JP2009005080A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which prevents a magnetic head of a hard disk device from being retracted in the middle of imaging because of erroneous detection of a fall of the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises an imaging section 100 which images a subject to capture an image, a hard disk device 500 which stores an image captured by the imaging section 100, an acceleration sensor 601 for detecting acceleration, a grip sensor 602 for detecting an intention of imaging of a user, and a system LSI 201 for saving a magnetic head of the hard disk device 500. In a case where the intention of imaging of the user is detected by the grip sensor 602, the system LSI 201 does not save the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 even if a fall is detected by the acceleration sensor 602 and in a case where the intention of imaging of the user is not detected by the grip sensor 602, the system LSI 201 saves the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 if a fall is detected by the acceleration sensor 601. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera.

A technique is known in which a head portion of a built-in hard disk device is retracted from a disk medium when a fall is detected by an acceleration sensor provided in the imaging apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-110974 A

  In the imaging device described in Patent Literature 1, when the user moves the imaging device to change the composition of the subject, it is erroneously detected that the imaging device has fallen, and the head portion of the hard disk device is in the middle of shooting. There is a problem of being evacuated.

(1) An image pickup apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject to acquire image information, a hard disk device for storing image information acquired by the image pickup means, an acceleration detection means for detecting acceleration, When a shooting intention detection unit that detects a user's shooting intention and the shooting intention detection unit detects the user's shooting intention, the magnetic head of the hard disk device is not retracted even when a fall is detected by the acceleration detection unit. When the detection means does not detect the user's intention to shoot, it has a magnetic head retraction control means for retreating the magnetic head of the hard disk device when the acceleration detection means detects a fall.
(2) The invention of claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing intention detection means detects the photographing intention of the user by at least one of a grip sensor, a release button, and an eyepiece detection sensor. Features.
(3) The invention of claim 3 is the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnetic head retracting control means detects the acceleration of gravity by the acceleration detecting means after retracting the magnetic head of the hard disk device. When the shooting intention of the user is detected by the shooting intention detection means, the retraction of the magnetic head of the hard disk device is released.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the magnetic head of the hard disk device from being retracted during photographing due to erroneous detection of the imaging device falling.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view of the image pickup apparatus 1 as viewed obliquely from the front. As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the imaging apparatus 1, a photographing lens 101A constituting the imaging optical system 101, a lens barrel 101B storing the photographing lens 101A, and a grip sensor detection unit 602A are provided. . An acceleration sensor 601 and a grip sensor 602 are provided inside the imaging apparatus 1. A release button 401 for performing a shooting operation is provided on the upper surface of the imaging apparatus 1. The imaging device 1 records image data when a subject is photographed in a hard disk device (not shown) built in the imaging device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus 1. The imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging unit 100 having a CCD imaging element 102, a digital circuit unit 200 mainly composed of a system LSI 201, an image reproduction unit 300, an operation unit 400, a hard disk device 500, a sensor unit 600, and the like. Has been. The CCD image pickup element 102 is an area type image pickup element in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and a subject image is formed on the image pickup surface of the CCD image pickup element 102 by the photographing optical system 101. In the present embodiment, a CCD type image sensor is described as an example of the image sensor, but a CMOS type image sensor or the like may be used. The subject image is photoelectrically converted in the CCD image sensor 102, and an electrical signal corresponding to the subject image is input from the CCD image sensor 102 to the analog signal processing circuit 103.

  The analog signal processing circuit 103 includes an AGC (gain control) circuit or a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and performs analog signal processing such as gain adjustment and noise removal on the input image signal. The image signal subjected to the analog signal processing is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 104 and input to the system LSI 201 of the digital circuit unit 200.

  The lens control device 105 moves the lens position of the photographing lens 101A constituting the photographing optical system 101 in order to focus on the subject. Further, the lens control device 105 extends the lens barrel 101B or stores it in the imaging device main body.

  A TG (timing generator) circuit 106 outputs an operation timing signal to each of the CCD image sensor 102, the analog signal processing circuit 103, and the A / D conversion circuit 104, and controls the operation timing between them.

