WO2020095815A1

WO2020095815A1 - Imaging apparatus and electronic equipment that have optical input device

Info

Publication number: WO2020095815A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/042811
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正康重松; 洋平佐藤
Original assignee: キヤノン株式会社
Priority date: 2018-11-08
Filing date: 2019-10-31
Publication date: 2020-05-14

Abstract

The present invention prevents autofocusing from being started without decreasing immediacy and during selection of a focus position. This imaging apparatus is provided with an operation member for selecting a position where autofocusing is performed using an optical input device for detecting a finger movement, and indicating the start of autofocusing by a finger operation. In a display unit 28, and a display 41 within a finder field of view, a display body for selecting a position where autofocusing is performed is displayed when the autofocusing is performed. A system control unit 50 moves the display body according to the amount of the finger movement detected by the optical input device, and starts the autofocusing at the position of the display body when the operation member is operated. The optical input device is disposed below a surface, on which the finger is placed, of the operation member.

Description

Imaging device and optical device having optical input device

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus capable of improving operability from selection of a focus position for performing autofocus to start of autofocus. The present invention also relates to an electronic device such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an electronic device including an optical input device that detects the movement of a contact object such as a finger that contacts the detection surface.

Generally, an image pickup device such as a digital camera is provided with an operation unit for starting autofocus. Further, there is an image pickup apparatus in which a plurality of autofocusable positions are displayed with a cursor and the position of the cursor is moved by an operation member such as a joystick or a dial.

In recent years, the range of autofocus that can be used in imaging devices has expanded, and this tends to increase the number of points (positions) where autofocus can be selected. As a result, the user can take a picture with more free composition.

On the other hand, in the conventional operation with an operation member such as a joystick or a dial, the cursor cannot be moved to a target focus position unless the number of operations for moving the cursor is increased. Therefore, the immediacy of moving the cursor is reduced.

In order to prevent a reduction in immediacy, for example, there is an imaging device that uses a touchpad provided on the liquid crystal located on the back of the device to select a position where autofocus is possible. If the touch pad is used, the cursor can be moved and the focus position can be selected according to the amount of movement of the finger, so that immediacy with respect to the movement of the cursor does not deteriorate.

However, in the conventional imaging device, it is necessary to select an autofocusable position with an operation member (for example, a touch pad) and then perform an operation to start autofocus with another operation member. For this reason, it is necessary to move the finger between the selection of the autofocus position and the start of the autofocus, and it may take time before the autofocus starts. As a result, the user may miss the photo opportunity.

In order to deal with such a problem, for example, there is an image pickup device that performs a two-dimensional operation and a focus position determination without releasing a finger from the touch pad (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, an electrostatic capacitance sensor is used to detect an operation in the XY directions and an operation in the pushing direction.

On the other hand, as an electronic device including an optical input device that detects the movement of a contact object such as a finger that contacts the detection surface, Patent Document 2 discloses a finger guide surface that is recessed from the outer surface of the housing, and the finger guide surface. There is disclosed a tablet computer provided with an optical tracking pointer as an optical input device having a detection surface (contact surface) following. Since the detection surface with which a finger comes in contact for reading a fingerprint is recessed from the external surface, the detection surface is less likely to be scratched.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-68992 Japanese Patent No. 4374049

In the method described in Patent Document 1, since a capacitance type sensor is used, it is difficult to increase the stroke in the pushing direction. As a result, there is a possibility that a slight push-in may be detected during the operation in the two-dimensional direction. That is, in the method of Patent Document 1, there is a high possibility that, while the focus position is being selected, the indentation is erroneously detected and the autofocus is started at a position not intended by the user.

In the optical input device disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the contact surface is formed to be more convex than the finger guide surface around it, there is a risk that this structure becomes a resistance and the finger slips worse. is there. For this reason, the contact surface may be formed in a concave shape following the finger guide surface, but in this structure, fine dust tends to accumulate in the central portion (the most recessed portion) of the contact surface, and the accumulated dust may cause fingerprints to disappear. May interfere with detection.

Therefore, the present invention provides an imaging device in which the immediacy of the movement of the cursor does not deteriorate and the autofocus is not started while the focus position is being selected. Further, the present invention provides an electronic device equipped with an optical input device in which a detection surface is not easily scratched and is hardly affected by dust.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus which selects a position in a shooting screen where autofocus is performed, and instructs start of the autofocus at the selected position to perform image pickup. , An operation member for selecting a position in a photographing screen for performing the autofocus using an optical input device that detects a sliding movement of a finger, and an operation member for instructing to start the autofocus by operating the finger, and the autofocus. When performing, the display means for displaying the display body for selecting the position in the photographing screen for performing the autofocus, and moving the display body according to the movement amount of the finger detected by the optical input device, Control means for starting the autofocus at the position of the display body when the operating member is operated, and the optical input device Chair is characterized in that it is located below the surface on which the finger is placed in the operating member.

To achieve the above object, the electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device having an optical input device, the optical input device, the detection surface, and through the detection surface, to contact the detection surface A light source that emits illumination light that illuminates a contact object, an optical member that has an imaging optical unit that forms an image of reflected light that is reflected by the contact object and that has passed through the detection surface among the illumination light, and the reflected light And a light receiving sensor for photoelectrically converting an optical image of the contact object formed, the detection surface has a concave curved surface shape recessed from a peripheral portion surrounding the detection surface of the exterior surface of the electronic device, The optical axis position of the imaging optical unit is displaced from the center position or the most recessed position on the detection surface.

According to the present invention, the immediacy of the movement of the cursor does not decrease, and furthermore, autofocus does not start while the focus position is being selected. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an electronic device including an optical input device in which a detection surface is not easily scratched and is hardly affected by dust.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an example of an image pickup apparatus (camera system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an example of an image pickup apparatus (camera system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part operated by a user at the time of the imaging | photography by the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. That is, it is a perspective view showing an arrangement of an AF-ON button and a shutter button included in the camera system. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part operated by a user at the time of the imaging | photography by the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. That is, it is a perspective view showing an arrangement of an AF-ON button and a shutter button included in the camera system. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part operated by a user at the time of the imaging | photography by the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. That is, it is a perspective view showing an arrangement of an AF-ON button and a shutter button included in the camera system. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part operated by a user at the time of the imaging | photography by the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. That is, it is a perspective view showing an arrangement of an AF-ON button and a shutter button included in the camera system. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part with which the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B was equipped. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part with which the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B was equipped. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part with which the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B was equipped. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the operation part with which the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B was equipped. It is a rear view of the said camera system. It is a rear view of the said camera system. It is a side view of the said camera system. It is a top view of the said camera system. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an AF-ON button included in the camera shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a shutter button included in the camera shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It is a sectional view of the AF-ON button. It is sectional drawing of the said shutter button. It is a block diagram which shows the example about the structure of the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the said camera system. It is a figure for explaining an example of photography using a camera (camera system) shown in Drawing 1A and Drawing 1B. It is a figure for explaining an example of photography using a camera (camera system) shown in Drawing 1A and Drawing 1B. It is a figure for demonstrating the shape of the operation member used with the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. It is a figure for demonstrating the shape of the operation member used with the camera shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. It is a top view which shows the structure of the said AF-ON button and an optical tracking pointer. It is a sectional view showing composition of the above-mentioned AF-ON button and an optical tracking pointer. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the said optical tracking pointer. It is a perspective view which shows another example of the imaging device by embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows another example of the imaging device by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the external appearance of the camera shown to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. It is a figure explaining the external appearance of the camera shown to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. It is a figure explaining the external appearance of the camera shown to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

An example of the image pickup apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1A and 1B are perspective views showing the appearance of an example of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a perspective view of the image pickup apparatus viewed from the front side (front side), and FIG. 1B is a perspective view viewed from the back side.

The illustrated image pickup apparatus is a digital single-lens reflex camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) 1000 (also referred to as a camera system 1000), which includes a camera body 100 and a taking lens, and a lens unit 150 (which is replaceable with respect to the camera body 100). (Also referred to as an interchangeable lens unit 150).

More specifically, FIGS. 1A and 1B show the appearances of the interchangeable lens type digital camera system 1000 as seen from the front side and the back side, respectively. The digital camera system 1000 has a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens unit 150, which are electronic devices. The interchangeable lens unit 150 holds an imaging lens.

In FIG. 1A, the camera body 100 is provided with a first grip portion 101 protruding forward. By the first grip portion 101, the user stabilizes the camera body 100 when taking a picture with the camera 1000 in a normal position posture (a posture in which a substantially rectangular image pickup area in the image pickup portion 22 described later is made longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction). It can be held and operated. Further, the camera body 100 is provided with a second grip portion 102 protruding forward. The second grip unit 102 allows the user to stably hold and operate the camera body 100 when taking a picture with the camera 1000 in a vertical position posture (a posture in which the substantially rectangular image capturing area in the image capturing unit 22 is longer than the horizontal). can do.

The second grip portion 102 may be formed integrally with the camera body 100 or may be detachable from the camera body 100.

Each of the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 is operated when instructing the start of shooting. The

shutter buttons

103 and 105 are included in the switch unit 70 (FIG. 5A). When each of the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 is pressed halfway (first stroke), the switch SW1 is turned on, and the first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. Then, in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, etc. are performed as described later. The operation is started. The AF process can be stopped by releasing the first stroke.

