Camera

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a camera capable of achieving stable operation even when the size of the camera is reduced. This camera is provided with: a housing; an opening provided in the housing, the opening allowing the subject light to enter the imaging lens, the opening being disposed at a position overlapping the center of the housing in the width direction; and a shutter button which is provided on the rear surface and is disposed at a position at which at least a part of the shutter button overlaps the position at which the opening is projected on the rear surface, when the front surface is the side on which the opening is provided in the housing and the rear surface is the side facing the front surface in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a camera. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a digital camera that includes an imaging element that converts a subject image into an electrical signal, an electronic viewfinder disposed on the back of the digital camera that displays an image of a light beam of the subject image formed on the imaging element, and a release button for starting shooting. The digital camera is characterized in that the release button is disposed on a plane that is substantially parallel to the screen of the electronic viewfinder and on the right side of the electronic viewfinder when viewed from the back of the camera.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an imaging device including: an imaging device body; and a shutter operation unit provided in the imaging device body and movable along the optical axis direction of a photographing lens, and operable to operate a shutter by the movement.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a camera device, which includes: a slender shell forming an outer shell; an image pickup element assembled in the shell; an image pickup optical system assembled in the shell and guiding the subject image to the image pickup element; and a shutter button arranged in the shell and performing a shooting action, wherein the shell portion held by the hand of a photographer who takes pictures using the camera device and the shutter button are located at a position displaced in the long side direction of the shell, and the objective lens closest to the subject side in the image pickup optical system is arranged on the same surface as the surface of the shell on which the shutter button is arranged, and at a position on the opposite side of the portion of the shell that is held by clamping the shutter button near the shutter button.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-087629

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-024999

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-159606

[0008] The camera described in the prior art is a camera of the type that is held by grasping the camera housing with fingers and palms. Therefore, in addition to grasping the camera housing with fingers, the camera can also be held in a state of supporting with the palm, so the posture of the camera is stable, and the action of pressing the shutter button with fingers has little effect on the posture of the camera.

[0009] On the other hand, consider the case where the camera is miniaturized (for example, to a size that can fit in the palm of an adult). In this case, it is difficult to support the camera housing with the palm, and it is held by the fingers. In addition, the operation of pressing the shutter button is performed by moving any of the fingers holding the camera housing. As a result, when the camera is miniaturized, the posture of the camera may become unstable when the shutter button is pressed. Summary of the invention

[0010] One embodiment of the technology according to the present invention provides a camera capable of achieving stable operation even when the camera is miniaturized.

[0011] A first aspect of the technology of the present invention is a camera including: a housing;

[0012] an opening portion provided in the housing and allowing subject light to enter the photographic lens, the opening portion being arranged at a position overlapping with the center in the width direction of the housing; and

[0013] The shutter button is arranged on the back side, and is configured at a position where at least a portion of the shutter button overlaps with a position where the opening is projected onto the back side, when the side on the housing where the opening is arranged is set as the front side and the side opposite to the front side in the optical axis direction of the photographic lens is set as the back side.

[0014] A second aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein the opening is arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in a height direction perpendicular to the width direction.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein a peripheral area is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the opening on the front surface.

[0016] The dimension of the peripheral area in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the total width of the opening, or

[0017] A dimension of the peripheral region in a height direction perpendicular to the width direction of the housing is shorter than a total height of the opening.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the third aspect, wherein the size of the peripheral area on both sides of the opening in the width direction is shorter than the total width of the opening, or

[0019] On both sides of the opening in the height direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total height of the opening.

[0020] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the fourth aspect, wherein the size of the peripheral area on both sides of the opening in the width direction is shorter than the total width of the opening, and

[0021] On both sides of the opening in the height direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total height of the opening.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the technology of the present invention is the camera of the first aspect, wherein a peripheral area is provided on the front surface at least partially around the opening, and a portion of the peripheral area overlaps with the shutter button in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0023] A seventh aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the sixth aspect, wherein peripheral areas are provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or the height direction of the casing.

[0024] An eighth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein peripheral areas capable of holding the housing with fingers are provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or the height direction of the housing.

[0025] A ninth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein the periphery of the opening protrudes on the front surface.

[0026] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein when a surface connecting the front and back surfaces of the housing is defined as a side surface,

[0027] When the housing is viewed from the side, the peripheral edge of the opening protrudes more on the lower side than on the upper side in the height direction of the housing.

[0028] An eleventh aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein a projection area of ​​the opening is equal to or greater than 20% of a projection area of ​​the housing when the housing is viewed from the front.

[0029] A twelfth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein, when the housing is viewed from the front, a ratio of a maximum height to a maximum width of the housing is 1.0 to 1.2.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein a finger rest portion is formed on the shutter button.

[0031] A fourteenth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the finger rest portion is a recessed portion recessed toward the front side.

[0032] A fifteenth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein the shutter button is provided so as to be pressable from the rear side toward the front side.

[0033] A sixteenth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein the housing is accommodated in a sphere having a radius of not less than 1 cm and not more than 10 cm.

[0034] A seventeenth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the housing is accommodated in a sphere having a radius of not less than 1 cm and not more than 3 cm.

[0035] An eighteenth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein a display unit for confirming a subject image is not provided on the housing.

[0036] The 19th mode involved in the technology of the present invention is a camera involved in the 1st mode, wherein the front surface, the back surface and the two side surfaces connecting the front surface and the back surface of the shell except for the opening and the shutter button are composed of curved surfaces convex to the outside.

[0037] A 20th aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the camera according to the 1st aspect, wherein at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the casing including a center of a lower surface is formed of a flat surface.

