JP2002258392A - Electronic equipment, camera with printer function, control method for electronic equipment, control method for camera with printer function, and medium for providing control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera with a printer function, etc., which can securely make a print by avoiding trouble caused by an obstacle at the periphery of a print paper discharge opening when print paper is discharged. SOLUTION: Distance measurement light for obstacle detection is projected on the periphery of the print paper discharge opening and photodetected to detect whether there is an obstacle within a specific distance (at the periphery of the print paper discharge opening) through triangulation; when the obstacle is detected, print paper is inhibited from being discharged and a lamp is made to illuminate or blink to warn a user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera with a printer function and the like in which a camera for recording a still image and a printer for printing a photographed image are integrated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been a demand for printing photographs taken by a still camera or the like on the spot.
In response to this demand, a camera with a printer function that captures image information captured by electronic imaging means such as a solid-state imaging device into a memory and arbitrarily prints the image information (discharges from a print paper discharge port) is known. This is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-136325.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional camera with a printer function, when the print paper is discharged, the print paper is removed in a state where there is an obstacle around the print paper discharge port that hinders the smooth movement of the print paper. When the paper is ejected, there is a problem in that the printed paper is deformed and the captured image to be transferred is disturbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention is directed to a camera with a printer function and the like capable of performing a reliable print by avoiding a trouble that occurs when the print paper is discharged due to an obstacle around the print paper discharge port. The purpose is to provide.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in an electronic apparatus according to the present invention, there is provided a printing means for printing information on a printing paper and discharging the printing paper to the outside, and discharging the printing paper. An obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle near an exit, and a print prohibiting means for prohibiting a printing operation by the printing means when the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention,
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the obstacle detection unit detects only an obstacle present in a limited range near the outlet.

In the electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention,
The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that outputs predetermined warning information to the outside when the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera with a printer function, comprising: an image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject; and a print unit for printing a picked-up image obtained by the image pickup unit on a print paper and discharging the printout to the outside. An obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle in the vicinity of an outlet of the printing paper, and a print for inhibiting a printing operation by the printing means when the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle. Prohibiting means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera with a printer function according to the fourth aspect, wherein the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle present in a limited area near the discharge port. It is characterized by detecting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera with a printer function according to the fourth or fifth aspect, when the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle, a predetermined external device is provided. A warning means for outputting warning information is provided.

In a camera with a printer function according to the present invention, a normal distance measuring means for executing a normal distance measuring mode for measuring a distance to a subject is provided, based on a result of distance measurement in the normal distance measuring mode. In a camera with a printer function, comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, and a print means for printing the picked-up image obtained by the image pickup means on a print paper and discharging the print paper to the outside, an obstruction near the discharge outlet of the print paper. An obstacle detection unit that executes an obstacle detection mode for detecting an object; a selection unit that selects the normal ranging mode and the obstacle detection mode; and an outlet other than when the print paper is discharged. Barrier means for blocking, and barrier opening and closing means for opening and closing the barrier in conjunction with selection of the normal ranging mode and the obstacle detection mode. .

In the camera with a printer function according to the present invention, when the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle, the printing operation by the printing means is prohibited. And print prohibiting means for performing printing.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the camera with a printer function according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the obstacle detecting means includes an obstacle existing in a limited range near the discharge port. It is characterized by detecting an object.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera with a printer function according to the seventh to ninth aspects, when the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle, predetermined warning information is externally output. Is output.

In the camera with a printer function according to the present invention, the obstacle detecting means and the normal distance measuring means may have a light projecting lens. And a light receiving means having a light receiving lens.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the camera with a printer function according to the eleventh aspect, the obstacle detecting means transmits a distance measuring signal light radiated in the normal distance measuring mode to an object. It is characterized by comprising means for projecting light to the opposite side and light receiving means.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the camera with a printer function according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the light receiving lens is used in the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode. It is characterized in that the position in the base line length direction is changed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera with a printer function according to any one of the seventh to thirteenth aspects, the selection means selects the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode. A movable member is provided, and a switch function is provided in a positioning portion of the movable member.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera with a printer function according to any one of the seventh to fourteenth aspects, the obstacle detecting means and the normal distance measuring means share an electric circuit. It is characterized by having done.

In the control method of an electronic device according to the present invention, a print process for printing information on a print paper and discharging the print paper to the outside, and an obstacle detection for detecting an obstacle near a discharge port of the print paper. And a print prohibition process for prohibiting a printing operation by the print process when the obstacle detection process detects an obstacle.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device control method according to the sixteenth aspect, the obstacle detection step includes the step of detecting an obstacle existing in a limited range near the discharge port. It is characterized by detecting only an object.