When the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 are fully pressed (second stroke), the switch SW2 is turned on, and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. As a result, a series of photographing processing operations from the signal reading of the image pickup unit 22 (also referred to as the image pickup element 22) to the writing of image data in the recording medium 200 is started.

The illustrated camera 1000 is equipped with one-shot AF suitable for capturing a still subject and servo AF (continuous AF) suitable for capturing a moving subject as AF modes. In the one-shot AF, automatic focus detection is performed in the focus detection area arbitrarily selected by the user. Then, the focus lens is moved to the focal position and the drive of the focus lens is stopped.

On the other hand, in servo AF, the movement of the main subject is detected even after moving the focus lens to the focal position. When the movement of the main subject is detected, the focus lens is continuously driven according to the defocus amount detected in the focus detection area.

One-shot AF and servo AF can be selected by the user. The one-shot AF is called a first automatic focus detection operation, and the servo AF is called a second automatic focus detection operation.

The shutter button 103 is mainly used when taking a picture with the camera 1000 in the normal position and the shutter button 105 is mainly used when taking a picture with the camera 1000 in the vertical position.

In other words, the description of FIG. 1A is as follows. In FIG. 1A, the camera body 100 is provided with a first grip portion 101 protruding forward. The user can operate the shutter button 103 while holding the first grip unit 101 with the right hand and holding the camera system 1000 in a normal posture. Further, the camera body 100 is provided with a second grip portion 102 protruding forward. The user can operate the shutter button 105 while holding the second grip unit 102 with the right hand and holding the camera system 1000 in the vertical posture.

When the

shutter button

103, 105 is pressed halfway (first stroke), AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and other imaging A preparatory operation is performed. When the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 are fully pressed (second stroke), a series of image pickup operations including image pickup for recording and image pickup image (image data) recording are performed.

1B, the power switch 43 is used when turning on or off the power of the camera 1000. The finder 16 (also referred to as the finder eyepiece lens 16) is a so-called looking-in type finder used when confirming the focus and composition of an optical image incident through the lens unit 150. Then, the finder 16 allows the user to observe the information displayed on the finder field-of-view display 41 (also referred to as finder display 41), which will be described later, together with the optical image.

The display unit 28 (also referred to as the rear monitor 28) displays images obtained by photographing and various information. A touch panel 72 (also referred to as a touch panel sensor 72) capable of receiving a touch operation (touch detection) is provided on the display surface of the display unit 28. The touch panel 72 may be provided so as to overlap the display unit 28, or may be provided integrally with the display unit 28.

By pressing the AF-

ON buttons

80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d, AF (autofocus) processing is started. Further, when the pressing of the AF-

ON buttons

80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d is released, the AF process is stopped. The AF-

ON buttons

80a and 80b are included in the switch unit 70 described later, and the AF-

ON buttons

80c and 80d are included in the switch unit 71 (FIG. 5A).

Optical tracking pointers (an example of an optical input device, which will be referred to as “OTP” hereinafter) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are touch operation members that optically detect movements of patterns such as fingerprints of fingers. Is. The OTPs 1 to 6 detect a touch operation, detect an object (for example, a finger) that relatively moves in a two-dimensional direction, and output movement information regarding movement of the finger or the like.

The OTPs 1 to 6 have a light emitting unit and an optical position detection element (both not shown). The light emitting unit emits light from the inside of the buttons toward the fingers placed on the surfaces of the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d and the

shutter buttons

103 and 105. Then, the reflected light from the pattern such as the fingerprint of the finger is measured by the optical position detecting element. The optical position detecting element can be realized by, for example, an image sensor.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the image processing described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-345076 is used to track the moving direction and the moving amount of the finger to generate a signal indicating the movement of the finger. You can

By using the movement information of the relatively moving finger which is the output of OTP1 to 6, it is possible to display the position of the distance measuring point frame 405 (see FIG. 6A) displayed on the finder field-of-view display 41 and the display unit 28. The position of the distance measuring point frame 305 (see FIG. 6B) can be moved.

Note that the display object that can be displayed on the viewfinder field-of-view display 41 or the display unit 28 and that can be moved is not limited to the distance measurement point frame. For example, the movement information from the OTPs 1 to 6 may be used to perform an operation of switching the reproduced image to the next reproduced image. Further, it may be used for moving a cursor for selection on the menu screen, switching of setting values such as camera shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, aperture, and exposure correction. The above-mentioned OTPs 1 to 6 are incorporated in any of the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d and the

shutter buttons

103 and 105, respectively.

A user who operates the camera 1000 performs a touch operation on the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d and the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 to slide the finger in the two-dimensional direction. Accordingly, the distance measuring point frame 405 displayed on the finder field-of-view display 41 and the distance measuring point frame 305 displayable on the display unit 28 can be moved. Further, by pressing the same button without releasing the finger or releasing the pressing, the ON / OFF operation of the AF (autofocus) process can be performed by any of the buttons.

For example, if the OTP1 incorporated in the AF-ON button 80a is operated during execution of the servo AF which is the second automatic focus detection operation by pressing the shutter button 103, the focus detection point is executed during execution of the servo AF. The frame 405 can be operated.

In other words, the description of FIG. 1B is as follows. In FIG. 1B, the power switch 43 is operated by the user to turn on / off the power of the camera system 1000. The finder eyepiece lens 16 is a portion that the user looks into when observing a subject image (optical image) formed by light incident from the interchangeable lens unit 150. Through the finder eyepiece lens 16, the user can observe the subject image together with the information displayed on the in-finder display 41, which will be described later.

The rear monitor 28 as a display unit can display a captured image and various information. A touch panel sensor capable of detecting a touch operation is provided on the display surface of the rear monitor 28.

The AF-

ON buttons

80a, 80b, 80c, 80d are provided to start the AF process according to the user's operation. The AF process can be stopped by releasing the operation of the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d. Optical tracking pointers (OTP: optical input device) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are incorporated inside the AF-ON buttons 80a-80d and the

shutter buttons

103, 105. Each of the OTPs 1 to 6 is a touch operation member that optically detects a movement of a pattern such as a fingerprint of a contact object such as a user's finger and outputs an electric signal. By using the electric signals from the OTPs 1 to 6, information on the movement (movement direction or movement amount) of the contact object can be acquired.

The arrangement of the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 in which the OTPs 1 to 6 are incorporated and the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d are as follows in order to be able to immediately start the AF process while performing the touch operation and the slide operation. It is desirable to have a proper layout.

2A to 2D are views for explaining the arrangement of the operation unit operated by the user at the time of shooting by the camera 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. 2A is a perspective view showing the arrangement of one shutter button, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the other shutter button. 2C is a perspective view showing the arrangement of one AF-ON button, and FIG. 2D is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the other AF-ON button.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the shutter button 103 is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the index finger 301a of the hand 301 holding the first grip 101 described above. That is, the shutter button 103 is arranged at a position overlapping the protruding portion of the first grip portion 101 when the camera 1000 is viewed from above.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the shutter button 105 is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the index finger 301a of the hand 301 holding the second grip portion 102. That is, the shutter button 105 is arranged at a position overlapping the protruding portion of the second grip portion 102 when the camera 1000 is viewed from the right side surface on the back side.

3A to 3D are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the operation unit provided in the camera 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. 3A and 3B are views showing the camera 1000 from the rear side, and FIG. 3C is a view showing the camera 1000 from the side. 3D is a diagram showing the camera 1000 from the upper surface side.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the AF-ON button 80a is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 301b of the hand 301 holding the first grip 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the AF-ON button 80a is closer to the center of the vertical (vertical) length of the first grip portion 101 when the camera 1000 in the normal position is viewed from the back side. It is placed on the upper side. Further, the AF-ON button 80a is arranged on the right side of the center line of the display unit 28 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) and in the shaded area A avoiding the convex portion 601 (also referred to as the convex frame portion 601) of the finder unit. It is desirable to be done.

Further, in consideration of mounting on a camera, with respect to the position where the AF-ON button 80a (OTP1) is mounted, the horizontal (horizontal) distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 is at least the following relationship (1). It is desirable to satisfy.
(Distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 to the center in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the convex portion 601 that is the appearance of the finder 16) ≧ (from the right end of the first grip portion 101 to the AF-ON button 80a ( Distance to the center of OTP1) in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (1)

By satisfying the above relationship, operability is improved because the eye of the photographer does not interfere with the finger operating the AF-ON button 80a (OTP1) when looking into the finder 16.

Further, after the AF-ON button 80a is operated, in order for the photographer to firmly hold the first grip portion 101 by the time the shutter button 103 is pressed, the shutter button 103 operated with the index finger and the housing should be held. It is desirable that the AF-ON button 80a be located at a position opposite to each other. Further, in order to operate the shutter button 103 and the AF-ON button 80a without lifting the belly of the hand from the first grip part 101, at least the horizontal (horizontal) distance from the right end of the first grip part 101. Preferably satisfies the following relationship (2).
(Distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 to the center in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the AF-ON button 80a (OTP1)) ≧ (from the right end of the first grip portion 101 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) Direction) to the center) (2)

In addition, in consideration of mounting on an imaging device other than a camera, from the viewpoint of operability when operating a display object such as the distance measuring point frame 305 displayed on the display unit 28 with the AF-ON button 80a, the AF- Regarding the position where the ON button 80a is mounted, it is desirable that the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 at least satisfy the following relationship (3).
(Distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 to the center of the display unit 28 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction)) ≧ (left-right direction of the AF-ON button 80a (OTP1) from the right end of the first grip portion 101 (horizontal direction) Direction) center distance) (3)

By satisfying the above relationship, it is possible to prevent the display unit 28 from being hidden by the finger of the user who operates the AF-ON button 80a.

