JP2008064874A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain the difference of operational feeling resulting from the posture of an imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus is provided with a first release button 311 and a second release button 321 on the upper surface 310 of a main body side housing 300 and an opposed surface 320 adjacent to the upper surface 310 respectively. Thus, even when the posture of an electronic camera 1 is changed to a horizontal position or a vertical position, the operational feeling of the release button is not changed, and the sense of incongruity due to the difference of the operational feeling is not given to a user. Since the operational feeling is not changed, imaging is easily performed regardless of the posture of the electronic camera 1, and the improvement of the image quality of the image to be picked up is expected. Since a grip or the like to be attached later is not necessitated, the upsizing of the electronic camera 1 is avoided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  Depending on the composition at the time of imaging, there is a case where the imaging apparatus is held in a horizontal state or a case where the imaging apparatus is held in a vertical state. As described above, an imaging apparatus provided with a plurality of release buttons is known so that the release button can be operated even when the gripping state is changed due to a difference in posture of the imaging apparatus (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-242192 A

  However, in the conventional image pickup device, when the image pickup device is held vertically and when it is held horizontally, the manner in which the finger is engaged with the release button is different, and thus the operation feeling of the release button is different.

(1) An imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first housing having a grip portion and a lens barrel, and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens barrel with respect to the first housing. A second housing mounted rotatably about a rotation axis, a first release button provided on a first surface of the first housing facing the second housing, and a first And a second release button provided on the second surface of the first housing adjacent to the surface.
(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the first casing is in the first attitude by the detecting means for detecting the attitude of the first casing and the detecting means. When the first release button is detected, the operation of the first release button is enabled and the operation of the second release button is disabled. When the detection means detects that the first casing is in the second posture, the first release button is operated. And a release button setting means for invalidating the operation of the second release button and validating the operation of the second release button.
(3) A third aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein a plurality of operation members to which predetermined functions of the imaging apparatus are respectively assigned, and an attitude of the first casing detected by the detection means And switching means for switching whether to enable or disable the operation of an arbitrary operation member among the plurality of operation members depending on whether the first posture is the second posture or the second posture. And
(4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, the plurality of operation members to which the predetermined functions of the imaging apparatus are respectively assigned, and the attitude of the first casing detected by the detection means Further, it is characterized by further comprising changing means for changing a predetermined function assigned to an arbitrary operation member of the plurality of operation members depending on whether or not is the first posture or the second posture.
(5) According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the fourth aspect, the display about the function assigned to each of the plurality of operation members when the first housing is in the first posture is Display in a direction that is easy to visually recognize when one housing is in the first posture, and display about functions assigned to each of the plurality of operation members when the first housing is in the second posture, It is further characterized by further comprising display means for displaying in a direction that is easily visible when the first housing is in the second posture.
(6) According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the first operation is provided in the vicinity of the first release button and assigned with a predetermined function of the imaging apparatus. And a second operation member provided in the vicinity of the second release button and assigned with the same function as the predetermined function assigned to the first operation member.
(7) The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined function is a function of changing a focal length of an imaging optical system provided in the lens barrel.
(8) The invention according to claim 8 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grip portion is a thumb of the user when the first housing is in the first posture. It has a portion to be gripped and a portion to be gripped by the user's thumb when the first housing is in the second posture.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a difference in operational feeling depending on the posture of the imaging apparatus.

--- First embodiment ---
A first embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing an external appearance of an electronic camera 1 that is an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. The electronic camera 1 is a digital still camera in which an imaging unit 2 and a main body unit 3 are rotatably connected. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage state of the electronic camera 1, that is, a state in which the imaging unit 2 is stored, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a use state of the electronic camera 1. The imaging unit 2 includes a lens barrel 201 having a photographic lens, an imaging element (for example, a CCD) 202 that captures a subject image, and light emission that irradiates the subject with light inside a casing (imaging side casing) 200. Part 203 is provided.

  The imaging unit 2 rotates approximately 200 degrees counterclockwise in the figure toward the front subject side on the left side of the drawing with reference to the angular position in the storage state in FIG. Rotate approximately 90 degrees in the direction. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the imaging unit 2 is rotated approximately 90 degrees toward the subject side from the housed state of FIG. That is, the imaging-side casing 200 has a lens barrel 201 and is attached to the casing of the main body 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 201. Yes.

  When the imaging unit 2 is rotated to the storage state of FIG. 1, the incident light side of the lens barrel 201 is configured to face upward in the drawing. Since the light emitting unit 203 irradiates the subject with light, it is necessary to dispose the light emitting unit 203 on the surface on the incident light side of the lens barrel 201 in the imaging unit 2 away from the lens optical axis of the lens barrel 201. Accordingly, the light emitting unit 203 is disposed in a portion (projecting portion) 220 that projects toward the main body 3 side when the imaging unit 2 is rotated to the housed state of FIG.

