JP2007194953A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera excellent in operability in which the angle of the camera body most suitable for photography can be attained. <P>SOLUTION: In a digital camera 10, a mount section 18 is provided on the right side face of a lens section 12 and the camera body 24 is attached to the mount section 18. The mount section 18 is constituted to have a double structure obtained by stacking two sheets of discs 402 and 404 wherein the discs 402 and 404 are fitted at the circumferential portions thereof and the disc 404 can rotate for the disc 402. The disc 404 on the side abutting against the camera body 24 at the mount section 18 is provided, at three positions, with arcuate holes 408 to which three lock clicks projecting from the camera body 24 are fitted. The camera body 24 can be rotated for the lens section 12, as shown by an arrow, through rotation of the disc 404 and the angle can be adjusted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera in which an interchangeable lens unit including an image sensor is detachable from a camera body including a grip unit.

  In Patent Document 1, a rectangular camera mount portion is formed on the front surface of a camera body including an image sensor, and a rectangular lens mount portion of an interchangeable lens barrel is detachably attached to the camera mount portion. An interchangeable lens digital camera is disclosed.

In Patent Document 2, a connector is provided on the bottom surface of a flat camera body, and a right-handed accessory or a left-handed accessory in which operation buttons such as a shutter button are arranged is selectively connected via this connector. A digital camera adapted for right-handed use and left-handed use is disclosed.
JP 2001-142107 A JP 2003-344943 A

  However, since the interchangeable lens digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to connect the camera body at the rear end of the lens portion, the lens mount portion of the lens portion cannot serve as a rotation axis. There is a disadvantage that the camera body cannot be changed to a desired posture with respect to the lens unit for photographing. That is, even if the lens unit and the camera body are rotated relative to each other, the lens unit only rotates around the optical axis and has no meaning as a camera.

  Such a problem is not limited to the type of interchangeable lens type camera in which the image sensor is provided in the camera body and is exchanged as a single lens unit, as in Patent Document 1, but the lens unit in which the image sensor is built This is the same for the interchangeable lens type camera, but there is no conventional camera that has an optimal mount arrangement.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a camera with excellent operability capable of adopting an optimal mount arrangement.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention provides a lens unit having an imaging element built in the lens barrel body and having a mount portion on a side surface of the lens barrel body, and the mount portion of the lens unit. And a camera body that is detachably attached and is rotatably attached to the lens portion in the attached state.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the angle of the camera body that is also used as the grip portion can be adjusted using the mount portion, and the optimum angle of the camera body that does not force the wrist can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, an angle detection unit that detects a relative rotation connection angle between the lens unit and the camera body is provided, and an angle detected by the angle detection unit is set. It is characterized by having switching means for switching the camera control based on it.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the camera body is mounted on the lens unit via the mount portion, for example, when a right-handed right-handed operation specification camera is changed to a left-handed left-handed operation specification camera, The lens unit is inverted 180 degrees around the optical axis, the camera body is positioned on the left side as viewed from the user, and the camera body is inverted 180 degrees with respect to the lens unit. As a result, the right-handed specification can be changed to the left-handed specification. Further, in this case, the relative rotation connection angle between the lens portion and the mount portion is detected by the angle detection means, and based on this detection angle, the camera control by the camera operation member provided in the camera body is detected by the switching means. Switch. Thereby, according to the position where the camera body is attached to the lens unit, it is possible to automatically obtain the optimum operability.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the lens unit is provided with an image display unit, and the switching unit performs upright or upside down display of the image displayed on the image display unit. Switching is performed based on the angle detected by the angle detection means.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, when the right-handed specification is changed to the left-handed specification, the angle detecting unit detects an angle of 180 degrees, so that the switching unit is displayed on the image display unit. Flip the image to be turned upside down. Thus, even when the right-handed specification is changed to the left-handed specification, the image is displayed without being upside down.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the camera main body and the lens portion are each provided with a circular mount portion coupled to each other, and one of the mount portions has an inner portion. A cylindrical recess having a groove formed in the circumference is provided, and a claw that fits into the groove is provided on the other mount, and the claw engages with the recess and is coupled to each other in a rotatable manner. It is characterized by that.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotation angle of the camera body can be adjusted without adding extra components by a simple rotation mechanism of the claw and the recess. Optimal camera body rotation angles can be obtained for still image shooting and movie shooting.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the camera main body and the lens portion are each provided with a circular mount portion coupled to each other, and the mount portion has an electrical contact and other communication. And the electrical contact is used as a terminal that requires power supply, operation system, large current or time lag reduction, and at least the communication means is used as image data.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, since the electric contact suitable for the power source and the operation system and the wireless communication suitable for the large-capacity data communication are used in combination, it is necessary to reduce the size of the mount portion with a small number of terminals. Communication response can be ensured. Note that image data having a small capacity may be transmitted using an electrical contact.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, an imaging element is incorporated in the lens barrel body and a mount portion is provided on a side surface of the lens barrel body, and the mount portion of the lens portion is provided on the mount portion. A camera body that is detachably attached and is rotatably attached to the lens unit in a mounted state, an angle detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the camera body with respect to the lens unit, and an angle detection unit Switching means for switching the operation mode of the camera body to a predetermined mode based on the detected rotation angle.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operation mode of the camera is automatically switched to the predetermined mode by rotating the camera body using the rotation mount portion, so that the operability of the camera is improved. To do.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the lens unit integrally including the camera body and the imaging device is provided with a mount unit that is detachably coupled to each other, A plurality of patterns are concentrically formed around one mount portion on one mount portion, and a plurality of contacts are radially arranged on the other mount portion around the mount portion. And

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the continuity can be maintained regardless of the position of the lens-side mount. Further, since the flex and the wiring are not twisted, the durability is excellent.

  The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that, in claim 7, the plurality of contacts arranged radially are provided in a plurality of rows.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of contacts come into contact with one pattern at the time of connection, conduction can be reliably maintained regardless of the position at which the mount portion is rotated.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the seventh and eighth aspects, wherein the plurality of contact points arranged radially are arranged radially on a plurality of lines that do not interfere with each other, and adjacent patterns of the patterns are arranged on different lines. It is characterized in that contact points of

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the contacts are arranged radially on a plurality of lines that do not interfere with each other, the mount portion can be made compact even if the distance between the contacts is wide.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the lens unit integrally including the camera body and the imaging element is provided with a mount unit that is detachably coupled to each other, One mount portion is formed with a plurality of patterns concentrically around the mount portion, and the other mount portion is provided with a plurality of contacts arranged in a spiral shape with the mount portion as the center. It is characterized by that.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the contacts are arranged in a spiral shape, the mount portion can be made compact even if the distance between the contacts is wide.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, an imaging element is built in the lens barrel body, a mount portion is provided on the side surface of the lens barrel body, and an image display portion is provided on the back surface of the lens barrel body. A lens body, a camera body that is detachably attached to the mount part of the lens part, and is rotatably attached to the lens part in a mounted state, and the rotation detected by the angle detection means And a control unit capable of inverting and displaying and recording an image displayed on the image display unit based on an angle.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the left-handed image can be taken by rotating the camera body using the rotating mount portion, so that one camera can be used by a right-handed and left-handed user.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eleventh aspects, the mount portion is provided with a click mechanism that applies a click at a predetermined rotation angle.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the rotation position of the camera body can be easily held with respect to the lens portion by the click mechanism.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first to twelfth aspects, the lens portion is provided with a mount portion for attaching an accessory member.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, by attaching an accessory member such as a strobe unit to the mount portion for attaching the accessory member, the photographing function of the camera is improved.

