JP2004336121A - Camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera device for improving the degree of photographing freedom and preventing the performance of a battery from being deteriorated. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging unit 11 is removably provided to a head mount unit 50. The battery 60 is located inside the head mount unit 50 in a state of being cut off from outside air, and when the imaging unit 11 is mounted on the head mount unit 50, power is supplied from the battery 60 to the imaging unit 11 to perform photographing. The photographing is carried out by operating an operating unit 70 functioning as a ski pole during skiing. When a release button 75 is depressed, a still picture is photographed, and when a video recording button 85 is depressed, a moving picture is photographed. When the imaging unit 11 is removed from the head mount unit 50 and connected to a personal computer 65, power is supplied to the imaging unit 11 from the personal computer 65, and the imaging unit 11 performs photographing and transmits/receives information to/from the personal computer 65. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera device, and more particularly to a camera device suitable when a photographer takes an image while moving.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Cameras such as digital cameras and video cameras that capture a subject image obtained through a taking lens are widely used. Since these cameras are supposed to shoot in various scenes, diversification of functions is required so that appropriate shooting can be performed according to each scene.
[0003]
As one of such functions, a camera device is known in which a camera can be fixed to a part of a photographer's body such as a head so that photographing can be performed while the photographer moves. Further, Patent Document 1 below describes a head device type finder device that detects a photographer's blink and can perform shutter release in accordance with the blink.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-5835
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the device described in Patent Document 1 must be provided with a device for detecting blinking, the device is increased in size and cost. In addition, it is a device that is integrated on the premise that the head is mounted, and there is a problem that it cannot be used unless it is mounted on the photographer's head.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and enables a photographer to shoot while moving with a simple configuration, and can be used even when the shooter is not attached to the body. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera device.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a camera device of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a subject image obtained through a photographic lens, an attachment / detachment unit that detachably supports the imaging unit, and a power source for the imaging unit. A battery to be supplied, and a head-mounted unit that is mounted on the photographer's head, and the imaging unit and the head-mounted unit are provided separately, according to the operation of the photographer, And an operation unit on which an operation member for transmitting an operation signal for operating the imaging unit is arranged. You may arrange | position the said battery in the state which interrupted | blocked external air in the inner part of the said head mounted unit.
[0008]
In addition, the imaging unit may be provided with an information communication terminal for receiving power from an external device and performing information communication with the external device. Further, a normal shooting mode that is selected when the imaging is performed while the imaging unit is connected to the external device, and a selection that is performed when the imaging is performed while the imaging unit is attached to the head-mounted unit. The mobile shooting mode may be provided, and the two types of modes may be switched according to the connection state between the imaging unit and the head-mounted unit.
[0009]
Further, a goggle unit having a notification unit for notifying the operation status of the imaging unit may be provided so that a photographer can check the operation status of the imaging unit by wearing the goggle unit in front of the eyes. Further, the operation unit is provided in a grip portion of a pair of stocks used for skiing, an operation member for taking a still image is disposed in one grip portion of the stock, and a moving image is photographed in the grip portion of the other stock. An operating member may be arranged.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire ski camera device 10. 2A is a perspective view of the front side of the imaging unit 11, FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the rear side of the imaging unit 11, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the imaging unit 11. The ski camera device 10 includes an imaging unit 11, a head mounting unit 50, and an operation unit 70.
[0011]
The imaging unit 11 is detachable from the head-mounted unit 50, and is used by being attached to the head-mounted unit 50 when shooting is desired during skiing. The imaging unit 11 can also be used by being detached from the head-mounted unit 50 and connected to an external device.
[0012]
The head mounting unit 50 is used by being mounted on the head of a photographer during skiing. Fixing bands 51 and 53 are provided on both sides of the head mounting unit 50, respectively. After the photographer is mounted on the head, shooting is performed by engaging the fixing band 51 and the fixing band 53. Fixed to the person's head. The head-mounted unit 50 has a function as a helmet that protects the photographer's head, and images are taken during skiing by attaching the imaging unit 11 to the front surface.
