JP2002040518A - Finder assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display plate fully enjoyable even without having a back light whose luminance is high. SOLUTION: This finder assembly 5 is provided with an eyepiece 7 arranged so as to focus on the display screen of the liquid crystal display plate 4 and a hood 6 to shield an optical path reaching the eyepiece 7 from the periphery of the display screen of the liquid crystal display plate 4 from external light. The hood 6 and the eyepiece 7 are attached to the front surface of the liquid crystal display plate 4 or are withdrawn from the front surface of the liquid crystal display plate 4 by a steel frame 11 and a magnet frame 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a finder assembly which makes it easy to see a liquid crystal display panel of an electronic camera or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some electronic cameras have a relatively large liquid crystal display panel in addition to a viewfinder for monitoring an image to be photographed. By projecting the subject on the liquid crystal display panel, the composition can be adjusted and the focus can be adjusted without bringing the eyes close to the camera. A video camera is also provided with a relatively large liquid crystal display screen for the same purpose. In addition, in both electronic cameras and video cameras, a liquid crystal display panel for a monitor is used to project a captured image, check the content, and enjoy the content.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems to be solved. In general, photographing with a camera mainly uses a viewfinder that looks at a subject while keeping an eye close to the camera.
This is because subtle operations for adjusting the composition and focusing were easy. However, there is also a problem that the image viewed from the viewfinder is small, and it is slightly difficult to see the image for adjusting the composition. Electronic cameras and video cameras whose focus is automatically controlled are increasingly using a liquid crystal display panel during shooting. Further, in consideration of the manufacturing cost and miniaturization of the camera, cameras having only a liquid crystal display panel without a finder are commercially available.

[0004] However, the liquid crystal display panel has a drawback that if the surroundings are bright, it becomes very difficult to see and the operability is deteriorated. Attaching a bright backlight to the liquid crystal display panel eliminates this disadvantage. However, in an environment where power consumption is large and an external power supply is not connected, a strong backlight causes a reduction in battery life. The present invention provides a finder assembly that can comfortably use such a liquid crystal display panel while reducing battery consumption.

[0005]

The present invention employs the following structure to solve the above problems. <Configuration 1> An eyepiece arranged to focus on the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel, a hood for shielding an optical path from the periphery of the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel to the eyepiece from outside light, and the hood A finder comprising: a state in which the eyepiece is mounted on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel; and a connecting portion provided with a switching mechanism for switching between the two states: a state in which the hood and the eyepiece are retracted from the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. assembly.

<Structure 2> In the finder assembly according to Structure 1, a translucent film is provided between the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel inside the hood and the eyepiece, and at a position close to the liquid crystal display panel. A finder assembly characterized by being arranged.

<Structure 3> In the finder assembly according to Structure 1 or 2, the connecting portion includes a detachable mechanism for temporarily connecting the frame of the liquid crystal display panel and the hood edge. Finder assembly.

<Structure 4> In the finder assembly according to Structure 1 or 2, the connecting portion includes a hinge connecting a frame of the liquid crystal display panel and an edge of the hood.

<Structure 5> The finder assembly according to Structure 1 or 2, wherein the liquid crystal display panel is provided in a photographed image monitor of an electronic camera.

<Structure 6> The finder assembly according to Structure 1 or 2, wherein the liquid crystal display panel is provided on an operation screen display section of a mobile terminal.

<Structure 7> In the finder assembly according to structure 1 or 2, the connecting portion is fixed to the liquid crystal display panel side and provided with a slider on a side surface, and the slide formed on an edge of the hood. A finder assembly comprising: a slider that fits on a rail.

<Structure 8> In the finder assembly according to Structure 1 or 2, the connecting portion has a structure capable of changing a thickness for adjusting a distance between a lens and a liquid crystal display panel. .

<Structure 9> The finder assembly according to Structure 3, wherein a translucent film is fixed integrally with the hood at a position of the hood facing the liquid crystal display panel.

<Structure 10> The finder assembly according to Structure 3, wherein a translucent film is fixed integrally with the attachment / detachment mechanism at a position facing the liquid crystal display panel of the attachment / detachment mechanism.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below using specific examples. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic camera and a finder assembly showing an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic camera 1 shown in the figure is a conventionally well-known camera provided with a lens mechanism 2, a shutter mechanism 3, and the like. This electronic camera 1
A liquid crystal display panel 4 is provided to monitor the photographed image of FIG. Here, the finder assembly 5 according to the present invention
Be attached. The finder assembly 5 includes an eyepiece 7 and a hood 6. The eyepiece 7 is arranged so as to focus on the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 4. The distance between the eyepiece 7 and the liquid crystal display panel 4 is adjusted by the length of the hood 6 and the like. The hood 6 has a liquid crystal display panel 4
Has a function of shielding the optical path from the periphery of the display screen to the eyepiece 7 from outside light.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the finder assembly according to the present invention. FIG.
Is a state after mounting. In the illustrated example, a steel frame 11 and a magnet frame 12 are used to connect between the edge of the hood 6 and the frame of the liquid crystal display panel 4. That is, a thin steel frame is attached to the frame portion of the liquid crystal display panel 4. A magnet frame is fixed to the edge of the hood 6. Therefore, when they are brought close to each other, the hood 6 is mounted at a fixed position on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel 4. The step 12A provided on the outer periphery of the magnet frame 12 is processed so as to fit into the steel frame 11 on the liquid crystal display panel 4 side. As a result, the hood 6 is accurately positioned on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel 4.

