JPS6216691A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To catch voice positioned far away from a camera in good sensitivity to perform sound recording by receiving and sound-recording a sound signal of wireless frequency band area at a voice recording circuit provided at an electronic camera. CONSTITUTION:When a transmitter is not used, a microphone 5 catches the voice in good sensitivity emitted from a place comparatively near by a camera 1 and the voice is inputted to a sound recording processor 29 through a sound change-over switch 26 and a noise reduction circuit 27 in a state that time compression is applied on it, and is FM-modulated. The FM-modulated sound signal is supplied to a sound recording magnetic head 18 through a gate switch 30 and an amplifier 31 and is recorded on a magnetic disk 4. When the transmitter is used, the voice recording circuit is connected to a receiving circuit 32 by the change-over switch 26, and a received sound signal of wireless frequency band area is supplied to the sound recording magnetic head 18.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The electronic camera of the present invention will be explained according to the following items.

A. Industrial field of application B3 Summary of the invention C9 Background technology 0 Problems to be solved by the invention E1 Means for solving the problems F. Example F-1, First example [Fig. to Fig. 4] a, Electronic camera [Fig. 1, Fig. 2] a-1, Appearance [Fig. 2 core a-2, Magnetic disk [Fig. 1] a-3, Recording mechanism [Fig. 1] a-4, aperture blade, shutter [Figure 1] a-50 circuit [Figure 1 a-5-a, recording circuit a-5-b, recording circuit a-5-c, receiving circuit a-5- d, Control circuit, Transmitter [Fig. 3, Fig. 4] b-1, Appearance [Fig. 3] b-21 Circuit [Fig. 4] C8 operation C-1, Operation when the transmitter is not used C-2, Operation when using a transmitter c-2-a, When recording the audio signal sent by the transmitter c-2-b, When controlling the operation of the electronic camera with the transmitter d, Transmission Modified Example of Camera [Figure 5] F-2, Second Embodiment [Figure 6 1 G1 Effects of the Invention (A, Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a novel electronic camera. Specifically, it relates to an electronic camera that is equipped with an image capture function and an audio recording function, and is a new electronic camera that can record audio from a position far away from the camera with high sensitivity. This is what we are trying to provide.

(B. Summary of the Invention) Firstly, the present invention provides an electronic camera having a video recording function and an audio recording function, which transmits an audio signal wirelessly from a transmitter separate from the camera. It is designed to be able to receive and record the audio signals, thereby making it possible to record audio from a location far away from the camera with good sensitivity.

Second, the present invention provides an electronic camera having a video recording function and an audio recording function, in which an audio signal and a recording timing signal are wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter separate from the camera. The recording timing signal can be received and the recording operation can be performed at a timing based on the recording timing signal, thereby making it possible to record sound from a position far away from the camera with good sensitivity. In addition, it is possible to freely control recording operations, etc. by the camera at a location away from the camera.

Thirdly, the present invention provides an electronic camera having a video recording function and an audio recording function, which receives an audio signal wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter separate from the camera.
In addition, the audio signal can be recorded and the frequency of the received signal can be selectively switched11, so that even audio from a position far away from the camera can be captured with good sensitivity. In addition, even if multiple recordings using this method are performed nearby, it is necessary to prevent each other from receiving transmitted signals from other transmitters, that is, to prevent interference. It can be avoided.

(C. Background Art) Recently, the development of electronic cameras, that is, cameras that take still pictures by converting an image into an electrical image signal and recording the image signal on a predetermined recording medium, has been progressing. ing.

The basic structure of such an electronic camera is that it is equipped with a suitable recording medium and a means for recording electrical signals on the recording medium. By providing recording means for recording the audio signal captured by the audio capturing means on the recording medium, it is possible to provide not only an image capturing function but also a recording function.

In other words, by recording the audio associated with the image at the same time as the image is taken, and viewing the image while playing back the audio, it is possible to provide a rich sense of realism to the viewer of the reproduced image. Furthermore, by recording explanations and explanations about the image, it provides many advantages, such as assisting in understanding the image.

(D. Problems to be Solved by the Invention)" As mentioned above, it is also possible to make an electronic camera capable of recording audio.

If an electronic camera is to have a recording function, it is conceivable to use a microphone as a means for capturing audio into the camera.

