JP4212398B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including an operation unit such as a multifunctional jog dial.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An imaging apparatus represented by a digital still camera and a digital video camera includes an operation unit used when performing various operations or settings. A typical example of such operation means is a jog dial. In recent years, attempts have been made to make the jog dial more multifunctional. For example, there is an imaging apparatus that can perform manual focus adjustment, that is, move the focus lens in the manual focus mode by operating the jog dial (Patent Document 1 and Patent). Reference 2).
[0003]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline of a conventional imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes a first control circuit (2) that performs processing of a key scan signal and control of a power supply circuit (not shown), and a second control circuit that performs processing of image data and control of a camera unit (7). (4) Usually, an 8-bit microcomputer is used for the first control circuit (2), and the second control circuit (4), which requires higher speed processing, comprises an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and a CPU. The circuit is used. The operation unit (5) includes various switches for instructing an operation mode, power on / off, and the like, and a key scan signal from the operation unit (5) is sent to the first control circuit (2). The function of the jog dial (11) is the same as the function of the operation unit (5). Therefore, the jog dial (11) is connected to the first control circuit (2) in the same manner as the operation unit (5), and the pulse signal generated by the operation is processed by the first control circuit (2).
[0004]
The camera unit (7) captures a subject and outputs an image signal, and includes various lenses including a focus lens, a focus lens driving motor, an image sensor, and the like. The image sensor of the camera unit (7) converts the light sent from the subject into an image signal and outputs the image signal to the second control circuit (4). The second control circuit (4) processes the image signal to generate an image. Create data. The image data created by the second control circuit (4) is recorded on a recording medium (not shown). For the control of the camera unit (7) such as manual focus control, auto focus control, zoom control and iris control, sophisticated and high-speed arithmetic processing is required. Therefore, the control of the camera unit (7) is performed by the second control circuit (4) via the driver circuit (8). A display unit (9) for displaying image data is connected to the second control circuit (4).
[0005]
The imaging device is driven by a built-in battery (not shown) when being carried. In order to suppress battery consumption, the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) and the display unit (9) and the drive voltage of the first control circuit (2) are supplied by different systems. The power supply circuit can turn on or off the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) while the drive voltage is applied to the first control circuit (2). When a power saving mode such as OVF (Optical View Finder) mode is set, the first control circuit (2) issues a command to the power supply circuit to drive the second control circuit (4) and the display unit (9). The voltage turns off.
[0006]
In the EVF (Electric View Finder) mode, the image captured by the camera unit (7) is displayed on the display unit (9), and the user operates the jog dial (11) while viewing the image captured by the camera unit (7 ) Can be operated. The first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4) are configured to send and receive signals to each other by serial communication. In the EVF mode, for example, manual focus adjustment is performed using the jog dial (11). When performed, the first control circuit (2) processes the two-phase pulse signals sent from the jog dial (11), and the second control for performing manual focus control on the data regarding the number of pulses and the phase difference of these signals. Transfer to circuit (4). The second control circuit (4) performs an operation using the sent data, determines the rotation direction and rotation speed of the focus lens driving motor, and sends a command signal to the driver circuit (8). Then, the focus lens driving motor of the camera unit (7) is driven by the driver circuit (8), and the focus lens moves.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-94908 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-333660 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the EVF mode, the user of the imaging apparatus performs manual focus adjustment by operating the jog dial (11) while viewing the imaging displayed on the display unit (9). However, in the conventional imaging apparatus, the signal from the jog dial (11) is once sent to the first control circuit (2) for processing, and the data after this processing is sent to the second control circuit (4) by serial communication. Therefore, the time delay from the operation of the jog dial (11) to the movement of the focus lens is remarkable. Therefore, although the user operated the jog dial (11), the image displayed on the display unit (9) did not change instantaneously, so that the user felt a considerable sense of incongruity with manual focus adjustment using the jog dial (11). The same applies to zoom adjustment and iris adjustment using the jog dial (11).
