Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To arrange a monitor at various positions to a housing suitable for photographing, editing or the like in an imaging apparatus provided with the monitor.SOLUTION: The imaging device 10 includes a housing 12, an imaging sensor that generates imaging data by imaging a subject image existing in front of a front surface of the housing via an optical system, a first monitor 16 including a display screen 16b, a position adjustment mechanism 30 that movably couples the first monitor 16 to the housing 12 and can adjust a position of the first monitor 16 with respect to the housing 12 to a plurality of positions, and user interfaces 40, 42, and 44 provided on a rear surface 12b of the housing 12. The plurality of positions includes a first position in which the first monitor 16 overlies the rear side 12b of the housing 12 with the user interfaces 40, 42, 44 covered and concealed by the first monitor 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device equipped with a monitor. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As described in Patent Document 1, an imaging device is known in the art that is provided with a monitor that can be placed at various positions relative to the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-85205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device equipped with a monitor that allows the monitor to be placed in various positions relative to the housing suitable for shooting, editing, and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a housing including a top surface, a front surface, and a rear surface; an imaging sensor that captures an image of a subject present in front of the front surface via an optical system and generates imaging data; a first monitor having a display screen; a position adjustment mechanism that movably connects the first monitor to the housing and that can adjust the position of the first monitor with respect to the housing to a plurality of positions; a user interface provided on the rear surface of the housing, An imaging device is provided, wherein the plurality of positions includes a first position in which the first monitor overlaps the rear surface of the housing with the user interface covered and hidden by the first monitor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, in an imaging device equipped with a monitor, the monitor can be arranged in various positions relative to the housing suitable for shooting, editing, and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Rear perspective view of the imaging device [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device, seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] Side view of the imaging device [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device, schematically illustrating a monitor arm mechanism that connects the housing and the first monitor. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first monitor that slides by a slide mechanism; [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an imaging device with a first monitor disposed in a first position; [Figure 7B] 7A and 7B are rear views of the imaging device; [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device with a first monitor positioned at a second position; [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] A rear view of the imaging device corresponding to FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the imaging device with the first monitor positioned at a third position; [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the imaging device with the first monitor positioned at a fourth position; [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the imaging device with the first monitor positioned at a fifth position; [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a first monitor and a display screen of a second monitor. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the first monitor and the display screen of the second monitor. [Figure 12C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the display screen of the first monitor and the display screen of the second monitor. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the imaging device in a state where the user interface on the rear surface of the housing is displayed as an icon image on the first monitor. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to another embodiment with a first monitor disposed in a first position; [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to another embodiment in which the first monitor is positioned in the second position or the third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0009] The inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] Hereinafter, an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device. Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device as seen from a different direction than Fig. 2. And Fig. 4 is a side view of the imaging device.

[0012] Note that the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the figures is intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. The X-axis direction is the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device, the Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction is the height direction. In addition, in this specification, the side of the imaging device where a subject is present is referred to as the "front side," and the side where the imaging device is present is referred to as the "rear side."

[0013] 1 to 4, imaging device 10 according to this embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 12. Housing 12 has a front surface 12a that faces a subject during imaging, a rear surface 12b on the opposite side of front surface 12a, and a top surface 12c, a left side surface 12d, and a right side surface 12e that connect front surface 12a and rear surface 12b.

[0014] A lens mount 14 to which a lens barrel (not shown) is detachably attached is provided on the front surface 12a of the housing 12. A first monitor 16, which will be described in detail later, is provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 so as to be movable relative to the housing 12. A dial 18, a power button 20, an accessory shoe 22, etc. are provided on the top surface 12c of the housing 12. Strap attachment fittings 24 for attaching a strap are provided on each of the left side surface 12d and the right side surface 12e of the housing 12. In addition, in the present embodiment, a record button 26 is provided on a tapered surface 12f between the top surface 12c and the right side surface 12e.