  The housing (main body housing) 300 of the main body 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As described above, since the protruding portion 220 of the imaging unit 2 protrudes toward the main body 3, the surface facing the imaging unit 2 among the surfaces of the main body 3 is the protruding shape of the protruding portion 220. It is notched to correspond. Of the surfaces of the main body 3, the surface facing the imaging unit 2 is referred to as a facing surface 320. The facing surface 320 includes a surface 320a that faces the surface 211 of the part that is not the protruding portion 220 of the imaging unit 2, a surface 320b that faces the surface 212 of the protruding portion 220 that extends toward the imaging unit 2, and the protruding portion 220. Of these, the surface 213 of the most projecting portion and the surface 230c facing the surface 213 are formed.

  A top surface 310 of the main body side housing 300, which is a surface adjacent to the facing surface 320 and is an upper surface in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first release button 311, a first zoom lever 312, and vertical / horizontal directions. A switching lever 313 is provided. The surface 320b is provided with a recess 324, and the recess 324 is provided with a second release button 321 and a second zoom lever 322. 1 and 2, on the rear surface 330 of the main body side housing 300, a DEL / PLAY button 331, a MENU button 332, a MODE button 333, a PLAY button 334, in order from the imaging unit 2 side, A cross operation key 335 is provided. In addition, a lateral position gripping part 336 is provided in the vicinity of the upper surface 310 of the back surface 330 near the end opposite to the imaging unit 2 side, and a vertical position gripping part is provided near the end on the imaging unit 2 side. 337 is provided. A liquid crystal display monitor 338 is also provided on the back surface 330.

  The first release button 311 and the second release button 321 are operation buttons for performing a release operation. The first zoom lever 312 and the second zoom lever 322 are operation levers for performing an operation of changing the focal length of the imaging optical system disposed in the lens barrel 201. It is possible to operate. The first zoom lever 312 is disposed substantially concentrically with the first release button 311, and the second zoom lever 322 is disposed substantially concentrically with the second release button 321. The vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is an operation lever for the user to select whether to image the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position or in the vertical position. Changes in the operation of the electronic camera 1 due to the operation of the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 will be described later.

  The posture of the electronic camera 1 in which the image pickup unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction or the oblique horizontal direction as viewed from the user side so as to capture a horizontally long image is called a horizontal position. The posture of the electronic camera 1 in which the image pickup unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are arranged in the vertical direction or the oblique vertical direction as viewed from the user side is referred to as a vertical position. When the posture of the electronic camera 1 is set to the horizontal position, a surface facing downward is referred to as a bottom surface 360 among the surfaces of the main body side housing 300. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the electronic camera 1 viewed from the back side, FIG. 3A shows the electronic camera 1 in a horizontal position, and FIG. 3B in a vertical position. An electronic camera 1 is shown.

  The DEL / PLAY button 331 is an operation button (erase button) operated when deleting a captured image, and an operation button (e.g., when displaying a captured image on the liquid crystal display monitor 338). Play button). The MENU button 332 is an operation button that is operated when a menu screen for setting various functions is displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 338.

  The MODE button 333 is an operation button that is operated when the imaging mode is selected. The PLAY button 334 is an operation button (playback button) that is operated when displaying a captured image on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. The cross operation key 335 is an operation button for selecting various menu items and the like, and can be operated in the up / down / left / right direction and the down direction.

  When the user holds the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position, such as when the user holds the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position, such as when the user holds the electronic camera 1 in a horizontal position, such as being recessed shallower than the surrounding surface or being subjected to anti-slip processing, It is the site | part processed so that it might be easy to hold | grip. When the user holds the electronic camera 1 in a vertical position, such as when the user holds the electronic camera 1 in a vertical position, such as when the user holds the electronic camera 1 in a vertical position, the vertical gripping portion 337 is recessed shallower than the surrounding surface or is subjected to anti-slip processing. It is the site | part processed so that it might be easy to hold | grip. The liquid crystal display monitor 338 is a display monitor that displays captured images and various menu screens. The liquid crystal display monitor 338 functions as an electronic viewfinder that displays an image of a subject during imaging.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electronic camera 1. The arithmetic circuit 101 is configured by a microcomputer or the like. The arithmetic circuit 101 receives a signal output from each unit described later, performs a predetermined calculation, and outputs a control signal based on the calculation result to each unit. The arithmetic circuit 101 and each unit described later are connected to each other.

  The image sensor 202 is configured by a CCD image sensor or the like. The imaging element 202 captures an image of subject light that has passed through the lens of the lens barrel 201 and outputs an imaging signal to the image processing unit 123. The image processing unit 123 is configured by an A / D conversion circuit, an ASIC, and the like. The image processing unit 123 converts an analog imaging signal into a digital signal, performs image processing such as white balance processing on the image data after digital conversion, and compression processing that compresses the image data after image processing in a predetermined format Then, decompression processing for decompressing the compressed image data is performed.

  The first release switch 141 outputs a release operation signal to the arithmetic circuit 101 in conjunction with the first release button 311. The release operation signal includes a half-press operation signal corresponding to a half-press operation of the first release button 311 and a full-press operation signal corresponding to a full-press operation pressed deeper than the half-press operation. The second release switch 142 outputs a release operation signal to the arithmetic circuit 101 in conjunction with the second release button 321. The release operation signal output from the second release switch 142 is the same as that of the first release switch 141.

