Finder and imaging device

Abstract

This imaging device comprises an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece lens, a light-emitting part that emits detection light toward the cornea, and a light-shielding body that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and that blocks visible light. At least part of the light-shielding body is provided as a detection light transmission part that transmits the detection light, the position where the detection light emitted from the light-emitting part is emitted toward the cornea is located inside the outermost circumference of the eyepiece optical system, and at least part of the detection light reaches the cornea due to passing through the detection light transmission part. As a result, detection light emitted from the emission position located inside the outermost circumference of the eyepiece optical system is transmitted through the detection light transmission part provided to the light-shielding body, which shields visible light, and the detection light heads toward the cornea 50. It is therefore possible to improve detection accuracy relating to line-of-sight detection without increasing the size of the imaging device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a technical field regarding a finder that displays an image of a subject when photographing, and an imaging device equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Some imaging devices, such as video cameras and still cameras, are equipped with a viewfinder that displays an image of a subject during shooting. The viewfinder is used to visually determine the composition of the image before shooting, to check the image before and after shooting, and to adjust the focus, and is installed as a viewing window or a monitor (display).

[0003] Some of these finders are provided with a line-of-sight detection device that detects the line of sight of the user in order to perform autofocus during photography or the like (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3).

[0004] Autofocus based on the detection results of such a gaze detection device is performed by reflecting detection light, such as infrared light, emitted from the light-emitting unit on the cornea, receiving the reflected detection light by the light-receiving unit, and calculating the position of the pupil based on the received detection light.

[0005] Patent document 1 shows an example in which an emitting unit that emits detection light (infrared light) is arranged around the eyepiece, the detection light emitted from the emitting unit passes through a transparent window and reaches the cornea, and the detection light reflected by the cornea is guided to a light receiving unit by a beam splitter to perform autofocusing.

[0006] Patent document 2 shows an example in which an illuminant is placed below the eyepiece, detection light emitted from the illuminant passes through an opening in a light-shielding frame and reaches the cornea, and the detection light reflected by the cornea is guided by a beam splitter to an image sensor provided as a light-receiving unit, thereby performing autofocus.

[0007] Patent document 3 shows an example in which detection light emitted from a light-emitting unit (light-projecting unit) is reflected by a beam splitter and reaches the cornea, and the detection light reflected by the cornea is guided to a light-receiving unit to perform autofocus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-40535 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-78603 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-313057 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in a configuration in which the above-mentioned gaze detection device is incorporated into a viewfinder, space is required inside the viewfinder to place each part of the gaze detection device, which means that the viewfinder tends to be large, and the entire imaging device in which the viewfinder is installed also tends to be large.

[0010] For example, in the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the light-emitting unit is arranged around the periphery of the eyepiece, which makes the viewfinder large in the radial direction of the eyepiece. Also, in all of the configurations described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, a beam splitter is used, which makes the viewfinder large in the optical axis direction of the eyepiece. Furthermore, in configurations using a beam splitter, the overall optical length is long, which tends to reduce the magnification of the viewfinder, and trying to increase the magnification of the viewfinder tends to increase the size of the eyepiece optical system, which also risks causing the viewfinder to become large.

[0011] On the other hand, when detecting the gaze using the gaze detection device described above, if the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit is distributed over a wide area of ​​the cornea, the detection light reflected by the cornea is likely to be blocked by individual differences such as the shape of the eyelids and eyes, and the detection light may not be received by the light-receiving unit, preventing proper autofocusing.

[0012] Therefore, it is desirable that the gaze detection device be configured so that the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit is distributed over a narrow range of the cornea, particularly in the vicinity of the pupil.

[0013] Such distribution of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit over a narrow area of ​​the cornea can be achieved by positioning the light-emitting unit close to the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system; however, if the light-emitting unit is positioned close to the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system, the light-emitting unit may block the photographer's field of view, causing problems with photography.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the finder and imaging device of the present technology is to improve the detection accuracy of gaze detection without increasing the size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] First, the finder according to the present technology comprises an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece lens, a light-emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea, and a light-shielding body that is arranged on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, at least a part of the light-shielding body is provided as a detection light-transmitting unit that transmits the detection light, the emission position of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, and at least a part of the detection light reaches the cornea by transmitting through the detection light-transmitting unit.

[0016] As a result, the detection light emitted from the emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system is transmitted through the detection light transmitting portion provided in the light blocking body that blocks visible light and heads toward the cornea.

[0017] Secondly, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the detection light transmitting portion is formed integrally with the light blocking body.

[0018] This means that the detection light transmitting portion is not formed as a separate member from the light blocking body.

[0019] Thirdly, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the detection light transmitting section be disposed closer to the photographer than the eyepiece.

[0020] As a result, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section that is located closer to the photographer than the eyepiece.

[0021] Fourth, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that a frame-shaped finder cover be provided as the light blocking body, and that the detection light transmitting portion be provided on the finder cover.

[0022] As a result, the detection light transmitting portion is provided on the finder cover, which is a component originally required for the finder.

[0023] Fifth, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the detection light transmitting section be disposed closer to the subject side than the eyepiece.

[0024] As a result, the detection light transmitting portion is disposed behind the eyepiece, making it difficult for the photographer to see the detection light transmitting portion and increasing the degree of freedom in the positioning of the light blocking body.

[0025] Sixth, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that a board on which the light emitting section is mounted is attached to the light blocking body.

[0026] As a result, the light emitting portion is disposed on the light blocking body via the substrate, and the detection light transmitting portion is provided on the light blocking body.

[0027] Seventh, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the light emitting section be disposed closer to the subject than the eyepiece.

[0028] This allows the light emitting unit to be positioned further back than the eyepiece, making it difficult for the photographer to see the light emitting unit and increasing the degree of freedom in the position where the light emitting unit is positioned.

[0029] Eighth, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that at least one of the light emitting sections be disposed on each of opposite sides across the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

[0030] As a result, the light emitted from each light-emitting unit disposed on the opposite side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system is directed toward the cornea.

[0031] Ninth, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that a plurality of the light emitting sections be arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

[0032] As a result, light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting units arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system is directed toward the cornea.

[0033] Tenth, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable to provide a light guide having an incident surface onto which the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit is incident and an exit surface from which the incident detection light is exited, with the exit surface formed as the exit position.