In the control method of an electronic device according to the present invention, in the control method of the electronic device according to the present invention, when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection process, A warning process for outputting predetermined warning information is provided.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of a camera with a printer function, wherein: an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject; and a print means for printing the picked-up image obtained by the image pickup means on a printing paper and discharging the image to the outside. In a camera with a printer function having: an obstacle detection step of detecting an obstacle near the print paper discharge port; and a printing operation by the print step when the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle. A print prohibition process to be prohibited is performed.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the control method for a camera with a printer function according to the nineteenth aspect, the obstacle detection process is performed in a limited range near the discharge port. Is characterized by detecting an obstacle present in the vehicle.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera control method with a printer function according to the nineteenth or second aspect.
0, the control method of the camera with a printer function described in
When the obstacle detection process detects an obstacle, a warning process for outputting predetermined warning information to the outside is provided.

In the control method of a camera with a printer function according to the present invention, a normal distance measuring means for executing a normal distance measuring mode for measuring a distance to a subject, and a distance measuring by the normal distance measuring mode A camera having a printer function, comprising: imaging means for imaging a subject based on the result; and printing means for printing the captured image obtained by the imaging means on a printing paper and discharging the printing paper to the outside. An obstacle detection step of executing an obstacle detection mode for detecting a nearby obstacle; a selection step of selecting the normal ranging mode and the obstacle detection mode; and A barrier opening / closing step for opening / closing a barrier means for blocking an outlet in conjunction with selection of the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode is provided.

In a control method of a camera with a printer function according to the invention according to claim 23, in the control method of a camera with a printer function according to claim 22, when the obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step, the printing is performed. And a print prohibition step for prohibiting the printing operation by the means.

In the control method of a camera with a printer function according to the invention described in claim 24, in the control method of a camera with a printer function according to claim 22 or 23, the obstacle detection process is limited to a vicinity of the discharge port. And detecting an obstacle present in the range.

According to a control method for a camera with a printer function according to the invention of claim 25, in the control method for a camera with printer function according to claims 22 to 24, when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step, A warning process for outputting predetermined warning information to the outside is provided.

According to a control method of a camera with a printer function according to the present invention, in the control method of a camera with a printer function according to any one of claims 22 to 25, the obstacle detection step and the normal distance measurement step include light projection. The present invention is characterized in that the processing is performed using optical means including a light projecting means having a lens and a light receiving means having a light receiving lens.

According to a control method of a camera with a printer function according to the present invention, in the control method of a camera with a printer function according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the obstacle detection process is performed in the normal distance measurement mode. The present invention is characterized in that the processing is performed using an optical configuration including means for projecting the distance signal light to the side opposite to the subject and its light receiving means.

According to a control method of a camera with a printer function according to the invention of claim 28, in the control method of a camera with printer function of claim 26 or 27, the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode are different from each other. The light receiving lens is configured to change its position in the base line length direction.

In the control method of a camera with a printer function according to the invention described in claim 29, in the control method of the camera with a printer function according to any of claims 22 to 28, the selection step includes the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle. It is characterized in that the detection mode is executed by using a selection means having a movable member for selecting a detection mode and having a switch function in a positioning portion of the movable member.

According to a control method of a camera with a printer function according to the present invention, in the control method of a camera with a printer function according to any one of claims 22 to 29, the obstacle detection step and the normal distance measurement step are performed by an electric motor. It is characterized in that the circuit is shared and executed.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program, a print step of printing information on a print sheet and discharging the print information to the outside, and an obstacle for detecting an obstacle near a discharge port of the print sheet A control program having a detection step and a print prohibition step of prohibiting a print operation by the print step when the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle is provided.

[0036] In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 32, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 31, the obstacle detection step exists in a limited area near the discharge port. The method is characterized in that only obstacles that occur are detected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program according to the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detecting step, A warning step for outputting predetermined warning information to the outside is provided.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium for providing a control program, comprising:
A medium for providing a control program for executing a control method of a camera with a printer function, comprising: a printing unit that prints a captured image obtained by the imaging unit on a print sheet and discharges the image to the outside; The program is
An obstruction detecting step of detecting an obstruction near an outlet of the print paper; and a print prohibiting step of prohibiting a printing operation by the printing step when the obstruction detecting step detects an obstacle. It is characterized by.

In the medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 35, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 34, the obstacle detection step exists in a limited area near the discharge port. Detecting a moving obstacle.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program according to the thirty-fourth or thirty-fifth aspect, the control program is characterized in that the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle. A warning step is provided for outputting predetermined warning information to the outside upon detection.

In a medium for providing a control program according to the present invention, a normal distance measuring means for executing a normal distance measuring mode for measuring a distance to a subject, and a result of distance measurement by the normal distance measuring mode Control for executing a control method of a camera with a printer function, comprising: an image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject based on the image data; and a print unit for printing a picked-up image obtained by the image pickup unit on a print paper and discharging the printout to the outside. A medium for providing a program, wherein the control program executes an obstacle detection step of executing an obstacle detection mode for detecting an obstacle near an outlet of the print paper; A selection step of selecting an object detection mode; and a barrier means for blocking the discharge port except when the print paper is discharged, by the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle. In conjunction with the selection of the detection mode is characterized in that a barrier opening and closing step of opening and closing.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program according to the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the control program is provided when the obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step. And a print prohibition step of prohibiting a printing operation by the printing means.

