JP2013250462A - Imaging apparatus capable of wireless communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus having an antenna performing different two types of wireless communication, in which an antenna arrangement space is saved, and loss of a communication performance caused by deterioration of a radiation characteristic can be prevented.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 1 is so configured as to include: first wireless communication means; second wireless communication means for performing wireless communication of a type different from that of the first wireless communication means; a penta prism which has a plurality of reflection surfaces inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of a photographing screen and guides a subject luminous flux from a lens unit to a finder eyepiece window; information processing means for converting an electric signal acquired at an imaging element to image data and controlling the first wireless communication means and second wireless communication means; and an energizing plate which is made of a metallic material, holds the penta prism, the first wireless communication means and the second wireless communication means, and has an opening part on a surface for holding the first wireless communication means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus provided with wireless communication means.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an imaging apparatus that receives radio waves from a satellite and measures position information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude based on the received radio waves, and adds information obtained therefrom to an image. . Among them, a wireless communication method different from GPS communication, for example, an antenna for FM communication, is mounted on a different roof surface from an antenna that performs GPS communication with a satellite on an inclined surface along the roof surface of the pentaprism, and GPS reception is performed. There is an invention in which information positioning error correction is performed.

JP 2003-315890 A

  When two types of antennas that perform different wireless communications are mounted on the imaging device, there are many spaces for arranging two antenna spaces, a member for holding the two antennas, and a metal member for grounding the two antennas. Space is required.

  In addition, when two types of antennas that perform different wireless communication are an antenna that performs wireless LAN communication and an antenna that performs GPS communication, the antenna that performs wireless LAN communication emits radio waves when the antenna portion is extremely close to a metal body. The strength decreases and communication performance decreases. Therefore, in order to ensure the communication performance of the wireless LAN antenna, it is necessary to arrange the antenna unit and the metal member apart from each other. On the other hand, an antenna that performs GPS communication deteriorates in communication performance due to the influence of noise radiated from under the antenna and radio waves reflected on the ground, so-called multipath. Therefore, in order to ensure the communication performance of the GPS antenna, it is necessary to dispose a metal member serving as a ground close to the antenna.

  As described above, when two types of antennas that perform different wireless communications are mounted, it is necessary to consider the difference in antenna characteristics and the positional relationship with surrounding metal members.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can save space while mounting two types of antennas that perform different wireless communications, and that can ensure the communication performance of each wireless communication means. Is to provide.

  The first wireless communication means 5 and the second wireless communication means 6 for performing different types of wireless communication with the first wireless communication means 5, and a plurality of reflecting surfaces inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the photographing screen The pentaprism 319 for guiding the subject luminous flux from the lens unit 316 to the viewfinder eyepiece window 21 and the electric signal acquired by the image sensor 304 are converted into image data, and the first wireless communication unit 5 and the second wireless The information processing means 302 for controlling the communication means 6, made of a metal material, holds the pentaprism 319, the first wireless communication means 5, the second wireless communication means 6, and holds the first wireless communication means 5. An imaging apparatus 1 comprising an urging plate 41 having an opening in a surface 41a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to save space while mounting two types of antennas that perform different wireless communications, and it is possible to secure the communication performance of each antenna.

It is a front perspective view of the imaging device which is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a back perspective view of the imaging device which is an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the optical axis orthogonal direction in the circumference | surroundings of a pentaprism. It is a top perspective view of a wireless communication module. (A) is a top perspective view of the GPS module, and (B) is a bottom perspective view. It is a disassembled perspective view of the pentaprism vicinity. FIG. 3 is a state diagram in the vicinity of the pentaprism of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a state diagram in the vicinity of a pentaprism of Example 2.

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

[Example 1]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the lens unit 316 (see FIG. 3 described later) is removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back side.

  In FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 1 is provided with a grip portion 11 that protrudes forward so that a photographer can stably grasp the imaging apparatus 1 during imaging. On the upper part of the grip part 11, a release switch 12 is arranged as an imaging start switch.

  The mount unit 13 fixes the detachable lens unit 316 to the imaging device 1.

  The mirror box 14 is disposed in the housing of the imaging apparatus 1, and the imaging light flux that has passed through the lens unit 316 is guided here. A quick return mirror 15 is disposed inside the mirror box 14.

