JP7754156B2 - Finder and imaging device - Google Patents

Description

This technology relates to the technical field of viewfinders that display an image of a subject when taking a photograph and imaging devices equipped with such finders.

Some imaging devices, such as video cameras and still cameras, are equipped with viewfinders that display an image of the subject during shooting. The viewfinder is used to visually determine the composition of the image before shooting, to check the image before and after shooting, and to adjust the focus. It can be installed as a viewing window or a monitor (display).

Some such viewfinders are equipped with a gaze detection device that detects the user's gaze in order to perform autofocus when taking pictures, etc. (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

Autofocus based on the detection results of such a gaze detection device is performed by reflecting detection light, such as infrared light, emitted from the light-emitting unit on the cornea, receiving the reflected detection light by the light-receiving unit, and calculating the position of the pupil based on the received detection light.

Patent document 1 shows an example in which an emitter that emits detection light (infrared light) is arranged around the eyepiece, the detection light emitted from the emitter passes through a transparent window and reaches the cornea, and the detection light reflected by the cornea is guided to a light-receiving unit by a beam splitter, thereby performing autofocus.

Patent document 2 shows an example in which a light-emitting unit is placed below the eyepiece, detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through an opening in a light-shielding frame and reaches the cornea, and the detection light reflected by the cornea is guided by a beam splitter to an image sensor provided as a light-receiving unit, thereby performing autofocus.

Patent document 3 shows an example in which detection light emitted from a light-emitting unit (light-projecting unit) is reflected by a beam splitter and reaches the cornea, and the detection light reflected by the cornea is guided to a light-receiving unit to perform autofocus.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-40535 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-78603 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-313057

However, in a configuration in which the above-mentioned gaze detection device is incorporated into a viewfinder, space is required inside the viewfinder to place each part of the gaze detection device, which means that the viewfinder tends to be large, and the entire imaging device in which the viewfinder is installed also tends to be large.

For example, in the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the light-emitting unit is arranged around the periphery of the eyepiece, which results in the viewfinder becoming larger in the radial direction of the eyepiece. Furthermore, in all of the configurations described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, a beam splitter is used, which results in the viewfinder becoming larger in the optical axis direction of the eyepiece. Furthermore, in configurations using a beam splitter, the overall optical length is long, which tends to reduce the magnification of the viewfinder, and attempts to increase the magnification of the viewfinder tend to result in the eyepiece optical system becoming larger, which again may result in the viewfinder becoming larger.

On the other hand, when detecting the gaze using the gaze detection device described above, if the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit is distributed over a wide area of the cornea, the detection light reflected by the cornea may be easily blocked by individual differences such as the shape of the eyelids and eyes, and the detection light may not be received by the light-receiving unit, preventing proper autofocusing.

Therefore, it is desirable that the gaze detection device be configured so that the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit is distributed over a narrow range of the cornea, particularly near the pupil.

Distribution of the detection light emitted from such a light-emitting unit over a narrow area of the cornea can be achieved by positioning the light-emitting unit close to the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system, but if the light-emitting unit is positioned close to the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system, the light-emitting unit may obstruct the photographer's field of view, causing problems with photography.

Therefore, the viewfinder and imaging device of this technology aim to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without increasing the size.

First, the finder related to the present technology comprises an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece lens, a light-emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea, and a light-shielding body that is arranged on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, at least a portion of the light-shielding body is provided as a detection light-transmitting section that transmits the detection light, the emission position of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea by transmitting through the detection light-transmitting section.

This allows the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system to pass through a detection light transmitting section provided in a light blocking body that blocks visible light and head toward the cornea.

Secondly, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the detection light transmitting portion be formed integrally with the light shielding body.

This means that the detection light transmission section is not formed as a separate part from the light shielding body.

Thirdly, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the detection light transmission portion be positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece.

This means that visible light is blocked by the detection light transmission section, which is located on the photographer's side of the eyepiece.

Fourth, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that a frame-shaped viewfinder cover is provided as the light blocking body, and that the detection light transmitting portion is provided in the viewfinder cover.

This allows a detection light transmission section to be provided in the viewfinder cover, which is a component originally required for the viewfinder.

Fifth, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the detection light transmission portion be positioned on the subject side of the eyepiece.

This positions the detection light transmitting section further back than the eyepiece, making it less visible to the photographer and increasing the freedom in positioning the light blocking body.

Sixth, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that a substrate on which the light-emitting unit is mounted is attached to the light-shielding body.

This allows the light-emitting section to be arranged on the light-shielding body via the substrate, and also provides a detection light-transmitting section on the light-shielding body.

Seventh, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the light-emitting unit be positioned closer to the subject than the eyepiece.

This means that the light-emitting unit is positioned further back than the eyepiece, making it less visible to the photographer and increasing the freedom in the positioning of the light-emitting unit.

Eighth, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that at least one of the light-emitting units be arranged on each side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

This allows light emitted from each light-emitting element, located on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system, to be directed toward the cornea.

Ninth, in the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that multiple light-emitting units are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

This allows light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements located on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system to be directed toward the cornea.

Tenth, in the finder relating to the above-mentioned technology, it is desirable to provide a light guide having an incident surface onto which the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit is incident and an exit surface from which the incident detection light is exited, with the exit surface formed as the exit position.

This allows the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit to be incident on the incident surface of the light guide, guided thereto, and emitted toward the cornea from the exit surface formed as the exit position.

11. In the viewfinder relating to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the light guide has the function of blocking visible light and is also used as the detection light transmission section.

This allows the light guide to block visible light and guide the detection light emitted from the light emitting section.