That is, if an appropriate microphone is provided directly on the camera or detachably attached to the camera, audio can be captured through the microphone.

However, when audio is captured using a microphone, a problem arises in that audio can only be recorded from a limited number of positions. That is, in general, the sounds that a microphone can pick up with good sensitivity are limited to those from a position relatively close to the microphone, so it is almost impossible to record sounds from a position far away from the camera.

Therefore, even if an electronic camera is equipped with a recording function, the recording function will only be utilized in extremely limited cases.

(E. Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems that occur when this type of camera is provided with a recording function, the electronic camera of the present invention has the following features:
The camera is equipped with a receiving section that receives a signal wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter separate from the camera, and a recording means that records at least the audio signal received by the receiving section.

By doing this, it is possible to record sound from a position far away from the camera with good sensitivity.

Second, a receiving section that receives an audio signal and a recording timing signal wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter separate from the camera, and a recording circuit that records the audio signal received by the receiving section are provided. , the recording operation by the camera, etc. can be performed at a timing based on the recording timing signal.

By doing so, it is possible to record sound from a position far away from the camera with good sensitivity, and it is also possible to freely control the recording operation by the camera at a position far from the camera.

Thirdly, it includes a receiving section that receives an audio signal wirelessly transmitted from a transmitter separate from the camera, a means for selectively switching the frequency of the received signal received by the receiving section, and a means for selectively switching the frequency of the received signal received by the receiving section. It is equipped with a recording circuit for recording.

By doing this, it is possible to record sound from a location far away from the camera with good sensitivity, and multiple recordings using this type of method can be performed within the range of the transmitter's signal. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent each transmitter from receiving signals transmitted by other transmitters, that is, to prevent interference from occurring.

(F. Embodiments) Details of the electronic camera of the present invention will be described below according to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

(F-1, First Embodiment) [Figs. 1 to 4] Figs. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention.

(a, Electronic camera) [Figures 1 and 2] 1 is an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied.

(a-1, external appearance) [Figure 2] 2 is a camera body of the electronic camera 1.

Reference numeral 3 designates a photographic lens provided so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the camera body 2, and 4 designates a finder.

5 is a microphone provided on the camera body 2 (only the front part thereof is shown in the drawing); 6 is a shutter release button provided with its upper part protruding from the surface of the camera body 2; .

Reference numeral 7 denotes a recording button whose upper part protrudes from the upper surface of the camera body 2, and by pushing the recording button 7, the electronic camera l is placed in a state in which recording can be performed. It has become. Also,
Reference numeral 8 denotes a slide button for audio selection provided on the - side of the camera body 2, and the audio selection button 8 is used to select either the microphone 5 described above or the receiving circuit described later as a means for capturing audio. This is the operating member.

9 is a frequency switching button provided on the front surface of the camera body 2. The frequency switching button 9 is an operating member for selectively switching the frequency of a received signal received by the receiving section when audio is captured into the electronic camera 1 by a receiving circuit, which will be described later. It is designed to be able to rotate freely within the center, and a click stop is applied at a position where a predetermined frequency is selected.

10 is a wire type receiving antenna. The antenna 1
0 is for capturing the transmission signal sent from the transmitter, which will be described later.By detachably inserting the plug terminal into the terminal hole provided in the camera body 2, it can be connected to a predetermined circuit of the receiving circuit, which will be described later. It is now connected.

11. At 12 and 13, connect terminals such as earphones, headphones, an external microphone separate from the camera 1, or a connection cord for inputting and outputting signals to an external device such as a playback device or a video device, etc., are removably inserted. This is a terminal hole for.

(a-2, m-ki disk) [Figure 1] 14 is a magnetic disk as a recording medium.

The magnetic disk 14 has a recording surface made of a magnetic material formed on one surface thereof, and is rotatably housed in a thin cassette case (not shown). It is designed to be removably attached to the cassette attachment section of the cassette.

(a-3, recording mechanism) [Figure 1] 15 is a disk motor provided in the camera body 2;
Further, 16 is a spindle rotated by the disk motor 15. The engaging portion of the spindle 16 is positioned so as to protrude into the cassette mounting portion of the camera body 2, and when the cassette case is installed in the camera body 2, the engaging portion is formed on the magnetic disk 14. The magnetic disk 14
is adapted to be rotated integrally with the spindle 16.

