JPH1152456A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device with a monitor part and a finder part and to reduce power consumption by detecting the movement of a display means to a 2nd position and controlling the light quantity of backlight. SOLUTION: When an operation part 18 for setting the light quantity of backlight/LCD contrast is operated, the set information is stored in a RAM 19 in the case a liquid crystal display 4 is moved to a 2nd position where its display picture can be confirmed through a finder and in the case the display screen of the display 4 is housed in an image pickup device body. Then, when the display 4 is moved to the 2nd position again even in the case of newly performing the different operation of the light quantity of the backlight/LCD contrast in a 1st position where the display picture can be directly confirmed, the set information stored is read out of the RAM 19 and a microcomputer 1 makes a backlight driving circuit 3 and an LCD contrast driving circuit 2 execute the control of the light quantity of the backlight and the LCD contrast, respectively. In the case of rewriting a set value, the setting is performed at the 2nd position again.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus with a display monitor provided in, for example, a video camera or an electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging device such as a video camera having a large-sized liquid crystal monitor and a finder-type liquid crystal display for confirming a captured image has been commercialized.

In such an image pickup apparatus, a photographed image can be displayed to a plurality of people at the same time by using a large-sized liquid crystal monitor. Also, the photographed image can be properly confirmed.

[0004]

However, as described above, when photographing is performed using two liquid crystal display units,
The power consumption becomes severe and the shooting time is shortened.

An object of the present invention is to solve such problems and reduce power consumption while providing both a monitor section and a finder section. It is another object of the present invention to reduce the size and safety of the imaging device. It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging device capable of appropriately displaying a captured image.

[0006]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus, comprising: a display unit for displaying an image by a transmissive liquid crystal display device. A movable member capable of moving the display means to a position 1 and a second position in which the image display surface is housed in the imaging device body; and a second position corresponding to the image display surface of the display means. A reflecting member for providing an opening in the imaging device main body, and reflecting an image displayed by the display means from the opening at substantially 90 degrees;
A finder for confirming an image reflected by the reflecting member; a position detecting means for detecting that the display means is moving to a second position; and Control means for controlling the amount of light of the backlight of the transmissive liquid crystal display device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the control means adjusts a contrast of an image displayed by the transmissive liquid crystal display device in accordance with a detection output of the position detection means. An imaging device characterized by being configured to control.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the display means includes the second
And a light amount setting means for setting the light amount of the backlight of the transmissive liquid crystal display device when moving to the position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the contrast of an image displayed by the transmissive liquid crystal display device when the display means is moved to the second position is reduced. An imaging apparatus comprising: a contrast setting unit for setting.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising: a display unit for displaying an image by a reflection type liquid crystal display device; and a first position for displaying an image and an image display. A movable member capable of moving the display means to a second position where a surface is housed in the imaging device body, and displaying by the reflective liquid crystal display device when the display means is moved to the second position Illuminating means for illuminating an image to be displayed; and an opening provided in the imaging device main body at the second position corresponding to an image display surface of the display means, and displayed by the display means from the opening. A reflecting member for reflecting the image at approximately 90 degrees, a finder for confirming the image reflected by the reflecting member, position detecting means for detecting that the display means is moving to a second position, Characterized in that in response to the detection output of 置検 detecting means and a control means for controlling the lighting means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising a display means for displaying an image by a reflection type liquid crystal display device, wherein the first position for displaying an image and the image display are provided. A movable member capable of moving the display means to a second position where a surface is housed in the imaging device body; and the imaging device body corresponding to an image display surface of the display means at the second position. A first opening, a reflecting member for reflecting an image displayed by the display means from the first opening by approximately 90 degrees, and a finder for confirming the image reflected by the reflecting member; A second opening for taking in external light so that an image displayed by the reflective liquid crystal display device can be recognized when the display means is moved to the second position. Features.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising a display means for displaying an image, wherein the first position for displaying an image and the image display surface are different from each other. A movable member capable of moving the display means to a second position stored in the main body, and an opening in the imaging device main body corresponding to an image display surface of the display means at the second position. A reflecting member for reflecting an image displayed by the display means from the opening through approximately 90 degrees;
A finder for confirming an image reflected by the reflecting member, an eyepiece detecting means for detecting that the eyepiece is in contact with the finder, and a position for detecting that the display means is moving to a second position. A detection unit; and a control unit that controls supply of power to the display unit according to detection outputs of the eyepiece detection unit and the position detection unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the eyepiece to the finder is not detected by the eyepiece detection means, and the display means is set to the second by the position detection means. The control means is configured to cut off the power supply of the display means when it is detected that the display means has moved to the position.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first, fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects, the reflecting member is an image displayed by the display means. Is reflected at approximately 90 degrees.

