JPH11146245A - Combinable camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combinable camera with which the function required for a user can be added without the electric and mechanical changes of the camera body. SOLUTION: Concerning the combinable camera provided with a camera body 10 and a unit 30 integrally connectable to this camera body 10, a connector 12 on the side of the camera body provided on the rear face of the camera body 10 corresponding to an input/output line and a control line for connection with the unit 30 and a first connector provided on the fore face of the unit 30 so as to be connected to the connector 12 on the side of the camera body are added.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a combinable camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital camera (camera), in addition to a camera body, functional components such as an image processing unit and an image recording unit are housed in one housing.

That is, the camera is provided with many functions so as to respond to various demands of the user, and the user can select and use a required function from the many functions, for example, a recording function.

[0004]

However, some conventional cameras are provided with special functions desired only by some users, and power must be supplied to functional parts that are hardly used. However, there is a problem that the power consumption increases and the usable time of the battery is shortened.

Further, when a user wants to add a new function to the camera according to the usage, the entire camera body must be remodeled, and depending on the function to be added, parts of the camera body need to be changed. However, there has been a problem that the size of the system has increased or the system has to be reconfigured.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a combination capable of adding a function required by a user without changing the electrical and mechanical specifications of the camera body. Is to provide a camera.

[0007]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to a peripheral device.
A camera body-side connector provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to the input / output line and the control line is provided.

A camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to peripheral devices, and a camera body side connector provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to the input / output line and the control line. Therefore, peripheral devices can be connected via the camera body side connector without modifying the camera body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera body,
In the combination camera including a peripheral device integrally connectable to the camera body, a camera body side provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to an input / output line and a control line connected to the peripheral device. A connector is provided, which is provided at a first predetermined position of the peripheral device and is connectable to the camera body side connector.

A camera body-side connector provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to an input / output line and a control line connected to a peripheral device, and a camera body-side connector provided at a first predetermined position of the peripheral device Since it has a connectable first connector, various necessary peripheral devices can be connected without modification of the camera body,
Functions required by the user can be easily added. Also, only necessary peripheral devices can be connected to the camera body. Further, the camera body and the peripheral device can be connected via only the connector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the combination camera according to the second aspect, the second connector is connected to the first connector and is connectable to a connector of another peripheral device. It is provided at a second predetermined position of the device.

A second connector connected to the first connector and connectable to a connector of another peripheral device is provided at a second predetermined position of the peripheral device. Can be easily added.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the combination-possible camera according to any one of the first to third aspects, the camera body determines a type of the peripheral device when the peripheral device is connected. It is characterized in that it has a determination means for performing the determination.

The camera body has a judging means for judging the type of the peripheral device when the peripheral device is connected.
It is easy to determine whether a peripheral device is necessary or not, and work efficiency is improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the combination camera according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the camera body determines the type of the peripheral device after the type of the peripheral device is determined. The present invention is characterized in that it has an instructing means for instructing the incorporation of a predetermined control routine according to the above.

After the type of the peripheral device is determined, the camera body has an instruction means for instructing the incorporation of a predetermined control routine according to the type of the peripheral device. It can be carried out.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the combination camera according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the peripheral device is not connected, the power of the camera body is turned off. Features.

When the peripheral device is not connected, the power of the camera body is turned off, so that there is no danger of electric shock even if a person touches a power supply terminal provided in the camera body.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to peripheral devices, and a camera body provided at a predetermined position of the camera body.
A camera body side connector corresponding to the input / output line and the control line; connection switching means for changing an electrical connection method of the input / output line; and detection means for detecting whether or not the peripheral device is connected And control means for electrically controlling the connection switching means based on the detection information from the detection means.

When the detecting means detects that the peripheral device is not connected, the control means can short-circuit the input / output line.

According to the present invention, a camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to a peripheral device is provided at a predetermined position of the camera body.
A camera body side connector corresponding to the input / output line and the control line; connection switching means for changing an electrical connection method of the input / output line; and a connection switching means provided at a predetermined position of the camera body. And control means for controlling

When the peripheral device is not connected to the camera body, the input / output line can be short-circuited.

[0023]

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

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a camera body of a combinable camera according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is FIG. 1A.
2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the relationship between the camera body and peripheral devices.

