JP2002112097A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera in which a magnification can be set arbitrarily by a photographer at the time of turn on power. SOLUTION: The camera comprises a collapsible lens barrel 1, a zoom initial position selecting button 31 for inputting the zoom magnification at the time of turn on power, and means 34 for storing the optical zoom magnification at the time of turn on power as an initial optical zoom magnification information, wherein the collapsible lens barrel 1 is fed out at the time of turn on power of the camera and stopped at a zoom magnification position stored in the storage means 34.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to control when a camera is turned on.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a camera using a collapsible lens barrel, when a power switch of the camera is turned on, the collapsible lens barrel is extended from the camera body and stopped at a shooting position in a wide state. Is set. When the zoom magnification change button of the camera is operated in the Tele direction, the retractable lens barrel is further extended, and stops at the position where the operation of the zoom magnification change button is completed. When the power switch is turned off, the retractable lens barrel is stored in the camera.

The collapsible lens barrel normally moves while being regulated by a cam curve as shown in FIG. This cam curve is formed in the order of the retracted state position, the Wide state position, and the Tele state position. Therefore, when the power is turned on, the camera stops at the Wide state position, which is the next stop position after the retracted state position, and enters the shooting state.

[0004]

However, the conventional camera has the following problems. (1) Normally, when the power of the camera is turned on, the retractable lens barrel is in the Wide state position and is in the shooting state. However, even when the photographer wants to instantly zoom up and shoot an object, the system always stops at the Wide state position after the power is turned on. Therefore, in order to shift to the Tele state position, it is necessary to further move from the Wide state position to the Tele state position. It is necessary to operate the zoom lever. Therefore,
It is very inconvenient for photographers, such as missing a photo opportunity.

[0005] (2) In recent years, digital still cameras using image pickup devices have been drastically increasing in place of conventional cameras using silver halide films. In this digital camera,
In order to improve portability, a retractable lens barrel is used. In the case of a digital still camera, an electronic zoom in which a captured image is temporarily stored and electronically enlarged is employed. In the electronic zoom, since the number of pixels of an image sensor is increasing, even if a captured image is enlarged, a still image sufficient for appreciation can be captured. The digital still camera equipped with the electronic zoom uses both the optical zoom using a lens and the electronic zoom.
If the electronic zoom is three times, by combining them, an image up to nine times can be captured. Therefore, it is very inconvenient to stop in the wide state when the power is turned on.

(3) In addition to conventional still images, when shooting moving images such as MPEG, if the camera is stopped at the Wide state position when the power is turned on, a shooting opportunity is missed, which is very difficult for the photographer. Hard to use.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera in which a photographer can arbitrarily set a power-on magnification.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a camera according to the first aspect of the present invention is a collapsible lens mirror which is provided so that it can be extended and retracted between a collapsed position and a photographing position. A tube, a driving unit for changing the optical zoom magnification by driving the collapsible lens barrel, a control unit for controlling the driving unit, an input unit for inputting an optical zoom magnification at power-on, and the input Storage means capable of storing the optical zoom magnification at power-on as initial optical zoom magnification information by an input operation from the means, wherein the initial optical zoom magnification information is stored in the storage means by an input from the input means. When the power is turned on, the retractable lens barrel is extended and stopped at an optical zoom magnification position based on the initial optical zoom magnification information. .

With this configuration, when the initial optical zoom magnification information is stored in the storage unit by an input from the input unit,
When the power is turned on, the retractable lens barrel is automatically extended to the optical zoom magnification position based on the initial optical zoom magnification information and stopped.

A camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
An image sensor, a lens barrel for forming a subject image on the image sensor, an image storage unit for temporarily storing an image signal obtained from the image sensor, and an image signal read from the image storage unit Electronic zoom means for performing electronic zoom processing at a constant magnification, input means for inputting a zoom magnification of the electronic zoom means at power-on, and electronic control at power-on by an input operation from the input means. A storage unit capable of storing a zoom magnification as initial zoom magnification information, wherein when the initial zoom magnification information is stored in the storage unit by an input from the input unit, the initial zoom magnification information is stored when the power is turned on. The zoom magnification is set based on the following.

With this configuration, when the initial zoom magnification information is stored in the storage means by an input from the input means, when the power is turned on, the optical zoom magnification is automatically set based on the initial zoom magnification information.

