JP3538291B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera unit for photographing a subject, a recording / reproducing unit capable of recording / reproducing an image photographed by the camera unit, and an image photographed by the camera unit. The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus including a separate monitor section and a separate monitor section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image pickup apparatus of this type will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. Here, FIG. 9 is a perspective explanatory view showing the appearance of a conventional imaging device, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a use state of the conventional imaging device.

A conventional camera-integrated VTR with a monitor is
As shown in FIG. 9, a camera unit 4 is connected to a monitor / VTR unit 3 in which a VTR unit 1 capable of attaching and detaching a tape cassette (not shown) and a monitor unit 2 including a liquid crystal display panel are integrated. It is attached so as to be relatively rotatable and integrally formed.

In the camera-integrated VTR with monitor configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 10, the user holds the monitor / VTR unit 3 with his left hand and holds the camera unit 4 with his right hand. In the state, monitor / VTR unit 3
The camera unit 4 adjusts the rotation of the camera unit 4 with respect to, and performs photographing with the camera unit 4 while visually recognizing the photographed image displayed on the monitor unit 2.

[0005] An image signal captured by the camera unit 4 is a VTR.
It can be recorded on a tape cassette in unit 1 and
Since the reproduced image signal of the tape cassette by the VTR unit 1 can be displayed on the monitor unit 2, not only the operability at the time of photographing and recording is improved, but also the reproducing monitor function as a portable device is excellent.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 3-220875 discloses a moving imaging section having a camera section, a recording section, and a driving section.
A monitor and an operation unit with a control signal generation unit are provided separately, and video signals from the camera unit are transmitted to the operation unit by weak radio waves and projected on the monitor, while recording is performed by the control signal from the control signal generation unit There has been proposed a remote control video camera capable of controlling a recording operation and a reproducing operation of a unit and controlling a driving unit to freely move a moving imaging unit.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-42673 discloses that a display device, a video recording device, and a remote control unit having a video camera operation switch are provided separately from a video photographing unit having a video camera. There has been proposed a remote control video camera system capable of bidirectionally communicating video information and control information between a video shooting unit and a remote control unit.

[0008]

However, in the case of the conventional camera-integrated VTR with monitor described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the VTR unit 1, the monitor unit 2, and the camera unit 4
Since the device is provided integrally, the device itself becomes large and heavy, and as a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the user must perform shooting and recording while holding the device with both hands. There is a problem that it is inconvenient to use.

Further, since the camera unit 4 and the monitor unit 2 are always in the same positional relationship, photographing while visually recognizing the monitor unit 2 moving together with the camera unit 4 has no flexibility in the photographing posture, and the operability is low. There was a problem of bad.

Further, when the monitor unit 2 views the reproduced image signal of the VTR unit 1, it takes a long time to
However, there is a limit in enjoying a screen while holding a camera-integrated VTR with a monitor, in which the VTR unit 1 and the camera unit 4 are integrally configured, with both hands, and there is a problem that usability as a portable device is poor.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-220875, the moving imaging section is freely moved by the driving section, but a camera section and a recording section are integrally provided as the moving imaging section. The moving imaging unit is large and
When the user himself / herself grasps the moving imaging section and shoots, there is a problem that the usability is also poor.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-42673, the video photographing unit itself is reduced in size and weight to improve usability, but the display device and the video recording device are integrally provided as a remote control unit. Therefore, the remote control unit becomes large and heavy, and when viewing the reproduced image signal from the video recording device on the display device, the screen is held for a long time while holding the remote control unit with both hands. There is a limit to enjoyment, and there is a problem that usability as a portable device is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and has a simple and free posture while holding only a small and lightweight camera unit by being provided separately and with one hand. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device capable of performing photographing and video recording and viewing a reproduced image signal while holding only a monitor unit with one hand.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising: a camera unit for photographing a subject; and a recording / reproducing unit capable of recording / reproducing an image photographed by the camera unit. And a monitor unit capable of displaying an image captured by the camera unit separately, a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a captured image signal to the camera unit, and the recording unit A wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal for remotely operating the reproduction unit or the monitor unit, and the recording / reproduction unit receiving a captured image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit; Receiving means for receiving a remote control signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera section, and receiving a captured image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera section to the monitor section. A wireless receiving means fit, it is provided a radio receiving means for receiving a wireless transmitted remote control signal from the camera unit, the monitoring unit, the background of the scenery
To display the captured image signal in a translucent state
Glasses type display der is shall.

[0015] This makes it possible to easily take a picture in a free posture while holding only the camera unit which is small and lightweight by being provided separately and independently. Here, since the photographed image signal from the camera unit can be wirelessly transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit or the monitor unit, photographing is performed while visually recognizing the photographed image displayed on the monitor unit arranged at an arbitrary position. This can be performed, and the captured image can be recorded by a recording / reproducing unit stored in a bag, a pocket, or the like.

