JP4878620B2 - camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera which is inexpensive, is constituted in a low consumption current, and has excellent charging efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: In the camera 100 which has a repeatedly chargeable secondary battery 103 and charges the secondary battery 103 by a non-contact charger 200, if a ZDNSW becomes an ON state keeping a power-saving state, the power-saving state of the camera 100 is released and communication between the camera 100 and the charger 200 is started. In the case that the communication between the camera 100 and the charger 200 is not achieved correctly, a CHSW is turned to OFF, and the camera 100 returns back to the power-saving state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera used by charging energy from a home AC power source.

  Conventionally, cameras are equipped with batteries for automatic exposure control and strobe light emission, but the actual situation is that the dependence on electric circuits tends to become stronger with the recent full automation by microcomputer control. .

  Under such a tendency, it is troublesome to always be aware of battery replacement when using the camera, and it is also necessary to consider the environmental impact of battery disposal.

  In view of this, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a power supply system for a camera that is rechargeable using a charger.

That is, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a rechargeable secondary battery is loaded into a camera body, and a contactless charging is performed by a charger and a contactless communication is performed in order to update a charging level and the like. It is possible to do.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-14615

  However, the technique related to the power supply system of the camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to charge a secondary battery in the camera by a contactless method based on a switch for detecting camera fixation and data communication means. However, there was no detailed description about charge control.

  That is, according to the technique, the camera side detects whether or not the camera is set in the charger by data communication. Therefore, it is necessary to always communicate with the camera in the off state, and battery consumption is significant. Furthermore, if another switch is provided to make the camera recognize the charger installation, the cost may increase.

  In the technology, it is detected by communication with a fixed detection switch whether or not a camera is set in the charger. Therefore, it is not possible to detect the positional deviation, and as a result, there is a possibility that the charging efficiency is significantly reduced. In particular, when a metal object is placed in place of the camera and magnetic energy is supplied due to a malfunction, the metal object may generate heat and cause burns to the user.

  On the other hand, with the development of portable devices, the number of products that depend on batteries continues to increase. From mobile phones and portable audio devices, such as those used during commuting to school, to game devices for children, home use There are many chargers inside.

  Under such circumstances, if a battery charger is required for the camera, the entire house will be flooded with battery chargers, and the usual living space will be threatened.

  In addition, if you get stuck, you may end up in a situation where you don't know where you put it in a modern society full of things.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera that can be configured with low cost and low current consumption and has high charging efficiency.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, in a camera having a rechargeable secondary battery and capable of charging the secondary battery with a contactless charger, the charging is performed. Communication means for communicating with the device, and first camera operating means operated for operating the first camera to place the camera in a power-off state or to release the power-off state and place it in a power-on state. When the camera is not in a power-off state, the camera is operated for a second camera operation different from the first camera operation means. When the camera is in a power-off state, the first camera operation and the If a second camera operation means to be operated for a communication operation with the second camera operation different from the charger, the second camera operation means is operated in a power-off state, the power- An operation mode setting unit that cancels the state and performs a communication operation using the communication unit, and sets the camera to a power-off state again when the communication operation is not normally performed, and a camera comprising Is provided.

That is, in the first aspect, when the second camera operation unit is operated in the power-off state by the operation mode setting unit, the power-off state is canceled and the communication operation is performed using the communication unit. When the communication operation is not performed, the camera is set to the power off state again.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera that can be configured with low cost and low current consumption and has good charging efficiency.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, a control circuit and a display unit are provided on the charger side to realize a display that is easier to understand for the user.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a camera system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, at the top of the camera body 100, a release button RSW, a mode switching button MDSW, a film rewind button RWSW, and an LCD display unit 105 for performing various displays are arranged.

  A lens barrel 181 and a power switch PWSW are provided on the front surface of the camera body 100. When the power switch PWSW is turned on, the lens barrel 181 is extended from the retracted state and protrudes to the front surface.

  Further, on the front surface of the camera, ZUPSW and ZDNSW for zooming up and down, a finder window 182, a photometric sensor 109, a remote control sensor 110, a self-timer display LED 112, and a strobe window including a xenon tube 154 are arranged. Yes. Further, a light projecting unit 107 and a light receiving unit 108 for distance measurement are disposed below the lens barrel 181.

  Further, a tripod mounting screw hole H101 is provided at the bottom of the camera body 100. Furthermore, various electric circuits including the CPU 101, the secondary battery 103, a coil L1 for charging the same, and the like are provided in the camera body 100.

  On the other hand, in the charger 200 for charging the secondary battery 103 in the camera 100 in a non-contact manner, there are a CPU 201 for performing various controls of the charger 200, an AC-AC converter 202 controlled by the CPU 201, a home A socket 203 for supplying power from a power outlet, a coil L2 for charging the camera 100, and the like are provided. Furthermore, an LCD display 205 for performing various displays is provided on the front surface of the charger 200.

