JP2001066658A - Camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system which is constituted so that the midst of charging can be distinctly displayed when it is desired by a user and charging work is prevented from being mistaken while simplifying the constitution and whose cost is reduced without spoiling the design of a camera. SOLUTION: This camera system is constituted of the camera 1 and a separated-body charger 2 used by being connected to the camera 1. Besides, an LCD display part 25 displaying information related to the charging state of the camera 1 and information related to the photographing of the camera 1 is arranged at an identical external window part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera system comprising a camera and a charger, which uses energy from a home AC power supply for charging the camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, cameras have been used for automatic exposure control,
Although a battery is mounted for strobe light emission, the reality is that, with the recent full automation by microcomputer control, the dependence on electric circuits tends to increase.

[0003] Under such a tendency, it is troublesome to always be aware of battery replacement when using a camera, and it is also necessary to consider the effect on the environment due to battery disposal.

In view of this, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5 (1999) -2005 discloses a technique related to a power supply system of a camera which is rechargeable using a charger.

[0005] That is, in the technology disclosed in the publication,
A rechargeable secondary battery is loaded into the camera body, and a contactless charging is performed by a charger, and contactless communication is performed to update a charging level and the like.

[0006]

However, the camera is a device which is charged when it is desired to take a picture, and which is required to operate immediately upon operation and to avoid a situation where, for example, a photo opportunity is missed. For example, a user wants to avoid a situation in which the user intends to charge the day before going on a trip, but the camera is not properly connected to the charger at the time of charging and does not operate when shooting at a travel destination. .

[0007] In addition to portability of the camera, portability is also emphasized in the camera, and it is important to improve the portability and make the appearance of the camera smart in order to gain an advantage in the market. Have been. Therefore, for example, it is important to naturally include a display member for performing a display during charging in a smart design.

[0008] Today, there are products on the market that are provided with a barrier member that can be opened and closed on the front of the camera and that closes the barrier member during non-photographing to hide the window of the photographic lens and finder. However, in such a flow, even if it is a rechargeable camera, providing a separate window for charging display may damage the design,
It is not very good.

In such a case, it is conceivable to provide a display means on the charger side. However, in general, a circuit on the charger side is a general-purpose circuit and is inexpensive. In many cases, it has lost its character and increased costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to realize a clear charging display when a user desires while having a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera system that prevents erroneous recognition of work, does not impair the design of the camera, and does not cause an increase in cost.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera system comprising a camera and a separate charger connected to and used with the camera. A first display unit for displaying information relating to the charging state of the camera; and a second display unit for displaying information relating to photographing of the camera, wherein the first and second display units are the same. The camera system is provided in the exterior window part of (1).

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, a plurality of power supply means for supplying energy to the first and second display means are provided, and the power supply means is supplied when the camera is charged and not charged. A camera system is provided that switches the original power supply means.

In a third aspect, in the first aspect, the first and second display means are at least one of an LED for displaying a self-timer of a camera, a backlight of a liquid crystal, and an illumination means for an auxiliary light. And a control system for controlling the display of the first and second display means in a control format different from the control format for the shooting when the camera is charged. .

According to a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the first and second display means are a 7-segment type LCD dot matrix type LCD attached to a camera exterior, and are used for charging and photographing. A camera system is provided, wherein the display direction can be reversed between inside and outside.

According to the first to third aspects, the following operations are provided.

That is, in a first aspect of the present invention, a first display means for displaying information relating to the charging state of the camera,
The second display means for displaying information related to the photographing of the camera is provided on the same exterior window.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the power source of the supply source is switched between when the camera is charged and when the camera is not charged.

In a third aspect, in the first aspect, the first and second display means are at least one of an LED for displaying a self-timer of a camera, a backlight of a liquid crystal, and an illumination means for an auxiliary light. When the camera is charged, the first and second display means are controlled to display in a control format different from the control format related to the shooting.

According to a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the first and second display means are constituted by a 7-segment type LCD dot matrix type LCD attached to a camera exterior, and when charging is in progress. The direction of the display can be reversed during shooting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a camera 1 is mounted on a charger 2. Thus, when the camera 1 is mounted on the charger 2, the camera 1 is in a charged state.