Twelfth, the imaging device of the present technology comprises an imaging element that converts a captured optical image of a subject into an electrical signal, and a viewfinder that displays an image of the subject, and the viewfinder comprises an eyepiece optical system having the eyepiece lens, a light-emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea, and a light-shielding body that is positioned outer than the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, at least a portion of the light-shielding body is provided as a detection light-transmitting unit that transmits the detection light, the emission position of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the cornea is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea by passing through the detection light-transmitting unit.

As a result, in the viewfinder, the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system passes through a detection light transmitting section provided in a light shielding body that blocks visible light and heads toward the cornea.

2 to 18 show the finder and the imaging device according to the present technology, and this figure is a perspective view of the imaging device. 3 to 6 show the viewfinder according to the first embodiment, and this figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the viewfinder. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the viewfinder. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a substrate is attached to a substrate holder. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the arrangement of light-emitting units. 8 to 11 show a viewfinder according to a second embodiment, and this figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the viewfinder. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the viewfinder. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the substrate is attached to the second light blocking body. FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of another configuration according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a substrate is attached to a second light blocking body in a viewfinder with another configuration according to the second embodiment. 13 and 14 show a viewfinder according to a third embodiment, and this figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the viewfinder. FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of another configuration according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of still another configuration according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of yet another configuration according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of still another configuration according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a viewfinder showing an example in which a light receiving section is arranged closer to the subject than the eyepiece. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device.

Below, the form for implementing the viewfinder and imaging device of this technology is described with reference to the attached drawings.

The embodiment for implementing the invention shown below applies the imaging device of the present technology to a still camera and the viewfinder of the present technology to a viewfinder provided in this still camera.

The application scope of the imaging device and viewfinder of the present technology is not limited to still cameras and viewfinders provided in still cameras. The imaging device and viewfinder of the present technology can be widely applied to various imaging devices with various imaging functions, such as video cameras and personal digital assistants, and the viewfinders provided in these imaging devices.

This technology can also be applied to viewfinders installed in face-worn accessories such as eyewear.

In the following explanation, the front, back, up, down, left and right directions are indicated as viewed from the photographer when taking a picture with a still camera. Therefore, the subject side (object side) is the front, and the photographer side is the rear. Note that the front, back, up, down, left and right directions shown below are for convenience of explanation, and the implementation of this technology is not limited to these directions.

In addition, the lenses referred to below are meant to include both those consisting of a single lens and those consisting of multiple lenses as a lens group.

<General configuration of imaging device>
The imaging device 1 is made up of a device body 2 and a lens barrel 70 (see FIG. 1 ). The lens barrel 70 is, for example, an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from the device body 2. Note that the present technology can also be applied to a type in which a lens unit having a structure similar to the internal structure of the lens barrel 70 is incorporated inside the device body, or a retractable type in which this lens unit protrudes from or is retracted into the device body.

The device main body 2 consists of the necessary parts arranged inside and outside the outer casing 3.

Various operating sections 4, 4, ... are arranged on the outer casing 3, for example, on the top or rear surface. The operating sections 4, 4, ... include, for example, a power button, a shutter button, a zoom knob, a mode switching knob, etc.

A display 5 is located on the rear surface of the outer casing 3. A viewfinder 6 is provided at the top end of the outer casing 3. The optical axis of the viewfinder 6 is oriented in the front-to-rear direction.

A circular opening (not shown) is formed on the front of the outer casing 3, and the area around the opening serves as a mount for attaching the lens barrel 70. Inside the outer casing 3, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) is located behind the opening as an imaging element.

The lens barrel 70 consists of a roughly cylindrical outer tube 71 whose axial direction is in the front-to-rear direction, and the necessary parts attached to or supported on the inside and outside of the outer tube 71. The axial direction of the lens barrel 70 is aligned with the overall optical axis direction of the imaging device 1.

The lens barrel 70 is attached to the device body 2 by connecting its rear end to a mount, for example, by a bayonet connection. The lens barrel 70 is provided with operation rings 72, 72 that function as a zoom ring and a focus ring. The operation rings 72, 72 are rotatably supported on the outer barrel 71, and zooming and focusing are performed by rotating the operation rings 72, 72.

A number of lenses (not shown) are positioned inside the lens barrel 70 at intervals in the optical axis direction (front-to-back direction), and these lenses consist of movable lenses (movable lens group) that can move in the optical axis direction and fixed lenses (fixed lens group) that cannot move in the optical axis direction.

<Configuration of the finder according to the first embodiment>
The configuration of the finder 6 according to the first embodiment will be described below (see FIGS. 2 to 6).

The viewfinder 6 has a viewfinder case 7 that is part of the outer housing 3, and the necessary components located inside and outside the viewfinder case 7 (see Figures 2 to 4). The viewfinder case 7 has a case section 7a that opens to the rear and a panel section 7b attached to the rear end of the case section 7a. The panel section 7b is formed in the shape of a frame that is penetrated from front to back.

Inside the viewfinder case 7 is located the viewfinder housing 8, excluding its rear end. The viewfinder housing 8 has a lens case 9, a lens holder 10, a front holder 11, and a first light blocking body 12, and inside the viewfinder housing 8 is located the eyepiece optical system 13.

The eyepiece optical system 13 includes an eyepiece lens 14, a first lens 15, a second lens 16, and a third lens 17, as well as an optical filter 18 and a display panel (not shown) located in front of the optical filter 18. The display panel may be, for example, an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel or a liquid crystal panel.

The lens case 9 is cylindrical with its axial direction running in the front-to-back direction. The lens case 9 functions as the outer cylindrical portion of the viewfinder housing 8.

The lens holder 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction running in the front-to-rear direction, and for example, all parts except the rear end are arranged inside the lens case 9. The lens holder 10 functions as the inner cylindrical part of the viewfinder housing 8.

The front holder 11 is attached to the front end of the lens holder 10 inside the lens case 9. The front holder 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction running in the front-to-rear direction.

