JP3405484B2 - Adapter device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an adapter device, and more particularly to an adapter device attachable to and detachable from a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image shake detecting device for detecting the amount of shake of a photographed image caused by the vibration of a camera or the like when taking a picture, and a device for preventing the image shake detected by this detecting device. Various adapter devices have been proposed in which the above and the like are detachably arranged with respect to a camera and the like.

For example, an image shake detecting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-276140 detects an image reflected on a film surface by an area sensor, and based on an output of the area sensor, a calculating means calculates the film surface. The image shake amount is calculated to detect the image shake, and the image shake detection device is provided as an adapter device to the back cover detachably provided from the camera body. It is something that is done.

An image blur prevention adapter device for a camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-21830 discloses an image blur detecting means for detecting a change outside the camera in response to an operating state of the camera, and an image of the camera. An image blur prevention unit for preventing blurring and a control unit for controlling the operation of the image blur prevention unit in response to the detection unit are provided. It is arranged on the front side.

[0005]

However, according to the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-276140, the image shake detecting device is arranged on the back cover of the camera. There is a problem that the depth of the case back itself becomes large.

Therefore, when the back cover is attached to the back side of the camera body as an adapter device, the back cover increases the amount of protrusion to the back side of the camera body. When the adapter is not attached, that is, when the normal back lid is attached, the operability of the camera is significantly different, and the operability of the camera is greatly impaired when the adapter device is attached. There is a point.

Further, according to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned JP-A-4-21830, the above-mentioned JP-A-3-276 is used.
Similar to the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 140, when the image shake adapter device is attached to the camera body, the external shape of the camera greatly changes between when attached and not attached. There is a problem that the operability is greatly different, the operability of the camera at the time of mounting is impaired, and it becomes difficult to hold the camera at the time of shooting.

An object of the invention is that a camera is usually equipped with
Improve camera performance by adding additional functions to the shooting function.
A sensor that measures information when shooting with a camera
And means for controlling and storing the output data of this sensor.
Combine them together into a single device, which can be
It is to provide an adapter device that can be mounted and used on a rack.

[0009]

Means and operation for solving the problems] adapter device according to the invention, the adapter device detachable from the camera, the sensor for measuring the information at the time of the camera shooting, processing and controlling the output data of the sensor control means to
And storage means for recording the output data from the sensor
And installed in the adapter storage room provided on the camera.
When delivered, exchanges information signals with the above cameras
And a connection means for electrically connecting as much as possible, and a communication circuit for communicating with an external device.
And road, for communication between the communication circuit and the external device
Has a connector part that can connect to the external device.
Characterized in that that.

[0010] The adapter according to the invention, the adapter device detachable from the camera, the sensor for measuring information of camera photographing, and control means to arithmetic processing and control output data of the sensor, From the above sensor
A storage means for recording output data and a camera mounted on the camera.
This enables communication between the camera and the external device and the connection means for electrically connecting the camera to exchange information signals.
A communication circuit for tracing and between the communication circuit and an external device
For connecting with the above external devices,
And a connector section .

[0011]

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an adapter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the adapter device of the first embodiment is detachably mounted on a camera 1 and includes a sensor unit device 2 including a sensor or the like for measuring information at the time of taking a picture of the camera 1. , Arithmetic processing and control of output data from the sensor unit device 2, for example, a CPU
And the like, a line L1 which is a line connecting means for connecting the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3 to each other to transfer data, and the control unit device 3 And a line L2 or the like for connecting the external computer 5 or the like which is a general external device.

In the adapter device, the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3 are separately provided, and the sensor unit device 2 is
The camera 1 is detachably mounted on a mounting means arranged on the exterior portion of the camera 1, for example, an accessory shoe 1a which is a mounting portion for mounting the flash light emitting device.

That is, an engaging portion 2a is provided on the lower surface of the sensor unit device 2 so as to project, and the engaging portion 2a is the accessory shoe 1a on the camera 1 side.
, The sensor unit device 2 is attached to the accessory shoe 1a of the camera 1.
It is designed to be detachably attached.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an electrical connection means when the sensor unit device 2 is mounted on the camera 1. As shown in FIG. 2, when the sensor unit device 2 is attached to the camera 1, the electrical contact 1b which is a connecting means provided on the accessory shoe 1a of the camera 1 and the sensor unit device. Since the electric contacts 2b, which are the connecting means provided on the engaging portions 2a of the two, correspond to each other, information signals and the like are exchanged between the camera 1 and the sensor unit device 2. It is designed to be electrically connected as you can see. By electrically connecting the electric contacts 1a and 1b, which are the connecting means, the photographing information data and the like output from the camera 1 are transmitted to the sensor unit device 2 side. Further, it is transmitted to the control unit device 3 via the line L1 which is the line connecting means.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit device 3 is fixed on a strap 4 provided on a sling or the like arranged at both ends of the camera 1 for carrying the camera 1. The line L is provided between the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3.
Connected by 1.