[0038] Effects of the Invention

[0039] The technology of the present invention provides a camera capable of achieving stable operation even when the camera is miniaturized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 This is a front view showing an example of the structure of a camera according to the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a rear view showing an example of the structure of the camera involved in the embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 It is an external perspective view showing an example of the structure of a camera according to the embodiment.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a side view showing an example of the structure of a camera involved in the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5 It is a top view showing an example of the structure of a camera involved in the embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the shutter button and the opening according to the embodiment.

[0046] Figure 7 It is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the openings according to the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a front view showing an example of the relationship between the size of the opening and the peripheral area according to the embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 9 It is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the projected area of ​​the housing and the projected area of ​​the opening according to the embodiment.

[0049] Fig.10 This is an external perspective view showing an example of a mode in which a camera according to an embodiment is accommodated in a sphere.

[0050] Fig.11 This is an external perspective view showing an example of how the camera according to the embodiment is used.

[0051] Fig.12 This is a side view showing an example of how the camera according to the embodiment is used.

[0052] Fig.13 This is an external perspective view showing an example of how the camera according to the embodiment is used.

[0053] Fig.14 This is an external perspective view showing an example of how the camera according to the embodiment is used.

[0054] Fig.15 It is a side view showing an example of the structure of a camera involved in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] An example of an embodiment of a camera according to the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0056] In the following description, for the sake of convenience, three arrows, X, Y, and Z, are used to represent the front-to-back direction (also called the depth direction), width direction, and height direction of the camera 10. First, the height direction is represented by arrow Y, and the direction of arrow Y of the portion indicated by arrow Y is set as the upper direction of the camera 10, and the opposite direction is set as the lower direction. The width direction is represented by arrow X that is orthogonal to arrow Y, and the direction indicated by arrow X is set as the right direction of the camera 10, and the opposite direction is set as the left direction. Regarding the front-to-back direction, the direction orthogonal to arrow Y and arrow X is represented by arrow Z, and the direction indicated by arrow Z is set as the front direction of the camera 10, and the opposite direction is set as the rear direction. That is, in the camera 10, along the optical axis L (reference Figure 3 ) The direction toward the subject is the front direction. In addition, the meaning of the representation of the use side such as the upper side, the lower side, the left side, the right side, the front side and the rear side is the same as the representation of the use direction.

[0057] More specifically, the width direction and height direction of the camera 10 are described with reference to the imaging element 30. Figure 1 As shown, an imaging element 30 is provided inside the housing 12. The imaging element 30 is an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The imaging element 30 has an imaging surface with a plurality of pixels 32 arranged in two dimensions. The pixels 32 are light-receiving elements such as photodiodes. On each pixel 32 on the imaging surface, a pixel selection line is arranged along the horizontal direction HZ, and a signal reading line for reading the signal of the selected pixel 32 is arranged along the vertical direction VT.

[0058] Here, the direction along the vertical direction VT in the imaging element 30 is set as the height direction in the camera 10 (that is, Figure 1 The direction along the horizontal direction HZ in the image pickup element 30 is set as the width direction in the camera 10 (ie, Figure 1 (direction of arrow X in the figure).

[0059] As an example, Figure 1 As shown, the camera 10 is a camera device for photographing a subject. In the camera 10, for example, the subject is photographed by the user pressing a shutter button. In the camera 10, a still image or a moving image including an image of the subject can be obtained. The size of the camera 10 is smaller than that of a general digital camera or instant camera (for example, the size that can be accommodated in the palm of an adult), and the user can operate it easily. The camera 10 is an example of a "camera" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0060] The camera 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 contains electronic components for realizing the camera function of the camera 10 in addition to the image sensor 30. The housing 12 is a rounded pattern as a whole, and the details will be described later. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 12 is mainly composed of a curved surface, and the appearance is generally oval. The housing 12 is provided with an opening 16. The opening 16 allows the subject light to be incident on the photographic lens 20. Figure 1 In the example shown, the opening 16 exposes the lens unit 18 to the outside. The lens unit 18 is configured to include a photographic lens 20 and a holding frame 18A that holds the photographic lens 20. Here, exposing the lens unit 18 includes a method of directly exposing it and a method of covering it with a covering member or the like within a range that does not affect the photographing of the subject. The housing 12 is an example of a "housing" involved in the technology of the present invention, the photographic lens 20 is an example of a "photographic lens" involved in the technology of the present invention, and the opening 16 is an example of an "opening" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, when the side of the housing 12 provided with the opening 16 is regarded as the front side 12A of the housing 12, a speaker section 24 and a flash section 26 are provided on the front side 12A. The speaker section 24 outputs various operation sounds (for example, electronic sounds simulating the sound of pressing a shutter) from a sound source (not shown) provided inside the housing 12. Figure 1 In the example shown, sound is output through the three through holes 24A. In addition, in the flash unit 26, light is emitted toward the subject from a light source (not shown) provided inside the housing 12. Figure 1 In the example shown, the light source is covered by a cover member 26A provided on the housing 12 .

[0062] An indicator 14 is provided on the upper part of the housing 12. The housing of the indicator 14 is formed of a translucent material so that light from a light source provided inside the indicator 14 is emitted to the outside. The indicator 14 can emit light according to the operating state of the camera 10. For example, when the camera 10 is communicating with the outside, the indicator 14 emits light at a preset interval and color. Figure 1 In the example shown, the indicator 14 is a portion protruding upward from the housing 12. When the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the indicator 14 has a trapezoidal shape.

[0063] Furthermore, a power button 15 is provided on the upper surface 14A of the indicator 14. The power button 15 is provided on the upper surface 14A of the indicator 14 along the left-right direction ( Figure 1 The power button 15 can be pressed several times (for example, three times) to turn on the power of the camera 10. And, the power button 15 can be pressed for several seconds (for example, three seconds) to turn off the power of the camera 10.

