JP2007071983A - Camera device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the deterioration of image quality caused by the fogging of a lens in a state which is not intended by a user with simple constitution. <P>SOLUTION: The camera device includes: a temperature detection part provided to decide a charge state in a battery charger mounted in a camera main body; a temperature measuring means to measure the change width of temperature rise in a predetermined period based on temperature obtained as the result of detection by the temperature detection part; and a warning means to warn of the fogging of a camera lens in the camera main body according to the degree of the change width measured by the temperature measuring means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device and an electronic apparatus, and is suitable for application to an electronic camera, for example.

  Conventionally, an electronic camera guides reflected light of a subject to a photoelectric conversion element via a camera lens, and internally stores a subject image signal obtained as a result of photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion element as subject image data in a predetermined storage format. Store in memory. The electronic camera can display a subject image based on the subject image data stored in the internal memory in accordance with a user operation.

  In this electronic camera, the camera lens may become clouded when a sudden temperature change occurs, for example, when the camera is taken out of the soft case. This fogging of the camera lens (hereinafter referred to as “lens fogging”) generally occurs on the camera lens surface inside the camera body, and thus there is a problem that the user cannot remove it.

As one method for solving such a problem, a heat source that raises the room temperature of the vehicle lamp, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the room, and energization of the heat source according to the detection result of the temperature sensor. There is a control means for removing the fogging of the lens in the vehicle light (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-314902 A

  By the way, when such a method is applied to an electronic camera, the image blur caused by the lens haze does not appear in the electronic camera, even if the lens haze is not intended by the user. Can be prevented. However, there is a problem that the size of the electronic camera or the camera lens is increased by the arrangement space of the heat source and the temperature sensor.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and intends to propose a camera device and an electronic apparatus that can prevent image quality deterioration due to lens fogging in a state unintended by the user with a simple configuration. .

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention is a camera device, in which a rechargeable battery mounted on a camera body is provided with a temperature detection unit for charge state determination, and a temperature obtained as a result of detection by the temperature detection unit. Based on this, temperature measuring means for measuring the change width of the temperature rise in a predetermined period, and warning means for warning the clouding of the camera lens in the camera body according to the extent of the change width measured by the temperature measuring means are provided. I made it.

  Therefore, in this camera apparatus, it is possible to warn that the lens fogging should be noted even if the lens fogging does not appear clearly without arranging a new sensor.

  Further, the present invention is an electronic device equipped with a rechargeable battery and a camera, and in the rechargeable battery, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature in the rechargeable battery and a detection result in the temperature detection unit per unit time. A temperature measurement unit that measures the change width of the temperature rise and a control unit that controls the electronic device that the camera lens should be warned of cloudiness according to the degree of the change range measured by the temperature measurement unit And a notification means to be provided.

  Therefore, in this electronic apparatus, it is possible to warn that the lens fogging should be noted even if the lens fogging does not appear clearly without arranging a new sensor.

  According to the present invention, based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit provided for the charge state determination in the rechargeable battery mounted on the main body, the change width of the temperature rise in the predetermined period is measured, and the measured change width Depending on the degree of the lens, the camera lens is warned of the cloudiness of the camera lens, so that the lens fogging is not noticeable even if the lens cloudiness does not appear clearly without installing a new sensor. Thus, it is possible to realize a camera device and an electronic apparatus that can warn of what should be done and thus can prevent image quality deterioration caused by lens fogging in a state unintended by the user with a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall Configuration of Electronic Camera In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an electronic camera according to the present embodiment as a whole, and includes a camera body 2 and a rechargeable battery 3 built in a predetermined position in the camera body 2. .

  The camera body 2 includes a power supply unit 10 that outputs a voltage supplied from the rechargeable battery 3 as a drive voltage. The power supply unit 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls the entire electronic camera 1 and predetermined processing. Is connected to the signal processing unit 12 through the power-on switch SW. This power-on switch SW is turned on by a signal given from the operation unit 13 in response to a power-on operation. In this case, a driving voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the control unit 11 and the signal processing unit 12, and the control unit 11 and the signal processing unit 12 are driven.

  The control unit 11 has a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory of the CPU. The control of the entire electronic camera 1 is performed based on the program stored in the computer and a command given from the operation unit 13 in response to a user operation.

  In the case of this embodiment, the signal processing unit 12 has a configuration in which an imaging unit 12a, an image compression / decompression unit 12b, a display unit 12c, and a memory 12d are connected to the control unit 11 via a bus BUS. For example, an imaging process is executed under the control of the unit 11.

  That is, the imaging unit 12a forms an image of the subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor via an optical system including a camera lens and a diaphragm, and the imaged subject is image data D10i (i = 1, 2,... n) are sequentially output to the image compression / decompression unit 12b. At this time, the imaging unit 12a adjusts the focal length and the focus position by changing the aperture of the optical system to adjust the amount of light incident on the imaging device and changing the camera lens position of the optical system.

