Imaging apparatus

Abstract

Provided is an imaging apparatus capable of having improved wiring efficiency.　The present invention comprises a housing (1(0)0A) having: a front surface (1) on which an imaging lens (11) is disposed; a top surface (2) that is located upward when the front surface (1) is viewed from the front; a left lateral surface (3) that is located leftward when the front surface (1) is viewed from the front; and a right lateral surface (4) that is located rightward when the front surface (1) is viewed from the front. A slide handle (21) to which an external display device (70) can be attached is provided to the top surface (2). An exhaust port (31) is provided in the left lateral surface (3). A connector (46) to which a communication line (71) for communicating with the external display device (70) can be connected is disposed in a region in the right lateral surface (4) closer to the top surface (2).

Description

Imaging device

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an imaging device that includes a lens unit, a device body, a handle portion, a viewfinder portion, and a viewfinder holding portion, with the lens unit attached to the front of the device body and the viewfinder portion attached to the top surface of the device body via the handle portion and the viewfinder holding portion, with the other end of the cable connected to the viewfinder portion connected to a connector provided on the top surface of the left side of the device body when viewed from the front, and an exhaust port (on the left side) and an intake port (on the right side) formed at opposing positions on the top panel of the left and right sides when viewed from the front of the device body.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an imaging device in which a lens unit is detachably provided on the front side of the camera body, and multiple connectors are provided on the left side of the camera body when viewed from the front, and among the multiple connectors, an external monitor connection connector is a connector for connecting an external electronic viewfinder, and an HDMI (registered trademark) cable connector is a connector for connecting an HDMI cable that transmits video and audio and outputs video and audio input from the lens unit to an external monitor, and both connectors are provided on the left side of the top surface of the camera body.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a camera device that includes a camera body, an imaging lens, and two displays, the two displays being attached to the camera body in a state that allows the user to monitor them simultaneously, and the two displays being open-type displays made up of, for example, liquid crystal panels.

[0005] International Publication No. 2016 / 031369 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-076859 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-133681

[0006] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides an imaging device that can improve wiring efficiency.

[0007] (1) An imaging device comprising a housing having a first surface on which an imaging lens is arranged, a second surface which is a top surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, a third surface which is one side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, and a fourth surface which is the other side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, wherein a support member to which an external device can be attached is provided on the second surface, an exhaust port is provided on the third surface, and a connector to which a communication line for communicating with the external device can be connected is provided in an area of ​​the fourth surface on the side of the second surface.

[0008] (2) The imaging device according to (1), wherein the third surface is a left side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, and the fourth surface is a right side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front.

[0009] (3) The imaging device according to (1), wherein the external device is an external display device.

[0010] (4) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the exhaust port is provided in a region of the third surface on the side of the second surface.

[0011] (5) The imaging device according to (4), wherein the housing has a fifth surface which is the bottom surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, a first display unit is arranged in an area on the third surface closer to the fifth surface than the exhaust port, and a second display unit is arranged in an area on the fourth surface closer to the fifth surface than the connector.

[0012] (6) The imaging device according to (5), wherein the third surface has a portion where the exhaust port is disposed and a portion where the first display unit is disposed that have different inclinations.

[0013] (7) The imaging device according to (5) or (6), wherein the second display unit displays the same information as that displayed on the first display unit, and the external device displays information different from that displayed on the first display unit.

[0014] (8) The imaging device according to (7), wherein the second display unit displays the information at the same timing as the first display unit.

[0015] (9) The imaging device according to any one of (5) to (8), wherein the external device displays a captured image obtained by imaging, and the first display unit and the second display unit display information different from the captured image.

[0016] (10) The imaging device according to (9), in which the first display unit and the second display unit do not display the captured image.

[0017] (11) The imaging device according to (9), wherein the first display unit and the second display unit display information relating to imaging conditions of the imaging device.

[0018] (12) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the direction in which the communication line is inserted into or removed from the connector is different from the left-right direction when the first surface is viewed from the front.

[0019] (13) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the fourth surface has a recess at an end portion thereof on the side of the second surface, and the connector is disposed in the recess.

