JP2004004327A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera in which a forward lens group is made compact in an optical axis direction and the enlargement of camera exterior size due to addition of a self-photographing function is suppressed. <P>SOLUTION: There is provided a changeover mechanism for changing over the reflecting member between a position conducting subject light which is passed through the forward lens group to a backside lens group when photographing a picture and a position to return the subject light which is passed through the forward lens group to the subject side in self-photographing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera that performs imaging by imaging subject light from a subject on a predetermined imaging plane.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, cameras in which zooming and focusing are performed by extending or retracting a lens barrel to improve compactness in the optical axis direction when not in use have become widespread.
[0003]
Furthermore, in Japanese Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2000-515255, subject light guided into the camera body through a front lens group including a front lens provided with a reflection mirror in the camera body, Zooming and focusing functions that are reflected in the direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the front lens group by this reflecting mirror and taken on a solid-state imaging device to take a picture, and are compact in the optical axis direction regardless of use An attached camera has been proposed.
[0004]
By the way, recent portable devices are required to be more compact and have higher functions, and this is the same for cameras.
[0005]
One of the functions to be added to the camera is a self-photographing function. This self-photographing function can be added by placing a convex mirror or the like on the top surface of the camera body, a viewing window on the front side of the camera body, and This is done by providing an indicator such as an LED on the back side of the viewing window.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, when a self-photographing function is added to the camera proposed in Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2000-515255, although the compactness in the optical axis direction is achieved, the camera outer size is increased by the amount of the addition of the self-photographing function. There is a risk of problems.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera in which the front lens group is made compact in the optical axis direction and the enlargement of the outer size of the camera is suppressed by adding a self-photographing function.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the camera of the present invention comprises:
In a camera that takes an image of subject light from a subject on a predetermined imaging plane,
Shooting having a shared lens group facing the subject side, a reflecting member that reflects subject light that has passed through the shared lens group, and a rear lens group that forms an image on the imaging surface of the subject light reflected by the reflecting member The position of the optical system and the reflecting member is directed to the photographing position for reflecting the subject light that has passed through the shared lens group and leading it to the rear lens group, and the subject light that has passed through the shared lens group is directed to the shared lens group. And a switching mechanism for switching between an angle of view confirmation position where the subject light reflected and reflected again through the shared lens group is returned to the subject side.
[0009]
In the camera according to the present invention, the subject light is guided to the rear lens group by arranging the reflecting member at the photographing position at the time of taking a picture, and the reflecting member is arranged at the angle-of-view confirmation position at the time of confirming the photographing field angle of self-photographing. Thus, the subject light is returned to the subject side. As a result, in the camera of the present invention, the front lens group and the rear lens group having an optical axis in a direction different from that of the front lens group are used to take a photograph, thereby making the front lens group compact in the optical axis direction. In addition, the reflecting member can be used to project a self-photographer during self-photographing. Therefore, according to the camera of the present invention, the front lens group can be made compact in the optical axis direction, and a self-photographing function can be added without increasing the outer size of the camera.
[0010]
Here, the camera of the present invention includes an eyepiece lens group that forms a finder optical system in cooperation with the shared lens group,
The switching mechanism adds the position of the reflecting member to the photographing position and the angle-of-view confirmation position, and retracts the subject light that has passed through the shared lens group so as to be guided to the eyepiece lens group. It is preferable to switch between the three positions of the view angle confirmation position.
[0011]
If it does in this way, a finder can be provided at low cost.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the camera of the present invention will be described.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the present embodiment from an oblique front.
[0014]
A camera 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a digital camera with a zoom function that incorporates a CCD solid-state imaging device. In this camera, focusing and zooming are not performed by extending or retracting a lens barrel. This is done by changing the lens interval of the lenses constituting the lens group arranged in the downward direction.
[0015]
The front surface of the camera 1 is provided with a front lens 11, a flash light control window 12 obliquely on the left of the front lens 11, and a flash light emission window 13 adjacent to the left of the flash light control window 12.
[0016]
On the upper surface of the camera 1, a release button 14 is provided at the right end. The photographing mode dial 22 will be described later.