In the medium for providing a control program according to the present invention, the obstacle detecting step may be performed in a limited range near the outlet. Is characterized by detecting an obstacle present in the vehicle.

In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention according to claim 40, in the medium for providing a control program according to claims 37 to 39, the control program detects an obstacle in the obstacle detection step. And a warning step for outputting predetermined warning information to the outside.

In the medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 41, in the medium for providing a control program according to claims 37 to 40, the obstacle detecting step and the normal distance measuring step include a projection lens. The present invention is characterized in that the processing is performed by using an optical unit having a light projecting unit having a light receiving unit and a light receiving unit having a light receiving lens.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program according to the forty-first aspect of the invention, the obstacle detection step includes the step of irradiating the distance measuring signal in the normal distance measuring mode. The present invention is characterized in that the processing is performed using an optical configuration including means for projecting light to the side opposite to the subject and light receiving means.

A medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 43 is a medium for providing a control program according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the control program is used in the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection. A step of changing a position of the light-receiving lens in the base line length direction between the mode and the mode.

In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 44, in the medium for providing a control program according to claims 37 to 43, the selecting step includes the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode. The selection is carried out by using a selection means having a movable member for selecting the above and having a switch function in a positioning portion of the movable member.

In the medium for providing a control program according to the invention described in claim 45, in the medium for providing a control program according to claims 37 to 44, the obstacle detection step and the normal distance measurement step include an electric circuit. It is characterized by being shared and executed.

[0050]

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

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state at the time of normal distance measurement.

In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes an upper cover, 1a denotes a print paper discharge opening opened in the upper cover 1, 1b denotes a warning lamp window provided in the upper cover 1, and a lamp (not shown) is fixed below the warning lamp window. I have. Reference numeral 2 denotes a front cover, and reference numeral 3 denotes a print paper outlet barrier slidably held by the upper cover 1.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a shutter button, 5 denotes a photographing lens unit, 7 denotes a light projecting lens, 8 denotes a light receiving lens, and the light projecting lens 7 is fixed to the finder block 13 shown in FIG. Have been. Reference numeral 9 denotes a front window switching plate which is slidably held by the camera body so as to sandwich the upper portion of the front cover. Details of this configuration will be described later with reference to FIGS.

9a is a light projecting lens window formed on the front window switching plate 9, 9b is a light receiving lens window formed on the front window switching plate 9, and 9c is a finder window formed on the front window switching plate 9. Reference numeral 10 denotes a light projecting prism fixed on the front window switching plate 9, 10a denotes a light projecting prism a surface, 10b denotes a light projecting prism b surface, 11 denotes a light receiving prism fixed on the front window switching plate 9, and 11a denotes a light receiving prism. The light receiving prism a surface and 11b are light receiving prism b surfaces (the configuration of the prism will be described later).

Note that a main power switch (not shown), an LCD window for displaying a captured image, and an image selection button for selecting a stored captured image are provided on a rear surface of the camera.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view showing the state of the camera according to the present embodiment when an obstacle is detected.

At the time of detecting an obstacle, the front window switching plate 9 moves rightward and upward, and at this time, the light projecting prism a surface 10a and the light receiving prism a surface 11a are on the optical axis of the light projecting lens 7 and the light receiving lens 8, respectively. And the light projecting prism b surface 10 b protrudes from the upper cover 1. Reference numeral 12 denotes a print sheet on which a photographed image has been output.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the camera at the time of normal distance measurement, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the camera at the time of detecting an obstacle. This shows a state in which the cover 1 and the barrier 3 are removed and a part of the finder block 13 is left as viewed from above the camera.

In the figure, reference numeral 8a denotes a light receiving lens bar (1) formed on the light receiving lens 8, and 8b denotes a light receiving lens bar (2) formed on the light receiving lens 8. The contact always biases the light receiving lens 8 to the side opposite to the base line length. 13 is a finder block (only the lower part is displayed), and 13a is a finder block 13.
The coil spring 14 is provided on the upper and lower sides, and the coil spring 14 is hung on the light receiving spring hook 8c and the light receiving lens spring 8d, respectively, and the light receiving lens bars 8a, 8
b is urged to contact the front of the light receiving tube 13b (illustrated in FIG. 9).

9d is a light projecting lens window formed on the front window switching plate 9, 9e is a light receiving lens window formed on the front window switching plate 9, and 9f is a barrier opening / closing formed on the front window switching plate 9. Pushing parts (1) and 9g are barrier opening / closing pushing parts (2) formed on the front window switching plate 9, and are used for printing.
f and 9g are in contact with the barrier projection 3a and the barrier projection 3b (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6).

9h is a V-shaped light emitting side V-shaped part (1), 9i is a V-shaped light emitting side V-shaped part (2),
9j is a V-shaped light receiving side portion (1), and 9k is a V-shaped portion.
A light-receiving side V-shaped part (2) having a V-shape, a V-shaped elastic click part 17c formed integrally with the elastic body 17 having conductivity, and a V-shape formed integrally with the elastic body 18 The position of the front window switching plate 9 is maintained by meshing with the elastic click portions 18c each having a shape.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a distance measurement changeover switch fixed in accordance with the shape of the light projecting side V-shaped portion 9i. The distance measurement changeover switch 20 turns on and off the elastic click portion 17c by moving the front window changeover plate 9. Is a distance measurement changeover switch fixed in accordance with the shape of the light projecting side V-shaped portion 9h, and turns on and off the elastic body click portion 18c by moving the front window switching plate 9.