  The DEL / PLAY switch 143, the MENU switch 144, the MODE switch 145, and the PLAY switch 146 calculate an operation signal when the DEL / PLAY button 331, the MENU button 332, the MODE button 333, and the PLAY button 334 are pressed. 101.

  The cross key switch 147 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the cross operation key 335 to the arithmetic circuit 101. When the upper part of the cross operation key 335 is pressed, the cross key switch 147 outputs an upward signal. When the lower part of the cross operation key 335 is pressed, the cross key switch 147 outputs a downward signal. When the right portion of the cross operation key 335 is pressed, the cross key switch 147 outputs a right direction signal. When the left portion of the cross operation key 335 is pressed, the cross key switch 147 outputs a left direction signal. When the cross operation key 335 is depressed, the cross key switch 147 outputs a depression signal.

  The first zoom switch 151 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the first zoom lever 312 to the arithmetic circuit 101. When the first zoom lever 312 is operated in the right direction, the first zoom switch 151 outputs a right direction signal, and when the first zoom lever 312 is operated in the left direction, the first zoom switch 151 outputs a left direction signal. To do. The second zoom switch 152 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the second zoom lever 322 to the arithmetic circuit 101. When the second zoom lever 322 is operated in the right direction, the second zoom switch 152 outputs a right direction signal, and when the second zoom lever 322 is operated in the left direction, the second zoom switch 152 outputs a left direction signal. To do.

  The vertical / horizontal switching switch 153 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation position of the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 to the arithmetic circuit 101. When the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the horizontal position, the vertical / horizontal switching switch 153 outputs a horizontal position signal. When the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the vertical position, the vertical / horizontal switching switch 153 outputs a vertical position signal.

  The display control unit 161 is a control unit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display monitor 338 based on a signal output from the arithmetic circuit 101. The lens drive control unit 162 drives the lens group of the lens barrel 201 so as to perform a focusing operation and a focal length changing operation based on a signal output from the arithmetic circuit 101. Based on the signal output from the arithmetic circuit 101, the light emitting device 163 performs light emission control by instructing the light emitting unit 203 to start and stop light emission. The recording medium mounting unit 164 detachably holds a recording medium (not shown), reads and erases data recorded on the mounted recording medium, and writes data to the recording medium. Image data after image processing is recorded on the recording medium.

--- When taking images in the horizontal position ---
The electronic camera 1 configured in this way can capture a subject image and display the captured image on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. As shown in FIG. 5, when capturing an image with the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position, the user grips the main body side housing 300 with the right hand and the imaging side housing 200 with the left hand. At this time, the horizontal position grip 336 and the first release button 311 are arranged so that the thumb of the right hand is naturally attached to the horizontal position grip 336 and the index finger of the right hand is naturally hooked on the first release button 311. Yes.

  In the electronic camera 1, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the horizontal position, the electronic camera 1 is moved to the horizontal position as shown in FIG. The operations of the first release button 311 and the first zoom lever 312 are validated, and the operations of the second release button 321 and the second zoom lever 322 are invalidated.

  That is, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives a horizontal position signal from the vertical / horizontal changeover switch 153, the release operation signal output from the first release switch 141, the right direction signal and the left direction output from the first zoom switch 151. Process the signal as a valid signal. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the horizontal position signal from the vertical / horizontal switch 153, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 outputs the release operation signal output from the second release switch 142, the right direction signal and the left direction output from the second zoom switch 152. Treat the signal as an invalid signal.

  Specifically, when the first release button 311 is half-pressed and the arithmetic circuit 101 receives a half-press operation signal output from the first release switch 141, the arithmetic circuit 101 performs focus locking or fixing the aperture value. Control each part. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the full-press operation signal output from the first release switch 141 when the first release button 311 is fully pressed, the image sensor 202 captures a subject image, and various images are captured. Each unit is controlled so as to be processed and stored in the recording medium.

  As described above, when the first zoom lever 312 is operated, a right direction signal or a left direction signal is output from the first zoom switch 151. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the right direction signal or the left direction signal, the arithmetic circuit 101 outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit 162 so that the lens group of the lens barrel 201 is driven to change the focal length. Even if the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the release operation signal output from the second release switch 142 or the right direction signal and the left direction signal output from the second zoom switch 152, the arithmetic state and control signal in the arithmetic circuit 101 are obtained. Do not change the output status of.

  As a result, when the first release button 311 is pressed halfway, the focus lock and the aperture value are fixed. When the first release button 311 is fully pressed, an imaging operation is performed. When the first zoom lever 312 is operated, the focal length is changed. Even if the second release button 321 and the second zoom lever 322 are operated, the state and operation of each part of the electronic camera 1 do not change.