[0034] As a result, the detection light emitted from the light emitting section is incident on the incident surface of the light guide, is guided, and is emitted from the exit surface formed as the exit position toward the cornea.

[0035] Eleventh, in the finder according to the present technology described above, it is desirable that the light guide has a function of blocking visible light and is also used as the detection light transmitting portion.

[0036] As a result, the light guide blocks visible light and guides the detection light emitted from the light emitting section.

[0037] Twelfth, an imaging device according to the present technology includes an imaging element that converts a captured optical image of a subject into an electrical signal, and a finder that displays an image of the subject, wherein the finder includes an eyepiece optical system having the eyepiece lens, a light-emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea, and a light-shielding body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, wherein at least a portion of the light-shielding body is provided as a detection-light-transmitting unit that transmits the detection light, the emission position of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea by transmitting through the detection-light-transmitting unit.

[0038] As a result, in the finder, the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system is transmitted through a detection light transmitting portion provided in a light blocking body that blocks visible light and heads toward the cornea. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 2 to 18 show the finder and the imaging device according to the present technology, and this figure is a perspective view of the imaging device. [Figure 2] 3 to 6 show the viewfinder according to the first embodiment, and this figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the viewfinder. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the viewfinder. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a substrate is attached to a substrate holder. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the arrangement of light-emitting units. [Figure 7] 8 to 11 show a viewfinder according to a second embodiment, and this figure is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the viewfinder. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the viewfinder. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the substrate is attached to the second light blocking body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of another configuration according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a substrate is attached to a second light blocking body in a finder with another configuration according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 and 14 show a viewfinder according to a third embodiment, and this figure is a horizontal cross section of the viewfinder. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of another configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a viewfinder of still another configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a finder of yet another configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a finder of still another configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a viewfinder showing an example in which a light receiving section is arranged closer to the subject than the eyepiece. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the finder and imaging device according to the present technology will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In the following embodiments of the invention, the imaging device of the present technology is applied to a still camera, and the finder of the present technology is applied to a finder provided in the still camera.

[0042] The application range of the imaging device and finder of the present technology is not limited to still cameras and finders provided in still cameras, respectively. The imaging device and finder of the present technology can be widely applied to various imaging devices with various imaging functions, such as video cameras and personal digital assistants, and finders provided in these imaging devices.

[0043] The present technology can also be applied to finders provided in accessories such as eyewear that are worn on the face.

[0044] In the following description, the front, back, up, down, left and right directions are indicated as directions seen from the photographer when taking a picture with a still camera. Therefore, the subject side (object side) is the front, and the photographer side is the rear. Note that the front, back, up, down, left and right directions shown below are for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the implementation of this technology is not limited to these directions.

[0045] Furthermore, the lens described below includes both a lens configured from a single lens and a lens group configured from a plurality of lenses.

[0046] <General configuration of the imaging device> Imaging device 1 is composed of device body 2 and lens barrel 70 (see FIG. 1). Lens barrel 70 is, for example, an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from device body 2. Note that the present technology can also be applied to a type in which a lens unit having a structure similar to the internal structure of lens barrel 70 is incorporated inside the device body, or a retractable type in which this lens unit protrudes from or is retracted into the device body.

[0047] The device main body 2 is configured by arranging the necessary parts inside and outside an outer casing 3 .

[0048] Various operation units 4, 4, ... are arranged on, for example, the top or rear surface of the outer casing 3. The operation units 4, 4, ... include, for example, a power button, a shutter button, a zoom knob, a mode switching knob, etc.

[0049] A display 5 is disposed on the rear surface of the outer casing 3. A finder 6 is provided on the upper end of the outer casing 3. The optical axis of the finder 6 is oriented in the front-to-rear direction.

[0050] A circular opening (not shown) is formed in the front of the outer casing 3, and the area around the opening is provided as a mount for attaching the lens barrel 70. Inside the outer casing 3, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) is arranged behind the opening as an imaging element.

[0051] Lens barrel 70 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer barrel 71 whose axial direction is in the front-to-rear direction, and required components attached to or supported on the inside and outside of outer barrel 71. The axial direction of lens barrel 70 coincides with the overall optical axis direction of imaging device 1.

[0052] The rear end of the lens barrel 70 is connected to a mount section, for example, by a bayonet connection, and is thereby attached to the device body 2. The lens barrel 70 is provided with operation rings 72, 72 that function as a zoom ring and a focus ring. The operation rings 72, 72 are rotatably supported by the outer barrel 71, and zooming and focusing are performed by rotating the operation rings 72, 72.

[0053] Inside the lens barrel 70, multiple lenses (not shown) are positioned at a distance in the optical axis direction (front-to-back direction), and these lenses are composed of movable lenses (movable lens group) that can move in the optical axis direction and fixed lenses (fixed lens group) that cannot move in the optical axis direction.

[0054] <Configuration of the finder according to the first embodiment> The configuration of the finder 6 according to the first embodiment will be described below (see FIGS. 2 to 6).

[0055] The viewfinder 6 has a viewfinder case 7 that is configured as part of the outer casing 3, and required components arranged inside and outside the viewfinder case 7 (see Figures 2 to 4). The viewfinder case 7 has a case section 7a that is open at the rear and a panel section 7b attached to the rear end of the case section 7a. The panel section 7b is formed in the shape of a frame that is penetrated from front to back.

[0056] The entire viewfinder housing 8, excluding its rear end, is arranged inside the viewfinder case 7. The viewfinder housing 8 has a lens case 9, a lens holder 10, a front holder 11, and a first light blocking body 12, and an eyepiece optical system 13 is arranged inside the viewfinder housing 8.

[0057] The eyepiece optical system 13 includes an eyepiece lens 14, a first lens 15, a second lens 16, and a third lens 17, as well as an optical filter 18 and a display panel (not shown) arranged in front of the optical filter 18. The display panel may be, for example, an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel or a liquid crystal panel.

[0058] The lens case 9 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. The lens case 9 functions as an outer cylindrical portion of the finder housing 8.

[0059] The lens holder 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction in the front-to-rear direction, and, for example, the part excluding the rear end is arranged inside the lens case 9. The lens holder 10 functions as the inner cylindrical part of the finder housing 8.

[0060] The front holder 11 is attached to the front end of the lens holder 10 inside the lens case 9. The front holder 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-rear direction.