Reference numerals 21a, 20a, and 17d are respectively connected to the microcomputer by lead wires from the distance measurement changeover switches 21, 20 and the elastic body click portion 17c. Reference numeral 9l denotes a rear surface portion of the front window switching plate formed on the front window switching plate 9, the front end of which has an L-shaped bent portion, and at least one guide portion 9n protruding on the surface is formed. . Reference numeral 9m denotes a front window switching plate projection formed by projecting below the rear surface portion 9l of the front window switching plate. The elastic force of the main body projection 19b formed by projecting from the camera body 19 and the elastic click portion 17c. (However, the contact is made when an obstacle is detected).

Reference numeral 17a denotes an elastic body mounting portion formed integrally with the elastic body 17, which is fixed to the upper cover 1 by screws or by bonding. Reference numeral 17b denotes an elastic body press-contact portion formed integrally with the elastic body 17, and an L-shaped upright bent portion at the front end of the front window switching plate rear surface portion 19 formed on the front window switching plate 9, which is a guide portion 9n. Are urged to abut against a guide receiver (not shown) formed on the finder block 13.

Reference numeral 9o denotes a front window switching plate projection formed on the front window switching plate 9, the tip of which has an L-shaped bent portion, and at least one guide 9q protruding on the surface thereof. Have been. Reference numeral 9p denotes a front window switching plate projection formed by projecting below the rear surface portion 9o of the front window switching plate. The elastic force of the main body projection 19a formed by projecting from the camera body 19 and the elastic click portion 18c. (However, the contact is made when an obstacle is detected).

Reference numeral 18b denotes an elastic body pressure contact portion formed integrally with the elastic body 18, and a front window switching plate rear surface portion 9o formed on the front window switching plate 9 with its L-shaped upright bent portion at the front end rearward. The guide portion 9q is urged to abut a guide receiver (not shown) formed on the finder block 13.

Reference numeral 9r denotes a light-receiving lens switching bar formed so as to protrude from the surface of the L-shaped bent portion of the rear surface portion 9o of the front window switching plate. Contact or separation due to movement. Numeral 30 denotes a light receiving element and numeral 31 denotes a light emitting element, which is fixed to the rear surface of each lens at an appropriate position and at an interval behind the finder block 13.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the front window switching plate 9 and the barrier 3 during normal distance measurement. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the front window switching plate 9 and the barrier 3 during printing. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG.

In the drawing, reference numeral 1b denotes a barrier guide (1) formed on the back surface of the upper cover 1, and 1c denotes a barrier guide (2), which holds the barrier 3 slidably.

FIG. 8 is a front view around the light receiving lens 8.

13d is a viewfinder block 1
The positioning of the light receiving lens 8 protruded from the lens 3 makes contact with the light receiving lens bars 8a and 8b by the urging force of the light receiving lens spring 16 during normal distance measurement. Reference numeral 23b denotes a light-receiving lens spring stopper, and 23c denotes a light-receiving lens spring stopper, each of which protrudes from the finder block 13, and between which the light-receiving lens spring 16 is fixed in a precharged state.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 13 e denotes a light receiving tube, which is formed in the finder block 13.

FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are diagrams showing light paths of light projection and light reception by the prisms 10 and 11, respectively.
Both the light emitting and receiving sides have two reflecting surfaces 10a, 10
A substance having a mirror effect is vapor-deposited on b, 11a, and 11b, and the two reflecting surfaces are each formed at 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the position of the light receiving lens 8 at the time of normal distance measurement and at the time of detecting a failure. As shown in FIG.
When a failure is detected, the light receiving lens 8 is moved by a predetermined amount toward the base line.

FIG. 12 shows an optical arrangement diagram of the camera of this embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the camera according to the present embodiment (however, only a portion relating to the present invention).

In the drawing, reference numeral 42 denotes a light emitting circuit for driving the light emitting element, and reference numeral 43 denotes a light receiving circuit for performing A / D conversion or the like of a signal from the light receiving element. Reference numerals 20 and 21 are distance measurement changeover switches for selecting normal distance measurement or obstacle detection.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a microcomputer for controlling the entire camera; 46, an image storage unit for storing an electronic photographed image; 47, a print output device for transferring the photographed image to print paper; This is a warning lamp that gives a warning when an obstacle exists near the exit. Reference numeral 49 denotes an image selection switch for selecting an arbitrary captured image when printing the stored captured image.

