Imaging device

Abstract

An imaging device according to the present invention comprises: a device main body including a viewfinder capable of switching between a usable mode and an out-of-use mode; and a display panel including a display unit capable of switching between a display mode which can be set during the out-of-use mode and a non-display mode which can be set during the usable mode. The display panel is set to be openable / closable and to be rotatable. At least two sensors are disposed on either one of the device main body or display panel and at least one magnet is disposed on the other thereof. The one magnet is used for both of the two sensors and a magnetic detection unit for rotation is constituted by the two sensors and the one magnet. The magnetic detection unit for rotation detects the rotation state of the display panel with respect to the device main body as a rotation detection result. When the display panel has been rotated to a prescribed rotated position from a reference position, it is at least not possible to switch from the out-of-use mode of the viewfinder to the usable mode thereof on the basis of the rotation detection result.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a technical field of an imaging device in which a display panel having a display unit can be opened and closed with respect to a device body having a viewfinder, with a first hinge axis as a fulcrum, and can be rotated with a second hinge axis as a fulcrum. [Background technology]

[0002] Imaging devices, such as various types of imaging devices such as video cameras and still cameras, are provided with a device body having a viewfinder and a display panel having a display unit, and the display panel is capable of being opened and closed relative to the device body using a first hinge axis as a fulcrum and is also capable of being rotated using a second hinge axis whose axial direction is different from that of the first hinge axis as a fulcrum.

[0003] Among such imaging devices, there are some that are configured so that the viewfinder is switched between usable and unusable modes, and the display section of the display panel is switched between display and non-display modes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The imaging device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a plurality of detection means, each of which is made up of a magnetic sensor and a magnet, and these detection means detect the open / closed position and the rotational position of the display panel relative to the device body, thereby controlling the switching between the various modes.

[0004] When the viewfinder is switched to the unusable mode, the display unit is switched to the display mode, and when the viewfinder is switched to the usable mode, the display unit is switched to the non-display mode. In this manner, by selectively switching between the unusable mode of the viewfinder and the display mode of the display unit and selectively switching between the usable mode of the viewfinder and the non-display mode of the display unit, power is not applied to the viewfinder and the display panel at the same time, preventing unnecessary power consumption, and thereby reducing power consumption in the imaging device.

[0005] The user can take pictures by looking into the viewfinder that has been switched to a usable mode depending on the shooting conditions, and can also take pictures by viewing the display that has been switched to the display mode. By selectively using the viewfinder and the display panel depending on the shooting conditions, power consumption is reduced and usability is improved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-44460 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In an imaging device in which the viewfinder mode and the display mode as described above can be switched, the selective switching between the viewfinder mode and the display mode needs to be appropriately performed according to the shooting conditions in order to reduce power consumption.

[0008] In addition, in an imaging device in which the display panel can be opened, closed, and rotated relative to the device body, as described above, the open / closed position and the rotated position of the display panel relative to the device body are detected, and the mode between the viewfinder and the display unit is switched according to the shooting state based on the detection result. Therefore, in an imaging device configured in this way, the number of devices for detection, such as magnetic sensors and magnets, tends to be large, but if the number of devices for detection is large, it becomes difficult to reduce manufacturing costs, so it is desirable to simplify the configuration and selectively switch between the viewfinder mode and the display unit mode.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the imaging device according to the present technology is to appropriately switch between a viewfinder mode and a display mode according to a shooting state without causing a sharp increase in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] First, an imaging device according to the present technology includes a device body having a viewfinder capable of switching between a usable mode and an unusable mode, and a display panel having a display unit capable of switching between a display mode that can be set in the unusable mode and a non-display mode that can be set in the usable mode, the display panel being openable and closable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the device body about a first hinge shaft as a fulcrum, and being rotatable about a reference position with a second hinge shaft having an axial direction different from that of the first hinge shaft as a fulcrum at least in the open position, and the device body and the display panel are At least two sensors are arranged on one side and at least one magnet is arranged on the other side, the one magnet is used for both sensors, and the two sensors and the one magnet form a rotation magnetic detection unit, the rotation state of the display panel relative to the device main body is detected as a rotation detection result by the rotation magnetic detection unit, and when the display panel is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position, switching of the viewfinder from the disabled mode to the enabled mode is disabled based on at least the rotation detection result.

[0011] As a result, when the display panel is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position, the display unit is maintained in the display mode regardless of the shooting state based on the rotation detection results by the rotation magnetic detection unit, which is composed of one magnet that also serves as two sensors.

[0012] Secondly, in the above-mentioned imaging device, it is desirable that the display panel be rotatable in the opposite direction relative to the reference position, and that switching of the viewfinder from the disabled mode to the enabled mode be disabled in each of the one and other rotation directions of the display panel.

[0013] This makes it impossible to switch the viewfinder from the disabled mode to the enabled mode in either case where the display panel is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the reference position, making it possible to check the image displayed on the display unit in different shooting conditions and take pictures.

[0014] Thirdly, in the above-described imaging device, it is desirable that at least one of the two sensors is provided as a sensor for performing inversion control of the image displayed on the display unit.

[0015] As a result, the sensor for controlling image inversion functions as a sensor for switching the viewfinder mode, so there is no need to provide a separate sensor for controlling image inversion and a separate sensor for switching the viewfinder mode.

[0016] Fourthly, in the above-mentioned imaging device, it is desirable that an opening / closing magnetic detection unit having at least one sensor and one magnet is provided which detects the open / closed state of the display panel relative to the device body as an opening / closing detection result, and that switching of the viewfinder from the disabled mode to the usable mode is disabled based on the rotation detection result and the opening / closing detection result.

[0017] This allows the viewfinder mode setting to be controlled in accordance with the rotation state of the display panel relative to the device body and the open / closed state of the display panel relative to the device body.

[0018] Fifth, in the above-described imaging device, it is desirable that one sensor of the opening / closing magnetic detection unit is provided as a sensor for performing image inversion control.