As shown in FIG. 2D, the AF-ON button 80b is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 301b of the hand 301 holding the second grip 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the AF-ON button 80b is arranged to the right of the approximate center of the length of the second grip portion 102 in the left-right direction when the camera 1000 in the normal position posture is viewed from the back side. It Further, it is desirable that the AF-ON button 80b is arranged in the shaded area B below the vertical center line of the display unit 28.

The AF-ON button 80c is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 302a of the hand 302 different from the hand 301 holding the first grip portion 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the AF-ON button 80c is arranged in a range C visible when viewed from the side opposite to the first grip 101 when the camera in the normal position is viewed from the back. It is desirable to do.

The AF-ON button 80d is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 302a of the hand 302 different from the hand 301 holding the second grip portion 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 3D, it is desirable that the AF-ON button 80d be arranged in a range D that can be seen when viewed from the upper surface opposite to the second grip portion 102.

The description of the arrangement of the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d and the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 is as follows. The AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d and the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 in which the OTPs 1 to 6 are incorporated are shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2A in order to be able to immediately start the AF process while receiving a touch operation or a slide operation on them. It is desirable to arrange them as shown in FIGS. 2D and 3E to 3H. 2A and 2C are perspective views on the back side, respectively, and show the camera system 1000 in a normal posture as seen from diagonally above on the left and right opposite sides. 2B and 2D are perspective views on the back side, respectively, showing the camera system 1000 in a vertical posture as viewed from diagonally above the left and right sides. 3E and 3F show the camera body 100 in a normal position when viewed from the rear side, and FIGS. 3G and 3H show the camera system 1000 in a normal position when viewed from the left side surface and the upper surface side, respectively. In FIGS. 3E to 3H, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the shutter button 103 is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the index finger 301a of the right hand 301 holding the first grip portion 101 of the camera body 100 in the normal posture. That is, the shutter button 103 is arranged at a position overlapping the first grip portion 101 when the camera body 100 in the normal posture is viewed from above. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the shutter button 105 is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the index finger 301a of the right hand 301 holding the second grip portion 102 of the camera body 100 in the vertical posture. That is, the shutter button 105 is arranged at a position overlapping the second grip portion 102 when the camera body 100 in the vertical posture is viewed from the upper surface (right side surface in the normal posture).

As shown in FIG. 2C, the AF-ON button 80a is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 301b of the right hand 301 holding the first grip 101 of the camera body 100 in the normal posture. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3E, the AF-ON button 80a is located above the vertical centerline C1 of the first grip portion 101 when the camera body 100 in the normal posture is viewed from the rear side. It is located in. Further, it is desirable that the AF-ON button 80a is arranged on the right side of the center line C2 in the left-right direction of the rear monitor 28 and in the shaded area A avoiding the convex frame portion 601 surrounding the finder 16. Regarding the position of the AF-ON button 80a (OTP1) in the left-right direction, the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 in the left-right direction to the center of the convex frame portion 601 surrounding the finder eyepiece lens 16 is D1, and in the left-right direction. When the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 to the center of the AF-ON button 80a is D2,
D1 ≧ D2
It is desirable to satisfy the following conditions. By satisfying this condition, when the user looks into the viewfinder eyepiece lens 16, the user's eye and the finger operating the AF-ON button 80a do not interfere with each other, so that the operability is improved.

Further, in order for the user to firmly hold the first grip portion 101 before operating the shutter button 103 after operating the AF-ON button 80a, the shutter button 103 operated by the index finger 301a and the housing are sandwiched. It is desirable that the AF-ON button 80a is located at the opposite side. Further, in order to operate the shutter button 103 and the AF-ON button 80a without lifting the belly of the hand from the first grip portion 101, it is desirable to satisfy the following conditions. As described above, the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 in the left-right direction to the center of the AF-ON button 80a is D2, and the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 in the left-right direction to the center of the shutter button 103. Is D3. At this time,
D2 ≧ D3
It is desirable to satisfy the following conditions.

From the viewpoint of operability when operating the menu screen or the like displayed on the rear monitor 28 with the AF-ON button 80a (OTP1), it is desirable that the arrangement position of the AF-ON button 80a satisfies the following conditions. As described above, the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 in the left-right direction to the center of the AF-ON button 80a is D2, and the distance from the right end of the first grip portion 101 in the left-right direction to the center of the rear monitor 28. Is D4. At this time,
D4 ≧ D2
It is desirable to satisfy the following conditions. By satisfying this condition, it is possible to prevent the rear monitor 28 from being hidden by the finger operating the AF-ON button 80a.

As shown in FIG. 2D, the AF-ON button 80b is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 301b of the right hand 301 holding the second grip 102 of the camera body 100 in the vertical posture. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3F, the AF-ON button 80b is located on the right side of the horizontal centerline C3 of the second grip portion 102 when the camera body 100 in the normal posture is viewed from the rear side. It is located in. Further, it is desirable that the AF-ON button 80b is arranged in a shaded area B below the vertical centerline C4 of the rear monitor 28.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the AF-ON button 80c has a left hand 302 different from the right hand 301 that grips the first grip portion 101 of the camera body 100 in the normal posture on the outer peripheral surface (exterior surface) of the interchangeable lens unit 150. It is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the thumb 302a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3G, the AF-ON button 80c is an interchangeable lens unit that is visible when the camera system 1000 in the normal posture is viewed from the left side surface opposite to the first grip portion 101. It is desirable to arrange in the shaded area C on 150. Further, as shown in FIG. 2D, the AF-ON button 80d is a thumb of the left hand 302, which is different from the right hand 301 holding the second grip portion 102 of the camera body 100 in the vertical position, on the outer peripheral surface of the interchangeable lens unit 150. It is arranged at a position operable by 302a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3H, the AF-ON button 80d has an interchangeable lens unit 150 that is visible when the vertical camera system 1000 is viewed from the upper surface side opposite to the second grip portion 102. It is desirable to arrange in the upper hatched area D.

4A and 4B are cross-sectional views for explaining an AF-ON button and a shutter button included in the camera 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. 4A is a sectional view showing a substantially cylindrical AF-ON button, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view showing a substantially cylindrical shutter button.

First, referring to FIG. 4A, a configuration in which the OTP1 is incorporated in the AF-ON button 80a will be described. The same applies to the configuration in which the OTPs 2 to 4 are incorporated in the AF-ON buttons 80b to 80d, respectively.

The AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d can be operated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the camera body 100 or the lens unit 150. That is, the AF-ON buttons 80a-80d are turned on by pushing them in. The AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d are switches using, for example, conductive rubber (first conductive portion).

7A and 7B are views for explaining the shape of the operation member used in the camera 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. 7A is a top view (plan view), and FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 7A.

OTP1 is placed in a recess 80e formed in the AF-ON button 80a. As shown in FIG. 7B, the AF-ON button 80a is provided with a transparent window portion composed of thin

mirror surface portions

80f and 80g. The OTP 1 irradiates light from a light emitting portion (not shown) from the mirror surface portion 80g side to the mirror surface portion 80f side, and detects reflected light such as a fingerprint placed on the mirror surface portion 80f by an optical position detection element (not shown). To do.

The portion formed by the

mirror surface portions

80f and 80g is a portion whose thickness is suddenly reduced as compared with other portions. Therefore, when the AF-ON button 80a is formed by die molding, When the product comes out, it is easily affected by heat shrinkage. If the surface shape of the portion formed by the

mirror surface portions

80f and 80g has an uneven inflection point due to heat shrinkage or the like, the inflection point becomes conspicuous due to reflection of external light or the like. In particular, since the side of the mirror surface portion 80f is the external surface, there is a risk that the product property will be impaired if there is an inflection point. In view of this, in the present embodiment, the surface of the mirror surface portion 80f has a spherical shape with a radius SR that is gently convex toward the exterior so that an inflection point due to heat shrinkage during molding does not occur.

Further, if the mirror surface portion 80f formed as a convex hemispherical portion projects from the outer peripheral surface 80h on the outside of the mirror surface portion 80f, the mirror surface portion 80f is likely to be damaged, and therefore the tip of the mirror surface portion 80f ( The projection) has a shape lower than the outer peripheral surface 80h by ΔA. That is, the transparent window portion configured by the

mirror surface portions

80f and 80g does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface 80h. On the other hand, if ΔA is large, the finger may not come into contact with the mirror surface portion 80f, so ΔA is preferably about 0.01 to 0.5 mm.

Further, in order to minimize the change in the optical path length between the center and the outer circumference in the detection optical system of the optical detection element (not shown), the difference in thickness between the center and the outer circumference of the mirror surface portion 80f is about 0.02 mm or less. Is desirable. Therefore, assuming that the diameter of the mirror surface portion 80f is α and the radius of the spherical surface portion is SR, the radius SR (mm) of the spherical surface portion with respect to the diameter α (mm) of the mirror surface portion 80f is expressed by the following relational expression (4). It is desirable to set the value to satisfy.
SR ≧ 6.25α ² +0.01 (4)

Furthermore, considering the detection range of the finger, it is desirable that the diameter α, which is the mirror surface range, be about 2 to 15 mm.

