JPH11119321A - camera - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] When a display image forming means is disposed above a prism, an upwardly projecting amount of an exterior member becomes large, and an increase in size of a camera cannot be avoided. SOLUTION: An exterior member 21 having an eyepiece window 21b formed on a back surface part 21a has a prism 20 arranged on an observation axis X0 of the eyepiece window and a display image (focal point) superimposed on an emission image (subject image) from the prism. In a camera covering the display image forming means 22 for forming an image for displaying the detection position), the display image forming means is positioned on the inner space of the exterior member, which is orthogonal to the photographing screen and closer to the plane including the observation axis. In the other area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera such as a single-lens reflex camera, a still video camera, and the like, in which a superimposed display of a focus detection position and the like is displayed in a finder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A camera capable of selecting an area for performing a focus detection operation from a plurality of focus detection areas has a so-called super display in which images indicating the plurality of focus detection positions are superimposed and displayed on a subject image in a finder visual field. An imposition display technique is used.

For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-43913, a reflector having a display frame for superimposed display corresponding to a plurality of focus detection positions is arranged near a focus plate on which a subject image is formed. A camera has been proposed in which a light beam emitted from a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) is projected onto the reflector via a light projecting lens to superimpose a superimposed display on a subject image.

However, this camera requires one light emitting element for one superimposed display.
As the number of selectable focus detection positions increases, that is, as the number of superimposed displays increases, the size of the camera increases. Particularly, in recent years, the number of focus detection positions tends to be increased, and thus the effectiveness of such a camera has been reduced.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-181034 proposes a camera in which a liquid crystal panel is arranged on a focus plate and superimposed display is performed in a finder using the liquid crystal panel. According to this camera, display segments corresponding to a plurality of focus detection positions are formed on the liquid crystal panel, so that even if the number of focus detection positions increases, the camera can be prevented from becoming larger.

However, in this camera, it is difficult to accurately match the position of the liquid crystal panel in the direction of the optical axis with the image forming position on the focusing plate of the photographing lens. Since the liquid crystal member is always present, the quality and the amount of light of the subject image of the single-lens reflex camera, which requires a clear and delicate visual feeling, are unavoidable.

In order to enable a superimposed display of the focus detection position to be displayed on the entire surface of the subject without deteriorating the subject image, a camera as shown in FIG. 7 has been proposed.

[0008] In the camera shown in FIG.
The subject light introduced into the photographing lens 37 is formed by forming an image on a focus plate 39 via a QR mirror 33 retracted from the photographing optical path at the time of photographing. The light passes through the half mirror 30 through the prism 40 and is observed by an observer through the eyepiece 36. On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the light source 35 enters the Fresnel lens 34, and the light condensed by the lens 34 enters the liquid crystal panel 33 on which a display segment for superimposed display is formed. The display light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 33 (the display optical axis X)
6) is reflected by the half mirror 32 and guided on the finder optical axis X5. After being condensed by the projection lens 31, it is combined with the subject image by the half mirror 30 and is observed by the observer via the eyepiece 36. To be observed.

[0009]

However, in the camera shown in FIG. 7, since the subject image and the superimposed display image are synthesized by the half mirror 30,
The optical path length of the finder optical axis X5 from the focus plate 39 to the half mirror 30 must be set to be the same as the optical path length of the display optical axis X6 from the liquid crystal panel 33 to the half mirror 30. If this is not the case, the diopter between the subject image and the superimposed display image will deviate during viewfinder observation, and the quality of the viewfinder image will deteriorate.

Therefore, in the camera shown in FIG. 7, the display image projection unit including the light source 35, the Fresnel lens 34 and the liquid crystal panel 33 is arranged above the ridge line of the pentaprism 40 in order to secure the optical path length. For this reason, the projection amount of the exterior member covering the display image projection unit and the pentaprism 40 is increased, and the size of the camera is inevitably increased, and the portability is deteriorated and the design is restricted. there were. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera capable of displaying a superimposed display on the entire surface of a subject image without deteriorating the image and reducing the size.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a prism disposed on an observation axis of an eyepiece window and a prism arranged on an observation axis of the eyepiece window are provided by an exterior member having an eyepiece window formed on a back surface. And a display image forming means for forming a display image (such as an image indicating a focus detection position) superimposed on the exit image (subject image) of the camera. It is arranged in a region on the side (a region substantially perpendicular to the photographing screen and on the side of the plane including the observation axis).