  In addition, the charger 200 is provided with an opening in the center of which the camera 100 can be installed, and a photo reflector 206 for detecting that an object is installed on the side of the charger 200 at the bottom. Is provided with a protruding switch POSSW for detecting a tripod screw hole. The switch POSSW is turned off when protruding, and turned on when pressed. Further, when the camera 100 is correctly installed in the charger 200, the photo reflector 206 is turned on, and the POSSW is turned off when its protrusion enters the tripod screw hole of the camera 100.

  Further, a light emitting element 207 and a light receiving element 208 for communication are provided on the side surface of the opening of the charger 200, and are positioned to face the light projecting part 107 and the light receiving part 108 for distance measurement of the camera 100, Optical communication is possible. A protrusion P202 is provided at a position facing the ZDNSW of the camera 100.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the camera system according to the first embodiment. First, the configuration on the camera 100 side will be described.

  In the figure, a CPU 101, which is a central processing unit constituted by a one-chip microcomputer or the like, controls the camera side.

  Further, the EEPROM 102 as a non-volatile memory stores various data including the current number of shot frames.

  Inside the camera 100, a rechargeable secondary battery 103 is disposed. A coil L2 is connected to the secondary battery 103 via a switch CHSW controlled by the CPU 101. Further, the secondary battery 103 is configured such that the CPU 101 can detect the open circuit voltage of the divided secondary battery 103 by A / D conversion via the voltage detection circuit 103d.

  A regulator 104 is provided inside the camera 100 to prevent an excessive voltage from being applied to the CPU 101 and the like.

  Further, an LCD display 105 is provided inside the camera 100, and information such as the number of frames of the camera and the setting mode can be displayed on the outside.

  In addition, the camera 100 is provided with an AFIC 106, a light projecting unit 107 composed of an infrared LED for active distance measurement, and a light receiving unit 108 composed of a PSD, and performs known active triangular distance measurement. Making it possible.

  Further, a photometric sensor 109 constituted by CDS, SPD or the like, a remote control sensor 110 constituted by SPD or the like, an LED light emitting circuit 111, and an LED 112 for informing that at the time of a self-timer are also provided.

  The above-described various switches (RWSW, RSW, ZUPSW, ZDNSW, MDSW, PWSW) are electrically connected to the CPU 101 port. Furthermore, the information of the loaded film is input to the port of the CPU 101 in the form of a DX code.

  Here, when the camera 100 is correctly set in the charger 200, the ZDNSW of the camera 100 is pressed by a protrusion P202 provided at a position facing the ZDNSW on the charger 200 side and turned on. The system is in a state (see FIG. 4B) and is configured not to be pressed and turned on (see FIG. 4A) if the set is incomplete.

  Further, a strobe circuit 150 is provided in the camera 100. This is composed of a charging circuit 151, a rectifier diode 152, a strobe capacitor 153, a xenon tube 154, and a trigger circuit 155. Charging start / stop and trigger control are controlled by the CPU 101.

  Next, the configuration on the charger 200 side will be described.

  Inside the charger 200, a CPU 201 is provided to control each unit. The AC / AC converter 202 converts a household AC power source (for example, 100 V, 50 Hz) into a frequency / voltage (for example, 10 V, 100 kHz) suitable for charging. This power is supplied from the outlet 203, and the converted output is output to the coil L1. The AC / AC converter 202 is configured such that the conversion operation can be turned on / off by the CPU 2.

  The AC / DC converter 204 converts the household AC power source into a DC power source (for example, 5 V). The CPU 201 operates with this power source.

  The LCD display 205 displays information regarding the operation of the charger 200.

  As described above, the photo reflector (PR) 206 determines whether or not the camera 100 is set in the charger 200, and its output is transmitted to the CPU 201. The light emitting element 207 capable of outputting infrared light is driven based on a signal from a port of the CPU 2. On the other hand, the light receiving element 208 detects infrared rays from the camera 100 side and transmits the output to the CPU 2.

  In the first embodiment, the camera 100 and the charger 200 communicate with each other by receiving the output of the light emitting element 107 by the light receiving element 208 and receiving the output of the light emitting element 207 by the light receiving element (PSD) 108. become.

  In addition to the above, a POSSW for detecting whether or not the camera 100 is correctly installed in the charger 200 is provided, and an output is connected to the CPU 201.

  Here, if the camera 100 is set at the correct position of the charger 200, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the POSSW enters the tripod screw hole and is turned OFF. As shown in FIG. 3B, POSSW is turned on. At this time, the self-timer LED of the camera and other display means are controlled to let the user recognize whether or not the camera has been set correctly.

  Hereinafter, the processing sequence related to the charging of the camera of the CPU 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The camera 100 cannot be set in the charger 200 as it is because the lens barrel 181 is drawn forward in the power-on state.

  Accordingly, the camera 100 is set to be powered off, but since the camera 100 is in a standby state (power saving state) at this time, the camera starts from the standby state during charging (step S101). .