  Further, in the electronic camera 1, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the horizontal position, the functions of the buttons 331 to 334 are made so that the electronic camera 1 held in the horizontal position can be easily operated. Is switched. That is, a function that is frequently operated during imaging is assigned to a button at a position closer to the horizontal position gripping unit 336. Specifically, when the operation circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the PLAY switch 146 when the PLAY button 334 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each unit to display a captured image on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. .

  When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the operation signal output from the MODE switch 145 when the MODE button 333 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls the display control unit 161 to display the imaging mode selection screen on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. . When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the MENU switch 144 when the MENU button 332 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 displays a menu screen for setting various functions on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. Control.

  When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the DEL / PLAY switch 143 by pressing the DEL / PLAY button 331, the arithmetic circuit 101 erases unnecessary image data obtained by imaging or stores it on a recording medium. Each part is controlled to delete the recorded data. That is, when the horizontal position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each unit so that the DEL / PLAY button 331 functions as an erase button.

--- When taking images in the vertical position ---
As shown in FIG. 6, when capturing an image with the electronic camera 1 in a vertical position, the user grasps the periphery of the top surface 310 of the main body side housing 300 with the right hand and the bottom surface 360 of the main body side housing 300 with the left hand. The periphery will be gripped. At this time, the vertical position grip 337 and the second release button 321 are arranged so that the thumb of the right hand is naturally attached to the vertical position grip 337 and the index finger of the right hand is naturally hooked on the second release button 321. Yes.

  In the electronic camera 1, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the vertical position, the electronic camera 1 is moved to the vertical position as shown in FIG. The operations of the second release button 321 and the second zoom lever 322 are validated, and the operations of the first release button 311 and the first zoom lever 312 are invalidated.

  In other words, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the vertical position signal from the vertical / horizontal changeover switch 153, the release operation signal output from the second release switch 142, the right direction signal and the left direction output from the second zoom switch 152. Process the signal as a valid signal. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the vertical position signal from the vertical / horizontal switch 153, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 outputs the release operation signal output from the first release switch 141, the right direction signal and the left direction output from the first zoom switch 151. Treat the signal as an invalid signal.

  Specifically, when the half-press operation signal output from the second release switch 142 is received when the second release button 321 is half-pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 performs the focus lock or the aperture value fixing. Control each part. When the operation circuit 101 receives the full-press operation signal output from the second release switch 142 when the second release button 321 is fully pressed, the image sensor 202 captures a subject image, and various images are captured. Each unit is controlled so as to be processed and stored in the recording medium.

  When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the right direction signal or the left direction signal output from the second zoom switch 152 by operating the second zoom lever 322, the lens group of the lens barrel 201 is driven to change the focal length. As described above, a control signal is output to the lens drive control unit 162. Even when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the release operation signal output from the first release switch 141 or the right direction signal and the left direction signal output from the first zoom switch 151, the arithmetic state and control signal in the arithmetic circuit 101 are obtained. Do not change the output status of.

  As a result, when the second release button 321 is pressed halfway, the focus lock and the aperture value are fixed, and when the second release button 321 is fully pressed, the imaging operation is performed and the second zoom lever is operated. When 322 is operated, the focal length is changed. Even if the first release button 311 and the first zoom lever 312 are operated, the state and operation of each part of the electronic camera 1 do not change.

  Further, in the electronic camera 1, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the vertical position, the frequency of operation during imaging so that the electronic camera 1 held in the vertical position can be easily operated. Is assigned to the button at the position closest to the vertical position gripping portion 337. Specifically, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the DEL / PLAY switch 143 when the DEL / PLAY button 331 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 displays a captured image on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. Control each part. That is, when the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each unit so that the DEL / PLAY button 331 functions as a playback button.

  When the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the operations of the MENU button 332, the MODE button 333, and the PLAY button 334 that are operated less frequently during imaging are invalidated. Accordingly, even when these buttons are held near the base of the thumb of the right hand when gripped in the vertical position, an erroneous operation unintended by the user can be prevented. Even if the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the operation signal output from the MENU switch 144 by pressing the MENU button 332, the arithmetic circuit 101 processes the received operation signal as an invalid signal. Similarly, even if the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the MODE switch 145 by pressing the MODE button 333, the arithmetic circuit 101 processes the received operation signal as an invalid signal. The arithmetic circuit 101 processes the received operation signal as an invalid signal even if the operation signal output from the PLAY switch 146 is received when the PLAY button 334 is pressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the electronic camera 1 is held in front of the user's face, the user holds the electronic camera 1 regardless of whether the electronic camera 1 is in the horizontal position or the vertical position. The angle of the wrist on the right hand is almost the same. The position of the right thumb attached to the horizontal position gripping part 336 of the electronic camera 1 placed in the horizontal position is substantially the same as the position of the right thumb attached to the vertical position gripping part 337 of the electronic camera 1 placed in the vertical position. Become.