[0064] Furthermore, a lower surface 12E is formed at the lower portion of the housing 12. At least a portion of the area including the center of the lower surface 12E is formed by a plane. Thus, the camera 10 can be placed on a table or the like. Here, the plane includes a complete plane and a surface having a flatness that allows the housing 12 to be placed. The lower surface 12E is an example of a "lower surface" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0065] As an example, Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the side opposite to the front side 12A of the housing 12 is the back side 12B (that is, when the side opposite to the front side 12A in the optical axis direction of the photographic lens 20 is the back side 12B), a shutter button 28 is provided on the back side 12B. The shutter button 28 is provided so as to be pressable toward the front side 12A. As described above, when the user presses the shutter button 28, the camera 10 captures the subject. The shutter button 28 is an example of a “shutter button” involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0066] Furthermore, in general digital cameras, a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) for confirming the image of the subject is often mounted on the back side (i.e., the side opposite to the subject). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a display unit for confirming the image of the subject is not provided on the back side 12B of the camera 10. In addition, it is of course possible to provide a display unit for other purposes (e.g., a display unit indicating the remaining battery level) on the back side 12B instead of providing a display unit for confirming the image of the subject.

[0067] Furthermore, a receiving unit 29 is provided on the back side 12B of the housing 12. The receiving unit 29 is a terminal for receiving an electrical connection with an external device, and is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. The battery of the camera 10 is charged via the receiving unit 29, or wired communication between the camera 10 and an external device is performed.

[0068] As an example, Figure 3 As shown, the housing 12 has a spherical appearance as a whole. In addition, the indicator 14 protrudes in a trapezoidal shape from the upper part of the housing 12. A right side surface 12C is formed on the right side of the housing 12 as a surface connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B. The right side surface 12C is formed in a curved surface shape.

[0069] Furthermore, the front surface 12A of the housing 12 is curved. Furthermore, on the curved front surface 12A, the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A. In other words, the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A of the housing 12. Figure 3 In the example shown, the opening 16 is a circular opening, and a slope is formed along the periphery thereof from the opening 16 to the front surface 12A.

[0070] As an example, Figure 4 As shown, when the housing 12 is observed from the side (here, from the right side), the amount by which the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front side 12A is greater on the lower side of the opening 16 than on the upper side of the opening 16. Specifically, the protrusion amount t1 of the periphery on the lower side of the opening 16 is longer than the protrusion amount t2 of the periphery on the upper side of the opening 16. That is, t1>t2. Thus, when the housing 12 is observed from the side, the opening 16 faces upward. Moreover, the opening 16 exposes the lens unit 18 including the photographic lens 20 to the outside, and the photographic lens 20 is also set to face upward. That is, when the housing 12 is placed on a horizontal plane, the subject side of the optical axis L is tilted toward the upper side relative to the horizontal direction. Thus, when shooting is performed in a state where the camera 10 is placed, shooting can be performed at an elevation angle.

[0071] Furthermore, a finger-hanging portion 28A is formed on the shutter button 28 provided on the back surface 12B. The finger-hanging portion 28A makes it easy for the user to hang his finger on the shutter button 28, to easily grasp the position of the shutter button 28, or to easily press the shutter button 28. Figure 4 In the example shown, the shutter button 28 is provided with a recessed portion 28A1 that is recessed toward the front surface 12A of the housing 12 as the finger-engaging portion 28A. In this case, the user's finger is hooked on the shutter button 28 by retaining a part of the user's finger in the recessed portion 28A1. The finger-engaging portion 28A is an example of a "finger-engaging portion" involved in the technology of the present invention, and the recessed portion 28A1 is an example of a "recessed portion" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0072] In addition, the recessed portion 28A1 is only an example, and the finger-engaging portion 28A may be used to allow the user's finger to be hooked on the shutter button 28. For example, the finger-engaging portion 28A may be a rib or a protrusion provided on the shutter button 28, and the finger-engaging portion 28A may also be realized by forming the surface of the shutter button 28 with a material having a greater friction coefficient than the housing 12.

[0073] As an example, Figure 5 As shown in the figure, when the housing 12 is viewed from above, the housing 12 has a rounded shape. Specifically, the front surface 12A (excluding the opening 16 and its periphery) and the back surface 12B (excluding the finger-hanging portion 28A of the shutter button 28) have a curved surface shape that bulges outward. In addition, on the right side of the housing 12, the right side surface 12C connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B also has a curved surface shape that bulges outward. In addition, on the left side of the housing 12, the left side surface 12D connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B also has a curved surface shape that bulges outward.

[0074] Next, the positional relationship between the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 in the housing 12 will be described. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , on the back surface 12B of the housing 12 , the shutter button 28 is arranged at a position at which at least a portion overlaps with a position where the opening 16 is projected onto the back surface 12B. Figure 6 In the example shown, the projection area 16A where the opening 16 is virtually projected onto the back surface 12B partially overlaps with the shutter button 28. Here, virtually projecting the opening 16 means projecting the area defined by the outer edge of the opening 16 from the front surface 12A to the back surface 12B along the front-back direction of the housing 12. Specifically, the upper side portion of the projection area 16A partially overlaps with the lower side of the shutter button 28. In other words, the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 are uniformly arranged at relatively close positions in the height direction of the housing 12.

[0075] In addition, here, the example in which the projection area 16A partially overlaps with the shutter button 28 is cited for explanation, but this is only an example. For example, the projection area 16A and the shutter button 28 may completely overlap, or the shutter button 28 may be included in the projection area 16A, or the projection area 16A may be included in the shutter button 28. Furthermore, the overlapping manner of the projection area 16A and the shutter button 28 is not particularly limited, and for example, the lower part of the projection area 16A may partially overlap with the upper side of the shutter button 28.

