JP6042918B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that takes a picture with a protector that protects it so that it can be used in an underwater environment.

  In recent years, portable devices with a photographing function such as a digital camera can handle various photographing scenes by making full use of image processing.

  In addition, in response to the need to shoot under harsh environments such as underwater, research has been actively conducted on a waterproof protector that houses and protects the camera and a waterproof camera that has a waterproof structure.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-162789 allows communication between a camera and a waterproof protector (waterproof housing). Then, each operation in the plurality of switches provided on the waterproof protector side is detected by the switch detection unit, and the detected signal is transmitted to the camera side so that the release operation, selection operation, etc. can be performed from the waterproof protector side. Yes.

JP 2006-162789 A

  However, in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-162789, there is a drawback that when the waterproof protector is used, the operation on the camera is limited to individual instruction operations using a plurality of switches provided on the waterproof protector side.

  For this reason, even when a protector that protects the camera, such as a waterproof protector, is used, it is desired to improve the operability by reflecting the operation function of the camera side more effectively.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of realizing good operability even when a protector is used.

A camera according to an aspect of the present invention includes a camera-side communication unit that communicates with a protector-side communication unit provided in a protector that covers and protects the camera, a camera-side display unit that displays a captured image captured by the camera, From the protector side to the protector side display unit having a touch panel provided on the protector through communication between the camera side communication unit and the protector side communication unit while performing control to display the captured image on the camera side display unit. Operation from the touch panel on the protector side corresponding to display on the protector-side display unit according to the display signal by controlling to transmit a display signal for displaying an operation image for operating the camera A camera control unit that controls the camera in accordance with an operation signal generated by the camera, wherein the display control unit When the side communicating portion and the protector side communication unit is a connected state capable of communicating controls so as not to display the captured image on the camera display.

  According to the present invention, even when a protector for protecting a camera is used, good operability can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention together with a waterproof protector. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera and waterproof protector of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a waterproof protector is attached to the camera and a touch panel provided on the waterproof protector is operated. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of a portion that performs control to drive the display unit of the waterproof protector and the touch panel from the camera via a communication line and to obtain an operation signal from the touch panel. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication control processing procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the photographer holds the waterproof protector attached to the camera and operates the touch panel of the waterproof protector. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a touch panel using a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing how reflected light is incident on the optical sensor when a finger is touched in the state of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing typical control contents of camera control in the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of touch panel operation determination / parameter change processing content in FIG. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing a state where an operation ring is displayed on the display unit of the waterproof protector and the photographer operates the outer zoom ring. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the operation ring is displayed on the display unit of the waterproof protector, and the photographer operates the inner focus ring. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of exposure correction by the operation bar displayed on the captured image (through image) of the display unit of the waterproof protector. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a display example when exposure is changed by operating along the operation bar from the state of FIG. 11A. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram when a display for changing the shutter speed and the aperture is performed in addition to the operation bar on the captured image of the display unit of the waterproof protector. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a display example in which the aperture value is displayed by operating the operation bar in FIG. 12A. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera, waterproof protector, etc. of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a controller is connected and used. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit of FIG. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a display example in which display content changes in response to an operation. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of a modified camera using a protector that protects against an impact. FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of the protector housing the camera of FIG. 16A.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the camera device 1 protects the camera 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the camera 2 so that they can be used in an underwater environment by housing them in a waterproof structure. It consists of a waterproof protector 30.

  The camera 2 includes a camera body 10 and a photographic lens section 20 that is exchangeably attached to a lens mount section provided on the front surface of the camera body 10 and includes a movable operation section 24 (such as a focus ring described later). Become.

  At the center of the upper surface of the camera body 10, an electric contact portion 15a (for example, a U-shaped concave portion that can be attached with a strobe device and the like, and a video signal to be described later can be transmitted adjacent to the concave portion. The connector receiving part 15 as an external apparatus connection part provided with FIG. 3 is provided.

  A release switch 7a for performing a photographing operation (release operation) is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the camera body 10 adjacent to the connector receiving portion 15. In addition, a display unit 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that displays a captured image (through image) is provided on the back surface of the camera body 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 10 includes a signal processing & control unit 3 that performs signal processing on an image signal (image signal) captured by the image sensor 4 and controls each unit of the camera 2.

  The camera body 10 includes an imaging element 4 that photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject formed on an imaging surface and outputs an imaging signal, a display unit 5 that displays an image of a video signal (image signal) subjected to signal processing, When a release operation is performed, the recording unit 6 records an image displayed on the display unit 5 as a captured image. The image pickup device 4, the display unit 5, and the recording unit 6 are connected to the signal processing & control unit 3.

  The camera body 10 includes an operation unit 7 including a release switch 7a and an operation determination unit 8 that determines an operation of an operation signal generated by an operation by the operation unit 7. The operation determination unit 8 includes signal processing & It is connected to the control unit 3. The signal processing & control unit 3 controls the operation of each unit of the camera 2 in accordance with the determination result of the operation signal by the operation determination unit 8. As will be described later, even when the signal processing & control unit 3 receives an operation signal from the waterproof protector 30 side (via the communication unit 14), the operation of each unit of the camera 2 corresponds to the operation signal. To control. For this reason, you may make it the structure which has the function of the operation determination part 8 in the signal processing & control part 3. FIG.

  The camera body 10 also includes a clock unit 9 that measures time, an acceleration detection unit 11 that detects acceleration, and an audio recording unit 12 that records audio. The clock unit 9, acceleration detection unit 11, audio The recording unit 12 is connected to the signal processing & control unit 3.