Then, the connector unit 3a provided at one end of the control unit device 3 and the corresponding connector unit L2a of the line L2 are engaged with each other, so that the control unit device 3 is general. It can be connected to an external computer 5 or the like. As a result, various kinds of photographing information data and the like on the control unit device 3 can be output to the external computer 5 and the like.

The camera 1 is provided with a release switch 6 for generating a photometric and exposure start signal when taking a picture.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the sensor unit device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, inside the sensor unit device 2, a sensor unit or the like including a sensor for measuring information at the time of taking a picture of the camera 1 or the like is arranged. This sensor means is, for example, an angular velocity sensor for detecting camera shake or the like that occurs when taking a picture with a camera, a color sensor for measuring a light source color at the time of taking a picture, or measuring the brightness of an object. A sensor and the like are provided.

In FIG. 3, as the angular velocity sensor, a sensor 10 for measuring the angular velocity of the sensor unit device 2 in the X-axis direction and an angular velocity sensor 11 for measuring the angular velocity in the Y-axis direction are arranged.

As the color sensor, a color sensor 8 for measuring the light source color from above the sensor unit device 2 and a color sensor 9 for measuring the light source color from the front direction are respectively arranged. The color sensors 8 and 9 are arranged so as to come into contact with the upper direction color sensor lighting window 8a and the front direction color sensor lighting window 9a which are respectively provided to the outside of the exterior of the sensor unit device 2. Are arranged.

In the first embodiment, the color sensor, the angular velocity sensor, etc. are illustrated as the sensors arranged inside the sensor unit device 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sensor may be, for example, an object. A photometric sensor or the like for measuring the brightness may be arranged.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an electric circuit of the angular velocity sensors 10 and 11 arranged inside the sensor unit device 2.

When a photo is taken while the sensor unit device 2 is mounted on the camera 1 or the like, the angular velocity sensors 8 and 9 arranged in the sensor unit device 2 detect camera shake or the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, a voltage corresponding to the detected amount is output from Vout of the angular velocity sensors 10 and 11. This Vou
The voltage output from t.t. P. F. (High pass filter), and further passes through a buffer composed of an operational amplifier OP6, a resistor R10, etc., and then an L.S.C. composed of a capacitor C2, a resistor R11, etc. P. F. (Low pass filter). And this L. P. F. Is output as an output voltage Vout3 as a camera shake signal.

The above H. P. F. Is provided in order to remove a drift or the like due to the temperature of the angular velocity sensors 10 and 11, and the L.
P. F is provided to remove noise other than the camera shake signal, for example, high-frequency noise generated in the circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of an electric circuit of the color sensors 8 and 9 arranged inside the sensor unit device 2.

When a picture is taken while the sensor unit device 2 is mounted on a camera or the like, outputs from the color sensors 8 and 9 arranged in the sensor unit device 2 are shown in FIG. The circuit shown in
Output voltage Vout as a component ratio of G and B
1, Vout2 is output.

That is, when light from the light source is incident on the photodiode R (red component) provided in the color sensors 8 and 9, a current is generated. This current changes to a voltage value by passing through the operational amplifier OP1 and the diode D1, and the operational amplifier OP4 and the resistors R1, R2, R3, R
It is adapted to be input to the first subtraction circuit composed of 4 and the like.

Similarly, since light is incident on the photodiode B (blue component) from the light source, a current is generated in the same manner. This current passes through the operational amplifier OP3 and the diode D3 to the second subtraction circuit. It is supposed to be entered.

Further, the photodiode G (green component)
Similarly, since light is incident from the light source, a current is similarly generated, and this current passes through the operational amplifier OP2 and the diode D2 and is input to the first and second subtraction circuits, respectively. .

Then, as described above, the voltage value corresponding to the current flowing in the photodiode R and the voltage value corresponding to the current flowing in the photodiode G are input to the first subtraction circuit. The output voltage Vout1 is output from the first subtraction circuit, and the voltage value corresponding to the current flowing in the photodiode G and the voltage value corresponding to the current flowing in the photodiode B are Similarly, the second subtraction circuit inputs the second subtraction circuit.
The output voltage Vout2 is output from the subtraction circuit.

The above output voltages Vout1 and Vout
2 is a value relating to the color temperature of the incident light, and the relationship between the output voltage Vout1 and the color temperature of the incident light or the relationship between the output voltage Vout2 and the color temperature is as shown in FIG. Have a relationship.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing the outline of the internal structure of the control unit device 3. As shown in FIG. 7, inside the control unit device 3, a CPU 12 which is a control means for calculating and controlling output data of the sensor unit device 2 and the like, and an external device such as the external computer 5 are provided. A communication circuit 13 that is a communication unit that performs communication, a battery 14 that is a power source, a data storage unit and a storage unit that records shooting information data from the camera 1, output data from the sensor unit device 2, and the like. The external data memory 15 is included.

