Camera

Abstract

This camera comprises: a housing that is provided with an imaging lens; and a shutter button that is provided to the housing and that is operated by being pushed in a direction toward the optical axis of the imaging lens.

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 in 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 it is miniaturized.

[0008] A camera according to the technique of the present disclosure includes a housing having a photographing lens, and a shutter button that is provided on the housing and that is operated by pressing in a direction toward the optical axis of the photographing lens.

[0009] It is preferable that the direction in which the shutter button is pressed is perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0010] It is preferable that the camera has an opening provided in the housing, which allows subject light to enter the photographic lens, and which is positioned at a position that overlaps with the center of the housing in the width direction.

[0011] The opening is preferably located at a position that coincides with the center of the height direction of the housing, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the housing.

[0012] A peripheral area is provided on the front surface of the housing in which the opening is provided, at least partially around the opening, and it is preferable that the dimension of the peripheral area in the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall width of the opening, or that 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.

[0013] It is preferable that the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides in the width direction of the opening are shorter than the overall width of the opening, or that the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides in the height direction of the opening are shorter than the overall height of the opening.

[0014] It is preferable that 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 that the dimensions of the peripheral region on both sides of the height of the opening are shorter than the overall height of the opening.

[0015] When the housing is viewed from the front, the projected area of ​​the opening is preferably 20% or more of the projected area of ​​the housing.

[0016] When the housing is viewed from the front, the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of the housing is preferably 1.0 to 1.2.

[0017] It is preferable that the housing be able to fit into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm.

[0018] It is preferable that the housing be able to fit into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm.

[0019] It is preferable that the housing does not have a display unit for checking the subject image.

[0020] If the side of the housing where the opening is provided is defined as the front side, and the side opposite to the front side in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens is defined as the back side, it is preferable that the front side, back side, and both side surfaces connecting the front side and the back side of the housing, excluding at least the opening side, are configured as curved surfaces that are convex outward.

[0021] It is preferable that 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.

[0022] The technology of the present disclosure provides a camera that can be stably operated even when it is miniaturized.

[0023] 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a camera. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration of a camera. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a camera. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a camera. FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a camera. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of an opening. FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of the relationship between the size of an opening and a peripheral area. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the projected area of ​​a housing and the projected area of ​​an opening. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing an example of a manner in which a sphere fits into the camera. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a manner in which the camera is used. FIG. 11 is a view showing a camera of Comparative Example 1. FIG. 12 is a view showing another example of a manner in which the camera is used. FIG. 13 is a view showing a second manner of the camera. FIG. 14 is a view showing a camera of Comparative Example 2. FIG. 15 is a view showing a third manner of the camera. FIG. 16 is a view showing a camera of Comparative Example 3. FIG. 17 is a view showing a fourth manner of the camera. FIG. 18 is a view showing a camera of Comparative Example 4.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 OA (see FIG. 4 ) 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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, a still image including an image of the subject can be obtained. Camera 10 is smaller in size (e.g., fits in the palm of an adult's hand) than 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] A shutter button 28 is provided on the upper surface 14A of the indicator 14 (see also FIG. 3 ). The shutter button 28, for example, has an elongated shape extending in the left-right direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 1 ) on the upper surface 14A of the indicator 14. The shutter button 28 is an operation button that commands capturing of a still image, and as described above, when the shutter button 28 is pressed by a user, the camera 10 captures a still image of a subject. The shutter button 28 is an example of a "shutter button" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the shutter button 28 can be pressed downward (the opposite direction to the Y direction). The pressing direction of the shutter button 28 will be described later.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 2, when the rear surface 12B is the side of the housing 12 opposite the front surface 12A (i.e., when the rear surface 12B is the side facing the front surface 12A in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 20), a power button 15 is provided on the rear surface 12B. The camera 10 can be turned on by pressing the power button 15 several times (e.g., three times). The camera 10 can also be turned off by pressing and holding the power button 15 for several seconds (e.g., three seconds).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 as an example, when the housing 12 is viewed from the side (here, as viewed 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 is tilted 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 is also positioned to face upward. That is, when the housing 12 is placed on a horizontal surface, the subject side of the optical axis OA is tilted 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.

[0040] The power button 15 on the rear surface 12B has a concave curved surface that is recessed toward the front side, and the periphery of the power button 15 is also formed in a cone shape so that a finger can be easily caught.