The lens holder 10 and front holder 11 hold the components that make up the eyepiece optical system 13. Inside the lens holder 10, an eyepiece lens 14, a first lens 15, a second lens 16, and a third lens 17 are held in that order from the rear, spaced apart from each other in the front and rear. The number of lenses held inside the lens holder 10 is optional. Inside the front holder 11, an optical filter 18, a display panel, etc. are held, spaced apart from each other in the front and rear.

A second light-blocking body 19 is disposed inside the lens holder 10 between the eyepiece lens 14 and the first lens 15, acting as a light-blocking frame. The second light-blocking body 19 has the function of blocking visible light, and is disposed with its outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the lens holder 10, positioned radially outward from the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. The second light-blocking body 19 prevents unnecessary internal reflections in the eyepiece optical system 13, making it difficult for the photographer to see the outer peripheries of the first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17, preventing adverse effects on the subject's appearance when the photographer uses the viewfinder 6.

The first light shield 12 is provided as a viewfinder cover and functions to block visible light and detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light-emitting unit described below. The first light shield 12 is attached to the panel portion 7b of the viewfinder case 7 and is positioned on the outer periphery of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. The first light shield 12 prevents unnecessary internal reflections in the eyepiece optical system 13, making it difficult for the photographer to see the outer peripheries of the eyepiece lens 14, first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17, preventing any adverse effects on the subject's appearance when the photographer uses the viewfinder 6.

The first light shielding body 12 has a portion of its front surface in contact with the rear surface of the lens holder 10, and has a base surface portion 20 formed in an approximately rectangular frame shape, a window frame portion 21 protruding rearward from the inner periphery of the base surface portion 20, and detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... protruding from the inner periphery of the window frame portion 21.

The base surface portion 20 of the first light shielding body 12 is positioned inside the viewfinder case 7, and the portion excluding the front end of the window frame portion 21 protrudes rearward from the viewfinder case 7. Mounting grooves 23a, 23a extending vertically are formed in the side portions 23, 23 located on both the left and right sides of the window frame portion 21. A detachable eyecup (eye hood) (not shown) for blocking light is attached to the first light shielding body 12, and the eyecup is attached to the first light shielding body 12 by inserting and engaging a pair of mounting protrusions provided on one end into the mounting grooves 23a, 23a.

The detection light transmitting sections 22, 22, ... are part of the first light shielding body 12 and therefore block visible light, but allow the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting section to pass through. The detection light transmitting sections 22, 22, ... are formed in a flat plate shape, and for example, two on each of the side sections 23, 23 are connected together at a distance above and below, for a total of four.

In the first light shielding body 12, for example, the base surface portion 20, window frame portion 21, and detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... are integrally formed by injection molding. However, the detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... may be attached to the window frame portion 21 as separate members. Furthermore, the entire first light shielding body 12 may be provided as the detection light transmitting portion 22.

The rear ends of the detection light transmitting sections 22, 22, ... are connected to the side sections 23, 23, respectively, and are slightly inclined so that they approach each other in the left-right direction as they move forward. The detection light transmitting sections 22, 22, ... are located directly behind the outer periphery of the eyepiece lens 14.

A substrate holder 24 is attached to the first light blocking body 12. The substrate holder 24 has a mounting frame portion 25 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape and receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... that protrude rearward from the mounting frame portion 25. The receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the mounting frame portion 25. A portion of each of the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... protrudes inward from the inner periphery of the mounting frame portion 25.

Since the board holder 24 has receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... spaced apart, recesses that are open to the front and left and right are formed between the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... on the board holder 24, and of the recesses formed, four recesses formed on both the left and right sides of the mounting frame portion 25 are formed as support recesses 24a, 24a, ...

The substrate holder 24 is attached to the first light shield 12 with the outer surface of the mounting frame portion 25 in contact with the inner surface of the base surface portion 20.

A substrate 27 is attached to the substrate holder 24 (see Figures 2 to 5). The substrate 27 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board.

The board 27 is connected to a power supply control circuit (not shown). The board 27 is formed in a roughly U-shape that opens upward, and has a connecting portion 28 extending left and right, and mounting portions 29, 29 that protrude upward from both left and right ends of the connecting portion 28 (see Figure 4). The mounting portion 29 has supported protrusions 29a, 29a that protrude outward in the left-right direction and are spaced apart from each other above and below.

Light-emitting units 30, 30, ... are mounted on the rear surfaces of the mounting units 29, 29 on the substrate 27. The light-emitting units 30 are mounted on the sides of the supported protrusions 29a and have the function of emitting detection light, for example, infrared light.

The substrate 27 is attached to the substrate holder 24 with the supported protrusions 29a, 29a, ... inserted into the support recesses 24a, 24a, ..., respectively, and with the connecting portion 28 and portions of the mounting portions 29, 29 contacting the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... from the rear, and with the upper ends of the mounting portions 29, 29 contacting the mounting frame portion 25 from the front (see Figure 5).

When the substrate 27 is attached to the substrate holder 24 and the substrate holder 24 is attached to the first light shielding body 12, the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... are positioned near the detection light transmitting units 22, 22, ..., respectively. At this time, the emission positions of the detection light from the light-emitting units 30, 30, ..., i.e., the emission surfaces (rear surfaces) 30a, 30a, ... of the light-emitting units 30, 30, ..., are positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13.

While the above example shows the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... arranged spaced apart on the left and right, the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... may also be arranged, for example, side by side on both the left and right sides, and side by side on the upper side (see Figure 6). Furthermore, two or more light-emitting units 30 are required to ensure a certain level of detection accuracy, and as long as there are two or more, any number of them can be arranged on either the upper, left, or right side, or on two or more sides.