The control unit device 3 is adapted to be electrically connected to the sensor unit device 2 by the line L1, and a connector portion 3a is provided at one end of the control unit device 3. By engaging the connector portion 3a with the connector portion L2a arranged at one end of the line L2 corresponding to the connector portion 3a, the control unit device 3 and the external device such as the external computer 5 are connected to each other. Can be electrically connected.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the outline of the internal configuration of the control unit device 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 12 is directly connected to the line L1 by a port, and the external data memory 1 is also connected.
5 is also directly connected to the port. And the above CP
The U12 is also directly connected to the communication circuit 13 by a port, and the battery 14 is electrically connected to the CPU 12 and the communication circuit 13, respectively.

As a result, the sensor unit device 2
The photographing information data of the camera 1 or the like output from is serially communicated with the CPU 12 in the control unit device 3 by the line L1, and the photographing information data or the like is converted into analog data by the CPU 12.
It is designed to be input to.

The A / D converter in the CPU 12 performs arithmetic processing to convert the photographing information data and the like input as analog data into digital values, which are then recorded in the external data memory 15. It has become so.

On the other hand, the control unit device 3 is provided with the connector portion 3a as described above, and the connector portion 3a and the communication circuit 13 in the CPU 12 are electrically connected. Thereby, the connector portion 3a
And the connector portion L2a of the line L2 corresponding to this
When and are engaged, the communication circuit 13 in the control unit device 3 and the external device such as the external computer 5 are connected and serial communication is performed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 above, when the sensor unit device 2 is mounted on the camera 1, the electrical contacts 1b and 2b are connected to each other.
Signals such as photographing information data output from the camera 1 are input to the CPU 12 in the control unit device 3 connected by the line L1 via the sensor unit device 2. Along with this, various data measured by the sensor unit device 2 at the time of photographing by the camera, that is, blurring data, photographing information data such as light source color, and the like are also controlled by the sensor unit device 2 via the line L1. CPU 12 in the unit device 3
And is recorded in the external data memory 15.

The operation at the time of taking a picture by the camera or the like equipped with the above-described adapter device will be described below.

FIG. 9 shows the CP in the control unit device 3.
It is a flow chart which shows an outline of operation at the time of photography of U12. First, initial setting is performed in step S1. That is, the address of the external data memory 15, the timer and the like are initialized.

Next, in step S2, it is confirmed whether or not the power switch of the camera 1 is on. Here, when it is determined that the power switch of the camera 1 is in the off state (OFF), the power switch is on standby while the power switch is in the on state. If it is determined that there is one, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

In step S3, the communication request from the external computer 5 or the like is confirmed. Here, when the communication request from the external computer 5 or the like is confirmed,
The process proceeds to the next step S4, and in this step S4, the process of the "communication process" subroutine (see FIG. 10) is performed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S40, the data number (byte number) information of the data to be transmitted is transmitted to the external computer 5, etc., and in the next step S41, 1 of the transmission data is transmitted. After the bytes are transmitted, the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the data corresponding to the data number information transmitted in step S40 described above is
It is determined whether all the data has been transmitted. If it is determined that all the data has not been transmitted, the process returns to step S41, and the next transmission data is transmitted. Then, the sequence of steps S41 to S42 is repeated until the data transmission of the data number information transmitted in step S40 is completed.

If it is determined in step S42 that all the data has been transmitted, the series of sequences described above is terminated (RETURN), and the process shown in FIG.
The process proceeds to step S5 shown in.

As described above, it is determined that the processing of step S4, that is, the processing of the "communication processing" subroutine shown in FIG. 10 is completed, or that there is no communication request from the external computer 5 in step S3. In this case, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the CPU 1
The time measured by the timer in 2 is 1 msec. From the start of this timer. A confirmation is made as to whether (milliseconds) have elapsed. Here, the counting operation by this timer is, for example, 1 msec. This is performed in order to record the blur data for each.

In step S5, the time measured by the timer is 1 msec. If it is determined that the time has not passed, the process proceeds to the next step S6, and this step S6
At the time, a standby state is received in which an exposure start signal from the camera 1, for example, a signal generated by pressing the release switch 6 halfway or the like is received.

On the other hand, in step S5, the time measured by the timer is 1 msec. When it is determined that the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S7, the timer is stopped in step S7, the timer is set in the next step S8, and the timer is started again. Then, in step S9, the A / D conversion process in the CPU 12 is started in order to detect (monitor) the shake data and the like, and in step S10, the A / D conversion process is performed.
Blurred data or the like is detected (monitored) based on the result of the conversion process. Then, in step S11, after the shake data and the like detected (monitored) in step S10 described above are recorded in the external data memory 15, the process proceeds to step S6, and waits for the exposure start signal from the camera 1 to be received. It becomes a state.

As described above, in step S5, the time measured by the timer is 1 msec. If it is determined that the time has not elapsed, or if the shake data or the like is recorded in the external data memory 15 in step S11, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

In step S6, when the exposure start signal from the camera 1 is not received, the process returns to step S2 described above and the series of processes from step S2 to S11 is repeated, while step S6 described above is repeated. In, when the exposure start signal from the camera 1 is received, the process proceeds to the next step S12.

