JP7142202B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an imaging device that implements functions of multiple shooting modes using a common terminal.

Conventionally, there is known a terminal sharing technology that reduces the number of components by generally sharing terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 discloses an imaging apparatus that uses a single connector by sharing a connector for connecting to an external device.

JP 2009-94663 A

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging apparatus that implements functions used in each of a plurality of shooting modes using a common terminal.

The present disclosure is an imaging device that includes a common terminal, a shooting mode setting section, and a function setting section. The photographing mode setting section enables setting of a specific photographing mode from among a plurality of photographing modes including a first photographing mode and a second photographing mode. The function setting unit implements the first function using the common terminal when the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the first shooting mode, but does not implement the second function. configured not to be realized. Further, when the photographing mode setting unit sets the specific photographing mode to the second photographing mode, the function setting unit realizes the second function using the common terminal. configured not to implement the functionality of

According to the imaging device of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize functions used in each of a plurality of shooting modes using a common terminal.

1A is an external view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1B is an external view of the digital camera according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of main parts including a switching processor. FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of main parts including a switching processing unit. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of assigning terminals to common terminals of the digital camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing allocation of common terminals to shooting modes.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary verbosity in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

It is noted that the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description for a full understanding of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter thereby. do not have.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. In Embodiment 1, a digital camera is taken as an example of an imaging device. A strobe can be connected to the digital camera as an external device. Conventionally, a so-called strobe synchronization terminal (SYNC terminal) may be arranged in a digital camera for connection with a strobe. In this embodiment, the strobe sync terminal can be used as another terminal such as a TC (Time Code) terminal in a shooting mode that does not use a strobe (for example, a moving image shooting mode). That is, in a shooting mode that does not use a strobe (for example, a moving image shooting mode), an external device other than a strobe, such as a TC-related device (TC generator or imaging device), can be connected to the strobe sync terminal.

A strobe synchro terminal is a terminal for outputting a signal for timing to emit flash light. The strobe sync terminal corresponds to the trigger signal output terminal of the present disclosure. A TC terminal is a terminal for outputting or inputting a time code signal. A time code signal is a signal for associating images shot by a plurality of imaging devices with shooting times. A digital camera synchronizes with a TC generator or other imaging device based on the timecode signal. This makes it possible to match the shooting times of the images shot by the plurality of imaging devices.

[1-1. exterior]
1A and 1B are external views of a digital camera according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a top view.

The digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is a lens-interchangeable digital camera, and various types of interchangeable lenses can be attached to the mount 15 to enjoy photographing. A plurality of electrical contacts 16 are provided in an arc shape on a part of the inner circumference of the mount 15 . When the interchangeable lens is attached to the mount 15, communication between the digital camera and the interchangeable lens is enabled via the electrical contacts 16. FIG. The digital camera 100 acquires information unique to the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens, and controls the operation of the interchangeable lens according to shooting conditions. The interchangeable lens can be detached from the mount 15 by rotating the interchangeable lens while pressing the lens detachment button 17 .

The digital camera 100 is not a so-called single-lens reflex digital camera. Therefore, the digital camera 100 does not have a movable mirror for switching between guiding the incident light from the interchangeable lens to either the imaging element or the optical viewfinder. Therefore, the imaging element 14, which is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor inside the mount 15, can be directly viewed from the subject side of the digital camera 100. FIG. However, an ultrasonic filter for removing adhering dust and an optical low-pass filter for removing high-frequency components of incident light are arranged in front of the imaging device 14 .

On the upper surface of the digital camera 100, operating members such as a shutter button 13 for instructing shooting, a mode dial 10 (shooting mode setting section) for making various settings related to shooting, and a drive mode dial 11 are arranged. A user can select a specific mode using the mode dial 10, the drive mode dial 11, and the like. Specifically, the user selects a program AE (Auto Exposure) mode for photographing with the aperture value and shutter speed determined by the digital camera 100 using the mode dial 10, an aperture-priority AE mode for photographing after the user determines the aperture value, and a user-selected shutter speed mode. Specific shooting modes such as shutter speed priority AE mode that shoots at a fixed speed, manual exposure mode that shoots with the aperture value and shutter speed set by the user, and creative movie mode that shoots movies with the aperture value and shutter speed set by the user Mode can be selected. Also, the user can select single-shot mode, continuous-shot mode, auto-bracket mode, etc. by means of the drive mode dial 11 .

