Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To easily detect removal of a component in an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 100 includes a first component 104, a second component 105 to which the first component is fixed by a fastening member 301a, and control means 203 for recording information in a memory 201. The second component is provided with a first conductive part 107 and a second conductive part 108 that are not electrically connected to either the first or second component, but are electrically connected to each other via the fastening member, and are electrically disconnected from each other when the fastening member is removed. The control means changes the information in response to the disconnection of the electrical connection between the conductive parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device such as an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for determining whether an electronic device has been disassembled are used to protect confidential information stored in the electronic device and as a countermeasure against illegal modifications. Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which an electrical contact is provided between a printed circuit board on which an electronic circuit is mounted and a case component, and removal of the case component from the printed circuit board is detected by the separation of the contact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-11268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The method of Patent Document 1 can only be used between parts that can be electrically connected (printed circuit boards and conductive case parts). For example, electrical contact cannot be made between case members that are non-conductive resin parts, so it is not possible to detect disassembly of these case parts.

[0005] The present invention provides an electronic device that can easily detect whether a part has been removed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first component, a second component to which the first component is fixed by a fastening member, and a control means for recording information in a memory. The second component includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion that are not electrically connected to the first and second components but are electrically connected to each other via the fastening member, and the electrical connection between the first and second conductive portions is severed when the fastening member is removed. The control means changes the information in response to the electrical connection being severed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily detect that a component has been removed from an electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the side cover is fastened to the main body member by a fastening member in the imaging device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a light emitting unit is popped up in the imaging device of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rear cover is fastened to the main body member by fastening members in the imaging device of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart showing a process in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0010] Fig. 1 shows the appearance of an image capture device (digital camera with interchangeable lenses) 100 as an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the image capture device 100. Note that the electronic device is not limited to the image capture device 100 and includes a variety of devices.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the image capture device 100 has exterior covers (exterior components) including a front cover 101, a top cover 102, a rear cover 103, and a side cover 104, each of which is made of resin or the like. In this embodiment, the side cover 104 is made of a non-conductive material and corresponds to the first component. The side cover 104 is the first component to be removed among the exterior covers when disassembling the image capture device 100.

[0012] A mount section 180 to which an interchangeable lens unit (not shown) is attached and detached is provided on the front surface of the image capture device 100. In the following description, the left-right direction (width direction) of the image capture device 100 is defined as the X direction, the height direction is defined as the Y direction, and the optical axis direction when an interchangeable lens unit is attached is defined as the Z direction.

[0013] 3 shows the image capture device 100 in a disassembled state. The side cover 104 is a member that is fixed to the main body member 105 by fastening member 301a. The fastening member 301a is the first fastening member that is removed when removing the side cover 104 from the image capture device 100. The side cover 104 is fixed to the main body member 105 by a plurality of fastening members (not shown) in addition to the fastening member 301a. The fastening member 301a is a screw made of a conductive metal such as iron. The main body member 105 corresponds to the second part in this embodiment.

[0014] A control board 200 serving as a printed circuit board is fixed to the main body member 105 by fastening means (not shown). An electronic circuit composed of a memory 201, an internal battery 202, a CPU 203, etc. is mounted on the control board 200. The memory 201 is a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and is capable of electrically recording and erasing information. The memory 201 corresponds to the counting means in this embodiment.

[0015] The built-in battery 202 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery. The built-in battery 202 is used as a power source for recording information to the memory 202 and for retaining the information recorded in the memory 202. A CPU 203 serving as control means controls the operation of the imaging device 100. Although not shown, various electronic components such as chip resistors, ceramic capacitors, inductors, and transistors are also mounted on the control board 200.

[0016] Fig. 4(a) shows the side cover 104 fixed to the main body member 105 by the fastening member 301a, as viewed from the fastening direction (X direction) of the fastening member 301a. Fig. 4(b) shows a cross section of the fastening member 301a and its surroundings, as viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in Fig. 4(a).

