JPH10319490A - Camera with liquid crystal finder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain power-saving without disturbing photographing by turning on and controlling a liquid crystal monitor for a specified time in the case that a camera is fixed by a means other than grasp by a photographer. SOLUTION: A touch sensor 9 is provided at the grip part 1A of the camera 1, and power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is cut off when a fixed time passes after the touch sensor 9 does not detect the grasp of the camera 1, so that wasteful power consumption is prevented. Also, a tripod sensor is provided at a tripped screw hole on the bottom surface of the camera 1, and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned on at the time of using a tripod, so that the liquid crystal monitor 8 is made usable in accordance with the use state of the camera and the power-saving is attained. A sensor detecting whether an AC adapter is connected or not is provided at a terminal 13, and in the case of detecting that an external power source is connected by the sensor, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is always turned on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for silver halide photography, and more particularly to a camera with a liquid crystal finder for displaying a subject image on the liquid crystal finder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a liquid crystal finder is used for a video camera and a digital camera, but a liquid crystal finder which adopts a liquid crystal finder in a camera for silver halide photography has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-271730). ). In such a camera with a liquid crystal viewfinder, a still image equivalent to the subject image projected on the film can be reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal viewfinder by storing the image signal sent from the CCD at the time of shutter release in the memory, and shooting can be performed. You can easily check whether you succeeded.

[0003]

However, in the conventional camera with a liquid crystal finder, when the main power is turned on, an image is always displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the power consumption is large. There is a problem that the batteries must be replaced frequently. It is also conceivable to provide a grip sensor that detects the grip of the camera body and turn off the liquid crystal display after a certain period of time after the grip is no longer detected.However, the grip sensor is often not gripped by the photographer. There is a disadvantage that the vessel cannot be observed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a liquid crystal finder that can suppress unnecessary power consumption without hindering photographing.

[0005]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, light from a subject is formed on an image sensor, and a subject image is displayed on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor. In addition to the display, in a camera with a liquid crystal finder that exposes the silver halide film with light from the subject by controlling the opening and closing of the shutter, a detecting unit that detects whether the camera is fixed by means other than the photographer's hold, Display control means for controlling lighting of the liquid crystal display for a predetermined time based on a detection signal from the detection means.

According to the present invention, the detection means detects whether or not the camera is fixed by means other than the photographer's hold.
When the fixation is detected, the liquid crystal display is turned on for a predetermined time, so that when photographing with the camera fixed, the photographer can easily determine the composition and the angle of view while looking at the liquid crystal display. . Further, in addition to the detection means and the display control means, there is provided a grip detection means for detecting whether or not the photographer is gripping the camera body, and when the grip detection means no longer detects the grip of the camera body. Alternatively, the liquid crystal display is turned off after a certain period of time has passed since the grip of the camera body is no longer detected. When the detection means detects that the camera is fixed, the liquid crystal display is turned on for a predetermined time by the display control means prior to the turning off control of the second display control means. As a result, the liquid crystal display can be used in accordance with the usage of the camera, and power can be saved.

Further, when a timer circuit for counting the lighting time of the liquid crystal display is provided, and the liquid crystal display is turned on when the camera is fixed, the liquid crystal display is turned off after a predetermined time elapses, thereby further saving power. Can be achieved. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention forms light from a subject on an image sensor, displays a subject image on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor, and opens and closes a shutter. In a camera with a liquid crystal viewfinder that controls the silver halide film with light from a subject by controlling, a self-timer, a self-operation means for starting counting of the self-timer based on an external operation, and an operation of the self-operation means Display control means for turning off the liquid crystal display when self-photographing is executed accordingly.

The present invention focuses on the point that the photographer does not normally use a liquid crystal display during self-photography, and it is not necessary to keep the liquid crystal display on. At times, the liquid crystal display is turned off. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, useless power consumption by a liquid crystal display can be suppressed and the power of a power supply battery can be prevented from being uselessly consumed.

