JP2010074328A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device capable of excellently projecting projection images. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic device includes an imaging unit, a projection unit, a casing 4 for housing the imaging unit and the projection unit, and a support member 20 for supporting the casing 4 in such a state that an image projection direction by the projection unit is turned upward from the horizontal direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art A camera having a projector function is known as an electronic device having a function for capturing an object and a function for projecting an image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-250392 A

  By the way, when a camera having a projector function is projected on a flat surface such as a desk, the lower side of the projected image is blocked by the surface of the desk, and vignetting occurs in the projected image. There was something to do.

  The objective of this invention is providing the electronic device which can perform a projection image projection favorably.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit, a projection unit, a casing that houses the imaging unit and the projection unit, and the casing in a state where an image projection direction by the projection unit faces upward from a horizontal direction. And a support member for supporting the body.

  According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, when an image is projected while being placed on a flat surface such as a desk, vignetting can be prevented from occurring in the projected image and good projection can be performed. it can.

  A camera as an electronic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance when an image is not projected in the camera according to this embodiment. The camera 2 includes a housing 4 made of metal, plastic, or the like. On the front surface of the housing 4, the lens barrel window 6 of the imaging unit 60 (see FIG. 2) built in the housing 4, and the housing 4 are also mounted. A projection window 8 of the built-in projection unit 80 (see FIG. 2) and a flash window 10 through which flash light is emitted during photographing are provided. On the upper surface of the camera 2, a power switch 12 and a shutter button 14 for instructing a release operation are provided.

  One side surface 16 of the housing 4 is provided with a side surface cover 20 having the same shape as the side surface 16 and formed of metal, plastic, or the like. Here, the side surface cover 20 is provided so as to be rotatable within a plane parallel to the side surface 16 around the rotation shaft 22 (see FIG. 2) and to be fixed at an arbitrary rotation angle. Note that the side cover 20 has a function of protecting the side surface 16 of the housing 4. When the camera 2 is turned off or when an imaging mode for capturing an image of a subject is set, as shown in FIG. Is located at a first position which completely covers

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the housing 4 and the configuration of the side cover 20 of the camera 2 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera 2 when viewed from the front. Inside the housing 4 of the camera 2, power is supplied to the imaging unit 60 having an imaging device for imaging a subject, a projection unit 80 having an optical system for projecting an image, the imaging unit 60 and the projection unit 80. A battery chamber 30 that houses a battery to be supplied is provided.

  A bearing 19 is fitted into the opening 18 provided in the side surface 16 of the housing 4, and the rotating shaft 22 is rotatably supported by the bearing 19. An end portion of the rotating shaft 22 protruding from the housing 4 is fitted and fixed to a rotating shaft fitting portion 23 provided on the side cover 20. The side cover 20 is attached in such a manner as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 22. The bearing 19 has an appropriate friction, and the rotation shaft 22 can be fixed at an arbitrary rotation angle or at every predetermined rotation angle.

  On the other hand, a rotating plate 24 formed of a large diameter portion 24a and a small diameter portion 24b (see FIG. 4) having different diameters is attached to the end portion of the rotating shaft 22 on the housing 4 side. A mode changeover switch 26 is installed below. As shown in FIG. 4, the mode changeover switch 26 is installed at a position that is pressed only by the large diameter portion 24 a of the rotating plate 24. In the camera according to this embodiment, the bearing 19, the rotating shaft 22, and the rotating plate 24 constitute a moving mechanism for the side cover 20.

  FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state at the time of image projection of the camera 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, when the side cover 20 of the camera 2 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 about the rotation shaft 22, the front edge 20 a of the side cover 20 is positioned below the bottom surface of the housing 4. At the same time, the rear edge 4 b of the bottom surface of the housing 4 is positioned below the bottom surface of the side cover 20. When the camera 2 is placed on a flat surface such as a desk with the side cover 20 rotated in this manner, the front edge 20a of the bottom surface of the side cover 20 and the bottom surface of the housing 4 are rearranged as shown in FIG. The edge 4b is in contact with the placement surface at the same time. When the camera 2 is placed in such a state, the housing 4 of the camera 2 is in a state where the front surface is directed upward from the horizontal direction, that is, the projection window 8 provided on the front surface of the housing 4 is horizontal. It is supported in a state of facing upward.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the moving mechanism when the side cover 20 provided in the camera 2 according to this embodiment is rotated. 4 is a view of the camera 2 as seen from the side cover 20 side. FIG. 4A is a first position where the side cover 20 protects the side face 16, and FIG. The state located in the 2nd position which supports the housing | casing 4 is shown. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the side cover 20 is in the first position, the rotating plate 24 attached to the rotating shaft 22 does not press the mode switch 26. Therefore, in this case, the imaging mode is set without setting the projection mode.