[0020] (14) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the communication line is removable from the connector.

[0021] (15) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (14), further comprising: an operation unit; and a push-out mechanism that pushes out the communication line from the connector in response to a user operation on the operation unit.

[0022] (16) The imaging device according to (15), wherein the operation unit is a slide lever.

[0023] (17) The imaging device according to (15) or (16), further comprising a fixing mechanism that fixes the communication line in a state where the communication line is inserted into the connector and releases the fixation by the user's operation.

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can improve wiring efficiency.

[0025] 1 is a front perspective view showing a simplified example of an imaging device 100 in this embodiment; FIG. 2 is a view showing the right side of the imaging device 100; FIG. 3 is a view showing the left side of the imaging device 100; FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a battery 61 attached to the imaging device 100; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connector 72 of the communication line 71 as viewed from above; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion and removal of the connector 72 of the communication line 71 and the connector 46 of the imaging device 100; FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device 100; FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of information displayed on the first display unit 33; FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of information displayed on the second display unit 43;

[0026] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, the terms "upward," "downward," "leftward," "rightward," "forward," and "rearward" are used, but these directions are relative directions set for the imaging device shown in each drawing for the sake of convenience.

[0027] Imaging Device of the Embodiment FIG. 1 is a simplified front perspective view of an example of an imaging device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , examples of imaging devices include consumer video cameras and ENG (electronic news gathering) cameras for television broadcasting. The imaging device 100 includes a housing 100A having a generally box-like shape. The housing 100A includes a front surface 1 on which an imaging lens 11 is disposed, a top surface 2 that is the surface facing upward when the front surface 1 is viewed from the front, a left side surface 3 that is the surface facing left when the front surface 1 is viewed from the front, a right side surface 4 that is the surface facing right when the front surface 1 is viewed from the front, a bottom surface 5 that is the surface facing downward when the front surface 1 is viewed from the front, and a rear surface 6 that is the surface facing rearward when the front surface 1 is viewed from the front. The front surface 1 is an example of a “first surface” in the present invention. The top surface 2 is an example of a “second surface” in the present invention. The left side surface 3 is an example of a “third surface” in the present invention. The right side surface 4 is an example of a "fourth surface" in the present invention. The bottom surface 5 is an example of a "fifth surface" in the present invention. The direction in which the front surface 1 is viewed from the front is the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0028] The imaging lens 11 may be a lens that is interchangeably attached to the imaging device 100 (interchangeable lens type), or may be a lens that is fixed to the imaging device 100 (integrated lens type). "When the front surface 1 is viewed from the front" means when the imaging device 100 is in a basic position (a position in which the surface defined as the bottom surface 5 faces downward) and is viewed directly opposite the front surface 1.

[0029] A slide handle 21, which is an example of a "support member" of the present invention, is provided on the top surface 2. An external display device 70, which is an example of an "external device" of the present invention, can be attached to the slide handle 21. The slide handle 21 has a support portion 21a to which the external display device 70 is attached, and a slide portion 21b that slides along a rail portion 21c formed on the top surface 2. The rail portion 21c is formed to extend along the front-rear direction of the housing 100A. The support portion 21a of the slide handle 21 extends along the front-rear direction of the housing 100A, and the slide portion 21b slides along the rail portion 21c, thereby moving the position of the slide handle 21 in the front-rear direction (direction indicated by arrow B) relative to the housing 100A.

[0030] The external display device 70, attached to the support column 21a of the slide handle 21, moves forward and backward relative to the housing 100A as the support column 21a moves. The external display device 70 is supported by a support column 21d provided at the end of the support column 21a, and the orientation of its display screen can be changed left and right and up and down around the support column 21d. The external display device 70 displays captured images obtained by imaging with the imaging device 100. "Displaying captured images" refers to displaying, for example, live view images (through images). The display screen of the external display device 70 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal monitor. The external display device 70 is positioned so that its display screen faces rearward from the imaging device 100, allowing the photographer to view the displayed images. The external display device 70 is positioned to the right of the imaging device 100.

