JP2015156571A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus that is easy to carry and is hardly lost under water.

SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: an image pickup device for imaging object light; a housing 4 to which waterproof processing is applied; projections 6, 12 that projects to an outside of the housing; a water detection sensor for detecting whether the housing is under water; a feeding section for feeding an inside of the housing with air; and a projection control section for having the projections project out of the housing while feeding the inside of the housing with air by the feed section when it is detected by the water detection sensor that the housing is under water.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  Conventionally, a waterproof camera having a volume expansion mechanism in a camera body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this waterproof camera, it is possible to prevent the camera from being lost during underwater photography by expanding the camera body and adjusting the buoyancy of the camera.

JP 2004-325983 A

  However, the above-described waterproof camera has a problem in that the camera is enlarged due to the volume expansion mechanism, which makes it difficult to carry.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is easy to carry and is not easily lost in water.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging element that captures subject light, a waterproofed housing, a projecting portion that projects outside the housing, and whether the housing is in water. A water detection sensor to detect, a supply unit for supplying air into the housing, and air supplied into the housing by the supply unit when the water detection sensor detects that the housing is in water And a protrusion control part that protrudes the protrusion to the outside of the housing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that is easy to carry and is not easily lost in water.

It is a perspective view which shows the front surface of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the imaging lens of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment, and the side surface before and behind making a flash part protrude. It is a figure which shows the front surface before and behind making the side wall part of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment protrude.

  Hereinafter, a digital camera according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a front surface of a digital camera according to an embodiment. The digital camera 2 includes a housing 4 that has been subjected to a predetermined waterproofing process. A retractable photographing lens 6 that guides subject light to an image sensor 42 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the front surface of the housing 4. Yes. A power button 8 and a release button 10 for giving a release instruction are provided on the upper surface of the housing 4. In addition, a pop-up flash unit 12 that emits illumination light that illuminates the subject is housed inside the housing 4.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera 2 according to the embodiment. The digital camera 2 includes a CPU 14. The CPU 14 includes an acceleration sensor 16 that measures acceleration applied to the digital camera 2, a water detection sensor 18 that determines whether or not the digital camera 2 is in water, and the digital camera 2. From the pressure sensor 20 for measuring the water pressure, the GPS 22 for measuring the self-position based on the signal received from the GPS satellite, the setting unit 24 for setting the specific gravity of the digital camera 2, and the housing 4 of the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12. An information storage unit 25 that stores the protrusion amount in association with the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 and a wireless communication unit 26 that transmits and receives position information of the self-position between the web server and an external device are connected.

  In addition, the CPU 14 has an operation unit 32 including the power button 8 and the release button 10, a display control unit 36 that performs display control of the LCD display unit 34, an image sensor 42 for imaging subject light, and an image sensor 42. An image storage unit 43 for storing image data of the obtained image, a light source control unit 46 for adjusting the amount of light emitted from the flash light source 44, a speaker 48 for outputting sound, a filling unit 49 for filling with compressed air, and image data Is connected to the memory card 50.

  Here, in the setting unit 24, as the specific gravity of the digital camera 2, a first specific gravity having a specific gravity of 1.0 and a second specific gravity smaller than the first specific gravity by a predetermined amount are set in advance. The speaker 48 is disposed at a predetermined position of the photographing lens 6.

  Next, processing of the digital camera 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 14 determines whether or not the digital camera 2 is in water by the water detection sensor 18 (step S1). Here, the water detection sensor 18 includes a + electrode and a − electrode (not shown), and the CPU 14 determines whether or not the digital camera 2 is in water by detecting a current flowing between the electrodes.

  When the digital camera 2 is not underwater (step S1: No), the CPU 14 sets the shooting mode to the normal shooting mode for shooting on the ground (step S2). In this case, normal shooting processing is performed.

  On the other hand, when the digital camera 2 is underwater (step S1: Yes), the CPU 14 sets the shooting mode to an underwater shooting mode for shooting underwater (step S3). Next, the CPU 14 refers to the information storage unit 25, and when the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12 are protruded together, the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 becomes the first specific gravity (specific gravity 1.0). Of the projection (hereinafter referred to as the first lens projection amount) and the projection amount of the flash unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as the first flash projection amount) are calculated (step S4).

  Next, the CPU 14 supplies the compressed air filled in the filling unit 49 into the housing 4, and as shown in FIG. 4A, the photographing lens 6 and the flash housed in the housing 4. As shown in FIG. 4B, the part 12 is protruded from the first lens protrusion amount and the first flash protrusion amount housing 4 respectively (step S5). Thereby, the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 becomes the same specific gravity as water, and the ups and downs of the digital camera 2 in water are suppressed. Therefore, the operator can continue underwater photography without fear of losing the digital camera 2 when the hand is released.