  The position of the index finger of the right hand applied to the first release button 311 of the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position and the position of the index finger of the right hand applied to the second release button 321 of the electronic camera 1 placed in the vertical position are substantially the same. Note that the release buttons 311 and 321 have only a slight difference in the operational feeling of the user, although there is a difference whether the release button is pressed downward or obliquely downward.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the electronic camera 1 is in the vertical position, it can be gripped in the same manner as in the horizontal position. Further, even when the electronic camera 1 is in the vertical position, the release operation and the zoom operation can be performed with the same operational feeling as in the horizontal position.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the electronic camera 1, the buttons 331 to 334 are easy to understand the functions of the buttons 331 to 334 when they are set to the horizontal position and the vertical position. The functions of the buttons 331 to 334 are displayed around. When the horizontal position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the DEL / PLAY button 331 functions as an erasing button. A character 331a indicating the function is displayed above the DEL / PLAY button 331 and the electronic camera. When 1 is set to the horizontal position, it is displayed so as to stand upright (FIG. 3A). Similarly, a character 332 a is displayed above the MENU button 332, a character 333 a is displayed above the MODE button 333, and a character 334 a is displayed above the PLAY button 334. Is displayed.

  When the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the DEL / PLAY button 331 functions as a playback button. A character 331b indicating the function is displayed on the side of the DEL / PLAY button 331. The electronic camera 1 is displayed so as to stand upright when in the vertical position (FIG. 3B).

The electronic camera 1 according to the first embodiment described above has the following operational effects.
(1) The first release button 311 and the second release button 321 are provided on the upper surface 310 of the main body side housing 300 and the opposing surface 320 adjacent to the upper surface 310, respectively. Thereby, even if the gripping state changes according to the posture of the electronic camera 1, the operation feeling of the release button does not change, and the user does not feel uncomfortable due to the difference in operation feeling. In addition, since the operational feeling does not change, it is easy to capture images regardless of the posture of the electronic camera 1 and the image quality of the captured image can be expected to be improved. I'll do it.

(2) According to the posture of the electronic camera 1, either one of the first release button 311 and the second release button 321 is enabled and the other is disabled. As a result, for example, even when the first release button is accidentally pressed with the palm of the right hand during imaging in the vertical position, the imaging operation is not performed, so that unintended imaging by the user can be prevented.

(3) According to the posture of the electronic camera 1, the operation of each button 332 to 334 is switched between valid and invalid. Thereby, an erroneous operation unintended by the user can be prevented. Further, the functions of the buttons 331 to 334 are switched according to the attitude of the electronic camera 1. Thereby, according to the attitude | position of the electronic camera 1, button operation of the electronic camera 1 can be made easy.

(4) Since the characters 331a to 334a and 331b for displaying the functions of the buttons 331 to 334 are displayed so as to stand upright corresponding to the posture of the electronic camera 1, each button 331 is displayed regardless of the posture of the electronic camera 1. The function of ~ 334 is easy to understand.

(5) The first zoom lever 312 is provided in the vicinity of the first release button 311, and the second zoom lever 322 is provided in the vicinity of the second release button 321. Thereby, even if the posture of the electronic camera 1 changes to the horizontal position or the vertical position, the feeling of operation of the zoom lever that is frequently operated during imaging does not change, and the user does not feel uncomfortable due to the difference in the feeling of operation.

(6) When the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position and the vertical position is held, the horizontal position holding part 336 and the vertical position holding part 337 that attach the thumb of the right hand are provided. The electronic camera 1 can be easily gripped.

(7) The vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is configured so that the user can select whether to image the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position or in the vertical position. As a result, even if the posture of the user, the angle of the arm of the user, and the like change, it is possible to match the user's intention with the state of enabling / disabling of each button and each lever and the function of each button.

--- Second Embodiment ---
A second embodiment of the imaging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the corresponding reference numerals, and differences will be mainly described. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment. 7 and 8 are views showing an external appearance of the electronic camera 1 which is the image pickup apparatus of the second embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the electronic camera 1 viewed from the back side, FIG. 9A shows the electronic camera 1 in the horizontal position, and FIG. 9B in the vertical position. An electronic camera 1 is shown.

  In the electronic camera 1 of the second embodiment, unlike the electronic camera 1 of the first embodiment, the second zoom lever 322 is not provided. In the electronic camera 1 of the second embodiment, a DEL / TELE button 341 and a MENU / WIDE button 342 are provided instead of the DEL / PLAY button 331 and the MENU button 332 of the electronic camera 1 of the first embodiment. ing.

  The DEL / TELE button 341 is an operation button (erase button) operated when erasing a captured image, and is also an operation button (TELE button) for changing to the TELE side to increase the focal length. The MENU / WIDE button 342 is an operation button (MENU button) that is operated when a menu screen for setting various functions is displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 338, and an operation for changing to the WIDE side that shortens the focal length. It is also a button (WIDE button).

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the electronic camera 1 according to the second embodiment. The DEL / TELE switch 171 and the MENU / WIDE switch 172 output an operation signal to the arithmetic circuit 101 when the DEL / TELE button 341 and the MENU / WIDE button 342 are pressed. Note that the second zoom switch 152 is not provided in the electronic camera 1 of the second embodiment.

