JP2011097312A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus equipped with an optical finder, which is advantageous for ensuring operability such as shooting or image reproduction while contributing to downsizing and is also advantageous for ensuring the size of a display panel. <P>SOLUTION: The device is constituted of a camera body part 6 and a display part 7, wherein the camera body part 6 includes an optical finder 3 that is a second viewfinder, a menu button 4, and an edition button 5 and the display part 7 includes a display panel 2 that is a first viewfinder. By virtue of the display part 7 being moved, the edition button 5 that is not used at shooting is closed, and the optical finder 3 is exposed to the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  An imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera is provided with a display panel for displaying an image taken by an optical finder and an imaging device, an operation member used for shooting and image reproduction, and the like.

  Then, at the time of photographing, the position and composition of the subject are confirmed while looking at the optical viewfinder or the display panel, and the zoom button and shutter button assigned to the operation member are operated.

  Further, when appreciating the photographed image, the operation member is also operated to select or delete the image.

  By the way, in order to increase the size of the display panel, an optical viewfinder is not installed, the operation member is disposed so as to be closed by the display panel, and the operation member is exposed by moving the display panel relative to the camera body. In this case, since an optical finder is not mounted, it may be difficult to take a picture when the display panel becomes difficult to see due to the influence of external light or the like. .

JP 2007-158799 A

  However, in recent years, the image pickup apparatus has been miniaturized, and the layout of the optical viewfinder, the display panel, and the operation members has become difficult. If the number of operation members is reduced in order to increase the area of the display panel, the operability is impaired, and there is a case where the optical finder cannot be mounted. Conversely, if operability is ensured and an optical finder is also mounted, the display panel becomes small and difficult to see.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the camera body and to be equipped with an optical viewfinder, which is advantageous for ensuring operability such as shooting and image reproduction, and to increase the size of the display panel. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can perform the above-described operation.

  The invention described in claim 1 is an image pickup apparatus including a camera body 6 having an image pickup element and a shooting optical system, and a display unit 7 for displaying an image. A viewfinder 2 and a second viewfinder 3 disposed in the camera body 6, and the first viewfinder 2 does not expose the eyepiece of the second viewfinder 3. The position and the second viewfinder 3 are provided so as to be movable to a second position where the eyepiece of the second viewfinder 3 is exposed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the control means for switching to the reproduction mode when the first viewfinder 2 is at the first position and to the photographing mode when the first viewfinder 2 is at the second position. It is characterized by having.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, when the first viewfinder 2 is in the first position, the operation member 5 that is exposed and disposed at an operable position is provided. The operation member 5 is an instruction means for a function related to any one of reproduction display, editing, and communication.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the first viewfinder 2 has a long side direction different from the camera body 6 at the first position and the second position. The display image is also rotated in accordance with the rotation of the first viewfinder 2.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second viewfinder is an optical viewfinder.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to enlarge the display panel while mounting the second viewfinder.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the shooting and playback modes are automatically switched by the movement of the display unit, unnecessary operations can be omitted.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the operation member can be provided at a position closed by the display unit, it is advantageous in terms of operability, and multi-functionalization in the reproduction mode is facilitated.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the space that could not be used for translational movement can be utilized by changing the movement of the display unit to rotational movement, the degree of freedom in layout of the operation members is increased.

  According to the invention of claim 5, when it is difficult to see the display panel due to the influence of external light or the like, the optical finder can be used for photographing, so that options for photographing are widened.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the first position (playback mode). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the second position (shooting mode). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the second embodiment is in the first position (playback mode). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the second position (shooting mode). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state (reproduction mode) when the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the second embodiment is in the first position. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the second position (shooting mode). FIG. 7 is a view of the mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed from the back side of the camera body. FIG. 8 is a view of a mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the back side of the camera body. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the progress of the mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing an example of a compact digital still camera in the imaging apparatus according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

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

  FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing an example of a compact digital still camera in the imaging apparatus according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

  First, a compact digital still camera according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The compact digital still camera 1 includes a camera body 6 and a display 7 that are divided in the thickness direction. The camera body 6 is provided with a lens barrel 101, and a flash light emitting unit 102, a main switch 103, a photographing switch 104, a zoom lever 105, an optical viewfinder objective window 106, and a photometric light receiving window 107 are arranged. .