  In the system LSI 201 of the digital circuit unit 200, digital signal processing such as image size change, white balance processing, gamma correction, and data compression processing are performed on the digital image data input from the A / D conversion circuit 104. The ROM 203 constituting the program memory stores a program related to these processes and a control program for the entire imaging apparatus, and the system LSI 201 executes the control program when a main switch (not shown) is turned on. A RAM 202 constituting the image memory is used as a buffer memory for temporary storage of image data input from the imaging unit 100, various image processing, and image compression / decompression processing. The image data processed by the digital circuit unit 200 is recorded in the hard disk device 500.

  The image reproduction unit 300 is provided with the above-described display monitor 301 and a monitor controller 302 that controls driving of the display monitor 301. The operation unit 400 includes hard switches such as the release button 401 described above. The operation unit 400 sends an operation signal corresponding to each operation content to the system LSI 201.

  The hard disk device 500 is a storage device that reads and writes data using a magnetic head on an aluminum or glass disk (platter) coated with a magnetic material. The image data output from the digital circuit unit 200 is recorded on a platter using a magnetic head. When the platter is not reading or writing data, the magnetic head is retracted to a safe place (shipyard) where the magnetic head does not collide with the platter.

  The sensor unit 600 includes an acceleration sensor 601 and a grip sensor 602. The acceleration sensor 601 detects an external force applied to the imaging device 1 as acceleration, and outputs the detection result to the system LSI 201. The acceleration sensor 601 can detect acceleration in three axis directions. The grip sensor 602 is composed of a pressure sensor, and detects the pressing of the grip sensor detection unit 602A of the imaging device 1 by the user. The grip sensor detection unit 602A is provided at a position where the imaging apparatus 1 is gripped when the user takes a picture. Thereby, it can be determined whether or not the user intends to photograph the subject. That is, when the user is pressing the grip sensor detection unit 602A, it can be determined that the user has an intention to shoot the subject, and when the user is not pressing, it can be determined that there is no intention to shoot. The pressure detection result is output to the system LSI 201.

  Next, image data protection processing in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing of FIG. 3 is executed in the system LSI 201 by a program that starts when the power of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on.

  In step S301, it is determined whether or not the amount of change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 601 is within a predetermined value. Thereby, the possibility of the imaging device 1 falling is detected. If the amount of change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 601 is within a predetermined value, step S301 is repeated. If the amount of change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 601 is greater than the predetermined value, a negative determination is made in step S301, and the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, it is determined from the pressure detection result output from the grip sensor 602 whether the grip sensor detection unit 602A is pressed. When the grip sensor detection unit 602A is pressed, an affirmative determination is made in step S302, and the process returns to step S301. If the grip sensor detection unit 602A is not pressed, a negative determination is made in step S302, and the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 is retracted. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 1 falls while the hard disk device 500 is reading and writing image data, and the damage of the magnetic head and the platter due to the impact of the fall and the accompanying damage to the image data can be prevented. Then, the image data protection process ends.

According to the embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) When the user's intention to shoot is detected, the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 is not retracted even if the acceleration sensor 601 detects the possibility of the imaging device falling. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 from being retracted during photographing due to erroneous detection of the imaging device falling. Thereby, a delay in time (response) until the next image is captured can be prevented.

(2) The user's intention to photograph the subject is detected by the grip sensor 602 that detects the pressing of the position where the imaging apparatus 1 is gripped while photographing. Therefore, the user's intention to photograph the subject can be reliably detected by a simple method.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows.
(1) The grip sensor 602 is not limited to a pressure sensor as long as it can be detected that the user is holding the imaging device 1. For example, two or more electrodes separated by a predetermined distance are provided at the position of the grip sensor detection unit 602A, and the gripping of the user's imaging device 1 is detected by the resistance value between the electrodes, that is, the detection is performed by the electric resistance sensor. May be. When the user holds the imaging apparatus 1, the user's finger comes into contact with the two electrodes, and the resistance value between the two electrodes becomes small. Based on this change in resistance value, it is possible to detect gripping of the imaging device 1 by the user.

