JP2001157099A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera, with which radio communication performance is not deteriorated by providing the radio wave antenna of the camera an exposure part without being touched by fingers, when the camera is used or located in the neighborhood of the part. SOLUTION: The radio wave antenna of an electronic camera 10 is arranged at the exposure part which is not touched by the fingers, when the camera is used or in the neighborhood of the part. Then a user is prevented from unconsciously covering a radio wave antenna part with his fingers or with an accessory unit, so that nonconformities is will not occur, and radio communication performance is not impaired.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera with a wireless antenna used for wireless communication with another device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-37129 discloses an electronic still camera which uses a rod antenna for wireless communication to perform wireless communication of image information, and effectively utilizes space by integrating display means and operation means. In the publication.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-77726 discloses a camera system capable of transmitting a captured image to a monitor device via a rod antenna for wireless communication.

[0004]

However, the wireless communication antenna of the electronic camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-371293 is a rod antenna and has a structure protruding from the electronic camera body. In general, the camera is small, and unlike general communication equipment, the camera attitude changes depending on the subject, such as vertical shooting, upward shooting, downward shooting, so wireless communication communication can not be specified because the position of the antenna can not be specified. There has been a problem that the performance is reduced, or the user unconsciously covers the antenna unit or touches the antenna, and the communication performance is reduced.

[0005] In the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-77726, the same problem has occurred because the antenna for wireless communication is a rod antenna and has a structure protruding from the camera.

[0006] Even when the electronic camera and the portable wireless communication terminal are connected by a cable to wirelessly transmit the image data of the electronic camera, the antenna of the wireless communication terminal may be hidden unintentionally or may be hidden. The antenna is directed to a position that is not suitable for communication, causing a problem that wireless communication performance is reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a camera that does not impair wireless communication performance by providing a wireless antenna at a portion or opening that is always exposed during operation or shooting of the camera. It is intended to provide.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera including a communication unit capable of wireless communication with another device and a wireless antenna. It is characterized in that it is provided at or near a part exposed without touching the hand when using the camera.

According to the present invention, since the radio antenna is provided at or near a portion exposed without touching the hand when using the camera, the user can unknowingly operate the radio antenna unit with his / her hand or attached device. There is no problem that the wireless communication is covered, and the wireless communication performance is not impaired.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera provided with a communication means capable of performing wireless communication with another device and a wireless antenna, wherein the wireless antenna is movable when the camera is used. It is characterized in that it is provided at a portion exposed by the movement of the member.

According to the present invention, since the radio antenna is provided at a portion exposed by the movement of the moving member when using the camera, the user can unknowingly cover the radio antenna portion with his / her hand or an accessory. Less likely to cause problems,
When the camera is not used, the wireless antenna is protected.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the camera according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera 10 capable of wireless communication.

The electronic camera 10 includes an image pickup means 12 for forming an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converting the image, and outputting the image data as image data, controlling the electronic camera 10 as a whole, controlling sampling timing of the image data, An information processing unit 14 for controlling image data recording control, image data graphic recognition, image data blinking recognition, reading of model information of the electronic camera 10, communication control, display control, etc .; Image processing means 16 for performing correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, and the like; a frame memory 18 for temporarily storing image data; a release button and a communication button;
A designating unit 19 provided with a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a decision switch, a mode changeover switch, etc .; and compression control or compression of information such as image data by a method represented by JPEG or motion JPEG. A compression / decompression means 20 for performing a process of controlling expansion and decompression of the image data, and a recording medium interface 24 for converting data in order to record and read out image data on / from a removable recording medium 22 are provided. The recording medium 22 is a semiconductor such as a memory card or MO, magnetic recording,
It is a removable recording medium represented by optical recording.

The information processing means 14 is a ROM in which a unique number such as a model name and a serial number of the electronic camera 10, an operation program, and each constant are stored, and a storage means serving as a work area when executing the program. A memory 26 constituted by a RAM is connected.

