JP2006039264A - Camera and horizontal sensor used in it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of securely taking a photograph at a requested angle or at a horizontal position. <P>SOLUTION: The camera includes: an angle sensor 5 for detecting an angle; and a detection angle setting means 6 for setting such that a requested angle is detected by the angle sensor 5. In the case where an angle to be detected by the angle sensor 5 is set by the detection angle setting means 6, a photographing function is actuated only when the angle sensor 5 detects the required angle set by the detection angle setting means 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera and a horizontal sensor used for the camera, and more particularly to a camera capable of taking a picture in a desired angle state and a horizontal sensor used for the camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some cameras such as a video camera and a digital camera have a detector such as a horizontal sensor disposed in the camera in order to position the lens of the camera horizontally with respect to a subject.

  An example of such a conventional camera is mainly composed of a level fixed at a predetermined position in the viewfinder, a daylighting window, a shutter, a mirror, a liquid crystal display device and a cathode ray tube (CRT). A display and a lens.

  The level has a structure filled with liquid so that bubbles remain in a transparent sealed container having a gentle R shape (a part of an arc). And the bubble in the said sealed container moves in the said sealed container according to inclination, and is always stabilized in the highest position with respect to a horizontal ground. In addition, the mark which shows a horizontal point is drawn on the said level, and if this mark and the said bubble correspond, it can recognize that the level is horizontal.

  According to the conventional camera having such a configuration, first, the shutter is opened and external light is taken in from the daylighting window, and this external light is incident on the spirit level arranged immediately below. Since the spirit level is fixed to the viewfinder, the light is tilted according to the tilt of the camera, and the external light transmitted through the spirit level is bent by a mirror disposed below it and displayed on the display. The image is magnified by the lens and is received and recognized by the user's eyeball, and the user can simultaneously recognize the parallelism of the spirit level together with the image on the display, so that video recording can be performed while maintaining parallelism. (For example, refer patent document 1).

JP-A-10-51667

  However, in the case of the conventional camera as described above, even when the level is shown as horizontal, there is a problem in that the camera may be tilted due to camera shake or the like when shooting, unless the camera is fixed. there were.

  Further, in the conventional camera as described above, it is difficult for the spirit level to determine the horizontal state or the parallel state based on the positional relationship between the mark and the bubble, and it is difficult to accurately determine the horizontal state or the angle state. It was.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of reliably performing photographing in a desired angle state or horizontal state and a horizontal sensor used therefor.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the camera according to the present invention is characterized by comprising an angle sensor for detecting an angle state, and a detection angle setting means for setting the angle sensor to detect a desired angle state. When the angle state detected by the angle sensor is set in the setting means, the photographing function is activated only when the angle sensor detects a desired angle state set by the detection angle setting means. is there.

  By adopting such a configuration, by setting a desired angle state by the detection angle setting means, it is possible to shoot only when the set angle state is reached. It is possible to prevent the photographing from being performed in a state where the desired angle state is broken. Further, when the desired angle state is not set by the detection angle setting means, normal shooting can be performed.

  Another feature of the camera according to the present invention is that the angle sensor is a horizontal sensor and the desired angle state is a horizontal state.

  By adopting such a configuration, by setting the detection angle setting means so that the horizontal state is detected by the horizontal sensor, it is possible to shoot only when the horizontal state is reached. It is possible to prevent photographing in a state where the provided electrical device is tilted.

  Another feature of the camera according to the present invention is that the horizontal sensor is made of an insulating material and has a hollow interior, and a lid member that is made of an insulating material and seals the housing. And a conductive sphere that freely moves inside the storage body, and a protrusion protruding below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body, and contacts the sphere when the storage body is horizontal. It is in the point comprised from at least 3 electrode and the terminal connected to each said electrode, and each being pulled out outside and connected to a control apparatus.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the horizontal sensor is in a horizontal state, the conductive sphere moves to the lowermost part of the storage body and is applied to each electrode disposed below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body. When the electrodes are brought into contact with each other through the sphere and the horizontal sensor is in a horizontal state, it is possible to accurately detect that the horizontal sensor is in the horizontal state, and it is possible to accurately detect the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera. Here, the storage body and the lid member may be formed integrally or separately.