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the side cover 104 is fixed to the main body member 105 by a fastening member 301a. The fastening member 301a has a head 302, an intermediate portion (contact portion) 303 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the head 302, and a screw (male thread) portion 304 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the intermediate portion 303. The bottom surface of the head 302 abuts against the side cover 104 in the X direction, and the bottom surface of the intermediate portion 303 abuts against the main body member 105 (a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion described below) in the X direction. The main body member 105 has a fastening portion 106 provided with a screw pilot hole (female thread) into which the screw portion 304 is fastened. The side cover 104 is fixed to the main body member 105 by fastening the screw portion 304 into the fastening portion 106. A self-tapping screw or the like can be used as the fastening member 301a.

[0018] The main body member 105 is molded from a non-conductive resin material such as polycarbonate. A first conductive portion 107 and a second conductive portion 108 are provided at a portion of the main body member 105 where the intermediate portion 303 of the fastening member 301a abuts. The first conductive portion 107 and the second conductive portion 108 are formed as part of the main body member 105 by insert-molding a conductive metal plate such as SUS into the main body member 105. However, the first conductive portion 107 and the second conductive portion 108 are not limited to being formed by insert-molding a metal plate, and may be formed, for example, by providing wiring on the surface of the main body member 105. Alternatively, one of the first conductive portion 107 and the second conductive portion 108 may be insert-molded into the main body member 105, and the other may be formed by wiring on the surface of the main body member 105.

[0019] Note that the fastened portion 106 may be provided on the first conductive portion 107 and the second conductive portion 108 instead of on the resin portion of the main body member 105 .

[0020] When fastening member 301a (screw portion 304) is not screwed into fastened portion 106, first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108 are not electrically connected to each other. When fastening member 301a is screwed into fastened portion 106, the bottom surface of intermediate portion 303 comes into contact with first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108, thereby electrically connecting first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108 to each other via fastening member 301a. First conductive part 107 and second conductive part 108 are each electrically connected to memory 201, internal battery 202, and CPU 203 via a flexible substrate, a conductive metal plate, a gasket, or the like (not shown). An electrical closed loop circuit is formed by fastening member 301a fastened to fastened part 106, memory 201, internal battery 202, CPU 203, first conductive part 107, and second conductive part 108.

[0021] FIG. 4(c) shows a state in which fastening member 301a has been removed from the state shown in FIG. 4(b). Removal of fastening member 301a cuts off the electrical connection between first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108. Upon detecting this cutoff of the electrical connection (i.e., removal of fastening member 301a), CPU 203 changes the information recorded in memory 201. This information is information such as a numerical value indicating whether or not there is an electrical connection between first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108. For example, upon detecting the cutoff of the electrical connection, CPU 203 changes the numerical information "0" indicating that there is an electrical connection to "1."

[0022] By later reading out the numerical information recorded in memory 201 and counting the number of changes, it is possible to confirm whether or not fastening member 301a has been removed and how many times it has been removed. In other words, it is possible to confirm whether or not side cover 104 has been removed from main body member 105 and imaging device 100 has been disassembled and how many times it has been disassembled.

[0023] 8 shows the process executed by CPU 203 as a computer according to a program. In step S101, CPU 203 determines whether or not there is an electrical connection between first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108. If there is an electrical connection between first conductive portion 107 and second conductive portion 108, the process proceeds to step S102, and if there is no electrical connection, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0024] In step S102, the CPU 203 records the numerical information "0" in the memory 201. In step S103, the CPU 203 records the numerical information "1" in the memory 201. Then, this process ends (return to step S101).

[0025] When the imaging device 100 is shipped from the manufacturing factory or when the imaging device 100 is disassembled for regular repair or maintenance, the information recorded in the memory 201 can be reset to an initial value (for example, numerical information "0"). The information in the memory 201 is not limited to numerical information, and may be information indicating whether the electrical connection between the first conductive portion 107 and the second conductive portion 108 is on or off, or information on the date and time when the fastening member 301a was removed may be added. Furthermore, the information in the memory 201 may be made available for uploading to the web (cloud).

