JP2009139606A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of performing normal photographing and self-photographing by making the camera body self-standing. <P>SOLUTION: In a digital camera, a movable panel 5 equipped with a display unit 6 is pivotally supported on its body 1, equipped with a photographic lens 2; the movable panel 5 can turn centered about a first axis, extending along the optical axis of the photographic lens 2 and can turn centering around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and extending along the movable panel 5; the lower end of the body 1 and the lower end of the movable panel 5 are grounded, to make the camera self-standing, in an attitude such that the display unit 6 is separated from the side surface of the body 1 by turning the movable panel 5; and in a self-standing photography mode in which photography is performed in a self-standing state, tilt correction corresponding a rotational angle around the optical axis of the photographic lens 2 in the self-standing state is performed with respect to an image obtained by photography. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera capable of shooting a still image and / or a moving image.

  For digital cameras, during normal shooting to take pictures of the landscape in front or self-shooting to take pictures of the user himself, setting the self-timer and remote control operation while holding the camera body at a fixed height using a tripod The image is captured (shutter operation).

However, since it is inconvenient and troublesome to carry a tripod with the camera, by attaching a stand (102) to the camera body (100) as shown in FIG. ) Has been proposed (Patent Document 1).
According to the camera, the shooting direction X can be adjusted by changing the posture of the stand (102).
JP 2003-5266 A

However, even with the camera shown in FIG. 13, the stand (102) needs to be attached to the camera body (100) so that the angle can be adjusted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that can perform normal shooting and self-shooting by using a camera body independently without using an accessory such as a tripod or a stand.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present inventors have a movable panel (5) having a display (6) with respect to a main body (1) having a photographing lens (2). Focused on supported digital cameras.
In the digital camera, the movable panel (5) can rotate around a first axis A1 extending along the optical axis of the photographing lens (2), and is orthogonal to the first axis A1 and movable panel. It can be rotated around the second axis A2 extending along (5).

  According to the digital camera, the movable panel (5) rotates about the first axis as shown in FIG. 2 from the closed position in which the display (6) faces the side surface of the main body (1) as shown in FIG. The display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1), and the movable panel (5) is rotated around the second axis, so that the display (6) is connected to the main body (1) as shown in FIG. In a posture facing the side opposite to the side surface, the lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) can be grounded to be self-supporting.

  Further, from the turning posture shown in FIG. 10, the movable panel (5) is turned around the second axis as shown in FIG. 4, and the indicator (6) is oriented in the direction opposite to the photographing direction. The lower end portion of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1) and the lower end portion of the movable panel (5) can be grounded to be self-supporting.

  Furthermore, from the turning posture shown in FIG. 10, the movable panel (5) turns around the second axis as shown in FIG. 3, and the indicator (6) faces in the direction opposite to the photographing direction. Thus, the lower end portion of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1) and the lower end portion of the movable panel (5) can be grounded to be self-supporting.

  In the digital camera according to the present invention, the movable panel (5) having the display (6) is pivotally supported at the upper end portion with respect to the above-described configuration, that is, the main body (1) having the photographing lens (2). The movable panel (5) can be rotated around a first axis extending along the optical axis of the photographing lens (2), and is orthogonal to the first axis and extends along the movable panel (5). The lower end of the main body (1) can be rotated around the second axis, and the movable panel (5) is rotated to separate the display (6) from the side surface of the main body (1). In a self-supporting shooting mode in which shooting is performed in a self-supporting state on the premise that the camera can stand on the ground and the lower end of the movable panel (5), the image obtained by the shooting is in a self-supporting state. Tilt correction is performed according to the rotation angle (tilt) of the taking lens (2) around the optical axis.

  In photographing in a self-supporting state, a photographed image is displayed on the display device (6) of the movable panel (5) in a normal orientation regardless of the posture of the display device (6).

  In the digital camera of the present invention, the movable panel (5) is rotated so that the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1) and the lower end of the main body (1) and the movable panel ( When the lower end of 5) is grounded and self-supported, the main body (1) is rotated (tilted) by a certain angle around the optical axis of the photographing lens (2). The photographed image is tilted by the certain angle. Therefore, in the self-supporting photographing mode in which photographing is performed in a self-supporting state, the main body is corrected by performing tilt correction on the image obtained by the photographing in accordance with the rotation angle around the optical axis of the photographing lens (2) in the self-supporting state. A photographed image in a normal direction with a corrected inclination according to the posture of (1) is obtained.

