JP3736032B2 - Camera with LCD finder - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera with a liquid crystal finder that displays a subject image on a liquid crystal finder.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a liquid crystal finder is used for a video camera or a digital camera. However, a liquid crystal finder that employs a liquid crystal finder for a silver salt photography camera has also been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-271730). In such a camera with a liquid crystal finder, the image signal sent from the CCD at the time of shutter release is stored in the memory, so that a still image equivalent to the subject image captured on the film can be reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal finder. It is easy to check whether it was successful or not.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional camera with a liquid crystal finder always displays an image on a liquid crystal display (LCD) when the main power is turned on, consumes a large amount of power, and requires frequent battery replacement. There is a problem.
It is also possible to provide a grip sensor that detects gripping of the camera body and turn off the liquid crystal display after a certain period of time since gripping is no longer detected, but the grip sensor is often not gripped by the photographer. Inconvenience that the vessel cannot be observed.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a liquid crystal finder that can suppress wasteful power consumption without hindering shooting.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a camera with a liquid crystal finder that focuses light from a subject on an image sensor and displays the subject image on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor. A grip detection unit that is provided in the vicinity of the grip of the main body and detects whether or not the camera main body is gripped, and when the grip of the camera main body is detected by the grip detection unit, the liquid crystal display is turned on and the grip A first display control means for turning off the liquid crystal display when a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection means no longer holds the camera body or when the camera body is no longer detected; Detecting means for detecting whether or not the liquid crystal display is fixed by a means other than a hold; and the liquid crystal display based on a detection signal from the detecting means. A second display control means for lighting, wherein the liquid crystal display is turned on for a predetermined time in preference to the first display control means when the detection means detects that the camera is fixed And a second display control means for performing the above.
[0006]
According to the present invention, the detection means detects whether or not the camera is fixed other than by the photographer's hold, and when the fixation is detected, the liquid crystal display is turned on for a predetermined time. The photographer can easily determine the composition and angle of view while looking at the liquid crystal display. In addition to the detection means and the second display control means, a grip detection means for detecting whether or not the photographer is gripping the camera body is provided, and the grip detection means detects the grip of the camera body. The liquid crystal display is turned off when a certain period of time elapses after it disappears or when gripping of the camera body is no longer detected. When the detecting means detects that the camera is fixed, the liquid crystal display is turned on for a predetermined time by the second display control means in preference to the turn-off control of the first display control means. As a result, the liquid crystal display can be used in accordance with the usage status of the camera, and power can be saved.
[0007]
In addition, a timer circuit that counts the lighting time of the liquid crystal display is provided, and when the liquid crystal display is turned on when the camera is fixed, the liquid crystal display is turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time to further reduce power consumption. Can do.
[0009]
Further, when an external power source such as an AC adapter is connected, it is not necessary to consider the consumption of the power supply battery. In such a case, there is no problem even if the liquid crystal display is always turned on. Accordingly, an external power source detection unit for detecting whether or not an external power source is connected to the external power source connection terminal of the camera is provided, and when the external power source is detected by the external power source detection unit, The liquid crystal display may be always energized.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a camera with a liquid crystal finder according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera with a liquid crystal finder using the present invention. A photographic lens 2 is provided at the center of the front of the camera 1, and a finder window 3, an AF light projecting / receiving unit (not shown), and the like are disposed above the photographic lens 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a strobe window, and reference numeral 5 denotes a photometric window.
[0011]
A release button 6 is provided on the upper surface of the camera 1, and the subject brightness is measured through the photometric window 5 by half-pressing thereof, and the distance is measured by the AF light projecting / receiving unit.
A liquid crystal monitor 8 (corresponding to a liquid crystal display) is rotatably provided on the upper surface of the camera 1 via a hinge 10 (see FIG. 2), and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is copied on a silver salt film. An image (finder image) equivalent to the subject image to be inserted is displayed.