That is, by disposing the display image forming means so as not to obstruct the observation optical path in the space which has been a dead space except for the observation optical path in the past, it is possible to suppress the upward projection of the exterior member and reduce the size of the camera. To be able to plan.

In such a camera, the display image forming means is arranged so as to emit a display image toward the upper side of the observation axis, and the observation axis is formed between the prism and the back of the exterior member. A reflecting member that reflects the display image downward is disposed above, and a combining unit such as a half mirror that combines the display image reflected by the reflecting member such as a mirror and the image output from the prism is disposed on the observation axis. It is desirable that the optical path length from the focus plate to the synthesizing unit and the optical path length from the display image forming unit to the synthesizing unit be set to be the same.

It is desirable that the display image forming means be provided with a side portion substantially parallel to the rear surface of the exterior member, thereby preventing the exterior member from protruding in the rear direction and reducing the size of the camera. .

Further, by arranging the connection portion of the display image forming means with the printed circuit board on the prism side,
It is desirable to reduce the size of the camera as compared with the case where the connection portion is arranged on the back side of the exterior member.

In the case where a half mirror as a synthesizing means is arranged at an angle of more than 45 degrees with respect to the observation axis in order to bring the prism and the eyepiece as close as possible, the display segment of the liquid crystal panel is changed. It is necessary to arrange the display image along the inclination of the display optical axis so that the display image is properly arranged with respect to the viewfinder field. In this case, instead of disposing the entire display image forming means obliquely, the liquid crystal panel is It is desirable that the display segments are inclined with respect to the outer sides of the liquid crystal panel to suppress the display image forming means and the exterior member from projecting in the rear direction.

An operation member such as a switch for switching the operation / non-operation of the line-of-sight detection means is attached to a side surface of the exterior member opposite to the side on which the display image forming means is disposed, so that the display image forming means and It is desirable to prevent the exterior member and the camera from increasing in size as compared with the case where the operation member is arranged on the same side.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show the internal configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, X0 represents the photographer's eyeball 12 from the photographing lens 17.
X1 is a finder optical axis extending from the display image projection unit (display image forming means in claims) 22 to the eyeball 12;
X2 indicates the visual axis detection optical axis from the visual axis detection light source 25 to the sensor 15.

First, the basic operation of the finder optical system will be described with reference to FIG. The subject light passing through the photographing lens 17 forms an image on a focus plate 19 via a QR mirror 18. A subject image on the focus plate 19 includes a pentaprism (prism optical element) 20, a mirror (compositing means) 10 disposed between the pentaprism 20 and the eyepiece 11, and an eyepiece 11. And reaches the observer's eyeball 12 to be observed. Here, the mirror 10 is formed of a half mirror or a dichroic mirror.
And the superimposed display light emitted from the light source 25, and reflects the line-of-sight detection light emitted from the light source 25 and reflected by the eyeball 12 toward the sensor 15.

During photographing, the QR mirror 18 retreats from the photographing optical path, and the subject light passing through the photographing lens 17 forms an image on the photographing screen S.

Next, the basic operation of the visual axis detection optical system will be described with reference to FIGS. This line-of-sight detection optical system uses a method of detecting the line of sight of a photographer from the relationship between a reflected image of a cornea of a light source and a pupil, which is conventionally used in single-lens reflex cameras and the like.

In FIG. 1, a light beam emitted from a light source 25 composed of an LED illuminates an eyeball 12 to be detected in a line-of-sight direction. The illuminated eyeball image (virtual image due to corneal reflection) passes through the eyepiece 11 and is reflected by the mirror 10, and is arranged above the projection lens 9 and the finder optical axis X0 shown in FIG. (Reflection means) 8 to form an image on the sensor 15 by the imaging lens 16. Then, the gaze direction is detected by a predetermined algorithm from the positional relationship between the pupil image and the virtual image due to corneal reflection of the light source 25.

The mirror 8 comprises a half mirror or a dichroic mirror.
While transmitting the line-of-sight detection light reflected by the above, the superimposed display light emitted from the display image projection unit 22 is reflected toward the lower mirror 10.