However, if the positional relationship between the charger 2 and the camera 1 shifts, there is a high possibility that charging will not be performed correctly.
Therefore, in this embodiment, means for detecting whether or not the positional relationship between the camera 1 and the charger 2 is correct is provided. If the positional relationship is correct, the light emitting unit 4 of the camera 1 emits light so that the user can recognize the charging state. Like that.

Whether the camera 1 is correctly positioned on the charger 2 is detected based on the ON / OFF state of a switch 3 provided on the bottom of the camera 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes an outlet connected to a household AC power supply, and reference numeral 25 denotes an LCD display for performing various displays.

The first embodiment is based on the premise that a current is supplied to a transformer at a high frequency to charge the battery by coupling magnetic energy.

Here, the transformer on the side of the charger 2 is built in a projection 2a that stands substantially vertically from the base of the charger 2 so as to supply magnetic energy on the side of the camera 1. With such a device, it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating in the transformer unit or foreign matter from being generated, thereby generating heat due to magnetic energy.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the camera 1 and the charger 2.

In the figure, the outlet 5 of the charger 2
Is input to the transformer 11 by the AC / AC converter 13 as a high-frequency current signal, and the generated magnetic signal is input to the transformer 12 of the camera 1 to be converted into electric energy and rectified. Circuit 1
4 to the secondary battery 9.

The sequence control of the entire camera is performed by the energy stored in the secondary battery 9. The actual sequence control is performed by a central processing unit (CPU; Central Processi
(ng unit) 10, and energy is supplied from a battery power source stabilized by the filter circuit 7.

When the camera 1 is set on the charger 2,
Since the port 6b of the CPU 10 and the ground line are short-circuited via the charger 2, the CPU 10 monitors the potential of the port 6b to make sure that the camera 1 is correctly set in the charger 2 or that the camera 1 is being charged. And so on.

The CPU 10 may display a charge by controlling the transistor 8a for controlling the LED (light emitting portion) 4 for the self-timer based on the state detection.
After the is completely discharged, the CPU 10 does not operate properly. Therefore, in the first embodiment, after the transformer 12 and before being rectified by the battery check circuit 14, the pulsating voltage is used to drive the LED (light emitting unit) 4 using the pulsating voltage.

The base of the transistor 8b is grounded at the port 6b via a resistor to turn on the LED (light emitting unit) 4.
Let it. That is, since the control of the LED (light emitting unit) 4 during charging is not control by the CPU 10, if the camera 1 is correctly placed on the charger 2 even if the charging voltage is insufficient, the contact between the camera 1 and the charger 2 CPU1 depending on the positional relationship
The display control of the LED (light emitting unit) 4 is performed without passing through 0.

In the type in which charging is performed by magnetic coupling using a transformer, the gap between the transformers greatly affects the efficiency. Therefore, if the above-described measures are not taken, the adhesion between the camera 1 and the protrusion 2a of the charger 2 is poor. And the efficiency deteriorates. If the LED (light emitting unit) 4 is turned on, it can be determined that this gap is appropriate.

When the charging proceeds and the CPU 10 starts operating, the above-described level determination of the port 6b determines
The CPU 10 determines whether or not charging is in progress. Further, since whether or not charging is completed can be detected from the level of the battery check circuit 15, at this time, the CPU 10 controls ON / OFF of the transistor 8a and outputs an LED (light emitting unit).
The lighting state may be changed by increasing / decreasing the amount of current flowing through 4.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
“Self LE” of the camera system according to the first embodiment
The operation of "D control" will be described.

When the operation of the self LED control is started, first,
CPU 10 determines whether or not charging is being performed (step S
1). If it is determined that charging is in progress, C
The PU 10 determines the result of the battery check (Step S2). Here, as a result of the battery check, when it is determined that the charging is completed, the ON / O of the transistor 8a is turned on.
The FF is switched (step S4), and if it is determined that charging is not completed, the transistor 8b is turned off (step S4).
3) Return to step S1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that charging is not being performed, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the mode is the self mode (step S5). If not, the process returns to the step S1. When the self mode is set, the self mode is set (step S
6) Return.