[0019] As a result, the sensor for controlling image inversion functions as a sensor for switching the viewfinder mode, so there is no need to provide a separate sensor for controlling image inversion and a separate sensor for switching the viewfinder mode.

[0020] Sixth, in the above-described imaging device, it is desirable that the two sensors of the rotation magnetic detection unit be disposed on an extension of a central axis of the first hinge shaft on opposite sides of the second hinge shaft.

[0021] This ensures that the distance between the two sensors and the magnets is always approximately the same regardless of the position the display panel is in during opening and closing operations, making it possible to maintain the same detection state of the sensors when the display panel is opened or closed.

[0022] Seventh, in the above-mentioned imaging device, it is desirable that an eye sensor is provided for switching between the usable mode and the unusable mode of the viewfinder, and that the detection operation of the eye sensor is rendered inoperable when the display panel is rotated from the reference position to the specified rotation position.

[0023] This disables the detection operation of the eye sensor, thereby disabling switching of the viewfinder from the disabled mode to the enabled mode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 2 to 19 show an embodiment of an imaging device according to the present technology, and this figure is a perspective view of the imaging device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the opening and closing range of the display panel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a rotation range of the display panel. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing a closed position normal imaging state. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing a self-portrait shooting state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing a low-angle shooting state. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing a normal shooting state in the open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing a high-angle shooting state. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing a state of normal landscape photography. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device showing the limited normal shooting state. [Figure 12] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating detection states of a first sensor and a fourth sensor for each rotation position of the display panel. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating detection states of a second sensor and a third sensor for each open / close position of the display panel. [Figure 14] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating detection states of each sensor for each state of the display panel. [Figure 15] 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first sensor and a first magnet. FIG. [Figure 16] 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first sensor, the fourth sensor, and the first magnet along line AA in FIG. 4 with the first magnet positioned on the upper side. FIG. [Figure 17] 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first sensor, the fourth sensor, and the first magnet along line AA in FIG. 4 with the first magnet positioned on the lower side. FIG. [Figure 18] 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship among the second sensor, the second magnet, and the first magnet along line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an imaging device according to the present technology will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment described below, an imaging device according to the present technology is applied to a still camera.

[0026] The application of the present technology is not limited to still cameras, but can also be widely applied to other imaging devices such as video cameras.

[0027] In the following description, the directions of front, back, up, down, left and right are indicated as viewed from the photographer when taking pictures with a still camera. Therefore, in the optical axis direction, the subject side is the front and the photographer side is the rear.

[0028] Note that the directions of front, back, up, down, left and right shown below are for convenience of explanation, and the implementation of the present technology is not limited to these directions.

[0029] Furthermore, the lens groups described below may be constituted by one or more lenses, or may include one or more lenses and other optical elements such as a diaphragm or an iris.

[0030] <Configuration of imaging device> First, the configuration of the imaging device 1 will be described (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0031] The imaging device 1 is composed of a device body 2 and a display panel 3 (see FIG. 1).

[0032] The device main body 2 is configured with the necessary parts arranged inside and outside the outer casing 4. Various operation parts (not shown) are arranged, for example, on the top and rear surfaces of the outer casing 4. The operation parts include, for example, a power button, a shutter button, a zoom knob, a mode switching knob, and the like.

[0033] A mount section 5 on which an interchangeable lens is attached is provided on the front side of the device body 2. An image sensor (not shown), such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), is disposed inside the outer casing 4, and the image sensor is located on the rear side inside the mount section 5.

[0034] A viewfinder 6 is provided at the top end of the device body 2. A viewing window 6a through which the user looks when taking a picture or the like is provided at the rear end of the viewfinder 6. The viewfinder 6 can be switched between an available mode and an unusable mode. When the viewfinder 6 is set to the available mode, power is applied to the viewfinder 6, and the user can look into the viewing window 6a to visually confirm the state of the subject through the viewfinder 6 and take a picture. On the other hand, when the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode, power is not applied to the viewfinder 6.

[0035] An eye sensor 7 is disposed at the rear end of the device body 2, immediately below the viewing window 6a. The eye sensor 7 has a function of detecting the presence of an approaching object when the object approaches. Therefore, when a user approaches the eye sensor 7 to a certain distance in order to look into the viewing window 6a with the intention of using the viewfinder 6 during shooting or the like, the eye sensor 7 detects the presence of the user and sets the viewfinder 6 to the usable mode, except when the detection operation of the eye sensor 7 is disabled. On the other hand, when the user stops using the viewfinder 6 at the end of shooting or the like and moves a certain distance away from the eye sensor 7, the eye sensor 7 no longer detects the presence of the user, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode.

[0036] The device body 2 is formed with a housing portion 8, which is formed in a recessed shape that is open at least toward the rear. The housing portion 8 houses the display panel 3.

[0037] One side portion of the device body 2 that is continuous with the storage portion 8 is provided as shaft support portions 2a, 2a that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. A first hinge shaft, which will be described later, is rotatably supported by the shaft support portions 2a, 2a.

[0038] The display panel 3 is openable and rotatable in a direction different from the opening and closing direction relative to the device body 2. The display panel 3 has a panel body 9, a first hinge shaft 10, and a second hinge shaft 11 (see FIG. 1).

[0039] The panel body 9 is formed in a flat rectangular shape, and has a display unit 12 on one surface side in the thickness direction. As the display unit 12, for example, a liquid crystal display is used.

[0040] The first hinge shaft 10 is provided continuously with one end of the panel main body 9, and its axial direction is set to the up-down direction. The first hinge shaft 10 functions as a rotation fulcrum when the display panel 3 is opened and closed relative to the device main body 2, and is supported by the shaft support parts 2a, 2a of the device main body 2 so as to be rotatable about its axis. Therefore, the display panel 3 is opened and closed relative to the device main body 2 between a closed position P1 and an open position P2, with the first hinge shaft 10 as a fulcrum (see FIG. 2).