[0013]
A mounting portion 55 into which the imaging unit 11 is fitted from above is formed on the front surface of the head mounting unit 50. Protrusions 57 are provided on both side walls of the attachment portion 55. The depressions 13 that are fitted to the protrusions 57 are provided on both side surfaces of the imaging unit 11. When the imaging unit 11 is fitted into the head mounting unit 50, the depressions 13 and the projections 57 are fitted to the attachment portion 55. Fixed.
[0014]
A power supply terminal 59 is exposed on the lower surface of the attachment portion 55. The power supply terminal 59 is connected to the battery 60 by wiring (not shown). As the battery 60, for example, a nickel metal hydride battery is used. A power receiving terminal 15 is exposed on the lower surface of the imaging unit 11. When the imaging unit 11 is attached to the head mounting unit 50, the power receiving terminal 15 and the power supply terminal 59 are in pressure contact with each other, and the battery. Power is supplied from 60 to the imaging unit 11.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 4, the battery 60 is disposed in a battery chamber 61 provided inside the head mounted unit 50. The battery insertion opening 61a of the battery chamber 61 is opened and closed by a detachable lid 63. After the battery 60 is inserted, the battery insertion port 61a is closed by the lid 63, so that the battery 60 is held inside the head mounting unit 50 in a state of being blocked from outside air.
[0016]
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge capacity and the supply voltage due to the difference in the discharge environment of the battery 60. The discharge capacity and supply voltage of the battery 60 vary depending on the temperature of the environment in which it is used. Then, the discharge capacity and the supply voltage decrease when the temperature is higher or lower than about 20 degrees. Since the battery 60 is held inside the head mounted unit 50 in a state of being cut off from the outside air, the battery 60 is hardly affected by the outside air temperature and can maintain a substantially constant temperature. Can be prevented.
[0017]
In the operation unit 70, an operation member is disposed on a grip portion of a pair of ski stocks, and functions as a stock and remotely operates the imaging unit 11. The operation unit 70 includes a left-hand unit 71 and a right-hand unit 81. The left-hand unit 71 has the grip 73 held by the photographer's left hand, and the right-hand unit 81 has the grip 83 held by the photographer's right hand. Used.
[0018]
Above the grip 73, a release button 75 that is pressed when taking a still image, and an operation signal transmission unit 77 that is wirelessly connected to the imaging unit 11 are provided. When the release button 75 is pressed, a still image imaging instruction is transmitted from the operation signal transmission unit 77 to the imaging unit 11 accordingly. Similarly, a recording button 85 and an operation signal transmission unit 87 that are pressed when shooting a moving image are provided on the upper portion of the grip 83, and a moving image shooting instruction is captured when the recording button 85 is pressed. It is transmitted to the unit 11. An operation signal receiving unit 17 is exposed on the front surface of the imaging unit 11, and a still image capturing instruction is received by the operation signal receiving unit 17.
[0019]
In this embodiment, an index “L” is attached to the upper surface of the grip 73, and an index “R” is attached to the upper surface of the grip 83, and the photographer mistakes the left-hand unit 71 and the right-hand unit 81. There is no such thing. As a shape of the grip portion of the ski stock, it is widely known that one grip is formed into a shape easy to grip with the left hand and the other grip is formed into a shape easy to grip with the right hand. In this manner, the left and right grips may be formed in different shapes so that the left and right grips are not mistaken.
[0020]
A photographing lens 20 and a recording microphone 21 are provided on the front surface of the imaging unit 11, and a release button 23 that is pressed when shooting a still image and a shutter button that is pressed when shooting a moving image are displayed on the upper surface. A recording button 25 is provided. On the back surface of the imaging unit 11, an operation unit 26 in which operation members for performing various operations are arranged is provided.
