Display device and imaging device

Abstract

To provide a small-size display unit that can be switched between a sighting device and an electronic view finder.SOLUTION: A display unit (8) has an image display element (81), an eyepiece part (83), an objective window (102), and a reflection optical element (82) that is arranged between the eyepiece part and the objective window and guides an image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece part. The reflection optical element can change a transmittance to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part. In the second state, an image in which an image (104) from the objective window and the image (103) displayed on the image display element are superimposed with each other can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when photographing a distant moving subject such as a bird or an airplane using an imaging device, a sight called a dot sight has been widely used. In addition, in an imaging device equipped with a high-magnification lens, a display device such as an electronic viewfinder has been widely used in order to enable stable photographing. Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device equipped with both an electronic viewfinder and a sight.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the functions of the sight and the electronic viewfinder are realized using different display devices, the imaging device becomes large-sized.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a small display device and an imaging device capable of switching between a sight and an electronic viewfinder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes an image display element, an eyepiece portion, an objective window, and a reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece portion and the objective window for guiding an image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece portion. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece portion. In the second state, an image in which an image from the objective window and an image displayed on the image display element are superimposed can be visually recognized through the eyepiece portion. Further, the reflective optical element has a planar shape in the first state, a curved surface shape in the second state, and changes to the planar shape or the curved surface shape according to a voltage. is.

[0007] Other objects and features of the present invention will be described in the following embodiments.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small-sized display device and an imaging device capable of switching between a sight and an electronic viewfinder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the imaging device 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the imaging device 1 in this embodiment, FIG. 1(a) shows a front perspective view of the imaging device 1, and FIG. 1(b) shows a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1, respectively.

[0012] The imaging device 1 includes an imaging element 21 such as a CCD or CMOS image sensor (see FIG. 2) that photoelectrically converts an optical image (subject image) to generate image data, and an imaging lens (imaging optical system) that forms the subject image on the imaging element 21, and has a lens barrel unit (lens barrel) 2. The lens barrel unit 2 is a retractable type, which is extended from the imaging device 1 during shooting and retracted into the imaging device 1 during storage. In addition, the imaging device 1 is mounted with a main board (not shown) and an auxiliary board, etc., which are provided with a processing circuit such as a main body control unit 30 that converts the image data generated by the imaging element 21 into digital information.

[0013] The strobe device (lighting device) 3 is disposed on the upper part of the imaging device 1, and can emit light when the brightness of the subject is insufficient during shooting, so that shooting can be performed with appropriate exposure even in a dark environment. The release button 4 is disposed on the upper surface of the imaging device 1 and is configured to enable a two-stage pressing operation. When a first-stage half-press operation is performed on the release button 4, shooting preparation operations (such as photometry operation and distance measurement operation) are started. When a second-stage full-press operation is performed on the release button 4, the subject is photographed, and the image data of the subject image is recorded on the built-in recording medium 23 (see FIG. 2).

[0014] The zoom lever 5 is held on the outer periphery of the release button 4. The zoom lever 5 is a rotary operation type lever. When the zoom lever 5 is rotated in one direction, the zoom lens that constitutes at least a part of the imaging lens performs a zoom operation in the telephoto direction (the direction in which the angle of view becomes narrower) (moves in the direction along the optical axis OA (see Fig. 2)). Also, when the zoom lever 5 is rotated in the other direction, the zoom lens performs a zoom operation in the wide-angle direction (the direction in which the angle of view widens).

[0015] The power button 6 is a push button switch arranged on the upper surface of the imaging device 1. When the power button 6 is pressed by the user, the imaging device 1 is switched from the off state where it is unusable to the on state where it is usable, or from the on state where it is usable to the off state where it is unusable. The mode setting dial 7 is arranged on the upper surface of the imaging device 1 and is rotatably supported with respect to the imaging device 1. A plurality of icons (not shown) corresponding to various shooting modes are printed on the top surface of the mode setting dial 7, and by aligning these icons with an indicator (not shown) provided on the imaging device 1, various settings such as modes corresponding to the icons can be made.

[0016] The combined display device 8 is a display device arranged on the upper part of the imaging device 1 and has an eyepiece window (eyepiece part) 83 and an objective window 102. Details of the combined display device 8 will be described later. The operation buttons (operation part) 9 include a plurality of buttons such as a single push button and a cross button. Functions are assigned to each of the operation buttons 9. The operation buttons 9 are used, for example, when inputting various instructions such as changing shooting conditions and switching to the playback screen of the image data recorded on the recording medium 23. The display device 10 is provided on the back side of the imaging device 1. The display device 10 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and is used to confirm the subject image to be photographed and the photographed image in the same way as an electronic viewfinder. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the imaging device 1 incorporates a battery 22 that serves as a power source and a recording medium 23 that records the photographed image data.

[0017] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1. FIG. 2(a) shows a state in which the composite display device 8 functions as a sight (second state), and FIG. 2(b) shows a state in which the composite display device 8 functions as an electronic viewfinder (first state).

