DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a camera used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] In FIG. 1 , illustrated are a camera body 1 , an image pickup block 2 , an aperture 21 of a lens part, a light emitting part 22 of a flash part, and a rotation axis 23 of the image pickup block 2 . The image pickup block 2 has, the lens part (not shown), a CCD (not shown) serving as an image pickup device, and the light emitting part 22 of the flash part. The body 1 has a liquid crystal monitor 11 and a release button 12 .

[0076] In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the image pickup block 2 can be rotated on its rotation axis 23 in directions as indicated by arrows A and B. As apparent from FIG. 1 , the image pickup block 2 is rotatable within the body 1 . This body 1 corresponds to “covering unit” recited in the Claims, and the rotation of the image pickup block 2 corresponds to the position changing of “position changing unit” recited therein.

[0077] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the image pickup block 2 with its position rotationally changing relative to the body 1 .

[0078] FIG. 2 shows the image pickup block 2 with rotated to a position at angle θ (θ is a variable) on its rotation axis 23 . FIG. 2 shows that the image pickup block 2 is positioned at the angel θ of minus 90 degrees.

[0079] FIGS. 3 -( a ), 3 -( b ), 3 -( c ), 4 -( d ), 4 -( e ) and 4 -( f ) each show position to which the image pickup block 2 has rotated.

[0080] FIG. 3 -( a ) shows the rotated image pickup block 2 in a position at the angle θ of 90 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle θ of 90 degrees is a “face-to-lens shooting” limit position. That is, the present embodiment is configured that the rotational angle θ not be greater than 90 degrees. The term “face-to-lens shooting” used herein means that the lens part 20 of the image pickup block 2 faces to a user at the shooting (taking a picture of the user himself or herself).

[0081] FIG. 3 -( b ) shows the rotated image pickup block 2 in a position at the angle θ of α1. In the present embodiment, at the angle θ being less than α1, the aperture of the lens part 2 begins to be hidden by the body 1 , which causes a vignetting. FIG. 3 -( b ), therefore, shows another face-to-lens shooting limit position.

[0082] FIG. 3 -( c ) shows the image pickup block 2 in a position at angle θ of zero degrees. In this state, the image pickup block 2 is housed in the body 1 . Therefore, shooting is not feasible.

[0083] FIG. 4 -( d ) shows the rotated image pickup block 2 in a position at angle θ of minus α1. In the present embodiment, at the angle θ being less than minus α1, the aperture of the lens part 2 is no longer hidden by the body 1 , which means no vignetting occurs. FIG. 4 -( d ), therefore, shows a front upper-limit shooting position.

[0084] FIG. 4 -( e ) shows the rotated image pickup block 2 in a position at angle θ of minus 90 degrees. This is a front shooting position of a conventional camera. The term “front shooting” signifies that the lens part 20 of the image pickup block 2 faces to a subject at the shooting (a conventional shooting).

[0085] FIG. 4 -( f ) shows the rotated image pickup block 2 in a position at angle θ of minus α2. In the present embodiment, at the angle θ less than minus α2, the aperture of the lens part 2 will begin to be hidden by the body 1 , which may cause a vignetting. This embodiment is configured, therefore, that the angle θ not be less than minus α2. Thus, FIG. 4 -( f ) showing is a front lower-limit shooting position of the electronic camera.

[0086] The electronic camera of the present embodiment is so constructed as to allow the camera operator to recognize rotational position changing of the lens part 20 with clicking feeling while it rotates from the position of FIG. 3 -( a ) to the position of FIG. 4 -( f ).

[0087] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic camera in the present embodiment. In FIG. 5 , depicted are a CPU 100 , a bus 101 , a gain adjustable amplifier 102 , an A/D converter 103 , an image processing part 104 , a buffer memory 105 , an image compression/extension part 106 , a recording medium 107 , a D/A converter 108 , the liquid crystal monitor 11 , a power switch 110 , the release button 12 , an imaging mode/playback mode switch 112 , and switches SW 1 and SW 2 . The image pickup block 2 includes a flash part 202 . The image pickup block 2 also includes AF and AE mechanisms, which are well known and hence not shown in the figure.