[0061] The lens holder 10 and the front holder 11 hold the components that make up the eyepiece optical system 13. Inside the lens holder 10, an eyepiece lens 14, a first lens 15, a second lens 16, and a third lens 17 are held in this order from the rear, with the lenses spaced apart from each other in the front and rear. The number of lenses held inside the lens holder 10 is optional. Inside the front holder 11, an optical filter 18, a display panel, etc. are held, with the lenses spaced apart from each other in the front and rear.

[0062] A second light-shielding body 19 is disposed inside the lens holder 10 between the eyepiece lens 14 and the first lens 15, and is provided as a light-shielding frame. The second light-shielding body 19 has the function of blocking visible light, and is disposed with its outer circumferential surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder 10, and is disposed outer circumferentially of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. The second light-shielding body 19 prevents unnecessary internal reflections in the eyepiece optical system 13, making it difficult for the photographer to see the outer circumferential portions of the first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17, preventing adverse effects on the appearance of the subject when the photographer uses the viewfinder 6.

[0063] The first light shielding body 12 is provided as a viewfinder cover and has the function of blocking visible light and detection light (infrared light) emitted from a light-emitting unit described below. The first light shielding body 12 is attached to the panel portion 7b of the viewfinder case 7 and is positioned on the outer periphery side of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. The first light shielding body 12 prevents unnecessary internal reflections in the eyepiece optical system 13, making it difficult for the photographer to see the outer peripheries of the eyepiece lens 14, first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17, preventing adverse effects on the appearance of the subject when the photographer uses the viewfinder 6.

[0064] The first light shielding body 12 has a portion of its front surface in contact with the rear surface of the lens holder 10, and has a base surface portion 20 formed in an approximately rectangular frame shape, a window frame portion 21 protruding rearward from the inner periphery of the base surface portion 20, and detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... protruding from the inner periphery of the window frame portion 21.

[0065] The base surface portion 20 of the first light blocking body 12 is positioned inside the viewfinder case 7, and the portion excluding the front end of the window frame portion 21 protrudes rearward from the viewfinder case 7. Mounting grooves 23a, 23a extending vertically are formed in side portions 23, 23 located on both the left and right sides of the window frame portion 21. An eyecup (eye hood) (not shown) for blocking light is detachably attached to the first light blocking body 12, and the eyecup is attached to the first light blocking body 12 by inserting and engaging a pair of mounting protrusions provided on one end into the mounting grooves 23a, 23a.

[0066] The detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... are part of the first light blocking body 12 and therefore block visible light, but have the function of transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting portion. The detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... are formed in a flat plate shape, and for example, two of each of the side portions 23, 23 are connected together while being spaced apart from each other vertically, so that a total of four detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... are provided.

[0067] In the first light blocking body 12, for example, the base surface portion 20, the window frame portion 21, and the detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... are integrally formed by injection molding. However, the detection light transmitting portions 22, 22, ... may be attached to the window frame portion 21 as separate members. Furthermore, the entire first light blocking body 12 may be provided as the detection light transmitting portion 22.

[0068] The rear ends of the detection light transmitting portions 22 are connected to the side portions 23, respectively, and are slightly inclined so that they approach each other in the left-right direction as they move forward. The detection light transmitting portions 22 are located directly behind the outer periphery of the eyepiece 14.

[0069] A substrate holder 24 is attached to the first light blocking body 12. The substrate holder 24 has a mounting frame portion 25 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape and receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... that protrude rearward from the mounting frame portion 25. The receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the mounting frame portion 25. A portion of each of the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... protrudes inward from the inner periphery of the mounting frame portion 25.

[0070] Since the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... are arranged at a distance from each other on the board holder 24, recesses that are open to the front and to the left and right are formed between the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... on the board holder 24, and of the recesses formed, four recesses formed on both the left and right sides of the mounting frame portion 25 are formed as support recesses 24a, 24a, ...

[0071] The substrate holder 24 is attached to the first light blocking body 12 with the outer peripheral surface of the attachment frame portion 25 in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the base surface portion 20 .

[0072] A substrate 27 is attached to the substrate holder 24 (see FIGS. 2 to 5). The substrate 27 is, for example, a flexible printed wiring board.

[0073] The substrate 27 is connected to a power supply control circuit (not shown). The substrate 27 is formed in a generally U-shape that opens upward, and has a connecting portion 28 that extends left and right, and mounting portions 29, 29 that protrude upward from both left and right ends of the connecting portion 28 (see FIG. 4). The mounting portion 29 has supported protrusions 29a, 29a that protrude outward in the left-right direction and are spaced apart from each other above and below.

[0074] Light emitting units 30 are mounted on the rear surfaces of the mounting units 29 on the substrate 27. The light emitting units 30 are mounted on the sides of the supported protrusions 29a and have the function of emitting detection light, for example, infrared light.

[0075] The substrate 27 is attached to the substrate holder 24 with the supported protrusions 29a, 29a, ... inserted into the support recesses 24a, 24a, ..., respectively, and with each part of the connecting portion 28 and the mounting portions 29, 29 contacting the receiving protrusions 26, 26, ... from behind, and with the upper ends of the mounting portions 29, 29 contacting the mounting frame portion 25 from the front (see Figure 5).

[0076] When the substrate 27 is attached to the substrate holder 24 and the substrate holder 24 is attached to the first light blocking body 12, the light-emitting units 30 are positioned near the detection light transmitting units 22. In this state, the emission positions of the detection light from the light-emitting units 30, i.e., the emission surfaces (rear surfaces) 30 a of the light-emitting units 30 are positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13.

[0077] Although the above example shows the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... arranged spaced apart on the left and right, the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... may be arranged, for example, side by side on both the left and right sides, and side by side on the upper side (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, two or more light-emitting units 30 are required to ensure a certain level of detection accuracy, and as long as there are two or more light-emitting units, any number of them can be arranged on either the upper, left, or right side, or on two or more sides.

[0078] A light receiving unit 31 that receives detection light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 is arranged inside the finder housing 8 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The light receiving unit 31 is arranged, for example, at the lower end on the inner surface side of the first light blocking body 12, and is positioned behind the outer periphery of the eyepiece 14. The light receiving unit 31 is connected to a detection circuit (not shown). It is desirable that the light receiving unit 31 be provided with a lens or the like having an angle of view that allows the detection light to be incident in accordance with changes in the position of the photographer's eyeball.