[0041] The closed position P1 of the display panel 3 is a position where it is accommodated in the accommodation section 8, and the open position P2 of the display panel 3 is a position where it is opened approximately 180 degrees from the closed position P1 with the first hinge shaft 10 as a fulcrum. Each position of the display panel 3 in the state where it is opened from the closed position P1 with the first hinge shaft 10 as a fulcrum with respect to the device main body 2 is set as a reference position when the display panel 3 is rotated with the second hinge shaft 11 as a fulcrum.

[0042] Therefore, the reference position includes each position where the display panel 3 is opened from the closed position P1 with the first hinge shaft 10 as a fulcrum, for example, each position where the display panel 3 is opened 90 degrees or 120 degrees with respect to the device body 2, and the above-mentioned open position P2 is also considered to be one of the reference positions. Moreover, the reference position is a position that includes, for example, any state where the display panel 3 faces forward or backward as long as it is each position where the display panel 3 is opened from the closed position P1 with the first hinge shaft 10 as a fulcrum, regardless of the orientation of the display unit 12.

[0043] The second hinge shaft 11 is provided between one side of the panel main body 9 and the center in the axial direction of the first hinge shaft 10, and its axial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first hinge shaft 10 and is oriented in a direction different from the axial direction of the first hinge shaft 10 (see FIG. 1). The second hinge shaft 11 functions as a rotation fulcrum when the display panel 3 is rotated in a state in which it is opened relative to the device main body 2, and is supported by the first hinge shaft 10 so as to be rotatable in the axial direction. Therefore, the display panel 3 is rotated relative to the device main body 2 between a first rotation position Q1 and a second rotation position Q2, with the second hinge shaft 11 as the fulcrum (see FIG. 3).

[0044] The first rotation position Q1 of the display panel 3 is, for example, a rotation end position when the display panel 3 is rotated in a forward rotation R1 in a direction in which the upper end portion falls forward with respect to a reference position in a state in which the display unit 12 faces backward in the open position P2, and the second rotation position Q2 of the display panel 3 is a rotation end position when the display panel 3 is rotated in a rearward rotation R2 in a direction in which the upper end portion falls backward with respect to a reference position in a state in which the display unit 12 faces backward. The display panel 3 is rotatable, for example, 180 degrees in the forward rotation R1 and 90 degrees in the rearward rotation R2 with respect to the device main body 2, and the rotation angle with the second hinge shaft 11 as a fulcrum is, for example, 270 degrees in total.

[0045] Therefore, the reference position of the display panel 3 when the display unit 12 faces forward coincides with the first rotation position Q1, and when the first rotation position Q1 is set to 0 degrees, the display panel 3 can be rotated within a range of 270 degrees to the second rotation position Q2, and the position where the display unit 12 faces directly downward coincides with the second rotation position Q2.

[0046] The imaging device 1 is provided with a first magnetic detection unit 51, a second magnetic detection unit 52, and a third magnetic detection unit 53 (see FIG. 4). Each of these magnetic detection units includes a first sensor 61, a second sensor 62, a third sensor 63, a fourth sensor 64, a first magnet 71, a second magnet 72, and a third magnet 73. The first magnetic detection unit 51, the second magnetic detection unit 52, and the third magnetic detection unit 53 are, for example, MR sensors using magnetoresistance effect elements. However, the first magnetic detection unit 51, the second magnetic detection unit 52, and the third magnetic detection unit 53 may be Hall sensors using Hall elements.

[0047] The first magnetic detection unit 51 is composed of a first sensor 61, a fourth sensor 64 and a first magnet 71, the second magnetic detection unit 52 is composed of a second sensor 62 and a second magnet 72, and the third magnetic detection unit 53 is composed of a third sensor 63 and a third magnet 73. Therefore, the first magnet 71 is used for both the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64.

[0048] In the imaging device 1, the above-mentioned sensors are disposed either inside the device body 2 or inside the display panel 3, and the above-mentioned magnets are disposed either inside the device body 2 or inside the display panel 3. In the imaging device 1, for example, the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, the third sensor 63, and the fourth sensor 64 are disposed inside the device body 2, and the first magnet 71, the second magnet 72, and the third magnet 73 are disposed inside the display panel 3.

[0049] The first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 are located on the extension lines S, S of the central axis 10a of the first hinge shaft 10 on the opposite side across the second hinge shaft 11, and are arranged inside the shaft supports 2a, 2a in a line-symmetrical state with respect to the second hinge shaft 11. The first magnet 71 is arranged inside the end of the panel main body 9 on the first hinge shaft 10 side, and is located directly beside the first sensor 61 when the display panel 3 is in the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces backward. Therefore, the first magnet 71 is located directly beside the fourth sensor 64 when the display panel 3 is in the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces forward.

[0050] The second sensor 62 is disposed inside the device body 2 on the front side of the first hinge shaft 10. The second magnet 72 is disposed inside the first hinge shaft 10.

[0051] The third sensor 63 is disposed inside the upper end of the device body 2, at a position immediately below the viewfinder 6. The third magnet 73 is disposed approximately in the center in the left-right direction of the panel body 9, and is located at the lower end of the panel body 9 when the display panel 3 is in the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces backward. Therefore, the third magnet 73 is located at the upper end of the panel body 9 when the display panel 3 is in the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces forward.

[0052] The imaging device 1 is capable of capturing images in various shooting conditions (see FIGS. 5 to 11).

[0053] When the display panel 3 is in the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces backward, normal shooting (closed position normal shooting) of shooting a subject other than the user himself / herself is enabled (see FIG. 5).

[0054] When the display panel 3 is opened from the closed position normal shooting state, for example, opened about 180 degrees to the open position P2, it becomes possible to take a so-called self-portrait (self-shooting) with the user as the subject (see FIG. 6).

[0055] With the display panel 3 open, the display unit 12 can be rotated to a position facing upward, enabling so-called low-angle photography in which a subject is photographed from below (see FIG. 7). However, low-angle photography can also be performed when the display unit 12 faces diagonally upward.

[0056] When the display panel 3 is in the open position P2 with the display unit 12 facing backward, normal shooting (open position normal shooting) of shooting a subject other than the user himself / herself is enabled (see FIG. 8).