  The main switch 103 is a switch for switching on and off of the power. The photographing switch 104 is a switch that performs photographing preparation operations such as photometry and distance measurement (AF) by a half-press operation, and captures and records an image by a full-press operation. The zoom lever 105 rotates the lens barrel 101 by rotating the zoom lever 105. Although not shown, the camera body 6 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the photographing optical system of the lens barrel 101.

  Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the first position (playback mode).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the second position (shooting mode).

  FIG. 7 is a view of the mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed from the back side of the camera body.

  The compact digital still camera 1 includes a camera main body 6 and a display unit 7 divided in the thickness direction. The camera main body 6 has an optical viewfinder 3 and a menu button 4 as a second viewfinder. The display unit 7 includes a display panel 2 that is a first viewfinder.

  Next, the parallel slide mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, guide pins 11 and 12 and a spring hook pin 13 are provided on the back surface of the display unit 7. When the display unit 7 is moved, the guide pins 11 and 12 are slidably fitted in the guide grooves 14 and 15 provided in the camera body unit 6 so that the display unit 7 can move in the vertical direction. Yes.

  The camera body 6 is provided with a spring hook pin 17 so as to be closest to the middle of the movement stroke of the spring hook pin 13, and a torsion spring 16 is incorporated between the camera pin 6 and the guide pin 13. ing. Accordingly, the display unit 7 is urged in the A direction in the playback mode and urged in the B direction in the shooting mode by the opening force of the torsion spring 16, so that the display unit 7 is stably in the first position and the second position. Will stay.

  When the display unit 7 moves in parallel by the slide mechanism as described above, the eyepiece portion of the optical finder 3 closed by the display unit 7 is exposed and can be used for photographing.

  Thereby, since both the display panel 2 and the optical viewfinder 3 can be used at the time of photographing, photographing options are expanded.

  Further, the display panel 2 can be enlarged while the optical finder 3 is mounted.

  The optical finder 3 includes a different optical system different from the lens barrel 101 (see FIG. 5), and performs a zoom operation in accordance with the zoom operation of the lens barrel 101.

  Furthermore, by moving the display unit 7 in the vertical direction, when the detection means (not shown) detects that the optical finder 3 is exposed, the mode is automatically switched to the photographing mode, and the optical finder 3 is closed. When it is detected that the recording has been performed, the mode automatically switches to the playback mode.

  The display panel 2 displays images taken by the image sensor, various operation menus, and the like, and is formed of a liquid crystal display device in the present embodiment.

  The menu button 4 provides a function for giving a command for displaying a menu on the display panel, a function for giving a command for selecting, confirming and executing a menu, changing a setting content, and displaying, selecting, and deleting a recorded image. Used as an operation key with functions.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the second embodiment is in the first position (playback mode).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the second position (shooting mode).

  FIG. 7 is a view of the mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the back side of the camera body.

  The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an edit button 5 is provided in addition to the menu button 4, and operability and playback are improved. This is an improvement of editing and other functions.

  In the following embodiments, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the editing button 5 is blocked by the display unit 7 by moving the display unit 7 in parallel under the mechanism shown in FIG. The expression finder 3 is exposed and can be used for photographing.

  Thereby, the freedom degree of the layout of the optical viewfinder 3, the edit button 5, and the display panel 2 is increased, and the display panel 2 can be enlarged while the optical viewfinder 3 and the edit button 5 are mounted.

  When the detection unit (not shown) detects that the optical viewfinder 3 is exposed by moving the display unit 7 in the vertical direction, the display unit 7 automatically switches to the shooting mode. When it is detected that the optical finder 3 is blocked by moving, the mode is automatically switched to the reproduction mode.

  The menu button 4 has a function for giving a command for displaying a menu on the display panel 2, a function for giving a command for selecting, confirming and executing the menu, and a function for giving a command for changing the setting contents.