[0088] The switches SW 1 and SW 2 , fixed to the body 1 , are used to determine whether at least a portion of the aperture of the lens part 20 is hidden by the body 1 and hence the lens part 20 is located at a position unsuitable for shooting. The switches SW 1 and SW 2 constitute, together with a cam (which will be described later) provided to the rotation axis 23 , a part of “determining unit” recited in the Claims.

[0089] Operations of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 5 will be described below.

[0090] In FIG. 5 , when the power switch 110 is turned on, the electronic camera starts its operation. In the following description, it is assumed that the imaging mode/playback mode switch 112 has been set to an imaging mode. The operation in the playback mode is not relevant to the present invention, and hence its description is omitted.

[0091] Firstly, an ordinal picture taking will now be described.

[0092] When the release button 12 is half-pressed, the AE and AF processings are executed, and it is decided whether a flash will be emitted.

[0093] When the release button 12 is full-pressed, a subject image focused on a CCD 24 of the image pickup block 2 is converted, by the CCD 24 , into an analog image signal, which is then inputted to the amplifier 102 .

[0094] The amplifier 102 amplifies the inputted analog image signal by a gain established by the CPU 100 . The analog image signal outputted from the amplifier 102 is inputted to the A/D converter 103 and then converted thereby into a digital image signal.

[0095] The digital image signal outputted from the A/D converter 103 is inputted to the image processing part 104 and subjected thereby to image processings, such as white balance, gamma conversion, pixel interpolation and so on. These image processings are not directly relevant to the present invention and hence their descriptions are omitted.

[0096] The image-processed digital image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 105 .

[0097] The digital image signal outputted from the buffer memory 105 is image compressed by the image compression/extension part 106 and thereafter stored in the recording medium 107 , such as a memory card or the like.

[0098] On the other hand, the digital image signal outputted from the A/D converter 103 is also inputted to the D/A converter 108 and converted thereby to an analog image signal, which is outputted to the liquid crystal monitor 11 .

[0099] The liquid crystal monitor 11 displays the image currently captured by the CCD 24 as it is. This displayed image will be referred to as “through image” hereinafter.

[0100] The flash part 202 provides flash emissions (preparative and main light emissions) in response to commands from the CPU 100 .

[0101] Next, the operation of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . As previously stated, the switches SW 1 and SW 2 are provided for determining whether at least a portion of the aperture of the lens part 20 is hidden by the body 1 and hence located at a position unsuitable for shooting.

[0102] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the operations of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 from that the switches SW 1 and SW 2 are turned on/off by a cam 26 directly coupled to the rotation axis 23 , to that they decide whether the position of the image pickup block 2 is unsuitable for shooting. The operations of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 accord with a rotational position of the image pickup block 2 (See the angles θ of FIGS. 3 and 4 ). More specifically, the CPU 100 (See FIG. 5 ) determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a position unsuitable for shooting by monitoring the on/off states of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 . The switches SW 1 and SW 2 , cam 26 and CPU 100 correspond to the “determining unit” recited in the Claims.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6 -( a ), the switches SW 1 and SW 2 both are in off-state at the face-to-lens shooting position (θ=90 degrees) because a protrusion part of the cam 26 is not engaged with the switches SW 1 and SW 2 . At this moment, the CPU 100 (See FIG. 5 ) determines that the shooting is feasible.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6 -( b ), at the face-to-lens shooting limit position (θ=α1), the switch SW 1 remains in the off-state, but the switch SW 2 begins to engage with the protrusion part of the cam 26 and hence shift from the off-state to the on-state. Therefore, when the image pickup block 2 exceeds the face-to-lens shooting limit position, the CPU 100 (See FIG. 5 ) determines that the shooting is unfeasible. In such a case, even with the release button 12 full-pressed, the CPU 100 will not respond to that.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6 -( c ), at the in-house position (θ=zero degrees), the switches SW 1 and SW 2 are in the off-state and the on-state, respectively, and hence the CPU 100 (See FIG. 5 ) determines that the shooting is unfeasible. In such a case, even with the release button 12 full-pressed, the CPU 100 will not respond to it.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 7 -( d ), at the front upper-limit shooting position (θ=minus α1), the switch SW 2 remains in the on-state, and the switch SW 1 begins to engage with the protrusion part of the cam 26 and hence shifts from the off-state to the on-state. Therefore, when the image pickup block 2 exceeds the front upper-limit shooting position, the CPU 100 (See FIG. 5 ) determines that the shooting is feasible.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7 -( e ), at the front lower-limit shooting position (θ=minus α2), the switches SW 1 and SW 2 both remain in the on-states, and hence the CPU 100 (See FIG. 5 ) determines that the shooting is feasible.

