102.

Reference numeral 7155 denotes a power supply terminal. When the image input unit 7001 is united, the main battery 714 is provided.
3 is used to supply image power to the image input unit 7001 as an operation power supply.

Reference numeral 8119 denotes an operation key, and the microcomputer 8120 reads the operation status. Then, the operation key 81
In the case where the operation state 19 is an operation related to the operation of the image input unit 7001 (for example, a zoom operation for changing the focal length of a lens of the imaging unit or a focus operation for changing the focus),
A control signal is output from the microcomputer 8120 and provided to the antenna 7134 via the wireless transmission unit 8145.
The signal is transmitted from the antenna 7134.

Then, the radio wave transmitted from the antenna 7134 is received by the antenna 7033 of the image input unit 7001. Among the received radio waves, a control signal output from the microcomputer 8120 of the display portion 7102 is supplied from the wireless reception portion 8042 to the microcomputer 8017. Accordingly, the microcomputer 8017 performs various controls of the image input unit 7001 according to the control signal output from the display unit 7102.

The digital signal output from demodulation circuit 8136 is converted to an analog signal by D / A conversion circuit 8114. Then, the analog-converted video signal is provided to the finder section 8115 and displayed.
This allows an observer (not shown) to monitor the image captured by the imaging unit 8011 of the image input unit 7001.

Next, reference numeral 8144 denotes a display circuit, which performs various displays on the finder section 8115 in accordance with control signals output from the microcomputer 8120. 7152, 8153
Denotes a connector, and the image input unit 7001 and the recording / reproducing unit 7
When the 002 and the display unit 7102 are combined, the wireless communication is performed via these connectors 7152 and 7153, not the wireless communication performed via the antenna.

As described above, the image input unit 7001
Are attached to the attachment portions 7050 or 7150 of the recording / reproducing unit 7002 or the display unit 7102, respectively. Thereby, the imaging device of the present embodiment can eliminate the protrusion. Further, a recording / reproducing unit 7002 and an image input unit 7001
And can be integrated as necessary, so that the portability is excellent. In addition, since there is no extra protrusion, the external shape can be improved in terms of design.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the image input unit 2001 of the image pickup apparatus.
001 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery 2041 is removed.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 2051 denotes a power supply terminal, which receives power supply from the battery 2041 when the battery 2041 is mounted, and when the battery 2041 is combined with the recording / reproducing unit or the display unit, the recording / reproducing unit or the display unit. This is for receiving power supply from the unit side.

Reference numeral 2055 denotes a communication terminal for performing wired communication with the recording / reproducing unit or the display unit when the unit is combined with the recording / reproducing unit or the display unit. Reference numeral 2061 denotes a battery storage unit, and FIG. 3B illustrates a state where the antenna 2033 is stored in the battery storage unit 2061.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the antenna storage section of the imaging device. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 3100 denotes a housing of the image pickup apparatus, and reference numeral 3033 denotes an antenna, which can be extended when used and contracted when stored. 3
Numeral 061 denotes an antenna storage portion for storing the antenna 3033 when not in use and when combining. With such a configuration, the antenna 3033 is housed so as not to protrude from the housing side surface 3100a provided with the antenna housing portion 3061.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image input unit 4100 of the imaging device. In FIG. 5, 401
1 is an imaging lens, 4111 is an imaging element, 4013 is an image input board, 4010 is a power supply board, 4030 is a transceiver board, 4033 is an antenna, 4051 is a connector,
054 is a power supply terminal.

Reference numerals 4201, 4202, 4203 and 4204 denote connectors between boards, and reference numerals 4211 and 4212 denote flexible cables for electrical connection. In addition, 4
100b and 4100c are battery attachment parts, 4061
Denotes an antenna housing.

In such a configuration, the lens 4011
The image captured from is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 4111, image-processed by the image input unit substrate 4013, and transmitted wirelessly via the transceiver substrate 4030 and the antenna 4033.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of the configuration of the mounting portion of the imaging device. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 4101 denotes a mounting housing, reference numeral 4052 denotes a connector, and reference numeral 4055 denotes a power supply terminal. Reference numerals 4071 and 4072 denote lead wires.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a battery used in the imaging apparatus. In FIG. 7, 41
02 is a battery housing, 4300 is a battery cell, 4
056 is a power supply terminal, and 4075 is a lead wire.

