JP2001100289A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a camera capable of preventing a situation that a photographer touches a release button unconsciously and uselessly takes a photograph against photographer's will. SOLUTION: This camera is equipped with an eye approach detection means detecting whether or not a photographer's eye approaches the ocular window of a finder, an exposure means performing exposure to film, and a release button actuating the exposure means by pressing operation. It is equipped with a control means controlling so that the exposing action of the exposure means may be inhibited even though the pressing operation of the release button is performed when the eye approach detection means detects that the photographer' s eye does not approach the ocular window.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for preventing erroneous operation, and is particularly suitable for a camera formed small.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, cameras have become smaller and lighter, and portability has been improved. In particular, with the advent of the IX240 film, miniaturization has been spurred, and a camera that is large enough to hold most of the camera with an adult's hand is also commercially available. However, since there is no significant change in the basic functions for photographing, main operating members such as a main switch and a release button are arranged in a limited space while maintaining a certain size.

When a photographic lens is a zoom lens, a real image type finder is often employed because a finder must be a variable magnification finder.

[0004]

However, when the camera is miniaturized, most parts of the camera are touched when the camera is held, so that the main operating members are erroneously operated. That is, touching the release button results in useless shooting contrary to the photographer's intention, and touching the main switch causes the power to be turned on in a meaningless manner, which consumes the battery.

Conversely, the main switch may be turned off while photographing is to be performed, and a valuable shutter chance may be missed.

In order to prevent such erroneous operation, it is conceivable to add a safety lock mechanism, reduce the size of operation members, or change the layout.
In any case, the operability deteriorates, which is not preferable.

The first invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is a first invention to provide a camera capable of preventing an erroneous operation without reducing the size of the operation member and deteriorating the operability. It is the purpose.

When a real image type finder is used, the optical axis of the eyepiece window of the finder is different from the optical axis of the objective window, and the size of the eyepiece window is smaller than the size of the eyepiece window in the case of the Albada finder. Become smaller. Therefore, when a camera that is not used in the evening or at night is used, it is difficult to know the position of the eyepiece window, and a shutter chance may be missed. In particular, such a problem is conspicuous in a camera having a dark design.

The second invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is a second object of the present invention to provide a camera capable of easily recognizing the position of an eyepiece window of a finder even in the evening or at night. .

[0010]

The above-mentioned first object is achieved by any of the following means.

A camera having an eyepiece detecting means for detecting whether or not an eye is brought close to an eyepiece window of a finder, an exposing means for exposing a film, and a release button for activating the exposing means by a pressing operation. In the above, when the eyepiece detecting means detects that the eye is not brought close to the eyepiece window, control is performed to inhibit the exposure operation of the exposure means even if the release button is pressed. A camera comprising control means.

A camera comprising eyepiece detecting means for detecting whether an eye is brought close to an eyepiece window of a finder, and a main switch capable of switching a power supply of the camera between an on state and an off state each time an operation is performed. In, when the eyepiece detection means has detected that the eye is approaching the eyepiece frame, and when the power is switched to the ON state,
A camera comprising control means for controlling the power supply to be not switched off even when the main switch is operated.

Holding detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera is properly held; exposure means for exposing the film;
A release button that activates the exposure unit by a pressing operation, the pressing operation of the release button is performed when the holding detection unit detects that the camera is not properly held. A camera further comprising control means for controlling the exposure means to inhibit the exposure operation.

A camera comprising: a holding detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera is properly held; and a main switch capable of switching a power supply of the camera between an on state and an off state each time the camera is operated. When the detecting means detects that the camera is properly held and the power supply is switched on, control is performed so that the power supply cannot be switched off even if the main switch is operated. A camera, comprising:

The above-mentioned second object is achieved by any of the following means.

In a camera provided with a holding detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera is properly held, a light emitting section which emits light near or around the eyepiece window of the finder, and the holding detecting means holds the camera properly. Control means for controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light when it is detected that the camera is operating.

A camera characterized in that a display portion made of a phosphorescent material is provided near or around an eyepiece window of a finder.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Two embodiments of a camera according to the present invention will be described below.