[0018] The composite display device 8 includes an organic EL panel 81, a plurality of lenses L1, L2, L3, L4, a dimming mirror 82, an eyepiece window 83, a control unit 101, and an objective window 102 inside thereof, and is configured such that the sight function and the electronic viewfinder function can be switched. As shown in FIG. 2(b), when the composite display device 8 functions as an electronic viewfinder, the user can view the subject image or the captured image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 by looking through the eyepiece window 83. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(a), when the composite display device 8 functions as a sight, the light from the objective window 102 is transmitted, and a aiming mark 103 (see FIG. 3) is irradiated so as to be superimposed on the light from the objective window 102 on the dimming mirror 82 from the organic EL panel 81. Thereby, subject tracking can be assisted.

[0019] The dimming mirror 82 is a reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece window 83 and the objective window 102, and guides the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 to the eyepiece window 83. The dimming mirror 82 is configured by filling the space between glasses with an ITO (indium tin oxide) film with an electrolyte containing silver, and silver can be deposited / eluted by turning the voltage ON / OFF, enabling switching between the mirror state and the half-mirror state. Also, in this embodiment, a piezo thin film (not shown) is formed on the surface of the dimming mirror 82. For this reason, the dimming mirror 82 can change from a shape that is curved in a parabolic shape (a curved surface shape convex toward the subject side) to a flat shape (a planar shape) toward the subject side based on the voltage applied to the piezo thin film. The control unit 101 is a dimming mirror control unit that changes the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 based on a signal from the main body control unit (camera control unit) 30. Thereby, the control unit 101 can switch the dimming mirror 82 to the mirror state or the half-mirror state, and can change the shape from a shape that is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side to a flat shape.

[0020] When the composite display device 8 is set to function as an electronic viewfinder by a predetermined operation on the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape. As a result, the dimming mirror 82 assumes the mirror state and a flat shape (the first state). On the other hand, based on the control of the main body control unit 30, the organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 with respect to the dimming mirror 82, or the image data continuously generated by the imaging element 21, namely, a so-called live view image. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is reflected by the dimming mirror 82 toward the eyepiece window 83, and the composite display device 8 functions as an electronic viewfinder.

[0021] On the other hand, when the composite display device 8 is set to function as a sight by a predetermined operation on the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the applied voltage so that the dimming mirror 82 is in a half mirror state and has a shape curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side. As a result, the dimming mirror 82 becomes a shape (second state) that is in a half mirror state and is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a display example of the composite display device 8 will be described. FIG. 3 is a display example of the composite display device 8. FIG. 3(a) is a display example of the organic EL panel 81 when the composite display device 8 is set to function as a sight, and FIG. 3(b) shows an example of an image visually recognized by the user from the eyepiece window 83 when the composite display device 8 is set to function as a sight.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the composite display device 8 is set to function as a sight, the organic EL panel 81 displays a aiming mark (predetermined mark) 103 at a position corresponding to substantially the center of the angle of view captured by the imaging element 21, and displays the other areas in black. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in a half mirror state, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 of the imaging device 1 and reflects the aiming mark 103 displayed on the organic EL panel 81 toward the eyepiece window 83 so as to superimpose it on the light from the objective window 102. At this time, since the dimming mirror 82 has a shape curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side, the reflected light becomes parallel light rays, and the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 appears at a fixed position in the eyepiece window 83 regardless of the position of the user's eye. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the aiming mark 103 is reflected by the dimming mirror 82 and visually recognized from the eyepiece window 83, and the image 104 of the subject (a dog in this example) is visually recognized by the light from the objective window 102. In this way, the eyepiece window 83 serves as both the eyepiece window of the electronic viewfinder and the eyepiece window of the sight.

[0024] The objective window 102 transmits light from the subject side into the inside of the composite display device 8. Specifically, the objective window 102 is flat and is made of, for example, glass or plastic. The eyepiece window 83 transmits light from the dimming mirror 82. Specifically, the eyepiece window 83 is flat and is made of, for example, glass or plastic.

[0025] Thus, in this embodiment, the dimming mirror 82 can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 can be visually recognized through the eyepiece window 83. In the second state, through the eyepiece window 83, an image in which the image 104 from the objective window 102 and the image (aiming mark 103) displayed on the organic EL panel 81 are superimposed can be visually recognized. With the above configuration, the composite display device 8 of this embodiment functions as an electronic viewfinder and also functions as a sight.

[0026] (Second Embodiment) Next, the imaging device 1a in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging device 1a of this embodiment is different from the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a composite display device 8a instead of the composite display device 8. Since the other configurations of the imaging device 1a of this embodiment are the same as those of the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 4, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8a will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1a, and FIG. 4(a) shows a state in which the composite display device 8a functions as a sight, and FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which the composite display device 8a functions as an electronic viewfinder.

