Camera equipment, electronic device, viewfinder unit

Abstract

A camera device, comprising a first sensor configured to capture an optical image of a subject incident via a first lens unit, the camera device comprising: a display panel, an eyepiece portion, a second sensor capable of capturing an eye of a user viewing the display panel by gazing at the eyepiece portion and different from the first sensor, an optical path splitting unit configured to guide light from the display panel to the outside of the camera device and to guide the external light to the second sensor, and a second lens unit arranged between the optical path splitting unit and the eyepiece portion, wherein the second sensor is arranged on a side different from a side on which a gripping area of ​​the camera device is arranged relative to an optical axis of the second lens unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a camera device, an electronic apparatus and a viewfinder unit with a sight line detection function. Background Art

[0002] As a display device of a digital camera, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) is known. A user moves his or her eyes close to the EVF to view a displayed image.

[0003] In addition, cameras and video cameras with a line of sight detection function that realize the function of selecting an automatic focus point by detecting the user's line of sight direction have been put into practical use.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-130463 discusses a technology that uses a common optical path as both the optical path of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) display and the optical path of a line of sight input sensor and sets an optical path splitter on the common optical path to detect the line of sight direction (position) of an eye viewing the EVF display.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-130463 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, Patent Document 1 does not discuss the optical configuration of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in an image pickup device having a line of sight input function. For example, no consideration is given to an appropriate structure for preventing dust from affecting the viewfinder and the relative configuration of the operating components and built-in components of the image pickup device with the viewfinder and line of sight detection mechanism.

[0010] An object of the present invention is an appropriate EVF configuration in an image pickup apparatus including an EVF and a line-of-sight input function, the EVF configuration preventing the operability of the image pickup apparatus from being degraded.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a display unit (19) including a display unit (18) is fixed to an optical path splitting unit (16), and the optical path splitting unit (16) is constructed to split the optical path to a line of sight detection sensor in an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a line of sight detection function.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] The present invention prevents operability of an image pickup apparatus including an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a line-of-sight input function from being degraded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the appearance of a camera body 101 as an electronic device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1B 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the appearance of a camera body 101 as an electronic device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustratively showing the internal configuration of a camera body 101 according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera body 101 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic viewfinder (EVF) unit 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a diagram illustratively showing the eyepiece window 32 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the eyepiece window 32 according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 : is a diagram showing the structure of an EVF unit 1 according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a main portion of an EVF unit 1 according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 9 1 is a cross-sectional (horizontal cross-sectional) diagram showing a main portion of the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention at a position including an infrared light emitting diode (LED) 44 for proximity detection.

[0025] Fig.10 : is a cross-sectional (horizontal cross-sectional) diagram showing a main portion of the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention at a position including the sensor 45 for proximity detection.

[0026] Fig.11 : is a cross-sectional view showing the EVF unit 1 according to one aspect of the present invention at a position including the proximity detection unit 47 .

[0027] Fig.122 is a graph illustratively showing the light transmission / reception characteristic of the proximity detection unit 47 .

[0028] Fig.13 : is a cross-sectional view (normal cross-sectional view) showing a main part of the proximity detection unit 47 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.14 1 is a perspective view illustratively showing mainly a portion related to a visual line detection function in the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.15 : is a cross-sectional view mainly showing a portion related to a visual line detection function in the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.16 1 is a diagram illustratively showing an optical path for line of sight detection in the EVF unit 1 according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.17 It is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the user's eyeball and the reflected image.

[0033] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing the principle of the line of sight detection method.

[0034] Fig.19 is a diagram illustratively showing an eye image on a gaze detection sensor.

[0035] Fig. 20 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a visual line detection operation according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.21A 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the structure of the optical path division prism unit 16 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.21B 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the structure of the optical path division prism unit 16 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 22 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical path division prism unit 216 and the display panel 218 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.23 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical path dividing prism 315 and a semiconductor chip 318 a for display according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.24 : is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera body 400 as an electronic device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.25 : is a perspective view illustratively showing the internal structure of a camera body 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.26 4 is a top external view illustratively showing the internal structure of a camera body 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] (First Exemplary Embodiment)

[0044] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] <Basic Structure of Image Capturing Apparatus 100>

[0046] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the appearance of a camera body 101 as an electronic device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the camera body 101 and the lens unit 102 described later will be collectively referred to as an image pickup device 100. In addition, the electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention is applicable to any electronic device capable of detecting device display information such as images and characters and a user's line of sight viewing the information displayed on the device. Examples of the electronic device may include a mobile phone, a game console, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a watch or glasses-type information terminal, and a head-mounted display.

[0047] Figure 1A It is a frontal stereogram. Figure 1B 1 is a rear perspective view. The camera body 101 includes a release button 103 disposed thereon. The release button 103 is an operation member for receiving an image pickup operation from a user (image shooter). Figure 1B As shown, the eyepiece portion 107 is arranged on the back side of the camera body 101, and the user can look at the electronic viewfinder (EVF) unit 1 included in the camera body 101 through the eyepiece portion 107. The eyepiece portion 107 forms an eyehole and protrudes outward (back side) from the camera body 101. The operating member 106 is also arranged on the back side of the camera body 101. The operating member 106 receives various operations from the user. For example, the first operating member 106A is an operating lever that can be pressed in various directions. The second operating member 106B is a four-way key that can be pressed in four directions. The display monitor 104 (touch panel) includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and has a function of displaying an image on the display panel.

[0048] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram illustratively showing the internal configuration of a camera body 101 according to one aspect of the present invention. The image sensor 105 is an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. An optical image formed on an image plane of the image sensor 105 by the optical system of the lens unit 102 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 105 to obtain an analog image signal, the obtained analog image signal is output to an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit, and image data is output from the AD conversion unit.

[0049] The lens unit 102 is composed of an optical system including a zoom lens (not shown), a focus lens (not shown), and an aperture (not shown). The lens unit 102 is mounted on the camera body 101, guides a light beam from a subject to the image sensor 105, and forms a subject image on an image plane of the image sensor 105. The aperture control unit 118, the focus adjustment unit 119, and the zoom control unit 120 each receive a command signal from a central processing unit (CPU) 111 via a mounting contact portion 108B provided on a mounting portion 108A, and control the driving of the aperture, the focus lens, and the zoom lens based on the command signal.

[0050] The CPU 111 as a control unit of the camera body 101 reads a control program for blocks included in the camera body 101 from a read-only memory (ROM) of the memory unit 112, expands the read program to a random access memory (RAM) of the memory unit 112, and executes the expanded program. By doing so, the CPU 111 controls the operations of the blocks of the camera body 101 and comprehensively controls the camera body 101 and the lens unit 102. The sight line detection unit 4, the light metering unit 113, the automatic focus detection unit 114, the signal input unit 115, the EVF drive unit 2, and the light source drive unit 3 are connected to the CPU 111. In addition, the CPU 111 sends a signal to the focus adjustment unit 119 and the aperture control unit 118 arranged in the lens unit 102 via the mounting contact portion 108B. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the memory unit 112 has a function of storing imaging signals from the image sensor 105 and the sight line detection sensor 53.