[0021]
A USB terminal 27 is provided on the side surface of the imaging unit 11. When the imaging unit 11 is used by being detached from the head-mounted unit 50, the imaging unit 11 is connected to an external device such as a personal computer 65 via a USB cable connected to the USB terminal 27 and supplied with power. Send and receive various data.
[0022]
When the image pickup unit is set to the shooting mode and the release buttons 23 and 75 and the recording buttons 25 and 85 are pressed, shooting is performed. The imaging unit 11 has an autofocus (AF) function and an automatic exposure adjustment (AE) function, and shooting is performed fully automatically. The captured image is stored in the memory 49.
[0023]
In addition to the shooting mode, the imaging unit 11 is provided with a playback mode and a menu mode for performing various settings. Each mode can be switched by operating the operation unit 26. While switching between the modes, the user shoots a moving image or a still image in the shooting mode, or checks a captured image in the playback mode.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 29 is provided inside the imaging unit 11. The CPU 29 controls each unit of the imaging unit 11 in accordance with operation signals input from the release button 23, the recording button 25, and the operation unit 26. The CPU 29 also receives operation signals such as a still image capturing instruction and a moving image capturing instruction transmitted from the operation unit 70 and received by the operation signal receiving unit 17.
[0025]
The photographing lens 20 is driven by a lens driving mechanism 30 to change the optical photographing magnification and adjust the focus. The aperture 31 is driven by an aperture drive mechanism 33 to switch the aperture diameter. A CCD image sensor (CCD) 35 is disposed behind the diaphragm 31. The CCD 35 photoelectrically converts subject light that has passed through the photographing lens 20 and the diaphragm 31 and outputs it as an imaging signal. The CCD 35 is driven by a CCD driver 37 controlled by the CPU 29. The charge accumulation time (exposure time) of each pixel is determined by an electronic shutter drive signal given from the CCD driver 37.
[0026]
An analog imaging signal captured by the CCD 35 is output to the A / D converter 39. The A / D converter 39 digitally converts the analog imaging signal to generate image data, and outputs the image data to the digital signal processing circuit 40. At the time of video recording, an analog audio signal obtained by the recording microphone 21 is output to the A / D converter 39. The analog audio signal is converted into digital audio data by the A / D converter 39 and output to the digital signal processing circuit 40.
[0027]
A CPU 29, a USB terminal 27, and a memory 49 are connected to the digital signal processing circuit 40 via a data bus 48 for transmitting and receiving information. The digital signal processing circuit 40 includes an AF circuit 41, an AE circuit 43, an image correction unit 45, and a moving image generation unit 47, and after performing various signal processing on the data output from the A / D converter 39, Data is written to the memory 49.
[0028]
The AF circuit 41 detects the focal position based on the input image data and performs focusing. The AE circuit 43 measures subject illuminance based on the input image data and performs exposure control. The image correction unit 45 performs image quality correction processing such as gamma correction, white balance correction, sharpness correction, and contrast correction on the captured image. The moving image generation unit 47 generates moving image data by associating image data and audio data.
[0029]
When the release buttons 23 and 75 are pressed during the shooting mode, a still image shooting instruction is issued, and image data for one screen is recorded in the memory 49 as still image data. On the other hand, when the recording buttons 25 and 85 are pressed during the shooting mode, a moving image shooting instruction is issued, images are continuously captured by the CCD 35, and recording by the recording microphone 21 is started. Then, moving image data is generated from the obtained image data and audio data and recorded in the memory 49. Recording of moving image data starts when the recording buttons 25 and 85 are pressed, and stops when the recording buttons 25 and 85 are pressed again.
[0030]
Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described. When it is desired to take a picture while skiing, the imaging unit 11 is attached to the front surface of the head-mounted unit 50. When the imaging unit 11 is fitted from above the head-mounted unit 50, the recess 13 and the projection 57 are fitted to fix the imaging unit 11, and the imaging unit 11 has a battery 60 in the head-mounted unit 50. Is supplied with power. Then, the photographer may start skiing with the head mounting unit 50 attached to the head, the left hand unit 71 in the left hand, and the right hand unit 81 in the right hand.