17 and 18 are magnetic heads for recording. One of these two magnetic heads 17 and 18 is for recording, and the image signal of the subject converted into a video signal by a recording circuit, which will be described later, is recorded on the magnetic disk 14 by this recording magnetic head 17. It looks like this. The other magnetic head 18 is for recording, and audio signals from a recording circuit, which will be described later, are sent to this recording magnetic head 18.
The information is recorded on the magnetic disk 14 by the following.

The recording of the image signal and the audio signal is carried out by the magnetic head 1.
By rotating the magnetic disk 14 once with 7 and 18 in contact with the recording surface of the magnetic disk 14, circular recording tracks are formed on the recording surface of the magnetic disk 14. .

The magnetic heads 17 and 18 are moved by a head moving mechanism (not shown) to a position corresponding to the next track forming position each time photographing or recording is performed.

(a-4, aperture blade, shutter) FIG. 1119 shows the aperture blade arranged behind the photographing lens 3,
The opening degree of the aperture blades 19 is adjusted according to the brightness of light incident through the photographic lens 3 by an aperture adjustment mechanism (not shown).

Reference numeral 20 denotes a shutter disposed behind the aperture blade 19, and the shutter 20 is opened and closed in accordance with a shutter release signal. Note that the shutter release signal is transmitted from the shutter release button 6 mentioned above.
It can also be input by pressing down a predetermined amount, or it can also be input by pressing a shutter release button provided on a transmitter, which will be described later.

(a-5, circuit) [Figure 1] (a-5-a, recording circuit) 21 is a solid-state imaging device such as a charge-coupled device (COD) placed behind the shutter 20, and the photographing lens 3 The optical image of the object captured by the solid-state image sensor 21 is converted into a predetermined electrical signal.

22 is a recording processor connected to the solid-state image sensor 21 via an amplifier 23, and the electrical signal output from the solid-state image sensor 21 is amplified by the amplifier 23 and then input to the recording processor 22, where it is amplified. It will be modulated into a video signal that can be recorded on the magnetic disk 14. The recording magnetic head 17 is connected to the amplifier 2.
4 to this recording processor 22.

(a-5-b, recording circuit) 25 is an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal captured by the microphone 5 described above.

26 is an audio signal changeover switch. The audio signal changeover switch 26 has a first fixed contact 26a connected to the microphone 5 via an amplifier 25, a second fixed contact 26b connected to a receiving circuit (described later), and a movable contact 26d connected to a common terminal 26c. It is equipped with

When the audio signal selector switch 26 is moved to a position where the audio selection button 8 selects the microphone 5 as the audio capture means (hereinafter referred to as the "first position"), its movable contact 26d is connected to the first fixed contact 26a, and the audio selection button 8 is moved to a position (hereinafter referred to as the "second position") for selecting a receiving circuit described later as the audio capturing means. The movable contact 26d is connected to the second fixed contact.

27 is a noise reduction circuit connected to the common terminal 26c of the audio selector switch 26;
The audio signal input to the
will be done.

28 is a recording/recording circuit connected to the noise reduction circuit 27;
It is a compression circuit and has an audio recording memory (not shown), and the audio captured by the microphone 5 or the receiving circuit described later is temporarily written into the audio recording memory by the recording circuit of the recording φ compression circuit 28. It has become. Note that this audio recording memory includes one of the magnetic disks 14.
A device having a recording capacity that allows a recordable amount of audio signals to be written on the track is used.

Then, the audio signal for the time (for example, 10 seconds at most) written in the audio recording memory is taken out by the compression circuit of the recording session compression circuit 28 at a predetermined timing, and the audio signal for a predetermined time, that is, the magnetic disk The audio signal is temporally compressed into an audio signal of 1/60th of a second, which is the time required for 14 to rotate once.

29 is a recording processor connected to the recording/compression circuit 28 described above, and the audio signal output from the recording compression circuit 28 is subjected to FM modulation in this circuit 29.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a gate switch connected to the recording processor 29, and the gate switch 30 is closed at a predetermined timing when an audio signal is recorded on the magnetic disk 14.

The recording magnetic head 18 described above is connected to an amplifier 31.
It is connected to the gate switch 30 via.

