JP4528233B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus that photographs an image of subject light.

  In recent years, downsizing of digital cameras and digital video cameras has been rapidly progressing. A small-sized photographing device has an advantage that it looks good, can be carried anywhere without being bulky, and can be easily photographed at any time. In recent years, a small-pixel CCD having a high pixel and a small lens corresponding to the CCD have been developed, and it has become possible to acquire a photographed image with sufficient image quality even with a small photographing device. . Under these circumstances, small-sized imaging devices are also equipped with a zoom function that enables wide-angle shooting and telephoto shooting in addition to the autofocus function that is already a common function in the field of normal-size imaging devices. It is hoped that

  The zoom function is realized by moving multiple lenses in the lens barrel and adjusting the mutual distance between them, but in order to realize a wide field of view from telephoto to wide-angle. Requires a sufficiently long lens movement range. Here, in order to prevent damage to the lens and the like, it is preferable that the lens barrel is retracted into the photographing apparatus after the photographing is completed, and if the length of the cylinder constituting the lens barrel is simply extended, photographing is performed. There is a problem that the device becomes thick. Normally, a lens barrel in which a plurality of cylinders are nested is applied, and at the time of shooting, the plurality of cylinders are extended to protrude the lens barrel from the imaging apparatus. The lens barrel is retracted into the photographing apparatus by shrinking the lens. By applying such a lens barrel composed of a plurality of tubes, it is possible to achieve both a wide range of shooting angle of view and thinning of the imaging device.

  By the way, in the above-described zoom-type photographing apparatus or the like, the lens barrel is generally extended as soon as power is turned on, and is in a standby state in which photographing is possible. However, for example, if the camera's power switch is accidentally pressed in a pocket or bag, the lens barrel will be pulled out and caught in the pocket or bag, causing excessive force on the lens barrel. End up. As described above, the lens barrel is often configured by overlapping a plurality of cylinders. If a force is applied when the lens barrel is extended, the joints of the cylinders break. Otherwise, the lens may be damaged.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for detecting that a finger is placed on the lens barrel and stopping the feeding of the lens barrel, and Patent Document 2 describes the technique within a predetermined time. When the lens barrel is not extended to the designated position, a technique for retracting the lens barrel is described. Patent Document 3 describes a case where the lens barrel is not extended to the designated position within a predetermined time. A technique for moving the lens barrel to the retracted position is described. According to the techniques described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3, an excessive force is applied to the lens barrel while the lens barrel is being extended, and the problem that the lens is damaged is reduced. Is done.
JP 2001-91993 A JP 2003-319221 A JP 2004-78010 A

  However, as described above, the photographing apparatus is increasingly miniaturized, and accordingly, the lens and the lens barrel are also miniaturized. For this reason, the lens barrel easily breaks even when a small force is applied in a state in which the lens barrel is protruded from the main body housing, and further development of a technique for reliably preventing damage to the lens is required.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus in which a problem that a lens barrel is broken is avoided.

The photographing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object is a photographing apparatus for photographing a subject.
The main body housing,
An optical lens barrel containing an optical system for imaging subject light, provided on the front surface of the main body housing;
In response to a predetermined operation, a power on / off unit for turning on / off the photographing apparatus,
A lens barrel driving unit that projects / collapses the optical lens barrel with respect to the main body housing;
An imaging unit that shoots subject light imaged by an optical system and generates image data representing the subject light;
A data processing unit that performs predetermined processing on image data generated by the imaging unit;
An imaging mode for controlling the lens barrel driving unit, the imaging unit, and the data processing unit, causing the lens barrel driving unit to project the optical barrel and generating image data in the imaging unit, and a processing mode for causing the data processing unit to execute processing When the power is turned off by the power on / off section, the optical barrel is retracted to the lens barrel drive section, and when the power is turned on by the power on / off section, the optical barrel is retracted. And a control unit that performs control in the processing mode as it is.

  According to the photographing apparatus of the present invention, when the power is turned off, the optical lens barrel is retracted in the main body casing. When the power is turned on, the processing in the processing mode is performed while the optical lens barrel is retracted. Executed. For this reason, even if the power is accidentally turned on, the optical lens barrel is not drawn out immediately, so that a problem that the optical lens barrel is excessively damaged and damaged is reliably avoided.

Further, in the photographing apparatus of the present invention, “comprising an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction relating to photographing by an input operation,
The power on / off unit turns off the power without performing the above operation and turns on the power when the next instruction is not inputted even after the first time has elapsed after the instruction is inputted to the instruction input unit. The power is turned off without the above operation even when a second time shorter than the first time has passed without any instruction being input to the instruction input unit.

