JP2007074095A - Portable equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide portable equipment that displays surface temperature varying as an electronic component generates heat and attracts user's attention. <P>SOLUTION: Once a digital camera is powered on, a temperature sensor detects surface temperature of a camera body at specified intervals and the surface temperature is stored in an EEPROM in time series. It is decided whether the surface temperature is not lower than risky temperature. Then a temperature graph is generated, based upon the surface temperature stored in the EEPROM. Once it is decided that the surface temperature is not lower than the risky temperature, the surface temperature, risky temperature, temperature graph, and warning information are displayed on an LCD, and a warning sound is generated from a speaker. When it is decided that the surface temperature is lower than the risky temperature, the arrival time when the surface temperature reaches the risky temperature is predicted. Then the surface temperature, risky temperature, temperature graph, and prediction information are displayed on the LCD. Consequently, a low-temperature burn can be prevented, and malfunction and performance deterioration of an electronic component can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable device in which an electronic component that generates heat in a driving state is built in a casing.

  In recent years, portable devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance), and electronic notebooks have become widespread. For example, a digital camera that is a portable device records image data captured using an imaging device such as a CCD as a digital data in a storage medium such as a memory card. When an image is picked up by a digital camera, for example, due to the transfer of charge stored in the CCD, the CCD and the CCD drive circuit generate heat. As a result, the temperature inside the digital camera rises, and as this temperature rises, malfunctions of various electronic components and performance degradation occur. Furthermore, if the temperature inside the digital camera rises, the temperature of the camera body (housing) that makes up the digital camera will rise, and if the surface temperature of the camera body rises to a dangerous temperature that is harmful to the human body, The gripping user may cause a low temperature burn.

For this reason, various proposals have been made to detect the temperature of the camera and the ambient temperature and generate an alarm based on the detected temperature. For example, in Patent Document 1, a temperature detection unit that detects an environmental temperature is provided, and a warning to a user or a camera cannot be operated according to a change in the environmental temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. In Patent Document 2, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the camera is provided, the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected temperature obtained from the temperature sensor are stored, and a warning is issued when the detected temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature. Patent Document 3 proposes a power supply apparatus that outputs an alarm signal and a shutdown signal in accordance with the device temperature and performs alarm control and shutdown control based on these signals.
JP-A-5-34795 JP-A-6-175185 No. 2000-184581

  However, in Patent Document 1, a warning is given when the environmental temperature is outside the allowable use temperature range, or when there is a sudden temperature change, but the temperature inside the camera due to heat generated from the electronic components provided in the camera. No warning is given for changes. In Patent Document 2, the maximum value and the minimum value of the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor are recorded, and the maximum value and the minimum value of the temperature can be confirmed by operating the test switch. I can't know how long the condition lasted. Patent Document 3 displays whether the device temperature is included in a normal temperature, an alarm phase temperature, or a shutdown phase temperature, but the detected device temperature is not specifically displayed. Cannot check the device temperature and prevent the device temperature from rising before entering the alarm or shutdown phase.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable device that displays a surface temperature that changes due to heat generation of an electronic component and that prompts the user to pay attention.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a portable device according to the present invention is a portable device in which an electronic component that generates heat in a driving state is incorporated in a housing. Display means for displaying the surface temperature detected by the above and a preset dangerous temperature harmful to the human body, a temperature determination means for determining whether the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature, and the temperature determination means by the temperature determination means And a warning means for issuing a warning when it is determined that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature. The dangerous temperature is a temperature harmful to the human body, for example, a temperature at which a low-temperature burn occurs when the camera body is held for about 3 hours.

  Further, a storage means for storing the surface temperature detected by the temperature detection means in a time series, and a temperature graph showing a time series transition of the surface temperature based on the surface temperature stored in the storage means are generated. And a graph generation means for displaying the temperature graph on the display means. And a predicting unit that predicts an arrival time until the surface temperature reaches the dangerous temperature based on the surface temperature stored in the storage unit, and the display unit displays the predicted arrival time by the predicting unit. You may make it display. Further, a grip detection unit that detects that the casing is gripped and outputs a grip signal, and when the temperature determination unit determines that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature, the grip detection unit And prohibiting means for prohibiting warning by the warning means when the grip signal is not output.

  According to the portable device of the present invention, the temperature detection means for detecting the surface temperature of the housing, the surface temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and a display means for displaying a preset dangerous temperature harmful to the human body, Since the temperature determination means for determining whether or not the surface temperature is higher than the dangerous temperature and the warning means for issuing a warning when the temperature determination means determines that the surface temperature is higher than the dangerous temperature, the user can You can check the surface temperature of your body and use it according to the condition of your mobile device. Therefore, since the user can use it with care that the surface temperature of the housing becomes high, it is possible to prevent low temperature burns from occurring. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of electronic components and performance degradation due to the high temperature inside the housing.