[0079] Although the above example shows the light-emitting unit 30 being located closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, the light-emitting unit 30 may also be located closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14. For example, the light-emitting unit 30 may be located on the second light-shielding body 19, which is located between the eyepiece 14 and the first lens 15, via a substrate.

[0080] The operation of the finder 6 configured as above will be described below (see FIG. 2).

[0081] In the finder 6, when current is supplied from the power control circuit to the light-emitting units 30, 30, ..., detection light is emitted from the light-emitting units 30, 30, .... The supply of current from the power control circuit to the light-emitting units 30 is performed, for example, when the power button (operation unit 4) is operated to cause the imaging device 1 to transition to a driving state.

[0082] A portion of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 is transmitted through the detection light transmitting section 22 and directed toward the cornea 50 of the photographer using the viewfinder 6. At this time, the detection light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 in a predetermined light-emitting range (angle), and the detection light in light-emitting range A, which is part of the light-emitting range, is emitted to the outside from the space inside the window frame section 21 of the first light-blocking body 12, but the detection light in light-emitting range B other than light-emitting range A is blocked by the window frame section 21 of the first light-blocking body 12. However, since the detection light in light-emitting range B is not originally emitted at an angle that reaches the cornea 50, there is no need for the detection light in light-emitting range B to reach the cornea 50, and the detection light in light-emitting range A reaches the cornea 50, ensuring a sufficient amount of light necessary for accurate detection.

[0083] The detection light beams directed toward the cornea 50 are reflected by the cornea 50. At this time, in the finder 6, the emission position (emission surface 30a) of the detection light beams is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, the detection light beams emitted from the light-emitting units 30, 30, ... and reaching the cornea 50 tend to be distributed over a narrow range of the cornea 50, particularly near the pupil 60. Therefore, the reflected detection light beams are less likely to be blocked by individual differences in the shape of the eyelids and eyes, fluctuations in the position of the eyeballs, and the like, and are more likely to be incident on the light-receiving unit 31.

[0084] In addition, the finder 6 is provided with four light-emitting elements 30, 30, ... positioned at a distance from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions, which increases the probability that detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will enter the light-receiving element 31.

[0085] When the detection light is incident on the light receiving unit 31, a detection signal relating to line of sight detection is calculated by a detection circuit based on the incident detection light, and focusing control is automatically performed in accordance with the calculated detection signal.

[0086] <Summary of the finder according to the first embodiment> As described above, in the finder 6, at least a portion of the first light-shielding body 12 is provided as a detection light transmitting section 22 that transmits the detection light, the emission position (emission surface 30a) of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting section 30 toward the cornea 50 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the ocular optical system 13, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea 50 by transmitting through the detection light transmitting section 22.

[0087] As a result, the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 is transmitted through the detection light transmitting section 22 provided in the first light blocking body 12 that blocks visible light, and proceeds toward the cornea 50. Therefore, no space is required for the emission position outside the periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and no space is required for the detection light transmitting section 22 in addition to the space for the first light blocking body 12, and since the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy regarding gaze detection without increasing the size.

[0088] Furthermore, in the finder 6, the line of sight is detected without using a beam splitter, so the number of parts can be reduced and the size can be made smaller, while improving the detection accuracy regarding line of sight detection.

[0089] Furthermore, since the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned at a position where it is shielded by the detection light transmitting unit 22, which also has the function of shielding visible light, and the substrate 27 is positioned at a position where it is shielded by the first light shielding body 12, which also has the function of shielding visible light, the substrate 27 and the light-emitting unit 30 are not visible to the photographer, and the detection accuracy for gaze detection can be improved without interfering with the photography.

[0090] Furthermore, since the light-emitting section 30 and the detection light transmitting section 22 are positioned so as not to interfere with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup, the detection accuracy of gaze detection can be improved without interfering with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup to the viewfinder 6.

[0091] Furthermore, since the detection light transmitting section 22 is arranged closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section 22 arranged closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, thereby ensuring that visible light unnecessary for photography is blocked and improving the detection accuracy of line of sight detection.

[0092] Furthermore, a frame-shaped finder cover is provided as the first light blocking body 12, and a detection light transmitting section 22 is provided on the finder cover.

[0093] Therefore, since the detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on the finder cover, which is an essential component of the finder 6, the structure can be simplified and the detection accuracy regarding the line of sight detection can be improved.

[0094] Furthermore, the light emitting units 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13.

[0095] Therefore, since the light emitted from each light-emitting unit 30 located on the opposite side of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50, the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31 increases, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0096] In addition, by arranging a plurality of light-emitting units 30 on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting units 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50. This further increases the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0097] <Configuration of the finder according to the second embodiment> Next, the configuration of a finder 6A according to the second embodiment will be described (see FIGS. 7 to 11).

[0098] The finder 6A described below differs from the finder 6 described above only in the placement position of at least one of the detection light transmitting section or the light emitting section, and therefore only the parts that differ from the finder 6 will be described in detail, and other parts will be given the same symbols as those used for similar parts in the finder 6 and will not be described again.

[0099] The viewfinder housing 8A, excluding its rear end, is arranged inside the viewfinder case 7 (see Figure 7). The viewfinder housing 8A has a lens case 9, a lens holder 10, a front holder 11, and a first light blocking body 12A, and an eyepiece optical system 13 is arranged inside the viewfinder housing 8A.

[0100] A second light-shielding body 19A is disposed inside the lens holder 10 between the eyepiece lens 14 and the first lens 15, and acts as a light-shielding frame (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The second light-shielding body 19A has the function of blocking visible light, and is disposed with its outer circumferential surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder 10, and is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. The second light-shielding body 19A prevents unnecessary internal reflections in the eyepiece optical system 13, preventing the photographer from seeing the outer circumferential portions of the first lens 15, second lens 16, and third lens 17, and preventing adverse effects on the subject's appearance when the photographer uses the viewfinder 6A.

[0101] The second light blocking body 19A is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape and has an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 33 that are positioned vertically and spaced apart and extend left and right, respectively, and side portions 34, 34 that are positioned horizontally and spaced apart and extend up and down (see FIG. 8). The rear portions of the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 33 each protrude rearward beyond the side portions 34, 34.

