JPH09102894A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera with convenience of use in which an eyepiece section does not give hindrance at a 2nd position and whether the camera is at a 1st position or the 2nd position is recognized at a glance. SOLUTION: The camera is provided with a camera main body 1, a video image display section 2a for a video display section 2a being an electronic view finder 4 displaying visually a video signal, an eyepiece section 3 of the electronic view finder 4 arranged fixedly to the camera main body 1 to view a video image displayed on the video image display section 2a and a finder case 2b supporting the video image display section 2a to be turnable between a 1st position viewing an object via the eyepiece section 3 and a 2nd position viewing the object not via the eyepiece section 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera having an electronic viewfinder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a first observation mode in which an observer can bring an eye close to an eyepiece to observe an image on an image display unit, and an observer can make an eye apart from the eyepiece to observe the image. A camera provided with a finder device capable of adopting the second observation mode is proposed.

FIG. 36 shows an example of a camera equipped with such a finder device. The viewfinder device of this camera is provided with a video display section 92 for visualizing and displaying a video related to a video signal on a display surface 92a in a camera body 91, and an eyepiece lens 93 is built in on the eyepiece side of the video display section 92. An eyepiece section 94 is provided.

The eyepiece portion 94 has a hinge portion 95 on the upper side.
Is attached to the camera body 91 so as to be rotatable.

In such a structure, at the first position where the first observation mode as shown in FIG. 36 (A) can be adopted,
The image displayed by the observer on the image display unit 92 is displayed by the eyepiece unit 9
It is designed to be observed through the 4.

Further, at the second position where the second observation mode as shown in FIG. 36 (B) can be adopted, the eyepiece 94 is folded back to the upper side by the hinge portion 95 so that the observer can display the image. The image displayed on the section 92 is directly observed without using the eyepiece section 94.

Next, FIG. 37 shows another example of the finder device. This finder device is similar to the finder device shown in FIG.
An image display section 92 for visualizing and displaying an image related to an image signal on a display surface 92a is provided.
A finder housing 96 having an eyepiece lens 93 is provided on the eyepiece side. In addition, this finder housing 96
An eye cup 97 for preventing external light from entering during observation and a slide operating portion 96a for performing a sliding operation in the optical axis direction by pushing with a finger or the like are provided in the.

Further, the camera body 91 is provided with a fitting portion 91a for fitting the finder housing 96 slidably in the optical axis direction.

In such a structure, at the first position where the first observation mode as shown in FIG. 37 (A) can be adopted,
With the focus position of the eyepiece lens 93 almost on the display surface 92a of the image display unit 92, the observer can see the eyepiece lens 93.
The image displayed on the display surface 92a is observed via the.

Further, at the second position where the second observation mode as shown in FIG. 37 (B) can be adopted, the slide operation portion 96 is provided.
By manipulating a to bring the eyepiece lens 93 closer to the display surface 92a, the effect displayed by the eyepiece lens 93 is almost negligible, and the image displayed on the display surface 92a is observed.

[0011]

However, the structure shown in FIG. 36 cannot be said to have sufficient strength to hold the eyepiece 94, and the structure shown in FIG.
In the state shown in (B), the eyepiece 94 may be an obstacle when observing. In addition, FIG.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the position of the eyepiece lens 93 must be adjusted to match the diopter each time the state shown in FIG. 37 (B) is changed to the state shown in FIG. 37 (A). Not to mention, the operation was troublesome. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 37 (B), since the distortion aberration or the like exists, the image displayed on the image display unit 92 can be observed only at a magnification of approximately 1 × and can be enlarged. There wasn't. Therefore, when the image display surface 92a is small, it is not suitable for a plurality of people to observe at the same time. Then, since there is little change in appearance between the state shown in FIG. 37 (A) and the state shown in FIG. 37 (B), the camera can now adopt the first observation mode at the first position and the second position. It was difficult for the observer from the outside to recognize which state of the second position where the observation mode of 1) is possible.

Further, as a normal usage, it is conceivable that the photographing is performed at the first position and the reproduction is performed at the second position. In this case, the above-mentioned FIG. 36 (A) is used.
Alternatively, in order to shift from the shooting state as shown in FIG. 37 (A) to the state of observing the reproduced video, first, the mode of the camera is changed from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and then the viewfinder is moved to the state shown in FIG. B) or the state shown in FIG. 37B, and tilt the camera while holding it with a hand or tilting the viewfinder to a predetermined position so that the optical axis of the viewfinder is in the line-of-sight direction. It should be in a state in which it is easy to observe by making it almost coincident,
It was hard to say that it was easy to use.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. In the second observation mode, the eyepiece portion does not interfere, and the first observation mode or the second observation mode is used. The objective is to provide a user-friendly camera that allows an observer to recognize at a glance what should be taken.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, a camera of the present invention according to claim 1 includes a video display section for visualizing and displaying a video related to a video signal, and displays a video on the video display section. A camera provided with an electronic viewfinder adapted to observe through an eyepiece, wherein at least the eyepiece is fixedly provided on the camera body, and the image display section is attached to the image display section by an observer. The first position where the first observation mode that allows the image on the image display unit to be observed through the eye portion can be adopted, and the image on the image display unit can be displayed by the observer without passing through the eyepiece unit. The camera body is provided so as to be displaceable between a second position where a second observation mode that allows observation can be taken.

