JP2020088587A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To detect the face of a user looking into a view finder with an outside display unit opened.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 has a body 101 performing imaging, an outside display unit 102 movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the body, a view finder 103 provided in the body, sensors detecting an object, and a control means 150 causing the outside display unit to perform display when an object is not detected and causing the view finder to perform display when the object is detected. As the sensors, a first sensor 104 provided on the display surface side of the outside display unit, and a second sensor 104b covered by the outside display unit at the closed position in the body, and provided at a position where the outside display unit is exposed by moving of the outside display unit to the closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having an external display unit and a viewfinder.

In the above-described image pickup apparatus, it is often the case that these are controlled so that the subject image is displayed only on one of the external display unit and the viewfinder. In the image pickup apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sensor for detecting a proximity object is arranged in the vicinity of the viewfinder, and when the sensor detects that the face of the user who is looking into the viewfinder approaches, the external device is detected. Stop the display on the display unit and start the viewfinder display. When it is detected that the user's face has moved away from the viewfinder, the display of the viewfinder is stopped and the display of the external display unit is started.

JP, 2011-71971, A

However, the sensor may be provided in an external display unit that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body of the image pickup apparatus, not in the vicinity of the viewfinder. In this case, the approach of the user's face to the viewfinder cannot be detected when the external display unit is opened with respect to the main body.

The present invention provides an imaging device capable of detecting the face of a user looking into a viewfinder even when the external display unit is open.

An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body that performs imaging, an external display unit that is movable with respect to the main body between an open position and a closed position, a viewfinder provided on the main body, and an object. It has a sensor for detecting, and a control means for causing an external display unit to display when an object is not detected and for causing a viewfinder to display when an object is detected. As the sensor, the first sensor provided on the display surface side of the external display unit and the external display unit in the closed position of the main body cover the external display unit at the position exposed by moving to the open position. And a second sensor provided.

An image pickup apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a main body that performs image pickup, an external display unit that is movable with respect to the main body between an open position and a closed position, and a viewfinder provided in the main body. And a sensor that detects an object, and a control unit that causes the external display unit to display when the object is not detected, and to cause the viewfinder to display when the object is detected. The above-mentioned sensor is characterized by having a first sensor provided on the display surface side of the external display unit and a second sensor provided on the opposite side of the display surface side of the external display unit.

Furthermore, an image pickup apparatus as another aspect of the present invention includes a main body that performs image pickup, an external display unit that is movable with respect to the main body between an open position and a closed position, and a viewfinder provided in the main body. A sensor that detects an object and a control unit that causes an external display unit to display an object when the object is not detected and a viewfinder that displays when an object is detected. The external display unit has an opening, and the sensor is provided at a position in the main body where an object can be detected through the opening of the external display unit in the closed position.

According to the present invention, the image pickup device can be downsized by providing the first sensor on the external display unit, and by providing the second sensor, the object (even if the external display unit is in the open position) The user's face) can be detected and displayed on the viewfinder.

1 is a perspective view showing a camera that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pop-up of an electronic viewfinder in the camera of the first embodiment. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an open/closed state of an external display unit in the camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a camera that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a camera that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit in the camera of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the camera of the first embodiment.

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

1A and 1B show a digital camera 100 as an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back side. 2A to 2C and FIGS. 3A and 3B show the digital camera 100 as viewed from the side.

A body (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) 101 of the digital camera 100 includes an imaging lens 109 on the front surface thereof and an imaging element (see FIG. 6) inside. An external display unit 102 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 101. The external display unit 102 has an external display device such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel, and has a display surface 102a on which a finder image as a subject image generated from an output signal from the image sensor and a captured image for recording. And various imaging information is displayed. The various types of image pickup information include a shutter speed, an aperture value, an AF area, the number of picked-up images, the number of remaining picked-up images, and the like.

The external display unit 102 is rotatable (movable) with respect to the camera body 101 about a hinge portion 102a provided near the bottom surface of the camera body 101. Specifically, the external display unit 102 has a closed position in which the display surface 102a faces rearward (a direction opposite to the direction of the imaging lens 109), as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. As shown in (b) and FIG. 3(b), the display surface 102a is rotatable between an open position in which the display surface 102a faces the front (the direction opposite to the direction of the imaging lens 109).