[0076] Next, the configuration of the opening 16 on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 will be described. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center P1 in the width direction of the front face 12A of the housing 12. In other words, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the center P1 is virtually included in the range of the opening 16. Here, the center P1 in the width direction is the midpoint of the maximum width W in the front face 12A of the housing 12. The center P1 is an example of the "center in the width direction of the housing" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, the opening 16 is also arranged at a position overlapping with the center P2 in the width direction and the height direction on the front face 12A of the housing 12. In other words, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the center P2 is virtually included in the range of the opening 16. Here, the center P2 in the width direction and the height direction is the intersection of the bisector of the maximum width W in the front face 12A of the housing 12 and the bisector of the maximum height H in the front face 12A of the housing 12. The center P2 is an example of the "center in the height direction of the housing" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0078] Thus, the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center P1, so that the opening 16 is arranged near the center in the width direction. Also, the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center P2, so that the opening 16 is arranged near the center in the width direction and the height direction.

[0079] As an example, Figure 8As shown, on the front side 12A of the housing 12, a peripheral area 40 is provided around the opening 16. The peripheral area 40 is an area from the outer edge of the opening 16 to the outer edge of the housing 12. The peripheral area 40 is an example of the "peripheral area" involved in the technology of the present invention. The peripheral area 40 includes an upper peripheral area 42 and a lower peripheral area 44. Specifically, when the housing 12 is observed from the front, the upper peripheral area 42 is provided on the upper side than the opening 16 in the height direction. And, when the housing 12 is observed from the front, the lower peripheral area 44 is provided on the lower side than the opening 16 in the height direction. And, the size h2 of the upper peripheral area 42 is shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16 in the height direction, and the size h3 of the lower peripheral area 44 is shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16 in the height direction. Here, the total height h1 of the opening 16 is the maximum value of the distance of the opening 16 in the height direction. In this way, the dimensions of the peripheral regions 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the height direction are shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16 .

[0080] In addition, here, the example in which the size of the peripheral regions 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the height direction is shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16 is given, but this is only an example. For example, only the size h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 may be shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16, or only the size h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 may be shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16.

[0081] Furthermore, the peripheral region 40 includes a right peripheral region 46 and a left peripheral region 48. Specifically, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the right peripheral region 46 is provided on the right side of the opening 16 in the width direction. Furthermore, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the left peripheral region 48 is provided on the left side of the opening 16 in the width direction. Furthermore, the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 is shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16 in the width direction, and the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 is shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16 in the width direction. Here, the total width w1 of the opening 16 is the maximum value of the distance of the opening 16 in the width direction. In this way, on both sides of the opening 16 in the width direction, the dimension of the peripheral region 40 is shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16.

[0082] In addition, here, the example in which the size of the peripheral regions 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the width direction is shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16 is given, but this is only an example. For example, only the size w2 of the right peripheral region 46 may be shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16, and only the size w3 of the left peripheral region 48 may be shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16.

[0083] Moreover, here, although the example in which the size of the peripheral region 40 in the height direction is shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16 and the size of the peripheral region 40 in the width direction is shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16 is given, this is only an example. For example, only the size of the peripheral region 40 in the height direction may be shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16, and only the size of the peripheral region 40 in the width direction may be shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16.

[0084] As an example, Fig. 9 As shown, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the projection area S2 ( Fig. 9 The area of ​​the region indicated by the diagonal hatching shown in the figure) is set as the projection area S1 ( Fig. 9 That is, it is set to S2 / S1×100≥20(%). Here, the projection area of ​​the opening 16 refers to the area formed by the outer edge of the opening 16 when the opening 16 is projected onto an imaginary plane with the direction along the Z direction as the normal direction. And, the projection area of ​​the housing 12 refers to the area formed by the outer edge of the housing 12 when the housing 12 is projected onto an imaginary plane with the direction along the Z direction as the normal direction. In this way, compared with general digital cameras, the size of the opening 16 occupies a larger proportion relative to the housing 12.

[0085] When the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the ratio of the maximum height H of the housing 12 to the maximum width W is 1.0 to 1.2. That is, the housing 12 satisfies the relationship of H / W = 1.0 to 1.2. Thus, compared with a general digital camera, the aspect ratio of the housing 12 when viewed from the front is set to be close to 1 instead of being horizontally long.

[0086] As an example, Fig.10 As shown, the housing 12 of the camera 10 is sized to be contained within an imaginary sphere B having a radius r. Here, the radius r is greater than 1 cm and less than 10 cm, and further, the radius r is greater than 1 cm and less than 3 cm. Furthermore, being contained within the sphere B means that the housing 12 is not in contact with the spherical surface formed by the sphere B and the housing 12 can be arranged inside the sphere B.

[0087] Furthermore, the volume of the housing 12 of the camera 10 is 4,190 cm 3 Below, and the volume of the housing 12 is 113cm 3 Below, the volume of the housing 12 is further 4.19 cm 3 the following.

[0088] Next, an example of how the camera 10 according to the present embodiment is used will be described.

[0089] As an example, Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the user holds the camera 10 by pinching the housing 12 from the front and back with fingers. Specifically, the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2 are brought into contact from the front 12A side of the housing 12 toward the back 12B side, and the thumb F3 is brought into contact from the back 12B side toward the front 12A side. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the example shown, the index finger F1 is brought into contact with the upper peripheral region 42, and the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the lower peripheral region 44. On the front surface 12A of the housing 12, the opening 16 is held between the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2. In particular, the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the lower peripheral region 44 so as to support the opening 16 from below. On the other hand, on the back surface 12B, the user brings the thumb F3 into contact with the shutter button 28. In this way, the peripheral region 40 functions as a region capable of holding the housing 12.