[0012]
A touch sensor 9 composed of two conductive members 9a and 9b is provided on the front surface of the grip portion 1A of the camera 1 substantially perpendicularly to the vertical direction, and the control circuit of the camera 1 (described later) holds the grip portion 1A. To the central processing unit (equivalent to the CPU 32). Note that the configuration of the capacitive touch sensor 9 is well known and will not be described in detail in this specification, but for example, the touch sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-069093 can be applied.
[0013]
An opening / closing lid 12 for loading or unloading a film cartridge (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the camera 1, and a terminal 13 for connecting an AC adapter is provided on the side surface of the camera 1, and a date lid 14 is provided. Is provided through a hinge 15 so as to be openable and closable.
2 is a rear perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. Inside the date lid 14, a date setting button 16, a print number setting button 17, a selected title setting button 18, a forced rewind button 19, and the like are provided. Further, on the rear surface of the camera 1, a viewfinder eyepiece 20 of an optical viewfinder, an angle of view setting knob 21, a mode setting button 22, a zoom lever 23, and a liquid crystal display 24 are provided.
[0014]
A finder objective lens, a prism, a field frame, an eyepiece lens, and the like (not shown) are arranged behind the finder window 3, and subject light incident from the finder window 3 passes through a predetermined optical path, and the finder eyepiece 20 Led to. An optical path branching member such as a half mirror is disposed in the optical path of the finder optical system, and a part of subject light is guided to a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 30 described later by the half mirror.
[0015]
Thus, the subject image can be observed from the viewfinder eyepiece 20, and the same image as the subject image can be taken by the CCD 30. It is possible to omit the optical viewfinder.
The angle-of-view setting knob 21 is an operation member for switching screen patterns corresponding to three types of print aspect ratios of convention (C), high vision (H), and panorama (P). The angle of view setting knob 21 is slidable in the vertical direction along the back cover of the camera 1 and is selected as one of the three stop positions corresponding to each angle of view of the CHP. Is set automatically.
[0016]
The mode setting button 22 is a switch for performing various settings such as date setting, strobe mode, self mode, AF / manual mode switching setting.
The zoom lever 23 is provided so as to be swingable in the left-right direction in the figure. By operating the zoom lever 23 to the right or left, the focal length of the photographing lens 2 is adjusted to the long focal side (telephoto side) by the driving force of a motor (not shown). ) Or the short focus side (wide), and zooming of the finder optical system incorporated in the back of the finder window 3 is performed.
[0017]
The liquid crystal display 24 displays the state of various switches that have been set, the remaining battery level, the memory usage status, and the like.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery 26 for power supply can be loaded and replaced by opening the battery cover 25 provided on the back surface of the grip portion 1A.
[0018]
The liquid crystal monitor 8 is rotatable between the standing position shown in FIG. 2 and the folding position shown in FIG. When the camera 1 is used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is set in an upright position (FIG. 2). When the camera 1 is not used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is folded to the back of the camera 1 as shown in FIG. Stored.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, a main switch 27 is provided on the lower surface of the liquid crystal monitor 8. When the liquid crystal monitor 8 is raised on the upper surface of the camera 1, the protrusion of the main switch 27 is The main power source is turned on by being pressed by the upper surface portion. When the liquid crystal monitor 8 is folded into the back of the camera 1, the main power supply is turned off.
[0020]
A tripod screw hole 74 (not shown in FIG. 3) is formed on the bottom surface of the camera 1, and a tripod sensor 69 for detecting whether or not the tripod is attached is provided in the tripod screw hole 74. The tripod sensor 69 will be described later (FIGS. 5 and 6).
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera with a liquid crystal finder. Light from the subject is guided to a silver salt film (not shown) through the photographing lens 2 and imaged on a light receiving surface of a solid-state image sensor (CCD) 30 through a lens 28 arranged behind the finder window 3. Is done. The CCD 30 is driven by the image sensor control unit 33 based on a CCD drive signal applied from a central processing unit (CPU) 32.
[0021]
Photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 30, and each photoelectric conversion element generates a signal corresponding to the intensity of incident light. This signal charge from the CPU 32 is accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element for an appropriate period based on the CCD drive signal from the CPU 32. The signal charges accumulated in this way are sequentially read out and added to the signal processing circuit 34.