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first to twelfth aspects, the camera body is attached to the mount portion of the lens portion via an accessory member.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when an accessory member such as a strobe unit is attached, the camera body is attached to the lens portion via the accessory member without providing a mount portion for attaching the accessory member to the lens portion. Can be mounted on the mount.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, an imaging device is incorporated in the lens barrel body and a mount portion is provided on a side surface of the lens barrel body, and the mount portion of the lens portion is provided in the lens portion. And a camera body that is detachably attached and can be attached to the lens unit at a plurality of different angles.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the shape can be changed to a camera form suitable for each operation mode such as moving image shooting and still image shooting by attaching and detaching the mount portion at different angles.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth aspect, the mounting angle detection unit that detects a mounting angle of the camera body with respect to the lens unit, and the rotation angle detected by the mounting angle detection unit, Switching means for switching the operation mode of the camera body to a predetermined mode.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the operation mode of the camera can be switched by changing the angle of the mount portion and attaching / detaching, the operability is improved.

  According to the camera of the present invention, the angle of the camera body that is also used as the grip part can be adjusted using the mount part, and the optimum camera body angle that does not overwhelm the wrist can be obtained. Can provide an excellent camera.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an assembly perspective view of a right-handed specification for explaining a digital camera of an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lens unit 12 constituting the digital camera 10 as viewed from the front. 3 is an assembly perspective view of the left-handed specification of the digital camera 10, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 10.

  The digital camera 10 shown in these drawings is a lens in which a photographic lens 14 (see FIG. 2) and a CCD (solid-state imaging device: see FIG. 4) 16 disposed at the imaging position of the photographic lens 14 can be integrally replaced. And a camera body 24 that is detachably attached to the lens mount portions 18 and 20 of the lens portion 12 via the mount portion 22.

  The lens unit 12 is provided with a focus ring 28 and a zoom ring 30 in a rotatable manner at a front portion of a lens barrel 26 that constitutes the exterior of the lens unit 12. In the manual mode, when the user rotates the focus ring 28, a focus operation is performed by the focus system lens 32 (see FIG. 4) of the photographic lens 14, and the zoom sling 30 is rotated so that the photographic lens 14 is rotated. The zoom operation is performed by a zoom system lens (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a rectangular liquid crystal monitor (image display unit) 36 is provided on the back surface 34 of the lens barrel 26, and a through image at the time of photographing, a still image or a moving image at the time of image reproduction is provided on the liquid crystal monitor 36. Is displayed. The liquid crystal monitor 36 has a large screen size as large as possible on the back surface 34 formed in a circular shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, lens mount portions 18 and 20 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the lens barrel 26, respectively. As the camera body 24 is attached to the lens mount 18 as shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 24 is positioned on the right side of the lens 12 as viewed from the user. Therefore, the digital camera 10 is suitable for a right-handed operation by holding the camera body 24 with the right hand as a grip portion. Further, by attaching the camera body 24 to the lens mount portion 20 as shown in FIG. 3, the camera body 24 is positioned on the left side of the lens portion 12 when viewed from the user. Therefore, the digital camera 10 is suitable for a left-handed operation in which the camera body 24 is gripped with a left hand. Furthermore, in the form of FIG. 3, the camera body 24 can be operated with one hand with the left hand, which is convenient when shooting while operating another device with the right hand.

  The lens mount portions 18 and 20 and the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 are attached / detached by a known bayonet mounting mechanism including three claws 38, 38... And three grooves 40, 40. In addition, the connector pin 42 projecting from the center of the mount portion 22 is fitted to a connector 44 formed at the center of the lens mount portions 18 and 20, so that the camera body with respect to the lens mount portions 18 and 20. 24 is positioned, and the lens unit 12 and the camera body 24 can transmit and receive data bidirectionally. In addition, you may make it perform bidirectional transmission / reception by joining other connectors.

  A shooting button 46, a mode switching button 48, and an enter button 50 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 24, and a power button 52 is disposed on the side surface of the camera body 24.

  The shooting button 46 is half-pressed and fully pressed by a user holding the camera body 24 as a grip portion. Focus adjustment is performed during the half-pressing operation, and then the subject image is formed on the CCD 16 in FIG. 4 via the photographing lens 14 in FIG. The mode switching button 48 is a button for switching the photographing mode of the digital camera 10 to an aperture priority mode, a shutter speed priority mode, a full auto mode, a manual mode, and the like. “Mode”, “Shutter speed priority mode”, “Full auto mode”, and “Manual mode” are displayed in order on the liquid crystal monitor 36. The decision button 50 is a button operated when switching to the selected mode.

  The operation buttons provided on the camera body 24 are not limited to the shooting button 46, the mode switching button 48, and the decision button 50. For example, a zoom button, a playback button, and a photo mode button may be arranged. The zoom button is operated when the focal length is adjusted to the tele side or the wide side, and the playback button is operated when it is desired to immediately reproduce the captured image. The photo mode button is a button for switching between color photography and monochrome photography. Furthermore, a playback button, a stop button, a fast-forward button, and a rewind button that are operated during image playback may be arranged.

  Next, the block diagram of FIG. 4 will be described.

  The overall operation of the digital camera 10 is comprehensively controlled by the CPU 56. The CPU 56 functions as a system control circuit unit that controls the camera system in accordance with a predetermined program, and performs various calculations such as automatic exposure (AE) calculation, automatic focus adjustment (AF) calculation, and white balance (WB) adjustment calculation. Functions as a calculation means.

  The ROM 60 connected to the CPU 56 via the bus 58 stores programs executed by the CPU 56 and various data necessary for control. The EEPROM 62 stores CCD pixel defect information, various constants / information related to camera operation, and the like. Has been.

  The memory (SDRAM) 64 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU 56, and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data and audio data. A recording unit (HDD) 66 is a temporary storage memory dedicated to image data.

  The shooting button 46 is an operation button for inputting an instruction to start shooting, and includes a two-stroke switch having an S1 switch that is turned on when half-pressed and an S2 switch that is turned on when fully pressed.

  The liquid crystal monitor 36 is driven as an electronic viewfinder that displays a through image at the time of shooting, and is also driven as an image playback monitor that displays a still image and a moving image at the time of playback. The liquid crystal monitor 36 is also used as a user interface display screen, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents as necessary. In addition, on the liquid crystal monitor 36, the image data recorded in the recording unit 66 is reduced and displayed as a thumbnail.