[0016]

That is, the camera section has a remote control function for remotely operating the recording / reproducing section or the monitor section. With this, the remote control signal operated and input from the camera unit can be wirelessly transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit or the monitor unit, so that the recording / reproducing operation can be performed while holding only the separately provided camera unit with one hand. Operation control of unit (for example, power on / off, recording, pause, etc.)
In addition, operation control of the monitor unit (for example, power on / off, contrast adjustment, and the like) can be easily performed.

[0018]

[0019]

An image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a camera unit for photographing a subject and a camera unit for photographing the object.
Recording / playback unit that can record and play back shot images
A monitor that can display images taken from the camera
An image pickup device provided separately, wherein the camera unit
Wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting a captured image signal
And a remote control signal wirelessly transmitted from the monitor unit.
A wireless receiving means for signal provided, the recording and reproducing unit
Receives the captured image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit.
A wireless receiving means for signal, only setting the <br/> and radio reception means for receiving a wireless transmitted remote control signal from the monitor unit, to the monitoring unit, a radio transmission than the camera unit
Wireless receiving means for receiving the captured image signal
The remote control of the recording / playback unit or the camera unit
A wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal is provided.
It is a mess .

That is, the monitor unit has a remote control function for remotely operating the recording / reproducing unit or the camera unit. With this, the remote control signal operated and input from the monitor unit can be wirelessly transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit or the camera unit. For example, power on / off, playback, stop, etc.) and operation control of the camera unit (eg, power on / off, zoom, focus adjustment, etc.)
Can be easily performed.

The imaging apparatus according to the invention described in the claims 3, the imaging apparatus according to claim 2, the monitoring unit, to the landscape outside the background to display a photographed image signal to a semi-transparent state It becomes a glasses-type display that can do it.

Thus, the user can visually recognize an image captured by the camera unit or an image reproduced by the recording / reproducing unit on the glasses-type display worn on the face.
Here, the image signal is displayed in a translucent (see-through) state with the outside scenery as a background, so that the photographed image or the reproduced image can be visually recognized while recognizing the surrounding situation. Properties can be further improved.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG.
Is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment,
FIG. 2 is an external explanatory view showing a camera unit in the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a VTR in the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an external appearance of a monitor unit in the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a use state of the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment.

The image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a camera unit 14 for photographing a subject, a VTR unit 11 capable of recording and reproducing an image photographed by the camera unit 14, and an image photographed by the camera unit 14. The display unit 12 and the monitor unit 12 that can be displayed are separated and independent from each other, and each is wirelessly connected.

The camera unit 1 in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment
4 is an optical lens system, CC as shown in FIGS.
D, etc., a video processing unit 22 that converts a luminance signal and a chrominance signal obtained from the imaging unit 21 into a composite signal, a microphone 23 that collects external sound, and a microphone 23 that is obtained from the microphone 23. An audio processing unit 24 that performs FM modulation or the like on the received audio signal, and operation input keys 25 for remotely operating the VTR unit 11 and the monitor unit 12 are provided.

An RF transmitting unit 26 for superimposing a photographed image signal from the video processing unit 22, an external audio signal from the audio processing unit 24, and a remote control signal from the operation input key 25 and converting the signal into a television wave. , The RF transmission unit 26
And an antenna 27 for wirelessly transmitting the television radio wave obtained in the above.

The functions which can be remotely controlled by the operation input keys 25 include operations such as power on / off, recording, pausing, rewinding in the VTR section 11, power on / off in the monitor section 12, and contrast adjustment. .

VTR section 1 in the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment
1 is a photographed image signal, an external audio signal, a remote control signal transmitted from the camera unit 14, as shown in FIGS.
Or an antenna 3 for wirelessly receiving a television signal including a remote control signal transmitted from the monitor unit 12 or the like.
1. An RF receiving unit 32, and a mechanical driving unit 34 that controls driving of a magnetic tape housed in a tape cassette 33 as a recording medium based on a remote control signal received by the RF receiving unit 32. I have.

Further, a video processing unit 35 for performing band conversion and the like on the photographed image signal received by the RF receiving unit 32 and the video signal reproduced by the video head 36, and a video signal from the video processing unit 35 A video head 36 for recording on a magnetic tape in the tape cassette 33 and reproducing a video signal recorded on the magnetic tape.

Further, an audio processing unit 37 for performing frequency conversion or the like on the external audio signal received by the RF receiving unit 32 and the audio signal reproduced by the audio head 38, and a video signal from the audio processing unit 37 An audio head 38 for recording on a magnetic tape in the tape cassette 33 and reproducing a video signal recorded on the magnetic tape is provided.