[0009]
As one method for solving this problem, it is conceivable that the signal sent from the jog dial (11) is also detected by the second control circuit (4). However, when the transmission line from the jog dial (11) to the first control circuit (2) is branched and connected to the second control circuit (4), the signal sent from the jog dial (11) is controlled in the OVF mode. A situation that cannot be detected by the circuit (2) occurs. In the OVF mode, the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) is turned off, and the voltage line of this drive voltage becomes the ground potential, so that the signal from the jog dial (11) is drawn to the ground potential. .
[0010]
Similar problems occur when the manual focus ring is multi-functional. In an imaging apparatus having a manual focus ring, a signal from the manual focus ring is detected and processed by the second control circuit (4). Even if the transmission line from the manual focus ring to the second control circuit (4) is branched and connected to the first control circuit (2) in order to add the jog dial function to the manual focus ring, the same reason as above As a result, in the OVF mode, the first control circuit (2) cannot detect the signal sent from the manual focus ring.
[0011]
The present invention solves the above problem, and includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit, and when the drive voltage is supplied to the first control circuit, the drive voltage of the second control circuit is provided. An object of the present invention is to effectively multi-functional operation means such as a jog dial in an imaging apparatus capable of turning on or off the camera.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation unit, a camera unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal, a first control circuit that processes a signal sent from the operation unit, and a second unit that controls the camera unit. An imaging device capable of turning on or off the drive voltage of the second control circuit in a state where the drive voltage is applied to the first control circuit. The transmission line that leads to is branched and connected to the second control circuit, and the second control circuit detects a signal sent from the operation means and detects the signal of the camera unit according to the operation of the operation means. The signal sent from the operation means is supplied to the second control circuit via the buffer means, and the buffer means is configured to operate the operation means when the drive voltage of the second control circuit is off. Sent from Suppress the pull-in to the ground potential of the signal The first control circuit has a function of processing a signal sent from the operation means without an operation of turning on the drive voltage of the second control circuit. It is characterized by doing.
[0013]
The imaging apparatus of the present invention controls the operation unit, a camera unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal, a first control circuit that processes a signal sent from the operation unit, and the camera unit. A second control circuit; and a display unit capable of displaying a setting screen showing various items. In a state where the drive voltage is applied to the first control circuit, the drive voltage of the second control circuit is turned on or In the imaging apparatus that can be turned off, a transmission line from the operation means to the first control circuit is branched and connected to the second control circuit, and a signal sent from the operation means is used to drive the second control circuit. When the voltage is off, the signal sent from the operation means is supplied to the second control circuit via the buffer means for suppressing the pulling of the signal to the ground potential, and the signal sent from the operation means is the first control Treated with either one of the road or the second control circuit, The first control circuit has a function of processing a signal sent from the operation means without an operation of turning on the driving voltage of the second control circuit, By operating the operation means, it is possible to select items on the operation of the camera unit or the setting screen.
[0014]
[Action and effect]
In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the first control circuit and the second control circuit can detect and further process signals from the operating means. Further, by providing buffer means for suppressing the pulling of the signal sent from the operating means to the ground potential, the first control circuit is sent from the operating means even when the drive voltage of the second control circuit is off. The signal can be detected.
[0015]
According to the present invention, in the imaging device having the jog dial, the signal from the jog dial is directly processed by the second control circuit, and therefore the camera unit is operated by operating the jog dial for manual focus adjustment or the like. The time delay from the operation to the operation of the camera unit such as the movement of the manual focus lens is shortened. Thus, according to the present invention, the function of the manual focus ring and the like can be effectively added, and the jog dial can be multi-functional. Even when the driving voltage of the second control circuit is off, the signal from the jog dial can be detected and processed by the first control circuit, so that the operating means can be used.
[0016]
According to the present invention, in an imaging apparatus provided with a manual focus ring, the function of a jog dial can be added to the manual focus ring. In particular, the setting screen displayed on the display unit can be used by operating the operation means. Can be set. Furthermore, even if the drive voltage of the second control circuit is off, the signal from the manual focus ring can be detected and processed by the first control circuit, so that the operating means can be used.
[0017]
As the buffer means, a buffer IC without a protective diode connected in the forward direction from the transmission line to the power supply line can be used, and the drive voltage of the buffer IC is made common with the drive voltage of the second control circuit. Further, a switching circuit using a transistor may be used for the buffer means.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the conventional apparatus. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as “camera”) according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a front view, FIG. 1 (b) is a side view, FIG. 1 (c) is a rear view. A jog dial (11) is disposed on the top of the digital camera. The jog dial (11) includes a disk-shaped rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the camera body, and two switches that generate a pulse signal as the rotating member rotates.
