JP4341064B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera having a retractable photographic lens.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a camera having a retractable photographic lens, generally, in order to protect the photographic lens, the photographic lens is always retracted to a predetermined retracted position in the camera body when the power is off. .
[0003]
In such a camera with a retractable photographic lens, in order to shorten the start time when playing back, if the photographic lens is not in the predetermined retracted position when started in the playback mode, the photographic lens is retracted to the retracted position, When the photographic lens is already in the retracted position, it has been proposed that the photographic lens is not moved in the retracted position (see Patent Document 1). Also, when switching from shooting mode to playback mode, when the shooting lens is not immediately retracted to the retracted position but an image different from the last shot image is played back, or when playback mode continues for a predetermined time There is also proposed a camera in which the photographic lens is retracted to the retracted position so that the photographic lens is not moved when it is immediately returned from the reproduction mode to the photographing mode (see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
There is also provided a camera in which a lens adapter such as a lens converter corresponding to the user's intention to shoot is detachably attached to the front surface of the camera body (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-326839 A
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-326849 A
[0007]
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2000-330179 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
While the retractable function of the taking lens is useful for protecting the taking lens from the outside and improving portability, it takes time to start up at the time of power-on when taking a picture, leading to missing a photo opportunity.
[0009]
Some of the above-mentioned conventional cameras aim to shorten the start-up time during playback, but when the power is off, the photographic lens is always retracted to the retracted position. When it is on, the photographic lens is extended uniformly, so it takes time to be ready for shooting. In particular, in a camera in which the lens adapter can be attached and detached, shooting is performed even when the lens adapter is mounted so as to cover the periphery of the taking lens by the user's intention, and such a lens adapter mounting state continues. It took time to start up.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a camera having a retractable photographic lens, it is possible to shorten the start-up time when the power is turned on when shooting and not miss a photo opportunity. An object is to provide a camera that can be used.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the object, the invention described in claim 1In the camera bodyWhile having a retractable photographic lens,From the retracted position in the camera bodyIn a camera in which the lens adapter covering the periphery of the extended taking lens can be attached and detached, a power switch for switching the power on and off of the camera, and a detecting means for detecting whether or not the lens adapter is attached to the camera And when the lens adapter is not attached by the detection means when the power is turned off,AboveThe lens is retracted to the retracted position, and when the detection means detects that the lens adapter is mounted, the photographing lens isAboveControl means for controlling so as not to retract into the retracted position;A non-volatile memory for storing retraction information indicating whether or not the photographing lens is retracted to the retraction position;WithThe control means stores in the non-volatile memory that the retracting position of the photographic lens was not retracted to the retracted position as the retracted information when the lens adapter is detected when the power is turned off. The retractable information of the non-volatile memory is read when the power is turned on, and the taking lens is not extended when the power is turned on when the taking lens is not retracted to the retracted position when the power is turned off.With featuresTo do.
[0012]
According to the present invention, when the lens adapter is not attached to the camera, the non-attachment of the lens adapter is detected by the detecting means, and the photographing lens is automatically retracted to the retracted position when the power is turned off. In addition, when the user mounts the lens adapter on the camera, the detection means detects the mounting of the lens adapter, and the photographing lens is not retracted when the power is turned off. Therefore, when the lens adapter is continuously attached to the camera, the taking-out of the taking lens when the power is turned on is omitted, the start-up time when taking a picture is shortened, and the photo opportunity is not missed. can do. In addition, the user can turn off and on the power without worrying about the start-up time at the time of shooting, thus saving power.
[0013]
Examples of the lens adapter include a lens converter such as a teleconversion lens and a wide conversion lens, a lens hood, and the like.
[0014]
  The invention according to claim 3 isIn the invention according to claim 1 or 2,When power is offofRetraction operationDo notSetting operationAcceptSetting operation meansThe control means comprisesWhen the setting operation means is set not to perform the retracting operationRegardless of the detection result of the detection means, when the power is offThe taking lensOf the aboveRetraction positionToRenormalizationDo not doWith featuresTo do.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a camera according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, the photographing lens 12 can be retracted, and is driven to a predetermined photographing position and retracted to a predetermined retracted position by driving a motor 34. The photographing lens 12 is partially exposed outside the camera body at the photographing position, and is entirely depressed inside the camera body at the retracted position.
