JP2009020328A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which can accurately switch the use of a light-receiving sensor concerning the detection of light and detection of approach of an object from a remote control device. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 1A having a finder window 10 includes: a light-receiving element (light receiving sensor) 152 capable of detecting infrared light (first light) LB emitted from the remote control device 90; and makes the light-receiving element 152 detect reflected light associated with the infrared light (second light) emitted from a light-emitting element (light source) near the light-receiving element 152, thereby detecting eye approach (detecting approach of an object) to the finder window 10. When it is determined as a light-shielding state where external light incident from the finder window 10 is intercepted because of attachment of an eyepiece cap 7A by using an eyepiece cap detection switch, the light-receiving element 152 is used to detect the first light, whereas when it is not determined as the light-shielding state, the light-receiving element 152 is used to detect the second light. Thus, the use of the light-receiving element 152 is accurately switched. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that can be remotely operated from a remote controller.

  An imaging device such as a digital single-lens reflex camera is generally provided with an optical viewfinder for confirming a subject. In such an optical viewfinder, the photographer's eyes are away from the viewfinder window when shooting with a remote control. There is a problem of adversely affecting performance and the like. To solve this problem, there is a measure to attach an eyepiece cap capable of blocking reverse incident light to the finder window (see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, an imaging device in which an eyepiece detection unit is provided in the vicinity of the finder window has been commercialized. The eyepiece detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the eyepiece is detected when infrared light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by a human face and detected by the light receiving element.

  There has also been proposed an imaging apparatus that detects infrared light (hereinafter also referred to as “remote control light”) emitted from a remote controller using a light receiving element of such an eyepiece detection unit. For example, in the imaging apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the use switching between eyepiece detection and detection of remote control light regarding the light receiving element of the eyepiece detection unit is performed by moving the movable light guide member.

JP-A-1-287541 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-96727

  However, in the image pickup apparatus of Patent Document 2, the photographer moves the movable light guide member when switching the use of the light receiving element (light receiving sensor) related to detection of remote control light and eyepiece detection (object approach detection). Therefore, if the movement is forgotten, proper operation of the imaging apparatus cannot be performed. For example, after taking a group photo using a light receiving element for detection of remote control light, eyepiece detection by the eyepiece detection unit is not performed even if normal photographing is performed without moving the moving light guide member. The use switching of the light receiving element by the moving light guide member as described above is inconvenient for the photographer because accurate switching cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, when shooting by remote control as described above, for example, an eyepiece cap is attached to the finder window, and the use of the light receiving element is switched in conjunction with the presence or absence of the eyepiece cap. If it can be done, there is a possibility of switching accurately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of accurately switching use of a light receiving sensor related to detection of light from a remote controller and detection of approach of an object.

  One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device that can be remotely operated from a remote controller, and (a) a first light emitted as light related to the remote operation from a light source provided in the remote controller. A light-receiving sensor capable of detection; and (b) an object for the light-receiving sensor by causing the light-receiving sensor to detect reflected light related to second light emitted from a light source provided in the vicinity of the light-receiving sensor. (C) optical finder means for guiding a subject light image that has passed through the photographing optical system to a finder window, and (d) external light that enters the imaging device from the finder window is predetermined. (E) a light-blocking determination unit that determines whether the light-blocking state is blocked by the light-blocking unit; light On the other hand, when the light blocking determination means determines that the light blocking state is not in the light blocking state, the light receiving sensor includes a use switching control means for use in the detection related to the second light. To do.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the external light entering the imaging apparatus from the finder window is in the light-shielding state by the light-shielding determination unit that determines whether or not the external light entering the imaging apparatus is blocked by the predetermined light-shielding unit. When the light receiving sensor is used to detect the first light emitted as the light related to the remote operation from the light source provided in the remote controller, while the light shielding determining means determines that the light is not in the light shielding state, A light receiving sensor is used to detect reflected light related to the second light emitted from the light source provided in the vicinity, and the approach of the object to the light receiving sensor is detected. As a result, it is possible to accurately switch the use of the light receiving sensor with respect to detection of light from the remote controller and detection of approach of the object.

<First Embodiment>
<Configuration of imaging device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an imaging apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This imaging device 1A is configured as a lens interchangeable single-lens reflex digital camera.

