JP2006171355A - Camera, waterproof protector and underwater photographic camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem, wherein it has been difficult to control the turning on/off of a camera power source loaded in a waterproof protector, from the outside of the camera. <P>SOLUTION: A dial 50 with a magnet 52 is provided in the waterproof protector 40, and also a sensor, such as a Hall element 29 detecting the magnetic field of the magnet is provided on a camera side. When the waterproof protector 40 is loaded to the camera 10, an underwater photographic mode is set automatically. In the underwater photographing mode, the dial 50 on the waterproof protector side functions as a pseudo power source switch, and the turning on/off of the camera power source is switched interlocked with the movement of the dial to a turn-on position or a turn-off position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that is turned on and off by opening and closing a lens barrier, a waterproof protector (waterproof housing, waterproof case) attached to the camera, a camera, and an underwater photographing camera system that combines the waterproof protector.

  A camera that turns on and off the power by opening and closing the lens barrier is known. In this type of camera, when a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses without taking a picture with the lens barrier opened and the power on, the camera enters a standby state (power saving state) to prevent battery consumption. When the operation stops and a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) elapses, the lens barrier is closed and the power is turned off.

  For underwater photography, an underwater photography camera system in which a camera is loaded in a waterproof protector has been proposed. In this underwater camera system, if the camera is a type that turns on and off by opening and closing the lens barrier, the camera is loaded into the waterproof protector with the lens barrier open and the power on. To do. Although the waterproof protector is equipped with a switch that allows camera switches (including buttons) to be operated from the outside of the camera, the user manually opens and closes the lens barrier. After loading, the lens barrier cannot be opened or closed. For this reason, while the waterproof protector is being loaded, the camera is turned off when the power is not intended, making underwater photography impossible.

For example, if the waterproof protector is provided with a slide member that is mechanically connected to the lens barrier, and the lens barrier is controlled from the outside of the camera by the slide member, the slide member is operated during shooting to re-open the lens barrier. You can turn on the camera as you open, close, and open and continue shooting.
If the slide member is provided with a magnet and the lens barrier is slid to the open / close position by the magnetic force of the magnet, there is no need to form a through hole.

However, if the slide member is configured to control the opening / closing of the lens barrier from the outside of the camera, the slide hole (long hole) of the operation member is formed through the wall surface of the waterproof protector, and the waterproof property of the waterproof protector Therefore, the number of parts of the waterproof protector increases, resulting in an increase in cost, and the structure of the waterproof protector is complicated and enlarged. Further, the complexity and size increase of the waterproof protector structure directly leads to the complexity and size increase of the underwater camera system configuration.
Moreover, in the structure which slides a lens barrier with a magnet, in order to slide a lens barrier smoothly, the magnet of a strong magnetic force is required and it is not realistic.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-283980, a switch is provided on the outer surface of a waterproof protector, and an optical signal generated by operating the switch is received by a light receiving unit of a camera (video camera) in the waterproof protector. And so on.
In this configuration, the camera can be operated from the outside without providing a through hole.
JP-A-7-283980

  However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-283980, a light emitting unit for detecting an operation of a switch to generate an optical signal is provided on the inner surface of the waterproof protector, and a light guiding unit for guiding the optical signal to the light receiving unit of the camera is provided. Provided on the inner surface. For this reason, the configuration becomes complicated, and an arrangement space for the light emitting unit and the light guide unit is required inside the waterproof protector, which increases the size of the waterproof protector. Furthermore, it is decisive that it is not assumed that this configuration is applied to a camera that is turned on / off by opening / closing a lens barrier, and diversion is not easy.

  As described above, conventionally, when a camera that is turned on / off by turning on and off the lens barrier is loaded in a waterproof protector, it is difficult to control on / off of the camera power from outside the camera.

  The camera according to the present invention includes a power switch for activating the camera to perform photographing; a plurality of operation switches excluding the power switch; one of the plurality of operation switches, and usually functioning as a power switch And a pseudo power switch that can function as a power switch in the same manner as the first power switch; and a control unit that controls the pseudo power switch to function as a power switch.

