JPH09138452A - Underwater photographing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute photographing operation without touching an underwater photographing equipment by a finger regardless of the existence of a case as for the underwater photographing equipment which is housed in the case provided with a waterproofing function and by which an underwater photographing action can be executed. SOLUTION: The recessed part formed on one upper side of the underwater camera is provided with a finger detection part constituted of a light projection means consisting of a light projecting lens 5 and a light projecting element 7 and a light receiving means consisting of a light receiving lens 6 and a light receiving element 8. Then, the position of the finger of a photographing time is detected by the detection part. Based on the output thereof, a flash device is charged within finger detection ranges L3-L2 according to the AF action or the state of photographing preparation and the exposure action of a film is executed within the finger detection ranges L2-L1 when a photographing action without using the waterproofing case 9 is executed. At the underwater photographing time that the camera is housed in the case 9, a photographing preparating action is executed within the finger detection ranges L6-L5 and the exposure action of the film is executed within the finger detection ranges L5-L4.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera capable of photographing underwater, a still video photographing device, a video photographing device, etc.
It relates to improvements in underwater photography equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional underwater cameras and underwater video cameras have a waterproof structure on the exterior of the camera or video recording device, so that they can be used in water, or a normal camera has a waterproof function. There is a commercially available product that allows you to shoot underwater. Since these waterproof mechanisms are configured to transmit a signal for operating a camera release or the like from the outside to the inside of the waterproof capsule by a mechanical lever or a rotating member, airtightness is lowered. Furthermore, even if a strong water pressure is applied to these movable parts underwater, it has a complicated structure in order to prevent water from entering the inside. As a result, it is no longer a compact camera.

A strong return spring is used for an operation switch such as a push button when submerged in water so as not to be pushed in by water pressure. For that reason, it is a switch that has a bad push. Therefore, the applicant of the present application has proposed that the signal for operating the release of the camera is transmitted from the outside to the inside of the waterproof capsule by light (infrared ray) according to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-77009 filed earlier. ing.

[0004]

However, since the infrared remote control transmitter is used as the external signal source in the above-mentioned conventional example, a remote control transmitter having a waterproof function is required.

The present invention as set forth in claims 1 and 2 eliminates the drawbacks of the above-mentioned conventional example, eliminates the need for an operating lever, a switch, and an external remote control transmitter that require a complicated waterproof mechanism, and is compact and low-cost underwater photography. Intended to provide equipment. Similarly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an underwater photographing apparatus capable of performing an operation such as a zoom operation and a flash photographing mode switching operation without touching the underwater photographing apparatus. Similarly, it is an object of the present invention to improve the operability of an underwater image pickup device in which the image pickup device is put in a case having a waterproof function to enable underwater image pickup. Similarly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an underwater photographing device capable of various operations depending on the presence or absence of a case having a waterproof function.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a non-contact type finger detecting means in an underwater photographing device which can be housed in a case having a waterproof function, and an operation signal from the detecting means. To get.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention as set forth in claim 1 is a non-contact finger detecting means composed of a light projecting means and a light receiving means in an underwater photographing apparatus having a waterproof function and capable of being housed in a case which transmits light or infrared rays. An operation signal is obtained by an output signal from the finger detecting means, and the position of the finger outside the waterproof case is detected by the finger detecting means in a non-contact manner, such as an underwater camera or an underwater camera. You can operate the video shooting equipment. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation signal is a control signal for a shooting operation, and a release operation can be performed for an underwater camera and a recording start and stop operation can be performed for a video shooting device without contact. . According to the present invention as set forth in claim 3, the taking lens has a zoom function, and the operation signal is a zoom operation signal of the taking lens. Zooming of the taking lens of the underwater photographing device is performed by a non-contact finger operation. be able to.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the photographing device has an electronic flash device, and the operation signal is a manual operation signal of the electronic flash device. The manual operation of the electronic flash device is performed by a non-contact finger. It can be done by operation. According to the present invention as set forth in claim 5, there is provided control means for determining that the finger detection means is a release operation signal of a photographing device when a finger approaches, and determines a zoom signal of a photographing lens when the finger moves back and forth. It is possible to use the release operation and the zoom operation of the lens without contact depending on the direction in which the finger is moved. According to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, when the underwater photographing device is housed in a case having a waterproof function, the finger detection range of the finger detecting means is separated from the photographing device, and when the photographing device is used alone and when the case having a waterproof function is used. The finger position determination level of the operation signal is changed depending on the time, and the operation can be performed without contact regardless of the presence or absence of the waterproof case in the photographing device.