  Further, a storage means for storing the surface temperature detected by the temperature detection means in a time series, and a graph generation for generating a temperature graph indicating a time series transition of the surface temperature based on the surface temperature stored in the storage means. The temperature graph is displayed on the display means, so that the time-series transition of the surface temperature can be easily confirmed, and the user uses it with care so that the surface temperature of the housing does not become high. be able to. In addition, since the prediction means for predicting the arrival time until the surface temperature reaches the dangerous temperature is provided based on the surface temperature stored in the storage means, the arrival time predicted by the prediction means is displayed on the display means. The user can use the portable device so that the surface temperature of the housing does not become a dangerous temperature by using the arrival time as a guide. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of low temperature burns and the malfunction or performance deterioration of the electronic component that has become high temperature.

  In addition, a grip detection unit that detects that the casing is gripped and outputs a grip signal is output. When the determination unit determines that the surface temperature is higher than the dangerous temperature, a grip signal is output from the grip detection unit. When it is not done, warning by the warning means is prohibited, so unnecessary warning is not performed when there is no risk of low temperature burn.

  1 and 2 are external views schematically illustrating the configuration of a digital camera 2 using the present invention. On the front surface of the digital camera 2, a lens barrel 11 that holds the imaging lens 10, an optical finder 12, and a slide type power switch 13 are provided. The power switch 13 constitutes a grip portion 17 together with a part of the camera body 16 which is a housing, and is held by the user when performing photographing.

  The power switch 13 is turned on and off by sliding it to the left and right. Inside the power switch 13 and in the vicinity of the surface of the power switch 13, a temperature sensor 21 that is a temperature detecting means for detecting the surface temperature of the camera body 16 is provided. When the power of the digital camera 2 is turned on, the temperature sensor 21 detects the surface temperature of the camera body 16 at a predetermined interval.

  A release button 25 and a pop-up strobe device 26 are provided on the top surface of the digital camera 2. The strobe device 26 moves between a storage position (see FIG. 1) accommodated in the camera body 16 and a protruding position protruding from the camera body 16. Further, a liquid crystal panel 27 (hereinafter referred to as an LCD) which is a display means and an operation unit 28 are provided on the back surface.

  The LCD 27 displays a photographed image, a so-called through image at the time of photographing, and various menu screens. Further, as will be described in detail later, the LCD 27 detects the surface temperature of the camera body 16 detected by the temperature sensor 21 and the dangerous temperature described later, and after the digital camera 2 is turned on until the power is turned off. A temperature graph showing a time-series transition of the surface temperature detected at a predetermined interval is displayed.

  The operation unit 28 includes a mode switch 29 for switching various modes of the digital camera 2, a zoom button 30 for adjusting the telephoto / wide angle, a cross button 31 used for various selections, and various settings of the digital camera 2 on the LCD 27. A menu button 32 to be displayed and a display switching button 33 for switching the display on the LCD 27 are arranged. The buttons and switches arranged on the operation unit 28 are not limited to the above.

  By switching the mode switch 29, the digital camera 2 selects a still image shooting mode for shooting still images, a moving image shooting mode for shooting movies, a playback mode for displaying captured images on the LCD 27, and a setting mode for performing various settings. The In the moving image shooting mode, surrounding sound is recorded through a microphone (not shown) along with shooting of a moving image. Further, when a moving image is reproduced in the reproduction mode, the moving image is displayed on the LCD 27 and sound recorded by the microphone is uttered from the speaker 63 (see FIG. 3).

  The release button 25 is a two-stage push switch. When the release button 25 is lightly pressed (half-pressed) after the framing of the subject by the LCD 27, the AF detection circuit 61 and the AE detection circuit 62 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, perform automatic focus adjustment (AF) and automatic exposure adjustment ( Various photographing preparation processes such as AE) are performed. When the release button 25 is further pressed (fully pressed) in this state, the imaging signal for one screen on which the imaging preparation process has been performed is converted into image data, and then image processing and compression processing described later are performed, and the memory It is recorded on the card 57 (see FIG. 3).

  In FIG. 3 showing the electrical configuration of the digital camera 2, a lens motor 35 is connected to the imaging lens 10. An iris motor 37 is connected to the diaphragm 36. These motors 35 and 37 are stepping motors, which are controlled in operation by drive pulses transmitted from motor drivers 40 and 41 connected to the CPU 38, and perform photographing preparation processing when the release button 25 is half-pressed.