  The imaging apparatus 1A includes a camera body (camera body) 2A. An interchangeable photographic lens unit (interchangeable lens) 3 can be attached to and detached from the camera body 2A.

  The photographing lens unit 3 is mainly composed of a lens barrel, a lens group 37 (see FIG. 4) provided in the lens barrel, a diaphragm, and the like. The lens group 37 that functions as a photographing optical system includes a focus lens that changes a focal position by moving in the optical axis direction.

  The camera main body 2A includes an annular mount portion to which the photographing lens unit 3 is attached at the front center.

  The camera body 2A includes a mode setting dial 82 at the upper right portion of the back surface and a control value setting dial 86 at the upper left portion of the rear surface. By operating the mode setting dial 82, various camera modes (such as various shooting modes (people shooting mode, landscape shooting mode, full-auto shooting mode, etc.), playback modes for playing back captured images, and between external devices It is possible to perform a setting operation (switching operation) including a communication mode for performing data communication. Further, by operating the control value setting dial 86, it is possible to set control values in various shooting modes.

  In addition, the camera body 2A includes a grip 14 for the photographer to hold at the left end of the front. A release button 11 for instructing the start of exposure is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 14. Further, a battery storage chamber and a card storage chamber are provided inside the grip portion 14. For example, an AA battery is stored in the battery storage chamber as a power source for the camera, and a memory card 90 (see FIG. 4) for recording image data of a photographed image is detachably stored in the card storage chamber. It has become so.

  The release button 11 is a two-stage detection button that can detect two states, a half-pressed state (S1 state) and a fully-pressed state (S2 state). When the release button 11 is half-pressed to enter the S1 state, a preparation operation (for example, an AF control operation and an AE control operation) for acquiring a recording still image (main captured image) related to the subject is performed. This preparatory operation may be performed when an eyepiece is detected by the eyepiece detection unit 15 described later. When the release button 11 is depressed to enter the S2 state, an exposure operation related to a subject image (a light image of the subject is performed using the imaging device 5 (described later)) and an image obtained by the exposure operation is performed. A series of operations for performing predetermined image processing on the signal is performed.

  The camera body 2A is provided with an eyepiece 17 that protrudes from the back surface of the camera body 2A at substantially the upper center of the back surface. The eyepiece unit 17 includes a finder window (eyepiece window) 10 and an eyepiece detection unit 15 disposed near the lower part of the finder window 10.

  When the photographer looks into the finder window 10, the composition can be determined by visually recognizing the light image of the subject guided from the photographing lens unit 3. That is, the photographer can determine the composition using the optical viewfinder that guides the subject light image that has passed through the lens group 37 (see FIG. 4) to the viewfinder window 10.

  The eyepiece detection unit 15 includes a light emitting element 151 that emits infrared light and a light receiving element (light receiving sensor) 152. As shown in FIG. 2, the eyepiece detection unit 15 receives detection of reflected light related to infrared light (second light) IR emitted from a light emitting element (light source) 151 provided in the vicinity of the light receiving element 152. By using the element 152, it is possible to detect the eyepiece relating to the finder window 10, that is, the approach of the photographer's eye (object) Ey to the light receiving element 152 provided in the vicinity of the finder window 10.

  The eyepiece unit 17 as described above can be equipped with an eyepiece 91 that prevents the photographer's eyes and the like from coming into direct contact with the finder window 10 as shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the two ribs 9 r provided on the eyepiece 91 can be fitted in the two grooves 17 g provided on the left and right side surfaces in the eyepiece 17. With such a configuration, the eyepiece 91 can be detachably attached to the eyepiece 17.

  An eyepiece cap detection switch (hereinafter also simply referred to as a “detection switch”) 16 that detects that an eyepiece cap 7A (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, is attached to the eyepiece 17 is provided to the right of the eyepiece detection unit 15. It is arranged. The detection switch 16 can be switched between a state where it is pushed in (pressed state) Pa (see FIG. 6) and a state where it is not pushed in (non-pressed state) Pb (FIG. 3). In the pressed state Pa, the detection switch 16 is turned on. In the non-pressed state Pb, the detection switch 16 is detected off. For example, when the eyepiece 91 is attached to the image pickup apparatus 1A as shown in FIG. 3, the detection switch 16 is in the non-pressed state Pb, and off is detected.