[0020]
The lens adapter 15 is detachably attached to the front surface of the camera body, so that the lens adapter 15 is disposed in front of the photographing lens 12. In a state where the lens adapter 15 is mounted on the camera, all or most of the periphery of the photographing lens 12 extended to the photographing position is covered. In the present embodiment, the lens adapter 15 includes a lens converter such as a teleconversion lens and a wide conversion lens, and a lens hood.
[0021]
The lens adapter 15 can be mounted on the camera directly on the front surface of the camera body or indirectly on the front surface of the camera body via a ring-shaped interposed member. is there. The lens adapter 15 is attached by, for example, bayonet coupling. An example of the mounting form of the lens adapter 15 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the lens hood 15a is directly mounted on the front surface of the camera body 100, and also serves as an interposition member for mounting the lens converter 15b. The lens converter 15b is mounted on the front surface of the camera body 100 indirectly by mounting on the lens hood 15a. A different mounting form may be used, for example, the lens converter 15b may be mounted directly on the camera body 100.
[0022]
The power switch SW1 is for switching the power supply 11 of the camera between off and on.
[0023]
The mode changeover switch SW2 is used to switch between the shooting mode and the playback mode of the camera. Further, the mode dial SW3 can be selected in detail by rotating the mode dial. For example, it is possible to switch between a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode.
[0024]
The screen operation button SW4 selects a menu button for displaying various menus and various screens belonging to these menus on the LCD monitor 24, and selects an item and the content of the item in the screen displayed on the LCD monitor 24. And an execution button for executing a predetermined process corresponding to the selected item and the content of this item.
[0025]
The shutter button SW5 is used to instruct autofocus when pressed halfway and to perform shooting instruction when fully pressed.
[0026]
The lens hood detection switch SW6 detects whether or not the lens hood is attached to the camera. The lens converter detection switch SW7 detects whether or not the lens converter is attached to the camera. The lens converter detection switch SW7 can identify whether the attached lens converter is a tele conversion lens or a wide conversion lens.
[0027]
In the embodiment in which the lens converter 15b shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the camera via the lens hood 15a, only the detection of the lens hood 15a by the lens hood detection switch SW6 may be performed. Further, the mounting and non-mounting of the lens converter 15b and the detection of the type of the lens converter 15b may be performed via the lens hood 15a.
[0028]
The recording medium 20 is for recording images and sound. For example, a memory card that can be removed from the camera is used.
[0029]
The nonvolatile memory 31 stores retraction information and the like indicating whether or not the photographing lens 12 has been retracted to the retracted position.
[0030]
The central processing unit (CPU) 30 performs overall control of each circuit of the camera based on inputs from the power switch SW1, the mode changeover switch SW2, the mode dial SW3, the screen operation button SW4, the shutter button SW5, and other switches SWn.
[0031]
Further, in this embodiment, when the lens hood detection switch SW6 and the lens converter detection switch SW7 detect that the lens adapter 15 is not attached when the power is off, the CPU 30 retracts the photographing lens 12 to the retracted position. At the same time, when the attachment of the lens adapter 15 is detected, control is performed so that the photographing lens 12 is not retracted to the retracted position. Here, when the taking lens 12 is extended, the CPU 30 rotates the motor 34 forward via the driver 32, and when the taking lens 12 is retracted, the CPU 30 outputs a signal for reversing the motor 34 via the driver 32. .
[0032]
Hereinafter, the control by the CPU 30 when the power is turned off and when the power is turned on will be described in detail.
[0033]
When the power is turned off by the power switch SW1, the CPU 30 performs the process shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, it is first determined whether or not the lens adapter 15 is attached to the camera (S11). In the camera that detects wearing with the two switches (lens hood detection switch SW6 and lens converter detection switch SW7) shown in FIG. 1, when the non-wearing is detected in both the switches SW6 and SW7, the lens adapter 15 is not turned on. If it is determined that the lens adapter 15 is attached and if attachment is detected by at least one of the two switches SW6 and SW7, it is determined that the lens adapter 15 is attached. In addition, in the camera in which the lens converter 15b is mounted via the lens hood 15a shown in FIG. 2, when focusing on only the lens hood detection switch SW6 and the lens hood detection switch SW6 detects non-mounting, the lens adapter 15 When it is determined that the lens hood detection switch SW6 is mounted, it is determined that the lens adapter 15 is mounted (at least the lens hood 15a is mounted). When it is detected that the lens adapter 15 is not attached, the photographing lens 12 is retracted to a predetermined retracted position (S12). Here, the retracted information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 that the taking lens 12 is retracted to the retracted position. On the other hand, when the mounting of the lens adapter 15 is detected, the photographing lens 12 is protected by the lens adapter 15, so that even if the photographing lens 12 is extended to the photographing position, No collapsing is performed (S13). Here, the fact that the retracting position of the taking lens 12 to the retracted position has not been performed is stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 as the retracted information. If the photographing lens 12 is already in the retracted position before the power is turned off, the nonvolatile memory 31 stores the fact that the photographing lens 12 is in the retracted position as the retracting information.