  According to the imaging apparatus of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, if the next instruction is not input even after the first time has elapsed since the instruction related to imaging is input, the power is automatically turned off without operation. Therefore, useless power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, when an instruction is never input after the power is turned on, such as when the power is turned on by mistake, the power is turned off when a second time shorter than the first time has elapsed. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced more efficiently.

  Further, in the photographing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit receives a predetermined mode instruction operation, and is receiving a mode instruction operation even when the power is turned on by the power on / off unit. It is preferable to perform control in the photographing mode.

  When taking a picture immediately, it is preferable that the optical barrel is automatically extended when the power is turned on, and is placed in a standby state where the picture can be taken. According to the photographing apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, by performing the operation of turning on the power in the state of performing the mode instruction operation, the control in the photographing mode is performed and the optical barrel is protruded, so that the shutter chance is increased. You can shoot without missing.

  Further, in the photographing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit receives a predetermined mode instruction operation, and receives the mode instruction operation and shifts from the control in the processing mode to the control in the photographing mode. It is also preferable.

  By receiving a two-stage operation including a power-on operation and a mode specifying operation, and shifting from control in the processing mode to control in the photographing mode, the optical barrel can be extended only during photographing.

Further, in the photographing apparatus of the present invention, “comprising a voice acquisition unit for acquiring voice,
It is preferable that the control unit shifts from the control in the processing mode to the control in the shooting mode when a predetermined sound is acquired by the sound acquisition unit.

  By receiving predetermined sound and shifting from control in the processing mode to control in the shooting mode, the optical barrel can be easily extended.

  In the photographing apparatus of the present invention, when the power is turned on by the power on / off unit, the control unit generates image data without projecting the optical barrel, and the brightness of the image represented by the image data is increased. When the image is determined to be bright, control is shifted from the control in the processing mode to the control in the shooting mode. It is preferable.

  When power is turned on, image data is first generated without projecting the optical barrel, and only when the brightness of the image represented by the image data is bright, for example, the photographing apparatus Since the optical barrel does not protrude when placed in a bag, etc., the optical barrel can be reliably prevented from being damaged, and specially when the photographing device is taken out of the bag. Since the optical lens barrel is automatically projected without any operation, it is possible to take a picture without missing a photo opportunity.

Further, in the imaging apparatus of the present invention, "equipped with a fixed detection unit for detecting whether or not this imaging apparatus is fixed,
Even if the control unit is turned on by the power on / off unit, the control in the photographing mode is performed when the fixing detection unit detects the fixing of the photographing device. '' The form is preferred.

  When the photographing apparatus is fixed by a tripod or the like, it is considered that the photographing apparatus is taken out from a bag or the like, and even if the optical barrel is protruded, the optical barrel is hardly damaged. Therefore, it is preferable that the control in the photographing mode is automatically performed after the power is turned on and the photographing standby is performed.

Further, in the photographing apparatus of the present invention, “This photographing apparatus is provided with a mounting portion for attaching a strap,
A strap detection unit that detects that the strap attached to the attachment part has been pulled,
It is preferable that the above-mentioned control unit causes the lens barrel driving unit to retract the optical barrel when the strap detection unit detects that the strap is pulled.

  When the strap is pulled, it is conceivable that the photographing device is hanging on a bag or the like. Therefore, when it is detected that the strap has been pulled, the optical barrel is retracted into the main body housing, thereby increasing the strength of the photographing device and applying an impact to the photographing device, so that the optical system or the like The problem of breaking is avoided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device with which the malfunction which a lens barrel breaks was avoided can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 are external perspective views of a digital camera which is an embodiment of the present invention.

  Part (A) of FIG. 1 shows a retracted state in which the lens barrel 10 incorporating the photographic lens is retracted in the main body housing 1 ′, and part (B) of FIG. 1 shows the lens. An extended state in which the lens barrel 10 is extended from the main housing 1 'is shown. In the state in which the lens barrel 10 is retracted, the front surface of the lens barrel 10 is covered with the lens cover 20 and accommodated in the lens barrel 10 as shown in Part (A) of FIG. Damage to the lens and entry of dust is prevented. When the lens barrel 10 is unwound, the lens cover 20 is opened and light enters the lens barrel 10 as shown in part (B) of FIG. The main body casing 1 'corresponds to an example of the main body casing according to the present invention, and the lens barrel 10 corresponds to an example of the optical barrel according to the present invention.