[0015] The first monitor 16 includes a thin rectangular parallelepiped casing 16a and a display screen 16b provided in the casing 16a. The first monitor 16 displays various information on the display screen 16b. For example, the first monitor 16 displays (live view display) imaging data of a subject image that is transmitted through an optical system including a lens barrel attached to the lens mount 14 and focused on an imaging sensor (not shown) in the housing 12, i.e., displays imaging data generated by the imaging sensor. Furthermore, for example, the first monitor 16 displays information necessary for the user to set shooting conditions. Furthermore, for example, the first monitor 16 displays imaging data such as captured images and videos recorded in a storage device (not shown) in the housing 12.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first monitor 16 is a touch screen monitor. That is, the first monitor 16 functions as an output device that provides information to the user, and also functions as an input device that receives instructions input by the user.

[0017] The first monitor 16 is also provided on the housing 12 so as to be movable relative to the housing 12, i.e., so that its position relative to the housing 12 can be adjusted to a plurality of positions. Specifically, the first monitor 16 is connected to the housing 12 via a monitor arm mechanism so as to be movable relative to the housing 12.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device, schematically showing a monitor arm mechanism that connects the housing and the first monitor.

[0019] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the monitor arm mechanism 30 is a position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the first monitor 16 relative to the housing 12 to a plurality of positions, and includes two link arms 32 that are provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 and connect the housing 12 and the first monitor 16, and a slide mechanism 34 that supports the first monitor 16 in a slidable manner.

[0020] Each of the two link arms 32 of the monitor arm mechanism 30 has one end 32a supported by the housing 12 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation center line CL1 extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing 12, and the other end 32b supported by the slide mechanism 34 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation center line CL2 parallel to the first rotation center line CL1. The two link arms 32 are connected to each other. The link arms 32 are also connected to the housing 12 and the slide mechanism 34 via, for example, a torque hinge (not shown). The torque hinge fixes the rotation angle of the link arm 32 relative to the housing 12 and the slide mechanism 34 at any angle.

[0021] The slide mechanism 34 of the monitor arm mechanism 30 supports the first monitor 16 so that it can slide (translate).

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first monitor that slides by the slide mechanism.

[0023] 6, the slide mechanism 34 of the monitor arm mechanism 30 is housed in a recess 16d formed in the back surface 16c (the surface opposite to the display screen 16b) of the casing 16a of the first monitor 16. The slide mechanism 34 supports the first monitor 16 so that it can slide in a direction SD that is perpendicular to both the normal direction ND of the display screen 16b and the extension direction of the second rotation center line CL2 (the Y-axis direction).

[0024] The monitor arm mechanism 30 having such a structure allows the user to place the first monitor 16 in a variety of positions relative to the housing 12 and to place it in a variety of postures.

[0025] Fig. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device in a state where the first monitor is placed in a first position. Fig. 7B is a rear view of the imaging device corresponding to Fig. 7A. Figs. 7A and 7B correspond to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B and as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the monitor arm mechanism 30 allows the first monitor 16 to be positioned at a first position, which is one of a plurality of positions, where the first monitor 16 overlaps the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. In this embodiment, when the first monitor 16 is positioned at the first position, its display screen 16b faces backward. In addition, in this embodiment, the first monitor 16 is large enough to cover the entire rear surface 12b of the housing 12 when positioned at the first position. Note that when viewed from the front surface 12a of the imaging device 10, the first monitor 16 positioned at the first position is hidden by the housing 12 and cannot be seen.

[0027] 5 and 7A, when the first monitor 16 is placed in the first position, the link arm 32 of the monitor arm mechanism 30 is stored in a recess 12g formed in the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. As a result, the back surface 16c of the first monitor 16 can rest on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12.

[0028] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the imaging device with the first monitor positioned at the second position, Fig. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to Fig. 8A, and Fig. 8C is a rear view of the imaging device corresponding to Fig. 8A.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the monitor arm mechanism 30 allows the first monitor 16 to be positioned at a second position, which is one of a plurality of positions, where the first monitor 16 overlaps a portion of the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. In this embodiment, the first monitor 16 positioned at the second position overlaps an upper region of the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. That is, at this time, a lower region of the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 is exposed. Also, in this embodiment, when the first monitor 16 is positioned at the second position, its display screen 16b faces rearward.