In the above configuration, during normal distance measurement, the V-shaped portion 9h on the light emitting side, the elastic body click portion 18c, and the V-shaped portion on the light receiving side are used.
The character portion 9j and the elastic body click portion 17c are meshed with each other, and the distance measuring switch 21 and the elastic body click portion 18c mounted on the upper surface of the light emitting side V-shaped portion 9h are meshed and contact with each other. Becomes

As a result, the front window switching plate 9 is held, and the main body projection 19b and the front window switching plate projection 9m, and the main body projection 19a and the front window switching plate projection 9o are at the retracted positions. The protruding portions 19a and 19b abut against the lower surfaces of the rear portions 9l and 9p of the front window switching plate, and the front window switching plate 9 is held below the upper surface of the upper cover 1.

At this time, the projection lens window 9a and the projection lens 7
, The light projecting element 31, the light receiving lens window 9b, the light receiving lens 8, and the light receiving element 30 are on the respective optical axes. At this time, the light receiving lens 8 is urged by the light receiving lens spring 16 to the side opposite to the base line length, and the light receiving lens spring portion 8d contacts the positioning of the light receiving lens 8.

Next, the front window switching plate 9 is slid to the right as viewed from the front of the camera, so that the front window switching plate projection 9m and the front window switching plate projection 9p become the main body projection 19b and the main body projection, respectively. 19a, the light emitting side V-shaped portion 9i and the elastic body click portion 17 are reached at the position where the highest point is reached.
c, the light receiving side V-shaped part 2 and the elastic body click part 18c are engaged with each other.

Further, a distance measuring switch 20 and an elastic body click portion 17 mounted on the upper surface of the light projecting side V-shaped portion 9i.
By engaging and contacting c, the obstacle detection mode is set and the front window switching plate 9 is held. As a result, the light projecting prism b surface 10b and the light receiving prism b surface project from the upper cover 1 surface and the light receiving lens 8 is switched. The bar pushes the light receiving lens 8 bar, and moves the light receiving lens 8 to the base line length side.

The reason why the light projecting prism b surface 10b and the light receiving prism b surface protrude from the upper cover 1 surface when an obstacle is detected is as follows.
This is for guiding the optical path to the vicinity of the print paper discharge port (FIG. 10).
reference). Also, the reason why the light receiving lens 8 is moved is that the distance to the vicinity of the print paper discharge port is much shorter than the distance to the subject at the time of normal distance measurement. An image is formed at a position far away from the long side, and thus a large light receiving element is required.
In order to eliminate this adverse effect, the light receiving lens 8 is moved so that the image forming position on the light receiving element is substantially the same as that in the normal distance (see FIG. 11).

With the above-described optical arrangement, the subject distance is calculated and the presence / absence of an obstacle is detected by the well-known triangulation principle at the time of normal distance measurement and obstacle detection. The circuit configuration and method for calculating the distance are described in JP-A-06-2013.
77, etc., and the description is omitted.

Hereinafter, a method of detecting an obstacle near the print outlet will be described with reference to FIG. The light receiving lens 8 of the light projecting lens 7 is arranged at a predetermined distance (d), and near infrared rays passing through the light projecting lens 7 hit an obstacle, and the reflected light passes through the light receiving lens 8 to focus on the light receiving lens 8. An image is formed on the PSD light receiving element 30 arranged at the position of the distance f (there is no image if there is no obstacle). The position at which the image is formed varies according to the subject distance, that is, R1 and R2, which are the distances to the obstacles, according to the principle of the known triangulation method.

By detecting the change amount ls, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of an obstacle within a predetermined distance (Rs). That is, when the change amount ls cannot be detected, it is determined that there is no obstacle within a predetermined distance (Rs). The A / D conversion method of the change amount of ls is disclosed in
77, etc., and will not be described.

Next, the sequence will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the main power supply of the camera is turned on in step S1, the distance measuring switch 2 is turned on in step S2.
Check the status of 1. If the distance measurement switch 21 is ON, it is determined that the distance measurement is the normal distance measurement, and the SH button waits in step S3.

When the SH button is turned on, the distance measurement is performed in step S4. When the distance measurement is completed, the lens is driven in step S5 to focus. In step S6, the shutter is driven to perform exposure, and in step S7, photographing ends.

Thereafter, in step S8, the photographed image data is stored.

The above is the normal photographing. Next, step S
If it is determined in step 2 that the distance measurement switch 21 is off,
In step S9, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the print mode (obstruction detection). If the distance measurement switch 20 is off, the operation of the camera is prohibited (because the state of the distance measurement switches 20, 21 is undefined). .

If it is ON, the image can be selected, and in step S10, the image to be printed out is selected from the stored images (a plurality of images can be selected). Obstacle detection is performed in step S11, and if it is determined in step S12 that there is no obstacle, printout is performed in step S13.
When a plurality of images to be printed are selected, the routine returns to step S11 each time one print is completed.

If it is determined in step S12 that there is an obstacle, a warning lamp 48 is lit in step S14 to warn the user and prohibit printing.

As described above, the present embodiment has the following advantages.

(1) Distance measurement signal light for detecting an obstacle is emitted and received around the print paper outlet, and an obstacle is detected at a predetermined distance (around the print paper outlet) according to the principle of triangulation. The presence / absence is detected, and when an obstacle is detected, the discharge of the printing paper is prohibited, and the lamp is turned on or blinked to warn the user.
As a result, it is possible to eliminate print disturbance due to external factors.