Further, an RF transmission section 39 for superimposing the reproduced image signal from the video processing section 35 and the reproduced audio signal from the audio processing section 37 and converting them into television waves.
And an antenna 40 for wirelessly transmitting the television wave obtained by the RF transmitting unit 39.

The monitor unit 1 in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment
2 is a captured image signal, an external audio signal, a remote control signal transmitted from the camera unit 14, as shown in FIGS.
Alternatively, an antenna 41 and an RF receiving unit 42 for wirelessly receiving a television wave including a reproduced image signal, a reproduced audio signal, and the like transmitted from the VTR unit 11, and the RF receiving unit 42
And an LCD driving unit 44 for controlling the driving of the LCD 43 based on the photographed image signal, the remote control signal, or the reproduced image signal received by the control unit.

Further, based on the external audio signal or the reproduced audio signal received by the RF receiving section 42, a speaker 45
A speaker driving unit 46 for controlling the driving of the camera unit 14
Or an operation input key 4 for remotely operating the VTR unit 11
7, an RF transmitter 48 for converting a remote control signal from the operation input key 47 into a television wave, and an antenna 49 for wirelessly transmitting the television wave obtained by the RF transmitter 48. I have.

The remote control by the operation input key 47 includes operations such as power on / off, playback, stop, and fast forward in the VTR section 11 and the camera section 14.
Power on / off, zoom, backlight compensation, focus adjustment, etc.

Next, a method of using the image pickup apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, since the camera unit 14, the VTR unit 11, and the monitor unit 12 are separated and independent from each other, the user holds only the camera unit 14 with one hand and the monitor unit 12 held with the other hand during shooting. You can easily shoot in a free posture while looking at the camera. Since the VTR unit 11 is not directly related to the photographing itself, it may be stored in a pocket, bag, or the like.

Here, the captured image signal and the external audio signal from the camera unit 14 are transmitted via the antenna 27 to the VTR unit 11.
And wirelessly transmitted to the monitor unit 12, so that the photographed image displayed on the monitor unit 12 held at an arbitrary position can be visually recognized and the VTR unit 11 stored in a bag, a pocket, or the like. Can record a captured image.

The operation control of the VTR unit 11 during shooting, such as power-on, recording, and pause, is performed by the camera unit 1.
4 can be remotely controlled by operating an operation input key 25 provided on the monitor 4.
Operation controls such as power-on and brightness adjustment can also be remotely controlled by operating the operation input keys 25 provided on the camera unit 14.

When the image reproduced by the VTR unit 11 is displayed on the monitor unit 12 and enjoyed, the camera unit 14 is unnecessary, so that it is stored together with the VTR unit 11 in a bag or the like, and Only the state of holding by hand is sufficient. In this state, operation control such as power-on, playback, and stop in the VTR unit 11 can be remotely controlled by operating the operation input keys 47 provided on the monitor unit 12.

Next, a second embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the appearance of a monitor unit in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the optical system of the monitor unit in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG.

The imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment except that a glasses-type display 52 as shown in FIG. 6 is provided as a monitor section. Is the same as The glasses-type display 52 is capable of displaying a photographed image signal transmitted from the camera unit 14 or a reproduced image signal transmitted from the VTR unit 11 in a semi-transparent state with an outside scenery as a background. is there. The external sound transmitted from the camera unit 14 and the reproduced sound transmitted from the VTR unit 11 are:
It can be heard by the earphone type speaker 65.

As shown in FIG. 7, a specific optical system of the glasses-type display 52 in this embodiment is a backlight 53 for a light source, a liquid crystal panel 54 for displaying an image, a plane half mirror 55, And a liquid crystal shutter 57 that can change the degree of transparency of the image displayed by the liquid crystal panel 54.

When the liquid crystal shutter 57 is completely closed, only the image on the liquid crystal panel 54 is displayed in the dark without seeing the outside scenery. Is overlapped with the image on the liquid crystal panel 54 and displayed. Therefore, it is possible to visually recognize the translucently displayed captured image or reproduced image while recognizing the surrounding situation, and the operability can be further improved.

When the glasses-type display 52 of this embodiment is worn on the face, as shown in FIG. 8, the user holds only the camera unit 14 with one hand at the time of photographing, and holds the VTR unit 11 in a pocket or bag. In this state, the user can easily take a picture in a free posture while looking at the glasses-type display 52. Here, the degree of opening and closing of the liquid crystal shutter 57 can be remotely controlled by operating the operation input key 25 provided on the camera unit 14.

When the image reproduced by the VTR section 11 is displayed on the glasses-type display 52 and enjoyed, the camera section 14 is unnecessary, so that it is stored together with the VTR section 11 in a bag or the like, and It is only necessary to attach the display 52 to the face. In this state, operation control such as power-on, playback, and stop in the VTR unit 11 can be remotely controlled by operating an operation input key (not shown) provided on the glasses-type display 52.