Further, when an external power supply such as an AC adapter is connected, there is no need to consider the consumption of the power supply battery. In such a case, there is no inconvenience even if the liquid crystal display is always turned on. Therefore, an external power supply detecting means for detecting whether an external power supply is connected to the external power supply connection terminal of the camera is provided, and when the external power supply is detected by the external power supply detecting means, You may make it always energize a liquid crystal display.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a camera with a liquid crystal finder according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera with a liquid crystal finder using the present invention. A photographic lens 2 is provided at the center of the front of the camera 1, and above the photographic lens 2, a finder window 3, an AF light emitting / receiving unit (not shown), and the like are arranged. Reference numeral 4 denotes a flash window, and reference numeral 5 denotes a photometry window.

A release button 6 is provided on the upper surface of the camera 1. By pressing the shutter button halfway, the luminance of the subject is measured through the photometry window 5, and the AF light emitting / receiving part measures the distance. Also, on the upper surface of the camera 1,
A liquid crystal monitor 8 (corresponding to a liquid crystal display) is rotatably provided via a hinge 10 (see FIG. 2). The liquid crystal monitor 8 has an image (equivalent to an image of a subject to be displayed on a silver halide film). The viewfinder image is displayed.

On the front surface of the grip 1A of the camera 1, a touch sensor 9 composed of two conducting members 9a and 9b is provided substantially vertically in the vertical direction, and the control circuit of the camera 1 detects that the grip 1A has been gripped. (Central processing unit (CPU
32)). The configuration of the capacitive touch sensor 9 is known, and is not described in detail in this specification. For example, the touch sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H08-0603939 can be applied.

An opening / closing lid 1 for loading or unloading a film cartridge (not shown) is provided on the bottom of the camera 1.
2, a terminal 13 for connecting an AC adapter is provided on a side surface of the camera 1, and a date cover 14 is provided via a hinge 15 so as to be openable and closable. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1. A date setting button 16, a print number setting button 17, a selection title setting button 18, a forced rewind button 19, and the like are provided inside the date cover 14. On the back of the camera 1, a viewfinder eyepiece 20, an angle of view setting knob 21, a mode setting button 22,
A zoom lever 23 and a liquid crystal display unit 24 are provided.

A finder objective lens, a prism, a field frame, an eyepiece, and the like (not shown) are disposed behind the finder window 3.
Is incident on the finder eyepiece 20 via a predetermined optical path. An optical path branching member such as a half mirror is disposed in the optical path of the finder optical system, and a part of the subject light is guided to a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 30 described later by the half mirror.

As a result, the subject image can be observed from the finder eyepiece 20, and the same image as the subject image can be captured by the CCD 30. Note that the optical finder can be omitted. The angle of view setting knob 21 is used for the convention (C),
An operation member for switching a screen pattern corresponding to three print aspect ratios of high definition (H) and panorama (P). The angle-of-view setting knob 21 is provided slidably in the vertical direction along the rear cover of the camera 1 and includes three stop positions corresponding to the respective angles of view of the CHP.
It is selectively set at any one position.

The mode setting button 22 is a switch for performing various settings such as date setting, strobe mode, self mode, and AF / manual mode switching setting.
The zoom lever 23 is provided so as to be swingable in the left and right directions in the figure. By operating the zoom lever 23 to the right or left, the driving force of a motor (not shown) changes the focal length of the photographing lens 2 to the long focal length (telephoto side). ) Or to the short focus side (wide), and zooming of the finder optical system incorporated in the back of the finder window 3 is performed.

The liquid crystal display section 24 displays the status of various switches that have been set, the remaining battery power, the use status of the memory, and the like. In addition, as shown in FIG.
By opening the battery cover 25 provided on the back of the battery, a battery 26 for power supply can be loaded and replaced.

The liquid crystal monitor 8 is rotatable between an upright position shown in FIG. 2 and a folded position shown in FIG. 3 under appropriate friction. When using camera 1,
The liquid crystal monitor 8 is set in the upright position (FIG. 2). When the camera 1 is not used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is folded and stored on the back of the camera 1 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, a main switch 27 is provided on the lower surface of the liquid crystal monitor 8, and when the liquid crystal monitor 8 is raised on the upper surface of the camera 1, the projection of the main switch 27 is turned off. The main power is turned on by being pressed by the upper surface of the camera 1. When the liquid crystal monitor 8 is folded on the back of the camera 1, the main power supply is turned off.