[0017]
Below the left side of the camera 1 is a USB terminal to which a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable used for transmitting image data obtained by taking a photograph to a personal computer or the like in order from the top is connected. 15 and an external power terminal 16 are shown.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the present embodiment viewed obliquely from the rear.
[0019]
2, a liquid crystal panel 18 for displaying an image, a liquid crystal panel start button 19 for turning on / off the image display by the liquid crystal panel, and a front lens shown in FIG. 11 is used to display an image of the menu on the optical viewfinder eyepiece window 23b located on the optical axis 11, the cross key 20 operated when selecting and zooming the variation, and the menu / OK switch 21, function selection lever 25 operated to determine which one of the “photographing and recording” function and the “image data reproduction” function, which is a function provided in the camera 1, is selected. A main switch 24 provided on the lever shaft and a photographing mode dial 22 are provided.
[0020]
The shooting mode dial 22 is operated to select any one of a “portrait shooting” mode, a “landscape shooting” mode, a “sports” mode, and a “self-shooting” mode. 'Enabled only when the function is selected. When the function selection lever 25 is moved upward, the “shooting / recording” function is selected, and when it is moved downward, the “image data reproduction” function is selected.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the left side of the camera of this embodiment.
[0022]
In FIG. 3, a front lens group 111 including the front lens 11 facing the subject side, and an eyepiece group 114 provided on the optical axis of the front lens group 111 and forming an optical finder together with the front lens group 111, It is shown. Further, between the front lens group 111 and the eyepiece lens group 114, a photographing position that is a position for guiding subject light passing through the front lens group 111 to the lower side of the camera and the subject light are guided to the eyepiece lens group. Also shown is a reflection mirror 112 that can be switched between three positions: a photographing field angle confirmation position that is a retracted position for self-photographing and a self-photographing field angle confirmation position during self-photographing.
[0023]
Also, FIG. 3 shows a photographing lens group 115 composed of a plurality of lenses for zooming or focusing through which subject light guided below the camera passes because the reflecting mirror 112 is arranged at the photographing position. Also shown is a CCD image sensor 116 on which subject light that has passed through the taking lens group is imaged.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the switching mechanism for switching the position of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 3 from the left rear.
[0025]
4 includes a holder 204 that holds the reflection mirror 112, a holder shaft 205 that pivotally supports the holder 204, a motor 202, and a lead screw 203 that is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor. And a moving body 201 having a through hole 201a that is screwed into the lead screw, and the holder shaft 205 and the motor are fixed to the camera body. A pair of leaf springs 206 are attached to the moving body 201 so as to sandwich the end of the holder.
[0026]
FIG. 5 is a view of the switching mechanism shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the left side.
[0027]
FIG. 5A shows a state in which the switching mechanism 200 places the reflecting mirror at the shooting angle-of-view confirmation position, and FIG. 5B shows that the switching mechanism 200 places the reflecting mirror at the shooting position. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the switching mechanism 200 places the reflecting mirror at the self-photographing field angle confirmation position.
[0028]
Hereinafter, the operation of the switching mechanism 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0029]
FIG. 5 shows a state in which the end portion 204 a of the holder 204 is sandwiched between a pair of leaf springs 206 attached to the side surface of the moving body 201. As described above, the motor 202 and the holder shaft 205 are fixed to the camera body.
[0030]
Here, when the motor 202 rotates forward, the lead screw 203 attached to the motor shaft also rotates. Since the moving body 201 is screwed with the lead screw 203 and is prevented from rotating, the moving body 201 moves in the vertical direction of the camera as the lead screw 203 rotates. The moving body 201 is moved to predetermined three points as the motor 202 rotates, and the holder shaft 205 is fixed to the camera body, so that the end portion 204a is sandwiched between the pair of leaf springs 206. The holder 204 places the reflecting mirror 112 at any of the photographing position, the photographing field angle confirmation position, or the self-photographing field angle confirmation position. The absolute position of the moving body 201 with respect to the camera body and the position of the holder 204 are monitored by a plurality of photosensors (not shown). Note that the position shown in FIG. 5A is the home position of the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200.