[0034]
When the power is turned on by the power switch SW1 in a state where the shooting mode is set by the mode setting switch SW2, the CPU 30 performs the process shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, first, the retracted information of the nonvolatile memory 31 is read, and it is determined whether or not the taking lens 12 is retracted to the retracted position (S21). If the photographic lens 12 has been retracted to the retracted position, the photographic lens 12 is extended to a predetermined photographing position (S22). When the taking lens 12 is not retracted to the retracted position, the taking lens 12 is not extended (S23).
[0035]
When the shutter button SW5 is half-pressed with the photographing lens 12 extended to the photographing position, the CPU 30 performs focus control, and when the shutter button SW5 is fully pressed, the CPU 30 performs photographing processing. That is, the CPU 30 performs exposure control, forms an image of the subject on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device (CCD) 44 via the photographing lens 12, and records image data obtained at the time of photographing on the recording medium 20.
[0036]
Specifically, the CCD 44 converts the subject light imaged on the light receiving surface into a signal charge in an amount corresponding to the light amount. The signal charges accumulated in this manner are sequentially read out as voltage signals corresponding to the signal charges. The voltage signal read from the CCD 44 is applied to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS and AMP) 46, where the R, G, B signals for each pixel are sampled and held and amplified for A / D conversion. Added to vessel 48. The A / D converter 48 converts the R, G, B signals sequentially added from the correlated double sampling circuit 46 into digital R, G, B signals and outputs them to the image signal processing circuit 50.
[0037]
The image signal processing circuit 50 is a predetermined image such as a synchronization process for converting the dot-sequential R, G, and B signals applied from the A / D converter 48 into a simultaneous expression, white balance adjustment, gamma correction, YC signal processing, and the like. Process. The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb (YC signal) created by the YC signal processing of the image signal processing circuit 50 are compressed into a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 52, and then sent to the media control circuit 54. To the recording medium 20.
[0038]
When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the audio signal input from the microphone 28 is subjected to processing such as A / D conversion by the audio processing circuit 60, converted to digital, and a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 52. After being compressed, the image data is recorded on the recording medium 20 via the media control circuit 54 in association with the image data.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the playback mode is set by the mode switch SW2, the image file recorded on the recording medium 20 is first read via the media control circuit 54. The compressed data of the read image file is expanded into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 52. The expanded YC signal is output to the LCD monitor 24 via the image reproduction processing circuit 56 and the LCD drive circuit 58. As a result, the image recorded on the recording medium 20 is displayed on the LCD monitor 24. When a TV monitor is connected to the output terminal 22, the YC signal is converted into an NTSC color composite video signal via the image reproduction processing circuit 56 and the video encoding circuit 59, and the TV is connected via the output terminal 22. Output to the monitor. Thereby, the image recorded on the recording medium 20 is displayed on the TV monitor.
[0040]
When audio data is associated with the image data read from the recording medium 20, the audio data recorded in association with the image data is read from the recording medium 20 via the media control circuit 54. The compressed and recorded audio data is expanded into an uncompressed audio signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 52. The expanded audio data is subjected to processing such as D / A conversion by the audio processing circuit 60 and converted to analog. The converted audio signal is amplified by the audio reproduction circuit 62 and output from the speaker 26 as audio.
[0041]
According to the camera of the first embodiment described above, when the lens adapter 15 is not attached to the camera, the non-attachment of the lens adapter 15 is detected, and the taking lens 12 is automatically retracted when the power is turned off. It is carried over to. Further, when the user wears the lens adapter 15 in the camera, the wearing of the lens adapter 15 is detected, and the photographing lens 12 is not retracted when the power is turned off. Accordingly, when the lens adapter 15 is continuously attached to the camera, the photographing lens 12 is not retracted when the power is turned off. Therefore, when the lens adapter 15 is continuously attached to the camera, the taking-out of the taking lens when the power is turned on is omitted, the start-up time for taking a picture is shortened, and the shutter chance is not missed. Can be. In addition, the user can turn off and on the power without worrying about the start-up time at the time of shooting, thus saving power.