  In the first specific configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, the movable panel (5) rotates about the first axis from the closed position, and the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). Later, the movable panel (5) is rotated around the second axis so that the display (6) faces away from the side surface of the main body (1) in a normal shooting posture, and the lower end of the main body (1) In the self-supporting shooting mode in which the lower end of the movable panel (5) is grounded and can stand on its own, and in a self-supporting shooting mode in which shooting is performed in a self-supporting state, the photographing lens (2) in a self-supporting state is obtained with respect to an image obtained by shooting. The tilt is corrected according to the rotation angle around the optical axis and the attitude of the display (6). As a result, a captured image in a normal direction can be obtained regardless of the posture of the main body (1).

  In the second specific configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the movable panel (5) rotates around the first axis from the closed position, and the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). Later, the movable panel (5) is rotated around the second axis so that the display (6) faces the direction opposite to the photographing direction, and the lower end of the main body (1) and the movable panel ( In the self-supporting photographing mode in which photographing is performed in a self-supporting state, the optical axis of the photographing lens (2) in the self-supporting state can be applied to the image obtained by the photographing. Inclination correction is performed according to the rotational angle of rotation and the attitude of the display (6). As a result, a captured image in a normal direction can be obtained regardless of the posture of the main body (1).

  In the third specific configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable panel (5) rotates around the first axis from the closed position, and the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). At the same time, the movable panel (5) rotates about the second axis and the display (6) faces the same direction as the photographing direction, and the lower end of the main body (1) and the movable panel (5). It is possible to make the lower end of the camera stand on the ground and to stand by itself, and for the shot image in the stand-alone state, the rotation angle around the optical axis of the shooting lens (2) and the attitude of the display (6) in the stand-alone state Tilt correction is performed according to. As a result, a captured image in a normal direction can be obtained regardless of the posture of the main body (1).

  At each rotational position of the movable panel (5), the movable panel (5) is softly locked with a click feeling to the main body (1), thereby detecting each rotational position and correcting the tilt with high accuracy. I can do it.

Here, the following three forms can be adopted for the timing of executing the inclination correction.
In the first embodiment, the self-supporting shooting mode is set according to a user operation, and the tilt correction is executed according to the setting of the self-supporting shooting mode.

In the second form, the movable panel (5) is rotated and the display (6) is movable away from the side surface of the main body (1) and the lower end of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1). Detection means for detecting a state in which the lower end portion of the panel (5) is in contact with the ground is provided, and the self-supporting photographing mode is set according to detection by the detection means, and the inclination correction is executed.
According to the second embodiment, a user operation for setting the independent shooting mode is not necessary.

In the third embodiment, the self-supporting shooting mode is set according to an operation by the user, and the tilt correction is executed according to the detection of the detecting means in the self-supporting shooting mode setting state.
According to the third aspect, the tilt correction is not performed when the self-supporting photographing mode is set, and the tilt correction is executed by detecting the subsequent self-supporting state.

In a more specific configuration, an icon image representing a shooting state in the stand-alone shooting mode is displayed on the display (6) of the movable panel (5) according to the setting of the stand-alone shooting mode.
As a result, the user can rotate the movable panel (5) and separate the display (6) from the side surface of the main body (1) with the lower end of the main body (1) when shooting in the self-supporting shooting mode. It can be easily recognized from the icon image that the lower end portion of the movable panel (5) should be grounded and become independent.

  According to the digital camera of the present invention, it is possible to perform normal shooting or self-shooting by making the camera body self-supporting without using accessory parts such as a tripod and a stand.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera according to the present invention includes a main body (1) having a photographing lens (2), a movable panel (5) having a liquid crystal display (6), and a main body (1 ) Is provided with a hinge portion (4) for pivotally supporting the upper end of the movable panel (5), and the body (1) is provided with a grip portion (3) which should be gripped during photographing. Yes.

The main body (1) is provided with an operation dial (11) for performing various operations and a shutter button (12).
The movable panel (5) can rotate around a first axis A1 extending along the optical axis of the photographic lens (2), and is orthogonal to the first axis A1 and along the movable panel (5). It is possible to rotate around the second axis A2 that extends.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the hinge part (4) includes a main body side frame (41) fixed in the main body (1), a display side frame (42) fixed in the movable panel (5), The main body side frame (41) and the display side frame (42) are provided with a connecting frame (43). The main body side frame (41) and the connecting frame (43) are relatively rotated about the first axis A1. The display side frame (42) and the connection frame (43) are connected to each other by a second pivot (45) that allows relative rotation about the second axis A2. ing.