[0051] When an eyeball image is formed on a sight line detection sensor 53 (CCD-EYE) described later, the sight line detection unit 4 performs A / D conversion on the output from the sight line detection sensor 53 (the eye image obtained by photographing the eye) and obtains the result of the A / D conversion. The CPU 111 extracts feature points required for sight line detection from the eye image according to a predetermined algorithm described later, and calculates the user's sight line (the gaze point on the image for viewing) based on the position of the feature points.

[0052] The photometry unit 113 amplifies, logarithmically compresses, and A / D-converts the signal obtained from the image sensor 105 that also serves as a photometry sensor, specifically, the luminance signal corresponding to the brightness of the field, and obtains the result as the field luminance information.

[0053] The autofocus detection unit 114 A / D-converts the signal voltages from a plurality of detection elements (a plurality of pixels) included in the pixels of the image sensor 105 and used for phase difference detection. Then, the CPU 111 calculates the distance of the subject corresponding to the focus detection point based on the conversion signals of the plurality of detection elements. This is a well-known technique called in-focus phase difference autofocus (in-focus phase difference AF). According to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, the viewfinder view image (the image for viewing) is divided, and 180 divided portions on the image plane each include a focus detection point.

[0054] The image processing unit 116 performs various types of image processing on the image data stored in the RAM. Specifically, the image processing unit 116 applies various types of image processing to expand the digital image data and display and record the expanded digital image data. Examples of various types of image processing include correction processing for correcting pixel defects originating from the optical system or the image sensor, demosaicing processing, white balance correction processing, color interpolation processing, and gamma processing.

[0055] The switches SW1 and SW2 are connected to the signal input unit 115. The switch SW1 is turned on by the first tap of the release button 103, and the switch SW2 is turned on by the second tap of the release button 103. An instruction to start the photometry, ranging, or sight detection operation of the camera body 101 is issued using the switch SW1, and an instruction to start the imaging operation is issued using the switch SW2. The ON signals from the switches SW1 and SW2 are input to the signal input unit 115 and transmitted to the CPU 111. The signal input unit 115 also receives operation inputs from Figure 1B the operation members 106A and 106B and the display monitor 104 shown.

[0056] The recording / output unit 117 records the data including the image data on a recording medium such as a removable memory card, or outputs such data to an external device via an external interface. The basic structure of the imaging device 100 including the camera body 101 and the lens unit 102 has been described above.

[0057] <Structure of the EVF unit 1>

[0058] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the camera body 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and is along the line defined by Figure 1A The cross-sectional view is taken along the YZ plane formed by the Y axis and the Z axis.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown in , the shutter 109 is a focal plane mechanical shutter, and the shutter 109 and the image sensor 105 are arranged in order from the side where the lens unit 102 is arranged. Figure 3 In the cross-sectional view shown, a main substrate (not shown) is provided between the image sensor 105 and the display monitor 104. The lens unit 102 is attachable to and detachable from the camera body 101 via a mount portion 108A. Figure 3 In the illustrated state, the lens unit 102 is mounted on the camera body 101 .

[0060] The EVF unit 1 is a display unit provided at the upper portion of the camera body 101 and has a line of sight detection function described later. The upper portion of the camera body 101 is the side where the EVF unit 1 is provided inside the outer cover 110, and the lower portion of the camera body 101 is the side where the display monitor 104 and the image sensor 105 are provided instead of the EVF unit 1.

[0061] As a typical EVF similar to the display monitor 104, the EVF unit (viewfinder unit) 1 can display menus and images, and further, has a line of sight detection function of detecting the line of sight of the user looking at the EVF unit 1. In addition, the EVF unit 1 is configured to reflect the line of sight detection result in the control of the camera body 101. The details of the line of sight detection function will be described later.

[0062] The user can look at the EVF unit 1 through the eyepiece portion 107 including the removable eyecup 9 attached to the eyecup attachment frame 8 .

[0063] Now refer to Figure 4 The detailed structure of the EVF unit 1 will be described. Figure 4 : is a cross-sectional view showing the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and shows a longitudinal section with respect to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1 (ie, the imaging optical axis of the EVF lens unit 29 ). Figure 4 The position of the EVF lens unit 29 shown represents the case where the diopter is -1.

[0064] The optical path division prism unit 16 is adhesively fixed to the fixed lens barrel 12 with the prism mask 13 therebetween.

[0065] The optical path dividing prism unit 16 is an optical path dividing unit including a first optical path dividing prism 14 and a second optical path dividing prism 15 bonded together.

[0066] The panel holder 17 is a holding mechanism for holding the display panel 18. The display panel 18 and the panel holder 17 are bonded together and fixed to form a display panel unit 19 of the EVF unit 1.

[0067] The display panel unit 19 and the optical path dividing prism unit 16 are fixed with a panel mask 20 therebetween. The panel mask 20 is a mask unit.

[0068] The EVF lens unit (eyepiece optical system) 29 of the EVF unit 1 includes a G1 lens 21, a G2 lens 25, and a viewfinder lens (G3 lens) 26. The G1 lens 21 is held by a G1 lens holder 22. In addition, a G1-G2 mask 23 is also held by the G1 lens holder 22. The G2-G3 holder 24 holds the G2 lens 25 and the G3 lens as the viewfinder lens 26. The G1 lens holder 22 is fixed to the G2-G3 holder 24 with a screw (not shown). The G3 mask 27 is fixed to the G2-G3 holder 24 with a double-sided masking tape 28. The aforementioned components 21 to 28 will be collectively referred to as an EVF lens unit 29.

[0069] In the eyepiece portion 107 of the EVF unit 1, a light emitting diode (LED) holder 30, an eyepiece window holder 31, and an eyepiece window 32 are provided. Figure 5 The details of the structure of the eyepiece window 32 will be described. Figure 5 2 is a diagram illustratively showing the eyepiece window 32 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention and showing the eyepiece window 32 viewed from the EVF lens unit 29 side (camera inner side).

[0070] The eyepiece window 32 is an optical member having R1 and R2 surfaces. The R1 surface is located on the side facing the inside of the camera, and the R2 surface is located on the opposite side (outside the camera). The base material of the eyepiece window 32 is a transparent flat glass. The transparent area 32a is a blank area, and the visible light cut-off mask 32b shown as a cross-hatched area surrounds the transparent area 32a. Specifically, the transparent area 32a is located in a portion corresponding to the imaging optical path of the EVF unit 1, and the visible light cut-off mask 32b is arranged in an area avoiding the imaging optical path.