  The camera body 24 has a media socket 68 (see FIG. 1) on its side, and a recording medium 70 is attached to the media socket 68. The form of the recording medium 70 is not particularly limited, and various media such as an xD-picture card, a semiconductor memory card represented by SmartMedia (trademark), a portable small hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk are used. Can do.

  The media controller 72 performs necessary signal conversion in order to transfer an input / output signal suitable for the recording medium 70 attached to the media socket 68.

  The digital camera 10 also includes a USB interface unit 74 as a communication means for connecting to a personal computer or other external device. By connecting an external device to a connector, which is a communication terminal, connected to the USB interface unit 74 via a USB cable (not shown), data such as image data can be exchanged with the external device. . Of course, the communication method is not limited to USB, and other communication methods may be applied.

  Next, the photographing function of the digital camera 10 will be described.

  The taking lens 14 of the lens unit 12 is an optical unit including a diaphragm / mechanical shutter 76. The photographing lens 14 is electrically driven by a lens driving unit 78 and a diaphragm driving unit 80 controlled by the CPU 56, and zoom control, focus control, and iris control are performed.

  The light that has passed through the photographing lens 14 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16. A large number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16, and primary color filters of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are provided for each photodiode. They are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure. The CCD 16 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photodiode. The CPU 56 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD 16 via the timing generator 82. Instead of the CCD 16, an image pickup device of another type such as a MOS type may be used.

  The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the timing generator 82 in accordance with a command from the CPU 56.

  The signal output from the CCD 16 is sent to an analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 84, where the R, G, B signals for each pixel are sampled and held (correlated double sampling processing), amplified, and then A / Applied to the D converter 86. The dot sequential R, G and B signals converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 86 are stored in the memory 64 via the image input controller 88.

  The image signal processing circuit 90 processes the R, G, and B signals stored in the memory 64 in accordance with a command from the CPU 56. That is, the image signal processing circuit 90 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD), a white balance correction circuit, It functions as an image processing means including a gamma correction circuit, a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, etc., and performs predetermined signal processing using the memory 64 in accordance with commands from the CPU 56.

  The RGB image data input to the image signal processing circuit 90 is converted into a luminance signal and a color difference signal by the image signal processing circuit 90 and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction. The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 90 is recorded in the recording unit 66.

  When outputting the captured / reproduced image to the liquid crystal monitor 36, the image data is read from the recording unit 66 and transmitted to the video encoder 92 via the bus 58. The video encoder 92 converts the input image data into a predetermined signal for display (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs the converted signal to the liquid crystal monitor 36. The through image at the time of shooting is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 36 from the video signal processing circuit 90 via the bus 58 and the video encoder 92.

  When the shooting button 46 is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, the digital camera 10 starts AE and AF processing. That is, the image signal output from the CCD 16 is input to the AF detection circuit 94 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 96 via the image input controller 88 after A / D conversion.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 96 includes a circuit that divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16) and accumulates RGB signals for each divided area, and provides the accumulated value to the CPU 56. The CPU 56 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 96, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. In accordance with the obtained exposure value and a predetermined program diagram, the aperture value and the shutter speed are determined, and the CPU 56 controls the electronic shutter and iris of the CCD 16 to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 96 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the RGB signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the CPU 56. The CPU 56 obtains the integrated value of R, the integrated value of B, and the integrated value of G, calculates the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and R of these R / G and B / G values. The light source type is discriminated based on the distribution in the color space of / G, B / G, etc., and the white balance adjustment value suitable for the discriminated light source type is set so that, for example, each ratio value is about 1. The gain value (white balance correction value) for the R, G, and B signals of the balance adjustment circuit is controlled to correct the signal of each color channel. If the gain value of the white balance adjustment circuit is adjusted so that the above-described ratio values are values other than 1, an image in which a certain color remains can be generated.

  For the AF control in the digital camera 10, for example, contrast AF that moves the focus lens 32 so that the high-frequency component of the G signal of the video signal is maximized is applied. That is, the AF detection circuit 94 cuts out a signal in a focus target area preset in a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, and a screen (for example, the center of the screen). An area extraction unit and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the AF area are configured.

  The integrated value data obtained by the AF detection circuit 94 is notified to the CPU 56. The CPU 56 calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points while controlling the lens driving unit 78 to move the focusing lens, and determines a lens position where the evaluation value is a maximum as a focus position. To do. Then, the lens driving unit 78 is controlled so as to move the focusing lens to the obtained in-focus position. The calculation of the AF evaluation value is not limited to a mode using the G signal, and a luminance signal (Y signal) may be used.

  The shooting button 46 is pressed halfway, AE / AF processing is performed when S1 is turned on, the shooting button 46 is fully pressed, and the shooting operation for recording starts when S2 is turned on. The image data acquired in response to S2 ON is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the image signal processing circuit 90, subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the memory 64. The

  The Y / C signal stored in the memory 64 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression circuit 98 and then recorded on the recording medium 70 via the media controller 72. For example, a still image is recorded in JPEG format.

  A rechargeable battery 100 is housed in the camera body 24, and the power of the battery 100 is supplied to the CPU 56 via the power supply circuit 102 to drive the entire digital camera 10.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

  First, when used by a right-handed user, the camera body 24 is mounted on the lens mount 18 provided on the right side of the lens unit 12 as viewed from the user as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the camera operation can be performed while the camera body 24 is gripped with the right hand as a grip portion, which is suitable for a right-handed user. When a left-handed user uses the camera, the camera body 24 is attached to the lens mount 20 provided on the left side of the lens 12 as viewed from the user as shown in FIG. Thus, the camera operation can be performed while the camera body 24 is gripped with the left hand as a grip portion, which is suitable for a left-handed user.

  Therefore, according to the digital camera 10 of the embodiment, even in a right-handed user and a left-handed user, in the interchangeable lens digital camera 10, an extra accessory is not added or downsizing is not hindered. The digital camera 10 having equivalent operability can be provided. In addition, since there are no extra accessories, there is no penalty for left-handed use at a level that cannot be achieved with conventional cameras, and the user-friendly digital camera 10 can be realized. Further, even a right-handed user can place the camera body 24 on the left side as shown in FIG. 3 as needed, and the camera body 24 can be operated with one hand with the left hand. This is convenient when shooting while operating the device.

  The digital camera 10 according to the embodiment has a liquid crystal monitor 36 in the lens unit 12. By the way, when the liquid crystal monitor 36 is provided in the camera main body 24 that is also used as a grip portion, the camera main body 24 becomes unnecessarily large in order to secure the arrangement space. Since the arrangement space for the liquid crystal monitor 36 is originally present, the lens unit 12 does not become large even if the liquid crystal monitor 36 is provided in the lens unit 12.