  A rear monitor 12 is provided in the approximate center of the rear surface of the camera body 2A. The rear monitor 12 is configured, for example, as a color liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays a menu screen for setting shooting conditions and the like, and plays back and displays a shot image recorded in the memory card 90 in the playback mode. Can be.

  A main switch 81 is provided at the upper left of the rear monitor 12. The main switch 81 is a two-point slide switch. When the contact is set to the left “OFF” position, the power is turned off. When the contact is set to the right “ON” position, the power is turned on.

  A direction selection key 84 is provided on the right side of the rear monitor 12. This direction selection key 84 has a circular operation button, and it is possible to detect a pressing operation in four directions of up, down, left and right, and a pressing operation in four directions of upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left on this operation button. It has become. In addition, the direction selection key 84 is configured to detect a pressing operation of a push button at the center, in addition to the pressing operations in the eight directions.

  A setting button group 83 including a plurality of buttons for setting a menu screen, deleting an image, and the like is provided on the left side of the rear monitor 12.

  Next, an overview of functions of the imaging apparatus 1A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 1A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging apparatus 1A includes an operation unit 80, an overall control unit 101, a focus control unit 121, a mirror control unit 122, a shutter control unit 123, a timing control circuit 124, a digital signal processing circuit 50, and the like. .

  The operation unit 80 includes various buttons and switches including the release button 11 (see FIG. 1). In response to a photographer's input operation on the operation unit 80, the overall control unit 101 implements various operations.

  The overall control unit 101 is configured as a microcomputer and mainly includes a CPU, a memory, a ROM, and the like. The overall control unit 101 implements various functions by reading a program stored in the ROM and executing the program by the CPU. For example, the overall control unit 101 performs a focus control operation for controlling the position of the focus lens in cooperation with the AF module 20, the focus control unit 121, and the like. In addition, the overall control unit 101 implements an AF operation using the focus control unit 121 according to the focus state of the subject detected by the AF module 20. The AF module 20 can detect the in-focus state of the subject by using the light from the subject guided by the mirror mechanism 6 by a focusing state detection method such as a phase difference method.

  The focus control unit 121 moves a focus lens included in the lens group 37 of the photographing lens unit 3 by generating a control signal based on a signal input from the overall control unit 101 and driving the motor M1. The position of the focus lens is detected by the lens position detection unit 39 of the photographing lens unit 3, and data indicating the position of the focus lens is sent to the overall control unit 101. As described above, the focus control unit 121, the overall control unit 101, and the like control the movement of the focus lens in the optical axis direction.

  The mirror control unit 122 controls state switching between a state in which the mirror mechanism 6 is retracted from the optical path (mirror up state) and a state in which the mirror mechanism 6 blocks the optical path (mirror down state). The mirror control unit 122 switches between the mirror up state and the mirror down state by generating a control signal based on the signal input from the overall control unit 101 and driving the motor M2.

  The shutter control unit 123 controls the opening and closing of the shutter 4 by generating a control signal based on the signal input from the overall control unit 101 and driving the motor M3.

  The timing control circuit 124 performs timing control for the image sensor 5 and the like.

  The image sensor (for example, a CMOS sensor) 5 converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion action, and generates an image signal (image signal for recording) related to the actual captured image.

  In response to the drive control signals (accumulation start signal and accumulation end signal) input from the timing control circuit 124, the image sensor 5 performs exposure (charge accumulation by photoelectric conversion) of the subject image formed on the light receiving surface. Then, an image signal related to the subject image is generated. Further, the image sensor 5 outputs the image signal to the signal processing unit 51 in response to the read control signal input from the timing control circuit 124. The timing signal (synchronization signal) from the timing control circuit 124 is also input to the signal processing unit 51 and the A / D (analog / digital) conversion circuit 52.

  The image signal acquired by the image sensor 5 is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing in the signal processing unit 51, and the image signal after the analog signal processing is converted into digital image data (image data) by the A / D conversion circuit 52. Is done. This image data is input to the digital signal processing circuit 50.