[0026] In this embodiment, the case of detecting the removal of the side cover 104 (fastening member 301a), which is the first of the exterior covers to be removed when disassembling the imaging device 100, has been described, but it is also possible to detect the removal of the rear cover 103, etc., which is the second or subsequent exterior cover to be removed.

[0027] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the removal of the fastening member 301a that is removed first when removing the side cover 104 from the imaging device 100 has been described has been described, but the removal of the second or subsequent fastening member that is removed when removing the side cover 104 may also be detected.

[0028] In this embodiment, the case where each exterior cover is fixed to the main body member 105 has been described, but the exterior covers may be fixed to each other with fastening members. In this case, the first conductive part 107 and the second conductive part 108 are provided on the exterior cover that forms the fastened part.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the exterior cover that constitutes the exterior of the imaging device 100 is removed has been described, but the imaging device 100 may also be configured to detect disassembly (removal) of internal components that are not exposed to the exterior. [Example]

[0030] 5 shows the appearance of an image pickup device 100A of Example 2. In this example, components that are the same as or similar to those of the image pickup device 100 of Example 1 are given the same reference numerals as those in Example 1.

[0031] The imaging device 100A of this embodiment has a light emitting unit 204 that can pop up relative to the top cover 102. The light emitting unit 204 is a strobe or the like, and irradiates a subject (not shown) with illumination light. A trigger coil, a xenon tube, and a reflector (not shown) are arranged inside the light emitting unit 204, and are connected to a power storage unit 205 (described later) using lead wires (not shown).

[0032] 6 shows an exploded view of the imaging device 100A as seen from the rear side. A power storage unit 205 is mounted on the rear surface of the control board 200. The power storage unit 205 is an electrolytic capacitor or an electric double layer capacitor, and stores power for causing the light emitting unit 204 to emit light. The power storage unit 205 stores power supplied from an external battery 207 within the imaging device 100A in response to a charging signal output from the CPU 203, and supplies power to the light emitting unit 204 in response to a light emission signal output from the CPU 203, causing the light emitting unit 204 to emit light.

[0033] In this embodiment, a grip member 206 serving as a third member is fixed to the rear cover 103 serving as a first member. The grip member 206 is made of a soft, non-conductive material such as rubber, and is adhered to the rear cover 103 with an adhesive. The rear cover 103 is fixed to the main body member 105 serving as a second member with a fastening member 301b. The fastening member 301b is provided in a position such that it is not exposed to the exterior of the imaging device 100A when the grip member 206 is adhered to the rear cover 103. In other words, the rear cover 103 is adhered to the rear cover 103 so as to cover the outer surface (top) of the fastening member 301b. Therefore, when removing the fastening member 301b and detaching the rear cover 103 from the main body member 105, it is necessary to peel the grip member 206 from the rear cover 103.

[0034] FIG. 7(a) shows the state in which the rear cover 103 to which the grip member 206 is not attached is fixed to the main body member 105 by the fastening member 301b, as viewed from the fastening direction (Z direction) of the fastening member 301b.

[0035] 7(b) shows a cross section of the fastening member 301b and its surroundings as viewed from the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 7(a). The rear cover 103 is fixed to the main body member 105 by the fastening member 301b. As in the first embodiment, the first conductive portion 107 and the second conductive portion 108 provided on the main body member 105 are electrically connected via the fastening member 301b. As described above, the fastening member 301b is not exposed to the outside when the grip member 206 is adhered to the rear cover 103. This prevents a user (a person disassembling the imaging device 100A) from accidentally touching the electrically connected fastening member 301b and receiving an electric shock.