The wireless communication means of the electronic camera 10 used for transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from an external device by communication includes a transmitting and receiving means 28 for transmitting and receiving information such as image data according to a command from the information processing means 14, And the like, and a high-frequency module 29 for transmitting the generated information on the generated carrier, and an antenna 30 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving the carrier and data.

The electronic camera 10 has a D / A converter 34 for displaying image data on the display means 32 and converts code information instructed by the information processing means 14 into data of characters or messages to be displayed. A character generator 36 that emits light at the same time as shooting, a light emitting unit 37 for compensating for a light quantity shortage at the time of shooting the subject, and a signal for storing power for causing the light emitting unit 37 to emit light and instructing emission at the timing of shooting. A light emitting circuit 38 for outputting and adjusting the light amount of the subject is provided.

The photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

The image to be photographed is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 12, and the formed object image is subjected to photoelectric conversion and output to the image processing means 16. The image data obtained in this way is subjected to amplification and noise reduction processing by the image processing means 16 and stored in the frame memory 18 for a time. The information processing means 14 sequentially transmits the image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the D / A converter 34 and displays the image data on the display means 32.

When the release button provided on the designating means 19 is pressed, a mode for photographing a subject is entered. Then, the information processing means 14 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the compression / decompression means 20 and outputs a command for executing the image data compression processing under predetermined conditions. Then, a process of sequentially recording the image data on the recording medium 22 is performed on the recording medium interface 24. If the amount of light of the subject is insufficient at the time of shooting, power for light emission is stored in the light emitting circuit 38 in advance, and the light emitting unit 37 emits light at the timing of pressing the release button to shoot the image. When it is determined that the light amount has become appropriate, the light emission is stopped.

FIG. 2 shows a plurality of connection devices which can be connected to each other wirelessly.

According to FIG. 1, a communication terminal 4 such as a radio telephone is provided.
There are a plurality of electronic cameras 10 and 7 capable of wireless communication around 0.
0, 72, and 74, and a printer 76 to which a recording medium 78 can be mounted exist, and information such as image data can be transmitted to each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication terminal 40 includes an antenna 42 for performing wireless communication with a public line, a wireless communication means 44 for performing short-range wireless communication with a plurality of peripheral devices existing in the vicinity, Display means 46 for displaying information and images of connected devices relating to communication, connected devices, telephone numbers, characters,
Designation means 48, 48,... For designating and selecting image and audio data and designating an output device and an address of the data.
And a speaker 50 serving as a telephone receiver and outputting sound, and a microphone 52 for inputting sound.

After the electronic camera 10 establishes communication with the communication terminal 40 and presses a send button provided on the specifying means 19 of the electronic camera 10, the information processing means 14 sequentially transmits the specified image data to the recording medium 22. , And converts the data into a predetermined data format, and then transmits the data to an external communication terminal 40 via the transmission / reception means 28, the high-frequency module 29, and the antenna 30.

As a protocol of the short-range communication of the wireless communication means 44, a protocol based on the specifications of "Bluetooth" or "wireless LAN", which has recently attracted attention, may be used. The communication terminal 40 may be a generally used mobile communication body such as a mobile phone or a PHS, or is not limited to a mobile communication body but may be a personal computer that transmits information such as image data through communication. Or a printer.

The frequency of the radio wave used for wireless communication is 2.5G
At a high frequency of about Hz, the wavelength of this radio wave is 12 cm
About. The antenna length of wireless communication is １ ／ of wavelength, 1
.., 1/8,..., And resonance can be performed with weak radio waves when limited to short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the length of the wireless antenna is 1. 5c
m is sufficient. Therefore, the electronic camera 10
A wireless antenna can be built in a small opening provided in advance and used for communication. If a dedicated wireless antenna is provided independently in the electronic camera 10, operation of the electronic camera 10 is hindered, and in the small electronic camera 10, there is a high possibility that the user unconsciously touches the wireless antenna during operation. Thus, if the user unconsciously touches the wireless antenna, the communication sensitivity will be extremely reduced,
This is not preferable because it interferes with communication.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the configuration of the camera according to the present invention.