A button base 600 having a shaft hole 600a (also referred to as a hole portion 600a) is arranged immediately below the AF-ON button 80a, and an underkey having a fitting shaft 90a slidably fitted in the shaft hole 600a. A top 90 (also referred to as an under operation member 90) is arranged. Then, the AF-ON button 80a and the joint portion 89 of the underkey top 90 are bonded over the entire circumference, whereby the OTP 1 is coupled to the AF-ON button 80a and operates integrally. That is, the OTP 1 is arranged below (below) the surface on which the finger is placed in the AF-ON button 80a, which is one of the operating members.

An elastic member 700 such as silicon rubber is sandwiched between the exterior cover (exterior member) 100a of the camera body 100 and the button base 600. This prevents water from entering between the exterior cover 100a and the button base 600.

Further, the slope portion 90b formed on the underkey top 90 and the arm portion 700a (also referred to as the convex portion 700a) provided on the elastic member 700 are in contact with each other around the entire circumference. This prevents water from entering between the AF-ON button 80a and the exterior cover 100a.

The OTP1 is mounted on the flexible board 800. The flexible substrate 800 passes through the hole 90c formed in the underkey top 90, passes through the inner periphery of the arm 700a, and is connected to a substrate (not shown).

A switch rubber 500 having a conductive rubber (first conductive portion) 500a and a flexible printed board 502 are arranged under the underkey top 90. In the flexible printed board 502, a conductive pattern (second conductive portion) 502a is arranged below the conductive rubber 500a. When the AF-ON button 80a is pressed down, the conductive rubber 500a is pressed by the under key top 90 adhered to the AF-ON button 80a and comes into contact with the conductive pattern 502a. As a result, the AF-ON button 80a is turned on (electrical connection). The AF-ON buttons 80b-80d have the same structure as the AF-ON button 80a.

In the above-mentioned example, the switches using conductive rubber are used as the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d, but it is sufficient that the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d operate in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the camera 1000 to perform the ON operation. A tact switch may be used.

Subsequently, a configuration in which the

OTPs

5 and 6 are incorporated into the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 will be described with reference to FIG. 4B.

The

shutter buttons

103 and 105 can be operated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the camera body 100. Then, when the

shutter button

103 or 105 is pushed in, the switch SW1 (shown by reference numeral 7a in FIG. 5A) is turned on in the first stroke (half depression). As a result, the first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated.

Further, in the second stroke (full-press) of the

shutter button

103 or 105, the switch SW2 (shown by reference numeral 7b in FIG. 5A) is turned on to generate the second shutter switch signal SW2.

The OTP 5 is arranged in the recess 103e formed in the shutter button 103. A button base 610 having a shaft hole 610a is arranged immediately below the shutter button 103, and an under key top 99 (also referred to as an under operation member 99) having a fitting shaft 99a slidably fitted in the shaft hole 610a. ) Is placed. Then, the OTP 5 is joined to the shutter button 103 and moves as a unit by adhering the shutter button 103 and the joint portion 79 of the underkey top 99 over the entire circumference. The under key top 99 is fixed to the button base 610 by the retaining member 69.

An elastic member 710 such as silicon rubber is sandwiched between the outer cover 100a of the camera body 100 and the button base 610. This prevents water from entering between the exterior cover 100a and the button base 610.

Further, the sloped portion 99b formed on the underkey top 99 and the arm portion 710a (also referred to as a convex portion 710a) provided on the elastic member 710 are in contact with each other around the entire circumference. This prevents water from entering between the shutter button 103 and the exterior cover 100a.

The OTP 5 is mounted on the flexible board 810. The flexible substrate 810 passes through the hole 99c formed in the underkey top 99, passes through the inner periphery of the arm 710a, and is connected to a substrate (not shown).

Under the under key top 99, conductive leaf switches 777, 888, and 999 are arranged. By pressing the shutter button 103, the leaf switch 777 and the leaf switch 888 come into contact with each other and become conductive. As a result, the first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. By pressing the shutter button 103 further deeply, the leaf switch 888 and the leaf switch 999 come into contact with each other and become conductive. As a result, the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated.

The structure of the shutter button 105 is the same as the structure of the shutter button 103, so the description thereof will be omitted.

Another example of the AF-ON button and the shutter button will be described with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D, 7C and 7D, and 8. 4C and 4D, 7C and 7D, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, 7A and 7B are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 4C shows the structure of the AF-ON button 80a incorporating the OTP1. The configurations of the other AF-ON buttons 80b to 80d (OTP2 to 4) are also the same. The AF-ON button 80a is turned on by being pushed in a direction perpendicular to the exterior surface of the camera body 100 or the lens unit 150.

The OTP1 is arranged in a recess 80e formed inside the AF-ON button 80a. FIG. 7C shows the AF-ON button 80a and the OTP1 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the exterior surface. The AF-ON button 80a is formed in a circular shape centering on a central axis CA extending in a direction perpendicular to the exterior surface. The AF-ON button 80a is formed with a circular detection surface 880f and a button exterior surface (peripheral portion) 880h which is formed adjacent to the outer edge of the detection surface 880f so as to surround the detection surface 880f. The button exterior surface 880h is also a part of the exterior surface of the camera body 100 or the interchangeable lens unit 150. The detection surface 880f is formed as a mirror surface so that the inside of the AF-ON button 80a cannot be seen from the outside.

FIG. 7D shows a cross section of the AF-ON button 80a and OTP1 shown in FIG. 7C taken along the line EE. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, the illumination light from the light source 881 passes through the illumination lens portion 880b of the optical member 880 from the inside of the detection surface 880f toward the outside, and touches the detection surface 880f. Is irradiated. Then, the reflected light from the finger (fingerprint) passes through the detection lens portion 880a of the optical member 880 and forms an image on the light receiving sensor 882.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the OTP 1 incorporated in the AF-ON button 80a. The OTP 1 has a detection surface 880f formed as a part of the AF-ON button 80a, a light source 881, an optical member 880, and a light receiving sensor 882. The optical member 880 has an illumination lens portion 880b and a detection lens portion 880a.

The light source 881 emits illumination light such as infrared light. The optical member 880 guides the illumination light from the light source 881 to the illumination lens portion 880b, and illuminates the illumination light from the illumination lens portion 880b toward the detection surface 880f. The reflected light that is transmitted by the detection surface 880f and reflected by the fingerprint of the finger that is in contact with the detection surface 880f forms an image on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 882 via the detection lens unit 880a as the image forming optical unit. The light receiving sensor 882 is composed of a photoelectric conversion element such as an image sensor, and photoelectrically converts the optical image of the fingerprint formed on the light receiving surface to generate an electric signal. By using this electric signal, it is possible to detect whether or not the finger has come into contact with the detection surface 880f. The user can also instruct start and stop of the AF process by touching or releasing the finger on the detection surface 880f of the AF-ON buttons 80a to 80d.

Also, when the user moves (slides) his / her finger in the two-dimensional direction on the detection surface 880f, the electric signal output from the light receiving sensor 882 also changes. The system control unit 50 can obtain the information indicating the moving direction and the moving amount of the finger by performing the image processing on the electric signal. The system control unit 50 uses the obtained information on the moving direction and the moving amount of the finger to move the cursor on the AF frame or the menu screen displayed on the in-finder display 41 or the rear monitor 28 described above, or the shutter. It is possible to change the speed, the ISO sensitivity, the aperture, the exposure correction value, and the like, and switch the reproduced image. That is, the system control unit 50 controls the display on the in-finder display 41 or the rear monitor 28 using the obtained information on the moving direction and the moving amount of the finger.

The AF frame is a rectangular or circular frame that indicates an area to be focused by AF on the image capturing screen. Regarding the AF frame, for example, the user moves the finger on the OTP incorporated in the AF-ON button while the camera is performing the servo AF for continuously focusing on the moving object, and thus the movement of the object can be controlled. The AF frame can be moved together.

As shown in FIGS. 7D and 8, the detection surface 880f has a concave curved surface shape (concave spherical surface shape) having a curvature radius SR ′. FIG. 8 exaggerates the concave spherical shape of the detection surface 880f, which is difficult to understand in FIG. 7D.

In the AF-ON button 80a, the detection surface 880f is thinner than other portions, and the detection surface 880f is likely to have irregularities due to thermal contraction immediately after the molding of the AF-ON button 80a. Such unevenness is noticeable in appearance on the detection surface 880f formed as a mirror surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detection surface 880f has a gentle concave spherical shape with a radius of curvature SR ′ from its outer edge (inner edge of the button exterior surface 880h) so that unevenness is less likely to occur due to thermal contraction immediately after molding. Has been formed. Further, by making the detection surface 880f into a concave spherical shape, it is possible to prevent the detection surface 880f from being easily scratched.

Further, in order to minimize the difference in optical path length between the central portion and the peripheral portion of the detection surface 880f when the reflected light from the fingerprint is imaged on the light receiving sensor 882 by the detection lens portion 880a, the detection surface is formed. It is desirable that the difference in wall thickness between the central portion and the peripheral portion of 880f is 0.02 mm or less. Therefore, when the diameter of the detection surface 880f is α ′, the radius of curvature SR ′ (mm) is
SR ′ ≧ 6.25α ′ ² +0.01
It is desirable to satisfy the following conditions. The diameter α'of the detection surface 880f suitable for detecting fingerprints is preferably 2 to 15 mm.