  A flash light emitting unit 30 that emits flash light and a microphone 50 that acquires sound are disposed on the front of the digital camera 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, and a shutter switch 14 is provided above the digital camera 1. The microphone 50 corresponds to an example of a voice acquisition unit referred to in the present invention.

  Further, the side surface of the digital camera 1 is provided with a power switch 42 for turning on / off the power and a lens barrel switch 43 for pressing the power switch 42 together to project the lens barrel 10. Yes. The power switch 42 corresponds to an example of a power on / off portion according to the present invention.

  Part (A) of FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the digital camera 1.

  On the back of the digital camera 1, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 for displaying images and menu screens, a cross key 44 for selecting items in the menu screen displayed on the LCD 60, and setting contents are determined. OK switch 45 and a cancel switch 46 for canceling the set contents. In this embodiment, the operation mode executed by the digital camera 1 using the cross key 44 or the like is set to “playback mode” for displaying a captured image, “shooting mode” for shooting a subject, and the digital camera 1. It can be set to one of the “setup modes” that matches the time of the built-in clock. When the power switch 42 is pressed, the “playback mode” is set as an initial state, and the operation mode is normally switched using the cross key 44. For example, after the power switch 42 is pressed, the microphone 50 When the predetermined sound is acquired, the operation mode is automatically switched from the “playback mode” to the “shooting mode”, and when the power switch 42 is pressed while the lens barrel switch 43 is pressed, the initial state is set. “Shooting mode” is set. The operation mode transition will be described in detail later. The cross key 44, the OK switch 45, and the cancel switch 46 correspond to examples of the instruction input unit according to the present invention.

  Further, if the “up” key of the cross key 44 is continuously pressed, the photographic lens accommodated in the lens barrel 10 moves to the telephoto side (tele side), and if the “lower” key of the cross key 44 is continuously pressed, The taking lens moves to the wide-angle side (wide side).

  A strap attachment member 70 for attaching a strap is provided on the side surface of the digital camera 1 opposite to the surface provided with the power switch 42 and the like.

  Part (B) of FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of the strap mounting member 70.

  The strap attachment member 70 includes a front end portion 71 having a strap hole 70a through which a strap is passed, a support portion 72 extending from the front end portion 71, a rear end portion 73 provided at the rear end of the support portion 72, and a rear end. The urging member 74 is attached to the portion 73. The support portion 72 penetrates the main body housing 1 ′ of the digital camera 1, and a front end portion 71 and a rear end portion 73 are provided at both ends of the support portion 72 sandwiching the main body housing 1 ′. The rear end portion 74 is provided with a strap switch 47 for detecting that the strap passed through the strap hole 70a is pulled.

  In a state where the strap is merely passed through the strap hole 70a, the urging member 74 urges the rear end portion 73 in the direction away from the main body housing 1 '(left direction in FIG. 2), and the strap switch 47 Is not pushed. When the strap passed through the strap hole 70a is pulled, the rear end portion 73 is also moved in the direction approaching the main body housing 1 '(right direction in FIG. 2) as the front end portion 71 is pulled together with the strap. The strap switch 47 is sandwiched and pushed between the main body housing 1 ′ and the rear end portion 73. Thus, the strap switch 47 is a switch for detecting that the strap passed through the strap hole 70a is pulled. The strap mounting member 70 corresponds to an example of a mounting portion according to the present invention, and the strap switch 47 corresponds to an example of a strap detection unit according to the present invention.

  Next, the retracting / projecting of the lens barrel 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the digital camera 1 cut along the optical axis.

  Part (A) of FIG. 3 shows a sectional view in the retracted state.

  The lens barrel 10 is composed of a plurality of cylinders. In the retracted state, the plurality of cylinders are accommodated in a nested state. In the internal space of the lens barrel 10, there is housed a photographing lens in which three groups of front lens group 11, rear lens group 12, and focus lens 13 are arranged in order from the front, with the optical axes aligned. A CCD 80 for reading subject light is disposed behind the lens. The front group lens 11, the rear group lens 12, and the focus lens 13 correspond to an example of an optical system according to the present invention, and the CCD 80 corresponds to an example of an imaging unit according to the present invention.

  Part (B) of FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the photographing lens in the wide state, and part (C) of FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the photographing lens in the tele state.