--- When taking images in the horizontal position ---
In the electronic camera 1 according to the second embodiment, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the horizontal position, the first electronic camera 1 is easily operated so as to be easily operated. The operation of the release button 311 and the first zoom lever 312 is enabled, and the operation of the second release button 321 is disabled.

  That is, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives a horizontal position signal from the vertical / horizontal changeover switch 153, the release operation signal output from the first release switch 141, the right direction signal and the left direction output from the first zoom switch 151. Process the signal as a valid signal. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the horizontal position signal from the vertical / horizontal switch 153, the arithmetic circuit 101 processes the release operation signal output from the second release switch 142 as an invalid signal. Even when the arithmetic operation circuit 101 receives the release operation signal output from the second release switch 142, the arithmetic operation state in the arithmetic circuit 101 and the output state of the control signal are not changed.

  As a result, when the first release button 311 is pressed halfway, the focus lock and the aperture value are fixed, and when the first release button 311 is fully pressed, the imaging operation is performed and the first zoom lever is operated. When 312 is operated, the focal length of the imaging optical system disposed in the lens barrel 201 is changed. Even if the second release button 321 is operated, the state and operation of each part of the electronic camera 1 do not change.

  Further, in the electronic camera 1, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the horizontal position, the frequency of operation during imaging so that the electronic camera 1 held in the horizontal position can be easily operated. A higher function is assigned to a button at a position closer to the lateral position gripping part 336. Specifically, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the MENU / WIDE switch 172 by pressing the MENU / WIDE button 342, a menu screen for setting various functions is displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 338. The display control unit 161 is controlled to display.

  When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the DEL / TELE switch 171 by pressing the DEL / TELE button 341, the arithmetic circuit 101 erases unnecessary image data obtained by imaging or stores it on a recording medium. Each part is controlled to delete the recorded data. That is, when the horizontal position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each part so that the DEL / TELE button 341 functions as an erase button and the MENU / WIDE button 342 functions as a MENU button. .

--- When taking images in the vertical position ---
In the electronic camera 1 according to the second embodiment, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the vertical position, the second operation is performed so that the electronic camera 1 held in the vertical position can be easily operated. The operation of the release button 321 is validated, and the operations of the first release button 311 and the first zoom lever 312 are invalidated.

  That is, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives a vertical position signal from the vertical / horizontal switch 153, the arithmetic circuit 101 processes the release operation signal output from the second release switch 142 as a valid signal. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the vertical position signal from the vertical / horizontal switch 153, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 outputs the release operation signal output from the first release switch 141, the right direction signal and the left direction output from the first zoom switch 151. Treat the signal as an invalid signal.

  Specifically, when the half-press operation signal output from the second release switch 142 is received when the second release button 321 is half-pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 performs the focus lock or the aperture value fixing. Control each part. When the operation circuit 101 receives the full-press operation signal output from the second release switch 142 when the second release button 321 is fully pressed, the image sensor 202 captures a subject image, and various images are captured. Each unit is controlled so as to be processed and stored in the recording medium.

  Even when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the release operation signal output from the first release switch 141 or the right direction signal and the left direction signal output from the first zoom switch 151, the arithmetic state and control signal in the arithmetic circuit 101 are obtained. Do not change the output status of.

  As a result, when the second release button 321 is half-pressed, the focus is locked and the aperture value is fixed, and when the second release button 321 is fully pressed, the imaging operation is performed. Even if the first release button 311 and the first zoom lever 312 are operated, the state and operation of each part of the electronic camera 1 do not change.

  Further, in the electronic camera 1, when the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is operated to the operation position for selecting the vertical position, the buttons 341 and 342 are provided so that the electronic camera 1 held in the vertical position can be easily operated. , 333, 334 are switched. Specifically, when the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the DEL / TELE switch 171 when the DEL / TELE button 341 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 focuses on the imaging optical system disposed in the lens barrel 201. A control signal is output to the lens drive controller 162 so that the distance becomes longer.

  When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the MENU / WIDE switch 172 by pressing the MENU / WIDE button 342, the focal length of the imaging optical system disposed in the lens barrel 201 is shortened. A control signal is output to the lens drive controller 162.

  Even if the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the operation signal output from the MODE switch 145 by pressing the MODE button 333, the arithmetic circuit 101 processes the received operation signal as an invalid signal. When the arithmetic circuit 101 receives an operation signal output from the PLAY switch 146 when the PLAY button 334 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each unit to display a captured image on the liquid crystal display monitor 338.