An electronic viewfinder 103 is provided on the upper part of the camera body 101. The electronic viewfinder 103 is stored in the camera body 101 as shown in FIG. 2(a), and as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) and FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). It is possible to move between the pop-up position that pops up with respect to the camera body 101.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the user operates the pop-up lever 105 provided on the side surface of the camera body 101 with the electronic viewfinder 103 in the storage position. As a result, the electronic viewfinder 103 is popped up from the camera body 101 by the urging force of the pop-up spring (not shown) provided in the camera body 101, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the user manually pulls out the eyepiece 103 a from the electronic viewfinder 103. In this state, by displaying the finder image on a finder display device such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel provided inside the electronic viewfinder 103, a user looking into the electronic viewfinder 103 can observe the finder image. You can However, the viewfinder image is displayed in the electronic viewfinder 103 because the first proximity sensor 104a or the second proximity sensor 104b, which will be described later, is the face (object) of the user who is looking into the electronic viewfinder 103. ) Is detected.

The first proximity sensor 104a as the first sensor is provided on the display surface side of the external display unit 102 and at a position (upper part) close to the electronic viewfinder 103 in the external display unit 102 which is in the closed position. There is. The second proximity sensor 104b as the second sensor is located on the back surface of the camera body 101, covered by the external display unit 102 in the closed position, and exposed by the external display unit 102 rotating to the open position. It is provided in.

The first proximity sensor 104 a is approaching the electronic viewfinder 103 and the light emitting unit that emits infrared light in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3A when the external display unit 102 is in the closed position. And a light receiving unit that detects reflected light reflected by an object (hereinafter referred to as a near object). On the other hand, the second proximity sensor 104b includes a light emitting unit that emits infrared light in the direction of the thick arrow in FIG. 3B when the external display unit 102 is in the open position, and a red light reflected by a near object. And a light receiving section for detecting external light (reflected light). The distance to the near object can be detected by the intensity of the reflected light received by the light receiving unit of each proximity sensor.

When the user brings the face F closer to the eyepiece 103a and the distance detected by the first proximity sensor 104a becomes less than or equal to a predetermined distance, it is determined that the user is looking into the eyepiece 103a. can do. In response to this determination, the display on the external display unit 102 is stopped and the display on the electronic viewfinder 103 is started.

Here, the reason why the first proximity sensor 104a is provided in the external display unit 102 will be described. When the first proximity sensor 104a is provided on the camera body 101, it is necessary to dispose the first proximity sensor 104a at a position not covered by the external display unit 102 in the closed position. For this purpose, it is necessary to increase the outer shape of the camera body 101 or reduce the outer shape of the external display unit 102. That is, the undesirable result of increasing the size of the camera 100 and reducing the size of the external display unit 102 is brought about. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first proximity sensor 104a is provided in the external display unit 102.

On the other hand, the second proximity sensor 104b covered by the external display unit 102 in the closed position can detect a proximity object by being exposed rearward as the external display unit 102 rotates to the open position. Become. For example, when the user rotates the external display unit 102 to the open position so that the display surface 102a faces the front (user side) for the purpose of taking a self-portrait, as shown by a broken arrow in FIG. The proximity sensor 104a of No. 1 also faces forward. Therefore, the face F approaching the electronic viewfinder 103 from behind cannot be detected by the first proximity sensor 104a.

In such a state, the second proximity sensor 104b can detect the face F approaching the electronic viewfinder 103 from behind, as indicated by a thick arrow in the figure. Then, in response to this detection (determination that the user is looking into the eyepiece 103a), the display on the external display unit 102 is stopped and the display on the electronic viewfinder 103 is started.

Whether or not the proximity object can be detected by the second proximity sensor 104b may be determined from the detection result of whether the external display unit 102 is in the closed position or the open position. Specifically, when the external display unit 102 is in the open position, it can be determined that it can be detected, and when the external display unit 102 is in the closed position, it can be determined that it cannot be detected.

Whether or not the external display unit 102 is in the closed position is determined by an open/close detector (open/close detection) that is configured by using a switch that is turned on at the closed position, an encoder that detects the rotation angle of the external display unit 102, or the like. Means). In addition, the second proximity sensor 104b detects the distance to the proximity object (here, the external display unit 102) and the peripheral brightness (light reception brightness), and the detected distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance and the detected peripheral brightness. It may be determined that the external display unit 102 is in the closed position when is less than or equal to the predetermined brightness.