  Further, since the liquid crystal monitor 36 is provided on the back surface 34 of the lens barrel 26, a user who is positioned behind the lens unit 12 without being obstructed by the camera body 24 attached to the lens mount units 18 and 20. The image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 36 can be confirmed. The same applies when the liquid crystal monitor 36 is provided on the upper surface of the rear portion of the lens barrel 26 as shown in FIG. Further, according to the digital camera 10, it can be carried with the camera body 4 removed from the lens unit 12 when being carried.

  On the other hand, for the purpose of providing a camera that is easy to use, such as right-handed and left-handed, as a camera of another embodiment, a plurality of mounts are provided in the lens unit, and one of these mounts is selected. A camera in which a camera body is mounted on one mount portion and camera control by a camera operation member provided on the camera body is switched by a switching unit can be exemplified.

  According to this camera, the camera body can be attached to an arbitrary mount unit selected from among a plurality of mount units according to the user's preference. In this case, depending on the place where the camera body is mounted, it may be better to switch the camera control by the camera operation member. For example, when the camera body is attached to the right-handed operation position, a button that is easy to operate with the index finger of the right hand is set as the shooting button, but when the camera body is attached to the left-handed operation position, It cannot be said that the photographing button is located at a position where it can be easily operated. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to switch the button at a position where it can be easily operated with the index finger of the left hand to the shooting button (change the function assignment of the button). In this camera, camera control by a camera operation member such as a shooting button is manually switched by a switching unit. For example, an inquiry as to whether or not to execute the switching is displayed on a touch panel type display unit superimposed on the liquid crystal monitor, and the user selects the touch panel type button. As a result, there is no penalty for left-handed use, and the camera is easy to use.

  In addition, as a camera according to another embodiment, the camera body includes an identification unit that identifies which of the plurality of mount units is mounted, and the camera is based on the mount unit identified by the identification unit. The camera which has the switching means which switches the camera control by the camera operation member provided in the main body can be illustrated.

  This camera is a camera characterized in that the camera control is automatically switched with respect to the camera that switches the camera control manually. That is, when the camera body is mounted on an arbitrary mount part, the identifying unit identifies which of the plurality of mount parts is mounted. And based on the identified mount part, the camera control by the camera operation member provided in the camera main body is switched by the switching means. Thereby, according to the position where the camera body is attached to the lens unit, it is possible to automatically obtain the optimum operability.

  6 and 7 show an embodiment of the digital camera 10 in which an electronic viewfinder 110 is provided in the camera body 24. FIG. As shown in these drawings, lens mount portions 18 and 20 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the lens portion 12, respectively, and the camera body 24 is connected to any of the left and right lens mount portions 18 and 20. Can be used.

  The housing 112 of the electronic viewfinder 110 is rotatably supported by a shaft 114 protruding from the bearing portion 25 of the camera body 24. Accordingly, by rotating the electronic viewfinder 110 from the right-handed specification form of FIG. 6 by 180 degrees, the eyepiece 116 of the electronic viewfinder 110 can be directed to the user in the left-handed specification form of FIG. . That is, by changing the orientation of the electronic viewfinder 110, it can be shared in a right-handed right-handed operation and a left-handed left-handed operation.

  In addition, as a camera according to another embodiment, the lens unit mount is configured to be rotatable, and an angle detection is performed to detect a relative rotation connection angle between the camera body and the lens mounted on the mount. A camera in which the means is provided in the camera body or the lens unit and the camera control is switched by the switching means based on the angle detected by the angle detection means can be exemplified.

  According to this camera, when the camera body is attached to the lens unit via the mount unit, for example, when a right-handed camera with a right-handed operation specification is changed to a left-handed camera with a left-handed operation specification, the lens unit is optically connected. The camera body is reversed 180 degrees around the axis so that the camera body is positioned on the left side when viewed from the user, and the camera body is reversed 180 degrees with respect to the lens section. As a result, the right-handed specification can be changed to the left-handed specification. Further, in this case, the relative rotation connection angle between the lens unit and the camera body is detected by the angle detection means, and the camera control by the camera operation member provided in the camera body is detected by the switching means based on the detected angle. Switch. Thereby, according to the position where the camera body is attached to the lens unit, it is possible to automatically obtain the optimum operability.

  When this camera is provided with a liquid crystal monitor, the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor is switched between upright and upside down display based on the angle detected by the angle detecting means. For example, when the right-handed specification is changed to the left-handed specification, the angle detecting unit detects an angle of 180 degrees, and thus the switching unit flips the image displayed on the image display unit upside down. Thus, even when the right-handed specification is changed to the left-handed specification, the image is displayed without being upside down.

  8 and 9 show a digital camera 10 according to another embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, two detection pins 120 that detect whether the lens body 12 is connected to the right lens mount section 18 or the left lens mount section 20 are connected to the mount section 22 of the camera body 24. 122 is urged in a protruding direction by an urging member (not shown). On the other hand, a hole 124 for identifying that the detection pin 120 is fitted and provided in the lens mount unit 18 is formed in the right lens mount unit 18 among the lens mount units 18 and 20 of the lens unit 12. Yes.

  When the camera body 24 is connected to the right lens mount portion 18, the detection pin 120 is fitted into the hole 124, and only the detection pin 122 is pushed into the camera body 24, and the detection pin 120 protrudes by a detection switch (not shown). It is detected that the detection pin 122 is pushed. Thereby, the operation mode of the camera body 24 is switched to the right-hand operation mode by the CPU 56 which is a system control circuit.

  When switched to the right-hand operation mode, the three buttons 46, 48, and 50 provided on the upper surface of the camera body 24 are assigned to different functions depending on the right-hand operation mode. That is, in the right-hand operation mode, the button 46 is assigned to the shooting button, the button 48 is assigned to the mode switching button, the button 50 is assigned to the decision button, and the button that is most easily operated by the index finger when the camera body 24 is held with the right hand. The shutter release by 46 becomes possible.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, since the left lens mount portion 20 is not formed with a hole for identification, when the camera body 24 is connected to the left lens mount portion, the detection pins 120 and 122 are both connected to the camera. It is detected that both the detection pins 120 and 122 are pushed in by being pushed into the main body 24 and detected by a detection switch (not shown). Thereby, the operation mode of the camera body 24 is switched to the left-hand operation mode by the CPU 56.

  In the left hand operation mode, on the contrary, the button 50 is assigned to the shooting button, the button 48 is assigned to the mode switching button, the button 46 is assigned to the decision button, and the position that is most easily operated by the index finger when the camera body 24 is held with the left hand. The shutter release by the button 50 in the button can be performed. Therefore, the button arrangement is opposite to that when operating with the right hand, and the same operability can be obtained sensuously.

  In the embodiment, the detection by the detection pins 120 and 122 has been described. However, the detection means may be another means, for example, whether or not an electrical contact is connected, connectors 126, 128 provided on the mounts 18, 20, 22, It is also possible to use a means for performing communication via 130, attaching a reflecting member to the surface of the mount portion, and identifying the reflectance and pattern.