[0031] The left side surface 3 is provided with an exhaust port 31 that can exhaust air from inside the image capture device 100 to the outside of the image capture device 100. The left side surface 3 also has a first display unit 33 that can display information different from the information displayed by the external display device 70. The configuration of the left side surface 3 will be described further below with reference to FIG.

[0032] A connector is provided on the right side surface 4 to which a communication line 71 for communicating with an external display device 70 can be connected. The "connector" here refers to a connector on the imaging device 100 side. The configuration of the right side surface 4 will be described further below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0033] 2 is a diagram showing the right side of the imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the right side 4 has a central side surface 4a located in the center in the up-down direction, an upper side surface 4b located at the top, and a lower side surface 4c located at the bottom. A connector 72 of the communication line 71 is provided at the tip of the communication line 71, which is used to communicate with the external display device 70, on the imaging device 100 side. The communication line 71 is electrically connected to the imaging device 100 by coupling this connector 72 to a connector 46 on the imaging device 100 side. The connector 72 of the communication line 71 is provided so as to be removable from the connector 46 of the imaging device 100.

[0034] The connector 46 is arranged in an area on the top surface 2 side of the right side surface 4. The "area on the top surface 2 side of the right side surface 4" refers to the upper half of the right side surface 4. The connector 46 is arranged, for example, at the upper end of the right side surface 4. In FIG. 2 , the connector 46 is arranged below the connector 72 of the communication line 71.

[0035] Of the central side surface 4a, upper side surface 4b, and lower side surface 4c provided on the right side surface 4, the central side surface 4a is a side surface region provided to extend approximately vertically in the up-down direction of the housing 100A. The upper side surface 4b is a side surface region that slopes so that the width of the housing 100A in the left-right direction decreases as it approaches the upper part of the housing 100A. The lower side surface 4c is a side surface region that slopes so that the width of the housing 100A in the left-right direction decreases as it approaches the lower part of the housing 100A. Note that in this example, the upper side surface 4b and the lower side surface 4c are configured as inclined flat surfaces, but are not limited to this and may be configured as surfaces with curvature, for example.

[0036] A recess 41 is provided on the upper side surface 4b of the right side surface 4. The recess 41 is formed, for example, at the end on the top surface 2 side, approximately in the center of the housing 100A in the front-to-rear direction, so as to be recessed downward from the top surface 2 of the housing 100A. The recess 41 is a portion that is recessed downward when viewed from the left and right. A connector 46 of the imaging device 100 is disposed in this recess 41. The connector 46 is oriented so that the connection terminals are exposed at the bottom of the recess 41. A connector 72 of the communication line 71 is connected to the connector 46 disposed in this recess 41. The connector 72 is connected to the connector 46 by being inserted into the recess 41. The insertion and removal of the connector 72 and the connector 46 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 .

[0037] A second display unit 43 is also provided on the right side surface 4. The second display unit 43 is located in an area on the right side surface 4 closer to the bottom surface 5 than the connector 46. The second display unit 43 is located on the central side surface 4a. The central side surface 4a on which the second display unit 43 is located and the upper side surface 4b on which the recess 41 is located have different side surface inclinations. The second display unit 43 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal monitor. A plurality of selection buttons 44a to 44f for selecting imaging setting items and a select dial 45 for changing the conditions of the setting items are provided around the periphery of the second display unit 43.

[0038] Similar to the first display unit 33 provided on the left side surface 3, the second display unit 43 is a display unit that displays information different from the information displayed by the external display device 70. The second display unit 43 displays information different from the image captured by the imaging device 100. The second display unit 43 does not display, for example, a live view image (through image).

[0039] An air intake 42 is provided on the right side surface 4. The air intake 42 is disposed on a lower side surface 4c of the right side surface 4. The air intake 42 is an opening for drawing air from outside the imaging device 100 into the housing 100A.