[0090] As described above, the shutter button 28 is configured to be pressable toward the front side 12A. When taking a picture with the camera 10, the user presses the shutter button 28 toward the front side 12A (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.12 ). Here, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the shutter button 28 is arranged at a position overlapping with the upper peripheral area 42 in the height direction. That is, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding area 50 corresponding to the shutter button 28 overlaps with the upper peripheral area 42. By configuring in this way, the force acting on the housing 12 from the back side 12B by pressing the shutter button 28 can be received from the front side 12A by the index finger F1 abutting against the upper peripheral area 42. As a result, the rotational moment generated in the housing 12 due to the force acting on the housing 12 accompanying the pressing operation can be reduced.

[0091] And, in Fig.13 In the example shown, the middle finger F2 is brought into contact with the right peripheral area 46, and the index finger F1 is brought into contact with the left peripheral area 48. On the front surface 12A of the housing 12, the user holds the opening 16 between the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2. On the other hand, on the back surface 12B, the user brings the thumb F3 into contact with the shutter button 28. In this way, the peripheral area 40 functions as an area where the user can hold the housing 12.

[0092] In addition, here, the form example of holding the housing 12 with the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2 from the front 12A side is cited for explanation, but this is only an example. For example, the housing 12 can be held with the middle finger F2 and the ring finger from the front 12A side. And, of course, not only three fingers can be used, but also other fingers can be used.

[0093] In other words, in the technology of the present invention, a method for holding the camera 10 is provided in which the index finger F1 corresponds to the upper peripheral area 42, the middle finger F2 corresponds to the lower peripheral area 44, and the thumb F3 corresponds to the shutter button 28, or the middle finger F2 corresponds to the upper peripheral area 42, the ring finger corresponds to the lower peripheral area 44, and the thumb F3 corresponds to the shutter button 28.

[0094] And, in Fig.14 In the example shown, the user holds the camera 10 by pinching the housing 12 from the top and bottom with fingers. Specifically, the user makes the index finger F1 contact from the upper surface 14A side of the housing 12, and further makes the thumb F3 contact from the lower surface 12E side of the housing 12. On the other hand, the user makes the middle finger F2 contact the shutter button 28 on the back surface 12B. In this case, the upper surface 14A and the lower surface 12E function as areas where the user can hold the housing 12. This holding method is suitable for self-portraits.

[0095] In addition, here, the example of holding the housing 12 with the index finger F1 and the thumb F3 from the top and bottom is given for explanation, but this is only an example. For example, the middle finger F2 may be brought into contact from the upper surface 14A side of the housing 12, and the thumb F3 may be brought into contact from the lower surface 12E side. Furthermore, the housing 12 may be held in an upside-down state.

[0096] In other words, in the technology of the present invention, there is provided a method for holding the camera 10 in which the thumb F3 corresponds to the lower surface 12E of the housing 12, the middle finger F2 or the ring finger corresponds to the upper surface 14A of the housing 12, and the index finger F1 corresponds to the shutter button 28, or the index finger F1 corresponds to the upper surface 14A of the housing 12, the thumb F3 corresponds to the lower surface 12E, and the middle finger F2 corresponds to the shutter button 28.

[0097] In addition, although the camera 10 is used in a manner of being operated with one hand, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. Of course, the camera 10 may be held or operated by both hands of the user.

[0098] As described above, the camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes: the opening 16 disposed at a position overlapping with the center P1 in the width direction of the housing 12; and the shutter button 28 disposed at a position overlapping with the opening 16 projected onto the back surface 12B (i.e., the projection area 16A). Thus, for example, compared with a case where the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 are provided at the end of the housing 12, the rotation moment generated in the housing 12 by the operation of pressing the shutter button is suppressed, and stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved. For example, even when the camera is miniaturized to a size that can fit in the palm of a hand, the camera can be stably operated.

[0099] For example, consider a housing that is horizontally long (i.e., the width of the housing is longer than the height of the housing) like a general digital camera. In this case, consider a case where the housing has an opening 16 at the end in the width direction, and the shutter button 28 is also located at the end in the width direction of the housing. In this case, when the shutter button 28 is pressed, a rotational moment is sometimes generated on the housing 12 due to the force when pressing relative to the center of gravity of the housing. Therefore, the housing tilts or moves during shooting, which may cause shaking in the image obtained by shooting. In this structure, the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center P1 in the width direction of the housing 12. Moreover, the shutter button 28 is also arranged on the back 12B at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. As a result, even if the shutter button 28 is pressed during shooting, the rotational moment due to the force acting on the housing 12 is reduced, so that stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center P2 in the height direction of the housing 12. Thus, the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 are arranged at positions close to the center on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 even in the height direction of the housing 12, thereby achieving more stable operation.

[0101] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, a peripheral region 40 is provided around the opening 16 on the front surface 12A. Furthermore, any one of the size w2 of the right peripheral region 46 and the size w3 of the left peripheral region 48 is shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16. Alternatively, any one of the size h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 and the size h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 is shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16.

[0102] Thus, the size of the peripheral area 40 becomes shorter than the size of the opening 16. When shooting with the camera 10, the opening 16 for allowing the light of the subject to enter cannot be covered with a finger, so the user holds the peripheral area 40 provided around the opening 16 with a finger. However, if the peripheral area 40 is narrow, it is difficult to stably operate the camera 10. In this structure, as described above, the opening 16 arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 arranged at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A are provided. Thus, even if the camera 10 has a narrow peripheral area 40, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0103] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, both the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 and the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 are shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16. Alternatively, both the dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 and the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 are shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16. In this way, even in the case 12 having a narrow peripheral region 40, in the present structure, since the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the case 12 and the shutter button 28 is arranged at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved. Furthermore, for example, since the opening 16 is arranged near the center of the case 12 in the width direction or the height direction when viewed from the front, it contributes to improving the design of the camera 10.