(2) The projection of the front window switching plate 9 serving as a switching member for normal distance measurement and obstacle detection (printing) and the projection similarly provided on the barrier 3 side are used for front window switching. Board 9
, The barrier 3 is moved back and forth to open and shield the print paper discharge port. This allows
It is possible to prevent dust or the like from entering the print paper discharge port during non-printing.

(3) Since the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode are enabled by arranging only one pair of the light projecting lens 7 and the light receiving lens 8 on the camera body, a new light projecting lens for obstacle detection is provided. 7 and the light receiving lens 8 become unnecessary, and the size and cost of the camera are reduced.

(4) The same light projecting and light receiving elements are used at the time of normal distance measurement and obstacle detection, and the signal processing method is the same, so that a new electric circuit is not required. Therefore, the cost is reduced.

(5) When an obstacle is detected, the distance measuring signal light is refracted by 180 degrees by arranging the prisms attached to the front window switching plate 9 on the front surfaces of the light projecting lens 7 and the light receiving lens 8, respectively. It is led around the paper exit. Accordingly, a new light projecting element and light receiving element for detecting an obstacle, and a light projecting lens and a light receiving lens are not required, and the size and cost of the camera can be reduced.

(6) When an obstacle is detected, an image is formed on the light receiving element surface by moving the light receiving lens 8 by a predetermined amount to the base line length side in conjunction with the front window switching plate 9 for the normal distance measurement. Make the position almost the same. Thus, an image can be formed on the light receiving element surface without increasing the size of the light receiving element. Therefore, the circuit characteristics are reduced in cost and low noise.

(7) A changeover switch, which is a conductive member, is disposed on the upper surface of the two V-shaped portions, which are positioning portions of the front window switching plate 9, so that the click of the elastic body, which is conductive, can be performed. By meshing each other at the time of detection and at the time of normal distance measurement, the position of the front window switching plate 9 is maintained and a switching operation is performed. This eliminates the need for a member that performs only the switch function, thereby reducing costs.

The above-described control method can be realized by storing the program according to the flowchart of FIG. 14 described above in the storage device in the microcomputer 45 and operating the program.

The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, but may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device. A storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that it will be completed by doing so.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM can be used. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer performs actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the functions are performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the next program code. Needless to say, the extended function may be performed by a CPU or the like provided in an expansion board or an expansion unit to perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. No.

[0107]

As described above in detail, the present invention has the following effects.

1. When there is an obstacle around the outlet of the printing paper, the printing operation can be prohibited and the user can be warned, whereby it is possible to eliminate the disturbance of the printing due to external factors.

2. Since the discharge port of the printing paper is blocked by the barrier means when printing is not performed, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as dust from entering.

3. Since the optical means (optical components) for obstacle detection is shared with the normal distance measuring means, it is possible to realize a low-cost obstacle detection function.

4. Since the electric circuit of the obstacle detecting means is shared with the normal distance measuring means, a low-cost obstacle detecting function can be realized.

[0112] 5. Since the obstacle detecting means is provided with means (for example, a prism) for projecting the distance measurement signal light to be irradiated in the normal distance measurement mode to the opposite side of the subject, the distance detection signal light can be refracted to the opposite side. No new light projecting lens and light receiving lens, and no light projecting element and light receiving element are required. This makes it possible to realize a low-cost obstacle detection function.

6. Since the position of the light receiving lens in the base line length direction changes between the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode, a large light receiving element is not required. Therefore, a low-cost, low-noise circuit is obtained.

7. Since there is a movable member for selecting between the normal ranging mode and the obstacle detection mode, and a switch function is provided in the positioning portion of the movable member, the cost is reduced.

8. The barrier means is opened and closed in conjunction with the selection of the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode, so when printing is not performed, the print outlet can be blocked by the barrier means, and foreign matter inside the outlet can be blocked. Mixing can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a state of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention during normal distance measurement.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view illustrating a state when the camera according to the embodiment detects an obstacle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the camera during normal distance measurement.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the camera when an obstacle is detected.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the front window switching plate 9 and the barrier 3 during normal distance measurement.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the front window switching plate 9 and the barrier 3 during printing.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line A-A 'of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a front view around the light receiving lens 8;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating light paths of light projection and light reception by prisms 10 and 11;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the position of the light receiving lens 8 at the time of normal distance measurement and at the time of obstacle detection.