[0108] As apparent from the above descriptions, the CPU 100 shown in FIG. 5 determines whether the shooting is feasible or unfeasible, according to a table shown in FIG. 8 . When the CPU 100 determines that the shooting is unfeasible, it inhibits any shooting processing even if the release button 12 is full-pressed. The CPU 100 also controls, based on its determination result, the gain of the amplifier 102 and the display of “through image” on the liquid crystal monitor 11 , while adjusting the time after which the power saving mode is entered.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . This flowchart shows the operation in the continuous shooting mode.

[0110] At the start of the continuous shooting mode, the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been full-pressed, at a step S 10 . If the release button 12 has been full-pressed, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 11 . Otherwise, the CPU 100 repetitively executes the determination of the step S 10 , while initiating no continuous shooting.

[0111] In the step S 11 , the CPU 100 provides AF and AE processings as pre-processings of the continuous shooting.

[0112] Next, in a step S 12 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 13 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 10 .

[0113] In the step S 13 , the CPU 100 executes a continuous shooting.

[0114] In a step S 14 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been being full-pressed. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 15 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 10 .

[0115] In the step S 15 , CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 returns to the step S 13 and maintains the continuous shooting. If no, the CPU 100 returns to the step S 14 and interrupts the continuous shooting until the image pickup block 2 becomes oriented at a shooting-possible position.

[0116] According to the flowchart of FIG. 9 , when the image pickup block 2 is rotated, during a continuous shooting, to a position in which the shooting is not possible, the continuous shooting can be interrupted. Thereafter, when the image pickup block 2 is rotated back to a shooting-possible position, the continuous shooting can be resumed. This enables prevention of inappropriate image capturing during the continuous shooting.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . This flowchart shows the operation in a movie imaging mode.

[0118] At the initiation of the movie imaging mode, the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been full-pressed, at a step S 20 . If the release button 12 has been full-pressed, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 21 . Otherwise, the CPU 100 repetitively executes the determination of the step S 20 , while initiating no movie imaging.

[0119] In the step S 21 , the CPU 100 initiates a movie imaging.

[0120] Next, in a step S 22 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been full-pressed again after the step S 20 . If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 23 . If yes, the CPU 100 terminates the movie imaging.

[0121] In the step S 23 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 22 , and maintains the movie imaging. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 24 .

[0122] In the step S 24 , the CPU 100 interrupts the movie imaging.

[0123] Next, in a step S 25 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been full-pressed again. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 26 . If yes, the CPU 100 terminates the movie imaging.

[0124] In the step S 26 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 27 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 24 .

[0125] In the step S 27 , the CPU 100 resumes the movie imaging, and goes back to the step S 22 .

[0126] According to the flowchart of FIG. 10 , when the image pickup block 2 is rotated, during a movie imaging, to a shooting-impossible position, the movie imaging can be interrupted. Thereafter, when the image pickup block 2 is rotated back to a shooting-possible position, the interrupted movie imaging can be resumed. In this way, an inappropriate movie can be prevented from being imaged during the movie imaging.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . This flowchart describes the operation of determining whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position before a light emission of the flash part.