In step S12, information on which position (address) on the external data memory 15 the data is written to is written to the external data memory 15, and then the process proceeds to the next step S13.

Here, in the information recording performed in the external data memory 15, it is judged that the exposure start signal from the camera 1 is received in the step S6 in the sequence of the steps S2 to S11. Until the external data memory 1 is recorded.
5 is performed for distinguishing the blur data before the exposure start signal from the camera 1 is received from the blur data after the exposure start signal is received. is there.

In step S13, the time measured by the timer is 1 mse, similar to the process in step S5 described above.
c. A determination is made as to whether it has passed. Here, the time measured by the timer is 1 msec. When it is determined that the timer has not elapsed, the timer counts 1 msec. It waits until the time elapses, and the time measured by the above timer is 1 mse.
c. If it is determined that the time has passed, the next step S1
Go to step 4.

Here, the processing from step S14 to step S18 is exactly the same as the processing from step S7 to S11.

In the above steps S7 to S11, the blur data before the exposure start signal is received from the camera 1 is recorded.
Thereafter, in the processes up to step S18, the blur data and the like after the exposure start signal is received from the camera 1 are mainly recorded.

In step S18, the shake data and the like after the exposure start signal is received from the camera 1 is recorded in the external data memory 15, and then in step S1.
In step S19, it is determined whether or not all the shake data after the exposure start signal is received from the camera 1 has been recorded, that is, whether or not the processing has been performed a predetermined number of times (whether the processing has been performed). Is judged. Here, when it is determined that all the data and the like are not recorded, the process returns to the step S13, and the series of steps S13 to S19 is repeated, while in the step S19, all the data is recorded. If it is determined that the above information has been recorded, the next step S
Proceed to the process of 20.

In step S20, the camera 1
The recording completion position (address) of the blur data after the exposure start signal is received from the external data memory 15 is recorded, and the process proceeds to the next step S21.

In step S21, as in step S13, the timer counts 1 msec. A determination is made as to whether it has passed. Here, the time measured by the timer is 1 msec. If it is determined that it has not passed,
The above timer measures 1 msec. While waiting until the time elapses, the time measured by the timer is 1 msec. If it is determined that the time has passed, the process proceeds to the next step S22.

The processing from step S22 to step S26 is performed in the same manner as the series of processing in steps S7 to S11 described above or the series of processing in steps S14 to S18 described above.

However, in the processing of the above step S10 or step S17, the blur data is detected (monitor) as the information when the photograph of the camera 1 is taken.
However, in the process of step S25, instead of the blur data detection (monitor), the light source color, that is, the color data detection (monitor) is used as the information at the time of taking a picture of the camera 1. Only the difference is.

Then, in the processing of the next step S27, as in the case of the processing of step S19 described above, it is determined whether or not all the color data at the time of photographing by the camera 1 is recorded, that is,
It is determined whether the processing has been performed (turned) a predetermined number of times. If it is determined that all the data and the like are not recorded, the above-described step S21 is performed.
Returning to the process (reference B in FIG. 9), the above step S
While repeating the series of steps 21 to S27, when it is determined in step S27 that all data has been recorded, the process proceeds to the next step S28.

In step S28, the CPU
12 transmits a signal for starting communication with the camera 1. Then, in the next step S29, since the photographing information data and the like are transmitted from the camera 1 side, the photographing information data and the like are read out, and the next step S30
In the process (1), the photographing information data and the like are recorded in the external data memory 15.

Then, in step S31, for example, by sounding a beep sound or the like, the photographer or the like is notified that the recording of the photographing information data or the like for the first frame is completed, and the processing of the next step S32 is performed. Proceed to.

In step S32, the storage capacity recorded in the external data memory 15 is confirmed. If it is determined that the storage capacity of the external data memory 15 has a margin, the above-described step S
Returning to the processing of No. 2 (reference A in FIG. 9), the sequence of steps S2 and subsequent steps is repeated, while the external data memory 15 has no storage capacity, that is,
If it is determined that the external data memory 15 is full, the process proceeds to the next step S33.

Here, if the external data memory 15 is in a state in which the storage capacity is not sufficient, the external data memory 15 for shooting information data such as camera shake data will continue even if the photo shooting operation is continued. Cannot be recorded.

Therefore, in the above step S33, C
The PU 12 prohibits the shutter release operation for taking a picture of the camera 1 by transmitting a lock signal to the camera 1, and proceeds to the processing of the next step S34.

In step S34, the communication request signal from the external computer 5 or the like is confirmed, and if the communication request signal from the external computer 5 or the like is not confirmed in the process of step S34, the communication is performed. While waiting until the request signal is confirmed, if the communication request signal is confirmed, the next step S
In step S35, the same "communication process" as in step S4, that is, the process of the "communication process" subroutine described with reference to FIG. 10 is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S36. .