  The digital signal processing circuit 50 performs digital signal processing on the image data input from the A / D conversion circuit 52 to generate image data related to the captured image. The digital signal processing circuit 50 includes a black level correction circuit 53, a white balance (WB) circuit 54, a γ correction circuit 55, and an image memory 56.

  The black level correction circuit 53 corrects the black level of each pixel data constituting the image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 52 to a reference black level. The WB circuit 54 performs white balance adjustment of the image. The γ correction circuit 55 performs gradation conversion of the captured image. The image memory 56 is a high-speed accessible image memory for temporarily storing generated image data, and has a capacity capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames.

  At the time of actual photographing, the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 56 is appropriately subjected to image processing (compression processing or the like) in the overall control unit 101 and then stored in the memory card 90 via the card I / F 132. Is done.

  Further, the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 56 is appropriately transferred to the VRAM 131 by the overall control unit 101, and an image based on the image data is displayed on the rear monitor 12. Thereby, confirmation display (after view) for confirming the captured image, reproduction display for reproducing the captured image, and the like are realized.

  The imaging apparatus 1A has a communication I / F 133, and can perform data communication with a device (for example, a personal computer) to which the interface 133 is connected.

  The imaging apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a flash 41, a flash control circuit 42, and an AF auxiliary light emitting unit 43. The flash 41 is a light source used when the luminance of the subject is insufficient. Whether or not the flash is turned on and the lighting time are controlled by the flash control circuit 42, the overall control unit 101, and the like. The AF auxiliary light emitting unit 43 is an auxiliary light source for AF. The presence or absence of lighting of the AF auxiliary light emitting unit 43 and the lighting time are controlled by the overall control unit 101 and the like.

<Configuration of eyepiece cap>
In the imaging apparatus 1A, the above-described eyepiece 91 (FIG. 1) can be attached to the eyepiece unit 17, and the finder window 10 is shielded so that external light does not enter the camera body 2A from the finder window 10. The eyepiece cap 7A can also be attached. The configuration of the eyepiece cap 7A will be described below.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the eyepiece cap 7A.

  The eyepiece cap 7A is detachably attached to the image pickup apparatus 1A, and is configured as an external light-shielding portion that covers the finder window 10 from the outside. External light that enters the camera body 2A from the finder window 10 is provided in the camera body 2A. It has a function of shielding the viewfinder window 10 so as to reach the photometry unit provided inside the camera and not adversely affect the photometry performance.

  The eyepiece cap 7A is provided with a recess 7p for accommodating the eyepiece 17 at the lower part thereof. The recess 7p corresponds to the rib 9r of the eyepiece 91 and includes two ribs 7r that can be fitted into the groove 17g (FIG. 1) of the eyepiece 17. When the eyepiece cap 7A is attached to the eyepiece 17, the detection switch 16 is pushed by the eyepiece cap 7A as shown in FIG. Therefore, by determining whether or not the detection switch 16 is in the pressed state Pb, it is possible to determine whether or not the external light entering the imaging apparatus 1A from the finder window 10 is blocked by the eyepiece cap 7A.

  The eyepiece cap 7A includes a hollow housing 70 bent in an L shape, and an entrance window 71 and an exit window 72 through which light enters and exits are provided at the top and bottom. The entrance window 71 and the exit window 72 are fitted with a translucent member (for example, a glass member) that can transmit at least infrared rays. The eyepiece cap 7A is provided with a reflecting plate 73 as a mirror that reflects light rays on the inner wall of the housing 70 outside the bent portion. The reflector 73 forms an optical system that guides the light incident from the entrance window 71 to the exit window 72.

  When the eyepiece cap 7A having such a configuration is attached to the imaging apparatus 1A, infrared light emitted from a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as “remote controller”) in front of the imaging apparatus 1A is used as the eyepiece detection unit 15's. Light can be received by the light receiving element 152. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the infrared light LB from the remote controller 90 that has entered the eyepiece cap 7 </ b> A from the entrance window 71 is reflected by the reflection plate 73, and the light receiving element 152 of the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> A from the exit window 72. Is emitted. Thereby, remote control with the remote controller 90 is possible from the front side of the imaging apparatus 1A. The infrared light LB from the remote controller 90 received by the light receiving element 152 is not subjected to signal processing such as filter processing, and the received infrared light LB itself is handled as an optical signal related to remote operation.