[0022]
The signal processing circuit 34 sequentially converts the signal charges input from the CCD 30 into an image signal for liquid crystal display based on the synchronization signal from the CPU 32, and outputs the image signal to the terminal 36A of the changeover switch 36 and A / D conversion. The data is output to the memory 40 via the device 38.
The memory 40 stores an image signal for one screen and outputs the stored image signal. The memory 40 receives a digital image signal input from the A / D converter 38 based on a write command applied from the CPU 32 at an appropriate timing. Memorize one screen.
[0023]
The digital image signal stored in the memory 40 is sequentially and repeatedly read and output to the terminal 36B of the changeover switch 36 via the D / A converter 42.
The changeover switch 36 switches and connects the movable contact piece 36C to the terminal 36A or the terminal 36B based on a switch changeover signal from the CPU 32, and outputs an image signal input to the terminal 36A or the terminal 36B to the liquid crystal monitor (LCD) 8.
[0024]
The liquid crystal monitor 8 is supplied with power from the display control unit 44 via the switch 46, is driven by the display control unit 44 based on the LCD drive signal applied from the CPU 32, and is input via the changeover switch 36. A viewfinder image is displayed based on the image signal. The switch 46 is configured to open and close the movable contact piece according to a command signal output from the CPU 32 based on the detection result of the touch sensor 9 and a tripod sensor 69 described later.
[0025]
The CPU 32 includes a switch unit 50, a barcode reading control unit 52, a magnetic head control unit 54, a shutter control unit 56, a lens barrel control unit 58, a film feeding control unit 60, a distance measurement control unit 62, and a photometry control unit 64. Various circuits such as a touch detection control unit 66 and a tripod detection control unit 68 are connected.
The switch unit 50 includes a release switch 6A indicating the operation state of the release button 6, a zoom switch 23A indicating the operation state of the zoom lever 23, an angle-of-view setting switch 21A indicating the setting state of the angle-of-view setting knob 21, a main switch 27, and a mode. A mode switch 22A indicating the setting state of the setting button 22, a date setting button 16, a print number setting button 17, a date switch 16A, a print switch 17A, a title switch 18A, etc. corresponding to the selected title setting button 18 are included. The states of the various switches are applied to the CPU 32.
[0026]
The bar code reading control unit 52 controls a reading sensor 53 that optically reads a bar code attached to the surface of a film cartridge loaded in the cartridge chamber of the camera 1, and determines the type of film, the total number of frames, and ISO sensitivity. And the like are notified to the CPU 32.
The magnetic head controller 54 reads the magnetic information recorded in the magnetic recording area via the magnetic head 55 that contacts the magnetic recording area of the photographic film during feeding of the photographic film, and notifies the CPU 32 of the information. . The magnetic head controller 54 records shooting information, print information, and the like in the magnetic recording area of the photographic film via the magnetic head 55 based on a control signal from the CPU 32.
[0027]
The shutter control unit 56 opens and closes the shutter 57 in accordance with a signal indicating the shutter speed set based on the output of the photometric sensor 65 and a release signal based on the release switch 6A.
The lens barrel control unit 58 drives the lens barrel 59 including the photographing lens 2 based on the zoom command signal based on the zoom switch 23A and the subject distance information (AF data) from the distance measurement control unit 62, and zooms. And a focusing operation is performed.
[0028]
The film feeding control unit 60 controls film feeding based on a signal from a perforation reading sensor 61 that detects perforation formed on the photographic film. That is, when a film cartridge is loaded, the film is wound up to the first unexposed frame, and the film feeding motor is driven for each frame to wind up the film for one frame. At the end of shooting or when the forced rewind button 19 is operated, the film feeding motor is driven in reverse to rewind the film into the cartridge.
[0029]
The distance measurement control unit 62 detects a subject distance based on a signal from a distance measurement sensor 63 including an AF projector and a light receiver, and notifies the CPU 32 of the distance measurement data.