[0009]

1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described based on. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the underwater camera of this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of its finger detection unit, FIG. 3 is an external view of the underwater camera in a case having a waterproof function, and FIG. 4 is an operation of the underwater camera. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electric circuit for. In the figure, 1 is an underwater camera body, 2 is a taking lens, and 3 is a flash light emitting unit. Reference numeral 4 denotes a finger detecting portion provided in a concave portion on one side of the upper portion of the underwater camera body 1, and a light projecting lens 5 and a light receiving lens 6 are arranged side by side on the bottom surface of the concave portion. A light emitting element 7 such as an infrared light emitting diode (IRED) and a light receiving element 8 such as a semiconductor position detecting element (PSD) are provided in the lower part, respectively. The light projecting lens 5 and the light emitting element 7 serve as a light projecting means and a light receiving lens. 6 and the light receiving element 8 constitute a light receiving means, respectively. And
The finger detection unit 4 is provided in the recessed portion because an underwater camera case or an object (clothes, paper, etc.) placed on the underwater camera by accident or when the underwater camera faces downward is erroneously detected. This is to prevent the underwater camera from operating.
Further, the light emitting element 7 is a light emitting diode (L
The light receiving sensor 8 may be a small light bulb such as an ED) or a miniature ball.
May be two pairs of silicon diodes (SPD) or two pairs of phototransistors.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a halved case having a waterproof function for accommodating the underwater camera body 1, which is made of a transparent acrylic resin, glass or the like which transmits light or infrared light for detecting the finger Y and is airtight. It is made of a material, and when it is stored in the camera, it is in contact with each other at the mating surface 9a of the case that is divided into two parts, and is sealed by the lock 10. Also, by removing the lock 10, it is divided into two parts at the mating surface 9a. The camera body 1 can be taken out.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 11 is a control circuit for controlling the entire underwater camera which is composed of a microcomputer or electronic circuit, and 12 is a finger detecting means, which is projected by the projecting means of the finger detecting section 4. The light beam is applied to the finger, and the position of the finger or the like is detected by the signal of the light receiving means that receives the reflected light, and is controlled by the control circuit 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a housing detection means including a switch for detecting a case (housing) having a waterproof function, which is controlled by the control circuit 11. Reference numeral 14 denotes a driving means for the photographing lens 2, which obtains distance measurement information from a distance measuring means for autofocus (not shown) and sends it to the control circuit 11 to control focusing and zooming of the photographing lens 2. Reference numeral 15 is a film exposure means for measuring the brightness of the object by a photometry means (not shown) and giving an appropriate amount of light to the film. Reference numeral 16 is a feeding means for feeding the film such as auto-loading, idling, winding, and rewinding the film. Reference numeral 17 is a display means for displaying various information of the underwater camera.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the position of the finger detection unit 4 and the finger Y and the received light image at the time of release in the underwater camera of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration. 5A shows the correlation between the distance between the fingers Y and the position of the light-receiving image on the light-receiving element 8, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the light-receiving image on the light-receiving element 8 viewed from the front at that time. is there. That is, the light projecting lens 5 collects the light of the light emitting element 7 and projects it. However, when the finger Y is located there, the light applied to the finger Y is diffused and reflected, and a part of the light is condensed by the light receiving lens 6 and forms an image on the light receiving element 8. The image forming position has a correlation with the position of the finger Y, and when a PSD is used for the light receiving element 8, the output ratio of the PSD changes depending on the position of the received light image.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the distance between the light projecting lens 5 and the light receiving lens 6 and the finger Y is L, and when the finger Y approaches the distances L6, L3, and L1 from the far side, the light receiving element 8 receives light. The image shifts from 8a, 8b, and 8c. For example, the received light image 8
a is a light-receiving image when the finger Y is L6, and light-receiving image 8b is when the finger Y is L3.
The light-receiving image and the light-receiving image 8c are when the finger Y is L1.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the electrode on the side closer to the projection of the PSD is "F" and the opposite side is "N".
Then, the position of the finger Y can be known by measuring the PSD output ratio (F / N). Further, in order to obtain the position of the finger Y from the output ratio of PSD, either F / (F + N) is calculated, N / (F + N) is calculated, or (F−N) / ( F + N) may be calculated.