FIG. 12 is an optical layout diagram of the camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a characteristic operation of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 Upper cover 1a Print outlet 1b Warning lamp 3 Barrier 3a, 3b Barrier projection 7 Light emitting lens 8 Light receiving lens 9 Front window switching plate 9f Barrier opening / closing pusher 9g Barrier opening / closing pusher 9h Light emitting side V-shaped portion 9i Light emission Side V-shaped portion, 9r Light-receiving lens switching bar 9j Light-receiving side V-shaped portion 9k Light-receiving side V-shaped portion 9m Front window switching plate projection 9p Front window switching plate projection 10 Light emitting prism 10a Light emitting prism a 10b Light emitting prism b Surface 11 Receiving prism 11a Receiving prism a surface 11b Receiving prism b surface 12 Printing paper 17 Elastic body 17c Elastic body click part 18 Elastic body 18c Elastic body click part 30 Light receiving lens 31 Light emitting lens

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G02B 7/28 G03B 17/04 2H100 G03B 13/36 17/18 Z 2H101 17/02 17/48 2H102 17 / 04 19/02 2H104 17/18 H04N 5/225 F 5C022 17/48 A 5C052 19/02 5/76 E H04N 5/225 G02B 7/11 B Z 5/76 G03B 3/00 A F-term (reference) 2C055 CC00 EE00 2C061 AP10 HK11 HN22 2H011 AA06 BA14 BB01 2H051 AA00 BB20 CA10 CB29 CE23 CE30 EA29 EB20 GA02 2H054 AA01 BB11 CD00 2H100 AA32 AA33 BB05 BB06 CC07 EE06 2H101 BB00 AB02A03 BC02A03 BC02A03 ABC AC78 CA00 5C052 AA12 AB04 FA02 FA03 FC01 FC06 FE07

Claims (45)