[0031]
Here, the switching mechanism will be described in more detail while describing the photographing operation of the camera 1 of the present embodiment.
[0032]
In the following, the case of selecting the “Portrait” mode and the “Self-shooting” mode in the “Recording and recording” function will be described. The description is omitted because it is the same description, and the description of the “image data reproduction” function is irrelevant to the present invention and will be omitted.
[0033]
When the main switch 24 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on, the function selection lever 25 is moved to the “shooting / recording” direction (upper side) and the shooting mode dial 22 is operated to select the “portrait shooting” mode. Since the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 is currently located at the home position shown in FIG. 5A, the reflection mirror 112 is also arranged at the photographing field angle confirmation position, and the subject light is guided to the eyepiece lens group. . Thereby, the subject within the shooting angle of view can be confirmed from the viewfinder eyepiece window 23b. Here, when the release button is pressed, the motor 202 rotates, the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 is raised to the position shown in FIG. 5B, and the reflecting mirror 112 is placed at the photographing position, the subject The light is guided to the taking lens group 115 below the camera. As a result, the subject light is imaged on the CCD image pickup device and a photograph is taken. Thereafter, the switching mechanism 200 moves the moving body 201 to the home position shown in FIG.
[0034]
Next, after the main switch 24 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on, the function selection lever 25 is moved to the “shooting record” direction (upper side), and the shooting mode dial 22 is operated to set the “self-shooting” mode. When the selection is made, the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 rises from the home position shown in FIG. 5A to the position shown in FIG. 5C, and the reflection mirror is arranged at the self-photographing angle of view confirmation position. The light is returned to the subject side. Thereby, the self-photographer can project himself / herself on the reflection mirror 112 through the front lens group 111, and can be used as a guide for self-photographing. Thereafter, when the release button 14 is pressed, the motor 202 rotates, and the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 is lowered from the position shown in FIG. 5C to the photographing position shown in FIG. 112 guides the subject light to the photographing lens group 115 below the camera. As a result, the subject light is imaged on the CCD image pickup device and a photograph is taken. Thereafter, the switching mechanism 200 returns the moving body 201 to the home position shown in FIG.
[0035]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine that is executed when the “shooting and recording” function is selected by the function selection lever.
[0036]
In step S1, it is determined whether or not the currently selected shooting mode is the “self-shooting” mode. If it is determined in step S1 that the “self-photographing” mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S2, and the mobile body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 reaches a self-photographing field angle confirmation position that is a position for performing self-photographing. It is determined whether or not. In the camera 1 of the present embodiment, the home position of the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 is the shooting field angle confirmation position (see FIG. 5A).
[0037]
If it is determined in step S2 that the moving body 201 has not reached the self-photographing field angle confirmation position, the process proceeds to step S3, a rotation instruction is issued to the motor 202, and the process returns to step S1.
[0038]
If it is determined in step S2 that the moving body 201 has reached the self-photographing field angle confirmation position, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is determined whether or not the release button has been pressed. If it is determined in step S4 that the release button has not been pressed, the process returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S4 that the release button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S5.
[0039]
In step S5, it is determined whether or not the moving body 201 of the switching mechanism 200 has reached the shooting position. If it is determined in step S5 that the moving body 201 has not reached, the process proceeds to step S6, and a rotation instruction is given to the motor 202. After being issued, the process returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S5 that the photographing position has been reached, the process proceeds to step S10, where it is determined whether or not the exposure to the CCD image sensor 116 has been completed.
[0040]
If it is determined in step S10 that shooting has not ended, step S10 is repeated, and if it is determined that shooting has ended, the process proceeds to step S11.
[0041]
In step S11, a rotation instruction is issued to the motor to return the moving body 201 to the home position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12, where it is determined whether or not the mobile body has reached the home position. If it is determined in step S12 that the mobile body has not reached, the process returns to step S11, and if it has reached in step S12. If determined, this routine is terminated.
[0042]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the currently selected mode is not the “self-photographing” mode, the process proceeds to step S7 to determine whether or not the release button is pressed.