In this example, a translucent film 9 is further disposed between the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 4 inside the hood 6 and the eyepiece 7. This may be, for example, a glass material such as ground glass, or a translucent, sufficiently thin plastic film. This is arranged so as to be in close contact with the liquid crystal display panel 4. The transparency is selected so that the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 4 can be clearly seen through the translucent film.

Looking through the eyepiece 7 with the finder assembly 5 mounted on the liquid crystal display panel 4, the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 4 is enlarged and displayed, and the hood 6 shields external light. , The display screen looks very bright and clear. That is, even if a backlight (not shown) driven by sufficiently small power is used, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 4 can be sufficiently enjoyed.

When the finder assembly 5 as described above is used, the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 4 by the lens 7 is greatly enlarged. However, in general, when a display image of this type of the liquid crystal display panel 4 is enlarged by a lens, pixels appear to be coarse and lattice-like, and the screen is somewhat difficult to see. To solve this, a frosted glass-like translucent film 9 is overlaid on the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 4. As a result, the boundaries between the pixels are blurred, and the screen is easy to see as a whole. The effect is particularly remarkable in the case of a color image.

The translucent film 9 may be attached, for example, to the liquid crystal display panel 4 separately from the hood 6 by using an adhesive or the like. In this way, even when the finder assembly is not used, there is no fear that the pixels appear to be rough when the image is viewed with the eyes close to the liquid crystal display panel 4. Note that a semi-transparent film 9
When attaching the translucent film 9 to the liquid crystal display panel 4, for example, the portion of the translucent film 9 is pressed against the liquid crystal display panel 4 using the elasticity of the plastic hood 6. Is preferred.

As a method for bringing the translucent film 9 into close contact with the liquid crystal display panel 4, any other method can be adopted. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), one prepared by attaching a translucent film 9B to a frame 11B is prepared. In this case, no translucent film is required on the hood 6 side. This frame 11
B is mounted so that the translucent film 9 is in close contact with the liquid crystal display panel 4. Thus, the attachment of the translucent film 9B is completed at the same time. According to an experiment, when the transparency of the translucent film 9B is appropriately selected, even when the finder assembly is not used, the roughness of the screen is moderated moderately, and the image becomes extremely suitable for use as a viewer.
The translucent film 9 is not required if the liquid crystal display panel of an electronic camera or the like has taken measures to prevent pixels from being displayed from the beginning. Furthermore, there is no problem if the translucent film 9 having a considerably high degree of transparency is arranged at a slightly distant place without being in close contact with the liquid crystal display panel 4.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the finder assembly 5 is connected to the electronic camera 1 using a strap 8, and
I always carry it with my electronic camera. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to accurately focus on the subject while looking through the finder, the finder assembly 5 may be mounted on the electronic camera 1 and operated. If the user wants to look a little farther away from the liquid crystal display panel 4 to look at the composition or to enjoy a photographed image with many people, the finder assembly 5 may be removed.

Since such an operation is possible, the electronic camera 1 does not particularly require a normal finder. That is, there is no need to attach a finder of the electronic camera 1 and the mechanism can be simplified. As a result, the size and cost of the electronic camera can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is possible to take a picture with the finder assembly 5 attached, the same feeling as a so-called single-lens reflex camera can be obtained.
A photograph can be taken while directly looking at the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 4 taken by the lens mechanism 2 of FIG.

In this sense, using the finder assembly of the present invention is more effective than using a conventional general finder in which the subject is viewed from the side of the lens.
More functional shooting becomes possible. Then, by removing the finder assembly 5, various operations can be performed while viewing the subject reflected on the large liquid crystal screen.
There is an effect that an operation that cannot be performed by a camera having only a viewfinder can be performed in the same manner as a conventional electronic camera.

Further, since the hood 6 having a light-shielding function is used, even if the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel 4 is relatively dark, it can be sufficiently and clearly monitored using the eyepiece 7. Therefore, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 4 can be viewed without using a high-brightness backlight that consumes a large amount of power. In addition, since a translucent film can be used to make pixels less noticeable and to make an image easy to see, it can be sufficiently utilized as a viewer who enjoys an image after photographing.

