JP2000152071A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera which has the merit of being able to properly switch the mode to the reproducing mode by performing simple operation independently of the open/close state of a lens protection cover. SOLUTION: This electronic camera is provided with an operation means 19 including a reproducing button 20 added to the camera main body, a lens protection cover 1 which is so provided that it can be moved between the open position where it opens the front of a photographic lens 10a and the close position where it closes the front of the lens 10a, a mode switching means 24 which sets the photographing mode in the case of the cover 1 in the open position and sets the non-photographing mode in the case of the cover 1 on the close position, a first control means 17a which switches the photographing mode to the reproducing mode for reproducing and display of a picture signal at the time of A click operation of the reproducing button 20 in the photographing mode, and a second control means 17b which alternately selects the reproducing mode and the power stop mode at each time of B click operation of the reproducing button 20 in the non-photographing mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera provided with a lens protection cover (generally called a lens barrier) for protecting a taking lens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a lens protective cover is provided integrally with a camera body. When the camera is not used, it is closed to protect the taking lens when the camera is not in use. During use
It is opened to expose the taking lens. Since this lens protective cover does not require much time for attaching and detaching operations as compared with a conventionally known lens cap, it is also actively used in compact silver halide cameras and the like.

An electronic camera has a reproducing function that does not exist in a silver halide camera. For this reason, in an electronic camera having a lens protection cover, a method of switching between a shooting mode and a reproduction mode in accordance with the open / close state of the lens protection cover may be adopted. That is, when the lens protection cover is in the open state, it is detected and set to the photographing mode, and when the lens protection cover is in the closed state, it is detected and set to the playback mode. .

In general, in the reproduction mode, a photographed image can be displayed on a monitor by a display device such as an LCD built in the camera body in order to confirm the photographed image. In the reproduction mode, the captured image data can be transferred to a personal computer or the like external to the camera body.

[0005]

In a conventional electronic camera with a lens protective cover having such a configuration, the lens protective cover must be closed in order to enter the reproduction mode. Therefore, for example, in order to continue the photographing operation while confirming the photographed image, "the lens protective cover is temporarily closed, and after confirming the photographed image, the lens protective cover is returned to the open state again to continue photographing." Work must be repeated frequently. For this reason, there is a problem that the usability of the camera is very poor.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera with a lens protection cover having a structure in which the open / close state of the lens protection cover is associated with the camera function of the camera body, wherein the lens protection cover is open. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera having an advantage that a simple operation can be performed in a timely manner irrespective of whether the electronic camera is in a closed state to easily shift to a reproduction mode.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an electronic camera according to the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) The electronic camera of the present invention converts a subject image obtained through a photographic lens into an image signal by an image pickup system, records the image signal on a recording medium by a recording unit, and reproduces the image signal. A camera body having a function of reproducing and displaying the image data, operating means including a play button attached to the camera body and operating at least the reproducing means, and a camera body for exposing the front surface of the photographing lens to the outside. A lens protection cover movably provided between an open position for opening the front surface of the lens and a closed position for closing the front surface of the taking lens to protect the front surface of the taking lens from the outside; When the cover is in the open position, the camera is set to the shooting mode that allows shooting, and when the lens protection cover is in the closed position, shooting is prohibited. A mode switching means for switching a mode so as to set a mode, and a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying the image signal when a reproduction button of the operation means is clicked by an A-click under a condition set in the photographing mode. A first control means for performing a transition control to the operation mode, and a power stop for stopping the power supply and the reproduction mode each time the reproduction button of the operation means is clicked by a B-click in a state where the non-photographing mode is set. And second control means for alternately selecting and controlling the mode.

(2) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a state where the shooting mode is set, when the reproduction button of the operation means is clicked by B-click, the shooting mode is controlled to be changed to a shooting mode with live view display. It is characterized by having three control means.

(3) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth control unit configured to perform control to return to the shooting mode when one of a playback button and a release button is operated in a state where the playback mode is set. It is characterized by.

(4) The electronic camera of the present invention is characterized in that (2)
4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth control unit configured to perform control to return to the shooting mode when one of a playback button and a release button is operated in a state where the playback mode is set. It is characterized by.

(5) The electronic camera of the present invention is characterized in that (4)
4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the fourth control unit switches to the shooting mode without through image display when the shooting mode immediately before being set to the playback mode is a shooting mode without through image display. When returning to the shooting mode with the through image display, the unit returns to the shooting mode with the through image display.

(6) The electronic camera of the present invention is characterized in that (1)
3. The electronic camera according to 2, wherein the A-click operation is performed by:
This is a double-click operation, and the B-click operation is a single-click operation.