Furthermore, if the amount of depression of the detection surface 880f relative to the button exterior surface 880h is too large, it is difficult for the finger to closely contact the detection surface 880f, and there is a risk of defective fingerprint detection. For this reason, the amount of depression of the detection surface 880f with respect to the button exterior surface 880h is preferably 0.015 mm or less. In this case, the radius of curvature SR '(mm) is
SR ′ ≧ 8.33α ′ ² +0.0075
It is desirable to satisfy the following conditions.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 8, in the present embodiment, the center position (optical axis position) 880ac through which the optical axis of the circular detection lens portion 880a of the optical member 880 passes is on the detection surface 880f. It is displaced by ΔA ′ in the x direction and ΔB ′ in the y direction with respect to the most recessed center position 880i. The x direction and the y direction are directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the detection lens unit 880a.

When minute dust DS adheres to the detection surface 880f formed in a concave spherical shape as shown in FIG. 8, the dust DS is likely to collect near the most concave center position 880i of the detection surface 880f. When the center position 880ac of the detection lens portion 880a of the optical member 880 is aligned with the center position 880i of the detection surface 880f, the dust DS collected near the center position 880i may hinder the detection of the fingerprint. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the center position 880ac of the detection lens portion 880a is shifted by ΔA ′ and ΔB ′ with respect to the center position 880i of the detection surface 880f, so that the detection surface 880f is near the center position 880i. The collected dust DS makes it difficult to affect fingerprint detection.

In this embodiment, the center position 880ac of the detection lens unit 880a is displaced from the center position 880i of the detection surface 880f. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and may be a configuration in which the center position of the detection lens portion is displaced with respect to a portion where dust is likely to collect, such as the most concave position on the detection surface, that is, the position farthest from the button exterior surface. Good.

Further, although the case where the detection surface 880f is circular has been described in the present embodiment, the detection surface 880f may have another shape such as a square shape. The center of the square detection surface may be the intersection of two diagonal lines.

Further, in this embodiment, the button exterior surface 880h is subjected to satin finish in order to improve the sliding of the fingers. Further, in order to make it easy for the user to intuitively understand the position of the detection surface 880f with which the finger contacts, as shown in an exaggerated manner in FIG. 8, the button exterior surface 880h has an inner edge (an outer edge of the detection surface 880f). ), It is desirable to have a convex shape (convex slope shape) in which the amount P of protrusion to the outside gradually increases.

In FIG. 4C, an under operation member 90 is arranged immediately below the AF-ON button 80a. The fitting shaft 90a of the under operation member 90 is fitted in a hole 600a formed in the button base 600 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the drawing. The entire circumference of an annular convex portion formed on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the AF-ON button 80a is adhered to the joint portion 90e of the under operation member 90. As a result, the AF-ON button 80a, the under operation member 90, and the OTP1 sandwiched and held between them can be integrally moved in the vertical direction.

A cylindrical elastic member 700 such as silicon rubber is sandwiched between the exterior cover (exterior member) 100a of the camera body 100 and the button base 600. This prevents water and dust from entering the inside of the camera body 100 from between the exterior cover 100a and the button base 600. Further, the sloped portion 90b formed annularly on the outer circumference of the under operation member 90 and the convex portion 700a provided annularly on the inner circumference of the elastic member 700 are in contact with each other all around. This prevents water and dust from entering the inside of the camera body 100 from between the AF-ON button 80a and the exterior cover 100a.

The OTP 1 is mounted on a flexible board 800, and the flexible board 800 is connected to a main board (not shown) in the camera body 100 through a hole 90c formed in the under operation member 90.

Under the under operation member 90, a switch rubber 500 having a conductive rubber 500a and a flexible printed board 502 are arranged. The switch rubber 500 holds the under operation member 90, the OTP1 and the AF-ON button 80a at the illustrated position (OFF state) by its elastic force.

A conductive pattern 502a is provided on a portion of the flexible printed board 502 that faces the conductive rubber 500a. When the user depresses the AF-ON button 80a, the switch rubber 500 pressed by the under operation member 90 elastically deforms and the conductive rubber 500a comes into contact with the conductive pattern 502a. As a result, the switch portion of the AF-ON button 80a composed of the conductive pattern 502a and the conductive rubber 500a is turned on.

A spring may be used instead of the switch rubber 500 in order to hold the AF-ON button 80a in the off state.

FIG. 4D shows the configuration of the shutter button 103 incorporating the OTP5. The other shutter button 105 (OTP6) has the same configuration. The shutter button 103 turns on the switch SW1 by being pressed by the user for the first stroke in the direction perpendicular to the exterior surface of the camera body 100, and generates the first shutter switch signal SW1. Further, the shutter button 103 turns on the switch SW2 by being pressed for the second stroke to generate the second shutter switch signal SW2.

The OTP 5 is arranged in a recess 103e formed inside the shutter button 103. An under operation member 99 is arranged immediately below the shutter button 103. The fitting shaft 99a of the under operation member 99 is fitted in a hole 610c formed in the button base 610 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the drawing. The entire circumference of an annular convex portion formed on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the shutter button 103 is bonded to the joint portion 99e of the under operation member 99. As a result, the shutter button 103, the under operation member 99, and the OTP 5 held between them can be integrally moved in the vertical direction. The under operation member 99 is prevented from coming off upward from the button base 610 by the retaining member 69 attached to the lower portion of the shaft contacting the lower surface of the button base 610.

A cylindrical elastic member 710 such as silicon rubber is sandwiched between the outer cover 100a of the camera body 100 and the button base 610. This prevents water and dust from entering the inside of the camera body 100 from between the exterior cover 100a and the button base 610. Further, the sloped portion 99b formed annularly on the outer circumference of the under operation member 99 and the convex portion 710a provided annularly on the inner circumference of the elastic member 710 are in contact with each other over the entire circumference. This prevents water and dust from entering the inside of the camera body 100 from between the shutter button 103 and the exterior cover 100a.

The OTP 5 is mounted on the flexible board 810. The flexible board 810 is connected to the main board in the camera body 100 through a hole 99c formed in the under operation member 99.

Under the under operation member 99, conductive leaf switches 777, 888, 999 are arranged. When the user presses the shutter button 103 for the first stroke, the switch SW1 including the leaf switch 777 and the leaf switch 888 becomes conductive, and the first shutter switch signal is generated. Further, when the shutter button 103 is pressed for the second stroke, the switch SW2 constituted by the leaf switch 888 and the leaf switch 999 becomes conductive, and the second shutter switch signal is generated.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the camera 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In FIG. 5A, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1A to 4B are designated by the same reference numerals.

As described above, the lens unit 150 can be replaced with the camera body 100. The lens unit 150 includes a taking lens 155 (also referred to as an imaging lens 155). The taking lens 155 is composed of, for example, a plurality of lenses, but here, for simplification, only one lens is shown.

The communication terminal 66 is a terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the camera body 100, and the communication terminal 10 is a terminal for the camera body 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150. That is, the lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 of the camera body 100 via the

communication terminals

66 and 10.

The lens unit 150 is provided with a lens control circuit 201, and the lens control circuit 201 drives and controls the diaphragm 204 by the diaphragm drive circuit 203. Further, the lens control circuit 201 displaces the position of the taking lens 155 along the optical axis 900 by the AF drive circuit 202 to focus the image. Further,

OTPs

3 and 4 are connected to the lens control circuit 201.

Note that the lens unit 150 is attached to the camera body 100 via an attachment portion to which the lens unit 150 can be attached. As the lens unit 150, various types such as a single focus lens or a zoom lens can be mounted.

The photometric circuit 106 measures the brightness of the subject imaged on the focusing screen 13 via the quick return mirror 12 by the photometric sensor (AE sensor) 17. Then, the photometric circuit 106 sends the photometric result to the system control unit 50.

The focus detection unit (AF sensor) 11 is driven by the focus drive circuit 115 controlled by the system control unit 50. The focus detection unit 11 obtains the defocus amount by the phase difference detection method according to the optical image incident through the quick return mirror 12, and outputs the defocus amount to the system control unit 50.

The system control unit 50 controls the lens unit 150 based on the defocus amount to perform phase difference AF. In addition, when performing AF, not only phase difference AF but contrast AF may be used, for example. Further, when performing the phase difference AF, the phase difference AF may be performed based on the defocus amount detected on the image pickup surface of the image pickup unit 22 without using the focus detection unit 11 (so-called image pickup plane phase difference). AF).

The system control unit 50 controls the mirror drive circuit 114 to move the quick return mirror 12 up and down during exposure, live view shooting, and moving picture shooting. The quick return mirror 12 is a mirror for sending an optical image incident through the taking lens 155 to either the finder 16 or the image pickup unit 22.

The quick return mirror 12 is normally positioned so as to reflect the optical image and guide it to the finder 16. That is, the quick return mirror 12 is normally located on the optical path (mirror down). On the other hand, when shooting or performing live view display, the quick return mirror 12 is positioned at a position where an optical image is guided to the image pickup unit 22. That is, the quick return mirror 12 is flipped up and retracts from the optical path (mirror up).