A hot shoe 18 is provided on the upper surface of the digital camera to which an external strobe device or the like that emits a large amount of light can be attached. Before using the hot shoe 18, a hot shoe cover is attached.

A common terminal 12 used as a TC (Time code)-IN terminal, a TC-OUT terminal, and a strobe sync terminal is provided on the inclined portion of the upper surface of the digital camera 100 according to the shooting mode. The TC-IN terminal corresponds to the synchronization signal input terminal of the present disclosure. The TC-OUT terminal corresponds to the sync signal output terminal of the present disclosure. When the common terminal 12 is not in use, the common terminal 12 is capped.

When using the common terminal 12 as a strobe sync terminal, the digital camera 100 and the strobe are connected via a sync cable attached to the common terminal 12 . As a result, the strobe emits light in synchronization with the pressing of the shutter button 13 .

When using the common terminal 12 as a TC-IN terminal or a TC-OUT terminal, the digital camera 100 and the TC-related device are connected via a SYNC-BNC conversion coaxial cable attached to the common terminal 12 . A TC-related device may be, for example, a TC generator or other imaging device. A SYNC-BNC conversion coaxial cable is a cable that combines an interface of a strobe sync terminal conforming to the JIS standard with an interface of a TC-IN terminal or a TC-OUT terminal conforming to the JIS standard. The JIS standard for strobe sync terminals is defined in JISB7101 or JISB7102. The JIS standard for the TC-IN terminal or TC-OUT terminal is defined in JISC5412.

Furthermore, when using the common terminal 12 as a TC-IN terminal, an external synchronization signal (time code signal) can be input from the common terminal 12 . Then, the video captured by the digital camera 100 can be synchronized with the input external synchronization signal. As a result, one or a plurality of digital cameras 100 can synchronize their images with each other using the time code signal of a main device such as a TC generator as a reference signal.

Also, when the common terminal 12 is used as a TC-OUT terminal, an external synchronization signal (time code signal) can be output from the common terminal 12 . Then, images of other digital cameras 100 can be synchronized with the output external synchronization signal. That is, the plurality of digital cameras 100 can synchronize their images with each other using the time code signal as a reference signal. Note that the time code signal is, for example, a digital signal having the same period as the video frame period, and its contents include a plurality of information such as "hour", "minute", "second", and "number of frames". defined as a format.

A movable monitor is arranged on the back of the digital camera 100 . A flat display such as a liquid crystal monitor is adopted for the movable monitor. An image based on the incident light formed on the imaging element 14 is displayed on the movable monitor.

The digital camera 100 has an electronic viewfinder 19 in addition to the movable monitor. Various operation buttons including a cross key and operation members such as an operation dial are arranged on the rear surface of the digital camera 100 . These operation members allow the user to make detailed settings for shooting, playback, and the like. A slot into which a memory card can be inserted is provided on the left side as viewed from the front of the digital camera. This slot is hidden by a cover.

[1-2. Constitution]
[1-2-1. overall structure]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. The digital camera 100 captures an image of a subject, generates image data (still image, moving image), and records it on a recording medium. A digital camera 100 is composed of a camera body 102 and an interchangeable lens 301 attached to the camera body 102 . The digital camera 100 is capable of inputting sound while shooting a moving image, and recording the sound data together with the image data on a recording medium.

[1-2-2. Configuration of Interchangeable Lens]
The interchangeable lens 301 has an optical system including a focus lens 310 , a correction lens 318 and a zoom lens 312 . The interchangeable lens 301 further includes a lens controller 320, a lens mount 330, a focus lens driver 311, a zoom lens driver 313, an aperture 316, an aperture driver 317, an operation ring 315, an Optical Image Stabilizer: OIS driver 319, and a Dynamic Random Access. Memory: A DRAM 321, a flash memory 322, and the like are provided.

A lens controller 320 controls the operation of the entire interchangeable lens 301 . The lens controller 320 can control the zoom lens driving section 313 so as to receive the user's operation of the operation ring 315 and drive the zoom lens 312 . The lens controller 320 can control the focus lens driver 311, the OIS driver 319 and the diaphragm driver 317 to drive the focus lens 310, the correction lens 318 and the diaphragm 316, respectively.

The OIS drive unit 319 has a drive mechanism including, for example, a magnet and a flat coil. The OIS driving unit 319 controls the driving mechanism based on the detection signal of the gyro sensor that detects the blurring of the interchangeable lens 301 , and adjusts the correction lens 318 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system according to the blurring of the interchangeable lens 301 . shift the This reduces the influence of camera shake in the captured image.