[First Embodiment] A camera according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the camera viewed from the back. In the camera of FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a main switch button. By operating this button, power is supplied to an internal electric circuit, and the camera enters a shooting state. Next, look at the viewfinder through the eyepiece window 13 provided in the eyepiece frame 12, decide the composition, and press the release button 14 toward the subject.
You can shoot.

As described above, when performing normal photographing, the eye is brought close to the eyepiece window 13. In other words, the eyes are away from the eyepiece window 13 when not taking a picture.

In order to determine the difference, an eyepiece detecting means is provided near the eyepiece window 13. The eyepiece detecting means includes a light emitting unit 15 for emitting light from the light emitting diode, and a light receiving unit 16 including a photodiode for receiving the reflected light of the light emitting diode. Therefore, when the photographer looks through the eyepiece window 13, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 15 hits the face of the photographer and is reflected and enters the light receiving unit 16.
3 can be detected.

Also, without providing the light-emitting unit 15 and the light-receiving unit 16 near the eyepiece window 13, infrared light is emitted from the eyepiece window 13 through the finder from inside the camera and reflected by the cornea of the photographer's eye. The infrared light may be transmitted through the finder again and received by the photodiode.

Further, a temperature sensing element for detecting the photographer's body temperature may be arranged near the eyepiece window 13 to detect whether the photographer is looking through the eyepiece window 13 based on the detected temperature.

Next, the flowchart of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 2, when the main switch button 11 is pressed (101), the main switch M-SW is turned on, and power is supplied from the battery B, which is a power supply, to the microcomputer 20 and other circuits (10).
2). Subsequently, if the shooting mode is the specific mode, the microcomputer 20 sets the normal mode (10
3).

Here, the specific mode is a photographing mode in which photographing can be performed without looking through the eyepiece window 13 at the time of photographing. Hold the camera, take a self-portrait mode in which you reflect yourself on the reflector placed on the top of the camera, decide on the composition and shoot yourself, and operate the remote control transmitter at a position away from the camera to send the remote control signal to the camera This is a remote control shooting mode for transmitting and performing remote control shooting. Each time the shooting mode switch MO-SW is turned on by pressing the shooting mode button 17 shown in FIG. Since the image is displayed on the display unit 18, the photographing mode can be appropriately selected.

Subsequently, whether or not a film is loaded is detected by the film detection switch F-SW (10).
4). Even if no film is loaded (N in 104), the release button 14 is pressed to turn on the first-stage release switch S1-SW (105), and then the second-stage release switch S2-SW is turned on to confirm the operation. By turning it on (106), it is possible to proceed to the shooting operation after "A". If film is loaded (Y at 104),
It is detected whether the mode is set to the specific mode (10
7) If the specific mode is set (Y of 107), control according to the specific mode is performed (108),
Proceed to "A".

The control according to the specific mode means that in the self-photographing mode, the self-photographing means 2 performs the operation after "A" about 10 seconds after a predetermined operation.
3 is a control performed by the self-photographing means 24 so that the operation after "A" is performed by pressing the release button in the self-photographing mode;
In the remote control photographing mode, the control is performed by the remote control photographing means 25 so that the operation after "A" is performed after receiving the remote control signal.

When photographing is performed in a state where the specific mode is not set (N in 107), the release button 14 is pressed to turn on the first-stage release switch S1-SW (109). At this time, when the eyepiece detection unit 21 detects that the photographer's eye has approached the eyepiece window 13 (110)
Y), the second-stage release switch S2-SW is turned on (106), and the process proceeds to "A".

If the eyepiece detecting means 21 does not detect that the eye has approached the eyepiece window 13 (N of 100), the microcomputer 20 prohibits the exposure by the exposure means 22 because the photographing operation is not normal. 18 is displayed as a warning (11
1). Then, the process returns to the step (104) for detecting whether or not a film is loaded.

Next, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the luminance of the subject light is measured (121), and the subject distance is measured (122). Subsequently, the photographing lens is moved according to the measured subject distance (123), the shutter is opened by the exposure means 22 (124), and if the brightness is low, a strobe is emitted (125) and the shutter is closed (125). 1
26). Then, wind up one frame of film (12
7).