A light receiving unit 31 that receives the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 is arranged inside the viewfinder housing 8 (see Figures 2 and 3). The light receiving unit 31 is arranged, for example, at the lower end on the inner surface side of the first light blocking body 12, and is positioned behind the outer periphery of the eyepiece lens 14. The light receiving unit 31 is connected to a detection circuit (not shown). It is desirable that the light receiving unit 31 be equipped with a lens or the like having an angle of view that allows the detection light to enter in accordance with changes in the position of the photographer's eyeball.

In the above example, the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, but the light-emitting unit 30 may also be positioned closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14. For example, the light-emitting unit 30 may be positioned via a substrate on the second light-shielding body 19, which is positioned between the eyepiece 14 and the first lens 15.

The operation of the viewfinder 6 configured as described above is explained below (see Figure 2).

In the viewfinder 6, when current is supplied from the power control circuit to the light-emitting units 30, 30, ..., detection light is emitted from the light-emitting units 30, 30, .... The supply of current from the power control circuit to the light-emitting units 30 occurs, for example, when the power button (operation unit 4) is operated to transition the imaging device 1 to the operating state.

A portion of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 is transmitted through the detection light transmission section 22 and directed toward the cornea 50 of the photographer using the viewfinder 6. At this time, detection light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 within a predetermined light-emitting range (angle), and detection light from light-emitting range A, which is a portion of the light-emitting range, is emitted to the outside from the space inside the window frame section 21 of the first light-blocking body 12, while detection light from light-emitting range B outside of light-emitting range A is blocked by the window frame section 21 of the first light-blocking body 12. However, because the detection light from light-emitting range B is not originally emitted at an angle that reaches the cornea 50, there is no need for the detection light from light-emitting range B to reach the cornea 50; instead, the detection light from light-emitting range A reaches the cornea 50, ensuring a sufficient amount of light necessary for accurate detection.

The detection light directed toward the cornea 50 is reflected by the cornea 50. At this time, in the viewfinder 6, the emission position of the detection light (emission surface 30a) is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... and reaching the cornea 50 tends to be distributed over a narrow range of the cornea 50, particularly near the pupil 60. Therefore, the reflected detection light is less likely to be blocked by individual differences in the shape of the eyelids and eyes, or fluctuations in the position of the eyeball, and is more likely to enter the light-receiving unit 31.

In addition, the viewfinder 6 is provided with four light-emitting elements 30, 30, ... positioned at a distance from each other above, below, left, and right, thereby increasing the probability that detection light reflected from the cornea 50 will enter the light-receiving element 31.

When detection light is incident on the light receiving unit 31, a detection signal related to line of sight detection is calculated by the detection circuit based on the incident detection light, and focusing control is automatically performed according to the calculated detection signal.

<Summary of the finder according to the first embodiment>
As described above, in the viewfinder 6, at least a portion of the first light-shielding body 12 is provided as a detection light transmitting section 22 that transmits the detection light, the emission position (emission surface 30 a) of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting section 30 toward the cornea 50 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea 50 by transmitting through the detection light transmitting section 22.

As a result, the detection light emitted from the emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 is transmitted through the detection light transmitting section 22 provided in the first light blocking body 12, which blocks visible light, and heads toward the cornea 50. Therefore, no space is required for the emission position outside the outer periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and no space is required for the detection light transmitting section 22 separate from the space for the first light blocking body 12. In addition, because the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without increasing the size.

In addition, since the viewfinder 6 performs gaze detection without using a beam splitter, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and size while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned in a position where it is shielded by the detection light transmitting unit 22, which also has the function of shielding visible light, and the substrate 27 is positioned in a position where it is shielded by the first light shielding body 12, which also has the function of shielding visible light. Therefore, the substrate 27 and the light-emitting unit 30 are not visible to the photographer, and the detection accuracy of gaze detection can be improved without interfering with photography.

Furthermore, since the light-emitting section 30 and the detection light transmitting section 22 are positioned in a position that does not interfere with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without interfering with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup to the viewfinder 6.

Furthermore, since the detection light transmitting section 22 is positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section 22, which is positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, thereby reliably blocking visible light unnecessary for photography and improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, a frame-shaped viewfinder cover is provided as the first light shielding body 12, and a detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on the viewfinder cover.

Therefore, since the detection light transmitting section 22 is provided on the viewfinder cover, which is a component originally required for the viewfinder 6, the structure can be simplified while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

In addition, the light-emitting units 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13.

Therefore, since the light emitted from each light-emitting unit 30 located on the opposite side of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50, the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31 increases, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

In addition, by arranging multiple light-emitting units 30 on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting units 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50. This further increases the probability that detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

<Configuration of the finder according to the second embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the finder 6A according to the second embodiment will be described (see FIGS. 7 to 11).

The finder 6A shown below differs from the finder 6 described above only in the placement of at least one of the detection light transmission section or light-emitting section. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the finder 6 will be described in detail, and other parts will be given the same symbols as those used for similar parts in the finder 6 and will not be described here.

Inside the viewfinder case 7, the viewfinder housing 8A is located, excluding its rear end (see Figure 7). The viewfinder housing 8A has a lens case 9, a lens holder 10, a front holder 11, and a first light blocking body 12A, and inside the viewfinder housing 8A, an eyepiece optical system 13 is located.

Inside the lens holder 10, a second light-shielding body 19A is arranged as a light-shielding frame between the eyepiece lens 14 and the first lens 15 (see Figures 7 and 8). The second light-shielding body 19A has the function of blocking visible light, and is arranged with its outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the lens holder 10, located outer than the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. The second light-shielding body 19A prevents unnecessary internal reflections in the eyepiece optical system 13, preventing the photographer from seeing the outer peripheries of the first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17, and preventing adverse effects on the subject's appearance when the photographer uses the viewfinder 6A.

The second light blocking body 19A is formed in a generally rectangular frame shape and has an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 33 that are positioned vertically and spaced apart and extend left and right, respectively, and side portions 34, 34 that are positioned horizontally and spaced apart and extend up and down (see Figure 8). The rear portions of the upper portion 32 and lower portion 33 each protrude rearward beyond the side portions 34, 34.