[0057] With the display panel 3 open, the display unit 12 can be rotated to a position facing downward, enabling so-called high-angle photography in which a subject is photographed from above (see FIG. 9). However, high-angle photography can also be performed when the display unit 12 faces diagonally downward.

[0058] When the display panel 3 is opened about 90 degrees from the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces to the side (left or right), normal shooting (normal horizontal shooting) of a subject other than the user is possible (see FIG. 10). However, normal horizontal shooting can also be performed when the display unit 12 faces diagonally to the side.

[0059] When the display panel 3 is in the closed position P1 and the display unit 12 faces forward, it is not possible to visually confirm the display unit 12 of the display panel 3 and take a picture, but it is possible to take a picture using the viewfinder 6, and normal shooting limited to the viewfinder 6 only (limited normal shooting) is possible (see FIG. 11). In limited normal shooting, the display unit 12 faces the rear surface of the device body 2 and is not exposed to the outside, so that the display unit 12 can be protected and prevented from being scratched.

[0060] In the above-mentioned first magnetic detection unit 51, the rotation state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 is detected by the operation of the first sensor 61 according to its positional relationship with the first magnet 71 that generates magnetic flux, and the rotation state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 is detected by the operation of the fourth sensor 64 according to its positional relationship with the first magnet 71 that generates magnetic flux. Therefore, the first magnetic detection unit 51 functions as a magnetic detection unit for rotation that detects the rotation state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2, and the magnetic detection unit for rotation detects the rotation state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 as a rotation detection result.

[0061] Specifically, the upside-down inversion of the image displayed on the display unit 12 is controlled according to the rotation detection result by the first sensor 61, so that when the detection state of the first sensor 61 is ON, the image is not inverted upside-down, and when the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the image is inverted upside-down. Also, according to the rotation detection result by the fourth sensor 64, in conjunction with the detection results by the other sensors, control is performed regarding switching between the usable mode and the unusable mode of the eyepiece sensor 7.

[0062] Meanwhile, in the second magnetic detection unit 52, the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 is detected by the operation of the second sensor 62 according to the positional relationship with the second magnet 72 that generates magnetic flux. Therefore, the second magnetic detection unit 52 functions as an open / closed magnetic detection unit that detects the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2, and the open / closed magnetic detection unit detects the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 as an open / closed detection result.

[0063] Specifically, the left-right inversion of the image displayed on the display unit 12 is controlled according to the open / close detection result by the second sensor 62, and when the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the image is inverted left-right, and when the detection state of the second sensor 62 is OFF, the image is not inverted left-right.

[0064] In the third magnetic detection unit 53, the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 is detected by the operation of the third sensor 63 according to the positional relationship with the third magnet 73 that generates magnetic flux. Therefore, the third magnetic detection unit 53 functions as an open / closed magnetic detection unit that detects the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2, and the open / closed magnetic detection unit detects the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 as an open / closed detection result.

[0065] Specifically, the display panel 3 is switched between display mode and non-display mode depending on the open / close detection result by the third sensor 63. When the detection state of the third sensor 63 is ON, power is cut off to the display unit 12 and the non-display mode is set, and when the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, power is supplied to the display unit 12 and the display mode is set.

[0066] <Control based on sensor detection results> Next, a specific example of control based on the detection results from the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, the third sensor 63, and the fourth sensor 64 will be described (see FIGS. 12 to 14).

[0067] As described above, the upside-down inversion of the image displayed on the display unit 12 is controlled in accordance with the rotation detection result by the first sensor 61 of the first magnetic detection unit 51 (see FIG. 12).

[0068] For example, when the reference position (first rotation position Q1) of the display panel 3 in a state where the display unit 12 faces forward is set to 0 degrees, when the display panel 3 is rotated backward R2, for example, by about 20 degrees with respect to the device body 2, the detection state of the first sensor 61 transitions from ON to OFF, and the image displayed on the display unit 12 is inverted upside down. Therefore, the image is inverted upside down between the position where the display panel 3 is rotated backward R2 by about 20 degrees to the second rotation position Q2 where the display panel 3 is rotated by about 270 degrees, and in the rotation range from the first rotation position Q1 to the position where the display panel 3 is rotated backward R2 by about 20 degrees, the detection state of the first sensor 61 is ON, and the image is not inverted upside down.

[0069] In addition, depending on the rotation detection result by the fourth sensor 64 of the first magnetic detection unit 51, in combination with the detection results by the other sensors, control is performed regarding switching between the usable mode and the unusable mode of the eyepiece sensor 7.

[0070] For example, when the reference position (first rotation position Q1) of the display panel 3 in a state where the display unit 12 faces forward is set to 0 degrees, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 transitions from OFF to ON when the display panel 3 is rotated backward R2 with respect to the device body 2, for example, from 0 degrees to about 150 degrees, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 transitions from ON to OFF when the display panel 3 is rotated from 0 degrees to about 210 degrees. Therefore, the fourth sensor 64 is turned OFF in a rotation range from 0 degrees to a position rotated backward R2 to about 150 degrees and from about 210 degrees to a second rotation position Q2 where the display panel 3 is rotated from about 210 degrees to about 270 degrees, and the fourth sensor 64 is turned ON in a rotation range from a position rotated backward R2 to a position rotated about 150 degrees to a position rotated about 210 degrees.

[0071] On the other hand, left-right inversion of the image displayed on the display unit 12 is controlled according to the open / close detection result by the second sensor 62 of the second magnetic detection unit 52 (see FIG. 13).