The lens controller 320 is connected to a DRAM 321 and a flash memory 322, and can write information to and read information from these memories as needed. Lens controller 320 may also communicate with controller 130 via lens mount 330 . Note that the lens controller 320 may be configured by a hardwired electronic circuit, or may be configured by a microcomputer using a program.

The lens mount 330 is connected to the body mount 340 of the camera body 102 and mechanically and electrically connects the interchangeable lens 301 and the camera body 102 . When the interchangeable lens 301 and the camera body 102 are connected, the lens controller 320 and the controller 130 are ready for communication. Body mount 340 corresponds to mount 15 of FIG. 1A and can transmit signals received from lens controller 320 via lens mount 330 to controller 130 of camera body 102 .

[1-2-3. Configuration of camera body]
Camera body 102 includes CMOS image sensor 143 and AFE (Analog Front End) 144 .

The CMOS image sensor 143 corresponds to the image sensor 14 in FIG. 1A, and captures a subject image formed through the interchangeable lens 301 to generate image information. Note that other types of image sensors (for example, Charge Coupled Device: CCD image sensor) may be used as the image sensor.

The AFE 144 performs noise suppression by correlated double sampling on image information read from the CMOS image sensor 143, amplification to the input range width of an A/D (analog/digital) converter by an analog gain controller, and A/D conversion. A/D conversion is performed by the device.

The analog audio processor 115 applies predetermined signal processing to the analog audio signal. The analog audio processing unit 115 converts the processed analog audio signal into a digital audio signal using an A/D converter, and outputs the digital audio signal to the digital image/audio processing unit 120 . Analog audio processing unit 115 is an example of an audio signal processing device. The analog audio processing unit 115 is composed of electronic circuits including analog circuits, and is composed of one or a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits. The analog audio processing unit 115 has an automatic level control (ALC) function. The automatic level control function is a function that automatically adjusts the gain so that the level of the output digital audio signal does not exceed a predetermined upper threshold regardless of the level of the input analog audio signal.

The digital image/sound processing unit 120 performs various types of processing on the image information output from the AFE 144 and the sound signal output from the analog sound processing unit 115 . For example, the digital image/sound processing unit 120 performs gamma correction, white balance correction, flaw correction, encoding processing, and the like on image information according to instructions from the controller 130 . Further, the digital image/sound processing unit 120 performs various processes on the sound signal according to instructions from the controller 130 . The digital image/sound processing unit 120 may be implemented by a hardwired electronic circuit, or may be implemented by a microcomputer or the like that executes a program. The digital image/sound processing unit 120 may be realized as one semiconductor chip integrally with the controller 130 or the like. For example, the digital image/sound processing unit 120 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

The digital image/audio processing unit 120 performs arithmetic processing on the audio signal output from the audio input unit, and performs directional synthesis processing and noise suppression processing. A circuit that implements the digital image/audio processor 120 may be integrated in one or more semiconductor integrated circuits.

The display unit 190 is arranged on the back surface of the digital camera 100 . The display unit 190 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 190 displays an image based on the image information processed by the digital image/sound processing unit 120 .

The controller 130 centrally controls the operation of the entire digital camera 100 . Controller 130 may be realized by a hardwired electronic circuit, or may be realized by a microcomputer or the like that executes a program. Also, the controller 130 may be realized as one semiconductor chip integrally with the digital image/sound processing unit 120 and the like. Also, the Read Only Memory: ROM 170 does not need to exist outside the controller 130 (as a separate entity from the controller 130 ), and may be incorporated inside the controller 130 . For example, the controller 130 is configured with a CPU, FPGA, ASIC, DSP, or the like.

The ROM 170 contains programs for automatic focus (AF control), automatic exposure control (AE control), strobe light emission control, etc., which are to be executed by the controller 130, as well as operations of the entire digital camera 100. Stores a program for overall control of The ROM 170 stores various conditions and settings regarding the digital camera 100 . In addition, in Embodiment 1, the ROM 170 is a flash ROM.

Random Access Memory: The RAM 150 functions as a work memory for the digital image/sound processing unit 120 and the controller 130 . The RAM 150 can be implemented by SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), flash memory, or the like. The RAM 150 also functions as an internal memory for recording image information and audio signals.