  In addition, the signal processing & control unit 3 includes a communication unit 13 that communicates with the photographing lens unit 20 and an electrical contact unit 15a (see FIG. 3) that faces adjacent to, for example, the lower side of the concave portion of the connector receiving unit 15. The communication unit 14 is a communication terminal and communicates with a communication unit of an external device. The communication units 13 and 14 are connected to the signal processing & control unit 3.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, the communication unit 14 includes an image (video) transmission line and a file delivery line using HDMI (registered trademark) as communication lines for communicating with the communication unit of the external device. And a control line for external device control.

  In the present embodiment, the camera 2 communicates with the waterproof protector 30 using the communication unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the photographic lens unit 20 controls the driving of the lens 21 in the optical axis direction (including a driving unit) that connects the subject image to the imaging element 4 (with a built-in aperture) for photographing. The control unit 22 and the communication unit 23 that communicates with the communication unit 13 of the camera body 10 are included.

  The photographing lens unit 20 has a movable operation unit 24 having a focus ring for manually adjusting the focus by moving the lens 21 in the optical axis direction, and receives an operation of the operation unit 24. The control unit 22 drives and controls the lens 21 in the optical axis direction. The operation amount by the operation unit 24 is detected by a sensor (not shown). Further, the amount of operation by the operation unit 24 can be recognized (understood) by the signal processing & control unit 3 via the communication unit 23.

  Further, the lens 21 of the photographic lens unit 20 generally has different effects on the focus (focus) when the lens position is moved by the same amount in the optical axis direction on the telephoto side and the wide-angle side. Therefore, each photographic lens unit 20 holds information that affects the focusing operation of the lens 21 mounted on the photographic lens unit 20 as lens information 25 (by a lens information generation unit including lens position information). doing.

  When the operation unit 24 is operated, the control unit 22 refers to the lens information 25 and performs control so that the lens movement amount with respect to the operation amount at the telephoto time and at the wide angle is relatively changed.

  Specifically, when the lens position is set on the telephoto side and when the wide angle side is set, when the focus ring is rotated by the same operation amount, the telephoto side has a greater effect on the focus change than the wide angle side, When setting on the telephoto side, the amount of operation of the focus ring must be adjusted more finely than when setting on the wide-angle side.

  In order to improve this, in the case of the former operation, the control unit 22 suppresses the amount of movement of moving the lens 21 compared to the case of the latter operation. When the photographer performs a focusing operation, the control unit 22 performs such control according to the setting on the telephoto side or the setting on the wide-angle side, thereby facilitating focusing and realizing good operability. it can.

  As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the signal processing & control unit 3 also acquires the lens information acquired via the communication units 23 and 13 even when an operation for focusing (focus adjustment) is performed from the waterproof protector 30 side. Referring to FIG. 25, the lens 21 is controlled to be driven via the control unit 22.

  The photographer (user) rotates the focus ring to adjust the focus (focus adjustment) so that the subject image focused on the image sensor 4 is in focus, or rotates the aperture ring to rotate the aperture amount. (Aperture value) can also be adjusted. The communication unit 23 holds, for example, ID information (abbreviated as ID) 26 of the photographing lens unit 20, and the signal processing & control unit 3 can identify the photographing lens unit 20 from this ID 26.

  In addition, communication is performed from the camera body 10 via the communication units 13 and 23 to control the focus (focus), aperture, zoom, and the like of the lens 21 to enable shooting corresponding to various compositions and subjects. Depending on the type of photographing lens unit 20, there are those that have a zoom function and those that do not.

  The signal processing & control unit 3 can acquire lens information 25 via the communication unit 13 and perform drive control corresponding to the photographing lens unit 20 attached to the camera body 10.

  The signal processing & control unit 3 controls the display unit 5 to display a captured image (through image) of a moving image captured by the imaging element 4 and the waterproof protector 30 on the display unit 34 of the waterproof protector 30 via the communication unit 14. The display control unit 3a has a function of performing control to transmit a display signal (video signal) for displaying an operation image, a through image, and the like for operation from the side.

  Further, the signal processing & control unit 3 has a function of a communication control unit 3 b that performs communication control between the communication unit 14 and the communication unit 36 of the waterproof protector 30.

  Further, the signal processing & control unit 3 uses the communication line between the communication unit 14 and the communication unit 36 to obtain an operation signal from an operation on the touch panel 33 provided in the waterproof protector 30. 3c functions. The signal processing & control unit 3 has a function of a camera control unit that performs control such as driving the photographing lens unit 20 of the camera 2 in response to the acquired operation signal.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the waterproof protector 30 includes a waterproofing housing 31 that houses the camera 2, and a convex portion that fits into the connector receiving portion 15 provided on the upper surface of the camera 2 is provided in the hanging 31. The provided connector part 32 is provided.

  Then, in a state where the cover (not shown) provided on the waterproof protector 30 is opened and the housing 31 is opened, the camera 2 is housed in the hanging 31 as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. The part 32 can be fitted into a connected state.

  The connector portion 32 is also provided with an electrical contact portion 32a that is electrically connected to the electrical contact portion 15a adjacent to the convex portion, and the connector portion 32 and the connector receiving portion 15 are fitted to each other to be connected. If it does, it will be in the connection state which the electrical contact part 32a and the electrical contact part 15a electrically connected. If it will be in a connection state, the communication part 36 and the communication part 14 will be in the state which can communicate.