Insertion grooves 32a, 32a that open downward and outward to the sides are formed at both the left and right ends of the upper part 32, respectively.

The first light shielding body 12A has a base surface portion 20, a window frame portion 21, and detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A.

Because the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are part of the first light blocking body 12A, they block visible light but allow the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting portion to pass through. The detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are formed in the shape of vertically elongated flat plates and are attached, for example, to the front of the side portions 23, 23. The entire first light blocking body 12A may be provided as the detection light transmitting portion 22A.

The detection light transmission sections 22A, 22A are attached to the side sections 23, 23 facing in the front-to-rear direction, with their inner sections in the left-to-right direction protruding toward each other from the window frame section 21. The detection light transmission sections 22A, 22A are located directly behind the outer periphery of the eyepiece lens 14.

The viewfinder 6A does not have a board holder 24, and instead has a board 27A attached to the second light shield 19A (see Figures 7 to 9). The board 27A is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board.

Substrate 27A is connected to a power supply control circuit (not shown). Substrate 27A is formed in a roughly U-shape that opens upward, and has a connecting portion 28A extending to the left and right, and mounting portions 29A, 29A that protrude upward from both the left and right ends of connecting portion 28A.

Light-emitting units 30, 30, ... are mounted on the rear surfaces of mounting units 29A, 29A on substrate 27A. For example, two light-emitting units 30 are mounted on each mounting unit 29A, 29A, spaced apart from one another above and below, and have the function of emitting detection light, for example, infrared light.

The substrate 27A is attached to the second light shielding body 19A with the upper ends of the mounting portions 29A, 29A inserted into the insertion grooves 32a, 32a formed in the upper portion 32, the mounting portions 29A, 29A positioned behind the side portions 34, 34, respectively, and the connecting portion 28A positioned below the lower portion 33.

When the substrate 27A is attached to the second light blocking body 19A, the light emitting units 30, 30, ... are positioned directly in front of the detection light transmitting units 22A, 22A, respectively, across the eyepiece lens 14. At this time, the emission positions of the detection light from the light emitting units 30, 30, ..., i.e., the emission surfaces (rear surfaces) 30a, 30a, ... of the light emitting units 30, 30, ..., are positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13.

In the viewfinder 6A, when current is supplied from the power supply control circuit to the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ..., detection light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, .... The detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30 is transmitted sequentially through the eyepiece lens 14 and the detection light transmitting element 22A, and is directed toward the cornea 50 of the photographer using the viewfinder 6A. The detection light directed toward the cornea 50 is reflected by the cornea 50. In this case, since the emission position of the detection light in the viewfinder 6A is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 and is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ... and reaching the cornea 50 is likely to be distributed over a narrow range of the cornea 50, particularly near the pupil 60. Therefore, the reflected detection light is less likely to be blocked by individual differences in eyelid and eye shape, or fluctuations in the position of the eyeball, and is more likely to be incident on the light-receiving element 31.

When detection light is incident on the light receiving unit 31, a detection signal related to line of sight detection is calculated by the detection circuit based on the incident detection light, and focusing control is automatically performed according to the calculated detection signal.

In the above example, the detection light transmitting portion 22A is attached to the first light blocking body 12A in the viewfinder 6A. However, in the viewfinder 6A, the detection light transmitting portion 22A may be attached to the second light blocking body 19A instead of the first light blocking body 12A (see Figures 10 and 11). In this case, the entire second light blocking body 19A may be provided as the detection light transmitting portion 22A.

When the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are attached to the second light blocking body 19A, the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are attached to the second light blocking body 19A, for example, by joining the upper and lower ends to the left and right ends of the upper portion 32 and lower portion 33. When attached to the second light blocking body 19A, the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are positioned directly behind the light emitting portions 30, 30, ...

In addition, in the viewfinder 6A, it is also possible to configure the detection light transmission portion 22A to be attached to both the first light shielding body 12A and the second light shielding body 19A.

In addition, although the above example shows the light-emitting unit 30 being positioned between the eyepiece 14 and the first lens 15 on the subject side of the eyepiece 14, the light-emitting unit 30 may be positioned at another position on the subject side of the eyepiece 14. For example, the light-emitting unit 30 may be positioned between the first lens 15 and the second lens 16, between the second lens 16 and the third lens 17, or between the third lens 17 and the optical filter 18.

<Summary of the finder according to the second embodiment>
As described above, in the viewfinder 6A, at least a portion of the first light-shielding body 12A or the second light-shielding body 19A is provided as a detection light transmitting section 22A that transmits the detection light, the emission position (emission surface 30a) of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting section 30 toward the cornea 50 is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea 50 by transmitting through the detection light transmitting section 22A.

As a result, detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 is transmitted through the detection light transmission section 22A provided on the first light shielding body 12A or the second light shielding body 19A, which blocks visible light, and proceeds toward the cornea 50. Therefore, no space is required for the emission position outside the outer periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and no space is required for the detection light transmission section 22A separate from the space for the first light shielding body 12A or the second light shielding body 19A. In addition, because the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without increasing the size.

In addition, since the viewfinder 6A performs gaze detection without using a beam splitter, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and size while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned in a position where it is shielded by the detection light transmitting unit 22A, which also has the function of shielding visible light, and the substrate 27A is positioned in a position where it is shielded by the first light shielding body 12A, which also has the function of shielding visible light. Therefore, the substrate 27A and the light-emitting unit 30 are not visible to the photographer, and the detection accuracy of gaze detection can be improved without interfering with photography.