The external storage medium 160 is a memory device internally provided with a non-volatile storage element such as a flash memory. The external storage medium 160 is detachable from the camera body 102 . The external storage medium 160 records image and audio data processed by the digital image/audio processor 120 under the control of the controller 130 .

The operation unit 180 is a general term for operation interfaces such as operation buttons and operation dials arranged on the exterior of the digital camera 100 . The operation unit 180 accepts user's operations. For example, the operation unit 180 includes the shutter button 13, the power switch, the mode dial 10, the drive mode dial 11 provided on the top surface of the digital camera 100, the center button, the cross button and the touch panel 20 provided on the back surface of the digital camera 100. including at least one of Upon receiving an operation by the user, operation unit 180 notifies controller 130 of signals instructing various operations. Note that the touch panel 20 corresponds to the input unit of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, touch panel 20 is arranged integrally with display unit 190 .

The common terminal 12 exchanges various signals with the controller 130 via the switching processing section 110 .

The switching processing unit 110 executes switching of shooting modes. Details of the switching processing unit 110 will be described later.

In addition, the camera body 102 shifts the CMOS 143 according to the blurring of the camera body 102, thereby reducing the effects of camera shake in the captured image. As a configuration for realizing this function, the camera body 102 includes a Body Image Stabilizer: BIS driving section 181 that moves the CMOS 143 based on the shake of the camera body 102 . The BIS drive unit 181 includes, for example, a drive mechanism composed of magnets and flat coils. The BIS driving section 181 controls the driving mechanism based on the signals from the gyro sensor and the position sensor, and shifts the CMOS 143 within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis so as to offset the blurring of the camera body 102 .

[1-2-4. Configuration of switching processing unit, etc.]
FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of main parts including the switching processing unit 110. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of a main part including the switching processing unit 110. As shown in FIG.

The function setting unit 140 shown in FIG. 3A is composed of the switching processing unit 110 and the controller 130 . Function setting section 140 includes a TC circuit 151 as a first circuit, a strobe light emission circuit 152 as a second circuit, a switch circuit 111, a first protection circuit 153, and a second protection circuit 154.

The TC circuit 151 is connected to the common terminal 12 and implements the first function of inputting or outputting a time code signal. TC circuit 151 includes FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) 113 , oscillator 114 , and controller 130 .

Controller 130 drives a clock arranged in digital camera 100 based on the clock signal output from oscillator 114 . The controller 130 can also increase or decrease the frequency of the clock signal output by the oscillator 114 and adjust the accuracy of the clock signal. Note that the controller 130 cannot output the time code signal itself. The FPGA 113 encodes the signal output by the controller 130 so as to have a format defined as a time code signal. Also, the controller 130 cannot read the time code signal as it is. FPGA 113 decodes the timecode signal into a format readable by controller 130 .

The oscillator 114 outputs a signal (clock signal) with a predetermined frequency based on conditions preset by the controller 130 . The output signal of the oscillator 114 provides, for example, information that forms the basis of time conditions and synchronization conditions required by the controller 130 and FPGA 113 when recording moving images. If the controller 130 or the FPGA 113 cannot accept the output signal of the oscillator 114 as it is, a PLL (PHASE LOCKED LOOP) is arranged between the oscillator 114 and the controller 130 or between the oscillator 114 and the FPGA 113. can be

The strobe light emitting circuit 152 is connected to the common terminal 12 and implements the second function. The second function is, for example, a function of outputting a signal that serves as a trigger for lighting a strobe. Strobe light emission circuit 152 includes strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 112 and controller 130 .

The strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 112 may be realized by a switching element such as a MOS-FET or a transistor, but in the present embodiment, a circuit whose impedance is designed so as to realize ON/OFF switching of connection. point to Specifically, the strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 112 is set to have sufficiently high impedance while the shutter button (shutter button 13 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) is not pressed. . Therefore, when the shutter button is not pressed, the connection between the strobe light emitting circuit 152 and the common terminal 12 is turned off. On the other hand, while the shutter button is pressed, the strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 112 is set to have low impedance. Therefore, when the shutter button is pressed, the connection between the strobe light emitting circuit 152 and the common terminal 12 is turned on according to the connection state of the switch circuit 111 . Specifically, when the switch circuit 111 is OFF, the strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 112 is electrically connected to the common terminal 12 . When the switch circuit 111 is ON, the strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 112 is not electrically connected to the common terminal 12 .