In the self-portrait mode, it is assumed that an adult is holding his camera with his arm outstretched.
It is desirable to control the taking lens so as to focus on a subject of 0 cm.

When the main switch button 11 is depressed (128) since the photographing is completed, the main switch M-SW is turned off, but the eyepiece detecting means 21 keeps the eye close to the eyepiece window 13. When it is detected (Y of 129), the power supply to the microcomputer 20 and the like is not stopped,
Returning to "B" in FIG. 2, shooting can be performed again.

The eyepiece detecting means 21 detects that the eye is in the eyepiece window 13.
Even if it is detected that the vehicle is not approaching (N of 129), if the specific mode is set (Y of 130), the power supply to the microcomputer 20 and the like is not stopped similarly, Return and you can shoot again.

If the specific mode is not set (1
(N of 30), the power supply to the microcomputer or the like is stopped irrespective of the detection by the eyepiece detection means 21 (131), and the processing ends.

[Second Embodiment] A camera according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Since the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, description of the same portions will be omitted, and only different portions will be described.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the camera viewed from the back. In the camera of FIG. 1, 41 is a main switch button, 42 is an eyepiece frame, 43 is an eyepiece window, 44 is a release button, 47 is a shooting mode button, 48 is a display unit,
This is equivalent to the first embodiment. However, in the camera according to the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 15 and the light receiving unit 1
6 does not have an eyepiece detection means.
Instead, it has a holding detection unit composed of tactile sensors 45 and 46.

The tactile sensors 45 and 46 are touch sensors whose resistance changes when the photographer's finger touches them. The holding detecting means detects whether or not the photographer's finger has touched according to the level of the changed resistance. .

As shown in FIG. 6, when performing normal photographing,
Hold the camera with both hands. At this time, the right thumb touches the tactile sensor 45 and the left thumb touches the tactile sensor 46. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the photographer holds the camera and enters the photographing state by the holding detecting means.

When the camera is held vertically with the rear left portion of the camera facing upward, the thumb of the right hand separates from the tactile sensor 45 to press the release button, but the thumb of the left hand touches the tactile sensor 46. Therefore, even if only one of the tactile sensors is used, it can be detected that the photographer holds the camera and enters the photographing state.

The position of the tactile sensor is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 5, but may be arranged on the side of the camera and touched by the palm, or may be arranged on the front surface at the place where the middle finger or ring finger touches. You may.

Further, as the tactile sensor, any sensor can be used as long as it is a sensor that senses contact with a finger or light pressure, and a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber sensor, a pressure-sensitive polymer film sensor, a semiconductor pressure sensor, or the like may be used.

Next, the flowchart of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

In the present embodiment, there are also specific modes including a self-photographing mode, a self-portrait mode, and a remote control mode, but the specific mode in the present embodiment means that the finger does not touch the tactile sensors 45 and 46. Is also a mode in which shooting is possible.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the steps from the pressing operation (201) of the main switch button 41 to the turning on of the first-stage release switch S1-SW (209) are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

The film is loaded (Y in 204), the specific mode is not set (N in 207), and after the first-stage release switch S1-SW is turned on (209), the holding detecting means 51 Is not detected, the photographer is not properly holding the camera (N in 210), and the microcomputer 50 prohibits the exposure operation by the exposure means 52. Then, a warning is displayed on the display unit 48 (211), and the process returns to the step subsequent to the process (204) of detecting whether or not a film is loaded.

When the specific mode is set, (2
In step 07), control is performed according to the specific mode regardless of the detection of the holding detection unit 51 (208). When the holding detection unit 51 detects the state, the photographer holds the camera properly (Y in 210), and the second-stage release switch S
After the 2-SW is turned on (206), an exposure operation by the exposure means 52 is performed.

In the flowchart of FIG.
Steps from 21) to pressing the main switch button (228) are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the main switch button 11 is pressed (228), the main switch M-SW is turned off. When the holding detecting means 51 detects that the photographer is holding the camera properly (229). (Y), the power supply to the microcomputer 50 and the like is not stopped, and the process returns to “B” in FIG. 7 and the photographing can be performed again.