  In addition, another feature of the camera according to the present invention is that the horizontal sensor includes a spherical storage body formed of an insulating material and having a hollow interior, and conductivity that freely moves inside the storage body. A spherical body having at least three electrodes that protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the storage body and are in contact with the spherical body when the storage body is horizontal, and the outermost side in the horizontal direction of the storage body At least three electrodes that protrude from at least one of the inner peripheral surfaces that come into contact with the sphere when the storage body is vertical, and are connected to the electrodes and pulled out to the outside. And a terminal connected to the control device.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the horizontal sensor is in a horizontal state, the conductive sphere moves to the lowermost part of the storage body and is applied to each electrode disposed below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body. It is possible to accurately detect that the horizontal sensor is in the horizontal state by contacting each electrode through the sphere, and accurately detecting the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera. When the sensor is vertical, the conductive sphere comes into contact with each electrode disposed on the inner peripheral surface that is the outermost side in the horizontal direction of the storage body, and the respective electrodes are conducted through the sphere, whereby the horizontal sensor Can be accurately detected in a vertical state, and the horizontal state when the camera is used in a vertical position can be accurately detected.

  Another feature of the camera according to the present invention is that it includes two or more angle sensors.

  By adopting such a configuration, the angle state in each direction can be detected, and a finer angle state can be set. Further, by providing a plurality of horizontal sensors, it is possible to detect the horizontal state in each use state of the camera.

  Another feature of the camera according to the present invention is that a display means for displaying the angle state detected by the angle sensor is provided.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the detection angle is not set by the detection angle setting means, the angle state of the camera at that time can be confirmed, and the detection angle is set by the detection angle setting means. If it is, it can be confirmed whether the camera is in the set angle state, and can be confirmed by comparing the set angle state with the actual angle state.

  Another feature of the camera according to the present invention is that when the angle sensor detects the angle state set by the detection angle setting means, a notification means for notifying that the angle state is set is provided. It is in the point.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, a light emitter such as an LED or a vibrator such as a vibrator is disposed, and the camera or the electric device including the camera is in an angle state set by the detection angle setting means. At this time, it is possible to notify that the camera is in the angle state set by the detection angle setting means by causing the light emitter to emit light or temporarily vibrating the vibrator.

  Further, the horizontal sensor according to the present invention is characterized in that a storage body formed of an insulating material and having an inner cavity, a lid member formed of an insulating material and sealing the storage body, and the storage body A conductive sphere that freely moves inside, and at least three electrodes that are arranged to protrude below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body and that contact the sphere when the storage body is horizontal; In addition to being connected to the corner electrodes, the terminals are respectively connected to the control device by being drawn out to the outside.

  By adopting such a configuration, the horizontal state is detected accurately only when the conductive sphere contacts the three electrodes and each electrode is energized through the sphere, so that the horizontal state can be detected accurately. .

  According to the camera of the present invention, the desired angle state or horizontal state is accurately detected by setting with the detection angle setting means, and the image is taken only when the desired angle state or horizontal state is reached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent photographing in a state where a desired angle state or a horizontal state set by camera shake or the like is lost.

  Further, by arranging a plurality of angle sensors, various angle states or horizontal states can be detected, and various angle states or horizontal states can be set by the detection angle setting means.

  Further, it is easy to check the angle state or the horizontal state by the notification means or the display means, and the alignment of the angle state or the horizontal state can be easily performed.

  According to the horizontal sensor of the present invention, the horizontal state is detected only when the conductive sphere is in contact with the three electrodes and each electrode is energized through the sphere, so that the horizontal state can be detected accurately. The camera can be photographed in an accurate horizontal state by disposing the horizontal sensor in the camera.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a camera according to the present invention and a horizontal sensor used in the camera will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera 1 of the first embodiment mainly includes an imaging unit 2 having a lens 3, an imaging button 4 for driving the imaging unit 2, and an optical axis of the camera 1 (lens 3). The first angle sensor 5a for detecting the angle state composed of the vertical tilt angle in the vertical plane passing through the optical axis, and the first angle sensor 5a for detecting the angle state composed of the horizontal tilt angle around the optical axis of the camera 1. 2 angle sensors 5b, detection angle setting means 6 for setting detection angle states of the angle sensors 5a and 5b, a control device 7 for controlling the photographing means 2, and the angle sensors 5a and 5b. The detected angle state is displayed, and whether or not each angle sensor 5a, 5b detects the angle state set by the detected angle setting means 6 is displayed in the finder of the camera 1. And a display means 8 for. In the case of a camera equipped with a liquid crystal display device that confirms a subject in advance, such as a digital camera, the display means 8 may be displayed in the liquid crystal display device without providing the display means 8.