The photometry control unit 64 notifies the CPU 32 of a signal related to automatic exposure control (AE) based on the output of the photometry sensor 65 that measures the subject brightness.
A signal indicating the shutter speed set based on the output of the photometric sensor 65 and a release signal synchronized with the shutter release are added to the CPU 32. When the release signal is not input, the CPU 32 switches the movable contact piece 36C of the changeover switch 36 to the terminal 36A, and drives the CCD so that the charge accumulation time in the CCD 30 is one vertical time (one field period). Output a signal.
[0030]
Therefore, the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element of the CCD 30 in one field period are sequentially read out in the next one field period, converted into an image signal for liquid crystal display by the signal processing circuit 34, and then the changeover switch 36. To the liquid crystal monitor 8. Thus, a moving image finder image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 8.
When the release signal is input to the CPU 32, the CPU 32 matches the charge accumulation time in the CCD 30 with the shutter speed based on the signal indicating the shutter speed inputted at that time, and synchronizes with the release signal at the start of charge accumulation. The CCD 30 is controlled.
[0031]
That is, the CPU 32 causes the vertical transfer CCD to read unnecessary charges accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element of the CCD 30 in synchronization with the release signal, starts to accumulate new signal charges, and reads to the vertical transfer CCD. All unnecessary charges are discharged from the drain, and after the time of the shutter speed has elapsed, the signal charges are accumulated within that time and read out to the vertical transfer CCD.
[0032]
The signal charges read to the vertical transfer CCD are sequentially transferred in the direction of the horizontal transfer CCD every horizontal period (1H) and transferred to the final stage of the vertical transfer CCD, as in normal reading. The signal charges are sequentially transferred to the horizontal transfer stage every horizontal blanking period and sequentially taken out during the next horizontal operation time.
The signal output from the CCD 30 as described above is guided to the memory 40 via the signal processing circuit 34 and the A / D converter 38. The CPU 32 stores the digital image signal applied to the memory 40 in the memory 40, and switches the movable contact piece 36 </ b> C of the changeover switch 36 to the terminal 36 </ b> A to switch the image signal read from the memory 40 to the D / A converter 42. Output to the liquid crystal monitor 8 via the switch 36. As a result, a still image equivalent to the subject image imprinted on the photographic film at the time of shutter release is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 8.
[0033]
In the case of switching from the still image display to the moving image display, for example, the contact piece of the changeover switch 36 may be switched when the release button 6 is fully pressed, or a manual operation (not shown) may be performed. You may make it switch the contact piece of the changeover switch 36 with an operation member.
Further, the memory 40 has a storage capacity capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames, and in the playback mode, it is possible to play back the shot frame images stored in the memory 40 by specifying the frame number. Is possible.
[0034]
Next, the touch sensor 9 will be described.
The touch sensor 9 provided in the grip portion 1A of the camera 1 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not the camera body is gripped to the CPU 32. For example, a low (L) level detection signal is output to the CPU 32 when the camera body is not gripped, and a high (H) level detection signal is output to the CPU 32 when the camera body is gripped.
[0035]
On the other hand, when an L level detection signal is applied from the touch sensor 9, the CPU 32 outputs a signal for turning off the switch 46, shuts off the power supply path to the liquid crystal monitor 8, and receives an H level detection signal from the touch sensor. When added, a signal for turning on the switch 46 is output, and power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is allowed.
A timer circuit (not shown) is provided to count the elapsed time from when the L level detection signal is applied from the touch sensor, and when this count value reaches a predetermined value (for example, 15 seconds), the CPU 32 sends it to the liquid crystal monitor 8. A signal for cutting off the energization may be output. In this case, the timer circuit is reset when the count value reaches the predetermined value or when a grip detection signal is output from the touch sensor 9 during the count.
[0036]
Next, the tripod sensor 69 will be described.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a configuration example of a tripod sensor. A switch 76 having a protruding portion 76A is disposed in a screw hole 74 for a tripod formed on the bottom surface of the camera body 71 (FIG. 5A). When the male screw 80 of the tripod 78 is screwed into the tripod screw hole 74, the tip of the male screw 80 presses the projection 76A of the switch 76, and the switch 76 is turned on (FIG. 5B). The state of the switch 76 is notified to the CPU 32, and it is detected from the state of the switch 76 whether or not a tripod is attached.