[0072] For example, when the closed position P1 of the display panel 3 with the display unit 12 facing backward is set to 0 degrees, the detection state of the second sensor 62 transitions from OFF to ON when the display panel 3 is opened, for example, at approximately 135 degrees relative to the device body 2, and the image displayed on the display unit 12 is inverted left to right. Therefore, the image is inverted left to right between the position where the display panel 3 is opened at approximately 135 degrees and the open position P2 where the display panel 3 is opened at approximately 180 degrees, and in the opening / closing range from the position where the display panel 3 is opened at 0 degrees to the position where it is opened at approximately 135 degrees, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is turned OFF and the image is not inverted left to right.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, when the closed position P1 of the display panel 3 with the display unit 12 facing forward is set to 0 degrees, the detection state of the second sensor 62 transitions from OFF to ON when the display panel 3 is opened, for example, to approximately 135 degrees with respect to the device body 2, and the image displayed on the display unit 12 is inverted left to right. Therefore, left to right inversion of the image is performed between the position where the display panel 3 is opened to approximately 135 degrees and the open position P2 where the display panel 3 is opened to approximately 180 degrees, and in the opening / closing range from the position where the display panel 3 is opened to approximately 135 degrees, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is turned OFF, and left to right inversion of the image is not performed.

[0074] Furthermore, the display panel 3 is switched between a display mode and a non-display mode depending on the result of the open / close detection by the third sensor 63 of the third magnetic detection section 53.

[0075] For example, when the closed position P1 of the display panel 3 with the display unit 12 facing backward is set to 0 degrees, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is turned OFF and the display mode setting of the display panel 3 is maintained until the display panel 3 reaches the open position P2 where it is opened approximately 180 degrees relative to the device main body 2.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, when the closed position P1 of the display panel 3 with the display unit 12 facing forward is set to 0 degrees, the detection state of the third sensor 63 transitions from ON to OFF when the display panel 3 is opened, for example, by about 20 degrees relative to the device body 2, and the display panel 3 is switched from the non-display mode to the display mode. Therefore, the non-display mode setting of the display panel 3 is maintained in the opening / closing range from 0 degrees to a position where the display panel 3 is opened to about 20 degrees, and the display mode setting of the display panel 3 is maintained in the range from about 20 degrees to an open position P2 where the display panel 3 is opened to about 180 degrees relative to the device body 2.

[0077] The setting states of the viewfinder 6 and each mode of the display panel 3 in the detection state of each sensor for each state of the display panel 3 will be described below (see FIG. 14).

[0078] As described above, the viewfinder 6 is switched between the usable mode and the unusable mode in accordance with the rotation detection result by the fourth sensor 64 of the first magnetic detection unit 51 in conjunction with the detection results by the other sensors. Therefore, the viewfinder 6 is switched between the usable mode and the unusable mode in accordance with a combination of the detection results by the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, the third sensor 63, and the fourth sensor 64, based on the rotation detection results by the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 and the opening / closing detection results by the second sensor 62 and the third sensor 63.

[0079] In closed position normal photography (see FIG. 5), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is ON, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is OFF, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF. At this time, since the detection state of the first sensor 61 is ON, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is not flipped upside down, since the detection state of the second sensor 62 is OFF, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is not flipped left-right either, and since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, the display panel 3 is in the display mode.

[0080] In addition, in the closed position normal shooting, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF, and the viewfinder 6 is set to a state in which it can be set to the usable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63. Therefore, when a user approaches to a certain distance from the eyepiece sensor 7 to look into the peep hole 6a with the intention of using the viewfinder 6 during shooting or the like, the eyepiece sensor 7 detects the presence of the user, the viewfinder 6 is set to the usable mode, and the display unit 12 is switched from the display mode to the non-display mode. On the other hand, when the user stops using the viewfinder 6 at the end of shooting or the like and moves away a certain distance from the eyepiece sensor 7, the eyepiece sensor 7 no longer detects the presence of the user, the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode, and the display unit 12 is switched from the non-display mode to the display mode.

[0081] In self-portrait photography (see FIG. 6), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is ON, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF. At this time, since the detection state of the first sensor 61 is ON, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is not flipped upside down, since the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is flipped left to right, and since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, the display panel 3 is in the display mode.

[0082] In addition, in self-portrait photography, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63, and switching from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled. Therefore, even if the user intends to use the viewfinder 6 and approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance to look into the viewing window 6a during photography, the viewfinder 6 will not be switched to the usable mode. Also, even if a part of the photographer's body unintentionally approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance, the viewfinder 6 will not be switched to the usable mode.

[0083] In low-angle shooting (see FIG. 7), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF. At this time, since the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is upside down, since the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is also upside down, and since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, the display panel 3 is in the display mode.

[0084] In addition, in low-angle shooting, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63, and switching from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled. Therefore, even if the user approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance in order to look into the peephole 6a with the intention of using the viewfinder 6 during shooting or the like, the viewfinder 6 is not switched to the usable mode. In addition, even if a part of the photographer's body approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance unintentionally, the viewfinder 6 is not switched to the usable mode. In particular, even if the waist or legs unintentionally approach the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance in a state in which the imaging device 1 is positioned on the lower body side in order to perform low-angle shooting, the viewfinder 6 is not switched to the usable mode, the display unit 12 is not switched to the non-display mode, and the display unit 12 is maintained in the display mode, so that the user can shoot without any problems while viewing the display unit 12.

[0085] In normal shooting in the open position (see FIG. 8), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is ON. At this time, since the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is upside down, since the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is also upside down, and since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, the display panel 3 is in the display mode.

[0086] In addition, in normal shooting in the open position, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is ON, and the viewfinder 6 is set to a state in which it can be set to the usable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63. Therefore, when a user intends to use the viewfinder 6 and approaches to a certain distance from the eyepiece sensor 7 to look into the peep hole 6a during shooting or the like, the eyepiece sensor 7 detects the presence of the user, the viewfinder 6 is set to the usable mode, and the display unit 12 is switched from the display mode to the non-display mode. On the other hand, when the user stops using the viewfinder 6 at the end of shooting or the like and moves a certain distance away from the eyepiece sensor 7, the eyepiece sensor 7 no longer detects the presence of the user, the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode, and the display unit 12 is switched from the non-display mode to the display mode.

[0087] In high-angle photography (see FIG. 9), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF. At this time, since the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is upside down, since the detection state of the second sensor 62 is ON, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is also upside down, and since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, the display panel 3 is in the display mode.