According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a camera system which shares parts and can be charged correctly with high efficiency.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a camera system according to the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, not only that the camera 1 and the charger 2 are correctly set, but also that the camera 1
By making effective use of the LCD display unit 25 provided on the side, for example, as shown in FIG. This LCD display unit 2
Prior to the display of 5, when the electric energy is supplied from the transformer 12, the LED 4 is turned on via the resistor.

The CPU 10 of the camera 1 controls the sequence of the entire camera.

That is, the focusing unit 23 is controlled based on the output of the distance measuring unit 20, and the exposure control unit (shutter or the like) 22 is controlled based on the output of the photometric unit 24. In a scene where camera shake is likely to occur, the flash unit 21 is caused to emit light.

An LCD display unit 25 provided on the exterior of the camera is for displaying the setting result of the photographing mode setting unit 26 of the camera, and for displaying information such as a date imprint display and a film frame. These are also controlled by the CPU 10.

The CPU 10 includes an A / D converter 10a
And a battery check circuit 15
, And controls the drive of a switch unit 27 for switching the amount of current charged in the secondary battery 9.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A charging sequence by the camera system according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

When the charging operation is started, first, the CPU 10
Determines whether there is an input of the start switch 28 which is turned on when the camera 1 is set in the charger 2 (step S11). As a result of the determination, when it is determined that charging is started, a predetermined start display is displayed on the LCD display unit 25 (step S12).

It is assumed that the LCD display unit 25 is of a dot matrix display type. In the present embodiment, since it is desired to display up to two Chinese characters, 30.times.
Those having 15 or more dots are employed.

That is, here, for example, the display shown in FIG. 6A is made. This display is scrolled as shown in FIG. This more clearly suggests to the user that charging is in progress, and gives the user a sense of security.

Thereafter, the timer is reset (step S13), and the first battery check is performed by the battery check circuit 15 (step S14).

Then, the CPU 10 sets the switch section including the constant current circuit and the like to the small current mode (step S1).
5) When it is determined that the timer of 20 minutes has ended (step S16), the battery is checked again (step S16).
17), the difference ΔVBC between the first battery check result VBC1 and the present result VBC2 is calculated (step S18),
Based on this calculation result, how much charging has progressed,
The charge level of the secondary battery 9 is determined (step S1).
9).

If the result of this determination is that the predetermined amount ΔVBC0 has not been reached even after charging for 20 minutes, it is determined that charging has failed, and a warning is displayed as shown in FIG. 6C (step S).
20), and turns off the switch 27 (step S2).
1) Stop charging the secondary battery 9. This display can be easily understood by making it blink.

On the other hand, in step S19,
When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the secondary battery 9 (step S19), the charging current amount is increased by controlling the switch 27 (step S22), and the charging is performed while repeating the battery check, the peak detection, and the display during charging. Continue (steps S22 to S25).

Here, FIG. 6E is a diagram showing the relationship between the charge amount and the voltage.

As shown in FIG. 6, in a typical secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium, nickel, or hydrogen battery, as shown in FIG. Therefore, if this peak is detected, full charge detection becomes possible.

In view of the above, in the camera system according to the second embodiment, the CPU 10 continuously monitors the battery check result, and when the peak is detected (step S23), 6D is displayed on the LCD display unit 25 (step S24), the switch 27 is turned off (step S21), the charging is stopped, and the charging control is ended.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, there is provided a camera system capable of effectively using the LCD display unit 25 of the camera and suggesting a reliable charge display that is easy for the user to understand. be able to.

In the camera system according to the second embodiment described above, a dot matrix LCD is employed as the LCD display unit 25.
In the camera system according to the embodiment, the LCD display section 25 is configured by a 7-segment type LCD for displaying the number of frames.

Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a seven-segment type LCD for displaying the number of frames. FIG. 7 (a)
If two 7 segments as shown in FIG. 7 are employed, the number of frames displayed as shown in FIG.
An empty / full display as shown in (d) becomes possible, and display at a lower price than the dot matrix employed in the second embodiment is realized.