  Further, the content of the control to be switched is not limited to the button assignment, and the side facing the user may be used for display or the flash emission may be switched among a plurality of display and warning means. . Further, in the embodiment, the detection pins 120 and 122 are provided on the camera body 24 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Similar operation is possible by transmitting to the side.

  FIG. 10 shows a digital camera 200 according to another embodiment. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. .

  The digital camera 200 shown in FIG. 10 is shown in a right-handed form, and the camera body 24 is connected to the lens mount unit 18 and the strobe unit 202 is connected to the lens mount unit 20. Instead of the flash unit 202, other accessories such as a sound collecting microphone may be attached.

  The strobe unit 202 includes a housing 206 with a light emission window 204 attached to the front and a built-in xenon tube 205 (see FIG. 11), and a mounting portion 208 rotates around the connector pin 42 on the side of the housing 206. It is configured to be movably connected. In addition, the mount 208 is formed with three claws 38, 38, 38 constituting a bayonet mounting mechanism. In this way, by configuring the housing 206 to be rotatable with respect to the mount unit 208, the light emission direction of the strobe unit 202 after the strobe unit 202 is connected to the lens mount unit 20 can be adjusted. When the left-handed specification is changed, the camera body 24 is connected to the left lens mount unit 20, the electronic viewfinder 110 is inverted 180 degrees, and the strobe unit 202 is connected to the right lens mount unit 18. However, at this time, the light emission window 204 can be directed to the front subject by reversing the housing 206 by 180 degrees. Therefore, it can be shared between right-handed and left-handed specifications.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the digital camera 200. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a part of the contact points of both lens mount portions 18 and 20 of the lens portion 12 is configured by electrically communicating the opposite contact points of both lens mount portions 18 and 20 for communication. ing. With this configuration, the camera body 24 attached to the right side of the lens unit 12 and the strobe unit 202 attached to the left side as viewed from the user include the accessory controller 210, the flash control circuit 212, the power supply control unit 214, and the flash emission. A circuit 216 is connected via the lens unit 12.

  When power is supplied from the camera body 24 to the flash light emitting circuit 216, a light emitting capacitor (not shown) is charged, a light emission signal is sent to the flash control circuit 212 at a predetermined timing, and the xenon tube 205 emits light.

  It should be noted that the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 can be rotatably provided with respect to the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12 by a mechanism shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows a digital camera 300 according to another embodiment. The same or similar members as those of the digital cameras 10 and 200 shown in FIGS. Omitted.

  A digital camera 300 shown in FIG. 12 has a right-handed form, and the camera body 24 is connected to the lens unit 12 via a strobe unit 302. Instead of the flash unit 302, other accessories such as a sound collecting microphone may be attached.

  The strobe unit 302 includes a housing 304 with a light emission window 204 attached to the front and a built-in xenon tube 205 (see FIG. 13). The housing 304 rotates around an L-shaped bracket 308 via a shaft 306. It is connected freely. In addition, an electronic viewfinder 310 that displays a through image captured by the lens unit 12 is built in the back surface of the housing 304. Thus, by configuring the housing 304 to be rotatable with respect to the bracket 308, the light emission direction of the strobe unit 302 after the strobe unit 302 is connected to the lens mount unit 18 can be adjusted. When the left-handed specification is changed, the strobe unit 302 is connected to the left lens mount unit 20. At this time, the light emitting window 204 is directed toward the front subject by inverting the housing 304 by 180 degrees. be able to. Therefore, it can be shared between right-handed and left-handed specifications.

  On the other hand, a mount portion 312 connected to the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 is provided on one surface of the lower portion of the bracket 308, and a mount portion connected to the lens mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12 on the other surface. 314 (see FIG. 13) is provided. As a result, the camera body 24 is connected to the lens unit 12 via the strobe unit 302.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the digital camera 300. The same or similar members as those in the digital camera 200 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a part of the contacts of the mount units 312 and 314 of the strobe unit 302 is configured by electrically communicating the opposing contacts of the mount units 312 and 314 for communication. Through this contact, the lens mount 18 on the right side of the lens unit 12 and the mount unit 22 of the camera main body 24 transmit control system signals such as exposure, focus, zoom, etc., drive signals for the CCD 16, and interchangeable lens units. 12 can receive a CCD output signal. In addition, the mount unit 314 of the strobe unit 302 can be rotatably provided with respect to the mount unit 18 of the lens unit 12 by a mechanism shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows a digital camera 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 10 shown in FIGS. To do.

  A liquid crystal monitor 36 is provided on the curved rear surface 34 of the interchangeable lens unit 12. The liquid crystal monitor 36 displays a through image at the time of shooting. In this case, the imaging circuit and the liquid crystal monitor drive circuit are built in the lens unit 12. Note that the imaging circuit and the liquid crystal monitor drive circuit may be built in the camera body 24. An electronic viewfinder 110 is provided in the camera body 24. The finder is not limited to an electronic view finder composed of a liquid crystal monitor, and may be an optical finder.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the mount unit 18 is provided on the right side surface of the lens unit 12 when viewed from the user, and the camera body 24 is attached to the mount unit 18. In addition, when carrying, the camera body 24 can be carried away from the lens unit 12.

  FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the mount portion 18 on the right side surface of the lens portion 12. The mount portion 18 is configured to have a double structure in which two disks 402 and 404 are stacked, and the disks 402 and 404 are fitted in a circumferential portion so that the disk 404 can rotate with respect to the disk 402. Yes. In addition, the wiring from the internal circuit of the lens unit 12 to the connector 126 has flexibility for rotation of the mount unit 18 by providing slack inside.

  Three circular arc holes 408, 408,... For fitting three lock claws (not shown) protruding from the camera body are formed in the disk 404 on the side of the mount 18 that contacts the camera body 24. As a result, the lens unit 12 is coupled to the camera body 24, and the connector 126 shown in the figure is connected to a connector (not shown) of the camera body 24, so that the camera body 24 and the lens unit 12 are electrically connected. The three lock claws and the arc-shaped holes 408, 408... Are provided on a concentric circle with the connector 44 as the center.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the camera body 24 can be rotated with respect to the lens unit 12 as indicated by an arrow by the rotation of the disk 404, and the angle can be adjusted. After the angle adjustment, the adjusted angle is maintained by the frictional force of the disc 404 against the disc 402.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram of the state of FIG. 15 viewed from the right side. Thus, the digital camera 400 can be operated easily with one hand by adjusting the rotation angle of the camera body 24 so that the angle of the wrist of the user does not become unnatural.

  Although a structure using frictional force is shown for maintaining the adjustment angle, the structure is not limited to this, and a click mechanism may be provided so as to be held at a plurality of locations, or a rotation lock mechanism may be provided to release the lock for adjustment. May be.

  17 shows a digital camera 500 according to another embodiment. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. .

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the mount portion, in which a cross section of the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12 and a cross section of the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 are illustrated.

