Viewfinder unit, camera device and attached accessories with line-of-sight detection function

Abstract

A viewfinder unit, an imaging device, and an attachment accessory with a line of sight detection function. The viewfinder unit includes: an optical member located between a display and an eyepiece, a first member that holds the optical member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical member, an illumination device, a second member that holds the illumination device, a sensor capable of picking up an eye image of a photographer, and an opening that is larger than a display area of ​​the display in the optical axis direction of the optical member. When the eyepiece is viewed in the optical axis direction, the illumination device is on the inside of the opening and on the outside of the display area. A portion of a first area of ​​the optical member that protrudes from the outline of the first member in the optical axis direction is located on the inside of the opening in the orthogonal direction, and at least one of the illumination device and the second member is in a second area surrounded by the outline and the first area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a viewfinder unit having a line-of-sight detection function, an imaging device having the viewfinder unit, and an attachment accessory that can be detachably attached to the viewfinder unit. Background Art

[0002] In cameras and the like, a camera with a sight line detection function described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-333259 has actually been used, which implements a function such as selecting a distance measurement point by detecting the direction of the user's sight line. A camera with such a sight line detection function includes a plurality of infrared LEDs outside the viewfinder opening of the eyepiece portion, and uses the infrared LEDs to illuminate the eyeballs of the user who is looking at the viewfinder. Therefore, the camera is configured to detect the user's eyeball image and the corneal reflection image of the infrared LED formed by the regular reflection of the cornea using a sight line sensor, and obtain the position the user is looking at by performing calculations on these two types of images. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-333259, when the viewfinder is viewed from the viewfinder opening side, the infrared LED is configured outside the viewfinder opening. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-333259, in order to prevent the photographer from visually recognizing the infrared LED, a window that transmits only infrared light is provided. With this configuration, the infrared LED protrudes toward the optical axis direction of the viewfinder over the lens or cover window closest to the photographer in the eyepiece lens group of the viewfinder. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an aspect of the present invention, the viewfinder unit includes: a display unit capable of displaying an image; an eyepiece portion; an optical member disposed between the display unit and the eyepiece portion; a first holding member configured to hold the optical member in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical member; an illumination device configured to illuminate an eye of a photographer with predetermined light; a second holding member configured to hold the illumination device; a sensor capable of picking up an image of the eye of the photographer illuminated by the illumination device with predetermined light to detect a line of sight of the photographer; and an opening disposed in the eyepiece portion, wherein when When viewed along the optical axis direction of the optical member, the opening is larger than the display area of ​​the display unit, when the eyepiece portion is viewed along the optical axis direction, the lighting device is arranged on the inner side of the opening and on the outer side of the display area of ​​the display unit, a portion of a first area of ​​the optical member protruding from the outline of the first retaining member along the optical axis direction is located on the inner side of the opening in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and at least one of the lighting device and the second retaining member is located in a second area surrounded by the outline of the first retaining member and the first area of ​​the optical member.

[0004] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is an external view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is an external view of an upper cover portion of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 4A is an external view showing the configuration of a wireless module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wireless module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is an appearance diagram of a first wireless module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 6 is an optical axis cross-sectional view of a viewfinder unit for illustrating the configuration of the viewfinder unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 7 is a detailed diagram for illustrating the configuration of an eyepiece window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 8A It is a stereoscopic diagram of an optical system including a line of sight detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of an optical system including a line of sight detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 9 This is a light path diagram when the line of sight is detected by using the line of sight detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig.10 It is a diagram for illustrating the principle of a sight line detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig.11A 1 is a schematic diagram of an eye image picked up by a visual line sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention (an eyeball image projected on the visual line sensor).

[0018] Fig. 11B It is a diagram showing output distribution in the line of sight sensor.

[0019] Fig.12 is a flow chart of a gaze detection operation according to an embodiment.

[0020] Fig.13A 2 is a rear view of an eyepiece cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C is a cross-sectional view of an eyepiece cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating an eye mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction of a portion engaged by a claw in a state where the eyecup is attached to the eyepiece frame according to the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.16A 2 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the eyepiece frame protrusion and the eyecup groove are disengaged according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view of an eye mask attached state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.17A 2 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the eyepiece frame protrusion and the eyecup groove are disengaged according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view of an eye mask attached state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.18 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view mainly showing an infrared LED holding portion in a viewfinder unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.19 is a rear perspective view of an infrared LED holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 20 : is a diagram for exemplarily illustrating the positional relationship in the EVF optical axis direction between the respective parts constituting the viewfinder unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same components or elements in the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0032] The optical device in this embodiment includes any optical device that displays information such as images and texts and is capable of detecting the line of sight of a user who is looking at the displayed information of the device.

[0033] The optical device having an eyepiece portion to which the eyecup 802 or the like can be detachably attached according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a camera, a monocular, a binocular, a rangefinder, a mobile phone, a game console, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a head-mounted display, etc. In addition to the eyecup, the attachment unit that can be detachably attached to the eyepiece portion may be, for example, a rain cover, a magnifying glass, a goniometer, etc.

[0034] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is an external view of a digital camera 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1A It is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100 . Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 is an example of the optical device as described above.

[0035] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the display unit 28 is a display unit provided on the back of the camera and used to display images and various information. The touch panel 70a is capable of detecting a touch operation on the display surface (operation surface) of the display unit 28. The external viewfinder display unit 43 is a display unit provided on the upper surface of the camera. The external viewfinder display unit 43 displays various setting values ​​of the camera including shutter speed and aperture.

[0036] The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for providing an image shooting instruction. The mode selection switch 60 is an operation unit for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover for protecting a connector (not shown) for connecting an external device and the digital camera 100 with a connection cable. Two main electronic dials 71 are included in Figure 2 The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operation member in the operation unit 70. The setting values ​​of the shutter speed, the aperture, etc. can be changed by rotating the main electronic dial 71, for example.

[0037] The power switch 72 is an operating member for switching the power of the digital camera 100 between on and off. The sub-electronic dial 73 is a rotation operating member included in the operating unit 70. Movement of a selection frame, image feeding, etc. can be performed using the sub-electronic dial 73. The multi-directional key 74 is included in the operating unit 70 and is a multi-directional key (eight-directional key) that can be operated in eight directions (i.e., up, down, right, left, right upper oblique, right lower oblique, left lower oblique, and left upper oblique).

[0038] The SET button 75 is a button included in the operation unit 70 and is mainly used, for example, to determine a selected item. The video button 76 is used to provide an instruction to start or stop video shooting (recording).

[0039] The AE lock button 77 is included in the operation unit 70 and can fix the exposure when pressed in a shooting standby state. The zoom button 78 is included in the operation unit 70 and is an operation button for turning the zoom mode on or off in a live view display of a shooting mode.

[0040] The live view (LV) image can be zoomed in and out by turning on the zoom mode and then operating one of the two main electronic dials 71. In the playback mode, the zoom button 78 functions as a zoom button for enlarging the playback image and increasing the magnification. The playback button 79 is included in the operation unit 70 and is an operation button for switching between the shooting mode and the playback mode.

[0041] When the playback button 79 is pressed in the shooting mode, the mode changes to the playback mode, and the latest image among the images recorded in the recording medium 200 can be displayed on the display unit 28. A menu button 81 is included in the operation unit 70. When the menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen providing various settings is displayed on the display unit 28.

[0042] The user can intuitively perform various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the multi-directional key 74, and the SET button 75. The camera side communication terminal 10a provided in the lens mount portion is a communication terminal for communicating with the interchangeable lens side. By attaching the interchangeable lens (lens unit 150) to the lens mount portion of the digital camera 100, the camera side communication terminal 10a contacts the interchangeable lens side communication terminal 6.

[0043] The eyepiece portion 16 is an eyepiece portion of an eyepiece viewfinder (a gaze-type viewfinder). The user can visually recognize a video displayed on the internal electronic viewfinder (EVF) module 29 via the eyepiece portion 16. In the present embodiment, the eyepiece portion 16 includes an eyepiece cover 800 and an eyepiece frame 801 (described later); however, the configuration of the eyepiece portion 16 is not limited thereto. For example, when the eyecup 802 (described later) is not configured to be detachable and is fixed to the viewfinder unit 900 (described later), the eyepiece portion 16 can be considered to include the eyecup 802.

[0044] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece sensor that detects whether the user's eyes are in contact with the eyepiece portion 16. The eyepiece detection unit 57 is arranged in a recess 702k of an infrared LED holder 702 (described later). In the present embodiment, a series of units including the eyepiece portion 16, the EVF module 29, and the eyepiece detection unit 57 is referred to as a viewfinder unit (viewfinder device) 900. The details of each part constituting the viewfinder unit 900 will be described later.

[0045] The cover 202 is a cover of a slot storing the recording medium 200. The grip portion 90 is a holding portion formed in a shape that enables the user to easily grip the grip portion 90 with the right hand when holding the digital camera 100. In a state where the user holds the digital camera 100 by gripping the grip portion 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and one main electronic dial 71 are arranged at positions where the user can operate the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 with the index finger of the right hand. In the same state, the multi-directional key 74 and the sub-electronic dial 73 are arranged at positions where the user can operate with the thumb of the right hand.

