JP2009260493A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange an external input/output terminal at a position where operability is not reduced, in an imaging device with an image display part turnable with respect to a body. <P>SOLUTION: An image display unit (50) is attached to the body (10) so as to be opened, closed and rotated by a hinge mechanism (58). The external input/output terminal (54) is disposed on the end face of the image display unit (50). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device including an external terminal such as an external input terminal or an external output terminal.

  In recent years, an imaging apparatus such as a still camera or a video camera has been miniaturized for reasons such as convenience when being carried, and a space for arranging an external input / output terminal for input / output with an external apparatus is limited.

  FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a conventional video camera when the image display panel that can be freely opened and closed on the side surface of the main body is viewed from behind (see Non-Patent Document 1). FIG. 21 shows a rear view of the video camera shown in FIG. An imaging optical system 112 is disposed in front of the main body 110. An image display unit 114 is attached to the side surface of the main body 110 by a hinge mechanism 116 so as to be opened and closed. The hinge mechanism 116 incorporates an open / close detection switch 118 that detects whether the image display unit 114 is opened or closed at a storage position in close contact with the side surface of the main body 110. A zoom switch 120 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 110, and a trigger switch 122 for instructing start / stop of photographing is disposed on the rear surface.

  When the image display unit 114 is closed, an external input / output terminal 124 is disposed on the side surface of the main body 110 that is closed by the image display unit 114. 20 and 21, the external input / output plug 126 can be connected to the external input / output terminal 124 only when the image display unit 114 is opened, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 22 shows an external perspective view of another conventional example. An image display unit 214 is attached to the side surface of the main body 210 so as to be openable and closable and rotatable. External input / output terminals are arranged on the side surface (grip side) of the main body 210 opposite to the image display unit 214. Even during shooting, the external input / output plug 226 can be connected to the external input / output terminal.

  FIG. 23 shows an external perspective view of still another conventional example. An image display unit 314 is attached to the side surface of the main body 310 so as to be openable and closable and rotatable. External input / output terminals are arranged on the back surface of the main body 310. Even during shooting, an external input / output plug 326 can be connected to the external input / output terminal.

In order to reduce the installation area of the external input / output terminal, an imaging apparatus that switches input and output by a playback mode and a recording mode with one terminal has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 11-239289 A “DCR-DVD308 Instruction Manual”, Sony Corporation October 2007 p. 109

  In the arrangement of the external input / output terminals shown in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23, when shooting is performed with the external input / output plug inserted into the external input / output terminal, the external input / output plug hinders operation.

  When the external input / output terminal is arranged in the storage portion of the image display unit (FIGS. 20 and 21), the external input / output plug cannot be inserted in a state where the image display unit is stored. When the external input / output plug is inserted into the external input / output terminal with the image display unit opened, the external input / output plug covers the image display surface, and a part of the display image cannot be seen.

  Further, when one external input / output terminal serves as a plurality of functions, an operation for switching the input / output function of the terminal is required, which is complicated for the user. Alternatively, a function of detecting input state or output state and switching input / output may be provided, but this greatly increases the cost.

  If an incorrect external input / output plug is inserted into the external input / output terminal, the external input / output terminal may be destroyed. If pressure is applied to the external input / output plug with the external input / output plug inserted, the external input / output terminal may be destroyed.

  An object of the present invention is to arrange an external input / output terminal suitable for a miniaturized imaging apparatus, to improve the operability thereof, and to prevent destruction of the external input / output terminal.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus having an image display unit that can be opened and closed and rotated with respect to a main body, and has an external terminal on an end surface of the image display unit.

  According to the present invention, operability can be ensured when the external terminal is used by disposing the external terminal on the end face of the image display unit. Further, the image observation on the image display unit is not disturbed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a video camera which is an embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an external perspective view thereof.

  The video camera of this embodiment includes an image display unit 50 as an image display unit that can be opened, closed, and rotated with respect to the main body 10.