As described above, in the "communication processing" subroutine, all the data recorded in the external data memory 15 is stored in the external computer 5.
To the external data memory 15, the external data memory 15 is ready to record data again.

Therefore, in step S36, the CPU 12 sends an unlock signal to the camera 1. As a result, the lock of the shutter release operation performed in step S33 described above is released.

Then, in the next step S37, post-processing such as initialization of the external data memory 15 is performed so that the photographing information data and the like can be recorded again, and the process returns to the above-described step S2 (FIG. 9). In A, the sequence is repeated again.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the camera 1 is held by the photographer 7 when a photograph is taken by the camera 1 having the sensor unit device 2 constituting the adapter device. It is a figure.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which the sensor unit device 2 of the first embodiment is attached to another camera 1A.

That is, like the camera 1 in the above-described first embodiment, the camera 1A is provided with a mounting means on the upper surface of the exterior part, for example, an accessory shoe 1Aa which is a mounting portion for mounting the flash light emitting device. It is provided and the sensor unit device 2 is attached to the accessory shoe 1Aa.

Inside the accessory shoe 1Aa, an electric contact which is a connecting means for electrically connecting the camera 1A and the sensor unit device 2 is arranged, whereby the sensor unit device 2 is connected to the electric contact. Camera 1A
When attached to the accessory shoe 1Aa, the sensor unit device 2 and the camera 1A are electrically connected to exchange information signals.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which the camera 1A is held by the photographer 7 when another camera 1A equipped with the sensor unit device 2 constituting the adapter device is used to take a picture. In this case, the mounting position of the sensor unit device 2 on the camera 1A is provided at a portion touched by the photographer 7 when taking a picture and operating the camera 1A, that is, a holding portion of the camera 1A, a finder, or the like. The eyepiece portion (eyepiece portion) or the vicinity of the back surface of the camera including the back cover of the camera 1A is arranged so as to be avoided. That is, the mounting position of the sensor unit 2 does not interfere with the operation of the camera 1A.

Further, the angular velocity sensors (10, 11) provided in the sensor unit device 2 are adapted to detect the angular velocities in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, as shown in FIG. There is.

In the above-mentioned FIGS. 12 and 13,
Although not shown, the control unit device 3 constituting the adapter device is fixed on the strap 4 for holding the camera, as described in FIG. To do.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the adapter device includes the sensor unit device 2 including a sensor for measuring information at the time of taking a picture of the cameras 1, 1A and the like, and the sensor unit device. At least one of the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3 is a separate unit from the control unit device 3 including the CPU 12 or the like, which is the control means for calculating and controlling the output data from the sensor or the like arranged in FIG. One is a mounting means such as a camera,
For example, it is mounted on the accessory shoe 1a, 1Aa, etc., which is a mounting portion for mounting the flash light emitting device, and the mounting position is photographed and the camera 1,
Since the position where the photographer 7 touches when operating 1A or the like is avoided, the operability when the adapter device is not attached is not deteriorated without impairing the operability of the cameras 1 and 1A when the adapter device is attached. Similar operability can be ensured.

Further, since at least one of the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3 is attached using the accessory shoes 1a, 1Aa of the cameras 1, 1A, etc., it is detachable from the cameras 1, 1A. Can be

Since the adapter device controls the information recording at the time of taking a picture in synchronization with the exposure start signal or the like from the camera 1, the mounting of the adapter device causes the adapter not to be mounted. Good operability can be secured without limiting the operability of the camera at that time.

Next, FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the adapter device of the second embodiment of the present invention, and is an external perspective view showing the outline thereof. As shown in FIG. 14, the adapter device 2B of the second embodiment is provided with a mounting means provided on the upper surface of the camera 1B, for example, an accessory shoe which is a mounting portion for mounting the flash light emitting device.
It is removable. Then, the adapter device 2
Inside B, all the constituent members and the like of the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3 in the first embodiment described above are arranged.

That is, the adapter device 2B is used in the camera 1
A sensor for measuring information at the time of taking a picture of B, for example, color sensors 8B and 9B for measuring the light source color from the upper direction and the front direction of the adapter device 2B, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the adapter device 2B. Angular velocity sensors 10B and 11B for measuring the angular velocity of the
B and the output data from the angular velocity sensors 10B, 11B, etc., for processing and controlling, for example, a control means 12B including a CPU, a communication circuit 13B for communicating between the adapter device 2B and an external device, etc. It is composed of a battery 14B which is a power source, an external data memory 15B which is a data storage means and a storage means for recording output data and the like from the color sensors 8B and 9B and the angular velocity sensors 10B and 11B.

The adapter device 2B is provided with a connector portion 2Ba on the exterior thereof. By connecting the line connecting means and the like to the connector portion 2Ba as described in the first embodiment,
Communication is performed between the communication circuit 13B in the adapter device 2B and an external device or the like.