  The lens motor 35 moves the zoom lens of the imaging lens 10 to the wide side or the tele side in conjunction with the operation of the zoom operation button 30. Further, the focus lens of the imaging lens 10 is moved in accordance with the subject distance and zoom lens zooming, and the focus adjustment is performed so that the shooting conditions are optimized. The iris motor 37 operates the diaphragm 36 to adjust exposure.

  Behind the imaging lens 10 is a CCD 42 that images the subject light transmitted through the imaging lens 10. A timing generator (TG) 43 controlled by the CPU 38 is connected to the CCD 42, and the shutter speed of the electronic shutter is determined by a timing signal (clock pulse) input from the TG 43.

  The imaging signal output from the CCD 42 is input to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 45, and output as R, G, B image data that accurately corresponds to the accumulated charge amount of each cell of the CCD 42. The image data output from the CDS 45 is amplified by an amplifier (AMP) 46 and converted into digital image data by an A / D converter (A / D) 47.

  The image input controller 48 is connected to the CPU 38 via the bus 50, and controls the CCD 42, CDS 45, AMP 46, and A / D 47 in accordance with a control command from the CPU 38. The image data output from the A / D 47 is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 51 and displayed on the LCD 27 via the LCD driver 52.

  The image signal processing circuit 53 reads the image data from the SDRAM 51, performs various image processing such as gradation conversion, white balance correction, and γ correction processing, and stores the image data in the SDRAM 51 again. The YC conversion processing circuit 54 reads out the image data subjected to various processes by the image signal processing circuit 53 from the SDRAM 51 and converts it into a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb. The compression / decompression processing circuit 55 performs image compression on the converted image data in a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG format). The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 57 via the media controller 56.

  In addition to the release button 25 and the operation unit 28 described above, an EEPROM 60 is connected to the CPU 38. The EEPROM 60 stores various control programs, setting information, preset dangerous temperature data, and the like. This dangerous temperature means that the user holds the camera body 16 for a long time (about 3 hours or more) when the surface temperature of the camera body 16 rises due to heat generated in the driving state of the CCD 42 or the like built in the camera body 16. This is the temperature at which low temperature burns may occur. In addition, when the surface temperature of the camera body 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the temperature in the camera body 16 also becomes considerably high, so that various electronic components built in the camera body 16 may malfunction or deteriorate performance. Is expensive. In this embodiment, the dangerous temperature is set to 45 ° C. and compared with the surface temperature of the camera body 16, but the dangerous temperature is not limited to this. The CPU 38 reads the above information from the EEPROM 60 and executes various processes. Further, the EEPROM 60 stores surface temperature data of the camera body 16 detected by a temperature sensor 21 described later in time series.

  The bus 50 detects an exposure amount, that is, whether the shutter speed of the electronic shutter and the aperture value of the aperture 36 are appropriate for shooting, and detects whether the white balance is appropriate for shooting. 62, an AF detection circuit 61 that detects whether the focus adjustment of the imaging lens 10 is appropriate for photographing, a strobe control circuit 64 that controls the operation of the strobe device 26, and a temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the camera body 16. 21 and a speaker 63 that utters a voice or warning sound.

  The AF detection circuit 61 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 62 sequentially transmit detection results to the CPU 38 via the bus 50 when the release button 25 is half-pressed. The CPU 38 controls the operations of the imaging lens 10, the diaphragm 36, and the CCD 42 based on the detection results transmitted from these detection circuits 61 and 62.

  The temperature sensor 21 detects the surface temperature of the camera body 16 at predetermined intervals when the power of the digital camera 2 is turned on. The surface temperature data detected by the temperature sensor 21 is stored in time series in the EEPROM 60 which is a storage means via the CPU 38. This detection of the surface temperature is continuously performed until the power is turned off.

  The speaker 63 utters the recorded voice when shooting a moving image in the playback mode. Further, when the surface temperature of the camera body 16 becomes higher than the dangerous temperature, a warning sound is issued to the user as a warning means according to an instruction from the CPU 38.

  The CPU 38 is provided with a determination unit 71, a graph generation unit 72, and a prediction unit 73. The determination unit 71 determines whether or not the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature every time the surface temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 21. When the determination unit 71 determines that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature, the determination unit 71 outputs a warning signal to the CPU 38. As a result, the CPU 38 displays a warning message on the LCD 27 based on the warning signal from the determination unit 71 urging the user to stop using the digital camera 2, for example, “The camera temperature has risen. (See FIG. 5) and a warning sound is uttered from the speaker 63. When it is determined that the surface temperature is not higher than the dangerous temperature, that is, when it is determined that the surface temperature is lower than the dangerous temperature, the CPU 38 displays the surface temperature and the dangerous temperature on the LCD 27.