As shown in FIG. 1D, when the image input unit and the main unit are combined, the connector 4051 shown in FIG.
And the connector 4052 in FIG. 6 are connected, and mutual signal transmission is performed not by wireless but by wire. FIG.
Power supply terminal 4054 of FIG. 6 and power supply terminal 4055 of FIG.
, Power is supplied to the image input unit.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the image input unit 7001
When the battery and the battery 7041 are combined,
The power supply terminal 4054 of FIG. 5 and the power supply terminal 40 of FIG.
Power is supplied to the image input unit 7001 via 56.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the coupling means of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, which corresponds to a state in which the image input unit 7001 and the recording / reproducing unit 7002 of the imaging apparatus according to the above-described embodiment are separated. FIG. In FIG. 8A, 101 is an image input unit, and 102 is a main unit. Reference numeral 631 denotes a lock claw, and 603a denotes a positioning pin.

FIGS. 8 (b), 8 (c) and 8 (d) are views for explaining an example of an attachment / detachment mechanism between the image input unit 101 and the main unit 102. FIG. FIG. 8B shows a state where the image input unit 101 and the main unit 102 are attached. FIG.
In (b), (c) and (d), 603 is a main body housing, 632 is a spring, 604 is an image input housing, 604a
Is a positioning hole, and 604b is a lock hole.

The image input unit housing 604 is provided with a positioning hole 60.
4a and the positioning pin 603a, the main body housing 603 is formed.
Is positioned with respect to Then, in the positioned state, the lock claw 631 is caught in the lock hole 604b,
The image input unit 104 is fixed to the main unit 103.

When the image input unit 101 is to be detached from the main unit 102, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the main unit 102 is pushed in the direction of the arrow, the lock claw 631 comes off the lock hole 604b. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8D, the image input unit 101 can be detached from the main unit 102.

As described above, in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are on the same surface on the housing, so that the power supply board receiving the power supply from the battery and the main body side are connected. An image input board for supplying a signal can be arranged close to the inside of the housing, and can be mounted spatially efficiently on one side, which is effective for reducing the size of the image input section. At the same time, wiring between the substrates can be efficiently routed, so that cost reduction and high performance can be achieved.

According to another feature of the present invention, the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the same surface as the mounting portions of the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit, or on the same surface as the battery mounting unit. Because there is, the power supply board that receives power supply from the battery and the image input board that supplies signals to the main body side can be arranged close to each other inside the housing, and the space is efficiently mounted on one side. This is effective in reducing the size of the image input unit. At the same time, wiring between the substrates can be efficiently routed, so that cost reduction and high performance can be achieved.

When the image input unit and the recording / reproducing unit or the image input unit and the display unit are integrated, the recording / reproducing unit or the display unit and the image input unit can be integrated without connecting a cable. Thus, an imaging device with excellent portability can be configured. In addition, an imaging device having an excellent shape in design can be configured.

Also, since the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the same surface as the respective battery mounting portions of the image input section, the recording / reproducing section and the display section, the image input section and the recording / reproducing section or the image input section are provided. When the display unit and the display unit are integrated, it is possible to combine them without mounting the battery of the image input unit. This eliminates the need to carry the battery of the image input unit, so that the size of the imaging device can be reduced at the time of merging, and portability can be improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 shows the second
It is a block diagram showing composition of an imaging device of an embodiment.
9, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Also, 8 in FIG.
001 corresponds to the image input unit 7001 in FIG. Hereinafter, similarly, 8033 corresponds to 7033, and 8041 corresponds to 7
041 and 8051 correspond to 7051.

Also, 8002 corresponds to 7002, 803
4 corresponds to 7034, 8052 corresponds to 7052, 80
53 corresponds to 7053. Further, 8102 is 710
2 corresponds to 8134 corresponds to 7134, 8152 corresponds to 71
52.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 8041 denotes an image input unit 8
A battery provided in the image input unit 8001 is provided for supplying operation power to each unit of the image input unit 8001, and is built in or externally attached to the image input unit 8001. Reference numeral 8048 denotes a detecting unit for detecting the separated united state of the image input unit 8001, and detects when the image input unit 8001 is combined with the recording / reproducing unit 8002 or the display unit 8102.

Reference numeral 8043 denotes a battery provided in the recording / reproducing section 8002 for supplying operating power to each section of the recording / reproducing section 8002.
002 is provided internally or externally. 8058 and 8
Reference numeral 059 denotes first and second detection means provided for detecting the separated united state of the recording / reproducing unit 8002, and the first united detection unit 8058 is provided with an image input unit 8001
The second unity detecting means 8
Reference numeral 059 detects whether or not the display unit 8102 is united.

Reference numeral 8143 denotes a battery provided in the display portion 8102, which supplies operation power to each portion of the display portion 8102, and is built in or external to the display portion 8102. 8158 indicates the display unit 8.
The detection unit 102 detects the separated united state of the unit 102 and detects whether the display unit 8102 and the image input unit 8001 are united.

The operation of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. In addition,
In the following description, the operation of the recording / reproducing unit 8002 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 10, the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment turns on the power in the first step S101.