With this arrangement, according to the second embodiment, the adapter device 2B alone records information at the time of taking a picture of the camera, that is, information such as blurring information and light source color information. The recorded data and the like can be output to an external device or the like, that is, a general computer or the like via the connector portion 2Ba and the line connecting means and the like.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and in the second embodiment, it is arranged as a separate body in the first embodiment. Since the installed sensor unit device 2 and control unit device 3 are integrally configured, members such as line connection means for transferring data between the sensor unit device 2 and the control unit device 3 are provided. It becomes unnecessary and can be a more efficient adapter device.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are views exemplifying the adapter device of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
It is a figure which shows the outline when it sees from the back side of the camera 1D when the said adapter apparatus 2D is attached to the camera 1D.
6 shows an external perspective view of the adapter device 2D removed from the camera 1D. Note that, in FIG. 15, for simplification of the drawing, the case where the adapter device 2D is attached to the side portion of the camera and the case where the adapter device 2D is attached to the lower surface portion are shown in the same drawing. The adapter device 2D in the embodiment may be attached to at least one of the side portion and the lower surface portion of the camera.

As shown in FIG. 15, the adapter device 2D according to the third embodiment has a sensor unit and the like including a sensor and the like therein, as well as the adapter device 2B described in the second embodiment. It has a control unit or the like made up of means or the like, operates independently, and can communicate with an external device or the like.

The adapter device 2D is attached to the camera 1
In order to connect to D, as shown in FIG. 16, a fixing screw 21 provided at a substantially central portion of this adapter device 2D.
Is rotated by rotating the disk 21a, which is pivotally supported, to be screwed into a screw hole portion provided on the side surface or the lower surface of the camera 1D.

A screw hole portion corresponding to the fixing screw 21 of the adapter device 2D is provided on the side portion or the lower surface portion of the camera 1D, and this screw hole portion is, for example, generally used in practice. It has the same structure as a standardized tripod screw.

Further, in this way, the adapter device 2
When D is attached to the side portion or the lower surface portion of the camera 1D, the electrical contact, which is a connecting means provided on the exterior surface of the adapter device 2D, faces the camera 1D.
By connecting to the camera side electric contact which is the connecting means arranged at the D side position, the electric signal when the adapter device 2D is attached to the camera 1D is communicated. There is.

With this configuration, according to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the adapter device according to the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

Further, since the fixing screw 21 on the adapter device 2D side and the screw hole portion on the camera 1D side are engaged with each other, the adapter device 2D is mounted on the camera 1D. On the side, a screw hole portion and an electric contact corresponding to the fixing screw 21 of the adapter device 2D may be respectively provided at arbitrary positions that do not interfere with shooting, holding, etc. at the time of shooting by the camera. it can. Therefore, the mounting position of the adapter device 2D on the camera 1D can be arbitrarily set.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the adapter device and the camera of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is an external perspective view showing the outline thereof. Also in the fourth embodiment, the adapter device 2C has a sensor unit including a sensor, a control unit including a control unit, and the like therein, as in the second and third embodiments. And can communicate with an external device or the like.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the camera 1C corresponding to the adapter device 2C of the fourth embodiment, an adapter which is opened or closed by a lid portion rotatably provided at one end of its main body. A storage chamber is provided, and the adapter device 2C is stored in the adapter storage chamber.

By opening and closing the lid provided at one end of the camera 1C, the adapter device 2C can be inserted into and removed from the adapter storage chamber of the camera 1C. .

The electrical contact 2Cb, which is a connecting means provided on the exterior surface of the adapter device 2C, is an inner wall surface of the adapter housing chamber at a position facing the electrical contact 2Cb when housed in the adapter housing chamber. Camera 1C
An electrical contact, which is a side connecting means, is provided. As a result, by storing the adapter device 2C in the adapter storage chamber of the camera 1C, the camera 1C and the adapter device 2C are exchanged so that information signals can be exchanged between the camera 1C and the adapter device 2C. It is designed to be electrically connected.

With this arrangement, according to the fourth embodiment, the adapter device 2C is connected to the camera 1C.
Since it was stored inside, the camera 1 at the time of shooting
It does not affect the holding (holding) of C. Therefore, it is possible to secure the same operability as when the adapter device 2C is not attached, without impairing the operability when the adapter device 2C is attached.

By the way, in the adapter devices of the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments, it is necessary to record information such as blur data, which is information at the time of taking a picture of the camera, measured by the adapter device, in an external data memory or the like. I am
The same applies when information such as the time of taking a picture of this camera is recorded in, for example, a magnetic recording unit or the like provided on a photographic film.

That is, FIG. 18 is an external perspective view schematically showing the rear side of the camera when the adapter device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the camera.

As shown in FIG. 18, the adapter device 2E of the fifth embodiment is provided on the upper surface side of the camera 1E, similarly to the sensor unit device 2 constituting the adapter device described in the first embodiment. The sensor unit device 2E for measuring information at the time of taking a picture of the camera is detachably attached to an attached shoe, such as an accessory shoe for attaching the flash light emitting device. .