[0030] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the imaging device with the first monitor placed in a third position, and Fig. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to Fig. 9A.

[0031] 9A and 9B, the monitor arm mechanism 30 allows the first monitor 16 to be placed in a third position, which is one of a plurality of positions, where the first monitor 16 overlaps with the top surface 12c of the housing 12. In the present embodiment, when the first monitor 16 is placed in the third position, its display screen 16b faces substantially upward (strictly speaking, diagonally upward and rearward).

[0032] In addition, the dial 18 and the recording button 26, which are frequently operated, are located in a part of the housing 12 near the right side surface 12e, as shown in Figure 3, so that they can be easily operated with the fingertips of the right hand even when the first monitor 16 is located in the third position overlapping the top surface 12c of the housing 12.

[0033] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the imaging device with the first monitor placed in a fourth position, and Fig. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to Fig. 10A.

[0034] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the monitor arm mechanism 30 allows the first monitor 16 to be positioned in a fourth position, one of multiple positions, in which the display screen 16b faces upward without overlapping the top surface 12c of the housing 12.

[0035] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the imaging device in a state where the first monitor is placed in a fifth position, and Fig. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging device corresponding to Fig. 11A.

[0036] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the monitor arm mechanism 30 allows the first monitor 16 to be positioned in a fifth position, one of multiple positions, in which the display screen 16b faces diagonally upward and rearward without overlapping the top surface 12c of the housing 12.

[0037] Of course, the first to fifth positions described above are merely examples, and the first monitor 16 can be placed at positions other than the first to fifth positions via the monitor arm mechanism 30. Furthermore, the casing 16a of the first monitor 16 placed at the first, third to fifth positions is in contact with the housing 12, as shown in Figures 7A, 9B, 10B, and 11B. However, the first monitor 16 can also be placed at various positions without the casing 16a being in contact with the housing 12, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0038] 5, not only the monitor arm mechanism 30 but also several user interfaces are provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. In this embodiment, a second monitor 40, a joystick 42, and a plurality of buttons 44 are provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 as user interfaces.

[0039] 7B , when the first monitor 16 is located in a first position where the first monitor 16 completely overlaps the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, the user interface, which includes the second monitor 40, joystick 42, and multiple buttons 44 provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, is covered and hidden by the first monitor 16. In other words, the user cannot operate the joystick 42 and multiple buttons 44, and cannot see the second monitor 40.

[0040] Furthermore, a user interface including the second monitor 40, joystick 42, and multiple buttons 44 is provided in a lower area of ​​the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, when the first monitor 16 is located in a second position overlapping an upper portion of the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, the second monitor 40, joystick 42, and multiple buttons 44 are exposed without being covered by the first monitor 16. In other words, the user can operate the joystick 42 and multiple buttons 44 and can also see the second monitor 40.

[0041] Of course, when the first monitor 16 is located at a position away from the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 (for example, the third to fifth positions shown in Figures 9A to 11B), the user can access a user interface including the second monitor 40, joystick 42, and multiple buttons 44 provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12.

[0042] Up to this point, the structure of the image capture device 10 according to this embodiment has been described. From here, further features of the image capture device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In particular, features related to the second monitor 40, the joystick 42, and the buttons 44 will be described.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second monitor 40 is smaller than the first monitor 16. In addition, in this embodiment, the second monitor 40 is a monitor that does not have a touchscreen, unlike the first monitor 16, which is a touchscreen monitor. Furthermore, the second monitor 40 may be covered by the first monitor 16. Therefore, the first monitor 16 is used as the main monitor, and the second monitor 40 is used as the sub-monitor. Note that the second monitor 40 may also be a touchscreen monitor, like the first monitor 16.

[0044] When a user performs a photographing operation, a control unit (not shown) that is mounted on imaging device 10 and includes a processor such as a CPU and a storage device such as a memory that stores a program that operates the processor displays a live view of the photographed image of the subject on display screen 16b of first monitor 16. At that time, if second monitor 40 is not covered by first monitor 16 as shown in FIG. 8B , the control unit of imaging device 10 displays information related to photographing (photographing-related information), that is, information that assists the user in the photographing operation, on second monitor 40.