[0019]
The display surface of the display unit (9) is exposed on the rear surface of the camera. The display unit (9) uses a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device, and displays image data recorded on a recording medium included in the camera. In addition, the display unit (9) can display a setting screen showing items that can be selected when setting various modes and parameters, and the user operates the jog dial (11) while viewing the setting screen. By doing so, a desired setting item can be selected on the setting screen.
[0020]
The display unit (9) displays various setting screens according to the purpose. For example, when selecting desired image data from recorded image data, a setting screen for selecting image data is displayed. As an example, FIG. 6 shows a shooting setting screen for performing various settings relating to shooting. On the left end of the setting screen, icons (91), (92) and (93) displaying setting items are arranged. On the right side of these icons (91), (92), and (93), icons (94a-e), (95a-d), and (95a-d) displaying modes that can be set according to each setting item are arranged. ing. For example, on the right side of the icon (91) indicating the setting item “resolution”, five icons (94a-e) indicating numerical values indicating the size of the number of pixels of the image data are arranged.
[0021]
In the state of the shooting setting screen shown in FIG. 6A, the icon (91) indicating the setting item “resolution” is selected, and the display color of the selected icon (91) is distinguished from other icons. . The user selects a setting item by operating the jog dial (11). FIG. 6B shows a state where the jog dial (11) is operated to select the icon (92) indicating the setting item “compression rate”. The user operates the jog dial (11) to select a setting item, and then operates a separately provided button (not shown) to select and set an icon displaying a desired mode. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the icon (95b) indicating the mode “FINE” is selected from the state shown in FIG. 6B. Although not shown in the figure, an icon indicating a currently set mode is distinguished from an icon indicating a mode not set by a display color.
[0022]
The camera includes a camera unit (7) (see FIG. 3) that captures a subject and outputs an image signal. When the camera operates in the EVF mode, the display unit (9) includes a camera unit (7). The captured image is displayed. The user can perform manual focus adjustment and the like by operating the camera unit by operating the jog dial (11) while viewing this image. The camera is provided with various switches including function switches (51a), (51b), and (51c) constituting the operation unit (5) (see FIG. 3) of the camera. By appropriately selecting and pressing the function switches (51a), (51b), and (51c), iris adjustment and zoom adjustment can be performed by operating the jog dial (11). A buzzer (22) is disposed on the back of the camera, and generates a confirmation sound when the function switches (51a) (51b) (51c) are pressed.
[0023]
The camera can also operate in OVF mode. In the OVF mode, power supply to the display unit (9) and related internal devices is basically stopped. For example, in the OVF mode, the user grasps the image using the optical finder (23), and power is temporarily supplied to the display unit (9) and the like only when the shutter (24) is pressed. A sub display unit (10) to which power is supplied even in the OVF mode is exposed on the rear surface of the camera. For example, a small black and white liquid crystal display device is used for the sub display unit (10) to display on / off of the flash (25), the remaining number of times the image can be taken, and the like.
[0024]
The jog dial (11) is used for various camera operations even in the OVF mode. For example, a setting screen in which the screen shown in FIG. 6 is simplified and miniaturized is displayed on the sub display unit (10). Even in the OVF mode, the user can select setting items such as resolution and compression rate by operating the jog dial (11) as described above.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the camera according to the present invention, FIG. 2 (a) is a front view, FIG. 2 (b) is a side view, and FIG. 2 (c) is a rear view. The camera of the second embodiment does not include a jog dial (11), but instead includes a manual focus ring (12). By operating the manual focus ring (12), as described in the first embodiment, the camera unit (7) such as manual focus adjustment can be operated, and the display unit (9) or sub-display unit ( Setting items can also be selected on the setting screen displayed in 10).