A camera according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
Move out between the imaging device and the retracted position and the photographing position,
A retractable lens barrel provided so as to be stowable, driving means for driving the retractable lens barrel to change the optical zoom magnification, control means for controlling the driving means, and wherein the optical zoom magnification is the largest. Image storage means for temporarily storing an image signal obtained from the image sensor in a state, and electronic zoom means for performing electronic zoom processing at a constant magnification on the image signal read from the image storage means, Input means for inputting an optical zoom magnification and an electronic zoom magnification at power-on, and storage means capable of storing the optical zoom magnification or the electronic zoom magnification at power-on as initial zoom magnification information by an input operation from the input means When the initial zoom magnification information is stored in the storage means by an input from the input means, the power supply is turned on based on the zoom magnification information. Corresponding to this zoom magnification information, an operation of extending and retracting the retractable lens barrel to the optical zoom magnification position, or extending and stopping the retractable lens barrel to a position where the maximum optical magnification is obtained. An operation for setting the electronic zoom magnification stored in the storage means is performed.

With this configuration, when the initial optical zoom magnification information is stored in the storage unit by an input from the input unit,
When the power is turned on, the optical zoom magnification position and the electronic zoom magnification are automatically set based on the initial optical zoom magnification information.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, regarding the first embodiment,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable lens barrel of the camera according to the first embodiment, FIG.
Is a development view of the cam barrel of the collapsible lens barrel, FIG.
(C) shows the collapsed state, the wide use state, and T
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the camera, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a selection menu of a zoom initial position selection button of the camera, and FIG. FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams schematically illustrating an imaging screen when a zoom magnification of a camera is changed.

The collapsible lens barrel 1 provided in the camera 18 has an optical system structure that changes the focal length by moving the first lens group L1 and the second lens group L2 back and forth in the direction of the optical axis A by the cam barrel 2. A CCD (solid-state imaging device) 3 is provided at an image forming position of the zoom lens. These first group lens L1 and second group lens L2 are held by first group lens frame 4 and second group lens frame 5, respectively. The CCD 3 is attached to a back plate 6 fixed at a predetermined position.

The first group lenses L1 and L2 are fixed at predetermined positions.
A straight groove 8 is formed on the outer periphery of the fixed cylinder 7 for guiding the group lens L2 along the direction of the optical axis A. A cam pin 9 projecting from the first lens frame 4 is formed in the straight groove 8. The cam pins 10 protruding from the second group lens frame 5 are fitted respectively. Three cam pins 9 and 10 are protruded at equal intervals (approximately 120 ° interval) on the outer peripheral portion of the first lens frame 4 and the second lens frame 5, and three straight grooves 8 are also provided at equal intervals. Is formed. Thereby, the first group lens frame 4
The second group lens frame 5 is stably supported by the rectilinear groove 8 via the three cam pins 9 and 10, so that it can move back and forth in the direction of the optical axis A. Further, the cam pins 9 and 10
Are fitted into the cam grooves 11 and 12 formed on the inner periphery of the cam cylinder 2 through the rectilinear grooves 8. The cam grooves 11 and 12 are 1
It is formed in a non-linear shape determined according to the movement locus between the group lens frame 4 and the second group lens frame 5.

The cam cylinder 2 is rotatably provided on the outer periphery of the fixed cylinder 7. A gear 13 is provided on the outer periphery of the cam cylinder 2.
Is formed, and the driving force transmission gear 14 is meshed with the gear 13. The driving force transmission gear 14 is used for a variable power (driving) of a stepping motor or the like via a reduction gear train 15.
It is connected to the output shaft of the motor 16. Therefore, when the variable power motor 16 is driven, the driving force is transmitted from the reduction gear train 15 to the driving force transmission gear 14, and the cam cylinder 2 is rotated. As a result, the first group lens frame 4 and the second group lens frame 5 are guided by the
Since it moves along the shapes 1 and 12, zooming is performed.

The cam barrel 2 is formed with three cam grooves 11 and 12 for the first lens frame 4 and the second lens frame 5, respectively. As shown in FIG.
One cam groove 11 will be described. Cam groove 11
Are formed in a non-linear shape in the order of the retracted position, the Wide position, and the Tele position, and the cam pins 9 of the first lens frame 4 are regulated by the cam grooves 11 in the optical axis A direction. In order to advance, it is at position a in the retracted state. Similarly, position b in the Wide state, and position c in the Tele state.
It is in.