[0046] Figure 2 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes an interchangeable lens unit on which a photographing lens and the like are mounted.

[0048] The lens 103 is generally composed of a plurality of lenses. Here, the lens 103 is simplified and only one lens is shown. The lens-side communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the digital camera 100 .

[0049] The lens system control circuit 4 in the lens unit 150 communicates with the digital camera side system control unit 50 via the lens side communication terminal 6 and the camera side communication terminal 10a. The lens system control circuit 4 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2, and focuses by shifting the position of the lens 103 in the optical axis direction via the AF drive circuit 3.

[0050] The AE sensor 17 measures the brightness of the subject via the lens unit 150. The focus detection unit 11 is configured as a dedicated phase difference sensor or an imaging plane phase difference sensor of the image pickup device 22, and outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The system control unit 50 controls the lens unit 150 according to the defocus amount information to perform phase difference AF.

[0051] The shutter 101 is, for example, a focal plane shutter for controlling the exposure time of the imaging device 22 under the control of the system control unit 50. The imaging device 22 is composed of a CCD, a CMOS, etc. that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 23 converts an analog signal output from the imaging device 22 into a digital signal.

[0052] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing processing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined calculation processing by using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control according to the calculation result. Thus, through-the-lens (TTL) auto focus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, pre-flash (EF) processing, and the like are performed.

[0053] The image processing unit 24 also performs TTL automatic white balance (AWB) processing by using the captured image data. The output data from the A / D converter 23 is directly written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15. Alternatively, the output data is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the camera 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23 and image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF module 29.

[0054] The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined length of video and audio. The memory 32 is also used as a memory (video memory) for image display. The D / A converter 19 converts the data for image display stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit 28 or the EVF module 29. Thus, an image is displayed.

[0055] The display unit 28 and the EVF module 29 each display information on a display device such as an LCD and an organic EL display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 19. The external viewfinder display unit 43 displays various setting values ​​of the camera, including the shutter speed and the aperture value, via the external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44. The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory. For example, an EEPROM or the like is used as the nonvolatile memory 56. Constants, programs, etc. used for the operation of the system control unit 50 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 56.

[0056] The system control unit 50 is a control unit that is composed of at least one processor such as a CPU and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 implements the processing of the present embodiment (described later) by running a computer program recorded on the above-mentioned nonvolatile memory 56. For example, a RAM is used as the system memory 52. ​​Constants and variables used for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs loaded from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like are expanded on the system memory 52. ​​The system control unit 50 also implements display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 19, the display unit 28, and the like.

[0057] The system timer 53 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used in various controls and the time of the built-in clock. The mode selection switch 60, the first shutter switch 62, the second shutter switch 64, and the operation unit 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. The mode selection switch 60 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to any one of a still image shooting mode, a video shooting mode, a playback mode, and the like.

[0058] Still image shooting modes include automatic shooting mode, automatic scene recognition mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), program AE mode (P mode), etc. Still image shooting modes also include various scene modes that provide shooting settings according to shooting scenes, custom modes, etc.

[0059] The user can directly switch to any of these modes using the mode selection switch 60. Alternatively, it is also applicable that after the screen is once switched to the shooting mode list screen using the mode selection switch 60, any one of the displayed multiple modes is selected, and the mode is switched to the selected mode using other operating members. Similarly, the video shooting mode may also include multiple modes.

[0060] When the shutter button 61 provided in the digital camera 100 is in the middle of operation, i.e., when it is so-called half-pressed (shooting preparation instruction), the first shutter switch 62 is turned on and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, shooting preparation operations including automatic focus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, automatic white balance (AWB) processing, pre-flash (EF) processing, etc. are started.

[0061] When the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed, i.e., the so-called full press (image shooting instruction), the second shutter switch 64 is turned on and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. When the system control unit 50 receives the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processing operations from when the image pickup device 22 reads out a signal to when the shot image is written as an image file to the recording medium 200.

[0062] The operation unit 70 is constituted by various operation members as an input unit for receiving user operations.

[0063] The operation unit 70 of the image pickup apparatus shown in Fig. 1 includes at least one of the following components. In other words, the components include the shutter button 61, the main electronic dial 71, the power switch 72, the sub-electronic dial 73, the multi-directional key 74, the SET button 75, the video button 76, the AE lock button 77, the zoom button 78, the playback button 79, the menu button 81, and the like.

[0064] The power control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switching circuit for switching a block to be powered, etc., and detects whether a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the battery level. The power control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter according to the detection result and the instruction of the system control unit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to a portion including the recording medium 200 for a necessary period of time. The power supply unit 30 is composed of a primary battery (such as an alkaline battery, a lithium battery), a secondary battery (such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, a lithium ion battery), an AC adapter, etc.

[0065] The recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card and a hard disk drive. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, etc. The communication unit 54 connects and transmits and receives video signals and audio signals wirelessly or through a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can be connected to a wireless local area network (LAN) and the Internet. The communication unit 54 can communicate with an external device through Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0066] The communication unit 54 can transmit the image (including the LV image) captured by the camera 22 and the image recorded on the recording medium 200 to the outside, and can receive an image or other various information from an external device. The posture detection unit 55 detects the posture of the digital camera 100 relative to the gravity direction. According to the posture detected by the posture detection unit 55, it can be determined whether the image captured by the camera 22 is an image captured by holding the digital camera 100 horizontally or an image captured by holding the digital camera 100 vertically.

[0067] The posture detection unit 55 includes an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor and can detect motion (pan, tilt, elevation, stillness, etc.) of the digital camera 100. The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece sensor that detects whether an eye (object) approaches (contacts) the eyepiece portion 16 of the viewfinder.

[0068] The system control unit 50 switches between display (display state) and hiding (non-display state) of the display unit 28 and the EVF module 29 according to the detection result of the eyepiece detection unit 57. More specifically, at least in the shooting standby state and when the switching of the display destination is the automatic switching mode, when the eye is not in contact, the display unit 28 is turned on as the display destination and the EVF module 29 is turned off. On the other hand, when the eye is in contact, the EVF module 29 is turned on as the display destination, and the display unit 28 is turned off.

[0069] The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 may be constructed as one unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is constructed so that the light transmittance does not hinder the display of the display unit 28, and is attached to the top layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. The touch coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with the display coordinates on the display screen of the display unit 28.

[0070] Therefore, a graphical user interface (GUI) in which the user can directly operate a screen displayed on the display unit 28 can be provided.

[0071] The eyeball is a spherical body of the eye, and the eye is an organ that is sensitive to light. The sight line detection unit 58 performs A / D conversion on the eyeball image (CCD-EYE) picked up by the sight line sensor 630 (the eye image obtained by picking up the image of the eye) and transmits the result to the system control unit 50. The system control unit 50 extracts feature points from the eye image according to a predetermined algorithm (described later) to detect the sight line, and calculates the user's sight line (the viewpoint in the visual recognition image) based on the position of the feature point.

[0072] Next, we will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The structure around the upper cover of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0073] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is an external view of the upper cover portion 300 of the digital camera 100 . Figure 3A FIG. 1 is an external view of the upper cover portion 300 of the digital camera 100 . Figure 3B Not shown Figure 3A The appearance of the non-conductive housing 301 of the upper cover 300 is shown. Figure 3A As shown, the upper cover 300 is composed of a conductive shell 302 having conductivity.

[0074] The conductive shell 302 may be made of a metal material such as magnesium and aluminum, or may be a conductive resin material containing carbon, etc. Alternatively, the surface of the resin member may be applied or coated with a conductive material. In the case of using the conductive shell 302, the thermal conductivity of the conductive member is generally higher than that of the non-conductive material, so the heat dissipation performance is excellent and the heat can be dissipated to the entire upper cover 300.

[0075] In addition, the housing member is a conductive member, so that a shielding effect is exerted and electromagnetic interference (EMI) is effectively prevented, that is, electromagnetic waves generated by the digital camera 100 are prevented from interfering with other electronic devices. Similarly, the electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) characteristic, that is, the resistance to noise received by the digital camera 100 from external electronic devices, is also effectively improved.

[0076] The upper cover 300 is arranged on the front upper side of the body of the digital camera 100 serving as an optical device and the front upper side of the eyepiece frame 801 (described later), and the central part of the upper cover 300 is composed of a non-conductive housing 301. The non-conductive housing 301 is a non-conductive member such as a resin member that is non-conductive. The non-conductive housing 301 covers the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306. In the upper cover 300, the accessory shoe 303 is arranged on the upper side of the non-conductive housing 301 adjacent to the back side.

[0077] The accessory shoe 303 has a communication contact in addition to the attachment / detachment mechanism. With the accessory shoe 303, external accessories such as an external flash and an external microphone can be attached, detached, and used.