An opening 11 for attaching a detachable lens unit 15 to the camera body 10 is formed on the front surface of the camera body 10 (right side in FIG. 1A).

The rear surface of the camera body 10 (FIG. 1A)
On the left), a unit (peripheral device) 3 with additional functions
A connector (camera body side connector) 12 for transmitting signals to 0, 40, 50, and 60 and a connector (camera body side connector) 13 for supplying power are provided.

At a position (first predetermined position) corresponding to the connectors 12 and 13 on the front surface of the unit 30 facing the rear surface of the camera body 10, a connector connectable to the connectors 12 and 13 (first connector). ) Is provided.

At predetermined positions (second predetermined positions) on the rear surface of the unit 30, connectors (second connectors) 32 and 33 connectable to other units (other peripheral devices) 40 are provided.

The connectors 32 and 33 are connected to the camera body 10.
Are arranged at the same positions as the connectors 12 and 13 provided on the rear surface.

The other units 40 and 50 include the unit 30
Are provided at the same positions as the above.

In FIG. 2, the unit 30 is provided with a built-in memory, and the other units 40 are provided with a PC card memory (neither is shown).

As the card type memory, a so-called compact flash or smart media can be used in addition to a PC card.

The connectors 12, 32, and 42 are, for example, of the RS-232C interface specification, and perform serial transfer by a digital output line (output line), a digital input line (input line), and a common control line, which will be described later. .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera body.

The camera body 10 includes a lens unit 15, a CC
D20, an analog / digital conversion element (referred to as an A / D conversion element) 21, and a digital / analog conversion element (D / D conversion element).
An A conversion element) 22 and a microcomputer (called a microcomputer) 23 are provided.

The CCD 20 is connected to an A / D conversion element 21. The A / D conversion element 21 is connected to a digital output line via a connector (see FIG. 1).
Is connected to a digital input line via a connector, and the microcomputer 23 is connected to a control line via a connector.

The camera body 10 has an analog output terminal 24 connected to the D / A conversion element 22 and a digital output terminal 25 connected to the digital input line. The signal output from the analog output terminal 24 is N
This is a TSC video signal.

Since the power supply (not shown) is off in the state shown in FIG. 3, there is no danger of electric shock even if a human touches the connector 13.

If the CCD 20 is built in the lens unit 15, the lens unit 15 can be separated from the camera body 10, and close-up shooting becomes easy.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the unit search by the microcomputer and the incorporation of the control routine.
1 to S6 indicate each step.

In FIG. 4, n indicates the number of searches, and N indicates the maximum number of units.

Each of the units 30, 40, 50, and 60 is numbered in advance from 0 in advance, and this number is used as a search number n
And

By sequentially searching all the units starting from the unit having the smallest number (S1 to S3, S6), a control routine corresponding to each unit can be incorporated (S4, S5).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
0 has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a case where the camera body 10 is used.

The unit 60 includes, for example, a jumper cable 64 for short-circuiting the digital output line and the digital input line.

When the microcomputer 23 on the camera body side detects a short circuit between the digital output line and the digital input line, the microcomputer 23 turns on the power and sets the camera body 10 in a usable state.

The image data (analog signal) obtained by the CCD 20 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 21.

The digital signal 21 is input to the D / A conversion element 22 via the jumper cable 64, and the D / A
The conversion element 22 converts the signal into an analog signal (video signal).

Since the TV monitor 14 is connected to the analog output terminal, an image is displayed on the TV monitor 14.

According to this embodiment, since the unit 60 has no additional functions such as image processing, the size, weight and power consumption can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
0 has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a case where the recording unit 130 is connected.

The recording unit 130 includes a microcomputer 131
And a recording memory 132.

When the recording unit 130 is connected to the camera body 10, the power of the camera body 10 is turned on and power is supplied to the recording unit 130.

A microcomputer (judgment means) on the camera body 10 side
23 inquires the microcomputer 131 of the recording unit 130 about what kind of unit is connected, and determines whether or not the unit is the recording unit 130 (S3 in FIG. 4).