[Claims] 1. A printing means for printing information on a printing paper and discharging the printing paper to the outside, an obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle near an outlet of the printing paper, and the obstacle detecting means detecting an obstacle And a print prohibition unit for prohibiting a printing operation by the printing unit when the printing is performed. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obstacle detection unit detects only an obstacle present in a limited area near the outlet. 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that outputs predetermined warning information to the outside when the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle. 4. A camera with a printer function, comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject; and a print means for printing a picked-up image obtained by said image pickup means on a print paper and discharging the print paper to the outside. A printer comprising: an obstacle detection unit that detects an obstacle near an exit; and a print prohibition unit that prohibits a printing operation by the printing unit when the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle. Camera with function. 5. The camera with a printer function according to claim 4, wherein said obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle present in a limited area near said outlet. 6. The printer with a printer function according to claim 4, further comprising warning means for outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when said obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle. camera. 7. A normal distance measuring means for executing a normal distance measuring mode for measuring a distance to a subject, an image pickup means for photographing an object based on a distance measurement result in the normal distance measuring mode, and the image pickup means Executing an obstacle detection mode for detecting an obstacle in the vicinity of the discharge port of the print paper in a camera with a printer function including a printing unit that prints the captured image obtained on the print paper on a print paper and discharges the print image to the outside. Obstacle detecting means, a selecting means for selecting the normal distance measuring mode and the obstacle detecting mode, a barrier means for blocking the discharge port except when the print paper is discharged, and the normal distance measuring mode. A camera with a printer function, comprising: barrier opening / closing means for opening / closing the barrier in conjunction with selection of the obstacle detection mode. 8. The camera with a printer function according to claim 7, further comprising print prohibition means for prohibiting a printing operation by said printing means when said obstacle detection means detects an obstacle. 9. The camera with a printer function according to claim 7, wherein the obstacle detecting means detects an obstacle present in a limited area near the outlet. 10. The camera with a printer function according to claim 7, further comprising a warning unit that outputs predetermined warning information to the outside when the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle. 11. The obstacle detecting means and the normal distance measuring means share optical means including a light projecting means having a light projecting lens and a light receiving means having a light receiving lens. The camera with a printer function according to claim 7. 12. The obstacle detecting means includes means for projecting a distance measuring signal light to be irradiated in the normal distance measuring mode to a side opposite to a subject, and light receiving means therefor. 12. The camera with a printer function according to 11. 13. The printer according to claim 11, wherein the position of the light receiving lens in the base line length direction changes between the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode. Camera with function. 14. The selection means has a movable member for selecting the normal ranging mode and the obstacle detection mode.
14. The camera with a printer function according to claim 7, wherein a switch function is provided in a positioning portion of the movable member. 15. The camera with a printer function according to claim 7, wherein said obstacle detecting means and said normal distance measuring means share an electric circuit. 16. A print process for printing information on print paper and discharging the print paper to the outside, an obstacle detection process for detecting an obstacle near an outlet of the print paper, and an obstacle detection process for detecting an obstacle. And a print prohibition step of prohibiting a print operation by the print step when the control is performed. 17. The electronic device control method according to claim 16, wherein the obstacle detection step detects only an obstacle present in a limited range near the discharge port. 18. The electronic apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a warning step of outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step. Control method. 19. A camera with a printer function, comprising: imaging means for capturing an image of a subject; and printing means for printing a captured image obtained by the imaging means on a printing paper and discharging the printing paper to the outside. A printer for executing an obstacle detection step of detecting an obstacle near an exit and a print inhibition step of inhibiting a printing operation by the print step when the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle. How to control a camera with functions. 20. The control method for a camera with a printer function according to claim 19, wherein the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle present in a limited area near the outlet. 21. The printer function according to claim 19, further comprising a warning step of outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle. Camera control method. 22. A normal distance measuring means for executing a normal distance measuring mode for measuring a distance to a subject, an image pickup means for photographing the object based on a result of the distance measurement in the normal distance measuring mode, and the image pickup means Executing an obstacle detection mode for detecting an obstacle near a discharge port of the print paper in a camera having a printer function including a printing unit that prints the captured image obtained on the print paper on a print paper and discharges the print image to the outside. An obstacle detection step, a selection step of selecting the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode, and a barrier means for blocking the discharge port except when the print paper is discharged, in the normal distance measurement mode and the normal distance measurement mode. A method for controlling a camera with a printer function, comprising: a barrier opening / closing process that opens and closes in conjunction with selection of an obstacle detection mode. 23. The camera with a printer function according to claim 22, further comprising a print prohibition step of prohibiting a printing operation by said printing means when an obstacle is detected in said obstacle detection step. Control method. 24. The control method for a camera with a printer function according to claim 22, wherein the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle present in a limited range near the discharge port. 25. The camera with a printer function according to claim 22, further comprising a warning step of outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step. Control method. 26. The obstacle detection step and the normal distance measurement step are performed by using optical means having light projecting means having a light projecting lens and light receiving means having a light receiving lens. A method for controlling a camera with a printer function according to any one of claims 22 to 25. 27. The obstacle detecting step is performed by using an optical configuration including a unit for projecting a distance measuring signal beam emitted in the normal distance measuring mode to a side opposite to a subject and a light receiving unit thereof. The method for controlling a camera with a printer function according to claim 26, characterized in that: 28. The printer according to claim 26, wherein the position of the light receiving lens in the base line length direction changes between the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode. How to control a camera with functions. 29. The selecting step is performed by using a selecting means having a movable member for selecting the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode and having a switch function in a positioning part of the movable member. 22. The method according to claim 22, wherein
9. The control method of the camera with a printer function according to 8. 30. The control method for a camera with a printer function according to claim 22, wherein the obstacle detection step and the normal distance measurement step are executed by sharing an electric circuit. 31. A printing step of printing information on a printing paper and discharging the printing paper to an outside, an obstacle detection step of detecting an obstacle near an outlet of the printing paper, and the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle. A medium for providing a control program, comprising: a control program having a print prohibition step of prohibiting a print operation in the print step when the print operation is performed. 32. The medium according to claim 31, wherein the obstacle detecting step detects only an obstacle present in a limited range near the outlet. 33. The control program according to claim 31, further comprising a warning step of outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step. The medium to provide. 34. A control method for a camera with a printer function, comprising: imaging means for imaging a subject; and printing means for printing a captured image obtained by the imaging means on a print sheet and discharging the image to the outside. A control program, the control program comprising: an obstacle detection step of detecting an obstacle near a discharge port of the print sheet; and A medium for providing a control program, comprising: a print prohibition step of prohibiting a print operation by a print step. 35. The medium according to claim 34, wherein the obstacle detecting step detects an obstacle present in a limited area near the outlet. 36. The control program according to claim 34, wherein the control program includes a warning step of outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when the obstacle detection step detects an obstacle. A medium for providing the control program described above. 37. A normal distance measuring means for executing a normal distance measuring mode for measuring a distance to an object, an image pickup means for imaging an object based on a result of distance measurement in the normal distance measuring mode, and the image pickup means A print medium for providing a control program for executing a method of controlling a camera with a printer function, comprising: a printing unit that prints the captured image obtained in step 1 on print paper and discharges the print image to the outside. An obstacle detection step of executing an obstacle detection mode for detecting an obstacle near an outlet of the print paper; a selection step of selecting the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode; A barrier opening / closing step of opening / closing the barrier means for closing the outlet in conjunction with the selection of the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode other than at the time of discharging. A medium for providing a control program, comprising: 38. The control program according to claim 37, wherein the control program includes a print prohibition step of prohibiting a printing operation by the printing means when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step. A medium that provides a control program. 39. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 37, wherein the obstacle detecting step detects an obstacle present in a limited range near the outlet. 40. The control program according to claim 37, wherein the control program includes a warning step of outputting predetermined warning information to the outside when an obstacle is detected in the obstacle detection step. A medium that provides a control program. 41. The obstacle detecting step and the normal distance measuring step are performed by using optical means having a light projecting means having a light projecting lens and a light receiving means having a light receiving lens. 41. A medium for providing the control program according to claim 37. 42. The obstacle detecting step is performed using an optical configuration including means for projecting a distance measuring signal light to be irradiated in the normal distance measuring mode to a side opposite to a subject, and light receiving means therefor. 42. A medium for providing a control program according to claim 41. 43. The control program according to claim 41, further comprising a step of changing a position of the light receiving lens in a base line length direction between the normal distance measurement mode and the obstacle detection mode. Or a medium for providing the control program according to 42. 44. The selecting step is performed by using a selecting means having a movable member for selecting the normal ranging mode and the obstacle detection mode and having a switch function in a positioning part of the movable member. A medium for providing a control program according to any one of claims 37 to 43. 45. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 37, wherein the obstacle detection step and the normal distance measurement step are executed by sharing an electric circuit.