Further, the camera 1E is a camera to which a photographic film of various proposals in recent years, that is, a photographic film having a magnetic recording portion made of a magnetic material or the like on the surface of the photographic film is applied. .

The structure of the camera 1E will be briefly described. On the back side of the camera 1E, there is provided a back cover 16E whose one end is rotatably supported.
The back side of the camera 1E is opened and closed by rotating the back cover 16E. As a result, the inside of the camera 1E can be opened or closed from the back side.

When the back cover 16E is opened, the photographic film 3 having the magnetic recording section 32 is formed.
4 is loaded inside the camera 1E, and the back cover 16E is closed to put it in a standby state for taking a picture.

Further, inside the back cover 16E, there is a recording means for recording, for example, photographing information data at a position facing the magnetic recording section 32 on the surface of the photographing film 34 loaded in the camera 1E. A magnetic head 31 is provided. With this magnetic head 31, the photographic film 3
Magnetic recording is performed on the magnetic recording portions 32 on the four sides.

Further, inside the back cover 16E, a control unit device 3E is arranged in the same manner as the control unit device 3 constituting the adapter device described in the first embodiment. This control unit device 3E
Is calculated by the sensor unit device 2E and arithmetic processing and control of blur data, light source color data and the like, which are information at the time of taking a photograph of the camera output from the sensor unit device 2E, are performed, and the magnetic head 31
To control the magnetic recording section 32 on the surface of the photographic film 34.
It is provided for magnetic recording.

When the sensor unit device 2E mounted on the upper surface of the camera 1E is mounted on the accessory shoe or the like of the camera 1E, it is electrically connected by an electric contact or the like as a connecting means. As described above, the sensor unit device 2E and the control unit device 3E are connected by a line connecting means such as the line L1 as in the adapter device of the first embodiment. However, in this fifth embodiment,
Since the control unit device 3E is arranged inside the back cover 16E, the lines L1 and the like are wired inside the camera 1E. Therefore, in FIG.
The line L1 and the like are not shown in appearance.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the sensor unit device 2E constituting the adapter device is mounted on the accessory shoe of the camera 1E, and the control unit device 3E is attached to the rear side of the camera 1E. Since it is arranged in the lid 16E, the operability of the camera 1E can be ensured even when the adapter device is attached, as in the case where the camera 1E is not attached. Further, in the first to fourth embodiments described above. Is configured to record shooting information data and the like in an external data memory or the like. Therefore, depending on the storage capacity of the external data memory or the like,
It is necessary to prohibit the shooting operation of the camera or the like, interrupt the shooting operation, and re-record the shooting information data or the like from the external data memory or the like in an external device.

However, in the fifth embodiment, various information data measured at the time of taking a picture by the camera 1E is recorded in the magnetic recording section 32 provided on the surface of the photographing film 34 each time. Therefore, it is possible to continuously and reliably record the photographing information data without interrupting the photographing operation.

[Additional Notes] (1) A sensor unit device having a sensor for measuring information at the time of photographing by a camera and a control unit device having a control means for calculating and controlling output data of the sensor are separately provided. An at least one of the sensor unit device and the control unit device can be attached to the camera body, and the adapter device is detachable from the camera.

(2) A sensor unit device having a sensor for measuring information at the time of photographing by a camera and a control unit device having a control means for calculating and controlling output data of the sensor are separately provided, and Mounting means for mounting at least one of the sensor unit device and the control unit device on the camera body, and at least one of the sensor unit device and the control unit device by means of the mounting means, and a camera body and information signal of An adapter device attachable to and detachable from a camera, comprising: connecting means for electrically connecting so as to be exchangeable; and line connecting means for connecting the sensor unit device and the control unit device so as to transfer data.

(3) In the adapter device which can be attached to and detached from the camera, a control unit device including a sensor unit device including a sensor for measuring information at the time of photographing by the camera and a control unit for processing and controlling output data of the sensor. An adapter device in which the sensor unit device is detachably attached to the camera body, and the control unit device is provided on a strap of the camera.

(4) In the adapter device according to supplementary note 1 or supplementary note 2, the sensor unit device or the control unit device is mounted on a mounting portion for mounting a flash light emitting device provided on a camera. apparatus.

(5) In the adapter device according to supplementary note 1 or supplementary note 2, the sensor unit device or the control unit device is attached and fixed to a strap of a camera.

(6) In the adapter device according to supplementary note 1 or supplementary note 2, the sensor unit device and the control unit device are connected by a line for exchanging data, and the control unit device is externally connected. An adapter device having communication means for exchanging data with the device.

(7) In the adapter device described in Supplementary Notes 1, 2, 3 or 6, the control unit device includes control means for controlling input / output of data from the sensor unit device, A data storage unit that stores data from the sensor unit device.

(8) In the adapter device described in Supplementary Note 1, 2, 3 or 6, the control unit device stores data from the sensor unit device and photographing information data from the camera. An adapter device having a storage means for storing.

(9) In the adapter device described in Supplementary Note 1, 2, 3, 6 or 8, the control unit device is the data from the sensor unit device and the photographing information data from the camera. An adapter device having a recording means for recording and on a photographic film.