A tripod screw hole 74 (not shown in FIG. 3) is formed on the bottom surface of the camera 1. The tripod screw hole 74 is provided with a tripod sensor 69 for detecting whether or not a tripod is attached. The tripod sensor 69 will be described later (FIGS. 5 and 6). FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera with a liquid crystal finder. Light from the subject is guided to a silver halide film (not shown) through the photographing lens 2 and forms an image on a light receiving surface of a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 30 through a lens 28 disposed behind the finder window 3. Is done. CC
D30 is driven by the image sensor control unit 33 based on a CCD drive signal applied from a central processing unit (CPU) 32.

On the light receiving surface of the CCD 30, photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and each photoelectric conversion element generates a signal corresponding to the intensity of incident light. This signal charge from the CPU 32 is accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element for an appropriate period based on the CCD drive signal from the CPU 32. The signal charges thus accumulated are sequentially read out and added to the signal processing circuit 34.

The signal processing circuit 34 sequentially converts signal charges sequentially input from the CCD 30 into image signals for liquid crystal display based on a synchronization signal from the CPU 32, and outputs the image signals to the terminal 36A of the changeover switch 36. Output to the memory 40 via the / D converter 38. Memory 40 is 1
The image signal for the screen is stored, and the stored image signal is output. The digital image signal input from the A / D converter 38 based on a write command applied from the CPU 32 at an appropriate timing is stored for one screen. I do.

The digital image signal stored in the memory 40 is sequentially and repeatedly read out and output to the terminal 36 B of the changeover switch 36 via the D / A converter 42. The changeover switch 36 switches and connects the movable contact piece 36C to the terminal 36A or the terminal 36B based on a switch changeover signal from the CPU 32, and outputs an image signal input to the terminal 36A or the terminal 36B to the liquid crystal monitor (LCD) 8.

The liquid crystal monitor 8 receives power from a display control unit 44 via a switch 46, and
Driven by the display control unit 44 based on the LCD drive signal applied from the LCD 32, and displays a finder image based on an image signal input via the changeover switch 36. The switch 46 opens and closes the movable contact piece in response to a command signal output from the CPU 32 based on detection results of the touch sensor 9 and a tripod sensor 69 described later.

The CPU 32 includes a switch section 50, a bar code reading control section 52, a magnetic head control section 54, a shutter control section 56, a lens barrel control section 58, a film feed control section 60, a distance measurement control section 62, and a photometry. Various circuits such as a control unit 64, a touch detection control unit 66, and a tripod detection control unit 68 are connected. The switch unit 50 includes a release switch 6A indicating an operation state of the release button 6 and a zoom lever 23.
, The angle of view setting switch 21A indicating the setting state of the angle of view setting knob 21, the main switch 27, the mode switch 22A indicating the setting state of the mode setting button 22, the date setting button 16, the number of prints Setting button 17, selection title setting button 1
8 includes a date switch 16A, a print switch 17A, a title switch 18A, and the like. The states of the various switches are applied to the CPU 32.

A bar code reading control unit 52 controls a reading sensor 53 that optically reads a bar code attached to the surface of the container of the film cartridge loaded in the cartridge chamber of the camera 1, and controls the type of the film and the total number of frames. , The ISO sensitivity, etc., and notifies the CPU 32 of the result. The magnetic head control unit 54 reads the magnetic information recorded in the magnetic recording area via the magnetic head 55 in contact with the magnetic recording area of the photographic film while feeding the photographic film, and notifies the CPU 32 of the information. . The magnetic head control unit 54 records photographing information, print information, and the like in the magnetic recording area of the photographic film via the magnetic head 55 based on a control signal from the CPU 32.

The shutter control unit 56 includes a photometric sensor 65
The shutter 57 is opened and closed according to a signal indicating a shutter speed set based on the output of the shutter switch 6A and a release signal based on the release switch 6A. The lens barrel control unit 58 drives the lens barrel 59 including the photographing lens 2 based on the zoom command signal based on the zoom switch 23A and the subject distance information (AF data) from the distance measurement control unit 62 to change the magnification. And a focusing operation is performed.

The film feed control section 60 controls the feed of the film based on a signal from a perforation reading sensor 61 for detecting the perforation formed on the photographic film. That is, when the film cartridge is loaded, the film is wound up to the unexposed top frame, and the film feed motor is driven for each frame to drive the film.
Wind up the film for the frame. When the photographing is completed, or when the forced rewind button 19 is operated, the film feeding motor is reversed to rewind the film into the cartridge.