[0071] The visible light cut-off mask 32b is a printed material (ink) that absorbs visible light and transmits infrared light. The appearance color of the visible light cut-off mask 32b is black under visible wavelength light. The visible light cut-off mask 32b can be configured to have a visible wavelength light transmittance lower than the infrared wavelength light transmittance.

[0072] Figure 6 It is shown along Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the eyepiece window 32 according to one aspect of the present invention of section AA shown. As described above, the flat glass 32c is the base material of the eyepiece window 32. The anti-reflection coating 32d is a coating arranged on the side of the eyepiece window 32 facing the inside of the camera. The anti-reflection coating 32d prevents reflection of unnecessary light. In addition, an anti-reflection (AR) film 32e is arranged on the opposite side of the anti-reflection coating 32d across the flat glass 32c. The AR film 32e has the functions of a hard coating, an anti-reflection coating, and anti-scattering. By using the AR film 32e with an anti-scattering function on the side of the eyepiece window 32 facing the outside of the camera, safety is improved in the event that the eyepiece window 32 is damaged.

[0073] As described above, the user can observe the display image displayed on the display panel unit 19 through the optical path division prism unit 16 , the EVF lens unit 29 , and the transparent area 32 a of the eyepiece window 32 .

[0074] then, Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the EVF unit 1 when the eyepiece window 32 is removed and viewed from the eyepiece portion 107 side. Specifically, Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing details of the EVF unit 1 when the camera body 101 is viewed from the rear side.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the display opening mask 31a is provided at the center of the eyepiece window holder 31. The display opening mask 31a is laterally long corresponding to the aspect ratio of the EVF unit 1, and has substantially the same shape as the transparent area 32a of the eyepiece window 32.

[0076] The diopter adjustment dial 33 is rotatably held on the side (right side) of the EVF unit 1 by a shaft screw 34. The diopter adjustment dial 33 is a diopter adjustment unit that moves the lens group of the EVF lens unit 29 in a direction parallel to the optical axis to adjust the diopter when the user looks at the EVF unit 1. Figure 1A The right side of the camera body 101 in the direction of the X-axis direction shown is the side where the release button 103 , the first operation member 106A, and the second operation member 106B are located.

[0077] The fixing screw 35 fixes the eyepiece window holder 31 and the LED holder 30 together to the fixed lens barrel 12 .

[0078] The sight-use infrared LEDs 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 are sight-use illumination units mainly used for close-range illumination, and are respectively arranged in the LED opening masks 31 b , 31 c , 31 d , 31 e of the eyepiece window holder 31 .

[0079] The sight infrared LEDs 40, 41, 42, 43 are sight illumination units mainly used for long-distance illumination, and are respectively arranged in the LED opening masks 31f, 31g, 31h, 31i of the eyepiece window holder 31. The aforementioned eight sight infrared LEDs are arranged so that the illumination light beams are narrowed by the LED opening masks to emit infrared light toward different positions (emission directions).

[0080] The proximity detection infrared LED 44 is an illumination unit of a proximity detection unit that detects approach of an object (mainly a user) to the EVF unit 1 together with a proximity detection sensor 45, which will be described below. The proximity detection infrared LED 44 is arranged in the LED opening mask 31j.

[0081] The proximity detection sensor 45 is a detection unit that receives a light beam emitted in a predetermined emission direction from the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and reflected by an object. The proximity detection sensor 45 is arranged in the sensing opening mask 31k.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, four sight-line infrared LEDs 38, 39, 42 and 43 are arranged at positions along the upper long side of the display opening mask 31a, and another four sight-line infrared LEDs 36, 37, 40 and 41 (a total of eight sight-line infrared LEDs) are arranged at positions along the lower long side of the display opening mask 31a. The proximity detection infrared LED 44, the proximity detection sensor 45 and the diopter adjustment mechanism are arranged at positions along the short side of the display opening mask 31a. With this structure, the size of the EVF unit 1 on the two-dimensional projection plane can be reduced while including the sight line detection function and the diopter adjustment function.

[0083] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, eight infrared LEDs 36 to 39 and 40 to 43 for sight, an infrared LED 44 for proximity detection, and a sensor 45 for proximity detection are arranged outside the display opening mask 31a with respect to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1. Therefore, in the case where the EVF unit 1 is observed from the back of the camera body 101, the illumination unit and the detection unit are arranged in the area where the visible light cutoff mask 32b of the eyepiece window 32 is located (overlapping on the two-dimensional projection plane), so that the user cannot easily see the illumination unit and the detection unit. With this structure, the illumination unit and the detection unit are not visible from the outside. Figure 8 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the EVF unit 1 , and shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1 at a position including a sight-use infrared LED 39 mainly used for close-range illumination. Figure 8 The illustrated state represents a case where the diopter of the EVF unit 1 as the position of the EVF lens unit 29 is +2.0.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, the sight-use infrared LED 39 for close-range illumination is pressed against the eyepiece window holder 31 through a buffer member 46 attached to the LED holder 30 and is fixed to the LED opening cover 31e.

[0085] The light shielding wall 31 m is a light shielding member that prevents infrared light emitted from the sight-use infrared LED 39 for close-range lighting from directly entering the finder lens 26 .

[0086] The viewfinder lens 26 includes an R2 surface 26a. The R2 surface 26a is a convex lens, and the interval between the viewfinder lens 26 and the eyepiece window 32 increases at a long distance from the center of the lens toward the periphery. Since the light shielding wall 31m is arranged in an enlarged area, the illumination light from the sight infrared LED 39 for close-range illumination can illuminate even an area close to the eyepiece window 32, for example.

[0087] In addition, since the eyepiece window 32 includes the visible light cutoff mask 32b and the transparent area 32a as a single continuous member, a separate connection portion for connecting the visible light cutoff mask 32b and the transparent area 32a together is not required. Therefore, vignetting of the light beam is not generated in the connection portion, and the light distribution characteristics of the EVF unit 1 to the nearby area are improved.

[0088] Although the sight-use infrared LED 39 is mainly described above, the sight-use infrared LEDs 36, 37, and 38 have similar structures to the sight-use infrared LEDs 40, 41, 42, and 43 and produce the above-mentioned advantages.

[0089] Next, details of the relative configuration of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and the proximity detection sensor 45 will be described. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and the proximity detection sensor 45 are packaged in a single unit as the proximity detection unit 47.

[0090] Fig. 9 : is a cross-sectional (horizontal cross-sectional) diagram showing a main portion of the EVF unit 1 at a position including the proximity detection infrared LED 44 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 : is a cross-sectional (horizontal cross-sectional) diagram showing a main portion of the EVF unit 1 at a position including the proximity detection sensor 45 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The positions of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and the proximity detection sensor 45 as the proximity detection unit 47 in the EVF unit 1 are determined. Specifically, the proximity detection unit 47 is pressed against the eyepiece window holder 31 via the second buffer member 48 to determine the position of the proximity detection unit 47 in the EVF unit 1. Fig. 9 As shown, the proximity detection unit 47 is arranged so that the irradiation surface of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 is inclined at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to a line parallel to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1 .