(10) Supplementary Notes First, Second, Third, Fourth,
In the adapter device described in the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth aspect, the sensor unit device sets at least one of camera shake during photographing, light source color of the subject, and brightness of the subject. An adapter device having a sensor for measuring.

(11) In an adapter device which can be attached to and detached from a camera, a sensor means for measuring information when the camera is photographing, a control means for calculating and controlling output data of the sensor means, and data from the sensor means. And / or data storage means for storing shooting information data from the camera.

(12) Additional Notes First, Second or Additional Statement First
1. The adapter device according to item 1, wherein the adapter device is installed at a mounting position so as to avoid a portion that a photographer touches during shooting and operation.

(13) Additional Notes First, Second or Additional Note First
The adapter device according to item 1, wherein the mounting position of the adapter device is provided on an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, or a side surface portion of the camera.

(14) The adapter device according to appendix 11, wherein the camera is configured so that the adapter device can be housed in the camera body.

(15) In the adapter device according to supplementary notes 11, 12, 13 or 14, the sensor means includes a camera shake during photographing, a light source color of the subject,
An adapter device having a sensor for measuring at least one of the brightness of a subject.

[0126]

As described above, according to the present invention, the adapter
Adapter is stored in the camera's adapter storage chamber.
Is electrically connected to the camera, and the camera and adapter device
Information is exchanged with the
Without affecting the holding of the camera during shooting,
Ensure the same operability as when the adapter device is not attached.
It is also possible to use the adapter device alone when shooting with the camera.
Since the recorded data is stored in the connector,
External device such as a general computer connected via a computer
It is said that the recorded data can be output to
A remarkable effect is exhibited .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an adapter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing electrical connection means when the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG. 1 is mounted on a camera.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal structure of a sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG.

4 is a diagram schematically showing an electric circuit of an angular velocity sensor arranged inside the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an outline of an electric circuit of a color sensor arranged inside the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG. 1;

6 is an electric circuit of a color sensor arranged inside the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG.
The figure which shows the relationship between the output voltage value and color temperature regarding the color temperature of incident light.

7 is an external perspective view showing the outline of the internal configuration of a control unit device of the adapter device of FIG.

8 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of an internal configuration of a control unit device of the adapter device of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the CPU in the control unit device of the adapter device of FIG. 1 at the time of taking a photograph.

10 is a flowchart showing a "communication process" subroutine in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a holding state by a photographer of the camera when the camera equipped with the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG. 1 is photographed.

12 is an example of a case where the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG. 1 is attached to another camera.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a holding state by a photographer of the camera when another camera equipped with the sensor unit device of the adapter device of FIG. 1 is taking a photograph.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view schematically showing an adapter device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an external view showing a state in which the adapter device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is attached to a camera.

16 is an external perspective view schematically showing the adapter device of FIG. 15 mounted on a camera.

FIG. 17 is an external perspective view showing the outline of an adapter device and a camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an external perspective view showing the outline when the adapter device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is attached to a camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E ... Camera 1a, 1Aa ... Accessory shoe (flashlight emitting device mounting mounting portion, mounting means) 1b ... Electrical contact (connecting means; camera side) 2, 2E .. Sensor unit device 2B, 2C, 2D ... Adapter device (sensor unit /
Control unit) 2Ba, 3a ... Connector parts 2b, 2Cb, 2Db ... Electrical contact (connecting means; adapter device side) 3, 3E ... Control unit device 4 ... Strap 5 ... External computer (external device) 8, 8B, 9, 9B ... Color sensor (sensor means) 10, 10B, 11, 11B ... Angular velocity sensor 12, 12B ... CPU (control means) 13, 13B ... Communication circuit (communication means) 14, 14B. Battery (power supply) 15, 15B ... External data memory (storage means, data storage means) 16E ... Back cover 31 ... Magnetic head (recording means) 32 ... Magnetic recording section 34 ... Photographic film L1 ... Line connection means

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Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] To 1. A camera in adapter detachable, and sensors for measuring the information of camera photographing, the control <br/> means to arithmetic processing and control output data of the sensor, from the sensor storage means for recording the output data, is mounted accommodated in the adapter housing chamber provided in the camera
Information signals can be exchanged with the above camera by
Adapter apparatus characterized by comprising a connecting means for electrically connecting, to the. 2. A communication circuit for communicating with an external device.
And a communication path between the communication circuit and an external device.
The adapter device according to claim 1, further comprising: a connector section capable of connecting an external device . In the adapter device detachable to 3. A camera, a sensor for measuring information of camera photographing, the control <br/> means to arithmetic processing and control output data of the sensor, from the sensor a storage means for recording the output data of, by being mounted on the camera, and connection means for exchanging enable electrical connection of the camera and the information signal, a communication circuit for communicating with an external device, In order to communicate between the communication circuit and an external device,
An adapter device, comprising: a connector section capable of connecting an external device .