[0045] Fig. 12A is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the first monitor and the display screen of the second monitor. Fig. 12B is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the first monitor and the display screen of the second monitor. And Fig. 12C is a diagram showing yet another example of the display screen of the first monitor and the display screen of the second monitor.

[0046] 12A, for example, the control unit of the imaging device 10 displays only imaging data of the subject image on the first monitor 16, and does not display shooting-related information on the display screen of the first monitor 16. The control unit of the imaging device 10 displays shooting-related information on the display screen of the second monitor 40. The shooting-related information includes, for example, shooting conditions such as the time elapsed since the start of video shooting (TC), the remaining battery level, and resolution.

[0047] 12B, the control unit of the imaging device 10 displays a portion of the shooting-related information that is frequently checked by the user on the first monitor 16 together with the imaging data of the subject image. For example, the control unit of the imaging device 10 displays the portion of the shooting-related information on the first monitor 16 in a state where it overlaps with the imaging data of the subject image. The shooting-related information that is less frequently checked by the user is displayed on the second monitor 40. Examples of the shooting-related information that is frequently checked include the elapsed time (TC) since the start of video shooting and the remaining battery charge.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12C, the control unit of the imaging device 10 displays imaging data of the subject image on the first monitor 16, and also displays the same shooting-related information on both the first monitor 16 and the second monitor 40.

[0049] Note that the user may set whether or not to display the photography-related information on the first monitor 16, and if so, select the photography-related information to be displayed. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit of the imaging device 10 may detect the position and orientation of the first monitor 16 relative to the housing 12, and change the photography-related information to be displayed on the first monitor 16 based on the detected position and orientation of the first monitor 16.

[0050] 7B , when the first monitor 16 is located at the first position, the second monitor 40 is covered by the first monitor 16, and therefore the user cannot see the second monitor 40. Therefore, when the first monitor 16 is located at the first position, shooting-related information may be displayed on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16. In this case, the display on the second monitor 40 may be stopped, i.e., the control unit of the imaging device 10 may stop the supply of power to the second monitor 40.

[0051] 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, when the first monitor 16 is in the third or fourth position, the second monitor 40 is not covered by the first monitor 16 but is invisible to the user. Specifically, when the first monitor 16 is in the third or fourth position, i.e., when the display screen 16b faces upward, the user holds the imaging device 10 with both hands so that it is positioned diagonally below the head and performs shooting while looking at the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 facing upward. Therefore, the first monitor 16 gets in the way of the user, preventing them from seeing the second monitor 40. Therefore, when the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 faces upward, shooting-related information may be displayed on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16.

[0052] The position and orientation of the first monitor 16 can be detected by various methods. In this embodiment, a magnetic sensor 46 is used as a position detection unit of the imaging device 10 for detecting the first monitor 16 located at the first and second positions. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8B , the magnetic sensor 46 is provided in the casing 16a of the first monitor 16 and is, for example, a Hall element or a GMR (Giant MagnetoResistance) element that can detect magnetic fields generated by first and second magnets 48, 50 provided in the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 7A , the first magnet 48 is provided in the housing 12 at a position adjacent to the magnetic sensor 46 when the first monitor 16 is located at the first position. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8B , the second magnet 50 is provided in the housing 12 at a position adjacent to the magnetic sensor 46 when the first monitor 16 is located at the second position.

[0053] Of course, it is possible to detect the position and orientation of the first monitor 16 using sensors other than the magnetic sensor 46. For example, a contact sensor may be used to detect that the first monitor 16 is in the first position, i.e., that the first monitor 16 is overlapping the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. Furthermore, an inclination sensor that detects the inclination of the first monitor 16 may be used to detect that the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 is facing upward. Alternatively, an angle sensor that detects the rotation angle of the link arm 32 of the monitor arm mechanism 30 about the first and second rotation center lines CL1 and CL2 may be used. The position and orientation of the first monitor 16 relative to the housing 12 can be calculated based on the rotation angles detected by the angle sensor.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging device 10 is configured so that captured images and captured videos (i.e., captured images and captured videos recorded in a storage device (not shown) such as a memory card in the housing 12) can be edited on the imaging device 10. A user interface (joystick 42, multiple buttons 44) suitable for the editing work is provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12.

