JP3548360B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a camera-integrated VTR having a function of detecting the presence or absence of a tripod or the like for fixing a main body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
(Conventional example of the first type)
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a so-called camera-integrated VTR in which a camera unit and a VTR unit for recording and reproducing the same are integrated, there are various methods for backing up data and the like at the time of shooting. For example, when the power switch is turned off, all or part of the data is stored or reset, or when the battery is removed, all or part of the data is stored similarly. Some are reset or all are reset. In many cases, these methods are determined depending on the assumed user and personality of the model. Means for backing up data when the battery is removed include storing the data in a RAM of a microcomputer operated by a sub-battery for holding an automatic date, and storing the data in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.
[0003]
In any case, the state of the backup or reset changes when a power-related switch including a standby switch or the like is operated or when the battery is replaced.
[0004]
In particular, a camera-integrated VTR having a function of correcting camera shake in hand-held shooting, that is, a so-called camera shake prevention function, has appeared. A device that can detect such a situation has also been proposed.
[0005]
(Second conventional example)
On the other hand, when a tripod is attached to a video camera to which a tripod or the like for fixing the video camera body can be attached, and the operation mode of the video camera such as taking out a cassette tape is performed, the operation mode is set because the tripod is attached. Some things cannot be done. In this type of video camera, the operation mode is disabled because a tripod or the like is mounted. The switch for operating the video camera body is placed in a place where the switch cannot be physically pressed when the tripod is mounted.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in consideration of a situation in which the image is fixed on a tripod or the like, the image can be taken in a wedding ceremony, a presentation, or the like, and the lighting conditions are basically constant. Therefore, even if the power switch is turned off or the battery is replaced for power saving, it is desirable to back up the previous photographing data. However, in the above-mentioned first type of conventional example, there is a case where the reset is performed at this time, and it is necessary to set the optimum photographing conditions again.
[0007]
However, when shooting without fixing to a tripod, the lighting conditions often change because the range of action is free. Therefore, when the power switch is turned off / on, it is better to reset the previous photographing data without backing it up. However, in the above-mentioned conventional example of the first type, there is a case where backup is performed at this time.
[0008]
On the other hand, in the second example of the related art, the switch for setting the operation mode of the video camera main body in which the operation of the video camera main body is disabled when the tripod is mounted cannot be operated by the operator when the tripod is mounted. It is placed in a place where it cannot be physically pressed. For this reason, there is a problem that the arrangement of the switches is restricted.
[0009]
The present invention has been made under such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device with good operability when a tripod or the like is attached or detached.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, the imaging device is configured as described in the following (1) to ( 7 ).
[0011]
(1) power-off detecting means for detecting that the power of the imaging apparatus main body has been turned off from on, fixed detection means for detecting that the imaging apparatus main body is fixed to a tripod or the like, when detecting the power-off in power-off detecting means, wherein when it is detected that is fixed in the stationary sensing means maintains the setting conditions of the previous photographing the power is turned off, also the stationary sensing means A control unit that controls so as to reset the photographing setting conditions before the power is turned off, when it is not detected that the power supply is fixed.
[0012]
(2) Power-off detection means for detecting that the power of the imaging apparatus main body has been turned off from a turned on state, and an operation mode input for inputting an operation mode including a tripod fixed mode to the imaging apparatus main body by a menu operation. Means, when the power-off detection means detects power-off, and when the tripod fixed mode is input by the operation mode input means, the photographing setting conditions before the power-off is maintained. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control so that a setting condition for photographing before the power is turned off is reset when the tripod fixed mode is not input by the operation mode input unit.
[0013]
(3) The imaging device according to the above (1) or (2), wherein the power-off detection unit detects the power switch of the imaging device main body being turned off.
[0014]
(4) The imaging apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the power-off detection unit detects that a power supply battery of the imaging apparatus main body is removed.
[0017]
(5) stationary sensing means, said a vibration detection sensor of the camera shake correction means of the image pickup device body (1) Symbol placement of the imaging device.
[0018]
(6) stationary sensing means is a switch linked to the fixation of the imaging apparatus main body (1) Symbol placement of the imaging device.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples of a “camera integrated VTR” and a “video camera”.
[0020]
【Example】
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a “camera-integrated VTR” according to the first embodiment. In the figure, 1 is a lens, 2 is an imaging unit such as a CCD, 3 is a camera signal processing block, 4 and 5 are microcomputers, 6 is an EEPROM, 7 is a power switch, 8 is a main battery, and 9 is whether or not the main battery 8 is used. An IC 10 for detecting absence is a gyro sensor (vibration detection sensor) of camera shake correction means. Reference numeral 11 denotes a recorder signal processing block. Reference numeral 12 denotes a camera-related key group such as focus, exposure, shutter speed, and white balance.