Note that the quick return mirror 12 is a half mirror that allows a part of the light to pass through at the center thereof, and when the mirror is down, a part of the light passes through the quick return mirror 12. Then, the transmitted light is reflected by the sub mirror 30 and enters the focus detection unit 11.

The user observes the optical image formed on the focusing screen 13 via the pentaprism 14 and the finder 16. This allows the user to confirm the focus state and composition of the subject image obtained via the lens unit 150.

The image pickup unit 22 is an image pickup device having a CCD or CMOS device that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and the image pickup area is substantially rectangular. A shutter 91 is arranged in front of the image pickup unit 22, and the system control unit 50 drives the shutter 91 by the shutter drive circuit 92.

The analog image signal output from the image pickup unit 22 is sent to the A / D converter 23 via the clamp / CDS circuit 34 and the AGC 35. Then, the A / D converter 23 converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal.

The image processing unit 24 performs resizing processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on the digital image signal from the A / D converter 23 or the image data from the memory control unit 15. Further, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined arithmetic process using the image data obtained by the image pickup. Then, the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation result. As a result, a TTL (through-the-lens) AF (auto focus) process, an AE (auto exposure) process, and an EF (flash pre-emission) process are performed.

Further, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined calculation process using the image data obtained by the image pickup, and performs a TTL AWB (auto white balance) process based on the calculation result.

The memory 32 stores a digital image signal (image data) obtained by the image pickup unit 22 and A / D converted by the A / D converter 23, and display image data to be displayed on the display unit 28. To be done. The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images, a moving image for a predetermined time, and audio. The memory 32 may be a removable recording medium such as a memory card, or may be a built-in memory.

A buffer memory 37 is connected to the image processing unit 24 for temporarily recording image data. Further, the recording medium 200 is connected to the memory control unit 15 via the interface 40.

The display unit 28 is a rear monitor for displaying an image, and is arranged on the rear surface of the camera body 100 as shown in FIG. 1B. The image processing unit 24 displays the image data on the display unit 28 as an image via the D / A converter 19 under the control of the system control unit 50. The display unit 28 is not limited to the liquid crystal as long as it is a display for displaying an image, and may be another display such as an organic EL.

The non-volatile memory 56 is a memory that can be electrically erased / recorded by the system control unit 50, and for example, an EEPROM is used. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants and programs for the operation of the system controller 50. The time measuring circuit 109 measures the time required for the system control unit 50 to perform various controls, and transmits the measured time to the system control unit 50. The posture detection circuit 82 has, for example, a gyro sensor, detects the posture of the camera 1000, and notifies the system control unit 50 of the detected posture.

The system control unit 50 contains at least one processor and controls the entire camera 1000. As shown, the system control unit 50 is connected to the

shutter buttons

103 and 105, the switch unit 70, and the power switch 43 via the switch sense circuit 93. Further,

OTPs

1, 2, 5, 6 are connected to the system control unit 50.

The system control unit 50, based on the outputs of the OTPs 1 to 6, sets the direction of movement by the slide operation (hereinafter referred to as the moving direction) in eight directions of up, down, left, right, upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. Ask in. Further, the system control unit 50 obtains the amount of movement by the slide operation in the two-dimensional directions of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the movement amount (x, y)) based on the outputs of the OTPs 1 to 6.

The system control unit 50 detects the next operation or state of the OTPs 1 to 6.

▽ A new finger touches OTP1-6 in OTP1-6. That is, the start of touch (hereinafter referred to as touch-down).

Being in a state of touching OTP1 to 6 with a finger (hereinafter referred to as Touch-ON).

Move the finger while touching OTP1-6 with the finger (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move).

Release the finger that was touching OTP1-6. That is, the end of touch (hereinafter referred to as touch-up (Touch-Up)).

A state in which nothing is touched on OTPs 1 to 6 (hereinafter referred to as touch-off).

When touch down is detected, it is detected that touch is on at the same time. After the touch-down is detected, the touch-on detection is normally continued unless the touch-up is detected. The touch move is detected while the touch-on is detected. Even if the touch-on is detected, if the movement amount (x, y) is 0, the touch move is not detected. After it is detected that all the touched fingers have touched up, the touch is turned off.

The system control unit 50 determines what operation (touch operation) is performed on the OTPs 1 to 6 based on the above operation, state, moving direction, and moving amount (x, y). Regarding the touch move, movements in the eight directions of up, down, left, right, upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right on the OTPs 1 to 6 or two-dimensional movement in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction are detected.

When the system control unit 50 detects the movement in any of the eight directions or the movement in one or both of the two-dimensional directions of the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, it determines that the slide operation has been performed. If there is an operation of releasing the touch within a predetermined time without touching the OTPs 1 to 6 with a finger and performing a slide operation, the system control unit 50 determines that a tap operation is performed.

In the illustrated example, OTPs 1 to 6 are infrared touch sensors. However, the OTPs 1 to 6 may be touch sensors of a resistance film type, a surface acoustic wave type, a capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, an optical sensor type, or another type.

For example, the system control unit 50 acquires the movement amount (x, y) detected by the OTP1. After that, the system control unit 50 stores the movement amount (x, y) in the system memory 52. Further, the system control unit 50 acquires the moving direction detected by the OTP1. After that, the system control unit 50 stores the moving direction in the system memory 52.

The system control unit 50 detects the distance measuring point frame 305 or the distance measuring point frame 305 after the distance measuring point frame 305a or the distance measuring point frame 405a is moved based on the moving amount (x, y) and the moving direction stored in the system memory 52. Find the 405 position. Then, the system control unit 50 displays the moved position on the display unit 28, or displays it on the viewfinder field display 41 by the viewfinder liquid crystal drive circuit 111 (also referred to as viewfinder display drive circuit 111).

As illustrated, the system control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display drive circuit 107 to display various information related to the camera 1000 on the viewfinder out-of-field display device 9.

A power source 42 is provided in the camera body 100, and power is supplied from the power source 42 to each unit of the camera 1000. In the illustrated example, the power supply 42 includes an AC power supply (AC adapter) 42a and a secondary battery 42b.

Further, power is supplied from the power supply 42 to the system control unit 50 via the power supply circuit 110. The system control unit 50 checks the remaining amount of the secondary battery 42b by the battery check circuit 108.

FIG. 5B shows an example of the electrical configuration of the camera system 1000 (camera body 100 and interchangeable lens unit 150). In FIG. 5B, the same components as those shown in FIG. 5A are designated by the same reference numerals. As described above, the interchangeable lens unit 150 including the image pickup lens 155 has the lens control circuit 201 and the communication terminal 66 for the lens control circuit 201 to communicate with the camera body 100.

The lens control circuit 201 controls the drive of the diaphragm 204 via the diaphragm drive circuit 203, and moves the focus lens (not shown) included in the imaging lens 155 along the optical axis 900 via the AF drive circuit 202. Focusing and so on. To the lens control circuit 201, the switch parts 71 of the AF-

ON buttons

80c and 80d and the

OTPs

3 and 4 are connected.

On the other hand, the camera body 100 includes an image sensor 22, a photometric circuit 106, a focus detection unit 11, and a system control unit (control means) 50. The system control unit 50 can communicate with the interchangeable lens unit 150 (lens control circuit 201) via the communication terminal 10.

The image pickup device 22 is composed of a CMOS sensor, and photoelectrically converts the subject image (optical image) formed by the image pickup lens 155 to output an analog image pickup signal. The photometric circuit 106 measures the brightness of the subject imaged on the focusing screen 13 via the quick return mirror 12 by the photometric sensor 17. The photometric circuit 106 sends the photometric result to the system controller 50.

The focus detection unit 11 photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by light incident from the imaging lens 155 through a quick return mirror 12 and a sub mirror 30 in a mirror-down state described later to generate a pair of subject image signals. The focus detection unit 11 calculates the defocus amount of the imaging lens 155 by the phase difference detection method using the generated pair of subject image signals. The focus detection unit 11 outputs the calculated defocus amount to the system control unit 50.

The system control unit 50 transmits the lens drive amount calculated based on the defocus amount to the lens control circuit 201. The lens control circuit 201 performs phase difference AF by driving and controlling the focus lens via the AF drive circuit 202 according to the received lens drive amount. The imaging plane phase difference AF may be performed using the image sensor 22 instead of the focus detection unit 11. Alternatively, contrast AF (TV-AF) may be performed.

The system control unit 50 controls the up / down drive of the quick return mirror 12 and the sub mirror 30 via the mirror drive circuit 114. In the mirror-down state in which the quick return mirror 12 is arranged in the image pickup optical path as shown in the drawing, the light incident from the image pickup lens 155 is reflected toward the focusing screen 13 to form a subject image on the focusing screen 13. As a result, the user can observe the subject image on the focusing screen 13 via the viewfinder eyepiece lens 16 and the pentaprism 14, and the photometric sensor 17 can perform photometry.

An in-viewfinder display 41 as a display unit is provided in the optical viewfinder composed of the focusing screen 13, the pentaprism 14, and the viewfinder eyepiece lens 16. The in-viewfinder display device 41 is driven by the in-viewfinder display drive circuit 111 controlled by the system control unit 50 to display an AF frame superimposed on a subject image, a shutter speed, an ISO sensitivity, an aperture, an exposure correction value, and the like. Display various information of.