The distance measurement control section 62 detects a subject distance based on a signal from a distance measurement sensor 63 comprising an AF projector and a light receiver, and notifies the CPU 32 of the distance measurement data.
The photometry control unit 64 includes a photometry sensor 6 that performs photometry of subject brightness.
Based on the output of No. 5, a signal relating to automatic exposure control (AE) is notified to the CPU 32. To the CPU 32, a signal indicating a shutter speed set based on the output of the photometric sensor 65 and a release signal synchronized at the time of shutter release are added. When the release signal is not input, the CPU 32 controls the movable contact 3 of the changeover switch 36.
6C is switched to a terminal 36A, and a CCD drive signal is output so that the charge accumulation time in the CCD 30 becomes one vertical time (one field period).

Accordingly, the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements of the CCD 30 during one field period are sequentially read out during the next one field period, and after being converted into image signals for liquid crystal display by the signal processing circuit 34, It is applied to the liquid crystal monitor 8 via the changeover switch 36. Thus, a finder image of a moving image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 8. CPU32
When a release signal is input to the CPU 32, the CPU 32 outputs a signal based on a signal indicating the shutter speed input at that time.
The CCD 30 is controlled so that the charge accumulation time in D30 matches the shutter speed, and the charge accumulation time is also synchronized with the release signal at the start of charge accumulation.

That is, the CPU 32 causes the vertical transfer CCD to read out unnecessary charges stored in the respective photoelectric conversion elements of the CCD 30 in synchronization with the release signal, starts accumulation of new signal charges, and simultaneously executes the vertical transfer. Unnecessary charges read to the CCD are discharged and all discharged from the drain,
After the lapse of the shutter speed, the signal charges accumulated within that time are read out by the vertical transfer CCD.

The signal charge read out by the vertical transfer CCD is applied for one horizontal period (1
H), the signal charges sequentially transferred in the direction of the horizontal transfer CCD and transferred to the final stage of the vertical transfer CCD are sequentially transferred to the horizontal transfer stage for each horizontal retrace period, and are transferred to the next horizontal operation time. Retrieved sequentially. Then, as described above, CC
The signal output from D30 is output to the signal processing circuit 34, A /
The data is guided to the memory 40 via the D converter 38. CPU3
2 stores the digital image signal applied to the memory 40 in the memory 40 and switches the movable contact 36C of the changeover switch 36 to the terminal 36A to convert the image signal read from the memory 40 into the D / A converter 42. The data is output to the liquid crystal monitor 8 via the switch 36. As a result, a still image equivalent to the subject image projected on the photographic film at the time of shutter release is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 8.

When switching from the display of the still image to the display of the moving image, for example, when the release button 6 is released from the fully-pressed state, the contact of the switch 36 may be switched. The contact piece of the switch 36 may be switched by a manual operation member (not shown). Further, the memory 40 has a storage capacity capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames.
It is possible to reproduce the image of the already taken frame stored in the memory 40 by designating the frame number.

Next, the touch sensor 9 will be described.
Touch sensor 9 provided on grip section 1A of camera 1
Outputs to the CPU 32 a detection signal indicating whether or not the camera body is being gripped. For example, when the camera body is not gripped, a low (L) level detection signal is output to the CPU 32, and when the camera body is gripped, a high (H) level detection signal is output to the CPU 32.

On the other hand, when the L-level detection signal is applied from the touch sensor 9, the CPU 32 turns the switch 46 off.
F to output a signal to turn on the switch 46 when an H-level detection signal is applied from the touch sensor, and cut off the power supply path to the liquid crystal monitor 8. Allow. A timer circuit (not shown) is provided to count the time elapsed from when the L-level detection signal is applied from the touch sensor, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value (for example, 15 seconds), the CPU 32 sends the signal to the liquid crystal monitor 8. May be output. In this case, the timer circuit is reset when the count value reaches the predetermined value or when a grip detection signal is output from the touch sensor 9 during counting.

Next, the tripod sensor 69 will be described. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a configuration example of a tripod sensor. A switch 76 having a protrusion 76A is provided in a tripod screw hole 74 formed on the bottom surface of the camera body 71 (FIG. 5A). This tripod screw hole 74 has a tripod 78
When the male screw 80 is screwed, the tip of the male screw 80 presses the protrusion 76A of the switch 76, and the switch 7
6 is turned on (FIG. 5B). The state of the switch 76 is C
The PU 32 is notified, and it is detected from the state of the switch 76 whether or not the tripod is attached.