Here, FIG. 8A is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of a camera system according to the third embodiment.

In general, a camera equipped with a backlight has been developed because the LCD cannot be seen in a dark place. However, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. The LEDs 4a and 4b are also used for charging display, thereby realizing a more easily understandable display.

As the LEDs 4a and 4b, it is assumed that two chips are put in the same package. If the light emission colors are different, the normal light emission of the backlight 4b (green) and the display during charging (backlight) 4a red LED
(Light emission) can be clearly distinguished and conveyed to the user in an easily understandable manner.

Depending on the output voltage of the charging transformer secondary side 12, the charging display LED 4a emits light even at a low voltage at which the CPU 10 cannot operate.

However, when the CPU 10 sets the base of the transistor 8 to the L level to stop the light emission and remove the light from the charger 2, the transformer 12 does not emit energy. Thus, when the backlight is turned on, the LE control is performed by the base control of the transistor 8 and the control of the switch 29.
Light emission is controlled only for D4b.

In the third embodiment, when the camera 1 is placed on the charger 2 as shown in FIG.
The CD display unit 25 glows red to indicate that charging is in progress. Then, as the charging proceeds, as shown in FIG. 8C, the LCD display is changed from Charge 0 to Charge 7 (C0 to C7).
By switching to F), the user can easily indicate the time until the charging is completed. Note that FIG.
The charging characteristic as shown in FIG.
M can be stored in advance and the current voltage can be compared with the stored value to make the above determination.

When holding the camera at the time of photographing, the user looks at the LCD display unit 25 from the back of the camera 1. However, when decorating the camera 1 in a room, even if it is designed, FIG. It is considered that the user often looks at the LCD display unit 25 from the front of the lens as shown in FIG.

In view of such circumstances, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is preferable that the film frame display 25a can be read from the forward direction and the charge display 25b can be read from the opposite position. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
A display reversing unit 10a is provided in the CPU 10 so that the display direction can be changed between charging and shooting.

As for the display of the time until the completion of charging, the date imprinting display section may be used as shown in FIG. 9C.
(Refer to (b)), the time required for charging is displayed by reflecting the seven segments. At this time, if the display of the number of frames is confused, the number of frames is turned off.

With such a contrivance, the charging state can be easily transmitted to the user (step S3 in FIG. 9D).
1 to S35).

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

In the fourth embodiment, a control circuit and a display section are also provided on the charger 2 side to realize a display that is more easily understood by the user.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a camera system according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG.
Above 0, a release button RSW, a mode switching button MDSW, a film rewind button RWSW, and an LCD display unit 105 for performing various displays are provided.

On the front surface of the camera body 100, a lens barrel 181 and a power switch PWSW are provided.
When the power switch PWSW is turned on, the lens barrel 181 is extended from the retracted state and protrudes to the front.

On the front of the camera, ZUPSW, ZDNSW for zooming up and down, and a finder window 18 are provided.
2. Each window of the photometry sensor 109, the remote control sensor 110, and the self-timer display LED 112, the xenon tube 1
A strobe window including 54 is provided. Further, a light projecting unit 107 for distance measurement is provided below the lens barrel 181.
A light receiving unit 108 is provided.

A tripod mounting screw hole H101 is provided at the bottom of the camera body 100. further,
Inside the camera body 100, various electric circuits including the CPU 101, a secondary battery 103, a coil L1 for charging the secondary battery 103, and the like are provided.

On the other hand, inside the charger 200 for charging the secondary battery 103 in the camera 100 in a non-contact manner, a CPU 201 for performing various controls of the charger 200,
AC-AC converter 20 controlled by 201
2. Socket 203 for supplying power from a household outlet, coil L2 for charging camera 100
Etc. are provided. Further, an LCD display 205 for performing various displays is provided on the front surface of the charging device 200.

The charger 200 is provided with an opening in the center thereof in which the camera 100 can be installed, and a photoreflector 206 for detecting that an object has been installed is provided on the side of the opening. At the bottom thereof, a protruding switch POSSW for detecting a tripod screw hole is provided. The switch POSSW is turned off when protruding, and turned on when pressed. When the camera 100 is correctly installed on the charger 200, the photo reflector 206 is turned on, and the POSSW is turned off with its projection entering the tripod screw hole of the camera 100.