In the mirror-up state in which the quick return mirror 12 is retracted out of the imaging optical path, the light incident from the imaging lens 155 and passing through the shutter 91 forms a subject image on the imaging element 22. As a result, the subject image can be captured (photoelectric conversion) by the image sensor 22, and live view image capturing and recording image capturing are performed. The shutter 91 is opened and closed by a shutter drive circuit 92 that receives an instruction from the system control unit 50, and controls the exposure of the image sensor 22.

The analog image pickup signal output from the image pickup device 22 is sent to the A / D converter 23 via the clamp / CDS circuit 34 and the AGC 35. The A / D converter 23 converts an analog image pickup signal into a digital image pickup signal. The image processing unit 24 performs pixel interpolation processing, resizing processing, and color conversion processing on the digital image pickup signal or the image data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs arithmetic processing for exposure control and focus detection control using the digital image pickup signal. The system control unit 50 uses the calculation result of the image processing unit 24 to perform AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing.

The memory 32 stores the captured image data generated from the digital captured image signal and the display image data to be displayed on the rear monitor 28. A buffer memory 37 is connected to the image processing unit 24 for temporarily recording image data. The recording medium 200 is connected to the memory control unit 15 via the interface 40. The rear monitor 28 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays a captured image, various information, and an AF frame, as described above. The touch panel sensor 72 is provided on the display surface of the rear monitor 28 as described above.

The nonvolatile memory 56 stores constants and programs for the operation of the system controller 50.

A switch unit 70 is connected to the system control unit 50 via a switch sense circuit 93. The switch unit 70 includes the switch units of the AF-

ON buttons

80a and 80b described above. Further, the power supply switch 43, OTP1 to 4 and switches SW1 and SW2 of the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 are connected to the switch sense circuit 93.

The system control unit 50 contacts the detection surface 880f with a user's finger (hereinafter referred to as touch operation) and moves the finger on the detection surface 880f (hereinafter referred to as slide operation) based on the outputs of the OTPs 1 to 6. And) are detected. Further, the system control unit 50 detects the moving direction of the finger in the slide operation from the eight directions of up, down, left, right, upper left, lower left, upper right and lower right, and the two-dimensional direction (x The movement amount in the direction and the y direction (hereinafter, referred to as movement amount (x, y)) is also detected.

The system control unit 50 calculates the post-movement position of the AF frame according to the detected slide operation direction and movement amount (x, y). Then, the system control unit 50 displays the position of the AF frame after the movement on at least one of the rear monitor 28 and the in-viewfinder display 41. A display example of the AF frame will be described later.

The power supply 42 in the camera body 100 supplies power to each part of the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens unit 150. The power supply 42 includes an AC power supply (AC adapter) 80 and a secondary battery 81. Further, the power supply 42 supplies power to the system control unit 50 via the power supply circuit 110. The system control unit 50 checks the remaining amount of the secondary battery 81 by the battery check circuit 108.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example of shooting using the camera 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. 6A is a diagram showing an image displayed on the finder at the time of shooting, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit 28 at the time of shooting.

Now, it is assumed that the user holds the first grip portion 101 with the hand 301 and operates the OTP 1 with the thumb 301b. In the figure, an arrow 901 indicates a direction in which the system control unit 50 detects a touch move of the OTP1 when the user slides the thumb 301b to operate the OTP1.

In FIG. 6A, the focus detection point frame 405a is the focus detection point frame before movement displayed on the finder field-of-view display 41. The distance measuring point frame 405 is the distance measuring point frame after the movement.

An arrow 902 indicates a moving direction when the focus detection point frame 405a moves to the position of the focus detection point frame 405 by the touch move, and is the same direction as the arrow 901 indicating the touch move direction in the OTP1.

In FIG. 6B, a distance measuring frame indicating a settable position of the distance measuring point frame 305 is shown by a dashed rectangle. In FIG. 6B, the focus detection point frame 305 a is the focus detection point frame before movement displayed on the display unit 28. The distance measuring point frame 305 is the distance measuring point frame after the movement.

An arrow 903 indicates a moving direction when the distance measuring point frame 305a is moved to the position of the distance measuring point frame 305 by the touch move, and is the same direction as the arrow 901 indicating the touch move direction in the OTP1.

Note that each of the OTPs 1 to 6 can be switched between valid and invalid for receiving touch and slide operations. Further, each of the OTPs 1 to 6 can accept touch and slide operations even during the AF operation.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the stroke of the push button is secured in order to avoid erroneous detection at the time of pushing. Then, it is possible to easily select the AF position and start the AF without moving the finger between the operation members.

In the above example, the AF position selection and the AF start are described, but it is possible to select the operation related to the imaging, reproduction, and setting in the camera and instruct the start of the selected operation or the determination of the selection. Can be applied.

For example, a screen for selecting operations related to imaging, reproduction, and setting is displayed on the display unit, and a cursor (display body) for selecting imaging, reproduction, and setting is displayed. Then, the cursor is moved according to the amount of input by the selection member (pointing device), and the operation selected by the cursor is executed according to the operation of the operation member.

Also, as mentioned above, the pointing device is placed in the operating member. Further, the imaging includes an operation of focusing on a subject, the reproduction includes image forwarding and image enlargement / reduction, and the setting includes at least shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, aperture, and exposure correction setting. ing.

In other words, the description of the shooting using the camera 1000 (camera system 1000) is as follows. FIG. 6A shows an image displayed in the optical viewfinder, and FIG. 6B shows an image displayed on the rear monitor 28. These figures show the case where the user holds the first grip portion 101 with the right hand 301 and operates the OTP 1 with the thumb 301b of the right hand. An arrow 901 indicates that the user has performed a slide operation on OTP1. The system control unit 50 detects the moving direction and the moving amount of the thumb 301b in this slide operation based on the output from the OTP1.

In FIG. 6A, the AF frame 405a displayed on the in-viewfinder display 41 is the AF frame before the slide operation, and the AF frame 405a of the AF frame 405 in the same direction (arrow 902) as the direction of the slide operation (arrow 901). Move to position. Similarly, in FIG. 6B, the AF frame 305a displayed on the rear monitor 28 is the AF frame before the slide operation, and the AF frame 305 in the same direction (arrow 903) as the direction of the slide operation (arrow 901). Move to position.

The system control unit 50 can switch whether to accept touch operation and slide operation for each OTP. In addition, the system control unit can accept a touch operation and a slide operation for each OTP even during the AF process.

As described above, in the camera system 1000 of the present embodiment, the AF process can be started in response to the touch operation on the OTP, and the AF frame can be moved according to the direction and amount of the slide operation on the OTP. .. Therefore, the user can start the AF process or move the AF frame without moving the finger from the OTP.

In this embodiment, the case where the AF process is started in response to the touch operation on the OTP and the AF frame is moved in response to the slide operation for the OTP has been described. However, other processes are started, and selection and setting related to the process are performed. It is also possible to go. For example, a menu screen is displayed on the rear monitor 28 according to a touch operation on the OTP, a cursor is moved on the menu screen according to a slide operation on the OTP, and a menu item (shutter) indicated by the cursor is displayed according to a further touch operation. The speed, the ISO sensitivity, the aperture, the exposure correction value, etc. may be changed or the operation (enlargement / reduction of the reproduced image, fast forward, etc.) may be performed.

Note that the OTP may be incorporated into operation members other than buttons. The operation member is, for example, a touch panel, a joystick, a rotary dial, or the like.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A to 10C, an embodiment of an image pickup apparatus in which the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 in the camera 1000 have different arrangements and shapes will be described. 9A and 9B are perspective views showing the outer appearance of a camera 1000A that is another example of the image pickup apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 9A is a perspective view seen from the front side (front side), and FIG. 9B is a perspective view seen from the side side.

The camera 1000A includes a camera body 100K and a lens unit 150. The camera body 100K has

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005. The functions and configurations of the camera body 100 </ b> K other than the shapes and arrangements of the

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005 are the same as those of the camera 1000, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. The

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005 of the camera body 100K correspond to the

shutter buttons

103 and 105 of the camera 1000, respectively. An OTP 5 is incorporated inside the shutter button 2003, and an OTP 6 is incorporated inside the shutter button 2005.

The shutter button 2003 is arranged in a range that can be operated by the index finger or the middle finger when the user grips the first grip portion 101. Further, the shutter button 2005 is arranged in a range that can be operated by the index finger or the middle finger when the user grips the second grip portion 102.

The shutter button 2003 is arranged on the front surface (front side) of the camera body 100K and on the first grip portion 101 so as to be substantially parallel to the finder 16. The shutter button 2005 is arranged substantially parallel to the display unit 28 on the front surface (front side) of the camera body 100K and on the second grip portion 102. On each surface of the

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005, an index 2010 (convex portion) having a convex shape is arranged so as to indicate at least one direction. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the vertical direction of the

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005 by touching the index 2010. Further, the user can instantly recognize the operation direction when operating the

OTPs

5 and 6 while looking at the finder 16 and the display unit 28. The vertical direction of the shutter button 2003 matches the vertical direction when the camera 1000A is in the normal position posture. The vertical direction of the shutter button 2005 matches the vertical direction when the camera 1000A is in the vertical position posture.