  Further, a touch panel 33 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided on the back surface of the waterproof protector 30. In FIG. 2, the touch panel 33 is shown as a separate block from the display unit 34 that displays an image or the like provided on the waterproof protector 30, but is provided with almost the same size as the display surface of the display unit 34, for example.

  The touch panel 33 is configured so that a photographer 51 (see FIG. 6) performs an operation of touching with the finger 53 of the hand 52 to detect the touch position on the display surface of the display unit 34 as a touch sensor (as A functioning optical sensor, for example) is two-dimensionally arranged. In this embodiment, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG.

  Each touch sensor outputs a detection signal that detects the operation position of the touch with the finger 53 of the photographer 51. The signal processing & control unit 3 acquires this detection signal as an operation signal via a communication line between the communication unit 36 and the communication unit 14.

  In this case, the signal processing & control unit 3 controls the designation & operation unit 35 of the waterproof protector 30 by the function of the operation designation control unit 3c as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation designation control unit 3c generates a signal for signal transmission (signal control) through a communication line between the communication unit 14 and the communication unit 36 (shown by a communication line).

  Signals communicated with the waterproof protector 30 by the communication unit 14 include video signals, control signals, designation signals, and the like, and signals are transmitted using the communication lines 36a, 36b, and 36c, respectively.

  The video signal is formed with a communication line 36a using, for example, a TMDS-based differential transmission line for transmitting a digital video signal adopted in the HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) standard.

  The control signal is formed by a communication line 36b corresponding to a 3-wire serial signal, an IIC bus line or the like, and performs setting of an IC for video communication, an imaging, and a display system IC.

  Further, the operation designation control unit 3c transmits a designation signal via the communication line 36c, and controls the switching operation of the communication line 36b by the designation unit 35a (of the designation & operation unit 35). Then, by this switching control, the signal processing & control unit 3 acquires an operation signal from the touch panel 33.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display driver 34a with the switch SW1 inserted is activated by the communication line 36b of the IIC bus line, and is input to the display driver 34a as a video signal display signal by the communication line 36a. 34 displays an image of a video signal (display signal).

  The communication line 36b is connected to a touch panel driver 33a that detects a touch position detection signal by the touch panel 33 through the switch SW2.

  When the display driver 34a is activated, the designation unit 35a turns on the switch SW1 and turns off the switch SW2, and activates the display driver 34a by a control signal. After the activation, the designation unit 35a turns off the switch SW1 and turns on the switch SW2 as shown in FIG. In this state, the detection signal of the touch panel 33 is input to the signal processing & control unit 3 through the communication line 36b and the communication unit 14 as an operation signal.

  In the present embodiment, by controlling the switches SW1 and SW2 so that the control line 36b is used as an operation line for acquiring an operation signal in this way, the number of signals can be reduced with no increase in the number of communication lines. The processing & control unit 3 can acquire an operation signal.

  Note that another operation member may be connected instead of the touch panel 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the waterproof protector 30 may be provided with an operation unit 37 as an operation means other than the touch panel 33.

  Also in this case, the signal processing & control unit 3 can acquire an operation signal from the operation unit 37 using the communication line 36b. In addition, the code | symbol 35b shown with the dotted line in FIG. 4 shows the action | operation part in the designation | designated & action | operation part 35 of FIG.

  The signal processing & control unit 3 performs communication control corresponding to whether or not the waterproof protector 30 is attached to the camera 2 as shown in FIG.

  The signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the waterproof protector 30 is attached in the first step S1. For example, when the signal processing & control unit 3 detects a voltage level change by connecting the display driver 34a, the touch panel driver 33a, etc. of the waterproof protector 30 such as a voltage level of a specific communication line of the communication unit 14, the signal processing & control unit 3 On the other hand, information for identifying the type of the connected device, for example, a signal for requesting transmission of ID information is transmitted.

  For example, the operating unit 35 b of the waterproof protector 30 transmits (replies) ID information to the camera 2 when receiving this signal. The camera 2 recognizes that communication with the communication units 14 and 36 is possible by transmitting and receiving signals (connection state), and that the connected device connected to the connector receiving unit 15 is the waterproof protector 30 from the ID information. recognize.

  When the connector 32 is connected to the connector receiving portion 15 and power is supplied to the waterproof protector 30 from the camera 2 to the waterproof protector 30, ID information is transmitted from the waterproof protector 30 to the camera 2. Such a setting may be used.

  As described above, when it is determined that the waterproof protector 30 is attached (communicable connection state), the signal processing & control unit 3 displays the waterproof protector on the display unit 34 of the waterproof protector 30 as shown in step S2. A display signal is transmitted so as to display that 30 is attached or that communication is possible.

  In the next step S3, the signal processing & control unit 3 displays the through image (captured image) captured by the image sensor 4 on the display unit 34, and then in the next step S4, the signal from the waterproof protector 30 (the touch panel 33). Set to accept operation. Note that step S3 may be performed without performing the process of step S2. Further, when displaying a through image or the like on the display unit 34 side, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs control so as not to display an image on the display unit 5 side of the camera body 10. The processing by the waterproof protector 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the waterproof protector 30 is not attached, the signal processing & control unit 3 is in a state of accepting an operation from the camera 2 as shown in step S5. As a manual operation from the camera 2, the photographer 51 adjusts the focus by adjusting the focus ring (or the focus ring) of the photographing lens unit 20 in addition to the operation using the release switch 7a and the like, and the zoom lens function. When the zoom lens has a zoom lens, zoom operation, aperture adjustment, shutter speed change, and the like can be performed. After the processes in steps S4 and S5, the process in FIG. 5 ends.