  At this time, standby release is applied by PWSW, RWSW, and ZDNSW. If standby release is applied by ZDNSW, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the light emitting element 107 is caused to emit light according to a predetermined protocol, and it is determined whether or not the light receiving element 108 has a predetermined response (echo back) (step S103).

  If there is a predetermined response, a subroutine “charge mode” described later is executed (step S300). On the other hand, if there is no response, the communication operation continues to be retried at predetermined intervals while monitoring whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of communication (step S104). And when predetermined time passes, it will return to said step S101 and will be in a standby state.

  Here, the sequence of the subroutine “charge mode” will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 101 detects the voltage of the secondary battery 103, and determines whether or not the secondary battery 103 is fully charged from the value and a value corresponding to the voltage at full charge read from the EEPROM 102. If it is full charge, the process proceeds to step S306, and if not full charge, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, CHSW that is normally turned off is turned on to prevent leakage current, and then a charging command is transmitted to the charger 200 (step S303). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an echo back from the charger 200 (step S304). If there is an echo back from the charger 20, the process proceeds to step S305, and if there is no echo back, the process proceeds to step S309.

  Subsequently, the setting of the LCD display 105 of the camera described later is performed (step S305). Then, the level of the charged charge is transmitted to the charger 200 by communication (step S306), and the remaining number of frames of the film is transmitted to the charger 200 by communication (step S307).

  Then, the voltage of the strobe capacitor 153 is detected using the A / D converter of the CPU 101, and charging is performed if necessary (step S308). At this time, a lamp display indicating that charging is not shown is not displayed at all while the secondary battery 103 is being charged. Details of charging will be described later. After the process of step S308, the process returns to step S301.

  If there is no echo back in step S304, it is determined that the camera 100 has been removed from the charger 200 or the power source of the charger has been removed, CHSW is turned off (step S309), and the process returns (step S310). ).

  Next, a processing sequence related to the control of the charger 200 of the CPU 201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The charger 200 enters a standby mode waiting for setting of the camera 100 simultaneously with energization (step S201). Then, the PR 206 is operated to determine whether or not an object such as the camera 100 has been set (steps S202 and S203). If no object is detected, the process returns to step S201. If an object is detected, the process proceeds to step S204 and subsequent steps.

  In step S204, it is checked whether the POSSW is turned off (S204). If it is not turned off, it is not set correctly (the camera 100 is misaligned or something other than the camera 100 is placed). Judge and return to step S201.

  On the other hand, if OFF can be confirmed in step S204, the command reception mode is entered, and communication from the camera 100 is awaited (step S205). If the command is sent by communication within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S208.

  On the other hand, if the command is not sent by communication within a predetermined time, the charging operation is performed for a predetermined time, and then the charging is turned off (step S207). This is because when the secondary battery 103 of the camera is exhausted to such an extent that the CPU 101 cannot operate, the battery is charged to such an extent that the CPU 101 can be activated. In addition, the charging is turned off after a predetermined time in order to prevent the camera 100 from malfunctioning and not operating or operating for a long time with an object other than the camera 100.

  Subsequently, in order to notify the camera 100 that the charger 200 has accepted communication from the camera 100, a predetermined code is echoed back (step S208). Then, an operation corresponding to the received command (for example, turning on AC / AC 202 to start a charging operation) is performed (step S209), a display corresponding to the command is set (step S210), and the process returns to step S205.

  Next, the display setting of the LCD display 105 of the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The camera 100 is turned off in the power-off state (standby state) (see FIG. 8A). When the power is on, a display as shown in FIG. 8B is performed. On the other hand, when the secondary battery 103 is being charged, the display shown in FIGS. 8C to 8F is performed.

  At this time, the remaining battery level is displayed in accordance with the level of the charged electric charge, that is, the level from L0 to L2.

  Next, display setting of the LCD display 205 of the charger 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the outlet of the charger 200 is not set, the display disappears as shown in FIG. If the outlet is plugged in and the camera 100 is not set in the charger 200, is not set correctly, or the CPU 101 of the camera 100 cannot operate even if it is set correctly, the display shown in FIG. Is made. When charging, the display shown in FIGS. 9C to 9F is performed in the same manner as the camera 100.

  If the camera 100 is removed from the charger 200 during charging and the state immediately before it is at a level of L0 or less where one film cannot be shot, the battery mark is constant as shown in FIG. 9 (g). The warning is given by blinking for a time and generating a warning sound, and the display returns to the display shown in FIG.

  As a condition for displaying the warning shown in FIG. 9G, the setting can be changed on the charger 200 side. When a film is loaded in the camera 100 being charged, it is transmitted from the camera 100. Based on the remaining frame number information and the detailed information on the battery level, it is possible to set so that the warning is issued only when the charger 200 determines that the remaining number of frames is not charged at a level that allows photographing. .