The camera of the present invention according to claim 2 is
The image display unit is provided so as to be rotatable and displaceable between the first position and the second position about a rotation support shaft provided in the camera body or assumed outside the camera body. According to claim 1,

Further, the camera of the present invention according to claim 3 further comprises a tilt angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle with respect to the observer when the image display section is at least in the second position. It is as described in Item 1.

[Operation] In the camera of the present invention according to claim 1, the image display section visualizes and displays the image related to the image signal,
An electronic viewfinder is provided for observing an image on the image display section through an eyepiece section, and at least the eyepiece section is fixedly provided on the camera body, and the image display section is provided to an observer. A first observation mode in which an image on the image display unit can be observed via the eyepiece unit;
On the camera body so as to be displaceable between the second position and the second position where the observer can observe the image on the image display unit without going through the eyepiece unit. Provided.

The camera of the present invention according to claim 2 is
The image display unit is freely rotationally displaced between the first position and the second position about a pivot shaft provided in the camera body or assumed outside the camera body.

Further, in the camera of the present invention according to claim 3, the tilt angle adjusting mechanism adjusts the tilt angle with respect to the observer when the image display unit is at least in the second position.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 35 show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of a camera. In this embodiment,
The mechanical structure is shown as various examples, and the electrical structure and its operation are shown as various examples, and they can be combined with each other as desired unless a contradiction occurs.

This camera has a camera body 1 including a release switch 1a for taking a picture, a zoom switch 1b for changing the focal length of a taking optical system, and the like.
An electronic viewfinder 4 including a finder housing 2b holding a video display unit 2a for visualizing and displaying a video related to a video signal and an eyepiece 3 for observing the video displayed on the video display unit 2a is provided. It is a thing.

In such a structure, the eyepiece section 3 is fixedly disposed on the camera body 1, and the finder housing 2b holding the image display section 2a is displaceable with respect to the camera body. ing.

With reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, the video display section 2a
In the first observation mode, the observer can observe the image on the image display unit 2a through the eyepiece unit 1.
And a second position where the observer can adopt the second observation mode in which the observer can observe the image on the image display unit 2a without going through the eyepiece unit 3. A specific configuration example provided in the camera body will be described.

FIG. 2 shows a structure in which the finder housing 2b can be moved to the first position and the second position by sliding it horizontally.

That is, as shown in the figure, the camera body 1 is formed with a slide groove 5a for laterally moving the finder housing 2b, while the finder housing 2b is provided with the slide groove 5a. A guide convex portion 5b for slidably fitting is formed.

In such a structure, at the first position where the finder housing 2b is housed in the camera body 1, the image displayed on the image display unit 2a can be observed through the eyepiece unit 3.

Further, if the finder housing 2b is slid laterally from the first position with a finger or the like to the second position, the hole between the guide projections 5b is moved to the image display section 2a. The displayed image can be observed without passing through the eyepiece 3.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the finder housing 2b is slid upward to move the first position and the second position.
It is configured so that it can take the position of.

That is, the camera body 1 is formed with a guide convex portion 6a for sliding the finder casing 2b upward, while the finder casing 2b is slid on the guide convex portion 6a. A slide groove 6b is formed so that the slide groove 6b can be fitted as much as possible.

FIG. 4 shows a structure in which the finder housing 2b is slid to the subject side and further rotated with respect to the camera body 1 so that the first position and the second position can be obtained. It was done.

FIG. 5 shows a structure in which the finder housing 2b can be moved to the first position and the second position by rotating the finder housing 2b with respect to the camera body 1.

FIG. 6 shows a structure in which the finder housing 2b can be turned to the first position and the second position by rotating the finder housing 2b around the rotation support shaft 7 provided in the camera body 1. It was done.

FIG. 7 shows that the finder housing 2b can be turned to the first position and the second position by rotating the viewfinder housing 2b around the virtual rotation support shaft 8b outside the camera body 1. It is configured in.

That is, the camera body 1 is provided with a cam groove 8a having a substantially arcuate shape with a radius R centered on the rotation support shaft 8b, while the finder housing 2b is engaged with the cam groove 8a. A guide portion 8c is formed.

By assuming the rotary support shaft 8b outside the camera body 1 in this way, the finder housing 2b can be rotated more easily.

FIG. 8 shows that the viewfinder housing 2b is rotated horizontally with respect to the camera body 1 about a rotation support shaft 9 provided in the camera body 1 in the vertical direction.
It is configured such that it can take the first position and the second position.

In the camera having the structure shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 among the above, the viewfinder housing 2b can be rotated upward with respect to the camera body 1, and as shown in FIG. The image display surface 2b can be observed in the second observation mode without tilting the camera body 1. As a result, for example, it is possible to observe the image display unit 2a even when the camera is left on the desk, and it is not necessary to hold the camera, which improves usability.