[0104] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, both the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 and the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 are shorter than the total width w1 of the opening 16, and both the dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 and the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 are shorter than the total height h1 of the opening 16. Thus, even in the case 12 having a narrow peripheral region 40, in the present structure, since the opening 16 arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the case 12 and the shutter button 28 arranged at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A are provided, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved. Furthermore, for example, since the opening 16 is arranged near the center of the case 12 in the width direction and the height direction when viewed from the front, it contributes to improving the design of the camera 10.

[0105] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the peripheral region 40 is provided at least partially around the opening 16 of the front face 12A, and the upper peripheral region 42 in the peripheral region 40 overlaps with the corresponding region 50 of the shutter button 28 in the height direction. Thus, when the shutter button 28 is pressed from the rear face 12B side, the housing 12 can be held from the front face 12A side opposite to the direction in which the shutter button 28 is pressed, so that stable operation can be performed. In other words, the rotational moment of the housing 12 is suppressed when the shutter button 28 is pressed, and stable operation can be achieved.

[0106] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, peripheral regions 40 are provided on both sides in the height direction or the width direction around the opening 16 on the front face 12A of the housing 12. For example, an upper peripheral region 42 and a lower peripheral region 44 are provided around the opening 16. The upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 function as regions where the housing 12 can be held by the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2, respectively. Furthermore, on the back face 12B, the housing 12 can be held by placing the thumb F3 on the shutter button 28. Thus, the housing 12 can be held at two locations on the front face 12A side and at one location on the back face 12B side, so that the housing 12 can be held at a total of three locations. As a result, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0107] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A of the housing 12. Since the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A, it is possible to prevent fingers from being caught on the photographic lens 20 provided in the opening 16. Furthermore, since the portion protruding from the front surface 12A is the opening 16, it is easy for the user to grasp the position of the opening 16.

[0108] In the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the protrusion amount t1 of the lower side of the periphery of the opening 16 is greater than the protrusion amount t2 of the upper side. This makes it easier to support the protruding portion of the opening 16 from below, thereby achieving stable operation of the camera 10.

[0109] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the projection area S2 of the opening 16 is 20% or more of the projection area S1 of the housing 12. Thus, when the ratio of the area occupied by the opening 16 in the housing 12 is large, the area that can be used to hold the housing 12 is reduced. Therefore, in the camera 10 in which the ratio of the area of ​​the opening 16 is large when viewed from the front, it is difficult for the user to stably operate the camera 10. In the present structure, as described above, the opening 16 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 is arranged at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. Thus, even in the camera 10 in which the ratio of the area of ​​the opening 16 is large, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0110] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the ratio of the maximum height H of the housing 12 to the maximum width W is 1.0 to 1.2. When the housing 12 is of such a size, the area that can be used to hold the housing 12 is reduced compared to a horizontally long or vertically long housing of a general digital camera. Therefore, in a camera 10 in which the ratio of the maximum height H of the housing 12 to the maximum width W is 1.0 to 1.2, it is difficult for the user to stably operate the camera 10. In the present configuration, as described above, the opening 16 is disposed at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 is disposed at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. Thus, even in a camera 10 in which the ratio of the maximum height H of the housing 12 to the maximum width W is 1.0 to 1.2, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0111] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, a finger rest portion 28A for the user to rest his finger is formed on the shutter button 28. This makes it easy for the user to know the position of the shutter button 28 or to perform a pressing operation. In particular, when the camera 10 is sized to fit in the palm of the user, it may be difficult to visually know the position of the shutter button 28 because it fits in the palm of the user. In this case, the position of the shutter button 28 can also be confirmed with the user's finger, so the user can easily operate the shutter button 28.

[0112] In the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the finger hook portion 28A is formed as a recessed portion 28A1 recessed toward the front surface 12A. Thus, the shutter button 28 is recessed toward the inside of the housing 12, making it easy to hook the finger.

[0113] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the shutter button 28 is configured to be pressable from the back side 12B toward the front side 12A. When the shutter button 28 is pressed toward the front side 12A of the housing 12, a rotational moment may be generated in the housing 12. In the present configuration, as described above, the opening 16 is disposed at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 is disposed at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. Thus, the rotational moment generated in the housing 12 is suppressed, and stable operation can be achieved.

[0114] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the housing 12 is accommodated in a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm or more and 10 cm or less. In a small camera 10 of a size in which the housing 12 is accommodated in a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm or more and 10 cm or less, the area available to the user for holding the housing is reduced. In the present structure, as described above, the opening 16 arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 arranged at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A are provided. Thus, even in the case of the camera 10 in which the housing 12 is accommodated in a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm or more and 10 cm or less, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0115] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the housing 12 is accommodated in a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm or more and 3 cm or less. In a small camera 10 of a size in which the housing 12 is accommodated in a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm or more and 3 cm or less, the area available to the user for holding the housing is reduced. In the present structure, as described above, the opening 16 arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 arranged at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A are provided. Thus, even in the case of the camera 10 in which the housing 12 is accommodated in a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm or more and 3 cm or less, stable operation of the camera 10 can be achieved.

[0116] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, a display unit for checking the subject image is not provided. Thus, the camera 10 can be miniaturized without a display unit. On the other hand, since a display unit is not provided, the subject image cannot be checked by the camera alone. Even in this case, since the operation of the camera 10 is stable, it is easy to obtain a camera image with less shaking, and the trouble of repeatedly shooting for caution is eliminated.

[0117] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the front 12A, the back 12B, and the right side 12C and the left side 12D connecting the front 12A and the back 12B of the housing 12 are formed of curved surfaces convex outwards, except for the opening 16 and the shutter button 28. Thus, when the user holds the housing 12 in a wrapped manner, it is easier to fit the palm of the hand than when the housing 12 is formed of a flat surface, so that the user can hold the housing 12 easily.