In the image pickup apparatus of the above embodiment,
Although the camera unit 14, the VTR unit 11, and the monitor unit 12 are described as being wirelessly connected by a television wave (RF signal), they may be wirelessly connected by an FM signal or an optical signal. In particular, it is configured to transmit and receive only remote control signals using infrared signals.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

It is clear that the recording / reproducing section is not limited to the VTR section 11, but may use a disk, a memory or the like. Further, the camera unit 14, the VTR unit 1
1. Each of the monitor units 12 may be provided so as to be attachable / detachable so that any one of the camera unit 14, the VTR unit 11, and the monitor unit 12 can be used in an integrated state depending on the application.

[0048]

The image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention can easily take a picture in a free posture while holding only a small and lightweight camera section by being provided separately and with one hand. be able to. Here, since the photographed image signal from the camera unit can be wirelessly transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit or the monitor unit, photographing is performed while visually recognizing the photographed image displayed on the monitor unit arranged at an arbitrary position. This can be performed, and the captured image can be recorded by a recording / reproducing unit stored in a bag, a pocket, or the like.

Also, since a remote control signal operated and input from the camera unit can be wirelessly transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit or the monitor unit, recording can be performed while holding only the separately provided camera unit with one hand. -The operation control of the reproducing unit and the operation control of the monitor unit can be easily performed. Furthermore, the face
With the glasses-type display attached to the camera, the user can
To see the image captured by the
Can be recognized. Here, the image signal is the outside scenery
Is displayed in a semi-transparent state against the background,
While recognizing the
And the operability can be further improved.
Wear.

[0050]

In the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the remote control signal operated and input from the monitor unit can be wirelessly transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit or the camera unit. The operation of the recording / reproducing unit and the operation of the camera unit can be easily controlled by the monitor unit.

In the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the user can visually recognize an image captured by the camera unit or an image reproduced by the recording / reproducing unit on the glasses-type display worn on the face. Here, since the image signal is displayed in a translucent state with the outside scenery as a background, it is possible to visually recognize the photographed image or the reproduced image while recognizing the surrounding situation, thereby further improving the operability. Can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of an imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external explanatory view illustrating a camera unit in the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a VTR according to the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention.
It is an external view explanatory view which shows a part.

FIG. 4 is an external explanatory view showing a monitor unit in the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a use state of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external explanatory view showing a monitor unit in a second embodiment of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an optical system of a monitor unit in a second embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of a second embodiment of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an external view illustrating a conventional imaging device.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of a conventional imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 VTR section 12 Monitor section 14 Camera section 21 Imaging unit 22 Video processing unit 23 microphone 24 Audio processing unit 25 Operation input keys 26 RF transmitter 27 Antenna 31 antenna 32 RF receiver 33 tape cassette 34 Mechanical drive unit 35 Video processing unit 36 video head 37 audio processing unit 38 Voice Head 39 RF transmitter 40 antenna 41 antenna 42 RF receiver 43 LCD 44 LCD drive unit 45 speaker 46 Speaker drive unit 47 Operation input keys 48 RF transmitter 49 antenna 52 glasses type display

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A camera unit for photographing a subject, and a recording / reproducing unit capable of recording / reproducing an image photographed by the camera unit.
A reproduction unit, and an imaging device separately including a monitor unit that can display an image captured by the camera unit, and a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a captured image signal to the camera unit; A wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal for remotely operating the recording / reproducing unit or the monitor unit; and a photographing image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit to the recording / reproducing unit. Wireless receiving means for receiving a remote control signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit; receiving a captured image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit to the monitor unit; Wireless receiving means for receiving a remote control signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit , wherein the monitor unit is provided with a captured image signal against an outside scenery as a background. To
Glasses-type display that can be displayed in a translucent state
Imaging device, which is a b. 2. A camera section for photographing a subject, and a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording / reproducing an image photographed by the camera section.
A reproduction unit, and an imaging device separately including a monitor unit that can display an image captured by the camera unit, and a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a captured image signal to the camera unit; A wireless receiving unit for receiving a remote control signal wirelessly transmitted from the monitor unit; a wireless receiving unit for receiving a captured image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit to the recording / reproducing unit; A wireless receiving unit for receiving a remote control signal wirelessly transmitted from the monitor unit; a wireless receiving unit for receiving a captured image signal wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit to the monitor unit; An image pickup apparatus comprising: a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal for remotely operating the recording / reproducing unit or the camera unit. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the monitor is a glasses-type display capable of displaying a captured image signal in a translucent state with an outside scenery as a background. Imaging device.