[0042]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a principal block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the camera of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0043]
The camera of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 determines whether or not to perform the collapsing operation when the power is turned off based on the detection results of the switches SW6 and SW7 that detect the mounting of the lens adapter 15. The camera of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is different in that the user performs a setting operation with the screen operation button SW4 as to whether or not to perform a retracting operation when the power is turned off.
[0044]
In FIG. 5, the screen operation button SW4 includes a menu button, a cross button, and an execution button in detail. When the user performs a setting operation related to the retracting operation, the user first presses the menu button. When the menu button is pressed, the CPU 30 displays a menu on the LCD monitor 24, and when the user selects setup by the cross button, the CPU 30 displays the “SET-UP” screen 240a shown in FIG. To display. When the user has already attached the lens adapter 15 to the camera or will attach the lens adapter 15 to the camera in the future, the “SET-UP” screen 240a of FIG. “Yes” is selected in “Adapter setting” 241a. Here, when the user presses the execute button, the CPU 30 causes the nonvolatile memory 31 to store an instruction not to perform the retracting operation when the power is turned off. On the other hand, when the lens adapter 15 has already been removed from the camera or when the lens adapter 15 is to be removed from the camera, the user selects “none” in the “adapter setting” 241a. Here, when the user presses the execute button, the CPU 30 causes the nonvolatile memory 31 to store an instruction to perform the retracting operation when the power is turned off. That is, the user performs a setting operation as to whether or not the lens adapter 15 is attached to the camera, and the presence or absence of the collapsing operation when the power is turned off is stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 based on the user's setting operation.
[0045]
The “SET-UP” screen 240a shown in FIG. 6A is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, FIG. 6B shows a “SET-UP” screen 240b of a camera in which only a lens hood can be attached to and removed from the front of the camera body, and FIG. 6C shows only a lens converter attached to and removed from the front of the camera body. This is a “SET-UP” screen 240c of a possible camera. For example, in a camera in which the lens converter 15b is mounted via the lens hood 15a shown in FIG. 2, the setting operation may be performed on the “SET-UP” screen 240b shown in FIG. Also, the “adapter setting” 241a in FIG. 6A, the “lens hood setting” 241b in FIG. 6B, and the “lens converter setting” 241c in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to the case of selecting whether or not the collapsing operation is performed. For example, the user may directly select whether or not to perform the collapsing operation.
[0046]
When the power is turned off by the power switch SW1, the CPU 30 performs the process shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, first, an instruction relating to the retracting operation stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 is read, and it is determined whether or not the setting for performing the retracting operation of the photographing lens 12 is made (S31). If the setting for retracting the photographing lens 12 has been made, the photographing lens 12 is retracted to a predetermined retracted position (S32). Here, the retracted information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 that the taking lens 12 is retracted to the retracted position. On the other hand, when the setting is made so that the photographic lens is not retracted, the photographic lens 12 is not retracted even when the photographic lens 12 is extended to the photographing position (S33). Here, the fact that the retracting position of the taking lens 12 to the retracted position has not been performed is stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 as the retracted information. If the photographing lens 12 is in the retracted position immediately before the power is turned off, the non-volatile memory 31 stores that the photographing lens 12 is in the retracted position as the retracting information.
[0047]
When the power is turned on by the power switch SW1 in a state where the shooting mode is set by the mode setting switch SW2, the CPU 30 performs the process shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, first, the retracted information of the nonvolatile memory 31 is read, and it is determined whether or not the taking lens 12 is retracted to the retracted position (S41). If the photographic lens 12 has been retracted to the retracted position, the photographic lens 12 is extended to a predetermined photographing position (S42). When the photographing lens 12 is not retracted to the retracted position, the photographing lens 12 is not extended (S43).
[0048]
7 and 8 show the flow of processing when a setting operation is performed on the “SET-UP” screen 240a shown in FIG. 6A. The “SET-UP” screen 240b shown in FIG. When the setting operation is performed in step S31, the contents of “lens hood setting” 241b in FIG. 6B are determined instead of determining the contents of “adapter setting” 241a in step S31. If a setting operation is performed on the “SET-UP” screen 240c shown in FIG. 6C, the contents of “lens converter setting” 241c in FIG. 6C are determined in step S31.