[0026]
The manual focus ring (12) includes a cylindrical rotating member disposed so as to surround the lens barrel, and further includes two switches that generate pulse signals as the rotating member rotates. Unlike the jog dial (11), the manual focus ring (12) has a large number of signal pulses generated by the rotation of the rotating member, and the rotating member has a structure that does not give the user a clicking feeling during rotation. ing. For this reason, if the function of the jog dial is added to the manual focus ring (12) as it is, an inconvenient operation is caused. The camera of the second embodiment is configured such that the buzzer (22) emits a confirmation sound every predetermined number (about 10 pulses) by counting pulses generated as the manual focus ring (12) rotates. . Thus, a confirmation sound can be generated when a setting item is selected on the setting screen displayed on the display unit (9), and the selection operation using the manual focus ring (12) is facilitated.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The operation means (1) in this block diagram is a jog dial (11) or a manual focus ring (12). In the former case, this block diagram shows the camera of the first embodiment, and in the latter case, this block diagram shows the camera of the second embodiment.
[0028]
The operating means (1) includes two switches (1a) and (1b) that repeatedly turn on / off as the rotating member rotates. From the operation means (1), a pulsed A-phase signal and B-phase signal having different phases are output as the rotating member rotates. The transmission line for sending the A phase signal extends from the switch (1a) to the first control circuit (2). The transmission line branches off in the middle, and the branched transmission line reaches the second control circuit (4) via the buffer means (3). These transmission lines are connected to the power supply line of the drive voltage Vcc1 through a pull-up resistor (21a). The transmission line for sending the B phase signal also extends from the switch (1b) to the first control circuit (2). This transmission line also branches in the middle, and the branched transmission line reaches the second control circuit (4) via the buffer means (3). These transmission lines are connected to the power supply line of the drive voltage Vcc1 through a pull-up resistor (21b). Thus, in the camera to which the present invention is applied, the signal sent from the operating means (1) can be detected by the first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4).
[0029]
The first control circuit (2) composed of an 8-bit microcomputer is composed of the shutter (24), function switches (51a) (51b) (51c) and other switches and buttons shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. The operation unit (5) is connected, and the first control circuit (2) processes the key scan signal sent from the operation unit (5) and the pulse signal from the operation means (1), Command operation to the internal device. The buzzer (22) is connected to the first control circuit (2), and the first control circuit (2) is configured to generate a confirmation sound when a signal is input from the operation unit (5). Send command signal to (22). When the operation means (1) is a manual focus ring (12), the first control circuit (2) is configured to generate a confirmation sound every time a signal having a predetermined number of pulses is input. ) Command signal.
[0030]
The first control circuit (2) also controls the power supply of the camera. The camera includes a power supply circuit (6) including a battery (not shown). The power supply circuit (6) generates two power supply voltages, specifically, the power supply voltage Vcc1 and the power supply voltage Vcc2, and can turn on or off the power supply voltage Vcc2 while the power supply voltage Vcc1 is generated. . The first control circuit (2) is driven by the power supply voltage Vcc1, and the second power supply circuit (6), the buffer means (3) and the display unit (9) are driven by the power supply voltage Vcc2. For example, when the camera is operating in the EVF mode, the first control circuit (2) always generates the power supply voltage Vcc1 and the power supply voltage Vcc2 in the power supply circuit (6). When the camera is operating in the OVF mode, the first control circuit (2) constantly generates the power supply voltage Vcc1 in the power supply circuit (6), and the shutter (24) (see FIGS. 2 and 3). When pressed, the power supply voltage Vcc2 is generated in the power supply circuit 6 for a predetermined time. Thereby, the second control circuit (4) is temporarily driven, and the image signal sent from the camera unit (7) is processed by the second control circuit (4).
[0031]
The second control circuit (4) is a circuit composed of a CPU and an ASIC that processes image data. The camera unit (7) includes various lenses including a focus lens, a focus lens driving motor, a zoom mechanism, an iris mechanism, an image sensor, and the like, and an image signal output from the image sensor of the camera unit (7) is It is sent to the second control circuit (4) for processing. The second control circuit (4) creates image data from the image signal. The image data is sent to the display unit (9) for display or stored in a recording medium (not shown).
[0032]
The second control circuit (4) controls the camera unit (7) via the driver circuit (8). The second control circuit (4) performs autofocus control, manual focus control, iris control, zoom control, and the like. For example, in the autofocus mode, the second control circuit (4) processes the image data from the camera unit (7) and moves the focus lens so that incident light is focused on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. Send the signal to the driver circuit (8). The first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4) transmit and receive signals to and from each other by serial communication.