[0092] Similarly, the sensor surface of the proximity detection sensor 45 faces a direction inclined at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to a line parallel to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1 .

[0093] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view including the position of the proximity detection unit 47 , and is a cross-sectional view including the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and the proximity detection sensor 45 and in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1 . Fig.12 4 is a graph illustratively showing the light projection and reception characteristics of the proximity detection unit 47. Fig.12 In FIG. 4 , the horizontal axis represents the angle with respect to the normal direction of the proximity detection unit 47 , and the vertical axis represents the intensity of the light projection and reception characteristics using the normal direction as a reference.

[0094] Now refer to Figures 9 to 12 The crosstalk as a cause of the detection error in the proximity detection unit 47 is described. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, in the inner wall portion of the eye mask attachment frame 8 and the removable eye mask 9, the infrared light emitted from the proximity detection infrared LED 44 is used to detect the eye mask. Fig. 9 The illustration shown illuminates the area of ​​the cross-hatched portion 49. At this time, the ratio between the integrated value of the infrared light intensity in the cross-hatched portion 49 when the infrared LED 44 for proximity detection is tilted at an angle of 10 degrees (in the area from 16 degrees to 30 degrees) and the integrated value of the infrared light intensity in the cross-hatched portion 49 when the infrared LED 44 is not tilted and faces the vertical direction (because the infrared LED 44 is not tilted at an angle of 10 degrees, it corresponds to about 6 degrees to 20 degrees), that is, the ratio of 10 degrees tilt to vertical is approximately equal to 0.6:1.

[0095] like Fig.10 As shown, in the inner wall portion of the eyecup attachment frame 8 and the removable eyecup 9, the proximity detection sensor 45 captures Fig.10The diagram shown is light in the area of ​​the cross-hatched portion 50. At this time, the ratio of the integrated value of the detection sensitivity in the cross-hatched portion 50 when the proximity detection sensor 45 is tilted at an angle of 10 degrees (in the area from 16 degrees to 30 degrees) to the integrated value of the detection sensitivity in the cross-hatched portion 50 when the proximity detection sensor 45 is not tilted and faces the vertical direction (corresponding to approximately 6 degrees to 20 degrees because the sensor 45 is not tilted at an angle of 10 degrees), that is, the ratio of 10 degrees tilt to vertical is approximately equal to 0.6:1.

[0096] Specifically, Fig. 9 The light-emitting side and Fig.10 The combined ratio of the light-receiving side shown, that is, the ratio of 10 degrees tilt to vertical is approximately equal to 0.62 2 :1=0.36:1, and the crosstalk originating from the influence of the inner wall of the eyecup attachment frame 8 and the removable eyecup 9 is reduced by about 64%. At this time, because the detection direction points in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1, the detection signal level relative to the front direction is not adversely affected.

[0097] Next, refer to Fig.11 The crosstalk caused by the in-plane reflection in the eyepiece window 32 is described. The crosstalk optical path is an optical path of the infrared light emitted from the proximity detection infrared LED 44 traveling through the optical path 51 with one reflection, traveling through the R1 surface of the eyepiece window 32, reflected by the R2 surface, traveling through the R1 surface again, and then reaching the proximity detection sensor 45. Although there are cases involving multiple reflections, only the case involving one reflection will be described below because the intensity significantly decreases corresponding to the number of reflections. Specifically, since the reflectivity of the R2 surface is about 2%, the intensity is 2% in the case of one reflection, 0.04% in the case of two reflections, and 0.0008% in the case of three reflections.

[0098] When the proximity detection unit 47 faces the eyepiece window 32, Fig.11 The intensity of the infrared light in the direction of 29 degrees shown is approximately 25% relative to the light emitted from the center of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 .

[0099] The following will describe how the proximity detection unit 47 Fig. 9 The method for calculating the angle relative to the normal line is shown for a case where the angle is tilted at an angle of about 10 degrees. Fig.13 : is a cross-sectional view (normal cross-sectional view) showing a main part of the proximity detection unit 47 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and shows a normal cross-sectional view of the proximity detection unit 47 passing through the center of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and the point P.

[0100] like Fig.13As shown in FIG. 1 , the angle formed by the normal line of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 and the line passing through the point P, which was 29 degrees before reflection, becomes 31 degrees due to one reflection. Fig.12 As shown in the graph of the light projection and reception characteristics, the intensity of the infrared light in the above case is approximately 22% relative to the center of the proximity detection infrared LED 44 (the ratio of 10 degrees tilt to vertical is approximately equal to 0.22:0.25=0.88:1).

[0101] In the proximity detection unit 47, the ratio of 10 degrees tilt to vertical is equal to about 0.88 2 :1=0.77:1, and the crosstalk originating from the influence of in-plane reflection in the eyepiece window 32 is reduced by about 23%.

[0102] As described above, the proximity detection unit 47 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the eyepiece window 32 , which effectively reduces crosstalk by the wall surface of the eyecup attachment frame 8 and crosstalk by in-plane reflection of the eyepiece window 32 .

[0103] Next, the structures of the optical path division prism unit 16 and the line of sight detection unit 4 in the EVF unit 1 will be described. The line of sight detection unit 4 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes at least a line of sight imaging lens 52, a line of sight detection sensor 53, and an aperture 56 for line of sight detection, and may include line of sight infrared LEDs 36 to 43 and the optical path division prism unit 16.

[0104] Fig.14 : is a perspective view schematically showing mainly a portion related to a visual line detection function in the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view mainly showing a portion related to a line-of-sight detection function in the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view with respect to a direction parallel to the optical axis of the EVF unit 1 . Fig.16 is relative to Fig.14 The perspective view shown is a diagram illustratively showing an optical path for visual line detection in the EVF unit 1 according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0105] The sight infrared LEDs 36 to 43 are arranged at different positions with different orientations to emit infrared light in different directions to the user's eyeballs. For example, the sight infrared LEDs 36 to 43 are arranged with different orientations relative to the glass surface of the flat glass 32c of the eyepiece window 32.

[0106] The infrared LEDs 36, 37, 38 and 39 for sight are lighting devices that emit infrared wavelength light mainly for short-distance lighting and use LEDs as light sources. The infrared LEDs 40, 41, 42 and 43 for sight are lighting devices that emit infrared wavelength light mainly for long-distance lighting and use LEDs as light sources.

[0107] The line of sight imaging lens 52 is an optical system for line of sight detection, and forms an image on the line of sight detection sensor 53 of light emitted from the line of sight infrared LEDs 36 to 39 and 40 to 43 and reflected by the user's eyes. The line of sight detection sensor 53 is a sensor that performs line of sight detection using a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, and is a detection unit capable of detecting the line of sight of the user's eyes near the eyepiece portion 107. Since the line of sight detection sensor 53 photographs the infrared wavelength reflected light used for line of sight detection, the line of sight detection sensor 53 can be configured to acquire a color image or a monochrome image. The opening size of the line of sight detection aperture 56 is adjusted to adjust the amount of light entering the line of sight detection sensor 53 and adjust the depth of field so that the user's eyeball image is not blurred.