The switch circuit 111 is a switching circuit that switches ON/OFF of the connection between the common terminal 12 and the TC circuit 151 . The switch circuit 111 is specifically a MOS-FET relay circuit, as shown in FIG. 3B.

The first protection circuit 153 is connected between the common terminal 12 and the switch circuit 111 . The first protection circuit 153 corresponds to the protection circuit of the present disclosure. Specifically, the first protection circuit 153 is an RLC filter in which a resistor, a coil, and a capacitor are connected in series. A capacitor is connected to ground to drop transient overcurrents to ground. Here, the strobe connected via the common terminal 12 has a capacitor. A strobe emits a flash by releasing the electric current stored in a capacitor all at once. Therefore, if the strobe is connected to the common terminal 12 even though the user has set the connection to the TC circuit 151 , a large current may be temporarily discharged from the strobe to the switch circuit 111 . be. In such a case, the first protection circuit 153 discharges the transient overcurrent to the ground to suppress the influence on the switch circuit 111 .

A second protection circuit 154 is connected between the switch circuit 111 and the TC circuit 151 . Specifically, the second protection circuit 154 is realized by a Zener diode or the like, as shown in FIG. 3B. The voltage applied to the TC circuit 151 is kept constant.

[1-3. motion]
Next, a method of assigning terminals to the common terminal 12 of the digital camera according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method of assigning terminals to common terminals of the digital camera according to the first embodiment.

In step S41 of FIG. 4, the user uses the mode dial 10 of the operation unit 180 to select a specific shooting mode from program AE mode, aperture priority AE mode, shutter speed priority AE mode, manual exposure mode, creative movie mode, and the like. do. The program AE mode, the aperture priority AE mode, the shutter speed priority AE mode, and the manual exposure mode are all still image shooting modes of the present disclosure. The creative moving image mode is a moving image capturing mode of the present disclosure.

At step S42, the controller 130 determines the state of the mode dial 10. FIG. If the controller 130 determines that the mode is the first shooting mode (moving image shooting mode in this embodiment), the process proceeds to step S42A. In step S42, if the controller 130 determines that the mode is not the moving image shooting mode, that is, the still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S44.

At step S42A, the controller 130 causes the display unit 190 to display a menu for setting the connection of the TC circuit 151. FIG. The menu for setting the connection of the TC circuit includes a menu for allowing the user to select connection to the TC circuit 151, a menu for allowing the user to select starting connection to the TC circuit 151, and the like. The menu for setting the connection of the TC circuit is an example of the menu regarding the setting of the TC circuit.

For example, in step S42A, the user first selects whether or not to connect to the TC circuit 151 via the touch panel 20 integrated with the display section 190. FIG. When the user selects connection, the user further selects via touch panel 20 whether to start the connection. If the user did not choose to connect to the TC circuit 151 in step S42A, or if the user did not choose to initiate a connection, the process returns to step S42. In this embodiment, when the user selects to connect to TC circuit 151 and further selects to initiate connection, connection to TC circuit 151 is established. By dividing the step of setting the connection to the TC circuit 151 into two stages in this way, malfunction of the user is suppressed.

In step S42B, the controller 130 displays on the display unit 190 a menu for allowing the user to select whether the common terminal 12 functions as the TC-OUT terminal or as the TC-IN terminal. This selection menu is also an example of a menu for setting the TC circuit. It should be noted that this selection menu only needs to be able to select whether the digital camera 100 is the output side or the input side of the time code signal. The user selects either the function as the TC-OUT terminal or the function as the TC-IN terminal through the touch panel 20 integrated with the display unit 190 .

If the user selects the function as the TC-OUT terminal in step S42B, the process proceeds to step S42C. If the user selects the function as the TC-IN terminal, the process proceeds to step S42D.

In S42C and step S42D, the controller 130 causes the notification unit to notify the user of a warning. The notification unit is the display unit 190, for example. A warning is a warning to alert the user not to connect a strobe to the common terminal 12 . The display unit 190 displays characters such as "Please do not connect a strobe to the common terminal". Note that the notification unit may be a speaker. In this case, the user can be warned by voice.