(a-5-c, receiving circuit) 32 is a receiving circuit for receiving a transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter to be described later.

33 is an input circuit connected to the receiving antenna 10, and 34 is a local oscillation circuit that outputs a local oscillation signal at a predetermined frequency to the input circuit 33. The frequency of the local oscillation signal output from the local oscillation circuit 34 can be changed by using the frequency switching button 9 described above.
Any one of several prepared in advance will be selected. Then, in the input circuit 33, a signal (hereinafter referred to as a "received signal") having a frequency that can resonate with the frequency of the local oscillation signal input from the local oscillation circuit 34 among the RF multiplied signals input to this circuit 33 through the antenna 10. ) will be taken out.

35 is an audio band conversion circuit connected to the input circuit 33, and the audio signal of the received signal is input to this audio band conversion circuit 35, and the low frequency audio signal (
(a signal in the same form as the input from a normal microphone).

This audio band conversion circuit 35 is connected to the second fixed contact 26b of the audio signal changeover switch 26 described above.

36 is a decoder connected to the input circuit 33, and various control signals among the received signals received at the input circuit 33 are input to this decoder 36, and
Here, it is decoded into a control signal of the same form as each control signal from the shirtter release button 6, the recording button 7, etc.

(a-5-d, control circuit) 37 is a system controller.

The following trigger signals and the like are input to the system controller 37.

That is, the shutter release button 6 is at a position approximately in the middle of its pressing stroke (hereinafter referred to as the "first stage").
The "motor start signal" that is output when the motor is pushed in
That is, a signal is sent to set a predetermined one of the operating parts involved in photographing of the camera 1 into a state in which it can take a photograph, and the shutter release button 6 is placed at the lower limit of its pressing stroke (hereinafter referred to as "second stage"). "Shutter release signal" that is output when the button is pressed to ), "Recording operation signal" that is output when the recording button 7 is pressed,
A trigger signal such as an "audio selection signal" that is output when the audio selection button 8 is operated is input. Note that the drawings only show signal lines for the "shutter release signal,""motor start signal," and "recording operation signal" among these trigger signals.

Most of the trigger signals described above are also input by control signals transmitted from a transmitter, which will be described later. That is, the "motor start signal,""shutter release signal," and "recording operation signal" are also transmitted by operating predetermined operating members provided on the transmitter, and are transmitted from the transmitter. When these trigger signals are received by the receiving circuit described above, they are sent to the system controller 37 via the decoder 36.
It is now entered into

38 is a motor servo circuit, which is connected to the disk motor 1.
5 is connected to a system controller 37 via this motor servo circuit 38.

39 is a shutter drive circuit for driving the shutter 20, and the shutter 20 is opened and closed by a shutter drive means (not shown) driven by the shutter drive circuit 39.

40 is a transfer control circuit that controls the transfer timing of the charges stored in the solid-state image sensor 21, and the image signal obtained by the solid-state image sensor 21 is sent to the recording processor according to the transfer timing controlled by this transfer control circuit. 22.

A control signal line from a system controller 37 is connected to the recording processor 22, audio signal changeover switch 26, recording session compression circuit 28, gate switch 30, shutter drive circuit 39, transfer control circuit 40, etc. The circuit is driven or its operation timing is controlled in accordance with a drive signal or a control signal output at a predetermined timing by inputting the above-mentioned I-rigger signal.

Note that the capture of audio into the recording circuit starts from the time when the motor start signal from the shutter release button 6 and the recording operation signal from the record button are input, and the audio capture is terminated by the shutter release, and from that point on, the audio is captured. The last 10 seconds of audio will be recorded.

(b, transmitter) [Figures 3 and 4] 41 is a transmitter.

(b-i, external appearance) [Figure 3] 42 is an outer casing of the transmitter 41.

43 is a display device. The display 43 is provided so that its display surface is located at one end of the panel surface 42a of the outer casing 42, and is of a liquid crystal type, for example, and displays predetermined numbers, characters, symbols, etc. It is configured so that it can be displayed at any time.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a microphone, and the microphone 44 is provided so that its front side is located at the other end of the panel surface 42a of the outer casing 42. Note that the signal captured by the microphone 44 is converted into an RF signal by a circuit to be described later, and then transmitted wirelessly.