  The state in which the camera 2 is housed in the waterproof protector 30 (in other words, the state in which the waterproof protector is attached to the camera 2) is as shown in FIG. 3, and the photographer 51 is provided with a touch panel provided on the back surface of the waterproof protector 30. 33 can be operated with a finger 53.

  In the present embodiment, the touch panel 33 is provided on the display surface of the display unit 34 having a size larger than the display unit 5 on the back surface of the camera 2 so as to ensure good operability. The photographer 51 can operate while viewing the display content of the display unit 34.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of use in water. The photographer 51 shows a state in which the waterproof protector 30 is held with one hand 52 and the touch panel 33 is operated with a finger 53 of the other hand 52.

  As described above, the display on the display unit 34 having a size larger than that of the display unit 34 of the camera makes it easy for the photographer 51 to confirm the display contents and the operation position for operation, and to perform the operation in water.

  7A and 7B show a configuration example of the touch panel 33. The touch panel 33 is of a photoelectric sensor type and is incorporated in the display unit 5. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, on the liquid crystal display 5a as the display unit 5, transparent electrodes (not shown) are two-dimensionally arranged, and display elements 55 serving as display unit pixels are two-dimensionally formed. An optical sensor 56 is incorporated in units of display elements 55 (or a plurality of display element units). Note that a backlight unit 57 that performs backlight illumination (back illumination) is provided on the back side of the optical sensor 56 and the display element 55 so as to cover all the display elements.

  Then, a backlight is emitted from the backlight unit 57 through the display element 55 as indicated by an arrow on the upper side. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the finger 53 is on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display 5a (touch panel 33), the backlight is reflected by the finger 53.

  When the finger 53 touches the display surface of the liquid crystal display 5a (touch panel 33) as shown in FIG. 7B (by moving the finger 53 from the state shown in FIG. Is reflected by the optical sensor 56 in the vicinity of the finger 53, so that the touch position of the finger 53 can be detected from the level of the output signal of the optical sensor 56.

  Note that the touch panel driver 33a shown in FIG. 4 scans two-dimensionally the output signals of the photosensors 56 arranged two-dimensionally, and the level of the output signal of the photosensor 56 selected by the scan exceeds the threshold value. It is compared with a comparator. When the level exceeds the threshold value, the touch panel driver 33a determines that the position of the optical sensor 56 is a touched position, and outputs it as an operation signal to the signal processing & control unit 3 side. In this case, information corresponding to the scan position is also output to the signal processing & control unit 3 side by two-dimensional scanning.

  Further, it is possible to determine a plurality of touch positions and temporal changes of the touch positions based on detection signals of the plurality of optical sensors 56 arranged two-dimensionally. That is, in addition to the touched position, when the touched position moves, the amount and direction of movement can also be detected.

  That is, by arranging the optical sensors 56 so as to be dispersed in the liquid crystal display 5a, the touch panel 33 can be detected by detecting which position of the optical sensor 56 the light from the backlight unit 57 has entered. It is possible to reliably detect the touch position. By adopting this type of display unit 34, it is possible to withstand the water pressure in water and detect the touch position with high accuracy.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a camera control processing procedure mainly performed by the signal processing & control unit 3 in this embodiment.

  When a power switch (not shown) of the camera 2 is turned on, power is supplied to each part of the camera 2 and the camera 2 is in an operating state. The signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the operation of the power switch from ON to OFF has been performed in the first step S11.

  When the power switch is turned off, it enters a standby state. In addition, you may set to the state shut down instead of standby.

  If the power switch has not been turned off, in the next step S12, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the photographer 51 has selected the shooting mode. If the shooting mode is selected, the signal processing & control unit 3 acquires lens information 25 of the shooting lens unit 20 via the communication units 13 and 23 in the next step S13.

In other words, the signal processing & control unit 3 acquires the lens information 25 to obtain optical information corresponding to the lens 21 attached to the camera body 10 (information on whether or not the lens 21 has a zoom function, focus ring). The focal length change amount (focus change amount information on the telephoto side and the wide angle side, the information on the current lens position, etc.) in the lens movement amount corresponding to the unit operation amount is acquired.
And the signal processing & control part 3 will be in the state which can drive-control the lens 21 appropriately according to the lens information 25 by acquiring this lens information 25. FIG.

  In the next step S <b> 14, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the waterproof protector 30 is attached to the camera 2.

  If it is determined that the waterproof protector 30 is attached to the camera 2, in the next step S 15, the signal processing & control unit 3 sends the video signal of the through image captured by the image sensor 4 of the camera 2 via the communication unit 14. Is transmitted to the waterproof protector 30 as a display signal.

  The display driver 34 a of the waterproof protector 30 is driven to display this video signal on the display unit 34, and displays a through image on the display unit 34.

  In the next step S16, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs the operation determination of the touch panel 33 (by the photographer 51) of the waterproof protector 30, and the parameter change control process for changing the display content, the processing content, etc. in response to the operation determination. I do.

  Regarding this control process, basically, the signal processing & control unit 3 acquires an operation signal based on a touch operation of the touch panel 33, changes an operation image to be displayed in response to the acquired operation signal, The camera 2 is controlled in response to the operation signal. This process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Further, when the signal processing & control unit 3 determines that the input operation signal is not an instruction operation for driving a specific function of the camera 2 but an operation signal for selecting a specific operation function, the signal processing & control unit 3 responds. A display signal to be displayed as an operation image (a zoom ring, a focus ring, an operation bar, etc. described later) for operating a specific operation function is transmitted to the waterproof protector 30.