[0041] 5, when the housing 12 is viewed from above, the housing 12 has a rounded shape. Specifically, the front surface 12A (excluding the opening 16 and its periphery) and the back surface 12B (excluding the power button 15) 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.

[0042] The arrangement of the opening 16 on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 will now be described. As an example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the opening 16 is arranged at a position that overlaps with the center P1 in 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 in the width direction is the midpoint of the maximum width W on the front surface 12A of the housing 12. The center P1 is an example of the "center in the width direction of the housing" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the projected area S2 of the opening 16 (the area of ​​the region indicated by dotted hatching in FIG. 8 ) is set to 20% or more of the projected area S1 of the housing 12 (the area of ​​the region indicated by diagonal hatching in FIG. 8 ). 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. In this way, the size of the opening 16 accounts for a larger proportion of the housing 12 compared to that of a typical digital camera.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 9, 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Next, the shutter button 28 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 , showing an example of how the camera 10 according to this embodiment is used. As described above, the shutter button 28 is provided so as to be displaceable downward (the direction opposite to the Y direction). When a pressing force is applied, the shutter button 28 is displaced downward and pushed into the interior of the housing 12. Specifically, the shutter button 28 is provided so as to be pressed in a direction toward the optical axis OA of the photographic lens 20 within the housing 12. The direction in which the shutter button 28 is pressed is the pressing direction PD. The pressing direction PD is determined by the direction in which the shutter button 28 is displaced. However, if a microswitch or the like that turns on and off in conjunction with the pressing operation of the shutter button 28 is provided, the pressing direction PD also includes the direction in which the movable part of the microswitch is displaced. The shutter button 28 is an example of a "shutter button" that is pressed in a direction toward the optical axis OA of the photographic lens 20 according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0055] The shutter button 28 being pressed in the direction toward the optical axis OA refers to a case where a virtual axis VA that intersects with both the optical axis OA and the shutter button 28 includes a virtual axis VAP that is parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28. Because the shutter button 28 has an area, there are multiple virtual axes VA that intersect with both the optical axis OA and the shutter button 28. When a virtual axis VAP that is parallel to the pressing direction PD exists among these multiple virtual axes VA, the shutter button 28 is said to be pressed in the direction toward the optical axis OA.

[0056] This can also be expressed as follows. That is, the shutter button 28 is disposed in a part of the housing 12, and therefore is disposed around the optical axis OA. Therefore, the imaginary axis VA, which intersects with both the optical axis OA and the shutter button 28, can be said to be part of a radial axis extending radially from the optical axis OA. In this way, being pressed in a direction toward the optical axis OA can be expressed as a case in which the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28 is parallel to one of the radial axes extending from the optical axis OA.

[0057] Since the shutter button 28 has some play due to installation accuracy, the concept of "parallel" here includes not only strict parallelism but also an allowable error. Furthermore, the range of the optical axis OA that intersects with the virtual axis VA refers to the range that exists within the housing 12, and does not include the range that extends outside the housing 12.

[0058] Because the housing 12 of the camera 10 is small, it is difficult to operate the camera while holding it in the palms of both hands. Therefore, when depressing the shutter button 28, as shown in Figure 10, for example, the index finger F1 is placed on the shutter button 28 and the thumb F3 is placed on the underside 12E at a position opposite the shutter button 28 across the optical axis OA, thereby holding the housing 12 so that the two fingers hold the housing 12 together. In this state, the shutter button 28 is depressed with the index finger F1.

[0059] By pressing the shutter button 28 with the index finger F1 in this way, the force acting from the top surface of the housing 12 toward the optical axis OA can be received by the thumb F3 at a position on the underside 12E opposite the optical axis OA, thereby suppressing the rotational moment around the optical axis OA that occurs in the housing 12 due to the force acting on the housing 12 when the shutter button 28 is pressed.

[0060] The following describes the operation of pressing the shutter button 28 in the direction toward the optical axis OA, in comparison with a comparative example. First, the shutter button 28 of the camera 10 according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described in comparison with comparative example 1 shown in FIG.

[0061] The camera 101 of Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 11 , like the camera 10 shown in FIG. 10 , has a shutter button 281 located on the upper surface of the indicator 14, and the pressing direction PD is also downward (opposite the Y direction), similar to the camera 10 shown in FIG. 10 . However, the shutter button 281 of Comparative Example 1 has a different width in the X direction compared to the shutter button 28 of the camera 10 shown in FIG. 10 . Furthermore, the center position of the shutter button 281 is offset from the center of the width direction (X direction) of the housing 12, and unlike the camera 10 shown in FIG. 10 , there is no imaginary axis VA extending in the Y direction from the optical axis OA. Therefore, in the camera 101, the imaginary axis VA that intersects both the optical axis OA and the shutter button 281 does not include an imaginary axis VAP that is parallel to the pressing direction PD, since there is no imaginary axis VA that is parallel to the Y direction.

[0062] In the technology of the present disclosure, the technical significance of pressing the shutter button 28 in a direction toward the optical axis OA is to suppress a rotational moment around the optical axis OA that occurs in the housing 12 due to a force acting on the housing 12 as the shutter button 28 is pressed. In the shutter button 281 of Comparative Example 1, a rotational moment around the optical axis OA occurs because the virtual axis VA does not include a virtual axis VAP that is parallel to the pressing direction PD. Such a rotational moment causes camera shake. In the camera 10 according to the technology of the present disclosure, such camera shake is suppressed, making stable operation possible even when the housing 12 is made smaller.

[0063] Furthermore, the way of holding the camera 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 10 , and it may also be held as shown in Fig. 12 , for example. The way of holding shown in Fig. 12 is a way of holding the camera in which the thumb F3 is placed on the shutter button 28 and two fingers, the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2, are placed on the underside 12E, thereby sandwiching the housing 12 between three fingers. Even in this way, the shutter button 28 is pressed toward the optical axis OA, so that the rotational moment around the optical axis OA generated in the housing 12 can be reduced.

[0064] In addition, other than the holding methods shown in Figures 10 and 12, for example, the housing 12 may be held by pinching it between three fingers, for example, by placing two fingers, the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2, on the shutter button 28 and placing the thumb F3 on the underside 12E.

[0065] As described above, the camera 10 according to this embodiment includes a housing 12 having a photographing lens 20, and a shutter button 28 that is provided on the housing 12 and that is pressed in a direction toward the optical axis OA of the photographing lens 20. As a result, compared to a camera such as the camera 101 of Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 11 , the generation of a rotational moment about the optical axis OA in the housing 12 due to the pressing of the shutter button 28 is suppressed, thereby realizing 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, stable operation of the camera is possible.

[0066] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the opening 16 is positioned so as to overlap the widthwise center P1 of the housing 12. If the housing 12 having the opening 16 positioned in this manner is miniaturized, it becomes difficult to secure an area on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 that can be pressed with the finger F1. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 , it is highly necessary to hold the housing 12 by pinching the surface on which the shutter button 28 of the housing 12 is located and the surface opposite to that surface with multiple fingers. Therefore, the positioning of the shutter button 281, such as in the camera 101 of Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 11 , raises concerns about rotational moment around the optical axis OA. Therefore, in a camera in which the opening 16 is positioned at the widthwise center P1 of the housing 12, it is highly necessary to provide a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA, as in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, in order to achieve stable operation by suppressing rotational moment around the optical axis OA.

[0067] Furthermore, in camera 10 according to this embodiment, opening 16 is positioned so as to overlap with center P2 in the height direction of housing 12. In this case, too, for the same reasons as when opening 16 is positioned so as to overlap with center P1 in the width direction of housing 12, there is a strong need to provide shutter button 28 that is pressed toward optical axis OA, as in camera 10 according to this embodiment.

[0068] 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.

[0069] In this way, 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 camera by pinching it between multiple fingers, as shown in Figures 10 and 12. Therefore, to achieve stable operation, it is highly necessary to provide a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA, as in the camera 10 according to this embodiment.

[0070] 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, the camera 10 includes a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA, allowing for stable operation of the camera 10. Furthermore, for example, the opening 16 is positioned near the center of the housing 12 in the width direction or height direction when viewed from the front, which contributes to improving the design of the camera 10.

[0071] 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, the camera 10 is provided with a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA, 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.

[0072] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, when the housing 12 is viewed from the front, the projected area S2 of the opening 16 is 20% or more of the projected 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. The camera 10 is equipped with a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. 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.

[0073] 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. The camera 10 includes a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. 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.

[0074] 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 compact 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. The camera 10 is equipped with a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. 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.

[0075] 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 compact 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. The camera 10 is equipped with a shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Furthermore, in the camera 10 according to this embodiment, the front surface 12A, the back surface 12B, and the right and left sides 12C and 12D connecting the front surface 12A and the back surface 12B of the housing 12 are configured as curved surfaces that convex outward, excluding at least the opening 16. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 12 is configured as a curved surface that convex outward as a whole. This makes it easier for the user to hold the housing 12 when wrapping it around their hand, compared to a case where the housing 12 is configured as a flat surface, since it fits more easily in the palm of the hand. This also contributes to improving the design of the camera 10. In the camera 10 according to this embodiment, at least a portion including the opening 16 is a power button 15 provided on the back surface 12B in addition to the opening 16.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (Modifications) The shutter button 28 that is pressed toward the optical axis OA is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. In the camera 10 shown in Fig. 13, the shutter button 28 is provided on the side of the housing 12. In the camera 10 shown in Fig. 13, a virtual axis VAP that is parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28 is included in the virtual axis VA, and the shutter button 28 is a shutter button that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. In the camera 10 shown in Fig. 13, for example, the housing 12 is held between two fingers, the index finger F1 and the thumb F3, so that the housing 12 is sandwiched from both sides, and in this state the shutter button 28 is pressed with the index finger F1.

[0080] In the camera 102 of Comparative Example 2 shown in Fig. 14 , similar to Comparative Example 1 shown in Fig. 11 , the virtual axis VA does not include the virtual axis VAP parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 282, and the shutter button 282 is not a shutter button that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. Therefore, in the camera 102 of Comparative Example 2 shown in Fig. 14 , a rotational moment about the optical axis OA caused by pressing the shutter button 282 is likely to occur. In the camera 10 shown in Fig. 13 , the rotational moment about the optical axis OA can be suppressed, and stable operation can be achieved, compared to the camera 102 of Comparative Example 2 shown in Fig. 14 .

[0081] Furthermore, in the camera 10 shown in FIG. 15 , the indicator 14 is not provided on the top surface of the housing 12. Furthermore, a shutter button 28 is provided on the top surface of the housing 12 at a position offset to the left when the housing 12 is viewed from the front. In the camera 10 shown in FIG. 15 , the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28 is inclined with respect to the Y direction, but a virtual axis VAP that is parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28 is included in the virtual axis VA. Therefore, the shutter button 28 of the camera 10 shown in FIG. 15 is also a shutter button that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. Similar to the camera 10 shown in FIG. 10 , the camera 10 shown in FIG. 15 is also held by pinching the housing 12 between two fingers, for example, the index finger F1 and the thumb F3, and in this state, the shutter button 28 is pressed by the index finger F1.

[0082] 11 and 14 , the camera 103 of Comparative Example 3 shown in Fig. 16 does not include a virtual axis VAP parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 283 among the virtual axes VA, and the shutter button 283 is not a shutter button that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. Therefore, in the camera 103 of Comparative Example 3 shown in Fig. 16 , a rotational moment about the optical axis OA caused by pressing the shutter button 283 is likely to occur. In the camera 10 shown in Fig. 15 , the rotational moment about the optical axis OA can be suppressed, and stable operation can be achieved, compared to the camera 103 of Comparative Example 3 shown in Fig. 16 .

[0083] 10 , the camera 10 shown in FIG. 17 has a shutter button 28 on the indicator 14. In the camera 10 shown in FIG. 17 , the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28 is tilted backward with respect to the vertical direction when the underside 12E is placed on a horizontal surface. A virtual axis VAP parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 28 is included in the virtual axis VA. Therefore, the shutter button 28 of the camera 10 shown in FIG. 17 is also a shutter button that is pressed toward the optical axis OA. Similar to the camera 10 shown in FIG. 10 , the camera 10 shown in FIG. 17 is also held by pinching the housing 12 between two fingers, for example, the index finger F1 and the thumb F3, and in this state, the shutter button 28 is pressed by the index finger F1.

[0084] Furthermore, the pushing direction PD is perpendicular to the optical axis OA. Therefore, it is easy to suppress the rotational moment acting in a direction that tilts the housing 12 relative to the optical axis OA. Note that the pushing direction PD does not have to be perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

[0085] The camera 104 of Comparative Example 4 shown in FIG. 18 has a shutter button 284. This shutter button 284 is an example that is not included in the shutter button operated by pressing in a direction toward the optical axis OA. In the camera 104 of Comparative Example 4, there is no virtual axis VA that intersects both the shutter button 284 and the optical axis OA. As described above, the range of the optical axis OA that intersects with the virtual axis VA is within the housing 12 and does not include the range obtained by extending the optical axis OA outside the housing 12. In the camera 104 of Comparative Example 4, there is a virtual axis VAX that intersects with the optical axis OA outside the housing 12. Although this virtual axis VAX is parallel to the pressing direction PD of the shutter button 284, it does not intersect with the optical axis OA within the range within the housing 12. Therefore, the virtual axis VAX is not included in the virtual axis VA and, naturally, does not correspond to the virtual axis VAP shown in FIG. 17 .

[0086] The technical significance of limiting the range of the optical axis OA, which intersects with the virtual axis VA, to within the housing 12 is as follows. That is, in the case of a shutter button 284 such as that of Comparative Example 4 shown in FIG. 18 , it is difficult to position fingers at opposing positions that will receive a force acting in a direction that presses the shutter button 284. The minimum requirement for holding the housing 12 in a stable state is that the housing 12 can be held so as to be sandwiched between two opposing positions. With the shutter button 284 of Comparative Example 4, this minimum requirement cannot be ensured, and therefore the range of the optical axis OA, which intersects with the virtual axis VA, is limited to within the housing 12.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The shutter button 28 may function as an operation unit for inputting an instruction to capture a moving image in addition to a still image. When the shutter button 28 is used to start capturing a moving image in addition to a still image, for example, a conceivable operation is to press and hold the shutter button 28 to start capturing a moving image.

[0091] The above explanations enable the following technologies to be further understood. <Supplementary Item 1> A camera comprising: a housing having a photographing lens; and a shutter button provided on the housing that is pressed in a direction toward the optical axis of the photographing lens. <Supplementary Item 2> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the direction in which the shutter button is pressed is perpendicular to the optical axis. <Supplementary Item 3> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the camera comprises an opening provided on the housing that allows 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. <Supplementary Item 4> The camera according to Supplementary Item 3, wherein the opening is positioned at a position overlapping with the center of the housing in the height direction that is perpendicular to the width direction. <Supplementary Item 5> The camera according to Supplementary Item 3, wherein a peripheral region is provided on at least a part of the periphery of the opening on the front surface of the housing in which the opening is provided, 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 that is perpendicular to the width direction of the housing is shorter than the overall height of the opening. <Supplementary Item 6> The camera according to Supplementary Item 5, 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, or 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. <Supplementary Item 7> The camera according to Supplementary Item 6, 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. <Supplementary Item 8> The camera according to Supplementary Item 3, wherein the projected area of ​​the opening is 20% or more of the projected area of ​​the housing when viewed from the front. <Supplementary Item 9> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of the housing is 1.0 to 1.2 when viewed from the front. <Supplementary Item 10> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm or more and 10 cm or less. <Supplementary Item 11> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm. <Supplementary Item 12> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the housing is not provided with a display unit for checking the image of a subject.<Supplementary Item 13> The camera according to Supplementary Item 3, wherein, when the side of the housing where the opening is provided is defined as the front side and the side opposite to the front side in the direction of the optical axis of the photographing lens is defined as the back side, the front side, back side, and both side surfaces connecting the front side and the back side of the housing, excluding at least the opening side, are configured as curved surfaces that are convex outward. <Supplementary Item 14> The camera according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein at least a partial area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of the housing, including the center of the underside, is configured as a flat surface.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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."

[0094] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-055004, filed on March 28, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, 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 was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A camera comprising: a housing having a photographic lens; and a shutter button provided on the housing that is pressed in a direction toward the optical axis of the photographic lens.

2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the shutter button is pressed is perpendicular to the optical axis.

3. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising an opening provided in the housing for allowing subject light to enter the photographic lens, the opening being positioned at a position that overlaps with the center of the housing in the width direction.

4. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the opening is positioned so as to coincide with the center of the height direction of the housing, which is perpendicular to the width direction.

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

6. A camera according to claim 5, 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, or 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.

7. A camera according to claim 6, 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.

8. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the projected area of ​​the opening is 20% or more of the projected area of ​​the housing when viewed from the front.

9. 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.

10. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 10 cm.

11. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the housing fits into a sphere with a radius of 1 cm to 3 cm.

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

13. The camera according to claim 3, wherein, when the side of the housing on which the opening is provided is defined as the front side and the side opposite to the front side in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens is defined as the back side, the front side, the back side, and both side surfaces connecting the front side and the back side of the housing are configured as curved surfaces that are convex outward, excluding at least the opening side.

14. 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