[0078] Figure 3B FIG. 3 is an appearance diagram of the upper cover 300 of the digital camera 100, wherein the non-conductive housing 301 is not shown. Figure 3B As shown, the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are disposed directly below the non-conductive housing 301. The filler 308 seals any gap between the upper cover 300 and the non-conductive housing 301. Therefore, the interior of the digital camera 100 where the wireless modules are disposed is dust and drip proof.

[0079] The first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are examples of the communication unit 54 and are electronic components that communicate wirelessly with an external device. Here, the first wireless module 304 includes, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module, and the second wireless module 306 includes, for example, a GPS module. The conductive housing 302 performs electromagnetic shielding for wireless communication, GPS communication, and Bluetooth communication, while the non-conductive housing 301 has no electromagnetic shielding effect. Therefore, when the non-conductive housing 301 covers the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306, the wireless communication function is improved while maintaining heat dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characteristics.

[0080] The first wireless module 304 is fixed to the conductive holding member 305 by screws, and the conductive holding member 305 is fastened to the conductive housing 302 by screws. Therefore, the ground line (ground) of the first wireless module 304 is connected to the conductive housing 302 via the conductive holding member 305.

[0081] In other words, the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are fixed to the upper cover 300 , and the ground lines of the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are connected to the conductive housing 302 provided in the upper cover 300 .

[0082] In the present embodiment, the conductive holding member 305 is composed of a metal sheet of aluminum or stainless steel and may be a conductive resin member. The ground line of the first wireless module 304 may be directly fixed to the conductive housing 302 without using the conductive holding member 305 .

[0083] The second wireless module 306 is fixed to the non-conductive housing 301 by screws. The ground line (ground) of the second wireless module 306 is connected to the conductive housing 302 via the flexible printed circuit board 307.

[0084] Figure 4A 1 is an external view showing the configuration of the wireless modules 304 and 306 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4B 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the wireless modules 304 and 306 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of the layout of the wireless modules in the upper cover portion 300 is shown.

[0085] Figure 4A 3 is a top view of the upper cover portion 300 . Figure 4B It is along Figure 3A A Y-direction cross-sectional view of the upper cover portion 300 taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG.

[0086] As the EVF module becomes more complex in function, the EVF module is becoming larger. In order to meet various functions without affecting the external size of the digital camera 100 as much as possible, multiple modules with various functions will be configured. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The layout of the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 is described.

[0087] The device 400 is a posture detection unit 55 composed of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor that detects the posture of the camera and detects camera shake, a near field radio communication unit that communicates with an external device, etc. Alternatively, the device 400 may be a mechanical component such as a fan for forced air cooling inside the digital camera 100 and a heat sink that cools by increasing the surface area.

[0088] The first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are arranged inside the upper cover 300, and are arranged between the accessory shoe 303 and the lens mount 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction in the figure) of the digital camera 100. When the first wireless module 304 is covered with a user's hand or the like, the wireless characteristics may be degraded, for example, the communication distance is reduced or the communication speed is reduced, due to the influence of the human body.

[0089] When the first wireless module 304 is arranged near the eyepiece portion 16, when the eye contacts the eyepiece portion 16 to use the EVF module 29, the wireless characteristics may be reduced under the influence of the user's face. For these reasons, the first wireless module 304 may be arranged on the front side of the digital camera 100 away from the eyepiece portion 16. The first wireless module 304 is arranged so that the antenna pattern 500 (described later) of the first wireless module 304 is oriented at an angle A relative to the second wireless module 306. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the angle A is 45°.

[0090] Angle A is set to an angle such that the second wireless module 306 does not substantially overlap with the extension line of the plane of the antenna pattern 500 of the first wireless module 304. The first wireless module 304 is configured such that the approximate direction of the extension line of the plane of the antenna pattern 500 of the first wireless module 304 is inclined relative to the front-rear direction and the lateral direction of the digital camera 100.

[0091] When the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are arranged according to the above-mentioned angle relationship, the metal member in the upper cover 300 does not interfere with the high-gain region of the antenna pattern 500. Therefore, the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are less likely to obstruct the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna pattern 500, and can be arranged in a compact space.

[0092] In this embodiment, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is also considered. In other words, considering the influence of radio waves radiated from the antenna surface on the human body, the spatial distance is set according to the electric field strength between the surface portion of the housing that can be touched by the user and the antenna pattern 500. The electric field strength is distributed radially from the plane of the antenna pattern 500. Therefore, for example, when the housing is flat, the spatial distance along the vertical line to the plane of the antenna pattern 500 is the smallest, resulting in an increase in the influence of SAR on the human body.

[0093] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the direction substantially vertical with respect to the plane of the antenna pattern 500 is substantially the same direction as the direction in which the convex shape of the non-conductive housing 301 protrudes. In other words, the non-conductive housing 301 has a shape that protrudes in a direction substantially vertical with respect to the plane of the antenna pattern 500, and a sufficient space distance is ensured between the plane of the antenna pattern 500 and the non-conductive housing 301. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in consideration of SAR, the electric field strength can be increased to ensure communication performance.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the first wireless module 304 is arranged on the holding side of the digital camera 100 relative to the second wireless module 306. However, depending on the appearance design shape of the upper cover 300 and the non-conductive housing 301 or the configuration restrictions caused by the device 400, the first wireless module 304 may be arranged on the opposite side relative to the optical axis center of the digital camera 100 while maintaining the angle.

[0095] The second wireless module 306 is used as a GPS receiver to measure the position of the digital camera 100. Figure 4B As shown, the second wireless module 306 is disposed between the accessory shoe 303 and the lens mount 10 at an angle B relative to the imaging plane 220 of the digital camera 100. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the angle B is 25 degrees.

[0096] Angle B is set to an angle such that the extension direction of the antenna pattern plane of the second wireless module 306, that is, Figure 4B The dotted line in does not substantially overlap with the outer appearance side of the accessory shoe 303. The second wireless module 306 is configured so that the approximate direction of the extension line of the antenna pattern plane of the second wireless module 306 is inclined at an angle not overlapping with a part of the accessory shoe 303 with respect to the front-rear direction and the upward direction of the digital camera 100.

[0097] This is because the receiving sensitivity of the wireless characteristic of the GPS receiver is reduced by the surrounding metal components. In other words, in this embodiment, the second wireless module 306 is configured to protrude from the opening of the upper cover 300. The second wireless module 306 is configured at the following angle: the extension direction of the antenna pattern plane of the second wireless module 306, that is, Figure 4B The dotted line in does not overlap with the outer appearance side of the accessory shoe 303 .

[0098] In this way, the sensitivity in the zenith direction, that is, the Y direction, of the digital camera 100 is ensured while the influence of the metal member of the accessory shoe 303 is reduced by the angle B. Even when the size of the EVF module 29 is increased, both the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 can be effectively arranged between the accessory shoe 303 and the lens mount 10 without increasing the profile of the digital camera 100.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the second wireless module 306 has an angle B only in the Y direction relative to the imaging surface 220 of the digital camera 100. However, depending on the appearance design shapes of the upper cover 300 and the non-conductive housing 301 or the configuration restrictions caused by the device 400, the second wireless module 306 may be configured at an angle relative to the Y axis and the Z axis of the digital camera 100 while maintaining the angle B.

[0100] The second wireless module 306 may be a satellite positioning system other than GPS, and may be, for example, a system capable of measuring the position of the digital camera 100 , such as GLONASS.

[0101] Here, the first wireless module 304, the second wireless module 306, the device 400, the accessory shoe 303, and the EVF module 29 do not need to overlap in the Z direction or the Y direction. For example, the digital camera 100 may be configured not to include the device 400. In this case, when the EVF module 29 is configured to overlap with the imaging unit including the imaging device 22 in the Y direction, the profile of the digital camera 100 is further miniaturized.

[0102] In this manner, the first wireless module 304 and the second wireless module 306 are arranged at positions that do not overlap between the accessory shoe 303 and the lens mount 10 in the front-rear direction (optical axis direction or Z direction) of the digital camera 100. Therefore, the size increase of the digital camera 100 can be minimized.

[0103] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is an appearance diagram of the first wireless module 304 . Figure 5A An example is shown in the case where the first wireless module 304 includes the antenna pattern 500 but does not include a signal processing unit 501 (described later). Figure 5B An example is shown in the case where the first wireless module 304 includes an antenna pattern 500 and a signal processing unit 501 .

[0104] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 5A A case will be described in which the first wireless module 304 includes the antenna pattern 500 but does not include a signal processing unit 501 (described later).

[0105] The first wireless module 304 is a printed circuit board, and the antenna pattern 500 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The first wireless module 304 is not limited to a printed circuit board, and may also be a flexible printed circuit board.

[0106] The antenna pattern 500 is not limited to this shape, and the pattern may vary within a range in which effective wireless characteristics are obtained. The first wireless module 304 includes a fixing portion 502 fixed to the above-mentioned conductive holding member 305 , and the ground line is electrically connected to the conductive holding member 305 at the fixing portion 502 .