FIG. 10 further includes a tilt angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle at the second position of the finder housing 2b with respect to the camera body 1 in the structure shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, for example. It is a thing.

That is, the tilt angle adjusting mechanism can be fixed to a desired tilt angle by the frictional force acting between the camera body 1 and the finder housing 2b. In such a tilt angle adjusting mechanism, if a click feeling is provided by providing a ratchet mechanism or the like, the operability can be further improved.

Next, FIGS. 11 to 13 show still another example. The camera includes a locking member 11 having a release operation portion 11a on a camera body 1 and a viewfinder housing 2.
coil spring 14 for urging b toward the second position
And a locked portion 13 with which the locking member 11 is engaged is formed in the finder housing 2b.

More specifically, the locking member 11 is attached to the camera body 1 via a spring 12, and is biased by the spring 12 in a direction to engage with the locked portion 13.

In such a structure, at the first position where the first observation mode as shown in FIG. 11 can be adopted,
By engaging the locking member 11 with the locked portion 13, the rotation of the finder housing 2b due to the biasing force of the coil spring 14 is restricted, and observation through the eyepiece 3 is enabled.

Next, at the first position, when the locking member 11 and the locked portion 13 are unlocked by sliding the unlocking operation part 11a with a finger or the like, the finder housing 2b becomes a coil spring. Camera body 1 by the urging force of 14
Rotate upward with respect to. As a result, FIG. 12 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, it is in the second position where the second observation mode can be adopted in which observation can be performed without going through the eyepiece 3.

When returning from the second position to the first position, the operator pushes the finder housing 2b against the urging force of the coil spring 14 so that the locked portion 13 is released. When it reaches a position where it can be engaged with the locking member 11, it is moved by the urging force of the spring 12 and automatically engaged.

Although the mechanism using the coil spring has been described above, it may be constituted by using a biasing member other than the coil spring, or constituted by using another electric displacement actuator or the like. It doesn't matter.

Another example will be described with reference to FIG. A finder hood 18 for preventing external light from affecting the observation is provided as a separate body in the eyepiece section 3 of the camera, and the finder hood 18 is detachably configured.

Further, when in the second position, the finder hood 18 can be directly attached to the finder housing 2b.

That is, the finder hood 18 is attached to the eyepiece section 3 at the first position, and is attached to the finder housing 2b at the second position.

Thus, the image display section can be observed at both the first position and the second position without being affected by external light. Moreover, the finder hood can be used effectively at both positions without waste.

Next, the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described. The finder housing 2b is provided with an end surface on the eyepiece side in an inclined shape with one side extending further, and a portion on the eyepiece side serves as a finder hood 15.

In such a structure, the first support shown in FIG. 15 is centered on the rotation support shaft 7 provided in the camera body 1.
16 to the second position shown in FIG.
When b is rotated, the finder hood 15 prevents outside light from entering, so that the image display unit 2a can be observed well.

At this time, since the finder hood 15 has a shape in which one side is further extended, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the entry of external light, and at the same time, the finder housing 2 is provided.
The operation of rotating b can also be easily performed.

The example shown in FIG. 17 will be described. A diopter adjusting lens 16 is provided inside the eyepiece 3 of the camera body 1. The diopter adjusting lens 16 is movable in the optical axis direction while being held by the lens holding frame 16a. It is provided in. In addition, a magnifying lens 17 is arranged on the observing surface side of the image display unit 2a in the finder housing 2b.

According to such a configuration, even when the displacement operation between the first position and the second position is performed, it is necessary to adjust the diopter adjusting lens to an appropriate position at each position. It is easy to operate without

Further, since the dedicated magnifying lens is provided at the second position, it is possible to adopt the second observation mode with an appropriate magnification without causing the aberration and the like as described in the above-mentioned conventional example. Therefore, it becomes possible for the observer to observe well even if the observer is away from the camera body to some extent.

Next, FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the main parts relating to the electrical construction of the camera provided with the displaceable image display section as shown in each of the above examples.

This camera has a video display section 22 corresponding to the video display section 2b, a position detecting means 23 for detecting the position of the video display section 22, and a display control for controlling the brightness of the video display section 22. And a CPU 21 including means 21a.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIG.

When the operation starts, first, the position of the image display section 22 is detected by the position detecting means 23 (step S).
1).

Next, based on this detection result, it is determined whether the position of the image display unit 22 is at the first position or the second position (step S2). If it is at the first position, Switches the brightness of the image display unit 22 to the first brightness suitable for observation through the eyepiece unit 3 (step S
It ends from 3).

In step S2, when the image display unit 22 is at the second position, the image display unit 22
The brightness is switched to the second brightness suitable for observing without going through the eyepiece unit 3 (step S4), and then the process ends.

The image display unit 22 is, for example, an LCD.
In the case of being composed of, the first brightness is, for example, to reduce the brightness of the backlight,
The second brightness is to increase the brightness of the backlight.

Next, FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing another example of the main part relating to the electrical configuration of the camera provided with the displaceable image display section as shown in each of the above examples.