Further, a light emitting element 207 and a light receiving element 208 for communication are provided on the side surface of the opening of the charger 200, and the light emitting section 107 and the light receiving section 1
08, and optical communication is possible. A projection P202 is provided at a position of the camera 100 facing the ZDNSW.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a camera system according to the fourth embodiment. First, camera 1
The configuration on the 00 side will be described.

In the figure, a CPU as a central processing unit constituted by a one-chip microcomputer or the like
101 controls the camera side.

Further, an EEPROM as a nonvolatile memory
Reference numeral 102 stores various data including the current number of shot frames.

A secondary battery 103 that can be repeatedly charged is disposed inside the camera 100. The coil L2 is connected to the secondary battery 103 via a switch CHSW controlled by the CPU 101. The secondary battery 103 has a voltage detection circuit 10
Through the 3d, the open circuit voltage of the divided secondary battery 103 is A / D-converted by the CPU 101 and can be detected.

A regulator 104 is provided inside the camera 100 to prevent an excessive voltage from being applied to the CPU 101 and the like.

Further, an LCD is provided inside the camera 100.
A display 105 is provided so that information such as the number of frames of the camera and a setting mode can be externally displayed.

The camera 100 has an AFIC
106, a light projecting unit 107 constituted by an infrared LED for active distance measurement, and a light receiving unit 108 constituted by a PSD are provided, and a known active triangulation can be performed.

Further, there are provided a photometric sensor 109 composed of a CDS or SPD, a remote control sensor 110 composed of an SPD or the like, an LED light emitting circuit 111, and an LED 112 for notifying a self-timer of the fact.

The ports of the CPU 101 are connected to the various switches (RWSW, RSW, ZUPSW, ZDSW) described above.
NSW, MDSW, PWSW) are electrically connected. Further, information on the loaded film is input to the port of the CPU 101 in the form of a DX code.

Here, when the ZDNSW of the camera 100 is correctly set on the charger 200, the ZDNSW of the camera 100
Pressing is performed by a projection P202 provided at a position facing the DNSW to turn on (see FIG. 13B).
(Refer to (a)).

Further, a flash circuit 150 is provided in the camera 100. This is the charging circuit 151,
It comprises a rectifier diode 152, a strobe capacitor 153, a xenon tube 154, and a trigger circuit 155. The start and stop of charging and the trigger control are controlled by the CPU 101.

Next, the configuration of the charger 200 will be described.

[0093] Inside the charger 200, a CPU 201 is provided, which controls each unit. A
The C / AC converter 202 converts a household AC power supply (for example, 100 V, 50 Hz) into a frequency / voltage (for example, 10 V, 100 kHz) suitable for charging. This power is supplied from the outlet 203, and the converted output is output to the coil L1. The AC / AC converter 202 turns on / off the conversion operation by the CPU 2.
It is configured to be able to be turned off.

[0094] The AC / DC converter 204 converts the home AC power into a DC power (for example, 5V).
With this power supply, the CPU 201 operates.

LCD display 205 displays information relating to the operation of charger 200.

As described above, the photoreflector (PR) 206 determines whether or not the camera 100 has been set in the charger 200.
It is transmitted to 201. Light emitting element 20 capable of outputting infrared rays
7 is driven based on a signal from a port of the CPU 2. On the other hand, the light receiving element 208 detects infrared rays from the camera 100 and transmits the output to the CPU 2.

In the fourth embodiment, the light emitting device 10
7 is received by the light receiving element 208 and the light emitting element 207
Is received by the light receiving element (PSD) 108, the camera 100 and the charger 200 perform communication.

In addition to the above, the camera 100 is properly
A POSSW for detecting whether or not it is installed at 00 is provided, and the output is connected to the CPU 201.

If the camera 100 is set at the correct position of the charger 200, the POSSW is inserted into the tripod screw hole as shown in FIG.
F, if the set position is shifted, the POSSW is turned on as shown in FIG. At this time, the self-timer LED of the camera and other display means are controlled so that the user can recognize whether or not the camera is correctly set.