[0088] In addition, in high-angle photography, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is OFF, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63, and switching from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled. Therefore, even if the user approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance in order to look into the peephole 6a with the intention of using the viewfinder 6 during photography or the like, the viewfinder 6 is not switched to the usable mode. In addition, even if a part of the photographer's body approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance unintentionally, the viewfinder 6 is not switched to the usable mode. In particular, even if the head unintentionally approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance in a state in which the imaging device 1 is positioned on the upper body side in order to perform high-angle photography, the viewfinder 6 is not switched to the usable mode, the display unit 12 is not switched to the non-display mode, and the display unit 12 is maintained in the display mode, so that the user can perform photography without any problems while viewing the display unit 12.

[0089] In normal landscape photography (see FIG. 10), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is OFF, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is ON. At this time, since the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is upside down, since the detection state of the second sensor 62 is OFF, the image displayed on the display unit 12 is not upside down, and since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is OFF, the display panel 3 is in the display mode.

[0090] Furthermore, in normal landscape photography, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is ON, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63, and switching from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled. Therefore, even if the user intends to use the viewfinder 6 during photography or the like and approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance in order to look into the viewing window 6a, the viewfinder 6 will not be switched to the usable mode. Furthermore, even if a part of the photographer's body unintentionally approaches the eyepiece sensor 7 to a certain distance, the viewfinder 6 will not be switched to the usable mode.

[0091] In limited normal photography (see FIG. 11), the detection state of the first sensor 61 is OFF, the detection state of the second sensor 62 is OFF, the detection state of the third sensor 63 is ON, and the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is ON. Since the detection state of the third sensor 63 is ON, the display panel 3 is in the non-display mode, and the user cannot use the display panel 3 to take pictures.

[0092] In limited normal shooting, the detection state of the fourth sensor 64 is ON, and the viewfinder 6 is set to a state in which it can be set to the usable mode by a combination of the detection states of the first sensor 61, the second sensor 62, and the third sensor 63. Therefore, when a user intends to use the viewfinder 6 during shooting or the like and approaches to a certain distance from the eyepiece sensor 7 to look into the viewing window 6a, the eyepiece sensor 7 detects the presence of the user, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the usable mode. On the other hand, when the user stops using the viewfinder 6 at the end of shooting or the like and moves a certain distance away from the eyepiece sensor 7, the eyepiece sensor 7 no longer detects the presence of the user, and the viewfinder 6 is set to the unusable mode.

[0093] <Positional relationship between the sensor and magnet> The positional relationship between the sensor and the magnet will be described below (see Fig. 15 to Fig. 18). Fig. 16 to Fig. 18 conceptually show a cross-sectional shape taken along line AA in Fig. 4.

[0094] In the imaging device 1, as described above, the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 are positioned on the extension lines S, S of the central axis 10a of the first hinge shaft 10 on opposite sides of the second hinge shaft 11 (see Figures 15 to 17).

[0095] Since the display panel 3 is opened and closed within a range of approximately 180 degrees between the closed position P1 and the open position P2 relative to the device main body 2, the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 are positioned on the extension line S, so that the distance L between the first sensor 61 and the first magnet 71 is always approximately the same regardless of the position the display panel 3 is in during the opening and closing operation, and the distance L between the fourth sensor 64 and the first magnet 71 is always approximately the same (see Figure 15).

[0096] Therefore, when the display panel 3 is opened or closed, the detection states of the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 can always be kept in the same state (ON or OFF), and the opening and closing operation of the display panel 3 does not affect the rotation detection results by the first magnetic detection unit 51 functioning as a rotation magnetic detection unit, allowing the mode setting of the viewfinder 6 to be appropriately controlled.

[0097] In the imaging device 1, as described above, the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 are arranged in a line-symmetrical state with respect to the second hinge shaft 11 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). At this time, in a state in which the display panel 3 is not rotated about the second hinge shaft 11 as a fulcrum and is rotated relative to the device body 2 between the open position and the closed position, the first magnet 71 is arranged inside the display panel 3 with the N pole and the S pole lined up vertically.

[0098] Therefore, when the first sensor 61 is positioned directly above the fourth sensor 64 while the display panel 3 is in the open position, the detection direction of the magnetic flux generated in the first magnet 71 of the first sensor 61 is upward U (see Figure 16), and when the display panel 3 is rotated 180 degrees while in the open position and the fourth sensor 64 is positioned directly above the first sensor 61, the detection direction of the magnetic flux generated in the first magnet 71 of the fourth sensor 64 is downward D (see Figure 17).

[0099] In this way, the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the second hinge shaft 11, and the detection directions of the magnetic flux of the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 before and after the display panel 3 is rotated 180 degrees are made symmetric with respect to the second hinge shaft 11, thereby ensuring appropriate detection states of the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 in the open position using one first magnet 71. This makes it possible to ensure a highly accurate detection state while reducing the number of parts.

[0100] Furthermore, in the imaging device 1, the second sensor 62 and the second magnet 72 are positioned close to the second hinge shaft 11, and the first magnet 71 is positioned at an end inside the display panel 3, with a large distance from the second hinge shaft 11 (see FIG. 18). Note that in FIG. 18, the moving range of the second magnet 72 when the display panel 3 is opened or closed is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0101] The display panel 3 is rotated within a range of 270 degrees relative to the device body 2, but the first magnet 71 is positioned far away from the second hinge shaft 11 and is therefore positioned away from the second sensor 62 and the second magnet 72 within the rotation range. In addition, the detection direction of the magnetic flux generated in the first magnet 71 by the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 is a radial direction centered on the second hinge shaft 11, whereas the detection direction of the magnetic flux generated in the second magnet 72 is the axial direction of the second hinge shaft 11.

[0102] Therefore, magnetic interference from the first magnet 71 to the second magnet 72 and erroneous detection by the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64 due to the presence of the first magnet 71 can be prevented.

[0103] <Summary> As described above, in the imaging device 1, one magnet (first magnet 71) is used for two sensors (first sensor 61 and fourth sensor 64), and the two sensors and one magnet form a rotation magnetic detection unit, which detects the rotational state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 as a rotation detection result, and when the display panel 3 is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position, the viewfinder 6 is disabled from switching from a disabled mode to a usable mode based on at least the rotation detection result.