[0015]

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

(First Embodiment) In this embodiment, a transmission type liquid crystal display is used for a display device provided in an image pickup apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the image pickup apparatus when the liquid crystal display (LCD) 4 functioning as a display means has moved to a first position where the displayed image can be directly checked. In the present embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal display device is used for the liquid crystal display 4, and the image display surface is illuminated from behind by a backlight. At this time, the display screen of the liquid crystal display is displayed in a direction substantially parallel to the imaging optical axis.

3 (a) and 3 (b), the display screen of the liquid crystal display 4 is stored in the image pickup apparatus main body 15, and moves to the second position where the display image can be confirmed through the viewfinder 14. FIG. 3A is a top view and FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 8 denotes a lens unit which performs zoom focus adjustment and the like. Reference numeral 7 denotes an image sensor such as a CCD, which converts light incident through the lens unit into an electric signal. In addition, 8a is an imaging optical axis.

The mirror 12 is connected to the liquid crystal display 4.
Is reflected by approximately 90 ° in a direction parallel to the imaging optical axis 8a. Reference numeral 13 denotes an optical lens, and the mirror 1
The display image reflected by the second camera 2 can be checked by a user who is in contact with the viewfinder 14 with an appropriate size. Reference numeral 14 denotes a finder that allows a user to check a display image on the liquid crystal display 4 by looking at the user. Reference numeral 15 denotes an imaging device main body.

Further, the movable member 16 can be moved by rotating the liquid crystal display 4 from the first position as shown in FIG. 2 to the second position as shown in FIG. 3 by approximately 90 °. It is a movable member. Reference numeral 17 denotes a position detection switch which is turned on when the liquid crystal display 4 is moving to the second position, and detects that the liquid crystal display 4 is moving to the second position.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 1 controls the entire control of the imaging apparatus. Also, the LCD contrast drive circuit 2
Controls the contrast of the LCD 4 according to an instruction from the microcomputer 1, and the backlight drive circuit 3 controls the amount of light from a backlight such as an illumination fluorescent tube installed behind the LCD (not shown) according to an instruction from the microcomputer 1. Control. The LCD 4 displays a captured image, and in this embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal display device is used.

As described above, the lens unit 8 adjusts the zoom magnification, the focus, and the like. 7 is a CCD
And the like, and converts incident light into an electric signal.

The camera signal processing circuit 6 is a circuit for converting a signal obtained by the image pickup device 7 into a standardized video signal such as NTSC. And a circuit that converts the signal into a signal that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 4.
When the position detection switch 17 detects that the liquid crystal display 4 has moved to the second position, the video signal processing circuit 5 inverts the display image displayed on the LCD from side to side.

The eyepiece detecting section 30 is provided with a finder 14
It is detected that the user's eyes are in close proximity. Details will be described in the third embodiment.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a recording medium made of a removable magnetic tape or a semiconductor memory.
The data writing and reading operations of the recording medium 10 are executed according to instructions from the microcomputer 1. The operation unit 11
Is for transmitting commands such as start and stop of image recording to the microcomputer.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a position detection switch which detects that the liquid crystal display 4 has moved to the second position as shown in FIG.

In the backlight light quantity / LCD contrast setting operation unit 18, SW1 instructs the microcomputer 1 to increase the light quantity of the backlight, and SW2 designates the decrease of the light quantity of the backlight. It is for giving instructions. Further, SW3 is a switch for increasing the contrast of the display image on the liquid crystal display 4, and SW4 is a switch for decreasing the contrast of the display image on the liquid crystal display 4.

In such a configuration, when the position detection switch 17 is ON (when the liquid crystal display 4 is moved to the second position) and when it is OFF (when the liquid crystal display 4 is moved to the first position). (When not moved to the second position) or the amount of backlight and the contrast of the displayed image can be set.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the microcomputer 1 when setting the backlight light amount and the LCD contrast.

In s101, the position detection switch 17
When it is determined that the liquid crystal display 4 has moved to the second position based on the detection output of, a second memory address is set in s103, and the setting information of the amount of backlight and the LCD contrast is written in the second memory address. Prepare for.