As shown in FIG. 3, the retractable lens barrel 1 described above is mounted on the camera 18. In the retracted state where the lens barrel is not used, as shown in FIG. 3A, it is stored in the camera body 18a. Wid
In the state e, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first lens group frame 2 of the retractable lens barrel 1 is extended from the camera body 18a. Note that this feed amount is the same as the cam groove 11 shown in FIG.
Is the difference e in the position where the cam pin 9 is regulated. Te
In the le state, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first lens group frame 2 of the retractable lens barrel 1 is slightly stored in the camera body 18a side compared to the wide state. The amount of extension from the retracted position at this time is the difference f between the positions where the cam pins 9 are regulated by the cam grooves 11 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, a microcomputer 19 is mounted on the camera 18 as control means for controlling the camera 18. This microcomputer 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes a motor control unit 22 based on signals from a power switch 20 and a zoom lever 21 provided on the camera 18.
Control the motor 16 for zooming. Variable power motor 1
6 rotates by a predetermined amount in accordance with a pulse output from the motor driving means 23 in accordance with a command from the motor control means 22.
Therefore, the retractable lens barrel 1 is driven by the driving force of the zoom motor 16. Microcomputer 19
Determines the current zoom position of the retractable lens barrel 1 by counting the number of pulses output from the motor control means 22. Note that a position detection sensor 24 is provided to detect the retracted state of the retractable lens barrel 1, and the drive of the magnification motor 16 is stopped when retracted according to a signal from the position detection sensor 24. By operating the zooming lever 21, the retractable lens barrel 1 is moved.
Is moved to a predetermined zoom position. By pressing the shutter button 25, an image can be captured at a predetermined zoom magnification.

The CCD 3 is an image pickup device that converts an image incident through the collapsible lens barrel 1 into an electric signal.
The operation is controlled by the CD drive control means 27. C
Analog signal processing means 28 is connected to the CD 3, and the analog signal processing means 28 performs analog signal processing such as gamma processing on the video signal obtained by the CCD 3. The analog signal processing means 28 includes the A / D conversion means 2
The A / D converter 9 converts the analog video signal output from the analog signal processor 28 into a digital signal. A digital signal processing means 30 is connected to the A / D conversion means 29. The digital signal processing means 30 converts the video signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion means 29 into noise reduction, contour enhancement and the like. Apply digital signal processing.

The camera 18 has, for example, an EEPROM.
And a zoom initial position selection button 31 as an input means. The zoom initial position selection button 31 is
Button for selecting the zoom magnification of the camera 18 when the power switch 20 is turned on.
There are several stages up to the ele state position. The value selected by the zoom initial position selection button 31 is stored in the storage means 34. When the power of the camera 18 is once turned off and then the power switch 20 is turned on, the microcomputer 19 reads out the value stored in the storage means 34 and sends the value to the motor control means 22 to the retractable lens barrel 1.
To which position is to be driven. In this embodiment, the zoom initial position selection button 31
Are provided with a zoom magnification increasing button 31a and a zoom magnification decreasing button 31b.

The operation of the camera 18 thus configured will be described below. When the position in the Wide state is selected by the zoom initial position selection button 31 provided on the camera 18, after the power switch 20 is turned on,
The retractable lens barrel 1 is extended forward and stops at the position in the Wide state shown in FIG. In other words, by setting the camera to be in the wide state in this way, it is possible to immediately perform shooting at a wide-angle position as shown in FIG. When the telephoto position is selected by the zoom initial position selection button 31, after the power switch 20 is turned on, the retractable lens barrel 1 is extended forward and stopped at the position shown in FIG. . In other words, by setting the camera to be in the Tele state as described above, it is possible to immediately take a picture at the telephoto position as shown in FIG. Further, the user selects the Wide state position and Te by pressing the zoom initial position selection button 31.
When a position near the middle of the “le” state position is selected, after the power is turned on, photographing at a position as shown in FIG. 6C becomes possible.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the zoom magnification at the time of power-on can be set by the photographer.
The photographing at the zoom magnification required by the photographer can be instantaneously performed without performing useless operations, and the convenience is improved. In particular,
When shooting at the Tele position first, the Wid
Since there is no need to operate the zoom lever 21 from the e state position, there is no inconvenience such as missing a photo opportunity.

The zoom initial position selection button 31 is not limited to the one provided with the zoom initial position selection button 31 and the zoom magnification increasing button 31a as described above. Also, the zoom initial position may be set in a stepless manner within the range from the Wide state position to the Tele state position.
In the present invention, the method of selecting the initial zoom position using the initial zoom position selection button 31 as the initial position selecting means has been described. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even when the method of setting the magnification to the initial value is used.