[0104] Therefore, when the display panel 3 is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position, the display unit 12 is maintained in the display mode regardless of the shooting state based on the rotation detection result by the rotation magnetic detection unit composed of two sensors and one magnet. This makes it possible to appropriately switch between the mode of the viewfinder 6 and the mode of the display unit 12 according to the shooting state without causing a rise in manufacturing costs. In addition, since the rotation magnetic detection unit is composed of two sensors and one magnet, the number of devices for detection is reduced, and the space required for arranging the devices can be reduced accordingly, which allows the imaging device 1 to be made smaller.

[0105] Furthermore, the display panel 3 is made rotatable in the opposite direction relative to the reference position, and switching of the viewfinder 6 from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled in each of the one and the other rotation directions of the display panel 3.

[0106] Therefore, in any case where the display panel 3 is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the reference position, the viewfinder 6 cannot be switched from the disabled mode to the enabled mode, making it possible to check the image displayed on the display unit 12 in different shooting conditions and perform shooting, thereby increasing the freedom of shooting modes and further improving the usability of the imaging device 1.

[0107] Furthermore, of the two sensors, the first sensor 61 and the fourth sensor 64, the first sensor 61 is provided as a sensor for performing inversion control of the image displayed on the display unit 12.

[0108] Therefore, since the sensor for controlling image inversion functions as a sensor for switching the mode of the viewfinder 6, there is no need to provide a separate sensor for controlling image inversion and a sensor for switching the mode of the viewfinder 6, which reduces the number of parts and improves the usability of the imaging device 1.

[0109] Furthermore, an opening / closing magnetic detection unit is provided which detects the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 as an opening / closing detection result, and based on the rotation detection result and the opening / closing detection result, switching of the viewfinder 6 from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled.

[0110] Therefore, since the mode setting of the viewfinder 6 is controlled according to the rotational state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2 and the open / closed state of the display panel 3 relative to the device body 2, the mode setting of the viewfinder 6 can be precisely controlled according to the shooting state, thereby further improving the usability of the imaging device 1.

[0111] Further, the second sensor 62 of the opening / closing magnetic detection section is provided as a sensor for controlling image inversion.

[0112] Therefore, since the sensor for controlling image inversion functions as a sensor for switching the mode of the viewfinder 6, there is no need to provide a separate sensor for controlling image inversion and a sensor for switching the mode of the viewfinder 6, which reduces the number of parts and improves the usability of the imaging device 1.

[0113] Furthermore, an eye sensor 7 is provided for switching between an available mode and an unavailable mode of the viewfinder 6, and the detection operation of the eye sensor 7 is disabled when the display panel 3 is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position.

[0114] Therefore, by disabling the detection operation of the eyepiece sensor 7, the viewfinder 6 cannot be switched from an unusable mode to an usable mode, so that the mode setting of the viewfinder 6 can be appropriately controlled with a simple configuration.

[0115] <One embodiment of the imaging device> An example of the configuration of an embodiment of an imaging device according to the present technology will be described below (see FIG. 19).

[0116] The imaging device 80 (corresponding to the imaging device 1) has a lens unit 81 that performs the imaging function, a camera signal processing unit 82 that performs signal processing such as analog-to-digital conversion of the captured image signal, and an image processing unit 83 that performs recording and playback processing of the image signal.

[0117] The imaging device 80 also includes an image display unit 84 such as an LCD panel that displays captured images, etc., an R / W (reader / writer) 85 that writes and reads image signals to the memory 90, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 86 that controls the entire imaging device 80, an input unit 87 (corresponding to an operation unit) consisting of various switches and the like through which the user performs required operations, and a lens drive control unit 88 that controls the drive of the lens arranged in the lens unit 81.

[0118] The lens unit 81 is composed of a lens barrel having an optical system including a lens group 89, an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and the like.

[0119] The camera signal processing unit 82 performs various signal processing such as converting the output signal from the imaging element into a digital signal, removing noise, correcting image quality, and converting into a luminance and color difference signal.

[0120] The image processing unit 83 performs processes such as compression, encoding, decompression and decoding of image signals based on a predetermined image data format, and conversion of data specifications such as resolution.

[0121] The image display unit 84 has a function of displaying various data such as the operation state of the user on the input unit 87 and captured images.

[0122] The R / W 85 writes image data encoded by the image processing unit 83 into a memory 90 and reads image data recorded in the memory 90 .

[0123] The CPU 86 functions as a control processing unit that controls each circuit block provided in the imaging device 80, and controls each circuit block based on an instruction input signal from an input unit 87, etc.

[0124] The input unit 87 is configured with, for example, a shutter release button for performing a shutter operation, a selection switch for selecting an operation mode, and the like, and outputs to the CPU 86 an instruction input signal in response to a user's operation.

[0125] The lens drive control unit 88 controls motors (not shown) that drive each lens of the lens group 89 based on a control signal from the CPU 86 .

[0126] The memory 90 is, for example, a semiconductor memory (memory card) that is detachable from a slot connected to the R / W 85 or an internal memory that is disposed inside the imaging device 80.

[0127] The operation of the imaging device 80 will now be described.

[0128] In a standby state for photographing, under the control of the CPU 86, an image signal photographed by the lens unit 81 is output to the image display unit 84 via the camera signal processing unit 82 and displayed as a camera-through image. When an instruction input signal for zooming is input from the input unit 87, the CPU 86 outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit 88, and a predetermined lens of the lens group 89 is moved under the control of the lens drive control unit 88.

[0129] When a shutter (not shown) of the lens unit 81 is operated by an instruction input signal from the input unit 87, a captured image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 82 to the image processing unit 83, where it is compressed and encoded and converted into digital data in a predetermined data format. The converted data is output to the R / W 85 and written into the memory 90.

[0130] When playing back image data recorded in memory 90, the R / W 85 reads out specific image data from memory 90 in response to an operation on the input unit 87, and after the image processing unit 83 performs an expansion / decoding process, the playback image signal is output to the image display unit 84, and the playback image is displayed.