Even if the holding detecting means 51 detects that the photographer is not holding the camera properly (N in 229), if the specific mode is set (Y in 230), the microcomputer The power supply to 50 or the like is not stopped, and the process returns to "B" in FIG.

If the specific mode is not set (2
30) N), power supply to the microcomputer and the like is stopped (231),
finish.

In the block diagram of FIG. 9, a self-photographing means 53, a self-photographing means 54 and a remote control means 55
Are the same as those shown in FIG.

[Third Embodiment] A camera according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the camera viewed from the back. The camera shown in FIG. 10 is similar to the camera shown in FIG. 5, and has a holding detection unit including tactile sensors 75 and 76. In addition, a light emitting unit 77 is arranged around the eyepiece window 73. The light emitting unit 77 is formed of a light emitting object such as an LED or EL (electroluminescence). When shooting
The microcomputer controls the light emitting unit 77 to light up when a finger touches any of the tactile sensors 75 and 76 while holding the camera. Therefore, the position of the eyepiece window 73 can be easily recognized even in a dark place in the evening or at night, and it is possible to immediately take a picture through the eyepiece window 73.

In the vicinity of the eyepiece window 73, a low-brightness warning LED 78 that flashes and warns when the brightness is low, or when an accurate distance measurement cannot be performed due to a subject that is difficult to measure or too close. AF warning LED7 that blinks and gives a warning
When 9 is arranged, the light emitting section 77 may not be provided. That is, when the user holds the camera and touches any of the tactile sensors 75 and 76, the microcomputer controls the low-brightness warning LED 78 to light up, so that the position of the eyepiece window 73 can be easily known. Thereafter, when the release button 74 is half-pressed when the brightness is low, the low brightness warning LED 78 blinks. The lighting and blinking of the low-brightness warning LED 78 may be reversed.

Further, the tactile sensor 75,
When any one of the LEDs 76 is touched, the AF warning LED 79 may be controlled to light up. After that, if the release button 74 is half-pressed and appropriate distance measurement is not performed, the AF warning LED 79 blinks. The AF warning LED 7
Lighting and blinking of 9 may be reversed.

Further, the tactile sensor 75,
When any one of the LEDs 76 is touched, the low-brightness warning LED 78
And the AF warning LED 79 may be lit or blinked, or either one of them may be lit or blinked.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the camera, which includes a light emitting section 83, a low-brightness warning LED 84, and an AF warning LED.
85 is connected to the microcomputer 80.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another type of camera viewed from the back. In the present camera, a light emitting section 97 on which a phosphorescent material is printed is arranged around the eyepiece window 93. Therefore, light is stored in the light emitting portion 97 in a bright place, and light is emitted in a dark place, so that the position of the eyepiece window 93 can be easily recognized. A phosphorescent material may be printed around the eyepiece window 93, or a label printed with the phosphorescent material may be attached. In addition, as long as it is near the eyepiece window 93, it may not be around and may be partial.

Finally, the control means in the claims corresponds to the microcomputers 20, 50, 80 in the embodiment.

[0063]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the photographer does not bring his / her eyes close to the eyepiece window, that is, when he does not hold the camera toward the subject, the photographer can press the release button by mistake. Since the exposure operation is not performed, useless photographing does not occur.

According to the camera of the second aspect, the direction in which the main switch is erroneously turned off when the photographer is approaching the eye to the eyepiece window, that is, when holding the camera toward the subject. Even if it is operated, it is possible to take a picture without being turned off, so that a valuable shutter chance is not missed.

According to the camera of the third aspect, when the photographer does not hold the camera properly, that is, when the camera is not holding the camera toward the subject, the exposure operation is performed even if the release button is pressed by mistake. Since it is not performed, useless shooting is not performed.

According to the camera described in claim 4, when the photographer holds the camera properly, that is, when the camera is held toward the subject, the main switch is erroneously turned off. Even if it is operated, it is possible to take a picture without being turned off, so that a valuable shutter chance is not missed.