What is photographed by the camera 18 is:
A similar effect can be obtained even in a system that captures a moving image as well as a still image. The shape of the cam grooves 11 and 12 provided in the cam cylinder 2 is not limited to the shape described in the present embodiment.

Further, the collapsible lens barrel 1 has been described on the assumption that the collapsible lens barrel 1 is for a digital still camera equipped with a CCD 3, but it can also be used as a conventional collapsible lens barrel for a silver halide film. The same effect can be obtained.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a selection menu of a zoom initial position selection button of the camera, and FIGS. 4) schematically shows an imaging screen when the zoom magnification of the camera is changed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the zoom magnification of the camera. The components described so far are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the camera 18 is provided with an image memory 35, an image memory driving means 36, and an electronic zoom means 37. The image memory 35
It temporarily stores the image signal that has passed through the digital signal processing means 30, and is composed of, for example, a RAM. The image memory driving unit 36 controls writing and reading of the image signal to and from the image memory 35, and when a part of the image signal stored in the image memory 35 is read, the image signal is reduced to a desired size. Electronic zoom means 3 to instruct to enlarge
7 The electronic zoom processing means 37 performs electronic enlargement processing (electronic zoom processing) on a part of the image signals read from the image memory 35 to enlarge the image.

The zoom initial position selection button 32 provided on the camera 18 is connected to the power switch 2 of the camera 18.
0 is a button for selecting the zoom magnification of the camera 18 when the electronic zoom magnification is turned on.
× 3 range). The lens barrel 1 has an optical magnification of 1 and is fixed. The value selected by the zoom initial position selection button 32 is stored in the storage unit 34.

The operation of the camera 18 thus configured will be described below. Electronic zoom magnification × 1 by a zoom initial position selection button 32 provided on the camera 18
Is selected, after the power switch 20 is turned on,
Immediately, it is possible to shoot at a wide-angle position as shown in FIG. When the electronic zoom magnification × 3 is selected with the zoom initial position selection button 32, the image is enlarged three times by the electronic zoom processing means 37. Therefore, immediately after the power switch 20 is turned on, it is possible to take a picture at the telephoto position as shown in FIG. 9B.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the zoom factor at power-on can be set by the photographer, it is possible to cope with the electronic zoom, and the optical zoom is not used. Even a camera makes it easier for photographers to use.

The initial zoom position of the electronic zoom area may be set in a stepless manner. As for the electronic zoom, if the system can capture a moving image, the zoom up can be instantaneously performed, so that a higher effect can be obtained.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a camera according to the third embodiment, FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a selection menu of a zoom initial position selection button of the camera, and FIGS. )
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an image capturing screen when the zoom magnification of the camera is changed. The components described so far are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The zoom initial position selection button 33 provided on the camera 18 is a button for selecting the zoom magnification when the power switch 20 of the camera 18 is turned on, and changes the optical magnification of the retractable lens barrel 1. The range can be set separately from a range from the Wide state position to the Tele state position and a range of × 2 and × 3 for changing the electronic zoom magnification. The electronic zoom magnification is, for example, electronic zoom × 2
In the case of, if the optical magnification in the Tele state is 3 times,
The electronic zoom processing means 37 is configured so that the zoom magnification is 6 times (optical magnification 3 times × electronic zoom magnification 2 times). In the case of electronic zoom × 3, the zoom magnification is 9 × (optical magnification × 3 × electronic zoom magnification × 3).
The value selected by the zoom initial position selection button 33 is stored in the storage means 34.

The operation of the camera 18 thus configured will be described below. When the position in the Wide state is selected with the zoom initial position selection button 33 provided on the camera 18, after the power switch 20 is turned on,
The retractable lens barrel 1 is extended forward and stops at the position in the Wide state shown in FIG. In other words, by setting the camera to be in the wide state in this way, it is possible to immediately perform shooting at a wide-angle position as shown in FIG. When the position in the Tele state is selected with the zoom initial position selection button 33,
After turning on the power switch 20, the retractable lens barrel 1
Is fed forward and stops at the position shown in FIG.
In other words, by setting the camera to be in the Tele state in this way, it is possible to immediately take an image at a telephoto position as shown in FIG. Also,
Use the zoom initial position selection button 33 to
When 3 is selected, the optical magnification becomes the Tele state, which is the maximum optical magnification. That is, after turning on the power switch 20, the retractable lens barrel 1 is extended forward.
It stops at the position shown in FIG. Further, the image is magnified three times by the electronic zoom processing means 37. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture at a telephoto position further than the Tele state as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the effects of the first and second embodiments can be obtained, and both the optical zoom and the electronic zoom can be supported. Shooting is instantaneous, making it easier for the photographer to use.