The above-described functions are realized by making the finder assembly 5 detachable from the electronic camera 1. That is, the hood 6, the eyepiece 7, and the liquid crystal display panel 4
It is important to provide a coupling mechanism that can take two states, that is, a state of being attached to the front of the liquid crystal display panel 4 and a state of being retracted from the front of the liquid crystal display panel 4. As the connecting mechanism, various mechanisms can be considered in addition to the above-mentioned simple magnet frame.

For example, a click stop fixing method or a fastener fixing method widely used for a lid of a general plastic container or the like may be adopted. Alternatively, a method of fixing using a belt or a button may be used. An adhesive may be used. In any case, the lens 7
It is preferable to use a fixing method in which the liquid crystal display is accurately arranged at a predetermined position on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel 4. The optimum distance between the lens and the liquid crystal display panel is slightly different depending on the user's eyesight. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to adjust the distance (diopter adjustment) between the lens and the liquid crystal display panel according to the user. For example, if the thickness of the steel frame fixed to the camera 1 side in FIG. 1 is changed according to the user, the distance can be adjusted.
That is, if the thickness of the connecting portion can be changed by replacement or adjustment, it is possible to cope at low cost.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modification of a specific connecting portion. In the example shown in this figure, an eyepiece unit conventionally attached to a twin-lens reflex camera is used. That is,
An eyepiece unit 21 is fixed to a frame 20 attached to a liquid crystal display panel of the camera 1. (A) of the figure shows a state in which the lid of the unit is opened. In this case, the user can look into the liquid crystal display panel without using a lens. FIG. 2B shows a state where the lens 22 is set. Also, FIG.
Indicates a state in which the lid of the unit 21 is closed. In this state, the unit 21 mechanically protects the liquid crystal display panel of the camera. The feature is that the same mechanism as the conventional twin-lens reflex camera is attached to the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. As in the example of FIG. 3, the finder assembly of the present invention may be integrated with an electronic camera or the like in advance.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example in which the finder assembly according to the present invention is used in a mobile phone. FIG. 4A is a perspective view before mounting, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view after mounting. The finder assembly 5 is, as shown in FIG.
It can also be used to view the liquid crystal display panel 31 of FIG. As the liquid crystal display panel 31 of the mobile phone 30, a relatively large one is used not only for displaying a telephone number but also for displaying images and various information obtained on the Internet. Liquid crystal display panels are employed not only in mobile phones but also in various mobile terminals used for similar purposes. Focusing on the function of viewing images on the Internet, mobile phones are also a type of mobile terminal.

However, many of the liquid crystal display panels 31 of these mobile terminals are difficult to see in bright outdoors. In particular, it is desirable to avoid using a high-brightness backlight or the like for a mobile terminal in order to suppress power consumption. Therefore, the finder assembly of the present invention is used. That is, the finder assembly is connected to the strap 32 of a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. Then, by attaching the liquid crystal display panel 31 to the liquid crystal display panel 31 when necessary, various information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 31 can be enjoyed in an easily viewable manner.

In particular, when a color image obtained through the Internet is viewed on a mobile terminal, the image data is included more than the character data. Often not. On the other hand, if the finder assembly of the present invention is used, a good color screen can be easily enjoyed anywhere. When this finder assembly is used in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, there is an effect that the contents such as an e-mail can be read without a nearby person being able to see the screen.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the finder assembly of the present invention is applied to a video camera.
(B) is a perspective view of the state after mounting. The finder assembly as described above can be widely used not only for an electronic camera but also for a video camera 35 having a relatively large liquid crystal display panel as shown in FIG. That is, when the finder assembly 5 of the present invention is mounted and the liquid crystal display panel 36 of the existing video camera 35 is viewed, a screen displayed with a low-luminance backlight can be sufficiently enjoyed. Other operations are no different from the electronic camera. Therefore, by selling the finder assembly 5 as an option independent of an electronic camera or the like, it becomes possible to widely use the finder assembly 5 for a video camera or the like regardless of the type of the electronic camera.
Also in this case, the finder assembly 5 can be connected to the strap 38 as shown in FIG.