According to the camera of the fifth aspect, when any one of the self-photographing mode, the self-photographing mode, and the remote control photographing mode is set, the exposure operation is performed regardless of how the camera is held or held. It can be performed.

According to the camera of the sixth aspect, when no film is loaded, the operation can be confirmed regardless of how the camera is held or held.

According to the camera described in claims 7 to 10,
Since light is emitted near or around the eyepiece window of the viewfinder, the position of the eyepiece window can be easily recognized even in a dark place or the like, and shooting can be performed immediately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera according to a first embodiment as viewed from the back.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the camera according to the second embodiment as viewed from the back.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view holding a camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the camera according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a camera according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a camera of another embodiment according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 41 Main switch button 13, 43, 73, 93 Eyepiece window 14, 44, 74 Release button 15, 77, 83, 97 Light emitting unit 16 Light receiving unit 17, 47 Shooting mode button 18, 48 Display unit 20, 50, 80 Microcomputer 21 Eye detection means 51 Hold detection means 45, 46, 75, 76 Tactile sensor 78, 84 Low-brightness warning LED 79, 85 AF warning LED M-SW Main switch MO-SW Shooting mode switch F-SW Film detection switch S1-SW First stage release switch S2-SW Second stage release switch

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H002 BB05 BB11 HA12 2H011 AA01 DA05 2H051 AA02 GA02 GA10 GA12 GA19 2H100 AA11 DD08 FF02 2H102 AA62 AA66 AB00 AB01 AB15 BA03 BA08 BA15 BB03 CA03

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An eyepiece detecting means for detecting whether an eye is brought close to an eyepiece window of a finder, an exposure means for exposing a film, and a release button for operating the exposure means by a pressing operation. In the camera, even if the release button is pressed when the eyepiece detection means detects that the eye is not brought close to the eyepiece window, the exposure operation of the exposure means is prohibited. A camera comprising control means for controlling. 2. An eyepiece detecting means for detecting whether an eye is brought close to an eyepiece window of a finder, and a main switch capable of switching a power supply of the camera between an on state and an off state each time the operation is performed. In the camera, when the eyepiece detection means has detected that the eye is approaching the eyepiece frame, and when the power is switched on,
A camera comprising control means for controlling the power supply to be not switched off even when the main switch is operated. 3. A holding detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera is properly held, an exposing means for exposing a film,
A release button that activates the exposure unit by a pressing operation, the pressing operation of the release button is performed when the holding detection unit detects that the camera is not properly held. A camera further comprising control means for controlling the exposure means to inhibit the exposure operation. 4. A camera comprising: a holding detection unit for detecting whether or not a camera is properly held; and a main switch capable of switching a power supply of the camera between an on state and an off state each time the camera is operated. When the holding detection means detects that the camera is properly held and the power is switched on, the power cannot be switched off even if the main switch is operated. And a control means for controlling the camera. 5. When set to any one of a self-photographing mode, a self-photographing mode, and a remote control photographing mode,
4. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling an exposure operation of the exposure means without prohibiting the exposure operation. 6. A film detecting means for detecting whether or not a film is loaded, and when the film detecting means detects that a film is not loaded, the exposure operation of the exposure means is not inhibited. The camera according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising control means for controlling an exposure operation. 7. A camera provided with a holding detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera is properly held, wherein a light emitting unit which emits light near or around an eyepiece window of a finder, and wherein the holding detecting means is adapted to appropriately control the camera. Control means for controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light when it is detected that the camera is held. 8. The light-emitting unit is also used as a low-brightness warning LED, and when the holding detection unit detects that the camera is properly held, and when the release button is pressed when the brightness is low. 8. The camera according to claim 7, wherein one of them lights up and the other blinks. 9. The light-emitting section is provided with an auto-focus warning L.
Also used as an ED, when the holding detection means detects that the camera is properly held, and when the autofocus is not properly performed by pressing the release button,
9. The camera according to claim 7, wherein one of the cameras is turned on and the other is flashed. 10. A camera, wherein a light emitting portion made of a light storage material is provided near or around an eyepiece window of a finder.