  On the other hand, when the side cover 20 is rotated and positioned at the second position, the rotating plate 24 and the rotating plate 24 rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 4B, and the large-diameter portion 24a of the rotating plate 24 is rotated. Press the mode switch 26. Therefore, in this case, the projection mode is set by the mode switch 26. When the side cover 20 rotates clockwise, the mode switch 26 is not pressed again by the rotating plate 24, so the imaging mode is set again.

  As a switch for instructing switching to the projection mode, for example, a sensor for optically detecting the rotation of the rotating plate, a terminal for electrically detecting the rotation, etc. may be used instead of the mode switching switch 26.

  According to the camera of the first embodiment, the projection direction of the image is made higher than the horizontal direction by placing the side cover on a placement surface such as a desk with the side cover rotated by a predetermined angle. The housing can be supported in the state of being directed. Therefore, when projecting an image in a state of being placed on a flat surface such as a desk, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of vignetting in the projected image and perform good projection. Further, according to the camera of this embodiment, the projection mode is automatically set when the side cover is rotated to the second position, and the projection mode is automatically ended when the side cover is returned to the first position. Therefore, the operability of a camera with a projection function can be improved.

  Next, a camera as an electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The camera according to the second embodiment has a side cover and a moving mechanism that are different from the side cover and moving mechanism provided in the camera according to the first embodiment. This is the same as the camera according to the embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the camera according to the first embodiment is omitted. In the description of the camera according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are attached to the same components as those of the camera according to the first embodiment. Give an explanation.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state when the projection mode is set in the camera 102 according to this embodiment. A slide rail 120 is provided on the side surface 116 of the housing 104 of the camera 102 and extends downward from a substantially central portion of the side surface 116 to which the rotating shaft 22 of the side cover 20 is attached. The rotating shaft 22 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 120, can be fixed at an arbitrary position on the slide rail 120, and can freely rotate at the position.

  FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state at the time of image projection of the camera 102 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, when the side cover 20 provided on the side surface 116 is moved to the vicinity of the lower end along the slide rail 120 and then rotated approximately 90 ° clockwise (or counterclockwise), the side cover 20 One side surface in the longitudinal direction can be positioned below the bottom surface of the housing 104. When the housing 104 is placed on a flat surface such as a desk in such a state, the entire side surface of the side cover 20 can be brought into contact with the placement surface, so that the camera 102 can be stably placed. can do. After the camera 102 is placed in this manner, the placement angle of the housing 104 is adjusted so that the front surface of the housing 104 faces upward from the horizontal direction. At this time, adjustment is made so that the rear end edge 104b of the bottom surface of the housing 104 is in contact with the placement surface.

  When the camera 102 is placed as described above, the housing 104 of the camera 102 is directed upward from the horizontal direction by the side cover 20 whose one side surface in the longitudinal direction is in contact with the placement surface. In this state, that is, in a state where the projection window 8 provided on the front surface is directed upward from the horizontal direction, it can be stably supported. Therefore, an image projected from the projection unit 80 built in the housing 104 toward the front of the housing 104 through the projection window 8 is projected upward from the horizontal direction, and thus projected. The lower part of the image is not blocked by the placement surface, and it is possible to prevent the vignetting from occurring in the projected image.

  Note that a mode change switch 126 that is pressed by the end of the rotating shaft 22 of the side cover 20 is installed at the lower end of the slide rail 120. When the side cover 20 is in the first position that protects the side surface 116 of the housing 104, the mode changeover switch 126 is not pressed, and the imaging mode is set without setting the projection mode. On the other hand, when the side cover 20 rotates and slides downward on the slide rail 120 and is in the second position for supporting the housing 104, the end of the rotating shaft 22 presses the mode switch 126. Therefore, the projection mode is set. When the side cover 20 slides upward on the slide rail 120 and returns to the first position, the pressing of the mode switch 126 is released and the imaging mode is set again. Instead of the mode switch 126, for example, a sensor that optically detects the end of the rotating shaft 22 or a terminal that electrically detects contact with the end may be used.

