JP2002287226A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera being made so as to be possible to easily perform a shutter releasing operation, without being affected by the personal difference such as disparity of the size of each hand or disparity of the hand more skilful than the other, the way of photographing or the like. SOLUTION: A operation detecting means, being divided into a plurality of areas, for detecting the operation by photographer in each divided area is provided on a camera main body, the releasing operation is performed when the area being preliminary set in the area is operated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for photographing images, such as a silver halide camera, a digital still camera, a film with a lens, and a video camera.
The present invention relates to a shutter release device that can easily perform a shutter release operation for performing photographing based on a request resulting from a dominant hand or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a silver halide camera, a digital still camera, a film with a lens, a video camera, and the like (hereinafter, these are collectively simply referred to as a camera), a shutter release operation (hereinafter, simply referred to as a camera) for releasing a shutter when shooting a still image. The release button (or release switch), which is arranged on the exterior of the camera body, near the left side of the upper surface when viewed from the front (the surface on which the taking lens is attached), is directly The operation is performed by pressing with a finger or by using a release cable attached to the camera body or a remote controller.

[0003] However, the release operation using a cable is convenient to use when the camera is fixed on a tripod or the like. It is time-consuming and cumbersome to attach a camera, and the use of a remote control is convenient in that it allows you to take a picture by remote control when the photographer himself becomes the subject in commemorative photography, etc. When photographing a subject other than the photographer, it is very troublesome to hold the camera with one hand and check the subject with the viewfinder while operating the remote control with the other hand.

[0004] Therefore, it is a relatively special case that the photographer performs photographing using these cables and the remote controller. When performing general photographing, a release button arranged on the camera body is used. It is overwhelmingly common to shoot by pressing.

[0005]

Incidentally, a shutter release button arranged in a conventional camera is often provided on the left side of the upper surface of the camera body when viewed from the front of the lens. This is because a right-handed person often holds the camera body with the right hand and performs the release operation as it is. That is, the conventional camera is designed so that a right-handed photographer can hold the camera with the right hand and easily operate the camera with the right hand.

However, if the release button is arranged in such a position, it is very inconvenient when a left-handed user holds the camera with the left hand to perform the release operation, and in particular, the right hand is inconvenient. Such a user must hold the camera body with his left hand and perform the release operation with his left hand. Although it is conceivable to perform a release operation with a left hand using a cable or a remote controller, there is a problem in operability as described above.

Therefore, when such a user uses a conventional camera to shoot with only his left hand, the camera body is turned upside down, the camera is held with the left hand, and the release operation is performed with the left hand. The button will be located on the underside of the camera body. However, at this time, the release operation has to be pushed up with the thumb of the left hand, which is very difficult to operate, and the thumb is separated from the camera body due to the release operation, which tends to cause camera shake. There was also a problem.

In order to solve this problem, a release button may be arranged on the right side of the upper surface of the camera body as viewed from the front of the lens so that the release operation can be easily performed with the left hand. In addition, since a new mold and the like are required to manufacture a left-hand release camera, the cost of the camera is increased, which is not preferable for the user.

Further, if a release button is arranged on both the upper left side and the upper right side of the camera body when viewed from the front of the lens so that the release operation can be easily performed by the right hand or the left hand, a new mold for a left-handed camera can be provided. Although there is no need to make it, the number of parts for the release operation is increased, which is also not preferable in terms of cost. Further, in the case of a camera capable of performing zoom photographing (magnification photographing), it is necessary to provide a zoom operation unit such as a zoom lever or a zoom switch / button for instructing the lens to be driven. Must also be added for the left hand, which also leads to increased manufacturing costs.

In addition, in the case of a film camera without an automatic film winding mechanism, the film winding knob is generally arranged at the upper right as viewed from the back of the camera. Therefore, even if the release button is placed on both the upper left side and the upper right side of the camera after clearing the above-mentioned problems such as malfunctions, the winding operation of the winding knob located on the upper right of the back of the camera can only be performed with the left hand. This is extremely difficult for the user who is trying to perform all operations for shooting, and since the film winding knob cannot be arranged on both the left and right unlike the release button, the release operation It is difficult to perform all the shooting operations including the above with only the left hand.

Further, even the same right-handed photographer has individual differences such as differences in the size of his hands and the limited number of fingers for release operation due to injury or the like. for that reason,
For example, there is a problem that it is difficult for a photographer with an extremely small hand or a photographer who cannot use the index finger to operate the shutter release button for right-handed use.