A camera capable of turning on and off the power by opening and closing the lens barrier according to the present invention includes a power switch that turns on and off the power in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier; A plurality of different operation switches; normal photographing mode means controlled by turning on / off the power switch by opening / closing the barrier; and when the lens barrier is open, one of the plurality of operation switches is turned on A predetermined photographing mode means for performing a predetermined photographing mode as a pseudo power switch for performing an off operation; and a photographing mode switching means for switching from the normal photographing mode means to the predetermined photographing mode means.
Further, the camera for turning on / off the power by opening / closing the lens barrier according to the present invention includes a power switch for turning on / off the power in conjunction with opening / closing of the lens barrier; a plurality of operations different from the power switch A switch; a first switch mode means controlled by turning on and off the power switch by opening and closing the barrier; a sensor that outputs without contact and receives energy from the outside; and receives an output from the sensor Accordingly, in the open state of the lens barrier, one of the plurality of operation switches includes second switch mode means serving as a pseudo power switch for turning on / off the power.
The camera capable of turning on and off the power by opening and closing the lens barrier of the present invention is different from the power switch for turning on and off the power in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier; A plurality of operation switches; a first switch mode means controlled by turning on and off the power switch by opening and closing the barrier; a sensor that performs output by receiving energy from the outside without contact; and the lens barrier In the open state, one of the plurality of operation switches is a second switch mode means which becomes a pseudo power switch for turning on and off the power; and the first switch mode means by receiving an output from the sensor Photographing mode switching means for switching to the second switch mode means.

The waterproof protector that houses the camera of the present invention includes an energy radiating member that radiates energy and switches the power of the camera housed in the waterproof protector on and off.
The waterproof protector for storing the camera of the present invention further includes: an energy radiating member that radiates energy to switch the power of the camera stored in the waterproof protector on and off; and the camera in which the energy radiating member is stored A switching member that switches between a first position that provides the energy in a non-contact manner with respect to the passive member provided in the first position and a second position that provides a different level of energy from the first position.

  Further, the underwater photographing camera system of the present invention includes a power switch for turning on and off the power in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier; a plurality of operation switches different from the power switch; and the power source by opening and closing the barrier A first switch mode means controlled by turning on and off the switch; a sensor that performs output by receiving energy from the outside in a non-contact manner; and one of the plurality of switches in the open state of the lens barrier is a power source Second switch mode means serving as a pseudo power switch for performing on / off operation of the camera; photographing mode switching means for switching from the first switch mode means to the second switch mode means by receiving an output from the sensor A camera equipped with; and an energy storing the camera and emitting energy to the camera. Comprising a; and waterproof protector comprising a chromatography radiating member.

According to the present invention, since one of the switches other than the power switch of the camera can function as a power switch (pseudo power switch), the other switch is externally provided by a switch operating member on the waterproof protector. (Pseudo power switch) can be operated.
Alternatively, according to the present invention, it is possible to operate another switch from a waterproof protector on a camera that can cause one of the switches other than the camera power switch to function as a power switch (pseudo power switch). it can.

  In the present invention, since one of the operation switches different from the power switch has a function as a pseudo power switch, the pseudo power switch is externally turned on / off by turning the pseudo power switch on / off from the outside. Switching from is realized.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are schematic views of a camera according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A-1 is a front view with a lens barrier closed, FIG. 1A-2 is a front view with a lens barrier open, FIG. 1B shows a rear view (regardless of whether the lens barrier is opened or closed). In addition, although illustrated as a digital camera, it may be embodied as a silver salt camera or a digital video camera (including those for news reports and movies).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (A-1), (A-2), and (B), the camera 10 includes a lens barrier 14 that covers a photographing lens (zoom lens) 12, and the lens barrier is a pair of horizontal surfaces separated vertically. Guided by a rail (not shown), it can slide in the horizontal direction. A power switch 16 is disposed behind the lens barrier 14 in front of the camera and is switched on and off in conjunction with the movement of the lens barrier. When the power switch is off, the taking lens is stored in the retracted position, and the power When is turned on, the taking lens protrudes and moves to the zoom position.