  The operation of the image pickup apparatus 1A to which the eyepiece cap 7A as described above can be attached will be described below.

<Operation of Imaging Device 1A>
In the imaging apparatus 1A in which the eyepiece cap 7A is attached to the eyepiece unit 17, infrared light (first light) LB emitted as light related to remote operation from a light source provided in the remote controller 90 as shown in FIG. It can be detected by the light receiving element 152 of the eyepiece detector 15. If an operation signal (control signal) is detected from the infrared light LB received by the light receiving element 152, the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> A can be remotely operated from the remote controller 90 via the light receiving element 152. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when photographing a person HM in front of the imaging device 1A to which the tripod TF is attached, a button provided on the remote controller 90 (a release button 11 provided on the camera body 2). Since the infrared light LB emitted from the remote controller 90 reaches the light receiving element 152 through the inside of the eyepiece cap 7A when the person HM operates 99), the photographing operation of the imaging apparatus 1A can be started.

  However, the light receiving element 152 requires an eyepiece detection function when performing normal photography other than remote control photography in the imaging apparatus 1A equipped with the eyepiece 91 as shown in FIG. It must be used to detect infrared light IR (FIG. 2) emitted from the element 151.

  Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 1A, the above-described detection switch is used to switch between an eyepiece detection mode in which the light receiving element 152 is used for eyepiece detection and a remote control mode in which the light receiving element 152 is used for detection of infrared light LB from the remote controller 90. 16 is automatically performed. That is, when the eyepiece 91 is attached to the eyepiece unit 17, the detection switch 16 is in the non-pressed state Pb as shown in FIG. 3, but when the detection switch 16 is detected to be off as described above, the eyepiece detection mode is set. Is set. On the other hand, when the eyepiece cap 7A is attached to the eyepiece 17, the detection switch 16 is in the pressed state Pa as shown in FIG. 6, but when the detection switch 16 is thus detected ON, the remote control detection mode is set. Is set.

  In the imaging apparatus 1A that performs the above-described operation, the overall control unit 101 determines that the external light entering from the finder window 10 is blocked by the eyepiece cap 7A being attached based on the ON signal of the detection switch 16. In this case, the light receiving element 152 is used for detection related to infrared light (first light) from the remote controller 90, while the overall control unit 101 determines that the light is not in a light-shielded state based on the OFF signal of the detection switch 16. In this case, the light receiving element 152 is used for detection related to infrared light (second light) emitted from the light emitting element 151 of the eyepiece detection unit 15. As a result, use switching of the light receiving element 152 regarding detection of infrared light from the remote controller 90 and eyepiece detection can be accurately performed. When the remote operation from the remote controller 90 is performed, the eyepiece cap 7A is attached, so that external light entering from the finder window 10 can be reliably blocked.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an imaging apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging device 1B has an appearance configuration similar to that of the imaging device 1A of the first embodiment, but the position of the detection switch 16 in the camera body is different.

  That is, in the camera body 2B of the imaging apparatus 1B, the detection switch 16 is provided at a position closer to the eyepiece 17 than the installation position (see FIG. 1) of the detection switch 16 of the first embodiment. More specifically, the detection switch 16 is disposed obliquely upward to the right with respect to the light receiving element 152 of the eyepiece detection unit 15.

  Since the detection switch 16 is disposed at such a position, the vertical groove 9g as a relief portion is formed on the back surface of the eyepiece 92 so that the detection switch 16 is not pushed when the eyepiece 92 is attached to the eyepiece portion 17. Is formed. Due to the vertical grooves 9g, even when the eyepiece 92 is mounted on the eyepiece 17, as shown in FIG. 10, the detection switch 16 is in the non-pressed state Pb.

  The imaging device 1B having the external configuration as described above has the same functional configuration as that of the imaging device 1A of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

<Configuration of eyepiece cap>
In the imaging device 1B, an eyepiece cap 7B different from the eyepiece cap 7A of the first embodiment can be attached to the eyepiece 17. The configuration of the eyepiece cap 7B will be described below.