This camera has a lens 31 for forming a subject image, a CCD 32 disposed on the focal plane of the lens 31 for photoelectrically converting the formed subject image, and this CC.
Imaging system circuit 3 for performing various processing of output video by D32.
3, an A / D converter 34 for converting the output of the image pickup system circuit 33 into a digital signal, a frame memory 35 for accumulating the output of the A / D converter 34, and a memory control for controlling the frame memory 35. 36, a D / A converter 37 that converts the output of the frame memory 35 into an analog signal, an amplifier 38 that amplifies the output of the D / A converter 37, and a video signal output from the amplifier 38. The image display unit 22 that visualizes and displays the image, the position detection unit 23 that detects the position of the image display unit 22, and the output of the frame memory 35 are compressed or I described later.
A compression / decompression circuit 39 for decompressing the output from the C memory card 41, a buffer SRAM 40 for temporarily storing the output of the compression / decompression circuit 39, and a buffer S
I, which is a medium for storing the information output from the RAM 40
It includes a C memory card 41 and a mode control means 21b which receives the output from the position detection means 23 and controls the recording mode and the reproduction mode of the camera, and also includes the imaging system circuit 33, the memory control 36, the compression / expansion circuit 39, It is configured to have a CPU 21 that controls the entire camera including a buffer SRAM 40 and the like.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIG.

When the operation starts, first, the position of the image display section 22 is detected by the position detecting means 23 (step S1).
1).

Next, it is determined whether the position of the image display unit 22 is the first position or the second position (step S1).
2) If it is in the first position, the camera is set to the recording mode (step S13) and the process ends.

In step S12, when the image display unit 22 is in the second position, the camera is set to the reproduction mode (step S14) and the process is ended.

Here, when the camera is in the recording mode, the video signal stored in the frame memory 35 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 37 and amplified by the amplifier 38, and then the video The image is displayed on the display unit 22 as a subject image.

When an observer who views the image on the image display unit 22 makes a recording, the frame memory 35 is used.
The video signal output is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 39 and recorded in the IC memory card 41 via the buffer SRAM 40.

When the camera is in the reproduction mode, I
When the video signal stored in the C memory card 41 is reproduced, the buffer SRA from the IC memory card 41 is reproduced.
A video signal is taken in through M40, and the compression / expansion circuit 39
Is expanded and stored in the frame memory 35. further,
The signal stored in the frame memory 35 is displayed on the video display unit 22 via the D / A conversion unit 37 and the amplifier 38.

Next, FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing still another example of the main part relating to the electrical structure of the camera provided with the displaceable image display section.

The structure shown in FIG. 22 is almost the same as the structure shown in FIG. 20, but an operating member 42 for switching the mode of the camera is additionally provided so that the mode control means 21b of the CPU 21 can be operated and input. It is the one.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIG.

When the operation is started, the position of the image display section 22 is first detected by the position detecting means 23 (step S2).
1).

Next, by comparing the detected position with the position detected before the operation of this flowchart, it is determined whether or not the second position is displaced to the first position (step S22). ), If it is displaced from the second position to the first position, the camera is set to the recording mode (step S23) and the process ends.

In step S22, the second
If the position has not been displaced from the first position to the first position, it is subsequently determined whether the first position has been displaced to the second position (step S24), and the first position has the second position. If it is displaced to the position, the camera is set to the reproduction mode (step S25), and the process ends.

In step S24, if the first position is not displaced to the second position, that is, if the position of the image display unit 22 is not changed, the current position of the image display unit 22 is changed to the first position. It is determined whether the position is the 1st position or the 2nd position (step S26).

If it is in the first position in this step S26, the recording mode, which is the mode set in the previous flowchart, is ended.

If it is in the second position in step S26, it is determined whether or not the operating member 42 formed of a push button or the like has been pressed (step S2).
7).

In step S27, the operating member 4
If No. 2 is operated, the camera is set to the recording mode and then the processing is ended (step S28).

If the operation member 42 is not operated in step S27, the mode set in the previous flow chart is terminated and the process is terminated.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a modified example of the operation shown in FIG. The operation shown in FIG. 24 is almost the same as the operation shown in FIG. 23. However, when the operation member 42 is operated in step S27, the camera is in the reproduction mode by the returning means. The difference is that the recording mode is set in this case, and the reproduction mode is set in the recording mode (step S29) and the processing is ended.

In the above example, the mode can be changed by operating the operation member 42 only when the image display unit 22 is in the second position in step S26. Even when the image display unit 22 is at the first position in S26, the operation member 4
The mode may be changed by the operation of 2.

Next, FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing another example of the main part relating to the electrical construction of the camera provided with the displaceable image display section.

The configuration shown in FIG. 25 is almost the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 20, except that, for example, a modem device or the like for transmitting the video signal output of the buffer SRAM 40 or the IC memory card 41 to the camera body 1. The transmission means 43 is provided so that the output is performed via the external terminal 44.

The transmission means 43 is provided so that the recorded video signal can be transmitted using a predetermined line, for example, a general public telephone line.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIG.

When the operation is started, the position of the image display section 22 is first detected by the position detecting means 23 (step S3).
1).

Next, it is determined whether the position of the image display unit 22 is the first position or the second position (step S3).
2) If it is in the first position, the camera is set to the recording mode (step S33) and the process ends.