  That is, at the time of non-photographing, as shown in FIG. 1A-1, the lens barrier 14 is in a closed position located in front of the photographing lens 12, and in this lens barrier closed position, the power switch 16 is turned off and photographing is performed. The lens is built into the camera body and protected. For photographing, the lens barrier 14 is slid in the direction of the arrow from the closed position in FIG. 1A-1 and moved to the lens barrier open position in FIG. Then, the power switch 16 is turned on in conjunction with the movement of the lens barrier. When the power switch 16 is turned on, a zoom motor (not shown) is driven and the photographing lens 12 protrudes from the retracted position to the zoom position.

Various operation switches (including buttons and levers) other than the power switch 16 are arranged on the upper and rear surfaces of the camera 10, a release button 20 on the upper surface, and a seesaw-type zoom button 22 on the rear surface. A setting button 24 called a cross key, a playback button 26, and a menu button 28 are arranged. A liquid crystal display (LCD, rear monitor) 30 and an optical viewfinder 32 are also provided on the rear side.
In addition to the switches, a flash 17, a self-timer / remote control lamp 18, and a remote control reception window 19 are provided on the front of the camera 10, and a speaker 34 is provided on the back.

  The function of each switch is explained briefly. Setting buttons 24 select shooting modes such as program auto, portrait, commemorative shooting, landscape, night view, underwater shooting, forced flash, macro shooting, self-timer, etc. When the menu button 28 is pressed, the shooting mode is set. The menu button 28 is used to select and set an image quality mode, exposure correction, and the like. When the lens barrier 14 is moved to the open position and the power switch 16 is turned on, a live view is displayed on the LCD 30. When the zoom button 22 is pressed to the W side, zoom wide is displayed, and when the T side is pressed, zoom tele is displayed. When it is half-pressed, it is focused, and when it is fully pressed, the shutter is released and an image is taken. It is also possible to directly observe the subject with the optical viewfinder 32 without displaying an image on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 30. When the playback button 26 is pressed, the captured image is played back on the LCD 30. Also, the playback button 26 switches between shooting (live view on) performed by displaying a live view on the LCD 30 and shooting (live view off) performed by viewing the subject with the optical viewfinder without using the LCD 30 for power saving. You can also.

  In the case of underwater photography, as shown in FIG. 2, the camera 10 is loaded (stored) in a waterproof protector (waterproof case, waterproof pack) 40 made of a transparent plastic such as polycarbonate, and the camera and the waterproof protector are combined. Underwater shooting is performed with the camera system. The basic structure of the underwater protector 40 is well known, and various switch operation members (including buttons and levers) corresponding to the operation of the release button 20 and the playback button 26 of the camera are provided in the underwater protector.

  FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the underwater camera system, and the switch operating member of the waterproof protector is shown by adding 100 to the reference number of the corresponding switch on the camera side. When the switch operation member 126 is pressed, the playback button 26 of the camera is turned on and off, and the playback button functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch) in the underwater shooting mode. When the release lever 120a is pressed, the release button 120b immediately below is lowered, and the release button 20 on the camera side is also pushed in conjunction with the release button, the shutter is released, and underwater shooting is performed. If the switch operation member 122 is pressed, the zoom button 22 is pressed in conjunction with the zoom operation, and zoom wide and zoom tele are switched. Further, the setting button 24 is pressed by the switch operation member 124 and the menu button 28 is pressed by the switch operation member 128, respectively. Reference numeral 130 is a convex loupe for observing the LCD 30, and 132 is a convex loupe for observing the optical viewfinder 32.