[0021]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The light passing through the lens 1 is converted into an electric signal by the CCD 2 and sent to the camera signal processing block 3. Information from the operation of the camera key group 12 is input to the microcomputer 4, and the microcomputer 4 gives an instruction to the camera signal processing block 3 according to the operation. The video signal from the camera signal processing block 3 is sent to the recorder signal processing block 11 to be recorded on a magnetic medium or the like. The battery detection IC 9 detects the presence or absence of the main battery 8 that supplies power to the camera-integrated VTR, and outputs an "H" level when the input voltage is higher than a certain voltage value, and outputs an output when the input voltage is lower than a certain voltage value. This is a so-called comparator that outputs an “L” level. The output of the IC 9 and the switch 7 are input to the microcomputer 5. The EEPROM 6 stores various data such as photographing data from the microcomputer 4, and is written and read by the microcomputer 5. The microcomputer 5 is a microcomputer that can operate with a sub-battery such as a coin-type lithium battery (not shown) without the main battery 8. The microcomputers 4 and 5 are connected by a communication line. Further, the information from the gyro sensor 10 for detecting the sway as in the conventional example described above is input to the microcomputer 4, and the microcomputer 4 analyzes the information and determines whether or not the main body is fixed to a tripod or the like. The result is transmitted to the microcomputer 5.
[0022]
The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, it is assumed that the main battery 8 is mounted, the power switch 7 is turned on, and the main body is in an operating state. The microcomputer 5 first checks in step 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as S1) whether the power switch 7 is turned off or the main battery 8 is removed. If both are not performed, the normal operation is continued. If either of them has been operated, the process proceeds to S2, and it is determined whether or not the main body is fixed to a tripod or the like based on information from the microcomputer 4. If it is fixed, the process proceeds to S3, where data such as photographing data is stored in the EEPROM 6, and then the microcomputer 5 enters a standby state. If it is determined in step S2 that the camera is not fixed to a tripod or the like, the process proceeds to step S4, in which the photographing data in the EEPROM 6 is reset to a default state, and then a standby state is set. Then, when the power switch 7 is turned on again or the main battery 8 is attached, the microcomputer 5 reads the data of the EEPROM 6 and sends the photographing data to the microcomputer 4.
[0023]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, without relying on the power switch operation or the operation of attaching / detaching the main battery, if the main body is fixed to a tripod or the like, various photographing data are backed up. Since the data becomes a default value by the operation, there is an effect that optimal photographing can be always performed in accordance with the situation. In addition, the means for detecting whether or not the camera is fixed to a tripod or the like can use the configuration of the vibration isolation function as it is, and does not require a newly added device, so that cost and space are not increased.
[0024]
(Example 2)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a “camera-integrated VTR” according to the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a mechanical switch 13 is provided instead of the gyro sensor 10. Here, the mechanical switch 13 is a switch that is pressed when the main body is fixed to a tripod. The operation flowchart of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0025]
According to the present embodiment, even in a camera-integrated VTR having no image stabilizing function, there is an effect that optimal photographing can always be performed according to the situation, similarly to the first embodiment, with a simple configuration in which only the switch 13 is added.
[0026]
(Example 3)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a “camera-integrated VTR” according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the gyro sensor 10 of the first embodiment and the mechanical switch 13 for detecting a tripod of the second embodiment are not provided. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 14 denotes a group of keys necessary for a so-called menu operation, which can turn on / off a menu screen, move and execute a cursor, and the like. FIG. 5 shows a menu screen displayed on a viewfinder or the like (not shown) using the menu key 14. When the menu screen is fixed to a tripod or the like, "Yes" is selected. Otherwise, "No" is selected. Keep it. The operation flowchart is the same as that of FIG.
[0027]
According to the present embodiment, even when there is no switch for detecting an anti-vibration function or a tripod, a tripod mode can be freely set by using a menu function provided in most of the camera-integrated VTRs. There is an effect that an optimal shooting can be performed.
[0028]
(Other Examples Related to Examples 1 to 3)
In the above-described embodiment, an example of a camera-integrated VTR has been described, but a camera unit alone may of course be used. In S1 of FIG. 2, the operation of the power switch and the operation of attaching and detaching the battery are equally considered. For example, when the tripod is fixed, backup is performed when the battery is replaced, but reset may be performed when the power is turned off / on. Alternatively, the reverse may be performed. Further, it may be set to the user's preference on the aforementioned menu screen.
[0029]
In the third embodiment, the selection of whether or not the camera is fixed to a tripod or the like is performed on the menu screen. However, this may be a switch such as a slide switch.
[0030]
The data backup means is not limited to the EEPROM, but may be stored on the RAM of the microcomputer with a sub-battery. The data is not limited to photographing data.