[0031]
When taking a still image while skiing, the user presses the release button 75 on the grip 73. As the release button 75 is pressed, still image data is recorded in the memory 49. When shooting a moving image, the recording button 85 at the top of the grip 83 is pressed. As the recording button 85 is pressed, recording of moving image data with sound in the memory 49 is started. In order to stop the recording of the moving image data, the recording button 85 may be pressed again.
[0032]
On the other hand, when the imaging unit 11 is used as a PC camera, the imaging unit 11 may be removed from the head mounted unit 50 and the imaging unit 11 and the personal computer may be connected by a USB cable. The imaging unit 11 is supplied with power from a personal computer via a USB cable. Then, by pressing the release button 23 or the recording button 25 on the upper surface of the imaging unit 11, still image data or moving image data can be recorded in the memory 49. Further, by connecting to the personal computer 65, the data in the memory 49 can be managed, and the data stored in the memory 49 can be confirmed on the screen of the personal computer 65.
[0033]
Thus, the ski camera apparatus 10 can shoot by attaching the imaging unit to the head mounting unit and operating the operation unit provided separately from the imaging unit and the head mounting unit. The degree of freedom increases. In addition, since the operation unit has the operation member arranged on the ski stock, it is possible to easily shoot even while skiing.
[0034]
Further, since the battery is disposed in the head-mounted unit in a state in which the outside air is shut off, it is possible to prevent the performance of the battery from being deteriorated due to the use environment. Furthermore, the imaging unit is detachable from the head-mounted unit and is equipped with a USB terminal, so that it can be used as a PC camera in addition to shooting during skiing by being connected to a personal computer via a USB cable. Can do.
[0035]
Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, when the imaging unit is attached to the head-mounted unit and used, shooting is performed while the photographer moves, so that the desired movement of the subject is also relatively small. growing. For this reason, if AE control or AF control similar to the case where shooting is performed while connected to an external device such as a fixed personal computer, there is a problem that a blurred image is acquired. There is a case.
[0036]
In such a case, a normal shooting mode in which AE control and AF control that are optimal for shooting performed with the imaging unit being fixed, and AE control and AF that are optimal in shooting that is performed while the imaging unit is moving are performed. A moving shooting mode in which control is performed is provided. Further, the imaging unit is provided with detection means such as a proximity sensor that detects that the head unit is attached to the imaging unit. When it is detected that the imaging unit is attached to the head-mounted unit at the time of shooting, the moving shooting mode is selected and shooting is performed. Otherwise, the normal shooting mode is selected and shooting is performed. You can do it.
[0037]
In the above embodiment, the imaging unit has been described as operating by receiving power from the outside. However, a battery may be provided inside the imaging unit. In this way, when the camera is detached from the head-mounted unit and used without being connected to an external device such as a personal computer, the shooting location is not limited.
[0038]
In addition, although the ski camera apparatus in the said embodiment demonstrated by the example comprised by an imaging unit, a head mounting unit, and an operation unit, this invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 6, a goggle unit 80 that can check the operation status of the imaging unit may be provided in addition to the above configuration.
[0039]
The goggle unit 80 is worn in front of the photographer's eyes during skiing. An LED 81 is provided on the photographer side of the goggles unit 80 so that the light emitting portion faces the photographer side. The LED 81 is controlled to be lit by a light emitting circuit 82 that is wirelessly connected to the imaging unit. The light emitting circuit 82 turns on the LED 81 while the imaging unit records moving image data. Thereby, the photographer can check the operation state of the image pickup unit while skiing, and can surely take a picture.
[0040]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example using the operation unit having the shape also used as the ski stock has been described on the premise of photographing during skiing, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, an operation unit 89 that is installed on a handle of a bicycle or the like may be used. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the member same as embodiment mentioned above.