  In FIG. 2, a viewfinder eyepiece window 21 is provided on the back of the imaging apparatus 1, and an image display unit 22 is provided near the center of the back. A main switch 23 is provided on the side of the image display unit 22 and can be instructed to start and end power supply from the power source 310 (see FIG. 3 to be described later) to each unit of the camera by a user operation. . In addition, an operation button 24 is disposed beside the image display unit 22, and various settings of the imaging apparatus 1 can be changed by the user operating the operation button 24. The setting status is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the part which is common in the above-mentioned drawing is shown with the same symbol.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 302 is mounted on the system control board 301. The CPU 302 controls the operation of the entire imaging apparatus 1 and executes various processes and instructions for each element.

  The system control board 301 includes a release switch 12, an image display unit 22, a main switch 23, operation buttons 24, a memory 303, an image sensor 304, a mirror control unit 305, a shutter control unit 306, a lens control unit 307, and a distance measurement unit 308. The photometric unit 309, the power source 310, and the external memory slot 311 are connected. A connector 312 and a connector 313 are mounted on the system control board 301. The connector 312 is connected to the wireless communication module 5 via a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as FPC) 314, and the connector 313 is connected to the connector 313 via the FPC 315. A GPS module 6 is connected.

  The wireless communication module 5 transmits image data to an external device by wireless LAN communication such as IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g.

  The GPS module 6 uses GPS (Global Positioning System) to receive radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites orbiting around the earth and obtain positioning information such as latitude, longitude, altitude of the place where the imaging device 1 is present. get. In addition, the acquired positioning information can be added to the captured image data.

  The memory 303 stores information related to the imaging operation of the imaging device 1.

  The power supply 310 supplies power to the CPU 302 and each part of the circuit in the camera, and when the user operates the main switch 23, the power supply to each part is started and ended.

  The lens unit 316 is an optical system that forms an image of subject image light on the imaging surface of the imaging element 304, and includes a plurality of lens groups including a focus lens for adjusting the focal position of the optical system. Here, the optical axis 317 indicates the center of the optical system.

  The quick return mirror 15 includes a main mirror 15a and a sub mirror 15b. The imaging light flux reflected by the main mirror 15a is guided to the pentaprism 319.

  The pentaprism 319 is an optical member that converts and reflects the imaging light beam reflected by the main mirror 15a into an erect image. The user can observe the subject image from the viewfinder eyepiece window 21. The pentaprism 319 also guides a part of the imaging light flux to the photometry unit 309.

  The photometric unit 309 converts a part of the obtained imaging light flux into luminance signals for each area on the observation surface and outputs the luminance signals to the CPU 302. The CPU 302 calculates an exposure value from the luminance signal thus obtained.

  A part of the main mirror 15 a is a half mirror, and part of the light is transmitted and guided to the distance measuring unit 308. The distance measuring unit 308 divides the light bent by the sub mirror 15 b into two to generate two images with parallax, performs known phase difference distance measurement, and outputs distance measurement information to the CPU 302. Further, when the release switch 12 is pressed during imaging, the quick return mirror 15 rotates around an unillustrated axis provided at an end thereof, and the reflection surface becomes substantially parallel to the optical axis 317. It retracts to the position and guides the imaging light flux to the imaging device 304.

  The imaging element 304 is provided at a position where light along the optical axis 317 reaches when the main mirror 15a is retracted, and a CMOS that is an imaging device that converts an image formed by the lens unit 316 into an electrical signal is used. . There are various types of imaging devices such as a CCD type, a CMOS type, and a CID (charge injection element) type, and any type of imaging device may be adopted.

  A shutter 318 that controls the exposure time is provided between the quick return mirror 15 and the image sensor 304.

  The release switch 12 is a switch that can be pressed in two steps. The switch S1 is turned on by the first stroke (half-press), and the switch S2 is turned on by the second stroke (full-press).

  When the release switch 12 is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, the CPU 302 drives the distance measurement unit 308 and the photometry unit 309 to perform distance measurement and photometry operation, and the obtained distance measurement information and photometry information are output to the CPU 302. Is done. The CPU 302 sends the obtained distance measurement information and photometry information to the imaging lens control unit 307, and the lens control unit 307, based on the obtained distance measurement information and photometry information, in a focusing lens (not shown) in the lens unit 316. And the movable diaphragm is driven.

  When the release button 12 is fully pressed and S2 is turned on, the mirror control unit 305, the shutter control unit 306, and the image sensor 304 are driven to perform an imaging operation.

  When the photographing operation is started, the image sensor 304 converts the incident light into an electric signal by photoelectric conversion, and then outputs it to the CPU 302. The electrical signal output to the CPU 302 undergoes image conversion processing such as JPEG, and is recorded as image data in the external memory 320 inserted in the external memory slot 311. Note that the image data in this embodiment conforms to a known Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) file format, and image information includes shooting information such as exposure time and aperture value, and positioning information described later. It is the combined data.