[0049]
In the first and second embodiments, a lens converter and a lens hood are shown as examples of the lens adapter 15, but the lens adapter is not limited to this. The lens adapter of the present invention includes various detachable attachments that are attached to the camera to cover the whole or part of the periphery of the photographing lens 12 extended to the photographing position to protect the photographing lens 12. . For example, various filters that perform polarization, diffusion, enhancement, division, color temperature conversion, and the like of light, and lenses for close-up photography may be used.
[0050]
  In the first embodiment, an example in which the mounting and non-mounting of the lens adapter 15 is detected by the detection switches SW6 and SW7 will be described. In the second embodiment, the user performs a setting operation using the screen operation button SW4. Although an example has been described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and whether or not to perform the collapsing operation of the photographic lens 12 based on both detection of attachment of the lens adapter 15 by the detection switch and a user's setting operation. It may be. For example, in FIG. 1, when the user operates the screen operation button SW4, the “SET-UP” screen 240a of FIG. 6A is displayed on the LCD monitor 24, and “Adapter setting” 241a is selected as “Yes” by the user. In the case of a failure, the collapsible regardless of the detection results of the detection switches SW6 and SW7ActionIf the “adapter setting” 241a is selected as “none”, the collapsing operation may be performed based on the detection results of the detection switches SW6 and SW7. Such a configuration is useful, for example, when a user-made lens adapter is arranged in front of the photographing lens and the user-made lens adapter does not correspond to the detection switches SW6 and SW7.
[0051]
Moreover, although the case where the mode unrelated to shooting is only the playback mode has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mode changeover switch SW2 may be used to switch between the shooting mode and the non-shooting mode, and the mode dial SW3 may be used to select the non-shooting mode in detail. In such a case, as the non-photographing mode, for example, an image reproduction mode for reproducing an image, a recording mode in which sound is collected by the microphone 28 and stored in the recording medium 20, and the sound stored in the recording medium 20 is recorded. There is an audio playback mode to play.
[0052]
Although the digital camera has been described as an example, the camera of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera and may be a silver salt camera. There may be a case where there is no mode unrelated to shooting, that is, there is no switching between the shooting mode and the non-shooting mode.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the user continues to attach the lens adapter to the camera, unnecessary driving of the photographing lens when the power is turned off is omitted. The driving of the photographing lens at the time is omitted, the start-up time is shortened, and it is possible not to miss a photo opportunity. In addition, since the user can repeatedly turn the power off and on without worrying about the start-up time with the lens adapter attached to the camera, power saving is achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a lens adapter mounting mode.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the power is turned off in the camera of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the power is turned on in the camera of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting operation screen in the camera of the second embodiment
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the power is turned off in the camera of the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the power is turned on in the camera of the second embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
SW1... Power switch, SW2 mode switch, SW3 mode dial, SW4 screen operation button (setting operation means), SW5 shutter button, SW6 lens hood detection switch (detection) Means), SW7 ... lens converter detection switch (detection means), 12 ... photographing lens, 15 ... lens adapter, 15a ... lens hood, 15b ... lens converter, 20 ... recording medium 24 ... LCD monitor, 30 ... Central processing unit (CPU), 31 ... Non-volatile memory, 32 ... Driver, 34 ... Motor

Claims (3)

In a camera that has a photographic lens that can be retracted in the camera body, and a detachable lens adapter that covers the periphery of the photographic lens extended from the retracted position in the camera body ,
A power switch for switching the camera on and off;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the lens adapter is attached to the camera;
When the power is turned off, with renormalize the photographing lens to the collapsed position when unfastened the lens adapter is detected by the detecting means, wherein when the mounting of the lens adapter is detected by the detection means and control means for controlling so as not renormalized the photographic lens to said retracted position,
A non-volatile memory for storing retraction information indicating whether or not the photographing lens is retracted to the retraction position;
Equipped with a,
The control means stores in the non-volatile memory the fact that the taking-in lens is not retracted to the retracted position as the retracted information when the lens adapter is detected when the power is turned off. Sometimes, the retracting information of the non-volatile memory is read, and when the taking lens is not retracted to the retracted position when the power is turned off, the taking lens is not extended when the power is turned on. .   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the lens adapter is a lens converter such as a teleconversion lens or a wide conversion lens, or a lens hood. Comprising a setting operation means for accepting a setting operation without a collapsed operation at power-off,
Wherein, if the said setting operation means has been set not to the collapsing operation, is not performed repeatedly write only to the collapsed position of the photographing lens when the power is turned off regardless of the detection result of said detecting means The camera according to claim 1, wherein:

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