  The image compression / decompression unit 12b displays each image based on the image data D10i sequentially output from the imaging unit 12a as a moving image on the display unit 12c in real time, and when the shutter operation is performed in the operation unit 13, the image compression / decompression unit 12b Instead of a moving image, an image based on the image data D10x (x = 1, 2,..., Or n) corresponding to the shutter operation time point is displayed on the display unit 12c as a still image at the time of imaging for a predetermined period.

  The image compression / decompression unit 12b compresses the image data D10x corresponding to the time of the shutter operation according to a predetermined compression method such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) when the operation unit 13 performs a shutter operation. The compressed image data D11 thus compressed is stored in the memory 12d.

  In this way, the signal processing unit 12 can execute an imaging process under the control of the control unit 11.

  In addition, the signal processing unit 12 expands the compressed image data D11 stored in the memory 12d to the original image data D10x via the image compression / decompression unit 12b under the control of the control unit 11. Reproduction processing such as displaying an image based on D10x on the display unit 12c can also be executed.

  As described above, the camera body 2 can capture an image of a subject using the voltage supplied from the rechargeable battery 3 as a drive voltage, and can display the captured subject.

  On the other hand, the rechargeable battery 3 has a power storage unit 20, and supplies the voltage stored in the power storage unit 20 to the power supply unit 10 in the camera main body unit 2 via the battery side terminals BT1 and BT2 and the main body side terminals TB1 and TB2 sequentially. It is made to do.

  In the case of this embodiment, the rechargeable battery 3 is provided with a control microcomputer 21 driven based on the voltage stored in the power storage unit 20 and a temperature detection unit 22 made of, for example, a thermistor.

  The control microcomputer 21 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs, and a RAM as a work memory of the CPU, and controls the temperature detection unit 22 based on the programs stored in the ROM. .

  Specifically, when receiving a signal indicating that the control microcomputer 21 is connected to a charger (not shown), the control microcomputer 21 takes in the temperature in the rechargeable battery 3 detected by the temperature detection unit 22 at a predetermined period. Then, the change width of the temperature rise is measured from the temperature.

  In addition, when the change width becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control microcomputer 21 determines that charging of the power storage unit 20 has been completed and stops charging in the power storage unit 20.

  In this way, the rechargeable battery 3 is configured to accumulate voltage in the power storage unit 20 and to automatically stop charging in response to full charge of the power storage unit 20.

(2) Lens fogging warning function In addition to this configuration, the electronic camera 1 is equipped with a lens fogging warning function that urges attention to lens fogging in the camera lens in response to a temperature rise in the rechargeable battery 3.

  Actually, the control microcomputer 21 in the rechargeable battery 3 executes a lens fogging warning process described below.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the voltage stored in the power storage unit 20 is supplied, the control microcomputer 21 starts this lens fogging warning processing procedure RT in step SP0, and in the subsequent step SP1, the temperature detection unit 10 Based on the temperature in the rechargeable battery 3 detected in step 1, the change width of the temperature rise in the first period is measured.

  Then, in the next step SP2, the control microcomputer 21 determines whether or not the measurement result in step SP1 is a change width of 10 [° C.] or more within 1 [min], for example. The threshold value of the change width is selected as an optimum value based on the size of the camera lens, the structure of the imaging unit 12a, and the like.

  If a negative result is obtained here, this means that the lens of the camera lens in the image pickup unit 12a (FIG. 1) is not fogged or the possibility thereof is extremely low. In this case, the control microcomputer 21 Returns to step SP1 and repeats the above process.

  If an affirmative result is obtained, this means that the lens is fogged, or the possibility thereof is extremely high. In this case, the control microcomputer 21 performs the lens fog in the next step SP3. Warning that you should be careful.

  Specifically, the control microcomputer 21 sends a warning message data for prompting attention to lens fogging and a command command for displaying the contents of the warning message data to the battery side terminal BT3 and the body side terminal TB3. Are sequentially notified to the control unit 11 of the camera body 2. In this case, in the camera body 2, under the control of the control unit 11 based on the command command, the message data is, for example, “Because the inner surface of the camera lens may be cloudy, the image cannot be taken clearly. The display unit 12c is displayed in a predetermined display form as a warning content that calls for attention.

  Thereafter, the control microcomputer 21 measures the change width of the temperature rise in the second period based on the temperature in the rechargeable battery 3 detected by the temperature detection unit 10 in step SP4. In the next step SP5, the control microcomputer 21 As a measurement result, for example, it is determined whether or not the change width is less than 2 [° C.] within 5 [min].

  If a negative result is obtained here, this means that the temperature in the vicinity of the camera lens tends to rise, which means that the temperature is in an unstabilized state. In this case, the control microcomputer 21 Returning to SP4, the above process is repeated.

  If an affirmative result is obtained, this means that the temperature in the vicinity of the camera lens is in a stable state. In this case, the control microcomputer 21 in step SP3 in step SP6. After the warning content displayed on the display unit 12c is deleted by notifying the control unit 11 of a command command to delete the displayed warning content, the process proceeds to step SP7 and this lens clouding warning processing procedure RT Exit.