  Next, the charging operation of the strobe capacitor 153 will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, while the camera 100 is set in the charger 200, the strobe condenser 153 is always set so that when the camera 100 is removed from the charger 200, flash photography can be performed immediately. Is controlled to charge to a level that can emit light. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lower limit voltage at which light can be emitted is reached, flash charging is performed.

  Next, details of charging the secondary battery 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a voltage change of the secondary battery 103 when the camera 100 loaded with the secondary battery 103 that has been discharged is set in the charger 200.

  If the discharge is completely advanced, the CPU 101 cannot operate, and the communication between the camera 100 and the charger 200 is not performed. In this case, as described above, the charger is forcibly charged up to the level Lcpu at which the CPU 101 can operate.

  When the secondary battery 103 reaches the Lcpu level, the camera 100 and the charger 200 are charged while communicating with each other.

  In the figure, L0 is the voltage of the secondary battery 103 at a level at which one film can be taken at room temperature, for example, L1 is a level at which one film can be taken at the specified minimum temperature, and L2 is guaranteed as a camera. The number of film shots, that is, a level at which, for example, 24 films can be taken at normal temperature, and L3 is a voltage indicating full charge of the secondary battery 103. When the camera 100 is set in the charger 200, the battery 100 is always charged to the L3 level. After that, when the camera reaches the Lc level provided between the L3 and L2, it is charged again to the L3 level.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the camera and the charger proceed with the charging operation while communicating with each other in a non-contact manner, the charging level is included in both. In addition, since it is possible to perform appropriate display and charge control can be performed based on the accurate secondary battery voltage detected on the camera side, high-speed charging is possible without causing overcharge.

  Further, since it is detected whether the camera is set correctly, an unnecessary charging operation is not performed, and when an object such as another metal is set, the charging operation does not cause heating. In addition, the camera is normally in a standby state with the power off, the battery consumption can be minimized, and when the camera is set in the charger, the standby is canceled, so that the camera can enter the charging mode and can be charged.

  Further, even when the battery is completely discharged and the camera cannot communicate, the battery is forcibly charged to a level at which communication is possible, so that the battery can be charged regardless of the state of the secondary battery to be charged. Further, when the camera is removed from the charger, a warning is issued according to the degree of charge of the battery, so that the probability that the user runs out of battery unexpectedly during shooting can be reduced.

  In addition, during charging, the level is displayed on both the camera and the charger according to the degree of charging, so the angle at which the display can be seen is wide and easy to see. In addition, the position shift detection is performed with a tripod screw hole, and when the charger is set, standby release is performed by ZDNSW, etc., so that both the members necessary for shooting the camera and the members necessary for charging are combined. Can be reduced in size and cost.

It goes without saying that the first embodiment can be variously improved and changed without departing from the spirit of the first embodiment. For example, a warning when charging is insufficient may be given not only on the charger side but also on the camera side, or on both sides. Further, the communication means on the camera side does not need to use a distance measuring device, and may use a photometric means, a remote control sensor, any light emitting element for display including self, other light emitting means such as a strobe, and a light receiving means. Good. In addition, the standby release means when it is set to the charger, other than ZDNSW, may be carried out in other switches, such as R WSW.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the camera 1 is inserted into a charger 2 connected to an outlet 3 of a household AC power source, and a secondary battery (not shown) in the camera is charged under such a state. . Thus, by charging the camera 1, energy is sufficiently stored when the user 5 uses it.

  The charger 2 has a clock display unit 4 and is configured to function as an alarm clock. In other words, the camera 1 has a second function different from that of the camera 1, and the second function does not make the charger 2 aware of other than when the camera 1 is charged, and further damages the indoor layout and scenery. There is nothing.

  There are other chargers or AC adapters such as telephone cordless handsets, portable CD players, and electric toothbrushes in the user's room, and notebook PCs also require chargers or AC adapters. When complexity increases, richness is lost from the living space. Unlike the above products, the camera 1 is used infrequently, and on the other hand, it has the character that it is always desired to be charged so that it functions sufficiently when you want to use it. By doing so, the object of the second embodiment is achieved.

  By the way, although the charger technology for charging the secondary battery varies depending on the allowable charging time and the battery used, a contact charger that electrically connects the charger and the device with a metal contact pin. In general, two types of non-contact chargers using electromagnetics using a transformer are employed. For example, also in FIG. 12, a personal computer or a telephone charger may be a contact type, and an electric toothbrush or the like is preferably a non-contact type in consideration of waterproof sealing performance. As will be described in detail below, the second embodiment adopts a non-contact rechargeable method in consideration of the fact that the camera is frequently used outdoors, and water drops due to rain and snow are attached at that time. is doing.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an electric circuit of the camera and the charger according to the second embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numeral 3 denotes an AC power source taken from a household outlet, and DC voltage is generated by an input rectifying and smoothing circuit 21 built in the charger 2.

  With a DC voltage, no coupling is performed between the transformers 12a and 12b. In order to increase the efficiency, electromagnetic coupling between the transformers is performed with high-frequency oscillation higher than the commercial frequency. This high frequency oscillation is performed by the resonance circuit 22.