  The graph generation unit 72 generates a temperature graph indicating the time-series transition of the surface temperature based on the surface temperature data stored in the EEPROM 60 in time series after the power of the digital camera 2 is turned on. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature graph 74 displayed on the LCD 27 has time on the horizontal axis and temperature on the vertical axis. In addition, 45 degreeC indicated on the vertical axis | shaft is a preset dangerous temperature.

  When the determination unit 71 determines that the surface temperature is not higher than the dangerous temperature, the prediction unit 73 determines that the surface temperature is dangerous based on the surface temperature data stored in the EEPROM 60 and the elapsed time since the power is turned on. Predict the time to reach temperature. This prediction result is input to the CPU 43 and the graph generation unit 72. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the graph generation unit 72 displays a prediction line (two-dot chain line in the drawing) in which the surface temperature is predicted to rise to the dangerous temperature in the temperature graph 74. Further, the CPU 43 performs a predictive display for informing the predicted arrival time, for example, “the time to reach the dangerous temperature is another 10 minutes”.

  Next, the effect | action of the said embodiment is demonstrated using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the power switch 13 of the digital camera 2 is slid to turn on the power, the digital camera 2 is driven. Thereby, the detection of the surface temperature of the camera body 16 by the temperature sensor 21 is performed at a predetermined interval. The detected surface temperature is stored in the EEPROM 60 in time series, and the determination unit 71 determines whether the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature. Further, a temperature graph 74 is generated based on the surface temperature data stored in the EEPROM 60 in time series.

  When the determination unit 71 determines that the surface temperature is not higher than the dangerous temperature, that is, when the surface temperature is lower than the dangerous temperature, the surface temperature is dangerous based on the detected surface temperature and the elapsed time from power-on. The arrival time until the temperature is reached is predicted. Then, on the LCD 27, as shown in FIG. 4, the detected surface temperature, the dangerous temperature, the temperature graph 74, and the first notification image 75 including the prediction information are displayed for a certain period of time. At this time, in the temperature graph 74, a prediction line (see a two-dot chain line in the figure) in which the surface temperature is predicted to rise to the dangerous temperature is displayed.

  When the determination unit 71 determines that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature, the LCD 27 includes the detected surface temperature, dangerous temperature, temperature graph 74, and warning information as shown in FIG. The second notification image 76 is displayed for a certain period of time, and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 63. As a result, the user can check the current surface temperature of the camera body 16 and check the state of the digital camera 2, thereby preventing low-temperature burns. Further, malfunction of electronic components built in the camera body 16 and deterioration of performance can be prevented. Even if the surface temperature does not reach the dangerous temperature, the surface temperature can be confirmed by the temperature graph 74 showing the time-series transition of the surface temperature, so that the power of the digital camera 2 can be turned on / off. By consciously carrying out, it is possible to prevent the surface temperature from rising to a dangerous temperature.

  Each time the surface temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 21 at a predetermined interval, the first notification image 75 or the second notification image 76 is displayed on the LCD 27 based on the detected surface temperature. When the user operates the display switching button 33, the first or second notification image 75 or 76 may be displayed on the LCD 27 by switching to the through image or the captured image. Further, when various operation buttons such as the release button 25 and the zoom button 30 are operated while the first or second notification image 75 or 76 is displayed, the notification image 75 or the like displayed on the LCD 27 is displayed. 76 may be forcibly switched to a through image or a captured image. As a result, the notification images 75 and 76 are displayed at the time of shooting and reproduction, so that the operation is not hindered.

  Further, the digital camera 2 of the above embodiment may be provided with a grip sensor that detects that the user is holding the grip portion 17. In this case, when it is detected that the grip portion 17 is gripped by the grip sensor and it is determined that the surface temperature is higher than the dangerous temperature, warning information is displayed on the LCD 27 and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 63. You may make it make it. In addition, the same component as the said embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the grip portion 17 of the digital camera 2 is provided with a grip sensor 78 that is a gripping means. The grip sensor 78 is composed of, for example, two conductive metal plates 80 and 81 that are spaced apart from the surface of the power switch 13. The grip sensor 78 detects a change in voltage or the like by utilizing conduction in the finger that occurs when the user grips the grip portion 17 and the finger contacts both of the metal plates. Accordingly, the grip sensor 78 inputs a detection signal to the CPU 38 when the user's finger and the metal plates 80 and 81 are in contact with each other. Further, when the finger is not in contact with the metal plates 80 and 81, the detection signal is not output.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the power source of the digital camera 2 is turned on, the surface temperature of the camera body 16 is detected by the temperature sensor 21. The detected surface temperature is stored in the EEPROM 60, and the determination unit 71 determines whether or not the surface temperature is higher than the dangerous temperature. At this time, when it is determined that the surface temperature is lower than the dangerous temperature and a detection signal is input from the grip sensor 78 to the CPU 38, the temperature rises to the dangerous temperature based on the surface temperature detected by the pre-side portion 73. After the arrival time is predicted, the CPU 38 displays the first notification image 75 on the LCD 27 (see FIG. 4). When it is determined that the surface temperature is higher than the dangerous temperature and a detection signal is input from the grip sensor 78 to the CPU 38, the CPU 38 displays the second notification image 76 on the LCD 27 (see FIG. 5), and the speaker. From 63, a warning sound is uttered.