  Next, the CPU 14 starts measuring the acceleration applied to the digital camera 2 by the acceleration sensor 16 (step S7), and determines whether or not the digital camera 2 has been submerged based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 16. Is performed (step S8). For example, when the acceleration is no longer measured by the acceleration sensor 16, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the acceleration was no longer measured.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the acceleration was not measured, the CPU 14 determines that the digital camera 2 has been submerged (step S8: Yes), and refers to the information storage unit 25 to determine the specific gravity of the digital camera 2. The projection amount of the photographing lens 6 (hereinafter referred to as the second lens projection amount) having a second specific gravity smaller than 1.0 and the projection amount of the flash unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as the second flash projection amount). Is calculated (step S9). Next, the CPU 14 supplies the compressed air again into the housing 4, while the photographing lens 6 protrudes from the housing 4 by the second lens protrusion amount, and the flash unit 12 protrudes from the housing 4 by the second flash protrusion amount. In this manner, the degree of protrusion of the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12 is adjusted (step S10). That is, the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12 are further protruded. As a result, the buoyancy of the digital camera 2 increases and floats from the water.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the acceleration was not measured, the CPU 14 determines that the digital camera 2 has not been submerged (step S8: No). When the digital camera 2 is not submerged (step S8: No), or when the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12 are further protruded after the digital camera 2 is submerged (step S10), the CPU 14 uses a water detection sensor. 18 is used to determine whether the digital camera 2 has floated on the water surface (step S10). For example, it is determined using the water detection sensor 18 whether or not the digital camera 2 is detected not in water. In addition, the water detection sensor 18 is arrange | positioned in the predetermined position which is not immersed in water when the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface.

  When the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface (step S11: Yes), the CPU 14 outputs a warning sound from the speaker 48 (step S12). On the other hand, when the digital camera 2 has not floated on the water surface (step S11: No), the CPU 14 determines whether or not an operation for turning off the power is performed at a predetermined time interval (step S13). When the operation to turn off the power is not performed (step S13: No), the processes of steps S8 to S13 are repeated. On the other hand, when an operation to turn off the power is performed (step S13: Yes), the CPU 14 turns off the power and ends the series of processes.

  According to this embodiment, the camera with the retractable photographic lens 6 and the flash unit 12 originally provided as the movable part is projected without providing a dedicated mechanism such as a hand strap for generating buoyancy, and the camera. By preventing the ups and downs in the water while maintaining the size, it is possible to provide the digital camera 2 that is easy to carry and is not easily lost in the water.

  Further, since a warning sound is output when the submerged digital camera 2 floats on the surface of the water, for example, when the digital camera 2 is washed away into a river, the user can easily find the location of the digital camera 2. it can. Since the speaker 48 is disposed on the photographing lens 6 facing the sky when the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface, the warning sound output from the speaker 48 is transmitted to the air. Accordingly, persons around the digital camera 2 can accurately recognize the warning sound.

  Further, when the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12 are projected, a predetermined amount of compressed air filled in the filling unit 49 is supplied into the housing 4 to adjust the amount of air in the housing 4. It is possible to prevent a negative pressure from being generated in the body 4, and it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the housing 4 due to the negative pressure.

  In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on, measurement by the acceleration sensor 16 and the water detection sensor 18 is started, but the backup battery (not shown) is charged in advance. The power may be supplied from the backup battery to the acceleration sensor 16 and the water detection sensor 18 even when the power is turned off. Thereby, even when the power is turned off, measurement by the acceleration sensor 16 and the water detection sensor 18 can be started. For this reason, for example, even when the user dives underwater with the power off and the digital camera 2 is lost, the digital camera 2 can be lifted on the surface of the water and a warning can be notified.

  In the above-described embodiment, it may be determined whether an impact is applied to the digital camera 2 using the acceleration sensor 16. For example, the CPU 14 first starts measuring acceleration by the acceleration sensor 16 in a state where the power is turned off, and determines whether or not an impact exceeding a predetermined acceleration has been measured. Further, the water detection sensor 18 determines whether or not the digital camera 2 is in water.

  Here, when an impact exceeding a predetermined acceleration is measured and it is determined that the digital camera 2 is in water, that is, when the digital camera 2 suddenly falls into water, the CPU 14 moves the photographing lens 6 to the housing 4. The second lens protruding amount is protruded from the housing 4 and the flash unit 12 is protruded from the housing 4 by the second flash protruding amount, so that the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface. Next, the CPU 14 notifies the warning sound through the speaker 48.

  Thus, the user can easily find the digital camera 2 even when the digital camera 2 is unexpectedly dropped into the water from, for example, a cliff or a ship. Note that the impact measurement and the determination of whether or not the digital camera 2 is underwater may be performed after the power is turned on.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface, the CPU 14 may cause the flash unit 12 to emit flash light or AF auxiliary light instead of outputting a warning sound. Thus, the digital camera 2 can be easily found even after sunset, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, after the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface, a warning may be notified when a predetermined condition is further satisfied. For example, after the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface, a warning is notified when a predetermined time has elapsed without the operation unit 32 being operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface, the self-position may be measured by the GPS 22. In this case, the self-position information of the measured self-position is transmitted to the web server via the wireless communication unit 26. Thereby, the user can recognize the current position of the digital camera 2 by accessing the web server when the digital camera 2 is lost during underwater photography. Note that the self-position measurement by the GPS 22 may be performed when a predetermined condition is further satisfied after the digital camera 2 floats on the water surface.