Next, the basic operation of the display optical system for superimposed display superimposed on the subject image will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 3, the superimposed display light emitted from the display image projection unit 22 is:
The light is reflected by the mirror 8 and collected by the projection lens 9 to form an image on the mirror 10 shown in FIG. Then, the superimposed display image on the mirror 10 is combined with the subject image formed on the imaging focus plate 19 by the mirror 10, reaches the eyeball 12 of the observer via the eyepiece 11, and is observed.

FIG. 4 shows the display image projection unit 2 described above.
2 shows a detailed configuration. In this figure, 1 is L
It is a light source composed of an ED or the like. Reference numeral 6 denotes a liquid crystal panel on which display segments for superimposed display of a plurality of focus detection points are formed. Reference numeral 2 denotes a Fresnel lens which functions as a so-called condenser lens for making the light source 1 and the pupil of the eyeball 12 of the observer have a conjugate imaging relationship and efficiently entering the light flux of the light source 1 into the pupil of the observer. Reference numeral 3 denotes a liquid crystal panel 6 and a light source 1, and a display segment formed on the liquid crystal panel 6 and a circuit (not shown) for controlling lighting of the light source 1.
And a flexible printed circuit board for connecting the
Reference numeral 4 denotes a sheet having a light diffusion characteristic for diffusing the light flux of the light source 1 condensed by the Fresnel lens 2 to enhance the visibility at the time of superimposed display. Is an anisotropic conductive rubber for making the conductive. 7 is a projection lens, and 1
Reference numerals 3 and 14 denote cases of the unit 22.

In the display image projection unit 22 configured as described above, the light beam emitted from the light source 1 enters the Fresnel lens 2, and the light collected by the Fresnel lens 2 is diffused by the sheet 4 and Incident. At the time of superimposed display, the liquid crystal panel 6 sets the display segment to a light transmitting state. The light flux transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 6 is condensed by the projection lens 7 and reaches the photographer's eyeball 12 via the mirror 8, the projection lens 9, the mirror 10, and the eyepiece 11, as described above.

FIG. 5 shows a liquid crystal panel 6 on which display segments 6a to 6k are formed. Reference numeral 61 denotes a connect part to which the flexible printed circuit board 3 is electrically connected. The display segments 6a to 6k correspond to focus detection points of an AF sensor (not shown) for performing focusing on a subject. During superimposed display, display segments corresponding to focus detection points selected as focus areas. Are in a light transmitting state, and the other display segments are in a light shielding state.

In the present embodiment, the display segments 6a to 6k are arranged along the inclination of the display optical axis X1 shown in FIG. Have.

FIG. 6 shows the superimposed display contents of the focus detection points in the finder visual field. FIG.
4A shows a state in which the display segments 6a to 6k of the liquid crystal panel 6 are fully lit, that is, a state in which the luminous flux of the light source 1 in FIG. 4 passes through all the display segments 6a to 6k and is combined with the subject image. 23 is a field frame in the viewfinder field, 1
Reference numerals 9a and 19b denote a focus detection area and a spot photometry area which are drawn and displayed on the focus plate 19.

FIGS. 6B and 6C show a state in which the display segment corresponding to the focus detection point selected by the camera or the photographer is superimposed and displayed. The focus detection point is selected when the camera automatically selects the focus detection point according to the shooting situation (automatic selection AF), or when the photographer arbitrarily selects the focus detection point to be focused (arbitrary selection AF).
In some cases, the gaze direction is detected from the positional relationship between the pupil image of the photographer and the virtual image of the light source, and a focus detection point corresponding to the gaze direction is automatically selected (gaze input AF). In addition,
FIG. 6B shows an object 6 in the center of the viewfinder.
m, the focus detection point corresponding to the display segment 6f is selected, and the display segment 6f is displayed in a superimposed display. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the subject 6m is located at the left end in the finder visual field, a focus detection point corresponding to the display segment 6d is selected, and the display segment 6d is displayed in a superimposed manner.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to a case having eleven display segments 6a to 6k, the present invention can be applied to a case having a number of display segments other than this number.