Furthermore, since the light-emitting section 30 and the detection light transmitting section 22A are positioned so as not to interfere with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without having to attach or detach the eyecup to the viewfinder 6A.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting section 22A is positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section 22A positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, thereby reliably blocking visible light unnecessary for photography and improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

On the other hand, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting portion 22A is positioned closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14, the detection light transmitting portion 22A is positioned further back than the eyepiece 14, making it difficult for the photographer to see the detection light transmitting portion 22A and increasing the freedom in the positioning of the second light blocking body 19A, thereby improving usability for the photographer and increasing the freedom in design.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which a detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on a frame-shaped viewfinder cover that serves as the first light shield 12A, the detection light transmitting portion 22A is provided on the viewfinder cover, which is a component that is originally necessary for the viewfinder 6A, thereby simplifying the structure while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which a substrate 27A on which a light-emitting unit 30 is mounted is attached to the second light-shielding body 19A, the light-emitting unit 30 is arranged on the second light-shielding body 19A via the substrate 27A, and a detection light-transmitting portion 22A is provided on the second light-shielding body 19A, thereby simplifying the number of parts and the structure while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14. Therefore, because the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned further back than the eyepiece 14, the light-emitting unit 30 is less visible to the photographer and there is greater freedom in the positioning of the light-emitting unit 30, which improves usability for the photographer and also allows for greater freedom in design.

In addition, the light-emitting units 30 are each arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, the light emitted from each light-emitting unit 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50, increasing the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

In addition, by arranging multiple light-emitting units 30 on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting units 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50. This further increases the probability that detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

<Configuration of finder according to the third embodiment>
Next, the configuration of a finder 6B according to the third embodiment will be described (see FIGS. 12 to 16).

The finder 6B shown below differs from the finder 6 described above only in the positioning of the light-emitting element and in the provision of a light guide to guide the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the finder 6 will be described in detail, and other parts will be given the same reference numerals as those used for similar parts in the finder 6 and will not be described here.

The viewfinder 6B does not have a board holder 24, and instead has boards 27B, 27B attached to a pair of board mounting members (not shown) located on the outer periphery of the lens case 9 (see Figure 12). For example, a flexible printed circuit board is used as the board 27B. The boards 27B, 27B are formed in a vertically elongated shape and are located on the left and right sides of the lens case 9, respectively.

Boards 27B and 27B are connected to a power supply control circuit (not shown). Light-emitting units 30 and 30 are mounted on board 27B, spaced apart from each other above and below.

The viewfinder 6B is provided with the same number of light guides 35 as the light emitters 30. The light guides 35 have the function of transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitters 30.

The light guide 35 is arranged so as to extend diagonally and tilt left and right relative to the front-to-rear direction, with the front end face in the longitudinal direction formed as the incident surface 35a and the rear end face in the longitudinal direction formed as the emission surface 35b. The incident surfaces 35a of the light guides 35, 35, ... are positioned opposite the light emitters 30, 30, ..., respectively.

The left and right light guides 35 are arranged so that they approach each other in the left-right direction as they approach the exit surfaces 35b, 35b from the entrance surfaces 35a, 35a. The light guides 35 pass through the first light shield 12, and the exit surface 35b is positioned opposite the detection light transmission section 22. The exit surface 35b of the light guide 35 is the exit position where the detection light is emitted toward the cornea 50. The exit surface 35b of the light guide 35 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13.

In the viewfinder 6B, when current is supplied from the power supply control circuit to the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ..., detection light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, .... The detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30 enters the light guide 35 from the incident surface 35a, is guided by the light guide 35, exits from the exit surface 35b, and passes through the detection light transmission section 22 toward the cornea 50 of the photographer using the viewfinder 6B. The detection light that reaches the cornea 50 is reflected by the cornea 50. In this case, because the emission position of the detection light in the viewfinder 6B is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 and is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ... and that reaches the cornea 50 tends to be distributed over a narrow range of the cornea 50, particularly near the pupil 60. Therefore, the reflected detection light is less likely to be blocked by individual differences in the shape of the eyelids and eyes, or by fluctuations in the position of the eyeballs, and is more likely to be incident on the light receiving section 31.

When detection light is incident on the light receiving unit 31, a detection signal related to line of sight detection is calculated by the detection circuit based on the incident detection light, and focusing control is automatically performed according to the calculated detection signal.

The light guide 35 in the viewfinder 6B may have the function of blocking visible light and transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitter 30 (see Figure 13). In this case, the light guide 35 has the same function as the detection light transmitting section 22, which blocks visible light and transmits the detection light, and therefore the light guide 35 has the function of guiding the detection light and is also used as the detection light transmitting section.

Therefore, it is possible to configure the viewfinder 6B without providing a detection light transmitting section 22, and by not providing a detection light transmitting section 22, the structure of the viewfinder 6B can be simplified.

Furthermore, in the viewfinder 6B, similar to the configuration of the viewfinder 6A (see Figure 7), the detection light transmitting section 22 may be provided on the first light blocking body 12, and the exit position (exit surface 35b) may be located on the subject side of the eyepiece 14 (see Figure 14). In such a configuration, the light guide 35 has the function of transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting section 30.

However, even in this configuration, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 13, the light guide 35 may have the function of blocking visible light and transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitter 30 (see Figure 15). In this case, the light guide 35 has the same function as the detection light transmitting section 22, which blocks visible light and transmits the detection light, and therefore the light guide 35 has the function of guiding the detection light and is also used as the detection light transmitting section.

Therefore, it is possible to configure the viewfinder 6B without providing a detection light transmitting section 22, and by not providing a detection light transmitting section 22, the structure of the viewfinder 6B can be simplified.

As with the configuration of the viewfinder 6A (see Figure 10), in a configuration in which the detection light transmission section 22 is provided in the second light blocking body 19, the emission position may be located closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14 (see Figure 16). In these cases, for example, in a configuration in which the emission position is located between the eyepiece 14 and the first lens 15, the light guide 35 is positioned so as to penetrate the lens case 9, lens holder 10, and second light blocking body 19.