  The primary transformer 12a is housed on the charger 2 side, but the secondary transformer 12b is arranged at a position facing the primary transformer 12a on the charger 2 side on the camera 1 side. When magnetic energy is transmitted between the transformers 12 a and 12 b, the secondary battery 11 is charged by the output rectifier circuit 13.

  As the secondary battery 11, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or the like can be used, but the former can handle a large current and the latter has a characteristic of a large capacity. Further, the charging method may be devised such as low rate charging, but since it is not a characteristic part of the second embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  However, the non-contact charger is heated and dangerous when a metal object is placed due to the release of magnetic energy. Therefore, the intermittent oscillation circuit 24 is provided, and the intermittent transmission circuit 24 is operated intermittently when the camera 1 is not set.

  When the camera 1 comes into contact with the charger 2, the transformers 25a and 25b combine the magnetic energy to drive the auxiliary power circuit 28 of the camera 1 and apply power to the control circuit 10 of the camera. As a result, the control circuit 10 causes the oscillation circuit 29 to generate a magnetic signal in the transformer 27b. This magnetic signal is detected by the charger 27a, and the signal detection circuit 26a shapes the signal and inputs it to the control circuit 20. From the shaped magnetic signal, the control circuit 20 on the charger 2 side can determine that the camera 1 is in a chargeable state.

  Further, the control circuit 20 for controlling the charger 2 has a clock function block, and can display the time as shown in FIG. Further, in order to use it as an alarm clock, a switch 20b for setting an alarm time or setting the time is provided on the exterior so that it can be operated by the user 5.

  Further, a signal that cannot be communicated with sufficient accuracy using only a magnetic signal is communicated from the camera 1 to the charger 2 side by an LED 17a and a photodiode (PD) 17b forming a photocoupler. For convenience of explanation, a circuit for driving a current through the LED 17a and driving the LED 17a is referred to as a driver, and a circuit for shaping a PD signal is referred to as a sensor.

  Signals communicated from the charger 2 to the camera 1 are communicated by the LEDs 18a and PD 18b. Thereby, information formed by the clock function of the charger 2 can be transmitted to the camera side. The camera 1 has a date function 31 for recording date information magnetically or optically on the film frame so that the date and time when the image was taken can be displayed on the print. Assumes something. Then, the date function is controlled by the control circuit 10, and date information at the time of photographing can be recorded on a film (not shown).

  What was optically imprinted in the film screen became a form in which characters appeared on the screen on the photographic print during phenomenon printing, and the type of magnetic imprinting was magnetically recorded on the magnetic recording layer provided on the film Information is read at the time of printing, and the printing machine converts it into text and prints it on the photograph.

  The date function built into the camera 1 is inaccurate because the memory in the control circuit 20 does not operate normally when the voltage of the battery serving as the power source of the camera 1 drops. And it is necessary to correct the date correctly. In the present invention, in order to eliminate the complexity, a radio wave clock linked to a service of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications that sends standard time by radio waves is adopted as the clock function on the charger 2 side.

  This radio-controlled timepiece has a built-in antenna (corresponding to the receiving unit 30 in the figure) that automatically receives a standard radio wave once an hour and calibrates the clock display according to the result. It becomes. Since this accurate clock data is transmitted to the camera side by signal communication using the above optical coupling (photocoupler), the camera 1 side can always recognize the accurate time during charging.

  Hereinafter, the time adjustment operation on the charger side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. That is, until the camera 1 is set, the time is set every time the standard power supply is received (steps S401 to S403). When the camera 1 is set, charging starts and when charging ends, clock information is transmitted. When the camera 1 receives this, the process returns to step S401 and the above operation is repeated (steps S404 to S408). According to such an example sequence, a camera that has run out of battery is automatically reset with the correct date during charging, and the correct date can always be copied during shooting.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the charger of the camera using the secondary battery, the charger is provided with a function that can be used as a radio clock. If it is used, it is possible to add the excellent merchantability that the correct date is automatically set on the camera side without the hindrance of the location.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The camera and charger according to the third embodiment further emphasize the alarm function described in the description of the second embodiment.

  FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a camera and a charger according to the third embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a camera, reference numeral 2 is a charger with a built-in watch 4, reference numeral 2a is a button for stopping an alarm alarm, and if the user 5 wakes up and presses this button, an alarm is issued. Stop. Here, in addition to a normal alarm clock sound as an alarm, the function of the camera is used effectively, and the light emission of the strobe 14 is used together to further enhance the alarm effect.

  FIG. 16 is an example of the light emission pattern at the time of this alarm.

  In order to reduce the pupil of the subject person at the time of shooting and prevent the so-called red-eye phenomenon, a technique that repeats slight light emission prior to the above shooting is known. As described above, the wake-up effect is enhanced by repeating the light emission many times with a light amount that is not as large as the light emission at the time of exposure.

  FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing in more detail the configuration of the charger and the camera according to the third embodiment. The CPU 20 on the charger side includes a set time unit 43 for setting time, a time measuring unit 20a, and a function of a comparator 44 for comparing the outputs of both. On the other hand, the CPU 10 on the camera side has the functions of the areas 40 and 41 that hold the information of the light emission pattern 1 and the light emission pattern 2 and the function of the selection unit 42 that selects either of them. A charging signal from the charger side is input to the selection unit 42, and the output of the selection unit 42 is connected to the input of the strobe 14.

  The operation of each CPU on the charger side and camera side will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the operation of the CPU on the charger 2 side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, the clock function always works on the charger 2 side (step S501), and if the camera 1 is set to the charger 2 (step S502), a charging mode signal is output to the camera 1 side. (Step S503) In the charging mode, when the alarm time is reached (Step S504), an alarm is sounded (Step S505), and an alarm timing signal is transmitted to the camera 1 side (Step S506). When the user presses the switch (step S507), the alarm is stopped (step S508).

  Next, the operation of the camera 1 side CPU will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If it is determined by communication between the camera 1 and the charger 2 that the charger 2 is in a charging mode for driving the resonance circuit 22 (step S601), the process waits until an alarm signal is transmitted from the charger 2 side. (Step S602) Upon reception, strobe light emission control is performed using the light emission pattern (pattern 2) at the time of alarm shown in FIG. 16 (step S603).

  On the other hand, when it is not in the charging mode (step S601), since it is a normal camera mode, it is linked with the release button (step S604), and the flash emission control is performed with the shooting pattern (pattern 1) shown in FIG. 16 (step S605). ), Exposure is performed (step S606).

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the release switch is not monitored during charging, even if the release button is accidentally pressed during charging, shooting is not performed and the film is wasted. Absent.

  In other words, since the sequence control of the camera is automatically switched depending on whether or not it is in a charged state, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and to effectively use the functions (here, strobes).

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  This is characterized in that the sequence of the charger side is switched as described later by further applying the idea of the third embodiment described above.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera and a charger according to the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 20A shows a state before the camera 1 is set in the charger 2.

  At this time, the clock display unit 4 attached to the front surface of the charger 2 performs clock display or alarm setting time. However, when the camera 1 is set in the charger 2, the charging mode is set. Therefore, in this state, on the charger 2 side, the time until charging is completed can be displayed in addition to the watch.

  Also, by displaying the progress of charging, the user can determine when the camera can be used. When displaying the time until the completion of charging, in order to clearly show that the display is different from the clock, if the display is flashed as schematically shown in FIG. There is no.

  By devising such a technique, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user takes the time required for the end of charging mistakenly with the current time and causes a problem.

  Here, the display mode can be switched by operating the button 2a for ending the alarm alarm provided in the charger 2. In this case, when the button 2a is pressed, the time required for charging or the wake-up setting time may be switched depending on whether or not the battery is in the charged state.

  Hereinafter, the operation on the charger 2 side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the button 2a is pressed (step S701), if charging is in progress, a blinking display is performed for the time required for charging (step S704). Step S703).

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

  As for the embodiment for enhancing the clock function during charging by using the function of the camera, the example in which the alarm function by the light emission of the strobe is adopted previously is shown, but the fifth embodiment is replaced with this. The sensor function of the camera is applied.

  If the backlight function of the clock display is activated in accordance with the output of the photometric means used for exposure control by the camera, the photometric sensor 50 detects that when dark, as shown in FIG. It is possible to provide a clock that can be seen well even in a dark place by turning on a lamp or LED from the front of the LCD 4 of the clock display.

  FIG. 22 is a block circuit diagram illustrating functions that are characteristic of the camera and the charger according to the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the A / D converter 51 changes the output of the sensor 50 provided in the camera 1 to a digital value, and transmits it to the CPU 20 of the camera 1 as photometric data. When used as the camera 1, the exposure control unit 53 including a shutter and a strobe is controlled. However, during charging, the CPU 20 of the charger 2 receives B.B. If the L lighting necessity signal is input and the CPU 20 on the side of the charger 2 executes the lighting control accordingly, the timepiece with the display illumination function having the above effect can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the control operation of the camera 1 side CPU 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 10 on the camera 1 side repeats the photometry sequence every predetermined time during charging (steps S801 and S802), and outputs a lighting request signal to the charger 2 when the luminance becomes dark (step S803) (step S804). ). When the battery is not being charged, normal camera mode operation is performed (steps S801 and S805).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 23, a modified example that helps effectively use the number of switches provided on the camera 1 side to help the clock function will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, in this modification, the display of the timepiece can be switched by a switch provided on the back surface of the camera 1.

  Before setting the camera 1 in the charger 2, the user 5 sets a wake-up time using a button provided on the back of the camera 1.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 23B and 23C, the setting of setting the date in the Japanese style or the Western style can be performed by the switch of the camera 1. When the camera 1 after these settings is set in the charger 2, the display of the charger 2 is switched according to the setting by the camera 1. That is, the setting button and the number of switches are not necessary on the charger 2 side. As a result, cost reduction and space merit can be achieved.

  Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

  This embodiment has been made in view of the fact that inadvertently releasing a magnetic signal in a rechargeable camera is not preferable in terms of energy saving and safety.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera and a charger according to the sixth embodiment.

  In the figure, when the camera 1 is set to the charger 2, the switch 60 b of the charger 2 is pressed and closed by the elasticity of the release switch 61 of the camera 1. Only when a signal from the switch is input, the CPU 20 of the charger 2 operates the resonator 22. Thereby, the charger 2 is prevented from inadvertently releasing magnetic energy.

  Of course, the same effect can be obtained even if the same control is performed in synchronization with the operation of the zoom switch instead of the release button.

  Here, referring to FIG. 27A, the optical communication between the camera 1 and the charger 2 is further improved through the photocouplers 17 and 18 described in FIG. The performed operation will be described in detail.

  When the switch 60 is turned on (step S901), a signal for checking whether to start charging from the charger 2 side to the camera 1 side is transmitted via the photocouplers 17 and 18 (step S901). S902).

  At this time, if the camera 1 is in a state suitable for charging, a response signal is transmitted. Therefore, only when it is received (step S903), the charger 2 transmits a resonance circuit and starts charging (step S906). During charging, as shown in FIG. 27B, a charging display is displayed on the liquid crystal on the front surface of the charger (step S907).

  When the camera is fully charged, the camera 1 detects it and outputs an end signal. If the end signal is received by the charger 2 or if the switch 60 is turned off without receiving the end signal, it is determined that the camera has been pulled out and the resonance circuit is turned off (steps S908 to S910).

  Further, when the energy in the battery of the camera 1 is completely exhausted and the camera 1 cannot respond (step S903), the resonance circuit is oscillated for a predetermined time, the camera 1 side is activated, and the response signal is received again. After checking the above, the resonance circuit is continuously oscillated (steps S904 and S905).

  Here, inadvertent application of magnetic energy to the camera 1 may induce malfunction. In view of this point, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the camera 1 is inserted into the charger 2 only when the lens is retracted so as to be in a non-operating state. . FIG. 26A shows an ON state, and FIG. 26B shows an OFF state.

  When such a device is used, if the camera uses up the battery energy in the lens setup state of FIG. 26 (a), it will not be able to be charged again. As shown in FIG. 26 (b), it is necessary to use a combination of retracting and waiting for charging.

  In FIG. 26, since it is difficult to determine the position of the small main switch 1b, the lens is set up when the main switch 1b is ON, and the feature that the lens is retracted when the main switch 1b is OFF is effectively utilized. .

  In the ON state of the main switch 1b, strobe light emission, shutter control, winding up, rewinding, and the like are permitted, so there is a possibility that the camera may operate unexpectedly due to magnetic noise. In this respect, it can be said that there is no such concern when the main switch 1b is in the OFF state.

  Since the switch 60 operates as shown in FIG. 25 only when the main switch 1b is in the OFF state (lens retracted state), a rechargeable camera with a low risk of malfunction can be provided. Further, since the clock LCD 4 on the front surface of the charger 2 is effectively used to display the charging, the user is informed that the camera 1 is not properly inserted into the charger 2 and cannot be charged. Suggest and prevent.

  In addition, the following invention is also contained in the said embodiment of this invention.

(1) In a camera that can be recharged with a rechargeable secondary battery and can be charged with a contactless charger,
An installation detection means provided on the camera for detecting that the camera is installed in a chargeable state in the charger;
Based on the output of the installation detection means, mode switching means for shifting the operation mode to a chargeable state,
A camera characterized by comprising

(2) The camera according to (1), wherein the operation mode is switched from the power saving operation mode to the non-power saving operation mode based on the output of the installation detection unit.

(3) The camera according to (1), wherein the installation detection unit is configured by a combination of a state change of an operation member of the camera and mutual communication with the charger.

(4) The camera according to (1), wherein the operation member of the camera is any one of a power switch, a release button, a zoom operation member, a mode setting operation member, and a film rewind operation member.

(5) The camera according to (1), wherein the mutual communication with the charger of the camera is any one of photometry means, distance measurement means, remote control detection means, and self-timer display means.

(6) In a camera that is configured so that a rechargeable secondary battery can be built in or loaded, and the secondary battery can be charged by a contactless charger,
A communication means capable of communicating with the charger,
When a predetermined camera operation member is operated in the power saving state, the power saving state is canceled and the communication operation is performed using the communication means. If the communication operation is not normally performed, the camera is again set in the power saving state. Operation mode setting means to
With a camera.

(7) In a contactless charger in which a rechargeable rechargeable battery can be mounted or a camera that can be loaded can be mounted,
A positioning mechanism for correctly positioning the camera with respect to the charger;
Detecting means for detecting whether the camera is correctly positioned with respect to the charger;
With a charger.