According to FIG. 1, the electronic camera 10 has a lens 8 for forming a subject image on the light receiving element surface during photographing.
0, holding frame 8 for holding lens 80 or protective lens
1, a lens barrel antenna 82 provided on a part of the lens barrel, a planar antenna 83 provided on the side of the lens barrel, and a slide type, when the electronic camera 10 is not operated or when photographing is performed. Otherwise, a lens cover 84 that slides to the position of the lens 80 to protect the lens 80,
Light emitting unit antenna 86 provided in a part of the opening 7
And a finder window 88 for checking the angle of view of the subject when the user takes a picture, a finder antenna 89 provided in a part of the finder window 88, communication with a remote controller, AE and distance measurement. In this case, an example is shown in which a sensor window 90 through which sensor light passes and a sensor antenna 91 is provided in a part of the sensor window 90.

By providing the wireless antenna at the above-described portion, it is possible to prevent a problem that the user touches the wireless antenna when operating the electronic camera 10 and communication sensitivity is extremely reduced.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the electronic camera 10.

According to the figure, on the back of the electronic camera 10, a viewfinder 92, a power switch 93 for instructing start or stop of the processing operation of the electronic camera 10, and an exposure depending on the operation of the power switch 93 are provided. A power switch antenna 94 provided so as to be covered, a cross key 95 which is a part of the designation means 19, a display means 32
The display antenna 9 is provided in a part of the opening of the display means 32.
6 and an indicator lamp 97 are provided. Although not shown in FIG.
0 may be provided in the openings for the indicator lights 97, 97,.
When the electronic camera 10 is provided with a speaker or a microphone, it may be provided in an opening for the speaker or the microphone.

In the above embodiments of the antennas, the lens barrel antenna 82 and the flat antenna 83 are arranged such that the lens cover 84 slides when the electronic camera 10 is not used (or not operated) and the lens In addition, since these wireless antennas can be covered, the wireless antennas can be protected when the electronic camera 10 is not operating. In addition, the power switch antenna 94 provided on the back of the electronic camera 10 is also covered by the power switch 93 when the power is off (when the electronic camera 10 is not operating), so that the wireless antenna is protected.

Generally, when an independent wireless antenna is newly provided on the surface of the electronic camera 10, an electromagnetic wave generated in a processing circuit inside the electronic camera 10 leaks to the outside from an opening near the antenna, or an electromagnetic wave from the outside. This increases the possibility that the processing circuit of the electronic camera 10 causes electromagnetic interference, which is not preferable. However, FIG. 3 or FIG.
As shown in (1), by diverting a part of the opening which has existed conventionally and is necessary for the function of the electronic camera 10 as a wireless antenna, it is possible to reduce an unnecessary opening.

FIG. 5A shows the viewfinder window 8 shown in FIG.
8 and a front view of the finder antenna 89, FIG.
(B) is a side sectional view of the finder window 88.

According to FIG. 5B, a high-frequency module in which a finder window 88 configured to be an optical path and a finder antenna 89 are integrally connected to the opening of the front exterior member 98 of the electronic camera 10. 29 are provided. The objective lens 100 of the finder window 88 and the eyepiece 102 are provided between the front exterior member 98 and the rear exterior member 99. Thus, the finder antenna 89 is provided inside the finder window 88,
By enabling wireless communication through the opening of the finder window 88, the finder antenna 89 is protected from the outside, and it is not necessary to newly provide an extra opening in the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the camera according to the present invention.

According to the figure, a lens barrel 104 made of an insulator holding the lens 80 and the protective lens 103 and the high-frequency module 29 are fixed to the front exterior member 98. On the front surface of the lens barrel 104, a holding frame antenna 106 which is a member for sandwiching and holding the protection lens 103 and which functions as a wireless antenna.
Is provided. The holding frame antenna 106 and the high-frequency module 29 are connected by an antenna cable. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the lens barrel 104 and the holding frame antenna 106 are screwed together, the present invention is not limited to this, and is fitted with an appropriate holding force. Or may be joined.