<Summary of the finder according to the third embodiment>
As described above, in the finder 6B, at least a portion of the first light-shielding body 12 or the second light-shielding body 19 is provided as a detection light transmitting section 22 that transmits the detection light, the emission position (emission surface 35 b) of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting section 30 toward the cornea 50 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea 50 by transmitting through the detection light transmitting section 22.

As a result, the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 is transmitted through the detection light transmitting section 22 provided on the first light blocking body 12 or the second light blocking body 19, which blocks visible light, and heads toward the cornea 50. Therefore, no space is required for the emission position outside the outer periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and no space is required for the detection light transmitting section 22 separate from the space for the first light blocking body 12 or the second light blocking body 19. In addition, because the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without increasing the size.

In addition, in the finder 6B, gaze detection is performed without using a beam splitter, which allows for a reduction in the number of parts and size while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, since the board 27B and the light-emitting unit 30 are located outside the viewfinder housing 8, the board 27B and the light-emitting unit 30 are not visible to the photographer, and the detection accuracy of gaze detection can be improved without interfering with photography.

Furthermore, since the light-emitting section 30 and the detection light transmitting section 22 are positioned in a position that does not interfere with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without interfering with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup to the viewfinder 6B.

In addition, a light guide 35 is provided, which has an incident surface 35a onto which the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 is incident and an exit surface 35b from which the incident detection light is emitted, with the exit surface 35b formed as the exit position.

Therefore, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 is incident on the incident surface 35a of the light guide 35, guided thereto, and emitted toward the cornea 50 from the exit surface 35b formed as the exit position, thereby reducing restrictions on the placement position of the light-emitting unit 30, thereby improving design freedom and detection accuracy for gaze detection.

Furthermore, by positioning the board 27B outside the viewfinder housing 8, it becomes easier to route the wiring connected to the board 27B, thereby improving the workability of assembling each part of the viewfinder 6B.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting section 22 is positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section 22 positioned closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, thereby reliably blocking visible light unnecessary for photography and improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

On the other hand, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting portion 22 is positioned closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14, the detection light transmitting portion 22 is positioned further back than the eyepiece 14, making it difficult for the photographer to see the detection light transmitting portion 22 and increasing the freedom in the positioning of the second light shielding body 19, thereby improving usability for the photographer and increasing the freedom in design.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which a detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on a frame-shaped viewfinder cover that serves as the first light shield 12, the detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on the viewfinder cover, which is a component that is originally necessary for the viewfinder 6B, thereby simplifying the structure while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

Furthermore, the light-emitting units 30 are each arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, the light emitted from each light-emitting unit 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50, increasing the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

In addition, by arranging multiple light-emitting units 30 on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting units 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50. This further increases the probability that detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

<Others>
Although the above example shows the light receiving unit 31 being located closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, the light receiving unit 31 may also be located closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14 (see FIG. 17 ). For example, the light receiving unit 31 may be located on the lower side between the third lens 17 and the optical filter 18. In this case, the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 passes through the eyepiece 14, first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17 in this order, and then enters the light receiving unit 31.

By positioning the light receiving unit 31 closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14 in this way, the light receiving unit 31 is positioned further back from the photographer, making it even more difficult for the photographer to see, thereby improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection without interfering with photography.

Furthermore, although the above example shows infrared light being emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 as detection light, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 may be light other than infrared light.

<One embodiment of the imaging device>
An example of the system configuration of a still camera according to an embodiment of the imaging device of the present technology will be described below (see FIG. 18 ).

The imaging device (still camera) 100 (corresponding to imaging device 1) has a lens unit 101 that performs imaging functions, a camera signal processing unit 102 that performs signal processing such as analog-to-digital conversion of captured image signals, and an image processing unit 103 that performs recording and playback processing of image signals.

The imaging device 100 also includes an image display unit 104 such as an LCD panel that displays captured images, etc., an R/W (reader/writer) 105 that writes and reads image signals to the memory 1000, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106 that controls the entire imaging device 100, an input unit 107 (corresponding to the operation unit 4) consisting of various switches and the like that allow the user to perform required operations, and a lens drive control unit 108 that controls the drive of the lens arranged in the lens unit 101.

The lens unit 101 is composed of an optical system including a lens group 109, an image sensor 110 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), etc.

The camera signal processing unit 102 performs various signal processing operations on the output signal from the image sensor 110, such as converting it to a digital signal, removing noise, correcting image quality, and converting it to a brightness and color difference signal.

The image processing unit 103 performs compression encoding, decompression decoding processes for image signals based on a predetermined image data format, and conversion processes for data specifications such as resolution.

The image display unit 104 has the function of displaying various data such as the user's operation status on the input unit 107 and captured images.

R/W 105 writes image data encoded by the image processing unit 103 to memory 1000 and reads image data recorded in memory 1000.

The CPU 106 functions as a control processing unit that controls each circuit block provided in the imaging device 100, and controls each circuit block based on instruction input signals, etc. from the input unit 107.

The input unit 107 is composed of, for example, a shutter release button for operating the shutter and a selection switch for selecting an operating mode, and outputs an instruction input signal to the CPU 106 in response to user operations.

The lens drive control unit 108 controls motors (not shown) that drive each lens of the lens group 109 based on control signals from the CPU 106.

The memory 1000 is, for example, a semiconductor memory (memory card) that can be inserted into a slot connected to the R/W 105 or an internal memory located inside the imaging device 100.

The operation of the imaging device 100 is described below.

When in standby mode for shooting, under the control of the CPU 106, an image signal captured by the lens unit 101 is output to the image display unit 104 via the camera signal processing unit 102 and displayed as a camera-through image. Furthermore, when a command input signal for zooming is input from the input unit 107, the CPU 106 outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit 108, and a predetermined lens in the lens group 109 is moved under the control of the lens drive control unit 108.