[0028] The composite display device 8a includes an organic EL panel 81, a plurality of lenses L1, L2, L3, L4, a dimming mirror 105, an eyepiece window 83, a control unit 101, and an objective window 102 inside thereof. The dimming mirror 105 is disposed between the eyepiece window 83 and the objective window 102, and is a reflective optical element that guides the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 to the eyepiece window 83, and includes a first dimming mirror (first reflective optical element) 105a and a second dimming mirror (second reflective optical element) 105b.

[0029] The first dimming mirror 105a is configured by filling the space between glasses with an ITO film with an electrolyte containing silver. Silver can be deposited / eluted by turning the voltage on / off, and the mirror state and the transparent glass state can be switched. Further, the shape of the first dimming mirror 105a is a flat shape (planar shape). On the other hand, the second dimming mirror 105b is configured by filling the space between glasses with an ITO film with an electrolyte containing silver. Silver can be deposited / eluted by turning the voltage on / off, and the half-mirror state and the transparent glass state can be switched. Further, the shape of the second dimming mirror 105b is a shape curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side (a curved surface shape convex toward the subject side). The control unit 101 is a dimming mirror control unit that changes the voltage applied to the first dimming mirror 105a and the second dimming mirror 105b based on a signal from the main body control unit 30. Thereby, the control unit 101 can switch the first dimming mirror 105a to the mirror state or the transparent glass state, and can switch the second dimming mirror 105b to the half-mirror state and the transparent glass state.

[0030] When the composite display device 8a is set to function as an electronic viewfinder by a predetermined operation of the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the voltage so that the first dimming mirror 105a is in a mirror state and the second dimming mirror 105b is in a state of transparent glass. As a result, the first dimming mirror 105a becomes a mirror state (total reflection state), and the second dimming mirror 105b becomes a state of transparent glass (total transmission state). On the other hand, based on the control of the main body control unit 30, the organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23, or the image data continuously generated by the imaging device 21, that is, the so-called live view image, with respect to the first dimming mirror 105a and the second dimming mirror 105b. Since the second dimming mirror 105b is in a state of transparent glass, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 passes through the second dimming mirror 105b as it is. On the other hand, since the first dimming mirror 105a is in a mirror state and has a flat shape, the image that has passed through the second dimming mirror 105b is reflected by the first dimming mirror 105a toward the eyepiece 83, and the composite display device 8 functions as an electronic viewfinder. At this time, the dimming mirror 105 (the first dimming mirror 105a and the second dimming mirror 105b) is in the first state.

[0031] On the other hand, when the composite display device 8a is set to function as a sight by a predetermined operation of the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the applied voltage to the dimming mirror 105 so that the composite display device 8a functions as a sight. That is, the control unit 101 controls the applied voltage so that the first dimming mirror 105a is in a state of transparent glass (total transmission state) and the second dimming mirror 105b is in a half mirror state (semi-transmission state). As a result, the first dimming mirror 105a becomes a state of transparent glass, and the second dimming mirror 105b becomes a half mirror state. At this time, the dimming mirror 105 (the first dimming mirror 105a and the second dimming mirror 105b) is in the second state.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the composite display device 8a is set to function as a sight, the organic EL panel 81 displays at a location corresponding to approximately the center of the viewing angle that can capture the aiming mark 103 with the imaging device 21, and displays other areas in black. Since the first dimming mirror 105a is in a state of plain glass allowing light to pass through, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 of the imaging device 1a as it is. Since the second dimming mirror 105b is in a half mirror state, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 of the imaging device 1a and reflects the aiming mark 103 displayed on the organic EL panel 81 toward the eyepiece window 83 so as to superimpose it on the light from the objective window 102. At this time, since the second dimming mirror 105b is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side, the reflected light becomes parallel light rays and the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 appears at a fixed position in the eyepiece window 83 regardless of the position of the user's eye.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the dimming mirror 105 includes a flat first dimming mirror 105a and a curved second dimming mirror 105b. In the first state, the first dimming mirror 105a is in a total reflection state and the second dimming mirror 105b is in a total transmission state. On the other hand, in the second state, the first dimming mirror 105a is in a total transmission state and the second dimming mirror 105b is in a semi-transmission state. With the above configuration, the composite display device 8a of this embodiment functions as an electronic viewfinder and also functions as a sight.

[0034] (Third Embodiment) Next, the imaging device 1b in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging device 1b of this embodiment is different from the imaging device 1 in the first embodiment in that it has a composite display device 8b instead of the composite display device 8. Since other configurations of the imaging device 1b of this embodiment are the same as those of the imaging device 1 in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 5, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8b will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1b. FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the composite display device 8b functions as a sight, and FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which the composite display device 8b functions as an electronic viewfinder.

[0036] The composite display device 8b includes, inside thereof, an organic EL panel 81, a plurality of lenses L1, L2, L3, L4, a dimming mirror 106, an eyepiece window 83, a control unit 101, an objective window 102, and an eyeball position detection means (position detection unit) 107.