  Further, a grip sensor using a photo reflector may be used. For example, a panel (visible cut filter) is provided at the position of the grip sensor detection unit 602A. Light is irradiated from the photo reflector toward the panel from the inside of the imaging apparatus 1, and the reflected light from the panel is detected by the photo reflector. When the user holds the imaging device and covers the panel with a finger, the intensity of reflected light from the panel increases. On the other hand, if the user does not hold the imaging device, the panel is not covered and the intensity of the reflected light becomes weak. Thus, the user's grip of the imaging device 1 can be detected based on the intensity of the reflected light detected by the photo reflector.

(2) The number of grip sensors 602 provided in the imaging apparatus 1 is not limited to one as long as it can be detected that the user is holding the imaging apparatus 1, and a plurality of grip sensors 602 may be provided. This is because the position of the finger that holds the imaging device 1 may change depending on how the imaging device 1 is held, such as when shooting with the imaging device 1 lying down sideways.

(3) As long as the user's intention to photograph the subject can be detected, the means for detecting the intention is not limited to the detection of pressing by the grip sensor 602. For example, the user's intention to photograph the subject may be detected by detecting either half-press or full-press of the release button 401. This is because the release button 401 is not half-pressed or fully pressed unless the user intends to photograph the subject. Here, the half-press means a pressed state of the release button 401 where the user presses the release button 401 lightly until it feels resistance and stops the finger as it is. Further, when the user pushes the release button 401 deeply from the half-pressed state, it is called full press.

  Next, image data protection processing for detecting the intention of shooting by pressing the release button 401 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process of FIG. 4 is executed in the system LSI 201 by a program that starts when the power of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on. The processes common to the embodiment of the present invention (see FIG. 3) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different portions from the embodiment of the present invention will be mainly described.

  If a negative determination is made in step S301, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, it is determined from the operation signal output from the release button 401 whether or not the release button 401 is half-pressed or fully pressed. If the release button 401 is half-pressed or fully pressed, an affirmative determination is made in step S401 and the process returns to step S301. If the release button 401 is not half pressed or fully pressed, a negative determination is made in step S401, and the process proceeds to step S303.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the imaging apparatus 1A includes a finder 107A, as shown in FIG. 5B, an eyepiece detection sensor 603 is provided in the finder eyepiece 107B. Then, the intention of photographing the subject of the user may be detected by detection of the eyepiece detection sensor 603. This is because, unless the user intends to shoot the subject, the user does not touch the finder eyepiece 107B. The eyepiece detection sensor 603 includes a light emitting element 603A and a light receiving element 603B. When the user places an eye on the finder eyepiece 107B, the light emitted from the light emitting element 603A is reflected by the user. The light receiving element 603B detects this reflected light, thereby detecting the eyepiece of the user's viewfinder eyepiece 107B.

  Next, image data protection processing for detecting the intention of shooting by the eyepiece detection sensor 603 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process of FIG. 6 is executed in the system LSI 201 by a program that starts when the power of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on. The processes common to the embodiment of the present invention (see FIG. 3) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different portions from the embodiment of the present invention will be mainly described.

  If a negative determination is made in step S301, the process proceeds to step S601. In step S601, it is determined from the eyepiece detection signal output from the eyepiece detection sensor 603 whether or not the viewfinder eyepiece 107B is in contact. If the viewfinder eyepiece 107B is in contact with the eye, an affirmative determination is made in step S601 and the process returns to step S301. If the viewfinder eyepiece 107B is not eyepiece, a negative determination is made in step S601, and the process proceeds to step S303.

  A user's intention to photograph a subject may be detected by a plurality of detection means among the grip sensor 602, the release button 401, and the eyepiece detection sensor 603.

(4) When the acceleration sensor 601 detects only the acceleration of gravity after the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 is retracted, or detects the user's intention to photograph the subject, the retracting of the magnetic head may be canceled. Good. The photographing operation can be resumed promptly, and the convenience of the imaging device 1 is improved.

  The magnetic head retract release process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process of FIG. 7 is executed in the system LSI 201 by a program that starts when the magnetic head is retracted by the image data protection process of FIG.