If the image display unit 22 is in the second position in step S32, the camera is set to the transmission mode (step S34) and the process ends.

Next, FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing still another example of the main part relating to the electrical configuration of the camera provided with the displaceable image display section.

The structure shown in FIG. 27 is almost the same as the structure shown in FIG. 25, but an operating member 42 for switching the mode of the camera is additionally provided so that the mode control means 21b of the CPU 21 can be operated and input. The CPU 21 controls the transmission means 43 based on this input.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIG.

When the operation is started, the position of the image display section 22 is detected by the position detecting means 23 (step S4).
1).

Next, by comparing the detected position with the position detected before the operation of this flowchart, it is determined whether or not the second position is displaced to the first position (step S42). ), If the second position is displaced to the first position, the camera is set to the recording mode (step S43) and the process ends.

In the step S42, the second
If the position has not been displaced from the first position to the first position, then it is determined whether the first position has been displaced to the second position (step S44), and the first position has the second position. If it is displaced to the position, the camera is set to the transmission mode (step S45), and the process ends.

In step S44, if the first position is not displaced to the second position, that is, if the position of the image display unit 22 is not changed, the current position of the image display unit 22 is changed to the first position. It is determined whether the position is the first position or the second position (step S46).

If it is in the first position in step S46, the recording mode, which is the mode set in the previous flowchart, is ended.

If it is in the second position in step S46, it is determined whether or not the operating member 42 composed of a push button or the like has been pressed (step S4).
7).

In this step S47, the operating member 4
2 is operated, the recording mode is set when the camera is in the transmission mode, and the transmission mode is set when the camera is in the recording mode (step S48) and the process ends. If the operating member 42 is not operated, the mode set in the previous flowchart is left and the process ends.

Also in this example, step S46.
Only when the image display unit 22 is in the second position,
Although the mode can be changed by operating the operation member 42, as in the above-described example, the step S
46, the mode may be changed by operating the operation member 42 even when the image display unit 22 is at the first position.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a modified example of the operation shown in FIG. The operation shown in FIG. 29 is almost the same as the operation shown in FIG. 28. However, in step S47, when the operation member 42 is operated, the recording mode is set when the camera is in the transmission mode. Is set, and when it is in the recording mode, it is set to the reproduction mode, and when it is in the reproduction mode, it is set to the transmission mode and ends from step S49.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an example of a camera having a displaceable image display section. This camera is a video display unit for visualizing and displaying a video related to a video signal on a camera body 1 including a release switch 1a for taking a picture, a zoom switch 1b for changing a focal length of a taking optical system, and the like. A viewfinder housing 2b for holding 2a and an eyepiece section 3 for observing the image displayed on the image display section 2a are provided.

Further, the camera is provided with an information display section 24 which displays various information, such as an LCD, and the image display section 2a also has a function of the information display section 24 which displays various information. It is a combination.

As the information displayed on the information display section 24, for example, the number of recorded frames, the number of reproduced frames, the flash mode, the self-timer mode, the mode setting state such as the exposure mode, and other modes and numerical values are exemplified. Can be mentioned.

Similarly, the video display section 2a as the information display section 24 similarly records the number of recorded frames, the number of reproduced frames, the shooting date and time,
Information such as mode setting status such as white balance is displayed as necessary. That is, for example,
The number of recorded images is displayed when the image display unit 2a is in the first position, and the number of reproduced images is displayed when the image display unit 2a is in the second position.

The information such as characters displayed on the image display unit 2a is displayed smaller than the portion displaying the image at the first position, while the portion displaying the image at the second position. May be displayed in a larger size.

Further, the focus / flash standby LED display, which is usually provided on the image display unit 2a, is used as a transmission standby or an indication that transmission is in progress when the camera is in the second position. Good.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the main parts relating to the electrical construction of the camera shown in FIG.

This camera displays a video display section 22 for visualizing and displaying a video related to a video signal, a position detecting means 23 for detecting the position of the video display section 22, and contents of various information other than the video related to the camera. Information display section 24 and display changing means 2 for changing the contents of the information display section 24.
1c and CPU21.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIGS.

When the operation starts, first, the position of the image display section 22 is detected by the position detecting means 23 (step S5).
1).

Next, it is determined whether the position of the image display unit 22 is the first position or the second position (step S5).
2), when it is in the first position, the display changing means 21c
Instructs the information display unit 24 to display the first content corresponding to the first position (step S53), and ends.

In step S52, when the image display section 22 is at the second position, the display changing means 21c displays the second content corresponding to the second position on the information display section 24. Command (step S54)
To finish.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing another example of a camera having a displaceable image display section.

This camera is constructed in substantially the same manner as the camera shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, but the locking member 11 in the figure also serves as the mode switching member 46 in the configuration of FIG. It has become a thing. Then, on the exterior surface of the camera body 1 near the mode switching member 46, characters and figures indicating the mode at the time of switching are displayed.

That is, the camera mode is set to the reproduction mode by operating the mode switching member 46 in the direction in which "PLAY" is shown in the figure, and at the same time, the fan housing 2b is urged by the coil spring 14. The image display unit 2a is lifted and also switched to the second position.