When a shutter (not shown) of the lens unit 101 is operated by an instruction input signal from the input unit 107, the captured image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 102 to the image processing unit 103, where it is compressed and encoded and converted into digital data in a predetermined data format. The converted data is output to the R/W 105 and written to the memory 1000.

Focusing and zooming are performed by the lens drive control unit 108 moving a specified lens in the lens group 109 based on a control signal from the CPU 106.

When playing back image data recorded in memory 1000, the R/W 105 reads out the specified image data from memory 1000 in response to an operation on the input unit 107, and after the image processing unit 103 performs an expansion and decoding process, the played back image signal is output to the image display unit 104 and the played back image is displayed.

In this technology, "imaging" refers to a process that includes only some or all of a series of processes, from the photoelectric conversion process that converts the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal, to the conversion of the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 102, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to the compression encoding/decompression decoding process of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format by the image processing unit 103, and conversion of data specifications such as resolution, and the writing process of the image signal to memory 1000 by the R/W 105.

In other words, "imaging" may refer only to the photoelectric conversion process that converts the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal, or may refer to the process from the photoelectric conversion process that converts the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal to the processing by the camera signal processing unit 102 of converting the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., or may refer to the process from the photoelectric conversion process that converts the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal to the processing by the camera signal processing unit 102 of converting the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to the processing by the image processing unit 103 It may refer to processes from the photoelectric conversion process by the image sensor 110 that converts captured light into an electrical signal to the camera signal processing unit 102 that converts the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, and the like, and also the compression coding, expansion decoding process of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format and conversion of data specifications such as resolution by the image processing unit 103, or it may refer to processes up to the writing of the image signal to the memory 1000 by the R/W 105. The order of each process in the above processes may be reversed as appropriate.

In addition, in the present technology, the photographing device 100 may be configured to include only some or all of the image sensor 110, camera signal processing unit 102, image processing unit 103, and R/W 105 that perform the above processing.

<This technology>
The present technology can be configured as follows.

(1)
an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece;
a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea;
a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light,
At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light,
an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system,
A finder in which at least a part of the detection light is transmitted through the detection light transmitting portion and reaches the cornea.

(2)
The finder according to (1) above, wherein the detection light transmitting portion is formed integrally with the light blocking body.

(3)
The finder according to (1) or (2), wherein the detection light transmitting section is disposed closer to the photographer than the eyepiece.

(4)
a frame-shaped viewfinder cover is provided as the light blocking body;
The finder according to (3) above, wherein the detection light transmitting portion is provided on the finder cover.

(5)
The finder according to (1) or (2), wherein the detection light transmitting section is disposed on the subject side of the eyepiece.

(6)
The finder according to (5) above, wherein a substrate on which the light emitting unit is mounted is attached to the light blocking body.

(7)
The finder according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the light emitting unit is disposed on the subject side of the eyepiece.

(8)
The finder according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein at least one of the light emitting units is disposed on each of opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

(9)
The finder according to (8) above, wherein a plurality of the light emitting units are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

(10)
The finder described in any one of (1) to (9) above is provided with a light guide having an incident surface into which the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit is incident and an exit surface from which the incident detection light is exited, with the exit surface formed as the exit position.

(11)
The finder according to (10) above, wherein the light guide has a function of blocking visible light and is also used as the detection light transmitting portion.

(12)
The camera is equipped with an image sensor that converts the captured optical image of the subject into an electrical signal, and a viewfinder that displays the image of the subject.
The finder is
an eyepiece optical system having the eyepiece lens;
a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea;
a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light,
At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light,
an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system,
an imaging device in which at least a part of the detection light is transmitted through the detection light transmitting portion and reaches the cornea.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 imaging device 6 viewfinder 12 first light-shielding body 13 eyepiece optical system 14 eyepiece lens 19 second light-shielding body 22 detection light transmitting section 27 substrate 30 light-emitting section 30a emission surface (emission position)
6A Finder 12A First light shielding body 19A Second light shielding body 27A Substrate 6B Finder 27B Substrate 35 Light guide body 35a Incident surface 35b Exit surface (exit position)
50 Cornea P Optical axis 100 Imaging device 110 Imaging element

Claims (12)

an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece;
a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea;
a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light,
At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light,
an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system,
A finder in which at least a part of the detection light is transmitted through the detection light transmitting portion and reaches the cornea. The finder according to claim 1 , wherein the detection light transmitting portion is formed integrally with the light blocking body. The finder according to claim 1 , wherein the detection light transmitting section is disposed closer to the photographer than the eyepiece. a frame-shaped viewfinder cover is provided as the light blocking body;
The finder according to claim 3 , wherein the detection light transmitting portion is provided on the finder cover. The finder according to claim 1 , wherein the detection light transmitting section is disposed closer to the subject than the eyepiece. The finder according to claim 5 , wherein a substrate on which the light emitting portion is mounted is attached to the light blocking member. The finder according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitting section is disposed closer to the subject than the eyepiece. The finder according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the light emitting sections is disposed on each of opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system. The finder according to claim 8 , wherein a plurality of the light emitting sections are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system. The finder according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide having an incident surface onto which the detection light emitted from the light emitting portion is incident and an exit surface from which the incident detection light is exited, the exit surface being formed as the exit position. The finder according to claim 10, wherein the light guide has a function of blocking visible light and is also used as the detection light transmitting portion. The camera is equipped with an image sensor that converts the captured optical image of the subject into an electrical signal, and a viewfinder that displays the image of the subject.
The finder is
an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece;
a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea;
a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light,
At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light,
an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system,
an imaging device in which at least a part of the detection light is transmitted through the detection light transmitting portion and reaches the cornea.