[0037] The dimming mirror 106 is disposed between the eyepiece window 83 and the objective window 102, and is a reflective optical element that guides the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 to the eyepiece window 83. The dimming mirror 106 is configured by filling the space between glass with an ITO film with an electrolyte containing silver. By turning on / off the voltage, silver can be deposited / eluted, and the mirror state and the half-mirror state can be switched. Also, the shape of the dimming mirror 106 is a flat shape (planar shape). The control unit 101 is a dimming mirror control unit that changes the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 106 based on a signal from the main body control unit 30. Thereby, the control unit 101 can switch the dimming mirror 106 to the mirror state or the half-mirror state.

[0038] The eyeball position detection means 107 can detect the position of the user's eyeball with respect to the eyepiece window 83, for example, by detecting the reflection of infrared light projected onto the eyeball. However, the eyeball position detection means 107 is not limited to this method, and various methods can be used.

[0039] When the composite display device 8b is set to function as an electronic viewfinder by a predetermined operation on the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 106 so that the dimming mirror 106 is in the mirror state. As a result, the dimming mirror 106 assumes the mirror state (the first state). On the other hand, based on the control of the main body control unit 30, the organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 with respect to the dimming mirror 106, or the image data continuously generated by the imaging device 21, that is, the so-called live view image. Since the dimming mirror 106 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is reflected by the dimming mirror 106 toward the eyepiece window 83, and the composite display device 8b functions as an electronic viewfinder.

[0040] On the other hand, when the composite display device 8b is set to function as a sight by a predetermined operation on the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the applied voltage so that the dimming mirror 106 is in the half-mirror state. As a result, the dimming mirror 106 assumes the half-mirror state (the second state).

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3(a), when the composite display device 8b is set to function as a sight, the organic EL panel 81 displays a aiming mark 103 and displays other areas in black. Since the dimming mirror 106 is in a half mirror state, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 of the imaging device 1b and reflects the aiming mark 103 displayed on the organic EL panel 81 toward the eyepiece window 83 so as to superimpose it on the light from the objective window 102. At this time, the dimming mirror 106 has a flat shape instead of a parabolic shape curved toward the subject side like the dimming mirror 82 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the reflected light does not become parallel light rays, and as it is, the position where the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 is seen in the eyepiece window 83 moves depending on the position of the user's eye, making it difficult to handle as a sight. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the second state, based on the position of the user's eyeball detected by the eyeball position detecting means 107, the display position of the aiming mark 103 on the organic EL panel 81 is moved. Thereby, the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 can be configured to appear at a fixed position in the eyepiece window 83 regardless of the position of the user's eye.

[0042] With the above configuration, the composite display device 8b of the present embodiment functions as an electronic viewfinder and also functions as a sight.

[0043] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the imaging device 1c in the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging device 1c of the present embodiment is different from the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a composite display device 8c instead of the composite display device 8. Since other configurations of the imaging device 1c of the present embodiment are the same as those of the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 6, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8c will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1c, Fig. 6(a) shows a state in which the composite display device 8c functions as a sight, and Fig. 6(b) shows a state in which the composite display device 8c functions as an electronic viewfinder.

[0045] The composite display device 8c includes, inside thereof, an organic EL panel 81, a plurality of lenses L1, L2, L3, L4, a dimming mirror 108, an eyepiece window 83, a control unit 101, and an objective window 102.

[0046] The dimming mirror 108 is disposed between the eyepiece window 83 and the objective window 102 and is a reflective optical element that guides the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 to the eyepiece window 83. The dimming mirror 108 is configured by filling the space between glass with an ITO film with an electrolyte containing silver. Silver can be deposited / eluted by turning the voltage ON / OFF, and the mirror state and the half-mirror state can be switched. Further, the shape of the dimming mirror 108 is a shape that is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side (a curved surface shape convex toward the subject side). The control unit 101 can switch the dimming mirror 108 between the mirror state and the half-mirror state by changing the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 108 based on the signal from the main body control unit 30.

[0047] When the composite display device 8c is set to function as an electronic viewfinder by a predetermined operation on the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 108 so that the dimming mirror 108 is in the mirror state. As a result, the dimming mirror 108 enters the mirror state (the first state). On the other hand, the organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 or the image data continuously generated by the imaging element 21, i.e., the so-called live view image, based on the control of the main body control unit 30, with respect to the dimming mirror 108. Since the dimming mirror 108 is in the mirror state, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is reflected toward the eyepiece window 83 by the dimming mirror 108 and can be visually recognized through the eyepiece window 83.

[0048] At this time, since the dimming mirror 108 is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side, when an image is normally displayed on the organic EL panel 81, the image reflected by the dimming mirror 108 will be distorted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is deformed so that the image reflected by the dimming mirror 108, which is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side, appears as a normal image. As a result, the composite display device 8c functions as an electronic viewfinder.