  11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the eyepiece cap 7B.

  The eyepiece cap 7B is detachable from the image pickup apparatus 1B and is configured as an external light-shielding portion that covers the viewfinder window 10 from the outside. As shown in FIG. 12, an eyepiece 17 is provided below the eyepiece cap 7B. A recessed portion 7q (FIG. 11) for housing is provided. The recess 7q corresponds to the rib 9r (FIG. 9) of the eyepiece 92 and includes two ribs 7s that can be fitted into the groove 17g of the eyepiece 17. When the eyepiece cap 7B is attached to the eyepiece 17, the detection switch 16 is pushed by the eyepiece cap 7B as shown in FIG. When the eyepiece cap 7B is attached to the eyepiece 17, the viewfinder window 10 is shielded, but the eyepiece detector 15 is not shielded.

<Operation of Imaging Device 1B>
In the imaging device 1B in which the eyepiece cap 7B described above can be attached, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed.

  That is, when the eyepiece 92 is attached to the eyepiece 17, the detection switch 16 is in the non-pressed state Pb as shown in FIG. 10, but when the detection switch 16 is thus detected to be off, the eyepiece detection mode is set. Is set. On the other hand, when the eyepiece cap 7B is attached to the eyepiece 17, the detection switch 16 is in the pressed state Pa as shown in FIG. 12, but when the detection switch 16 is turned on, the remote control mode is set. Is done.

  In this remote control mode, remote control operation from the front of the imaging apparatus cannot be performed as in the first embodiment, but remote control operation from the rear of the imaging apparatus is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when macro shooting is performed on a subject (for example, a flower) FW in front of the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> B to which the tripod TF is attached, the remote controller 90 is operated by operating the button 99 on the remote controller 90. Since the infrared light LB emitted from the laser beam reaches the light receiving element 152 that is not covered by the eyepiece cap 7B, the imaging operation of the imaging device 1B can be started.

  The imaging device 1B that performs the above operation exhibits the same effects as the imaging device 1A of the first embodiment. Further, in the imaging apparatus 1B, since the position of the detection switch 16 is brought closer to the eyepiece portion 17 by providing the eyepiece 92 with the vertical groove 9g, the eyepiece cap can be made smaller than the first embodiment.

<Modification>
As for the eyepiece cap in the first embodiment, it is not essential to guide the infrared light LB incident from the incident window 71 provided on the front side of the imaging apparatus to the emission window 72 as shown in FIG. An incident window may be provided in a direction different from the front side of the apparatus, and infrared light incident from the incident window may be guided to the emission window by an optical system such as a light guide tube or a reflection plate. For example, like an eyepiece cap 7C shown in FIG. 14, two incident windows 74 and 75 are provided on the left and right sides of the imaging device, and infrared light LB1 and LB2 incident from the incident windows 74 and 75 are reflected by the reflectors 77 to 79. By guiding to the exit window 76, the remote control operation from the left side or the right side of the imaging device can be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, it is not essential to block external light entering from the finder window with an eyepiece cap that is detachable from the eyepiece, and is provided inside the imaging apparatus (for example, near the rear of the finder window). The light may be shielded by an eyepiece shutter as a shutter means. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), the open state (non-shielded state) 8a that does not block the external light from the finder window 10 and the external light from the finder window 10 as shown in FIG. 15 (b). The light may be shielded by using an eyepiece shutter 8 that can be switched to a closed state (light-shielded state) 8b that shuts off the light. In this case, the eyepiece detection mode is set when the eyepiece shutter 8 is determined to be in the open state 8a, while the remote control mode is set when the eyepiece shutter 8 is determined to be in the closed state 8b. In this remote control mode, a remote control operation from the rear of the imaging apparatus is possible as in the second embodiment.

  In each of the embodiments described above, it is not essential to detect the infrared light from the remote controller with the eyepiece detection unit 15, and the red light from the remote control is detected by the grip detection unit that detects that the grip unit is gripped by the photographer. You may make it detect external light. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in the grip detection unit 44 having a light emitting element 441 and a light receiving element 442, infrared light emitted from a remote controller in front of the imaging apparatus is detected by the light receiving element 442. Also in this case, depending on the detection result of the eyepiece cap detection switch 16, the use switching between the infrared light detection from the remote controller in the light receiving element 442 of the grip detection unit 44 and the grip detection for the grip unit 14 can be performed. Will be done.