(7) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
3. The electronic camera according to 2, wherein the A-click operation is performed by:
This is a single-click operation, and the B-click operation is a double-click operation.

(8) The electronic camera of the present invention is characterized in that (1)
3. The electronic camera according to 2, wherein the A-click operation is performed by:
The click operation time to the play button is a long-time operation that is longer than a set time, and the B click operation is a short-time operation that the click operation time to the play button is less than a set time. It is characterized by.

(9) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
3. The electronic camera according to 2, wherein the A-click operation is performed by:
A click operation on the play button and a click operation on a specific operation button other than the play button,
This is a simultaneous click operation performed simultaneously and in parallel, and the B click operation is a single click operation performed independently on the play button.

(10) The electronic camera according to the present invention is the electronic camera according to (2), wherein the A-click operation is a double-click operation, and the B-click operation is a single-click operation. Features.

(11) The electronic camera according to the present invention is the electronic camera according to (2), wherein the A-click operation is a single-click operation, and the B-click operation is a double-click operation. Features.

(12) The electronic camera according to the present invention is the electronic camera according to the above (2), wherein the A-click operation is such that the click operation time to the play button is longer than a set time. The B-click operation is a short-time operation in which the click operation time to the play button is shorter than a set time.

(13) The electronic camera according to the present invention is the electronic camera according to the item (2), wherein the A-click operation includes a click operation on the play button and a click operation on a specific operation button other than the play button. The click operation is a simultaneous click operation performed in parallel at the same time, and the B click operation is a single click operation performed independently on the play button.

(14) The electronic camera according to the present invention is the electronic camera according to (1), wherein the mode switching means further includes a detection means for detecting an open position and a closed position of the lens protection cover. It is characterized in that it is.

(15) The electronic camera according to the present invention is the electronic camera according to the above (1), wherein the photographing lens is a retractable photographing lens.

(16) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
4) The electronic camera according to 4), wherein the photographing lens includes:
It is a collapsible shooting lens.

(17) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
5) The electronic camera according to 5), wherein when the lens protective cover is in the open position, the retractable photographing lens is moved from the lens protective cover to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body. When the lens protection cover is in the closed position, a fifth control means is provided for controlling the retractable photographing lens to move to the storage position retracted rearward of the camera body from the lens protection cover. And

(18) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
6) In the electronic camera according to 6), when the lens protective cover is at the open position, the retractable photographing lens is moved from the lens protective cover to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body. When the lens protection cover is in the closed position, a fifth control means is provided for controlling the retractable photographing lens to move to the storage position retracted rearward of the camera body from the lens protection cover. And

(19) The electronic camera of the present invention converts an object image obtained through a photographic lens into an image signal by an image pickup system, records the image signal on a recording medium by a recording unit, and reproduces the image signal by a reproducing unit. A camera body having a function of reproducing and displaying the image data, operating means including a playback switch attached to the camera body and operating at least the playback means, and a camera body for exposing the front surface of the taking lens to the outside. A lens protection cover movably provided between an open position for opening the front surface of the lens and a closed position for closing the front surface of the taking lens to protect the front surface of the taking lens from the outside; Set the shooting mode to allow shooting when the cover is in the open position, and prohibit shooting when the lens protection cover is in the closed position. A mode switching means for switching a mode so as to set a photographing mode; and when the reproduction switch of the operation means is moved to a first position in a situation where the photographing mode is set, the image signal is outputted. First control means for controlling a transition to a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying, and when the reproduction switch of the operation means is operated to move to a second position under the condition set to the non-shooting mode, the reproduction mode and the power supply Second control means for alternately selecting and controlling a power supply stop mode for stopping supply;
It is characterized by having.

(20) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
(9) The electronic camera according to (9), wherein the reproduction switch is a dial switch.

(21) The electronic camera according to the present invention is characterized in that (1)
The electronic camera according to 9), wherein the reproduction switch is a slide switch.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) "Configuration" As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a lens protection cover 1 in front of a lens. The lens protection cover 1 is provided so as to be in an open state to expose the collapsible photographing lens 10a in the optical system 10 to the outside, or to be closed from outside to protect the collapsible photographing lens 10a.

The subject image captured by the optical system 10 is
The image is converted into an electric signal by an image pickup system 11 including a CCD image pickup element and the like, and becomes an analog image signal. This analog image signal is supplied to an A / D converter (analog / digital converter) 1
2 to a digital image signal,
Will be recorded. The digital image signal recorded on the recording medium 13 is provided to an LCD (liquid crystal) display system 14 and displayed. The digital image signal is transmitted to the external recording system 1.
5 and the image is recorded on the external recording medium 16.