The connected unit is the recording unit 130
(S4 in FIG. 4), the microcomputer (instruction means) 23 of the camera body incorporates a control routine,
The camera body 10 is brought into a usable state (S5 in FIG. 4).
The microcomputer 23 selects whether to display the recorded data or a through image obtained on the camera body 10 side.

When recording data is displayed in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 23, a digital output line is connected to a digital input line via the recording memory 132.

The image data output from the camera body 10 is stored in the recording memory 132 via a digital output line, and the image data is stored in a digital input line via a digital input line.
The signal is output to the / A conversion element 22, converted into an analog signal again by the D / A conversion element 22, and output to the TV monitor 14.

When displaying a through image in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 23, the digital output line is directly connected to the digital input line, and the image data output from the camera body 10 is transmitted to the TV monitor 14 without passing through the recording memory 132. Is output.

If a card-type memory such as a PC card is used as the recording memory, the observation using the recorded data can be continued if the card is replaced even when the free space of the memory is exhausted.

According to this embodiment, since the camera body 10 and the recording unit 130 are integrated via the connector, a cable for connecting the camera body 10 and the recording unit 130 becomes unnecessary, and operability is improved. With
Compared with a conventional camera in which a plurality of functional components corresponding to a plurality of peripheral devices are accommodated in the camera body 10, power consumption is reduced and the camera can be downsized.

Since the camera is separable, the function of the unit can be improved without affecting the camera body 10 (without changing the electrical and mechanical specifications).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
0 has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a case where the electronic magnifying unit 230 is connected.

The electronic magnifying unit 230 includes the microcomputer 23
1 and an enlargement circuit 232.

The electronic magnifying unit 230 is mounted on the camera body 10
, The power of the camera body 10 is turned on, and power is supplied to the electronic magnifying unit 230 side.

Microcomputer (determination means) 23 on the camera body side
Inquires the microcomputer 231 of the electronic magnifying unit 230 about the type of the connected unit and determines whether or not the unit is the electronic magnifying unit 230 (S in FIG. 4).
3).

The connected unit is the electronic magnifying unit 2
After it is determined to be 30 (S4 in FIG. 4), the microcomputer (instruction means) 23 of the camera body 10 incorporates a control routine to make the camera body 10 usable (S5 in FIG. 4). The microcomputer 23 selects whether to display the electronically enlarged data or to display a through image obtained on the camera body 10 side.

When displaying data electronically enlarged by a command from the microcomputer 23, the digital output line is connected to the digital input line via the enlargement circuit 232.

When there is an enlargement command from the microcomputer 23 of the camera body 10, the enlargement circuit 232 electronically enlarges the image data input via the digital output line and sends it to the D / A conversion element 22 via the digital input line. Output, D / A
The signal is again converted into an analog signal by the conversion element 22 and output to the TV monitor 14.

When there is a command to stop the enlargement from the microcomputer 23 of the camera body 10, a through image without passing through the enlargement circuit 232 is displayed on the TV monitor 14.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the second embodiment can be exhibited.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
0 has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a case where the system conversion unit 330 is connected, and is a structure for displaying an image on a monitor of a system having a different video signal transmission format (for example, a PAL system).

The system conversion unit 330 includes the microcomputer 33
1, a D / A conversion element 332, and a converter 333.

The system conversion unit 330 is connected to the camera body 10
, The power of the camera body 10 is turned on, and power is supplied to the system conversion unit 330 side.

Microcomputer (determination means) 23 on the camera body side
Inquires the type of the connected unit to the microcomputer 331 on the side of the system conversion unit 330 to determine whether or not the unit is the system conversion unit 330 (S in FIG. 4).
3).

After it is determined that the connected unit is the system conversion unit (S4 in FIG. 4), the microcomputer (instruction means) 23 of the camera main body 10 incorporates a control routine to make the camera main body 10 usable. (S in FIG. 4)
5). The microcomputer 23 selects whether to convert the transmission format or to display a through image obtained on the camera body 10 side.

When conversion of the transmission format is performed according to an instruction from the microcomputer 23, a digital output line is connected to the converter 333 via the D / A conversion element 332.

When there is a command to convert the transmission format from the microcomputer 23 of the camera body 10, the image data input via the digital output line is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion element, and further the transmission format is converted by the converter. Is converted and output to the monitor 334.