When returning from the second position to the first position, the operator pushes the finder housing 2b against the biasing force of the coil spring 14 so that the locked portion 13 is released. When the position where the mode switching member 46 can be engaged is reached, the urging force of the spring 12 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) causes the mode switching member 46 to cause the record (R) indicating the recording mode.
EC) is moved to the displayed side and the engagement is automatically performed.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing the main parts relating to the electrical construction of the camera shown in FIG.

The structure shown in FIG. 34 is almost the same as the structure shown in FIG. 20, except that the mode switching member 46 for switching the mode of the camera and the mode switching member 4 are used.
6, and a video display unit displacing means 45 mechanically interlocked with 6 is additionally provided.

The output of the mode switching member 46 is CP.
The input is input to the mode control means 21b of U21, and the CPU 21 controls the image display section displacement means 45.

Further, by providing the mode switching member 46, the position detecting means 23 provided in the camera shown in FIG. 20 becomes unnecessary, and it is not provided in the configuration shown in FIG. 34. Is different. The IC memory card 41 is not shown in FIG. 34, but it goes without saying that it can be mounted.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera constructed as shown in FIGS.

When the operation starts, first, the mode switching member 46
The current mode setting of the camera is detected by the output (step S61).

Next, based on this detection result, it is determined whether the camera is in the recording mode or the reproduction mode (step S62). If the camera is in the recording mode, the video display unit 22
Is displaced to the first position (step S63) and the process ends.

In step S62, if the camera is in the reproduction mode, the video display section 22 is set to the second mode.
To the position (step S64), and the process ends.

In the structure shown in FIG. 33, the mode switching member 46 is operated to the PLAY side to displace it from the first position to the second position, and then the recording state is restored. In this case, the operator has to push the finder housing 2b back to the first position by his hand or the like. For example, by configuring the image display unit displacing means 45 with an actuator, the mode switching member 46 can be When operated on the recording (REC) side, the signal is sent to the image display unit displacing unit 45 via the mode control unit 21b to automatically displace the image display unit 22 to the first position. May be.

As described above, according to such an embodiment, the eyepiece during observation does not interfere,
Problems such as distortion due to the diopter adjusting lens do not occur. Further, even if the first position and the second position are displaced, it is not necessary to adjust the diopter adjustment lens each time. Then, by looking at the camera at a glance, it is possible to determine whether the current state is the first observation mode or the second observation mode, and the state is not mistaken.

[Additional Notes] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following constitution can be obtained.

(1) A camera provided with an electronic viewfinder, which includes a video display unit for visualizing and displaying a video relating to a video signal, and allows the video on the video display unit to be observed through an eyepiece unit. A first observation in which at least the eyepiece unit is fixed to the camera body and the image display unit allows an observer to observe an image on the image display unit through the eyepiece unit. Displacement between a first position capable of adopting a mode and a second position capable of adopting a second observation mode that allows an observer to observe an image on the image display unit without going through the eyepiece unit. A camera characterized by being installed in the camera body as much as possible.

According to the camera described in (1) above, the second
In this observation mode, the eyepiece portion does not get in the way, and the observer can recognize at a glance which one of the first observation mode and the second observation mode should be used, which is convenient. good.

(2) The image display unit is rotated between the first position and the second position about a pivot shaft provided in the camera body or assumed outside the camera body. The camera according to (1), wherein the camera is provided so that it can be dynamically displaced.

According to the camera described in (2) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (1) above can be obtained, and the image display section can be displaced by a simple operation. Furthermore, if the image display unit is tilted to the upper side of the camera body at the second position, the observer does not need to hold the camera substantially parallel to the line-of-sight direction in the second observation mode. It is possible to observe the image displayed on the image display unit while it is placed on the desk.

(3) The camera is characterized by further comprising a tilt angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle with respect to the observer when the image display section is at least in the second position ( The camera described in 1).

According to the camera described in (3) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (1) above can be obtained, and the tilt angle adjusting mechanism adjusts the tilt angle of the image display section. In the second observation mode, the observer is not forced to take a posture with respect to the camera body and can take a good observation posture.

(4) The camera further includes a locking portion for locking the image display portion at the first position, and a locking release portion for unlocking the locking portion. The camera according to (1) or (2), which is provided.

According to the camera described in (4) above, the same effects as those of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and at the same time, the eyepiece section is good without any hindrance. The camera can take the first and second observation modes.

(5) The image display section is configured to have a finder hood on the viewing surface side at the second position, and the image display section is characterized in that (1) or (2). camera.

According to the camera described in (5) above, the same effects as those of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and at the second position, the camera is affected by external light. It is a camera that can take a good observation mode without any problems.

(6) The finder hood is provided integrally with the finder housing by projecting at least the upper portion of the finder housing on which the image display section is provided on the observation surface side. The camera as described in (5), which is characterized.

According to the camera described in (6) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (5) above can be obtained, and the image display section is located at the second position by the simple mechanism. On the other hand, it becomes possible to incline upward, further improving usability.