[0033]
The sub display unit (10) is controlled by the first control circuit (2). The sub-control unit (10) is driven by the same drive voltage Vcc1 as that of the first control circuit (2), and always displays. When the drive voltage Vcc2 is applied to the display unit (9), the first control circuit (2) displays a setting screen on the display unit (9) via the second control circuit 4), and the operation means Change the setting screen based on the signal from (1). Data of various setting screens and data such as the currently set mode are stored in a memory (not shown) in the first control circuit (2). For example, in the EVF mode, the display unit (9) is displayed. After setting the mode using the sub display unit (10) in the OVF mode, the setting result in the EVF mode is reflected on the setting screen displayed on the sub display unit (10). Is done.
[0034]
Next, the buffer means (3) will be described. With the above configuration, in the camera to which the present invention is applied, signals from the operating means (1) are generated when a drive voltage is applied to the first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4). Input to both sides. However, as described, the drive voltage Vcc2 applied to the second control circuit (4) may be turned off in a state where the drive voltage Vcc1 is applied to the first control circuit (2). The ASIC of the second control circuit (4) includes a pair of protection diodes for preventing latch-up, and one of the protection diodes is connected in the forward direction from the transmission line to the power supply line of the drive power supply Vcc2. Therefore, assuming that the buffer means (3) is not interposed in the transmission line of the operating means (1), when the drive voltage Vcc2 applied to the second control circuit (4) is turned off, the power supply line of the drive power supply Vcc2 Falls to the ground potential, the signal from the operating means (1) is drawn to the ground potential, and the first control circuit (2) does not detect the signal.
[0035]
In the present invention, the signal from the operation means (1) is sent to the second control circuit (4) through the buffer means (3). The buffer means is configured to suppress pulling of a signal from the operation means (1) to the ground potential when the drive voltage Vcc2 of the second control circuit (4) is turned off. Therefore, according to the present invention, the drive voltage Vcc2 of the second control circuit (4) is off, and the signal from the operating means (1) can be sent to the first control circuit (2). The operation means (1) can be used even in the OVF mode in which) is not driven. In the state where both the first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4) are driven, these control circuits (2) and (4) both directly detect the signal from the operating means (1). And more. Note that processing of the signal sent from the operating means (1) is performed in either the first control circuit (2) or the second control circuit (4) according to the set operation mode.
[0036]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the buffer means (3). The buffer means (3) is composed of a pair of buffer ICs (30a) and (30b). The input terminal (31a) of the buffer IC (30a) is connected to the A-phase signal transmission line, and the output terminal ( 32a) is connected to the second control circuit (4). The input terminal (31b) of the buffer IC (30b) is connected to the B-phase signal transmission line, and the output terminal (32b) is connected to the second control circuit (4). The main circuit portions (33a) and (33b) of these buffer ICs (30a) and (30b) are driven by the drive voltage Vcc2 as in the second control device (4).
[0037]
These buffer ICs (30a) and (30b) include buffer ICs of a type that do not include a protective diode connected in the forward direction from the transmission line on the input side of the main circuit (33a) and (33b) to the power supply line of the drive voltage Vcc2. Is used. These buffer ICs (30a) and (30b) are provided only with protective diodes (34a) and (34b) whose anode is grounded and whose cathode is connected to the transmission line on the input side of the main circuit section (33a) and (33b). It is. Therefore, even if the drive voltage Vcc2 is turned off and the power supply line of the drive voltage Vcc2 becomes the ground potential, the A phase signal and the B phase signal are not sent from the buffer ICs (30a) and (30b). Further, since the protective diode as described above does not exist, the A phase signal and the B phase signal are not sent from the transmission line to the power supply line. As described above, the buffer ICs (30a) and (30b) suppress the pulling of the A-phase signal and the B-phase signal to the ground potential.