[0107] In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 502 is a round hole and is fastened to the conductive holding member 305 by screws; however, the fixing portion 502 is not limited to being fastened by screws. The fixing portion 502 may be fixed by a conductive double-sided adhesive tape or may be fixed by a conductive adhesive material. The first wireless module 304 includes a transmission portion 503 composed of a thin coaxial cable, and the signal obtained by the antenna pattern 500 is transmitted to a circuit board (not shown).

[0108] The first wireless module 304 side of the transmission unit 503 is a module side connection unit 503a. The transmission unit 503 and the first wireless module 304 are electrically connected by welding.

[0109] The other side of the transmission portion 503 is a connection destination connection portion 503 b which is constituted by a connector and is connected to a circuit board (not shown) through the connector.

[0110] Both the module side connection part 503a and the connection destination connection part 503b can be connected by a connector or can be connected by soldering. Since the cable of the transmission part 503 is composed of a thin coaxial cable, not only noise from the outside but also noise emitted from the transmission part 503 is blocked. The transmission part 503 is not limited to the thin coaxial cable, and can be a general wire, or can be connected through a flexible printed circuit board.

[0111] The signal processing unit 501 that processes the signal output from the antenna pattern 500 is implemented on a circuit board to which the connection destination connection portion 503b is connected. The signal processing unit 501 is composed of an IC such as an integrated circuit. The signal processing unit 501 and the system control unit 50 enable communication between the digital camera 100 and an external device. Figure 5A As shown, when the signal processing unit 501 is formed separately from the first wireless module 304, the wireless module itself can be miniaturized. Therefore, in the digital camera 100, the wireless module can be arranged in a place where the wireless module cannot be arranged in the prior art.

[0112] Electronic components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors are mounted on Figure 5AThe first wireless module 304 is also used in a different digital camera 100 at the component mounting portion 504. Therefore, the antenna characteristics can be tuned. In other words, when the same first wireless module 304 is also used in a different digital camera 100, the first wireless module 304 is tuned by changing the electronic components at the component mounting portion 504. Therefore, different digital cameras 100 can also perform wireless communication under optimal conditions.

[0113] like Figure 5A As shown, in the first wireless module 304, the fixing portion 502, the transmission portion 503, the component mounting portion 504 and the antenna pattern 500 are arranged in this order on substantially the same straight line. Therefore, the first wireless module 304 can be miniaturized. The transmission portion 503 may not extend to the extension line of the antenna pattern 500, but may extend to the direction of a 45° angle. This also miniaturizes the first wireless module 304 as much as possible in the short side direction.

[0114] In the antenna pattern 500, there is an antenna pattern open end 505 at the end, and the antenna pattern open end 505 is arranged on the non-conductive housing 301 side of the upper cover 300. This is because the antenna pattern open end 505 as the end of the antenna pattern 500 has the strongest wireless characteristics, and therefore, the reception efficiency is improved by making the antenna pattern open end 505 as close as possible to the non-conductive housing 301 as the housing. In addition to the conductive holding member 305, an additional thin coaxial cable processing portion made of a resin material or the like may be provided around the first wireless module 304 to process the thin coaxial cable of the transmission portion 503.

[0115] Next, we will refer to Figure 5B The case where the first wireless module 304 includes an antenna pattern 500 and a signal processing unit 501 is described.

[0116] The first wireless module 304 includes a transmission unit 503, which connects a signal processing unit 501 that processes a signal output from the antenna pattern 500 to a circuit board on which the system control unit 50 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 503 is a flexible connector; however, it is not limited to a thin coaxial cable, and may be a general connector. Alternatively, the signal processing unit 501 may be connected to the circuit board via a cable such as a thin coaxial cable.

[0117] The signal processing unit 501 is constituted by an IC such as an integrated circuit, and the signal output from the antenna pattern 500 is processed by the signal processing unit 501. The system control unit 50 on the circuit board and the signal processing unit 501 of the first wireless module 304 are connected and communicate with each other by the transmission section 503 of the first wireless module 304. Therefore, wireless communication with an external device is possible.

[0118] Detailed description of viewfinder unit 900

[0119] Hereinafter, details of the viewfinder unit 900 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to relevant drawings. Figure 6 : is an optical axis cross-sectional view of the viewfinder unit 900 for illustrating the configuration of the viewfinder unit 900 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shown is an optical axis cross-sectional view based on the optical axis (hereinafter referred to as EVF optical axis) of the optical member included in the viewfinder unit 900, namely, the EVF lens group 616. Figure 6 The EVF optical axis direction of the viewfinder unit 900 shown, the portion from the EVF module 29 to the eyepiece frame 801 of the eyepiece cover 800 (described later) is collectively referred to as the viewfinder unit 900. The viewfinder unit 900 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of not only displaying menus and images as in the case of the display panel 5, but also detecting the user's line of sight and reflecting the detection result on the control of the digital camera 100.

[0120] The EVF module 29 is used to display menus or images to operate the digital camera 100 or view or edit images obtained by the digital camera 100 as in the case of the display panel 5. The EVF module 29 is composed of a backlight liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like.

[0121] Reference numeral 7 denotes a panel holder that holds the EVF module 29. The EVF module 29 and the panel holder 7 are adhesively fixed to each other to constitute the display panel unit 8. The first optical path splitting prism 9 and the second optical path splitting prism 610 are adhered to each other to constitute an optical path splitting prism unit 611 (optical path splitting member).

[0122] The optical path beam splitting prism unit 611 guides the light beam from the second display panel to the eyepiece window 617 provided at the user's observation hole, and guides the reflected light from the eye (pupil) and the like guided from the eyepiece window 617 to the Figure 7 The visual line sensor 630 is shown. The display panel unit 8 and the optical path beam splitting prism unit 611 are fixed and formed into one body with the mask 12 interposed therebetween.

[0123] The mask 12 can be directly formed on the surface of the first optical path splitting prism 9 by sputtering, printing, etc. The EVF lens group 616 is composed of an optical path splitting prism unit 611, a G1 lens 613, a G2 lens 614, a G3 lens 615, an eyepiece window 617, etc. The fixed barrel 705 is a first holding member that holds the above-mentioned optical path splitting prism unit 611. The lens holder 700 is a second holding member that holds the G1 lens 613, the G2 lens 614, and the G3 lens 615 as the EVF optical member according to the present embodiment. The lens holder 700 is configured to be movable in the EVF optical axis direction relative to the fixed barrel 705. The lens holder 700 includes an adjustment mechanism (not shown) and allows a user who looks at the eyepiece portion 16 to move the position of the lens so as to adjust the diopter within a determined range. As long as the diopter adjustment mechanism is a known technology, any structure can be adopted, and the specific description is omitted.

[0124] Figure 7 is a detailed view for illustrating the construction of the eyepiece window.

[0125] The eyepiece window 617 is a transparent member that transmits visible light and is fixed to an infrared LED holder 702 (described later). The image displayed on the display panel unit 8 is observed through the EVF lens group 616 including the optical path splitting prism unit 611 and the eyepiece window 617 .

[0126] The oblique shaded area 617a of the eyepiece window 617 is a mask in which ink or the like that absorbs visible light and transmits infrared light is printed on the surface on the infrared LED side so that the infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627 are not visually recognized by the user. The viewfinder opening 617b is an opening for observing an optical image.

[0127] Fig. 8A is a perspective view showing the viewfinder unit 900 according to the present embodiment. Figure 8B is an axial cross-sectional view of the viewfinder unit 900 taken along the EVF optical axis. The infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627 are respectively provided at different positions and in different postures, and are configured to irradiate infrared light toward the eyeballs of the user.

[0128] Here, we will refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 Specifically explain the position of the infrared LED (light source for line of sight detection). Fig.18 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view mainly showing an infrared LED holding portion in the viewfinder unit 900 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of an infrared LED holder 702 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown in the figure, the infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627 are held between the recessed portions 702a to 702h provided on the back side (i.e., the object side) of the infrared LED holder 702 and the infrared LED board 701, while being urged toward the infrared LED holder 702 by the elastic member 703. Hereinafter, the infrared LED holder 702 and the infrared LED board 701 are collectively referred to as an infrared LED holding member. The infrared LED holding member is fixed to the fixing cylinder 705 by the fastening member 704.

[0129] Infrared LEDs 618, 619, 623, and 625 are lighting devices according to the present embodiment, and are infrared LEDs capable of irradiating light in the infrared wavelength range as lighting units for near-field lighting. Infrared LEDs 622, 624, 626, and 627 are lighting devices according to the present embodiment, and are infrared LEDs capable of irradiating light in the infrared wavelength range as lighting units for far-field lighting. In the present embodiment, infrared LEDs are used for near fields and far fields, respectively; however, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, regardless of the distance, all infrared LEDs may be configured to be used when detecting the line of sight of the photographer. Alternatively, for example, the line of sight of the photographer may be configured to be detected by using a combination of infrared LEDs different from the above according to the distance from the photographer (eyeball).