[0102] At both left and right ends of the upper portion 32, insertion grooves 32a, 32a that open downward and to the sides outward are formed.

[0103] The first light blocking body 12A has a base surface portion 20, a window frame portion 21, and detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A.

[0104] The detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are part of the first light blocking body 12A and therefore block visible light, but have the function of transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting portion. The detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are formed in the shape of vertically long flat plates and are attached, for example, to the front surfaces of the side portions 23, 23. The entire first light blocking body 12A may be provided as the detection light transmitting portion 22A.

[0105] The detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are attached to the side portions 23, 23 while facing in the front-to-rear direction, and their inner portions in the left-to-right direction protrude toward each other from the window frame portion 21. The detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are located directly behind the outer periphery of the eyepiece lens 14.

[0106] The finder 6A is not provided with a board holder 24, and a board 27A is attached to the second light blocking body 19A (see FIGS. 7 to 9). The board 27A is, for example, a flexible printed wiring board.

[0107] The substrate 27A is connected to a power supply control circuit (not shown). The substrate 27A is formed in a generally U-shape that opens upward, and has a connecting portion 28A that extends to the left and right, and mounting portions 29A, 29A that protrude upward from both left and right ends of the connecting portion 28A.

[0108] Light-emitting units 30, 30, ... are mounted on the rear surfaces of mounting units 29A, 29A on substrate 27A. For example, two light-emitting units 30 are mounted on each of mounting units 29A, 29A, spaced apart from each other above and below, and have the function of emitting detection light, for example, infrared light.

[0109] The substrate 27A is attached to the second light shielding body 19A with the upper ends of the mounting portions 29A, 29A inserted into the insertion grooves 32a, 32a formed in the upper portion 32, the mounting portions 29A, 29A positioned at the rear of the side portions 34, 34, respectively, and the connecting portion 28A positioned below the lower portion 33.

[0110] When the substrate 27A is attached to the second light blocking body 19A, the light-emitting units 30 are positioned directly in front of the detection light transmitting units 22A, 22A, with the eyepiece lens 14 in between. In this state, the emission positions of the detection light from the light-emitting units 30, 30, i.e., the emission surfaces (rear surfaces) 30a, 30a of the light-emitting units 30, 30, are positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13.

[0111] In the viewfinder 6A, when current is supplied from the power supply control circuit to the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ..., detection light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, .... The detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 30 is transmitted in order through the eyepiece lens 14 and the detection light transmitting element 22A, and is directed toward the cornea 50 of the photographer using the viewfinder 6A. The detection light directed toward the cornea 50 is reflected by the cornea 50. In this case, in the viewfinder 6A, the emission position of the detection light is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 and is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ... and reaching the cornea 50 is likely to be distributed over a narrow range of the cornea 50, particularly near the pupil 60. Therefore, the reflected detection light is less likely to be blocked by individual differences in the shape of the eyelids and eyes, fluctuations in the position of the eyeball, etc., and is more likely to be incident on the light-receiving element 31.

[0112] When the detection light is incident on the light receiving unit 31, a detection signal relating to line of sight detection is calculated by a detection circuit based on the incident detection light, and focusing control is automatically performed in accordance with the calculated detection signal.

[0113] Although the above example shows the detection light transmitting portion 22A attached to the first light blocking body 12A in the finder 6A, the detection light transmitting portion 22A may be attached to the second light blocking body 19A instead of the first light blocking body 12A in the finder 6A (see FIGS. 10 and 11). In this case, the entire second light blocking body 19A may be provided as the detection light transmitting portion 22A.

[0114] When the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are attached to the second light blocking body 19A, the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are attached to the second light blocking body 19A, for example, by joining the upper and lower ends to the left and right ends of the upper portion 32 and the lower portion 33. When attached to the second light blocking body 19A, the detection light transmitting portions 22A, 22A are positioned directly behind the light emitting portions 30, 30, ...

[0115] In the finder 6A, the detection light transmitting portion 22A can also be attached to both the first light blocking body 12A and the second light blocking body 19A.

[0116] Furthermore, although the above example shows that the light-emitting unit 30 is disposed between the eyepiece 14 and the first lens 15 on the subject side of the eyepiece 14, the light-emitting unit 30 may be disposed at another position on the subject side of the eyepiece 14. For example, the light-emitting unit 30 may be disposed between the first lens 15 and the second lens 16, between the second lens 16 and the third lens 17, or between the third lens 17 and the optical filter 18.

[0117] <Summary of the finder according to the second embodiment> As described above, in the finder 6A, at least a portion of the first light-shielding body 12A or the second light-shielding body 19A is provided as a detection light transmitting section 22A that transmits the detection light, the emission position (emission surface 30a) of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting section 30 toward the cornea 50 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the ocular optical system 13, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea 50 by transmitting through the detection light transmitting section 22A.

[0118] As a result, the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 is transmitted through the detection light transmitting section 22A provided in the first light blocking body 12A or the second light blocking body 19A that blocks visible light, and proceeds toward the cornea 50. Therefore, no space is required for the emission position outside the outer periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and no space is required for the detection light transmitting section 22A in addition to the space for the first light blocking body 12A or the second light blocking body 19A, and the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, so that the detection accuracy regarding gaze detection can be improved without increasing the size.

[0119] Furthermore, in the finder 6A, the line of sight is detected without using a beam splitter, so the number of parts can be reduced and the size can be made smaller, while improving the detection accuracy regarding line of sight detection.

[0120] Furthermore, since the light-emitting unit 30 is positioned at a position where it is shielded by the detection light transmitting unit 22A, which also has the function of shielding visible light, and the substrate 27A is positioned at a position where it is shielded by the first light shielding body 12A, which also has the function of shielding visible light, the substrate 27A and the light-emitting unit 30 are not visible to the photographer, and the detection accuracy for gaze detection can be improved without interfering with the photography.

[0121] Furthermore, since the light-emitting section 30 and the detection light transmitting section 22A are positioned so as not to interfere with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of line of sight detection without having to attach or detach the eyecup to or from the finder 6A.