[0040] 3 is a diagram showing the left side surface of the imaging device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the left side surface 3 is provided with a central side surface 3a located in the center in the up-down direction, an upper side surface 3b located at the top, and a lower side surface 3c located at the bottom. The configurations of these side surfaces are similar to the central side surface 4a, upper side surface 4b, and lower side surface 4c of the right side surface 4 described in Fig. 2.

[0041] An exhaust port 31 is provided on the upper side surface 3b of the left side surface 3. The exhaust port 31 is provided in an area of ​​the left side surface 3 on the top surface 2 side. The "area of ​​the left side surface 3 on the top surface 2 side" refers to the upper half of the left side surface 3. The exhaust port 31 is provided, for example, at the upper end of the left side surface 3. The exhaust port 31 is provided on the side of the housing 100A opposite to the side (right side) on which the external display device 70 is provided.

[0042] A first display unit 33 is provided on the central side surface 3a of the left side surface 3. The first display unit 33 is arranged in an area on the left side surface 3 closer to the bottom surface 5 than the exhaust port 31. The first display unit 33 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal monitor. The first display unit 33 is a display unit of the same size as the second display unit 43. A plurality of selection buttons 34a to 34f for selecting imaging setting items and a select dial 35 for changing the conditions of the setting items are provided around the periphery of the first display unit 33.

[0043] As described above, the upper side surface 3b is a side surface region that slopes upward so that the width in the left-right direction of the housing 100A decreases, while the central side surface 3a is a side surface region that extends approximately vertically in the up-down direction of the housing 100A. Therefore, the slope of the side surface differs between the upper side surface 3b where the exhaust port 31 is located and the central side surface 3a where the first display unit 33 is located.

[0044] Similar to the second display unit 43 on the right side surface 4, the first display unit 33 is a display unit that displays information different from the information displayed by the external display device 70. The first display unit 33 does not display an image captured by the imaging device 100, but displays information different from the captured image.

[0045] Furthermore, the first display unit 33 displays information with the same content as the information displayed by the second display unit 43. The first display unit 33 displays, for example, information related to the imaging conditions when imaging is performed by the imaging device 100. The first display unit 33 displays the information related to the imaging conditions at the same timing as the second display unit 43. "Information with the same content" also includes information that shows substantially the same content. Therefore, information with the same content may be, for example, information on the same setting screen, and may be slightly different in color, etc., as long as it shows substantially the same content.

[0046] An air intake 32 is provided on the lower side surface 4c of the right side surface 4. The air intake 32 is an opening for drawing air from outside the imaging device 100 into the housing 100A. Note that the direction of intake and exhaust of air is determined by the direction of a fan provided inside the housing 100A.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a battery 61 attached to the imaging device 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the housing 100A is configured so that an external battery 61 can be attached to its rear surface 6. For example, the vertical length of the battery 61 is longer than the vertical length of the housing 100A, and when attached to the rear surface 6 of the housing 100A, the upper part of the battery 61 protrudes above the position of the top surface 2 of the housing 100A.

[0048] 5 is a perspective view of the connector 72 of the communication line 71 as viewed from above. The communication line 71 is detachable from the image capture device 100. The communication line 71 can be attached to and detached from the image capture device 100 by inserting and removing the connector 72 attached to the communication line 71 into and from the connector 46 of the image capture device 100.

[0049] 5, a slide lever 74 for removing the connector 72 of the communication line 71 from the imaging device 100 is provided on the upper side surface 4b of the right side surface 4 of the housing 100A. The slide lever 74 is an example of an "operation unit" in the present invention. By sliding the slide lever 74, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow C, the connector 72 of the communication line 71 can be removed from the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 in the direction indicated by arrow D via a mechanical pushing mechanism provided within the housing 100A.

[0050] The insertion / removal direction of the connector 72 of the communication line 71 relative to the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 is a direction different from the left-right direction when the front face 1 is viewed from the front. The "direction different from the left-right direction" may be, for example, the up-down direction or the front-rear direction when the front face 1 is viewed from the front. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the insertion / removal direction of the connector 72 of the communication line 71 is the up-down direction. The direction indicated by arrow D is the removal direction (upward) of the connector 72, and the direction opposite to the direction of arrow D is the insertion direction (downward) of the connector 72.