If it is determined in step s101 that the liquid crystal display 4 has not moved to the second position based on the detection output of the position detection switch 17, in step s102, a first memory address is set and the first memory address is set. Preparation for writing the setting information of the backlight light amount and the LCD contrast is made.

When the operation of increasing the light amount of the backlight is performed by SW1 in s104,
The information on the amount of light of the operated backlight is written to the memory address set in step (1), and the amount of light of the backlight is increased by the amount of operation in the backlight driving circuit 3.

In step S106, when the operation of reducing the light amount of the backlight is performed by SW2,
The information on the amount of light of the operated backlight is written into the memory address set in step (1), and the amount of light of the backlight is reduced by the amount of operation in the backlight drive circuit 3.

When the operation of increasing the contrast of the displayed image is performed by SW3 in s108,
The information of the operated contrast is written to the memory address set in step 9 and the backlight driving circuit 3
The contrast of the displayed image is increased by the amount of operation.

In the step s110, when the operation of decreasing the contrast of the displayed image is executed by the SW4,
1, the information of the operated contrast is written to the memory address set in 1, and the backlight driving circuit 3
First, the contrast of the display image corresponding to the operation amount is reduced.

For example, when the liquid crystal display 4 is moved to the second position and the operation is performed on the backlight light quantity / LCD contrast setting operation section 18, the setting information is stored in the RAM 19. Then, when the liquid crystal display 4 moves to the second position again even if a different backlight light amount / LCD contrast operation is performed at the first position, the stored setting information is read from the RAM 19 and the setting information is read. Microcomputer 1 based on
Causes the backlight drive circuit 3 and the LCD contrast drive circuit 2 to control the amount of backlight and the LCD contrast, respectively. To rewrite the setting value,
At the second position again, the setting is performed by the backlight light quantity / LCD contrast setting operation section 18. By doing so, the setting information of the RAM 19 is updated. Further, even when the position detection switch 17 is OFF, the same setting of the backlight light amount and the LCD contrast can be performed.

As described above, since the image can be confirmed in the finder 14 using the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, power consumption can be reduced as compared with the conventional image pickup apparatus using both the EVF and the liquid crystal monitor. can do.

The amount of light of the backlight of the liquid crystal display 4 and the contrast of the displayed image are set in accordance with the first position where the displayed image can be directly confirmed and the second position where the displayed image can be confirmed through the finder 14. For example, when the liquid crystal display 4 is at the first position, the light amount of the backlight can be increased, and when the liquid crystal display 4 is at the second position, the light amount of the backlight can be decreased. It is possible to provide an imaging device that has been improved.

(Second Embodiment) In the present embodiment, a reflection type liquid crystal display is used for a display device provided in an imaging device.

The reflection type liquid crystal display has a disadvantage that it becomes very dark when the peripheral light amount is small because a polarizing plate is used. An object of the present embodiment is to obtain an appropriate display even when a reflective liquid crystal display is used for a finder.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the liquid crystal display 4 is a reflection type liquid crystal display device. Other components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 execute the same operation processing, and the description is omitted. The LCD illumination light 20 includes the microcomputer 1
Illuminate the liquid crystal display according to the instructions. The optical sensor 21 detects the level of the amount of light in the surroundings.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the image pickup apparatus when the liquid crystal display (LCD) 4 functioning as a display means has moved to a first position where the displayed image can be directly checked. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 20 denotes an LCD illumination light, and reference numeral 21 denotes an optical sensor.

FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively show the display screen of the liquid crystal display 4 stored in the image pickup device main body 15 and moved to a second position through the finder 14 where the displayed image can be confirmed. FIG. 3A is a top view and FIG.

In FIG. 7A, reference numeral 22 denotes an external light intake window. In FIG. 7A, reference numeral 22 denotes a window for taking in external light. When the liquid crystal display is in such a state as shown in FIG. is there. Note that the other components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same configuration, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows an output level of the output voltage detected by the optical sensor 21 at an A / D port in the microcomputer 1 to determine the state of the liquid crystal display 4, and to determine the state of the LCD illumination light. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how to execute control with respect to 20 and the like. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation process of the microcomputer 1. The operation processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In s201, the light amount level is measured based on the output detected by the optical sensor 21.
When the light amount level is 1 in s202, it is determined that the surrounding light amount is sufficient in s203, and it is determined that the liquid crystal display 4 has not moved to the second position, so that the light 20 is not turned on.