1. First Embodiment In the digital camera of the first embodiment, the movable panel (5) is rotated from the closed position shown in FIG. 1, and the liquid crystal display (6) grips the main body (1) as shown in FIG. The lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) are grounded with the liquid crystal display (6) facing away from the side surface of the section (3) and facing the same direction as the shooting direction X. The self-photographing can be performed in this self-supporting state.

  Further, the movable panel (5) is rotated from the closed position shown in FIG. 1, so that the liquid crystal display (6) is separated from the side surface of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1) as shown in FIG. In a posture in which the container (6) is directed in the direction opposite to the photographing direction X, the lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) can be grounded and can stand independently. Normal shooting can be performed in an independent state.

As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), an ON / OFF switch (7) is built in the lower end of the grip portion (3), and the ON / OFF switch (7) is shown in FIG. 5 (a). When the operating pin (71) protrudes from the lower end surface of the grip portion (3) due to the spring bias as shown in FIG. 5B, the pin is turned OFF, and the pin (71) of the ON / OFF switch (7) as shown in FIG. Is turned on when is pushed back.
Accordingly, in the self-standing state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower end of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1) is grounded, so that the ON / OFF switch (7) is switched from OFF to ON. .

As shown in FIG. 6, the main body (1) is provided with a magnet (8) in the vicinity of the hinge portion (4), while the movable panel (5) is provided with a liquid crystal display (6) as shown in the figure. ) Is oriented in the same direction as the shooting direction X, the first MR sensor (81) is disposed at a position facing the magnet (8), and the liquid crystal display (6) is the shooting direction X. The second MR sensor (82) is arranged at a position facing the magnet (8) in a posture facing in the opposite direction.
Therefore, when the self-photographing state shown in FIG. 3 is set, an ON signal is issued from the first MR sensor (81), while when the normal photographing state shown in FIG. 4 is set, the second MR sensor (82). An ON signal is emitted from

In the digital camera, the stand-alone shooting mode is set by the user's operation, whereby an icon image representing the shooting state in the stand-alone shooting mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display (6) of the movable panel (5). (Not shown).
Thereafter, when an ON signal is obtained from the ON / OFF switch (7) and an ON signal is obtained from the first MR sensor (81), it is determined that the self-photographing state shown in FIG. 3 is set. When an ON signal is obtained from the ON / OFF switch (7) and an ON signal is obtained from the second MR sensor (82), it is determined that the normal photographing state shown in FIG. 4 is set.

  In the self-photographing state, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the self image is displayed on the liquid crystal display (6) of the movable panel (5). In the normal photographing state, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the front scenery is displayed on the liquid crystal display (6) of the movable panel (5).

  For captured images obtained in the self-capturing state and the normal capturing state, the rotation angle (tilt of the main body (1)) of the photographing lens (2) in the self-supporting state and the attitude of the display (6) ( Inclination correction is performed in accordance with (inclination and vertical relationship) (see JP 2000-282683 A, JP 2005-175563 A, JP 2005-318401 A, etc.).

For example, for a captured image at the time of self-photographing, the original frame image F0 tilted according to the tilt of the main body (1) is stored in a memory as shown in FIG. 9, and then reading from the memory is controlled. Thus, the inscribed frame image F1 is cut out from the original frame image F0. The liquid crystal display (6) displays a normal image F2 having no inclination based on the inscribed frame image F1. Further, when the shutter operation is performed, the inscribed frame image F1 is obtained by performing rotation coordinate conversion (processing for reading image data so as to maintain the horizontal direction) with the image center as the origin. The corrected image is stored as a captured image in a memory card or the like.
The same tilt correction by rotational coordinate conversion is performed on a captured image at the time of normal shooting.

According to the digital camera described above, it is possible to perform normal shooting or self-shooting by making the camera body self-supporting without using accessory parts such as a tripod and a stand.
In addition, a configuration is adopted in which tilt correction is performed on a photographed image based on only an ON signal from the ON / OFF switch (7) or the MR sensor (81) (82) without setting the self-supporting photographing mode by the user. It is also possible to do.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the ON / OFF switch (7) and the MR sensors (81) and (82) are omitted, and the tilt correction for the captured image is executed only according to the setting of the self-supporting shooting mode by the user. is there. In this case, the tilt correction necessary for the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display (6) is performed according to the setting of the self-supporting photographing mode.

The ON / OFF switch (7) shown in FIG. 5 is not limited to the lower end portion of the grip portion (3), but can be provided at the lower end portion of the movable panel (5).
It is also possible to omit the ON / OFF switch (7) and instruct the inclination correction for the captured image according to the user's own operation.