The controller 17 gives a control command for setting a photographing mode, a reproduction mode, and the like.
The controller 17 includes a first control unit 17a described later,
Second control unit 17b, third control unit 17c, fourth control unit 17
d, a fifth control unit 17e.

The controller 17 is connected to a power supply 18 composed of a battery or the like, an operation unit 19, a mode switch 24, and the like.

The operating section 19 is for instructing the controller 17 to perform a recording operation and a reproducing operation.
A reproduction button 20 for displaying a captured image on a monitor and the like and a plurality of other buttons 21a to 21g are additionally provided. The operation unit 19 includes a click detector 25 described later.

The mode switch 24 includes a pair of sensors 2
2 and 23 are provided. The sensor 22 is a sensor for detecting that the lens protective cover 1 is at the open position P1, and the sensor 23 is a sensor for detecting that the lens protective cover 1 is at the closed position P2.

When the sensor 22 detects the open position P1 of the lens protection cover 1, the mode switch 24 gives a command to the controller 17 to set a photographing mode in which photographing is permitted. Therefore, the controller 1
7 supplies the power 18 to start up the system.

When the sensor 23 detects the closed position P2 of the lens protection cover 1, the mode switch 24 gives a command to the controller 17 to set a non-photographing mode in which photography is prohibited. Therefore, the controller 17 stops the power supply 18. That is, in a normal operation, power ON / OFF operation is performed by detecting the open position P1 and the closed position P2 of the lens protection cover 1 by the sensors 22 and 23.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lens protective cover 1 and the retractable photographing lens 10a are
It is provided in front of. The lens protection cover 1 includes an open position P1 for opening the front surface of the lens 10a so as to expose the front surface of the lens 10a to the outside,
The reference numerals 201 and 201 indicate a distance between a closed position P2 for closing the front surface of the lens 10a to protect the front surface of the lens 10a from the outside.
It is slidably provided along a guide rail (not shown) provided on the camera body 100 in a direction indicated by 202.

The collapsible photographing lens 10a can move forward and backward along the optical axis in the direction indicated by reference numeral 203.

When the lens protective cover 1 is at the open position P1 as shown in FIG. 2, the retractable type photographing lens 10a moves to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body 100 from the lens protective cover 1. As shown in FIG. 3, when the lens protection cover 1 is at the closed position P2, the lens protection cover 1 is controlled so as to move to the retracted position rearward of the camera body 100 from the lens protection cover 1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
The LCD monitor 101 of the LCD display system 14 is provided on the back surface of the LCD monitor 0. This LCD monitor 101
Is set slightly higher than the back surface of the camera body 100. LCD on the back of the camera body 100
A reproduction button 20 and a plurality of other buttons 21a to 21g are provided around the monitor 101, that is, near the step portion 102.

2 to FIG.
Is a release button, reference numeral 104 is a zoom lever, reference numeral 1
Reference numeral 05 denotes a finder, reference numeral 106 denotes a storage room for loading the external recording medium 16, and reference numeral 107 denotes a flash unit.

By the way, the electronic camera of the present embodiment is configured so that the lens protection cover 1 can be easily shifted from the state where the photographing mode is set to the open position P1 to the reproduction mode. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

Referring back to FIG. The mode switcher 2
4, when the playback button 20 attached to the operation unit 19 is clicked by an A-click operation (double-click operation DC in the present embodiment) in a state where the camera body 100 is set to the shooting mode, the operation unit 19 Is detected by the click detector 25 built in the A-click operation. Then, the first control unit 17a of the controller 17 operates to control the transition to the reproduction mode. As a result, the image signal becomes L
The data is supplied to the CD display system 14 and displayed on the monitor.

When the mode changer 24 sets the camera body 100 to the non-shooting mode, the reproduction button 20 attached to the operation unit 19 is operated by a B-click operation (in this embodiment, a single-click operation). SC), the click detector 25 incorporated in the operation unit 19 detects that the click operation is a B click operation. Then, in this case, the second control unit 17b of the controller 17 operates. Therefore, each time the B-click operation is performed, the reproduction mode and the power stop mode for stopping the power supply are alternately selected and set.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the click detector 25 includes a number-of-clicks determining unit and a click type recognizing unit. Thus, when the click count discriminating unit judges that the click operation on the play button 20 is a double click operation DC, the click type recognizing unit recognizes that the A click operation has been performed, and recognizes the recognition information. Output. When the click number discriminating unit determines that the click operation on the play button 20 is a single click operation SC, the click type recognizing unit recognizes that the B click operation has been performed and recognizes the recognition information. Output.

[Operation] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a part of the operation of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. Less than,
The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[Step S1] It is determined whether or not the lens protection cover 1 is open. If it is open, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is closed, step S21.
Proceed to.