[0108] like Fig.15 As shown, the infrared light emitted from the predetermined sight infrared LED travels as an eyeball image reflected by the user's eyeball through the eyepiece window 32, the viewfinder lens 26, the G2 lens 25 and the G1 lens 21, and enters the second surface 14a of the first optical path splitting prism 14. The incident light path of the incident light is Fig.15 Shown in FIG. 5 is light path 54 .

[0109] A dichroic layer that reflects infrared light is formed on the first surface 14b of the first optical path splitting prism 14. Therefore, the user's eyeball image after entering the EVF unit 1 is reflected by the first surface 14b and travels toward the second surface 14a. The optical path of the reflected light is Fig.15 Shown in FIG. 5 is the reflected light path 55a.

[0110] The reflected light traveling through the reflection light path 55 a is totally reflected by the second surface 14 a , travels through the imaging light path 55 b , and is imaged on the line of sight detection sensor 53 through the line of sight imaging lens 52 via the aperture 56 .

[0111] like Fig.16 As shown, the camera body 101 according to the present exemplary embodiment uses the cornea reflection image together with the pupil image of the eyeball for sight line detection. The cornea reflection image is formed by specular reflection of illumination from the sight line infrared LEDs 36 to 39 and 40 to 43 by the cornea 142 of the user's eyeball.

[0112] Fig.17 It is a diagram illustratively showing the arrangement of the user's eyeball and the reflected image. Fig.17 The figure shows the case where the distance between the eyeball image and the corneal reflection image is short. Fig.17 In FIG. 1 , the user's eyeball includes a pupil 141 and an iris 143, and corneal reflection images 144 to 147 are corneal reflection images formed by light emitted from the sight-use infrared LEDs 36 to 39 and 40 to 43.

[0113] The reflection image corresponding to the line of sight infrared LED 36 is a cornea reflection image 144. The reflection image corresponding to the line of sight infrared LED 37 is a cornea reflection image 145. The reflection image corresponding to the line of sight infrared LED 38 is a cornea reflection image 146. The reflection image corresponding to the line of sight infrared LED 39 is a cornea reflection image 147.

[0114] The line of sight detection (detection of the line of sight direction) according to the present exemplary embodiment detects the line of sight based on the relative relationship between the pupil center and the corneal reflection image. The line of sight detection can use the method discussed in Japanese Patent No. 3186072, for example, and the detailed description of the line of sight detection method is omitted.

[0115] <Instructions for sight detection operation>

[0116] Will refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 (a) Fig.19 (b) and Fig. 20 Describe the line of sight detection method. Fig.18 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the principle of the sight line detection method, and is a schematic diagram showing an optical system for performing sight line detection. Fig.18 As shown, light sources 131a and 131b as virtual light sources 131 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the light receiving lens 130 and illuminate the user's eyeball 140. Part of the light emitted from the light sources 131a and 131b and reflected by the eyeball 140 is focused on the sight line detection sensor 53 through the light receiving lens 130. Fig.19 illustrative diagram of an eye image on the visual line detection sensor 53 . Fig.19 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an eye image captured by the sight line detection sensor 53 (an eyeball image projected onto the sight line detection sensor 53), Fig.19 (b) is a graph showing the CCD output intensity of the line of sight detection sensor 53. Fig. 20 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a visual line detection operation according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] If the line of sight detection operation is started, Fig. 20 In step S801, the light sources 131a and 131b emit infrared light toward the user's eyeball 140. The user's eyeball image illuminated by the infrared light passes through the light receiving lens 130 and is formed on the sight line detection sensor 53, and the sight line detection sensor 53 performs photoelectric conversion on the formed image. Thus, a processable electrical signal of the eye image is acquired.

[0118] In step S802 , the visual line detection unit 4 transmits the eye image (eye image signal; electric signal of the eye image) acquired from the visual line detection sensor 53 to the CPU 111 .

[0119] In step S803, the CPU 111 calculates the coordinates of points corresponding to the cornea reflection images Pd and Pe of the light sources 131a and 131b and the pupil center c based on the eye image acquired in step S802.

[0120] The infrared light emitted from the light sources 131a and 131b illuminates the cornea 142 of the user's eyeball 140. At this time, the cornea reflection images Pd and Pe formed by part of the infrared light reflected by the surface of the cornea 142 are focused by the light receiving lens 130, and are formed on the sight line detection sensor 53 to obtain the cornea reflection images Pd' and Pe' on the eye image. Similarly, the light beams from the ends a and b of the pupil 141 are formed on the sight line detection sensor 53 to obtain the pupil end images a' and b' on the eye image.

[0121] Fig.19 (b) shows the Fig.19 Luminance information (luminance distribution) of region α′ of the eye image in (a). Fig.19 (b) shows the luminance distribution in the X-axis direction, where the X-axis direction is the horizontal direction of the eye image and the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction of the eye image. According to this exemplary embodiment, coordinates Xd and Xe are the coordinates of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe' in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), and coordinates Xa and Xb are the coordinates of the pupil end images a' and b' in the X-axis direction. Fig.19 As shown in (b), extremely high levels of brightness are obtained at coordinates Xd and Xe of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe'. In the area from coordinate Xa to coordinate Xb, extremely low levels of brightness are obtained except at coordinates Xd and Xe. The area from coordinate Xa to coordinate Xb corresponds to the area of ​​the pupil 141 (the area of ​​the pupil image formed on the line of sight detection sensor 53 by the light beam from the pupil 141). An intermediate brightness between the above two brightnesses is obtained in the area of ​​the iris 143 outside the pupil 141 (the area of ​​the iris image outside the pupil image formed by the light beam from the iris 143). Specifically, a brightness between the above two brightnesses is obtained in the X-coordinate area (coordinate in the X-axis direction) less than the coordinate Xa and the X-coordinate area greater than the coordinate Xb.

[0122] from Fig.19The X-coordinates Xd and Xe of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe' and the X-coordinates Xa and Xb of the pupil end images a' and b' are obtained from the brightness distribution shown in (b). Specifically, coordinates with extremely high brightness are obtained as the coordinates of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe', and coordinates with extremely low brightness are obtained as the coordinates of the pupil end images a' and b'. In addition, when the rotation angle θx of the optical axis of the eyeball 140 relative to the optical axis of the virtual light-receiving lens 130 is small, the coordinate Xc of the pupil center image c' (center of the pupil image) formed on the line of sight detection sensor 53 by the light beam from the center of the pupil is expressed as Xc≈(Xa+Xb) / 2. Specifically, the coordinate Xc of the pupil center image c' is calculated based on the X-coordinates Xa and Xb of the pupil end images a' and b'. The coordinates of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe' and the pupil center image c' are estimated as described above.