  A lens barrel driving unit 10a (see FIG. 4) for moving a plurality of tubes in a direction along the optical axis is attached to the lens barrel 10, and a “shooting mode” is set so that the projection of the lens barrel 10 is prevented. When instructed, as shown in part (B) or part (C) of FIG. 3, the cylinder is moved and stretched so that a part thereof overlaps. As a result, the movement range of the rear group lens 12 that plays the role of the zoom lens is secured.

  Further, the rear lens group 12 and the focus lens 13 are attached with a lens driving unit 14a (see FIG. 4) that moves these lenses in a direction along the optical axis. The rear lens group 12 is moved between the wide end shown in Part (B) of FIG. 3 and the tele end shown in Part (C) of FIG. 3 to change the focal length, so that the focus lens 13 becomes the optical axis. The focus is adjusted by being moved along.

  Next, the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG.

  In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, all processing is controlled by the CPU 110, and various instructions and various information are transmitted via the bus 190. The internal memory 180 stores sound data representing a predetermined sound (in the present embodiment, it is assumed that sound data representing a sound “switch ON” is stored), and the digital camera 1 Various program procedures necessary for executing various processes are written. The CPU 110 is supplied with operation signals from various switches (shutter switch 41, power switch 42, lens barrel switch 43, cross key 44, OK switch 45, cancel switch 46, and strap switch 47) provided in the digital camera 1. When a predetermined time has passed from the timer 110a, or when a predetermined voice ("switch ON") is acquired by the microphone 50 and voice data is transmitted via the voice input I / F 150, the internal The overall operation of the digital camera 1 is comprehensively controlled according to the program procedure stored in the memory 180. The CPU 110 corresponds to an example of a control unit referred to in the present invention.

  First, the flow of an image signal will be described with reference to FIG.

  When “shooting mode” is set as the operation mode by operating the cross key 44 by the photographer, the CPU 110 transmits an instruction to open the lens cover 20 to the cover driving unit 20a, and the lens driving unit 10a receives the lens. An instruction to feed the lens barrel 10 is transmitted.

  When the instruction from the CPU 110 is transmitted, the lens barrel driving unit 10a unwinds the lens barrel 10 from the main body housing 1 'as shown in Part (B) of FIG. 1, and the cover driving unit 20a As shown in Part (B), the lens cover 20 is opened. The lens barrel driving unit 10a corresponds to an example of the lens barrel driving unit referred to in the present invention.

  When the photographer operates the cross key 44 to change the shooting angle of view, the change operation is transmitted from the cross key 44 to the CPU 110. In the CPU 110, the lens position of the rear group lens 22 for realizing the focal length corresponding to the changed shooting angle of view is calculated, and the calculated lens position is transmitted to the lens driving unit 14a.

  The lens driving unit 14a moves the rear lens group 22 to the transmitted lens position, and further moves the focus lens 13 in a direction along the optical axis.

  The subject light that has entered the digital camera 1 after the lens cover 20 is opened passes through the front group lens 11, the rear group lens 12, and the focus lens 13 accommodated in the lens barrel 10. When the shutter 82 is opened after passing through the aperture 81 to be adjusted, an image is formed on the CCD 80 arranged in the subsequent stage. In the CCD 80, an image signal representing a subject image is generated at every predetermined timing. The generated image signal is roughly read out by the A / D unit 120, the analog signal is converted into a digital signal, and low-resolution through image data is generated. The generated through image data is subjected to image processing such as white balance correction and γ correction in the signal processing unit 130.

  The image data subjected to image processing in the signal processing unit 130 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 140. The low-resolution through image data stored in the buffer memory 140 is transmitted to the LCD 60 through the display control unit 170 first from the through image data stored at the old time, and the through image data represented by the through image data is displayed on the LCD 60. An image is displayed. Here, in the CCD 80, subject light is read at every predetermined timing and an image signal is generated. Therefore, on the LCD 60, the subject in the direction to which the photographing lens is directed is always displayed as a subject image.

  The through image data stored in the buffer memory 140 is also supplied to the CPU 110. Based on the through image data, the CPU 110 detects the contrast and luminance of the subject image represented by the image signal repeatedly obtained by the CCD 80 while the focus lens 13 is moved along the optical axis, and further, the contrast peak. The aperture value corresponding to the lens position of the focus lens 13 and the brightness of the subject is calculated. The calculated lens position of the focus lens 13 is transmitted to the lens driving unit 14a, and the calculated aperture value is transmitted to the aperture driving unit 81a.