Next, the layout of the display image projection unit 22 in the camera will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The display image projection unit 22 includes a focus detection area drawn on the focus plate 19 in order to correspond a position in the viewfinder field between the display segments 6a to 6k of the liquid crystal panel 6 and a focus detection point of an AF sensor (not shown). 19a
After the position is adjusted with reference to the spot metering area 19b, the mirror is fixed to a case (not shown) holding the mirror 8, the projection lens 9 and the mirror 10. The display image projection unit 22 fixed in this manner is a pentaprism 2
The camera is covered with an upper cover 21 which is an exterior member of the camera, together with the mirrors 8, 10 and the eyepiece 11. Note that an eyepiece window 21b facing the back of the eyepiece 11 is formed on the back surface 21a of the upper lid 21.

The location of the display image projection unit 22 in the space covered by the upper lid 21 is a plane orthogonal to the photographing screen S and including the finder optical axis X0 (a plane overlapping the finder optical axis X0 in FIGS. 2 and 3). ), And a region between the rear portion 21a of the upper lid 21 and the pentaprism 20 in the side region.
Thereby, the display image projection unit 22 can be arranged at a position lower than the upper end of the pentaprism 20. Therefore, compared to a conventional camera in which the display image projection unit is installed above the pentaprism, the upper cover 21 Can be prevented from projecting upward.

By the way, when photographing, it is preferable that the finder magnification is large because it is easy for the photographer to see. For this reason, in the camera of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the inclination angle of the mirror 10 with respect to the finder optical axis X0 is made larger than 45 degrees, and the distance between the pentaprism 20 and the eyepiece 11 is shortened. By doing so, the finder optical path length is shortened and the finder magnification is increased.

However, this causes the display optical axis X1 to tilt toward the eyepiece lens 11 side. On the other hand, the superimposed display image in the finder visual field must be opposed to the focus detection point in the focus detection area 19a in the finder visual field. Therefore, the display segments 6a to 6
It is necessary to arrange k along the inclination of the display optical axis X1.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the entire liquid crystal panel is not arranged in an inclined manner along the inclination of the display optical axis X1, but is displayed on the outer side of the liquid crystal panel 6 as described with reference to FIG. The segments 6a to 6k are arranged along the inclination of the display optical axis X1. As a result, the back side outer side of the liquid crystal panel 6 and the case 1 covering the outer side
Back side outer side 2 of 3, 14 (display image projection unit 22)
Since 2a can be arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the rear portion 21a of the upper lid 21, it is not necessary to release the rear portion 21a of the upper lid 21 close to the rear portion 21a in the rear direction, and it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the camera. .

Further, the connecting portion 6l of the liquid crystal panel 6
Is formed only on one of the four outer sides of the liquid crystal panel 6, the outer shape of the liquid crystal panel 6 is larger on the side of the connect portion 61 than the display optical axis X1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connecting portion 61 is arranged on the opposite side (the pentaprism 20 side) of the back cover 21a of the upper cover 21 as shown in FIG. .

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the side of the upper lid 21 opposite to the side on which the display image projecting unit 22 is arranged is provided with the above-mentioned line-of-sight input AF operation / non-operation. A changeover switch (an operation member according to the claims) 24 for selecting an operation is attached. Here, if the switch 24 and the display image projection unit 22 are arranged on the same side, the upper cover 21 must be enlarged so that the changeover switch 24 does not interfere with the display image projection unit 22. By arranging the switch 24 and the display image projection unit 22 at opposing positions, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the upper cover 21, that is, an increase in the size of the camera. Here, the description of the configuration and operation of the changeover switch 24 will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the case has been described in which the eye-gaze input AF switch 24 is provided on the upper lid 21. However, instead of the switch 24, another operation member is used.
1 may be attached.

In the present embodiment, the display image is displayed in an area between the back surface 21a of the top cover 21 and the pentaprism 20 in an area orthogonal to the photographing screen S and lateral to the plane including the finder optical axis X0. The case where the projection unit 22 is arranged has been described.
The display image projection unit may be arranged in an area above the zero roof surface 20a.