(7) The camera according to (1), wherein the eyepiece section includes a diopter adjusting lens, and the image display section is provided with a magnifying lens on the viewing surface side.

According to the camera described in (7) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (1) above can be obtained, and in the displacement operation between the first position and the second position, It is not necessary to adjust the diopter adjustment lens to the proper position in each position, and the operation becomes simple. Also,
At the second position, even if the observer is separated from the camera body to some extent, a good observation mode can be obtained.

(8) Display control in which the camera switches the brightness of the image on the image display unit in association with the displacement operation between the first position and the second position of the image display unit. The camera according to (1) or (2), further comprising means.

According to the camera described in (8) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and the brightness of the image on the image display unit can be adjusted to the first level. By setting the brightness suitable for each of the first and second observation modes, good observation can be performed.

(9) The camera visualizes and displays a recording mode for recording a video signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing optical system and a video signal recorded in the recording mode. In addition, a mode control means for controlling to perform an operation in any one of a reproduction mode for performing the reproduction is further provided, and the mode control means is such that the image display section is displaced to the first position. The camera according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the recording mode is set when the recording medium is set, and the reproduction mode is set when the recording medium is displaced to the second position.

According to the camera described in (9) above, the same effects as those of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and the camera can be operated only by displacing the image display section. Switch between a recording mode that allows you to view a magnified image of the subject through the eyepiece at a sufficient magnification, and a playback mode that allows you to view a reproduced image without holding the camera and through the eyepiece. It becomes possible and usability improves.

(10) The camera relates to the video display unit for changing and setting each of the modes set when the video display unit is displaced to the first or second position to another mode. (9) The camera according to (9), further including another operation member not related to the displacement operation.

According to the camera described in (10) above, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the invention described in (9) above, and it is possible to perform photographing by observing the subject without going through the eyepiece. become.

(11) In the camera, when the image display section is displaced to the second position and the reproduction mode is changed to the recording mode by the operation member, the recording mode is returned to the reproduction mode. The camera according to (10), further comprising means.

According to the camera described in (11) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (10) above can be obtained, and when the recording mode is set at the second position, the image display section is displayed. You can return to playback mode without moving.

(12) The camera records a video signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing optical system, and a video related to the video signal recorded in the recording mode. Further includes a mode control means for controlling to operate in any one of a transmission mode in which the transmission is performed using a predetermined line. In the mode control means, the image display unit is the second The camera according to (1) or (2), which is controlled so as to set the transmission mode when the camera is displaced to the position.

According to the camera described in (12) above, the same effects as those of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and the camera can be operated only by displacing the image display section. Recording mode that allows you to observe a magnified image of the subject image at a sufficient magnification through the eyepiece, and transmission that allows you to observe the transmitted image, setting display, etc. without holding the camera and through the eyepiece It becomes possible to switch to the mode, which improves usability.

(13) The above-mentioned camera is the first or second camera.
Is further provided with another operation member that is not related to the displacement operation related to the image display unit for changing and setting each of the modes set when the position is displaced to the other mode (( The camera according to 12).

According to the camera described in (13) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (12) above can be obtained, and at the second position, the mode can be changed without displacing the image display section. Since it can be changed and set, for example, it is possible to take a bust-up image and view a reproduced image without going through the eyepiece.

(14) When the image display section is displaced to the second position and the operation member changes the transmission mode to the other mode, the camera returns from the other mode to the transmission mode. (13) The camera according to (13), further comprising a returning means.

According to the camera described in (14) above, the same effect as that of the invention described in (13) above can be obtained, and when the second position is in the other mode, the image display section is displayed. It is possible to return to the transmission mode without moving.

(15) The camera includes an information display section for displaying the contents of various information other than the image relating to the camera, and the information display section between the first position and the second position of the image display section. (1) or (2), further comprising display changing means for changing the display content on the information display unit to display content corresponding to the displacement position in association with the displacement operation. camera.

According to the camera described in (15) above, the same effects as those of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and at each of the first position and the second position. Since it is not necessary to provide separate corresponding information display portions, it is possible to achieve the information display function corresponding to both the above positions at low cost and in a small space.

As such, for example, the LED display used for displaying the focus or the flash photographing standby in the first position is used as the transmission standby or the transmission in-progress LED in the second position, or , The information characters such as the number of shots are displayed small at the first position and the information characters are displayed large at the second position, or the number of recorded images is displayed at the first position,
For example, displaying the number of reproductions at the second position.

(16) The camera visualizes and displays a recording mode for recording a video signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing optical system and a video signal recorded in the recording mode. Mode control means for controlling to operate in any one of a reproduction mode for performing the reproduction, a mode switching member for switching and setting the recording mode or the reproduction mode, and an operation of the mode switching member. When the mode control means sets the recording mode, the image display section is displaced to the first position, or when the mode control means sets the reproduction mode by operating the mode switching member. (1) or (2), further comprising an image display unit displacing means for displacing the portion to the second position.
The camera according to.

According to the camera described in (16) above, the same effects as those of the invention described in (1) or (2) above can be obtained, and the mode switching operation is performed to correspond to each mode. It becomes a camera that can adopt the excellent observation mode.