[0123] In step S804, the CPU 111 calculates the imaging magnification β of the eyeball image. The imaging magnification β is determined based on the position of the eyeball 140 relative to the light receiving lens 130 and is obtained using a function of the interval (Xd-Xe) between the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe'.

[0124] In step S805, the CPU 111 calculates the rotation angle of the optical axis of the eyeball 140 relative to the optical axis of the light receiving lens 130. The X coordinate of the midpoint between the corneal reflected images Pd and Pe is substantially consistent with the X coordinate of the curvature center O of the cornea 142. Therefore, the rotation angle θ of the eyeball 140 in the ZX plane (a plane perpendicular to the Y axis) is calculated using the following formula (1): X , where Oc is the standard distance from the center of curvature O of the cornea 142 to the center c of the pupil 141. The rotation angle θy of the eyeball 140 in the ZY plane (a plane perpendicular to the X axis) is calculated using a method similar to the method of calculating the rotation angle θx.

[0125] Β×Oc×SINθ X ≈{(Xd+Xe) / 2}–Xc (1).

[0126] In step S806, the CPU 111 calculates (estimates) the user's gaze point (the position where the line of sight is directed; the position where the user is gazing) on ​​the image for viewing displayed on the EVF unit using the rotation angles θx and θy calculated in step S805. In the case where the coordinates (Hx, Hy) of the gaze point are coordinates corresponding to the pupil center c, the coordinates (Hx, Hy) of the gaze point are calculated using the following equations (2) and (3).

[0127] Hx=m×(Ax×θx+Bx) (2)

[0128] Hy=m×(Ay×θy+By) (3)

[0129] The parameter m in equations (2) and (3) is a constant determined based on the structure of the viewfinder optical system (e.g., the light receiving lens 130) of the camera body 101. The parameter m is also a conversion coefficient for converting the rotation angles θx and θy into coordinates corresponding to the pupil center c on the image for viewing. These are predetermined and stored in the memory unit 112. The parameters Ax, Bx, Ay, and By are line of sight correction parameters for correcting individual differences in line of sight. The parameters Ax, Bx, Ay, and By are acquired and stored in the memory unit 112 by performing a calibration operation described later before the line of sight detection operation starts.

[0130] In step S807 , the CPU 111 stores the coordinates (Hx, Hy) of the gaze point into the memory unit 112 , and ends the visual line detection operation.

[0131] Next, refer to Fig.21A and Fig.21B The detailed structure of the optical path dividing prism unit 16 will be described. Fig.21A and Fig.21B 1 is a diagram illustratively showing the structure of the optical path division prism unit 16 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.21A It is shown Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the details of portion C shown. The display panel 18 includes a semiconductor chip 18a and a glass plate 18b. The semiconductor chip 18a includes an organic electroluminescent (organic EL) element and a circuit for operating the organic EL element (display surface). The display panel 18 abuts against the display panel abutment surface 17a of the panel holder 17 and is fixed by bonding using, for example, an adhesive. The panel holder 17 is made of resin. The panel holder 17 includes a prism attachment surface 17b located on the opposite side of the display panel abutment surface 17a. The first double-sided tape 57, the panel mask 20, and the second double-sided tape 58 are sequentially arranged between the prism attachment surface 17b and the optical path division prism unit 16 and are fixed by bonding using double-sided tapes, respectively. Bonding can use a method such as using an adhesive.

[0132] As described above, the present exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the optical path division prism unit 16 is substantially sealed and attached without using a protective member for preventing dust from entering the display panel 18 (display panel unit 19). Conventional EVF includes a protective glass for preventing dust from entering located in front of the display panel unit 19, so that dust cannot be seen when viewing the screen of the display panel. However, dust may adhere to the outside of the protective glass, and in the case where the protective glass is too close to the display surface of the display panel, the dust attached to the outside of the protective glass may be imaged and included in the formed image, so that the protective glass is arranged along the optical axis of the display panel at a predetermined distance or longer. In contrast, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the optical path division prism unit 16 in the optical axis direction provides a distance for preventing dust outside the optical path division prism unit 16 from forming an image on the display surface of the display panel 18. Therefore, while adapting to the line of sight detection function, the space of the entire viewfinder is made more compact than the case where a conventional display panel unit and an optical system for line of sight detection are simply configured.

[0133] The second opening portion 20a of the panel mask 20 transmits light from the display panel 18 and light from the viewing hole (reflected light from the user's pupil), while the portion other than the second opening portion 20a of the panel mask 20 cuts off stray light incident through the end of the optical path division prism unit 16. The panel mask 20 includes a material with high heat resistance to resist heat when the light beam from the viewing hole is imaged nearby. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the panel mask 20 includes a metal plated with black. The panel holder 17 includes an opening portion 7c so that the opening portion 7c transmits light from the display panel 18 and a light beam from the viewing hole (including reflected light from the user's pupil), while the portion other than the first opening portion 17c provides a mask that makes the circuit portion of the semiconductor chip 18a invisible from the viewing hole side. Although according to the present exemplary embodiment, when viewed from the EVF lens unit 29 side, the first opening portion 17c opens to the outside of the second opening portion 20a, the present invention is not limited to the above case.

[0134] Fig.21B is an exploded perspective view showing the display panel unit 19 and the optical path division prism unit 16, and Fig.21A The corresponding parts are assigned Fig.21A The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0135] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the display panel unit 19 is attached to the optical path division prism unit 16 by positioning the panel mask 20 and the optical path division prism unit 16 relative to the display panel 18 using a jig. For positioning, the panel holder 17 includes Y-direction references 17d and 17e to determine the horizontal and Y dimensions, and includes an X-direction reference 17f to determine the X dimension. The panel mask 20 and the optical path division prism unit 16 are attached using the references 17d, 17e, and 17f.

[0136] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, in the EVF unit 1 having a line of sight detection function, the optical path division prism unit 16 is substantially sealed and attached without a protective member for preventing dust from entering the display panel unit 19. Specifically, the display panel unit 19 and the optical path division prism unit 16 of the EVF unit 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment are attached together and form a whole. This makes it unnecessary to provide a separate protective glass to prevent dust from entering the display panel unit 19. Therefore, the optical path length from the view hole of the viewfinder to the display surface of the display panel is reduced, while making the structure (space) of the entire EVF compact, and obtaining a wide viewing angle relative to the display panel 18. In addition, the use of the above-mentioned structure facilitates positioning of the three optical axes, namely, the optical axis of the display surface of the display panel unit 19, the optical axis of the optical path division prism unit 16, and the optical axis of the EVF lens unit 29, when assembling the EVF unit 1.

[0137] In addition, the optical path division prism unit 16 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a spacing (space, optical path length) between the display panel 18 and the optical path division prism unit 16 greater than a predetermined value. With this structure, the user is prevented from seeing foreign matter on the optical path division prism unit 16.