When there is a command to stop the conversion of the transmission format from the microcomputer 23 of the camera body 10, a through image is output to the TV monitor.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the second embodiment can be exhibited.

Further, it is possible to connect to various TV devices having different transmission formats only by changing the converter.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
0 has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a case where the image subtraction unit 430 is connected.

The image subtraction unit 430 includes the microcomputer 43
1, a memory 432, and an image subtraction unit 433.

The image subtraction unit 430 is connected to the camera body 10
, The power of the camera body 10 is turned on, and power is supplied to the image subtraction unit 430 side.

The microcomputer (judgment means) on the camera body 10 side
23 inquires of the microcomputer 431 of the image subtraction unit 430 about the type of the connected unit, and determines whether or not the unit is the image subtraction unit 430 (S in FIG. 4).
3).

The connected unit is the image subtraction unit 4
After it is determined to be 30 (S4 in FIG. 4), the microcomputer (instruction means) 23 of the camera body 10 incorporates a control routine to make the camera body 10 usable (S5 in FIG. 4). The microcomputer 23 selects whether or not to display the image-subtracted data.

When displaying data obtained by subtracting an image according to a command from the microcomputer 23, first, one image data serving as a reference image is stored in the memory 432. Each time the next one image data is input from the camera body 10,
The image subtraction unit 433 subtracts the image data from the reference image data, converts the subtracted image data into an analog signal again by a D / A conversion element, and outputs the analog signal to a TV monitor.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the second embodiment can be exhibited.

Note that image processing such as rotation and spatial filtering can be similarly performed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a combination-capable camera according to a modification of the combination of the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment.

According to this configuration, the image subtraction unit 430
The image data after the image subtraction obtained in
0 allows recording and playback.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are block diagrams of a combinable camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 shows a state where the peripheral device is not connected to the camera body 110, and FIG. 12 shows a state where the peripheral device is connected to the camera body 110.

The camera body 110 includes, for example, a sensor (detection means) 111 for detecting whether or not a recording unit (peripheral device) 130 is connected, and a switching unit (connection) for changing a connection method between a digital output line and a digital input line. Switching means) 112.

The microcomputer (control means) 23 includes a sensor 111
The switching unit 112 is controlled on the basis of the detection information 111a received from the user.

For example, the recording unit 1 is attached to the camera body 110.
When the sensor 111 detects that the 30 is not connected, the microcomputer 23 outputs a switching signal 23a to short-circuit the digital output line and the digital input line (see FIG. 11).

As a result, the output of the A / D conversion element 21 is directly input to the D / A converter 24, and the TV monitor 14 (FIG. 5)
(See Reference).

The recording unit 1 is attached to the camera body 110.
When the sensor 111 detects that the digital camera 30 is connected, the microcomputer 23 outputs a switching signal 23a to electrically connect the digital output line and the digital input line via the recording unit 130 (see FIG. 12). ).

As a result, similarly to the second embodiment, the image data output from the camera body 110 is stored in the recording memory 13.
2, and the image data stored in the recording memory 132 can be output to the TV monitor 14.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be exhibited, and since there is no need to connect any peripheral device when the camera body 110 is used alone, the unit 60 shown in FIG. 5 becomes unnecessary. In addition, the size and weight can be further reduced.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are block diagrams of a combinable camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 shows a state where the peripheral device is not connected to the camera body 210, and FIG. 14 shows a state where the peripheral device is connected to the camera body 210.

The camera body 210 is, for example, the recording unit 1
A switch (control means) 211 protrudingly provided on a rear surface opposite to a predetermined position on the front surface of the peripheral device 30 (peripheral device), and a method of connecting a digital output line and a digital input line which is mechanically driven by the switch 211 (Connection switching means) 212 for changing

The switching unit 212 is not limited to a mechanically driven one, but may be an electrically driven one that changes the connection method.

When the recording unit 130 is not connected to the camera body 210, the switch 211 is not pressed, and the switching unit 212 is in a position to short-circuit the digital output line and the digital input line (see FIG. 13).

As a result, the output of the A / D conversion element 21 is directly input to the D / A converter 24, and the TV monitor 14 (FIG. 5)
(See Reference).