In this embodiment, a camera having a penta roof prism has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a camera having a so-called hollow prism (prism optical element) formed by combining mirrors. Can be.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The display image forming means may be arranged so as not to block the observation optical path in a region which is conventionally a dead space in the inner space of the exterior member and which is orthogonal to the photographing screen and lateral to the plane including the observation axis. Since the display member can be formed above the ridge line of the prism, the protrusion of the exterior member can be suppressed as compared with the conventional camera in which the display image forming means is arranged above the ridge line of the prism, and the camera can be downsized.

By providing the display image forming means with sides which are substantially parallel to the rear surface of the exterior member, it is possible to prevent the exterior member from protruding in the rear direction due to the arrangement of the display image forming means in the space. Thus, the size of the camera can be further reduced.

Further, by arranging the connection portion of the display image forming means with the printed circuit board on the prism side,
The size of the camera can be reduced as compared with the case where the connection portion is disposed on the back side of the exterior member.

When it is necessary to incline the display segment of the liquid crystal panel with respect to the back surface of the exterior member, the display segment is inclined with respect to the outer side of the liquid crystal panel, so that the display image forming means and the exterior The protrusion of the member in the rear direction can be suppressed.

Further, if an operation member such as a switch for switching the operation / non-operation of the line-of-sight detection means is attached to a side surface of the exterior member opposite to the side where the display image forming means is disposed, the display image forming means can be provided. It is possible to prevent the exterior member and the camera from increasing in size as compared with the case where the operation member is arranged on the same side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an optical system of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical system of the camera.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the optical system of the camera.

FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view showing a configuration of a display image projection unit of the camera.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a liquid crystal panel of the display image projection unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a finder visual field of the camera.

FIG. 7 is an optical system configuration diagram of a conventional camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 X0, X5: Finder optical axis X1, X6: Display optical axis X2: Eye-gaze detection optical axis S: Photographing screen 35: Display light source 2, 34: Fresnel lens 3: Flexible printed circuit board 4: Diffusive sheet 5: Anisotropy Conductive rubber 6,33 Liquid crystal panel 7,9,31 Projection lens 8,10,30,32 Mirror 11,36 Eyepiece 12 Eyeball 13,14 Case (of display image projection unit) 15 ... Line-of-sight detection sensor 16 ... imaging lens 17, 37 ... photographing lens 18, 38 ... QR mirror 19, 39 ... focus plate 20, 40 ... pentaprism 21 ... top cover 21a ... back surface 22 ... display image projection unit 23 ... finder field frame

Claims (11)

[Claims] An exterior member having an eyepiece window formed on a back surface forms a prismatic optical element disposed on an observation axis of the eyepiece window and a display image to be superimposed on an emission image from the prismatic optical element. A camera covering the display image forming means, wherein the display image forming means is arranged in a region of the inner space of the exterior member, which is lateral to the observation axis. 2. A photographing screen is provided below the observation axis, and the display image forming means is disposed in the inner space of the exterior member so as to be substantially perpendicular to the photographing screen and closer to a surface including the observation axis. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is arranged in one of the areas. 3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display image forming unit is arranged in a space between the back surface of the exterior member and the prism in the side area. 4. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display image is an image for displaying a focus detection position. 5. The display image forming unit emits a display image toward above the observation axis, and a reflection member that reflects the display image downward is disposed above the observation axis. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a combining unit that combines a display image reflected by the reflection member and an emission image from the prism is disposed thereon. 6. A focus plate on which a subject image is formed, wherein an optical path length from the focus plate to the synthesizing unit is the same as an optical path length from the display image forming unit to the synthesizing unit. The camera according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display image forming unit has a substantially parallel side portion on a back surface of the exterior member. 8. The display image forming means according to claim 1, wherein a printed circuit board is connected to the display image forming means, and a connection portion of the display image forming means with the printed circuit board is arranged on the prism side. 8. The camera according to any one of 7. 9. The display image forming means includes a liquid crystal panel, and display segments of the liquid crystal panel are arranged obliquely with respect to an outer side of the liquid crystal panel. Item 9. The camera according to any one of Items 1 to 8. 10. The camera according to claim 1, wherein an operation member is attached to a side surface of the exterior member opposite to a side on which the display image forming unit is arranged. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a line-of-sight detecting means for detecting a line of sight of the photographer, wherein said operation member is a switch for switching between operation and non-operation of said line of sight detecting means.
The camera according to 0.