  The photographing optical system 12 of the main body 10 of the video camera includes an optical lens group including an optical control system such as focus and zoom, and a diaphragm. The imaging unit 14 is composed of a CCD imaging device or the like, and functions as means for converting an optical image obtained by the imaging optical system 12 into an electrical image signal. The camera signal processing device 16 performs processing specific to the camera such as gamma correction, color balance adjustment, and color conversion on the image signal from the imaging unit 14 and outputs a video signal of a certain standard.

  The microphone 18 takes in surrounding sounds and converts them into electric sound signals. The signal selector 20 selects a sound signal from the built-in microphone 18 or a sound signal from the outside (the microphone) in accordance with the control signal C2 from the system control device 46. Although details will be described later, when the external input / output plug 74 is inserted in the external input / output terminal 54 in the recording mode, the system control device 46 causes the signal selector 20 to select an audio signal from the outside. In other cases, the audio signal from the microphone 18 is selected. The external input / output terminal 54 corresponds to an external terminal in the claims. The audio signal processing device 22 performs signal processing on the audio signal selected by the signal selector 20.

  The recording processing device 24 processes the video signal from the camera signal processing device 16 and the audio signal from the audio signal processing device 22 for recording, and records them on the recording medium 26. The recording medium 26 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk device.

  In the playback mode, the playback processing device 28 reads the recording data from the recording medium 26 and outputs the compressed playback audio data to the audio playback processing device 30 and the compressed playback image data to the video playback processing device 32. The audio reproduction processing device 30 expands the compressed reproduction audio data from the reproduction processing device 28. The video playback processing device 32 expands the compressed playback video data from the playback processing device 28. The reproduced audio data and reproduced video data reproduced in this way are supplied to the external input / output terminal 54 of the image display unit 50.

  The signal selector 34 selects a captured image signal output from the camera signal processing device 16 in the recording mode, and selects a reproduction image signal from the reproduction processing device 28 in the reproduction mode. The display video generation device 36 generates a function description of the external input / output terminal 54, an image showing a plug shape inserted into the external input / output terminal 54, and an image showing another operation screen. The signal multiplexing device 38 combines (or selects) the image signal from the signal selector 34 and the image signal from the display video generation device 36 and supplies the combined image signal to the display video signal processing device 40. The display video signal processing device 40 processes the composite image signal from the signal multiplexing device 38 for display and supplies it to the image display device 52 of the image display unit 50. On the screen of the image display device 52, a description of functions and diagrams are displayed as usage of the external input / output terminal 54 together with a captured image or a reproduced image.

  The image display unit 50 is equipped with an external input / output terminal 54. The image display unit 50 is not only opened with respect to the main body 10 but can be rotated to a position in which the screen is directed in the rear direction and a position in the front direction (subject side). The open / close detection switch 42 detects whether the image display unit 50 is opened with respect to the main body 10. The rotation detection switch 44 detects whether the display screen of the image display unit 50 is in an open state, that is, a position where the screen is directed toward the back side or a position where the screen is directed toward the front side (subject side). When the image display unit 50 is closed at the latter position, the image display unit 50 is stored in close contact with the main body 10 with the display screen facing outward.

  The system control device 46 switches the function (for input or output) of the external input / output terminal 54 by the control signal C1 in accordance with detection signals from the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44.

  The user can switch between the recording mode and the reproduction mode with the operation device 48. The system control device 46 switches the signal selector 34 according to the control signal C3 in accordance with the switching of the operation mode by the operation device 48.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image display unit 50 is attached to the main body 10 so as to be opened and closed and rotated by a hinge mechanism 58. A zoom key 48a is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 10, and a trigger button 48b is disposed on the rear surface. The system controller 46 is instructed to start / stop moving image shooting by pressing the trigger button 48b. The zoom key 48 a and the trigger button 48 b constitute a part of the operation device 48.

  The configuration of the image display unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the image display unit 50 with the cover removed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The image display unit 50 includes an image display device 52, a backlight unit 62, and a substrate 64. An external input / output terminal 54 is mounted on the substrate 64. A flexible printed circuit board 66 from the image display device 52 is connected to a connector 68 mounted on the circuit board 64. Further, the flexible printed circuit board 70 is connected to a connector 72 mounted on the circuit board 64 and a control board (not shown) of the video camera body 10.