6A and 6B show a specific example of the connecting portion. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a frame fixed to the liquid crystal display panel side of the connecting portion and a hood of a finder assembly, and FIG.
(C) is a three-view drawing of the frame. As shown in FIG. 2A, a groove 43 is provided on a side surface of a frame 42 fixed to the liquid crystal display panel side. The rib 46 of the hood 41 is fitted into the groove 43 so as to slide. That is, the two are in a relationship of a slide rail and a rib fitted to the slide rail. These are collectively called sliders. Such a slider structure can be easily formed from plastic, and is inexpensive and has good operability.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the lens 7 is, for example, a holder 44 of a hood 41 having a split structure.
Thereby, it is fixed inside the hood 41. The protrusion 45 protruding from the side surface of the hood 41 is provided with a hole to which the above-mentioned strap is connected. A click stop 47 is provided in the frame 42 as shown in FIG. The click stop 47 is in a state where the slide rail and the slider are completely fitted together, as shown in FIG.
Has the function of preventing dropout by suppressing the point 49 shown in FIG. Since it is a plastic molded product, this kind of click stop mechanism can be freely added. The finder assembly having the above configuration realizes the above functions simply and inexpensively.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state in which the finder assembly shown in FIG. 6 is used by being mounted on an electronic camera. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the mounted state, and FIG.
As shown in the drawing, when the main body 50 of the camera supporting the liquid crystal display panel is tilted with the finder assembly 5 mounted on the electronic camera 1, a photograph is taken while viewing the liquid crystal display panel while operating the lens mechanism 2. can do. This is very close to the operability of a single-lens reflex camera, and it is conceivable that such shooting styles will increase as the performance of electronic cameras increases.

As described above, the finder assembly of the present invention is manufactured independently of an electronic camera, a video camera, a mobile terminal, and the like, and can be used by freely connecting with an appropriate connecting portion. . In addition, it can be provided to the market as a dedicated finder assembly from the beginning as an accessory for electronic cameras, video cameras, and mobile terminals. Although the translucent film 9 is attached to the hood 6 in the above specific example, if the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel are not conspicuous, the translucent film 9 may be used without the translucent film 9. Absent.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic camera and a finder assembly showing an embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of main parts of a finder assembly according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a state before mounting to an electronic camera, FIG. 2B is a state after mounting, and FIG. .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modification of a specific connecting portion.

4A and 4B show an example in which the finder assembly of the present invention is used in a mobile phone, and FIG.
(B) is a perspective view of the state after mounting.

5A and 5B show an example in which the finder assembly of the present invention is applied to a video camera, wherein FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a state before mounting, and FIG.

6A and 6B show a specific example of a connecting portion, wherein FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a frame fixed to the liquid crystal display panel side of the connecting portion and a hood of a finder assembly, FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIG. FIG.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state when the finder assembly is mounted on an electronic camera and used, and FIG.
(B) is a perspective view of the state at the time of use.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic camera 2 Lens mechanism 3 Shutter mechanism 4 Liquid crystal display panel 5 Finder assembly 6 Hood 7 Eyepiece 8 Chain 11 Steel frame 12 Magnet frame 9 Translucent film

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 17/56 G03B 17/56 Z 5C022 19/02 19/02 5G435 G09F 9/00 362 G09F 9/00 362 H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 BF // H04N 101: 00 101: 00 F term (reference) 2H018 AA02 AA32 BE01 2H054 AA01 CD03 2H083 AA09 AA10 AA11 AA21 AA30 AA34 EE01 EE06 EE07 EE08 2H100 AA01 BB06 BB09 CC09 EE22 5C022 AA13 AC03 AC08 AC61 5G435 AA01 BB12 BB16 EE02 EE05 FF01 GG02 LL07 LL14

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An eyepiece disposed to focus on a display screen of a liquid crystal display panel, a hood for shielding an optical path from a periphery of the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel to the eyepiece from outside light, and the hood And a connecting portion having a switching mechanism for switching between a state in which the hood and the eyepiece are retracted from the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel, and a state in which the eyepiece is mounted on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. Finder assembly. 2. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein a translucent film is disposed in a position between the display screen of a liquid crystal display panel inside the hood and the eyepiece and close to the liquid crystal display panel. A finder assembly characterized by: 3. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes an attaching / detaching mechanism for temporarily connecting a frame of the liquid crystal display panel to an edge of the hood. assembly. 4. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a hinge connecting a frame of the liquid crystal display panel and an edge of the hood. 5. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display panel is provided in a captured image monitor of an electronic camera. 6. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display panel is provided on an operation screen display section of a mobile terminal. 7. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is fixed to the liquid crystal display panel side and has a side surface provided with a slider, and the slide rail formed at an edge of the hood. A finder assembly comprising: a slider that fits into the finder. 8. The finder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is configured to be capable of changing a thickness for adjusting a distance between a lens and a liquid crystal display panel. 9. The finder assembly according to claim 3, wherein a translucent film is fixed integrally with the hood at a position of the hood facing the liquid crystal display panel. 10. The finder assembly according to claim 3, wherein a translucent film is fixed integrally with the attachment / detachment mechanism at a position of the attachment / detachment mechanism facing the liquid crystal display panel.