The initial zoom position of the electronic zoom area may be set in a stepless manner. Further, as for the electronic zoom, if the system can capture a moving image, the zoom can be instantly zoomed up, so that a higher effect can be obtained.

[0039]

As described above, according to the camera of the first aspect of the present invention, the photographer can set the zoom magnification when the power is turned on, and the camera is conventionally fixed in the wide state.
According to the present invention, photographing at the zoom magnification required by the photographer can be instantaneously performed without performing useless operations. In particular, Tele
When shooting in the state, there is no need to operate the zooming lever from the Wide state, so that a remarkable effect is obtained that inconvenience such as missing a photo opportunity does not occur.

Further, according to the camera of the second aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to cope with the electronic zoom, a remarkable effect that it can be applied to a camera having no optical zoom is obtained.

According to the camera of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cope with both the optical zoom and the electronic zoom. Effects can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable lens barrel of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a development view of a cam barrel of the collapsible lens barrel.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are perspective views of the camera showing a collapsed state, a Wide use state, and a Tele use state, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the camera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a selection menu of a zoom initial position selection button of the camera.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams schematically showing an imaging screen when a zoom magnification of a camera is changed.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a selection menu of a zoom initial position selection button of the camera.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams schematically showing an imaging screen when the zoom magnification of the camera is changed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a selection menu of a zoom initial position selection button of the camera.

FIGS. 12A to 12C are diagrams each schematically showing an imaging screen when the zoom magnification of the camera is changed.

FIG. 13 is a development view of a cam barrel of a conventional collapsible lens barrel.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 retractable lens barrel 2 cam barrel 3 CCD 4 1 group lens frame 9, 10 cam pin 11, 12 cam groove 16 motor for zooming 18 camera 19 microcomputer 19 (control means) 20 power switch 21 lever for zooming 25 shutter 31 , 32, 33 Zoom initial position selecting means (input means) 34 Storage means 37 Electronic zoom means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A collapsible lens barrel provided between a retractable position and a photographing position so as to be extended and retractable, and driving means for driving the collapsible lens barrel to change an optical zoom magnification; Control means for controlling the driving means, input means for inputting an optical zoom magnification at power-on, and optical zoom magnification at power-on can be stored as initial optical zoom magnification information by an input operation from the input means When the initial optical zoom magnification information is stored in the storage means by an input from the input means, when the power is turned on, up to an optical zoom magnification position based on the initial optical zoom magnification information. A camera characterized in that the retractable lens barrel is extended and stopped. 2. An image pickup device, a lens barrel for forming a subject image on the image pickup device, an image storage device for temporarily storing an image signal obtained from the image pickup device, and a readout from the image storage device. Electronic zoom means for performing an electronic zoom process on the output image signal at a fixed magnification, input means for inputting a zoom magnification of the electronic zoom means at power-on, and power supply by an input operation from the input means Storage means capable of storing the electronic zoom magnification at the time of on as initial zoom magnification information, and when the initial zoom magnification information is stored in the storage means by an input from the input means, when power is turned on, A camera configured to set a zoom magnification based on the initial zoom magnification information. 3. An image pickup device, a retractable lens barrel provided to extend and retract between a retracted position and a photographing position, and an optical zoom magnification is changed by driving the retractable lens barrel. A driving unit, a control unit for controlling the driving unit, an image storage unit for temporarily storing an image signal obtained from the imaging device in a state where the optical zoom magnification is at a maximum, and a readout from the image storage unit. Electronic zoom means for performing an electronic zoom process on the input image signal at a fixed magnification, input means for inputting an optical zoom magnification and an electronic zoom magnification at power-on, and power-on by an input operation from the input means Storage means capable of storing the optical zoom magnification or the electronic zoom magnification at the time as initial zoom magnification information, and the initial zoom magnification information is stored in the storage means by an input from the input means. If the information is stored, based on the zoom magnification information when the power is turned on, the operation of extending the collapsible lens barrel to the optical zoom magnification position corresponding to the zoom magnification information and stopping it, or the maximum operation. A camera characterized in that the retractable lens barrel is extended to an optical magnification and stopped, and an operation of setting the electronic zoom magnification stored in the storage means is performed.