The display device 4 of the panel surface 42a of the outer casing 42
The following operating members are arranged between the microphone 3 and the microphone 44.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a power switch, and the power switch 45 is used to turn on/off the power of a circuit to be described later.

46 is a motor start button, and the motor start button 4
Reference numeral 6 is for instructing the electronic camera 1 to start the motor.

47 is a shutter release button. The function of the shutter release button 47 is almost the same as the shutter release button 6 provided on the electronic camera 1 side, and by pressing it, it commands the electronic camera 1 to release the shutter, and also ends audio capture and recording. It instructs the following.

48 is a recording button, which, like the recording button 7 provided on the electronic camera 1 side, is used to instruct the electronic camera 1 to perform a recording operation.

Further, 49 is a recording timing adjuster. As mentioned above, the capture of audio into the electronic camera 1 ends when the shutter release button 6 is pressed to the second step, and the audio signals captured during the 10 seconds prior to that point are recorded. The audio recording timing is set by this recording timing adjuster 4.
By operating 9, it can be changed arbitrarily.

That is, the recording timing adjuster 49 is provided so as to be slidable within a certain range, and the recording timing adjuster 49 is provided so as to be slidable within a certain range.
A click stop is applied at a position where a predetermined time difference is selected in the range of 0 seconds, for example, at 1 second. When the recording timing adjuster 49 is moved to a position other than the position where 0 seconds is selected, a predetermined recording timing signal corresponding to the selected tuna difference is transmitted by a circuit described later. When the electronic camera receives this recording timing signal, the output timing of the predetermined drive signal output from the system controller 37 to the recording circuit, that is, the signal for recording the audio, is adjusted to the shutter release timing. The selected time difference will be reached and output from the time point. For example, if a time difference of ], O seconds is selected, the audio capture is finished when 10 seconds have passed from the time the shutter release was performed, and then the audio signal is retrieved from the audio recording memory at a predetermined timing. Sound-1 recording will be performed. Therefore, all the sounds recorded in this case are after the shutter release. Also, for example,
If a time difference of 5 seconds is selected, audio capture is finished when 5 seconds have elapsed from the time when the shutter release was performed, the audio signal is taken out from the audio recording memory, and audio recording is performed.

Therefore, the audio recorded in this case is the audio before and after the shutter release is taken as an intermediate point in time.

5o is a frequency switching button, and the frequency switching button 5
0 indicates the audio signal captured by the microphone 44, the motor start button 46, and the shutter release button 4.
7. An operating member for switching the frequency of the carrier wave for transmitting each control signal by the recording button 48, recording timing adjuster 49, etc. The frequency switching button 50 is rotated within a certain angular range, and click-stops when a predetermined frequency is selected.

51 is a transmitting antenna.

Note that the above-mentioned display 43 shows the elapsed time from the start of audio capture to the electronic camera 1, for example, 1.
It is displayed numerically until a maximum of 10 seconds have elapsed in seconds 4σ, and Nagisa, who uses the transmitter 41 to transmit sound F5, utters the sound while watching the display of the elapsed time, and also the recording timing. By measuring this, you can prevent necessary audio recordings from being omitted. In addition, the display 43
The current time, changed recording timing, etc. can also be displayed at any time.

- (b-2, circuit) [41st part] FIG. 4 shows the main part of the circuit provided in the transmitter 41 described above.

52 is an encoder, which is connected to the motor start button 4 described above.
Motor start command by 6, shutter release button 4
Control signals such as a shutter release command from 7 and a recording operation command from the record button 48 are converted into predetermined code signals by the encoder 52, respectively.

53 is an RF converter connected to the encoder 52, and 54 is a carrier wave oscillation circuit that oscillates a carrier wave of a frequency selected by the frequency switching button 5o to the RF converter 53. And encoder 52
Each control signal input to the RF converter 53 in the form of a code signal is mixed into R and F signals at a predetermined frequency in the RF converter 53.

On the other hand, the aforementioned microphone 44 is also connected to the RF converter 53 via the amplifier 55, and the audio signal captured by the microphone 44 is also mixed into an RF multiplied signal at a predetermined frequency in the RF converter 53.

56 is an amplification circuit connected after the RF converter 53, and the transmitting antenna 51 is connected to the amplification circuit 56.