  Further, for example, when performing a self-timer photographing or the like, if the detection signal is not input to the CPU 27 from the grip sensor 78, the CPU 38 which is a prohibition means even if the determination unit 71 determines the surface temperature and the dangerous temperature. Stops the display of the first or second notification image 75 or 76. That is, when the user is not gripping the grip portion 17, it is possible to take a picture without warning if there is no risk of low temperature burns. Note that the present invention may be applied to a digital camera having a remote shooting function for shooting by wired or wireless remote control operation. The grip sensor 78 provided in the grip portion 17 is not limited to this, and any sensor that can detect that the user is holding the grip portion 17 may be used.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature, the second notification image 76 is displayed on the LCD 27 and the warning sound is uttered from the speaker 63. A warning light may be provided, and the warning may be performed by blinking and lighting the light. Further, when the surface temperature is determined to be higher than the dangerous temperature, a warning may be given by providing the second notification image 76, generating a warning sound, flashing a light, or the like individually or appropriately combining them. .

  Further, when charging with the rechargeable battery loaded in the digital camera 2, a warning sound may be emitted from the speaker 63 if an abnormal temperature rise is detected by the temperature sensor 21. Further, when it is determined that the surface temperature detected during moving image shooting by the digital camera 2 is higher than the dangerous temperature, a warning is given by a warning sound from the speaker 63 without displaying the second notification image 76. May be.

  Further, the digital camera 2 of the present invention is provided with a graph generating unit 72 and a preliminary unit 73, and the first notification image 75 and the second notification image 76 displayed on the LCD 27 include a surface temperature, a dangerous temperature, a temperature graph, Although the prediction information (arrival time) and warning information are displayed, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the graph generation unit 72 and the prediction side unit 73 may be provided as appropriate to display the temperature graph and the prediction information on the LCD 27. .

  In this embodiment, a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and mobile devices such as mobile phones, mobile TVs, PDAs, electronic notebooks, notebook computers, and wristwatches are portable. The present invention may be applied to electronic devices that are used.

It is an external appearance perspective view explaining the structure of the digital camera using this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the back surface of a digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a digital camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st temperature confirmation image displayed on LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd temperature confirmation image displayed on LCD. It is a flowchart which shows the flow which performs a warning display with a digital camera. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the digital camera provided with the flip sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the flow which performs a warning display with the digital camera provided with the grip sensor.

Explanation of symbols

2 Digital camera 16 Camera body 17 Grip part 21 Temperature sensor 27 Liquid crystal panel (LCD)
38 CPU
60 EEPROM
63 Speaker 71 Determination Unit 72 Graph Generation Unit 73 Preliminary Side 74 Temperature Graph 75 Grip Sensor

Claims (4)

In portable devices that have built-in electronic components that generate heat when driven,
Temperature detecting means for detecting the surface temperature of the housing;
Display means for displaying the surface temperature detected by the temperature detection means and a preset dangerous temperature harmful to the human body;
Temperature determining means for determining whether the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature;
A portable device comprising: warning means for giving a warning when the temperature determination means determines that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature. Storage means for storing the surface temperature detected by the temperature detection means in time series;
Based on the surface temperature stored in the storage means, a graph generation means for generating a temperature graph showing a time-series transition of the surface temperature,
The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature graph is displayed on the display means. Based on the surface temperature stored in the storage means, the prediction means for predicting the arrival time until the surface temperature reaches the dangerous temperature,
The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the arrival time predicted by the prediction unit is displayed on the display unit. Grip detection means for detecting gripping of the housing;
Warning prohibiting means for prohibiting warning performed by the warning means,
When it is determined by the temperature determination means that the surface temperature is equal to or higher than the dangerous temperature, if the grip detection means does not detect gripping of the housing, the warning prohibition means is the warning means. 4. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein a warning due to is prohibited.

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