  In step S17 after the process of step S16, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not a release operation has been performed. When the release operation is performed, in step S22, the signal processing & control unit 3 takes a still image of the image displayed as a through image (for example, temporarily stores it in a memory not shown).

  Further, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs, for example, compression processing on the still image, and then records it as a captured image in the recording unit 6 together with the imaging time. After the process of step S22, the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S14 indicates that the waterproof protector 30 is not attached, the signal processing & control unit 3 displays a through image on the display unit 5 on the back of the camera 2 in step S18. Control.

  In the next step S <b> 19, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not a lens operation has been performed by the manual operation unit 24 of the photographing lens unit 20. When a lens operation is performed, in step S20, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs control so as to perform drive control reflecting lens information corresponding to the lens 21 actually mounted (mounted).

  For example, when the photographer 51 performs a manual operation (rotation operation) for focusing, the signal processing & control unit 3 makes the lens movement amount smaller on the telephoto side than on the wide angle side with respect to the operation amount of one rotation. Thus, the lens 21 is controlled to move in the optical axis direction. With this control, focusing can be performed smoothly.

  On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the lens operation is not performed in step S19, in step S21, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs operation control reflecting the operation of the camera body 10 other than the lens operation. After steps S20 and S21, the process proceeds to step S17.

  If the determination result in step S12 is a determination result that is not in the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the reproduction mode is set.

  When the reproduction mode for reproducing the image is selected by the photographer 51, the signal processing & control unit 3 reads, for example, the latest photographed image recorded in the recording unit 6 and displays it in the next step S24. The photographed image is reproduced (displayed) by the unit 5.

  In the next step S <b> 25, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not an operation for changing the image reproduced by the photographer 51 has been performed. In the case of a determination result in which an operation for changing an image is performed, in the next step S26, the signal processing & control unit 3 changes the image to be reproduced, and then returns to the processing of step S11.

  The process returns to step S11 also when the operation for changing the reproduced image is not performed in step S25 and when the operation for the reproduction mode is not performed in step S23.

  Further, the touch panel operation determination and parameter change processing in step S16 in FIG. 8 is processing as shown in FIG. By performing the process as shown in FIG. 9, various operations can be operated from the touch panel 33 as shown in FIGS. 10A to 12B, and good operability is realized.

  When the touch panel operation determination / parameter change process in FIG. 9 starts, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines the operation signal from the touch position where the photographer 51 touches the touch panel 33.

  For example, in the first step S31, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the operation signal from the touch panel 33 touches one place on the left and right of the display screen of the display unit 34 (that is, the operation screen of the touch panel 33). Judgment is made.

  In the case of a determination result that does not touch one place on the left and right, is the signal processing & control unit 3 in the next step S32 touched two places on the left and right simultaneously (including almost the same case)? Determine whether or not. If the left and right portions are not touched at the same time, the process in FIG. 9 is terminated and the process proceeds to the next process in FIG. 8 (step S17).

  On the other hand, in the case of the determination result of touching the left and right portions at the same time, in step S33, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the camera 2 is equipped with a zoom lens. In other words, it is determined whether or not the photographic lens unit 20 has a zoom lens function (zoom function). The signal processing & control unit 3 makes this determination with reference to the acquired lens information 25.

  In the case of the camera 2 equipped with a zoom lens, as shown in step S34, the signal processing & control unit 3 includes two operation rings for performing a zoom operation and a focus operation near the touch position, specifically a zoom ring. Control to display the focus ring. That is, the signal processing & control unit 3 transmits a video signal for displaying an operation ring that can be rotated and displayed near the touch position to the waterproof protector 30 as a display signal based on the operation signal at the touch position. The zoom ring and the focus ring as two operation rings are displayed in a rotatable manner. Display examples of two operation rings are shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example in which the outer peripheral operation ring is displayed as a zoom operation zoom ring 61 and the inner peripheral operation ring is displayed as a focus adjustment focus ring 62 as an operation ring. The zoom ring 61 and the focus ring 62 are for visual operation of an annular zoom ring and focus ring for manual operation provided in the operation unit 24.

  In the case of the camera 2 not equipped with a zoom lens, control is performed so that only the focus ring 62 as one operation ring is displayed as the operation ring as shown in step S40. That is, when the operator 51 operates, the signal processing & control unit 3 displays the display signal in a waterproof protector so as to selectively display a corresponding operation image from a plurality of operation images according to information on the operation position. 30. When the zoom ring 61 or the focus ring 62 is displayed, it may be displayed as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the inner peripheral focus ring 62 is displayed with the horizontal coordinate of the finger 53 of the left hand 52a from X1 to X2, and the zoom ring 61 is displayed on the outer side. X1 is about 1/6 of the width in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the screen, and X2 is about 5/6. Thus, since the half of the screen can be divided into three, the through image may be displayed by opening the central part 1/3 and confirming the through image.

  In FIGS. 10A and 10B, a through image is not shown in a simplified manner, but a through image is also actually displayed. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the display of the through image may be temporarily stopped, and the operation ring may be displayed at the temporary time.

  When the zoom ring 61 and the focus ring 62 are displayed in step S34, as shown in the next step S35, the signal processing & control unit 3 recognizes whether or not the zoom ring 61 is touched (based on the operation signal). (Or judgment).