[Step S2] A shooting mode command based on the open position detection signal is given from the mode switch 24 to the controller 17, and the power supply 18 is turned on.

[Step S3] The controller 17 sets a shooting mode without displaying a through-the-lens image (a shooting mode in which an image obtained by the image sensor is not directly displayed on the LCD monitor 101). Therefore, the release button 103, the zoom lever 104, the operation buttons 21
By operating b to 21g, shooting becomes possible.
Here, when the release button 103, the zoom lever 104, and the buttons 21b to 21g are operated to perform photographing, the photographed image signal is recorded on the recording medium 13.

[Step S4] In the shooting mode without the through image display, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 has been A-clicked (double-clicked operation DC). When the click detector 25 detects that the A-click operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S5, and when not detected, the process proceeds to step S7.

[Step S5] The mode shifts to the reproduction mode, and the photographed subject image is displayed on the LCD monitor 101.

[Step S6] During the period in which the reproduction mode is set, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 or the release button 103 is clicked. When the click operation is detected by the click detector 25, the process returns to step S3 (image shooting mode without through image display), and when the click operation is not detected, the process returns to step S5.

[Step S7] If it is not detected in step S4 that the A-click operation has been performed, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 has been B-clicked (single-click operation SC) in the above-described shooting mode. If the click detector 25 detects that the B-click operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S8, and if not, the process returns to step S1.

[Step S8] Here, the third step shown in FIG.
The control unit 17c controls the shooting mode to be changed to a shooting mode with live view display (a shooting mode in which an image obtained by the image sensor is displayed on the LCD monitor 101 as a moving image, for example).

[Step S9] In the shooting mode with the through image display, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 has been A-clicked (double-clicked operation DC). If the click detector 25 detects that the A-click operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S10; otherwise, the process returns to step S1.

[Step S10] The mode shifts to the playback mode,
The photographed subject image is displayed on the LCD monitor 101.

[Step S11] During the period in which the reproduction mode is set, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 or the release button 103 is clicked. When the click operation is detected by the click detector 25, the process returns to step S8 (image shooting mode with live view display), and when the click operation is not detected, the process returns to step S10.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another part of the operation of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, FIG.
The operation will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[Step S21] If it is determined in step S1 that the lens protection cover 1 is in the closed state, a non-photographing mode command based on the closed position detection signal is given from the mode switch 24 to the controller 17. Therefore, the non-photographing mode is set by the controller 17.

[Step S22] In the non-photographing mode, it is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 has been B-clicked. When the click detector 25 detects the B click operation, the process proceeds to step S23, and when the B click operation is not detected, the process returns to step S1.

[Step S23] The power supply 18 is turned on, and the process proceeds to Step S24.

[Step S24] Shift to the playback mode,
The photographed subject image is reproduced and displayed on the LCD monitor 101.

[Step S25] It is determined whether or not the reproduction button 20 has been B-clicked. When the click detector 25 detects the B-click operation, the process proceeds to step S26, and when the B-click operation is not detected, the process returns to step S24.

[Step S26] The power supply 18 is stopped, and the process returns to step S1.

[Operation and Effect] Next, the operation and effect of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, for example, even if the lens protection cover 1 is in the open state and the camera body 100 is set to the shooting mode, the playback button 20 can be easily clicked (double-clicked) to perform the playback button 20 easily. Can be shifted to the reproduction mode.

In the photographing mode, the photographing mode can be changed to a so-called photographing mode with a through image display by performing a B-click operation (single click operation) on the reproduction button 20. Then, from the shooting mode with the through image display, the playback button 20
By performing an A-click operation (double-click operation) on, it is possible to shift to the reproduction mode as described above.

In the situation where the reproduction mode has been entered, the reproduction mode can be returned to the photographing mode by clicking the reproduction button 20 or the release button 103. At this time, if the shooting mode immediately before shifting to the playback mode is the shooting mode of “no through image display”, the shooting mode is returned to the “no through image display” shooting mode,
If the shooting mode is "through image display",
The camera returns to the shooting mode of “with live view display”.

For example, even if the lens protection cover 1 is in the closed state and the camera body 100 is set to the non-shooting mode, the power-stop mode is performed by performing the B-click operation (single-click operation) on the play button 20. And the reproduction mode are alternately selected and set. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to easily shift to the reproduction mode as needed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when photographing is continued while confirming the photographed image, it is not necessary to frequently open and close the lens protection cover 1 as in the related art. By simply performing the operation, it is possible to easily shift to the reproduction mode. Further, by performing a button operation for return, it is possible to easily return from the reproduction mode to the original shooting mode. Therefore, the usability is extremely good.