  In the present embodiment, each of the angle sensor 5a and the angle sensor 5b uses a pendulum type tilt sensor, and the angle sensor 5a has a pendulum (not shown) in a vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the lens 3. The angle sensor 5b is arranged so as to rotate around one point on the optical axis, and the pendulum (not shown) is arranged so as to rotate around the optical axis of the lens 3. When the desired angle state set by the detection angle setting means 6 is detected in each of the angle sensors 5a and 5b, the photographing means 2 is controlled to be operable by the control device 7. ing. Further, when the desired angle state set by the detection angle setting means 6 is not detected by the angle sensors 5a and 5b, the control device 7 controls the photographing means 2 so that it cannot be operated. ing.

  Next, as an example, the operation of the camera 1 of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to a case where photographing is performed in a horizontal state at the normal position.

  First, the detection angle setting means 6 performs setting so that each angle sensor 5a, 5b detects a horizontal state.

  Next, the lens 3 is pointed toward a subject (not shown), and the angle is adjusted so that the camera 1 is in a horizontal state at the normal position. At this time, the display means 8 displays the inclination angle detected by each of the angle sensors 5a and 5b. When each of the angle sensors 5a and 5b detects the horizontal state, it is displayed that it is in the horizontal state. Thus, the photographing means 2 can be operated. Further, when the angle sensors 5a and 5b do not detect the horizontal state, the control unit 7 controls the photographing unit 2 so that it cannot be operated.

  Then, each angle sensor 5a, 5b detects the horizontal state, and in the state where the display means 8 indicates that it is in the horizontal state and the photographing is possible, the photographing button 4 is operated to drive the photographing means 2 to photograph. As a result, the camera 1 (lens 3) can be photographed in a horizontal state with respect to the subject. For this reason, it is possible to prevent photographing other than the desired angle state set in the detection angle setting means 6, and it is possible to reliably perform photographing at the set desired inclination angle.

  In this embodiment, the case of shooting in a horizontal state has been described as an example. However, by setting a desired angle state by the detection angle setting means 6, shooting in a desired angle state can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent photographing other than the desired angle state.

  Furthermore, when the desired angle of inclination is not set by the detection angle setting means 6, normal shooting in a free state can be performed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the camera according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera of the second embodiment, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the horizontal sensor, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the horizontal sensor. In the second embodiment, components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 11 of the second embodiment mainly includes a photographing unit 2 having a lens 3, a photographing button 4 that drives the photographing unit 2, and a horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 1. A horizontal sensor 12a for detecting an angle state consisting of: a horizontal sensor 12b for detecting an angle state consisting of a horizontal state when the camera 1 is used in a vertical position; and detection of a horizontal state by the horizontal sensor 12a or the horizontal sensor 12b. And a detection angle setting means (switching means) 13 for switching non-detection of the horizontal state by the horizontal sensors 12a and 12b, a control device 7 for controlling the photographing means 2, and the horizontal sensor 12a or the horizontal sensor 12b. And a notifying means 14 composed of an LED or the like for emitting and notifying that the horizontal state is detected when the horizontal state is detected.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the horizontal sensors 12a and 12b includes a hemispherical housing 15 made of an insulating material and having a hollow inside, and an innermost surface of the housing 15 in the vertical direction. Three electrodes 16 that are projected at the same horizontal height below, terminals 17 connected to the respective electrodes 16 and connected to the control device 7 of the camera 1, and the housing 15 The conductive sphere 18 is housed and a lid member 19 formed in a flat plate shape from an insulating material that seals the housing 15. The sphere 18 is in contact with the electrodes 16. The horizontal state is detected when each electrode 16 is conducted through the sphere 18. The storage body 15 may be formed in a rectangular box shape. The sphere 18 may be formed of a conductive material, or may be formed by conducting conductive plating on a sphere formed of a non-conductive material.