  Three claw portions 502, 502... (Only two are shown in FIG. 18) protrude from the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 on a concentric circle. The lever 504 integrated with the claw portion 502 is disposed through the two plates 506 and 508, and the end portion 510 opposite to the claw 502 is biased by the spring 512 in the inner peripheral direction of the plate 508. ing. Thereby, the nail | claw part 502 is urged | biased by the outer peripheral direction, and is maintained in the position shown as the continuous line of FIG.

  Further, a groove 514 into which the claw portion 502 is fitted is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12.

  When the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 is pressed against the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12, the tapered surface 503 of the claw portion 502 comes into contact with the inner peripheral corner portion 19 of the mount portion 18, whereby the claw portions 502, 502. It is moved inward against the urging force of 512 and is inserted into the recess of the mount 18. After that, when the claw portions 502, 502... Reach the inner circumferential groove 514, the claw portions 502, 502... Are moved outward by the urging force of the spring 512 and are fitted into the grooves 514. In this state, the mount portion 22 does not come off the mount portion 18 but can freely rotate. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, concave portions 514A and convex portions 514B are alternately formed on the entire bottom surface of the groove 514, whereby a certain click feeling is given to the rotation of the claw portions 502, 502.

  Next, the fitting release mechanism of the claw portion 502 will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a development view of the plates 506 and 508 constituting the fitting release mechanism. The plate 506 is formed in a disk shape and is rotatably provided on a shaft 516 attached to the camera body 24, and a plate 508 similarly formed in a disk shape is fixed to the camera body 24. The lever 504 of the claw 502 is inserted into a substantially fan-shaped opening 518 formed in the plate 506, and is pressed and urged to the outer peripheral edge 518A of the opening 518 by the urging force of the spring 512 shown in FIG. Yes. As shown in FIG. 20, the outer peripheral edge 518 </ b> A is formed in an arc shape that faces from the inside to the outside of the plate 506. Further, the lever 504 is inserted through the opening 520 of the plate 508.

  A gear portion 522 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plate 506, and the gear portion 522 is meshed with a rack 526 of the mating release slider 524. The slider 524 is built in the camera main body 24, and two long holes 528 and 528 formed in a straight line are fitted into guide pins 530 and 530 protruding from the camera main body 24. Further, the slider 524 is urged upward in FIG. 20 by the spring 532, whereby the plate 506 is urged to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 20, and the long arc side end 518 B of the opening 518 is clawed. By contacting the portion 502, the rotation of the plate 506 is stopped. At this time, the nail | claw part 502 is located in the fitting position shown by the continuous line of FIG. Further, a knob 534 is attached to the slider 524, and this knob 534 is exposed on the side surface of the camera body 24 as shown in FIG. 17 so as to be manually operated by the user.

  When the fitting of the claw portion 502 is released, the knob 534 attached to the slider 524 is pushed down in the direction of the arrow. As a result, the plate 506 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 20, and the lever 504 is pushed by the outer peripheral edge 518A of the opening 518 in conjunction with this, so that as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The claw portion 502 is disengaged from the groove 514 as it moves inward against the biasing force of the spring 512. As a result, the fitting is released and the camera body 24 is removed from the lens unit 12.

  In the embodiment, a concave portion is formed in the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12 and the claw portion 502 is arranged in the camera body 24. Conversely, the claw portion 502 is arranged in the lens portion 12 and the camera body 24 is arranged. A recess may be formed in the mount portion 22 of the main body 24.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the digital camera 500. The same or similar members as those in the configuration of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG.

  The digital camera 500 receives the focus and zoom lens control signals output from the lens drive unit (focus control means, zoom drive means) 78, the power supply from the power supply means 100, and the CCD drive timing signal via the connectors 126 and 130. By connecting directly, the response of the lens operation is ensured and the power is directly supplied. Also, CCD drive synchronism can be obtained.

  The CCD output signal is converted into a radio wave, transmitted by the wireless communication circuit 540 of the lens unit 12, and received by the wireless communication circuit 542 of the camera body 24. For this, for example, a general wireless communication method used in a wireless LAN may be adopted. However, since it is limited to transmission / reception at a close distance, it is desirable that the output is the minimum necessary. Further, if the CCD output signal is converted into an optical signal such as an infrared ray, and a transmission / reception device is disposed opposite to the mount portion, it is possible to perform near field communication more easily. In any case, there is no need to arrange a large number of contacts inside the narrow mount portions 18 and 22, and the mount portions 18 and 22 can be made compact.

  The CCD output signal needs to communicate a large amount of data in a short time, and considering the transmission of communication through electrical contacts, the number of contacts becomes very large, which hinders downsizing of the mount portion. Reference numeral 544 denotes a lens barrier, which is moved between a position where the photographing lens is covered and a position where the photographing lens is exposed by the leaf control means 546 controlled by the CPU 55.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a digital camera 600 according to another embodiment. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 500 shown in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. .

  An angle detection switch (angle detection means) 602 is provided on the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 of the digital camera 600. The angle detection switch 602 can be specifically exemplified by a combination of a magnet and a hall element, a combination of a mechanical switch and a cam, and a combination of a rotary switch.

  When the camera body 24 is attached to the lens unit 12, a form as shown in FIG. 24 is obtained. In this mode, when the power switch 604 is turned on, the angle detection switch 602 detects that the camera body 24 is mounted in the vertical direction, and the vertical information is output to the CPU 56 via the angle detection circuit 606. The At this time, the CPU 56 switches the operation mode of the digital camera 600 to the still image shooting mode. In this case, the button 46 arranged on the upper surface of the camera body 24 is a shooting button.

  When switching to the moving image shooting mode, the camera body 24 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise to the user side as shown in FIG. As a result, the angle detection switch 602 detects that the camera body 24 is attached in the horizontal direction, and information on the horizontal direction is output to the CPU 55 via the angle detection circuit 606. At this time, the CPU 56 switches the operation mode of the digital camera 600 to the moving image shooting mode. In this case, the button 46 is switched to the record / stop button.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of the contact structure of the connectors 126 and 130.

  A plurality of concentric patterns 610, 610... Constituting the connector 126 are arranged on the mount unit 18, and each pattern 610, 610... Is connected to the circuit of the lens unit 12 on the back surface of the substrate. The patterns 610, 610,... Are arranged along a quarter arc of the circumference, but this is not restrictive.

  On the other hand, the power supply and serial communication terminal pins (contacts) 612, 612,... Constituting the connector 130 are arranged linearly at predetermined intervals in the radial direction on the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24. Connected with the circuit. When the mount portions 18 and 22 are attached to each other, the terminal pins 612, 612... Are pressed against the opposing patterns 610, 610. Since the pin 612 maintains contact, stable conduction is maintained even when the mount portions 18 and 22 are rotated relatively within a range of 90 degrees.

  FIG. 27 shows another contact structure. A plurality of concentric patterns 610, 610... Constituting the connector 126 are arranged on the mount portion 18, and each pattern 610, 610... Is connected to the circuit of the lens portion 12 on the back surface of the substrate. These patterns 610, 610... Are formed in a circular arc of 3/4 of the circumference (θ = 270 °) so that at least two of the connectors 130 of the three rows of connectors 130 described later come into contact with each other. Are arranged along.