  If the zoom ring 61 is touched, in step S36, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether an operation for rotating the zoom ring 61 clockwise or an operation for rotating counterclockwise is performed. Do.

  When it is rotated clockwise as shown in step S37, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines that it is a zoom UP operation, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, it operates zoom DOWN as in step S38. Is determined. Then, the signal processing & control unit 3 rotates the zoom ring 61 (as an operation image displayed on the touch panel 33) according to the operation.

  After the process of step S37 or step S38, in step S39, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs zoom control as camera control corresponding to the process of step S37 or step S38. That is, the signal processing & control unit 3 increases or decreases the imaging magnification by shortening or increasing the focal length of the zoom lens of the photographing lens unit 20 in accordance with the zoom UP and zoom DOWN operations. Take control.

  On the other hand, when the focus ring 62 is rotated in a state where the inner peripheral focus ring 62 is displayed in step S40, the signal processing & control unit 3 rotates the focus ring 62 as shown in step S41. Adjust the lens position (the amount of movement of the lens position) to adjust the focus according to the rotation direction during operation and the speed of the rotation operation according to the lens position or focal length state (telephoto side or wide angle side). (Adjustment) is performed.

  Specifically, when the photographer 51 performs an operation of rotating the focus ring 62, the signal processing & control unit 3 reduces the amount of movement for moving the lens 21 in the telephoto side setting state than in the wide angle side. Control of lens position adjustment at the time of focusing is performed so as to (suppress).

  By controlling in this way, the focus adjustment can be smoothly performed even when the focal length (lens position) of the lens 21 is different. After the processes in steps S39 and S40, the process proceeds to step S.

  In addition, although the example in which the zoom operation and the focus adjustment are performed using the operation ring as the operation image has been described, the present invention may be applied to the case where the aperture or shutter speed is changed (switched). 10A and 10B show a display example of an oval ring, it may be a circular ring.

  On the other hand, in the case of a determination result that is an operation at one place on the left and right in step S31, in step S42, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether the touch position is left (right).

  When the determination result is that the touch position is not left (that is, right), in step S43, the signal processing & control unit 3 controls to display an operation bar at the right touch position. This operation bar is for correcting exposure, for example. When the photographer moves his / her finger in the direction of the operation bar, the signal processing & control unit 3 controls the exposure according to the moving direction. .

  A display example of the touch panel 33 in this case is shown in FIG. 11A. In the example shown in FIG. 11A, for example, the background portion (underwater side) is exposed, and the portion (here, a person) where the photographer 51 does not adjust the exposure is in a dark state where the exposure does not match.

  In this state, if the photographer places the finger 53 on the right side of the touch panel 33, for example, an operation bar 65 like an arrow is displayed as an operation image. The photographer 51 rubs the operation bar 65 upward as shown in FIG. 11B (in other words, the finger 53 moves upward along the arrow).

  As shown in FIG. 9, in step S44 following step S43, the signal processing & control unit 3 monitors the change of the touch position. When the touch position is changed in the direction of the operation bar 65, as shown in step S45, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs control to change and set according to the change operation.

  That is, the signal processing & control unit 3 changes and sets the exposure amount so that the exposure increases along the direction of the operation bar 65 when the touch position is upward, and decreases when the touch position is downward. Take control.

  While performing this control, as shown in step S46, the signal processing & control unit 3 performs control so that an image is displayed on the touch panel 33 in the changed setting state.

  After step S46 and if the determination result indicates that the touch position has not been changed in step S44, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S <b> 47, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether the touch panel 33 has not been touched for a predetermined time based on an operation signal from the touch panel 33. If there is no touch within the predetermined time, in step S48, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines the setting contents of the previous operation. Then, the process of FIG. 9 is terminated (returned).

  On the other hand, if there is a touch within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S44 and the same process is continued.

  In this way, the photographer 51 can adjust the exposure with a simple operation so as to obtain an appropriate exposure state.

  Even when the exposure is too larger than the appropriate exposure amount, it can be adjusted by a simple operation in the same manner.

  On the other hand, if the touch position is the left determination result in step S42, the signal processing & control unit 3 displays an operation item (parameter) (as an operation image) at the left touch position in step S49. The operation items in this case are for changing the shutter speed and the aperture, for example. In FIG. 12A, the shutter speed operation item is SS67 and the aperture operation item is ST68.

  In the display example of FIG. 12A, for example, when the photographer 51 wants to change the aperture setting value, the photographer 51 touches the aperture operation item with the finger 53 of the left hand 52a, and the finger 53 of the other right hand 52b touches the touch panel 33. Touch the left part. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S50 subsequent to step S49, the signal processing & control unit 3 controls to display an operation bar at the right touch position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, an operation bar 69 is displayed on the touch panel 33 at the right touch position. The photographer 51 moves the touched finger 53 upward or downward along the operation bar 69 as in the case described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

  As shown in step S51 of FIG. 9, the signal processing & control unit 3 monitors the change of the touch position. When the touch position is changed in the direction of the operation bar 69, as shown in step S52, the signal processing & control unit 3 moves the operation item upward or downward according to the change operation. In accordance with the shift amount (of the finger 53), control is performed to change the current aperture setting value.

  In step S53, the signal processing & control unit 3 controls the touch panel 33 to display the contents changed and set in step S52. In step S54, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines whether or not the touch panel 33 has been touched for a predetermined time based on an operation signal from the touch panel 33, as in step S47.