  As described above, the input / output of the external input / output terminal 54 is switched by the rotation operation of the image display unit 50. The external input / output terminal 54 inputs or outputs an image signal or an audio signal in a digital signal state to an external device.

  The external input / output terminal 54 is disposed on the opposite side of the surface of the image display unit 50 from the hinge mechanism 58 on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the backlight unit 62 on the substrate 64. The plug insertion port of the external input / output terminal 54 is disposed on the end surface of the image display unit 50 so as to protrude from the exterior member opening 56. By inserting the external input / output plug of the external connection cable toward the hinge mechanism 58 into the plug insertion port of the external input / output terminal 54, the external connection cable is connected to the external input / output terminal 54. The external input / output terminal 54 may be disposed on the side of the substrate 64 that contacts the backlight unit 62.

  FIG. 10 is an external perspective view at the time of photographing according to the present embodiment. Since the external input / output terminal 54 is arranged on the end face of the image display unit 50, the external input / output plug 74 and its cable inserted into the external input / output terminal 54 can be used when shooting with the image display unit 50 opened. The user's operation is not blocked. FIG. 11 is a rear view of this embodiment in a state where the image display unit 50 is opened. Even when the recorded video is observed in the reproduction mode, the external input / output plug 74 and the cable inserted into the external input / output terminal 54 do not block the observation of the reproduced image.

  The configuration of the hinge mechanism 58 will be described. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the image display unit 50 is housed in the main body 10. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5 with the image display unit 50 opened. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 5 in a state where the image display unit 50 is closed.

  The open / close detection switch 42 is attached to a flexible printed board that connects a control board (not shown) of the main body 10 and the board 64 of the image display unit 50. The tip switch portion 42a of the open / close detection switch 42 protrudes to the outside. The open / close detection switch 42 is turned on when the image display unit 50 is opened with respect to the main body 10 (FIG. 6). When the image display unit 50 is in the closed state (FIG. 7), the protruding portion 58a of the hinge mechanism 58 comes into contact with the tip switch portion 42a of the open / close detection switch 42, whereby the open / close detection switch 42 is turned off.

  FIG. 8 is a side view when the image display unit 50 is not rotated with respect to the hinge mechanism 58. FIG. 9 is a side view when the image display unit 50 is slightly rotated with respect to the hinge mechanism 58. A rotation detection switch 44 is provided inside the hinge mechanism 58. The image display unit 50 can be rotated by the hinge mechanism 58 around the rotation shaft 76 in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIGS. The rotation detection unit 78 is crimped to the rotation shaft 76 and contacts the tip of the rotation detection switch 44 according to the rotation state of the image display unit 50. When the image display unit 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 9 with respect to the main body 10, the tip of the rotation detection switch 44 comes into contact with the rotation detection unit 78. As a result, the rotation detection switch 44 is turned on. In a state where the image display unit 50 is not rotating (FIG. 8), the rotation detection switch 44 is in an OFF state.

  Obviously, the means for detecting the open / closed state and the rotational state of the image display unit 50 is not limited to the mechanism described and illustrated as the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44.

  An input / output switching condition of the external input / output terminal 54 will be described. FIG. 12 shows the correspondence between the detection results of the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44 and the input / output function of the external input / output terminal 54. The system controller 46 switches the function of the external input / output terminal 54 according to the combination of the detection results (ON / OFF) of the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44.

  Specifically, when the open / close detection switch 42 is on and the rotation detection switch 44 is off (normal photographing state), the user frequently holds the main body 10 and performs an imaging operation. Therefore, in this case, the system control device 46 switches the external input / output terminal 54 to an input terminal for inputting an audio signal from the external microphone, according to the control signal C1.

  In a state where both the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44 are on (face-to-face shooting state), the user frequently performs a shooting operation while taking a self-portrait or showing a captured image to the user. Therefore, also in this case, the system control device 46 switches the external input / output terminal 54 to an input terminal for inputting an audio signal from the external microphone by the control signal C1.