Next, the process proceeds to step S102, where the unity detecting means 8058, 8059 detects whether the unity with the image input unit 8001 or the display unit 8102. As a result of this detection, if they are united, step S
Proceed to 103 to perform wired communication via the connector 8052 or 8053. Next, the process proceeds to step S104,
The circuit related to the wireless communication is turned off, and the process ends in step S105.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S102, the unity detection means 8058 and 8059 cause the image input unit 800
1 or when separated from the display portion 8102,
Proceeding from step S102 to step S106, circuits related to wireless communication are turned on. Next, step S10
7 and go to antennas 8034 and 8033 or 81
Wireless communication is performed via the.

As described above, the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment does not need to connect cables every time when performing wired communication without wireless communication, which is a disadvantage of the conventional imaging apparatus. In addition, operability and portability can be improved, and downsizing can be achieved.

In addition to performing wireless communication at the time of separation,
Since the wired communication is performed at the time of the combination, the wireless communication and the wired communication are appropriately switched according to the usage of the imaging device, so that the operability of the imaging device can be significantly improved.

Next, another operation example will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that also in this case, the operation of the recording / reproducing unit 8002 will be mainly described. First, power is turned on in step S201.

Next, the flow proceeds to step S202, where the unity detection means 8058 detects whether or not the unity with the image input unit 8001. As a result of this detection, the recording / reproducing unit 80
02 and the image input unit 8001 are united,
Proceeding to step S203, power is supplied from the recording / reproducing unit 8002 to the image input unit 8001 on the other side to be combined.

Next, the flow proceeds to step S204, where the unity detecting means 8059 detects whether or not the unity with the display unit 8102. If the result of this detection is that the display unit 8102 has been combined, the process proceeds to step S205. Also,
If the result of determination in step S204 is that they are not united with the display unit 8102, the flow proceeds to step S208, and the power supply is turned off.

In step S205, it is checked whether or not a battery is mounted on the display unit 8102 and whether or not the remaining battery power is sufficient, and it is necessary to supply power from the recording / reproducing unit 8002 to the display unit 8102. It is determined whether or not. This is performed by communicating with the microcomputers 8020 and 8121 via the connectors 8053 and 8153, and detecting the status of the battery 8143.

If the result of this determination is that power supply is required, control proceeds to step S206, where the recording / reproducing section 8002
Power is supplied to the display unit 8102 from step S20.
At 7, the process ends. If the result of determination in step S205 is that power supply is not necessary, step S2
In step 08, the power supply is turned off.

As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment cannot completely supply power between devices when wireless communication is not performed, which is a drawback of the conventional imaging apparatus.
Alternatively, problems that cannot be easily achieved can be solved. In addition, since power can be supplied without using a connection cable, operability and portability can be improved, and downsizing can be achieved.

Next, the flow of wireless and wired signals of the recording / reproducing unit 8002 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 9003 denotes a wireless circuit for processing a signal input via the antenna 9001.

Reference numeral 9004 denotes a wired circuit, and the connector 9
002 is processed. 9005
Is a wireless / wired changeover switch that allows a user (not shown) to arbitrarily switch between a signal from the wireless circuit 9003 and a signal from the wired circuit 9004. A signal selected by a user (not shown) is provided to a signal processing circuit 9006, where predetermined processing is performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, a user (not shown) can arbitrarily select radio communication performed via the antenna 9001 and wired communication performed via the connector 9002. . Further, the wireless / wired changeover switch 9005 can be arbitrarily selected by a user (not shown), so that the circuit configuration can be simplified, and the imaging apparatus can be made small and inexpensive. Becomes

[0100]

According to the present invention, as described above, the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the same surface of the housing, so that the power supply board receiving the power supply from the battery and the main body side inside the housing. This makes it possible to bring the image input board that supplies the signal close to each other and efficiently mount it on one side of the housing, which is effective for reducing the size of the image input unit. Also,
Since the wiring between the substrates can be efficiently routed, it is easy to manufacture, and it is possible to suppress a failure and an increase in noise caused by long wiring, thereby realizing low cost and high performance. Can be.

According to another feature of the present invention, the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the same surface as the image input section, the recording / reproducing section and the display section, or the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the battery. Because it is provided on the same surface as the mounting part, the power supply board that receives power supply from the battery and the image input board that supplies signals to the main body side are close to each other inside the housing and spatially efficient on one side. It is possible to mount well, and it is effective for downsizing the image input unit. Also,
At the same time, wiring can be efficiently routed between the substrates,
Lower price and higher performance can be realized.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the same surface as the image input section, the recording / reproducing section, and the mounting section of the display section. When the playback unit is integrated, or when the image input unit and the display unit are integrated, it is not necessary to connect them to each other via a cable, and portability can be improved. it can. In addition, since the respective portions can be integrated without exposing the connection cable to the outside, an imaging device excellent in design can be configured.