  Therefore, the electronic camera 1 according to the second embodiment can be gripped in the same manner as when the electronic camera 1 is in the vertical position even when the electronic camera 1 is in the vertical position. Moreover, even when the electronic camera 1 is in the vertical position, the release operation can be performed with the same operational feeling as in the horizontal position. When changing the focal length, the first zoom lever 312 is operated with the right index finger when the electronic camera 1 is in the horizontal position, and the DEL / TELE button is operated with the right thumb when the electronic camera 1 is in the vertical position. 341 or MENU / WIDE button 342 is operated. However, the gripping state of the right hand is not greatly different regardless of the posture of the electronic camera 1, and it is not necessary to change the gripping state of the right hand, such as changing the electronic camera 1 at the focal length, and the index finger or thumb is slightly changed. Just move it.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), in the electronic camera 1, each button 341, 342, 333, 334 is easily understood for understanding the functions of the horizontal position and the vertical position. The functions of the buttons 341, 342, 333, and 334 are displayed around the buttons 341, 342, 333, and 334. When the horizontal position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the DEL / TELE button 341 functions as an erasing button. The character 341a indicating the function is displayed above the DEL / TELE button 341 on the electronic camera. When 1 is set to the horizontal position, it is displayed so as to stand upright (FIG. 9A). Similarly, a character 342a “MENU” is displayed above the MENU / WIDE button 342, a character 333a “MODE” is displayed above the MODE button 333, and “PLAY” is displayed above the PLAY button 334. Character 334a is displayed.

  When the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the DEL / TELE button 341 functions as a TELE button, but the character 341b indicating the function is displayed on the side of the DEL / PLAY button 331. The electronic camera 1 is displayed so as to stand upright when it is in the vertical position (FIG. 9B). Similarly, on the side of the MENU / WIDE button 342, a character 342b representing a function as a WIDE button is displayed, and on the side of the PLAY button 334, a character 334b is displayed "PLAY". .

The electronic camera 1 according to the second embodiment has the following operational effects in addition to the operational effects of the first embodiment.
(1) When the horizontal / vertical switching lever 313 is set to the horizontal position, the focal length is adjusted by the first zoom lever 312 and the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 is set to the vertical position. The DEL / TELE button 341 and the MENU / WIDE button 342 are used to adjust the focal length. This eliminates the need to provide a separate zoom lever for imaging in the vertical position, which is generally less frequent than imaging in the horizontal position, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

---- Modified example ---
(1) In the first embodiment described above, the first zoom lever 312 is disposed substantially concentrically with the first release button 311, and the second zoom lever 322 is disposed substantially concentrically with the second release button 321. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the first zoom lever 312 and the second zoom lever 322, other operation members such as a mode setting dial for selecting an imaging mode are substantially concentric with the first release button 311 and the second release button 321. It may be arranged.

(2) In the first embodiment described above, the first zoom lever 312 is disposed substantially concentrically with the first release button 311, and the second zoom lever 322 is disposed substantially concentrically with the second release button 321. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, instead of the first zoom lever 312, a first zoom operation dial 315 may be provided on the front surface 370 of the main body side housing 300 and in the immediate vicinity of the first release button 311. Then, following the positional relationship between the first release button 311 and the first zoom operation dial 315, the second zoom operation dial 325 instead of the second zoom lever 322 is placed on the front surface 370 of the main body side housing 300. It may be provided in the immediate vicinity of the two release button 321.

(3) In the above description, the direction of function display is determined so that the attitude of the electronic camera 1 corresponds to the functions of the buttons 331 to 334, 341, and 342, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the functions of the buttons 331 to 334 may be displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 338 according to the attitude of the electronic camera 1. When the horizontal position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 and a horizontal position signal is received from the vertical / horizontal switching switch 153, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each unit so that the DEL / PLAY button 331 functions as an erase button. Further, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 displays the display control unit 161 so that the character 331c “DEL” is displayed directly below the DEL / PLAY button 331 and displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 338 so that the electronic camera 1 is in the upright position. Is controlled (FIG. 12A). Similarly, the arithmetic circuit 101 displays a character 332 c “MENU” immediately below the MENU button 332, a character 333 c “MODE” immediately below the MODE button 333, and “PLAY” immediately below the PLAY button 334. The display control unit 161 is controlled to display the character 334c.

  When the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 and a vertical position signal is received from the vertical / horizontal switching switch 153, the arithmetic circuit 101 controls each unit so that the DEL / PLAY button 331 functions as a playback button. . Further, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 displays the character “331” on the liquid crystal display monitor 338 so that the character 331d is displayed on the side of the DEL / PLAY button 331 and the electronic camera 1 is set upright when it is in the vertical position. 161 is controlled (FIG. 12B).

(4) In the first embodiment described above, when the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the operation of the MENU button 332, the MODE button 333, and the PLAY button 334 is invalidated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the operation of at least one of the MENU button 332, the MODE button 333, and the PLAY button 334 is enabled. May be.

(5) In the above-described second embodiment, when the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, the operation of the MODE button 333 is invalidated. You may comprise so that operation may become effective.

(6) In the above description, when the vertical position is selected by the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313, there is no particular mention as to whether the operation of the cross operation key 335 is valid or invalid. There may be.

(7) In the above description, when the posture of the electronic camera 1 is set to the vertical position, the light emitting unit 203 is configured to be positioned below the lens barrel 201, but the posture of the electronic camera 1 is set to the vertical position. In this case, a storage portion for the light emitting portion 203 is provided on the opposite side of the protruding portion 220 across the lens barrel 201 so that the light emitting portion 203 is positioned above the lens barrel 201, and the light emitting portion 203 is arranged here. You may comprise so that it may provide. In this case, since the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 203 is irradiated onto the subject from above the lens barrel 201, the shadow of the subject becomes natural.