[0037]
When the tripod 78 is not used, an off detection signal of the switch 76 is added to the CPU 32, and the CPU 32 outputs a signal for turning on / off the switch 46 according to the detection result of the touch sensor 9. That is, when the tripod 78 is not used, the power supply / shutoff control to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is performed based on the grip detection of the touch sensor 9.
[0038]
On the other hand, when the tripod 78 is used, an on detection signal of the switch 76 is added to the CPU 32, and the CPU 32 outputs a signal for turning on the switch 46 regardless of the detection result of the touch sensor 9, and outputs to the liquid crystal monitor 8. Allow power supply.
As an aspect of the tripod sensor, in addition to the switch 76 shown in FIG. 5, a light emitting portion 82 and a light receiving portion 84 may be provided on the peripheral surface of the tripod screw hole 74 as shown in FIG. 6. When the tripod male screw 80 is screwed into the tripod screw hole 74, the light reflectance changes, so that it can be detected whether or not the tripod 78 is attached based on the change in the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 84.
[0039]
Next, the operation of the camera with a liquid crystal finder configured as described above will be described.
First, the case where a tripod is not used will be described. When the tripod is not used, the main switch 27 is turned on in conjunction with the operation for raising the liquid crystal monitor 8 (monitor opening operation).
[0040]
When the photographer grasps the camera 1 and grips the camera 1, the touch sensor 9 detects this and outputs a detection signal indicating that to the CPU 32. The CPU 32 turns on the switch 46 based on this detection signal. Thus, energization of the liquid crystal monitor 8 is allowed. Thus, when the photographer holds the camera 1, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned on. Thus, the photographer can check the subject and framing through the liquid crystal monitor 8.
[0041]
In addition, since the image captured by operating the release button 6 can be immediately viewed through the liquid crystal monitor 8, exposure, framing, and a photo opportunity can be confirmed, and a sense of security can be obtained. Furthermore, since the video taken can be shown to others at any time, it can be used as an information transmission means.
On the other hand, when the photographer releases his hand from the grip portion 1A of the camera 1, the touch sensor 9 detects this, and outputs a detection signal indicating that to the CPU 32. The CPU 32 turns off the switch 46 based on this detection signal. Thus, the power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is cut off. Thus, when the photographer releases his / her hand from the grip portion 1A of the camera 1, it is considered that the possibility of viewing the liquid crystal monitor 8 is low. In such a case, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off to save power. Plan A timer circuit may be used to turn off the liquid crystal monitor 8 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the touch sensor 9 no longer detects gripping of the camera 1.
[0042]
Next, a case where a tripod is used will be described.
When the tripod 78 is used, since the photographer does not normally hold the camera 1, it is not appropriate to perform the on / off control of the liquid crystal monitor 8 based on the detection result of the touch sensor 9. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the tripod sensor 69 detects that the camera 1 is fixed to the tripod 78, the switch 46 is turned on regardless of the detection result of the touch sensor 9 of the grip portion 1A. The power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is allowed.
[0043]
Thus, when the tripod 78 is used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 can be turned on without the photographer touching the touch sensor 9, and the composition is determined after the camera 1 is fixed to the tripod 78 (framing confirmation). Etc. can be easily performed.
When the tripod 78 is used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 may be always turned on, but when a timer circuit (not shown) is provided and energization of the liquid crystal monitor 8 is started (or when the tripod sensor detects that the tripod is fixed) ) From the CPU 32, and when the count value reaches a certain value (for example, 5 minutes), a signal for shutting off the energization of the liquid crystal monitor 8 from the CPU 32 may be output.
[0044]
7 and 8 show the processing flow of the CPU 32 when the timer circuit is used. As shown in FIG. 7, when the tripod sensor 69 detects the tripod 78 (step S10), the CPU 32 starts counting the timer circuit (step S12) and turns on the liquid crystal monitor 8 (step S14). Then, detection (grip detection) by the touch sensor 9 provided in the grip portion 1A of the camera 1 is invalidated (step S16).