The above-described “effect that can be easily shifted to the reproduction mode” is particularly remarkable in an electronic camera using the retractable photographing lens 10a. That is, when the retractable photographing lens 10a is used, since the photographing lens moves forward and backward, it takes a longer time to open and close the lens protection cover 1 than when a normal photographing lens is used. Therefore, in an electronic camera with a lens protection cover having a configuration in which the open / close state of the lens protection cover 1 and the camera function of the camera body 100 are associated with each other, there is a concern that the time required for transition to the playback mode will be long. However, in the present embodiment, regardless of the open / closed state of the lens protection cover 1,
Since the transition to the reproduction mode can be easily executed, even if the electronic camera uses the retractable photographing lens 10a, there is no possibility that the time required for the transition to the reproduction mode becomes long, and the above-mentioned effect is extremely remarkable. It is exhibited in.

When the electronic camera is put in a bag or the like without being put in the camera case, the playback button 2
There is a case where the contents in the bag collide with 0 and the play button 20 is erroneously operated. However, since the play button 20 of the present embodiment is disposed near the step 102 between the back of the camera body 100 and the display surface of the LCD monitor 101, the presence of the step 102 causes the The possibility that an object contacts the play button 20 is significantly reduced.
As a result, even when the camera body 100 is directly put in a bag or the like without being put in the camera case, the chance of erroneous operation of the play button 20 of the present embodiment having a special function is significantly reduced.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a click detector 25a of an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the click detector 25a of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment and the click detector 25 of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment is that, contrary to the first embodiment, a single click operation is performed. The point is that an A-click operation is recognized, and a double-click operation is recognized as a B-click operation.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the click detector 25a comprises a click number discriminator 251 and a click type recognizer 252. Thus, "the click operation to the play button 20 is a single click operation SC
Is determined by the click count determination unit 251, the click type recognition unit 252 recognizes that the A-click operation has been performed, and outputs the information IA. When the click count discrimination unit 251 determines that the click operation on the play button 20 is a double click operation DC, the click type recognition unit 252 recognizes that the B click operation has been performed and outputs the information IB. I do.

The other points are the same as those of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a click detector 25b of an electronic camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the click detector 25b of the electronic camera according to the third embodiment and the click detector 25 of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment is that instead of the number of click operations, the click operation time is longer. The point is that the A click operation or the B click operation is recognized.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the click detector 25b in the third embodiment comprises a click time discriminator 253 and a click type recognizer 254.
Thus, when the click time determination unit 253 determines that the click operation time on the play button 20 is LT for a relatively long time (for example, 1 second or longer), the click type recognition unit 254 performs the A click operation. And outputs the information IA. Also, "the time when the click operation time on the play button 20 is relatively short (for example, less than 1 second)
ST ", the click type recognizing unit 254 recognizes that the B-click operation has been performed and outputs the information IB.

The other points are the same as those of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a click detector 25c of an electronic camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the click detector 25c of the electronic camera according to the fourth embodiment and the click detector 25 of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment is that the click operation on the play button 20 and the other buttons is different.
The point is that the A click operation or the B click operation is recognized.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the click detector 25c according to the fourth embodiment comprises a click button discriminator 255 and a click type recognizer 256. When the click time determination unit 255 determines that the play button 20 and another operation button (for example, the button 21a disposed adjacent to the play button 20) have been simultaneously clicked, the click type recognition unit 255 recognizes the click type. Part 25
No. 6 recognizes that the A-click operation has been performed, and
Is output. When the click time determination unit 255 determines that “only the reproduction button 20 has been subjected to the single click operation SO”, the click type recognition unit 256 recognizes that the B click operation has been performed and outputs the information IB.

The other points are the same as those of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electronic camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back, corresponding to FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 denote parts having the same functions as those in FIG.

The electronic camera according to the fifth embodiment differs from the electronic camera according to the first embodiment in that a reproduction dial switch 20a is applied instead of the reproduction button 20 described above.

The dial switch 20a has a neutral position N corresponding to a state in which the above-described play button 20 is not operated, a first position A rotated clockwise from the neutral position N, and a neutral position N from the neutral position N. It is configured to be able to selectively take three rotation positions with respect to the second position B rotated in the counterclockwise direction.

When the dial switch 20a is turned to the first position A, in the first embodiment, the same recognition as when the A click operation is performed on the reproduction button 20 is performed by the click detector. This is performed by an operation detector (not shown) corresponding to 25.

When the dial switch 20a is turned to the second position B, the same operation as that performed when the B button is clicked on the play button 20 in the first embodiment is recognized by the operation detector. You.