  The present invention is characterized in that one of the switches 20 to 28 different from the power switch 16 has a function as a power switch (pseudo power switch). In the first embodiment, the power switch ( (Pseudo power switch). For example, in the configuration of the electric circuit, when the original power switch 16 is connected to one of the interrupt ports and the playback button 26 is assigned to another interrupt port, the playback button functions as a pseudo power switch.

  To describe underwater shooting by the underwater shooting camera system, first, the lens barrier 14 is opened, the power switch 16 is turned on, and the setting button 24 is operated to select and set the mode for underwater shooting (underwater shooting mode). When the underwater shooting mode which is the predetermined shooting mode means and the second switch mode means is set, the playback button 26 functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch). That is, in the normal shooting mode other than the underwater shooting mode, that is, in the normal shooting mode which is the first switch mode means such as program auto and portrait, the playback button 26 is used for live view and playback image (taken immediately before shooting). Image) on the LCD 30 alternately. However, when the underwater shooting mode is set, the power switch 16 is turned off even if the lens barrier 14 is open. Even when the power switch 16 is turned off, the lens barrier 14 is kept open. When the playback button 26 is pressed, the power is turned on. When the playback button is pressed again, the power is turned off. The power is turned on and off by the playback button. In the underwater shooting mode, the playback button 26 is turned on. Functions as a (pseudo power switch).

  In the underwater shooting, since shooting is performed while viewing the live view through the underwater goggles, shooting with the optical finder 32 is not normally performed. Therefore, when the underwater shooting mode is set, live view on is set in conjunction.

The playback button 26 functions as a switch for switching the playback mode on and off, not only when the lens barrier 14 is open and in the normal shooting mode, but also when the lens barrier is closed. However, the lens barrier 14 cannot be closed if the camera is set to the underwater shooting mode and the camera is loaded in the waterproof protector 40. Therefore, the playback mode in the underwater shooting mode is executed by double clicking the playback button 26.
In this way, in the underwater shooting mode, the playback button 26 functions as a pseudo power switch under a one-click operation to switch the power on and off, and functions as a conventional playback button under a double-click operation. The playback mode is switched on and off.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the underwater shooting mode is set, the playback button 26 functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch), and the camera is operated by operating the switch operation member on the waterproof protector side corresponding to the playback button. Power on / off can be controlled from outside the camera. Since the waterproof protector is provided with various switch operation members for operating various switches on the camera side, the playback button 26 functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch) in conjunction with the setting of the underwater shooting mode. Designing the software to do so is sufficient. Therefore, without changing the mechanical configuration of the conventional camera, the conventional underwater shooting camera system can be model-changed so that the on / off of the camera power can be controlled from the outside. Further, the waterproof protector can be used as it is without any changes.
Of course, since the mechanical configuration of the conventional camera is not changed at all, there is no problem that the configuration becomes complicated or the arrangement space increases.

  The first embodiment is based on the premise that the camera 10 is loaded in the waterproof protector 40 and underwater shooting is performed in an underwater shooting mode as an underwater shooting camera system. However, the camera 10 that is not loaded in the waterproof protector 40 can also perform shooting in the normal shooting mode.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the playback button in the normal shooting mode (of course, the camera is not loaded in the waterproof protector). In the normal shooting mode, the playback button does not function as a power switch (pseudo power switch) but functions as an original playback button.

  When the lens barrier is opened, the power switch linked to the lens barrier is turned on, and the control means (CPU) is started up (SS1). Then, initial settings such as initializing the electric circuit flag or projecting the photographic lens to the zoom position protruding from the retracted position are automatically made (SS2), and the program auto, port is operated by operating the camera setting dial. Any of the normal shooting modes such as rate and landscape is selected and set with the menu dial (SS3).

