Camera

Abstract

The present invention provides a camera comprising: an enclosure; an opening which is provided in the enclosure and which allows subject light to enter a shooting lens, the opening being disposed at a position overlapping the center of the enclosure in the width direction; and a shutter button provided on a back surface when the front surface is defined to be the side of the enclosure where the opening is provided and the back surface is defined to be the side opposite the front surface in the optical axis direction of the shooting lens, the shutter button being disposed at a position at least partially overlapping a position obtained by projecting the opening onto the back surface.

Description

camera

[0001] The technology of this disclosure relates to cameras.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-087629 describes a digital camera equipped with an image sensor that converts a subject image into an electrical signal, an electronic viewfinder provided on the back of the digital camera that displays an image formed on the image sensor from the light beam of the subject image, and a release button that starts shooting, characterized in that the release button is located on a plane that is approximately parallel to the screen of the electronic viewfinder and to the right of the electronic viewfinder when viewed from the back of the camera.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-024999 describes an imaging device that includes an imaging device body and a shutter operating unit that is provided on the imaging device body and is movable along the optical axis direction of the photographing lens, and that operates the shutter by this movement.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-159606 describes an imaging device that includes an elongated housing that forms the exterior, an imaging element incorporated in the housing, an imaging optical system that is incorporated in the housing and guides a subject image to the imaging element, and a shutter button that is attached to the housing and performs an imaging operation, wherein the part of the housing that is held by the hand of a photographer who takes an image with the imaging device and the shutter button are located at positions displaced in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the objective lens of the imaging optical system that is located closest to the subject is located on the same surface of the housing as the shutter button and on the opposite side of the part of the housing that is held near the shutter button and sandwiches the shutter button.

[0005] The camera described in the prior art is a type that is held by gripping the camera body with the fingers and palm, so that the camera body can be held with the palm in addition to being gripped with the fingers, and the camera's posture is stable, and the action of pressing the shutter button with the fingers has little effect on the posture of the camera.

[0006] On the other hand, consider the case where cameras are made smaller (for example, to a size that fits in the palm of an adult's hand). In this case, it is difficult to support the camera body with the palm of the hand, and the camera is held by pinching it with the fingers. Then, the operation of pressing the shutter button is performed by moving one of the fingers pinching the camera body. As a result, when the camera is made smaller, the camera's posture may become unstable when the shutter button is pressed.

[0007] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides a camera that can be stably operated even when the camera is miniaturized.

[0008] A first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a camera comprising: a housing; an opening provided in the housing to allow subject light to enter the photographing lens, the opening being positioned at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in the width direction; and a shutter button provided on the back surface at a position that overlaps at least partially with the position of the opening projected onto the back surface, when the side of the housing on which the opening is provided is defined as the front surface and the side opposite the front surface in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens is defined as the back surface.

[0009] A second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the opening is disposed at a position that overlaps with the center of the housing in a height direction perpendicular to the width direction.

[0010] A third aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a camera according to the first aspect, in which a peripheral area is provided on the front surface around at least a portion of the opening, and the dimension of the peripheral area in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall width of the opening, or the dimension of the peripheral area in the height direction perpendicular to the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall height of the opening.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a camera according to the third aspect, in which the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the width of the opening are shorter than the overall width of the opening, or the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the height of the opening are shorter than the overall height of the opening.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a camera according to the fourth aspect, in which the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the width of the opening are shorter than the overall width of the opening, and the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the height of the opening are shorter than the overall height of the opening.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a camera according to the first aspect, in which a peripheral area is provided around at least a portion of the opening on the front, and a portion of the peripheral area overlaps with the shutter button in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the sixth aspect, in which peripheral areas are provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or height direction of the housing.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which peripheral areas that allow the housing to be held with fingers are provided on both sides of the opening in the width or height direction of the housing.

[0016] A ninth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the periphery of the opening protrudes on the front surface.

[0017] A tenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a camera according to the first aspect, in which, when the surface connecting the front and back of the housing is a side surface and the housing is viewed from the side, the amount of protrusion of the peripheral edge of the opening is greater on the lower side than on the upper side in the height direction of the housing.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the projected area of ​​the opening is 20% or more of the projected area of ​​the housing when viewed from the front.

[0019] A twelfth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of the housing is 1.0 to 1.2 when the housing is viewed from the front.

[0020] A thirteenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein the shutter button is formed with a finger grip portion.

[0021] A fourteenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the thirteenth aspect, in which the finger grip portion is a recess that is recessed on the front side.

[0022] A fifteenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the shutter button can be pressed from the rear side toward the front side.

[0023] A sixteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm.

[0024] A seventeenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the fifteenth aspect, in which the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm.

[0025] An eighteenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the housing is not provided with a display unit for checking the subject image.

[0026] A nineteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, in which the front, back, and both side surfaces connecting the front and back of the housing are formed of curved surfaces that are convex outward, except for the opening and the shutter button.

[0027] A twentieth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing, including the center of the lower surface, is configured as a flat surface.

[0028] The technology of the present disclosure provides a camera that can be stably operated even when the camera is miniaturized.

[0029] 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between a shutter button and an opening according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of openings according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the relationship in size between an opening and a peripheral area according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the projected area of ​​a housing and the projected area of ​​an opening according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing an example of a manner in which a sphere fits into a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing an example of a usage mode of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 12 is a side view showing an example of a usage mode of a camera according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an example of a usage mode of a camera according to an embodiment;

[0030] An example of an embodiment of a camera according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the front-to-rear direction (also referred to as the depth direction), width direction, and height direction of the camera 10 are indicated by three arrows, X, Y, and Z. First, the height direction is indicated by arrow Y, and the direction indicated by arrow Y is the upward direction of the camera 10, and the opposite direction is the downward direction. The width direction is indicated by arrow X perpendicular to arrow Y, and the direction indicated by arrow X is the rightward direction of the camera 10, and the opposite direction is the leftward direction. The front-to-rear direction is indicated by arrow Z perpendicular to arrows Y and X, and the direction indicated by arrow Z is the forward direction of the camera 10, and the opposite direction is the backward direction. In other words, the direction toward the subject along the optical axis L (see FIG. 3 ) of the camera 10 is the forward direction. Furthermore, in the following description, expressions using sides, such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side, have the same meaning as expressions using directions.

[0032] More specifically, the width and height directions of the camera 10 will be described with reference to the image sensor 30. As shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the image sensor 30 is provided inside the housing 12. The image sensor 30 is an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The image sensor 30 has an imaging surface on which a plurality of pixels 32 are arranged two-dimensionally. The pixels 32 are light-receiving elements such as photodiodes. On the imaging surface, pixel selection lines are wired to each pixel 32 along the horizontal direction HZ, and signal readout lines for reading out signals from the selected pixel 32 are wired along the vertical direction VT.

[0033] Here, the direction along the vertical direction VT in the image sensor 30 is the height direction in the camera 10 (i.e., the direction of the arrow Y in Figure 1), and the direction along the horizontal direction HZ in the image sensor 30 is the width direction in the camera 10 (i.e., the direction of the arrow X in Figure 1).

[0034] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1 , camera 10 is an imaging device that captures an image of a subject. With camera 10, for example, a user presses a shutter button to capture an image of the subject. With camera 10, still images or videos including the image of the subject can be obtained. Camera 10 is small in size (e.g., small enough to fit in the palm of an adult's hand) compared to a typical digital camera or instant camera, and can be easily handled by a user. Camera 10 is an example of a "camera" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0035] The camera 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 houses an image sensor 30 and other electronic components for realizing the imaging function of the camera 10. As will be described in detail below, the housing 12 has a rounded design overall. That is, the outer periphery of the housing 12 is primarily curved, giving it a generally egg-shaped appearance. The housing 12 has an opening 16. The opening 16 allows subject light to enter the photographing lens 20. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the opening 16 exposes the lens unit 18 to the outside. The lens unit 18 includes the photographing lens 20 and a holding frame 18A that holds the photographing lens 20. Here, "exposing the lens unit 18" includes a state in which the lens unit 18 is directly exposed, and also includes a state in which the lens unit 18 is covered by a cover member or the like to an extent that does not affect the imaging of the subject. The housing 12 is an example of a "housing" according to the technology of the present disclosure, the photographing lens 20 is an example of a "photographing lens" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the opening 16 is an example of an "opening" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0036] Furthermore, if the side of the housing 12 on which the opening 16 is provided is defined as the front surface 12A of the housing 12, a speaker unit 24 and a flash unit 26 are provided on the front surface 12A. The speaker unit 24 outputs various operational sounds (e.g., electronic sounds simulating the sound of a shutter being released) from a sound source (not shown) provided inside the housing 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , sound is output through three through-holes 24A. Furthermore, the flash unit 26 emits light toward a subject from a light source (not shown) provided inside the housing 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the light source is covered by a cover member 26A provided on the housing 12.

[0037] An indicator 14 is provided on the upper part of the housing 12. The exterior of the indicator 14 is made of a translucent material, and emits light from a light source provided inside the indicator 14 to the outside. The indicator 14 can emit light depending on the operating state of the camera 10. For example, when the camera 10 is communicating with the outside, the indicator 14 emits light at a preset emission interval and in a preset emission color. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the indicator 14 is a portion that protrudes upward from the housing 12. When the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the indicator 14 has a trapezoidal shape.

[0038] A power button 15 is provided on the top surface 14A of the indicator 14. The power button 15 is provided on the top surface 14A of the indicator 14 along the left-right direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 1 ). The camera 10 can be turned on by pressing the power button 15 several times (e.g., three times). The camera 10 can be turned off by pressing and holding the power button 15 for several seconds (e.g., three seconds).

[0039] Furthermore, a bottom surface 12E is formed at the bottom of the housing 12. At least a portion of the bottom surface 12E, including the center thereof, is flat. This allows the camera 10 to be placed on a desk or the like. Here, a flat surface includes a completely flat surface, and also includes a surface that has enough flatness to allow the housing 12 to be placed thereon. The bottom surface 12E is an example of a "bottom surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0040] 2, when the side of the housing 12 opposite the front face 12A is the back face 12B (i.e., when the side facing the front face 12A in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 20 is the back face 12B), a shutter button 28 is provided on the back face 12B. The shutter button 28 can be pressed toward the front face 12A. As described above, when the user presses the shutter button 28B, the subject is captured by the camera 10. The shutter button 28 is an example of a "shutter button" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0041] Furthermore, typical digital cameras often have a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display) on the back (i.e., the side opposite the subject) for checking the subject image. However, in this embodiment, the back surface 12B of the camera 10 does not have a display for checking the subject image. It should be noted that, although a display for checking the subject image is not provided, a display for other purposes (e.g., a display showing the remaining battery level) may of course be provided on the back surface 12B.

[0042] A reception unit 29 is provided on the rear surface 12B of the housing 12. The reception unit 29 is a terminal that accepts electrical connection with an external device, and is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal. The reception unit 29 is used to charge the battery of the camera 10 and to perform wired communication between the camera 10 and the external device.

[0043] 3, the housing 12 has a spherical appearance as a whole. The indicator 14 protrudes in a trapezoidal shape from the top of the housing 12. A right side surface 12C is formed on the right side of the housing 12, connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B. The right side surface 12C is formed in a curved shape.

[0044] The front surface 12A of the housing 12 has a curved shape. Furthermore, on the curved front surface 12A, the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A. In other words, the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the opening 16 is a circular opening, and a slope is formed along the periphery from the opening 16 to the front surface 12A.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4 as an example, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side (here, from the right side), the peripheral edge of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A by a greater amount at the bottom of the opening 16 than at the top of the opening 16. Specifically, the protrusion amount t1 of the lower peripheral edge of the opening 16 is greater than the protrusion amount t2 of the upper peripheral edge of the opening 16. That is, t1 > t2. As a result, the opening 16 faces upward when the housing 12 is viewed from the side. The opening 16 exposes the lens unit 18 including the photographing lens 20 to the outside, and the photographing lens 20 also faces upward. That is, when the housing 12 is placed on a horizontal surface, the subject side of the optical axis L is inclined upward relative to the horizontal. As a result, when capturing an image with the camera 10 placed on the surface, the image can be captured with an elevation angle.

[0046] In addition, a finger hook 28A is formed on the shutter button 28 provided on the back surface 12B. The presence of the finger hook 28A makes it easier for the user's finger to hook onto the shutter button 28, making it easier to locate and press the shutter button 28. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the shutter button 28 has a recess 28A1 formed as the finger hook 28A, which is recessed into the front surface 12A side of the housing 12. In this case, a part of the user's finger fits into the recess 28A1, thereby allowing the user's finger to hook onto the shutter button 28. The finger hook 28A is an example of a "finger hook" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the recess 28A1 is an example of a "recess" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0047] It should be noted that recess 28A1 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that finger hook 28A may be any that allows the user's finger to hook onto shutter button 28. For example, finger hook 28A may be a rib or protrusion provided on shutter button 28, or finger hook 28A may be realized by forming the surface of shutter button 28 from a material with a higher coefficient of friction than casing 12.

[0048] 5, the housing 12 has a rounded shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the front surface 12A (excluding the opening 16 and its periphery) and the back surface 12B (excluding the finger grip portion 28A of the shutter button 28) have an outwardly convex curved shape. On the right side of the housing 12, a right side surface 12C connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B also has an outwardly convex curved shape. Furthermore, on the left side of the housing 12, a left side surface 12D connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B also has an outwardly convex curved shape.

[0049] Next, the positional relationship between the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 on the housing 12 will be described. As an example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the shutter button 28 is disposed on the rear surface 12B of the housing 12 at a position that at least partially overlaps with the position of the opening 16 projected onto the rear surface 12B. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the shutter button 28 partially overlaps with a projection area 16A, which is a virtual projection of the opening 16 onto the rear surface 12B. Here, "virtually projecting the opening 16" refers to projecting an area defined by the outer edge of the opening 16 from the front surface 12A onto the rear surface 12B along the front-to-rear direction of the housing 12. Specifically, the upper portion of the projection area 16A overlaps with the lower portion of the shutter button 28. In other words, the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 are disposed together at relatively close positions in the height direction of the housing 12.

[0050] Note that, although an example in which the projection area 16A and the shutter button 28 partially overlap has been described here, this is merely one example. For example, the projection area 16A and the shutter button 28 may completely overlap, the shutter button 28 may be included within the projection area 16A, or the shutter button 28 may include the projection area 16A. Furthermore, the overlapping manner between the projection area 16A and the shutter button 28 is not particularly limited, and for example, the lower portion of the projection area 16A and the upper portion of the shutter button 28 may overlap.

[0051] Next, the arrangement of the opening 16 on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 will be described. As an example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the opening 16 is arranged at a position that overlaps with the center P1 of the width direction of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In other words, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the center P1 is virtually included within the range of the opening 16. Here, the center P1 of the width direction is the midpoint of the maximum width W of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. The center P1 is an example of the "center of the housing in the width direction" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0052] Furthermore, the opening 16 is positioned at a position that overlaps with the center P2 in the width and height directions of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In other words, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the center P2 is virtually included within the range of the opening 16. Here, the center P2 in the width and height directions is the intersection of the bisector of the maximum width W of the front surface 12A of the housing 12 and the bisector of the maximum height H of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. The center P2 is an example of the "center of the housing in the height direction" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0053] In this way, the opening 16 is positioned so as to overlap with the center P1, so that the opening 16 is positioned near the center in the width direction. Furthermore, the opening 16 is positioned so as to overlap with the center P2, so that the opening 16 is positioned near the center in the width direction and the height direction.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8 as an example, a peripheral region 40 is provided around the opening 16 on the front surface 12A of the housing 12. The peripheral region 40 is a region extending from the outer edge of the opening 16 to the outer edge of the housing 12. The peripheral region 40 is an example of a "peripheral region" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The peripheral region 40 includes an upper peripheral region 42 and a lower peripheral region 44. Specifically, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the upper peripheral region 42 is provided above the opening 16 in the height direction. Furthermore, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the lower peripheral region 44 is provided below the opening 16 in the height direction. The dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 is shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16 in the height direction, and the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 is shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16 in the height direction. Here, the overall height h1 of the opening 16 is the maximum distance of the opening 16 in the height direction. In this way, the dimensions of the peripheral region 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the height direction are shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16.

[0055] Note that, although the embodiment described above has been exemplified in which the dimensions of the peripheral region 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the height direction are shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16, this is merely one example. For example, only the dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 may be shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16, or only the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 may be shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16.

[0056] The peripheral region 40 includes a right peripheral region 46 and a left peripheral region 48. Specifically, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the right peripheral region 46 is provided to the right of the opening 16 in the width direction. When the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the left peripheral region 48 is provided to the left of the opening 16 in the width direction. The dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 is shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16 in the width direction, and the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 is shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16 in the width direction. Here, the overall width w1 of the opening 16 is the maximum distance of the opening 16 in the width direction. In this way, the dimensions of the peripheral region 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the width direction are shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16.

[0057] Although the embodiment described above uses an example in which the dimensions of the peripheral region 40 on both sides of the opening 16 in the width direction are shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16, this is merely one example. For example, only the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 may be shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16, or only the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 may be shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16.

[0058] Furthermore, although an example has been described here in which the dimension of the peripheral region 40 in the height direction is shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16 and the dimension of the peripheral region 40 in the width direction is shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16, this is merely one example. For example, only the dimension of the peripheral region 40 in the height direction may be shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16, or only the dimension of the peripheral region 40 in the width direction may be shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16.

[0059] As an example, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the projected area S2 of the opening 16 (the area of ​​the region indicated by diagonal hatching in FIG. 9 ) is 20% or more of the projected area S1 of the housing 12 (the area of ​​the region indicated by dotted hatching in FIG. 9 ). That is, S2 / S1×100≧20(%). Here, the projected area of ​​the opening 16 is the area defined by the outer edge of the opening 16 when projected onto a virtual plane whose normal direction is along the Z direction. The projected area of ​​the housing 12 is the area defined by the outer edge of the housing 12 when projected onto a virtual plane whose normal direction is along the Z direction. Thus, the size of the opening 16 accounts for a larger proportion of the housing 12 compared to that of a typical digital camera.

[0060] When the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the ratio of the maximum height H of the housing 12 to the maximum width W is set to 1.0 to 1.2. In other words, the housing 12 satisfies the relational expression H / W = 1.0 to 1.2. In this way, the aspect ratio of the housing 12 when viewed from the front is set to be closer to 1 than that of a typical digital camera, rather than being wider than it is wide.

[0061] 10 , for example, the housing 12 of the camera 10 is sized to fit within a virtual sphere B having a radius r. Here, the radius r is set to be 1 cm or more and 10 cm or less, and further, the radius r is set to be 1 cm or more and 3 cm or less. "Fitted within the sphere B" means that the housing 12 can be placed inside the sphere B without contacting the spherical surface of the sphere B.

[0062] The volume of the housing 12 of the camera 10 is 4,190 cm ３ The volume of the housing 12 is 113 cm ３ Furthermore, the volume of the housing 12 is 4.19 cm ３ It is stated as follows.

[0063] Next, an example of how the camera 10 according to this embodiment is used will be described. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the user holds the camera 10 by pinching the housing 12 between their fingers from the front and back. Specifically, the index finger F1 and middle finger F2 are placed on the front 12A of the housing 12 toward the rear 12B, and the thumb F3 is placed on the rear 12B toward the front 12A. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the index finger F1 is placed on the upper peripheral region 42, and the middle finger F2 is placed on the lower peripheral region 44. On the front 12A of the housing 12, the index finger F1 and middle finger F2 pinch the opening 16. In particular, the middle finger F2 is placed on the lower peripheral region 44 to support the opening 16 from below. Meanwhile, on the rear 12B, the user places the thumb F3 on the shutter button 28. In this way, the peripheral region 40 functions as an area in which the housing 12 can be held.

[0064] As described above, the shutter button 28 can be pressed toward the front surface 12A. To capture an image using the camera 10, the user presses the shutter button 28 toward the front surface 12A (see the arrow in FIG. 12 ). When the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the shutter button 28 is positioned so that it overlaps the upper peripheral region 42 in the height direction. That is, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding region 50 corresponding to the shutter button 28 and the upper peripheral region 42 overlap. This positioning allows the index finger F1, which is in contact with the upper peripheral region 42, to receive the force acting on the housing 12 from the rear surface 12B when the shutter button 28 is pressed, from the front surface 12A. This reduces the rotational moment generated in the housing 12 due to the force acting on the housing 12 when the shutter button 28 is pressed.

[0065] 13 , the user places the middle finger F2 on the right peripheral region 46 and the index finger F1 on the left peripheral region 48. On the front surface 12A of the housing 12, the opening 16 is sandwiched between the index finger F1 and middle finger F2. On the back surface 12B, the user places the thumb F3 on the shutter button 28. In this way, the peripheral region 40 functions as an area that allows the user to hold the housing 12.

[0066] Although the embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the housing 12 is held from the front face 12A side with the index finger F1 and middle finger F2, this is merely an example. For example, the housing 12 may be held from the front face 12A side with the middle finger F2 and ring finger. It goes without saying that other fingers may be used in addition to the three fingers.

[0067] In other words, the technology disclosed herein provides a method of holding camera 10 in which the index finger F1 corresponds to the upper peripheral area 42, the middle finger F2 corresponds to the lower peripheral area 44, and the thumb F3 corresponds to the shutter button 28, or in which the middle finger F2 corresponds to the upper peripheral area 42, the ring finger corresponds to the lower peripheral area 44, and the thumb F3 corresponds to the shutter button 28.

[0068] 14, the user holds the camera 10 by pinching the housing 12 between their fingers from above and below. Specifically, the user places the index finger F1 on the top surface 14A of the housing 12, and the thumb F3 on the bottom surface 12E of the housing 12. Meanwhile, on the back surface 12B, the user places the middle finger F2 on the shutter button 28. In this case, the top surface 14A and the bottom surface 12E function as areas where the user can hold the housing 12. This holding method is suitable for self-portrait photography.

[0069] Although the embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the housing 12 is held between the index finger F1 and thumb F3 from above and below, this is merely an example. For example, the middle finger F2 may be placed on the top surface 14A of the housing 12, and the thumb F3 may be placed on the bottom surface 12E. The housing 12 may also be held upside down.

[0070] In other words, the technology disclosed herein provides a method of holding the camera 10 in which the thumb F3 is placed on the underside 12E of the housing 12, the middle finger F2 or ring finger is placed on the top side 14A of the housing 12, and the index finger F1 is placed on the shutter button 28, or the index finger F1 is placed on the top side 14A of the housing 12, the thumb F3 is placed on the underside 12E, and the middle finger F2 is placed on the shutter button 28.

[0071] Although the camera 10 has been described as being operated with one hand, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Of course, the camera 10 may be held or operated with both hands of the user.

[0072] As described above, the camera 10 according to this embodiment includes the opening 16 located at a position overlapping the center P1 of the housing 12 in the width direction, and the shutter button 28 located at a position overlapping the opening 16 projected onto the rear surface 12B (i.e., the projection area 16A). This reduces the rotational moment that occurs in the housing 12 when the shutter button is pressed, compared to when the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 are located at the end of the housing 12, thereby achieving stable operation of the camera 10. For example, even if the camera is miniaturized to a size that fits in the palm of a hand, the camera can be operated stably.

[0073] For example, consider a horizontally elongated housing (i.e., the width of the housing is longer than the height of the housing) like a typical digital camera. In this case, consider a case where the opening 16 is located at one end of the housing in the width direction, and the shutter button 28 is also located at the end of the housing in the width direction. In this case, when the shutter button 28 is pressed, a rotational moment may be generated in the housing 12 due to the force applied when pressing the shutter button 28 relative to the center of gravity of the housing. This may cause the housing to tilt or move during image capture, resulting in blurred images. In this configuration, the opening 16 is located at a position overlapping the widthwise center P1 of the housing 12. Furthermore, the shutter button 28 is also located on the rear surface 12B in a position overlapping the projection area 16A. This reduces the rotational moment caused by the force acting on the housing 12 when the shutter button 28 is pressed during image capture, thereby achieving stable operation of the camera 10.

[0074] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the opening 16 is positioned so as to overlap the center P2 in the height direction of the housing 12. This positions the opening 16 and the shutter button 28 close to the center of the front surface 12A of the housing 12 in the height direction of the housing 12, thereby realizing more stable operation.

[0075] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, a peripheral region 40 is provided around the opening 16 on the front surface 12A. Either the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 or the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 is shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16. Alternatively, either the dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 or the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 is shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16.

[0076] As such, the dimensions of the peripheral area 40 are shorter than the size of the opening 16. When taking a picture with the camera 10, the opening 16 through which subject light enters cannot be covered with a finger, so the user holds the peripheral area 40 provided around the opening 16 with their fingers. However, if the peripheral area 40 is narrow, it becomes difficult to operate the camera 10 stably. As described above, this configuration includes the opening 16 located at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 located at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. This allows for stable operation of the camera 10 even with a camera 10 having a narrow peripheral area 40.

[0077] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, both the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 and the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 are shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16. Alternatively, both the dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 and the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 are shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16. Thus, even in a housing 12 with a narrow peripheral region 40, this configuration includes the opening 16 positioned to overlap with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 positioned to overlap with the projection region 16A, thereby enabling stable operation of the camera 10. Furthermore, for example, when viewed from the front, the opening 16 is positioned near the center of the housing 12 in the width direction or height direction, which contributes to improving the design of the camera 10.

[0078] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, both the dimension w2 of the right peripheral region 46 and the dimension w3 of the left peripheral region 48 are shorter than the overall width w1 of the opening 16, and both the dimension h2 of the upper peripheral region 42 and the dimension h3 of the lower peripheral region 44 are shorter than the overall height h1 of the opening 16. Thus, even in a housing 12 with a narrow peripheral region 40, this configuration includes the opening 16 positioned to overlap with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 positioned to overlap with the projection region 16A, thereby enabling stable operation of the camera 10. Furthermore, for example, when viewed from the front, the opening 16 is positioned near the center of the housing 12 in the width and height directions, which contributes to improving the design of the camera 10.

[0079] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, a peripheral area 40 is provided around at least a portion of the opening 16 on the front surface 12A, and an upper peripheral area 42 of the peripheral area 40 overlaps with a corresponding area 50 of the shutter button 28 in the height direction. This allows the housing 12 to be held from the front surface 12A, which faces the direction in which the shutter button 28 is pressed, when the shutter button 28 is pressed from the rear surface 12B, thereby enabling stable operation. In other words, the rotational moment of the housing 12 is suppressed when the shutter button 28 is pressed, realizing stable operation.

[0080] In addition, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, peripheral areas 40 are provided on both sides of the opening 16 in the height direction or width direction on the front surface 12A of the housing 12. For example, an upper peripheral area 42 and a lower peripheral area 44 are provided around the opening 16. The upper peripheral area 42 and the lower peripheral area 44 function as areas where the housing 12 can be held with the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2, respectively. Furthermore, on the back surface 12B, the housing 12 can be held by placing the thumb F3 on the shutter button 28. This allows the housing 12 to be held at two points on the front surface 12A and one point on the back surface 12B, for a total of three points. As a result, the camera 10 can be operated stably.

[0081] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A of the housing 12. Because the periphery of the opening 16 protrudes from the front surface 12A, it is possible to prevent a user's finger from getting caught on the photographic lens 20 provided in the opening 16. Furthermore, because the opening 16 is the part protruding from the front surface 12A, it is easy for the user to grasp the position of the opening 16.

[0082] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the lower protrusion amount t2 of the periphery of the opening 16 is greater than the upper protrusion amount t1. This makes it easier to support the protruding portion of the opening 16 from below, thereby realizing stable operation of the camera 10.

[0083] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the projection area S2 of the opening 16 is 20% or more of the projection area S1 of the housing 12. Thus, when the area of ​​the opening 16 occupies a large proportion of the housing 12, the area available for holding the housing 12 is reduced. Therefore, in a camera 10 in which the area of ​​the opening 16 occupies a large proportion of the area when viewed from the front, it is difficult for the user to operate the camera 10 stably. As described above, this configuration includes the opening 16 positioned to overlap the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 positioned to overlap the projection area 16A. This allows for stable operation of the camera 10, even in a camera 10 in which the area of ​​the opening 16 occupies a large proportion of the area.

[0084] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the ratio of the maximum height H to the maximum width W of the housing 12 is 1.0 to 1.2. With a housing 12 of this size, the area available for holding the housing 12 is smaller than with the horizontally or vertically oriented housings of typical digital cameras. Therefore, with a camera 10 in which the ratio of the maximum height H to the maximum width W of the housing 12 is 1.0 to 1.2, it is difficult for the user to operate the camera 10 stably. As described above, this configuration includes the opening 16 positioned to overlap the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 positioned to overlap the projection area 16A. This allows for stable operation of the camera 10, even with a camera 10 in which the ratio of the maximum height H to the maximum width W of the housing 12 is 1.0 to 1.2.

[0085] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the shutter button 28 is formed with a finger hook 28A on which the user can place their finger. This makes it easier for the user to determine the location of the shutter button 28 and to press it. In particular, if the camera 10 is sized to fit in the palm of the user's hand, it may be difficult to visually determine the location of the shutter button 28. Even in this case, the user can easily operate the shutter button 28 because they can confirm the location of the shutter button 28 with their finger.

[0086] In the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the finger grip 28A is a recess 28A1 recessed toward the front surface 12A. This makes it easier to grip the shutter button 28 with your finger because it is recessed toward the inside of the housing 12.

[0087] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the shutter button 28 can be pressed from the rear surface 12B toward the front surface 12A. When the shutter button 28 is pressed toward the front surface 12A of the housing 12, a rotational moment may be generated in the housing 12. As described above, this configuration includes the opening 16 positioned to overlap with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 positioned to overlap with the projection area 16A. This prevents a rotational moment from being generated in the housing 12, ensuring stable operation.

[0088] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the housing 12 fits within a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm. In a small camera 10 in which the housing 12 fits within a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm, the area available for the user to hold the housing is reduced. As described above, this configuration includes the opening 16 located at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 located at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. This allows stable operation of the camera 10 even in a camera 10 in which the housing 12 fits within a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm.

[0089] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the housing 12 fits within a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm. In a small camera 10 in which the housing 12 fits within a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm, the area available for the user to hold the housing is reduced. As described above, this configuration includes the opening 16 located at a position overlapping with the center of the housing 12 and the shutter button 28 located at a position overlapping with the projection area 16A. This allows stable operation of the camera 10 even in a camera 10 in which the housing 12 fits within a sphere B having a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm.

[0090] Furthermore, the camera 10 according to this embodiment does not have a display unit for checking the subject image. This allows the camera 10 to be made smaller by the amount of the display unit. However, since no display unit is provided, the subject image cannot be checked using the camera alone. Even in such cases, the camera 10 is easy to operate, making it easier to obtain a captured image with little blur, eliminating the need to repeatedly take pictures just to be sure.

[0091] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the front surface 12A, the back surface 12B, and the right side surface 12C and the left side surface 12D connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B of the housing 12 are configured as curved surfaces that convex outward, excluding the opening 16 and the shutter button 28. As a result, when a user holds the housing 12 by wrapping it around their hand, it fits more easily in the palm of their hand than if the housing 12 were configured as a flat surface, making it easier for the user to hold the housing 12.

[0092] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the bottom surface 12E of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 12 is flat. This allows the camera 10 to be placed on a surface. This allows the camera 10 to be placed on a surface, which is useful, for example, when using the camera 10 as a fixed camera or when taking self-portraits.

[0093] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the shutter button 28 is positioned so as to overlap the upper peripheral region 42 in the height direction when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding region 50 of the shutter button 28 may overlap the lower peripheral region 44. Furthermore, when the housing 12 is viewed from above, the corresponding region 50 of the shutter button 28 may overlap the right peripheral region 46 or the left peripheral region 48.

[0094] (Modification) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the shutter button 28 is positioned so as to overlap the upper peripheral region 42 in the height direction when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this modification, the upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 are provided in the height direction of the housing 12. The upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 overlap the corresponding region 52 of the shutter button 54.

[0095] 15 , as an example, peripheral regions 40 are provided on both sides of the opening 16 in the height direction. That is, an upper peripheral region 42 and a lower peripheral region 44 are provided around the opening 16 in the height direction. A shutter button 54 is also provided on the back surface 12B of the housing 12. When the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the shutter button 54 is disposed at a position overlapping the upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 in the height direction. That is, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding region 52 corresponding to the shutter button 54 and the upper peripheral region 42 overlap. When the housing 12 is viewed from the side, the corresponding region 52 corresponding to the shutter button 54 and the lower peripheral region 44 overlap.

[0096] With this arrangement, the force acting on the housing 12 from the rear surface 12B when the shutter button 54 is pressed can be received from the front surface 12A by the index finger F1 abutting the upper peripheral region 42. Furthermore, the force acting on the housing 12 from the rear surface 12B when the shutter button 54 is pressed can be received from the front surface 12A by the middle finger F2 abutting the lower peripheral region 44. This reduces the rotational moment generated in the housing 12 due to the force acting on the housing 12 when the shutter button 54 is pressed.

[0097] As described above, in the camera 10 according to this modification, the upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 around the opening 16 on the front surface 12A overlap in the height direction with the corresponding region 52 of the shutter button 54. This allows stable operation when the shutter button 54 is pressed from the rear surface 12B side, since the housing 12 can be held from the front surface 12A side that faces the direction in which the shutter button 54 is pressed. In other words, the rotational moment of the housing 12 is suppressed when the shutter button 28 is pressed, realizing stable operation.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described modified example, the shutter button 54 is disposed at a position that overlaps the upper peripheral region 42 and the lower peripheral region 44 in the height direction when the housing 12 is viewed from the side, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the shutter button 54 may be disposed at a position that overlaps the right peripheral region 46 and the left peripheral region 48 in the width direction when the housing 12 is viewed from above.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the housing 12 has been described as having a generally rounded egg-like shape, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The housing 12 may also have a spherical, spindle, or rectangular shape.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the housing 12 is provided with the upper peripheral region 42, the lower peripheral region 44, the right peripheral region 46, and the left peripheral region 48 around the opening 16. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The peripheral region 40 may be any one, two, or three of the upper peripheral region 42, the lower peripheral region 44, the right peripheral region 46, and the left peripheral region 48.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the camera 10 is described with the indicator 14 provided on the top of the housing 12 as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The shape of the indicator 14 is not particularly limited, and the indicator 14 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the shutter button 28 is described as a physical button, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the shutter button 28 may be displayed on a touch panel display.

[0103] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0104] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0105] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-150540, filed on September 15, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0106] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment. <Supplementary Note 1> A camera comprising: a housing; an opening provided in the housing to allow subject light to enter a photographing lens, the opening being located at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in a width direction; and a shutter button provided on the rear face, the shutter button being located at a position overlapping at least a part of the position of the opening projected onto the rear face, when the side of the housing on which the opening is provided is defined as the front face and the side opposite the front face in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens is defined as the rear face. <Supplementary Note 2> The camera according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the opening is located at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in a height direction perpendicular to the width direction. <Supplementary Note 3> The camera according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein a peripheral region is provided on at least a part of the periphery of the opening on the front face, and the dimension of the peripheral region in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall width of the opening, or the dimension of the peripheral region in the height direction of the housing perpendicular to the width direction is shorter than the overall height of the opening. <Supplementary Note 4> The camera according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the dimension of the peripheral region on both sides of the opening in the width direction is shorter than the overall width of the opening, or the dimension of the peripheral region on both sides of the opening in the height direction is shorter than the overall height of the opening. <Supplementary Note 5> The camera according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the dimension of the peripheral region on both sides of the opening in the width direction is shorter than the overall width of the opening, and the dimension of the peripheral region on both sides of the opening in the height direction is shorter than the overall height of the opening. <Supplementary Note 6> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein a peripheral region is provided on at least a part of the periphery of the opening on the front surface, and a part of the peripheral region overlaps with the shutter button in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. <Supplementary Note 7> The camera according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the peripheral region is provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or height direction of the housing. <Supplementary Note 8> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein peripheral areas that allow the housing to be held with fingers are provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or height direction of the housing. <Supplementary Note 9> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein a peripheral edge of the opening protrudes on the front surface.<Supplementary Note 10> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein, when the surface connecting the front and back surfaces of the housing is a side surface, the amount of protrusion of the peripheral edge of the opening is greater on the lower side than on the upper side in the height direction of the housing when viewed from the side. <Supplementary Note 11> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein, when viewed from the front, the projected area of ​​the opening is 20% or more of the projected area of ​​the housing. <Supplementary Note 12> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, wherein, when viewed from the front, the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of the housing is 1.0 to 1.2. <Supplementary Note 13> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, wherein a finger grip is formed on the shutter button. <Supplementary Note 14> The camera according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the finger grip is a recess recessed toward the front side. <Supplementary Note 15> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 14, wherein the shutter button can be pressed from the rear side towards the front side. <Supplementary Note 16> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, wherein the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm. <Supplementary Note 17> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 16, wherein the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm. <Supplementary Note 18> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 17, wherein the housing is not provided with a display unit for checking a subject image. <Supplementary Note 19> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 18, wherein the front surface, the rear surface, and both side surfaces connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the housing are formed by curved surfaces that are convex outward, except for the opening and the shutter button. <Supplementary Note 20> The camera according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 19, wherein at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the housing, including the center of the lower surface, is formed as a flat surface.

Claims

1. A camera comprising: a housing; an opening provided in the housing to allow subject light to enter a taking lens, the opening being positioned at a position overlapping with the center of the width of the housing; and a shutter button provided on the rear face and positioned at a position that at least partially overlaps with a position where the opening is projected onto the rear face, when the side of the housing on which the opening is provided is defined as the front and the side opposite the front in the direction of the optical axis of the taking lens is defined as the rear face.

2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned at a position overlapping with the center of the height direction of the housing perpendicular to the width direction.

3. A camera as described in claim 1, wherein a peripheral area is provided on at least a portion of the front surface around the opening, and the dimension of the peripheral area in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall width of the opening, or the dimension of the peripheral area in the height direction perpendicular to the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall height of the opening.

4. A camera as described in claim 3, wherein the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the width direction of the opening are shorter than the overall width of the opening, or the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the height direction of the opening are shorter than the overall height of the opening.

5. A camera as described in claim 4, wherein the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the opening in the width direction are shorter than the overall width of the opening, and the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the opening in the height direction are shorter than the overall height of the opening.

6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a peripheral area is provided around at least a portion of the opening on the front surface, and a portion of the peripheral area overlaps with the shutter button in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral area is provided on both sides of the opening in the width direction or height direction of the housing.

8. The camera according to claim 1, wherein peripheral areas enabling the housing to be held with fingers are provided on both sides of the opening in the width or height direction of the housing.

9. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the opening at the front surface protrudes.

10. A camera as described in claim 1, wherein, when the surface connecting the front and back of the housing is a side surface, and when the housing is viewed from the side, the peripheral edge of the opening protrudes more on the lower side in the height direction of the housing than on the upper side.

11. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the projection area of ​​the opening is 20% or more of the projection area of ​​the body when the body is viewed from the front.

12. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of the housing when viewed from the front is 1.0 to 1.

2.

13. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the shutter button is formed with a finger grip.

14. The camera according to claim 13, wherein the finger grip portion is a recessed portion recessed into the front side.

15. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the shutter button can be pressed from the rear side toward the front side.

16. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the housing fits within a sphere having a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm.

17. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the housing fits within a sphere having a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm.

18. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the housing is not provided with a display unit for checking the subject image.

19. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the front surface, the rear surface, and both side surfaces connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the housing are formed as curved surfaces that are convex outward, except for the opening and the shutter button.

20. The camera according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the outer periphery of the housing, including the center of the bottom surface, is formed as a flat surface.

Images