After the warning is given in step S42C, the switch S1 shown in FIG. 3B is turned off when a predetermined time has passed. As a result, the phototransistor emits light and the switch circuit 111 is turned on. Thus, the controller 130 controls the switch circuit 111 to connect the common terminal 12 and the FPGA 113 (step S43A). At step S43A, the common terminal 12 functions as a TC-OUT terminal. That is, when the user performs an operation for starting moving image shooting, such as pressing the shutter button 13, the controller 130 accepts the operation and performs the following processing. The controller 130 drives the oscillator 114 and the FPGA 113 based on TC-OUT setting conditions preset by the controller 130 or the user. The controller 130 then outputs the time code signal output by the FPGA 113 from the common terminal 12 .

On the other hand, when a predetermined period of time elapses after issuing the warning in step S42D, the controller 130 turns on the switch circuit 111 as in step S43A. Thus, the controller 130 controls the switch circuit 111 to connect the common terminal 12 and the FPGA 113 (step S43B). At step S43B, the common terminal 12 functions as a TC-IN terminal. That is, when the user performs an operation for starting moving image shooting such as pressing the shutter button 13, the controller 130 accepts the operation and performs the following processing. The controller 130 drives the oscillator 114 and the FPGA 113 based on TC-IN setting conditions preset by the controller 130 or the user. The controller 130 causes the time code signal input to the common terminal 12 to be input to the controller 130 via the FPGA 113 .

In step S44, the mode dial 10 is set to the still image shooting mode. When the user presses the shutter button 13 to start shooting a still image, a circuit (stroboscopic circuit 152) that outputs a trigger signal for the strobe to emit light is energized.

[1-4. effect]
(1) A digital camera 100 (an example of an imaging device) according to the present embodiment includes a common terminal 12 , a shooting mode setting section (mode dial 10 ), and a function setting section 140 . The shooting mode setting unit (mode dial 10) selects a specific shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes including a first shooting mode (for example, a moving image shooting mode) and a second shooting mode (for example, a still image shooting mode). Configurable. The function setting unit 140 is configured to implement the first function using the common terminal 12 when the shooting mode setting unit (mode dial 10) sets a specific shooting mode to the first shooting mode. . The function setting unit 140 is configured to implement the second function using the common terminal 12 when the shooting mode setting unit (mode dial 10) sets a specific shooting mode to the second shooting mode. . Function setting section 140 does not implement the second function in the first shooting mode. Function setting section 140 does not realize the first function in the second shooting mode.

That is, the second function is not used in the first shooting mode, and the first function is not used in the second shooting mode. Therefore, the first function and the second function need not be realized simultaneously. In this embodiment, the terminal used for realizing the first function and the second function is a common terminal.

As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to use a common terminal to implement a function that is used only for each of the specific shooting modes (the first shooting mode or the second shooting mode) selected from a plurality of shooting modes. .

Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the second function (for example, the strobe emission timing output function) is not used in the first shooting mode (moving image shooting mode). Also, in the second shooting mode (still image shooting mode), the first function (for example, the function of inputting and outputting the time code signal) is not used. Therefore, the common terminal 12 can be used as a TC-IN terminal, a TC-OUT terminal, or a strobe sync terminal according to a specific shooting mode (video shooting mode or still image shooting mode) selected from a plurality of shooting modes. can be assigned to either one. In this way, when the digital camera 100 has a plurality of exclusive shooting modes, and a function used in one shooting mode is not used in another shooting mode, the terminal used for the function is , can be used for other functions in different shooting modes.

Conventionally, the strobe sync terminal for strobe synchronization has not been utilized when the video shooting mode is set. In this embodiment, this strobe sync terminal can be utilized as a TC-IN terminal or a TC-OUT terminal. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated terminal for time code input/output, and the digital camera 100 can be provided with a space-saving and convenient function without impairing the size and freedom of design.

(2) The first shooting mode may be a moving image shooting mode, and the second shooting mode may be a still image shooting mode. When the shooting mode setting unit (mode dial 10) sets a specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode, the function setting unit 140 causes the common terminal 12 to function as a moving image synchronization signal input terminal to realize the first function. do. When the shooting mode setting unit (mode dial 10) sets a specific shooting mode to a still image shooting mode, the function setting unit 140 causes the common terminal 12 to function as a trigger signal output terminal to realize the second function. .

(3) In the present embodiment, after the shooting mode setting unit (mode dial 10) sets the specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode, the function setting unit 140 sets the common terminal 12 to the moving image synchronization mode. It further includes an input unit (for example, touch panel 20) that receives an input regarding the setting of the first function by the user before it functions as at least one of the signal input terminal and the synchronization signal output terminal to realize the first function.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, after step S42 (moving image shooting mode setting), step S42A (setting of connection to TC circuit) and step S42B (TC-IN terminal or TC-OUT terminal selection) are performed.

Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to alert the user that the first function will be realized before the circuit that realizes the first function (the first circuit, that is, the TC circuit 151) is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from connecting a strobe to the common terminal 12 even though the moving image shooting mode is set. Alternatively, if the user erroneously sets the moving image shooting mode even though the strobe is connected to the common terminal 12, the user will easily notice the error.

(4) In addition, in the present embodiment, the common terminal 12 can be either the moving picture synchronization signal input terminal (TC-IN terminal) or the synchronization signal output terminal (TC-OUT terminal) for the input related to the setting of the first function. contains the user's choice of whether to That is, in the present embodiment, step S42B (selection of TC-IN terminal or TC-OUT terminal) is executed after step S42.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the controller 130 can determine whether the digital camera 100 is the time code signal input side or the time code signal output side. Further, since the user can be alerted to the fact that the first function is realized, it is possible to prevent the user from connecting a strobe to the common terminal 12 even though the moving image shooting mode is set. I can. Alternatively, if the user erroneously sets the moving image shooting mode even though the strobe is connected to the common terminal 12, the user will easily notice the error.

(5) Also, in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, after the shooting mode setting section (mode dial 10) sets the specific shooting mode to the movie shooting mode, the function setting section 140 sets the common terminal 12 function as one of a synchronization signal input terminal and a synchronization signal output terminal for moving images to realize the first function, a notification unit (for example, display unit 190) for notifying a user of a warning. That is, after step S42 in FIG. 4, step S42C or step S42D is executed. The content of the warning may be any content that can alert the user that the first function will be implemented. The contents calling attention to the implementation of the first function are, for example, contents such as "Please connect a TC generator or another camera." Further, the content calling attention to the realization of the first function includes the content calling attention to the fact that the second function is not realized. Specifically, the content may be, for example, "Please do not connect the strobe".

As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from connecting a strobe to the common terminal 12 even though the moving image shooting mode is set. Alternatively, if the user erroneously sets the moving image shooting mode even though the strobe is connected to the common terminal 12, the user will easily notice the error.

(6) In the present embodiment, function setting section 140 includes a first circuit (eg, TC circuit 151), a second circuit (eg, strobe circuit 152), a switching circuit (eg, switching circuit 111), and a protection circuit. (eg, first protection circuit 153). A first circuit (TC circuit 151) is connected to the common terminal 12 and implements a first function. A second circuit (stroboscopic circuit 152) is connected to the common terminal 12 and implements a second function. The switching circuit (switch circuit 111) performs ON/OFF switching of the connection between the common terminal 12 and the first circuit (TC circuit 151). The protection circuit (first protection circuit 153) is connected between the common terminal 12 and the switching circuit (switch circuit 111).

As a result, in this embodiment, even if a strobe is connected to the common terminal 12 and a large current flows from the strobe to the switch circuit 111 side even though the moving image shooting mode is set, overcurrent can be discharged to ground by a protection circuit.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Also, it is possible to combine the constituent elements described in the first embodiment to form a new embodiment.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the imaging device of the present disclosure is applied to an interchangeable lens type digital camera has been described, but the imaging device of the present disclosure can also be applied to a digital camera in which a lens and a body are integrated.

In the above embodiment, the first function of the present disclosure is time code input/output, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first function may be only timecode input or only timecode output, GENLOCK (GENERATOR LOCKING) input/output, or only GENLOCK input or GENLOCK output. Also, the synchronization signal input terminal of the present disclosure may be the GENLOCK input terminal, and the synchronization signal input terminal may be the GENLOCK output terminal.

Alternatively, the first function may be either input or output of an audio signal from a microphone. In this case, a microphone is externally attached to the common terminal 12 . The microphone is used in the video shooting mode, but not in the still image shooting mode. Therefore, the terminal of the microphone can be shared with the strobe synchronization terminal used in the still image shooting mode. It should be noted that, in many cases, the imaging device originally has a microphone terminal. However, even in that case, a plurality of microphones can be connected by using the strobe synchro terminal together, which increases the user's convenience.

Further, in the above embodiment, the mode dial 10 is used as an example of the photographing mode setting unit, but a push button may be used. Alternatively, the shooting mode setting unit may be realized by the display unit 190 and the touch panel 20, for example. In other words, a shooting mode menu may be displayed on the display unit 190 and selected using the touch panel 20 . Alternatively, the shooting mode setting section may be implemented by, for example, the display section 190 and push buttons.