[0122] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting section 22A is arranged closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section 22A arranged closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, thereby ensuring that visible light unnecessary for photography is blocked and improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0123] On the other hand, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting portion 22A is arranged closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14, the detection light transmitting portion 22A is arranged further back than the eyepiece 14, making it difficult for the photographer to see the detection light transmitting portion 22A and increasing the degree of freedom in the positioning of the second light blocking body 19A, thereby improving usability for the photographer and increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0124] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on a frame-shaped viewfinder cover that is the first light blocking body 12A, the detection light transmitting portion 22A is provided on the viewfinder cover, which is an essential component of the viewfinder 6A, so that the structure can be simplified while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0125] Furthermore, in a configuration in which a substrate 27A on which a light-emitting unit 30 is mounted is attached to the second light-shielding body 19A, the light-emitting unit 30 is arranged on the second light-shielding body 19A via the substrate 27A, and a detection light-transmitting unit 22A is provided on the second light-shielding body 19A, thereby simplifying the number of parts and the structure while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0126] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 30 is disposed closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14. Therefore, since the light-emitting unit 30 is disposed further back than the eyepiece 14, the light-emitting unit 30 is less visible to the photographer and the degree of freedom in the positioning of the light-emitting unit 30 is increased, thereby improving ease of use for the photographer and increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0127] Furthermore, the light-emitting units 30 are disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, light emitted from each of the light-emitting units 30 disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50, increasing the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0128] In addition, by arranging a plurality of light-emitting units 30 on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting units 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50. This further increases the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0129] <Configuration of the finder according to the third embodiment> Next, the configuration of a finder 6B according to the third embodiment will be described (see FIGS. 12 to 16).

[0130] The finder 6B described below differs from the finder 6 described above only in that the light-emitting element is positioned differently and that a light guide is provided to guide the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the finder 6 will be described in detail, and other parts will be assigned the same reference numerals as those assigned to similar parts in the finder 6 and will not be described again.

[0131] The finder 6B does not have a board holder 24, and instead has boards 27B, 27B attached to a pair of board attachment members (not shown) located on the outer periphery of the lens case 9 (see FIG. 12). A flexible printed circuit board, for example, is used as the board 27B. The boards 27B, 27B are formed in a vertically elongated shape and are located on the left and right sides of the lens case 9, respectively.

[0132] The substrates 27B are connected to a power supply control circuit (not shown). The substrate 27B has light emitting units 30 mounted thereon, spaced apart from each other above and below.

[0133] The finder 6B is provided with the same number of light guides 35 as the light emitting units 30. The light guides 35 have the function of transmitting the detection light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting units 30.

[0134] The light guide 35 is disposed so as to extend obliquely and tilt left and right relative to the front-to-rear direction, with the front end face in the longitudinal direction formed as an incident surface 35a and the rear end face in the longitudinal direction formed as an emission surface 35b. The light guides 35, 35, ... are positioned so that the incident surfaces 35a, 35a, ... face the light emitters 30, 30, ..., respectively.

[0135] The left light guide 35 and the right light guide 35 are arranged so that they approach each other in the left-right direction from the incident surfaces 35a, 35a to the exit surfaces 35b, 35b. The light guide 35 passes through the first light shielding body 12, and the exit surface 35b is positioned opposite the detection light transmitting portion 22. The exit surface 35b of the light guide 35 is an exit position where the detection light is emitted toward the cornea 50. The exit surface 35b of the light guide 35 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13.

[0136] In the viewfinder 6B, when current is supplied from the power supply control circuit to the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ..., detection light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, .... The detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30 enters the light guide 35 from the incident surface 35a, is guided by the light guide 35, exits from the exit surface 35b, and passes through the detection light transmitting section 22 toward the cornea 50 of the photographer using the viewfinder 6B. The detection light that has reached the cornea 50 is reflected by the cornea 50. In this case, because the emission position of the detection light in the viewfinder 6B is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 and is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting elements 30, 30, ... and that reaches the cornea 50 tends to be distributed over a narrow range of the cornea 50, particularly near the pupil 60. Therefore, the reflected detection light is less likely to be blocked by individual differences in the shape of the eyelids and eyes, or by fluctuations in the position of the eyeballs, and is more likely to be incident on the light receiving section 31.

[0137] When the detection light is incident on the light receiving unit 31, a detection signal relating to line of sight detection is calculated by a detection circuit based on the incident detection light, and focusing control is automatically performed in accordance with the calculated detection signal.

[0138] Incidentally, light guide 35 in finder 6B may have a function of blocking visible light and transmitting detection light (infrared light) emitted from light emitter 30 (see FIG. 13). In this case, light guide 35 has the same function as detection light transmitting section 22, which blocks visible light and transmits detection light, and therefore light guide 35 has a function of guiding detection light and is also used as the detection light transmitting section.

[0139] Therefore, it is possible to configure the finder 6B without providing the detection light transmitting section 22, and by not providing the detection light transmitting section 22, it is possible to simplify the structure of the finder 6B.

[0140] In viewfinder 6B, similar to the configuration of viewfinder 6A (see FIG. 7), detection light transmitting section 22 may be provided on first light blocking body 12, and the emission position (emission surface 35b) may be located closer to the subject than eyepiece 14 (see FIG. 14). In such a configuration, light guide 35 has the function of transmitting detection light (infrared light) emitted from light emitter 30.

[0141] However, even in such a configuration, light guide 35 may have a function of blocking visible light and transmitting detection light (infrared light) emitted from light emitter 30 (see FIG. 15), similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 13. In this case, light guide 35 has the same function as detection light transmitting section 22, which blocks visible light and transmits detection light, and therefore light guide 35 has a function of guiding detection light and is also used as a detection light transmitting section.

[0142] Therefore, it is possible to configure the finder 6B without providing the detection light transmitting section 22, and by not providing the detection light transmitting section 22, it is possible to simplify the structure of the finder 6B.

[0143] As with the configuration of finder 6A (see FIG. 10), in a configuration in which detection light transmitting section 22 is provided in second light blocking body 19, the emission position may be located closer to the subject than eyepiece 14 (see FIG. 16). In these cases, for example, in a configuration in which the emission position is located between eyepiece 14 and first lens 15, light guide 35 is arranged so as to penetrate lens case 9, lens holder 10, and second light blocking body 19.

[0144] <Summary of the finder according to the third embodiment> As described above, in the finder 6B, at least a portion of the first light-shielding body 12 or the second light-shielding body 19 is provided as a detection light transmitting section 22 that transmits the detection light, the emission position (exit surface 35b) of the detection light emitted from the light-emitting section 30 toward the cornea 50 is positioned inside the outermost periphery of the ocular optical system 13, and at least a portion of the detection light reaches the cornea 50 by transmitting through the detection light transmitting section 22.