  In step S701, it is determined whether or not the magnitude of acceleration obtained by combining the accelerations in the three-axis directions detected by the acceleration sensor 601 is equal to the acceleration of gravity. Thereby, the imaging device 1 detects that it has not fallen. If the magnitude of the acceleration obtained by combining the accelerations in the three-axis directions detected by the acceleration sensor 601 is equal to the acceleration of gravity, an affirmative determination is made in step S701 and the process proceeds to step S702. When the magnitude of the acceleration obtained by combining the accelerations in the three axis directions detected by the acceleration sensor 601 is different from the acceleration of gravity, a negative determination is made in step S701, and the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S702, the withdrawal of the magnetic head of the hard disk device 500 is released. Then, the magnetic head evacuation release processing is terminated.

  In step S703, it is determined from the pressure output from the grip sensor 602 whether or not the grip sensor detection unit 602A is being pressed. When the grip sensor detection unit 602A is pressed, an affirmative determination is made in step S703, and the process proceeds to step S702. If the grip sensor detection unit 602A is not pressed, a negative determination is made in step S703, and the process returns to step S701.

(5) When the fall of the imaging device 1 is detected in order to protect the imaging optical system 101 together with the protection of the hard disk device 500, the imaging lens 101A may be retracted into the imaging device 1 as shown in FIG. Good. At this time, the lens barrel 101B is housed in the imaging apparatus body, and the imaging lens 101A is protected by the lens barrier 108. Also in this case, when the user's intention to shoot is detected, the imaging lens 101A is not retracted even if the acceleration sensor 601 detects the possibility of the imaging device falling. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the imaging lens 101A from being retracted during photographing due to erroneous detection of the imaging device falling.

  Next, lens protection processing for detecting the intention of shooting will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process of FIG. 9 is executed in the system LSI 201 by a program that starts when the power of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on. The processes common to the embodiment of the present invention (see FIG. 3) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different portions from the embodiment of the present invention are mainly described.

  If a negative determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S901. In step S901, the imaging lens 101A is retracted into the main body. Then, the lens protection process ends. Step 302 may be replaced with step S401 in FIG. 4 or step S601 in FIG.

  The above description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment.

It is the figure which looked at the imaging device by one embodiment of the present invention from the front. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of an imaging device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image data protection process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image data protection process which detects the imaging | photography intention by pressing the release button. It is a figure for demonstrating the imaging device provided with the eyepiece detection sensor. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image data protection process which detects the intention of imaging | photography with an eyepiece detection sensor. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the withdrawal cancellation | release process of a magnetic head. It is a figure for demonstrating the imaging device which retracted the imaging lens. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the lens protection process which detects the intention of imaging | photography.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A Image pick-up device 100 Image pick-up part 101A Shooting lens 101B Lens barrel 107A Finder 107B Finder eyepiece 108 Lens barrier 200 Digital circuit part 201 System LSI
300 Image Playback Unit 400 Operation Unit 401 Release Button 500 Hard Disk Device 600 Sensor Unit 601 Acceleration Sensor 602 Grip Sensor 602A Grip Sensor Detection Unit 603 Eye Detection Sensor

Claims (3)

An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and acquires image information; a hard disk device that stores image information acquired by the imaging unit;
Acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration;
Shooting intention detection means for detecting a user's shooting intention;
When the shooting intention detection means detects the user's shooting intention, the hard disk device magnetic head is not retracted even when the acceleration detection means detects a fall, and the shooting intention detection means detects the user's shooting intention. If not, an image pickup apparatus comprising: a magnetic head retraction control unit that retreats the magnetic head of the hard disk device when a drop is detected by the acceleration detection unit. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging intention detection means detects a user's imaging intention by at least one of a grip sensor, a release button, and an eyepiece detection sensor. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
The magnetic head retraction control means, after retreating the magnetic head of the hard disk device, when detecting acceleration of gravity by the acceleration detection means, or when detecting the user's photographing intention by the photographing intention detection means, An image pickup apparatus that releases a retraction of a magnetic head of a hard disk device.

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