[0036] 7(c) shows a state in which fastening member 301b has been removed from the state shown in FIG. 7(b). As in the first embodiment, when CPU 203 detects that fastening member 301b has been removed, it changes the information recorded in memory 201. Furthermore, CPU 203 outputs a light emission signal to supply power from power storage unit 205 to light emission unit 204, causing light emission unit 204 to emit light and drain the power from power storage unit 205. Thereafter, CPU 203 stops outputting at least one of the charging signal and the light emission signal while fastening member 301b is being removed.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the rear cover 103 is removed from the main body member 105 and the storage unit 205 is exposed, the power in the storage unit 205 is depleted, preventing the user from touching the storage unit 205 and receiving an electric shock.

[0038] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0039] (Configuration 1) a first component; a second part to which the first part is fixed by a fastening member; and a control means for recording information in the memory; the second member is provided with a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion that are not electrically connected to the first and second members, but are electrically connected to each other via the fastening member, and that are electrically disconnected from each other when the fastening member is removed; The electronic device is characterized in that the control means changes the information in response to the disconnection of the electrical connection. (Configuration 2) The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the information is any one of numerical information indicating whether the electrical connection is present or absent, information indicating whether the electrical connection is on or off, or information indicating the date and time when the electrical connection was disconnected. (Configuration 3) 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first and second members are made of a non-conductive material. (Configuration 4) 4. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive parts is insert-molded into the second component. (Configuration 5) 5. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive portions is formed by wiring in the second member. (Configuration 6) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the fastening member has a screw portion that is screwed into the second member and a contact portion that contacts the first and second conductive portions. (Configuration 7) 7. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the first and second conductive parts form a fastening part into which the fastening member is fastened. (Configuration 8) 8. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the first component is an exterior member that constitutes the exterior of the electronic device. (Configuration 9) 9. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first component is a component that is removed first when the electronic device is disassembled. (Configuration 10) 10. The electronic device of any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the fastening member is a fastening member that is removed first when removing the first component from the second component. (Configuration 11) 11. The electronic device of any one of configurations 1 to 10, further comprising a non-conductive third component fixed to the first component so as to cover an outer surface of the fastening member. (Configuration 12) Further having a light emitting portion, 12. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the control means causes the light emitting unit to emit light in response to the electrical connection being cut off. (Configuration 13) The electronic device described in configuration 12, characterized in that the control means stops outputting at least one of a signal to charge power to make the light-emitting unit emit light or a signal to make the light-emitting unit emit light when the electrical connection is disconnected.

[0040] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100,100A imaging device 103 Back cover 104 Side cover 105 Main body parts 107 First conductive part 108 Second conductive part 201 Memory 203 CPU 301a, 301b Fastening members

Claims

1. a first component; a second part to which the first part is fixed by a fastening member; and a control means for recording information in the memory; the second member is provided with a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion that are not electrically connected to the first and second members, but are electrically connected to each other via the fastening member, and that are electrically disconnected from each other when the fastening member is removed; The electronic device is characterized in that the control means changes the information in response to the disconnection of the electrical connection.

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the information is any one of numerical information indicating whether the electrical connection is present or absent, information indicating whether the electrical connection is on or off, or information indicating the date and time when the electrical connection was disconnected.

3. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second members are made of a non-conductive material.

4. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive parts is insert-molded into the second part.

5. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive portions is formed by wiring in the second component.

6. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member has a screw portion that is fastened to the second member and a contact portion that contacts the first and second conductive portions.

7. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second conductive parts form a fastening part into which the fastening member is fastened.

8. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first component is an exterior cover that constitutes the exterior of the electronic device.

9. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a component that is removed first when the electronic device is disassembled.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member is a fastening member that is removed first when the first component is removed from the second component.

11. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a non-conductive third component fixed to the first component so as to cover an outer surface of the fastening member.

12. Further having a light emitting portion, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the light emitting portion to emit light in response to the electrical disconnection.

13. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the control means stops outputting at least one of a signal for charging power for emitting light to the light-emitting unit or a signal for emitting light to the light-emitting unit when the electrical connection is disconnected.

Images