Then, the audio signal and the control signal are mixed in the RF converter 53, amplified by the RF multiplied signal amplification circuit 56, and then wirelessly transmitted from the antenna 51 to the electronic camera 1.

Note that 57 is a display circuit, and the display circuit 57 causes the display 43 to display the elapsed time since the recording button 48 was pressed, as described above.

(c, movement) Next, the operation of the electronic camera 1 will be explained.

(c-1, Operation when not using transmitter) Transmitter 41
Photographing and recording with the electronic camera 1 when not using the electronic camera 1 are performed as follows.

In this case, the sound to be recorded is the sound emitted from a position relatively close to the camera 1, that is, the sound to be recorded by the microphone 5.
It is desirable that the sound originates from within a range that can be detected with good sensitivity.

Therefore, first, the shutter release button 6 is pushed to the first position. As a result, a predetermined motor is activated, and the mechanism related to photographing of the electronic camera 1 is placed in a state where it can perform photographing.

If recording is to be performed simultaneously with photographing, the user presses the recording button 7 and moves the audio selection button 8 to the first position. As a result, the recording circuit becomes operational, and the audio signal selector switch 26 is moved to its movable contact 26.
d will be connected to the first fixed contact 76a. In other words, the microphone 5 functions as a means for capturing one voice.

When the shutter release button 6 is pressed to the second step, a shutter release signal (-) is input to the system controller 37, and a drive signal is output from the system controller 37 to the shutter 1ψ and the drive circuit 39 accordingly. That will happen.

As a result, the shutter 20 is opened and closed at a preset shutter speed, and the light from the subject that is irradiated onto the solid-state image sensor 21 at the moment of opening and closing is converted into a predetermined electrical signal by the solid-state image sensor 21. become.

After the shutter 20 is opened and closed, a drive signal is output from the system controller 37 to the transfer control circuit 40 at a predetermined timing, for example, 1/60th of a second from the time when the shutter 20 is opened and closed. The electrical signal stored in 21 is output to the recording processor 22 via the amplifier 23, and is modulated into a video signal here.

This video signal is supplied to the recording magnetic head 17 via the amplifier 24, and the magnetic head 17
The data will be recorded on the magnetic disk 14 by this method.

On the other hand, if the recording button 7 is pressed, audio capture starts from the time the shutter button 6 is pressed to the first step. Therefore, the sound captured by the microphone 5 is input to the recording circuit from this point on, and after the noise is reduced in the noise reduction circuit 27,
Audio record 1 7 eri 4 m 1 j #Iyowa 6゜k
＋Crt 6゜Also, audio □l Out of the audio written to the recording memory, 10 since it was written to this
The voices that have passed for seconds are overflowed one after another, and new voices are written in their place.

When the shutter release is performed, a drive signal is output from the system controller 37 to the recording/compression circuit 28, whereby the audio signal written in the audio recording memory is taken out to the compression circuit and as described above. The signal is temporally compressed, and is input to the recording processor 29 in the temporally compressed state, where it is FM modulated.

Therefore, the FM modulated audio signal is transmitted through the gate switch 30 and the amplifier 31, which are closed at a predetermined timing.
The signal is supplied to the recording magnetic head 18 via the recording head 18, and is recorded on the magnetic disk 4 by the magnetic head 18.

(c-2, Operation when using a transmitter) When using the transmitter 41, photographing and recording are performed as follows.

When using the transmitter 41, first, the frequency of the signal transmitted by the transmitter 41 and the frequency of the signal received by the electronic camera 1 are matched. This is done by setting the frequency switching button 50 on the transmitter 41 side and the frequency switching button 9 on the electronic camera l side to positions that select the same frequency.

In addition, if you perform a trial transmission/reception using the frequency selected in this way, and as a result, the received signal is mixed with signals emitted from other transmitters, etc., check that such interference will not occur. Just select the frequency again.

(c-2-a, When recording the audio signal sent by the transmitter) If the audio to be captured into the electronic camera 1 is the audio transmitted wirelessly from the transmitter 41, move the audio selection button 8 to the second position. move to. As a result, the movable contact 26d of the audio signal changeover switch 26 is connected to the second fixed contact 26b, and the recording circuit is connected to the receiving circuit 32.