The other points are the same as those of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electronic camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back, corresponding to FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 denote parts having the same functions as those in FIG.

The electronic camera according to the sixth embodiment differs from the electronic camera according to the first embodiment in that a reproduction slide switch 20b is applied instead of the reproduction button 20 described above.

The slide switch 20b includes a neutral position N corresponding to a state where the above-mentioned play button 20 is not operated, a first position A slid left from the neutral position N, and a right position from the neutral position N. It is configured to selectively take three positions with a second position B slid in the direction.

When the slide switch 20b is slid to the first position A, the same recognition as when the A click operation is performed on the play button 20 in the first embodiment corresponds to the click detector 25. This is performed by an operation detector (not shown).

When the slide switch 20b is slid to the second position B, the operation detector performs the same recognition as when the B click operation is performed on the play button 20 in the first embodiment. .

The other points are the same as those of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Characteristic Points in Embodiment) [1] The electronic camera described in the embodiment has a photographic lens (1
0a) is converted into an image signal by an imaging system (11), the image signal is recorded on a recording medium (13) by recording means (12, 13, 17), and the image signal is reproduced. A camera body (100) having a function of playing back and displaying by means (13.14, 17); and a playback button attached to the camera body (100) for operating at least the playback means (13.14, 17). Operating means (19) including the lens (1) to expose the front surface of the taking lens (10a) to the outside.
0a) The opening position (P1) to open the front of
A lens protection cover (1) movably provided between a closed position (P2) for closing the front of the lens (10a) to protect the front of the lens (10a) from the outside, and the lens protection cover When (1) is in the open position (P1), set the shooting mode to allow shooting, and when the lens protection cover (1) is in the closed position (P2), set to the non-shooting mode in which shooting is prohibited. As described above, the mode switching means (2
4) and, when the playback button (20) of the operation means (19) is operated by an A-click operation in a state where the shooting mode is set, a first control for shifting to a playback mode for playing back and displaying the image signal. The control means (17a) and the supply of the playback mode and the power supply (18) each time the playback button (20) of the operation means (19) is B-clicked under the condition set in the non-shooting mode. And a second control means (17b) for alternately selecting and controlling a power supply stop mode for stopping the power supply.

[2] The electronic camera shown in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [1], wherein, when the reproduction button (20) of the operation means (19) is B-clicked in a state where the shooting mode is set, the shooting mode is set to a through image. A third control means (17c) for changing and controlling the photographing mode with the display is provided.

[3] The electronic camera shown in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [1], wherein when one of a play button (20) and a release button (103) is operated in a state where the play mode is set, the electronic camera returns to the shooting mode. Fourth control means for controlling (17d)
It is characterized by having.

[4] The electronic camera shown in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [2], wherein a fourth control unit performs a return control to the shooting mode when one of a playback button and a release button is operated in a state where the playback mode is set. It is characterized by having.

[5] The electronic camera shown in the embodiment is
In the electronic camera according to the above [4], when the shooting mode immediately before being set to the playback mode is a shooting mode without a through image display, the fourth control unit does not display the through image. Means for returning to the shooting mode with the through image display and returning to the shooting mode with the through image display when the shooting mode with the through image display is selected.

[6] The electronic camera shown in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [1], wherein the A-click operation is a double-click operation (DC), and the B-click operation is a single-click operation (SC).

[7] The electronic camera shown in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [1], wherein the A-click operation is a single-click operation (SC), and the B-click operation is a double-click operation (DC).

[8] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [1], wherein the A-click operation is performed by a long-time operation (L) that is longer than a set time (for example, 1 second) by a click operation time to the play button (20).
T), and the B-click operation is performed by the play button (20).
Click operation time to the set time (for example, 1
It is a short-time operation (ST) of less than 2 seconds.

[9] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is
The electronic camera according to [1], wherein the A-click operation includes a click operation on the play button (20) and a click operation on a specific operation button (21a) other than the play button (20). Is a simultaneous click operation (BO) performed simultaneously and in parallel, and the B click operation is a single click operation (SO) performed independently on the play button (20).

[10] The electronic camera according to the embodiment is the electronic camera according to the above [2], wherein the A-click operation is a double-click operation (DC) and the B-click operation is a double-click operation (DC).
The click operation is a single click operation (SC).

[11] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [2], wherein the A-click operation is a single-click operation (SC), and the B-click operation is a double-click operation. It is a click operation (DC).

[12] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera according to the above [2], wherein the A click operation is performed by setting a click operation time to the play button (20). Operation for a long period of time (for example, 1 second)
(LT), and the B-click operation is performed by the play button (2
Click operation time to 0) is set time (for example, 1)
It is a short-time operation (ST) of less than 2 seconds.