  In the above-described embodiments, the remote controller and the eyepiece detection unit do not necessarily emit light having a wavelength in the infrared region, and may emit light having another wavelength.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, it is not essential to mechanically detect the presence or absence of the eyepiece cap wearing by the detection switch 16, and may be detected electrically or magnetically.

1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an imaging apparatus 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of the eyepiece detection in the eyepiece detection part. It is a figure which shows 1 A of imaging devices with which the eyepiece 91 was mounted | worn. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of 1 A of imaging devices. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of 7 A of eyepiece caps. It is a figure which shows 1 A of imaging devices with which the eyepiece cap 7A was mounted | worn. It is a figure for demonstrating that the infrared light LB from the remote control 90 reaches | attains the light receiving element 152 through the inside of the eyepiece cap 7A. It is a figure for demonstrating remote control operation with respect to 1 A of imaging devices with which the eyepiece cap 7A was mounted | worn. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of the imaging device 1B which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the imaging device 1B with which the eyepiece 92 was mounted | worn. It is a figure for demonstrating the eyepiece cap 7B. It is a figure for demonstrating the eyepiece cap 7B. It is a figure for demonstrating remote control operation with respect to the imaging device 1B with which the eyepiece cap 7B was mounted | worn. It is a figure for demonstrating the eyepiece cap 7C which concerns on the modification of this invention. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the eyepiece shutter 8. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the detection of the remote control light by the light receiving element 442 of the holding | grip detection part 44. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B Imaging device 2A, 2B Camera body (camera body)
3 Shooting lens unit (interchangeable lens)
5 Image sensors 7A to 7C Eyepiece cap 8 Eyepiece shutter 9g Vertical groove 10 of eyepiece Viewfinder window 11 Release button 15 Eyepiece detection unit 16 Eyepiece cap detection switch (detection switch)
17 Eyepiece 44 Grasping detection unit 71, 74, 75 Incident window 72, 76 Exit window 73, 77-79 Reflector 90 Remote control 91, 92 Eyepiece 101 Overall controller 151, 441 Light emitting element 152, 442 Light receiving element

Claims (6)

An imaging device capable of remote operation from a remote controller,
(a) a light receiving sensor capable of detecting first light emitted as light related to the remote operation from a light source provided in the remote controller;
(b) An approach detecting means for detecting the approach of an object to the light receiving sensor by causing the light receiving sensor to detect reflected light related to the second light emitted from a light source provided in the vicinity of the light receiving sensor. When,
(c) an optical viewfinder means for guiding a subject light image that has passed through the photographing optical system to a viewfinder window;
(d) a light shielding determination means for determining whether or not the external light entering the imaging apparatus from the finder window is in a light shielding state blocked by a predetermined light shielding means;
(e) When it is determined that the light blocking state is in the light blocking state, the light receiving sensor is used for detection related to the first light, while the light blocking determination unit determines that the light blocking state is not in the light blocking state. Use switching control means for using the light receiving sensor for detection according to the second light,
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1,
The predetermined light shielding means is
A light-shielding portion that is detachable from the imaging device and covers the viewfinder window from the outside
An imaging apparatus configured as described above. The imaging device according to claim 2,
The shading part is
An incident window for allowing the first light to enter the light shielding portion;
An exit window for emitting the first light incident from the entrance window to the outside of the light shielding portion;
An optical system for guiding the first light incident from the entrance window to the exit window;
And
When the light shielding unit is attached to the imaging device, the first light incident on the incident window is emitted from the emission window to the light receiving sensor provided in the vicinity of the finder window. An imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The predetermined light shielding means is
Shutter means provided in the imaging device and capable of switching between a light shielding state in which the outside light is blocked and a non-light shielding state;
An imaging apparatus configured as described above. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The light receiving sensor is provided in the vicinity of the finder window,
An imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the approach detecting means detects an eyepiece relating to the finder window. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The light receiving sensor is provided in a grip portion in the imaging device,
An imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the approach detection means detects gripping of the grip portion.

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