Note that the recording operation command, that is, the input of the trigger signal for activating the recording circuit, may be performed by the recording button 7 on the electronic camera 1 side, or by the recording button 48 on the transmitter 41 side. You can also do it.

Therefore, first, the power switch 45 is turned on, and the circuit of the transmitter 41 is activated.

As a result, the voice captured by the microphone 44, for example, when a person at a subject position far from the camera emits voice toward the microphone 44 while holding the transmitter 41, the voice of this person is mainly transmitted through the amplifier 55. The signals are input to the RF converter 53, where they are mixed into RF signals at a predetermined frequency.

As described above, the signal is supplied to the transmitting antenna 51 via the RF signal amplifier 56, and is also transmitted from the antenna 51 to the receiving antenna 10 of the electronic camera 1.
will be received by.

Therefore, as described above, the audio signal component of the RF multiplied signal received by the receiving antenna 10 is input from the input circuit 33 to the audio band conversion circuit 35, where:
After being converted into an audio signal in the same format as the audio signal captured by the microphone 5 on the camera 1 side, it is input to the recording circuit via the audio signal changeover switch 26.

Note that even when recording the audio transmitted from the transmitter 41, the command to start the motor and the shutter release can be performed by the motor start button 46 and shutter release button 47 on the transmitter 41 side, or by electronic This can also be done using the shutter release button 6 on the camera 1 side.

Therefore, even audio from a position far away from the camera 1 can be captured with high sensitivity.

(c-2-b, Case in which the operation of the electronic camera is controlled by the transmitter) Also in the case where the operation of the electronic camera 1 is controlled by the transmitter 41, the power switch 45 is first turned on.

Then, the motor start button 46 is pressed. by this,
The electronic camera 1 is brought into a state in which each mechanism involved in photographing can perform photographing, similar to when the shutter release button 6 provided thereon is pushed to the first step.

Further, when attempting to record, the recording button 48 is pressed. As a result, the electronic camera 1 is brought into a state in which the recording circuit is activated in the same manner as when the recording button 7 provided thereon is pressed.

Further, when it is necessary to adjust the audio recording timing with respect to the shutter release timing, the recording timing adjuster 49 is moved to a position where an arbitrary timing difference is selected. As a result, the recording timing of the audio captured in the electronic camera 1 is set from the time when the shutter is released to the time when the selected timing difference is reached.

As described above, the command signals for each setting when the motor start button 46, the record button 48, and the record timing adjuster 49 are operated are converted into predetermined code signals by the encoder 52 and sent to the RF converter. 53, the RF signal is mixed and transmitted from the antenna 51.
2 to the system controller 37.

Therefore, when the shutter release button 47 is pressed,
Since the shutter release signal is input to the electronic camera 1, a photograph is taken in the same manner as when the shutter release button 6 provided on the electronic camera 1 is pressed to the second position. Furthermore, if the recording button 48 is pressed, recording will also be performed.

Note that even if the operation of the electronic camera 1 is controlled by the transmitter 41, the audio that can be recorded is not controlled by the transmitter 4.
The recording is not limited to the audio wirelessly transmitted by the electronic camera 1, and the audio captured by the microphone 5 on the electronic camera 1 side can also be recorded. Which audio should be recorded can be arbitrarily selected by operating the audio selection button 8.

(d. Modification of transmitter) [Figure 5] Fig. 5 shows a modification 41A of the transmitter 41 described above. Note that the only difference between the transmitter 4LA shown in this modification and the transmitter 41 described above is the display, and most of the other parts are omitted from illustration.

58 is a liquid crystal display. 58a, 58a, φ...
are ten electrodes provided along the longitudinal direction of the display 58, and these electrodes 58a, 58a, II...
For example, the devices are energized sequentially starting from the leftmost one, and the number of energized devices increases every second.

In the figure, diagonal lines attached to some of the electrodes 58a, 58a, etc. indicate that they are energized, and therefore the state shown in the figure is 3 seconds after the start of audio capture. This shows the state that has passed.

In this way, the elapsed time since the start of audio capture can be displayed using display elements other than numbers.
Further, it may be easier to recognize the state of time passing by using such a display format.

(F-2, Second Embodiment) [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment IA of the electronic camera of the present invention.

The difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the audio signal and control signal that are wirelessly transmitted to the electronic camera are transmitted by separate transmission means. This is the only point that has been made. Therefore, only the different parts will be explained, and the explanation of the same parts will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals as used in the first embodiment.