10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining the external appearance of the camera 1000A. 10A is a side view (a view of the camera 1000A seen from the right side when viewed from the rear side), FIG. 10B is a bottom view, and FIG. 10C is a front view.

The shutter button 2003 is arranged at the most projecting position in the range 101c on the front surface of the camera 1000A that the user's hand touches, including the first grip portion 101. Similarly, the shutter button 2005 is arranged at the most protruding position in the range 102c on the front surface of the camera 1000A that the user's hand touches, including the second grip portion 102. As a result, when the user operates the button surface to move the focus detection point, there is no structure around the button that interferes with the fingers, so that the operability is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the shutter button 2003 has a substantially elliptical shape that is longer in the vertical direction 2003a than the horizontal direction 2003b, and similarly, the shutter button 2005 has a substantially elliptical shape that is longer in the vertical direction 2005a than the horizontal direction 2005b. Have. Thus, when the user grips the first grip portion 101 and operates the OTP while holding the camera 1000A toward the subject as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, it is difficult to move the finger in the vertical direction of the OTP. The operability of 2003a can be improved. Similarly, when the user grips the second grip portion 102 and operates the OTP with the camera 1000A facing the subject as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, it is difficult to move the finger in the vertical direction of the OTP. The operability of 2005a can be improved. Although the

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005 have an elliptical shape, the shape of the

shutter buttons

2003 and 2005 is not limited to this. For example, various shapes such as a rectangle, a rhombus, and an oval having different aspect ratios. Can be used.

Note that the control related to OTP1 to 6 is not limited to the above-mentioned operation members, and can be applied to other operation members. For example, the invention can be applied to a joystick, a rotary dial, and a physical button that tilt and instruct a touch panel and an operation member.

The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program code. This is the process to be executed. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are attached to open the scope of the present invention.

This application relates to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-210649 filed on November 8, 2018, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-083093 filed on April 24, 2019, and Japanese patent filed April 25, 2019. Priority is claimed based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-084017 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-121812 filed on June 28, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1-6 Optical tracking pointer (OTP)
16 viewfinder 28 display section 41 viewfinder field-of-view display 50 system control section 80a-80d AF-ON button 101 first grip section 102

second grip section

103, 105, 2003, 2005 shutter button 150 lens unit 880f detection surface 880 Optical member 880a Detection lens unit 881 Light source 882 Light receiving sensor

Claims

An image pickup apparatus for selecting a position in a shooting screen for performing autofocus, instructing start of the autofocus at the selected position, and performing image pickup,
An operation member that selects a position in a photographing screen for performing the autofocus using an optical input device that detects a sliding movement of a finger, and that instructs the start of the autofocus by operating the finger.
When performing the autofocus, a display unit for displaying a display body for selecting a position in the photographing screen for performing the autofocus,
A control unit that moves the display body according to the amount of movement of the finger detected by the optical input device and starts the autofocus at the position of the display body when the operation member is operated. ,
The imaging device, wherein the light input device is arranged below a surface of the operation member on which a finger is placed.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation member gives an instruction to start the autofocus by pressing the finger.
The display means is arranged on the back side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
The first grip portion is arranged on the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
In the normal position posture of the imaging device, the first grip portion is disposed on the right side of the display unit,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is arranged at a position where it can be operated by a finger of a hand holding the first grip portion.
A lens unit is attached to the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
The display means is arranged on the back side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
In the normal position posture of the imaging device, the operation member is located between the lens unit and the first grip portion in the horizontal direction of the display means, and the operation member is perpendicular to the display means. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image pickup apparatus is located above the display unit in a direction.
The display means is arranged on the back side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
A second grip portion is arranged on the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
3. The operating member is located between the display means and the second grip portion in the vertical direction of the display means in the normal position posture of the imaging device. The imaging device according to.
A lens unit is attached to the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is arranged on an exterior surface of the lens unit.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation member is arranged at a position where it can be operated by a finger of a hand holding the second grip portion.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the second grip portion is attachable to and detachable from the exterior member.
9. The control unit performs control to move the display body according to a movement amount of a finger detected by the optical input device after starting the autofocus. The imaging device according to item 1.
An electrical connection means comprising a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion,
When the first conductive portion comes into contact with the second conductive portion to be electrically connected by the electrical connecting means by the operation of the operating member, the control means starts the autofocus. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the first conductive portion is conductive rubber, and the second conductive portion is a conductive pattern that conducts when the conductive rubber contacts.
When the operation member is operated with respect to the exterior member of the imaging device by a first stroke in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the exterior surface of the exterior member, the control means starts the autofocus,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation member is operated with a second stroke that is larger than the first stroke, the control unit starts image pickup.
The display means is arranged on the back side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
The first grip portion is arranged on the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
In the normal position posture of the imaging device, the first grip portion is located on the right side of the display means,
The distance between the horizontal center of the operation member and the right end of the first grip portion is shorter than the distance between the horizontal center of the display means and the right end of the first grip portion. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1.
A finder for observing the display means is arranged on the back side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
The first grip portion is arranged on the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
In the normal position posture of the imaging device, the first grip portion is located on the right side of the finder,
The distance between the horizontal center of the operation member and the right end of the first grip portion is shorter than the distance between the horizontal center of the finder and the right end of the first grip portion. Item 14. The image pickup device according to any one of items 1 to 3 and 13.
A shutter button is arranged on the upper surface of the exterior member of the imaging device,
A first grip portion is arranged on the front side of the exterior member of the imaging device,
In the normal position posture of the imaging device, the distance between the center of the operation member in the left-right direction and the right end of the first grip portion is the distance between the center of the shutter button in the left-right direction and the right end of the first grip portion. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 13, and 14, wherein the imaging device is longer than the distance.
A transparent window is provided on the surface of the operation member,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the window portion has a convex portion on the appearance side of the operation member.
When the diameter of the window portion is α (mm) and the radius of the convex portion is SR (mm),
The imaging device according to claim 16, wherein SR ≧ 6.25α 2 +0.01 is satisfied.
A transparent window is provided on the surface of the operation member,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the window portion does not protrude from an outer peripheral surface of the operation member.
The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the operation member is arranged such that its surface is substantially parallel to the display means.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a convex index indicating at least one direction is provided on a surface of the operation member.
21. The operation member is arranged at the most projecting position within a range that can be touched by a finger of a hand holding a grip portion provided in the imaging device. Imaging device.
With the finger of the hand holding the grip portion provided in the image pickup device touching the operation member and holding the image pickup device toward the subject, the surface of the operation member is in the vertical direction more than in the horizontal direction. The imaging device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, which is long.
An imaging device for selecting an operation related to imaging, reproduction, and setting and instructing start of the selected operation,
An optical input device that detects a sliding movement of a finger is used to select a position for performing an operation related to the imaging, the reproduction, and the setting, and an operation related to the imaging, the reproduction, and the setting is performed by operating the finger. An operation member for instructing the start of
Display means for displaying a screen when making the selection,
Displaying a display body for selecting the imaging, the reproduction, and the setting on the screen, moving the display body according to the movement amount of the finger detected by the optical input device, and operating the operation member. According to, a control means for performing an operation selected by the display body,
The imaging device, wherein the light input device is arranged below a surface of the operation member on which a finger is placed.
The imaging includes an operation of focusing on a subject, the reproduction includes image forwarding and image scaling, and the settings include at least shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, aperture, and exposure correction settings. The imaging device according to claim 23, wherein the imaging device is included.
25. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the operation member gives an instruction to start autofocus by pressing the finger.
A transparent window is provided on the surface of the operation member,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the window portion has a convex portion on the appearance side of the operation member.
When the diameter of the window portion is α (mm) and the radius of the convex portion is SR (mm),
27. The imaging device according to claim 26, wherein SR ≧ 6.25α 2 +0.01 is satisfied.
A transparent window is provided on the surface of the operation member,
27. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the window portion does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the operation member.
An electronic device having an optical input device,
The optical input device,
Detection surface,
A light source that transmits the detection surface and emits illumination light that illuminates a contact object that contacts the detection surface,
Of the illumination light, an optical member having an image forming optical unit that forms an image of reflected light that is reflected by the contact object and transmitted through the detection surface,
A light receiving sensor for photoelectrically converting an optical image of the contact object formed by the reflected light,
The detection surface has a concave curved surface shape recessed from a peripheral portion surrounding the detection surface of the exterior surface of the electronic device,
An electronic device, wherein an optical axis position of the imaging optical unit is displaced from a center position or a most recessed position on the detection surface.
The electronic device has a display unit capable of displaying images and information,
The control means for controlling the display on the display unit in response to detecting the movement of the contact object on the detection surface using the output from the light receiving sensor. Electronic device described.
The electronic device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the peripheral portion is adjacent to an outer edge of the detection surface.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the amount of depression of the detection surface from the peripheral portion is 0.015 mm or less.
When the diameter of the detection surface is α ′, the radius of curvature SR ′ (mm) of the concave curved surface shape is
SR ′ ≧ 6.25α ′ 2 +0.01
33. The electronic device according to claim 29, which satisfies the following condition.
The radius of curvature SR ′ is
SR ′ ≧ 8.33α ′ 2 +0.0075
34. The electronic device according to claim 33, which satisfies the following condition.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the peripheral portion has a convex shape in which an outward protrusion amount increases toward an outer edge of the detection surface.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the peripheral portion is satin-finished.