  Next, the operation of the playback button is monitored (SS4), and if the playback button is pressed, the playback mode is turned on (SS8), and the image shot with live view on is displayed and played back on the LCD. Then, the operation of the playback button is monitored in SS9, and when the playback button is pressed again, the playback mode is switched off to return to the shooting mode (SS10), and the setting button for selecting the shooting mode is returned to SS3. Monitored. If the playback button is not pressed in SS9, the process returns to SS8 and the playback mode is kept on.

  If the play button is not pressed in SS4, the power switch linked to the lens barrier is monitored (SS5), and if the lens barrier is closed and the power switch is turned off, the end process is entered and the photographing lens is moved to the retracted position. Return (SS11), the control circuit is set in the sleep state, the power is turned off, and the process ends (SS12). If the power switch is not turned off in SS5 and is turned on, the operation of the release button is monitored (SS6). If the release button is pressed, the exposure operation is started (SS7). Return to Settings.

  As described above, in the normal shooting mode, the power switch 16 linked to the lens barrier is turned on and off to control the power on and off of the camera 10, and the power switch is turned on in the normal shooting mode. The means for switching on and off to control the on / off of the camera is called normal photographing mode means (first switch mode means).

  Next, an underwater shooting mode in which the playback button functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch) will be described. In this case, although it is common to mount the camera in the waterproof protector, the playback button functions as a pseudo power switch in the underwater shooting mode regardless of the presence or absence of the waterproof protector.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the playback button in the underwater shooting mode.
When the lens barrier is opened, the power switch linked to the lens barrier is turned on, the control means (CPU) is started up (S1), the electric circuit flag is initialized, and the photographing lens is extended to the initial position protruding from the retracted position. Etc. are automatically set (S2). Then, by operating the setting dial of the camera, the underwater shooting mode is selected and set with the menu dial (S3).

  Next, it is determined whether the underwater shooting mode has been set (S4). If the underwater shooting mode has been set, settings are made such that the playback button of the camera functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch) (S5). . The operation of the playback button (pseudo power switch) is monitored (S06). If the playback button is pressed, it is assumed that the original power switch linked to the lens barrier is on and the power is on. The photographing lens returns to the retracted position (S13), the control circuit is set in the sleep state, the power is turned off, and the process ends (S14).

  If the playback button is not pressed in S6, the operation of the release button is monitored (S7), and if the release button is pressed, the shooting exposure operation is started (S8), and “shooting mode selection setting” in S3 is set. Return.

  If the underwater shooting mode is not set in S4, the playback button of the camera does not function as a pseudo power switch, the playback button is monitored in S9, and if the playback button is not pressed, the process returns to S7. If the playback button is pressed in S9, the playback mode is turned on (S10), and the image shot with live view on is displayed and played back on the LCD. Next, in S11, the operation of the playback button is monitored, and when the playback button is pressed again, the playback mode is switched off to return to the shooting mode (S12), and the process returns to S3. If the play button is not pressed in S11, the play mode is maintained, and the process returns to S10.

  As described above, in the underwater shooting mode, the playback button 26 functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch) to control the camera power on and off, and in the underwater shooting mode, the playback button (pseudo power switch) is turned on. The means for switching on and off to control the camera power on and off will be referred to as underwater photographing mode means (second switch mode means).

  The on / off of the camera power can be easily controlled from the outside by the normal shooting mode means (first switch mode means) or the underwater shooting mode means (second switch mode means).

  Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the camera power is turned on / off by the playback button (pseudo power switch) 26 in the underwater shooting mode. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the camera power can be turned on and off from the outside regardless of the shooting mode.