  On the other hand, the power supply and serial communication terminal pins 612, 612,... Constituting the connector 130 are arranged linearly at predetermined intervals in the radial direction on the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24. Three are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees on the circumference, and are connected to the circuit of the camera body 24. By configuring in this way, that is, by configuring so that at least two rows of connectors 130 and 130 are in contact with each other, the reliability of conduction is improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 28A, if the intervals between adjacent terminal pins 612, 612,... Are widened on the circumference, the terminal pins 612, 612,. Therefore, it becomes a stable structure and can maintain reliable conduction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 28 (B), the reliability of conduction is improved by arranging the patterns 610, 610,. Further, as shown in FIG. 28C, the arrangement of the terminal pins 612 and 612 shown in FIG. 28B is symmetrically arranged with the connector 44 as the center, thereby further improving the reliability of conduction. The terminal pin 612 is attached to the leaf spring 614 as shown in FIG. 29 and is urged in the protruding direction with respect to the surface of the mount portion 22, and when pressed by the pattern 610, the urging force of the leaf spring 614 is applied. It moves against the immersive direction. Further, the contact with the pattern 610 is stabilized by the urging force of the leaf spring 614. Reference numeral 616 denotes a lead wire for connecting the terminal pin 612 and the circuit of the camera body 24.

  FIG. 30 shows another contact structure. Terminal pins 612, 612,... Are provided on the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 in a spiral shape with the center of the mount portion 22 as the center. By arranging the terminal pins 612, 612, in this manner, the terminal pins 612, 612,... Can be arranged with a wider space compared to the example in which the terminal pins 612, 612,. Since the pins 612, 612,... Can be arranged without being densely packed, a stable structure can be obtained and reliable conduction can be maintained. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, if the arrangement of the spiral terminal pins 612, 612,... Is provided in three directions, the conduction stability is further increased.

  FIGS. 31 to 35 show a digital camera 700 according to another embodiment. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 10 shown in FIGS. Is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the camera body 24 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the lens unit 12. FIG. 33 shows a form in a right-handed specification. Further, by rotating the camera body 24 by 180 degrees from this state, the left-handed specification shown in FIG. 34 is obtained.

  According to the block diagram of FIG. 35, the mount unit 22 is provided with an angle detection switch 602 of the camera body 24, and detects whether it is a right-handed specification form or a left-handed specification form. When the left-handed specification form is detected by the CPU 55 via the angle detection circuit 606 by the angle detection switch 602, the image processing circuit 90 outputs a 180-degree inverted image to the display inversion circuit 702 as an operation corresponding to the left-handed specification form. . As a result, the upper and lower sides are correctly recorded, but the liquid crystal monitor 36 is also inverted, so that the display inversion circuit 702 is operated and the display of the liquid crystal monitor 36 is further rotated 180 degrees and displayed. As a result, the formed image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor in the form of FIG.

  36 to 42 show a digital camera 800 according to another embodiment. The same or similar members as those of the digital camera 10 shown in FIGS. Is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the camera body 24 has two symmetrical lock claws 38, 38 on the mount portion 22, and the lock claws 38, 38 are engaged with the lock holes 40, 40. Thus, the camera body 24 is attached to the lens unit 12. And it is comprised so that attachment or detachment is possible by retracting | releasing lock claw 38,38 inside and releasing engagement by the lock release mechanism not shown. The lock holes 40, 40... Have the same shape and are provided at four positions on the concentric circles at intervals of 90 degrees, and the camera body 24 has four angles rotated by 90 degrees including the angle of FIG. It can be installed with. Further, the connectors 126 of the mount portion 18 are radially arranged at intervals of 90 degrees with the mount portion 18 as the center so as to be electrically connected to each other at four angles rotated by 90 degrees. A liquid crystal monitor 36 is disposed on the rear surface 34 of the lens unit 12, and a through image is displayed during photographing and a recorded image is displayed during reproduction.

  FIG. 37 shows the camera body 24 attached to the lens unit 12 at the angle shown in FIG. When the digital camera 800 is held with the user's right hand in this manner, a form suitable for still image shooting operation is obtained.

  FIG. 38 shows a state of the left-handed specification when the camera body 24 is rotated 180 degrees with respect to FIG. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 800 is held with the user's left hand, and a form suitable for still image shooting operation is obtained.

  FIG. 39 shows a form in use when the camera body 24 is attached by rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise from the user side in FIG. At this time, the digital camera 800 is held by turning the hand from the top of the camera body 24, and even if the camera is held for a long time, the operation mode is switched to the moving image shooting mode. This mode switching will be described later.

  FIG. 40 shows a form of a digital camera 800 suitable for self-portrait. This form is obtained when the camera body 24 is turned 90 degrees toward the user from FIG.

  With respect to the mounting angle (direction) of the camera body 24 with respect to the lens unit 12, the detection circuit 802 shown in FIG. 41 detects the entrance and exit of the three detection pins a, b, and c shown in FIG. The CPU 56 inverts the recorded image, inverts the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 36, switches between the moving image shooting mode / still image shooting mode, and switches A, B, and C of the camera body 24 according to the detected mounting state. The function / operation is automatically switched when pressed. In the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12, connectors 126, 126... Are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees so that the camera main body 24 is connected to the connector 130 of the camera main body 24 at the four positions shown in FIGS. The book is arranged.

  FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 800.

  As shown in FIG. 41, detection pins a, b and c are projected from the mount portion 22 of the camera body 24 to detect the mounting state on the lens portion 12. The lens unit 23 is provided with a liquid crystal monitor 36 and is driven by a display circuit 92 of the camera body 24. Further, an image inversion circuit 702 is provided between the display circuit 92 and the liquid crystal monitor 38. For example, when a left hand holding state is detected, the image inversion circuit 702 performs 180 degree inversion as an operation corresponding to the left hand. Output an image. As a result, the display image is inverted, so that the upright image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 36 in the left-handed specification of FIG.

  FIG. 42 is a list showing detection states by the detection pins a, b, and c and switching of each operation linked to the detection state. Note that the detection state by the detection pins a, b, c is such that any one of the detection pins a, b, c is a hole q, r, x, formed in a predetermined position of the mount portion 18 of the lens portion 12. It is detected by being inserted into y and z.

  According to the figure, if the detection pins a, b, and c are convex, the lens unit 12 is not attached. In this case, the recorded image, the LCD recorded image, the movie / still, and the switches A, B, and C Are both in the OFF state.

  Next, when the lens unit 12 is mounted on the camera body 24 and the camera body 24 is positioned at the right hand position shown in FIG. 37, the detection pin a is inserted into the hole q to be in a convex state, and the detection pins b, c Is pushed to the bottom of the mount 18 to be in a depressed state. In this case, the power is turned on, both the recorded image and the LCD recorded image are displayed upright, and the movie / still is in a still mode for capturing a still image. The switch A is set as a release button (shooting button), the switch B is set as a determination button, and the switch C is set as a mode switching button.