  When the open / close detection switch 42 is off and the rotation detection switch 44 is on (inverted storage state), the user rarely performs an imaging operation, and frequently plays back and confirms a recorded image. Therefore, in this case, the system control device 46 switches the external input / output terminal 54 to the video / audio output terminal by the control signal C1.

  In the state where both the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44 are off (normal storage state), the frequency of both the imaging operation and the reproduction operation is low. However, it is not preferable to block the voice input from the external microphone when switching from the normal shooting state to the normal storage state in order to reduce battery consumption. Therefore, in this case, the system control device 46 switches the external input / output terminal 54 to an input terminal for inputting an audio signal from the external microphone, according to the control signal C1.

  Such control eliminates the need for the user to perform the switching operation while paying attention to whether the external input / output terminal 54 is used for input or output.

  The system control device 46 causes the display video generation device 36 to generate a help display for using the external input / output terminal 54 as a microphone terminal in accordance with the transition from the normal storage state to the normal photographing state. The help display includes, for example, an explanation that the external input / output terminal 54 functions as a microphone terminal and an image showing the state of insertion of the external input / output plug into the external input / output terminal 54. Further, the system control device 46 displays a help display for using the external input / output terminal 54 as a video / audio output terminal when the normal storage state, the normal shooting state, or the face-to-side storage state is shifted to the reverse storage state. 36.

  The image signal generated by the display video generation device 36 is combined with the reproduced image by the signal multiplexing device 38. The display video signal processing device 40 causes the image display device 52 to display the composite image from the signal multiplexing device 38. A help display as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the screen of the image display device 52 for a certain period of time. As a result, the user knows what kind of external input / output plug should be inserted into the external input / output terminal 54, and can prevent the terminal from being destroyed by forcibly inserting the wrong external input / output plug. .

  When the image display unit 50 is accommodated in the main body 10, a recess 60 for partially accommodating the external input / output plug 74 is provided on the side surface of the main body 10 facing the image display unit 50. By this recess 60, the thickness of the image display unit 50 can be made relatively thinner than the diameter of the external input / output plug 74, or the external input / output terminal 54 can be arranged close to the main body 10. FIG. 14 is a rear view immediately before the image display unit 50 is stored in the main body 10 in an inverted manner. FIG. 15 is a rear view of the state in which the image display unit 50 is stored in the main body 10 in an inverted manner. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state where the image display unit 50 is inverted and stored in the main body 10. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the image display unit 50 as seen from the back in a state where the image display unit 50 is stored in the main body 10 in an inverted manner. FIG. 18 is a plan view of a connection portion between the external input / output terminal 54 and the external input / output plug 74. When the pressure is applied to the external input / output plug 74 as shown by the arrow 80 in FIGS. 17 and 18, the recess 60 serves as a receiver for the external input / output plug 74, thereby preventing the external input / output terminal 54 from being damaged. it can.

  By properly disposing the external input / output terminal 54 on the end face of the image display unit 50, the same function and effect can be obtained even when used in a normal storage state. FIG. 19 shows a rear view of the image display unit 50 in the normal storage state with the external input / output plug 74 inserted into the external input / output terminal 54. As shown in FIG. 19, with the external input / output plug 74 connected to the external input / output terminal 54, the image display unit 50 can be brought into close contact with the main body 10 in the normal storage state. Further, in this state, the recess 60 serves as a receptacle for the external input / output plug 74, and the external input / output terminal 54 can be prevented from being damaged.

  As described above, in the video camera including the image display unit 50 that can be opened / closed / rotated with respect to the main body 10, even when the external input / output plug 74 is inserted into the external input / output terminal 54, the user can operate. There is no hindrance. Further, the display image is not blocked by the external input / output plug 74.

  Further, by switching the input / output of the external input / output terminal 54 in accordance with the rotation operation of the image display unit 50, it is possible to reduce the labor of the user.

  In accordance with the function switching of the external input / output terminal 54, the external input / output plug 74 to the external input / output terminal 54 is displayed on the screen of the image display device 52 by displaying the description of the external input / output terminal 54 and the shape of the plug to be inserted. Incorrect insertion can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent the external input / output terminal 54 from being damaged due to erroneous insertion.