[0131] In this technology, "imaging" refers to a process including only a part or all of a series of processes from a photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element into an electric signal, to a conversion of the output signal from the imaging element into a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 82, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to a compression / encoding / decompression / decoding process of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format by the image processing unit 83, and a conversion process of data specifications such as resolution, and a write process of the image signal to the memory 90 by the R / W 85.

[0132] That is, "imaging" may refer only to the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element into an electrical signal, or may refer to a range of processes from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element into an electrical signal to the conversion of the output signal from the imaging element by the camera signal processing unit 82 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., or may refer to a range of processes from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element into an electrical signal to the conversion of the output signal from the imaging element by the camera signal processing unit 82 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., and ... It may refer to the compression, encoding, decompression and decoding of image signals based on a predetermined image data format and conversion of data specifications such as resolution, or it may refer to processes such as photoelectric conversion processing for converting light captured by the imaging element into an electric signal, conversion of the output signal from the imaging element to a digital signal by camera signal processing unit 82, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion to luminance and color difference signals, and compression, encoding, decompression and decoding of image signals based on a predetermined image data format and conversion of data specifications such as resolution by image processing unit 83, or it may refer to the writing of image signals to memory 90 by R / W 85. The order of each process in the above processes may be changed as appropriate.

[0133] In addition, in the present technology, the imaging device 80 may be configured to include only some or all of the imaging element that performs the above processing, the camera signal processing unit 82, the image processing unit 83, and the R / W 85.

[0134] <This technology> The present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0135] (1) a device body having a viewfinder that can be switched between a usable mode and an unusable mode; a display panel having a display section that can be switched between a display mode that can be set in the unusable mode and a non-display mode that can be set in the usable mode, the display panel is adapted to be opened and closed with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position with a first hinge shaft as a fulcrum, and is adapted to be rotatable with a reference position as a reference with a second hinge shaft, the second hinge shaft having an axial direction different from that of the first hinge shaft at least in the open position as a fulcrum; At least two sensors are disposed on one of the device body and the display panel, and at least one magnet is disposed on the other of the device body and the display panel; The one magnet is used for both the two sensors, and the two sensors and the one magnet constitute a magnetic detection unit for rotation, a rotation state of the display panel relative to the device body is detected as a rotation detection result by the rotation magnetic detection unit; When the display panel is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position, switching of the viewfinder from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled based on at least the rotation detection result. Imaging device.

[0136] (2) The display panel is rotatable in the opposite direction relative to the reference position, Switching of the viewfinder from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled in each of the one rotation direction and the other rotation direction of the display panel. The imaging device according to (1) above.

[0137] (3) At least one of the two sensors is provided as a sensor for controlling inversion of an image displayed on the display unit. The imaging device according to (1) or (2).

[0138] (4) an open / close magnetic detection unit having at least one sensor and one magnet for detecting an open / close state of the display panel relative to the device body as an open / close detection result; Switching of the viewfinder from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled based on the rotation detection result and the opening / closing detection result. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (3).

[0139] (5) One of the sensors of the opening / closing magnetic detection unit is provided as a sensor for controlling image inversion. The imaging device according to (4) above.

[0140] (6) The two sensors of the rotation magnetic detection unit are disposed on an extension of a central axis of the first hinge shaft on opposite sides of the second hinge shaft. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0141] (7) an eye sensor is provided for switching the viewfinder between the usable mode and the unusable mode; When the display panel is rotated from the reference position to the predetermined rotation position, the detection operation of the eyepiece sensor is disabled. The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (6). [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Imaging device 2. Device body 3 Display Panel 6. Finder 7 Eyepiece Sensor 10 First hinge axis 10a center axis 11 Second hinge axis 12 Display section 51 First magnetic detection unit 52 Second magnetic detection unit 53 Third magnetic detection unit 61 First Sensor 62 Second Sensor 63 The third sensor 64 The Fourth Sensor 71 First Magnet 72 Second Magnet 73 The Third Magnet 80 Imaging device

Claims

1. a device body having a viewfinder that can be switched between a usable mode and an unusable mode; a display panel having a display section that can be switched between a display mode that can be set in the unusable mode and a non-display mode that can be set in the usable mode, the display panel is adapted to be opened and closed with respect to the device body between a closed position and an open position with a first hinge shaft as a fulcrum, and is adapted to be rotatable with a reference position as a reference with a second hinge shaft as a fulcrum, the second hinge shaft having an axial direction different from that of the first hinge shaft at least in the open position; At least two sensors are disposed on one of the device body and the display panel, and at least one magnet is disposed on the other of the device body and the display panel; The one magnet is used for both the two sensors, and the two sensors and the one magnet constitute a magnetic detection unit for rotation, a rotation state of the display panel relative to the device body is detected as a rotation detection result by the rotation magnetic detection unit; When the display panel is rotated from the reference position to a predetermined rotation position, switching of the viewfinder from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled based on at least the rotation detection result. Imaging device.

2. The display panel is rotatable in the opposite direction relative to the reference position, Switching of the viewfinder from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled in each of the one rotation direction and the other rotation direction of the display panel. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the two sensors is provided as a sensor for controlling inversion of an image displayed on the display unit. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

4. an open / close magnetic detection unit having at least one sensor and one magnet for detecting an open / close state of the display panel relative to the device body as an open / close detection result; Switching of the viewfinder from the unusable mode to the usable mode is disabled based on the rotation detection result and the opening / closing detection result. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

5. One of the sensors of the opening / closing magnetic detection unit is provided as a sensor for controlling image inversion. The imaging device according to claim 4.

6. The two sensors of the rotation magnetic detection unit are disposed on an extension of the central axis of the first hinge shaft on opposite sides of the second hinge shaft. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

7. an eye sensor is provided for switching the viewfinder between the usable mode and the unusable mode; When the display panel is rotated from the reference position to the predetermined rotation position, the detection operation of the eyepiece sensor is disabled. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

Images