[0118] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the lower surface 12E is formed of a flat surface on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 12. This allows the camera 10 to be placed. This placement is useful, for example, when the camera 10 is used as a fixed-point camera or when taking selfies.

[0119] In addition, in the above embodiment, the shutter button 28 is configured to overlap with the upper peripheral area 42 in the height direction when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding area 50 of the shutter button 28 may overlap with the lower peripheral area 44. And when the housing 12 is viewed from above, the corresponding area 50 of the shutter button 28 may overlap with the right peripheral area 46 or the left peripheral area 48.

[0120] (Variation Example)

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the shutter button 28 is configured at a position overlapping with the upper peripheral area 42 in the height direction when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. In this modified example, the upper peripheral area 42 and the lower peripheral area 44 are provided in the height direction of the housing 12. Furthermore, the upper peripheral area 42 and the lower peripheral area 44 overlap with the corresponding area 52 of the shutter button 54.

[0122] As an example, Fig.15 As shown, the peripheral regions 40 are provided on both sides in the height direction of the opening 16. That is, the upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 are provided around the opening 16 in the height direction. In addition, a shutter button 54 is provided on the back surface 12B of the housing 12. In addition, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the shutter button 54 is arranged at a position overlapping with the upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 in the height direction. In other words, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding region 52 corresponding to the shutter button 54 overlaps with the upper peripheral region 42. In addition, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding region 52 corresponding to the shutter button 54 overlaps with the lower peripheral region 44.

[0123] With such an arrangement, the force acting on the housing 12 from the back side 12B side by pressing the shutter button 54 can be received from the front side 12A side by the index finger F1 abutting against the upper peripheral region 42. Furthermore, the force acting on the housing 12 from the back side 12B side by pressing the shutter button 54 can be received from the front side 12A side by the middle finger F2 abutting against the lower peripheral region 44. Thus, the rotational moment generated in the housing 12 due to the force acting on the housing 12 accompanying the pressing operation can be reduced.

[0124] As described above, in the camera 10 according to the present modification, the upper peripheral area 42 and the lower peripheral area 44 around the opening 16 on the front surface 12A overlap with the corresponding area 52 of the shutter button 54 in the height direction. Thus, when the shutter button 54 is pressed from the back surface 12B side, the housing 12 can be held from the front surface 12A side opposite to the direction in which the shutter button 54 is pressed, so that stable operation can be performed. In other words, the rotational moment of the housing 12 is suppressed when the shutter button 28 is pressed, and stable operation can be achieved.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned modification, the shutter button 54 is configured to overlap with the upper peripheral area 42 and the lower peripheral area 44 in the height direction when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the housing 12 is viewed from above, the shutter button 54 may be configured to overlap with the right peripheral area 46 and the left peripheral area 48 in the width direction.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the case 12 is described as having a substantially oval shape with rounded corners, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The case 12 may be spherical, spindle-shaped, or quadrilateral.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a form in which the upper peripheral region 42, the lower peripheral region 44, the right peripheral region 46, and the left peripheral region 48 are provided around the opening 16 of the housing 12 is described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The peripheral region 40 may be any one, two, or three of the upper peripheral region 42, the lower peripheral region 44, the right peripheral region 46, and the left peripheral region 48.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the indicator 14 is provided on the upper part of the housing 12 of the camera 10, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the indicator 14 is not particularly limited, and the indicator 14 may not be provided.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the shutter button 28 is described as a physical button, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shutter button 28 may be displayed on a touch panel display.

[0130] The recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above are detailed descriptions of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, and are only an example of the technology of the present invention. For example, the description of the above-mentioned structure, function, action and effect is a description of an example of the structure, function, action and effect of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention. Therefore, of course, it is also possible to delete unnecessary parts, add new elements or replace the recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above without departing from the main purpose of the technology of the present invention. In addition, in order to avoid trouble and facilitate understanding of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, in the recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above, descriptions of technical common sense that does not need to be specifically explained when implementing the technology of the present invention are omitted.

[0131] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" may mean only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, when three or more items are expressed in association with "and / or", the same concept as "A and / or B" also applies.

[0132] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually incorporated by reference.

[0133] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, the following contents are further disclosed.

[0134] <Note 1>

[0135] A camera comprising: a housing;

[0136] an opening portion provided on the housing and allowing subject light to enter the photographic lens, the opening portion being arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in the width direction; and

[0137] The shutter button is provided on the back surface, and is arranged at a position at which at least a portion overlaps with a position where the opening is projected onto the back surface, when the side on which the opening is provided is set as the front surface and the side opposite to the front surface in the optical axis direction of the photographic lens is set as the back surface.

[0138] <Note 2>

[0139] The camera according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the opening is arranged at a position overlapping with a center of the housing in a height direction orthogonal to the width direction.

[0140] <Note 3>

[0141] The camera according to Supplement 1 or 2, wherein a peripheral area is provided in at least a portion of the periphery of the opening in the front surface,

[0142] The size of the peripheral area in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the total width of the opening, or

[0143] A dimension of the peripheral region in a height direction of the housing orthogonal to the width direction is shorter than a total height of the opening.

[0144] <Appendix 4>

[0145] The camera according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein, on both sides of the opening in the width direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total width of the opening, or

[0146] On both sides of the opening in the height direction, a size of the peripheral region is shorter than a total height of the opening.

[0147] <Appendix 5>

[0148] The camera according to Supplement 4, wherein, on both sides of the opening in the width direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total width of the opening, and

[0149] On both sides of the opening in the height direction, a size of the peripheral region is shorter than a total height of the opening.