As for the arrangement relationship between the magnet (8) and the two MR sensors (81) and (82) shown in FIG. 6, two MR sensors (81) and (82) are arranged in the main body (1), and the movable panel (5) is arranged. A configuration in which the magnet (8) is arranged can also be adopted.
In the self-supporting shooting mode, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the tilt correction is performed on the shot image only in accordance with the ON signal from the MR sensors (81) and (82).

2. Second Embodiment In the digital camera according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the movable panel (5) rotates about the first axis from the closed position, and the liquid crystal display (6) is the main body (1). ), The movable panel (5) is rotated around the second axis, and the liquid crystal display (6) is connected to the side surface of the grip (3) of the main body (1). In a posture facing the opposite side, the lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) can be grounded and can stand independently, and normal photographing can be performed in this state.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), an ON / OFF switch (7) is built in the lower end portion of the grip portion (3), and in the self-standing state shown in FIG. 10, the grip portion of the main body (1). When the lower end of (3) is grounded, the ON / OFF switch (7) is switched from OFF to ON.

In the digital camera, the stand-alone shooting mode is set by the user's operation, whereby an icon image representing the shooting state in the stand-alone shooting mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display (6) of the movable panel (5). (Not shown).
Thereafter, when an ON signal is obtained from the ON / OFF switch (7), it is determined that the normal photographing state shown in FIG. 10 is set.

The captured image obtained in the normal imaging state is subjected to inclination correction according to the rotation angle (inclination of the main body (1)) around the optical axis of the imaging lens (2) in the self-standing state.
That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the original frame image F0 inclined according to the inclination of the main body (1) is stored in the memory, and then reading from the memory is controlled, so that the inscribed frame image is converted from the original frame image F0. Cut out F1. The liquid crystal display (6) displays a normal image without inclination based on the inscribed frame image F1. When the shutter operation is performed, the inscribed frame image F1 is subjected to rotational coordinate conversion with the image center as the origin, and the corrected image obtained thereby is stored as a captured image in a memory card or the like.

According to the above-described digital camera, it is possible to perform normal shooting with the camera body being independent without using accessory parts such as a tripod and a stand.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the tilt correction for the captured image is executed based only on the ON signal from the ON / OFF switch (7) without setting the self-supporting shooting mode by the user.
It is also possible to omit the ON / OFF switch (7) and adopt a configuration that executes tilt correction on the captured image only in accordance with the setting of the self-supporting shooting mode by the user. In this case, the tilt correction necessary for the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display (6) is performed according to the setting of the self-supporting photographing mode.

3. Third Embodiment In the digital camera of the third embodiment, instead of the ON / OFF switch (7), magnet (8) and MR sensors (81) (82), as shown in FIG. A first rotation detection switch (9) is built in the first pivot (44) constituting the second rotation shaft, and a second rotation detection switch (91) is built in the second pivot (45).
Then, based on detection signals from the first rotation detection switch (9) and the second rotation detection switch (91), the self-photographing state shown in FIG. 3, the first normal photographing state shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. A second normal photographing state is detected.

  As the rotation detection switches (9) and (91), for example, a rotary encoder, a switch mechanism composed of a combination of a tact switch and a cam mechanism, or the like can be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the movable panel (5) is rotated counterclockwise from the posture (5A) facing upward from the shooting direction X and the movable panel (5) is moved from the shooting direction X. In the turning process to reach the posture (5B) facing downward, the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display (6A) in an upside down relationship. Thereby, in the self-photographing state, an image can be displayed in a normal vertical relationship.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the movable panel (5) is further rotated counterclockwise from the posture (5B) in which the movable panel (5) faces downward from the photographing direction X, and the movable panel (5). In the turning process to reach the vertically upward posture (5C), the liquid crystal display (6) displays an image in a normal vertical relationship. As a result, images can be displayed in a normal vertical relationship in the normal shooting state.

Other configurations are the same as those of the digital camera of the first embodiment, and the same effects as those of the digital camera of the first embodiment can be obtained.
Note that the digital camera also adopts a configuration in which tilt correction is performed on a photographed image based on only signals from the rotation detection switches (9) and (91) without setting the self-sustained photographing mode by the user. Is possible.

4). Fourth Embodiment In the digital camera of the fourth embodiment, an ON / OFF switch (92) is provided on the side surface of the grip portion (3) as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), and a movable panel (5 When the ON / OFF switch (92) is pressed by the corners of), tilt correction for the captured image is executed.

Other configurations are the same as those of the digital camera of the first embodiment, and the same effects as those of the digital camera of the first embodiment can be obtained.
In this digital camera, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which tilt correction is performed on a captured image based on only a signal from the ON / OFF switch (92) without setting the self-supporting shooting mode by the user. It is.