[0045]
Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timer circuit has reached a preset constant value (for example, 5 minutes) (step S18), and until the count value reaches a constant value (for example, 5 minutes) This state is maintained, and the liquid crystal monitor 8 continues to be lit.
Thereafter, when the count of the timer circuit reaches a certain value (for example, 5 minutes), grip detection is permitted (step S20), and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off (step S22).
[0046]
Then, the count of the timer circuit is stopped (step S24), and this process is terminated. If a camera operation such as a release operation is performed while the timer circuit is counting, it may be reset.
On the other hand, when it is detected by the tripod sensor 69 that the tripod 78 has been removed, as shown in FIG. 8, after detecting the tripod removal (step S30), the CPU 32 permits grip detection (step S32). The liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off (step S34). Then, the count of the timer circuit is stopped (step S36), and this process is terminated.
[0047]
By the way, regardless of whether or not the tripod 78 is used, since it is usually not possible for the photographer to look at the liquid crystal monitor 8 during self-photographing, the liquid crystal monitor 8 can be turned off during self-photographing.
FIG. 9 shows the flow of camera control under the self mode. After the mode setting button 22 is operated to set the self-photographing mode, when the self-mode switch is turned on by pressing the release button 6 (step S40), the CPU 32 outputs a control signal for turning off the liquid crystal monitor 8. Then, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off. Next, counting of a self-timer (not shown) (for example, a 10-second timer) starts (step S44).
[0048]
Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the self mode has been released (step S46). If the self mode has been released, this processing ends (step S48). If the self mode has not been released in step S46, it is further confirmed whether or not the main switch 27 has been turned off (step S50).
When the main switch 27 is turned off, the power supply to the camera circuit is stopped (step S52), and this process ends (step S54).
[0049]
In step S50, when the ON state of the main switch 27 is confirmed, it is then determined whether or not the set time of the self-timer (in this case, 10 seconds) has elapsed, and if 10 seconds have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S46. Return to.
When the passage of 10 seconds is confirmed in step S56, the shutter blade opening operation (step S58), film exposure (step S60), and shutter blade closing operation (step S62) and a series of photographing operations are executed. . Then, after the film is wound up by one frame (step S64), power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is allowed again, and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned on (step S66). Note that the liquid crystal monitor 8 may be turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed after completion of the one-frame winding process (step S64). Thus, this process ends (step S68).
[0050]
In this way, by turning off the liquid crystal monitor 8 at the time of self-photographing and reducing the time for energizing the liquid crystal monitor 8 with high power consumption, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the power source battery. However, when an external power source such as an AC adapter is used, it is not necessary to consider battery consumption, so that power is supplied from the outside via the terminal 13 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the liquid crystal monitor 8 may be always turned on without performing the energization / cutoff control for the liquid crystal monitor 8 as described above.
[0051]
That is, an external power connection sensor that detects whether or not an AC adapter is connected to the terminal 13 is provided. When the connection of the AC adapter is detected by the external power connection sensor, the touch sensor 9 or the tripod sensor 69 is connected. Prior to the detection by, power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is allowed.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the touch sensor 9 is provided in the grip portion 1A on one side of the camera 1 has been described, but means for detecting gripping of the camera body is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the above-described capacitance type sensor, a contact type switch that turns on when the grip portion 1A is pressed may be used. Moreover, as long as the grip of the camera body can be detected, a sensor may be provided in another part of the camera body instead of the grip portion.
[0052]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the camera is fixed to a tripod as an aspect that is fixed by other than the photographer's hold has been described as an example. However, the camera may be fixed using a monopod in addition to the tripod. You can also put it on top. In this case, as a means for detecting camera fixing, for example, a touch sensor or a gravity sensor is provided at the bottom of the camera, and a method of determining that the camera is fixed when there is no change in the detection signal from the sensor. Can be considered.