[0055] In the imaging device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user will perform editing work with the first monitor 16 located in the second position as shown in FIG. 8C . That is, while viewing the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16, which displays the captured image or video to be edited, the user performs editing work by operating the joystick 42 and multiple buttons 44 located below the first monitor 16. For example, the user may hold the left side surface 12d of the housing 12 with the left hand and the right side surface 12e with the right hand, and operate the joystick 42 with the thumb of the left hand and the buttons 44 with the thumb of the right hand. In this way, by arranging the first monitor 16, the joystick 42, and multiple operation buttons 44 on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, the user can perform editing work efficiently without significantly changing their line of sight.

[0056] Note that when the user places the first monitor 16 in the second position as shown in FIG. 8C , i.e., when the first monitor 16 is detected to be in the second position using the method described above, the imaging device 10 may automatically transition from the shooting mode to the editing mode. For example, when transitioning to the editing mode, the imaging device 10 may display, on the first monitor 16 during live view display, the file names of captured images or videos stored in a storage device (not shown) within the housing 12. Alternatively, the imaging device 10 may display the most recently edited captured image or video on the first monitor 16. This allows the user to easily transition from shooting to editing, or vice versa, simply by moving the first monitor 16 to or from the second position. Note that whether or not to automatically transition from the shooting mode to the editing mode may be determined by user settings. For example, as user settings, the user may display a menu setting screen on the first monitor 16 using a predetermined operation and determine the automatic transition from the shooting mode to the editing mode based on the menu setting screen.

[0057] Furthermore, information related to the editing work (editing-related information) may be displayed on the second monitor 40. For example, the original video before unnecessary portions are cut may be displayed on the second monitor 40. Using the second monitor 40 for editing work improves the efficiency of the user's editing work.

[0058] Furthermore, functions related to shooting operations may be assigned to the joystick 42 and the buttons 44 used for editing operations. In other words, the joystick 42 and the buttons 44 are not limited to use in editing operations, and can also be used for other operations.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, when the first monitor 16 is positioned in the third position overlapping the top surface 12c of the housing 12, it is difficult for the user to operate the power button 20 provided on the top surface 12c of the housing 12 as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, one of the multiple buttons 44 may function as the power button 20. Also, for example, the joystick 42 and the multiple buttons 44 may be used to manage the multiple captured image files and captured video files recorded in a storage device (not shown) within the housing 12. For example, the joystick 42 may be used to select a file to be deleted, and the multiple buttons 44 may be used to delete the selected file.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first monitor 16 is a touchscreen monitor. Operation icon images that cause the imaging device 10 to perform a corresponding operation when touched by the user may be displayed on the first monitor 16. For example, a live view of imaging data of a subject image or a captured video being edited may be displayed on one portion of the first monitor 16, and operation icons may be displayed on the remaining portion.

[0061] According to the present embodiment as described above, in the imaging device 10 equipped with the first monitor 16, the first monitor 16 can be made movable to various positions relative to the housing 12 suitable for shooting, editing, and the like.

[0062] Specifically, the first monitor 16 is positioned at a first position overlapping the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. In this case, the first monitor 16 covers a user interface, such as a joystick 42, provided on the rear surface 12b. However, the imaging device 10 can capture images without using the covered user interface. Therefore, the first monitor 16 can be enlarged up to a size substantially equal to the rear surface 12b of the housing 12b. Therefore, during capture, the user can check the captured image in detail through the large first monitor 16. As a result, for example, it is no longer necessary to transport a separate large monitor to the imaging device along with the imaging device to the capture location. Furthermore, for example, it is no longer necessary to remove the separate large monitor from the imaging device. In contrast, if the first monitor overlaps only the rear surface of the housing where no user interface is provided, the first monitor cannot be enlarged.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these.