(8) In the first embodiment described above, the imaging unit 2 is provided with the protruding portion 220, and the main body portion 3 is provided with the facing surface 320 that constitutes the recessed portion corresponding to the protruding shape of the protruding portion 220. It has been. And although the 2nd release button 321 and the 2nd zoom lever 322 are provided in the opposing surface 320, this invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the side surface 380 facing the imaging unit 2 of the main body side housing 300 does not have the recessed portion as in the above-described embodiment, and the side surface 380 substantially orthogonal to the upper surface 10 A second release button 321 and a second zoom lever 322 may be provided.

(9) In the above description, whether the attitude of the electronic camera 1 is the horizontal position or the vertical position is detected by detecting the switching position of the vertical / horizontal switching lever 313 by the arithmetic circuit 101. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electronic camera 1 is provided with an angular position sensor, the arithmetic circuit 101 calculates the attitude of the electronic camera 1 based on the angular position signal output from the angular position sensor, and the electronic camera 1 is in the horizontal position. You may make it determine whether it is a vertical position.

(10) In the above description, the electronic camera 1 is a digital still camera. However, the electronic camera 1 may be a camera capable of shooting a moving image or an imaging device dedicated to moving image shooting.
(11) Each embodiment and modification described above may be combined.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes a first housing having a grip portion and a lens barrel, and the light of the lens barrel with respect to the first housing. A second housing attached to be rotatable about a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the axial direction, and a first surface provided on the first surface of the first housing facing the second housing. And an imaging device having various structures including a second release button provided on the second surface of the first housing adjacent to the first surface.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic camera 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic camera 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electronic camera 1 seen from the back side, (a) shows the electronic camera 1 made into the horizontal position, (b) shows the electronic camera 1 made into the vertical position. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the electronic camera 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state in which the electronic camera 1 made into the horizontal position is hold | gripped. It is a figure which shows the state in which the electronic camera 1 made into the vertical position is hold | gripped. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic camera 1 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic camera 1 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electronic camera 1 seen from the back side, (a) shows the electronic camera 1 made into the horizontal position, (b) shows the electronic camera 1 made into the vertical position. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the electronic camera 1 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a modification. It is a figure which shows a modification. It is a figure which shows a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic camera 2 Imaging part 3 Main body part 101 Arithmetic circuit 200 Case (imaging side case) 300 Case (main body side case)
311 First release button 312 First zoom lever 313 Vertical / horizontal switching lever 315 First zoom operation dial 321 Second release button 322 Second zoom lever 325 Second zoom operation dial 331 DEL / PLAY button 332 MENU button 333 MODE button 334 PLAY button 336 Horizontal position gripping part 337 Vertical position gripping part 338 Liquid crystal display monitor 341 DEL / TELE button 342 MENU / WIDE button

Claims (8)

A first housing having a gripping portion;
A second housing having a lens barrel and attached to the first housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens barrel;
A first release button provided on a first surface of the first housing facing the second housing;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a second release button provided on a second surface of the first housing adjacent to the first surface. In the imaging device according to claim 1,
Detecting means for detecting the attitude of the first housing;
When the detection means detects that the first housing is in the first posture, the operation of the first release button is validated and the operation of the second release button is invalidated, and the detection means Release button setting means for invalidating the operation of the first release button and validating the operation of the second release button when detecting that the first casing is in the second posture is further provided. An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The imaging device according to claim 2,
A plurality of operation members each assigned a predetermined function of the imaging device;
Depending on whether the posture of the first casing detected by the detection means is the first posture or the second posture, an operation is performed on any of the plurality of operation members. An imaging apparatus, further comprising switching means for switching between valid and invalid. The imaging device according to claim 2,
A plurality of operation members each assigned a predetermined function of the imaging device;
Assigned to any operation member of the plurality of operation members depending on whether the posture of the first casing detected by the detection means is the first posture or the second posture. An imaging apparatus, further comprising changing means for changing the predetermined function. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
When the first casing is in the first posture, the display about the function assigned to each of the plurality of operation members is visually recognized when the first casing is in the first posture. Display in an easy orientation,
When the first housing is in the second posture, the display about the function assigned to each of the plurality of operation members is visually recognized when the first housing is in the second posture. An imaging apparatus, further comprising display means for displaying in an easy orientation. In the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
A first operating member provided in the vicinity of the first release button and assigned with a predetermined function of the imaging device;
An imaging apparatus, further comprising: a second operation member provided in the vicinity of the second release button and assigned the same function as the predetermined function assigned to the first operation member. The imaging device according to claim 6,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined function is a function of changing a focal length of an imaging optical system provided in the lens barrel. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The gripping portion includes a portion that is gripped by a user's thumb when the first housing is in the first posture, and a user's thumb when the first housing is in the second posture. An image pickup apparatus having a portion gripped by a thumb.

Images