[0049] On the other hand, when the composite display device 8c is set to function as a sight by a predetermined operation on the operation button 9 by the user, the control unit 101 controls the applied voltage so that the dimming mirror 108 is in a half mirror state. As a result, the dimming mirror 108 becomes a half mirror state (second state).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the composite display device 8c is set to function as a sight, the organic EL panel 81 displays the aiming mark 103 at a position corresponding to approximately the center of the angle of view that can be captured by the imaging element 21, and displays the other areas in black. Since the dimming mirror 108 is in a half mirror state, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 of the imaging device 1c and reflects the aiming mark 103 displayed on the organic EL panel 81 toward the eyepiece window 83 so as to superimpose it on the light from the objective window 102. At this time, since the dimming mirror 108 is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side, the reflected light becomes parallel light rays, and the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 appears at a fixed position in the eyepiece window 83 regardless of the position of the user's eye.

[0051] With the above configuration, the composite display device 8c of this embodiment functions as an electronic viewfinder and also functions as a sight.

[0052] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, the imaging device 1d in the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging device 1d of this embodiment is different from the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a composite display device 8d instead of the composite display device 8. Since the other configurations of the imaging device 1c of this embodiment are the same as those of the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8d will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1d, and FIG. 7(a) shows a state in which the composite display device 8d functions as an electronic viewfinder, and FIG. 7(b) shows a state in which the composite display device 8d functions as a sight.

[0054] The imaging device 1d incorporates a battery 22 as a power source and a recording medium 23 for recording the acquired image data.

[0055] The composite display device 8d includes an organic EL panel (display panel) 81, a dimming mirror (reflection optical element) 82, an eyepiece window (eyepiece part) 83, a dimming mirror control unit 101, an objective window 102, and lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4. When the composite display device 8d functions as an electronic viewfinder, the user can view the subject image to be photographed or the captured image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 by looking through the eyepiece window 83. Further, when the composite display device 8d functions as a sight, a aiming mark 103 described later is irradiated from the organic EL panel 81 so as to be superimposed on the light from the objective window 102 on the dimming mirror 82, and can assist in subject tracking.

[0056] The dimming mirror 82 is configured to be switchable between a mirror state and a half-mirror state by turning on / off the voltage. Further, a piezo thin film (not shown) is formed on the surface of the dimming mirror 82, and the shape of the dimming mirror 82 is configured to be deformable between a state of being curved into a parabolic shape toward the subject side and a flat state according to the applied voltage to the piezo thin film.

[0057] Based on the signal from the main body control unit 30, the dimming mirror control unit 101 changes the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82. As a result, it is possible to switch between the mirror state and the half-mirror state of the dimming mirror 82, or to deform the shape of the dimming mirror 82 into a state where it is curved into a parabolic shape facing the subject side and a flat state.

[0058] The objective window 102 transmits light from the subject into the inside of the composite display device 8d. Specifically, the objective window 102 is flat and is composed of, for example, glass, plastic, or the like.

[0059] The eyepiece window 83 transmits light from the dimming mirror 82. Specifically, the eyepiece window 83 is flat and is composed of, for example, glass, plastic, or the like.

[0060] The lenses L3 and L4 are arranged on the side of the eyepiece window 83 with respect to the dimming mirror 82, and the lenses L1 and L2 are arranged on the side of the objective window 102 with respect to the dimming mirror 82. The lens group composed of the lenses L3 and L4 acts as a magnifying lens capable of magnifying the image transmitted from the side of the objective window 102. Also, the lens group composed of the lenses L1 and L2 acts as a reducing lens capable of reducing the image transmitted from the side of the objective window 102. The reciprocal of the magnification by the lenses L3 and L4 is configured to be the same as the reduction ratio by the lenses L1 and L2. Here, the term "the same" includes not only the case where they are exactly the same, but also the case where they are substantially the same (substantially identical).

[0061] When the composite display device 8d is set to function as an electronic viewfinder, the dimming mirror control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in a mirror state and has a flat shape. The organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 or the image data continuously generated by the imaging device 21, that is, the so-called live view image, based on the control of the main body control unit 30. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in a mirror state and has a flat shape, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is reflected by the dimming mirror 82 toward the eyepiece window 83. The image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 passes through the lenses L3 and L4 that act as magnifying lenses and then reaches the eyepiece window 83. As a result, the display image viewed from the eyepiece window 83 becomes larger than the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81. That is, the visibility of the display image viewed from the eyepiece window 83 is improved.

[0062] Also, when the composite display device 8d is set to function as a sight, the dimming mirror control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in a half mirror state and has a parabolic shape curved toward the subject side.