[0051] 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating insertion and removal of the connector 72 of the communication line 71 into and from the connector 46 of the imaging device 100. As shown in Fig. 6, the connector 72 of the communication line 71 is an L-shaped connector. The communication line 71 is connected to the connector 72 so as to extend from the connector 72 to the front side of the imaging device 100.

[0052] An ejection mechanism is provided inside the housing 101 for pushing out the connector 72 of the communication line 71 in order to remove the connector 72 connected to the connector 46 of the imaging device 100. The connector 72 of the communication line 71 can be removed from the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 by a user sliding the slide lever 74. "Pushing out" does not necessarily mean that the connector 72 of the communication line 71 is completely pushed out, but may also mean that it is partially pushed out (for example, halfway removed).

[0053] The connector 72 of the communication line 71 and the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 are connected by mating a connector connection portion 73 (cable connector terminal) on the communication line 71 side with a connector connection portion 47 (device connector terminal) on the imaging device 100 side. The "push-out mechanism" that pushes out the connector 72 is made up of lift metal plates 48a, 48b that are arranged to abut against the connector 72, and a mechanical mechanism (not shown) that moves the lift metal plates 48a, 48b upward as indicated by arrows E1, E2 in response to operation of the slide lever 74. The lift metal plate 48a is arranged in front of the connector connection portion 47, and the lift metal plate 48b is arranged behind the connector connection portion 47.

[0054] Also provided inside the housing 101 is a fixing mechanism that fixes the connector 72 of the communication line 71 in a state where the connector 72 is inserted into the connector 46 of the imaging device 100, and that releases the fixation of the connector 72 by a user sliding the slide lever 74. The "fixing mechanism" is made up of locking claws 49a, 49b that can engage with recesses 75a, 75b formed in the connector 72 of the communication line 71, and a mechanical mechanism (not shown) that moves the locking claws 49a, 49b in the forward and backward directions indicated by arrows F1, F2 in response to operation of the slide lever 74.

[0055] Locking claw 49a is located on the front side of the inserted connector 72, and locking claw 49b is located on the rear side of the inserted connector 72. When the slide lever 74 is slid, locking claw 49a moves in the direction of arrow F1 (forward), and locking claw 49b moves in the direction of arrow F2 (rearward). As a result, locking claw 49a disengages from recessed portion 75a of the connector 72, and locking claw 49b disengages from recessed portion 75b of the connector 72, thereby releasing the connector 72 from its locked position.

[0056] <Hardware Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 100> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a processor 81, a memory 82, a user input unit 83, an imaging unit 84, a first display unit 33, a second display unit 43, and an external monitor interface 85. The processor 81, the memory 82, the user input unit 83, the imaging unit 84, the first display unit 33, the second display unit 43, and the external monitor interface 85 are connected by, for example, a bus 86.

[0057] The processor 81 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU that controls the entire imaging device 100. The processor 81 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 81 may also be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits.

[0058] The memory 82 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory is used as a work area for the processor 81. The auxiliary memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the imaging device 100 are stored in the auxiliary memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 81. The auxiliary memory may also include a portable memory that is removable from the imaging device 100. Examples of portable memory include memory cards such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and an external hard disk drive.

[0059] The user input unit 83 includes, for example, an input device that accepts operation inputs from the user. The input device can be realized by, for example, a key operation unit or a remote control. The user input unit 83 includes selection buttons 34a to 34f and a select dial 35 provided above and below the first display unit 33, or selection buttons 44a to 44f and a select dial 45 provided above and below the second display unit 43. The user input unit 83 is controlled by the processor 81. The imaging device 100 accepts various specifications from the user using the user input unit 83.

[0060] The imaging unit 84 includes an imaging lens 11 and an imaging element. The imaging lens 11 includes at least an imaging lens such as a focus lens or a zoom lens. The imaging element can be configured, for example, as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 84 also includes a signal processing circuit that performs sampling and digital conversion on the captured image signal output from the imaging element. The imaging unit 84 also includes an image processing unit that performs digital signal processing on the captured image signal processed by the signal processing circuit to generate captured image data in, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

[0061] The first display unit 33 and the second display unit 43 are controlled by the processor 81. Under the control of the processor 81, the first display unit 33 and the second display unit 43 display, for example, the same information at the same time.

[0062] The external monitor interface 85 is a communication interface that communicates with the external display device 70. Under the control of the processor 81, the external monitor interface 85 transmits the image captured by the imaging unit 84 to the external display device 70 via the communication line 71.

[0063] <Display Information of First Display Unit 33 and Second Display Unit 43> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on the first display unit 33. The first display unit 33 is a display unit arranged on the left side surface 3 of the housing 100A of the imaging device 100. As shown in Fig. 8, the first display unit 33 displays imaging setting items of the imaging device 100 in an upper area from front to rear, for example, a shutter angle of "180.0", a frame rate of "30", and an aperture value of "F4.0". The first display unit 33 also displays imaging setting items of the imaging device 100 in a lower area from front to rear, for example, an ISO value of "3200", a white balance of "Auto", and a focal length of "100".

[0064] Information on "shutter angle," "frame rate," and "aperture value" is displayed so as to correspond to the positions of shutter angle selection button 34a, frame rate selection button 34b, and aperture value selection button 34c, respectively, which are located on the upper side of first display section 33. Information on "ISO value," "white balance," and "focal length" is displayed so as to correspond to the positions of ISO value selection button 34d, white balance selection button 34e, and focal length selection button 34f, respectively, which are located on the lower side of first display section 33. After pressing any of the selection buttons, the setting value can be changed by operating select dial 35.

[0065] 9 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on the second display unit 43. The second display unit 43 is a display unit disposed on the right side surface 4 of the housing 100A. As shown in FIG. 9 , the second display unit 43 displays imaging setting items of the imaging device 100 in an upper area from rear to front, in the order of, for example, shutter angle "180.0", frame rate "30", and aperture value "F4.0". The second display unit 43 also displays imaging setting items of the imaging device 100 in a lower area from rear to front, in the order of, for example, ISO value "3200", white balance "Auto", and focal length "100".

[0066] The information on "shutter angle," "frame rate," and "aperture value" is displayed corresponding to the positions of the shutter angle selection button 44a, frame rate selection button 44b, and aperture value selection button 44c, respectively, located on the upper side of the second display unit 43. The information on "ISO value," "white balance," and "focal length" is displayed corresponding to the positions of the ISO value selection button 44d, white balance selection button 44e, and focal length selection button 44f, respectively, located on the lower side of the second display unit 43. After pressing any of the selection buttons, the setting value can be changed by operating the select dial 45. Operating the select dial 45 changes the setting value on the second display unit 43, and also changes the setting value on the first display unit 33. The same applies when operating the select dial 35.

[0067] In this way, the multiple image capture setting items displayed on the first display unit 33 on the left side surface 3 are displayed in the same order as the multiple image capture setting items displayed on the second display unit 43 on the right side surface 4. Specifically, when the first display unit 33 and the second display unit 43 are viewed from the front, the "shutter angle" is located at the top right of each display unit, the "aperture value" is located at the top left, the "ISO value" is located at the bottom right, and the "focal length" is located at the bottom left.

[0068] As described above, the imaging device 100 of this embodiment is provided with a slide handle 21 on the top surface 2 to which an external display device 70 can be attached, an exhaust port 31 on the left side surface 3 adjacent to the top surface 2, and a connector 46 on the right side surface 4 adjacent to the top surface 2 to which a connector 72 of a communication line 71 for communicating with the external display device 70 can be connected. With this configuration, by locating the connector 46 at the upper end of the right side surface 4, interference with other components provided on the housing 100A, such as the imaging lens 11 on the front surface 1, the slide handle 21 on the top surface 2, and the exhaust port 31 on the left side surface 3, can be reduced. This prevents an increase in the size of the housing 100A and allows the communication line 71 connected to the external display device 70 to be routed out of the way. In this way, wiring efficiency can be improved.

[0069] Furthermore, by locating the exhaust port 31 at the upper end of the left side surface 3, it is possible to efficiently exhaust high-temperature air that has accumulated in the upper region inside the housing 100A to the outside, and it is also possible to prevent hot exhaust air from hitting the photographer, who usually places his or her face on the right side of the housing 100A to check the image on the external display device 70.

[0070] Furthermore, in the imaging device 100, the insertion / removal direction of the connector 72 of the communication line 71 relative to the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 is, for example, vertical, which is different from the left-right direction when the front surface 1 is viewed from the front. With this configuration, among the internal components of the housing 100A, the internal components related to the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 (e.g., the socket portion of the connector 46 and the circuit that performs communication using the connector 46) can be disposed near the left side surface 3. For example, if the insertion / removal direction of the connector 72 is horizontal, the internal components of the housing 100A are disposed near the center of the housing 100A, away from the left side surface 3. This prevents the imaging device 100 from becoming larger in width (horizontal) and also prevents interference with the internal components of the housing 100A provided on the top surface 2 (e.g., the slide mechanism of the slide handle 21 and components provided next to the slide mechanism).

[0071] Furthermore, the imaging device 100 has a recess 41 at the upper end of the right side surface 4, and the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 is disposed in the recess 41. With this configuration, the connector 72 of the communication line 71 connected to the connector 46 and the communication line 71 extending from the connector 72 can be prevented from protruding toward the top surface 2. For example, when viewed from the left and right of the imaging device 100, the communication line 71 and the connector 72 of the communication line 71 can be prevented from protruding above the top surface 2. This can prevent interference between the communication line 71 and the connector 72 of the communication line 71 and components (e.g., the slide handle 21) provided on the top surface 2. This allows the communication line 71 connected to the external display device 70 to be routed so as not to get in the way.

[0072] The imaging device 100 is also provided with a slide lever 74 and a push-out mechanism that allow a user to remove the connector 72 of the communication line 71, which is connected to the connector 46 of the imaging device 100, from the connector 46. If the connector 46 of the imaging device 100 is provided in the recess 41, it is not easy for a user to manually pull out the connector 72 of the communication line 71 connected to the connector 46 of the recess 41. In contrast, with this configuration, simply sliding the slide lever 74 causes the push-out action of the push-out mechanism to push out the connector 72 of the communication line 71 from the connector 46 of the imaging device 100. This makes it easy to unplug the connector 72 of the communication line 71 from the connector 46. Although the "slide lever 74" and the "push-out mechanism" are composed only of mechanical parts, using the slide lever 74 as the user's operation unit makes it possible to realize a simple configuration that allows the connector 72 of the communication line 71 to be pushed out depending on the sliding distance of the lever.

[0073] The imaging device 100 is also provided with a fixing mechanism that fixes the connector 72 of the communication line 71 in a state where the connector 72 of the communication line 71 is inserted into the connector 46 of the imaging device 100, and releases the fixation of the connector 72 by sliding the slide lever 74. With this configuration, the user can both release the lock on the connector 72 of the communication line 71 and push out the connector 72 simply by sliding the slide lever 74.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the imaging device 100, the external display device 70 displays a captured image obtained by imaging with the imaging device 100, and the first display unit 33 on the left side surface 3 and the second display unit 43 on the right side surface 4 display, for example, information about the imaging conditions at the time of imaging with the imaging device 100. This makes it possible to always display the setting values ​​of the imaging conditions of the imaging device 100 on the first display unit 33 and the second display unit 43 while the captured image is displayed on the external display device 70. Therefore, even while imaging with the imaging device 100 is in progress, it is possible to check on the first display unit 33 and the second display unit 43 whether the setting values ​​of the imaging conditions have been changed.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the imaging device 100, the first display unit 33 arranged on the left side surface 3 and the second display unit 43 arranged on the right side surface 4 are display units of the same size and display the same information at the same time. Therefore, the same operations can be performed on the same-sized display units on both the left and right sides of the imaging device 100, making operation easy in terms of operational feel and visibility. Furthermore, different operators can operate the first display unit 33 and the second display unit 43 while viewing the same screen, improving operability.

[0076] In this embodiment, each process is executed by a computer. The computer may execute these processes by a processor, a program, or a combination thereof. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for specific applications, a system such as a workstation, or other hardware element capable of executing a program.

[0077] The processor may be configured with one or more pieces of hardware, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, the processor may be configured with hardware such as a programmable logic device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated circuit for executing specific processing such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a neural processing unit (NPU). The processor also has various units or means for executing various processes in this embodiment. The type of hardware may also be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple pieces of hardware are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, the multiple pieces of hardware may be located in devices physically separated from each other, or may be located in the same device. Furthermore, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware is configured by an electric circuit (circuitry) or the like that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0078] Furthermore, the present embodiment may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. Software, firmware, and microcode may be configured by a program. A program may also be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform the respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storages). The program may be stored in multiple non-transitory computer-readable media that reside in physically separate devices. Program code or a code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or a code segment may be connected to another code segment or a hardware circuit by sending or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0079] Although various embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-121093) filed on July 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Front 2 Top 3 Left side 3a, 4a Central side 3b, 4b Upper side 3c, 4c Lower side 4 Right side 5 Bottom 6 Back 11 Imaging lens 21 Slide handle 21a Support 21b Slide portion 21c Rail portion 21d Support portion 31 Exhaust port 32, 42 Intake port 33 First display portion 34a to 34f, 44a to 44f Selection button 35, 45 Select dial 41, 75a, 75b Recess 43 Second display portion 46, 72 Connector 47, 73 Connector connection portion 48a, 48b Lift plate metal 49a, 49b Locking claw 61 Battery 70 External display device 71 Communication line 74 Slide lever 81 Processor 82 Memory 83 User input unit 84 Imaging unit 85 External monitor interface 86 Bus 100 Imaging device 100A Housing 101 Inside the housing E1, E2, F1, F2 Arrows

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising a housing having a first surface on which an imaging lens is disposed, a second surface which is the top surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, a third surface which is one side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, and a fourth surface which is the other side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, wherein a support member to which an external device can be attached is provided on the second surface, an exhaust port is provided on the third surface, and a connector to which a communication line for communicating with the external device can be connected is provided in an area of ​​the fourth surface on the side of the second surface.

2. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the third surface is the left side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, and the fourth surface is the right side surface when the first surface is viewed from the front.

3. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the external device is an external display device.

4. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust port is provided in an area of ​​the third surface on the side of the second surface.

5. An imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the housing has a fifth surface which is the bottom surface when the first surface is viewed from the front, a first display unit is arranged in an area on the third surface closer to the fifth surface than the exhaust port, and a second display unit is arranged in an area on the fourth surface closer to the fifth surface than the connector.

6. An imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the third surface has a portion where the exhaust port is disposed and a portion where the first display unit is disposed that have different inclinations.

7. An imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the second display unit displays the same information as that displayed on the first display unit, and the external device displays information different from that displayed on the first display unit.

8. An imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the second display unit displays the information at the same timing as the first display unit.

9. An imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the external device displays a captured image obtained by imaging, and the first display unit and the second display unit display information different from the captured image.

10. An imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the first display unit and the second display unit do not display the captured image.

11. An imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the first display unit and the second display unit display information relating to imaging conditions of the imaging device.

12. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the communication line is inserted into or removed from the connector is different from the left-right direction when the first surface is viewed from the front.

13. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fourth surface has a recess at an end thereof on the side of the second surface, and the connector is disposed in the recess.

14. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the communication line is removable from the connector.

15. An imaging device according to claim 1, comprising: an operation unit; and a push-out mechanism that pushes out the communication line from the connector in response to a user operation on the operation unit.

16. An imaging device according to claim 15, wherein the operation unit is a slide lever.

17. An imaging device according to claim 15 or 16, comprising a fixing mechanism that fixes the communication line in place while the communication line is inserted into the connector, and that releases the fixation by the user's operation.

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