  6A shows a front view of the camera with the lens barrier opened in the second embodiment, and FIG. 6B shows an underwater photographing camera system in which the camera 10 is loaded in the waterproof protector 40. 7A is a partial perspective view of the waterproof protector, FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the waterproof protector and the camera along the line BB in FIG. 7A, and FIG. The top view of the dial of the power switch 50 is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B, the switching member 50 is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof protector 40, and the switching member functions as a power switch (pseudo power switch). For example, the switching member is a cylindrical dial with a built-in magnet 52, and a sensor 29 such as a Hall element that detects the rotational position of the dial from the state of the magnetic field of the magnet 52 is built in the camera.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the magnet 52 is bonded to the lower surface of the dial 50, and the dial is bonded to the recess 50c on the upper surface of the waterproof protector with the dial stopper member 50b across the O-ring 50a. It is fixed. Since the O-ring 50a is interposed, the dial 50 can rotate with respect to the (fixed) dial stopper 50b with an appropriate rotational torque under the elasticity of the O-ring. As shown in FIG. 7C, the rotation angle of the dial 50 is, for example, 90 degrees, and the ON / OFF indications are separated from each other by 90 degrees and formed on the dial stopper member 50b. Move to the OFF display position.

  In FIG. 7B, reference numeral 29a denotes an electric board on which the hall element 29 is attached, 10a denotes a camera body, and 40a denotes a waterproof protector body.

  As for the positional relationship among the dial (switching member) 50, the magnet 52, and the hall element (sensor) 29, for example, the dial and the hall element are arranged concentrically, and the magnet is placed at a position partially overlapping with the hall element. However, this arrangement is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this arrangement example. Moreover, although the dial 52 is provided on the upper surface of the waterproof protector, the position of the dial is not limited to this.

  The Hall element 29 directly below the dial detects the state of the magnetic field corresponding to the position of the magnet 52 due to the rotation of the dial 50, and the power supply of the camera 10 is turned on from the difference in output at the two positions (on position and off position) of the dial. It is designed to switch on and off.

  FIG. 8 shows a conceptual diagram of the second embodiment in which the power is turned on and off by the dial 50 with the magnet 52. For example, the Hall element 29 is electrically connected to the control means (CPU) 11 and when the position 52 of the magnet is changed by the rotation of the dial 50, the Hall element converts the magnetic field state into an electric signal and outputs it to the control circuit. . When the lens barrier is open, the output of the Hall element is above a certain value (because there is a magnetic field above a certain value), so the control circuit 11 confirms the presence of the waterproof protector 40 and switches the photographing mode to the underwater photographing mode. Set automatically. When the dial 50 rotates to the on position and the output of the Hall element exceeds a specified value (threshold value), the power supply of the camera 10 is turned on, and when it is less than the specified value, it is turned off. If the Hall element 29 is of a type that can detect magnetic field conditions in the two directions of the X axis and the Y axis, the output of the Hall element can be obtained when the dial 50 is in the on position and in the off position. Since there is a big difference, the power is turned on and off accurately according to the dial position.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the underwater shooting mode is set only by mounting the camera 10 in the waterproof protector 40, and the camera power supply can be turned on and off by the dial (switching member) 50 of the waterproof protector. Since the magnetic field state of the magnet 52 (energy radiating member) accompanying the rotation of the dial 50 is detected by the hall element (sensor) 29, the on / off of the camera power supply is controlled from the outside without contact. It is not necessary to form a through hole in 40, and the waterproof property of the waterproof protector is not impaired. In addition, a dial 50 with a magnet is provided on the waterproof protector 40 side, and a sensor such as a hall element 29 for detecting the magnetic field state of the magnet 52 is provided on the camera side. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts and a cost increase are minimized. Therefore, the configuration is not complicated, and there is no obstacle to miniaturization. Furthermore, it is realistic that there is no need to use a magnet having a large magnetic field.

  The magnet 52 is not limited to a magnet as long as it can radiate energy to the sensor 29 (energy radiating member), and may radiate electromagnetic waves (including light) and magnetic flux. The sensor (passive member) 29 is not limited to a Hall element as long as it receives a magnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, and a magnetic flux and changes its output in accordance with the situation. For example, when receiving light, it may be a light emitting element. .