The recording unit 1 is attached to the camera body 210.
When the switch 30 is connected, the switch 211 is pressed by the recording unit 130, the switching unit 212 is switched, and the digital output line and the digital input line are electrically connected via the recording unit 130 (see FIG. 14). .

As a result, similarly to the second embodiment, the image data output from the camera body 110 is stored in the recording memory 13.
2, and the image data stored in the recording memory 132 can be output to the TV monitor 14.

According to the above embodiment, the same effects as in the sixth embodiment can be exhibited.

The units described in the above embodiments may of course be any type of units 30, 40, 50 shown in FIG.

[0115]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to connect peripheral devices via the camera body side connector without changing the electrical and mechanical specifications of the camera body. Required functions can be easily added. Further, since it is not necessary to incorporate peripheral devices in the camera body, the size and weight of the camera body can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, various necessary peripheral devices can be connected without modifying the camera body, and functions required by the user can be easily added. Power consumption is reduced due to fewer functions. Further, since only necessary peripheral devices are connected to the camera body, the size of the camera is not increased. Furthermore, since the camera body and peripheral devices are connected via a connector,
Peripheral devices can be easily attached and detached.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, another peripheral device can be easily added to the peripheral device.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, whether or not the peripheral device is necessary can be immediately recognized, and the work efficiency is improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to quickly perform processing according to the type of peripheral device.

According to the present invention, there is no danger of electric shock even if a human touches the power supply connector provided in the camera body.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the detecting means detects that the peripheral device is not connected, the control means can short-circuit the input / output line. The camera can be used without the need, and the size and weight of the camera can be further reduced.

According to the invention of claim 8, when the peripheral device is not connected to the camera body, the input / output line can be short-circuited, so that the camera can be used without connecting the peripheral device, and the camera can be used. The size and weight can be further reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of a camera body of a combinable camera according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 (b) is A in FIG. 1 (a).
It is an arrow view.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a relationship between a camera body and peripheral devices.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a camera body.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining unit search and control routine integration by a microcomputer.

FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram of a combinable camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of a combinable camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a modification in which the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment are combined.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where peripheral devices are not connected to the camera body.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which peripheral devices are connected to a camera body.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where peripheral devices are not connected to the camera body.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a combinable camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which peripheral devices are connected to a camera body.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Camera main body 12, 13 Camera main body side connector 23 Microcomputer (determination means, instruction means, control means) 30, 40, 50, 60 Unit (peripheral equipment) 32, 33, 42, 43 Connector (second connector) 111 Sensor (detection unit) 112, 212 Switching unit (connection switching unit) 211 Switch (control unit)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to a peripheral device, and a camera body provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to the input / output line and the control line. A combinable camera comprising a connector. 2. A combinable camera comprising a camera body and a peripheral device integrally connectable to the camera body, comprising: an input / output line provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and connected to the peripheral device; A combination comprising: a camera body side connector corresponding to a control line; and a first connector provided at a first predetermined position of the peripheral device and connectable to the camera body side connector. Possible camera. 3. The peripheral device according to claim 2, wherein a second connector connected to the first connector and connectable to a connector of another peripheral device is provided at a second predetermined position of the peripheral device. 3. The combinable camera according to 2. 4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the camera body has a determination unit that determines a type of the peripheral device when the peripheral device is connected. camera. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera body has an instruction unit for instructing a predetermined control routine to be incorporated in accordance with the type of the peripheral device after the type of the peripheral device is determined. 5. The combination-possible camera according to any one of items 4 to 4. 6. When the peripheral device is not connected,
The combination camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power of the camera body is turned off. 7. A camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to a peripheral device, and a camera body provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to the input / output line and the control line. A connector, connection switching means for changing an electrical connection method of the input / output line, detection means for detecting whether or not the peripheral device is connected, and connection switching based on detection information from the detection means. Control means for electrically controlling the means. 8. A camera body having an input / output line and a control line connectable to a peripheral device, and a camera body provided at a predetermined position of the camera body and corresponding to the input / output line and the control line. A connector, connection switching means for changing an electrical connection method of the input / output line, and a predetermined position of the camera body;
A control unit for controlling the connection switching unit.