The PSD output ratio can be obtained by using a known double integrating circuit used in the conventional active type distance measuring device. In addition, the PSD output is converted from analog to digital to F and N.
The analog signal may be converted into a digital signal and calculated by a microcomputer or the like. In this way, the position of the finger Y is detected, and the underwater imaging device operates according to the position.

In this embodiment, when there is a case 9 having a waterproof function, the detection range of the finger Y is between L6 and L4 in FIG. 5A, and the first is when the finger Y is between L6 and L5. Stroke,
The time of L5 to L4 is the second stroke. When there is no case 9 having a waterproof function, the detection range of the finger Y is between L3 and L1, the first stroke is when the finger Y is L3 to L2, and the second stroke is when the finger Y is L2 to L1. There is.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step 1, the light projecting means of the finger detection unit 4 projects light for finger detection. Step 2
Then, the light beam projected from the light projecting means is applied to the finger Y, the reflected light is received by the light receiving means, and the presence or absence of the finger Y is roughly determined by the strength of the signal. When Y is present, the process proceeds to step 4, and when Y is small, the process proceeds to step 3. In step 3, if the finger Y is not near, wait one second and then return to step 1 to save energy.

In step 4, assuming that the finger Y is present,
The position is stored in the microcomputer and compared with the position of the finger measured last time.
Then, it is determined whether the position of the finger Y has changed. Finger position
If the position does not change, return to step 1 and change the finger position.
When it is converted, it proceeds to step 5. Go to step 3 at this time
Since it does not exist, it is necessary to continuously project light at short intervals and detect fingers.
More, there is no release time lag. In addition, AF distance measurement
In order to project the light, it is necessary to measure the distance to the subject at a distance of ~ 7 m.
However, light projection for finger detection is about 0 to 5 cm. Soshi
The energy required to measure the distance is simply measured
It is proportional to the square of the distance, so it is necessary to measure the distance of your finger.
The energy is (0.05 / 7 )^Two= 1 / 19,600
Therefore, it is 1/1960. Taken in step 5
It is judged whether or not it is ready, and shooting is ready.
If so, proceed to Step 10, otherwise proceed to Step 10.
Go to page 6.

Steps 6 to 9 are the determination of the first stroke of the finger Y. In step 6, it is determined whether or not the waterproof case 9 is present. If the waterproof case 9 is present, the process proceeds to step 8,
If not, proceed to step 7. In step 7, the first stroke is determined without the waterproof case, and if the position of the finger Y is within L3 to L2 (range C) of FIG. 5A, it is determined to be the first stroke, and the process proceeds to step 9. Otherwise, go to step 10. In step 8, the first stroke is determined with the waterproof case, and if the position of the finger Y is within L6 to L5 (range A) of FIG. 5A, it is determined to be the first stroke, and the process proceeds to step 9. Otherwise, go to step 10. In step 9, the electronic flash device is charged in AF in preparation for photography as the operation of the first stroke, for example, when it is dark due to AF and conditions, and the process proceeds to step 10.

Steps 10 to 12 are the second movement of the finger Y.
This is a stroke determination. In step 10, the presence or absence of the waterproof case 9 is determined. If the waterproof case 9 is present, step 12
If not, go to step 11. In step 11, the second stroke is determined without the waterproof case, and if the position of the finger Y is in L2 to L1 (range D) of FIG. 5A, it is determined to be the second stroke and the process proceeds to step 13. Otherwise, return to step 1. In step 12, the second stroke is determined with the waterproof case, and if the position of the finger Y is between L5 and L4 (range B) in FIG.
If the stroke is determined, the process proceeds to step 13, otherwise returns to step 1. In step 13, the film is exposed by AE control as the operation of the second stroke, and when the exposure is completed, the process proceeds to step 14. In step 14, the film is fed, and when the feeding is completed, the process returns to step 1.

As described above, when the waterproof case 9 is present and the position of the finger Y is between L6 and L5, it is determined to be the first stroke and the operation is performed, and the position of the finger Y is L5 and L5.
Since the stroke is determined to be the second stroke and the operation is performed when the stroke is between 4, the underwater photographing operation can be performed from the outside of the waterproof case 9. As a result, an operation mechanism member is not required, so that a waterproof case can be easily provided, and a compact and low-cost underwater imaging device can be supplied. Also, when there is no waterproof case, it is determined that the stroke is the first stroke when the position of the finger Y is between L3 and L2, and it is the second stroke when the position of the finger Y is between L2 and L1. Then, the operation is performed, so that an appropriate underwater photographing device can be provided with an appropriate stroke depending on the presence or absence of the waterproof case.