[0043]
If it is determined in step S7 that the release button has not been pressed, the process returns to step S1, and if it is determined in step S7 that the release button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S8.
[0044]
In step S8, it is determined whether or not the moving body 201 has reached the shooting position. If it is determined in step S8 that the moving body 201 has not reached, the process proceeds to step S9 and a rotation instruction is issued to the motor 202. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.
[0045]
If it is determined in step S8 that the vehicle has reached, the process proceeds to step S10. The subsequent description is omitted as it has been described above.
[0046]
In the camera 1 of the present embodiment, at the time of taking a picture, the reflecting member is arranged at the photographing position among these three positions of the photographing field angle confirmation position, the photographing position, and the self-photographing field angle confirmation position, so that the subject light is rearward. When the shooting angle of view is guided to the lens group, the subject light is guided to the eyepiece group by arranging the reflecting mirror at the shooting angle of view confirmation position among the three positions. The subject light is returned to the subject side by arranging the reflecting mirror at the self-photographing confirmation position among the three positions. Thereby, in the camera 1 of this embodiment, photography is performed by the front lens group and the rear lens group having an optical axis in a direction different from that of the front lens group, so that the front lens group in the optical axis direction is taken. In addition to being made compact, a finder using an existing front lens group is provided. Furthermore, this reflection mirror can be used for angle-of-view confirmation during self-photographing. Therefore, according to the camera 1 of the present embodiment, the front lens group can be made compact in the optical axis direction, and a self-photographing function can be added while suppressing an increase in the outer size of the camera.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, a digital camera is described as an example. However, the present invention may be implemented in a camera of a type that performs shooting on a roll-shaped photographic film or an instant photographic film. Further, the subject light may be bent in the left direction or the right direction of the camera instead of below the camera. In this embodiment, the case where the finder optical system is formed using the front lens group is described as an example. However, the finder optical system is formed without using the front lens group. Even if there is, it does not affect the achievement of the object of the present invention.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the camera of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the front lens group in the optical axis direction and to suppress an increase in the outer size of the camera due to the addition of the self-photographing function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the present embodiment viewed obliquely from the front.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the present embodiment viewed obliquely from the rear.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the left side of the camera of the present embodiment.
4 is an external perspective view of the switching mechanism for switching the position of the reflecting mirror shown in FIG. 3 from the left rear side. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view of the switching mechanism shown in FIG. 4 when viewed from the left side.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine that is executed when a “photographing and recording” function is selected by a function selection lever.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 11 Front lens 12 Flash light control window 13 Flash light emission window 14 Release button 15 USB terminal 16 External power supply terminal 18 Liquid crystal panel 19 Liquid crystal panel start button 20 Four-way key 21 Menu / OK switch 22 Shooting mode dial 23b Viewfinder eyepiece window 24 Main Switch 25 Function selection lever 111 Front lens group 112 Reflective mirror 114 Eyepiece lens group 115 Shooting lens group 116 CCD image pickup device 200 Switching mechanism 201 Moving body 201a Through hole 202 Motor 203 Lead screw 204 Holder 205 Shaft 206 Leaf spring

Claims (2)

In a camera that takes an image of subject light from a subject on a predetermined imaging plane,
Shooting optics having a front lens group facing the subject side, a reflecting member that reflects subject light that has passed through the front lens group, and a rear lens group that forms an image on the imaging surface of the subject light reflected by the reflecting member The position of the system and the reflecting member, the shooting position for reflecting the subject light that has passed through the front lens group and guiding it to the rear lens group, and the subject light that has passed through the front lens group directed toward the front lens group A camera comprising a switching mechanism for switching between a view angle confirmation position for returning subject light that has been reflected and again passed through the front lens group to the subject side. An eyepiece group that forms a finder optical system in cooperation with the front lens group;
The switching mechanism adds the position of the reflecting member to the photographing position and the angle-of-view confirmation position, and retracts the subject light that has passed through the front lens group so as to be guided to the eyepiece lens group. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is switched between three positions, ie, an angle of view confirmation position.

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