[0128] In a step S 30 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been half-pressed. If no, the CPU 100 repetitively executes the determination of the step S 30 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 31 .

[0129] In the step S 31 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 33 . If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 32 .

[0130] In the step S 32 , the CPU 100 displays an indication informing that shooting is not feasible on the liquid crystal monitor 11 for a predetermined period of time, and then goes back to the step S 30 .

[0131] In the step S 33 , the CPU 100 provides AF and AE processings.

[0132] Next, in a step S 34 , the CPU 100 locks the AF and AE values obtained in the preceding step S 33 .

[0133] In a step S 35 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been being half-pressed. If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 30 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 36 .

[0134] In the step S 36 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been full-pressed. If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 35 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 37 .

[0135] In the step S 37 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 38 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 35 .

[0136] In the step S 38 , the CPU 100 determines whether a presently set mode is a mode for allowing flash part 202 to flash light. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 44 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 39 .

[0137] In the step S 39 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 40 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 35 .

[0138] In the step S 40 , the CPU 100 causes the flash part 202 to emit a pre-flash (preparative light emission).

[0139] In a step S 41 , the CPU 100 decides the amount of a main light emission from the pre-flash emission (preparative light emission).

[0140] In a step S 42 , the CPU 100 determines whether a presently set mode is a mode for allowing the flash part 202 to emit a flash for preventing red-eye effect. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 45 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 43 .

[0141] In the step S 43 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 44 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 35 .

[0142] In the step S 44 , the CPU 100 allows the flash part 202 to emit a flash for preventing red-eye effect.

[0143] In the step S 45 , the CPU 100 determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 46 . If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 35 .

[0144] In the step S 46 , the CPU 100 allows the flash part 202 to emit a main light.

[0145] In the step S 47 , the CPU 100 executes shooting, and returns to the step S 30 .

[0146] It is able to inhibit the flash emission according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 , when the image pickup block 2 is rotated to a shooting-impossible position before a flash emission (a preparative light emission, a light emission for preventing red-eye effect, or a main light emission). This can prevent the occurrences of problems that a structure between the camera case and the flash part otherwise would be deformed due to the heat and that the heat otherwise would cause the shortening of the life of the electronic camera, and the like.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . This flowchart describes the operations of controlling the gain of the amplifier 102 and of controlling the display of “through image”.

[0148] In the flowchart of FIG. 12 , it is assumed that the electronic camera is to be in a shooting-possible state.

[0149] In a step S 50 , according to the table of FIG. 8 , the CPU 100 determines, based on the on/off states of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 , whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 repetitively executes the step S 50 . If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 51 .

[0150] In the step S 51 , the CPU 100 inhibits the control of the gain of the amplifier 102 shown in FIG. 5 . Also in the step S 51 , the CPU 100 inhibits the display of “through image” on the liquid crystal monitor 11 , and disables the liquid crystal monitor 11 .

[0151] Next, in a step S 52 , according to the table of FIG. 8 , the CPU 100 again determines, according to the on/off states of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 , whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If no, the CPU 100 repetitively executes the step S 52 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 53 .

[0152] In the step S 53 , the CPU 100 cancels the inhibition of the control of the gain of the amplifier 102 shown in FIG. 5 . Also in the step S 53 , the CPU 100 cancels the inhibition of the display of “through image” on the liquid crystal monitor 11 , and enables the liquid crystal monitor 11 .

[0153] As apparent from the above, operating according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 can prevents automatic increases in the sensitivity of the image pickup part in a case where the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-impossible position. Thereafter, when the image pickup block 2 is rotated to a shooting-possible position, it is able to resume the automatic adjustment of the sensitivity of the image pickup part.