[0150] <Appendix 6>

[0151] The camera according to Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein a peripheral area is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the opening on the front surface, and a portion of the peripheral area overlaps with the shutter button in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0152] <Note 7>

[0153] The camera according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the peripheral area is provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or the height direction of the housing.

[0154] <Appendix 8>

[0155] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein peripheral areas capable of holding the housing with fingers are provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or the height direction of the housing.

[0156] <Note 9>

[0157] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein a peripheral edge of the opening protrudes on the front surface.

[0158] <Note 10>

[0159] A camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein when a surface connecting the front surface and the back surface on the housing is set as a side surface,

[0160] When the housing is viewed from the side, the protrusion amount of the peripheral edge of the opening portion on the lower side in the height direction of the housing is greater than that on the upper side.

[0161] <Note 11>

[0162] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein when the housing is viewed from the front, a projection area of ​​the opening is equal to or greater than 20% of a projection area of ​​the housing.

[0163] <Note 12>

[0164] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, wherein when the housing is viewed from the front, a ratio of a maximum height to a maximum width of the housing is 1.0 to 1.2.

[0165] <Note 13>

[0166] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, wherein a finger rest portion is formed on the shutter button.

[0167] <Note 14>

[0168] The camera according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the finger rest portion is a recessed portion recessed toward the front side.

[0169] <Note 15>

[0170] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 14, wherein the shutter button is configured to be pressable from the rear side toward the front side.

[0171] <Note 16>

[0172] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, wherein the housing is accommodated in a sphere with a radius of not less than 1 cm and not more than 10 cm.

[0173] <Note 17>

[0174] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 16, wherein the housing is accommodated in a sphere with a radius of at least 1 cm and within 3 cm.

[0175] <Note 18>

[0176] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 17, wherein a display unit for confirming a subject image is not provided on the housing.

[0177] <Note 19>

[0178] A camera according to any one of Notes 1 to 18, wherein the front surface, the back surface, and the two side surfaces connecting the front surface and the back surface of the housing other than the opening and the shutter button are formed by curved surfaces convex outward.

[0179] <Note 20>

[0180] The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 19, wherein at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the housing including a center of a lower surface is formed by a flat surface.

[0181] Explanation of symbols

[0182] 10-camera, 12-housing, 12A-front, 12B-back, 12C-right side, 12D-left side, 12E-bottom surface, 14-indicator, 14A-top surface, 15-power button, 16-opening, 16A-projection area, 18-lens unit, 18A-holding frame, 20-photographic lens, 24-speaker, 24A-through hole, 26-flash portion, 26A-covering member, 28, 54-shutter button, 28A-finger rest, 28A1-recess, 29-receiving portion, 30-imaging element, 32-optical Diode, 40-peripheral area, 42-upper peripheral area, 44-lower peripheral area, 46-right peripheral area, 48-left peripheral area, 50, 52-corresponding areas, B-sphere, F1-index finger, F2-middle finger, F3-thumb, L-optical axis, P1, P2-center, S1, S2-projection area, W-maximum width, h1-total height, h2, h3-size, r-radius, t1, t2-protrusion, w1-total width, w2, w3-size, VT-vertical direction, HZ-horizontal direction, X, Y, Z-arrows.

Claims

1. A camera comprising: case; an opening portion, which is provided in the housing and allows subject light to enter the photographic lens, and is arranged at a position overlapping with the center in the width direction of the housing; and A shutter button, when the side on which the opening is provided on the housing is set as the front side and the side opposite to the front side in the optical axis direction of the photographic lens is set as the back side, the shutter button is set on the back side and is arranged at a position where at least a portion of the shutter button overlaps with a position where the opening is projected on the back side.

2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is arranged at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in the height direction perpendicular to the width direction.

3. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A peripheral area is provided on the front surface at least partially around the opening. The dimension of the peripheral area in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the total width of the opening, or The dimension of the peripheral region in the height direction of the housing orthogonal to the width direction is shorter than the total height of the opening.

4. The camera according to claim 3, wherein: On both sides of the opening in the width direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total width of the opening, or At both sides of the opening in the height direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total height of the opening.

5. The camera according to claim 4, wherein: On both sides of the opening in the width direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total width of the opening, and At both sides of the opening in the height direction, the size of the peripheral area is shorter than the total height of the opening.

6. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A peripheral region is provided on the front surface at least partially around the opening, and a portion of the peripheral region overlaps with the shutter button in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein: The peripheral area is provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or the height direction of the housing.

8. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A peripheral area for holding the housing with fingers is provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or the height direction of the housing.

9. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: On the front side, the peripheral edge of the opening protrudes.

10. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the surface connecting the front surface and the back surface on the housing is set as the side surface, When the housing is viewed from the side, the peripheral edge of the opening protrudes more on the lower side than on the upper side in the height direction of the housing.

11. The camera of claim 1, wherein: When the housing is viewed from the front, a projection area of ​​the opening is greater than or equal to 20% of a projection area of ​​the housing.

12. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the housing is viewed from the front, a ratio of a maximum height to a maximum width of the housing is 1.0 to 1.

2.

13. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A finger-engaging portion is formed on the shutter button.

14. The camera of claim 13, wherein: The finger-hanging portion is a recessed portion recessed toward the front side.

15. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shutter button is provided so as to be pressable from the rear side toward the front side.

16. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shell is contained in a sphere with a radius of more than 1 cm and less than 10 cm.

17. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shell is contained in a sphere with a radius of more than 1 cm and less than 3 cm.

18. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing is not provided with a display unit for confirming the subject image.

19. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front surface, the back surface, and the two side surfaces connecting the front surface and the back surface of the housing except for the opening and the shutter button are formed of curved surfaces convex outward.

20. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing including the center of the lower surface is formed of a flat surface.

Images