  The lens driving unit 14a moves the focus lens 13 to the lens position transmitted from the CPU 110 (AF processing), and the aperture driving unit 81a adjusts the aperture value of the aperture 81 to the aperture value transmitted from the CPU 110 (AE). processing).

  Here, when the photographer presses the shutter button 41 shown in FIG. 1 while checking the through image displayed on the LCD 60, the CPU 110 is notified that the shutter button 41 has been pressed. When the subject is dark, the CPU 110 transmits a light emission instruction to the flash light emitting unit 30, and a flash light is emitted from the flash light emitting unit 30 in synchronization with the pressing of the shutter switch 41. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110, the image signal generated by the CCD 80 is finely read out by the A / D unit 120, and high-resolution captured image data is generated. The generated captured image data is subjected to image processing by the signal processing unit 130 and stored in the buffer memory 140.

  The captured image data stored in the buffer memory 140 is subjected to compression processing in the signal processing unit 130, and the compressed captured image data is stored in the recording medium 200 via the media controller 160.

  Further, when “playback mode” is set as an operation mode, for example, by the photographer operating the cross key 44, the captured image data stored in the recording medium 200 is expanded in the signal processing unit 130. After that, the information is transmitted to the LCD 60 via the display control unit 170. The LCD 60 displays a captured image represented by the captured image data. A combination of the signal processing unit 130, the display control unit 170, the LCD 60, and the like corresponds to an example of a data processing unit referred to in the present invention.

  The digital camera 1 is configured as described above.

  Here, for example, if the lens barrel 10 is extended while the digital camera 1 is still in the bag, the lens barrel 10 may be broken due to an excessive force. In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, when only the power switch 42 is pressed, the lens barrel 10 is not protruded when the power is turned on, so that damage to the photographing lens and the like is avoided. In the following, a series of processes from when the digital camera 1 is turned on until the lens barrel 10 is extended will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes from when the digital camera 1 is turned on until the power is turned off.

  When the photographer presses the power switch 42 shown in FIG. 1, an operation signal is transmitted from the power switch 42 to the CPU 110, and the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on by the CPU 110 (step S1 in FIG. 5).

  In step S1, when the power switch 42 is pressed and the lens barrel switch 43 is not pressed (step S2 in FIG. 5: No), the CPU 110 sets “playback mode” as the operation mode. The process in the “reproduction mode” is started (step S3 in FIG. 5).

  If only the power switch 42 is pressed, the power switch 42 of the digital camera 1 may be accidentally turned on in a bag or the like. In such a case, the “reproduction mode”, which is an operation mode in which the lens barrel 10 is not extended, is set, thereby avoiding damage to the lens.

  When the photographer makes a sound, the sound acquired by the microphone 50 is digitized by the sound input I / F 150 and the sound data is transmitted to the CPU 110. CPU 110 determines whether or not the voice represented by the voice data is the same as the voice “switch ON” represented by the voice data registered in advance in internal memory 180.

  When it is determined that the same voice as the registered voice has been acquired (step S4 in FIG. 5: Yes), the CPU 110 switches the operation mode from “playback mode” to “shooting mode” (step in FIG. 5). S12). A series of processing in the “shooting mode” will be described in detail after step S12.

  By registering the sound in advance, it is possible to easily switch from the “playback mode” to the “shooting mode”.

  When the registered voice is not acquired (step S4 in FIG. 5: No) and the photographer operates the cross key 44 or the like while the “reproduction mode” is set (step S5 in FIG. 5: Yes). Then, a reproduction process corresponding to the switch operation is executed (step S6 in FIG. 5). That is, when the photographer operates the cross key 44, one photographed image data is selected from the photographed image data stored in the recording medium 200, and the selected photographed image data is expanded in the signal processing unit 130. The expanded captured image data is transmitted to the LCD 60 via the display control unit 170, and the captured image represented by the captured image data is displayed on the LCD 60. When the photographer further operates the cross key 44 (step S7 in FIG. 5: Yes), the captured image selected in accordance with the operation is displayed on the LCD 60. The reproduction process as described above is continued until the photographer selects the end of the reproduction process using the cancel switch 46 or the like (step S8 in FIG. 5: No).

  When the reproduction process ends (step S8 in FIG. 5: Yes) and the power switch 42 is pressed by the photographer, the CPU 110 turns off the power of the digital camera 1 (step S11 in FIG. 5).