[0038]
FIG. 5 shows another example of the buffer means (3). The buffer means (3) is a switching circuit (35a) (35b) using transistors (36a) (36b). The A-phase signal transmission line is connected to the base of the transistor (36a) of the switching circuit (35a) via the resistor (37a), and the collector of the transistor (36a) is connected to the second control circuit (4). The emitter of the transistor (36a) is grounded. The transmission line connecting the collector of the transistor (36a) and the second control circuit (4) is connected to the power supply line of the drive voltage Vcc2 through the resistor (38a), and in parallel with the resistor (37a). One end of the connected resistor (39a) is grounded. The switching circuit (35b) is similarly configured. The resistance values of the resistors (37a) and (39a) are sufficiently larger than the resistance values of the pull-up resistor (21a), and the resistance values of the resistors (37b) and (39b) are the pull-up resistors ( The resistance value is sufficiently larger than the resistance value of 21b). By providing such switching circuits (35a) and (35b), the levels of the A-phase signal and B-phase signal drawn to the ground potential are negligible. Therefore, the A-phase signal and B-phase signal are used as the first control circuit. (2) can detect the A phase signal and the B phase signal.
[0039]
Next, the operation using the operation means (1) for the camera of the first embodiment will be described. First, the case where both the drive voltage Vcc1 and the drive voltage Vcc2 are applied will be described. In this case, the signal from the operating means (1), that is, the jog dial (11) is sent to both the first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4). According to the set operation mode, either the first control circuit (2) or the second control circuit (4) processes the signal sent from the jog dial (11).
[0040]
For example, when setting various modes and parameters on the camera while looking at the display unit (9), the user operates the jog dial (11) while looking at the setting screen displayed on the display unit (9). To select a desired setting item. At this time, the first control circuit (2) processes the signal from the jog dial (11) to control the operation of the internal device.
[0041]
When the manual focus mode is set using the operation unit (5), the signal sent from the jog dial (11) is processed by the second control circuit (4) that performs manual focus control. The second control circuit (4) calculates based on the number of pulses and phase difference of the two-phase signal sent from the jog dial (11), determines the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the focus lens driving motor, and Send command signal to circuit (8). Then, the focus lens driving motor of the camera unit (7) is driven by the driver circuit (8), and the focus lens moves. In the present invention, since the signal from the jog dial (11) is processed by the second control circuit (4), the focus lens driving motor of the camera unit (7) is driven quickly according to the operation of the jog dial (11). To do. Therefore, even if the user performs manual focus adjustment while looking at the display unit (9) in the EVF mode, the time delay from the operation of the jog dial (11) until the displayed imaging changes is extremely short. When the zoom adjustment mode or iris adjustment mode is set, the zoom mechanism or iris mechanism of the camera unit (7) is operated by operating the jog dial (11), as in the case where the manual focus mode is set. Can be operated.
[0042]
When the OVF mode for turning off the drive voltage Vcc2 of the second control circuit (4) is set by the operation unit (5), the signal from the jog dial (11) is processed only by the first control circuit (2). . In this case, as described above, since the signal from the jog dial (11) is not drawn to the ground potential, the setting item is selected on the setting image displayed on the sub display unit (10) even in the OVF mode. The operation using the jog dial (11) can be performed.
[0043]
Next, the operation using the operation means (1) will be described for the camera of the second embodiment. First, the case where the drive voltage Vcc1 and the drive voltage Vcc2 are on will be described. In this case, the signal from the operating means (1), that is, the manual focus ring (12) is sent to the first control circuit (2) and the second control circuit (4). Based on the set operation mode, the signal sent from the manual focus ring (12) is processed by either the first control circuit (2) or the second control circuit (4).
[0044]
When the manual focus mode is set, the signal sent from the manual focus ring (12) is processed by the second control circuit (4). The second control circuit (4) sends a signal for instructing the driver circuit (8) to operate based on the number of pulses and the phase difference of the two-phase signal sent from the manual focus ring (12), and the camera unit (7 ) Focus lens driving motor is driven. Note that when the zoom adjustment mode or iris adjustment mode is set, the manual focus ring (12) is operated and the zoom mechanism of the camera unit (7) The iris mechanism can be operated.