  In the present embodiment, the horizontal sensor 12a is disposed in the camera 11 so that the electrodes 16 are positioned at the lowermost position, and the horizontal sensor 12b is configured such that the electrodes 16 have the camera 11 in the vertical direction. When used, the camera 11 is disposed at the lowest position.

  When the control device 7 is set to detect the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 11 by the detection angle setting means 13, the sphere 18 of one of the horizontal sensors 12a contacts each electrode 16, When each electrode 16 is conducted through the sphere 18, the notifying means 14 is caused to emit light to notify that it is in a horizontal state, and the photographing means 2 is controlled to be operable. Further, when the control means 7 is set so that the detection angle setting means 13 detects the horizontal state when the camera 11 is used in a vertical position, the sphere 18 of the other horizontal sensor 12 b is attached to each electrode 16. When the respective electrodes 16 are brought into contact with each other through the sphere 18 and are in contact with each other, the notifying means 14 is caused to emit light to notify that it is in a horizontal state, and the photographing means 2 is controlled to be operable.

  Next, the operation of the camera 11 of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, the detection angle setting means 13 switches the detection of the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 11 or the setting of the detection of the horizontal state when the camera 11 is used vertically.

  Here, when the detection angle setting means 13 is set to detect the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 11, the lens 3 is directed toward the subject (not shown) and the camera 11 is in the horizontal state that is the normal position. Adjust the angle as follows.

  When the camera 11 is in a horizontal state, the sphere 18 of the horizontal sensor 12a comes into contact with each electrode 16 disposed at the lowermost part of the storage body 15, and the respective electrodes 16 are conducted through the sphere 18 so that the horizontal state is obtained. As a result, the notification means 14 of the camera 11 emits light to notify that the camera 11 is in the horizontal state, and the photographing means 2 is operable.

  Then, the notification means 14 emits light to notify that the camera is in a horizontal state, and in a state where photography is possible, the photographing button 4 is operated to drive the photographing means 2 to perform photographing, thereby taking a camera on the subject. 11 (lens 3) can be photographed in a horizontal state, and photographing with the camera 11 (lens 3) tilted with respect to the horizontal can be prevented.

  Further, when the detection angle setting means 13 is set to detect the horizontal state when the camera 11 is used in the vertical direction, the lens 3 is directed toward the subject (not shown) and the camera 11 is in the vertical state. Adjust the angle so that it is in a state.

  When the camera 11 is in a horizontal state, the sphere 18 of the horizontal sensor 12b comes into contact with each electrode 16 disposed at the lowermost part of the storage body 15, and each electrode 16 is conducted through the sphere 18 so that the horizontal state is obtained. As a result, the notification means 14 of the camera 11 emits light to notify that the camera 11 is in a horizontal state in the vertical state, and the photographing means 2 is operable.

  Then, the notification means 14 emits light to notify that the camera is in a horizontal state, and the camera 11 is moved vertically by operating the shooting button 4 and driving the shooting means 2 in a state where shooting is possible. In this state, the lens 3 can be photographed in a horizontal state with respect to the subject, and photographing in a state where the lens 3 is tilted with respect to the horizontal can be prevented.

  When the detection state setting means 13 does not set the detection of the horizontal state, normal shooting in the free state can be performed.

  In the second embodiment, a horizontal sensor 12a that detects a horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 11 and a horizontal sensor 12b that detects a horizontal state when the camera 11 is used vertically are provided. However, it is also possible to use a horizontal sensor 21 as shown in FIG. 4 that can detect the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 11 and the horizontal state when the camera 11 is used vertically.

  The horizontal sensor 21 includes a spherical storage body 22 having a hollow interior, and three protrusions disposed at the same horizontal height at the lowest position in the vertical direction of the inner peripheral surface of the storage body 22. The electrode 23, three electrodes 24 arranged to protrude on the outermost side of the inner peripheral surface of the storage body 22 in the horizontal direction (right side in the present embodiment), the electrodes 23, and the respective electrodes Terminals 25 and 26 connected to the electrodes 24 and drawn out of the storage body 22, and conductive spheres 27 stored in the storage body 22, respectively. The storage body 22 is formed by adhering hemispheres made of a non-conductive material, for example, resin or the like, by bonding or the like. The sphere 27 may be formed of a conductive material, or may be formed by conducting conductive plating on a sphere formed of a non-conductive material.