[13] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera according to the above [2], wherein the A click operation includes a click operation on the play button (20) and the play button (20). Specific operation buttons other than (20) (21
a) is a simultaneous click operation (BO) performed simultaneously and in parallel, and the B click operation is a single click operation (SO) performed independently on the play button (20). It is characterized by:

[14] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [1], wherein the mode switching means (24) is provided at the open position (P1) of the lens protection cover (1). ) And detection means (22.23) for detecting the closed position (P2)
Is further provided.

[15] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [1], wherein the taking lens (10a) is a retractable taking lens.

[16] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [14], wherein the photographing lens (10a) is a retractable photographing lens.

[17] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera according to the above [15], wherein when the lens protection cover (1) is at the open position (P1), the retractable type camera is used. The photographing lens (10a) is moved from the lens protective cover (1) to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body (100), and the lens protective cover (1) is closed (P).
When in (2), the retractable photographing lens (10a) is controlled to move from the lens protection cover (1) to the retracted position behind the camera body (100).
It is characterized by having a control means (17c).

[18] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera according to the above [16], wherein when the lens protection cover (1) is at the open position (P1), the retractable type camera is used. The photographing lens (10a) is moved from the lens protective cover (1) to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body (100), and the lens protective cover (1) is closed (P).
When in (2), the retractable photographing lens (10a) is controlled to move from the lens protection cover (1) to the retracted position behind the camera body (100).
It is characterized by having a control means (17c).

[19] The subject image obtained through the photographing lens (10a) is converted into an image signal by the image pickup system (11), and the image signal is recorded on the recording medium (13) by the recording means (12, 13, 17). While recording, a camera body (100) having a function of reproducing and displaying the image signal by the reproducing means (13.14, 17),
An operation means (19) attached to the camera body and including at least a reproduction switch (20a, 20b) for operating the reproduction means; and the lens (10a ) To open the front (P
The lens protection cover (1) is provided so as to be movable between a closed position (P2) for closing the front surface of the lens (10a) so as to protect the front surface of the photographing lens (10a) from the outside. )
When the lens protection cover (1) is in the open position (P1), the photographing mode is set to allow photographing, and when the lens protection cover (1) is in the closed position (P2), photographing is prohibited. A mode switching means (24) for switching modes so as to set a non-photographing mode, and a reproduction switch (2) of the operation means (19) in a situation where the photographing mode is set.
0a, 20b) is operated to move to the first position (A).
Control means (17a), and a playback switch (20a, 20
b) is operated to move to the second position (B), a second control means (17b) for alternately selecting and controlling the reproduction mode and a power stop mode for stopping the supply of power (18). , Is provided.

[20] The electronic camera described in the present embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [19], wherein the reproduction switch is a dial switch (20a).

[21] The electronic camera described in the present embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [19], wherein the reproduction switch is a slide switch (20b).

(Modification) The electronic camera shown in the embodiment can be modified as follows.

I) When the reproduction mode is set, not only an image is displayed on the LCD display system 14, but also an image signal is output to a dedicated monitor or a computer externally attached to the camera for reproduction and display. .

Ii) Contrary to the case of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the case where the click operation time is relatively short is recognized as the A click operation, and the case where the click operation time is relatively long is the B click operation. The thing which was made to recognize.

[0117]

According to the present invention, in an electronic camera with a lens protection cover in which the open / close state of the lens protection cover and the camera function of the camera body are related, regardless of the open / close state of the lens protection cover, It is possible to provide an electronic camera which has an advantage that the mode can be easily shifted to the reproduction mode by performing a simple operation in a timely manner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a state where a lens protection cover is opened, as viewed from the front side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a state in which a lens protection cover is closed as viewed from the front side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view seen from the back side.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a part of the operation of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another part of the operation of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a click detector in an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a click detector in an electronic camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a click detector in an electronic camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary perspective view of an electronic camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view of an electronic camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens protection cover 10 ... Optical system 10a ... Photographing lens 11 ... Imaging system 12 ... A / D converter 13 ... Recording medium 14 ... Display system 17 ... Controllers 17a-17e ... First-fifth control part 19 ... Operating means 20 ... Play button 24 ... Mode switcher 25 ... Click detector 100 ... Camera body P1 ... Open position of lens protection cover P2 ... Close position of lens protection cover