If the proximity object cannot be detected by the second proximity sensor 104b, it is desirable to stop the operation of the second proximity sensor 104b in order to reduce the power consumption of the camera 100.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of an electric circuit in the camera 100 of this embodiment. The subject image as an optical image formed by the image pickup optical system 120 in the image pickup lens 109 is picked up (photoelectrically converted) by the image pickup element 130 such as a CMOS sensor. The output signal (image pickup signal) from the image pickup device 130 is input to the image processing unit 140. The image processing unit 140 performs various processes on the image pickup signal to generate a finder image signal and a recording image signal. The image processing unit 140 outputs the finder image signal to the display controller 150 and the recording image signal to the recording unit 160. The recording unit 160 performs compression processing on the recording image signal and then records it on a recording medium (not shown) such as a memory card.

The display controller 150 as a control means includes an external display device 170 provided in the external display unit 102, a finder display device 180 in the electronic viewfinder 103, the open/close detector 190, the first proximity switch 104a, and the second proximity switch 104a. The proximity switch 104b is connected. The display controller 150 selects which of the first proximity switch 104a and the second proximity switch 104b should detect the proximity object according to the detection result of the open/close detector 190. Then, which of the external display device 170 and the finder display device 180 is to display the finder image corresponding to the finder image signal is selected according to the detection result from the selected proximity switch.

The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows the processing executed by the display controller 150. The display controller 150, which is a computer, executes this process according to a computer program.

In step S1, the display controller 150 determines whether the external display unit 102 is in the closed position (is in the open position) through the open/close detector 190. If the display controller 150 determines that the external display unit 102 is in the closed position, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is determined that the external display unit 102 is in the open position, the process proceeds to step S5.

In this step, the display controller 150 determines that the distance detected by the second proximity switch 104a is equal to or less than the predetermined distance and the detected ambient luminance is equal to or less than the predetermined luminance as described above. It may be determined that 102 is in the closed position.

In step S2, the display controller 150 selects the first proximity sensor 104a as the proximity sensor used to detect the proximity object. Then, it is determined whether or not a proximity object is detected by the first proximity sensor 104a. The display controller 150 proceeds to step S3 when a proximity object is detected, and proceeds to step S4 when a proximity object is not detected.

In step S3, the display controller 150 outputs a finder image signal to the electronic viewfinder 103 (finder display device 180) to display the finder image. On the other hand, in step S4, the display controller 150 outputs a finder image signal to the external display unit 102 (external display device 170) to display the finder image.

In step S5, the display controller 150 selects the second proximity sensor 104b as the proximity sensor used to detect the proximity object. Then, it is determined whether or not a proximity object is detected by the second proximity sensor 104b. The display controller 150 proceeds to step S6 when a proximity object is detected, and proceeds to step S7 when a proximity object is not detected.

In step S6, the display controller 150 outputs a finder image signal to the electronic viewfinder 103 (finder display device 180) to display the finder image. On the other hand, in step S7, the display controller 150 outputs a finder image signal to the external display unit 102 (external display device 170) to display the finder image.

According to the present embodiment, the camera 100 can be miniaturized by providing the first proximity sensor 104a on the external display unit 102. Further, by providing the second proximity sensor 104b, even when the external display unit 102 is in the open position, the approach of the object (user's face) to the electronic viewfinder is detected and the electronic viewfinder 103 is caused to display. be able to.

Although the camera 100 having the electronic viewfinder 103 is described in this embodiment, a camera having an optical viewfinder is also included in the embodiments of the present invention. Even in the optical viewfinder, image pickup information such as shutter speed and aperture value may be displayed on the finder display device, and when these are displayed on the external display unit 102, it is desirable to stop the display on the finder display device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the camera 100 in which the hinge portion 102a is provided so that the external display unit 102 opens downward is described, but the hinge portion is provided so as to open sideways as described in the second embodiment. A camera is also included in the embodiments of the present invention. If there is a state in which one of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor becomes undetectable due to the opening/closing of the external display unit, the opening/closing direction or the opening/closing method of the external display unit does not matter.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where each proximity sensor emits infrared light and receives the reflected light has been described, but any sensor that can detect a proximity object uses radio waves or sound waves. Any sensor may be used.