Hereinafter, the sequence of processing relating to the charging of the camera by the CPU 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the camera 100, the lens barrel 181 is extended forward in the power-on state.
Cannot be set to 00.

Accordingly, the camera 100 is turned off and set. However, since the camera 100 is in the standby state (power saving state) at this time, the camera starts from the standby state when charging ( Step S101).

At this time, PWSW, RWSW, and ZDN
Standby release is activated by SW,
When the standby release is performed by the ZDNSW, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the light emitting element 107 is caused to emit light according to a predetermined protocol, and it is determined whether or not the light receiving element 108 has received a predetermined response (echo back) (step S103).

Here, if there is a predetermined response, a subroutine "charging mode" described later is executed (step S30).
0). On the other hand, if there is no response, the communication operation is continuously retried at predetermined intervals while monitoring whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of communication (step S104). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S101 to be in the standby state.

The sequence of the subroutine "charging mode" will now be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the voltage of the secondary battery 103 is detected by the CPU 101, and a value corresponding to the voltage at the time of full charge read from the EEPROM 102 is read from the secondary battery 103.
It is determined whether or not No. 03 is fully charged (step S301). If it is full, the process proceeds to step S306, and if not, the process proceeds to step S302.

Then, in step S302, the normally turned off CHSW is turned on to prevent the leakage current, and then a charging command is transmitted to the charger 200 side (step S303). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an echo back from charger 200 (step S30).
4) If there is an echo back from the charger 20, the process proceeds to step S305, and if there is no echo back, the process proceeds to step S3.
Go to 09.

Subsequently, the LCD display 105 of the camera described later is set (step S305). Then, the level of the charged electric charge is transmitted to the charger 200 by communication (step S306), and the remaining frame number of the film is transmitted to the charger 200 by communication (step S307).

Then, the voltage of the strobe capacitor 153 is detected by using the A / D converter of the CPU 101, and charging is performed if necessary (step S308). On this occasion,
The notation of a lamp (not shown) indicating that charging is in progress indicates that the secondary battery 1
No display during 03 charging. The details of charging will be described later. After the processing in step S308, the process returns to step S301.

In step S304, when there is no echo back, it is determined that the camera 100 has been removed from the charger 200 or that the power of the charger has been disconnected.
The CHSW is turned off (step S309), and the process returns (step S310).

Next, a sequence of a process related to the control of the charger 200 by the CPU 201 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

The charger 200 is connected to the camera 1
Enter the standby mode waiting for setting of 00 (step S20)
1). Then, by operating the PR 206, the camera 100
It is determined whether or not an object such as is set (step S
202, S203). If no object is detected, the process returns to step S201. If an object is detected, the process proceeds to step S204 and subsequent steps.

In step S204, POSSW is set to OF
It is determined whether or not the camera is set to F (S204). If it is not turned off, it is determined that the camera is not set correctly (the camera 100 is misaligned or an object other than the camera 100 is placed). Return to

On the other hand, if OFF is confirmed in step S204, a command receiving mode is entered and the camera 100
Wait for communication from (step S205). If the command is sent by communication within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S208.

On the other hand, if the command is not sent by communication within the predetermined time, the charging operation is performed for the predetermined time, and then the charging is turned off (step S207). This is because when the secondary battery 103 of the camera is exhausted so that the CPU 101 cannot operate, the camera is charged to such an extent that the CPU 101 can be started. In order to prevent the camera 100 from malfunctioning and not operating, or from operating for a long time with an object other than the camera 100, the charging is turned off after a predetermined time.

Subsequently, a predetermined code is echoed back to inform camera 100 that charger 200 has accepted communication from camera 100 (step S20).
8). Then, an operation corresponding to the received command (for example, turning on the AC / AC 202 to start the charging operation) is performed (step S209), and a display corresponding to the operation is set (step S210), and the above-described step S20 is performed.
Return to 5.