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 E

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A function of converting a subject image obtained through a photographing lens into an image signal by an imaging system, recording the image signal on a recording medium by a recording unit, and reproducing and displaying the image signal by a reproducing unit. A camera body provided; operating means attached to the camera body, the playback means including at least a play button for operating the playback means; And a lens protection cover movably provided between a closed position for closing the front surface of the lens to protect the front surface of the photographing lens from the outside, and when the lens protection cover is at the open position. The camera is set to a photographing mode in which photographing is permitted, and is set to a non-photographing mode in which photographing is prohibited when the lens protection cover is in the closed position. A mode switching means for switching the mode, and a first mode for performing a transition control to a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying the image signal when a reproduction button of the operation means is clicked by an A-click under the condition set in the photographing mode. A control unit, and in a state where the non-photographing mode is set, the reproduction mode and a power stop mode for stopping power supply are alternately selected each time the reproduction button of the operation unit is clicked by B-click. An electronic camera, comprising: second control means for controlling. 2. A third control means for changing the photographing mode to a photographing mode with a through image display when the reproduction button of the operation means is clicked by B-click in a state where the photographing mode is set. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A system according to claim 2, further comprising: a fourth control unit configured to control a return to the photographing mode when one of a play button and a release button is operated in a state where the reproduction mode is set. The electronic camera according to claim 1. 4. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: fourth control means for controlling a return to the photographing mode when one of a play button and a release button is operated in a state where the reproduction mode is set. The electronic camera according to claim 2. 5. When the shooting mode immediately before the reproduction mode is set is a shooting mode without a live view display, the fourth control means returns to the shooting mode without a live view display. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 4, further comprising: a unit that returns to the shooting mode with the through image display when the shooting mode with the image display is set. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the A-click operation is a double-click operation, and the B-click operation is a single-click operation. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the A-click operation is a single-click operation, and the B-click operation is a double-click operation. 8. The A-click operation is a long-time operation in which a click operation time to the play button is longer than a set time, and the B-click operation is a click operation time to the play button. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the operation is a short-time operation that is shorter than the set time. 9. The A-click operation is a simultaneous click operation in which a click operation on the play button and a click operation on a specific operation button other than the play button are simultaneously performed in parallel. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein is a single click operation performed independently on the play button. 10. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the A-click operation is a double-click operation, and the B-click operation is a single-click operation. 11. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the A-click operation is a single-click operation, and the B-click operation is a double-click operation. 12. The A-click operation is a long-time operation in which a click operation time to the play button is longer than a set time, and the B-click operation is a click operation time to the play button. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the operation is a short-time operation that is shorter than the set time. 13. The B-click operation, wherein the A-click operation is a simultaneous click operation in which a click operation on the play button and a click operation on a specific operation button other than the play button are simultaneously performed in parallel. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein a single click operation is performed independently on the play button. 14. An electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein said mode switching means further comprises a detecting means for detecting an open position and a closed position of said lens protection cover. 15. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein said taking lens is a retractable taking lens. 16. An electronic camera according to claim 14, wherein said taking lens is a retractable taking lens. 17. When the lens protective cover is in the open position, the retractable photographing lens is moved to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body from the lens protective cover, and the lens protective cover is closed. When in, so as to move the retractable shooting lens from the lens protection cover to the retracted position to the rear of the camera body,
The electronic camera according to claim 15, further comprising a fifth control unit that controls the electronic camera. 18. When the lens protective cover is in the open position, the retractable photographing lens is moved to a photographing standby position protruding forward of the camera body from the lens protective cover, and the lens protective cover is closed. When in, so as to move the retractable shooting lens from the lens protection cover to the retracted position to the rear of the camera body,
17. The electronic camera according to claim 16, further comprising a fifth control unit for controlling. 19. A function of converting a subject image obtained through a photographing lens into an image signal by an imaging system, recording the image signal on a recording medium by a recording unit, and reproducing and displaying the image signal by a reproducing unit. A camera body provided; operating means attached to the camera body and including at least a playback switch for operating the playback means; and an open position for opening the front surface of the taking lens to expose the front surface of the lens to the outside And a lens protection cover movably provided between a closed position for closing the front surface of the lens to protect the front surface of the photographing lens from the outside, and when the lens protection cover is at the open position. Set the shooting mode to allow shooting, and set the non-shooting mode to prohibit shooting when the lens protection cover is in the closed position. Mode switching means for switching a mode, and in a situation set in the photographing mode, when a reproduction switch of the operation means is operated to move to a first position, a transition is made to a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying the image signal. A first control unit for controlling, and a power source for stopping the power supply and the reproduction mode when a reproduction switch of the operation unit is operated to move to a second position in a state where the non-photographing mode is set. An electronic camera, comprising: second control means for alternately selecting and controlling a stop mode. 20. The electronic camera according to claim 19, wherein said reproduction switch is a dial switch. 21. The electronic camera according to claim 19, wherein said reproduction switch is a slide switch.