[0045]
If the operation mode for setting various modes and parameters is set using the operation unit (5), or if the manual focus mode is set, any of the function switches (51a) (51b) (51c) When pressed, the signal sent from the manual focus ring (12) is processed by the first control circuit (2). The user selects a desired setting item by operating the manual focus ring (12) while viewing the setting screen displayed on the display unit (9). The first control circuit (2) counts the pulses generated with the rotation of the manual focus ring (12) and sends a command signal to the buzzer (22) so as to sound a confirmation sound every predetermined number of pulses.
[0046]
When the OVF mode is set by the operation unit (5), the signal from the manual focus ring (12) is processed only by the first control circuit (2). In this case, as described above, since the signal from the manual focus ring (12) is not drawn to the ground potential, even in the OVF mode in which the second control circuit (4) is not driven, An operation using the manual focus ring (12) such as selecting a setting item on the displayed setting image can be performed.
[0047]
Thus, in the camera of the second embodiment, the signal from the manual focus ring (12) is also sent to the first control circuit (2) for processing the key scan signal, so that the jog dial ( The function of 11) is added.
[0048]
The present invention can be used for an imaging apparatus such as a digital video camera and a silver salt camera in addition to the digital still camera. The operation means (1) is not limited to the jog dial (11) and the manual focus ring (12), and the buffer means (3) of the present invention has a circuit having the same operation as the circuit exemplified above. Can be used.
[0049]
The above description of the embodiments is for explaining the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the claims or reducing the scope thereof. Each part configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of a digital still camera according to the present invention. (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the digital still camera according to the present invention. (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a digital still camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of buffer means of a digital still camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of buffer means of the digital still camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the digital still camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional digital still camera.
[Explanation of symbols]
(1) Operation method
(2) First control circuit
(3) Buffer means
(4) Second control circuit
(5) Operation unit
(6) Power circuit
(7) Camera unit
(8) Driver circuit
(9) Display section
(10) Sub display section
(11) Jog dial
(12) Manual focus ring
(30a) (30b) Buffer IC
(35a) (35b) Switching circuit
(36a) (36b) Transistor

Claims (5)

An operation means (1), a camera section (7) for photographing a subject and outputting an image signal, a first control circuit (2) for processing a signal sent from the operation means (1), and the camera section ( And a second control circuit (4) for performing the control of 7), and the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) is set while the drive voltage is applied to the first control circuit (2). In an imaging device that can be turned on or off,
A transmission line from the operating means (1) to the first control circuit (2) is branched and connected to the second control circuit (4);
The second control circuit (4) detects a signal sent from the operation means (1), controls the camera unit (7) according to the operation of the operation means (1),
The signal sent from the operation means (1) is supplied to the second control circuit via the buffer means (3),
The buffer means (3) suppresses the pulling of the signal sent from the operation means (1) to the ground potential when the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) is off ,
Said first control circuit (2) includes a feature to have the function of processing the signals sent from said operating means (1) without the operation of turning on the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) An imaging device. An operation means (1), a camera section (7) for photographing a subject and outputting an image signal, a first control circuit (2) for processing a signal sent from the operation means (1), and the camera section ( 7) a second control circuit (4) for performing the control, and a display unit (9) capable of displaying a setting screen showing various items. A drive voltage is applied to the first control circuit (2). In the imaging device capable of turning on or off the driving voltage of the second control circuit (4) in a state where
A transmission line from the operating means (1) to the first control circuit (2) is branched and connected to the second control circuit (4);
The signal sent from the operation means (1) is a buffer that suppresses the signal sent from the operation means (1) from being pulled to the ground potential when the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) is off. Supplied to the second control circuit via means (3);
The signal sent from the operating means (1) is processed by either the first control circuit (2) or the second control circuit (4),
The first control circuit (2) has a function of processing a signal sent from the operation means (1) without an operation of turning on the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4) .
By operating the operation means (1), an item can be selected on the operation of the camera unit (7) or the setting screen. The drive voltage of the buffer means (3) is the same as the drive voltage of the second control circuit (4), and the buffer means (3) has a protective diode connected in the forward direction from the transmission line to the power supply line. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the buffer IC (30a) (30b) is not included. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the buffer means (3) is a switching circuit (35a) (35b) using transistors (36a) (36b). The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation means (1) is a jog dial (11) or a manual focus ring (12).

Images