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a dial monitor subroutine for explaining the operation of the dial 50. It is assumed that the camera with the lens barrier opened and the power turned on is loaded in the waterproof protector (S201). First, the output of the Hall element is monitored (S202). If the output of the Hall element is equal to or greater than a certain value, the underwater shooting mode is set as being equipped with a waterproof protector (S203). The underwater shooting mode is not set (S210), and the process returns to the camera operation flowchart (not shown) (S207). If the output of the Hall element is greater than or equal to the specified value (threshold value) in S202, the position of the dial is monitored (S204), and if the dial is in the on position, the process proceeds to S205. In S205, the power of the camera is monitored. If the power is off, the power is turned on (S206). If the power is on, it is not necessary to switch the power, so that the power is kept on. Return (S207).

  If the dial is not in the on position in S204, the power supply is monitored (S220). If the power supply is on, the power supply is turned off (S221), and the process returns to the camera operation flowchart (S222). If it is found in S220 that the power is off, the process returns to the camera operation flowchart as it is (S207).

  According to this, when the camera is mounted in the waterproof protector and is not used, the power can be turned off and the power can be turned on as necessary, so that power saving can be achieved. This is because, in terms of waterproofing, it is often unpreferable that the camera loaded in the waterproof protector is frequently put in and out of the waterproof protector.

As described above, in the present invention, since the camera power on / off control can be controlled from the outside of the camera, even if the lens barrier is manually opened and closed, the camera that is turned on when the lens barrier is opened is combined with the waterproof protector. In the underwater camera system, the camera power can be turned on and off while the lens barrier is open. For this reason, the battery can be prevented from being wasted by turning on the camera power only during shooting.
Further, for example, the present invention can be said to be configured by providing a function as a power switch (pseudo power switch) in one of the operation switches different from the power switch that is turned on and off by opening and closing the lens barrier.
The camera of the present invention detects that the camera is loaded in the waterproof pack only by loading the camera in the waterproof pack, and switches the shooting mode, for example, the power switch, the operation switch, etc. It was possible. Further, the waterproof pack itself can have a function and a device such as a magnet and light irradiation in order to let the camera know that the camera is loaded in the waterproof pack. More specifically, in the camera, detection means (Hall element, light receiving element, etc.) for detecting that the camera is loaded in the waterproof pack, and shooting mode switching means for switching the shooting mode by the output from the detection means. It can be said that it has.

  Each embodiment described above is for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say.

  According to the present invention, on / off of the camera power can be controlled from the outside of the camera, so that the power can be saved and the present invention can be widely applied to the field where power saving is a problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the schematic of the camera (digital camera) which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, (A-1) is a front view with a lens barrier closed, (A-2) is a front view with a lens barrier open, (B) Shows a rear view. The front view of the underwater photography camera system which loaded the waterproof protector on the camera of FIG. 1 is shown. The rear perspective view of the underwater photography camera system which loaded the waterproof protector on the camera of FIG. 1 is shown. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a playback button operation in a normal shooting mode in the underwater shooting camera system of FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a playback button operation in an underwater shooting mode in the underwater shooting camera system of FIG. 2. (A) is the front view in the lens barrier open position of the camera (digital camera) which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, (B) is a front view of the underwater photography camera system which mounted the waterproof protector in the camera of (A). Indicates. (A) is a partial perspective view of the waterproof protector in Example 2, (B) is a partial sectional view of the waterproof protector and the camera along the line BB in (A), and shows a plan view of the power switch on the waterproof protector side. . The conceptual diagram of Example 2 is shown. The flowchart explaining operation of a dial is shown.