[0138] (Second Exemplary Embodiment)

[0139] The following will refer to Fig. 22 An EVF unit with a line of sight detection function according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The EVF unit according to this exemplary embodiment can be applied to a camera body 101, which is an electronic device similar to the electronic device described in the first exemplary embodiment and is different from the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment in the structure of the optical path division prism unit.

[0140] Therefore, repeated description of components similar to those of the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment is omitted, and the optical path division prism unit according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described in detail.

[0141] Fig. 22 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical path division prism unit 216 and the display panel 218 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 As shown, the optical path division prism unit 216 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a first optical path division prism 214, a second optical path division prism 215 and a black mask 201, and a dichroic layer is formed on the attachment surfaces of the two prisms as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0142] The black mask 201 is formed on the incident surface of the second optical path dividing prism 215 on the display unit side by sputtering. Fig. 22 The black mask 201 includes an opening 201a.

[0143] As in the first exemplary embodiment, the display panel 218 includes a semiconductor chip 218a and a glass plate 218b. The semiconductor chip 218a includes an organic EL element (display surface) and a circuit for operating the organic EL element.

[0144] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the display panel 218 is directly attached to the second optical path division prism 15 using the double-sided tape 202. Specifically, the black mask 201 is provided to prevent unnecessary matter from being visible in the field of vision when the user looks at the eyepiece portion 107 of the camera body 101.

[0145] With the above structure, the display panel 218 is directly attached to the second optical path splitting prism 215, and a separate protective glass is not required to prevent dust from entering the display panel 218, so that the optical path length from the viewfinder's viewing hole to the display surface of the display panel is reduced.

[0146] (Third Exemplary Embodiment)

[0147] The following will refer to Fig.23 An EVF unit with a line of sight detection function according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The EVF unit according to this exemplary embodiment can be applied to a camera body 101, which is an electronic device similar to the electronic device described in the first exemplary embodiment and is different from the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment in the structure of the optical path division prism unit.

[0148] Therefore, repeated description of components similar to those of the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment is omitted, and the optical path division prism unit according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described in detail. Fig.23 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical path division prism 315 and a semiconductor chip 318a for display according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.23As shown, the optical path division prism 315 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a prism similar to the second optical path division prism 15 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and is directly attached to a semiconductor chip 318a including an organic EL.

[0149] As in the second exemplary embodiment, the black mask 301 is formed on the optical path division prism 315 by sputtering. The black mask 301 is Fig.23 The black mask 301 includes an opening 301a.

[0150] The semiconductor chip 318a is directly attached to the optical path division prism 315 using an adhesive for tight sealing.

[0151] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the optical path division prism 315 is directly attached to the semiconductor chip 318 a including the organic EL element (display surface) and the circuit for operating the organic EL element.

[0152] With the above structure, there is no need to provide a separate glass for element protection or a separate protective glass for preventing dust from entering the semiconductor chip 318a, and the optical path length from the eyepiece portion 107 to the display surface of the display panel (semiconductor chip 318a) is smaller than that of the above exemplary embodiment.

[0153] (Fourth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0154] The following will refer to Figure 24 to Figure 26 A configuration of a camera body as an electronic device including an EVF unit according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. Fig.24 : is an external perspective view showing a camera body 400 as an electronic device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The EVF unit 401 of the camera body 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the EVF unit 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and thus the configuration of the components of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment and the configuration and structure of the EVF unit 401 will be described. In addition, the camera body 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment and the camera body 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment have substantially the same configuration of components. For example, the positional relationship between the EVF unit 401 according to the present exemplary embodiment and the diopter adjustment section 416 and the release button 405 is substantially the same as that of the camera body 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the components of the camera body 400 will be described in more detail.

[0155] like Fig.24As shown, a mount 402 is arranged on the front of the camera body 400, and camera accessories such as interchangeable lenses can be attached and detached. In addition, an accessory shoe 403 is arranged on the upper part of the camera body 400 and is a connection part that can attach and detach external devices such as a flash and a microphone. An eyepiece part 404 is arranged on the back of the camera body 400 and on the upper part of the camera body 400.

[0156] The grip portion 419 is arranged on the right side portion of the camera body 400 viewed from the back side of the eyepiece portion 404 where the user looks at the EVF unit 401. The user can hold the grip portion 419 with his hand. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the operation units that can be manually operated by the user holding the camera body 400 are concentrated on the right side of the camera body 400. For example, the release button 405 and the first operation dial 407, the second operation dial 408, the first setting button 409, and the second setting button 410 for adjusting various parameters related to the imaging conditions and modes are located on the upper right portion of the camera body 400. In addition, in the upper portion of the camera body 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the information display portion 406 is arranged on the right side of the EVF unit 401 (eyepiece portion 404). The information display portion 406 is a display unit that can display various types of information such as the shutter speed and aperture value related to the exposure conditions, the current imaging mode, and information on whether the continuous imaging is turned on.

[0157] Fig.25 : is a perspective view illustratively showing the internal structure of a camera body 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.26 4 is a top view showing the internal structure of the camera body 400 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig.25 and Fig.26 As shown, the diopter adjustment section 416 is arranged on the right side of the EVF unit 401.

[0158] As described above, the grip portion 419, various operation units (406 to 410), and the diopter adjustment portion 416 are mainly concentrated on the right side of the camera body 400. Since the most common situation is the situation where the user holds the camera body 400 with the right hand, this structure improves the operability of the camera body 400 for the user holding the camera body 400.

[0159] As described above, the various operation units and the diopter adjustment section 416 are concentrated on the right side of the camera body 400, so that arranging the line of sight detection sensor unit 415 for line of sight detection, for example, on the right side of the camera body 400 may increase the size of the camera body 400. Therefore, the line of sight detection sensor unit 415 of the EVF unit 401 according to the present exemplary embodiment is arranged on a side different from the side to be held by the user with respect to the optical path (or optical axis) of the EVF unit 401 in the camera body 400. Specifically, the line of sight detection sensor unit 415 of the EVF unit 401 is arranged on the opposite side of the grip 419 or the various operation units or the diopter adjustment section 416 with respect to the lens unit of the EVF unit 401.

[0160] like Fig.25 and Fig.26 As shown, a shutter 411, an image sensor unit 412 including an image sensor, and a display monitor 414 are provided at a lower portion of an EVF unit 401 in a camera body 400. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the EVF unit 401 and the display monitor 414 are arranged to overlap on a plane (a two-dimensional plane) perpendicular to an imaging optical axis of the camera body 400 to reduce the size and thickness of the camera body 400.

[0161] In addition, it is known that arranging the viewfinder directly above the central axis that passes through the diameter center of the mount 402 and is the imaging optical axis of the camera body 400 generally reduces the sense of discomfort that the user may feel when framing the subject. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the EVF unit 401 is arranged to overlap with the central axis (imaging optical axis) of the mount 402 on a plane perpendicular to the central axis. In other words, the EVF unit 401 is arranged to overlap with the imaging optical axis of the camera body 400 and the lens unit that can be attached and detached to the camera body 400 on a two-dimensional plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis of the lens unit of the EVF unit 401.