[0130] Return to reference Fig. 8A The line of sight detection optical system including the aperture 628 and the line of sight imaging lens 629 also guides the infrared reflected light guided from the eyepiece window 617 to the line of sight sensor 630 through the optical path beam splitting prism unit 611. The optical path beam splitting prism unit 611 is composed of the first optical path beam splitting prism 9 and the second optical path beam splitting prism 610.

[0131] exist Figure 8B In the embodiment, the eyeball image of the user who is looking at the image illuminated by the infrared LED enters the incident surface (second surface) 610a of the second optical path beam splitting prism 610 through the eyepiece window 617, the G3 lens 615, the G2 lens 614 and the G1 lens 613. The optical path is represented by 31a. A dichroic film reflecting infrared light is formed on the first surface 610b of the second optical path beam splitting prism 610.

[0132] Therefore, by Fig. 8A The eyeball image illuminated by the infrared LED shown is reflected on the first surface 610b toward the second surface 610a. The reflected light path is represented by 31b. The reflected light path 31b is totally reflected on the second surface 610a, passes through the aperture 628 as an imaging light path 31c, and is imaged on the line of sight sensor 630 through the line of sight imaging lens 629.

[0133] The cornea reflection image formed by regular reflection of infrared LED light from the cornea is used in combination with the eyeball image formed by illumination to detect line of sight.

[0134] Fig. 9 This is a light path diagram when the line of sight is detected using the line of sight detection mechanism according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 6 shows an example of an optical path along which light emitted from near-field illumination infrared LEDs 618, 619, 623, 625 is reflected on the cornea 142 of the eyeball and then converges on the line of sight sensor 630. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same as those in FIG. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The part corresponding to the part.

[0135] Here, we will refer to Fig. 20 The layout of each part in the viewfinder unit 900 will be described in detail. Fig. 20 1 is a diagram for exemplarily illustrating the positional relationship in the EVF optical axis direction between the respective parts constituting the viewfinder unit 900 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 It is an X-axis cross-sectional view at the center position of the infrared LED holder 702 for illustrating a region Z (described later).

[0136] The G3 lens 615 is a convex lens whose optical surface protrudes toward the photographer (the user who looks at the eyepiece portion 16) relative to the lens holder 700, and is adhered to and held by the lens holder 700. An opening 702j is provided at the center of the infrared LED holder 702. The optical surface of the G3 lens 615 protruding from the lens holder 700 can enter the inside of the opening 702j of the infrared LED holder 702. In other words, a portion of the opening 702j of the infrared LED holder 702 and a portion of the G3 lens 615 located on the rear end side (closest to the photographer side) in the EVF lens group 616 of the viewfinder unit 900 are located on a selected plane orthogonal to the EVF optical axis.

[0137] In addition, the infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627 are also arranged to overlap with a part of the G3 lens 615 in a plane orthogonal to the EVF optical axis direction. In other words, in a plane orthogonal to the EVF optical axis direction, the opening 702j of the infrared LED holder 702, the infrared LED, and the G3 lens 615 are located at positions overlapping each other. With this configuration, a part of the EVF lens group 616 and the infrared LED holder 702 (and the infrared LED) can be arranged at positions not overlapping each other in the EVF optical axis direction, so that an increase in the size of the viewfinder unit 900 in the EVF optical axis direction can be suppressed.

[0138] Through the above structure, Fig. 20In the XY plane direction (direction orthogonal to the EVF optical axis) shown, the infrared LED board 701, the infrared LED holder 702, and the infrared LED can be arranged in the region Z (diagonal shaded region) in the figure. Here, the region Z in the figure is a region located between the rearmost end of the outline of the lens holder 700 and the rearmost end of the outline of the G3 lens 615 in the EVF optical axis direction, and surrounded by the outline of the G3 lens 615 protruding from the rearmost end of the lens holder 700 and the outline of the lens holder 700. Since a part of the infrared LED holding member (701, 702) and a part of each infrared LED are included in this region, the size of the viewfinder unit 900 in the EVF optical axis direction can be prevented from increasing. Fig. 20 The location of region Z in the selected cross-sectional view is shown. Region Z surrounds the periphery of G3 lens 615.

[0139] like Fig.13A As shown in FIG. 702 (described later), the opening of the eyepiece frame 801 is enlarged to a size required for the display size of the EVF module 29 or larger. The infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627 are arranged inside the opening of the eyepiece frame 801 in the XY plane parallel to the EVF optical axis. More specifically, when the viewfinder unit 900 is viewed in the EVF optical axis direction, the infrared LEDs are arranged in an area inside the above-mentioned opening 702j and outside the display area of ​​the EVF module 29. With this arrangement, the distance between the eyepiece frame 801 and the infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627 in the EVF optical axis direction can be minimized.

[0140] By the above-mentioned configuration, the distance between the G3 lens 615 and the eyepiece window 617 and the distance between the G3 lens 615 and the eyepiece frame 801 are reduced, so it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the viewfinder unit 900 while including a component for detecting a line of sight. As a result, the viewfinder unit 900 is able to ensure that the distance between the eyepiece frame 801 and the eyepoint position (EP) at which the display content of the display panel unit 8 can be optically viewed is long. Therefore, as the viewfinder unit 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical device that suppresses vignetting of display content and is suitable for gaze while miniaturizing the unit is provided.

[0141] When the eyepiece lens is not configured to be movable, when the infrared LED holder 702 is made of a resin or the like that effectively transmits infrared wavelengths, it is not necessary to provide the eyepiece window 617. In this case, the size of the viewfinder unit 900 in the EVF optical axis direction can be further reduced, so the infrared LED board 701 can be configured to be formed integrally with the lens holder 700.

[0142] Instructions for sight detection operation

[0143] Will refer to Figures 10 to 12 Describe the line of sight detection method.

[0144] Fig.10 is a diagram for illustrating the principle of a line of sight detection method and is a schematic diagram of an optical system for detecting a line of sight. Fig.10 As shown, the light sources 13a, 13b are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the line of sight imaging lens 629, and illuminate the user's eyeball 14. A portion of the light emitted from the light sources 13a, 13b and reflected on the eyeball 14 is focused on the line of sight sensor 630 by the line of sight imaging lens 629.

[0145] Fig.11A is a schematic diagram of an eye image picked up by the visual line sensor 630 (an eyeball image projected on the visual line sensor 630) according to an embodiment. Fig. 11B 2 is a diagram showing output distribution in the line of sight sensor 630 .

[0146] Fig.12 2 is a schematic flowchart of a visual line detection operation, and shows processing performed by the system control unit 50 running a computer program stored in a memory.

[0147] When the line of sight detection operation in the system control unit 50 starts, Fig.12 In step S801, the light sources 13a and 13b emit infrared light toward the user's eyeball 14. The user's eyeball image irradiated by the infrared light is formed on the line of sight sensor 630 through the line of sight imaging lens 629 and photoelectrically converted by the line of sight sensor 630. Thus, an electrical signal of the eye image that can be processed is obtained.

[0148] In step S802, the sight line detection circuit 201 transmits the eye image (eye image signal; electric signal of the eye image) obtained from the sight line sensor 630 to the system control unit 50. In step S803, the system control unit 50 obtains the same signal as the eye image based on the eye image obtained in step S802. Fig.11A The coordinates of the points corresponding to the cornea reflection images Pd', Pe' of the light sources 13a, 13b and the pupil center image c' are shown.

[0149] like Fig.10 As shown, the infrared light emitted from the light sources 13a and 13b irradiates the cornea 142 of the user's eyeball 14. At this time, the corneal reflection images Pd and Pe formed by a part of the infrared light reflected on the surface of the cornea 142 are converged by the line of sight imaging lens 629 and formed on the line of sight sensor 630. Fig.11A Corneal reflection images Pd', Pe' in the eye image.

[0150] Similarly, the light beams from the edges a and b of the pupil 141 also form a line of sight sensor 630 as shown in FIG. Fig.11A Pupil edge images a', b' in the eye image are shown.

[0151] Fig. 11B Shows Fig.11A The brightness information (brightness distribution) of area α' in the eye image. Fig. 11B In FIG. 1 , the X-axis direction represents the horizontal direction of the eye image, and the Y-axis direction represents the brightness. The figure shows the brightness distribution in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the coordinates of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe' in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) are indicated by Xd and Xe, respectively, and the coordinates of the pupil edge images a' and b' in the X-axis direction are indicated by Xa and Xb, respectively. Fig. 11B As shown, extremely high levels of brightness are obtained at coordinates Xd, Xe of the corneal reflection images Pd', Pe'.

[0152] In the range from coordinate Xa to coordinate Xb corresponding to the area of ​​pupil 141 (area of ​​pupil image formed on line of sight sensor 630 by light beam from pupil 141), extremely low level of brightness is obtained except for coordinates Xd and Xe. In the area of ​​iris 143 outside pupil 141 (area of ​​iris image formed by light beam from iris 143 outside pupil image), intermediate brightness between the above two brightnesses is obtained. Specifically, intermediate brightness between the two brightnesses is obtained in an area where X coordinate (coordinate in X-axis direction) is less than coordinate Xa and an area where X coordinate is greater than coordinate Xb.