[0154] Moreover, operating according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 can prevent improper images with noise from being displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 when the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-impossible position. Thereafter, when the image pickup block 2 is rotated back to a shooting-possible position, it is able to resume the display of “through image” on the liquid crystal monitor 11 .

[0155] According to the flowchart of FIG. 12 the gain and display controls are described. The present invention, however, is not limited thereto. It may be configured that, for example, the CCD 24 serving as an image pickup device may be disabled when the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-impossible position. Thereafter, the image pickup block 2 's rotating back to a shooting-possible position, the CCD 24 may be enabled again.

[0156] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . This flowchart explains the operation in which the camera executes a power saving mode.

[0157] In the flowchart of FIG. 13 , it is assumed that the camera is to be shooting-possible.

[0158] In a step S 60 , the CPU 100 sets a sleep timer. This sleep timer may be a timer included in, for example, the CPU 100 . Time can be set on the sleep timer at a desired time using a menu for display on the liquid crystal monitor 11 or the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that in the step S 60 , the time of the sleep timer is set at thirty seconds.

[0159] In a step S 61 , the CPU 100 starts the count of the sleep timer.

[0160] In a step S 62 , the CPU 100 determines whether any button has been operated. If yes, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 60 and repeats the foregoing operations. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 63 .

[0161] In the step S 63 , the CPU 100 determines whether the count of the sleep timer exceeds the value set in the step S 60 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 64 , and enters into a power saving mode. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 65 .

[0162] In the step S 65 , according to the table of FIG. 8 , the CPU 100 determines, according to the on/off states of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 , whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 repetitively executes the step S 63 . If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 66 .

[0163] In the step S 66 , the CPU 100 sets the sleep timer at a time shorter than the value set in the step S 60 . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that in the step S 66 , the time of the sleep timer is to be set at five seconds.

[0164] In a step S 67 , the CPU 100 starts the count of the sleep timer.

[0165] In a step S 68 , the CPU 100 again determines whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 60 . If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 69 .

[0166] In the step S 69 , the CPU 100 determines whether the count of the sleep timer exceeds the five seconds. If no, the CPU 100 repeats the determination of the step S 69 . If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to the step S 64 , and enters a power saving mode.

[0167] It should be noted that the operations of “inoperative-state detecting unit” recited in the Claims correspond to the processings in the steps S 60 through S 62 described above; the operations of “power saving unit” recited in the Claims correspond to the processings in the steps S 63 , S 64 and S 69 ; and the operations of “selecting unit” recited in the Claims correspond to the processings in the steps S 63 through S 67 .

[0168] It also should be noted that a camera capturing images on a silver film enters a power saving mode through similar procedures to those shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 .

[0169] As apparent from the above, when the image pickup block 2 is not oriented at any shooting-possible position, the operations according to the flowchart of FIG. 13 allow the camera to enter into the power saving mode earlier than in usual operations, which is advantageous in eliminating unnecessary power consumption.

[0170] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . This flowchart shows the operation in which the camera recovers from a power saving mode.

[0171] In a step S 70 , the CPU 100 determines whether the release button 12 has been operated. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 73 , and causes the camera to shift from a sleep state to a shooting state. If no, the CPU 100 proceeds to a step S 71 .

[0172] In the step S 71 , according to the table of FIG. 8 , the CPU 100 determines, based on the on/off states of the switches SW 1 and SW 2 , whether the image pickup block 2 is oriented at a shooting-possible position. If yes, the CPU 100 proceeds to the step S 73 and causes the camera to shift from a sleep state to a shooting state. If no, the CPU 100 goes back to the step S 70 .

[0173] As apparent from the above, operating according to the flowchart of FIG. 14 enable the camera to shift from the power saving mode to the imaging mode when the image pickup block 2 returns to a shooting-possible position.

[0174] It should be noted that a camera capturing images on a silver film recovers from a power saving mode according to similar procedures to those shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 .

[0175] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any improvement may be made in part or all of the components.