4A to 4C show a camera 100A that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, constituent elements common to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and will be replaced with the description.

In this embodiment, a hinge portion 102b is provided so that the external display unit 102 opens laterally (horizontally) with respect to the camera body 101. Further, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first proximity sensor 104a is provided on the display surface side of the external display unit 102, while the first proximity sensor 104a is provided on the side opposite to the display surface side of the external display unit 102. The second proximity sensor 104b is provided on the surface.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the external display unit 102 is in the closed position and the display surface 102a faces rearward, the first proximity sensor 104a also faces rearward, and thus the first proximity sensor 104a. The proximity object can be detected by. In this state, the second proximity sensor 104b faces the camera body side and cannot detect a proximity object from the rear.

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the external display unit 102 is rotated to the open position and the display surface 102a is directed forward, the first proximity sensor 104a also faces forward, so that a proximity object from behind is detected. Can not do it. However, the second proximity sensor 104b provided on the opposite side of the first proximity sensor 104a in the external display unit 102 can detect a proximity object from behind.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the external display unit 102 of the present embodiment can rotate around an axis extending in the horizontal direction from the state of FIG. 4B, and the display surface 102a faces the camera body side. Thus, the external display unit 102 can be rotated to the closed position. Even in this state, the second proximity sensor 104b can be used to detect a near object behind.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a camera 100B that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, constituent elements common to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and will be replaced with the description.

In this embodiment, the proximity sensor cannot be arranged on the external display unit 102, in other words, the proximity sensor can be arranged only on the camera body 101. As shown in FIG. 5A, an opening 106 for exposing the proximity sensor 104 is formed in a portion of the external display unit 102 in the closed position corresponding to the proximity sensor 104 provided on the back surface of the camera body 101. Are formed. That is, the proximity sensor 104 is provided at a position where an approaching object from the rear can be detected through the opening 106 of the external display unit 102 in the closed position. The proximity sensor 104 has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit similarly to the first and second proximity sensors 104a and 104b described in the first embodiment.

It should be noted that the opening may have not only a hole shape in which the upper, lower, left, and right sides are surrounded as shown in the drawing, but also a notched (concave) shape in which a part is not connected. In addition, the opening 106 may be filled with a transparent resin or glass that can transmit the light emitted from the proximity sensor 104 and the reflected light.
(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments when implementing the present invention.

101 camera body 102 external display unit 102a display surface 103 electronic viewfinder 104a first proximity sensor 104b second proximity sensor 150 display controller

Claims (7)

A main body for imaging,
An external display unit movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the main body;
A viewfinder provided on the main body,
A sensor that detects an object,
When the object is not detected, the external display unit performs a display, and when the object is detected, the viewfinder and has a control means for displaying,
As the sensor,
A first sensor provided on the display surface side of the external display unit;
An image pickup, comprising: a second sensor which is covered by the external display unit in the closed position of the main body, and which is provided at a position exposed when the external display unit moves to the open position. apparatus. A main body for imaging,
An external display unit movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the main body;
A viewfinder provided on the main body,
A sensor that detects an object,
When the object is not detected, the external display unit performs a display, and when the object is detected, the viewfinder and has a control means for displaying,
As the sensor,
A first sensor provided on the display surface side of the external display unit;
An image pickup apparatus, comprising: a second sensor provided on a side of the external display unit opposite to the display surface side. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sensors each include a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light of the light reflected by the object. .. The second sensor is a sensor capable of detecting the distance to the object and the light reception brightness of the second sensor,
The control means determines whether the object is detected by the first sensor when the distance detected by the second sensor is shorter than a predetermined distance and the received light luminance is lower than a predetermined luminance. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display is performed on one of the external display unit and the viewfinder. An open/close detection means for detecting whether or not the external display unit is in the closed position,
5. The control unit selects a sensor for detecting the object from the first and second sensors according to a detection result of the opening/closing detection unit. The imaging device described. A main body for imaging,
An external display unit movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the main body;
A viewfinder provided on the main body,
A sensor used to detect an object,
When the object is not detected, the external display unit performs a display, and when the object is detected, the viewfinder and has a control means for displaying,
The external display unit has an opening,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is provided at a position in the main body where the object can be detected through the opening of the external display unit in the closed position. The image pickup device according to claim 6, wherein the sensor includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives the light of the light reflected by the object.