In step S204, when the light amount level is 2, the surrounding light amount is insufficient but there is a certain amount of light. In step S205, the liquid crystal display 4 has not moved to the second position. The light 20 is turned on when it is determined that the surroundings are dark such as in the evening. When the light amount level is 3, it is determined that the liquid crystal display 4 is moving to the second position, and the light 20 is turned on.

At s207, the light amount level is 3, and it is determined that the liquid crystal display 4 is moving to the second position, and the light 20 is turned on. Further, in s208, the video signal processing circuit 5 causes the image to be inverted right and left.

As described above, since the image can be confirmed in the viewfinder 14 using the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the conventional image pickup apparatus using both the EVF and the liquid crystal monitor. can do.

Further, in such a mode, even when a reflection type liquid crystal display is used, even if an image is confirmed from the viewfinder, the light is turned on and a window for taking in external light is provided. The problem that the image cannot be confirmed due to the lack is solved.

In the above-described embodiment, the control of the light 20 is performed by measuring the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 12. However, the light may be controlled in accordance with the detection output of the position detection SW17. Accordingly, the object of the present invention is achieved. In this case, the position detection SW 17
When it is detected that the liquid crystal display 4 has moved to the second position, the light 20 is turned on to instruct the video signal processing circuit 5 to invert the left and right images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Good. Also, position detection SW
If the liquid crystal display 4 is not detected to have moved to the second position by the light 17, the light 20 may be turned off.

(Third Embodiment) In the present embodiment, in the image pickup apparatus of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the liquid crystal display 4 uses the second output based on the detection output of the position detection SW17. (The image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is confirmed via the viewfinder 14) and the eyepiece detection unit 30 determines that the user is not in the eye.
Is stopped to reduce the power consumption.

The eyepiece detecting section 30 is provided near the finder 14, and is configured to irradiate infrared light with an infrared light emitting diode, and to reflect the reflected image when there is a reflective object near the finder. By converting the reflection image into an electric signal by the conversion element, it is determined whether or not the reflection object is an eyeball.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a top view of an image pickup apparatus in which the liquid crystal display 4 is moved to the first position when a display image can be directly confirmed. FIG. 12 is a top view of the imaging apparatus that has been moved to a second position through the viewfinder 14 where a display image on the liquid crystal display 4 can be checked. In these figures, the configuration is the same as that shown in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, except for the eyepiece detection unit 30, so that the description is omitted. Note that the block diagram of the present embodiment has the configuration of FIG. 1 or FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation process of the microcomputer 1 according to the present embodiment. First, in s301,
If the position detection SW 17 is turned on and it is determined that the liquid crystal display 4 has moved to the second position as shown in FIG. 12, the video is displayed in s302 so that the left and right of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is reversed. An instruction is given to the signal processing circuit 5.

In s303, when the liquid crystal display 4 has been moved to the first position, and the eyepiece detection has not been performed (that is, the displayed image has not been confirmed), the driving of the liquid crystal display 4 is performed in s304. To stop. At this time, in the first embodiment, the driving of the backlight of the liquid crystal display 4 may be stopped, and in the second embodiment, the driving of the light 20 may be stopped. A reduction in consumption can be realized.

In the first to third embodiments, the display means corresponds to the liquid crystal display 4,
The reflecting member corresponds to the mirror 12, the position detecting means corresponds to the position detecting switch 17, and the eye detecting means corresponds to the eye detecting section 3.
Corresponds to 0. The light amount setting means includes SW1, SW2,
Corresponding to the microcomputer, the contrast setting means is SW3,
SW4 and microcomputer 1 respectively.

In the first embodiment, the control means comprises a microcomputer 1, a backlight driving circuit 3, an LCD,
It corresponds to the contrast drive circuit 2, and corresponds to the microcomputer 1 in the second and third embodiments.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the image can be confirmed through the viewfinder using the image displayed on the liquid crystal display, it is possible to achieve a reduction in power consumption as compared with a conventional imaging apparatus using both an EVF and a liquid crystal monitor.

Further, when a transmission type liquid crystal display device is used, the case where the image of the liquid crystal display affected by the external light is directly confirmed and the case where the image is confirmed through the finder which is not affected by the external light are: Since the amount of light or the contrast of the backlight can be set and automatically switched based on the setting, an appropriate image can be confirmed.