It is a perspective view showing the closed posture of the digital camera concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the opening attitude | position of this digital camera. It is a perspective view showing the self-photographing state of the digital camera. It is a perspective view showing the normal imaging state of the digital camera. It is a figure which shows the ON / OFF state of an ON / OFF switch. It is a perspective view showing arrangement | positioning of a magnet and two MR sensors. It is a figure explaining the image inversion process according to the rotation angle of a movable panel. It is a figure showing the example of an image display in a self-photographing state and a normal photographing state. It is a figure explaining the image processing in a self-photographing state. It is a figure explaining the image processing in the 2nd normal photography state. It is a figure which shows the structure of a hinge part, and arrangement | positioning of two rotation detection switches. It is a perspective view which shows arrangement | positioning of another ON / OFF switch. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional camera.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Body
(2) Photography lens
(3) Grip part
(4) Hinge part
(5) Movable panel
(6) Liquid crystal display
(7) ON / OFF switch
(8) Magnet
(81) 1st MR sensor
(82) Second MR sensor
(9) First rotation detection switch
(91) Second rotation detection switch
(92) ON / OFF switch

Claims (9)

A movable panel (5) having a display (6) is pivotally supported at the upper end with respect to a main body (1) having a photographic lens (2), and the movable panel (5) is connected to the photographic lens (2). The first axis extending along the optical axis can be rotated around the first axis, and the second axis extending perpendicularly to the first axis and extending along the movable panel (5) can be rotated around the first axis. By rotating the movable panel (5), a normal posture with the display (6) facing the side surface of the main body (1) and the display (6) in the direction opposite to the shooting direction. In a digital camera that can set the posture,
The lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) are grounded in a posture in which the movable panel (5) is rotated and the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). In the self-supporting photographing mode in which photographing is performed in a self-supporting state, an inclination corresponding to the rotation angle around the optical axis of the photographing lens (2) in the self-supporting state is obtained with respect to an image obtained by photographing. A digital camera characterized by correction.   The movable panel (5) rotates about the first axis from the closed position, and the movable panel (5) rotates about the second axis after the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). Then, in a normal shooting posture with the display (6) facing away from the side of the main body (1), the lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) are grounded and become independent. In the stand-alone shooting mode in which shooting is performed in a stand-alone state, the rotation angle around the optical axis of the shooting lens (2) and the attitude of the display unit (6) in the stand-alone state with respect to the image obtained by shooting. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein tilt correction is performed in accordance with.   The movable panel (5) rotates about the first axis from the closed position, and the movable panel (5) rotates about the second axis after the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). Thus, the display (6) can stand by itself in contact with the lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) in a normal shooting posture with the direction opposite to the shooting direction. In the self-supporting shooting mode in which shooting is performed in a self-supporting state, depending on the rotation angle around the optical axis of the photographing lens (2) in the self-supporting state and the attitude of the display (6) with respect to the image obtained by the shooting. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein tilt correction is performed.   The movable panel (5) is rotated about the first axis from the closed position, the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1), and the movable panel (5) is rotated about the second axis. Then, in a self-photographing posture in which the display (6) faces the same direction as the photographing direction, the lower end of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) can be grounded to stand on their own. The tilt correction according to the rotation angle around the optical axis of the photographing lens (2) in the self-standing state and the attitude of the display (6) is performed on the photographed image in the self-standing state. Digital camera.   The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the self-supporting shooting mode is set according to an operation by a user, and the tilt correction is executed according to the setting of the self-supporting shooting mode.   The lower end of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) in a posture in which the movable panel (5) rotates and the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). Detecting means for detecting a state where the camera is grounded and standing independently, wherein the self-supporting shooting mode is set according to a user operation, and the tilt correction is performed according to detection of the detecting means in the self-supporting shooting mode setting state. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: is executed.   The lower end of the grip portion (3) of the main body (1) and the lower end of the movable panel (5) in a posture in which the movable panel (5) rotates and the display (6) is separated from the side surface of the main body (1). 2. A detection means for detecting a state in which the camera is grounded and standing independently, wherein a self-supporting shooting mode is set according to detection by the detection means, and the tilt correction is executed according to the setting of the self-supporting shooting mode. The digital camera according to claim 4.   The photographed image is displayed in a normal orientation on the display (6) of the movable panel (5) in a self-standing state, regardless of the orientation of the display (6). A digital camera according to any one of the above.   9. An icon image representing a shooting state in the self-supporting shooting mode is displayed on the display (6) of the movable panel (5) according to the setting of the self-supporting shooting mode. Digital camera.

Images