[0153] according to Fig. 11B The brightness distribution shown can obtain the X coordinates Xd and Xe of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe' and the X coordinates Xa and Xb of the pupil edge images a' and b'. Specifically, the coordinates of the extremely high brightness can be obtained as the coordinates of the corneal reflection images Pd' and Pe', and the coordinates of the edge part of the extremely low brightness can be obtained as the coordinates of the pupil edge images a' and b'.

[0154] When the rotation angle θx of the optical axis of the eyeball 14 relative to the optical axis of the line of sight imaging lens 629 is small, the coordinate Xc of the pupil center image c' (center of the pupil image) formed by the light beam from the pupil center c on the line of sight sensor 630 can be expressed as Xc≈(Xa+Xb) / 2. In other words, the coordinate Xc of the pupil center image c' can be calculated based on the X coordinates Xa and Xb of the pupil edge images a' and b'.

[0155] In this way, the coordinates of the cornea reflection images Pd', Pe' and the coordinates of the pupil center image c' can be obtained.

[0156] In step S804, the system control unit 50 calculates the imaging magnification β of the eyeball image. The imaging magnification β is a magnification determined by the position of the eyeball 14 relative to the line of sight imaging lens 629. The imaging magnification β can be obtained by using a function of the distance (Xe-Xd) between the corneal reflection images Pd', Pe'.

[0157] In step S805 , the system control unit 50 calculates the rotation angle of the optical axis of the eyeball 14 relative to the optical axis of the line of sight imaging lens 629 .

[0158] The X coordinates of the midpoints of the cornea reflection image Pd and the cornea reflection image Pe are substantially consistent with the X coordinates of the curvature center O of the cornea 142. Therefore, when the standard distance from the curvature center O of the cornea 142 to the center c of the pupil 141 is Oc, the rotation angle θx of the eyeball 14 in the ZX plane (a plane perpendicular to the Y axis) can be calculated by the following expression 1.

[0159] β×Oc×sinθx≈{(Xd+Xe) / 2}-Xc (1)

[0160] The rotation angle θy of the eyeball 14 in the ZY plane (a plane perpendicular to the X axis) can also be calculated by a method similar to the method of calculating the rotation angle θx.

[0161] In step S806, the system control unit 50 obtains (estimates) the viewpoint (position where the line of sight is directed; position where the user is looking) of the user in the visual recognition image displayed on the display unit by using the rotation angles θx, θy calculated in step S805. Assuming that the coordinates (Hx, Hy) of the viewpoint are coordinates corresponding to the pupil center c, the coordinates (Hx, Hy) of the viewpoint can be calculated by the following expressions 2 and 3.

[0162] Hx=m×(Ax×θx+Bx) (2)

[0163] Hy=m×(Ay×θy+By) (3)

[0164] The parameter m in Expressions 2 and 3 is a constant determined according to the configuration of the viewfinder optical system (line of sight imaging lens 629, etc.) of the digital camera 100, and is a conversion coefficient for converting the rotation angles θx, θy into coordinates corresponding to the pupil center c in the visual recognition image. The parameter m is determined in advance and stored in the nonvolatile memory 56.

[0165] The parameters Ax, Bx, Ay, By are sight line correction parameters for correcting individual differences in sight lines obtained by performing a calibration work (described later) for each person, and are stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 before the sight line detection operation starts.

[0166] In step S807 , the system control unit 50 stores the coordinates (Hx, Hy) of the viewpoint in the nonvolatile memory 56 and ends the visual line detection operation.

[0167] Structure of eye masks, etc.

[0168] Fig.13A is a rear view of an eyepiece cover 800 to which an eye mask is attached according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13B and 13C Along the Fig.13A The cross-sectional views taken along the lines XIIIB-XIIIB and XIIIC-XIIIC in FIG. All the figures show Fig.14A The eyecup 802 is shown in a state where it is removed. The eyepiece frame 801 is formed integrally with the eyepiece cover 800. In order to prevent the opening 801g of the eyepiece frame 801 from interfering with the light beams of the infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, and 627 for line of sight detection, the opening 801g of the eyepiece frame 801 is configured to be larger than the viewfinder opening 617b required when the line of sight detection function is not provided by a portion indicated by oblique hatching.

[0169] Eyepiece frame grooves 801a extending along the Y direction are respectively provided on both sides of the eyepiece frame 801, and the eyepiece frame grooves 801a are used to attach various eyepiece accessories including the eye mask 802 according to the present embodiment. The eye mask 802 can be detachably attached to the eyepiece frame 801 by sliding along the eyepiece frame grooves 801a. In the present embodiment, the eyepiece frame grooves 801a are respectively provided on both sides of the eyepiece frame 801. Alternatively, the eyepiece frame groove 801a may be provided at at least one end.

[0170] According to the present embodiment, not only the eyecup 802 serving as an attachment unit can be attached to and detached from the eyepiece portion 16, but also, for example, a magnifying glass, a goniometer, etc. can be attached to the eyepiece portion 16. In other words, the attachment unit includes at least one of the eyecup, the magnifying glass, and the goniometer.

[0171] The eyepiece frame steps 801b are respectively formed at the inner lower ends of the eyepiece frame grooves 801a.

[0172] like FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The eyepiece frame protrusion 801c shown is provided on the eyepiece frame 801 at the upper side of the viewfinder opening 617b to prevent the eyecup 802 from accidentally falling off. Fig. 13B As shown in the cross-sectional view of , the lower surface of the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c is an eyepiece frame right-angle wall (first wall) 801d that is approximately at a right angle to the direction (Y direction) in which the eyecup 802 is removed.

[0173] Therefore, in a state where the eyecup 802 is engaged with the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c, the eyecup 802 is difficult to fall off even when a force in the Y direction acts on the eyecup 802. The upper surface of the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c may not be at a right angle to the Y direction but may be inclined to the Y direction.

[0174] The eyepiece frame tilting portion 801f is provided from the eyepiece frame tilting starting point 801e in the eyepiece frame 801. The eyepiece cover tilting portion 800c is similarly provided from the eyepiece cover tilting starting point 800b of the eyepiece cover 800. In other words, in the eyepiece frame 801, as shown in FIG. Fig. 13B As shown, in the figure relative to the starting point 801e of the inclination of the eyepiece frame as the boundary, the lower side surface is inclined relative to the upper side surface.

[0175] By making the upper side surface and the lower side surface on both sides of the eyepiece frame tilt starting point 801e and the eyepiece cover tilt starting point 800b relatively tilted, the eyepiece frame tilt starting point 801e and the eyepiece cover tilt starting point 800b relatively form convex parts. When the upper side surface and the lower side surface on both sides of each of the eyepiece frame tilt starting point 801e and the eyepiece cover tilt starting point 800b are not relatively tilted, the eyepiece frame tilt starting point 801e and the eyepiece cover tilt starting point 800b can be formed as a convex part.

[0176] The edge 800d of the outer periphery of the eyepiece cover 800 is not inclined. In the state where the attachment unit is attached, the entire edge portion 803a (see Fig. 14B ) is configured to contact an edge 800d of the outer periphery of the eyepiece cover 800.

[0177] Therefore, the eye mask body 805 can be tilted while the edge 800d of the outer periphery of the eyepiece cover 800 and the edge portion 803a of the eye mask rubber 803 serving as the elastic member are maintained in an elastic contact state. In other words, by applying a force to the eye mask body 805, the eye mask bottom 805d ( Fig. 14B ) is tilted to a position roughly parallel to the eyepiece frame tilted portion 801f and the eyepiece cover tilted portion 800c.

[0178] Therefore, in a state where the eyecup 802 is attached, the eyecup 802 can be held in the correct position without making a rattling sound by the elastic force of the edge portion 803a of the eyecup rubber 803.

[0179] Next, we will refer to Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C The structure of the eye mask 802 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0180] Fig.14A is a perspective view showing a main part of an eye mask 802 according to an embodiment. Fig. 14B This is a perspective view of the eye mask 802 as viewed from the back. Fig. 14C 802 is an exploded perspective view of the eye mask 802. All the figures show a state where the eye mask 802 is not attached to the camera body. Fig. 14C As shown, the eyecup 802 according to the present embodiment is composed of an eyecup rubber 803 , an eyecup cover 804 having an eyepiece field frame 804 c , and an eyecup body 805 .

[0181] In the above case, in order to prevent the eyepiece field frame 804c from interfering with the light beams of the infrared LEDs 618, 619, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, and 627 used for line of sight detection, the eyepiece field frame 804c is constructed to be larger than the viewfinder opening 617b required when the line of sight detection function is not provided.

[0182] The eyecup body 805 includes an eyecup claw 805a, an eyecup groove 805b, and an eyecup bottom 805d. When the eyecup 802 is attached to the eyepiece frame 801, the eyecup claw 805a is caught by the lower end of the eyepiece frame step 801b, and as a result, the eyecup 802 can be prevented from accidentally falling off.