[0145] As a result, the detection light emitted from an emission position located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13 is transmitted through the detection light transmitting section 22 provided in the first light blocking body 12 or the second light blocking body 19 that blocks visible light, and proceeds toward the cornea 50. Therefore, no space is required for the emission position outside the outer periphery of the eyepiece optical system 13, and no space is required for the detection light transmitting section 22 in addition to the space for the first light blocking body 12 or the second light blocking body 19, and since the emission position is located close to the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy regarding gaze detection without increasing the size.

[0146] Furthermore, in the finder 6B, the line of sight is detected without using a beam splitter, so the number of parts can be reduced and the size can be made smaller, while improving the detection accuracy regarding line of sight detection.

[0147] Furthermore, since the board 27B and the light-emitting unit 30 are arranged outside the viewfinder housing 8, the board 27B and the light-emitting unit 30 are not visible to the photographer, and the detection accuracy of the line of sight detection can be improved without interfering with photography.

[0148] Furthermore, since the light-emitting section 30 and the detection light transmitting section 22 are positioned so as not to interfere with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup, the detection accuracy of gaze detection can be improved without interfering with the attachment and detachment of the eyecup to the viewfinder 6B.

[0149] In addition, a light guide 35 is provided, which has an incident surface 35a onto which the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit 30 is incident and an exit surface 35b from which the incident detection light is emitted, with the exit surface 35b formed as the exit position.

[0150] Therefore, the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 is incident on the incident surface 35a of the light guide 35, guided thereto, and emitted toward the cornea 50 from the exit surface 35b formed as the exit position, thereby reducing restrictions on the placement position of the light-emitting unit 30 and improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection while increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0151] Furthermore, by arranging the board 27B on the outside of the viewfinder housing 8, it becomes easier to route the wiring connected to the board 27B, thereby improving the workability of assembling each part of the viewfinder 6B.

[0152] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting section 22 is arranged closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, visible light is blocked by the detection light transmitting section 22 arranged closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, thereby ensuring that visible light unnecessary for photography is blocked and improving the detection accuracy of line of sight detection.

[0153] On the other hand, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting section 22 is positioned closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14, the detection light transmitting section 22 is positioned further back than the eyepiece 14, making it difficult for the photographer to see the detection light transmitting section 22 and increasing the degree of freedom in the positioning of the second light blocking body 19, thereby improving usability for the photographer and increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0154] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on a frame-shaped viewfinder cover that serves as the first light shielding body 12, the detection light transmitting portion 22 is provided on the viewfinder cover, which is an essential component of the viewfinder 6B, and therefore the structure can be simplified while improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0155] Furthermore, the light-emitting units 30 are disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13. Therefore, light emitted from each of the light-emitting units 30 disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50, increasing the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0156] In addition, by arranging a plurality of light-emitting units 30 on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13, light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting units 30 arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis P of the eyepiece optical system 13 is directed toward the cornea 50. This further increases the probability that the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 will be incident on the light-receiving unit 31, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of gaze detection.

[0157] <Other> Although the above example shows the light receiving unit 31 being located closer to the photographer than the eyepiece 14, the light receiving unit 31 may also be located closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14 (see FIG. 17). For example, the light receiving unit 31 may be located on the lower side between the third lens 17 and the optical filter 18. In this case, the detection light reflected by the cornea 50 passes through the eyepiece 14, the first lens 15, the second lens 16, and the third lens 17 in this order, and then enters the light receiving unit 31.

[0158] By arranging the light receiving unit 31 closer to the subject than the eyepiece 14 in this way, the light receiving unit 31 is positioned at the back, farther away from the photographer, making it even more difficult for the photographer to see the light receiving unit 31, thereby improving the detection accuracy of line of sight detection without interfering with photography.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above example, infrared light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 as the detection light, but the detection light emitted from the light-emitting unit 30 may be light other than infrared light.

[0160] <One embodiment of the imaging device> An example of the system configuration of a still camera according to an embodiment of the imaging device of the present technology will be described below (see FIG. 18).

[0161] The imaging device (still camera) 100 (corresponding to the imaging device 1) has a lens unit 101 that performs imaging functions, a camera signal processing unit 102 that performs signal processing such as analog-to-digital conversion of captured image signals, and an image processing unit 103 that performs recording and playback processing of the image signals.

[0162] The imaging device 100 also includes an image display unit 104 such as an LCD panel that displays captured images, etc., an R / W (reader / writer) 105 that writes and reads image signals to the memory 1000, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106 that controls the entire imaging device 100, an input unit 107 (corresponding to the operation unit 4) that consists of various switches and the like that allow the user to perform required operations, and a lens drive control unit 108 that controls the drive of the lens arranged in the lens unit 101.

[0163] The lens unit 101 is made up of an optical system including a lens group 109, an imaging element 110 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and the like.

[0164] The camera signal processing unit 102 performs various signal processing on the output signal from the image sensor 110, such as converting it into a digital signal, removing noise, correcting image quality, and converting it into a luminance and color difference signal.

[0165] The image processing unit 103 performs processes such as compression encoding, decompression decoding of image signals based on a predetermined image data format, and conversion of data specifications such as resolution.

[0166] The image display unit 104 has a function of displaying various data such as the operation status of the user on the input unit 107 and captured images.

[0167] The R / W 105 writes image data encoded by the image processing unit 103 into the memory 1000 and reads image data recorded in the memory 1000 .

[0168] The CPU 106 functions as a control processing unit that controls each circuit block provided in the image pickup device 100, and controls each circuit block based on an instruction input signal from an input unit 107 or the like.

[0169] The input unit 107 is configured by, for example, a shutter release button for operating the shutter, a selection switch for selecting an operation mode, and the like, and outputs an instruction input signal to the CPU 106 in response to an operation by the user.

[0170] The lens drive control unit 108 controls a motor (not shown) that drives each lens of the lens group 109 based on a control signal from the CPU 106 .

[0171] The memory 1000 is, for example, a semiconductor memory (memory card) that is detachable from a slot connected to the R / W 105 or an internal memory that is disposed inside the imaging device 100.

[0172] The operation of the imaging device 100 will be described below.

[0173] In a standby state for photographing, under the control of CPU 106, an image signal photographed by lens unit 101 is output to image display unit 104 via camera signal processing unit 102 and displayed as a camera-through image. Furthermore, when an instruction input signal for zooming is input from input unit 107, CPU 106 outputs a control signal to lens drive control unit 108, and a predetermined lens in lens group 109 is moved under the control of lens drive control unit 108.

[0174] When a shutter (not shown) of the lens unit 101 is operated by an instruction input signal from the input unit 107, the captured image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 102 to the image processing unit 103, 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 105 and written to the memory 1000.

[0175] Focusing and zooming are performed by a lens drive control unit 108 moving a predetermined lens in a lens group 109 based on a control signal from a CPU 106 .

[0176] When image data recorded in memory 1000 is to be reproduced, predetermined image data is read from memory 1000 by R / W 105 in response to an operation on input unit 107, and after expansion and decoding processing is performed by image processing unit 103, the reproduced image signal is output to image display unit 104 and the reproduced image is displayed.

[0177] In the present technology, "imaging" refers to processing that includes only a part or all of a series of processing, from photoelectric conversion processing that converts light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal, to processing by the camera signal processing unit 102 that converts the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to compression, encoding, decompression, and decoding processing of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format and conversion processing of data specifications such as resolution, etc., by the image processing unit 103, and writing processing of the image signal to the memory 1000 by the R / W 105.

[0178] That is, "imaging" may refer only to the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal, or may refer to a process from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal to the processing by the camera signal processing unit 102 of converting the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., or may refer to a process from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the image sensor 110 into an electrical signal to the processing by the camera signal processing unit 102 of converting the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to the processing by the image processing unit 103 It may refer to processes from the photoelectric conversion process by the image sensor 110 that converts captured light into an electrical signal to the camera signal processing unit 102 that converts the output signal from the image sensor 110 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., and also to the compression coding, expansion decoding process by the image processing unit 103 that converts image signals into a predetermined image data format and conversion of data specifications such as resolution, etc., and it may refer to processes up to the writing of image signals into memory 1000 by R / W 105. The order of each process in the above processes may be reversed as appropriate.

[0179] In addition, in the present technology, the photographing device 100 may be configured to include only some or all of the image sensor 110, camera signal processing unit 102, image processing unit 103, and R / W 105 that perform the above processing.

[0180] <This technology> The present technology can be configured as follows.

[0181] (1) an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece; a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea; a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light, an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, At least a part of the detection light reaches the cornea by passing through the detection light transmitting section. Viewfinder.

[0182] (2) The detection light transmitting portion is formed integrally with the light blocking body. The finder according to (1) above.

[0183] (3) The detection light transmitting section is disposed on the photographer side of the eyepiece. The finder according to (1) or (2) above.

[0184] (4) a frame-shaped viewfinder cover is provided as the light blocking body; The detection light transmitting portion is provided on the finder cover. The finder according to (3) above.

[0185] (5) The detection light transmitting section is disposed on the subject side of the eyepiece. The finder according to (1) or (2) above.

[0186] (6) A substrate on which the light emitting unit is mounted is attached to the light blocking body. The finder according to (5) above.

[0187] (7) The light emitting unit is disposed on the subject side of the eyepiece. The finder according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0188] (8) At least one light emitting unit is disposed on each side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system. The finder according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0189] (9) The light emitting units are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system. The finder according to (8) above.

[0190] (10) a light guide having an incident surface onto which the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit is incident and an exit surface from which the incident detection light is exited, the exit surface being formed as the exit position; The finder according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0191] (11) The light guide has a function of blocking visible light and is also used as the detection light transmitting portion. The finder according to (10) above.

[0192] (12) The camera is equipped with an image sensor that converts the captured optical image of the subject into an electrical signal, and a viewfinder that displays the image of the subject. The finder is an eyepiece optical system having the eyepiece lens; a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea; a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light, an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, At least a part of the detection light reaches the cornea by passing through the detection light transmitting section. Imaging device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1. Imaging device 6. Viewfinder 12 First light blocking body 13 Eyepiece optical system 14 Eyepiece 19 Second Light Blocker 22 Detection light transmission section 27 Circuit Board 30 Light-emitting part 30a Output surface (output position) 6A Finder 12A First light shield 19A Second light shield 27A board 6B Finder 27B board 35 Light guide 35a Entrance plane 35b Output surface (output position) 50 Cornea P optical axis 100 Imaging device 110 Image sensor

Claims

1. an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece; a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea; a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light, an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, At least a part of the detection light reaches the cornea by passing through the detection light transmitting section. Viewfinder.

2. The detection light transmitting portion is formed integrally with the light blocking body.

2. The viewfinder according to claim 1.

3. The detection light transmitting section is disposed on the photographer side of the eyepiece.

2. The viewfinder according to claim 1.

4. a frame-shaped viewfinder cover is provided as the light blocking body; The detection light transmitting portion is provided on the finder cover.

4. The finder according to claim 3.

5. The detection light transmitting section is disposed on the subject side of the eyepiece.

2. The viewfinder according to claim 1.

6. A substrate on which the light emitting unit is mounted is attached to the light blocking body.

6. The finder according to claim 5.

7. The light emitting unit is disposed on the subject side of the eyepiece.

2. The viewfinder according to claim 1.

8. At least one light emitting unit is disposed on each side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

2. The viewfinder according to claim 1.

9. The light emitting units are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system.

9. The finder according to claim 8.

10. a light guide having an incident surface onto which the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit is incident and an exit surface from which the incident detection light is exited, the exit surface being formed as the exit position; 2. The viewfinder according to claim 1.

11. The light guide has a function of blocking visible light and is also used as the detection light transmitting portion.

11. The finder according to claim 10.

12. The camera is equipped with an image sensor that converts the captured optical image of the subject into an electrical signal, and a viewfinder that displays the image of the subject. The finder is an eyepiece optical system having an eyepiece; a light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the cornea; a light blocking body that is disposed on the outer periphery side of the optical axis of the eyepiece optical system and blocks visible light, At least a part of the light blocking body is provided as a detection light transmitting portion that transmits the detection light, an emission position of the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the cornea is located inside the outermost periphery of the eyepiece optical system, At least a part of the detection light reaches the cornea by passing through the detection light transmitting section. Imaging device.

Images