[0164]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, the eyepiece portion does not interfere in the second observation mode, and the first observation mode and the second observation mode. It is easy to use because the observer can recognize at a glance which mode should be taken.

According to the invention described in claim 2, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained, and the image display portion can be displaced by a simple operation.
Furthermore, if the image display unit is tilted to the upper side of the camera body at the second position, the observer does not need to hold the camera substantially parallel to the line-of-sight direction in the second observation mode. It is possible to observe the image displayed on the image display unit while it is placed on the desk.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 3,
While exhibiting the same effect as the invention according to claim 1,
By adjusting the tilt angle of the image display unit by the tilt angle adjusting mechanism, the observer is not forced to take a posture with respect to the camera body in the second observation mode, and can take a good observation posture.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of a camera of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a first observing mode and a second observing mode by sliding the finder housing laterally in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a camera configured so as to be able to take the observation mode of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a first observation mode and a second observation mode in the above embodiment by sliding the finder housing upward.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a camera configured so as to be able to take the observation mode of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a configuration in which the finder housing is slid to the subject side and further rotated with respect to the camera body in the above-described embodiment so that the first observation mode and the second observation mode can be taken. The perspective view which shows the example of a camera.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a camera configured to take a first observation mode and a second observation mode by rotating the finder housing with respect to the camera body in the above embodiment. Fig.

FIG. 6 is a configuration in which the first observation mode and the second observation mode can be taken by rotating the finder housing about a rotation spindle provided in the camera body in the above embodiment. Perspective view showing an example of the camera.

FIG. 7 is a view showing that the first and second observation modes can be obtained by rotating the finder housing about a rotation spindle that is virtual outside the camera body in the above embodiment. The perspective view which shows the example of the camera comprised in FIG.

8A and 8B show a first observation mode and a second observation mode by horizontally rotating the viewfinder casing about a rotation spindle provided in the camera body in the vertical direction. The perspective view which shows the example of the camera comprised so that it could be performed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where an observer observes the camera having the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 without going through an eyepiece.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the camera further including a tilt angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the finder housing in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view including a partial cross section showing the configuration when the camera, which is automatically displaceable to the second position by the biasing force of the coil spring, is in the first position in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view including a partial cross section showing the configuration when the camera shown in FIG. 11 is in the second position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration when the camera shown in FIG. 11 is in the second position.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing an example of a camera provided with a detachable viewfinder hood in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing a state in which the camera in which the finder hood having the upper side extended is provided in the finder housing is at the first position in the embodiment.

16 is a side view showing a state in which the camera shown in FIG. 15 is in the second position.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing an example of a camera in which a diopter adjustment lens is provided in the eyepiece section and a magnifying lens is provided in the finder housing in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a first example of a main part relating to an electrical configuration of a camera including a displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a second example of a main part relating to the electrical configuration of the camera including the displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a third example of the main part relating to the electrical configuration of the camera including the displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIG.

24 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a fourth example of a main part relating to the electrical configuration of the camera including the displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a fifth example of a main part relating to the electrical configuration of a camera including a displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIG.

29 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an example of a camera including a displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

31 is a block diagram showing a main part relating to the electrical configuration of the camera shown in FIG. 30.

32 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. FIG.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing another example of a camera including a displaceable image display unit in the above embodiment.

34 is a block diagram showing a main part relating to an electrical configuration of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

FIG. 36 is a side view including a partial cross-section showing a camera including a finder device that can take a first observation mode and a second observation mode in a conventional example.

FIG. 37 shows a first observation mode and a second observation mode in another conventional example.
The side view including the partial cross section which shows the camera provided with the finder apparatus which can take the observation mode of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera main body 2a, 22 ... Image display part 2b ... Finder housing 3 ... Eyepiece part 4 ... Electronic viewfinder 7, 9 ... Rotation spindle 8b ... Virtual rotation spindle 11 ... Engagement part 11a ... Engagement Release section 15, 18 ... Finder hood 16 ... Diopter adjustment lens 17 ... Magnifying lens 21 ... CPU 21a ... Display control means 21b ... Mode control means 21c ... Display changing means 23 ... Position detecting means 24 ... Information display section 42 ... Operation Member 43 ... Transmission means 45 ... Image display part displacement means 46 ... Mode switching member

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A camera provided with an electronic viewfinder, which includes a video display section for visualizing and displaying a video related to a video signal, and which allows the video on the video display section to be observed through an eyepiece section. A first observation mode in which at least the eyepiece unit is fixedly provided on the camera body and the image display unit allows an observer to observe an image on the image display unit via the eyepiece unit. Is displaceable between a first position in which the observer can take an image and a second position in which the observer can take a second observation mode in which the image on the image display unit can be observed without going through the eyepiece unit. A camera characterized by being provided on the camera body as described above. 2. The image display unit rotates between a first position and a second position about a rotation support shaft provided on the camera body or assumed outside the camera body. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is displaceably provided. 3. The camera further comprises a tilt angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting a tilt angle with respect to an observer when the image display unit is at least in the second position. The camera described in 1.