[0063] When the composite display device 8d functions as a sight, since the light from the objective window 102 passes through the lenses L3 and L4 that act as magnifying lenses, the image from the objective window 102 is enlarged. In the present embodiment, since the lenses L1 and L2 that act as reducing lenses are arranged on the side of the objective window 102 with respect to the dimming mirror 82, the image from the objective window 102 is once reduced. After that, the image from the objective window 102 passes through the dimming mirror 82 and is then enlarged by the action of the lenses L3 and L4 so as to cancel the reduction by the lenses L1 and L2. With such a configuration, in the present embodiment, even when the composite display device 8d functions as a sight, the image from the objective window 102 is not enlarged. That is, the image from the objective window 102 can be viewed from the eyepiece window 83 at the same magnification. Here, the same magnification includes not only the case of being exactly at the same magnification but also the case of being substantially at the same magnification (approximately at the same magnification).

[0064] As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between the sight and the electronic viewfinder, and it is possible to realize a small-sized composite display device 8d and an imaging device 1d including the same.

[0065] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, the imaging device 1e in the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging device 1e of the present embodiment is different from the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a composite display device 8e instead of the composite display device 8. Since the other configurations of the imaging device 1c of the present embodiment are the same as those of the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 8, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8e will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1e, and FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) respectively show a state in which the composite display device 8e functions as an electronic viewfinder and a state in which the composite display device 8e functions as a sight.

[0067] The composite display device 8e includes an organic EL panel (display panel) 81, a dimming mirror (reflection optical element) 82, an eyepiece window (eyepiece part) 83, a dimming mirror control unit 101, an objective window 102, lenses L3 and L4, and a lens retraction actuator (driving means) 201.

[0068] The dimming mirror 82 is formed by filling the space between glasses on which an ITO film is formed with an electrolyte containing silver, and silver is deposited / eluted by turning on / off the voltage, and is configured to be switchable between a mirror state and a half-mirror state. Further, a piezo thin film (not shown) is formed on the surface of the dimming mirror 82, and the shape can be deformed into a state of being curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side and a flat state according to the applied voltage to the piezo thin film.

[0069] Based on the signal from the main body control unit 30, the dimming mirror control unit 101 changes the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82. As a result, the dimming mirror 82 can be switched between a mirror state and a half-mirror state, or the shape of the dimming mirror 82 can be deformed between a state where the shape is curved into a parabolic shape facing the subject side and a flat state.

[0070] The lenses L3 and L4 are arranged on the side of the eyepiece window 83 with respect to the dimming mirror 82. The lens group composed of the lenses L3 and L4 acts as a magnifying lens capable of magnifying the image transmitted from the side of the objective window 102.

[0071] The lens retraction actuator 201 is composed of a motor or the like and drives the lenses L3 and L4 based on a signal from the main body control unit 30. Specifically, the lens retraction actuator 201 moves the lenses L3 and L4 between a state where they are arranged on the optical path leading from the eyepiece window 83 to the objective window 102 (the state in FIG. 8(a)) and a state where they are arranged at a position deviated from the optical path (the state in FIG. 8(b)).

[0072] When the composite display device 8e is set to function as an electronic viewfinder, the dimming mirror control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape. The organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 or the image data continuously generated by the imaging device 21, that is, the so-called live view image, based on the control of the main body control unit 30. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is reflected by the dimming mirror 82 toward the eyepiece window 83. At this time, since the lenses L3 and L4 are arranged on the side of the eyepiece window 83 with respect to the dimming mirror 82 on the optical path leading from the eyepiece window 83 to the objective window 102, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 passes through the lenses L3 and L4 acting as magnifying lenses and then reaches the eyepiece window 83. As a result, the display image viewed from the eyepiece window 83 becomes larger than the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81. That is, the visibility of the display image viewed from the eyepiece window 83 is improved.

[0073] Further, when the composite display device 8e is set to function as a sight, the dimming mirror control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in a half mirror state and the shape is curved into a parabolic shape toward the subject side.

[0074] When the composite display device 8e functions as a sight, in the organic EL panel 81, the aiming mark 103 is displayed at a position corresponding to substantially the center of the angle of view captured by the imaging element 21, and the other regions are displayed in black. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in a half mirror state, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 and reflects the aiming mark 103 toward the eyepiece window 83 in a form superimposed on the light from the objective window 102. At this time, since the shape of the dimming mirror 82 is curved into a parabolic shape toward the subject side, the reflected light becomes parallel light rays, and the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 appears at a fixed position in the eyepiece window 83 regardless of the position of the user's eyes.

[0075] When the lenses L3 and L4 that act as magnifying lenses are arranged on the optical path from the eyepiece window 83 to the objective window 102 when the composite display device 8e functions as a sight, the light from the objective window 102 passes through the lenses L3 and L4, so the image from the objective window 102 is enlarged. In the present embodiment, since the lenses L3 and L4 are arranged at positions deviated from the optical path from the eyepiece window 83 to the objective window 102 by the lens retraction actuator 201, the image from the objective window 102 is not enlarged. That is, the image from the objective window 102 can be visually recognized from the eyepiece window 83 at the same magnification. Here, the same magnification includes not only the case of strictly the same magnification but also the case of substantially the same magnification (approximately the same magnification).