[0041]
The operation unit 89 includes a left hand unit 91 and a right hand unit 93. Each of the right-hand and left-hand units is provided with an installation band 97 below the pedestal 95 on which the operation members are arranged, and is fixed to the bicycle handle by the installation band 97. The left-hand unit 91 is provided with a release button 75 and an operation signal transmitter 77, and the right-hand unit 93 is provided with a recording button 85 and an operation signal transmitter 87. If left-hand unit 91 and right-hand unit 93 are installed on the left and right handle portions of the bicycle, shooting can be performed without releasing the hand from the handle.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the camera device of the present invention has an imaging unit that captures a subject image obtained through a photographic lens, an attachment / detachment unit that detachably supports the imaging unit, and a power source for the imaging unit. A battery to be supplied, and a head-mounted unit that is mounted on the photographer's head, and the imaging unit and the head-mounted unit are provided separately, according to the operation of the photographer, Since the operation unit is arranged with an operation member that transmits an operation signal for operating the image pickup unit, the degree of freedom of shooting performed while the photographer moves is improved, and the image pickup unit is detached from the head-mounted unit. You can also shoot. In addition, since the battery is arranged on the inner part of the head-mounted unit so as to be cut off from the outside air, it is possible to prevent the battery performance from being deteriorated due to the use environment.
[0043]
In addition, a normal shooting mode in which AE control and AF control optimal for shooting performed with the imaging unit fixed is performed, and a movement in which AE control and AF control optimal for shooting performed while the imaging unit moves are performed. Since a shooting mode is provided and the two types of modes are switched according to the connection state between the imaging unit and the head-mounted unit, a high-quality image can be obtained. Furthermore, a goggle unit having a notification means for notifying the operation status of the imaging unit is provided, and a photographer can check the operation status of the imaging unit by wearing the goggle unit in front of the eyes. So you can shoot reliably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an entire ski camera device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front side and a back side of an imaging unit.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an imaging unit.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the head-mounted unit.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge capacity and the supply voltage according to the difference in the discharge environment of the battery.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a goggle unit.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an operation unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ski camera apparatus 11 Imaging unit 15 Power supply receiving terminal 17 Signal receiving terminal 20 Shooting lens 23, 75 Release button 25, 85 Recording button 27 USB terminal 50 Head mounting unit 59 Power supply terminal 60 Battery 61 Battery chamber 65 Personal computer 70, 89 Operation unit 73, 83 Grip 77, 87 Signal transmission part 80 Goggles unit 81 LED

Claims (6)

An imaging unit for imaging a subject image obtained through a taking lens;
A detachable part that detachably supports the imaging unit, and a battery that supplies power to the imaging unit, a head-mounted unit that is mounted on the photographer's head,
The operation unit is provided separately from the imaging unit and the head-mounted unit, and includes an operation unit in which an operation member that transmits an operation signal for operating the imaging unit is operated according to an operation of a photographer. A camera device. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is provided with an information communication terminal for receiving power from an external device and performing information communication with the external device. A normal shooting mode that is selected when the imaging is performed while the imaging unit is connected to the external device, and a mode that is selected when the imaging is performed while the imaging unit is attached to the head-mounted unit. Mobile shooting mode is provided,
The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the two types of modes are switched according to a connection state between the imaging unit and the head-mounted unit. 4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the battery is disposed in an inner portion of the head-mounted unit in a state in which outside air is blocked. 5. A goggle unit having a built-in notification means for notifying the operation status of the imaging unit is provided;
5. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein an operation state of the imaging unit can be confirmed by a photographer wearing the goggles unit in front of the eyes. The operation unit is provided in a grip portion of a pair of stocks used for skiing, one grip portion of the stock is provided with an operation member for photographing a still image, and the other grip portion of the stock is an operation for photographing a movie. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising a member.

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