The conducting member of the holding frame antenna 106 may be a loop antenna instead of an annular member. By using the holding frame of the protective lens 103 as an antenna in this manner, a large antenna shape can be obtained, and a good communication state can be maintained.

FIG. 7A shows the display means 32 shown in FIG.
7B is a front view of the display unit antenna 96, and FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the display unit 32.

According to FIG. 7B, a protective cover 108 for protecting the display means 32, the display antenna 96, and a display substrate 110 are attached to the opening of the rear exterior member 99. The display substrate 110 includes a display unit 32, a display driver 112 for controlling the display unit 32, a display antenna 96 used for performing wireless communication, and a high-frequency module 29 for generating a radio wave oscillated during wireless communication. . The display antenna 96 and the high-frequency module 29 are provided inside the protective cover 108 serving as an optical path as described above,
By enabling wireless communication through the opening of the display means 32, the display antenna 96 is protected, and a sufficient antenna length is obtained without newly providing an extra opening in the exterior member of the electronic camera 10. Becomes possible.

The light emitting unit antenna 86 and the sensor antenna 91 are connected to the finder antenna 89 and the display unit antenna 9.
6 may be the same structure.

[0042]

As described above, according to the camera of the present invention, since the radio antenna of the camera is provided at or near a portion exposed without touching the hand when the camera is used, the user is unconscious. In the meantime, a problem that the wireless antenna portion is covered with the hand or the attached device does not occur, and the wireless communication performance is not impaired.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the wireless antenna of the camera is provided at a portion exposed by the movement of the moving member when using the camera, so that the user can unknowingly use his / her hand or attached device. Thus, a problem that the wireless antenna portion is covered by the camera hardly occurs, and the wireless antenna is protected when the camera is not used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of connection devices that can be connected to each other wirelessly.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a configuration position of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the electronic camera.

5A is a front view of the finder window shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 5B is a side sectional view of the finder window shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the camera according to the present invention.

7A is a front view of the display unit shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the display unit shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 electronic camera, 19 designating means, 22 recording medium,
28 ... transmitting / receiving means, 29 ... high frequency module, 30 ... antenna, 32 ... display means, 37 ... light emitting means, 38 ... light emitting circuit, 40 ... communication terminal, 44 ... wireless communication means, 70 ... electronic camera, 72 ... electronic camera, 74: electronic camera, 76
.., Printer, 80, lens, 81, holding frame, 82, lens barrel antenna, 83, flat antenna, 84, lens cover,
86: Light emitting unit antenna, 88: Finder window, 89: Finder antenna, 90: Sensor window, 91: Sensor antenna, 92: Finder, 93: Power switch, 94 ...
Power switch antenna, 95 cross key, 96 display antenna, 98 front exterior member, 99 rear exterior member, 100 objective lens, 102 eyepiece, 103
Protective lens, 104 Lens barrel, 106 Protective frame antenna, 108 Protective cover, 110 Display substrate, 11
2. Display driver

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A camera provided with a communication unit capable of wireless communication with another device and a wireless antenna, wherein the wireless antenna is provided at or near a part exposed without touching a hand when the camera is used. A camera characterized in that: 2. The exposure section includes a photographic lens, a finder, a flash, a sensor unit for performing photometry or distance measurement of a subject, a sensor unit for performing flash light control, a display for displaying photography information and an image, The camera of claim 1, including one of a speaker and a microphone. 3. A camera comprising communication means capable of wireless communication with another device and a wireless antenna, wherein the wireless antenna is provided at a portion exposed by movement of a moving member when the camera is used. Features camera. 4. The moving member includes a lens cover, and
4. The camera of claim 3, including one of a power switch.