  The main body frame 321 reinforces the imaging device 1 from the inside and holds and protects each component constituting the imaging device 1.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis around the pentaprism 319 of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a view when viewed from the back side of the imaging apparatus 1. The pentaprism 319 is fixed to the main body frame 321 by an urging plate 41.

  A cushioning material 42 is attached between the pentaprism 319 and the biasing plate 41. The buffer material 42 prevents the urging plate 41 from directly touching and damaging the pentaprism 319 and absorbs shock and vibration applied to the imaging device 1 so as not to transmit to the pentaprism 319. It is comprised with the material which has elasticity.

  When a device having a high dielectric constant such as a human hand approaches a device that performs wireless communication such as the wireless communication module 5 and the GPS module 6, the electric field in the vicinity of the device changes, affecting communication. For this reason, the wireless communication module 5 and the GPS module 6 are not easily accessible by the user's hand during imaging so that the user's hand does not affect the communication during the operation of the imaging device 1. It is attached to the top of the surface along the 319 roof surface.

  The urging plate 41 is made of a metal material for the purpose of firmly fixing the pentaprism 319, and at the same time, is electrically connected to the wireless communication module 5 and the GPS module 6, thereby serving as a ground. As a result, the communication between the wireless communication module 5 and the GPS module 6 is stabilized.

  FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the wireless communication module 5. The wireless communication module 5 has a function of transmitting image data from the imaging device 1 to an external device (not shown) when an image is recorded in the external memory 320 inserted in the external memory slot 311.

  The wireless communication module 5 includes a substrate 51, an IC 52, a pattern antenna 53, and a connector 54. The connector 54 is connected to the FPC 314 and is connected to the connector 312 of the system control board 301.

  In order to transmit image data from the imaging apparatus 1 to an external device (not shown) via the wireless communication module 5, when the user operates the operation button 24 and starts an instruction to transmit data, the CPU 302 displays image data. Is transmitted to the IC 52. Subsequently, the IC 52 modulates the image data into a desired wireless system, and then converts it into a transmission frequency. Thereafter, the pattern antenna 53 wirelessly transmits the image data to the external device.

  6A is a top perspective view of the GPS module 6, and FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view. The GPS module 6 includes a substrate 61, a GPS antenna 62, an IC 63, and a connector 64. The connector 64 is connected to the FPC 315 and is connected to the connector 312 of the system control board 301.

  The GPS antenna 62 is attached to the substrate 61. The GPS antenna 62 receives radio waves from a satellite (not shown) in order to detect the position where the imaging device 1 is present. As the GPS antenna 62, for example, a micropatch strip antenna described in JP-A-5-183327 can be used. This micropatch strip antenna is formed in a flat plate shape and has maximum receiving sensitivity in the normal direction of the plane, but this directivity is relatively dull, and it reliably receives radio waves from GPS satellites existing in any direction in the sky. Suitable for doing.

  When the image data is stored in the external memory 320 by the imaging operation, the CPU 302 receives the satellite radio waves and calculates the positioning information (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the imaging apparatus 1 using the received signal information. Send instructions to do. The IC 63 receives satellite radio waves via the GPS antenna 62, converts the received radio waves into demodulated signals, and sends them to the CPU 302. The CPU 302 obtains positioning information by performing a predetermined calculation based on the demodulated signal. The CPU 302 combines the calculated positioning information with the image data recorded in the external memory 320.

  FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the pentaprism 319. The first surface 41 a of the urging plate 41 has an opening 71 corresponding to the projected area of the pattern antenna 53 on the wireless communication module 5.

  If the metal member is disposed close to the pattern antenna 53, the radio wave radiation intensity is reduced, and the transmission / reception characteristics of the wireless communication module 5 are deteriorated. Therefore, an opening 71 is opened on the first surface 41 a to which the wireless communication module 5 of the urging plate 41 is attached in order to keep the metal member away from the vicinity of the position where the pattern antenna 53 is projected.

  Unlike the first surface 41a to which the wireless communication module 5 is attached, the second surface 41b to which the GPS module 6 of the urging plate 41 is attached has no opening. This is because the GPS module 6 serves as a shield for stabilizing communication by preventing the GPS module 6 from receiving unnecessary radio waves reflected from the ground or the inside of the imaging device 1.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in the vicinity of the pentaprism 319 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the shape before the urging plate 41 presses the pentaprism 319, the angle 81 formed by the first surface 41 a and the second surface 41 b is smaller than the angle 82 of the roof surface of the pentaprism 319.