  In this manner, the control microcomputer 21 can execute the lens fogging warning process.

(3) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, the electronic camera 1 is configured to change the temperature rise in the first period based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 22 provided in the rechargeable battery 3 for detecting the charging state. The width is measured, and the camera lens 2 in the camera body 2 is warned in accordance with the degree of the change width.

  Therefore, in this electronic camera 1, even when the lens fogging does not appear as clear, it is possible to warn that the lens fogging should be noted. It is possible to prevent such a situation.

  At the same time, since the electronic camera 1 uses the temperature detection unit 22 for detecting the state of charge as a lens fogging warning, the lens fogging can be performed without arranging a new sensor for the lens fogging warning. It is possible to prevent a situation where the user takes an image in a state where the user does not intend to capture the image.

  Further, in this electronic camera 1, by measuring the change range of the temperature rise after the warning and releasing the warning according to the stabilization of the change range, the user's anxiety due to the warning not disappearing can be avoided. Can do.

  According to the above configuration, the temperature detection unit 22 provided for the charge detection in the rechargeable battery 3 measures the change width of the temperature rise in the first period based on the temperature, and the camera is determined according to the degree of the change width. Since the camera lens in the main body 2 is warned about the cloudiness, it should be noted that the lens cloudiness is not apparent even if the lens cloudiness does not appear clearly without arranging a new sensor. Thus, it is possible to realize the electronic camera 1 that can warn and thus prevent image quality deterioration caused by lens fogging in a state unintended by the user with a simple configuration.

(4) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the change width of the temperature rise in the predetermined period is measured based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 22, and the camera is determined according to the degree of the change width. The case where the rechargeable battery 3 (control microcomputer 21) executes warning of clouding of the camera lens in the main body 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and either or both of the camera main body 2 It may be executed by the (control unit 11). Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the above-mentioned embodiment can be acquired.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the warning is released again according to the stabilization of the change width of the temperature rise has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the change width after the warning is changed. Depending on the state, the indicator time until the warning is released may be notified, such as “about xx minutes until the warning is released”. In this way, it is possible to further avoid the user's anxiety due to the warning not disappearing.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which a warning is given that attention should be paid to lens fogging based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 22 provided for detecting the charge in the rechargeable battery 3. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the temperature detection unit 22, a new temperature detector is provided in the camera body 2, and based on the difference in detection results between the two detectors, You may make it warn of what should be careful.

  As another example, in addition to the temperature detection unit 22 provided in the rechargeable battery 3 for charge detection, a heater is provided in the vicinity of the camera lens in the imaging unit 12a of the camera body 2, and the temperature detection unit 22 Based on the detection result, a warning that the lens fogging should be warned may be issued, and the heater may be operated to remove the lens fogging.

  As another example, in addition to the temperature detection unit 22 provided for the charge detection in the rechargeable battery 3, a new temperature detector is provided in the camera body 2, and a heater is provided near the camera lens in the imaging unit 12a. May be provided to warn the user that attention should be paid to lens fogging based on the difference in detection results between the two detectors, and to operate the heater to remove lens fogging. In this case, the degree of overheating of the heater may be varied according to the detection result of the temperature detection unit 22 and the difference between the detection results of both detectors.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the electronic camera 1 is applied as the camera device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a photosensitive camera. Further, the present invention may be applied to an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) or an IC (Integrated Circuit) recorder equipped with a camera. In this case, measuring the change width of the temperature rise in a predetermined period based on the detection result in the temperature detection unit, and warning the clouding of the camera lens in the camera body 2 according to the degree of the change width. If it is executed by the control unit of the electronic device main body or the charge pack, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention can be used when imaging with an electronic camera.

It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of an electronic camera. It is a flowchart which shows a lens clouding warning process procedure.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera, 2 ... Camera body, 3 ... Rechargeable battery, 10 ... Power source, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Signal processing part, 12a ... Imaging part, 12b ... Image compression / expansion part , 12c... Display unit, 12d... Memory, 13... Operation unit, 20... Power storage unit, 21.

Claims (4)

A temperature detection unit provided in the rechargeable battery mounted on the camera body for determining the state of charge;
Based on the temperature obtained as a detection result in the temperature detection unit, a temperature measurement unit that measures a change width of a temperature rise in a predetermined period;
A camera device comprising: warning means for warning that the camera lens is clouded in the camera body according to the degree of change measured by the temperature measuring means. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising: a warning canceling unit that cancels the warning according to stabilization of the change width after the warning. The warning canceling means is
The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an index time until the warning is canceled is notified in accordance with the reduction of the change width after the warning. An electronic device equipped with a rechargeable battery and a camera,
The rechargeable battery
A temperature detector for detecting the temperature in the rechargeable battery;
Based on the detection result in the temperature detection unit, a temperature measurement means for measuring a change width of the temperature rise per unit time,
A notification means for notifying a control unit that controls the electronic apparatus that a camera lens in the camera should be warned in accordance with the degree of change measured by the temperature measurement means. Electronic equipment.

Images