  If there is no touch within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S48, and in this step S48, the signal processing & control unit 3 determines the setting contents of the previous operation. Then, the process of FIG. 9 is terminated (returned). On the other hand, if there is a touch within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S51 and the same process is continued.

  FIG. 12B shows a state where the aperture value 70 changed and set in this way is displayed. By changing the aperture value 70, the depth of field can be adjusted, or the background can be blurred to change the shooting.

  According to the present embodiment performing such an operation, when the waterproof protector 30 is attached to the camera 2, operation images corresponding to various operation functions of the camera 2 itself are displayed on the display unit 34 of the waterproof protector 30. The display signal to be transmitted can be transmitted.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the photographer 51 can operate various operation functions of the camera 2 itself while viewing the operation image displayed on the display unit 34, and can ensure good operability. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately cope with the focus adjustment, the aperture adjustment, the shutter speed, the zoom adjustment, and the like that the camera 2 has by changing the operation image displayed by the display signal.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the camera 2 has a zoom function, an operation image for zoom adjustment is displayed, and when the camera 2 does not have a zoom function, an operation image for zoom adjustment is displayed. It is also easy to prevent the display.

  Therefore, the photographer 51 can operate with the operation image reflecting the function of the camera 2 even when the waterproof protector 30 is attached. That is, even when the function of the taking lens unit 20 of the camera 2 is different, it can be flexibly dealt with.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, an image that visually simulates the manual operation corresponding to the manual operation by the camera 2 is displayed as the operation image. It can be operated from the waterproof protector 30 by an operation method close to manual operation, and good operability can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, when the photographer 51 performs a focus adjustment operation from the operation unit 24 or the touch panel 33, the lens 21 is actually moved depending on whether the lens position is on the telephoto side or the wide-angle side. Since the amount of movement is variably controlled, more specifically, in the former case, the amount of movement is controlled to be smaller than in the latter case, so that focusing can be performed smoothly.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a camera apparatus 1B including a camera 2B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a case where an operation similar to that of the first embodiment is performed and an operation by the controller 71 connected to the waterproof protector 30 can be selected and used.

  In the camera device 1B of FIG. 2, the waterproof protector 30 is provided with a display unit 34B on the upper surface of the waterproof protector 30 and a communication unit 72 that communicates with a controller 71 as an external control device. It is.

  For example, the designation & operation unit 35 communicates with the controller 71 detachably connected to the connector receiver 73 (shown in FIG. 14) at the end of the communication unit 72 via the communication unit 72. Recognize the connection.

  When the designation & operation unit 35 of the waterproof protector 30 recognizes the connection of the controller 71, the connection information of the controller 71 is transmitted to the signal processing & control unit 3 of the camera 2 via the communication unit 36.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the display portion 34 </ b> B provided on the upper surface of the waterproof protector 30 has a horizontally long display area formed along the upper surface shape of the waterproof protector 30 as shown in FIG. 15A.

  In addition, when the controller 71 is connected to the waterproof protector 30, the signal processing & control unit 3 in the present embodiment controls the operation of the designation & operation unit 35, and instead of receiving an operation from the touch panel 33, the controller It is possible to switch to accept operations from 71.

  In other words, the photographer 51 can select to shoot using the same method of use as in the first embodiment, and can select various operations using the controller 71 when the controller 71 is connected.

  When the selection of accepting an operation from the controller 71 is made, the signal processing & control unit 3 displays, for example, the right display area in the display unit 34B as a through image display unit (captured image display unit) 81a as shown in FIG. 15A. And control to display a guide image that facilitates operation by the controller 71 with the left operation display area as the operation display unit 81b.

  The controller 71 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15A and the like, and a stick-like operation unit 74 is provided on the upper surface thereof. The connector at the end of the cable 75 extended from the controller 71 can be detachably connected to the connector receiver 73 of the waterproof protector 30.

  Further, in the controller 71, an acceleration sensor that detects a tilting direction of the operation unit 74 and a pressing operation in the stick (axis) direction of the operation unit 74, and detects a shake (acceleration when strongly shaken) of the controller 71. The detection part 76 provided with is provided.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the photographing operation by pressing the operation unit 74 in the sticking direction, the focus operation by tilting the stick of the operation unit 74 in the horizontal horizontal direction, and the tilting in the depth direction orthogonal to the focusing operation. The detection unit 76 can detect each operation such as a zoom operation by moving the image, a reset operation by shaking the controller 71, and the like.

  FIG. 14 shows a situation where the photographer 51 is performing an operation for photographing with the controller 71 underwater in a state where the controller 71 is connected to the waterproof protector 30 housing the camera 2.

  The display content of the display unit 34 in this case is as shown in FIG. 15A. In FIG. 15A, when the photographer 51 performs a photographing operation by pressing the stick portion of the operation unit 74 while viewing the guide image, photographing in the guide image (or an arrow corresponding to photographing) is performed as shown in FIG. 15B. For example, the photographer 51 can recognize that the photographing operation has been performed. Note that the left guide image in FIG. 15B shows a state in which the photographed characters disappear, and the right side shows a state in which the photographed characters are displayed.

  According to the present embodiment, the effects of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the controller 71 can be further connected to perform a shooting operation from the controller 71. For this reason, the options when the photographer 51 operates are widened, and the one that is easier to use can be selected and used according to the use environment, so that the operability is improved.

  Further, when the controller 71 is used, the photographer 51 can confirm an operation method desired to be operated by checking the guide image on the operation display unit 81b, and can confirm a result of the operation from the guide image. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, good operability can be provided to the photographer 51.