Explanation of symbols

10 Camera (digital camera)
11 Control means (CPU)
12 Shooting lens 14 Lens barrier 16 Power switch 24 (shooting mode) setting button 26 Playback button (pseudo power switch)
28 Menu button 29 Hall element (sensor)
30 Liquid crystal display (LCD)
40 Waterproof protector 50 Dial (switching member, pseudo power switch)
52 Magnet (energy release member)

Claims (14)

A power switch to activate the camera and shoot,
A plurality of operation switches excluding the power switch, and
A pseudo power switch that is one of the plurality of operation switches and normally has no function as a power switch and can function as a power switch in the same manner as the first power switch;
Control means for controlling the pseudo power switch to function as a power switch;
A camera comprising: The camera has a lens barrier that moves between an open position retracted from the front surface of the photographing lens and a closed position located on the front surface of the photographing lens,
2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the power switch turns the power on and off in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier. The camera according to claim 1 or 2,
3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein when a waterproof protector is loaded, one of the plurality of operation switches functions as a pseudo power switch. In a camera that can be turned on and off by opening and closing the lens barrier,
A power switch for turning the power on and off in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier;
A plurality of operation switches different from the power switch;
Normal photographing mode means controlled by turning on / off the power switch by opening / closing the barrier;
A predetermined shooting mode means for performing a predetermined shooting mode in a state in which the lens barrier is open and one of the plurality of operation switches functions as a pseudo power switch for turning on and off the power;
Photographing mode switching means for switching from the normal photographing mode means to the predetermined photographing mode means;
A camera comprising: 6. The camera according to claim 4, wherein control is performed to switch the camera to the predetermined photographing mode means when the waterproof protector is mounted. In cameras that turn the power on and off by opening and closing the lens barrier,
A power switch for turning the power on and off in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier;
A plurality of operation switches different from the power switch;
First switch mode means controlled by turning on and off the power switch by opening and closing the barrier;
A non-contact sensor that outputs by receiving energy from outside,
Second switch mode means in which one of the plurality of operation switches is a pseudo power switch for turning on and off the power in an open state of the lens barrier by receiving an output from the sensor;
A camera characterized by comprising. In a camera that can be turned on and off by opening and closing the lens barrier,
A power switch for turning the power on and off in conjunction with opening and closing of the lens barrier;
A plurality of operation switches different from the power switch;
First switch mode means controlled by turning on and off the power switch by opening and closing the barrier;
A non-contact sensor that outputs energy by receiving energy from the outside,
Second switch mode means in which one of the plurality of operation switches in the opened state of the lens barrier is a pseudo power switch for turning on and off the power;
Photographing mode switching means for switching from the first switch mode means to the second switch mode means by receiving an output from the sensor;
A camera characterized by comprising 8. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the sensor is a Hall element and outputs in response to a magnetic flux from a magnet located outside. In the waterproof protector that houses the camera,
A waterproof protector comprising an energy radiating member that radiates energy and switches a power source of a camera housed in the waterproof protector on and off. In the waterproof protector that houses the camera,
An energy radiating member that radiates energy and switches the power of the camera stored in the waterproof protector on and off;
A first position where the energy radiating member applies the energy in a non-contact manner to a passive member provided in a camera that is housed, and a second position where the energy radiating member provides energy at a level different from the first position. A switching member for switching,
A waterproof protector characterized by having The energy radiating member is a member that radiates electromagnetic waves or magnetic flux,
11. The waterproof protector according to claim 9, wherein the passive member receives and outputs an electromagnetic wave or magnetic flux status of the energy radiating member. The energy radiating member is a magnet,
The waterproof protector according to claim 9, wherein the passive member is a Hall element. A power switch that turns the power on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lens barrier;
A plurality of operation switches different from the power switch;
First switch mode means controlled by turning on and off the power switch by opening and closing the barrier;
A non-contact sensor that outputs energy by receiving energy from the outside,
Second switch mode means in which one of the plurality of switches in the open state of the lens barrier is a pseudo power switch for turning on and off the power;
Photographing mode switching means for switching from the first switch mode means to the second switch mode means by receiving an output from the sensor;
A camera equipped with;
A waterproof protector that houses the camera and includes an energy radiating member that radiates energy to the camera;
An underwater shooting camera system. The underwater photographing camera system according to claim 13, wherein the waterproof protector includes a switching member that switches the energy radiating member to first and second positions that irradiate the sensor at different levels.

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