7 to 11 show a second embodiment of the present invention. To simplify the description, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the finger detection unit of the underwater camera of this embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a relationship diagram between the position of the finger when the finger detection unit is viewed from the side and the light-receiving image, and FIG. 9 is a relationship diagram between the position of the finger when the finger detection unit is viewed from the direction of the fingertip and the light-receiving image. In the present embodiment, a zoom camera is used as the underwater camera, and in order to enable zooming in addition to the release operation from the outside of the waterproof case, the front-back position of the finger can be detected in addition to obtaining the release signal according to the distance of the finger. Thus, the zoom operation signal is obtained. That is, as the light receiving element 21 in the finger detection unit 4, as shown in FIG. 7B, two sets of PSDs 21a and 21b are arranged side by side when viewed from the front, and the electrodes closer to the light projecting side are respectively "F1", "F2" and the electrodes on the opposite side are "N1" and "N2", respectively. With this configuration, the front-back position of the finger can be PSD by the output ratio of the two PSDs.
The distance between the fingers can be detected by the output ratio of the electrodes "F" and "N" of the 21st electrode. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment having the above-mentioned structure, as shown in FIG. 8, 22 is a light-receiving image when the finger Y is at the position L8,
Is a light-receiving image when the finger Y is at the position L1. Then finger Y
When the received image moves on the PSD 21 depending on the distance of
Since the output ratio of the electrodes "F" and "N" of D21 changes,
By calculating (F1 + F2) / (F1 + F2 + N1 + N2), the distance of the finger Y can be known. In addition, the position of the finger Y may be obtained by calculating (N1 + N2) / (F1 + F2 + N1 + N2). Alternatively, (N1
+ N2) / (F1 + F2) or (F1 + F2) / (N
1 + N2) may be calculated to obtain the position of the finger Y. Alternatively, [(F1 + F2)-(N1 + N2)] / (F1
+ F2 + N1 + N2) or [(N1 + N2)-(F1
+ F2)] / (F1 + F2 + N1 + N2) may be calculated to obtain the position of the finger Y. In this way, the position of the finger Y is detected, and the camera operates according to the position.

In this embodiment, when the camera is put in the case 9 having the waterproof function, the detection range of the finger Y is between L8 and L5 and the finger Y is between L8 and L7 in FIG. 8A. Is the zoom operation, and when the finger Y is L7 to L6 is the first stroke, L
The time of 6 to L5 is the second stroke. When the case 9 having the waterproof function is not provided, the finger Y is placed between L4 and L1.
In the detection range of, the zoom operation is performed when the finger Y is L4 to L3, and the first stroke is when the finger Y is L3 to L2.
The time from L1 to L1 is the second stroke.

Next, the relationship between the front and rear positions of the finger and the received light image in the finger detecting section will be described with reference to FIG. Light receiving element 2
The ratio between the PSDs of 1 changes depending on the front-back position of the finger Y.
As shown in FIG. 9A, when the finger Y is on the front side, the received light image 24 is mostly formed on the PSD having the electrodes F1 and N1, so that the magnitude of the received light signal is (F1 + N1)>
(F2 + N2). Therefore, the front-back position of the finger Y can be known by calculating (F1 + N1) / (F2 + N2), which is the ratio of PSDs.

In order to obtain the front-back position of the finger Y, PS
Since it is only necessary to obtain the output ratio between D, (F1 + N1) /
The front-back position of the finger Y may be obtained by calculating (F1 + F2 + N1 + N2). In addition, (F2 + N2) / (F1
+ F2 + N1 + N2) may be calculated to obtain the front-back position of the finger Y. Alternatively, (F2 + N2) / (F1 + N
The front-back position of the finger Y may be obtained by performing the calculation of 1). Alternatively, [(F1 + N1)-(F2 + N2)] / (F1 +
F2 + N1 + N2) or [(F2 + N2)-(F1 +
N1)] / (F1 + F2 + N1 + N2) may be calculated to obtain the front-back position of the finger Y. In this way, the finger detection unit 4 detects the front-back position of the finger Y and the distance between the finger Y.