  When each of the electrodes 23 is placed in the horizontal state, the sphere 27 moves to the lowest point of the storage body 22 and comes into contact with the three electrodes 23 at the same time. It is arranged to do.

  Further, when the horizontal sensor 21 is made vertical, the electrodes 24 move to the lowermost part of the storage body 22 in which the sphere 27 is rotated by 90 °, and come into contact with the three electrodes 24 at the same time. It is arrange | positioned so that it may conduct via.

  By disposing the horizontal sensor 21 having such a configuration in the camera 11, it is possible to detect the horizontal state that is the normal position of the camera 11 and the horizontal state when the camera 11 is used vertically.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible as needed. For example, in each embodiment, the operation of the photographing unit is controlled by the control device. However, a lock mechanism that restricts the operation of the photographing button may be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the notification means is provided with a light emitter made of an LED or the like and notifies by light. For example, a vibrator or buzzer is provided, and the inclination angle set by the detection angle setting means is set. It is possible to substitute by various means such as one that notifies the user by temporarily vibrating or generating a sound when it is detected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the camera is provided with an angle sensor or a horizontal sensor and can be photographed when the camera is in a desired angle state. A similar configuration can be adopted for a telephone or the like. At this time, an angle sensor or a horizontal sensor may be provided in the camera provided in the electric device or in the electric device itself.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the camera of this 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the camera of this 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows one Embodiment of a horizontal sensor Vertical sectional view showing another embodiment of the horizontal sensor

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 2 Image | photographing means 3 Lens 4 Shooting button 5 Angle sensor 6 Detection angle setting means 7 Control apparatus 8 Display means 11 Camera 12 Horizontal sensor 13 Detection angle setting means 14 Notification means 15 Storage body 16 Electrode 17 Terminal 18 Sphere 19 Lid member 21 Horizontal sensor 22 Storage body 23, 24 Electrode 25, 26 Terminal 27 Sphere

Claims (8)

  An angle sensor for detecting an angle state and detection angle setting means for setting the angle sensor to detect a desired angle state are provided, and the angle state detected by the angle sensor is set in the detection angle setting means. In this case, the photographing function is activated only when the angle sensor detects a desired angle state set by the detection angle setting means.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the angle sensor is a horizontal sensor, and the desired angle state is a horizontal state. The horizontal sensor is
A storage body formed of an insulating material and having a hollow interior;
A lid member formed of an insulating material and sealing the housing;
A conductive sphere that freely moves inside the storage body; and
At least three electrodes disposed so as to protrude below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body and in contact with the sphere when the storage body is horizontal;
A terminal connected to each of the electrodes and drawn out to the outside and connected to the control device;
The camera according to claim 2, comprising: The horizontal sensor is
A spherical container formed of an insulating material and having a hollow interior;
A conductive sphere that freely moves inside the storage body; and
At least three electrodes disposed so as to protrude below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body and in contact with the sphere when the storage body is horizontal;
At least three electrodes arranged to protrude from at least one of the inner peripheral surfaces that are the outermost in the horizontal direction of the storage body, and contact the sphere when the storage body is vertical;
A terminal connected to each of the electrodes and drawn out to the outside and connected to the control device;
The camera according to claim 2, comprising:   The camera according to claim 1, comprising two or more angle sensors.   6. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an angle state detected by the angle sensor.   6. An informing means for informing that the angle state set by the angle sensor is detected when the angle sensor detects the angle state set by the detection angle setting means. Camera described in. A storage body formed of an insulating material and having a hollow interior;
A lid member formed of an insulating material and sealing the housing;
A conductive sphere that freely moves inside the storage body; and
At least three electrodes disposed so as to protrude below the inner peripheral surface of the storage body and in contact with the sphere when the storage body is horizontal;
A terminal connected to the corner electrode and pulled out to the outside and connected to the control device;
A horizontal sensor comprising: