Electronic equipment and imaging devices

Abstract

To provide a layout of detection means in an electronic apparatus comprising detection means of replacing functions of a plurality of sensing devices.SOLUTION: An imaging device 100 has a TFT display unit 103 movable with respect to a body part of an electronic apparatus; an EVF unit 202; and a millimeter wave radar device 309 capable of simultaneously detecting a posture of the TFT display unit 103 and eye contact with the EVF unit 202 by radiation of radio waves. The millimeter wave radar device 309 is arranged in a position and a posture based on a directivity angle, arrangement information of the TFT display unit 103, a detection amount of the TFT display unit 103 for posture detection, and information on an eye point related to the EVF unit 202.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A radar device that can discriminate an object and detect the distance to the object based on the irradiation result of radio waves of a specific wavelength has been developed, and its application to automatic driving of automobiles, gesture operations of smartphones, etc. is considered. Since the radar device is hardly affected by noise and has high radio wave permeability, the degree of freedom in arranging it inside the device is high. Patent Document 1 discloses a stereoscopic detection system equipped with a sensing device (camera sensor) capable of detecting an object at a short distance and a radar device capable of detecting an object at a long distance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In some electronic devices including an imaging device, by mounting a radar device in addition to an existing sensing device, various user states can be discriminated, such as the position of the user with respect to the device and whether the user exists on the detection area of the device.

[0005] On the other hand, conventional electronic devices are equipped with multiple sensing devices for state detection, such as eyepiece detection for the eyepiece section and detection of the open / closed state of a movable rear LCD. The inclusion of multiple sensing devices increases costs, so there is a need to reduce the number of sensing devices installed in electronic devices. The present invention aims to provide an arrangement of detection means in an electronic device equipped with detection means that can substitute for the functions of multiple sensing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a movable member that is movable relative to the main body of the electronic device, an eyepiece, and a detection means capable of simultaneously detecting the orientation of the movable member and the eyepiece of the eyepiece by irradiation with radio waves. The detection means is Corresponding to the radio wave irradiation range Based on the directional angle, the arrangement information of the movable member, the information of the region of the movable member that interferes with the radio waves for detecting the attitude, and the information of the eye point related to the eyepiece, It was decided Position and orientation to It will be placed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an layout for detection means in an electronic device that includes detection means capable of substituting the functions of multiple sensing devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external appearance of the electronic device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an example of an exploded perspective view of an imaging device. [Figure 3] This is an example of a functional block diagram of an imaging device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the imaging device as viewed from the rear and top. [Figure 5] This is a top view illustrating the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device. [Figure 6]This diagram illustrates an example of the state transitions of the TFT display unit. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the positional relationship between the radio wave irradiation range and the eye point position. [Figure 8] This is a side view illustrating the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the relative positions of the millimeter-wave radar device and the coil. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the relative positions of the millimeter-wave radar device, the wireless antenna module, and the sheet metal that secures them. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Example 1) Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the electronic device according to this embodiment. Figure 1 illustrates the invention using an imaging device as an example of an electronic device. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to imaging devices. In addition to imaging devices, the present invention can be applied to any electronic device, such as smartphones, tablet devices, and portable game consoles.

[0010] Figure 1(A) shows the external appearance of the imaging device when viewed from the subject side. Figure 1(B) shows the external appearance of the imaging device when viewed from the rear side. The imaging device 100 has a housing shape in which a standard position gripping part 101 and a vertical position gripping part 102 are integrated. The standard position gripping part 101 is used for the user to grip the imaging device 100 when it is in the standard position. The vertical position gripping part 102 is used for the user to grip the imaging device 100 when it is in the vertical position.

[0011] The operation member 104 for the normal position is an operation member used during vertical position shooting. The operation member 105 for the vertical position is an operation member used during vertical position shooting. During normal position shooting or the like, it is possible to invalidate the operation input using the operation member 105 for the vertical position under the control from the central processing unit 301 (Fig. 3). Thereby, even if the user touches the operation member 105 for the vertical position during normal position shooting, it is possible to prevent malfunction. The physical operation member 106 is a general term for operation members that the user physically operates. The TFT display unit 103 is a display device that displays predetermined information. TFT is an abbreviation for Thin Film Transistor. The TFT display unit 103 displays, for example, a menu screen, information on a reproduced image, and the like.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the imaging device. The depth direction of the imaging device, that is, the optical axis direction of the imaging optical system that the imaging device has, is defined as the Z-axis direction. The left-right direction (the longitudinal direction of the imaging device) orthogonal to the optical axis is defined as the X-axis direction. The up-down direction (the short-side direction of the imaging device) orthogonal to the optical axis is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0013] The front cover unit 201 is a part of the main body of the imaging device 100 and is an exterior part on the front surface of the imaging device 100. The front cover unit 201 also serves as a chassis for maintaining the rigidity of the imaging device 100. To maintain the rigidity as a chassis, the front cover unit 201 is mainly formed of a lightweight and tough magnesium alloy or the like, but the material of the front cover unit itself is not limited to the magnesium alloy. In models that focus on low cost and weight reduction, the front cover unit 201 may be formed of resin or the like.

[0014] In addition, a lens mount 201M for lens mounting and electrical communication, electrical contact pins, physical operation buttons on the front surface, earrings for hanging a strap, and the like are assembled to the front cover unit 201. By combining the front cover unit 201 and a bottom cover (not shown), a battery chamber for housing the battery 208 is formed.

[0015] Since the front surface of the front cover unit 201 is an exterior surface, it is painted for aesthetic purposes, and further, a rubber grip rubber 608 made of NBR / PVC or the like for gripping the imaging device 100 is attached. Each unit described later is assembled in order so as to be stacked on the back surface of the front cover unit 201.

[0016] The EVF unit 202 is an eyepiece part having an eyepiece lens, a diopter adjustment mechanism, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) liquid crystal panel, and the like. The EVF unit 202 is connected to the main board unit 206 via an FPC. FPC is an abbreviation for Flexible Printed Circuits.

[0017] In a conventional imaging device, the EVF unit has an eye detection sensor (proximity sensor) that detects a user's eye contact with the EVF unit. As the eye detection sensor, a sensor that projects infrared light and detects the proximity of an object based on the presence or absence of reflected light reflected by the object is often used. However, in the imaging device of the present embodiment, since the millimeter wave radar device 309 (FIG. 3) that substitutes for the function of the conventional eye detection sensor performs eye detection, the EVF unit 202 does not have an eye detection sensor.

[0018] In addition, by displaying the image captured by the imaging unit 205 in real time on the organic EL liquid crystal panel disposed in the EVF unit 202, the user can confirm the shooting angle of view. Further, the EVF unit 202 can also display the same information as the menu screen, the information of the reproduced image, etc. displayed on the TFT display unit 103, and the user can confirm the displayed information while keeping the eye contact.

[0019] The top cover unit 203 houses a shutter release button, an accessory shoe, a standard position operating member 104 for changing shooting settings, and an LCD panel for displaying the settings made by the standard position operating member 104. As the top cover unit 203 is an external component and requires strength to withstand drops and other impacts, it is made of a material such as magnesium alloy and its surface is painted. The material of the top cover unit 203 is not limited to magnesium alloy. In models that prioritize low cost and weight reduction, the top cover unit 203 may be made of resin or other materials.

[0020] The shutter unit 204 determines the exposure amount. The shutter unit 204 has a mechanical shutter, for example, a focal-plane shutter or a sequence mechanism. Alternatively, the imaging device 100 may be fitted with an electronic shutter that determines the exposure amount by forming an electrical slit for each pixel row of the image sensor. Alternatively, an electronic shutter and a mechanical shutter may be used in combination to form slits and determine the exposure amount.

[0021] The imaging unit 205 functions as an imaging means for imaging a subject. The imaging unit 205 converts the subject light into photoelectric signals and outputs signals related to the captured image. The imaging unit 205 includes an imaging drive circuit, an image sensor, an A / D conversion circuit, and a stabilizer unit. The imaging drive circuit drives the image sensor. The image sensor performs photoelectric conversion of the subject light and outputs an analog signal. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled) The image sensor is either an A / D sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The A / D conversion circuit converts the analog signal output by the image sensor into a digital signal. The stabilizer unit uses an electromagnetic drive system to oscillate the image sensor. This corrects blur (image blur) in the captured image caused by shaking or vibration of the imaging device 100.

[0022] The main board unit 206 is a multilayer board that controls the entire imaging device 100. The main board unit 206 is equipped with ICs such as the central processing unit 301 and non-volatile memory 302 shown in Figure 3, as well as connectors for connecting FPCs and other components extending from each unit.

[0023] The rear cover unit 207 is part of the main body of the imaging device 100 and is an external component on the rear side. The rear cover unit 207 is provided with a TFT display unit 103 and a touch operation unit 306 (Figure 3). The TFT display unit 103 has a vari-angle mechanism that allows it to be opened and closed and rotated, and is equipped with a liquid crystal panel. Due to the vari-angle mechanism, the TFT display unit 103 functions as a movable (openable and closable) member relative to the main body of the imaging device 100. When the vari-angle mechanism is opened, the TFT display unit 103 is in an open state, and when the vari-angle mechanism is closed, the TFT display unit 103 is in a closed state.

[0024] In conventional imaging devices, a TFT open / close detection sensor is located inside the rear cover unit 207 to detect the open / closed state of the TFT display unit 103. For example, a magnetic detection type GMR sensor is used as the TFT open / close detection sensor. However, in the imaging device of this embodiment, a millimeter-wave radar device 309 (Figure 3), which replaces the function of the conventional TFT open / close detection sensor, detects the open / closed state of the TFT display unit 103. Therefore, a conventional TFT open / close detection sensor is not provided inside the rear cover unit 207.

[0025] Furthermore, the rear cover unit 207 houses various physical operating members 106 used for tasks such as selecting the autofocus point during imaging, changing settings of the imaging device 100, and playing back, deleting, and editing captured images. Since the rear cover unit 207 is an external component and also needs to be strong enough to withstand impacts such as drops, it is made of a material such as magnesium alloy, and its exterior surface is painted. However, the material of the rear cover unit 207 is not limited to magnesium alloy. In models that prioritize low cost and weight reduction, the rear cover unit 207 may be made of resin or other materials.

[0026] Figure 3 is an example of a functional block diagram of an imaging device. The imaging device 100 includes a TFT display unit 103 to a millimeter-wave radar device 309. The central processing unit 301 controls the entire imaging device 100. The central processing unit 301 has a microprocessor or the like that executes various processes of the imaging device 100. The central processing unit 301, non-volatile memory 302, main memory 303, and image processing unit 305 are implemented as ICs or microcontrollers.

[0027] The touch operation unit 306 is an operation unit used for touch operation. The gyro sensor 307 is a sensor that uses the Coriolis force to detect the rotation and change in orientation of the imaging device 100 as angular velocity and outputs it as an electrical signal. The gyro sensor 307 is mounted on an FPC (not shown) and can detect angular velocity in the X, Y, and Z axes. For this purpose, three sensors as the gyro sensor 307 are arranged inside the top cover unit 203 and are sandwiched with sponge or similar material to prevent them from being affected by unwanted vibrations and shocks of the imaging device 100.

[0028] The central processing unit 301 estimates the shake and vibration direction of the imaging device 100 according to the output result of the gyro sensor 307. The central processing unit 301 uses a stabilizer unit to perform feedback control so that the image sensor swings in a direction that cancels out the estimated shake. This corrects the image blur that occurs in the captured image.

[0029] The accelerometer 308 is an inertial sensor intended for measuring gravity, motion, vibration, and shock, and is a sensor that detects the three-dimensional inertial motion (translational motion in the orthogonal three-axis directions) of the imaging device 100. For example, frequency-variable, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and capacitive detection methods can be applied to the accelerometer 308. The output value of the accelerometer 308 makes it possible to detect the movement of the imaging device 100 in the X, Y, and Z axes, as well as in the translational and gravitational directions. By combining the output values ​​of the gyro sensor 307 and the accelerometer 308, it is possible to determine the attitude or motion state of the imaging device 100.

[0030] The central processing unit 301 receives signals related to the captured image output by the imaging unit 205 and outputs them as video signals to the organic EL liquid crystal panel, which is a display means in the TFT display unit 103 or the EVF unit 202. The central processing unit 301 also performs processes such as developing the video signals as image data and recording them to the storage medium 304, and reading the saved images from the storage medium 304.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 302 stores control programs for controlling equipment such as imaging, an operating system (OS), and other similar data. It also stores information that should be retained even when the imaging device 100 is powered off, such as setting information, and transferred information that is generated each time image data is transferred. The non-volatile memory 302 includes flash memory, etc. The main memory 303 is used to temporarily store data from the image processing unit 305. The main memory 303 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0032] The storage medium 304 stores image data obtained by imaging. For example, a slot-type connector socket is mounted on the main board unit 206, and a card-type storage medium 304 can be attached, detached, and replaced via the connector socket.

[0033] The image processing unit 305 performs image processing such as subject recognition and image analysis of captured images and videos. When the image processing unit 305 recognizes a subject, the central processing unit 301 calculates and defines the range of the recognized subject, and the recognized range (zone) can be displayed on the TFT display unit 103.

[0034] The millimeter-wave radar device 309 is a radar device that detects objects by irradiating them with millimeter waves, which are an example of radio waves of a specific wavelength. Here, millimeter waves are radio waves with a wavelength of 1 mm to 10 mm and a frequency of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. The millimeter-wave radar device 309 generates millimeter-wave signals using a device called a synthesizer and transmits them from a transmitting TX antenna. The millimeter-wave radar device 309 uses a continuous frequency modulation method, continuously transmitting millimeter waves while gradually changing the frequency, and identifies objects and detects the distance to them by measuring the reflected waves that return after being reflected from the object. Specifically, the reflected waves that return after being reflected from the object are received by a receiving RX antenna, and an IF signal is generated by mixing the transmitted millimeter-wave signal and the received reflected wave signal. Then, the distance to the object is calculated based on the IF signal. The millimeter-wave radar device 309 can determine the distance to an object, its velocity, its direction, its presence, and its approximate shape by continuously measuring the distance to the object based on the temporal delay difference of the reflected waves. A key feature of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 is its ability to detect objects through non-metallic materials such as resin and glass. This feature enables object detection even in environments with poor visibility, such as rain or fog, and allows it to be placed inside the housing of a mounting device.

[0035] Figure 4 shows an example of the imaging device as viewed from the rear and from the top. Figure 4(A) shows the imaging device 100 viewed from the rear. Figure 4(B) shows the imaging device 100 viewed from the top. In the examples shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the top cover unit 203 of the imaging device 100 is removed, the vari-angle mechanism is open, and the TFT display unit 103 is open towards the photographer.

[0036] Millimeter waves have the property of penetrating components made of low dielectric constant plastics or glass, so they can penetrate the resin components and eyepiece lens group of the imaging device 100. Therefore, even when the millimeter-wave radar device 309 is placed inside the imaging device 100, it is possible to detect objects within a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the millimeter-wave radar device 309 is placed in the imaging device 100 in a position and orientation that allows simultaneous detection of the orientation (open / closed state) of the TFT display unit 103 and the eyepiece of the EVF unit 202. Since the millimeter-wave radar device 309 replaces the functions of the TFT open / close detection sensor and eyepiece detection sensor that were present in conventional imaging devices, it is possible to reduce the cost and miniaturize the imaging device 100.

[0037] The millimeter-wave radar device 309 is mounted on an FPC (flexible printed circuit) not shown. The irradiation range of the radio waves (millimeter waves) emitted by the millimeter-wave radar device 309 is represented by the beam angle α. The millimeter-wave radar device 309 is positioned near the right side of the EVF unit 202, in an orientation such that the angle of the radar detection center axis e with respect to the optical axis OP (detection center axis angle) is θ. The radar detection center axis e indicates the central axis (radio wave axis) of the beam direction of the millimeter-wave radar device 309.

[0038] In Figure 4(B), the mounting surface of the lens mount 201M (Figure 2) is denoted as Mo, and the intersection of Mo and the optical axis OP of the imaging device 100 is defined as the origin O. At this time, the X coordinate of the radar origin of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 is Lx, the Z coordinate is Lz, and the eye point position of the EVF unit 202 is defined as 202E.

[0039] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device. Figure 5 shows the arrangement and dimensions of the open TFT display unit 103, eye point position 202E, eye point reference position 202G, and millimeter-wave radar device 309, relative to the origin O. In Figure 5, this arrangement and these dimensions are projected onto the XZ plane. Hereinafter, distance refers to distance on the projection plane. Here, the eye point is the maximum distance from the point closest to the photographer on the components around the eyepiece frame, or from the rearmost part of the eyepiece lens including the protective glass, to the position of the pupil where all images and information in the viewfinder can be seen. The eye point value is set to 18mm to 25mm, more preferably 20mm to 23mm, so that users wearing glasses or users with deep-set eyes can recognize the display in the viewfinder.

[0040] Regarding the dimensions of the TFT display unit 103, the coordinates Tx of the X-axis end and Tz of the Z-axis end are shown as positional information of the TFT display unit 103. The detection amount TL indicates the minimum size of the area of ​​the TFT display unit 103 where the TFT display unit 103 and radio waves (millimeter waves) interfere, which is necessary for attitude detection of the TFT display unit 103 by the millimeter-wave radar device 309. The value of TL is between 1 mm and 3 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm, so that detection does not become impossible due to positional displacement after the opening and closing operation of the TFT display unit or fluctuations in the dimensional tolerances of the TFT display unit itself.

[0041] Furthermore, information regarding the eye point is provided, including the eye point value E and the distance G from the origin to the eye point reference position 202G. The eye point value E indicates the distance from the eye point reference position 202G to the eye point position 202E. The distance G indicates the value of the eye point reference coordinate (the reference coordinate of the eye point). The eye point reference is, for example, the final optical system or the viewfinder eyepiece frame. In order for eyepiece detection to be performed by the millimeter-wave radar device 309, it is necessary to determine whether the photographer is at the eye point position; therefore, the eye point position 202E must be within the range of the radio waves emitted by the millimeter-wave radar device 309.

[0042] Next, the position and orientation of the millimeter-wave radar device 309, which can simultaneously detect the open / closed state of the TFT display unit 103 and the eyepiece of the EVF unit 202, are expressed by formulas using the dimensions shown in Figure 5.

[0043] By summarizing the relationships between the various dimensions related to the TFT display unit 103, we can derive equation (1).

number

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the state transition from the open state to the closed state of the TFT display unit. The only direction of movement for the TFT display unit 103 from its open state is counterclockwise rotation around the vari-angle rotation axis 103O as the center of rotation. In the example shown in Figure 6, the TFT display unit 103 can transition to the states indicated by reference numerals 103a and 103b. In the example shown in Figure 6, a portion of the TFT display unit 103 is always within the directional angle α, so a portion of it can always be detected regardless of the orientation of the TFT display unit 103. Moreover, since the detection distance changes depending on the rotational position of the TFT display unit 103, the millimeter-wave radar device 309 can detect the open / closed state of the TFT display unit 103.

[0045] Next, summarizing the relationships between the dimensions of the EVF unit 202, we derive equation (2).

number

[0046] Figure 7 shows the positional relationship between the irradiation range of the millimeter-wave radar device and the eye point position. Referring to Figure 7, the conditions for equation (2) that enable eyepiece detection will be explained. In order to determine whether the photographer is using the eyepiece, the photographer must be detected on the +Z side of the eye point position 202E. Therefore, the eye point position 202E must always be located within the range of radio wave illumination corresponding to the beam angle α. In other words, as shown by the dotted rectangle of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 in Figure 7, the boundary condition for radio wave illumination that enables eyepiece detection is when the eye point position 202E, which is located on the optical axis OP on the projection plane, and the edge of the beam angle α range exactly coincide.

[0047] As shown by the thick rectangle in Figure 7, when the intersection of the optical axis OP and the edge of the radio wave irradiation range is located in the -Z direction relative to the eye point position 202E, eyepiece detection can be performed without fail. However, when the intersection of the optical axis OP and the edge of the radio wave irradiation range is located in the +Z direction relative to the eye point position 202E, there is a region where eyepiece detection cannot be performed even when the photographer approaches the eye point position 202E. Therefore, it is necessary to set the X coordinate Lx, Z coordinate Lz, and detection center axis angle θ of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 in equation (2) so that the intersection of the optical axis OP and the edge of the radio wave irradiation range is located in the -Z direction relative to the eye point position 202E.

[0048] By determining Lx, Lz, and θ such that equations (1) and (2) hold true, the placement of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 capable of simultaneously detecting the open / closed state of the TFT display unit 103 and the eyepiece of the EVF unit 202 is determined. However, since there are three unknowns regarding the placement of the millimeter-wave radar device 309—Lx, Lz, and θ—while there are only two relational equations, equations (1) and (2), it is not possible to uniquely determine Lx, Lz, and θ. Therefore, it is necessary to first determine one of the values ​​of Lx, Lz, or θ based on conditions that depend on the model of the imaging device 100. For example, if it is assumed that the millimeter-wave radar device 309 will be mounted on the X side of the EVF unit 202, the value of Lx will be determined, or if it is assumed that it will be mounted on the rear cover unit 207, the value of Lz will be determined. Based on the different design philosophies for each model of the imaging device 100, the designer should decide which parameter to prioritize. If one of Lx, Lz, or θ is determined, then there are two unknowns in equations (1) and (2), and we can solve the system of equations to determine all of Lx, Lz, and θ.

[0049] Based on the conditions in equations (1) and (2) described above, Lx, Lz, and θ are set such that TL is a positive value and the intersection point of the optical axis OP and the edge of the radio wave irradiation range is located in the -Z direction from the eye point position 202E. The set Lx, Lz, and θ indicate the position and orientation of the millimeter-wave radar device 309, which enables simultaneous detection of the open / closed state of the TFT display unit 103 and eyepiece detection of the EVF unit 202. With the imaging device of this embodiment, the functions of the eyepiece detection sensor and TFT open / closed detection sensor that were installed in conventional models can be replaced by the millimeter-wave radar device 309. As a result, the number of installed sensors can be reduced, and the system cost can be reduced.

[0050] Next, when arranging the millimeter-wave radar device 309 within the imaging device 100, we will explain further points to consider after setting Lx, Lz, and θ to satisfy equations (1) and (2). A characteristic of devices using radio waves is that if other devices are emitting radio waves in the same frequency band, the overlapping radio wave irradiation ranges can cause interference and attenuation of the radio waves. Other devices include, for example, devices of the IEEE 802.11ad / ay wireless LAN standard, which is in the millimeter-wave band. Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the millimeter-wave radar device 309 so that the irradiation range of the radio waves of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 does not overlap with the irradiation range of radio waves from other devices in the imaging device 100 that are different from the millimeter-wave radar device 309.

[0051] Furthermore, radio waves have the characteristic of being attenuated by electromagnetic waves from the surroundings. Therefore, it is desirable not to place the millimeter-wave radar device 309 in an area where electromagnetic waves are generated within the electronic equipment (inside the imaging device 100). For example, the millimeter-wave radar device 309 is placed in a different area from the area where electromagnetic waves are generated from coils, etc., in the imaging unit 205. With the above configuration, interference between the millimeter-wave radar device 309 and the radio waves of other wireless devices can be prevented, and the influence of electromagnetic waves can also be prevented. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as detection failures due to radio wave attenuation of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 and unintended reductions in the detection range.

[0052] Furthermore, when the imaging device 100 captures an image of a subject, if radio waves pass through the image sensor or the substrate on which the image sensor is mounted, it can cause periodic voltage fluctuations, potentially generating noise in the captured image. Also, since metals such as solder and wiring are used in the image sensor and the substrate on which the image sensor is mounted, radio waves are easily blocked. Therefore, it is desirable to position the millimeter-wave radar device 309 closer to the TFT display unit 103 than to the image sensor. With this configuration, the radio waves from the millimeter-wave radar device 309 do not pass through the image sensor, so they do not generate noise in the captured image, and furthermore, the radio waves are not blocked, thus avoiding problems that cause detection failures. The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0053] (Example 2) Next, the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 with respect to the units and modules of the imaging device 100 will be described as a second embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, the parts that are omitted from the description are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0054] First, the arrangement of the imaging unit 205 and the millimeter-wave radar device 309 will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. First, the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 on the YZ plane will be explained when the imaging element 310 is arranged within the range of the radar beam angle α on the XZ plane in Figure 5.

[0055] Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 within the imaging device 100 on the YZ plane. In Figure 8, Ly is the Y coordinate of the millimeter-wave radar device 309, φ is the angle of the radar detection center axis e in the YZ plane with respect to the optical axis OP (detection center axis angle), and β is the beam angle of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 in the YZ plane. Here, the beam angle β of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 in the YZ plane may be a different value from the beam angle α in the XZ plane.

[0056] In this case, if Lx, Lz, and θ are set to values ​​such that the image sensor 310 is positioned within the radar beam angle α on the XZ plane, then Ly and φ are set to values ​​such that the image sensor 310 is not positioned within the radar beam angle β on the YZ plane. As a result, it is possible to avoid positioning the image sensor 310 within the three-dimensional beam angle range of the radar.

[0057] By adopting this configuration, the radio waves from the millimeter-wave radar device 309 do not pass through the image sensor 310 or the substrate on which the image sensor 310 is mounted. Therefore, as described above in Example 1, noise is not generated in the captured image, and furthermore, the radio waves are not blocked, so it is possible to avoid problems that cause detection failures.

[0058] Next, the arrangement of the stabilizer unit of the imaging unit 205 and the millimeter-wave radar device 309 will be explained using Figure 9. The stabilizer unit has a coil 311 to oscillate the image sensor 310 using electromagnetic force. At this time, a component capable of blocking radio waves, such as a metal plate 312 made of metal, for example SPCC, is placed between the coil 311 and the millimeter-wave radar device 309. Since this metal plate 312 is magnetic, it also functions as a yoke for the magnet necessary for the oscillation of the image sensor 310.

[0059] Here, if the radio waves from the millimeter-wave radar device 309 are interfered with by external electromagnetic waves, those electromagnetic waves become noise, affecting the detection capability. However, according to the above configuration, electromagnetic waves have the property of being reflected by metal, so the electromagnetic waves generated when current is passed through the coil 312 to cause the image sensor 310 to oscillate are reflected by the metal plate 312.

[0060] This reduces the interference caused by electromagnetic waves generated by the coil 312 to the radio waves of the millimeter-wave radar device 309, thereby reducing the risk of detection failure. Alternatively, a noise suppression sheet such as an electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet may be used instead of the metal plate 312.

[0061] Next, the arrangement of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 and the wireless antenna module 313 will be explained using Figure 10. As described above in Embodiment 1, the wireless antenna module 313 is placed inside the imaging device 100 so that the imaging device 100 can communicate with other devices using, for example, the millimeter-wave wireless LAN standard IEEE802.11ad / ay.

[0062] Figure 10(A) is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the millimeter-wave radar device 309, the retaining plate 309P for the millimeter-wave radar device 309, the wireless antenna module 313, and the retaining plate 313P for the wireless antenna module 313. Figure 10(B) is a view from the top.

[0063] The retaining plates 309P and 313P are fixed to parts not shown, respectively, and determine the positions of the millimeter-wave radar device 309 and the wireless antenna module 313 within the imaging device 100. At this time, the retaining plates 309P and 313P hold the devices so that they are positioned between the millimeter-wave radar device 309 and the wireless antenna module 313, respectively.

[0064] By adopting this configuration, it is possible to reduce radio wave interference from the wireless antenna module 313 to the radio waves of the millimeter-wave radar device 309, thereby reducing the risk of detection failure. Here, both retaining plates 309P and 313P may be placed between the millimeter-wave radar device 309 and the wireless antenna module 313, or only one of them may be placed between them.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, this embodiment includes the following combinations.

[0066] (Composition 1) A movable member that is movable relative to the main body of an electronic device, The eyepiece and, It has a detection means capable of simultaneously detecting the posture of the movable member and the eyepiece of the eyepiece by irradiation with radio waves, The detection means is positioned and positioned based on the directional angle of the detection means, the arrangement information of the movable member, information on the region of the movable member that interferes with the radio waves for detecting the orientation, and information on the eye point related to the eyepiece. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

[0067] (Configuration 2) The movable member has a display means for displaying information. The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above.

[0068] (Composition 3) The movable member is openable and closable relative to the main body. The detection means detects the open / closed state of the movable member. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

[0069] (Composition 4) Let α be the directional angle of the detection means, θ be the angle between the central axis of the directional direction of the detection means and the optical axis, Lx be the X coordinate of the detection means, and Lz be the Z coordinate. When the X-coordinate of the movable member is Tx, the Z-coordinate is Tz, the size of the region of the movable member that interferes with the radio waves is TL, the eye point value is E, and the reference coordinate value of the eye point is G, Based on Tx, Tz, TL, E, and G, θ, Lx, and Lz are determined. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

[0070] (Composition 5) The aforementioned θ, Lx, and Lz are,

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number

[0071] (Composition 6) The detection means is a radar device. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

[0072] (Composition 7) The detection means includes a metal plate for fixing the detection means to the electronic device, At least one of the metal plates used to fix a device different from the detection means that the electronic device has to the electronic device is Displaced between the detection means and a device of the electronic device that is different from the detection means. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6.

[0073] (Composition 8) A component capable of blocking radio waves is placed between the detection means and the coil of the electronic device. An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

[0074] (Composition 9) The system comprises an imaging means for capturing images of a subject, and an electronic device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

[0075] (Composition 10) Let β be the directional angle of the detection means in the YZ plane, φ be the angle between the central axis of the directional direction of the detection means and the optical axis, and Ly be the Y coordinate of the detection means. In the XZ plane,

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[0076] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 103 TFT display section 202 EVF Unit 309 mm wave radar device

Claims

1. A movable member that is movable relative to the main body of an electronic device, The eyepiece and, It has a detection means capable of simultaneously detecting the posture of the movable member and the eyepiece of the eyepiece by irradiation with radio waves, The detection means is positioned and positioned based on a directional angle corresponding to the radio wave irradiation range of the detection means, arrangement information of the movable member, information on the region of the movable member that interferes with the radio waves for detecting the attitude, and information on the eye point related to the eyepiece. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The movable member has a display means for displaying information. The electronic device according to feature 1.

3. The movable member is openable and closable relative to the main body. The detection means detects the open / closed state of the movable member. The electronic device according to feature 1.

4. Let α be the directional angle of the detection means, θ be the angle between the central axis of the directional direction of the detection means and the optical axis, Lx be the X coordinate of the detection means, and Lz be the Z coordinate. When the X-coordinate of the movable member is Tx, the Z-coordinate is Tz, the size of the region of the movable member that interferes with the radio waves is TL, the eye point value is E, and the reference coordinate value of the eye point is G, Based on Tx, Tz, TL, E, and G, θ, Lx, and Lz are determined. The electronic device according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned θ, Lx, and Lz are, [Math 1] and, [Math 2] It is determined such that the following holds true. The electronic device according to feature 4.

6. The detection means is a radar device. The electronic device according to feature 1.

7. A first metal plate for fixing the detection means to the electronic device, The electronic device further comprises a second metal plate for fixing a device different from the detection means of the electronic device to the electronic device, At least one of the first metal plate and the second metal plate is positioned between the detection means and the different devices. The electronic device according to feature 1.

8. A component capable of blocking radio waves is placed between the detection means and the coil of the electronic device. The electronic device according to feature 1.

9. The electronic device comprises an imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and the electronic device described in claim 1. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

Images