When the tripod 78 is not used, the CPU 3
2 is supplied with an OFF detection signal of the switch 76, and the CPU 3
2 outputs a signal for turning on / off the switch 46 according to the detection result of the touch sensor 9. That is, when the tripod 78 is not used, power supply / interruption control to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is performed based on the grip detection of the touch sensor 9.

On the other hand, when the tripod 78 is used, CP
The ON detection signal of the switch 76 is added to U32,
U32 outputs a signal for turning on the switch 46 irrespective of the detection result of the touch sensor 9, and allows power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8. As a mode of the tripod sensor, in addition to the switch 76 shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG.
A light-emitting unit 82 and a light-receiving unit 84 may be provided on the peripheral surface of the light-emitting unit 4.
When the tripod male screw 80 is screwed into the tripod screw hole 74,
Since the light reflectance changes, it is possible to detect whether or not the tripod 78 is attached based on the change in the amount of light received by the light receiving section 84.

Next, the operation of the camera with the liquid crystal finder having the above-described configuration will be described. First, a case where a tripod is not used will be described. When the tripod is not used, the main switch 27 is turned on in conjunction with the operation of raising the liquid crystal monitor 8 (monitor opening operation).

When the photographer grips the grip 1A of the camera 1 and grips the camera 1, the touch sensor 9 detects this, and outputs a detection signal to that effect to the CPU 32. C
The PU 32 turns on the switch 46 based on the detection signal. Thus, energization of the liquid crystal monitor 8 is permitted. Thus, when the photographer holds the camera 1, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned on. This allows the photographer to use the LCD monitor 8
, The subject and the framing can be confirmed.

Further, since the image shot by operating the release button 6 can be immediately viewed through the liquid crystal monitor 8, exposure, framing, and a photo opportunity can be confirmed, and a sense of security can be obtained. Furthermore, since the captured image can be shown to others at any time, it can be used as an information transmission means. On the other hand, when the photographer releases his / her hand from the grip portion 1A of the camera 1, the touch sensor 9 detects this and outputs a detection signal to that effect to the CPU 32. The CPU 32 turns off the switch 46 based on the detection signal. Thus, the power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is cut off. in this way,
When the photographer releases his / her hand from the grip unit 1A of the camera 1, it is considered that there is little possibility of seeing the liquid crystal monitor 8, and in such a case, the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off to save power. In addition, the touch sensor 9 is
The liquid crystal monitor 8 may be turned off after a certain period of time has passed since the camera no longer detects the grip of the camera 1.

Next, a case where a tripod is used will be described.
When the tripod 78 is used, the photographer does not normally hold the camera 1, so it is not appropriate to control the turning on / off of the liquid crystal monitor 8 based on the detection result of the touch sensor 9. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the tripod sensor 69 detects that the camera 1 is fixed to the tripod 78, the switch 46 is turned on regardless of the detection result of the touch sensor 9 of the grip 1A. The power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is allowed.

Thus, when the tripod 78 is used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 can be turned on without the photographer touching the touch sensor 9, and the composition is determined after the camera 1 is fixed to the tripod 78 ( Framing confirmation) can be easily performed. When the tripod 78 is used, the liquid crystal monitor 8 may be kept on at all times. However, a timer circuit (not shown) is provided to start the power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 (or when the tripod sensor detects that the tripod is fixed). ) May be counted, and when the count value reaches a certain value (for example, 5 minutes), a signal for cutting off the power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 from the CPU 32 may be output.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the flow of processing of the CPU 32 when the timer circuit is used. As shown in FIG. 7, when the tripod sensor 69 detects the tripod 78 (step S10), the CPU 32 starts counting by the timer circuit (step S12) and turns on the liquid crystal monitor 8 (step S14). And
The detection (grip detection) by the touch sensor 9 provided on the grip section 1A of the camera 1 is invalidated (step S1).
6).

Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timer circuit has reached a predetermined constant value (for example, 5 minutes) (step S18).
Until the minute) is reached, the current state is maintained, and the liquid crystal monitor 8 continues to light. Thereafter, when the count of the timer circuit reaches a certain value (for example, 5 minutes), grip detection is permitted (step S20), and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off (step S22).