[0076] As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between a sight and an electronic viewfinder, and it is possible to realize a small composite display device 8e and an imaging device 1e including the same.

[0077] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, the imaging device 1f in the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The imaging device 1f of this embodiment is different from the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a composite display device 8f instead of the composite display device 8. Since the other configurations of the imaging device 1c of this embodiment are the same as those of the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, the detailed configuration of the composite display device 8f will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the imaging device 1f, and FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) show a state in which the composite display device 8f functions as an electronic viewfinder and a state in which the composite display device 8f functions as a sight, respectively.

[0079] The composite display device 8f includes an organic EL panel (display panel) 81, a dimming mirror (reflection optical element) 82, an eyepiece window (eyepiece part) 83, a dimming mirror control unit 101, an objective window 102, variable shape lenses L5 and L6, and a variable shape lens deformation unit (deformation means) 301.

[0080] The dimming mirror 82 is formed by filling the space between glasses on which an ITO film is formed with an electrolyte containing silver, and is configured to be switchable between a mirror state and a half-mirror state by ON / OFF of a voltage. Further, the dimming mirror 82 has a piezo thin film (not shown) formed on its surface, and is configured to be deformable between a state of being curved into a parabolic shape toward the subject side and a flat state according to the applied voltage to the piezo thin film.

[0081] The dimming mirror control unit 101 changes the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 based on a signal from the main body control unit 30. Thereby, the dimming mirror 82 can be switched between a mirror state and a half-mirror state, or the shape of the dimming mirror 82 can be deformed between a state of being curved into a parabolic shape toward the subject side and a flat state.

[0082] The variable shape lenses L5 and L6 are constituted by, for example, liquid lenses, and are arranged on the side of the eyepiece window 83 with respect to the dimming mirror 82.

[0083] The shape-variable lens deformation unit 301 is constituted by various actuators, and deforms the shapes of the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6 based on the signal from the main body control unit 30. Specifically, the shape-variable lens deformation unit 301 can deform the shapes of the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6 into a state in which they act as magnifying lenses capable of magnifying the image transmitted from the side of the objective window 102 (the state in Fig. 9(a)) and a state in which no zooming of the transmitted image is performed (the state in Fig. 9(b)).

[0084] When the composite display device 8f is set to function as an electronic viewfinder, the dimming mirror control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape. The organic EL panel 81 displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 or the image data continuously generated by the imaging element 21, i.e., the so-called live view image, based on the control of the main body control unit 30. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in the mirror state and has a flat shape, the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 is reflected by the dimming mirror 82 toward the eyepiece window 83. At this time, the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6 are in a state of acting as magnifying lenses, and the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81 reaches the eyepiece window 83 after passing through the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6 acting as magnifying lenses. As a result, the display image viewed from the eyepiece window 83 becomes larger than the image displayed on the organic EL panel 81. That is, the visibility of the display image viewed from the eyepiece window 83 is improved.

[0085] Also, when the composite display device 8f is set to function as a sight, the dimming mirror control unit 101 controls the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 82 so that the dimming mirror 82 is in the half-mirror state and has a parabolic shape curved toward the subject side.

[0086] When the composite display device 8f functions as a sight, in the organic EL panel 81, the aiming mark 103 is displayed at a position corresponding to approximately the center of the angle of view captured by the imaging device 21, and the other areas are displayed in black. Since the dimming mirror 82 is in a half mirror state, it transmits the light from the objective window 102 and reflects it toward the eyepiece window 83 in such a way that the aiming mark 103 is superimposed on the light from the objective window 102. At this time, since the shape of the dimming mirror 82 is curved in a parabolic shape toward the subject side, the reflected light becomes parallel light rays, and the reflected image of the aiming mark 103 appears at a fixed position in the eyepiece window 83 regardless of the position of the user's eyes.

[0087] When the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6 act as magnifying lenses when the composite display device 8f functions as a sight, the light from the objective window 102 passes through the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6, so the image from the objective window 102 is enlarged. In the present embodiment, the shape-variable lens deformation unit 301 deforms the shape of the shape-variable lenses L5 and L6 so as not to perform magnification such as enlarging or reducing the image transmitted through them, so the image from the objective window 102 is not enlarged. That is, the image from the objective window 102 can be visually recognized from the eyepiece window 83 at the same magnification. Here, the same magnification includes not only the case of strictly the same magnification but also the case of substantially the same magnification (approximate same magnification).

[0088] As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between a sight and an electronic viewfinder, and a compact composite display device 8f and an imaging device 1f including the same can be realized.

[0089] In each embodiment, although the composite display device is integrally configured with the imaging device, it is not limited thereto. The composite display device may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device. In this case, it is preferable that the composite display device and the imaging device each have wired or wireless communication means so that communication between the control unit 101 and the main body control unit 30 and communication between the organic EL panel 81 and the main body control unit 30 are possible.