  According to the camera of the second embodiment, the image is projected by placing the side cover on the placement surface such as a desk in a state where the entire longitudinal side surface of the side cover is in contact with the placement surface. The housing can be stably supported with the direction facing upward from the horizontal direction. Therefore, when projecting an image in a state of being placed on a flat surface such as a desk, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of vignetting in the projected image and perform good projection. Further, according to the camera of this embodiment, the projection mode is automatically set when the side cover is moved to the second position, and the projection mode is automatically ended when the side cover is returned to the first position. Therefore, the operability of a camera with a projection function can be improved.

  In the cameras according to the first and second embodiments described above, the side cover is only provided on one side of the casing, but a similar cover is provided on the other side of the casing. And it is good also as a structure which supports a housing | casing by two side covers. In this case, the housing can be fixed more stably. Note that the mode switch for instructing switching from the imaging mode to the projection mode may be provided below the rotation shaft of one side cover, or may be provided below the rotation shafts of both side covers. In the latter case, the projection mode is set when both mode changeover switches are pressed.

  Next, a camera as an electronic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the invention will be described. The camera according to the third embodiment is different from the camera according to the first embodiment in that the camera has a stand member as a support member that supports the housing. It has the same configuration as the camera according to the embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the camera according to the first embodiment is omitted. In the description of the camera according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are attached to the same components as those of the camera according to the first embodiment. Give an explanation.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera 202 according to this embodiment. On the side surface 216 of the housing 204 of the camera 202, a stand 220 is provided as a stand member made of metal, plastic, or the like. The stand 220 is rotatably installed in a plane parallel to the side surface 216 around the rotation shaft 222. The moving mechanism of the stand 220 has the same configuration as the moving mechanism of the side cover 20 shown in FIG. That is, the large-diameter portion of the rotating plate attached to the end of the rotating shaft 222 on the housing 204 side presses the mode change switch installed below the rotating plate according to the rotation of the rotating shaft 222. Then, switching from the imaging mode to the projection mode is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state at the time of image projection of the camera 202 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, by rotating the stand 220 provided on the side surface 216 of the housing 204 of the camera 202 by a predetermined angle counterclockwise, the rear edge of the bottom of the stand 220 and the bottom surface of the housing 204 is obtained. The camera 202 can be placed on a placement surface such as a desk in a state where the 204b is in contact therewith. When the camera 202 is placed in this manner, the stand 220 causes the housing 204 of the camera 202 to face the upper side from the horizontal direction, that is, the projection window 8 provided on the front side is higher than the horizontal direction. It can be supported stably in the state of facing. Accordingly, an image projected from the projection unit 80 built in the housing 204 toward the front of the housing 204 through the projection window 8 is projected upward from the horizontal direction, and thus projected. The lower part of the image is not blocked by the placement surface, and vignetting is prevented from occurring in the projected image. Further, the projection mode is automatically set when the stand 220 is moved to the second position that supports the casing, and the projection mode is automatically ended when the stand 220 is returned to the first position that does not support the casing. The operability of a camera with a projection function can be improved.

  In the camera according to this embodiment, the stand 220 is only provided on one side surface 216 of the housing 204, but a similar stand is installed on the other side surface of the housing 204, and 2 The housing 204 may be supported by two stands. In this case, the housing 204 can be fixed more stably. It should be noted that the mode changeover switch that is pressed by the rotating plate provided on the rotating shaft of the stand may be provided on the rotating shaft of one stand or may be provided on the rotating shafts of both stands. In the latter case, the projection mode is set when both stands are rotated.

  The stand according to this embodiment may be a retractable stand 320 as shown in FIG. The stand 320 made of metal, plastic, or the like has a substantially U-shape, and is stored in storage units 322 provided on both sides and the back of the housing 304 of the camera 302 when no image is projected. . The stand 320 is attached to both side surfaces of the housing 304 via a rotation shaft (not shown), and is installed to be rotatable about the rotation shaft. The moving mechanism of the stand 320 has the same configuration as the moving mechanism of the side cover 20 shown in FIG. That is, the large-diameter portion of the rotating plate attached to the end of the rotating shaft of the stand 320 depresses the mode change switch installed below the rotating plate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft, thereby Switching to the projection mode is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when an image is projected using the camera 302, the stand 320 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the back direction of the housing 304, and the front edge 320 a on the bottom surface of the stand 320 and the housing are rotated. The camera 302 is placed on a placement surface such as a desk with the rear end edges 304b of the bottom surface of the body 304 in contact with each other. When the camera 302 is placed in this manner, the housing 304 can be supported in a state where the projection window 8 provided on the front surface faces upward from the horizontal direction.