59 is a transmitter for controlling the camera. This control transmitter 59 is configured to have the same functions as the transmitter 41 in the first embodiment except that it does not have an audio transmission function.

60 is a wireless microphone having only a voice transmission function, and is provided with a transmission antenna 61, a clip 62, a power button (not shown), and the like.

If such a transmitter 59 and wireless micro 0 are used, it is possible to perform photographing and recording with the camera IA at a position away from the camera IA and also away from the position where the sound to be recorded is emitted.

Therefore, for example, if the subject is a person who has difficulty emitting sound while operating a transmitter, such as an infant, and you are trying to record the sound emitted by that person, the camera IA is attached to the person's clothing. At the same time, attach the Wireless Micro 0 to the person, and the photographer etc. stand near the person holding the transmitter 59, aim for the photo opportunity and press the shutter button while giving some instructions to the person. Good.

(G. Effects of the Invention) As is clear from the description in -1- below, the electronic camera of the present invention has, firstly, a recording circuit that converts images into electrical signals and records them, and a recording circuit that also records audio signals. The apparatus is characterized by comprising a recording circuit for recording, and a receiving section for receiving an audio signal in the radio frequency domain and supplying it to the recording circuit.

Therefore, according to the first invention, when performing photography that involves recording sound emitted at a location far away from the camera, the sound transmitted via the transmitter placed at that location is received. By recording, it is possible to record sounds with good sensitivity, even from a location far away from the camera.

Second, the electronic camera of the present invention includes a recording circuit that converts images into electrical signals and records them, a recording circuit that also records audio, and receives an audio signal and a recording timing signal in the radio frequency domain. The apparatus is characterized in that it is equipped with a receiving section, and is capable of recording an audio signal received wirelessly at a timing based on the recording timing signal.

Therefore, according to this second invention, it is possible to record sound from a position far away from the camera with high sensitivity, and also to record sound from a position far from the camera, for example, from a position far from the subject or from a position far from the subject. Since the timing of recording can be controlled from a location, recording can be controlled by remote control at a timing appropriate for the captured image, and the necessary audio can be reliably recorded.

Thirdly, the electronic camera of the present invention includes a recording circuit that converts an image into an electrical signal and records it, a recording circuit that also records an audio signal, and a recording circuit that receives an audio signal in the radio frequency domain and records it in the recording circuit. The present invention is characterized by comprising a receiving section that supplies the signal to the circuit, and a switching means that selectively switches the frequency of the received signal received by the receiving section.

Therefore, according to this third invention, it is possible to record sound from a position far away from the camera with good sensitivity, and it is also possible to record sound using this type of method within the range of the transmission signal from the transmitter. Even if a plurality of transmitters are used, it is possible to prevent each transmitter from receiving signals transmitted by other transmitters, that is, to prevent interference from occurring.

Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, the recording operation of captured audio is performed by operating the shutter release button, but in some cases, the shutter release button may be used only for photographing. It is also possible to record audio by operating a recording button.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the main parts showing the optical system, recording mechanism, circuits, etc., and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main parts of the camera. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the transmitter, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the main parts of the transmitter, FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the transmitter, and FIG.
The figure is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention. Explanation of symbols lφ-Fist electronic camera, 21.22.23.24 -- Recording circuit, 5.25.2
6.27.28.29.30.31...φ recording circuit, 32-φ・receiving section

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Comprising a recording circuit that converts images into electrical signals and records them, a recording circuit that also records audio signals, and a receiving section that receives audio signals in the radio frequency domain and supplies them to the recording circuit. An electronic camera characterized by (2) Comprising a recording circuit that converts images into electrical signals and records them, a recording circuit that also records audio, and a receiving section that receives audio signals and recording timing signals in the radio frequency domain, and receives them wirelessly. An electronic camera characterized in that the electronic camera is capable of recording the recorded audio signal at a timing based on the recording timing signal. (3) a recording circuit that converts images into electrical signals and records them; a recording circuit that also records audio signals; and a receiving section that receives audio signals in the radio frequency domain and supplies them to the recording circuit; An electronic camera characterized by comprising: switching means for selectively switching the frequency of a received signal received by a receiving section.