[0090] In each embodiment, the operation button 9 is used as a means for switching the functions between the electronic viewfinder and the sight of the composite display device, but it is not limited thereto. Each embodiment may use an operation means other than the operation button 9, for example, configure the display device 10 as a touch panel, and use the operation on the touch panel as a means for switching the functions between the electronic viewfinder and the sight of the composite display device. Also, in each embodiment, the organic EL panel 81 is used as the image display element, but it is not limited thereto, and other image display elements such as a liquid crystal panel may be used.

[0091] Note that in each embodiment, the composite display device is integrally configured with the imaging device, but it is not limited thereto. The composite display device may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device. In this case, it is preferable that the composite display device and the imaging device each have wired or wireless communication means so that communication between the control unit 101 and the main body control unit 30, and communication between the organic EL panel 81 and the main body control unit 30 are possible.

[0092] In each embodiment, the operation button 9 is used as a means for switching the functions between the electronic viewfinder and the sight of the composite display device, but it is not limited thereto. Each embodiment may use an operation means other than the operation button 9, for example, configure the display device 10 as a touch panel, and use the operation on the touch panel as a means for switching the functions between the electronic viewfinder and the sight of the composite display device. Also, in each embodiment, the organic EL panel 81 is used as the image display element, but it is not limited thereto, and other image display elements such as a liquid crystal panel may be used.

[0093] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide a small-sized display device and an imaging device capable of switching between a sight and an electronic viewfinder.

[0094] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0095] 8 Composite display device (display device) 81 Organic EL panel (image display element) 82, 105, 106, 108 Dimming mirror (reflective optical element) 83 Eyepiece window (eyepiece part) 102 Objective window 103 Alignment mark 104 Image of the subject

Claims

1. An image display element, an eyepiece, an objective window, and a reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece and the objective window and guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed can be visually recognized through the eyepiece. The reflective optical element has a planar shape in the first state, and has a curved shape in the second state, and is characterized in that it changes to the planar shape or the curved shape according to a voltage. A display device.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein in the second state, the image displayed on the image display element is a predetermined mark.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined mark appears at a fixed position in the eyepiece regardless of the position of the user's eye.

4. An image display element, an eyepiece, an objective window, and a reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece and the objective window and guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed can be visually recognized through the eyepiece. The reflective optical element has a curved shape, and in the first state, the image displayed on the image display element is deformed, and in the second state, the image displayed on the image display element is not deformed. A display device.

5. An image display element, an eyepiece, an objective window, and a reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece and the objective window and guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed is visible through the eyepiece. The reflective optical element includes a first reflective optical element having a planar shape and a second reflective optical element having a curved surface shape. In the first state, the first reflective optical element is in a total reflection state, and the second reflective optical element is in a total transmission state. A display device, characterized in that in the second state, the first reflective optical element is in a total transmission state, and the second reflective optical element is in a semi-transmission state.

6. An image display element, An eyepiece, An objective window, A reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece and the objective window, for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element is visible through the eyepiece. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed is visible through the eyepiece. The display device further includes a position detection unit for detecting the position of the user's eyeball with respect to the eyepiece. The reflective optical element has a planar shape, and in the second state, moves the position of the image displayed on the image display element based on the position of the eyeball detected by the position detection unit. A display device characterized by this.

7. The display device is Used as an electronic viewfinder in the first state, The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is used as a sight in the second state.

8. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that the eyepiece also serves as the eyepiece of the electronic viewfinder and the eyepiece of the sight.

9. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reflective optical element is a dimming mirror.

10. An image display element, An eyepiece, An objective window, A reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece and the objective window, for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element is visible through the eyepiece. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part. An enlarging lens disposed between the reflective optical element and the eyepiece part for enlarging the image. The display device further comprising a reducing lens disposed between the objective window and the reflective optical element for reducing the image from the objective window.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the reciprocal of the magnification by the enlarging lens is the same as the reduction ratio by the reducing lens.

12. An image display element, An eyepiece part, An objective window, A reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece part and the objective window for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece part. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part. An enlarging lens capable of enlarging the image. The display device further comprising drive means for driving the enlarging lens so that it is located between the reflective optical element and the eyepiece part in the first state and retracts from between the reflective optical element and the eyepiece part in the second state.

13. An image display element, An eyepiece part, An objective window, A reflective optical element disposed between the eyepiece part and the objective window for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyepiece part. The reflective optical element can switch between a first state and a second state by changing the transmittance. In the first state, the image displayed on the image display element can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part. In the second state, an image in which the image from the objective window and the image displayed on the image display element are superimposed can be visually recognized through the eyepiece part. A shape-variable lens disposed between the reflective optical element and the eyepiece part and configured to have a variable shape. The display device further comprising deformation means for deforming the shape of the shape-variable lens so that the image can be enlarged in the first state and the image from the objective window is not magnified in the second state.

14. An imaging optical system An imaging device, comprising: the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images