  In addition, as a stand according to this embodiment, a retractable stand 420 or 422 as shown in FIG. 10 may be used. The stand 420 is rotatably attached to the storage portion 424 provided on the back surface of the housing 404 of the camera 402 by a rotation shaft (not shown) inserted in the short direction near the upper end portion, and projects an image. When the operation is not performed, the storage portion 424 is stored. Similarly, the stand 422 is also installed rotatably with respect to the storage portion 426. Note that the moving mechanism of the stands 420 and 422 has the same configuration as the moving mechanism of the side cover 20 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when an image is projected using the camera 402, the stands 420 and 422 are rotated by a predetermined angle in the back direction of the housing 404, and the front edge 420 a on the bottom surface of the stand 420 is used. The camera 402 is mounted on a mounting surface such as a desk in a state where the front end edge 422a of the bottom surface of the stand 422 and the rear end edge 404b of the bottom surface of the housing 404 are in contact with each other. When the camera 402 is placed in this manner, the housing 404 can be supported with the projection window 8 provided on the front surface facing upward from the horizontal direction.

  Next, a camera as an electronic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The camera according to the fourth embodiment is different from the camera according to the first embodiment in that a back cover is used as a support member that supports the housing. It has the same configuration as the camera according to the embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the camera according to the first embodiment is omitted. In the description of the camera according to the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are attached to the same components as those of the camera according to the first embodiment. Give an explanation.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the back side of the camera 502 according to this embodiment. On the rear surface of the housing 504 of the camera 502, there is provided a back cover 50 on which an LCD panel 52 for displaying captured images and various information and a multi-selector 54 used for various settings are arranged. The back cover 50 is attached to be rotatable around a rotation shaft (not shown) inserted in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the upper end portion. The moving mechanism of the back cover 50 has the same configuration as the moving mechanism of the side cover 20 shown in FIG. 3, and mode switching provided in the housing 504 according to the rotation of the rotating shaft of the back cover 50. When the switch is pressed, switching from the imaging mode to the projection mode is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when an image is projected using the camera 502, the rear cover 50 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the rear direction of the housing 504, so that the front edge 50 a on the bottom surface of the rear cover 50. The camera 502 is mounted on a mounting surface such as a desk in a state where the rear edge 504b of the bottom surface of the housing 504 is in contact with each other. When the camera 502 is placed in this manner, the housing 504 can be supported in a state where the projection window 8 provided on the front surface faces upward from the horizontal direction.

  According to the camera of the fourth embodiment, the projection direction of the image is more than the horizontal direction by placing the back cover on the placement surface such as a desk in a state where the bottom surface of the back cover is in contact with the placement surface. The housing can be stably supported while facing upward. Therefore, when projecting an image in a state of being placed on a flat surface such as a desk, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of vignetting in the projected image and perform good projection. Further, according to the camera of this embodiment, when the back cover is moved to the second position that supports the casing, the projection mode is automatically set, and the first position that does not support the casing is returned. Since the projection mode is automatically terminated, the operability of the camera with the projection function can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure inside the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of the image projection of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the moving mechanism of the side cover of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of the image projection of the camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of the image projection of the camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view explaining the other stand member with which the camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is provided. It is a perspective view explaining the other stand member with which the camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is provided. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2,102,302,402,502 ... Camera, 4,104,304,404,504 ... Case, 6 ... Imaging window, 8 ... Projection window, 20 ... Side cover, 22,222 ... Rotation axis, 24 ... Rotation Plate, 26, 126 ... Mode changeover switch, 50 ... Back cover, 60 ... Imaging unit, 80 ... Projection unit, 120 ... Slide rail, 220, 320, 420, 422 ... Stand

Claims (11)

An imaging unit;
A projection unit;
A housing that houses the imaging unit and the projection unit;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a support member that supports the housing in a state where an image projection direction by the projection unit is directed upward from a horizontal direction. A first position where the support member does not support the housing;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a moving mechanism that moves the projection direction to a second position that supports the housing in a state where the projection direction is directed upward from the horizontal direction. When the support member is moved to the second position by the moving mechanism,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a projection mode for projecting the image is set by the projection unit. When the support member is moved to the first position by the moving mechanism,
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting of the projection mode is ended.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a side cover of the housing.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the side cover is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft provided on a side surface of the housing.   The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the side cover is provided so as to be slidable in an end portion direction of the side surface of the housing.   5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a stand member provided on a side surface or a back surface of the housing.   9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the stand member is provided so as to be rotatable about an attachment portion with respect to the housing.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a back cover of the housing.   The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the back cover is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft provided on a back surface of the housing.

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