  By providing the recess 60 for receiving the external input / output plug 74 on the side surface of the main body 10 facing the image display unit 50, the image display unit 50 can be made relatively thin. By designing the dimensions of each part so that the external input / output plug 74 enters the recess 60 in a state where the image display unit 50 is housed in the main body 10, the external input / output terminal 54 can be prevented from being damaged.

It is a schematic block diagram of one Example of this invention. The external appearance perspective view of a present Example is shown. The right view of the state which removed the cover of the image display unit 50 is shown. Sectional drawing in the AA of FIG. 3 is shown. The side view of the state which accommodated the image display unit 50 in the main body 10 is shown. Sectional drawing of the BB line of FIG. 5 of the state which opened the image display unit 50 is shown. Sectional drawing of the BB line of FIG. 5 of the state which closed the image display unit 50 is shown. A side view when the image display unit 50 is in a non-rotating state with respect to the hinge mechanism 58 is shown. A side view when the image display unit 50 is slightly rotated with respect to the hinge mechanism 58 is shown. The external appearance perspective view at the time of imaging | photography of a present Example is shown. The rear view of a present Example of the state which opened the image display unit 50 is shown. 7 is a table showing a correspondence relationship between detection results of the open / close detection switch 42 and the rotation detection switch 44 and input / output functions of the external input / output terminal 54. It is an example of a help display. A rear view immediately before the image display unit 50 is housed in the main body 10 is shown. A rear view of the image display unit 50 in a state in which the image display unit 50 is inverted and stored in the main body 10 is shown. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the image display unit 50 is inverted and stored in the main body 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image display unit 50 as viewed from the back in a state where the image display unit 50 is stored in the main body 10 in an inverted manner. The top view of the connection part of the external input / output terminal 54 and the external input / output plug 74 is shown. The rear view of the state in which the external input / output plug 50 is inserted into the external input / output terminal 54 when the image display unit 50 is placed in the normal storage state is shown. It is the external appearance perspective view seen from the back of the conventional video camera. It is a rear view of the video camera shown in FIG. The external appearance perspective view of another prior art example is shown. Furthermore, the external appearance perspective view of another prior art example is shown.

Explanation of symbols

10: body 12: photographing optical system 14: imaging unit 16: camera signal processing device 18: microphone 20: signal selector 22: audio signal processing device 24: recording processing device 26: recording medium 28: reproduction processing device 30: audio reproduction Processing device 32: Video reproduction processing device 34: Signal selector 36: Display video generation device 38: Signal multiplexing device 40: Display video signal processing device 42: Open / close detection switch 42a: Tip switch 44: Rotation detection switch 46: System control Device 48: Operation device 48a: Zoom key 48b: Trigger button 50: Image display unit 52: Image display device 54: External input / output terminal 56: Exterior member opening 58: Hinge mechanism 60: Recess 62: Backlight unit 64: Substrate 66 : Flexible printed circuit board 68: Connector 70: Flexible printed circuit board 72: Connector 74: Input / output plug 76: Rotating shaft 78: Rotation detection unit 110: Main body 112: Imaging optical system 114: Image display unit 116: Hinge mechanism 118: Open / close detection switch 120: Zoom switch 122: Trigger switch 124: External input / output terminal 126 : External input / output plugs 210 and 310: Main bodies 214 and 314: Image display units 226 and 326: External input / output plugs

Claims (4)

An imaging apparatus having an image display unit that can be opened and closed and rotated with respect to a main body,
An image pickup apparatus having an external terminal on an end face of the image display unit. Furthermore,
Means for detecting a position by opening and closing and rotation of the image display unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that switches whether the external terminal is used for input or output according to a detection result of the detection unit.   The display device according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an explanation of how to use the external terminal in accordance with whether the external terminal is used for input or output. Imaging device.   4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is provided with a recess for accommodating a plug connected to the external terminal in a state where the image display unit is closed to the main body. 5. .

Images