[0053]
In the above embodiment, the camera corresponding to the new photographic system in which the magnetic recording layer is formed on the photographic film has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a camera for 135 film.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the camera with a liquid crystal finder according to the present invention, it is detected whether or not the camera is fixed other than by the photographer's hold, and the liquid crystal display is controlled to be turned on for a predetermined time based on the detection result. As a result, the photographer can easily determine the composition and angle of view while looking at the liquid crystal display, and can prevent wasteful power consumption by the liquid crystal display and suppress battery consumption. .
[0055]
In addition, a grip detection means for detecting gripping of the camera body is provided, and when the gripping of the camera is no longer detected by the gripping detection means, or the liquid crystal display is turned off after a lapse of a certain time after the gripping of the camera is not detected. First display control means for controlling, and when the detection means detects that the camera is fixed, the second display control means has priority over the extinction control of the first display control means. Thus, the liquid crystal display is turned on, so that the liquid crystal display can be used in accordance with the usage status of the camera and power saving can be achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front external perspective view of a camera with a liquid crystal finder using the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera shown in FIG.
3 is a rear perspective view showing a state of the camera shown in FIG. 1 when the liquid crystal monitor is housed. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a camera with a liquid crystal finder using the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a configuration example of a tripod sensor.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another configuration example of a tripod sensor.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a CPU related to control of turning on / off the liquid crystal monitor.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a CPU related to control of turning on / off the liquid crystal monitor.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of camera control under the self mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Camera with LCD finder
1A ... Grip part
3 ... Finder window
8 ... LCD monitor
9 ... Touch sensor
13 ... Terminal for external power supply connection
30 ... Solid-state imaging device (CCD)
32. Central processing unit (CPU)
71 ... Camera body
74 ... Tripod screw holes
76 ... Switch
78 ... Tripod
82: Light emitting part
84. Light receiving portion

Claims (4)

In a camera with a liquid crystal finder that focuses light from a subject on an image sensor and displays a subject image on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor.
Grip detection means provided near the grip of the camera body and detecting whether or not the camera body is gripped;
When gripping of the camera body is detected by the grip detection means, the liquid crystal display is turned on, and when the grip of the camera body is no longer detected by the grip detection means or after the grip of the camera body is no longer detected First display control means for turning off the liquid crystal display after a lapse of time;
Detecting means for detecting whether the camera is fixed by other than the photographer's hold;
Wherein based on a detection signal from the detection means and a second display control means for lit point the liquid crystal display, the first display control when of the camera fixed is detected by the detection means Second display control means for controlling to turn on the liquid crystal display for a predetermined time in preference to the control of the means;
A camera with a liquid crystal finder, characterized by comprising A timer circuit that counts the time during which the liquid crystal display is continuously lit;
Third display control means for turning off the liquid crystal display when the count value of the timer circuit reaches a predetermined time;
The camera with a liquid crystal finder according to claim 1 . A terminal for connecting an external power supply,
External power connection detection means for detecting whether an external power supply is connected to the terminal;
When the external power source connection detecting means detects that an external power source is connected to the terminal, the liquid crystal display is given priority over the on / off control of the liquid crystal display by the first display control means. 3. A camera with a liquid crystal finder according to claim 1, further comprising means for always lighting the device. Light from the subject is imaged on the image sensor and read from the image sensor. In a camera with a monitor that displays a subject image on a monitor based on the projected image signal,
Grip detection means provided near the grip of the camera body and detecting whether or not the camera body is gripped;
When gripping of the camera body is detected by the grip detection means, the monitor is turned on, and a certain time has elapsed since gripping of the camera body is no longer detected or no gripping of the camera body is detected by the grip detection means. First display control means for turning off the monitor later;
Detecting means for detecting whether the camera is fixed by other than the photographer's hold;
Second display control means for lighting the monitor based on a detection signal from the detection means, wherein the first display control means is controlled when the detection means detects that the camera is fixed. Second display control means for performing control to turn on the monitor for a predetermined time with priority over,
A camera with a monitor characterized by comprising:

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