When a reflection type liquid crystal display device is used, when an image is confirmed through a finder, a window for taking in external light may be provided, and lights may be turned on around the image display as necessary. Since it is possible, an appropriate image can be confirmed.

In the second position where the liquid crystal display confirms a display image through the viewfinder, when the user is not looking at the viewfinder, the liquid crystal display is not driven, so that power consumption can be reduced. It can be carried out.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the embodiment of the present invention. (B) Side view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a top view of the embodiment of the present invention. (B) Side view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for determining a light amount level.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 microcomputer 2 LCD contrast drive circuit 3 backlight drive circuit 4 LCD 5 video signal processing circuit 6 camera signal processing circuit 7 image pickup device 8 lens unit 9 recording unit 10 recording medium 11 operation unit 12 mirror 13 optical lens 14 finder 15 imaging device body Reference Signs List 16 movable member 17 position detection switch 18 backlight light quantity / LCD contrast setting operation section 19 RAM 20 LCD illumination light 30 eyepiece detection section

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An imaging device comprising a display means for displaying an image by a transmissive liquid crystal display device, wherein a first position for displaying an image and a second image display surface are housed in a main body of the imaging device. And a movable member that enables the display means to be moved to a position of the second position. At the second position, an opening is provided in the imaging device body corresponding to an image display surface of the display means, and A reflection member for reflecting an image displayed by the display means in a predetermined direction; a finder for confirming the image reflected by the reflection member; and detecting that the display means has moved to a second position. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a position detection unit; and a control unit that controls a light amount of a backlight of the transmission type liquid crystal display device according to a detection output of the position detection unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means is configured to control a contrast of an image displayed by said transmissive liquid crystal display device in accordance with a detection output of said position detection means. Characteristic imaging device. 3. A light quantity setting means according to claim 1, further comprising a light quantity setting means for setting a light quantity of a backlight of said transmission type liquid crystal display device when said display means is moving to said second position. An imaging device, comprising: 4. A contrast setting device according to claim 2, further comprising a contrast setting device for setting a contrast of an image displayed by said transmissive liquid crystal display device when said display device is moving to said second position. An imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. An imaging device comprising a display means for displaying an image by a reflection type liquid crystal display device, wherein a first position for displaying an image and an image display surface are housed in a main body of the imaging device. A movable member capable of moving the display means to a position; and an illuminating means for illuminating an image displayed by the reflective liquid crystal display device when the display means is moved to a second position; In the second position, an opening is provided in the imaging device body corresponding to an image display surface of the display means, and a reflecting member that reflects an image displayed by the display means from the opening in a predetermined direction; A finder for confirming an image reflected by the reflecting member; a position detecting means for detecting that the display means has moved to a second position; and a detection output from the position detecting means. An imaging apparatus comprising a control unit for controlling the lighting unit. 6. An image pickup apparatus comprising a display device for displaying an image by a reflection type liquid crystal display device, wherein a first position for displaying an image and a second image display surface are housed in a main body of the image pickup apparatus. A movable member that enables the display means to be moved to a position; and a second opening provided in the imaging device body corresponding to an image display surface of the display means at the second position; A reflecting member for reflecting an image displayed by the display means in a predetermined direction from an opening of the display device; a finder for confirming an image reflected by the reflecting member; and the display means moving to a second position. And a second opening for taking in external light so that an image displayed by the reflective liquid crystal display device can be recognized. 7. An image pickup apparatus comprising a display unit for displaying an image, wherein a first position for displaying the image and a second position where the image display surface is housed in the image pickup apparatus main body. A movable member capable of moving the display unit; and an opening provided in the imaging device main body at the second position corresponding to an image display surface of the display unit, and the opening is displayed by the display unit from the opening. A reflecting member for reflecting an image to be projected in a predetermined direction; a finder for confirming an image reflected by the reflecting member; an eyepiece detecting unit for detecting that the eyepiece is in contact with the finder; And a control unit for controlling the power supply of the display unit in accordance with the detection outputs of the eyepiece detection unit and the position detection unit. An imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the eyepiece detecting means detects that an eyepiece to the finder is not detected, and the position detecting means detects that the display means has moved to a second position. In the case where the control is performed, the control unit is configured to cut off the power supply of the display unit. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises:
8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reflection member is configured to reflect an image displayed by the display unit by approximately 90 degrees. 9.