  Further, in step S7 in FIG. 5, after the photographer operates the cross key 44 or the like, the next switch operation is not performed (step S7 in FIG. 5: No), and a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. (Step S9 in FIG. 5: Yes), the power is automatically turned off by the CPU 110 (Step S11 in FIG. 5).

  After the switch operation is performed by the photographer, when the next switch operation is not performed even after the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption by automatically turning off the power.

  In addition, after the power switch 42 is pressed, the registered voice is not acquired (step S4 in FIG. 5: No), and the various switches shown in FIG. 4 are not operated for a time T2 (however, time T1> time T2). ) Has elapsed (step S5 in FIG. 5: Yes), the power is cut off by the CPU 110 (step S11 in FIG. 5).

  If no switch operation is performed after the power is turned on, the power switch 42 may be accidentally pressed. In such a case, the power consumption can be reduced more efficiently by automatically turning off the power supply when the time T2 shorter than the time T1 in step S9 has elapsed.

  As described above, the processing in the “reproduction mode” is executed.

  Next, the “shooting mode” will be described.

  When the power switch 42 is pressed (step S1 in FIG. 5), if the lens barrel switch 43 is also pressed (step S2 in FIG. 5: Yes), the operation signal is also sent from the lens barrel switch 43 to the CPU 110. Is transmitted, and the CPU 110 sets “shooting mode” as the operation mode (step S12 in FIG. 5).

  When the “shooting mode” is set, an instruction to open the lens cover 20 is transmitted from the CPU 110 to the cover driving unit 20a, and an instruction to extend the lens barrel 10 is transmitted from the CPU 110 to the lens barrel driving unit 10a. As a result, the lens barrel 10 is extended from the main body housing 1 ′ by the lens barrel driving unit 10a (step S13 in FIG. 5), and the lens cover 20 is opened by the cover driving unit 20a so that the photographing is possible. Stand by.

  Thus, when the power switch 42 and the lens barrel switch 43 are pressed at the same time, the lens barrel 10 is automatically extended so that the photographing can be started at the same time as the power is turned on, and the shutter chance is increased. You can shoot without missing.

  When the lens cover 20 is opened, the image signal generated by the CCD 80 is roughly read to generate through image data, and the through image represented by the through image data is displayed on the LCD 60. When the photographer presses the shutter switch 41 or the like shown in FIG. 4 (step S14 in FIG. 5: Yes), the image signal generated by the CCD 80 is read out finely to generate captured image data, and the generated captured image is generated. Data is recorded on the recording medium 200 (step S15 in FIG. 5).

  When the strap attached to the strap attachment member 70 shown in FIG. 2 is pulled and the strap switch 47 is pressed (step S16: Yes in FIG. 5), an operation signal is transmitted from the strap switch 47 to the CPU 110. When an operation signal is transmitted from the strap switch 47, an instruction to close the lens cover 20 is transmitted from the CPU 110 to the cover driving unit 20a, and an instruction to retract the lens barrel 10 is transmitted from the CPU 110 to the lens barrel driving unit 10a. As a result, the lens barrel 10 is retracted into the main body housing 1 ′ by the lens barrel drive unit 10a (step S19 in FIG. 5), and the lens cover 20 is closed by the cover drive unit 20a. Further, the CPU 110 turns off the power of the digital camera 1 (step S11 in FIG. 5).

  If an impact is applied to the digital camera 1 with the lens barrel 10 extended, there is a risk that the photographing lens or the like will be damaged. In this embodiment, when the digital camera 1 is dropped or the digital camera 1 is hung and the strap is pulled and the strap switch 47 is pressed, the lens barrel 10 is retracted and the barrel of the digital camera 1 is raised. Therefore, it is possible to reduce damage to the photographing lens.

  When the strap switch 47 is not pressed (step S16 in FIG. 5: No), captured image data is generated every time the photographer presses the shutter switch 41, and the generated captured image data is recorded on the recording medium 200. The The photographing process as described above is continued until the photographer selects the end of the photographing process using the cross key 44 or the like (step S17 in FIG. 5: No).

  When the photographing process is completed (step S17 in FIG. 5: Yes) and the power switch 42 is pressed by the photographer, the lens barrel 10 is retracted by an instruction from the CPU 110 (step S19 in FIG. 5). The power is turned off (step S11 in FIG. 5).

  Further, after the lens barrel 10 is extended (step S13 in FIG. 5), the shutter switch 41 shown in FIG. 4 or the like is not operated (step S14 in FIG. 5: No), and a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. In addition (step S18 in FIG. 5: Yes), the lens barrel 10 is retracted into the main body housing 1 ′ (step S19 in FIG. 5) according to an instruction from the CPU 110, and the power is turned off (step in FIG. 5). S12).