According to another feature of the present invention, the power supply terminal and the communication terminal are provided on the same surface as the battery mounting portions of the image input portion, the recording / reproducing portion, and the display portion.
When the image input unit and the recording / reproducing unit or the image input unit and the display unit are integrated, it is possible to combine them without attaching the battery of the image input unit. Thereby, the size of the imaging device at the time of merging can be reduced, and portability can be improved.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, when wireless communication is not performed, which is a drawback of the conventional imaging apparatus, it is not necessary to connect a cable for communication between devices. As a result, operability and portability can be improved, and downsizing can be achieved.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, the operability of the imaging device can be greatly improved because the wireless communication and the wired communication are appropriately switched according to the usage of the imaging device.

Another feature of the present invention is that the user can arbitrarily select one of the wireless communication performed through the antenna and the wired communication performed through the connector by operating the wireless / wired changeover switch. Since the selection can be made, the circuit configuration can be simplified, and downsizing and cost reduction of the imaging device can be favorably achieved.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, since a receiving portion for a transmitting / receiving antenna used for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals is provided, operability and design when wireless communication is not performed are improved. Can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image input unit of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a storage section of an antenna of the imaging device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an image input unit of the imaging device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting portion of the imaging device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery used in the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fastening mechanism of the imaging device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a signal flow in wireless communication and wired communication.

FIG. 13 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional wireless imaging device.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit of a conventional wireless imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7001 image input unit 7002 recording / reproducing unit 7102 display unit 8011 imaging unit 8012 A / D conversion circuit 8013 image input unit signal processing circuit 8017, 8020, 8021, 8022 microcomputer 8014 D / A conversion circuit 8015 finder unit 8016, 8019 operation keys 8023 Recorder signal processing circuit 8024 Electromagnetic conversion circuit 8025 Recording medium 8030 Modulation circuit 8031, 8045 Wireless transmission section 8032 Power switch 7033, 7034 Antenna 8035, 8042 Wireless reception section 8036 Demodulation circuit 7041, 7043, 7143 Battery 8044 Display circuit

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and united with each other, wherein each of the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit which can be separated and united, A wireless communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals at the time of separation, and a wired communication unit for performing wired transmission and reception of signals at the time of uniting; a communication terminal constituting the wired communication unit; An imaging device, wherein a power supply terminal for performing the operation is provided on the same surface. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal and the power supply terminal are arranged on the same surface as each of the mounting units provided in the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit. An imaging device characterized in that: 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal and the power supply terminal are provided on a same surface as a battery attachment unit provided in each of the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit. An imaging device, comprising: 4. An image pickup apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and united with each other, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit detect a separated united state. And wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly at the time of separation, and wired communication means for transmitting and receiving signals by wire at the time of merging, respectively, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit are An imaging device that performs wireless communication when separated and performs wired communication when united. 5. An imaging apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and united with each other, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit supply operation power. And a power supply terminal for transmitting and receiving power. The image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit supply power from the respective batteries at the time of separation. An imaging device, wherein power is supplied from one side to the other. 6. An image pickup apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and united with each other, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit wirelessly transmit a signal at the time of separation. Wireless communication means for performing transmission and reception, wired communication means for performing transmission and reception of signals by wire at the time of uniting, and switching means for selecting the wireless communication means and the wired communication means, respectively. Imaging device. 7. An imaging apparatus comprising an image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit which can be separated and united with each other, wherein the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit and the display unit are means for detecting a separated and united state. And wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly at the time of separation, wired communication means for transmitting and receiving signals by wire at the time of union, and switching means for selecting the wireless communication means and the wired communication means. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup apparatus, wherein the switching means is controlled by an output signal of the separation / combination state detection means to switch between wireless communication and wired communication. 8. At least an image input unit and a display unit are configured to be separable and unitable with each other, and each of them includes wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals between the image input unit and the display unit at the time of separation. An imaging device, comprising: a housing portion for a transmission / reception antenna used for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals. 9. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a storage portion for the transmission / reception antenna is provided on a battery mounting surface. 10. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the storage section for the transmission / reception antenna is provided on a surface on which the image input section and the display section are mounted. 11. An image input unit, a recording / reproducing unit, and a display unit are configured so as to be separable and unitable with each other, and mutual transmission and reception of signals between the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, and the display unit are performed wirelessly. Each of which has a wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal wirelessly. 12. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a storage section for the transmission / reception antenna is provided on a battery mounting surface. 13. The storage unit for the transmission / reception antenna is provided on a surface on a mounting side of the image input unit, the recording / reproducing unit, or the display unit.
2. The imaging device according to 1.