(8) The charger according to (7), wherein when the detection unit detects that the camera is not correctly positioned, the charger prohibits a charging operation for the secondary battery.

(9) When the detection unit detects that the camera is not correctly positioned, the charger causes the charger to issue a warning or to charge the camera (8). vessel.

  The charger according to claim 3.

(10) The charger according to (8), wherein the detection unit detects whether the camera is correctly positioned by detecting an external feature of the camera.

(11) The charger according to (10), wherein the external feature of the camera is a tripod mounting hole.

(12) The charger further includes communication means with the camera,
The charger according to (11), which performs a charging operation for a predetermined time when it is determined that the camera is correctly positioned and communication is not normally performed.

(13) In a camera that is configured so that a rechargeable secondary battery can be built in or loaded, and the secondary battery can be charged by a contactless charger,
An operation mode switching means provided in the camera for switching between a photographing operation enabled state and a photographing operation prohibited state;
A camera configured to be able to be charged by the charger only when the operation mode switching means is set to a photographing operation prohibited state.

(14) In a contactless charger that can be attached to a camera and can be recharged with a rechargeable secondary battery,
Determining means for determining whether the camera is in a non-operating state;
Charging permission means for allowing charging only in a non-operating state based on the output of the determination means;
With a charger.

(15) In a camera that can be built in or rechargeable with a rechargeable secondary battery and can charge the secondary battery with a contactless charger,
Capacity detection means for detecting the charged capacity of the secondary battery;
A decoupling detection means for detecting that the coupling with the non-contact charger is released, and when the charged capacity of the secondary battery cannot guarantee a predetermined amount of photographing operation, a warning is issued or the charging is performed. Warning means to issue a warning to the vessel,
With a camera.

(16) The camera according to (15), wherein the charged capacity corresponding to the predetermined amount of photographing operation is a capacity necessary for removing the film loaded at that time.

(17) The camera according to (16), wherein the charged capacity corresponding to the predetermined amount of photographing operation is a capacity necessary for one photographing.

(18) In a camera with a strobe that is configured so that a rechargeable secondary battery can be built in or loaded, and the rechargeable battery can be charged by a contactless charger,
When the camera is set in the charger, a strobe capacitor voltage maintaining means for controlling the strobe capacitor of the strobe so as to maintain a voltage capable of emitting light is operated.

It is a block diagram of the camera system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the circuit structure of the camera system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation state of switch POSSW. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation state of switch ZDNSW. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the sequence of the process regarding charge of the camera of CPU1. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence of processing related to control of a charger 200 of a CPU 201. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the sequence of a subroutine "charge mode." FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining display settings of the LCD display 105 of the camera 100. 6 is a diagram for explaining display settings of an LCD display 205 of the charger 200. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a charging operation of a strobe capacitor 153. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of the charge to the secondary battery 103. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electric circuit of the camera and charger which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the time adjustment by the side of a charger. It is a block diagram of the camera and charger which concern on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the light emission pattern at the time of an alarm clock. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of the camera and charger which concern on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of CPU by the side of the charger 2 in the camera and charger of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of CPU1 side CPU in the camera and charger of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the camera and charger which concern on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of CPU by the side of the charger 2 in the camera and charger of 4th Embodiment. It is the block circuit diagram which showed the various functions used as the characteristics of the camera and charger which concern on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification which helps the clock function effectively using many switches provided in the camera 1 side. (A) is a figure which shows the display mode by 5th Embodiment, (b) is a flowchart explaining the control action of CPU10 by the side of the camera 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the camera and charger which concern on 6th Embodiment. 3 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a retracted state of a lens of the camera 1 and a state of being installed in the charger 2. FIG. (A) is a flowchart for explaining in detail an operation in which the reliability during charging is further improved by performing optical communication between the camera 1 and the charger 2 via the photocouplers 17 and 18; ) Is a diagram illustrating a display mode according to the sixth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 camera 101 CPU
103 Secondary battery H101 Tripod mounting screw hole 200 Charger 201 CPU
202 AC-AC converter 205 LCD display 206 Photo reflector 207 Light emitting element 208 Light receiving element P202 Projection

Claims (1)

In a camera that has a rechargeable secondary battery and can charge the secondary battery with a contactless charger,
Communication means for communicating with the charger;
A first camera operation means operated for a first camera operation for setting the camera in a power-off state or canceling the power-off state and bringing the camera into a power-on state;
When the camera is not in a power-off state, the camera is operated for a second camera operation different from the first camera operation means. When the camera is in a power-off state, the first camera operation and the first camera operation are performed. Second camera operation means operated for communication operation with the charger different from the camera operation of 2;
When the second camera operating means is operated in a power off state, the power off state is canceled and a communication operation is performed using the communication means. If the communication operation is not normally performed, the camera is An operation mode setting means for setting the power off state;
A camera characterized by comprising

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