[0162] In addition, a positioning unit such as a global positioning system (GPS) unit 417 of the camera body 400 and a measuring unit such as a measuring unit 418 for detecting the orientation and movement of the camera body 400 are arranged on the front side of the EVF unit 401. In addition, the above-mentioned accessory shoe 403 is arranged on the upper part of the EVF unit 401. Similar to the above-mentioned various operation units, the aforementioned units are also connected to the main substrate 413. Therefore, arranging the line of sight detection sensor unit 415 between the unit and the EVF unit 401 may lead to an increase in the size of the camera body 400 and complicated wiring from the main substrate 413 to the unit.

[0163] Therefore, the layout of the EVF unit 401 for accommodating the sight line detection mechanism while preventing the size of the camera body 400 from increasing is ideally avoided in the vicinity of the grip area of ​​the camera body 400 and the grip area where other components are unlikely to be arranged. For example, as described above, the sight line detection sensor unit 415 is ideally arranged on the opposite side of the grip area arranged at the right side of the camera body 400 where the grip portion 419 and various operation units are arranged with respect to the optical axis of the EVF unit 401.

[0164] Although various exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although a so-called interchangeable lens imaging apparatus having a camera body to which a lens unit is attachable and detachable has been described above in the exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to those described above. For example, the lens unit and the camera body may be provided integrally.

[0165] In addition, although the camera device is illustratively described as an electronic device to which the present invention is applied described above in the exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not limited to those described above. For example, the exemplary embodiment can be applied to a device that includes a line of sight detection function and performs control based on feedback from the line of sight detection function, such as a head-mounted display.

[0166] In addition, although the configuration in which the CPU 111 comprehensively controls the camera body and the lens unit is described above in the exemplary embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above. Fig. 20 The (computer) program of the process shown is pre-stored in the memory unit of the camera body. Figure 2 The components of the camera body 101 of the illustrated construction cooperate together and execute a program to control the operation of the entire camera system. In addition, the program may be in any form having a program function, such as an object code, a program to be executed by an interpreter, or script data to be fed to an operating system (OS). In addition, the recording medium for feeding the program may be, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape, or an optical or magneto-optical recording medium.

[0167] (Other exemplary embodiments)

[0168] In addition, the present invention can also be implemented by the following method. Specifically, a program for implementing one or more functions of the above exemplary embodiments is fed to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors of a computer of the system or device read the program and execute the read program. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for implementing one or more functions.

[0169] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are attached to set forth the scope of the present invention.

[0170] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-199104 filed on October 31, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-176363 filed on October 20, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising a first sensor configured to capture an optical image of a subject incident via a first lens unit, the imaging device comprising: Display panel; Eyepiece part; a second sensor configured to capture an image of eyes of a user viewing the display panel by gazing at the eyepiece portion, the second sensor being different from the first sensor; an optical path division unit configured to guide light from the display panel to the outside of the imaging device and to guide external light to the second sensor; and a second lens unit disposed between the optical path dividing unit and the eyepiece portion, wherein the second sensor is arranged on a side different from a side on which a gripping area of ​​the camera device is arranged relative to an optical axis of the second lens unit, The imaging device further comprises a diopter adjustment unit for adjusting diopter by moving the second lens unit. The holding area of ​​the camera device is located on a side where the diopter adjustment portion is arranged relative to the optical axis of the second lens unit, and The second sensor is arranged on the opposite side of the optical axis of the second lens unit to the side where the diopter adjustment portion is arranged.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a grip portion to be gripped by a user when gripping the imaging device, in, The holding area of ​​the camera device includes the holding portion.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation unit to be manually operated by a user in a state of holding the imaging apparatus, in, A grip area of ​​the image pickup device is located on a side where the operation unit is arranged with respect to an optical axis of the second lens unit, and The second sensor is arranged on an opposite side of a side where the operating unit is arranged with respect to an optical axis of the second lens unit.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: The operation unit includes a release button for issuing an instruction to start image capture.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: The operation unit includes an operation dial or a setting button for adjusting imaging conditions.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image sensor unit, comprising said first sensor; a display monitor configured to display image data acquired using the first sensor, the display monitor being distinct from the display panel; and a substrate connected to the image sensor unit and the display monitor, Wherein, a viewfinder unit including at least the display panel, the second sensor, the optical path division unit and the second lens unit overlaps with at least one of the image sensor unit, the display monitor and the substrate on a two-dimensional plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the second lens unit.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein: The viewfinder unit overlaps with an imaging optical axis of the first lens unit on a two-dimensional plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the second lens unit.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit including the display panel and a frame holding the display panel, Wherein, the optical path division unit is fixed to the display unit to form an integral body with the display unit.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein: The second lens unit is configured to guide light from the outside to the optical path division unit. 10 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a light source configured to emit light for detecting a line of sight of a user to the outside.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, in, The light from the light source includes infrared light, and Wherein, the second sensor receives reflected infrared light from the outside. 12 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a user's sight line based on a signal from the second sensor.

13. The imaging device according to claim 8, further comprising: an optical member located between the second lens unit and an eye of a user viewing the display panel; an illumination unit configured to emit light of an infrared wavelength toward an opposite side across the optical member, the illumination unit being located between the optical member and the second lens unit in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the second lens unit; and a mask having a transmittance of visible wavelength light and a transmittance of infrared wavelength light, the transmittance of visible wavelength light being lower than the transmittance of infrared wavelength light in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the second lens unit, The mask is arranged at a position different from an optical path from the display panel to the optical member and closer to a user than the lighting unit when the user views the display panel.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein: The mask and the optical member are provided integrally, and the mask is a printed matter printed with a material that transmits infrared wavelength light.

15. The imaging device according to claim 13, further comprising a sight line detection unit, in, The second sensor captures an optical image when the infrared wavelength light emitted from the lighting unit is reflected by the user's eyes, and The sight line detection unit detects the user's sight line based on image data corresponding to the optical image captured by the second sensor.

16. The imaging device according to claim 13, further comprising: a proximity detection unit configured to detect approach of an object; and a diopter adjustment unit configured to adjust diopter by moving the second lens unit, wherein, with respect to the optical path from the display panel to the optical member, the illumination unit is arranged at a position along the long side, and the proximity detection unit and the diopter adjustment unit are arranged at positions along the short side, and Wherein, the proximity detection unit is located at a side opposite to a side where the diopter adjustment unit is located relative to the optical axis of the second lens unit.

17. The imaging device according to claim 16, in, The proximity detection unit includes a second lighting unit different from the lighting unit, and Wherein, the light emitting direction of the second lighting unit is inclined relative to the optical component toward the optical axis of the second lens unit.

Images