Next, the display setting of the LCD display 105 of the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the camera 100 is powered off (standby state), the display is turned off (FIG. 17).
(A)). When the power is on, a display as shown in FIG. 17B is performed. On the other hand, when the secondary battery 103 is being charged, FIGS.
The display shown in (f) is made.

At this time, the level of the above-mentioned charged electric charge,
That is, the remaining battery level is displayed according to the level from L0 to L2.

Next, the display setting of the LCD display 205 of the charger 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the outlet of charger 200 is not set, the display is off as shown in FIG. If the outlet is plugged in and the camera 100 is not set in the charger 200, the setting is incorrect, or the CPU 101 of the camera 100 cannot operate even if the camera 100 is set correctly, the display shown in FIG. Is made. When charging, the camera 100
18 (c) to 18 (f) are displayed in the same manner as in FIG.

It is assumed that during charging, the camera 100 is
In the case where it is removed from 0 and the state immediately before it is at a level of L0 or less at which one film shooting cannot be guaranteed, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18 (g), a warning is given by blinking the battery mark for a certain period of time and issuing a warning sound.
The display returns to (b).

The condition for making the warning display shown in FIG. 18 (g) is that the setting can be changed on the charger 200 side, and if a film is loaded in the camera 100 being charged, the camera 100 Is set so that the above warning is issued only when the charger 200 determines that the remaining frame number is not charged to a level at which the remaining frame number can be photographed based on the remaining frame number information transmitted from and the detailed information of the battery level. You can also.

Next, the charging operation of the strobe capacitor 153 will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, while the camera 100 is set in the charger 200, if the camera 100 is removed from the charger 200, a strobe condenser 153 is always provided so that flash photography can be performed immediately. Are controlled to charge to a level at which light can be emitted. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, when the lower limit voltage at which light emission is possible is reached, strobe charging is performed.

Next, referring to FIG.
The details of charging the battery will be described.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a voltage change of the secondary battery 103 when the camera 100 in which the discharged secondary battery 103 is loaded is set in the charger 200.

When the discharge is completely advanced, the CPU 101
, The communication between the camera 100 and the charger 200 is not performed. In that case, as mentioned earlier, the CPU
The charger is forcibly charged up to a level Lcpu at which the 101 becomes operable.

When the secondary battery 103 reaches the level of Lcpu, the camera 100 and the charger 200 charge while communicating with each other.

In the figure, L0 is the voltage of the rechargeable battery 103 at a level at which, for example, 36 sheets of film can be photographed at room temperature, L1 is the level at which one film can be photographed at the specified minimum temperature, and L2 is the camera assured. L3 is a voltage indicating that the rechargeable battery 103 is fully charged, that is, a level at which, for example, 10 films of 24 films can be photographed at room temperature. When the camera 100 is set in the charger 200, it is charged to the L3 level without fail, and thereafter,
When the Lc level provided between 3 and L2 is reached, L
It is decided to charge up to 3.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the camera and the charger proceed with the operation such as charging while communicating with each other in a non-contact manner, appropriate display including the charging level is performed on both sides. In addition, since charging can be controlled based on an accurate secondary battery voltage detected on the camera side, high-speed charging can be performed without causing overcharging.

Further, since it is detected whether the camera is set correctly, an unnecessary charging operation may be performed, or when another metal or other object is set, the object may be heated by the charging operation. Absent. In addition, the camera is normally in a standby state with the power turned off, the consumption of the battery can be minimized, and when the camera is set in the charger, the standby is released, so that the camera can enter the charging mode and respond to charging.

Also, since the battery has been completely discharged,
Even if the camera is unable to communicate, the camera is forcibly charged to a level at which communication is possible, so that charging can be performed regardless of the state of the secondary battery to be charged. Further, when the camera is removed from the charger, a warning is issued according to the degree of charge of the battery, so that the possibility that the user runs out of the battery unexpectedly during shooting can be reduced.