Further, the conventional camera has the following problem. In some cases, the camera is switched from landscape (landscape) shooting to portrait (portrait) shooting, but the camera is held during vertical shooting (hold).
Operating the release button provided on the upper surface of the camera body is extremely difficult for the photographer from an ergonomic point of view. Investigate photos that failed
According to the analysis results, the failure rate that the photographer's left finger attached to compensate for the instability of the camera is captured by the edge of the shooting lens and is captured in the photograph is the incidence rate during vertical shooting Turned out to be very high.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-313225 describes a camera in which a release button is arranged on almost the entire upper surface of a camera body, and a camera in which the release button is movable on the upper surface of the camera body. According to these cameras, it is possible to perform a release operation at a desired position irrespective of individual differences such as how the photographer holds the camera and the size of the hand.

However, the camera described in this publication has a problem that the former has a large area of the release button, so that when the release button is touched unintentionally, erroneous photographing is performed. No action has been taken against the problem, and the latter is because despite the fact that the release button position change setting by the photographer is usually set once, it is not performed frequently thereafter. However, since the upper surface of the camera body is always occupied by the release button moving mechanism, the upper surface of the camera body cannot be used for arranging other switches other than the release button, which is an obstacle to miniaturization of the camera. In addition, the number of parts of the release moving mechanism is large, which may cause a failure or increase the cost.

In addition, since the release button of the camera described in this publication moves the release button on the upper surface of the camera body, the above-mentioned difficulty in operation during vertical shooting has not been solved.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-66461 also discloses a camera in which a release button is movable on the upper surface of the camera body. According to this camera, regardless of individual differences such as the way the photographer holds the camera and the size of his hand,
A release operation at a desired position can be performed.

However, in the camera described in this publication, since a guide groove for moving the release button is formed on the camera body, dust or the like may enter the camera body from the guide groove. There are problems as cameras that are precision instruments and optical instruments.

In addition, since the release button of the camera described in this publication moves the release button on the upper surface of the camera body, the above-mentioned difficulty in the operation at the time of vertical shooting is solved. Not only that, but it is not suitable for portrait shooting because of its ergonomics due to its flat shape with a wide top surface.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems without increasing the cost, and regardless of individual differences such as differences in hand size and differences in dominant hands, and shooting methods such as horizontal shooting and vertical shooting. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of easily performing a shutter release operation.

[0020]

A camera according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is provided with an operation detecting means which is divided into a plurality of areas on a camera body and detects an operation by a photographer in each of the areas. In addition, there is provided a release position setting means for permitting photographing when a preset area among the plurality of areas is operated.

In the present invention, the camera body refers to a configuration in which an operation detecting means for performing a release operation is removed from the configuration of a camera that performs photographing.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a camera body 1 according to the first embodiment includes a photographing lens 3 and a finder window 4.
And a strobe 5. With respect to these configurations, a photographing lens, a finder window, and a strobe mechanism of a known camera can be used. When the camera is a digital still camera, a finder display unit composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like may be further provided on the back of the camera body 1.

A touch panel 21 is arranged in front of the camera body 1 and near the taking lens 3. As the configuration of the touch panel itself, a known configuration can be used. For example, a configuration as described in JP-A-5-224611 or JP-A-5-250130 may be used.

The touch panel 21, together with a CPU (not shown) in the camera body 1, constitutes an operation detecting means for detecting that the photographer has operated. As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the touch panel 21 is divided into nine regions 21a to 21i as regions to be touched by the photographer's finger, and the operation detection unit determines that the region touched by the photographer is 21a to 21i. Detect which one.

Prior to photographing, the photographer operates a setting switch (not shown) in advance so that the areas 21a to 21a can be displayed.
Setting and registration are performed by deciding which area (or position) of the area 21i is to be used as an area for performing a release operation (hereinafter, referred to as a release operation area). At this time, the setting switch, a non-volatile memory for storing the set area, a program for controlling the writing of the setting contents to the memory, and the operation of the area set in the memory on the touch panel 21 are detected. The release position setting means of the present invention is constituted by a program or the like which permits photographing in such a case.

It is preferable that the contents once set in the memory be held until the setting switch is operated again to change the set contents. At this time, the area on the touch panel 21 that is set and registered is 1 according to the photographer's request.
In general, an area (position) where the photographer can easily perform the release operation on the camera body 1 during the vertical shooting and the horizontal shooting is determined. Therefore, in the present invention, it is particularly preferable that a plurality of areas be set as release operation areas.