[0064] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a joystick 42 and a plurality of buttons 44 suitable for editing work are provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 as a user interface that can be covered by the first monitor 16. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. Instead of or in addition to this, a jog dial, a touchpad, or the like may be provided as a user interface suitable for editing work.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the second monitor 40 is provided as a user interface on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, which may be covered by the first monitor 16. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an input device may be provided instead of the second monitor 40.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the first monitor 16 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 7B , the user interface, such as the joystick 42 and the multiple buttons 44 provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, is covered by the first monitor 16 and is inoperable. In other words, when the first monitor 16 is in the first position, the user cannot execute functions assigned to the user interface on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. Alternatively, the imaging device may be configured so that when the first monitor 16 is in the first position, the user can execute functions assigned to the user interface on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, as described below.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the imaging device in a state where the user interface on the rear surface of the housing is displayed as an icon image on the first monitor.

[0068] When the magnetic sensor 46 detects that the first monitor 16 is placed in the first position as shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit of the imaging device 10 displays, on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 located in the first position, icon images that resemble the user interface provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 13. That is, an image 100 of the second monitor 40, a joystick icon image 102, and multiple button icon images 104 are displayed. In this embodiment, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 7B with FIG. 13, the user interface image displayed on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 located in the first position is positioned on the user interface provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12. The image 100 of the second monitor 40 on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 displays the content displayed on the display screen of the second monitor 40. The joystick icon image 102 and multiple button images 104 on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 are assigned the same functions as the joystick 42 and multiple buttons 44. As a result, the user can execute the user interface functions of the joystick 42 and the multiple buttons 44 provided on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 by using the joystick icon image 102 and the multiple button images 104 on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16, even when the first monitor 16 is located in the first position. On the other hand, when the magnetic sensor 46 detects that the first monitor 16 is not located in the first position as shown in FIG. 7A , or when the magnetic sensor 46 detects that the first monitor 16 is located in the second position as shown in FIG. 8B , the control unit of the imaging device 10 hides the icon image imitating the user interface that was displayed on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16. In other words, when the first monitor 16 is located in the second position, the icon image imitating the user interface that was displayed on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 is hidden.

[0069] The user may set whether or not to display an icon image that resembles the user interface on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16 located at the first position. The trigger for displaying the icon image may also be set by the user. For example, when the user places the first monitor 16 at the first position as shown in FIG. 13 , that is, when the first monitor 16 is detected by the magnetic sensor 46 as shown in FIG. 7A , the control unit does not display the icon image that resembles the user interface on the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 on the display screen 16b of the first monitor 16.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the monitor arm mechanism 30 connects the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 to the first monitor 16. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the monitor arm mechanism 30 may connect the first monitor 16 to a portion of the housing 12 other than the rear surface 12b (for example, the bottom surface).

[0071] 5, the monitor arm mechanism 30 includes a link arm 32 that is rotatable about first and second rotation center lines CL1 and CL2 that extend in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing 12. That is, the first monitor 16 rotates about the rotation center line that extends in the left-right direction of the housing 12. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first monitor 16 may be supported by the monitor arm mechanism 30 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center line that extends in the normal direction of its display screen 16b.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the first monitor 16 relative to the housing 12 to a plurality of positions is the monitor arm mechanism 30. However, the position adjustment mechanism according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the monitor arm mechanism.

[0073] Fig. 14A is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to another embodiment in a state where a first monitor is placed in a first position, and Fig. 14B is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to another embodiment in a state where the first monitor is placed in a second position or a third position.

[0074] 14A and 14B , in an imaging device 210 according to another embodiment, the position of a first monitor 216 relative to a housing 212 is configured to be adjustable to a plurality of positions, similar to the imaging device 10 according to the embodiment described above. However, in the imaging device 210 according to the another embodiment, the first monitor 216 may be moved to another position once separated from the housing 212. In other words, the position adjustment mechanism in the imaging device 210 according to the another embodiment differs from the monitor arm mechanism 30 of the imaging device 10 according to the embodiment described above.