The imaging apparatus of the present disclosure can be applied to electronic devices (video cameras, IC recorders, etc.) that implement specific functions using a common terminal according to a shooting mode selected from a plurality of shooting modes.

10 Mode dial (shooting mode setting part)
12 common terminal 13 shutter button 14 image sensor 15 mount 16 electric contact 17 lens removal button 18 hot shoe 19 electronic viewfinder 20 touch panel 100 digital camera (imaging device)
102 camera body 110 switching processing unit 112 strobe ON/OFF-SW circuit 115 analog audio processing unit 120 digital image/audio processing unit 130 controller 140 function setting unit 143 CMOS image sensor 151 TC circuit (first circuit)
152 Strobe light emission circuit (second circuit)
153 first protection circuit (protection circuit)
154 Second protection circuit 160 External storage medium 180 Operation unit 301 Interchangeable lens 319 OIS drive unit

Claims (6)

a common terminal;
a photographing mode setting unit capable of setting a specific photographing mode from a plurality of photographing modes including a first photographing mode and a second photographing mode according to a user operation;
When the photographing mode setting unit sets the specific photographing mode to the first photographing mode, the common terminal functions as a first function for the first device connected to the common terminal. When the photographing mode setting section sets the specific photographing mode to the second photographing mode, the second device connected to the common terminal is configured not to function as the second function. a function setting unit configured to cause the common terminal to function as the second function but not to function as the first function;
the first shooting mode is a movie shooting mode,
the second shooting mode is a still image shooting mode,
The imaging device, wherein the first device and the second device are devices whose functions cannot complement each other. When the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode, the function setting unit sets the common terminal as one of the moving image synchronization signal input terminal and the moving image synchronization signal output terminal. function to realize the first function,
When the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the still image shooting mode, the function setting unit causes the common terminal to function as a trigger signal output terminal to realize the second function. The imaging device according to claim 1. a common terminal;
a photographing mode setting unit capable of setting a specific photographing mode from a plurality of photographing modes including a first photographing mode and a second photographing mode;
When the photographing mode setting unit sets the specific photographing mode to the first photographing mode, the common terminal is used to implement the first function, but the second function is not implemented. , when the photographing mode setting unit sets the specific photographing mode to the second photographing mode, the second function is realized using the common terminal, but the first function is not realized. a function setting unit configured to
the first shooting mode is a movie shooting mode,
the second shooting mode is a still image shooting mode,
When the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode, the function setting unit sets the common terminal as one of the moving image synchronization signal input terminal and the moving image synchronization signal output terminal. function to realize the first function,
When the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the still image shooting mode, the function setting unit causes the common terminal to function as a trigger signal output terminal to realize the second function,
setting of the first function by the user after the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode and before the function setting unit realizes the first function; An imaging device, further comprising an input unit that receives an input related to. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the input regarding the setting of the first function includes a user's selection as to whether the common terminal functions as the synchronization signal input terminal or the synchronization signal output terminal for the moving image. Imaging device. a common terminal;
a photographing mode setting unit capable of setting a specific photographing mode from a plurality of photographing modes including a first photographing mode and a second photographing mode;
When the photographing mode setting unit sets the specific photographing mode to the first photographing mode, the common terminal is used to implement the first function, but the second function is not implemented. , when the photographing mode setting unit sets the specific photographing mode to the second photographing mode, the second function is realized using the common terminal, but the first function is not realized. a function setting unit configured to
the first shooting mode is a movie shooting mode,
the second shooting mode is a still image shooting mode,
When the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode, the function setting unit sets the common terminal as one of the moving image synchronization signal input terminal and the moving image synchronization signal output terminal. function to realize the first function,
When the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the still image shooting mode, the function setting unit causes the common terminal to function as a trigger signal output terminal to realize the second function,
A notification unit that issues a warning to a user after the shooting mode setting unit sets the specific shooting mode to the moving image shooting mode and before the function setting unit realizes the first function. An imaging device, further comprising: The function setting unit
a first circuit connected to the common terminal and realizing the first function;
a second circuit connected to the common terminal and realizing the second function;
a switching circuit for switching ON/OFF the connection between the common terminal and the first circuit;
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a protection circuit connected between said common terminal and said switching circuit.

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