  This is because the repulsive force generated by elastic deformation when the urging plate 41 spreads and becomes equal to the angle of the roof surface of the pentaprism 319 is used as a force for fixing the pentaprism 319.

  Here, the amount of deformation of the urging plate 41 during the elastic deformation is 81a on the first surface 41a side and 81b on the second surface 41b side. The repulsive force generated by elastic deformation of a metal plate such as the urging plate 41 is affected by the amount of deformation during elastic deformation and the shape of the part involved in the deformation.

  In order to stabilize the communication performance of the wireless communication module 5, an opening 71 is provided in the first surface 41a of the urging plate 41, and the area of the first surface 41a is smaller than that of the second surface 41b. .

  Therefore, when the deformation amounts 81a and 81b are equal as shown in FIG. 8, the repulsive force of the urging plate 41 becomes relatively small on the first surface 41a side having a small area. As a result, the pressing force of the pentaprism 319 becomes non-uniform, and the horizontal center of the pentaprism 319 and the optical axis center of the image pickup apparatus 1 are mismatched. Becomes difficult.

  In order to make the force with which the urging plate 41 presses the pentaprism 319 left and right uniform, the amount of deformation of the urging plate 41 during elastic deformation or the shape of the portion related to the deformation is changed, and the repulsive force during elastic deformation is changed. Adjust it.

  Therefore, by making the deformation amount 81a at the time of elastic deformation larger than 81b, or by increasing the thickness of the first surface 41a side, the first surface 41a side and the second surface 41b side at the time of elastic deformation. The generated repulsive force, that is, the force for pressing the pentaprism 319 from the left and right is made uniform.

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, the force for pressing the pentaprism 319 from the left and right is made uniform by adjusting the shape of the urging plate 41 such as the elastic deformation amount and the plate thickness. In the present embodiment, a method for equalizing the force of pressing the pentaprism 319 from the left and right by the cushioning material 42 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in the vicinity of the pentaprism 319 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  A buffer material 42 is attached between the urging plate 41 and the pentaprism 319.

  The buffer material 42 is made of an elastic material such as neoprene rubber, and generates a repulsive force when compressed between the urging plate 41 and the pentaprism 319. The repulsive force generated at this time is also added to the force for pressing the pentaprism 319 from the left and right.

  The repulsive force generated when the cushioning material 42 is compressed is affected by the contact area with the urging plate 41 and the amount of deformation caused by the compression. Since the contact area between the urging plate 41 and the cushioning material 42 is determined by the shape of the urging plate 41, adjusting the repulsive force of the cushioning material 42 is possible by adjusting the amount of deformation due to compression.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the thickness of the cushioning material 42 in contact with the first surface 41a side with a small pressing force on the pentaprism 319 is made thicker than that on the second surface 41b side. As a result, the amount of deformation and the repulsive force during compression on the first surface 41a side are increased, and the force for pressing the pentaprism 319 from the left and right is made uniform.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

1: Imaging device 301: System control board 302: CPU
304: Image sensor 319: Penta prism 41: Biasing plate 5: Wireless communication module 53: Pattern antenna 6: GPS module 71: Opening

Claims (5)

  A first wireless communication means (5), a second wireless communication means (6) for performing different types of wireless communication with the first wireless communication means (5), and a plurality of inclinations with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shooting screen And a pentaprism (319) that guides the subject luminous flux from the lens unit (316) to the viewfinder eyepiece window (21), and an electrical signal acquired by the image sensor (304) to image data. , Information processing means (302) for controlling the first wireless communication means (5) and the second wireless communication means (6), a pentaprism (319) and a first wireless communication means (made of a metal material) 5) and a second wireless communication means (6), and a biasing plate (41) having an opening on the surface (41a) holding the first wireless communication means (5). An imaging device (1).   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication means (5) performs wireless LAN communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, and the second wireless communication means (6) performs GPS. 1).   The surface (41a) holding the first wireless communication means (5) of the biasing plate (41) has an opening (71) larger than the projected area of the antenna (53) of the first wireless communication means (5). The imaging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:   The thickness of the surface (41a) holding the first wireless communication means (5) of the urging plate (41) is thicker than the thickness of the surface (41b) holding the second wireless communication means (6). The imaging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:   A surface in contact with the surface (41a) holding the first wireless communication means (5) of the urging plate (41) of the cushioning material (42) disposed between the urging plate (41) and the pentaprism (319). The imaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the imaging device is thicker than a surface in contact with the surface (41b) holding the second wireless communication means (6).