  In the above-described embodiment, members that protrude from the housing 4 to adjust the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 are not limited to the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a digital camera 102 in which a cover 60 that covers the photographing lens 6 is provided on the housing 4 may be employed. In this case, when the user slides the cover 60 to expose the photographing lens 6, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the side wall portion 62 protrudes outward to increase the lateral width of the housing 4, and the digital camera 102. The specific gravity is set to the first specific gravity (specific gravity 1.0).

  In the embodiment described above, the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 set in the setting unit 24 may be finely adjusted. For example, when the digital camera 2 first moves underwater, the photographing lens 6 and the flash unit 12 protrude from the housing 4, and the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 becomes the first specific gravity (specific gravity 1.0). Here, when the digital camera 2 floats or sinks, the user can set the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 so that the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 is slightly larger than 1.0 or slightly smaller than 1.0. Tweak the. After the fine adjustment, if the digital camera 2 still floats or sinks, the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 is further finely adjusted. Thereby, the ups and downs of the digital camera 2 can be suppressed accurately.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, you may enable it to set the seawater mode which uses the digital camera 2 in seawater. When the seawater mode is set, the CPU 14 corrects the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 set in the setting unit 24. For example, the specific gravity 1.0 as the first specific gravity is changed to the specific gravity of seawater, and the second specific gravity is changed to a specific gravity smaller than the corrected first specific gravity. Thus, the digital camera 2 can be prevented from rising and sinking even when shooting in the sea.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the water depth may be measured based on the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor 20. When the water depth of the digital camera 2 changes, the CPU 14 corrects the specific gravity of the digital camera 2 set in the setting unit 24 according to the water depth. For example, each time the water depth of the digital camera 2 exceeds a predetermined water depth (for example, the first water depth, the second water depth,..., The nth water depth, etc.), the first specific gravity and the second specific gravity are kept constant. Make corrections that add values one by one. This prevents the digital camera 2 from rising or sinking even when shooting at a deep water location, so that the digital camera 2 is not lost when the hand is released.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Digital camera, 4 ... Housing | casing, 6 ... Shooting lens, 12 ... Flash part, 14 ... CPU, 16 ... Acceleration sensor, 18 ... Water detection sensor, 20 ... Pressure sensor, 22 ... GPS, 24 ... Setting part, 25 ... Information storage unit, 26 ... Wireless communication unit, 32 ... Operation unit, 42 ... Imaging element, 48 ... Speaker

Claims (10)

A housing provided with an image sensor for imaging the subject light and waterproofed;
A projecting portion projecting to the outside of the housing;
A water detection sensor for detecting whether or not the casing is in water;
A supply unit for supplying air into the housing;
A protrusion control unit that causes the protrusion to protrude outside the case while supplying air into the case by the supply unit when the water detection sensor detects that the case is underwater; An imaging apparatus comprising: A setting unit for setting the specific gravity of the imaging device;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion control unit causes the protrusion to protrude such that the specific gravity of the image pickup apparatus becomes a specific gravity set by the setting unit. A filling section for filling with compressed air;
3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit supplies the compressed air filled in the filling unit into the housing when the protruding unit protrudes. 4. An acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration acting on the imaging device;
A determination unit that determines whether acceleration has not been measured continuously for a predetermined time or more by the acceleration sensor;
The said protrusion control part makes the said protrusion part protrude further, when it determines with the said determination part not having measured acceleration continuously for a predetermined time or more. The imaging device according to item. An acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration acting on the imaging device;
An impact determination unit for determining whether an impact exceeding a predetermined acceleration is applied to the imaging device by the acceleration sensor;
The protrusion control unit further protrudes the protrusion when the water detection sensor detects that the housing is underwater and the impact determination unit determines that an impact has been applied to the imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A levitation determination unit that determines whether or not the imaging device has surfaced on the water surface using the water detection sensor;
A warning is issued if the imaging device has risen on the water surface by the ascent determination unit, or if the imaging device has been determined to have floated on the water surface by the ascending determination unit and a predetermined condition is satisfied. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that performs notification.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit includes at least one of a speaker that outputs a warning sound and a light emission control unit that causes the flash unit to emit flash light or auxiliary light. GPS that measures the current position when the imaging device floats on the water surface, or when the imaging device floats on the water surface and further satisfies a predetermined condition;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits position information of the current position measured by the GPS.   The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is at least one of a photographing lens, the flash portion, and a side wall portion of the housing.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the speaker is provided in the photographing lens.

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