Next, the relationship between the position of the finger and the operation of the photographing device will be described with reference to FIG. When the waterproof case 9 is not provided, that is, when the camera 1 is used as a normal photographing device, when the finger is in the range L4 to L3 and the front side (T), the photographing lens 2 is at the tele side (focal length is extended. When the zoom lens is zoomed in the direction (direction) and is set to the rear side (W) in the range of L4 to L3, the taking lens 2 zooms in the wide side (direction in which the focal length decreases). However, the finger is L4 to L
Even in the range of 3, the taking lens 2 is not zoomed when it is not on the front side or the rear side. This is to avoid inadvertent zooming when the finger is in the range L4 to L3.

When the user wants to release the shutter, bring his finger to L3 to L2.
When set to the range of (1st), the camera 1 makes the first stroke.
Prepares for photographing such as focusing by focusing the photographing lens 2 with AF. Further, when the finger is set in the range of L2 to L1 (2nd), the second stroke is started, and the camera 1 feeds the film after the shutter is actuated to expose the film.

When the camera 1 is put in the waterproof case 9, the release stroke cannot be released. Therefore, the release stroke is moved to the far side so that the finger can be detected and released even outside the waterproof case 9. .

Next, in the operation when used as an underwater photographing device, when the finger is in the range of L8 to L7 and the front side (T), the photographing lens 2 zooms to the tele side. Also, let your finger L
When it is in the range of 8 to L7 and is set to the rear side (W), the taking lens 2 zooms to the wide side. However, the finger is L8 to L7
If it is not on the front side or the back side even in the range of, the shooting lens 2
Is not zoomed. This is to avoid inadvertent zooming when the finger is in the range L8 to L7.
When the user wants to release the shutter, when the finger is moved to the range of L7 to L6 (1st), the underwater photographing device performs AF in the first stroke to prepare for photographing such as focusing of the photographing lens 2. Further, when the finger is set in the range of L6 to L5 (2nd), the second stroke is started, and the underwater photographing apparatus feeds the film after the shutter is operated to expose the film.

Next, the operation of the underwater camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step 21, light is projected for finger detection by the light projecting means, and the process proceeds to step 22. In step 22, the light beam projected by the light projecting means is applied to the finger Y, the reflected light is received by the light receiving means, and it is judged whether or not the finger is roughly present depending on the strength of the signal, and the signal is below a predetermined level. When it is larger, it is determined that there is a finger and the process proceeds to step 24, and when it is smaller, it is determined that there is no finger and the process proceeds to step 23. Since the finger is not near in step 23, the process returns to step 21 after waiting a predetermined time for energy saving.

In step 24, assuming that the finger is present, the position of the finger is stored in the microcomputer of the control circuit 11, and it is determined whether or not the position of the finger has changed by comparing with the position of the finger measured last time. If the position of the finger does not change, return to step 21,
When the position of the finger changes, the process proceeds to step 25. At this time, since the process does not proceed to step 23, there is no release time lag by continuously projecting light at a short interval and detecting the finger.

Steps 25 to 29 are tele-wide judgments. In step 25, the presence / absence of the waterproof case 9 is determined. If there is no waterproof case, the process proceeds to step 26,
If there is, go to step 27. In step 26, the tele / wide determination is made without the waterproof case, and the position of the finger is shown in FIG.
If it is in L4 to L3, the tele / wide determination area is set, and the process proceeds to step 28. Otherwise, the step 32 is performed.
Proceed to. In step 27, the tele / wide determination with the waterproof case is performed, and the position of the finger is L8 to L7 in FIG.
If it is, the tele / wide judgment area is set, and step 28
Otherwise, go to step 32.

In step 28, it is judged whether or not the finger position is on the front side (T), and the finger position is L8 in FIG.
If it is up to L7 and is on the front side (T), it is determined to be tele, and the process proceeds to step 30, otherwise the process proceeds to step 29. In step 29, it is determined whether or not the position of the finger is on the front side (W). If the position of the finger is L8 to L7 in FIG. 10 and on the rear side (W), it is determined to be wide, and the process proceeds to step 31. , Otherwise, go to step 32. In step 30, the taking lens 2 zooms to the tele side (direction in which the focal length extends), and then the process returns to step 21. In step 31, the taking lens 2 zooms to the wide side (direction in which the focal length decreases), and then the process returns to step 21.