[0183] Here, the eyecup claw 805a functions as a claw that can engage with the step when the attachment unit is attached along the eyepiece frame groove 801a. The eyecup groove 805b functions as a recessed portion that engages with the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c when the attachment unit is attached to the eyepiece frame 801.

[0184] The eyecup rubber 803 is configured to protrude from the eyecup body 805. This is to make the user feel better when looking at the viewfinder and to prevent light from entering the viewfinder through the gap between the eyecup and the area around the user's eyes. The inside of the protrusion of the eyecup rubber 803 is hollow, so a soft feeling can be provided.

[0185] An indication portion 804a is provided in the eyecup cover 804, and the indication portion 804a serves as a pressing portion to be pushed when the user intentionally removes the eyecup 802 from the eyepiece frame 801. The inclined surface 804b is provided so that when the user pushes the indication portion 804a, a force acts on the inclined surface 804b. Fig. 16B In the Z and Y directions.

[0186] The eye mask cover 804 is adhesively fixed to the eye mask body 805 together with the eye mask rubber 803, and Fig. 14B As shown, when viewed from the back, the edge portion 803a of the periphery of the eyecup rubber 803 is exposed at the periphery of the eyepiece. When the eyecup 802 is attached to the eyepiece frame 801, the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c of the upper portion of the eyepiece frame 801 is inserted into the eyecup groove 805b of the eyecup 802.

[0187] When force acts on the direction in which the eyecup 802 falls off from the eyepiece frame 801 (with Fig.15When the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c is moved in the upward direction opposite to the downward arrow R in the figure, the eyepiece frame right-angle wall (first wall) 801d of the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c is caught by the inner wall 805c on the lower side of the eyecup groove (recess) 805b. Therefore, the eyecup 802 can be further prevented from accidentally falling off. Here, the inner wall 805c is set in the recess, and when a force acts on the attachment unit in the direction of removing the attachment unit, the inner wall 805c acts as a second wall that contacts the first wall.

[0188] Attachment of eye mask

[0189] Next, we will refer to Fig.15 , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The operation when the eyecup 802 is attached to the eyepiece frame 801 formed in the camera body is described.

[0190] Fig.15 , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.17A and Fig. 17B 801 are cross-sectional views showing detailed structures of an eyecup and an eyepiece frame according to the present embodiment, and each shows a state in which an eyecup 802 is attached to an eyepiece frame 801.

[0191] More specifically, Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction of a portion where the claws are engaged in a state where the eyecup 802 is attached to the eyepiece frame 801 .

[0192] Fig.16A In the state where the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c and the eyecup groove 805b are disengaged according to the embodiment, Fig.13A A cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. Fig. 16B is along the eye mask attached state according to the embodiment Fig.13A A cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG.

[0193] Fig.17A The eyepiece frame protrusion 801c and the eyecup groove 805b are disengaged. Fig.13A A cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. Fig. 17B Is along the eye mask attached state Fig.13A A cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG.

[0194] The user slides the eyecup claw 805a along the eyepiece frame groove 801a formed in the eyepiece frame 801. Fig.15The eyecup 802 is inserted in the direction of arrow R in FIG. Thereafter, the eyecup 802 is inserted in the following state: the eyecup claw 805a is elastically deformed and pushed outward. Then, the eyecup claw 805a falls onto the eyepiece frame step 801b of the eyepiece frame 801 and is engaged.

[0195] In addition to the above, by following Fig.15 The eye mask body 805 is inserted in the direction of arrow R. Fig.16A The protrusion inclined surface 801h of the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c shown is raised, and the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c and the eyecup groove 805b are not engaged with each other and are not stuck.

[0196] At this time, if Fig.17A As shown in the portion S in FIG. 8 , the eyecup rubber 803 serving as an elastic member in contact with the edge 800d of the inclined portion 800c of the eyepiece cover 800 is pressed in the Z direction to be elastically deformed and compressed. Fig.16A , the eyecup bottom 805d is tilted in the Z direction to a position substantially parallel to the eyepiece frame tilted portion 801f and the eyepiece cover tilted portion 800c. As a result, the eyecup 802 can be turned over the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c, and the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c falls into the eyecup groove 805b and engages. In other words, the state changes from Fig.16A The status changes to Fig. 16B status.

[0197] Removal of the eye patch

[0198] Next, a case where the eyecup 802 is removed from the eyepiece frame 801 will be described.

[0199] When removing the eyecup 802 from the eyepiece frame 801, the operation is performed as follows. Fig.14A As shown in the eye mask cover indicator portion 804a, the force acts on the eye mask 802 in the Z direction and the Y direction through the inclined surface 804b. Fig.17A As shown, the eyecup rubber 803 in contact with the edge 800d of the inclined portion 800c of the eyepiece cover 800 is elastically deformed and compressed.

[0200] As a result, the eyecup bottom 805d rotates in the Z direction until the eyecup bottom 805d is parallel to the eyepiece cover inclined portion 800c and the eyepiece frame inclined portion 801f, resulting in the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c and the eyecup groove 805b being disengaged. In other words, the state is changed from Fig. 16B and Fig. 17B The state changes to Fig.16A and Fig.17A By using the force in the Y direction generated by pushing the eye mask cover indicator 804a, the eye mask claw 805a is Fig.15 The eyecup claw 805a and the eyepiece frame step 801b are elastically deformed outward, resulting in the eyecup claw 805a and the eyepiece frame step 801b being disengaged.

[0201] In this way, the eyepiece frame tilt starting point 801 e and the eyepiece cover tilt starting point 800 b function as convex portions that allow the attachment unit to rotate when the attachment unit is pressed against the eyepiece frame 801 .

[0202] The eyecup groove 805b serving as a concave portion is configured to be separated from the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c when the attachment unit is rotated in the Z direction with the convex portion as a fulcrum.

[0203] When the eyecup 802 is further pushed upward in the Y direction in a state in which the eyecup claws 805a and the eyepiece frame steps 801b are disengaged, the user can easily remove the eyecup 802.

[0204] In this way, in the present embodiment, the eyecup cover indicating portion 804a has the inclined surface 804b so that force acts in both the Z direction and the Y direction, so the user can remove the eyecup 802 with a simple one-time operation.

[0205] When unintentional forces act in the removal direction

[0206] Next, a case where the eyecup cover indicating portion 804a is not operated and an unintentional force acts in a direction to remove the eyecup 802 will be described.

[0207] For example, when the camera body is placed in a camera bag, a force may act in a direction to remove the eyecup 802 against the user's intention. Fig. 16B In the state), the eyepiece frame right-angle wall 801d in the Z direction of the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c and the inner wall 805c on the lower side of the eyecup groove 805b are stuck to each other, thereby preventing the eyecup 802 from falling off against the user's intention.

[0208] In this embodiment, in order to remove the eyecup 802, it is necessary to compress and deform the eyecup rubber 803 by pushing the eyecup cover indicating portion 804a. Then, it is necessary to remove the eyecup frame protrusion 801c from the eyecup groove 805b by rotating the eyecup bottom 805d in the Z direction to a position substantially parallel to the eyecup cover inclined portion 800c and the eyecup frame inclined portion 801f.

[0209] Therefore, even when, for example, the camera is put into or taken out of a camera bag or the user moves with the camera suspended from the neck or shoulder by a strap, the eyecup 802 does not fall off. Since the eyecup rubber 803 protrudes outside the eyecup body 805, and the protrusion has a hollow space inside and is soft, even when the eyecup rubber 803 is pushed in the Z direction, the force is difficult to be transmitted to the eyecup body 805. In other words, even when a force acts on the eyecup rubber 803, the force is difficult to act in a direction in which the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c is disengaged from the eyecup groove 805b.

[0210] In order to apply a force in the direction in which the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c is disengaged from the eyecup groove 805b, it is necessary to push the area around the indicator portion 804a of the eyecup cover 804. When a force is applied to a position other than this, the force is applied in a direction in which it is difficult for the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c to be disengaged from the eyecup groove 805b, so this configuration makes it difficult for the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c to be disengaged.

[0211] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to push the eyecup cover indicating portion 804a so that the user removes the eyecup 802 from the eyepiece frame 801 formed in the camera body. As a result, the eyecup rubber 803 is elastically deformed, the eyecup bottom portion 805d is rotated in the Z direction to a position substantially parallel to the eyepiece cover inclined portion 800c and the eyepiece frame inclined portion 801f, and the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c is disengaged from the eyecup groove 805b. Then, the eyecup claw 805a is elastically deformed, the eyecup claw 805a is retracted from the eyepiece frame step 801b, and the user can easily remove the eyecup 802.

[0212] On the other hand, when the eyecup cover indicating portion 804a is not operated and an unintentional force acts in the direction in which the eyecup 802 is removed from the eyepiece frame 801, the eyepiece frame right-angle wall 801d of the eyepiece frame protrusion 801c and the inner wall 805c on the lower side of the eyecup groove 805b are caught with each other. Therefore, the eyecup 802 does not fall off against the user's intention.