When the release operation area set by the release position setting means is operated among the plurality of areas 21a to 21i in the touch panel 21, photographing is performed, and when an area other than the set area is operated, the photographing is performed. Control is performed so that shooting cannot be performed. For example, the regions 21b, 21
When f and 21h are set as the release operation areas, the areas 21b, 21f, and
Shooting is permitted only when 21h is pressed, and the other areas (21a, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21g, 21
No photographing is performed even if i) is pressed. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce unintended erroneous photographing.

In the present embodiment, the touch panel 21 on which the release operation is performed is arranged not on the upper surface of the camera body 1 as in the prior art but on a plane in front of the camera body. Therefore, as the release operation area, for example, the area 21b
Is set, that is, when the right-handed photographer wants to perform a shooting operation with the left hand even when the camera body 1 is set to the side and is suitable for landscape shooting. Upside down, holding the camera with the left hand, and when performing the release operation with the left hand, it is possible to operate the release button with a finger other than the left thumb (for example, the middle finger). The problem with the dominant hand has been resolved.

However, in the present embodiment, the position (region) in which the release operation is performed can be further set, so that the release operation with the left hand is further improved. That is, for example, if the area 21h is set as a release operation area, the area 21h is located on the upper left side when facing the front of the camera body 1 when the camera body 1 is upside down and held by the left hand. A left-handed photographer can hold the camera body 1 with his left hand and operate the release operation area 21h with his index finger.

When performing vertical shooting (portrait shooting), for example, by registering the area 21f as a release operation area, the position of the area 21h is adjusted to the center of the left and right sides of the camera held vertically. It will be located near. Therefore, the photographer need only perform the pressing operation of the area 21h with the forefinger of the dominant hand, regardless of whether the photographer is right-handed or left-handed, and the operation is good.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second embodiment. Reference numeral 23 in the figure denotes a touch panel arranged on the upper surface and the front surface of the camera body 1 and the lower surface (not shown).

As in the other embodiments described above, as the touch panel 23, a known touch panel can be used as the configuration of the touch panel itself. An operation detecting means for detecting that an operation has been performed by a user.

In this embodiment, the touch panel 23
Is shown as the area touched by the photographer's finger 23
In addition to the eight areas a to 23h, areas 23i and 23j are arranged on the lower surface of the camera body 1 so as to be connected in a belt shape (belt shape).
a to 23j are detected.

Prior to photographing, the photographer operates a setting switch (not shown) in advance so that the areas 23a to 23
The setting is performed by determining which area (or position) of j is to be used as the release operation area. A setting switch at this time, a nonvolatile memory for storing the set contents, a program for performing control for writing the set contents to the memory,
The release position setting means of the present invention is constituted by a program or the like that permits photographing when it is detected that an area set in the memory has been operated on the touch panel 23.

At this time, only one area or a plurality of areas may be set and registered. In the present invention, at least two or more areas can be set as positions for performing the release operation. It is preferable to configure.

It is preferable that the contents once set in the memory be retained until the setting switch is operated again to change the set contents. At this time, the area on the touch panel 23 set / registered is set to 1 according to the photographer's request.
In general, an area (position) where the photographer can easily perform the release operation on the camera body 1 during the vertical shooting and the horizontal shooting is determined. Therefore, in the present invention, it is particularly preferable that a plurality of areas be set as release operation areas.

As an example of the setting contents, when the photographer is right-handed, the area 23b on the upper surface of the camera body 1 is used as a release operation area for horizontal shooting, and the front face of the camera body 1 is used as a release operation area for vertical shooting. If the region 23d is set and the photographing is enabled only when these two regions are operated, the release operation is good regardless of the method of photographing.

As an example of a case where the photographer is left-handed, a release operation area for horizontal shooting is an area 23i on the lower surface of the camera body 1 (the upper surface when held upside down).
Is set as the release operation area at the time of vertical shooting, the area 23d on the front of the camera body 1 is set, and shooting can be performed only when these two areas are operated, regardless of the shooting method and the dominant hand. , The release operation becomes good.

In the first and second embodiments described above,
It is particularly preferable that the area other than the release operation area at the position set and registered by the release position setting means can be used as an execution switch (or button) for performing an operation other than the release operation. For example, in addition to setting the release operation area by the release position setting means described above, operations or functions other than the release operation can be associated with each area on the touch panel, and these associations can be changed. By doing this, operations other than release operation
Functions can also be registered in each area on the touch panel.