In step 32, it is judged whether or not the photographing preparation is completed. If the photographing preparation is completed, the process proceeds to step 37,
Otherwise, go to step 33. In step 33, it is determined whether or not the waterproof case 9 is present. If there is a waterproof case, the process proceeds to step 35, and if not, the process proceeds to step 34. In step 34, the first stroke is determined without a waterproof case, and if the position of the finger is between L3 and L2 (E) in FIG. 10, it is determined to be the first stroke, and the process proceeds to step 36.
Otherwise, go to step 37. In step 35, the first stroke with the waterproof case is determined. If the finger position is L7 to L6 (B) in FIG. 10, it is determined to be the first stroke, and the process proceeds to step 36. Otherwise, step 21 is performed. Return to. In step 36, as the operation of the first stroke, the electronic flash device is charged according to the AF and conditions in preparation for shooting, and the process proceeds to step 37 in preparation for shooting.

Steps 37 to 39 are the determination of the second stroke. In step 37, it is determined whether or not the waterproof case 9 is present. If there is a waterproof case, the process proceeds to step 39, and if not, the process proceeds to step 38. In step 38, the second stroke is determined without a waterproof case. If the finger position is L2 to L1 (F) in FIG. 10, it is determined to be the second stroke, and the process proceeds to step 40. Otherwise, step 21 is performed. Return to. In step 39, the second stroke is determined with the waterproof case. If the finger position is L6 to L5 (C) in FIG. 10, it is determined to be the second stroke, and the process proceeds to step 40. Otherwise, step 21 is performed. Return to. In step 40, as the second stroke operation,
The film is exposed by AE control, and when the exposure is completed, step 41
Proceed to. In step 41, the film is fed, and when the feeding is completed, the process returns to step 21.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the waterproof case 9 is provided, the finger moves L8 to L7 and is on the front side (T), the tele operation is performed, and at L8 to L7 and the back side (W). When the stroke is L7 to L6 (1st), the stroke is determined to be the first stroke and the movement is performed.
In the range from to L5 (2nd), it is determined that the stroke is the second stroke, and the operation is performed, and the second stroke is not received at a position closer than L5.

When there is no waterproof case 9, the position of the finger is L
If it is 4 to L3 and is on the front side (T), the tele operation is performed, and L4 to
If it is L3 and it is on the back side (W), it will operate wide, L3 ~
When L2 (1st), the stroke is determined to be the first stroke, and when L2 to L1 (2nd), the stroke is determined to be the second stroke, and the second stroke is received at a position closer to L1. I try not to.

When the present invention is applied to a video photographing device instead of the underwater photographing device, the zooming operation and the recording operation of the photographing lens can be performed with only one finger, and the operability is good and easy to use. Can be supplied.

Further, the light receiving element 21 of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12B, two sets of PSDs are used, but it is sufficient if the position of the finger (distance and front-back direction) is known.
A four-divided SPD (silicon photodiode) as shown in FIG. 4 may be used, or phototransistors may be arranged in the same manner. In addition, as shown in FIG.
A composite of the divided SPDs 31a and 31b and the PSD 32 may be used. The distance of the finger in this case is “F” which is the output of the PSD 32.
It can be obtained by calculating the ratio of 1 "and" N1 ".
The front and rear positions of the finger are “T” and SP which are the outputs of the SPD 31a.
It can be obtained by calculating the ratio of "W" which is the output of D31b.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment described above, but instead of the zoom operation, MON (forced light emission) and MO of the electronic flash device are used.
It is replaced with a manual operation such as FF (forced off), and the operation of the electronic flash device and the release operation can be performed with only one finger, and an underwater camera with good operability can be obtained. Referring to FIG. 10 of the second embodiment,
In this embodiment, the electronic flash unit is set to the forced light emission mode (MON) at "T", and the electronic flash unit is set to the forced light emission off mode (MOFF) at "W", and is otherwise set to AUTO (low brightness and backlight). When the light is automatically emitted).