[0031]
(Example 4)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a “video camera” according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a lens for inputting a subject image; 42, a CCD for converting an input from the lens 41 into an imaging signal; 43, a camera signal processing unit for converting the imaging signal into a video signal by performing processing such as AE; Is an AF control unit, 45 is a video signal processing unit that combines the output of the display signal generation circuit 47 into a video signal and outputs it to the viewfinder unit 46, 46 is a viewfinder unit that displays video signals, and 47 is the state of the video camera. Is a display signal generation circuit that displays characters as characters, 48 is a system control unit that controls the overall system of the video camera, 49 is a tripod detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a tripod or the like that fixes the video camera body, and 50 is a video camera operator. A key input unit that controls the operation of the video camera.
[0032]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present embodiment. The processing according to this flowchart is performed by a CPU (not shown) of the system control unit 48. The operation will be described below with reference to this flowchart.
[0033]
When the operator attaches the video camera to the tripod that fixes the video camera body, the tripod detection unit 49 allows the system control unit 48 to know whether the video camera is attached to the tripod that fixes the video camera body. The operator controls the operation of the video camera by operating the key input unit 50 to operate the video camera (S71). When an operation instruction is received from the key input unit 50 by the operator, the system control unit 48 determines the presence or absence of a tripod by the tripod detection unit 49 (S72). If yes, the operation of the video camera is restricted by the tripod. Although no operation instruction is accepted (S74), an operation that is not restricted is accepted (S73). If there is no tripod, all operation instructions are received (S73).
[0034]
The presence or absence of a tripod is determined by the output of the vibration detection sensor of the camera shake correction means as in the first embodiment, or by the on / off of a mechanical switch interlocked with the attachment of the tripod as in the second embodiment. May be configured.
[0035]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the presence or absence of a tripod is determined, and if so, an operation instruction in which the operation of the video camera is restricted by the attachment of the tripod is not accepted, thereby making unnecessary video. This has the effect of preventing camera operation errors.
[0036]
(Example 5)
The present embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment, in which a warning is displayed when a restricted operation mode is instructed. The hardware configuration is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0037]
When the operator attaches the video camera to the tripod that fixes the video camera body, the tripod detection unit 49 allows the system control unit 48 to know whether the video camera is attached to the tripod that fixes the video camera body. The operator controls the operation of the video camera by operating the key input unit 50 to operate the video camera (S71). When an operation instruction of the video camera is received from the key input unit 50 by the operator, the system control unit 48 determines the presence or absence of a tripod by the tripod detection unit 49 (S72). The system control unit 48 instructs the display signal generation circuit 47 to display a warning to call attention to the operator, and displays a warning display to the viewfinder unit 46 (S74). (S75). If there is no tripod, all operation instructions are received (S75).
[0038]
FIG. 9 shows warning display contents displayed on the viewfinder section 46.
[0039]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the presence or absence of a tripod is determined, and if yes, when the operator operates an operation instruction in which the operation of the video camera is restricted by wearing the tripod, By displaying a warning display that calls attention to the user, there is an effect that the reason for not being able to accept is clarified for the operator.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, operability when attaching and detaching a tripod or the like can be improved. Furthermore, details following effects can be obtained.
[0041]
If you wish to shooting the shadow of the setting conditions to it, or turn off the power switch to save power, it is not to release the record of opportunity eliminates the need to re-set again to its previous state by replacing the main battery. Also, in situations such as shooting conditions that are constantly changing in handheld shooting, etc., always switch to the default setting when shooting again after turning off the power switch to save power or replacing the main battery. Can be.
[0042]
Further, since only a software change of the microcomputer is required without adding a circuit or a component to the conventional configuration, it is possible to always perform an optimal photographing without increasing cost and space.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment. Diagram showing display example of viewfinder [Explanation of reference numerals]
4,5 Microcomputer 6 EEPROM
7 Power switch 8 Main battery 10 Gyro sensor

Claims (6)

Power-off detection means for detecting that the power of the imaging device main body has been turned off from on, fixed detection means for detecting that the imaging device main body is fixed to a tripod or the like, and power-off detection when detecting the power-off by means the time it is detected that is fixed in the stationary sensing means maintains the setting conditions of the previous photographing the power is turned off, also secured by the stationary sensing means A control unit configured to control so as to reset a setting condition for photographing before the power is turned off when the power supply is not turned off. Power-off detection means for detecting that the power of the imaging apparatus main body has been turned off from an on state, and operation mode input means for inputting an operation mode including a tripod fixed mode to the imaging apparatus main body by menu operation ; When the power-off detecting means detects power-off, when the tripod fixed mode is input by the operation mode input means, the photographing setting conditions before the power is turned off are maintained, and An image pickup apparatus comprising: control means for controlling so that when the tripod fixed mode is not input by the operation mode input means, the photographing setting conditions before the power is turned off are reset. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power-off detection unit detects that a power switch of the imaging apparatus main body is turned off. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power-off detection unit detects that a power supply battery of the imaging apparatus main body is removed. Stationary sensing means, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol mounting, characterized in that a vibration detection sensor of the camera shake correction means of the image pickup apparatus main body. Stationary sensing means, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol mounting, characterized in that a switch interlocked with the fixed imaging device body.

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