  Note that the above-described embodiment may be modified. For example, the camera 2 is not limited to the configuration in which the photographing lens unit 20 is replaceably attached to the camera body 10, and may be a configuration in which both are integrated.

  In the second embodiment, for example, the display unit 34 may be omitted, and only the display unit 34B may be provided. In this case, the touch panel 33 may be formed, for example, in the operation display unit 81b portion of the display unit 34B so that the operation on the touch panel 33 and the operation by the controller 71 can be selected.

  In the above example, the case of the waterproof protector 30 having a waterproof structure for use in an underwater environment has been described. However, the environment for protecting the camera 2 is not limited to the case of underwater, for example, as shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to the modified camera 2C attached to the bicycle 91.

  For the camera 2C and the like attached to the bicycle 91, a protector that is resistant to impact is required. As shown in FIG. 16A, in the modified example, a spherical shape is adopted as the protector 30C that houses (or covers) the camera 2C and protects it from impact.

  Since it is in the shape of a sphere, this protector 30C ensures the function of distributing the force received from the outside evenly and storing it inside to sufficiently reduce the impact on the camera 2C to be protected. .

  As shown in FIG. 16A, this protector 30C has a built-in display portion 34C facing upward. Therefore, the photographer 51 riding on the bicycle 91 can easily confirm (recognize) the image on the display unit 34C with a natural posture. FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of the protector 30C as viewed from the photographer 51 side. The display unit 34 </ b> C has a connector at the end of the cable connected to the connector receiving unit 15.

  In this modification, when the protector 30C is attached to perform a shooting operation, the following operation is performed based on a detection signal from a sensor instead of a normal release operation.

  This protector 30C or camera 2C has a built-in sensor for detecting vibrations from a predetermined direction, and the signal processing & control unit of the camera 2C performs the shooting control operation only when the sensor 30C or the camera 2C is regularly hit from the predetermined direction. Like to do. For example, when the photographer 51 performs an operation of tapping the protector 30C twice from the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 16A, the built-in sensor detects the operation, and the signal processing & control unit inside the camera 2C controls the shooting. Perform the action. As a sensor, for example, the acceleration detector 11 shown in FIG. 13 may be used.

  In addition, when performing operations other than the release operation, for example, the controller 71 may be connected to the protector 30C and used.

  Moreover, you may make it the structure which combined the structure of embodiment mentioned above partially.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1B ... Camera device, 2, 2B, 2C ... Camera, 3 ... Signal processing & control part, 3a ... Display control part, 3b ... Communication control part, 3c ... Operation designation | designated control part, 4 ... Imaging element, 5,34 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Display part, 10 ... Camera body, 13, 14, 23, 36 ... Communication part, 15 ... Connector receiving part, 15a ... Communication terminal part, 20 ... Imaging lens part, 21 ... Lens, 22 ... Control part, 24 ... Operation , 25 ... lens information, 30 ... waterproof protector, 33 ... touch panel, 35 ... designation & operation part, 71 ... controller, 74 ... operation part, 81a ... through image display part, 81b ... operation display part

Claims (10)

A camera-side communication unit that communicates with a protector-side communication unit provided in a protector that covers and protects the camera;
A camera-side display unit that displays a captured image captured by the camera;
The protector-side display unit having a touch panel provided on the protector through communication between the camera-side communication unit and the protector-side communication unit is controlled to display the captured image on the camera-side display unit. A display control unit that performs control to transmit a display signal for displaying an operation image for operating the camera from
A camera control unit for controlling the camera by an operation signal generated by an operation from the touch panel on the protector side corresponding to a display on the protector side display unit by the display signal;
With
The display control unit performs control so that the camera-side display unit does not display the captured image when the camera-side communication unit and the protector-side communication unit are connected to each other. Camera characterized by.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit acquires the operation signal from a communication line used for communication with the protector-side communication unit in the camera-side communication unit.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit transmits a display signal for displaying the operation image corresponding to a manually movable operation unit provided in the camera.   The display control unit is operated by a photographer through control of transmitting a video signal of a captured image captured by the camera to the protector and displaying the captured image on the protector-side display unit, and display on the protector-side display unit. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein control for transmitting a display signal for displaying the operation image is performed.   The operation image corresponding to the movable operation unit corresponds to an image that performs at least one of a zoom operation, a focus adjustment operation, an aperture adjustment operation, and a shutter speed change operation of a photographing lens mounted on the camera. The camera according to claim 3.   The camera according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit changes the display signal transmitted to the protector in accordance with a function of an imaging lens that is replaceably attached to the camera. In the case of the operation signal corresponding to the operation position at which the photographer operated the touch panel of the protector, the display control unit displays a corresponding operation image from a plurality of operation images according to the information on the operation position. The camera according to claim 3, wherein a display signal to be selectively displayed is transmitted.   The camera according to claim 2, wherein the camera control unit controls a control line for controlling the operation of the protector in the communication line to be used as an operation line for acquiring the operation signal.   6. The camera according to claim 5, wherein the display control unit transmits a display signal for displaying a focus operation ring capable of rotating display for a focus adjustment operation as the operation image.   In response to the operation signal corresponding to the operation of rotating the focus operation ring, the camera control unit is configured such that when the lens position of the photographing lens is on the telephoto side, the photographing lens is larger than that on the wide angle side. The camera according to claim 9, wherein the camera is controlled so as to suppress an amount of movement of the camera.

Images