Then, the counting of the timer circuit is stopped (step S24), and this processing ends. If a camera operation such as a release operation is performed while the timer circuit is counting, the operation may be reset.
On the other hand, when it is detected by the tripod sensor 69 that the tripod 78 has been removed, as shown in FIG.
32, after detecting the tripod detachment (step S30), permits the grip detection (step S32), and turns off the liquid crystal monitor 8 (step S34). Then, the counting of the timer circuit is stopped (step S36), and the present process ends.

By the way, regardless of whether the tripod 78 is used or not, the photographer is not usually supposed to look at the liquid crystal monitor 8 during self-photographing.
May be turned off. FIG. 9 shows a flow of camera control in the self mode. After setting the self-photographing mode by operating the mode setting button 22 and then pressing the release button 6 to turn on the self-mode switch (step S40), the CPU
Reference numeral 32 outputs a control signal for turning off the liquid crystal monitor 8, and turns off the liquid crystal monitor 8. Next, counting of a self-timer (not shown) (for example, a 10-second timer) starts (step S44).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the self mode has been released (step S46). If the self mode has been released, the present process is terminated (step S48). If the self mode has not been released in step S46, it is further confirmed whether or not the main switch 27 has been turned off (step S50). When the main switch 27 is turned off, the power supply to the camera circuit is stopped (step S52), and the process ends (step S54).

In step S50, when the ON state of the main switch 27 is confirmed, it is then determined whether or not the set time of the self-timer (in this case, 10 seconds) has elapsed. Is Step S
Return to 46. In step S56, when it is confirmed that 10 seconds have elapsed, the shutter blades are opened (step S5).
8), film exposure (step S60), shutter blade closing operation (step S62), and a series of photographing operations. Then, after one frame of the film is wound (step S64), power supply to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is permitted again, and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned on (step S66). The single-frame winding process (step S6)
After the completion of 4), the liquid crystal monitor 8 may be turned on after a certain period of time. Thus, the present process ends (step S68).

As described above, during the self-photographing, the liquid crystal monitor 8
Is turned off, and the time during which power is supplied to the liquid crystal monitor 8 that consumes a large amount of power is reduced, so that the consumption of the power supply battery can be suppressed. However, when an external power source such as an AC adapter is used, it is not necessary to consider the consumption of the battery. Therefore, when an external power source is supplied through the terminal 13 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the liquid crystal monitor 8 may be always turned on without performing the above-described energization / cutoff control for the liquid crystal monitor 8.

That is, an external power supply connection sensor for detecting whether or not an AC adapter is connected to the terminal 13 is provided.
When the connection of the AC adapter is detected by the external power supply connection sensor, the energization to the liquid crystal monitor 8 is permitted prior to the detection by the touch sensor 9 or the tripod sensor 69. In the above embodiment, the case where the touch sensor 9 is provided on the grip portion 1A on one side of the camera 1 has been described, but the means for detecting the grip of the camera body is not limited to this. For example, instead of the above-mentioned capacitance type sensor,
A contact-type switch that turns on when the grip portion 1A is pressed may be used. In addition, as long as the grip of the camera body can be detected, a sensor may be provided not only in the grip section but also in other parts of the camera body.

In the above embodiment, the case where the camera is fixed to a tripod as an example of being fixed by means other than the photographer's hold has been described as an example, but the camera may be fixed to a monopod instead of a tripod. Alternatively, it may be placed on a table. In this case, as a means for detecting the fixation of the camera, for example, a method of providing a touch sensor or a gravity sensor at the bottom of the camera and determining that the camera is fixed when there is no change in the detection signal from the sensor Can be considered.

In the above embodiment, a camera corresponding to a new photographic system in which a magnetic recording layer is formed on a photographic film has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a 135 film camera. is there.

[0054]

As described above, according to the camera with a liquid crystal finder according to the present invention, it is detected whether or not the camera is fixed by means other than the photographer's hold, and the liquid crystal display is determined based on the detection result. The time lighting control allows the photographer to easily determine the composition and angle of view while looking at the liquid crystal display, and to prevent unnecessary power consumption by the liquid crystal display. Consumption can be suppressed.