  When the “shooting mode” is set, it is considered that both the power switch 42 and the lens barrel switch 43 are operated by the photographer, and the photographer recognizes that the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on. It is done. Therefore, when the relatively long time T1 elapses, the power is turned off, so that the power is turned off while the photographer confirms the shooting angle of view and the like. can do.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the lens barrel 10 is not extended when the power is turned on by mistake, so that damage to the photographing lens or the like is reliably avoided.

  Above, description of 1st Embodiment of this invention is complete | finished and 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described. Since the second embodiment of the present invention has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only differences will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the digital camera 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The digital camera 2 of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but the digital camera 2 is inserted into a main body housing 1 ′ on a tripod. A fixing hole 1a for fixing the digital camera 2 to a tripod is provided, and a tripod switch 48 that is pushed by being inserted into the tripod is provided above the fixing hole 1a. The tripod switch 48 corresponds to an example of a fixed detection unit according to the present invention.

  Further, the lens barrel switch 43 is not for pressing at the same time as the power switch 42, but for pressing the digital camera 1 in a state where the power is turned on to project the lens barrel 10. It is different from the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of the digital camera 2.

  The digital camera 2 has substantially the same internal configuration as the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 4, but the digital camera 2 includes a tripod switch 48 also shown in FIG. In the digital camera 2, the internal memory 180 does not register the sound for switching the operation mode to the “shooting mode”, and the microphone 50 is provided for acquiring the recording sound.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes from when the digital camera 2 is turned on until the power is turned off.

  When the photographer presses the power switch 42 shown in FIG. 1, the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on by the CPU 110 as in step S1 of FIG. 5 (step S21 of FIG. 8).

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 110 transmits an instruction to open the lens cover 20 to the cover driving unit 20a, and an instruction to generate an image signal to the CCD 80.

  When the lens cover 20 is opened by the cover driving unit 20a (step S22 in FIG. 8), an image signal is generated by the CCD 80 (step S23 in FIG. 8), and the generated image signal is roughly read by the A / D unit 120. Low-resolution data is generated. The generated low resolution data is transmitted to the CPU 110.

  The CPU 110 detects the brightness of the image represented by the low resolution data. When the brightness of the image is brighter than the predetermined brightness (step S24 in FIG. 8: Yes), the “shooting mode” is set as the operation mode (step S25 in FIG. 8), and the processing is shown after step S6 in FIG. Processing in the “shooting mode” is executed.

  An image acquired with the digital camera 2 taken out from a pocket or the like is considered to be sufficiently bright. For this reason, a provisional image is acquired without projecting the lens barrel 10, and when the acquired image is bright, it is possible to quickly perform shooting standby by automatically setting to “shooting mode”. .

  Even when the brightness of the image is darker than the predetermined brightness (step S24 in FIG. 8: No), the operation is performed when the tripod switch 48 is pressed (step S26: Yes in FIG. 8). The “shooting mode” is set as the mode (step S25 in FIG. 8).

  When shooting dark subjects such as night views, the exposure time is increased by increasing the exposure time, and the digital camera may be fixed to a tripod so that the digital camera will not move. Many. For this reason, even when the image is dark, setting the “shooting mode” when the tripod switch 48 is pressed can save the photographer from switching the operation mode to the “shooting mode”. it can.

  If the image brightness is darker than the predetermined brightness (step S24 in FIG. 8: No) and the tripod switch 48 is not pressed (step S26: No in FIG. 8), the operation mode is “playback mode”. Is set (step S27 in FIG. 8).

  The darkness of the image may be the case where the digital camera 2 is in a pocket or the like, or when shooting a dark subject, but the tripod switch 48 is not being pressed. It is considered that the power switch 42 has been accidentally pushed. In such a case, the “reproduction mode” in which the lens barrel 10 is not extended is set as the operation mode, so that damage to the photographing lens and the like is reliably avoided.

  After the “reproduction mode” is set, when the photographer presses the lens barrel switch 43 shown in FIG. 6 (step S27 in FIG. 8), an operation signal is transmitted from the lens barrel switch 43 to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 switches the operation mode from “reproduction mode” to “photographing mode” (step S25 in FIG. 8).

  By switching the operation mode to the “shooting mode” in accordance with the photographer's operation after the “playback mode” is set, it is possible to reduce a problem that the lens barrel 10 is unintentionally extended.