As another embodiment, a recording start button (REC) and a recording pause button (STOP) of a conventional video photographing device, a button for zooming the focal length of the photographing lens to the longer side (TELE), and a shorter one. Since there are switches for zooming buttons (WIDE), by replacing these switches with the finger detecting means in each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to provide an underwater video recording device which can be operated with only one finger and is easy to use. You can

[0043]

As described above, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 is an underwater photographing apparatus which has a waterproof function and can be housed in a case which transmits light or infrared rays. By providing the detecting means and obtaining the operation signal from the output signal from the finger detecting means, the operation can be easily performed without touching the photographing device with a finger. The present invention according to claim 2 uses the operation signal as a control signal for shooting operation, and the present invention according to claim 3 has a zoom function in a shooting lens, wherein the operation signal is the shooting lens. The zooming operation signal is used as the zooming operation signal, and the present invention according to claim 4 is such that the photographing apparatus has an electronic flash device, and the operation signal is a manual operation signal of the electronic flashing device. Since the operation or the flash light emitting operation can be performed without touching the photographing device with a finger, it is possible to provide a photographing device which has good operability and is easy to use without transmitting vibration to the photographing device.

According to the present invention as defined in claim 5, there is provided control means for determining that the finger detection means is a release operation signal of the photographing device when the finger is approaching, and is a zoom signal of the photographing lens when the finger moves back and forth. As a result, since each operation can be performed with only one finger without touching the device, it is possible to provide good operability and ease of use. Further, according to the present invention of claim 6, the underwater photographing device is waterproof. When stored in a case having a function, the finger detection range of the finger detecting means is separated from the photographing device, and the finger position determination level of the operation signal is changed between when the photographing device is used alone and when the case having a waterproof function is used. As a result, the finger detection range is changed depending on the presence / absence of the case, so that the device can be used without touching the finger with an easy-to-use operation stroke. As described above, by making the respective operation members non-contact, the waterproof case can be made simple and small.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an underwater camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the finger detection unit.

FIG. 3 is an external view of an underwater camera put in a case having a waterproof function, (a) is a front view showing a state in which the case is broken,
(B) is a side view, and (c) is a front view when a finger is operated.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit for operating a camera.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the position of the finger of the finger detection unit and the received light image, (a) is a correlation diagram between the distance between the fingers and the received light image position,
(B) is a state diagram of the received light image as viewed from above.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation.

7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of a finger detection unit of the underwater camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7A is a state view seen from the front of the camera, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the light receiving element.

8A and 8B show the relationship between the position of the finger and the received light image when the finger detection unit is viewed from the side, FIG. 8A is a correlation diagram between the distance between the fingers and the received light image position, and FIG. 8B is the top surface of the received light image. It is a state diagram seen from above.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the finger and the received light image as seen from the direction of the fingertip, FIG. 9A is a correlation diagram between the distance between the fingers and the received light image position, and FIG. 9B is a top view of the received light image. FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the finger detection range and device operation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing another modification of the light receiving means,
(A) is by the light receiving element of 4-split SPD, (b)
Is a composite type of 2-split SPD and PSD.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Underwater camera body, 2 ... shooting lens, 3 electronic flash device, 4 finger detection section, 5 projection lens, 6 ...
Light-receiving lens, 7 ... Projector element, 8, 21, 31a, 31
b, 32 ... Light receiving element, 9 ... Case with waterproof function,
10 ... Lock, 11 ... Control circuit, 12 ... Finger detection means, 13 ... Housing detection means, 14 ... Shooting lens driving means, 15 ... AE means, 16 ... Feeding means, 17
..Display means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An underwater image pickup apparatus having a waterproof function and capable of being housed in a case which transmits light or infrared rays, is provided with a non-contact finger detecting means composed of a light projecting means and a light receiving means, and is provided with an output signal from the finger detecting means. Underwater photography device characterized by obtaining an operation signal. 2. The underwater photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation signal is a control signal for a photographing operation. 3. The underwater photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing lens has a zoom function, and the operation signal is a zoom operation signal of the photographing lens. 4. The underwater imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device has an electronic flash device, and the operation signal is a manual operation signal of the electronic flash device. 5. The finger detecting means is provided with a control means that determines that the finger is a release operation signal of a photographing device when the finger approaches, and determines that the finger is a zoom signal of a photographing lens when the finger moves back and forth. The underwater imaging device according to items 1, 2, and 3. 6. When the photographing device is housed in a case having a waterproof function, the finger detection range of the finger detecting means is separated from the photographing device, and operation signals are used when the photographing device is used alone and when the case having a waterproof function is used. The position determination level of the finger of the person is changed.
~ The underwater imaging device described in 5 above.