Further, a grip detecting means for detecting the grip of the camera body is provided, and when the grip of the camera is no longer detected by the grip detecting means, or after a lapse of a fixed time after the grip of the camera is no longer detected, the liquid crystal display is provided. Second display control means for controlling turning off of the display, wherein when the detection means detects that the camera is fixed, the display control means is prioritized over control of turning off the second display control means. As a result, the liquid crystal display is turned on, so that the liquid crystal display can be used according to the use condition of the camera, and power can be saved.

According to the camera with a liquid crystal finder according to the present invention, the liquid crystal display is turned off at the time of self-photographing, so that the power of the power battery can be prevented from being wasted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front external perspective view of a camera with a liquid crystal finder using the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the camera shown in FIG. 1 is housed in a liquid crystal monitor.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a camera with a liquid crystal finder according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a configuration example of a tripod sensor.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another configuration example of the tripod sensor.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the CPU relating to the control of turning on / off the liquid crystal monitor.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the CPU relating to the control of turning on / off the liquid crystal monitor.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of camera control in a self mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera with liquid crystal finder 1A ... Grip part 3 ... Finder window 8 ... Liquid crystal monitor 9 ... Touch sensor 13 ... Terminal for external power supply connection 30 ... Solid-state image sensor (CCD) 32 ... Central processing unit (CPU) 71 ... Camera body 74: tripod screw hole 76: switch 78: tripod 82: light emitting unit 84: light receiving unit

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 22, 1998

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 4

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[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 liquid crystal finder for displaying a subject image on the liquid crystal finder.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, light from a subject is formed on an image sensor, and a subject image is displayed on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor. In a camera with a liquid crystal viewfinder for displaying, a detecting means for detecting whether or not the camera is fixed by means other than the photographer's hold, and lighting control of the liquid crystal display for a predetermined time based on a detection signal from the detecting means. Display control means.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0007] A timer circuit for counting the lighting time of the liquid crystal display is provided, and when the liquid crystal display is turned on when the camera is fixed, the liquid crystal display is turned off after a predetermined time elapses, thereby further saving power. Can be achieved. Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a camera with a liquid crystal finder that forms light from a subject on an image sensor and displays a subject image on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor. , A self-timer,
Self-operation means for starting counting of the self-timer based on an external operation, and display control means for turning off the liquid crystal display when self-photographing is executed in response to the operation of the self-operation means, It is characterized by that.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A light from a subject is imaged on an image sensor;
A camera with a liquid crystal finder that displays a subject image on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor and controls the opening and closing of a shutter to expose a silver halide film with light from the subject. Detection means for detecting whether or not the liquid crystal display is fixed by means other than a person's hold; and display control means for controlling lighting of the liquid crystal display for a predetermined time based on a detection signal from the detection means. Camera with LCD finder. 2. It is provided near a grip of the camera body,
Grip detection means for detecting whether or not the camera body is gripped, and the liquid crystal display when the grip detection of the camera body is no longer detected by the grip detection means or after a lapse of a predetermined time after the grip of the camera body is no longer detected. The second to turn off the vessel
Display control means, wherein the display control means causes the liquid crystal display to override the light-off control by the second display control means when the detection means detects that the camera is fixed. The camera with a liquid crystal finder according to claim 1, which is turned on. 3. A timer circuit for counting a time during which the liquid crystal display is kept lit, and a third display for turning off the liquid crystal display when a count value of the timer circuit reaches a predetermined time. The camera with a liquid crystal finder according to claim 2, further comprising: control means. 4. An image pickup device for forming light from a subject on an image sensor.
A camera with a liquid crystal finder that displays a subject image on a liquid crystal display based on an image signal read from the image sensor and controls the opening and closing of a shutter to expose a silver halide film with light from the subject. Self-operation means for starting counting of the self-timer based on an external operation; anddisplay control means for turning off the liquid crystal display when self-photographing is performed in response to the operation of the self-operation means. A camera with a liquid crystal finder. 5. An external power supply connection terminal, an external power supply connection detecting means for detecting whether an external power supply is connected to the terminal, and an external power supply connected to the terminal by the external power supply detection means. Means for constantly turning on the liquid crystal display prior to the control of turning on / off the liquid crystal display by the display control means when the detection is detected. Or a camera with a liquid crystal finder of 4.