[0075] Specifically, an imaging device 210 according to another embodiment has a connector 252 as a position adjustment mechanism. The connector 252 includes a plug 254 provided on the first monitor 216, and first and second receptacles 256 and 258 that are provided on the housing 212 and electrically and mechanically connect to the plug 254.

[0076] One of the first receptacles 256 is provided in a lower region on the rear surface 212b of the housing 212. The other of the second receptacle 258 is provided in an upper region on the rear surface 212b of the housing 212. The second receptacle 258 is provided on the housing 212 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center line CL3 that extends in the left-right direction of the housing 212 (the Y-axis direction).

[0077] 14B, when plug 254 is connected to second receptacle 258, first monitor 216 is disposed at a second position overlapping a portion of rear surface 212b of housing 212, or at a third position (indicated by a two-dot chain line) overlapping top surface 212c of housing 212. In other words, by rotating second receptacle 258, to which plug 254 is connected, about rotation center line CL3, first monitor 216 moves from the second position to the third position, or vice versa.

[0078] The position adjustment mechanism may also be a mechanism that connects the first monitor to the housing so that the first monitor can slide (move parallel) relative to the housing, or may be a mechanism that connects the first monitor to the housing so that the first monitor can rotate relative to the housing around at least one rotation center line.

[0079] Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first monitor 16 is sized to cover substantially the entire rear surface 12b of the housing 12. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first monitor may be sized to cover only a portion of the rear surface of the housing 12.

[0080] That is, in a broad sense, an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing including a top surface, a front surface, and a rear surface, an imaging sensor that captures an image of a subject present in front of the front surface via an optical system to generate imaging data, a first monitor having a display screen, a position adjustment mechanism that movably connects the first monitor to the housing and is capable of adjusting the position of the first monitor relative to the housing to a plurality of positions, and a user interface provided on the rear surface of the housing, wherein the plurality of positions includes a first position where the first monitor overlaps the rear surface of the housing with the user interface covered and hidden by the first monitor.

[0081] As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For this purpose, drawings and detailed descriptions are provided. Therefore, the components described in the drawings and detailed descriptions may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above-described technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the drawings or detailed descriptions should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0082] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present disclosure is applicable to an imaging device equipped with a monitor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10. Imaging device 12b Rear 16 First Monitor 16b Display screen 30 Position adjustment mechanism (monitor arm mechanism) 40 User Interface (Second Monitor) 42 User Interface (Joystick) 44 User Interface (Buttons)

Claims

1. a housing including a top surface, a front surface, and a rear surface; an imaging sensor that captures an image of a subject present in front of the front surface via an optical system and generates imaging data; a first monitor having a display screen; a position adjustment mechanism that movably connects the first monitor to the housing and that can adjust the position of the first monitor with respect to the housing to a plurality of positions; a user interface provided on the rear surface of the housing, an imaging device, wherein the plurality of positions includes a first position in which the first monitor overlaps the rear surface of the housing with the user interface covered and hidden by the first monitor.

2. 2. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of positions includes a second position in which the first monitor overlaps a portion of the rear surface of the housing with the display screen of the first monitor facing rearward and the user interface exposed.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of positions includes a third position where the first monitor overlaps the top surface of the housing.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the user interface is provided in a lower area of ​​the rear surface of the housing.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first monitor has a size that covers the entire rear surface of the housing when the first monitor is placed in the first position.

6. a position detection unit that detects whether the first monitor is located at the first position or the second position, The control unit When it is detected that the first monitor is located at the first position, an icon image that imitates the user interface is displayed on the first monitor; 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein when it is detected that the first monitor is located at the second position, the icon image is not displayed on the first monitor.

7. a position detection unit that detects that the first monitor is located at the second position; a control unit that sets the mode to a shooting mode or an editing mode among the plurality of modes, The control unit The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the imaging mode is switched from the shooting mode to the editing mode when it is detected that the first monitor is located at the second position.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit, when shifting from the shooting mode to the editing mode, displays a file name of the imaging data recorded in a storage device.

9. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the position adjustment mechanism is a monitor arm mechanism provided on the housing and movably supports the first monitor relative to the housing so that the position of the first monitor can be adjusted to at least the first, second, and third positions.

Images