[0213] Furthermore, since an operation unit or a movable claw mechanism for actuating the claw is not required in the eye mask body, the size of the eye mask 802 can be reduced. In addition, since the direction of the operation indication portion 804a and the removal direction coincide with each other, there is no need for two or more step operations, i.e., the operation unit is operated and then the eye mask is lifted in the removal direction. Therefore, the user can easily remove the eye mask 802 with a single operation, i.e., pushing the eye mask cover indication portion 804a.

[0214] The present invention has been described in detail based on the exemplary embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications may be made according to the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not intended to be excluded from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the line of sight sensor 630 picks up the eye image of the photographer entering through the EVF lens group 616 has been described; however, the configuration is not limited to this. The sensor for detecting the line of sight of the photographer is capable of picking up the eye image of the photographer outside the EVF optical axis of the viewfinder unit 900. For example, the line of sight sensor may be configured near the above-described opening 702j (i.e., near the infrared LED).

[0215] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the G3 lens 615 is a convex lens has been described; however, the configuration is not limited thereto. As the lens configuration of the EVF lens group 616, other configurations may be adopted. For example, the G3 lens 615 may be a concave lens. Whether the EVF lens group 616 is movable is not limited to the contents of the above-mentioned embodiment. The EVF lens group 616 may be configured so as not to move in the EVF optical axis direction and to be fixed to the lens holder 700.

[0216] Other Implementations

[0217] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0218] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A viewfinder unit, comprising: A display unit capable of displaying images; Eyepiece part; an optical member disposed between the display unit and the eyepiece portion; a first holding member configured to hold the optical member in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical member; an illumination device configured to illuminate the eyes of a photographer with predetermined light; a second holding member configured to hold the lighting device; a sensor capable of picking up an image of the photographer's eyes illuminated by the lighting device with predetermined light to detect a line of sight of the photographer; and An opening is provided in the eyepiece portion, wherein when viewed along the optical axis direction of the optical member, the opening is larger than a display area of ​​the display unit, characterized in that When the eyepiece portion is viewed along the optical axis direction, the lighting device is arranged inside the opening and outside the display area of ​​the display unit. A portion of a first region of the optical member protruding from the outline of the first holding member in the optical axis direction is located inside the opening in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and At least one of the lighting device and the second holding member is located in a second region surrounded by an outline of the first holding member and the first region of the optical member.

2. The viewfinder unit according to claim 1, wherein: The optical member is included in a group of a plurality of optical members and is a lens having a convex shape toward the photographer.

3. The viewfinder unit according to claim 1, wherein: The optical component is movable along the optical axis direction, and When the optical member is located closest to the photographer, the optical member is located inside the opening in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

4. The viewfinder unit according to claim 1, wherein: The lighting device overlaps a portion of the optical member in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis.

5. The viewfinder unit according to claim 1, wherein: The display area of ​​the display unit is rectangular, and The lighting device includes a plurality of lighting units, each of which is arranged along a long side of a rectangular display area of ​​the display unit and is capable of irradiating predetermined light.

6. The viewfinder unit according to claim 1, wherein: The lighting device is capable of irradiating light in an infrared wavelength range as predetermined light.

7. The viewfinder unit according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one groove provided at at least one end of the eyepiece portion for enabling an attachment unit to be detached from the viewfinder unit, wherein the attachment unit can be brought into close contact with an eye of the photographer when the photographer visually recognizes an image displayed in the viewfinder unit; and a protrusion formed on the eyepiece portion and having a first wall that is substantially at a right angle to a direction in which the attachment unit is removed along the groove, wherein The protrusion is engageable with a recess provided in the attachment unit in a state where the attachment unit is attached to the eyepiece portion, and, When a force is applied to the attachment unit in a direction to remove the attachment unit attached to the eyepiece portion, the first wall comes into contact with a second wall provided in the attachment unit.

8. The viewfinder unit according to claim 7, further comprising a step provided inside the eyepiece portion, wherein When the attachment unit is attached along the groove, the step engages with a claw provided in the attachment unit.

9. The viewfinder unit according to claim 7, wherein: The eyepiece portion has a convex portion, and when the attachment unit is pressed against the eyepiece portion, the attachment unit can be rotated using the convex portion, and, As the attachment unit rotates, the recess moves away from the protrusion formed on the eyepiece portion.

10. The viewfinder unit according to claim 9, wherein: The protrusion formed on the eyepiece portion is disposed outside the opening with respect to the optical axis.

11. The viewfinder unit according to claim 10, further comprising a pressing portion configured to press the attachment unit to a position below the convex portion of the eyepiece portion, wherein The attachment unit is configured to rotate toward a position below the convex portion when the pressing portion is pressed. 12 . An image pickup apparatus comprising the viewfinder unit according to claim 1 .

13. An attachment accessory that can be detachably attached to an eyepiece portion of a viewfinder unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the attachment accessory comprising: An elastic member is configured to be elastically deformed by an operation of removing the attachment accessory from the eyepiece portion.

14. The attachment accessory according to claim 13, wherein: The elastic member is configured to be in contact with an edge of the eyepiece portion in a state in which the attachment fitting is attached to the eyepiece portion.

15. The attachment accessory according to claim 13, wherein: The attached accessory is at least one of an eye mask, a magnifying glass, and a goniometer.

16. A viewfinder unit, comprising: A display unit capable of displaying images; Eyepiece part; an optical member disposed between the display unit and the eyepiece portion; a first holding member configured to hold the optical member in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical member; an illumination device configured to illuminate the eyes of a photographer with predetermined light; a sensor capable of picking up an image of the photographer's eyes illuminated by the lighting device with predetermined light to detect a line of sight of the photographer; and An opening is provided in the eyepiece portion, wherein when viewed along the optical axis direction of the optical member, the opening is larger than a display area of ​​the display unit, characterized in that When the eyepiece portion is viewed along the optical axis direction, the lighting device is arranged inside the opening and outside the display area of ​​the display unit. A portion of a first region of the optical member protruding from the outline of the first holding member in the optical axis direction is located inside the opening in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and The lighting device and a portion of the optical member overlap in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis.

17. The viewfinder unit according to claim 16, wherein: The optical member is included in a group of a plurality of optical members and is a lens having a convex shape toward a photographer.

18. The viewfinder unit according to claim 16, wherein: The optical component is movable along the optical axis direction, and When the optical member is located closest to the photographer, the optical member is located inside the opening in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. 19 . The viewfinder unit according to claim 16 , further comprising a second holding member configured to hold the lighting device in such a manner that the lighting device is oriented toward the optical axis.

20. The viewfinder unit according to claim 16, wherein The display area of ​​the display unit is rectangular, and The lighting device includes a plurality of lighting units, each of which is arranged along a long side of a rectangular display area of ​​the display unit and is capable of irradiating predetermined light.

21. The viewfinder unit according to claim 16, wherein The lighting device is capable of irradiating light in an infrared wavelength range as predetermined light.

22. The viewfinder unit according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one groove provided at at least one end of the eyepiece portion for enabling an attachment unit to be detached from the viewfinder unit, wherein the attachment unit can be brought into close contact with an eye of the photographer when the photographer visually recognizes an image displayed in the viewfinder unit; and a protrusion formed on the eyepiece portion and having a first wall that is substantially at a right angle to a direction in which the attachment unit is removed along the groove, wherein The protrusion is engageable with a recess provided in the attachment unit in a state where the attachment unit is attached to the eyepiece portion, and, When a force is applied to the attachment unit in a direction to remove the attachment unit attached to the eyepiece portion, the first wall comes into contact with a second wall provided in the attachment unit.

23. The viewfinder unit according to claim 22, further comprising a step provided at an inner side of the eyepiece portion, wherein When the attachment unit is attached along the groove, the step engages with a claw provided in the attachment unit.

24. The viewfinder unit according to claim 22, wherein: The eyepiece portion has a convex portion, and when the attachment unit is pressed against the eyepiece portion, the attachment unit can be rotated using the convex portion, and, As the attachment unit rotates, the recess moves away from the protrusion formed on the eyepiece portion.

25. The viewfinder unit according to claim 24, wherein The protrusion formed on the eyepiece portion is disposed outside the opening with respect to the optical axis.

26. The viewfinder unit according to claim 25, further comprising a pressing portion configured to press the attachment unit to a position below the convex portion of the eyepiece portion, wherein The attachment unit is configured to rotate toward a position below the convex portion when the pressing portion is pressed.

27. An image pickup apparatus comprising the viewfinder unit according to any one of claims 16 to 26.

28. An attachment accessory that is detachably attachable to an eyepiece portion of a viewfinder unit according to any one of claims 16 to 26, the attachment accessory comprising: An elastic member is configured to be elastically deformed by an operation of removing the attachment accessory from the eyepiece portion.

29. The attachment accessory of claim 28, wherein: The elastic member is configured to be in contact with an edge of the eyepiece portion in a state in which the attachment fitting is attached to the eyepiece portion.

30. The attachment accessory of claim 28, wherein: The attached accessory is at least one of an eye mask, a magnifying glass, and a goniometer.

Images