  Next, when the camera body 24 is positioned at the left hand position shown in FIG. 38, the detection pins a and b are pushed into the bottom of the mount portion 18 to be in a pushing convex state, and the detection pin c is inserted into the hole y. It becomes a convex state. In this case, the power is turned on, both the recorded image and the LCD recorded image are displayed in reverse 180 degrees, and the movie / still is in a still mode for capturing a still image. The switch A is set as a mode switching button, the switch B is set as a determination button, and the switch C is set as a release button.

  Next, when the camera body 24 is positioned at the movie position shown in FIG. 39, the detection pins a and c are pushed onto the bottom of the mount portion 18 so as to be pushed in, and the detection pin b is inserted into the hole z. It becomes a convex state. In this case, the power is turned on, both the recorded image and the LCD recorded image are displayed upright, and the movie / still is in a movie mode for shooting a moving image. The switch A is set as a mode switching button, the switch B is set as a REC button, and the switch C is set as a decision button.

  When the camera body 24 is positioned at the self-portrait position shown in FIG. 40, the detection pins a and c are inserted into the holes r and x to be in a convex state, and the detection pin b is pushed to the bottom of the mount portion 18. The indented convex state. In this case, the power is turned on, the recorded image is displayed in reverse 180 degrees, the LCD recorded image is turned off, and both movies / still can be selected. The switch A is set as a movie or still mode switching button, the switch B is set as a REC button when a movie is selected, the release button when a still is selected, and the switch C is set as a decision button. .

  As described above, according to the digital camera 800 of the embodiment, the operation mode suitable for the position is automatically set according to the position of the camera body 24 with respect to the lens unit 12, so that the digital camera is very easy to use. It becomes.

Assembly perspective view of right-handed specification of digital camera of embodiment The perspective view which looked at the lens part which constitutes a digital camera from the front Assembly perspective view of left handed digital camera The block diagram which showed the whole structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example in which the liquid crystal monitor was provided in the rear part of the lens part of a digital camera Illustration of a right-handed specification with an electronic viewfinder on the camera body Illustration of left-handed specification with an electronic viewfinder on the camera body The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment The perspective view of the lens part of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment Block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment The block diagram which showed the structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment The perspective view of the lens part of the digital camera shown in FIG. Side view of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment Sectional drawing which showed the mount part connection structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a main part structure diagram showing a click mechanism of the connection structure shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a structural view showing a release mechanism of the connecting structure shown in FIG. Main part structure diagram of release mechanism shown in FIG. The block diagram which showed the whole structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. The block diagram which showed the whole structure of the digital camera of other embodiment The perspective view which showed the usage form of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed the usage form of the digital camera shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing showing an example of the connector structure of the mount Explanatory drawing showing an example of the connector structure of the mount Explanatory drawing showing an example of the arrangement of connector terminal pins An explanatory view showing an example of the biasing structure of the terminal pin Explanatory drawing showing an example of the arrangement of connector terminal pins The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The block diagram which showed the whole structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed the digital camera of other embodiment The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The perspective view which showed an example of the usage condition of the digital camera shown in FIG. The block diagram which showed the whole structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. List chart showing detection state by detection pin and switching of each operation linked to it

Explanation of symbols

  10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 ... digital camera, 12 ... lens unit, 16 ... CCD, 18, 20 ... lens mount unit, 22 ... mount unit, 24 ... camera body, 36 ... LCD monitor, 56 ... CPU, 110 ... electronic viewfinder

Claims (16)

An imaging element is incorporated in the lens barrel body and a lens portion having a mount on the side surface of the lens barrel body;
A camera body that is detachably attached to the mount part of the lens part, and is rotatably attached to the lens part in a mounted state;
A camera characterized by comprising   Angle detection means for detecting a relative rotation connection angle between the lens unit and the camera body is provided, and switching means for switching camera control based on the angle detected by the angle detection means is provided. The camera according to claim 1. The lens unit is provided with an image display unit,
3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit switches whether the image displayed on the image display unit is established or displayed upside down based on the angle detected by the angle detection unit.   Each of the camera body and the lens part is provided with a circular mount part that is coupled to each other, and one of the mount parts is provided with a cylindrical concave part having a groove formed on the inner periphery, 2. A camera according to claim 1, wherein a claw that fits into the groove is provided on the mount portion, and the claw is engaged with the recess so that the claw is engaged with the groove.   The camera body and the lens unit are each provided with a circular mount unit that is coupled to each other, and the mount unit has an electrical contact and other communication means, so that power supply, operation system, large current or time lag reduction can be achieved. A camera characterized in that the electrical contact is used as a necessary terminal, and at least the communication means is used as image data. An imaging element is incorporated in the lens barrel body and a lens portion having a mount on the side surface of the lens barrel body;
A camera body that is detachably attached to the mount part of the lens part, and is rotatably attached to the lens part in a mounted state;
Angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of the camera body with respect to the lens unit;
Switching means for switching the operation mode of the camera body to a predetermined mode based on the rotation angle detected by the angle detection means;
A camera characterized by comprising The lens unit integrally including the camera body and the image sensor includes a mount unit that is detachably coupled to each other.
A plurality of patterns are formed concentrically around the mount portion on one of the mount portions, and a plurality of contacts are arranged radially on the other mount portion with the mount portion as the center. A camera characterized by   The camera according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of radially arranged contacts are provided in a plurality of rows.   9. The plurality of contact points arranged radially are arranged radially on a plurality of lines that do not interfere with each other, and contact points on different lines are in contact with adjacent patterns. Camera described in. The lens unit integrally including the camera body and the image sensor includes a mount unit that is detachably coupled to each other.
One of the mounts has a plurality of patterns formed concentrically around the mount, and the other mount has a plurality of contacts arranged in a spiral around the mount. A camera characterized in that is provided. An imaging element is incorporated in the lens barrel body and has a mount portion on the side surface of the lens barrel body, and a lens portion having an image display portion on the back surface of the lens barrel body;
A camera body that is detachably attached to the mount part of the lens part, and is rotatably attached to the lens part in a mounted state;
A control unit capable of inverting and displaying and recording an image displayed on the image display unit based on the rotation angle detected by the angle detection unit;
A camera characterized by comprising   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the mount unit is provided with a click mechanism that gives a click at a predetermined rotation angle.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the lens portion is provided with a mount portion for attaching an accessory member.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera body is attached to the mount portion of the lens portion via an accessory member. An imaging element is incorporated in the lens barrel body and a lens portion having a mount on the side surface of the lens barrel body;
A camera body that is detachably attached to the mount part of the lens part and can be attached to the lens part at a plurality of different angles;
A camera characterized by comprising A mounting angle detecting means for detecting a mounting angle of the camera body with respect to the lens unit;
Switching means for switching the operation mode of the camera body to a predetermined mode based on the rotation angle detected by the mounting angle detection means;
The camera according to claim 15, further comprising:

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