  Here, in the above description, an example in which control is performed in the “reproduction mode” in which a captured image is displayed on the LCD 60 when the power is turned on has been described. As long as the processing mode does not protrude, for example, the control may be performed in a “setup mode” in which a clock or the like is adjusted after the power is turned on.

  In the above description, an example in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described. However, the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to, for example, a mobile phone or a silver salt camera that forms an image of subject light on a film. May be.

1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera that is an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera that is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the digital camera 1 cut along the optical axis. It is a schematic internal block diagram of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of a series of processes after the power supply of the digital camera 1 is turned on until a power supply is cut | disconnected. It is an external appearance perspective view of the digital camera 2 which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of a digital camera 2. FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of a series of processes after the power supply of the digital camera 2 is turned on until a power supply is cut | disconnected.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Digital camera 1 'Main body case 10 Lens barrel 10a Lens barrel drive part 11 Front group lens 12 Rear group lens 13 Focus lens 14a Lens drive part 20 Lens cover 20a Cover drive part 30 Flash light emission part 41 Shutter switch 42 Power supply Switch 43 Lens barrel switch 44 Four-way controller 45 OK switch 46 Cancel switch 47 Strap switch 50 Microphone 60 LCD
70 Strap mounting member 71 Front end portion 72 Support portion 73 Rear end portion 74 Biasing member 80 CCD
81 Aperture 81a Aperture Drive Unit 82 Shutter 82a Shutter Drive Unit 110 CPU
110a timer 120 A / D unit 130 signal processing unit 140 buffer memory 150 voice input I / F
160 Media Controller 200 Recording Media 170 Display Control Unit 180 Internal Memory

Claims (6)

In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
The main body housing,
An optical barrel containing an optical system for imaging subject light, provided on the front surface of the main body housing;
In response to a predetermined operation, a power on / off unit for turning on / off the photographing apparatus,
A lens barrel driving unit that projects / collapses the optical lens barrel with respect to the main body housing;
An imaging unit that shoots subject light imaged by the optical system and generates image data representing the subject light;
A display on which a captured image represented by the image data is displayed;
A data processing unit that performs processing for storing image data generated by the imaging unit , and processing for displaying a captured image of the stored image data on the display ;
An instruction input unit for inputting an instruction regarding shooting by an input operation;
The barrel drive unit, the imaging unit, and the a control unit for controlling the data processing unit, the data to generate the image data said by projecting the optical barrel to the image pickup unit to said mirror cylinder drive unit When the image capturing mode for storing the image data in the processing unit and the processing mode for executing the display process of the image data stored in the data processing unit are provided, and the power is turned off by the power on / off unit. When the optical barrel is retracted to the lens barrel drive unit and the power is turned on by the power on / off unit in the photographing mode, the optical barrel is protruded to perform control in the photographing mode. A control unit that performs control in the processing mode when the optical barrel is retracted when the power is turned on by the power on / off unit in the processing mode ;
The power on / off unit turns off the power without performing the operation and turns on the power when the next instruction is not input even after the first time has elapsed after the instruction is input to the instruction input unit. The power is turned off without the operation even when a second time shorter than the first time has passed without any instruction being input to the instruction input unit. apparatus. The control unit receives a predetermined mode instruction operation, and shifts from the control in the processing mode to the control in the photographing mode in response to the mode instruction operation. Item 1. The photographing apparatus according to Item 1 . It has a voice acquisition unit that acquires voice,
2. The photographing according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined sound is acquired by the sound acquisition unit, the control unit shifts from the control in the processing mode to the control in the photographing mode. apparatus. When the power is turned on by the power on / off unit in the processing mode, the control unit generates the image data without projecting the optical barrel, and the brightness of the image represented by the image data is increased. Control in a processing mode for determining whether the image is brighter than a predetermined brightness. When the image is determined to be bright, the control in the shooting mode is controlled from the control in the processing mode. 2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A fixing detector for detecting whether or not the photographing device is fixed;
Even if the control unit is turned on by the power on / off unit in the processing mode, if the fixing detection unit detects that the imaging device is fixed, the control unit The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus performs control . This photographing device is equipped with a mounting portion for attaching a strap,
A strap detection unit for detecting that the strap attached to the attachment part is pulled;
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the strap detection unit detects that the strap is pulled, the control unit causes the lens barrel drive unit to retract the optical lens barrel. Shooting device.

Images