  Since the edit button 5 is closed during the shooting mode, it has a function that is not used during shooting. For example, you can edit the image information such as the name and other functions that display, select, and delete recorded images, send and receive image data with printers and other cameras, and create and manage files that store image data. Functions that can be performed. In addition, it is possible to provide a function of processing a photographed image (processing a facial expression of a subject, adding a frame, a stamp, or the like).

  Thus, not only the operability is improved by providing the edit button 5, but also a complicated operation that cannot be executed only by the menu button 4 can be performed.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state (reproduction mode) when the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the second embodiment is in the first position.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the case where the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the first embodiment is in the second position (shooting mode).

  FIG. 8 is a view of a mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the back side of the camera body.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the progress of the mechanism for moving the display unit 7 of the compact digital still camera 1 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG.

  The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the display unit 7 rotates.

  In the following embodiments, the same members as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  First, the rotary slide mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 8, guide pins 21 and 22 are provided on the back surface of the display unit 7. When moving the display unit 7, the guide pins 21 and 22 are provided on the camera body 6. Since it is slidably fitted along the grooves 23 and 24, it can be rotated. As shown in FIG. 9, the camera body 6 is provided with a spring hook pin 26 so as to be farthest from the middle of the movement stroke of the guide pin 22, and a torsion spring 25 is provided between the camera pin 6 and the guide pin 22. It has been incorporated. Thereby, the display unit 6 is stably biased in the first position and the second position by being biased downward by the closing force of the torsion spring 25 in both the reproduction mode and the photographing mode. .

  When the display unit 7 is rotated by the rotating slide mechanism as described above, the edit button 5 is blocked by the display unit 7 while the optical finder 3 is exposed and can be used for photographing.

  Thereby, the freedom degree of the layout of the optical viewfinder 3, the edit button 5, and the display panel 2 is increased, and the display panel 2 can be enlarged while the optical viewfinder 3 and the edit button 5 are mounted.

  At this time, the edit button 5 can be placed between the display unit 7 and the menu button 4 by changing the layout from the second embodiment.

  In addition, when the display unit 7 is rotated to detect that the optical viewfinder 3 is exposed by a detection unit (not shown), the display unit 7 is automatically switched to the shooting mode, and conversely, the display unit 7 is rotated. Thus, when it is detected that the optical viewfinder 3 is blocked, the mode is automatically switched to the reproduction mode.

  As in the second embodiment, the menu button 4 has a function for displaying, selecting, and confirming a menu, and a function used during shooting. The edit button 5 is used during shooting such as playback and editing. It has a function that does not.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to what was illustrated to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compact digital still camera 2 Display panel 3 Optical viewfinder 4 Menu button 5 Operation button 6 Camera main body part 7 Display part 11, 12, 21, 22 Guide pin 13, 17, 26 Spring hook pin 14, 15, 23, 24 Guide Grooves 16 and 25 Torsion spring 101 Lens barrel 102 Flash light emitting unit 103 Main switch 104 Shooting switch 105 Zoom lever 106 Optical viewfinder objective window 107 Photometric light receiving window

Claims (5)

  An imaging apparatus including a camera body 6 having an image sensor and a photographing optical system, and a display 7 for displaying an image, the first viewfinder 2 disposed on the display 7, and the camera body 6 A second viewfinder 3 disposed in the first viewfinder 2, the first viewfinder 2 being at a first position where the eyepiece of the second viewfinder 3 is not exposed, and the second viewfinder. An image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus is provided so as to be movable to a second position where the eyepiece 3 is exposed.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that switches to a reproduction mode when the first viewfinder 2 is in the first position and switches to a photographing mode when the first viewfinder 2 is in the second position. Imaging device.   When the first viewfinder 2 is in the first position, it has an operation member 5 that is exposed and disposed at an operable position, and the operation member 5 is any of reproduction display, editing, and communication. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is a function instruction unit for the above.   The first viewfinder 2 rotates at a right angle with respect to the camera body 6 at the first position and the second position so that the direction of the long side direction differs, and the first viewfinder 2 The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display image is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the image pickup apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second viewfinder 3 is an optical viewfinder.

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