As an example of the setting contents, for example, in the second embodiment (FIG. 2), when two places of the areas 23b and 23g are set as the release operation areas, among the other areas, for example, 23a and 23f Is an operation area for driving the photographing lens 3 to the telephoto side for zoom photographing.
Is set as an operation area for driving to the wide side.

As another example, in the second embodiment (FIG. 2), when two areas 23a and 23d are set as release operation areas, for example, 23b is selected from other areas. , 23e as operation areas for driving the photographing lens 3 to the telephoto side for zoom photographing,
Among the remaining areas, for example, 23c and 23f are set as operation areas for driving the photographing lens 3 to the wide side.

As described above, not only the release operation but also the operation buttons (switches) for executing functions related to the camera such as a zoom function, a flash shooting function, a continuous shooting function, etc. The area other than the area registered as the release operation area can be effectively used, and the position of the operation buttons (switches) of other functions can be set and set according to the photographer's request. This makes it possible to make changes and improve the operability, as well as to effectively utilize the area on the camera body without wasting it, contributing to the downsizing of the camera. Will be done.

Further, at this time, a display screen such as a liquid crystal arranged below the touch panel corresponds to each area so that the photographer can easily understand the contents of operations and functions set for each area. It is particularly desirable to configure such that the function name or the operation name or the icon related to the function or the operation is displayed.

As an example of the setting contents, for example, the second
In the embodiment (FIG. 2), 2 of the regions 23b and 23g
When the location is set as a release operation area, 23a, 23f is set as an operation area for driving to the tele side, and 23c, 23h is set as an operation area for driving to the wide side, 23b, 23g below the touch panel 23 An icon indicating a release operation is displayed in an area of the display screen corresponding to the area, an icon indicating tele-side driving is displayed in an area of the display screen corresponding to the areas 23a and 23f, and a display screen corresponding to an area of 23c and 23h. In the middle area, a wide-side drive icon is displayed.

The contents displayed on the display screen area corresponding to each area are not limited to icons, and characters such as "release", "tele-side drive", and "wide-side drive" may be displayed.

In the first and second embodiments, the photographer can preliminarily set and register an area which is easy to use as a release button (area). Regardless of the dominant hand or the way of shooting,
It becomes possible to provide a camera that allows easy release operation.

In addition, even if an area that is not set and registered is inadvertently erroneously pressed, the shutter is not released, so that unintended erroneous photographing can be prevented. In the first and second embodiments, the number of regions on the touch panel is not limited to the above. If more areas are prepared, the position where the release operation is performed can be set more precisely, and functions other than the release operation
The number of operations that can be set can be increased.

Functions other than the release operation that can be set include functions such as a zoom function, a flash function, a continuous shooting function, and a function of setting photographing conditions suitable for a subject (person, landscape, macro, night view, etc.). In addition, operation buttons and setting buttons such as a display setting button for a liquid crystal finder in the case of a digital still camera and a film rewind button in the case of a silver halide still camera can be registered.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the surface on which the touch panel is arranged is not limited to the illustrated one. For example, in the second embodiment (FIG. 2), the belt-shaped touch panel 23 can be extended to the rear surface of the camera body 1 and arranged.

[0051]

According to the camera described in the first aspect, the photographer can perform the release operation at a position where the photographer can easily operate the release operation on the camera body, and can easily perform the release operation. Now you can.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in order to execute an operation or function other than the release operation in an area other than the area set as the area for performing the release operation and which is easy for the photographer to operate. Not only improves the operability of each operation and function, but also makes it possible to effectively use the area on the camera body without wasting it. Also contributed.

According to the camera of the third aspect, the operation / function set in the camera and the set position can be visually recognized by the photographer at a glance, and the operability for photographing is further improved. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera main body 21, 23 Touch panel 3 Shooting lens 4 Viewfinder window 5 Strobe

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An operation detecting means which is divided into a plurality of areas on a camera body and detects an operation by a photographer in each of the plurality of areas, wherein a predetermined area among the plurality of areas is operated. A camera having release position setting means for permitting photographing when the camera is released. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for setting an area for performing an operation other than a release operation in an area other than the area set by the release position setting means, among the plurality of areas. 2. The camera according to 1. 3. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a display related to the set operation in the set area.