Also, during charging, according to the degree of charging,
Since the level is displayed on both the camera and the charger, the angle at which the display can be viewed is wide and easy to see. In addition, the misalignment detection is performed using a tripod screw hole, and when the charger is set, the camera is used for both charging and shooting. Can be reduced in size and cost can be reduced.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it is a matter of course that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, a warning when charging is insufficient may be performed not only on the charger side but also on the camera side or on both sides. Further, the communication means on the camera side does not need to use a distance measuring device, and may use a light measuring means, a remote control sensor, any display light emitting element including self-lighting, other light emitting means such as a strobe, and a light receiving means. Good. Also, the standby release means when set in the charger may be performed by other switches such as PWSW and RWSW other than ZDNSW.

The above embodiment of the present invention includes the following inventions.

(1) In a camera system including a camera and a separate charger connected to and used with the camera, a first system for displaying information relating to the state of charge of the camera.
, And second display means for displaying information related to photographing by the camera, wherein the first and second display means are provided in the same exterior window. Camera system.

(2) The camera further comprises a plurality of power supply means for supplying energy to the first and second display means, wherein the power supply means is switched between when the camera is charged and when the camera is not charged. The camera system according to the above (1).

(3) The first and second display means are at least one of an LED for displaying a self-timer of a camera, a backlight of a liquid crystal, and an illuminating means for auxiliary light.
The camera system according to (1), wherein when the camera is charged, control is performed so as to display the first and second display means in a control format different from the control format related to the shooting.

(4) The first and second display means are liquid crystal means for displaying the number of frames of the film or for displaying the date, and at the time of charging, changing means for changing to a display form relating to the charge level and time. The camera system according to the above (1), comprising:

(5) The first and second display means are a dot matrix type L attached to a camera exterior.
The camera system according to the above (1), wherein the camera system is a CD and the display is scrolled during charging.

[0141]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to realize a clear display during charging when the user desires it with a simple configuration, to prevent false recognition of charging work, and to increase the cost without impairing the design of the camera. No camera system can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a camera 1 and a charger 2.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of “self LED control” of the camera system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a camera system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart describing in detail a charging sequence by the camera system according to the second embodiment.

6A is a diagram showing a charge display, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state where the charge display scrolls;
(C) is a diagram showing a state of a warning display, (d) is a diagram showing a state of completion of charging, and (e) is a diagram showing a relationship between a charged amount and a voltage.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a seven-segment type LCD for displaying the number of frames.

FIG. 8A is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of a camera system according to a third embodiment, FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state of charging display, and FIG. 8C is an LCD display. It is a figure which shows the change of.

9A is a diagram showing how the LCD display unit 25 provided on the camera 1 is effectively used, FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a date display, and FIG. 9C is a date imprint display. FIG. 4D is a flowchart for explaining the display operation.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a camera system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a camera system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation state of the switch POSSW.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation state of the switch ZDNSW.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of a process of charging a camera by the CPU 1;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of processing related to control of charger 200 by CPU 201.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of a subroutine “charge mode” in detail.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining display settings of the LCD display 105 of the camera 100.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing display settings on an LCD display 205 of the charger 200.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a charging operation of the strobe capacitor 153.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing details of charging the secondary battery 103.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 2 Charger 3 Switch 4 Light emission part 5 Outlet part 25 LCD display part

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Keigo Ito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Mitsumasu Okubo 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Katsutoshi Nishiuchi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Osamu Nonaka 2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. 2 F-term in Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (reference) 2H002 BC11 HA11 2H102 AB01 AB15 BA12 BB05 BB08 BB24 2H105 EE27 5C022 AA13 AB15 AC16 AC73

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A camera system comprising a camera and a separate charger connected and used with the camera, a first display means for displaying information on a charging state of the camera, A second display unit for displaying information relating to photographing, wherein the first and second display units are provided in the same exterior window. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of power supply means for supplying energy to said first and second display means, wherein said power supply means is switched between when said camera is charged and when it is not charged. The camera system according to claim 1. 3. The first and second display means include an LED for displaying a self-timer of a camera, a backlight of a liquid crystal,
At least one of illumination means for an auxiliary light, and performing control so as to display the first and second display means in a control format different from the control format related to the shooting when the camera is charged. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The first and second display means is a 7-segment type LCD dot matrix type LCD mounted on a camera exterior, and can reverse the display direction during charging and during shooting. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein: