U.S. patent application number 11/373884 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. Invention is credited to Masafumi Yamasaki.
Application Number | 20060152618 11/373884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34697862 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060152618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamasaki; Masafumi |
July 13, 2006 |
Display device
Abstract
A head-mounted camera of the present invention includes the
following elements. A first image pickup device includes a first
photographing optical system that can change the focal distance and
a CCD for converting a subject image formed by the first
photographing optical system into an image signal. A see-through
image display portion displays a photographic frame indicating the
photographic range as a virtual image so that it is superimposed on
a subject substantially directly observed by a photographer. A
remote controller includes a second operation switch for setting
the visual angle of the photographic frame when viewed from the
photographer. A controller/recorder includes a first CPU for
setting the focal distance of the first photographing optical
system so that the visual angle of the photographic frame set by
the second operation switch coincides with the field angle of the
first image pickup device.
Inventors: |
Yamasaki; Masafumi;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34697862 |
Appl. No.: |
11/373884 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11052729 |
Feb 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
11373884 |
Mar 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/345 ;
348/E5.025; 348/E5.043; 348/E5.047 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 13/14 20130101;
G03B 13/22 20130101; G03B 13/10 20130101; H04N 5/2251 20130101;
H04N 5/23245 20130101; G02C 11/00 20130101; H04N 5/232123 20180801;
G03B 17/20 20130101; G03B 2213/02 20130101; G03B 13/12 20130101;
H04N 5/23203 20130101; G03B 17/04 20130101; G02B 2027/0129
20130101; G03B 17/48 20130101; H04N 5/23206 20130101; H04N 5/232945
20180801; H04N 5/232941 20180801; G02B 27/017 20130101; G02B
2027/0187 20130101; G02B 2027/0138 20130101; G02B 2027/014
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/345 |
International
Class: |
G03B 13/00 20060101
G03B013/00; H04N 5/232 20060101 H04N005/232 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 6, 2004 |
JP |
2004-031275 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: an optical element for displaying
an image containing predetermined information as a virtual image so
that the image is superimposed on a subject substantially directly
observed by an observer; projection means for projecting the image
that is displayed by the optical element on the optical element;
virtual-image distance adjusting means for adjusting a distance
from the optical element to the virtual image that is displayed by
the optical element so as to correspond to a distance from the
optical element to the subject.
2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising
visual-angle adjusting means for adjusting the visual-angle
concerning the virtual image so as to be constant without depending
upon the distance from the optical element to the virtual
image.
3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising
distance-measurement means for measuring a distance from the
optical element to the subject; wherein the virtual-image distance
adjusting means adjusts the distance from the optical element to
the virtual image based on the distance from the optical element to
the subject measured by the distance-measurement means.
4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the projection
means comprises a display element for generating the image
containing the predetermined information; and the virtual-image
distance adjusting means adjusts the distance from the optical
element to the virtual image that is displayed by the optical
element by adjusting the distance between the optical element and
the display element.
5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the projection
means comprises a display element for generating the image
containing the predetermined information and an image-forming
optical system for forming the image generated by the display
element on an optical path between the display element and the
optical element, and the virtual-image distance adjusting means
adjusts the distance from the optical element to the virtual image
that is displayed by the optical element by adjusting a position at
which the image generated by the display element is formed by the
image-forming optical system.
6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the projection
means comprises a display element for generating the image
containing the predetermined information, and the visual-angle
adjusting means adjusts the visual-angle concerning the virtual
image so as to be constant by adjusting the size of the image
generated on the display element.
7. A display device comprising: an optical element for displaying
an image containing predetermined information as a virtual image so
that the image is superimposed on a subject substantially facing an
observer; a projector that projects the image that is displayed by
the optical element on the optical element; virtual-image distance
adjuster that adjusts a distance from the optical element to the
virtual image that is displayed by the optical element so as to
correspond to a distance from the optical element to the
subject.
8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising
visual-angle adjuster that adjusts a visual-angle concerning the
virtual image so as to be constant without depending upon the
distance from the optical element to the virtual image.
9. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising
distance measuring devices that measure a distance from the optical
element to the subject; wherein the virtual-image distance adjuster
adjusts the distance from the optical element to the virtual image
based on the distance from the optical element to the subject
measured by the distance measuring device.
10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the projector
comprises a display element for generating the image containing the
predetermined information; and the virtual-image distance adjuster
adjusts the distance from the optical element to the virtual image
that is displayed by the optical element by adjusting the distance
between the optical element and the display element.
11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the projector
comprises a display element for generating the image containing the
predetermined information and an image-forming optical system for
forming the image generated by the display element on an optical
path between the display element and the optical element, and the
virtual-image distance adjuster adjusts the distance from the
optical element to the virtual image that is displayed by the
optical element by adjusting a position at which the image
generated by the display element is formed by the image-forming
optical system.
12. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the projector
comprises a display element for generating the image containing the
predetermined information, and the visual-angle adjuster adjusts
the visual-angle concerning the virtual image so as to be constant
by adjusting the size of the image generated on the display
element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation under 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.53(b) of application Ser. No. 11/052,729 filed Feb. 7,
2005, by Masafumi YAMASAKI, entitled HEAD-MOUNTED CAMERA, which
claims benefit of Japanese Application No. 2004-31275 filed in
Japan on Feb. 6, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated by
this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to head-mounted cameras, and
more particularly, to a head-mounted camera which is worn on a head
in a manner almost the same as a pair of spectacles.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Hitherto, display devices which are worn on the head to
observe images and photographic devices which are worn on the head
to perform photographing operations are known. Devices having both
a display function and a photographic function are also known.
[0006] For example, in the head-mounted display device disclosed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 7-240889, a
user can perform a photographing operation by using a television
camera while observing images photographed by the television camera
and displayed on the display device worn on his/her head, and can
also selectively obtain external light via the display device by
operating a control switch provided for the television camera.
[0007] In an image recording apparatus disclosed in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-164186, an image
pickup device is provided on spectacle-type frames, and the
photographic lens of the image pickup device faces the same
direction as a photographer, thereby allowing the photographer to
photograph a subject disposed in the same direction which the
photographer is facing. The invention in that publication also
discloses the following configuration. An image pickup device is
provided on a goggle-type personal liquid crystal projector
equipped with a light transmissive casing, and an image
photographed by the image pickup device is superimposed on a
subject exposed to external light.
[0008] In the display device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication No. 7-240889, however, the user has
to concentrate on the photographing operation while observing
photographed images on the display device. Accordingly, when
performing photographing at various events, such as sporting events
or festivals, the user cannot enjoy himself/herself, unlike when
he/she performs a photographing operation while observing actual
subjects with his/her eyes. It has also been found experimentally
that it is tiring to observe digital images in a closed space for a
long time, unlike when the user observes real subjects with his/her
eyes.
[0009] In the image recording apparatus disclosed in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-164186, an image
pickup device is provided on the spectacle-type frames. However,
this does not allow a user to observe a subject and check a
photographic range at the same time, and the user has to turn away
from the subject to check the image display unit provided for a
camera separately provided from the spectacle-type frame. In the
configuration in which an image pickup device is provided on the
personal liquid crystal projector, even though a displayed image
and a transmitted subject can be viewed at the same time, it is
still difficult for a photographer to enjoy himself/herself at an
event since he/she has to concentrate on a displayed image during
the photographing operation.
[0010] Thus, according to the above-described related art, it is
difficult for a photographer to behave as naturally as other people
during a photographing operation, and he/she feels bothered since
his/her actions are restricted by the photographing operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a head-mounted camera which allows a user to easily perform
a photographing operation without feeling bothered.
[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
provides a head-mounted camera including image pickup means
containing a photographing optical system in which a focal distance
is changeable and an image pickup element for converting an optical
subject image formed by the photographing optical system into an
electric image signal, display means for displaying a photographic
frame indicating the photographic range as a virtual image so that
the photographic frame is superimposed on a subject substantially
directly observed by a photographer, photographic-frame setting
means for setting a visual angle of the photographic frame
displayed by the display means as the virtual image and observed
from the photographer, and focal-distance setting means for setting
the focal distance of the photographing optical system so that the
visual angle of the photographic frame set by the
photographic-frame setting means coincides with the field angle of
the image pickup device.
[0013] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will become more clearly understood from the following
description referring to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a
head-mounted camera constructed in accordance with a first
embodiment is used;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the head-mounted camera
of the first embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the head-mounted camera
of the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a right side view illustrating the head-mounted
camera of the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the head-mounted
camera of the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a controller/recorder
when an operation panel is closed in the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a right side view illustrating the
controller/recorder when the operation panel is closed in the first
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a left side view illustrating the
controller/recorder when the operation panel is closed in the first
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating operation switches
disposed on the operation panel in the first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the
controller/recorder when the operation panel is opened in the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a
remote controller in the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an electronic circuit of the head-mounted camera of the first
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates the principle of an optical system of a
see-through image display portion in the first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a front view, partially in section, illustrating
the optical system of the see-through image display portion in the
first embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 15A and 15B are left side views illustrating examples
of the configuration of the optical system of the see-through image
display portion in the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view illustrating the
configuration of the optical system of the see-through image
display portion in the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates a display example of the see-through
display initial state in the first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates a display example when the zoom is
changed to the telephotographing mode in the first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a display example when the zoom is
changed to the wide mode and when exposure correction is conducted
in the first embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 20 illustrates a display example when an image is
displayed as an electronic view in the first embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates a display example when a moving picture
is being recorded in the first embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a display example in a manual mode in the first
embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates a display example of alarm information
when the opening angle of a temple with respect to a front portion
is not sufficient in the first embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates a display example of alarm information
indicated in a see-through manner in the first embodiment when the
focal distance of a first photographing optical system is to be
further reduced even when it has reached the adjustable lower
limit;
[0038] FIG. 25 illustrates a display example of alarm information
indicated in a see-through manner in the first embodiment when the
focal distance of the first photographing optical system is to be
further increased even when it has reached the adjustable upper
limit;
[0039] FIG. 26 illustrates a display example when a photographing
operation for a still image is performed in the first
embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 27 illustrates the principle of distance measurement in
the first embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 28 illustrates the optical relationship between a
subject to the first photographing optical system and a
charge-coupled device (CCD) in the first embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 29 illustrates the optical relationship of a
holographic optical element (HOE) to an eye and a virtual image
formed by the HOE in the first embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 30 illustrates the amount by which the virtual image is
shifted for correcting the parallax in the first embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 31 illustrates the principle of changing the distance
from the eye to the virtual image in the first embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
a liquid crystal display (LCD) is driven in the optical axis
direction by an actuator in the first embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 33 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
an image of the LCD is firstly formed and the position of the
linear image is changed in the optical axis direction in the first
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 34 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
the position of a first HOE in the pupil-distance direction is
changed by an actuator in the first embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 35 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
the position of the first HOE in the pupil-distance direction is
changed mechanically in the first embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 36 is a circuit diagram illustrating the electrical
configuration of the mechanical configuration shown in FIG. 35;
[0050] FIG. 37 is a plan view, partially in section, illustrating
the structure of a connecting portion including the front portion,
a hinge unit, and the temple in the first embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 38 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the
connecting portion between the front portion and the hinge unit
when viewed from the left side of FIG. 37 in the first
embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 39 is a sectional view illustrating a fixed portion
formed of the front portion, the hinge unit, and the screw in the
first embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 40 illustrates the connecting portion between the hinge
unit and the temple when viewed from the left side to substantially
the right side of FIG. 37 in the first embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 41 is a front view illustrating an electrical contact
provided on a projection of the temple in the first embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 42 is a plan view illustrating the electrical contact
provided on the projection of the temple in the first
embodiment;
[0056] FIGS. 43A and 43B are a plan view and a right side view,
respectively, illustrating the configuration in which the first
image pickup device is attached to the side surface of the frame in
the first embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 44 is a right side view illustrating the configuration
of holes formed in the frame for attaching the first image pickup
device in the first embodiment;
[0058] FIGS. 45 and 46 are flowcharts illustrating a part and
another part of the operation of the camera of the first
embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 47 is a front view illustrating a head-mounted unit of
the camera constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 48 is a plan view illustrating the head-mounted unit of
the camera of the second embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 49 is a right side view illustrating the head-mounted
unit of the camera of the second embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 50 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
an electronic circuit of the head-mounted camera of the second
embodiment, mainly the elements different from those shown in FIG.
12;
[0063] FIG. 51 is a front view illustrating a head-mounted unit of
the camera constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0064] FIG. 52 is a plan view illustrating the head-mounted unit of
the camera of the third embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 53 is a right side view illustrating the head-mounted
unit of the camera of the third embodiment;
[0066] FIG. 54 is a front view illustrating a head-mounted unit of
the camera constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 55 is a plan view illustrating the head-mounted unit of
the camera of the fourth embodiment; and
[0068] FIG. 56 is a right side view illustrating the head-mounted
unit of the camera of the fourth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] The embodiments of the present invention are described in
detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0070] FIGS. 1 through 46 illustrate a first embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a
state in which a head-mounted camera 1 is used.
[0071] The head-mounted camera (hereinafter simply referred to as
the "camera") 1 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a head-mounted unit 2
formed substantially in the shape of a pair of spectacles, a
controller/recorder 4, which serves as the main body of the camera
1, connected to the head-mounted unit 2 via connecting means, such
as a cable 3, and a remote controller 5 for remotely performing
input operations for the camera 1.
[0072] The head-mounted unit 2 allows a user to observe a subject
substantially directly in a see-through display mode and also to
pick up an image of the subject. The head-mounted unit 2 can be
worn on the head in a manner similar to ordinary
eyesight-correcting spectacles, as is seen from the shape of the
head-mounted unit 2. The head-mounted unit 2 is light and small so
that the weight and the size thereof can be as close as possible to
those of actual spectacles.
[0073] A connecting terminal 3a provided at one end of the cable 3
is connected to a cable connecting terminal 21 (see FIG. 2) of the
head-mounted unit 2, and a connecting terminal 3b provided at the
other end of the cable 3 is connected to a cable connecting
terminal 49 (see FIG. 7) of the controller/recorder 4, thereby
connecting the head-mounted unit 2 with the controller/recorder 4.
As means for electrically connecting the head-mounted unit 2 with
the controller/recorder 4, although wired means such as the cable 3
is used, wireless means for wirelessly connecting the two elements
may be used.
[0074] The controller/recorder 4 controls the entire camera 1 and
also records images picked up by the head-mounted unit 2. The
controller/recorder 4 is also formed to be as light and small as
possible so that it can be used under various conditions. For
example, it can be attached to a belt at the user's waist or it can
be stored in an inner pocket of a jacket. The controller/recorder 4
can also be stored in a bag by using a long cable 3.
[0075] The remote controller 5 allows a photographer to remotely
control with a photographer's hand, operations that are
comparatively frequently performed, such as controlling the
see-through display operation and photographing operations
performed by the head-mounted unit 2. Accordingly, the remote
controller 5 is formed to be light and small so that it can be held
in the palm of the hand, and wirelessly communicates with the
controller/recorder 4.
[0076] In this embodiment, the head-mounted unit 2, the
controller/recorder 4, and the remote controller 5 are separately
provided from each other. This makes the user comfortable when
wearing the head-mounted unit 2, which is formed light and small,
and also allows the user to easily operate this camera 1 by using
the remote controller 5.
[0077] The external appearance and the overview of the head-mounted
unit 2 are described below with reference to FIGS. 2 through 5.
FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 are a front view, a plan view, a right side
view, and a perspective view, respectively, illustrating the
head-mounted unit 2.
[0078] The head-mounted unit 2 includes a front portion 11
corresponding to lens, rims, a bridge, and joint portions of
regular spectacles and temples 12 extended from the left and right
sides of the front portion 11 in the backward direction (opposite
to the subject) and foldable with respect to the front portion
11.
[0079] The front portion 11 includes a frame 13 and transparent
optical members 14 and 15, which serve as optical waveguide
members, attached to the frame 13 in association with the left and
right eyes.
[0080] The frame 13 is provided substantially at the center with a
projector light-emitting portion 16, which serves as
distance-measurement means used for ranging the distance to a
subject. The frame 13 is also provided at the left and right ends
with a first microphone 17 and a second microphone 18 for
collecting stereo sound from a subject. At the center of the frame
13, nose pads 19 for placing the head-mounted unit 2 against the
ridge of the nose and a bridge 20 formed between the transparent
optical members 14 and 15 are also provided. At the right side of
the frame 13, screws 22 and 23 for an adjusting mechanism
(adjusting means) of an adjusting device for adjusting the mounting
position of a first image pickup device 30 (also serving as the
above-described distance-measurement means), which is described
below, are exposed to be operable. The adjusting device is used for
adjusting the camera 1 by using the adjusting method for the camera
1.
[0081] The temples 12 are connected to the front portion 11 by
using hinges 24 and 25 so that they are foldable against the front
portion 11. That is, when the head-mounted unit 2 is not used, the
temples 12 are folded toward the center of the front portion 11,
i.e., they can be folded along the front portion 11, thereby making
the head-mounted unit 2 easy to store and carry. End covers 26 and
27 for placing the head-mounted unit 2 on the ears are provided at
the distal ends of the left and right temples 12.
[0082] At the left-side (i.e., the right side in FIG. 2 or 3)
temple 12, the first image pickup device 30, which serves as image
pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, is integrally
provided for the temple 12. Thus, when the temple 12 is folded, the
first image pickup device 30 is also folded. The cable connecting
terminal 21 connected to the connecting terminal 3a, which is one
end of the cable 3, is provided at the bottom of the first image
pickup device 30. The right-side temple 12 is also provided with
the above-described adjusting mechanism (adjusting means). The
adjusting mechanism adjusts the optical axis and the visual axis of
a first photographing optical system 31 (see FIG. 12), which is
described below, contained in the first image pickup device 30 by
adjusting the relative angle between the front portion 11 and the
first image pickup device 30. The head of an angle adjusting bis 32
contained in this adjusting mechanism is exposed to allow the user
to externally rotate the bis 32.
[0083] A box 33 is disposed between the right side of the front
portion 11 and the hinge 24. In the box 33, a flexible printed
board for connecting the individual circuits of the front portion
11 to the individual circuits of the first image pickup device 30
is stored in a manner described below.
[0084] The external appearance and the overview of the
controller/recorder 4 are described below with reference to FIGS. 6
through 10. FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are a plan view, a right side view,
and a left side view, respectively, illustrating the
controller/recorder 4 when an operation panel 42 is closed. FIG. 9
is a plan view illustrating operation switches disposed on the
operation panel. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the
controller/recorder 4 when the operation panel is opened.
[0085] The controller/recorder 4 is formed of a controller/recorder
main unit 41 and the operation panel 42 provided for the
controller/recorder main unit 41 via a hinge 43 so that it can be
opened and closed.
[0086] The controller/recorder main unit 41 has built-in circuits,
which are described below, and also includes a liquid crystal
display device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "LCD") 48,
which serves as an LCD monitor, such that the user can check the
LCD 48 when the operation panel 42 is opened. The LCD 48 is used
for displaying images during a playback operation and also for
displaying menu screens for setting various modes. A recess 45 is
also formed so that the user can place a finger when opening or
closing the operation panel 42.
[0087] At the right side of the controller/recorder main unit 41,
as shown in FIG. 7, a lid 52 that can be opened and closed with
respect to the controller/recorder main unit 41 via a hinge 46 is
provided. By allowing an engagement portion 52a of the lid 52 to
engage with a mating engagement portion 52b provided for the
controller/recorder main unit 41, the controller/recorder main unit
41 can remain closed. When the lid 52 is opened, as shown in FIG.
7, the cable connecting terminal 49 to be connected with the cable
connecting terminal 21 of the head-mounted unit 2 via the cable 3,
an AV/S connecting terminal 50 for connecting the
controller/recorder 4 with a television set, and a PC connecting
terminal 51 for connecting the controller/recorder 4 with a
personal computer (PC) are exposed. In this manner, cords can be
connected together at the right side surface of the
controller/recorder main unit 41 without being extended from the
other surfaces, thereby reducing a troublesome operation for
arranging the cords.
[0088] Also at the left side of the controller/recorder main unit
41, as shown in FIG. 8, a lid 53 that can be opened and closed with
respect to the controller/recorder main unit 41 via a hinge 47 is
provided. By allowing an engagement portion 53a of the lid 53 to
engage with a mating engagement portion 53b provided for the
recorder/controller main unit 41, the controller/recorder main unit
41 can remain closed. When the lid 53 is opened, as shown in FIG.
8, a recording memory insertion slot 54 for inserting a recording
memory 120 (see FIG. 12), which serves as detachable recording
means, for example, a card memory, and a battery insertion slot 55
for detachably inserting batteries for supplying power are
exposed.
[0089] On the outer surface of the operation panel 42, as shown in
FIG. 6, a power switch 44 which is exposed even when the operation
panel 42 is closed is provided. On the inner surface of the
operation panel 42, various operation switches shown in FIG. 9
which are exposed only when the operation panel 42 is opened are
disposed.
[0090] More specifically, on the inner surface of the operation
panel 42, there are provided a speaker 56 for playing back sound, a
switch 57 for increasing the volume of sound generated from the
speaker 56, a switch 58 for decreasing the volume, a playback
start/stop switch 59 for starting or pausing playing back image
information recorded on the image memory 120, a switch 61 for
fast-forwarding and searching images in the backward direction, a
switch 62 for fast-forwarding and searching images in the forward
direction, a menu button 63 for displaying menu screens for setting
various functions and dates concerning the camera 1 on the LCD 48,
menu selection switches 66, 67, 68, and 69 for moving an item to be
selected or scrolling information displayed on the menu screens in
the up, down, left, and right directions, and a setting switch 65
for setting the selected item.
[0091] The switches disposed on the operation panel 42 are switches
mainly for setting items of information which are not frequently
changed.
[0092] The external appearance and the overview of the remote
controller 5 are described below with reference to the plan view of
FIG. 11.
[0093] As stated above, switches which are relatively frequently
changed during a photographing operation are disposed on the remote
controller 5. More specifically, the following switches are
provided, as shown in FIG. 11. An A/M switch 71, which serves as
switching means, switches between an auto mode (A mode) and a
manual mode (M mode) for a telephotographing operation having a
focal distance exceeding a predetermined distance. More
specifically, the A/M switch 71 is switched during a
telephotographing operation in which a photographic image
corresponding to a photographic frame indicating a photographic
range is enlarged and see-through displayed as an electronic view.
An F/V switch 72, which serves as switching means, is used for the
see-through display, which is described below, in the transparent
optical member 14 (and/or transparent optical member 15 (various
configurations, which are described below, can be employed
according to whether images are displayed with only one eye or both
eyes). More specifically, the F/V switch 72 switches between the
photographic frame (F) indicating the photographic range and the
photographic image (V) (electronic view) output from the first
image pickup device 30 for implementing the see-through display. A
release switch (REL) 73 is used for starting photographing still
images, which have higher definition than moving pictures. A record
switch (REC) 74 switches between a recording start operation and a
recording end operation for moving pictures, which can be switched
every time the record switch 74 is pressed. A zoom switch 75, which
serves as photographic-frame setting means, includes a tele switch
75a and a wide switch 75b for switching the zoom (optical zoom
and/or electronic zoom) of the first image pickup device 30
containing the first photographing optical system 31 to the tele
(T) mode and to the wide (W) mode, respectively. An exposure
correction switch 76 includes an exposure-decreasing correction
switch 76a and an exposure-increasing correction switch 76b for
respectively decreasing and increasing the exposure of an image to
be photographed.
[0094] The zoom operation performed by the first photographing
optical system 31 and changing of the visual angle of a
photographic frame observed from a photographer, who is also an
observer, are performed in cooperation with each other. From this
point of view, it can be said that the zoom switch 75 includes the
tele switch 75a and the wide switch 75b for respectively reducing
and enlarging the visual angle of the photographic frame observed
from the photographer.
[0095] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration
of, mainly, an electronic circuit of the camera 1 shown in FIG.
1.
[0096] The camera 1 is largely divided into the head-mounted unit
2, the controller/recorder 4, and the remote controller 5, as
described above. The head-mounted unit 2 is further divided into
the first image pickup device 30, which serves as image pickup
means, and a see-through image display portion 6, which serves as
display means mainly for displaying images in a see-through manner.
Both the first image pickup device 30 and the see-through image
display portion 6 are connected to the controller/recorder 4 via
the cable 3.
[0097] The first image pickup device 30 includes the following
elements. The first photographing optical system 31 is used for
forming an optical subject image and is formed as a zoom optical
system that can change the focal distance. A low-pass filter 86
removes undesired high frequency components from light passing
through the first photographing optical system 31. A charge-coupled
device (CCD) 87, which serves as an image pickup device, converts
the optical subject image formed by the first photographing optical
system 31 via the low-pass filter 86 into an electric signal and
outputs it. A correlated double sampling (CDS)/automatic gain
control (AGC) circuit 88, which serves as signal processing means,
performs processing, such as noise elimination and amplification,
which are described below, on the signal output from the CCD 87. An
analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuit 89, which serves as
signal processing means, converts an analog image signal output
from the CDS/AGC circuit 88 into a digital image signal. A CCD
driver 91 controls the driving of the CCD 87. A timing generator
(TG) 90 supplies timing signals to the CDS/AGC circuit 88, the A/D
conversion circuit 89, and the CCD driver 91. A diaphragm shutter
driver 96, which serves as a drive circuit, controls the driving of
a diaphragm shutter 84, which is described below, contained in the
first photographing optical system 31. An ultra sonic motor (USM)
driver 95, which serves as a drive circuit, selectively drives USMs
92, 93, and 94, which are described below, contained in the first
photographing optical system 31.
[0098] More specifically, the first photographing optical system 31
includes a front lens 81, a variator lens 82 for changing the focal
distance, a compensator lens 83 for correcting a deviation of the
focus position in accordance with a change in the focal distance,
the diaphragm shutter 84 serving as both a diaphragm function and a
shutter function, a focus lens 85 for adjusting the focus, and the
USMs 92, 93, and 94 for driving the variator lens 82, the
compensator lens 83, and the focus lens 85.
[0099] The operation of the above-described first image pickup
device 30 is as follows.
[0100] Light passing through the first photographing optical system
31 forms an image on the image forming plane of the CCD 87 via the
low-pass filter 86.
[0101] In response to an instruction from the remote controller 5
to photograph a still image by the operation of the release switch
73 or an instruction from the remote controller 5 to photograph a
moving picture by the operation of the record switch 74,
photoelectric conversion is performed by the CCD 87 under the
control of the controller/recorder 4, thereby outputting an analog
image signal.
[0102] The signal output from the CCD 87 is input into the CDS/AGC
circuit 88. Then, the signal is subjected to known correlated
double sampling by the CDS circuit of the CDS/AGC circuit 88 so as
to remove reset noise, and the resulting signal is then amplified
into a predetermined signal level by the AGC circuit of the CDS/AGC
circuit 88.
[0103] The analog image signal output from the CDS/AGC circuit 88
is converted into a digital image signal (image data) by the A/D
conversion circuit 89. In this embodiment, the output signal from
the A/D conversion circuit 89 is referred to as "raw image data".
The raw image data in this embodiment is defined as digital data
obtained immediately after conducting A/D conversion on the analog
output signal from the CCD 87 and before being subjected to other
digital signal processing.
[0104] A timing signal generated by the timing generator 90 is
input into the CDS/AGC circuit 88 and the A/D conversion circuit
89, and a timing signal from the timing generator 90 is also input
into the CCD driver 91. The timing generator 90, the USM driver 95,
and the diaphragm shutter driver 96 are controlled by a first
central processing unit (CPU) 111, which is described below,
provided for the controller/recorder 4.
[0105] As described above, in the first image pickup device 30, an
image signal generated in the CCD 87 is subjected to analog signal
processing and is then converted into a digital signal.
Accordingly, analog signals are not output from the first image
pickup device 30. The first image pickup device 30 is thus
resistant to external noise that may influence an image signal
transmitted via the cable 3.
[0106] The first image pickup device 30 outputs raw image data,
which eliminates the need to provide a signal processing circuit
for performing signal processing, such as color separation and
white balance control, in the first image pickup device 30. With
this configuration, the head-mounted unit 2 provided with the first
image pickup device 30 can be lighter and smaller.
[0107] The digital image signal output from the A/D conversion
circuit 89 of the first image pickup device 30 is processed by the
controller/recorder 4 connected with the head-mounted unit 2 via
the cable 3 and is recorded.
[0108] The controller/recorder 4 includes the following elements. A
digital signal processor (DSP) circuit 115 performs predetermined
digital signal processing on a signal output from the A/D
conversion circuit 89. A memory 116, such as a frame buffer,
temporarily stores the signal from the DSP circuit 115. A
digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion circuit 117 converts the digital
signal stored in the memory 116 into an analog signal. The LCD 48
(see FIG. 10) displays the image based on the analog image signal
converted by the D/A conversion circuit 117. An LCD driver 118
controls the driving of the LCD 48. A compression/decompression
circuit 119 compresses the digital signal stored in the memory 116
and decompresses a compressed digital signal read from the
recording memory 120, which is described below. The recording
memory 120 records the digital signal compressed by the
compression/decompression circuit 119. An auto exposure processing
circuit (hereinafter referred to as the "AE processing circuit")
121 conducts calculations for exposure control based on the digital
image signal from the A/D conversion circuit 89. An auto focus
processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as the "AF processing
circuit") 122 conducts calculations for auto focus (AF) control
based on the digital image signal from the A/D conversion circuit
89. The speaker 56 (see FIG. 9) plays back sound or issues alarming
sound while playing back images under the control of the first CPU
111. A reception circuit 123 receives a signal from a transmission
circuit 133, which is described below, of the remote controller 5.
A first operation switch 113 includes various switches, such as
those shown in FIG. 9, and is used for inputting various operations
concerning the camera 1. An electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM) 114 records various data used in the
camera 1. A power supply circuit 124 includes detachable batteries
and supplies power not only to the controller/recorder 4, but also
to the first image pickup device 30 and the see-through image
display portion 6. A second CPU 112, which serves as control means,
controls mainly the see-through image display portion 6. The first
CPU 111, which serves as synthetic control means for the camera 1
and also serves as alarming and switching means, controls the
individual circuits of the controller/recorder 4 and the individual
circuits of the first image pickup device 30, and also communicates
with the second CPU 112 to control the see-through image display
portion 6 via the second CPU 112.
[0109] The operation of the above-described controller/recorder 4
is as follows.
[0110] The DSP circuit 115 performs predetermined image processing
computation on the image data output from the A/D conversion
circuit 89, and also performs auto white balance processing on the
image data based on the obtained computation result.
[0111] The image data processed by the DSP circuit 115 is
temporarily stored in the memory 116.
[0112] The image data stored in the memory 116 is compressed in the
compression circuit of the compression/decompression circuit 119,
and is then stored in the recording memory 120.
[0113] When a recorded image is selected by operating the menu
button 63, the menu selection switch 66, 67, 68, or 69, or the
setting switch 65, and when a playback instruction is given by
operating the playback start/stop switch 59, compressed data stored
in the recording memory 120 is decompressed by the decompression
circuit of the compression/decompression circuit 119, and the
decompressed data is temporarily stored in the memory 116. This
image data is converted into an analog image signal by the D/A
conversion circuit 117, and the analog image signal is then
displayed on the LCD 48. In this case, the operation of the LCD 48
is controlled by a signal generated by the LCD driver 118.
[0114] Meanwhile, the digital image data output from the A/D
conversion circuit 89 is transmitted to the controller/recorder 4
via the cable 3 and is then input into the AE processing circuit
121 and the AF processing circuit 122.
[0115] The AE processing circuit 121 calculates the luminance of
the image data for one frame and adds the luminance values by
weighting them so as to compute an AE evaluation value
corresponding to the brightness of the subject, and outputs the
computation result to the first CPU 111.
[0116] The AF processing circuit 122 extracts high frequency
components from the luminance components of the image data for one
frame by using a high-pass filter, and calculates the accumulative
values of the extracted high frequency components so as to compute
an AF evaluation value corresponding to the contour components at
the high frequency side, and outputs a computation result to the
first CPU 111. In the first embodiment, the first CPU 111 detects
the focal point based on the AF evaluation value calculated by the
AF processing circuit 122.
[0117] In the EEPROM 114, various correction data required for, for
example, exposure control or auto focus processing, are recorded
when the camera 1 is manufactured. The first CPU 111 executes
various types of computation by reading the correction data from
the EEPROM 114 if necessary.
[0118] The second CPU 112 is, as stated above, used for controlling
the see-through image display portion 6. The second CPU 112 is
connected to the first CPU 111 so that it performs predetermined
operations in cooperation with the first CPU 111. The second CPU
112 is electrically connected to contacts 109a and 109b, details of
which are described below, for detecting whether the opening angle
of the temple 12 equipped with the first photographing optical
system 31 is sufficiently large.
[0119] The see-through image display portion 6 projects a
photographic frame indicating the photographic range or an image
which is being picked up by the first image pickup device 30 by
using a holographic optical element (hereinafter referred to as a
"HOE"), which serves as a reflection-type combiner, and displays
the projected image in front of the viewing direction of a
photographer as a virtual image. The "photographic frame" is an
index of the range of a subject photographed by the first image
pickup device 30 (see FIG. 17).
[0120] The see-through image display portion 6 includes the
following elements. A light-emitting diode (LED) driver 101
controls an LED 102, which is described below, to emit light under
the control of the second CPU 112. The LED 102 serves as a
light-emitting source for emitting light by being driven by the LED
driver 101 and also forms projection means (horizontal projection
means). A condenser lens 103 condenses light emitted from the LED
102 and also forms the projection means (horizontal projection
means). An LCD 104 displays photographic frames or photographed
images, and serves as transmissive LCD means illuminated from
backward by light emitted from the LED 102 via the condenser lens
103. The LCD 104 also forms the projection means (horizontal
projection means). An LCD driver 105 drives the LCD 104 to display
photographic frames and the like under the control of the second
CPU 112, and also serves as correction means for correcting the
parallax, which is described below. A first HOE 106, which serves
as a reflective optical member for reflecting light emitted from
the LCD 104 vertically downward (see FIG. 14) while correcting the
aberration, which is described below. A second HOE 107, which
serves as a combiner, reflects and diffracts the light from the
first HOE 106 toward the photographer's eyes so as to project a
photographic frame displayed on the LCD 104 to allow the
photographer to observe the frame and also to transmit external
light toward the photographer's eyes. A projector LED 16a contained
in the projector light-emitting portion 16 performs distance
measurement. An LED driver 108 drives the projector LED 16a under
the control of the second CPU 112. A condenser lens 16b projects
the distance-measurement light emitted from the projector LED 16a
toward a subject. The first microphone 17 and the second microphone
18 collect stereo sound from the subject and outputs it to the
second CPU 112.
[0121] The remote controller 5 includes a second operation switch
131 containing switches, such as those shown in FIG. 11, a decoder
132 for converting an operation input from the second operation
switch 131 into a wireless transmitting signal, the transmission
circuit 133 for transmitting the signal converted by the decoder
132 to the controller/recorder 4, and a power supply circuit 134
containing batteries to supply power to the individual circuits of
the remote controller 5.
[0122] The optical structure of the see-through image display
portion 6 is described below with reference to FIGS. 13 through 16.
FIG. 13 illustrates the principle of the optical system of the
see-through image display portion 6. FIG. 14 is a front view,
partially in section, illustrating the configuration of the optical
system of the see-through image display portion 6. FIGS. 15A and
15B are left side views illustrating examples of the configuration
of the optical system of the see-through image display portion 6.
FIG. 16 is a sectional plan view illustrating the configuration of
the optical system of the see-through image display portion 6.
[0123] In the see-through image display portion 6, a photographic
frame indicating a photographic range can be superimposed as a
virtual image on a subject substantially directly observed by the
photographer. Such a display mode is referred to as the
"see-through display". The term "substantially directly
observing/observed" includes not only a case where the photographer
observes the subject directly with his/her eyes, but also a case
where the photographer observes the subject through a generally
planar transparent member formed of, for example, glass or plastic,
or a case where the photographer observes the subject through an
eyesight-correcting lens.
[0124] The principle of displaying see-through images by the
optical system of the see-through image display portion 6
(hereinafter referred to as the "see-through image display optical
system") in the first embodiment is described below with reference
to FIG. 13.
[0125] Light emitted from the LED 102 is condensed by the condenser
lens 103 and illuminates the LCD 104 from backward. The LED 102
includes diodes that can emit red (R), green (G), and blue (B)
light, and when a photographic frame is displayed, for example,
only the G diode is allowed to emit light.
[0126] The second CPU 112 generates a signal corresponding to the
photographic frame indicating the photographic range and outputs it
to the LCD driver 105. The LCD driver 105 drives the LCD 104 based
on this signal to allow the LCD 104 to display the photographic
frame.
[0127] The photographic frame image output from the LCD 104 is
reflected by the second HOE 107 and is guided to the photographer's
eyes. Then, the photographer can observe the photographic frame
indicating the photographic range as a virtual image VI. The first
HOE 106 is not shown since only the principle is illustrated in
FIG. 13.
[0128] The second HOE 107 is a volume-phase holographic optical
element using a photosensitive material, such as photopolymer, and
is designed to reflect light having R, G, and B wavelengths emitted
from the LED 102 with the maximum reflectivity. Accordingly, when
emitting G light to display a photographic frame, the green
photographic frame is clearly displayed as a virtual image. The HOE
exhibits excellent wavelength selectivity, and more specifically,
the HOE exhibits high reflection characteristics for the R, G, and
B wavelength light with extremely narrow wavelength intervals and
exhibits high transmission characteristics for the other wavelength
light. Accordingly, external light having the same wavelength range
as the display light is diffracted and reflected and does not reach
the photographer's eyes, but external light having the other
wavelength ranges reaches the photographer's eyes. Generally, since
visible light has a wide wavelength interval, an external image can
be observed without any problem even if light having very narrow
wavelength intervals including the R, G, and B wavelengths does not
reach the photographer's eyes.
[0129] In the see-through image display portion 6, an image picked
up by the first image pickup device 30 can be see-through displayed
as a color image. In this case, the captured image is displayed on
the LCD 104, and also, the LED 102 is controlled to emit three R,
G, and B types of light. This allows the captured image to reach
the photographer's eyes through the second HOE 107 as a virtual
image.
[0130] The first HOE 106 reflects light from the LCD 104 toward the
second HOE 107, and also has a function of correcting the curvature
of field. Although in this embodiment the first HOE 106 is used, a
free-form optical element may be used. Although the free-form
optical element is light and small, it can correct the complicated
aberration, and thus, clear images with small aberration can be
displayed without increasing the weight of the head-mounted unit
2.
[0131] Specific arrangements of the see-through image display
optical system are described below with reference to FIGS. 14
through 16.
[0132] In the portion inside the frame 13 and closer to a subject
and above the transparent optical member 14 (and/or the transparent
optical member 15), the LED 102, the condenser lens 103, the LCD
104, and the first HOE 106 are disposed in the order shown in FIG.
14. Those elements are fixed, as shown in FIG. 16, by being
sandwiched between support frames 144 and 145. In this case, the
LED 102 is fixed by the support frames 144 and 145 while being
mounted on an electronic circuit board 141. The first HOE 106 is
inclined so that it can reflect light from the LED 102 vertically
downward.
[0133] The transparent optical member 14 (and/or the transparent
optical member 15) includes, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, optical
waveguide members 142 and 143 formed of transparent glass or
plastic to have a predetermined thickness and the second HOE 107
inclined between the optical waveguide members 142 and 143 to
reflect light backward. With this configuration, light reflected by
the first HOE 106 propagates the inside of the optical waveguide
member 142 disposed above the second HOE 107 and reaches the second
HOE 107. The propagation of light inside the optical waveguide
member 142 may be only the transmission, as shown in FIG. 15A, or a
combination of the transmission and internal total reflection, as
shown in FIG. 15B. If the optical system is designed as shown in
FIG. 15B, the transparent optical member 14 (and/or transparent
optical member 15) can be thin-walled, thereby further reducing the
weight of the head-mounted unit 2.
[0134] In the portion inside the frame 13 and closer to the
photographer's head (opposite to the subject), an electronic
circuit board 146 for mounting the LED driver 101 and the LCD
driver 105 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 16, opposite to the
see-through image display optical system across the support frame
144.
[0135] Among the above-described elements, the see-through image
display optical system includes the LED 102, the condenser lens
103, the LCD 104, the first HOE 106, the second HOE 107, and the
optical waveguide members 142 and 143.
[0136] As the arrangement of the see-through image display portion
6 to observe a subject with the two eyes of a photographer, the
following two examples can be considered.
[0137] In a first example, only the portion corresponding to one
eye is formed of a see-through image display optical system, such
as that shown in FIG. 14, and the portion corresponding to the
other eye is formed of merely a transparent optical member without
a see-through image display function. In this case, it is
preferable that the luminous transmittance characteristic of the
transparent optical member without a see-through image display
function is the same as that of the transparent optical member 14
(or transparent optical member 15), thereby reducing the eyestrain
of the photographer even over a long use.
[0138] In a second example, a see-through image display optical
system, such as that shown in FIG. 14, is formed for both the eyes.
By the use of a pair of see-through image display optical systems,
the eyestrain can further be reduced, and images that should be
observed three-dimensionally can also be displayed.
[0139] Display examples of images by the see-through image display
portion 6 are described below with reference to FIGS. 17 through
26.
[0140] FIG. 17 illustrates a display example in the see-through
display initial state. When the camera 1 is powered on or when the
system is reset, the see-through image display portion 6 displays a
screen, such as that shown in FIG. 17. In this case, as shown in
FIG. 17, a photographic frame 151 indicating a photographic range
corresponding to a standard lens (for example, having a field angle
of 50.degree.) is displayed in a see-through manner. That is, the
photographic frame 151 having a visual angle of 50.degree. when
viewed from a photographer is displayed in a see-through
manner.
[0141] FIG. 18 illustrates a display example when the zoom is
changed to the tele (T) mode, and the photographic frame 151 shown
in FIG. 18 indicates a photographic range corresponding to the
telephotographing operation. As stated above, the photographic
frame 151 can be changed by the operation of the zoom switch 75,
and in this case, the focal distance of the first photographing
optical system 31 is changed so that the field angle of the first
image pickup device 30 coincides with the visual angle of the
photographic frame 151. More specifically, the photographic range
corresponding to the focal distance of the standard lens shown in
FIG. 17 is shifted to the photographic range corresponding to the
tele (T) mode shown in FIG. 18 by the operation of the tele switch
75a of the zoom lens 75.
[0142] FIG. 19 illustrates a display example when the zoom is
changed to the wide (W) mode and when the exposure correction is
conducted. The photographic frame 151 shown in FIG. 19 indicates a
photographic range corresponding to the wide (W) mode, and the
corrected exposure is indicated at the bottom right of the
photographic frame 151 as information 152. In this example, the
exposure was corrected to +1.0 by the operation of the exposure
correction switch 76. The information 152 concerning the exposure
correction can be indicated by other than numerical values, such as
a bar graph or an index. The photographic range corresponding to
the focal distance of the standard lens shown in FIG. 17 is shifted
to the photographic range of the photographic frame 151 shown in
FIG. 19 by the operation of the wide switch 75b of the zoom switch
75.
[0143] FIG. 20 illustrates a display example when an image is
displayed as an electronic view. When the electronic view display
(V) is selected by the F/V switch 72, an electronic image 153
picked up by the first image pickup device 30 is projected on the
photographer's eyes as a virtual image. The size of the image
displayed as an electronic view can be set according to the
resolution of the image, and when the resolution is low, the image
can be displayed with a small size.
[0144] FIG. 21 illustrates a display example when a moving picture
is being recorded. When the record switch 74 is operated to start
recording, the photographic frame 151 indicating the photographic
range is displayed, as shown in FIG. 21, and also, information 154
indicating that a recording operation is in progress is indicated
as "REC" at the bottom right of the photographic frame 151. The
information 154 may be other than characters.
[0145] FIG. 22 illustrates a display example in a manual mode. When
the manual mode (M) is set by the operation of the A/M switch 71,
information 155 indicating the manual mode (M) is displayed as
"MANU" at the bottom right of the photographic frame 151. When the
information 155 indicating "MANU" is not displayed, the camera 1 is
in the auto (A) mode.
[0146] FIG. 23 illustrates a display example of alarm information
156 when the opening angle of the temple 12 with respect to the
front portion 11 is not sufficient. If the temple 12 is not opened
to a predetermined position, a deviation of the angle is generated
between the first image pickup device 30 and the visual axis.
Accordingly, such a deviation is detected and an alarm is issued by
a configuration described below.
[0147] FIG. 24 illustrates a display example of alarm information
157 indicated in a see-through manner when the focal distance f of
the first photographing optical system 31 is to be further reduced
even if it has reached the adjustable lower limit k1. That is, when
the zoom operation is further continued to decrease the focal
distance f in the wide mode even if the zoom has reached the limit
of the wide mode, the alarm information 157 is displayed together
with the photographic frame 151 indicating the photographic
range.
[0148] FIG. 25 illustrates a display example of alarm information
158 indicated in a see-through manner when the focal distance f of
the first photographing optical system 31 is to be further
increased even if it has reached the adjustable upper limit k2.
That is, when the zoom operation is further continued to increase
the focal distance f in the tele mode even if the zoom has reached
the limit of the tele mode, the alarm information 158 is displayed
together with the photographic frame 151 indicating the
photographic range.
[0149] FIG. 26 illustrates a display example when a photographing
operation for a still image is performed. In this case, the
photographic frame 151 indicating the photographic range is
displayed, and also, information 159 indicating that a still image
has been recorded is indicated as "REL" at the bottom right of the
photographic frame 151. The information 159 is not restricted to
characters.
[0150] In the above-described display examples, the regular
information is displayed by allowing, for example, the green (G)
diode of the LED 102, to emit light, and the alarm information is
displayed by allowing, for example, the red (R) diode of the LED
102, to emit light.
[0151] FIG. 27 illustrates the principle of distance
measurement.
[0152] A distance-measurement projector optical system including
the projector LED 16a and the condenser lens 16b of the projector
light-emitting portion 16 and an image pickup system including the
first photographing optical system 31 and the CCD 87 are disposed
such that the optical axes of the two systems are separated from
each other by a predetermined distance (L).
[0153] With this configuration, light emitted from the projector
LED 16a is output from the condenser lens 16b almost in the form of
parallel light, and is applied to a subject O. The light is
reflected by the subject O and is incident on the image pickup
plane of the CCD 87 via the first photographing optical system
31.
[0154] In this case, when the distance between the optical axis of
the condenser lens 16b and the optical axis of the first
photographing optical system 31 is indicated by L, when the
distance from the principal point of the first photographing
optical system 31 to the image pickup plane of the CCD 87 is
represented by f1, and when the distance between the image forming
position of the reflected light from the subject O on the image
pickup plane of the CCD 87 and the optical axis of the first
photographing optical system 31 is indicated by .DELTA.L, the
distance R from the principal point of the first photographing
optical system 31 to the subject O can be determined by the
following equation. R = L .DELTA. .times. .times. L f .times.
.times. 1 ( 1 ) ##EQU1##
[0155] The principle of the correction for the parallax based on
the distance to the subject is described below with reference to
FIGS. 28 through 30. FIG. 28 illustrates the optical relationship
of the subject to the first photographing optical system 31 and the
CCD 87. FIG. 29 illustrates the optical relationship of a HOE to
the eye and a virtual image formed by the HOE. FIG. 30 illustrates
the amount by which the virtual image is shifted for correcting the
parallax.
[0156] As shown in FIG. 28, when the horizontal size of the image
pickup area of the CCD 87 is indicated by h2, when the focal
distance of the first photographing optical system 31 is
represented by f, when the distance from the principal point of the
first photographing optical system 31 to the CCD 87 is designated
by f+x, when the distance from the principal point of the first
photographing optical system 31 to the subject is indicated by L2,
when the horizontal length of the subject picked up by the CCD 87
is represented by H2, and when the photographic field angle in the
horizontal direction is indicated by .theta.2, the following
equation holds true. tan .function. ( .theta.2 2 ) = h .times.
.times. 2 2 ( f + x ) ( 2 ) ##EQU2##
[0157] As shown in FIG. 29, when the distance from the pupil P of
the photographer to the position of the photographic frame (virtual
image VI) indicating the photographic range is indicated by L1,
when the horizontal length of the photographic frame is represented
by H1, and when the angle (visual angle) of the horizontal length
H1 of the photographic frame from the position of the pupil P is
designated by .theta.1, the following equation hold true. tan
.function. ( .theta.1 2 ) = H .times. .times. 1 2 L .times. .times.
1 ( 3 ) ##EQU3##
[0158] In order to perform a photographing operation in the
photographic range set by the photographer, it is necessary that
the photographic field angle and the visual angle be equal to each
other, i.e., .theta.2=.theta.1. Under the condition of
.theta.2=.theta.1, the right side of equation (2) and the right
side of equation (3) should be equal to each other. To satisfy this
requirement, the focal distance f of the first photographing
optical system 31 can be determined by the following equation. f =
L .times. .times. 1 H .times. .times. 1 h .times. .times. 2 - x ( 4
) ##EQU4##
[0159] From the principle of the image formation using a lens, the
following equation holds true. 1 L .times. .times. 2 + 1 f + x = 1
f ( 5 ) ##EQU5##
[0160] By eliminating x from equation (4) and equation (5), the
following equation (6) can be derived. f = h .times. .times. 2 h
.times. .times. 2 L .times. .times. 2 + H .times. .times. 1 L
.times. .times. 1 ( 6 ) ##EQU6##
[0161] If the subject distance L2 is found from equation (6), the
focal distance f can be determined.
[0162] To establish the relationship of h2/L2<<H1/L1 in an
ordinary subject, when it is desired that calculations are
simplified or when means for determining the distance to a subject
is not provided, the approximation can be obtained by the following
equation. f .apprxeq. L .times. .times. 1 H .times. .times. 1 h
.times. .times. 2 ( 7 ) ##EQU7##
[0163] The principle of the parallax correction is described below
with reference to FIG. 30.
[0164] To describe the principle of the parallax correction, it is
assumed that the optical axis of the first photographing optical
system 31 and the visual axis of the photographer are perpendicular
to the photographer's face and that the optical axis and the visual
axis are disposed separately from each other by the distance X. The
parallax is caused by the fact that the optical axis and the visual
axis are separated from each other by the distance X. If the
optical axis and the visual axis are relatively tilted, a large
parallax may occur, and it is thus necessary to adjust them to be
in parallel. Means for adjusting the optical axis and the visual
axis is described in detail below.
[0165] As indicated by the solid lines and the broken lines in FIG.
30, if the distance to a virtual image VI0, which is a photographic
frame indicating the photographic range, is equal to the distance
to a subject, a deviation (parallax) between the range observed by
the photographer and the range picked up by the first image pickup
device 30 is a constant value X. In actuality, however, the
distance L1 from the pupil P of the photographer to a virtual image
VI1 is different from the distance L2 from the principal point of
the first photographing optical system 31 to the subject. The
amount X' by which the parallax is corrected (hereinafter referred
to as the "parallax correction amount X'") which allows the
photographic frame as the virtual image to match the actual image
pickup range is expressed by the following equation. X ' = L
.times. .times. 1 L .times. .times. 2 X ( 8 ) ##EQU8##
[0166] When the reciprocal of the magnification (i.e., the ratio of
the size of the virtual image to the size of the image displayed on
the LCD 104) of the virtual image VI1 of the photographic frame is
represented by .beta., the amount SP by which the image displayed
on the LCD 104 is shifted (hereinafter referred to as the "shift
amount SP") for correcting the parallax is expressed by the
following equation. SP = .beta. X ' = L .times. .times. 1 L .times.
.times. 2 .beta. X ( 9 ) ##EQU9##
[0167] Accordingly, the second CPU 112 controls the LCD driver 105
to shift the image displayed on the LCD 104 by the shift amount SP
expressed by equation (9). Then, the position of the virtual image
VI1 is shifted to the position of a virtual image VI2 by the
distance X', and as indicated by the two-dot-chain lines in FIG.
30, the range indicated by the photographic frame of the virtual
image coincides with the actual image pickup range.
[0168] As described above, the shift amount SP for conducting the
parallax correction is determined by the subject distance L2, and
basically, the parallax correction should be performed every time
the subject distance L2 is changed.
[0169] However, when, for example, .beta.=1/100, L1=2 m, L2=2 m,
X=4 cm, the shift amount SP is calculated to be 0.4 mm. This
parallax correction amount can be converted into the visual angle
S.theta. by using the following equation. S .times. .times. .theta.
= tan - 1 .function. ( X L .times. .times. 2 ) ( 10 ) ##EQU10##
According to equation (10), the visual angle S.theta. is calculated
to be about 1 degree, which is not a very large parallax.
Accordingly, it can be said that the parallax correction is not
necessary in most cases when regular photographing is conducted. On
the other hand, since the element in the parentheses of the right
side of equation (10) is proportional to the reciprocal of the
subject distance L2, the visual angle S.theta. is increased and the
parallax correction using equation (9) is required when the subject
distance L2 is small, i.e., when short-distance photographing is
performed.
[0170] A description is now given, with reference to FIGS. 31
through 33, of a configuration in which a photographer can clearly
observe a subject and a virtual image such that they can be in
focus at the same time.
[0171] If there is a large difference between the distance from the
eye to a virtual image in the photographic frame and the distance
from the eye to a subject, it is difficult to adjust both the
photographic frame and the subject in focus, and thus, the
photographer cannot clearly observe the photographic frame and the
subject at the same time.
[0172] Accordingly, a description is given below of the
configuration in which the distance from the eye to the virtual
image in the photographic frame is set to be equal to the distance
from the eye to the subject so as to allow the photographer to
clearly observe the photographic frame and the subject at the same
time.
[0173] FIG. 31 illustrates the principle of changing the distance
from the eye to the virtual image. In FIG. 31, since only a simple
description of the principle is given without referring to details
of the individual members, the first HOE 106 is not shown or a
description thereof is omitted.
[0174] When the focal distance of the second HOE 107 is indicated
by f, when the distance from the position of the photographic frame
151 displayed on the LCD 104 to the second HOE 107 is represented
by L1, when the distance from the second HOE 107 to the virtual
image VI is designated by Li, when the angle (visual angle) of the
virtual image on the diagonal line of the photographic frame 151
when viewed from the photographer is indicated by 2.omega., and
when the length of the diagonal line of the photographic frame 151
displayed on the LCD 104 is represented by X1, the following
equations hold true. Ll = 1 1 f - 1 Li ( 11 ) Xl = 2 Ll tan .times.
.times. .PI. = 2 tan .times. .times. .PI. 1 f - 1 Li ( 12 )
##EQU11##
[0175] Among the variables and constants in equations (11) and
(12), f is fixed when the second HOE 107 is designed, and .omega.
can be set as desired by the photographer, and corresponds to the
distance (that is, the distance determined by distance measurement)
that allows the distance Li to the virtual image to coincide with
the distance to the subject. Accordingly, by substituting these
values into equation (11), the position L1 of the LCD 104 that
allows the virtual image to be displayed at a distance equal to the
distance to the subject can be determined. By further substituting
the above values into equation (12), the size X1 of the
photographic frame displayed on the LCD 104 that allows the visual
angle of the photographic frame to coincide with the photographic
field angle can be determined.
[0176] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
the LCD 104 is driven in the optical axis direction by an actuator
162, which serves as virtual-image distance adjusting means. In
this example, as the actuator 162, a known actuator, such as an
electromagnetic motor, an ultra sonic motor (USM), or an
electrostatic actuator, is used for changing the distance L1. The
LCD 104 is disposed so that it can be moved in the optical axis
direction of the condenser lens 103, and a rack 161, which serves
as virtual-image distance adjusting means, for displacing the LCD
104 in the optical axis direction, is provided on, for example, a
frame member for supporting the LCD 104. A pinion gear 162a fixed
to the rotational axis of the actuator 162 is meshed with the rack
161 so as to transmit a driving force. By rotating the actuator 162
by a desired amount, the LCD 104 can be shifted in the optical axis
direction by a desired amount. With this configuration, the
distance L1 is changed so that the distance Li to the virtual image
VI can coincide with the distance to the subject. When the distance
L1 is changed by using this structure, the size of the photographic
frame displayed on the LCD 104 has to be changed by the LCD driver
105, which serves as the visual-angle adjusting means, so that X1
expressed by equation (12) can be satisfied.
[0177] In the example shown in FIG. 32 and also in the example
shown in FIG. 33, which is described below, in response to a change
in the magnification (angle 2.omega. of the subject) by changing
the position of the virtual image, the size of an image displayed
on the LCD 104 is corrected by using the LCD driver 105, which
serves as visual-angle adjusting means, so that the magnification
can be constant. More specifically, the size of the image displayed
on the LCD 104 is corrected so that the ratio of the distance L1
from the position of the photographic frame 151 displayed on the
LCD 104 to the second HOE 107 to the length X1 of the diagonal line
of the photographic frame 151 displayed on the LCD 104 can be
constant.
[0178] FIG. 33 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
the image of the LCD 104 is linearly formed and the position of the
linear image is changed in the optical axis direction. In this
example, an image forming lens 163, which is an image optical
system, is disposed on the optical path of light passing through
the LCD 104. By the image forming lens 163, the image of the LCD
104 is formed linearly at a position 164 on the optical path
between the image forming lens 163 and the second HOE 107. The
image forming lens 163 is disposed so that it is movable in the
optical axis direction, and a rack 165, which serves as
virtual-image distance adjusting means, for displacing the image
forming lens 163 in the optical axis direction is provided on, for
example, a lens frame for supporting the image forming lens 163. As
in the rack 161, a pinion gear 166a fixed to the rotational axis of
the actuator 166, which serves as virtual-image distance adjusting
means, is meshed with the rack 165 so as to transmit a driving
force. By rotating the actuator 166 by a desired amount, the image
forming lens 163 is moved in the optical axis direction so that the
position 164 on the linear image forming plane can be shifted in
the optical axis direction by a desired amount. By using this
structure, the distance L1 is changed so that the distance Li to
the virtual image VI can be equal to the distance to the subject.
The distance L1 in the principle described with reference to FIG.
31 corresponds to the distance from the position 164 on the linear
image forming plane to the second HOE 107 in FIG. 33. As stated
above, the size of the photographic frame displayed on the LCD 104
is also changed.
[0179] In this example, the distance from the eye to the virtual
image VI of the photographic frame is adjusted in accordance with
the subject distance. In this case, however, the subject distance
is changed every time the photographer changes his/her view to
another subject, and the position of the photographic frame has to
be changed every moment. Thus, unless the photographic frame is
continuously adjusted with high precision, the photographer may
feel visually awkward. Additionally, frequent adjustment of the
photographic frame increases power consumption. Thus, the position
of the photographic frame may be adjusted in several levels (for
example, three levels) in a range from "very near" to
"infinite".
[0180] A description is now given, with reference to FIGS. 34
through 36, of the adjustment to the positions of the pupil and a
virtual image observed via the second HOE 107 in the pupil-distance
direction. FIG. 34 illustrates an example of the configuration in
which the position of the first HOE 106 in the pupil-distance
direction is changed by an actuator. FIG. 35 illustrates an example
of the configuration in which the position of the first HOE 106 in
the pupil-distance direction is changed mechanically. FIG. 36 is a
circuit diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the
mechanical configuration shown in FIG. 35.
[0181] To allow the photographer to observe a virtual image
displayed by the second HOE 107 at a correct position with respect
to a subject, the positional relationship between the second HOE
107 and the pupil P should be adjusted. Since the position of the
pupil varies depending on the individuals, a mechanism for allowing
a photographer to make positional adjustments is useful. FIG. 34
illustrates an example of such a mechanism.
[0182] The first HOE 106, which is a reflective optical member, is
attached to, for example, a rack 169, which forms pupil-distance
adjusting means, provided with teeth in the pupil-distance
direction (horizontal direction in parallel with the line
connecting the two eyes). A pinion gear 170a fixed to the
rotational axis of an actuator 170, which forms the pupil-distance
adjusting means, is meshed with the rack 169 so as to transmit a
driving force. By rotating the actuator 170 by a predetermined
amount, the first HOE 106 can be moved in the pupil-distance
direction.
[0183] Similarly, the LCD 104, which forms horizontal projection
means, is attached to, for example, a rack 167, which forms the
pupil-distance adjusting means, provided with teeth in the
pupil-distance direction. A pinion gear 168a fixed to the
rotational axis of an actuator 168, which forms the pupil-distance
adjusting means, is meshed with the rack 167 so as to transmit a
driving force. By rotating the actuator 168 by a desired amount,
the LCD 104 can be moved in the pupil-distance direction.
[0184] If only the first HOE 106 is shifted in the pupil-distance
direction, the distance L1 shown in FIG. 31 is changed. Thus, in
the example shown in FIG. 34, in cooperation with the first HOE
106, the LCD 104 is also moved in the same direction by the same
amount so that the distance L1 remains constant.
[0185] The second HOE 107 is formed longer than that shown in FIG.
14 in the pupil-distance direction so that it can cover the range
in which the first HOE 106 is moved in the pupil-distance direction
and that the image on the LCD 104 can be observed as a virtual
image regardless of the position of the first HOE 106 (i.e., so
that the image displayed on the LCD 104 can be projected on the
pupil P).
[0186] As the actuator 168 or 170, a pulse motor, which is an
electromagnetic motor, is used, and the amount by which the first
HOE 106 or the LCD 104 is driven can be determined by counting
drive pulses from a predetermined reference position.
Alternatively, a known encoder may be used for detecting the
driving amount. For example, a plate member provided with many
slits at regular intervals in the direction in which the first HOE
106 or the LCD 104 is moved is disposed so that it can be moved
integrally with the first HOE 106 or the LCD 104. Across this plate
member, an LED is provided on one surface and a light-receiving
device for receiving light from the LED via the slits is provided
on the other surface so as to count the number of pulses output
from the light-receiving device, thereby detecting the distance by
which the first HOE 106 or the LCD 104 is moved.
[0187] The position of the see-through image display optical system
with respect to the pupil P can be adjusted by driving the actuator
168 or 170 by the operation on an electrical switch. Alternatively,
a sensor for detecting the position of the pupil P may be provided,
and the second CPU 112 or the first CPU 111 controls the actuator
168 or 170 according to the output of the sensor, thereby
automatically adjusting the position of the see-through image
display optical system.
[0188] FIG. 35 illustrates an example of the configuration in which
the position of the first HOE 106 in the pupil-distance direction
is mechanically changed so as to adjust the relative position of
the second HOE 107 with respect to the pupil.
[0189] The first HOE 106 is fixed to a slider 171, which is a
support member, and the slider 171 is supported by guide members
172 fixed to the frame 13 so that it is movable in the
pupil-distance direction within a predetermined range. The slider
171 is provided with a knob 171a that allows the photographer to
move the slider 171 in the pupil-distance direction.
[0190] An electrical segment 174 is attached to the slider 171, and
the distal end of the electrical segment 174 is a projecting
contact 174a. The contact 174a has elasticity in the direction in
which it is away from the slider 171. Accordingly, when a force is
not applied, the contact 174a is positioned away from the slider
171, and when a force is applied, the contact 174a is moved to be
close to the slider 171 with elasticity.
[0191] A substrate 173 is fixed to the frame 13 such that it faces
the contact 174a. The substrate 173 is provided with a plurality of
recesses disposed along the movement of the slider 171 at regular
intervals on the bottom surface facing the slider 171, and
electrical contacts 175b (in FIG. 35, three contracts 175b1, 175b2,
and 175b3 are shown) are provided on the bottom surfaces of the
recesses.
[0192] When the contact 174a is engaged with one of the recesses,
it touches the contact 175b provided on the bottom of the
corresponding recess and is electrically connected to the contact
175b. In this case, a clicking feeling is generated by the
engagement of the contact 174a and the recess so that the
photographer is informed that the slider 171 is moved to a
predetermined position. Then, the position of the first HOE 106 in
the pupil-distance direction can be detected according to with
which one of the contacts 175b1, 175b2, and 175b3 the contact 174a
is electrically connected.
[0193] The configuration of an electrical detection circuit
including the contacts 174a and 175b is described below with
reference to FIG. 36.
[0194] The contact 174a is connected to a power source Vcc and can
be electrically connected to one of the plurality of contacts
175b1, 175b2, and 175b3 (which are collectively referred to as the
"contacts 175b"). The contacts 175b1, 175b2, and 175b3 are grounded
via resistors 176R1, 176R2, and 176R3 (which are collectively
referred to as the "resistors 176R"), respectively, and are
electrically connected to other terminals 177c1, 177c2, and 177c3
(which are collectively referred to as the "terminals 177c"),
respectively.
[0195] With this configuration, the potential of the terminal 177c
electrically connected to the terminal 175b which touches the
contact 174a becomes the supply voltage Vcc, and the potentials of
the other terminals 177c become equal to the ground potential.
Accordingly, by detecting the potential of the terminals 177c, the
position of the first HOE 106 can be detected.
[0196] Based on the detected position of the first HOE 106, the
position of the LCD 104 (for example, see FIG. 34) or the position
of the linear image forming plane of the LCD 104 can be corrected,
thereby maintaining the virtual image in the photographic frame at
a fixed position.
[0197] In the above-described example, by relatively moving the
contact 174a with respect to the contacts 175b, which are
separately disposed, the position of the first HOE 106 is adjusted
and detected in a stepwise manner. However, the position of the
first HOE 106 may be continuously adjusted and detected. To achieve
this modification, the following configuration may be considered.
The position of the slider 171 is continuously changed with respect
to the guide members 172, and a thin-film resistor is printed on
the substrate 173 along the sliding direction of the slider 171,
and also, the contact 174a slides on the thin-film resistor while
maintaining electrical contact therewith. In this case, by
detecting the resistance between the contact 174a and one of the
terminals of the thin-film resistor, the position of the first HOE
106 which is continuously changing can be detected.
[0198] As stated above, the mechanical adjustment of the position
of the first HOE 106 in the pupil-distance direction is manually
performed by using the knob 171a. This eliminates a high level
control and simplifies the configuration. It is sufficient to
adjust the position of the first HOE 106 only once unless the
photographer is changed.
[0199] With this configuration, the relative position between the
pupil and the principal ray from the second HOE 107 can be adjusted
without changing the external appearance of the camera 1, thereby
making it possible to precisely project the photographic frame on
the photographer's pupil.
[0200] A first example of the configuration of and near a hinge
unit 200 is described below with reference to FIGS. 37 through 42.
FIG. 37 is a plan view, partially in section, illustrating the
structure of a connecting portion including the front portion 11,
the hinge unit 200, and the temple 12. FIG. 38 is a vertical
sectional view illustrating the connecting portion between the
front portion 11 and the hinge unit 200 when viewed from the left
side of FIG. 37. FIG. 39 is a sectional view illustrating a fixed
portion formed of the front portion 11, the hinge unit 200, and the
screw 23. FIG. 40 illustrates the connecting portion between the
hinge unit 200 and the temple 12 when viewed from the left side to
substantially the right side of FIG. 37. FIGS. 41 and 42 are a
front view and a plan view, respectively, illustrating an
electrical contact provided on a projection 181 of the temple
12.
[0201] The hinge unit 200 includes the hinge 24 and connects the
temple 12 and the front portion 11 (or frame 13).
[0202] In the camera 1, as stated above, the photographer specifies
a photographic frame indicating the photographic range, and
performs a photographing operation with a field angle corresponding
to the visual angle of the specified photographic frame, and thus,
the parallax correction is necessary. The parallax is caused by a
horizontal positional deviation between the visual axis of the
photographer and the optical axis or by an angular deviation
between the visual axis and the optical axis. Between the two
deviations, the influence of the angular deviation is much larger,
and thus, an adjusting mechanism (adjusting means) for precisely
correcting the angular deviation is provided.
[0203] In the camera 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the left and right
temples 12 are substantially perpendicular to the front portion 11
when the head-mounted unit 2 is in use, and when the head-mounted
unit 2 is not in use, the temples 12 are foldable inward toward the
front portion 11 via the hinges 24 and 25. In the example shown in
FIGS. 37 through 42, the hinge unit 200 including the right hinge
24 when the first image pickup device 30 is attached to the right
temple 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, is described.
[0204] In the state in which the temple 12 is opened at the maximum
angle (i.e., substantially perpendicularly) with respect to the
front portion 11, the maximum opening angle (substantially
90.degree.) between the see-through image display portion 6 and the
first image pickup device 30 of the front portion 11 can be
relatively adjusted (finely adjusted) in the pitch (vertical)
direction and the yaw (horizontal direction). Accordingly, the
optical axis of the first photographing optical system 31 of the
first image pickup device 30 attached to the temple 12 can be
adjusted to be in parallel with the visual axis.
[0205] The hinge 24 of the hinge unit 200 is formed as a knee joint
and is configured as follows, as shown in FIG. 40. An angular
U-shaped bearing 193 with a cylindrical screw hole 193a disposed at
the front portion 11 is combined with a bearing 194 provided with a
cylindrical hole 194a disposed at the temple 12 such that the screw
hole 193a and the hole 194a pass through each other. A shaft 191,
which serves as a connecting pin, is inserted into the holes 193a
and 194a. In FIG. 40, the portion corresponding to the temple 12 is
hatched.
[0206] As shown in FIG. 37, the temple 12 in the hinge unit 200
includes the projection 181, which serves as adjusting means, at
the right side of FIG. 37, and the front portion 11 in the hinge
unit 200 includes a projection 182, which serves as the adjusting
means, at the right side of FIG. 37 such that the abutting surfaces
of the projections 181 and 182 face each other. In the projection
182 of the hinge unit 200, a screw hole 182a substantially parallel
with the optical axis of the first photographing optical system 31
when the camera 1 is in use is punched, and the bis 32 is screwed
into the screw hole 182a. When the bis 32 is screwed until it is
extended from the screw hole 182a of the projection 182, and the
extended end of the bis 32 abuts against the projection 181 of the
temple 12. With this configuration, the maximum opening angle of
the temple 12 when the head-mounted unit 2 is in use is restricted,
and the optical axis of the first photographing optical system 31
attached to the temple 12 can be finely adjusted in the yaw
direction.
[0207] Such a fine and precise adjustment is performed when the
temple 12 is disposed at a predetermined position (in this case,
when it is opened at the maximum angle). Accordingly, the temple 12
should not be used when it is not sufficiently opened with respect
to the front portion 11. Accordingly, means for detecting whether
the temple 12 is opened at the maximum angle is provided, as shown
in FIGS. 41 and 42, and if the temple 12 is not opened at the
maximum angle, the alarm information 156 shown in FIG. 23 is
given.
[0208] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, an insulator
211 is disposed on the surface of the projection 181 facing the
projection 182, and a linear electrical contact 109b and an angular
U-shaped electrical contact 109a disposed in parallel with the
contact 109b across the insulator 211 are embedded in the insulator
211. A distal end 109a1, which is a U-shaped portion, of the
contact 109a floats from the surface of the projection 181 (surface
of the insulator 211) with elasticity, and when an urging force is
applied to the surface of the projection 181, the distal end 109a1
of the contact 109a touches the contact 109b, thereby establishing
an electrical connection therebetween.
[0209] With this configuration, when the temple 12 is opened, the
end of the bis 32 touches the distal end 109a1 of the contact 109a.
When the temple 12 is opened at the maximum angle, the contact 109a
touches the contact 109b by being pressed against the end of the
bis 32. When the temple 12 is not opened at the maximum angle, the
contact 109a is away and insulated from the contact 109b. In this
manner, it can be determined whether the temple 12 is opened at the
maximum angle.
[0210] The contacts 109a and 109b is connected to the second CPU
112 provided in the controller/recorder 4, as shown in FIG. 12, via
the cable connecting terminal 12 shown in FIG. 2 or 4.
[0211] Referring back to FIG. 37, a mechanism for adjusting
(rotation adjustment) the front portion 11 in the pitch direction
with respect to the hinge unit 200 is described below.
[0212] The front portion 11 is configured such that an exterior
member 196 corresponding to the right side end of FIG. 37 is formed
in an angular U shape in the vertical section shown in FIG. 38
along the line parallel with the optical axis of the first
photographing optical system 31 when the camera 1 is in use. The
upper portion of the exterior member 196 in FIG. 37 is opened.
Inside the exterior member 196, a wall 199 shown in FIG. 37 and a
wall-shaped spring support member 206 raised from the inner bottom
surface of the exterior member 196 shown in FIG. 38 are provided.
Then, the end of the hinge unit 200 is inserted into a space formed
by the exterior member 196 and the wall 199 from the opening of the
U-shaped exterior member 196.
[0213] The hinge unit 200 has an exterior member 197, which is a
structural member having a space inside, and two shafts 201 and 202
forming adjusting means are fixed to the exterior member 196 so
that the end of the hinge unit 200 inserted into the space of the
front portion 11 passes through the exterior member 197 in the
pupil-distance direction.
[0214] The shaft 201 is fixed at both ends to the exterior member
196 of the front portion 11 such that it is inserted into a
cylindrical sheath 203 forming the adjusting means. The sheath 203
is fixed at both ends to the exterior member 197 of the hinge unit
200. With this arrangement, the shaft 201 can be relatively rotated
with respect to the sheath 203 while being in coaxial with the
sheath 203.
[0215] Coil springs 204 and 205, which form a part of adjusting
means, for generating an urging force to unwind the springs, are
attached around the sheath 203. One end of each of the springs 204
and 205 is supported by the spring support member 206, and the
other ends of the springs 204 and 205 are supported by the bottom
surface of the exterior member 197 of the hinge unit 200. With this
arrangement, a rotating force toward the bottom surface of the
exterior member 196 of the front portion 11 is applied to the
bottom surface of the exterior member 197 of the hinge unit 200
around the shaft 201.
[0216] The shaft 202 is fixed at both ends to the exterior member
196 of the front portion 11 and is slidably inserted into a guide
hole 207, which forms a part of the adjusting means, punched in the
exterior member 197 of the hinge unit 200. The guide hole 207 is
formed as an arc-like elongated hole.
[0217] The screw 23 is fixed to the outer side of the exterior
member 197 of the hinge unit 200 around the shaft 201 via a boss
208. A guide hole 209, which forms a part of the adjusting means,
formed as an arc-like elongated hole around the shaft 201 is
punched in the exterior member 196 of the front portion 11. The
screw 23 is tightly screwed into the boss 208 from the external
side of the right surface of the front portion 11 so that it passes
through the guide hole 209. The screw 23 is used for fixing the
relative rotational position between the front portion 11 and the
hinge unit 200.
[0218] A screw hole 198 is formed on the bottom surface of the
exterior member 196 of the front portion 11, and the screw 22 is
screwed into the screw hole 198. The end of the screw 22 abuts
against the bottom surface of the exterior member 197 of the hinge
unit 200 such that it presses against the exterior member 197.
[0219] The operation for adjusting the front portion 11 in the
pitch direction with respect to the hinge unit 200, i.e., with
respect to the first image pickup device 30 attached to the hinge
unit 200 is as follows.
[0220] The screw 23 is unscrewed to a degree such that the front
portion 11 and the hinge unit 200 can be relatively rotated.
[0221] Then, when the screw 22 is screwed, the bottom surface of
the hinge unit 200 is rotated upward around the shaft 201 against
the urging force of the springs 204 and 205. When the screw 22 is
unscrewed, the bottom surface of the hinge unit 200 is rotated
downward around the shaft 201 by the urging force of the springs
204 and 205. By rotating the screw 22 in this manner, the position
of the front portion 11 in the pitch direction is adjusted to a
desired position.
[0222] Then, the screw 23 is tightly screwed so that the adjusted
position of the front portion 11 can be fixed.
[0223] The operation for adjusting the relative tilt between the
see-through image display portion 6 and the first image pickup
device 30 by using the above-described adjusting mechanism
(adjusting means) can be performed in a factory when the camera 1
is manufactured or by the photographer himself/herself using the
camera 1. In either case, the adjustment can be conducted in the
same manner.
[0224] When the adjustment is conducted when the camera 1 is
manufactured, it can be performed in the following manner. A bright
point light source, for example, is disposed at a position at
infinity, and this point light source is photographed by the first
image pickup device 30 and is displayed by the see-through image
display portion 6 in a see-through manner. Then, the adjustment in
the pitch direction is conducted by using the screws 22 and 23 or
the adjustment in the yaw direction is conducted by using the bis
32 as described above so that the image of the point light source
substantially directly incident on the pupil is overlapped with the
electronic image of the point light source observed by the pupil
via the second HOE 107. This adjustment may be performed by
directly observing the image by a human. Alternatively, a monitor
camera may be disposed at the position of the pupil, and the
adjustment can be performed based on an image picked up by the
monitor camera.
[0225] If the photographer himself/herself conducts the adjustment,
a suitable subject at a distance can be used for performing the
adjustment in a manner similar to the above-described manner.
[0226] The subject used for adjustment does not have to be
positioned at infinity, and it may be positioned substantially at
infinity where the influence of errors can be ignored.
[0227] The configuration in which the electrical components of the
front portion 11 are electrically connected to the electrical
components of the temple 12 (first image pickup device 30) is
described with reference to FIGS. 37 through 40.
[0228] As shown in FIG. 37, an electrical circuit board 184
disposed on the front portion 11 is electrically connected to one
end of a flexible printed board 185. The flexible printed board 185
is disposed from the inside of the front portion 11 to the inside
of the hinge unit 200, and the other end of the flexible printed
board 185 is connected to a plurality of contacts 187 shown in FIG.
40. The contacts 187 are provided on a wall 195 which is set in the
hinge unit 200, and are connected with the flexible printed board
185 by a connecting portion 186.
[0229] The bearing 194 provided for the temple 12, which is
relatively rotated with respect to the bearing 193 of the front
portion 11, is provided with a plurality of conductors 188, which
are arc-like coaxial contacts along the peripheral surface in the
axial direction. The conductors 188, which are associated with the
corresponding contacts 187, are embedded in an insulator, and the
surface exposed from the insulator is, for example, gold-plated.
The conductors 188 may be gold-plated on the entire surface.
[0230] With this configuration, even if the front portion 11 and
the temple 12 are relatively rotated, an electrical connection
between the contacts 187 and the conductors 188 can be
maintained.
[0231] The contacts 187 are connected on the peripheral surface of
the bearing 194 to one end of a flexible printed board 190 via a
connecting portion 189. The other end of the flexible printed board
190 is connected to an electrical circuit board (not shown) within
the first image pickup device 30 attached to the temple 12, and is
electrically connected to the controller/recorder 4 via the cable
3.
[0232] With this configuration, signals for driving the LED drivers
101 and 108 and the LCD driver 105 of the see-through image display
portion 6 disposed on the frame 13 are transmitted from the second
CPU 112 of the controller/recorder 4, and conversely, audio signals
collected from the first microphone 17 and the second microphone 18
of the frame 13 are transmitted to the second CPU 112.
[0233] A description is now given, with reference to FIGS. 43A,
43B, and 44, of a second example of the configuration in which the
first image pickup device 30 is attached to the side surface of the
frame 13 so that the angle of the first image pickup device 30 is
adjustable in the pitch direction and in the yaw direction. FIGS.
43A and 43B are a plan view and a right side view, respectively,
illustrating the configuration in which the first image pickup
device 30 is attached to the frame 30. FIG. 44 is a right side view
illustrating the configuration of holes formed in the frame 13 for
attaching the first image pickup device 30.
[0234] The frame 13 and the temple 12 are connected to each other
via a hinge 24A, as shown in FIG. 43A, so that the temple 12 is
foldable with respect to the frame 13. The hinge 24A is disposed
via a somewhat long joint portion 229 extended from the frame 13 at
a position slightly farther away from the front portion 11 than the
above-described hinge 24. Unlike the hinge 24, the hinge 24A is not
provided with electrical contacts or a flexible printed board.
[0235] A base 220, which serves as the adjusting means, formed
generally in an L shape when viewed from the front is connected to
the side surface of the joint portion 229. The base 220 includes a
portion 220a along the side surface of the joint portion 229 and a
portion 220b raised from the side surface of the joint portion 229
substantially at right angles.
[0236] In the joint portion 229, as shown in FIG. 44, a hole 223,
which forms pitch-direction adjusting means, is punched in the
forward and an arch-like elongated hole 224, which forms the
pitch-direction adjusting means, is punched in the backward. Bises
221 and 222, which form the pitch-direction adjusting means, are
screwed into the portion 220a of the base 220 via the holes 223 and
224, respectively, thereby fixing the base 220 to the joint portion
229.
[0237] In the portion 220b of the base 220, as shown in FIG. 43A, a
hole 227, which forms yaw-direction adjusting means, is punched in
the forward, and an arc-like elongated hole 228, which forms the
yaw-direction adjusting means, is punched in the backward. As shown
in FIG. 43B, bises 225 and 226, which form the yaw-direction
adjusting means, are screwed into the bottom surface of the first
image pickup device 30 via the holes 227 and 228, respectively,
thereby fixing the first image pickup device 30 to the base 220. A
cable 230, which is extended from the rear surface of the first
image pickup device 30, is folded toward the subject and is
connected to the electrical circuits within the frame 13.
[0238] With this configuration, the bises 221 and 222 are slightly
unscrewed, and in this state, the position of the bis 222 in the
elongated hole 224 is changed. Then, the base 220 is rotated around
the bis 221, and the angle of the base 220 in the pitch direction
and also the angle of the first image pickup device 30 attached to
the base 220 in the pitch direction can be adjusted. After
adjusting the base 220 and the first image pickup device 30 to
desired positions, the bises 221 and 222 are screwed tight.
[0239] Similarly, the bises 225 and 226 are slightly unscrewed, and
in this state, the position of the bis 226 in the elongated hole
228 is changed. Then, the base 220 is rotated around the bis 225,
and the angle of the base 220 in the yaw direction and also the
angle of the first image pickup device 30 connected to the base 220
in the yaw direction can be adjusted. After adjusting the base 220
and the first image pickup device 30 to desired positions, the
bises 225 and 226 are screwed tight.
[0240] According to the second example of the configuration, the
angle adjustment in the pitch direction and in the yaw direction
between the see-through image display portion 6 and the first image
pickup device 30 can be performed. Additionally, since the first
image pickup device 30 is fixed to the front portion 11 via the
base 220, the image pickup device 30 is not folded with respect to
the front portion 11 even if the temple 12 is folded. Thus, the
generation of an angular deviation between the first image pickup
device 30 and the see-through image display portion 6 is smaller
than that in the first example of the configuration shown in FIGS.
37 through 39. Additionally, the adjusting mechanism is simpler
than that of the first example, and can be formed less
expensively.
[0241] In the above-described second example, the relative angle in
the yaw direction between the first image pickup device 30 and the
base 220 is adjusted, and the relative angle in the pitch direction
between the joint portion 229 on the side surface of the frame 13
and the base 220 is adjusted. Conversely, by changing the mounting
position of the first image pickup device 30 on the base 220, the
relative angle in the pitch direction between the first image
pickup device 30 and the base 220 may be adjusted, and by changing
the mounting position of the frame 13 on the base 220, the relative
angle in the yaw direction between the joint portion 229 on the
side surface of the frame 13 and the base 220 may be adjusted.
[0242] The operation of the above-described camera 1 is described
below with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46. A combination of the
flowcharts of FIGS. 45 and 46 indicates the entire operation of the
camera 1.
[0243] When the camera 1 is powered on or when the system is reset,
in step S1, the photographic frame indicating the photographic
range corresponding to the standard lens (having a field angle of
50.degree.) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 17, in a see-through
manner by the see-through image display portion 6.
[0244] Then, in step S2, it is determined whether the temple 12 is
opened at the maximum angle by checking whether the contacts 109a
and 109b provided on the projection 181 of the temple 12 are
closed.
[0245] If it is determined in step S2 that the contacts 109a and
109b are not closed, the process proceeds to step S3 in which the
alarm information 156 is indicated by the see-through image display
portion 6.
[0246] If it is determined in step S2 that the contacts 109a and
109b are closed, or after the alarm information 156 is indicated in
step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the timer
contained in the first CPU 111 is checked to determine whether a
predetermined time has elapsed.
[0247] If the outcome of step S4 is YES, the process proceeds to
step S5 in which the input statuses of various switches, such as
the first operation switch 113 shown in FIG. 9 or the second
operation switch 131 shown in FIG. 11 are monitored.
[0248] The timer used in step S4 restarts counting when the process
proceeds to step S5 after the lapse of the predetermined time. In
this manner, by checking the input statuses of the switches at
regular time intervals while checking the timer, the load on the
first CPU 111 can be reduced, and also, the erroneous operations of
the switches caused by the chattering can be prevented. The timers
used in steps S11, S18, and S23, which are described below, serve
the function similar to the function of the timer in step S4.
[0249] If it is determined in step S4 that the predetermined time
has not elapsed or after step S5, it is determined in step S6
whether the exposure correction has been performed.
[0250] If the exposure correction has been performed, the process
proceeds to step S7 in which the corrected exposure amount is
indicated as the information 152, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0251] If it is determined in step S6 that the exposure correction
has not been performed or after step S7, the process proceeds to
step S8. In step S8, it is determined whether the camera 1 is set
in the view mode (V) in which the camera 1 displays the image
picked up by the image pickup device 30 in a see-through manner or
in the frame mode (F) in which only the photographic frame
indicating the photographic range is displayed. The setting of this
mode can be performed by the operation of the F/V switch 72, as
stated above.
[0252] When it is determined in step S8 that the camera 1 is set in
the frame mode (F), it is determined in step S9 whether the camera
1 is set in the auto mode (A) or the manual mode (M). The setting
of this mode can be performed by the operation of the A/M switch
71, as stated above.
[0253] In the auto mode (A), when the focal distance of the first
photographing optical system 31 reaches a predetermined value, the
image picked up by the image pickup device 30 is automatically
enlarged and is displayed in a see-through manner even if the
camera 1 is set in the frame mode (F). With this arrangement, in a
telephotographing operation, details of a subject can be easily
checked without a troublesome operation, and also, when the focal
distance is a regular value (less than the above-described
predetermined value), only a photographic frame indicating the
photographic range is displayed, thereby making the photographer
comfortable to perform a photographing operation even for a long
time.
[0254] In the manual mode (M), a determination as to whether the
image is displayed in a see-through manner is manually performed,
and normally, only the photographic frames are displayed in the
manual mode (M).
[0255] If it is determined in step S9 that the manual mode (M) is
selected, the process proceeds to step S10 in which the information
155 "MANU" is indicated, as shown in FIG. 22.
[0256] Then, in step S11, the timer is checked to determine whether
a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0257] If the outcome of step S11 is YES, the process proceeds to
step S12 in which the distance measurement is conducted to measure
the distance from the camera 1 to the subject based on the
principle shown in FIG. 27.
[0258] Then, in step S13, a value for correcting the parallax
caused by a deviation between the range observed by the
photographer and the photographic range observed by the image
pickup device 30 is calculated based on the subject distance
obtained in step S12.
[0259] Then, in step S14, the display of the photographic frame is
updated based on the corrected parallax calculated in step S13 so
that the photographic frame can be displayed at a correct position.
According to this process, even when the subject distance is
changed, the photographic range can be displayed precisely.
[0260] If it is determined in step S9 that the camera 1 is set in
the auto mode (A), it is determined in step S15 whether the focal
distance is greater than a predetermined value .alpha., i.e.,
whether the camera 1 is set in the tele mode (T).
[0261] If the focal distance is found to be smaller than or equal
to the predetermined value .alpha., the process proceeds to step
S11. If the focal distance is found to be greater than the
predetermined value .alpha., or if it is determined in step S8 that
the camera 1 is set in the view mode (V), the process proceeds to
step S16. In step S16, the electronic image picked up by the first
image pickup device 30 is superimposed on the subject in a
see-through manner by the see-through image display portion 6.
[0262] After step S16 or step S14, or if it is determined in step
S11 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined
in step S17 whether the photographic frame is increased by
operating the wide switch 75b of the remote controller 5, and more
precisely, whether the visual angle of the photographic frame when
viewed from the photographer is increased (when the distance to a
virtual image is increased even if the photographic frame displayed
as the virtual image is increased, the visual angle does not always
become greater, and when the position of the virtual image remains
the same, it can be safely said that "the photographic frame is
increased").
[0263] If it is determined in step S17 that the photographic frame
is increased, it is determined in step S18 by checking the timer
whether a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0264] If it is found in step S18 that the predetermined time has
elapsed, it is determined in step S19 whether the focal distance f
of the first photographing optical system 31 is further to be
decreased even though it has reached the adjustable lower limit
k1.
[0265] If the outcome of step S19 is YES, the process proceeds to
step S20 in which the alarm information 157 is indicated, as shown
in FIG. 24.
[0266] If the focal distance f has not reached the lower limit k1,
the process proceeds to step S21 in which the variator lens 82 of
the first photographing optical system 31 is driven to decrease the
focal distance f so that the photographic range set by the
photographer can be implemented.
[0267] If it is determined in step S17 that the photographic frame
is not increased, it is determined in step S22 whether the
photographic frame is decreased, and more precisely, whether the
visual angle of the photographic frame when viewed from the
photographer is decreased.
[0268] If the result of step S22 is YES, it is determined in step
S23 by checking the timer whether a predetermined time has
elapsed.
[0269] If the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined in
step S24 whether the focal distance f of the first photographing
optical system 31 is further to be increased even though it has
reached the adjustable upper limit k2.
[0270] If the focal distance f has not reached the upper limit k2,
the process proceeds to step S25 in which the variator lens 82 of
the first photographing optical system 31 is driven to increase the
focal distance f so that the photographic range set by the
photographer can be implemented. If it is found in step S24 that
the focal distance f is further to be increased, the process
proceeds to step S26 in which the alarm information 158 is
indicated, as shown in FIG. 25.
[0271] If it is determined in step S22 that the photographic frame
is not decreased, or if it is determined in step S18 or S23 that
the predetermined time has not elapsed, or after step S20, S21,
S25, or S26, it is determined in step S27 whether the record mode
is set by operating the record switch 74 contained in the second
operation switch 131 of the remote controller 5 (or the first
operation switch 113).
[0272] If the record mode is set, the process proceeds to step S28
in which the information 154 "REC" is indicated in a see-through
manner, as shown in FIG. 21, and in step S29, the recording
operation is started.
[0273] After step S29 or if it is determined in step S27 that the
record mode is not set, it is determined in step S30 whether a
still-image photographing operation is performed by the release
switch 73 contained in the second operation switch 131 of the
remote controller 5 (or the first operation switch 113).
[0274] If the outcome of step S30 is YES, the process proceeds to
step S31 in which a still image is recorded. Then, in step S32, the
information 159 "REL" indicating that a still image has been
recorded is displayed in a see-through manner, as shown in FIG.
26.
[0275] After step S32 or if it is found in step S30 that the
still-image photographing operation by using the release switch 73
is not performed, the process returns to step S4, and the
above-described operation is repeated.
[0276] If the position of the virtual image is changed as described
with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, the flowcharts of FIGS. 45 and
46 are changed as follows.
[0277] That is, in this case, before displaying a photographic
frame, three steps (1) through (3) are executed, which are not
contained in the flowcharts of FIGS. 45 and 46:
[0278] (1) measure (distance measurement) the distance Li to the
subject;
[0279] (2) determine L1 and X1 by substituting the subject distance
Li calculated in step (1) into equation (11) and equation (12), and
drive the actuator 162 so that the photographic frame is set at the
determined position L1; and
[0280] (3) drive the LCD 104 by the LCD driver 105 to satisfy the
diagonal line X1 calculated in step (2) and adjust the size of the
photographic frame.
[0281] More specifically, steps (1) through (3) are executed before
steps S1 and S14 of the flowchart in FIG. 45. For step S14,
however, distance measurement is executed in step S12 before S14,
and thus, the value calculated in step S12 can be used instead of
executing distance measurement in step (1).
[0282] If the position of the virtual image is changed by the
configuration shown in FIG. 33, processing similar to the
above-described processing can be performed.
[0283] According to the first embodiment, even if the focal
distance (zoom magnification) of the first photographing optical
system is changed, the photographer can easily check the
photographic range while substantially directly observing the
subject to be photographed. Thus, the photographer can behave as
naturally as other people without feeling bothered by the
photographing operation.
[0284] The photographer can set the focal distance of the
photographic lens after checking a photographic range and a pattern
to be set while substantially directly observing the entire
subject. This allows the photographer to set a pattern more easily
compared to the related art in which the pattern should be checked
while changing the focal distance. It is thus possible to provide
an ergonomically new head-mounted camera which implements a
photographing operation with a new concept, which is different from
a known photographing operation in which a zoom operation and the
field angle setting are performed at the same time.
[0285] Since the head-mounted unit, the remote controller, and the
controller/recorder are separately provided, the head-mounted unit
and the remote controller, which serve as a photographing operation
unit, become lighter. This makes the photographer comfortable even
over a long use of the camera. By using a HOE as display means, the
head-mounted unit can further be lighter and smaller.
[0286] When the visual angle of the photographic frame is to be
further increased even though it has reached the upper limit of the
field angle of the first image pickup device and when the visual
angle of the photographic frame is to be further decreased even
though it has reached the lower limit of the field angle of the
first image pickup device, alarm information is indicated. This
allows the photographer to easily check the adjustable field angle,
and the photographer does not have to repeat unnecessary operations
by wrongly recognizing such situation as failures. Since the alarm
information is indicated by the see-through image display portion,
the provision of separate alarm means is not necessary, thereby
reducing the cost and the size of the head-mounted unit.
[0287] The parallax caused by a deviation between the range within
the photographic frame observed by the photographer and the
photographic range picked up by the first image pickup device is
corrected based on the distance to the subject measured by
distance-measurement means. Thus, even if the subject distance is
changed, in particular, even when close-up photographing is
performed, the photographic range can be precisely identified.
[0288] Additionally, the frame mode in which the photographic frame
is displayed as a virtual image or the view mode in which the
photographed image is displayed as a virtual image can be switched.
Accordingly, even if the photographic range becomes smaller during
a telephotographing operation, details of a subject can be easily
checked. In particular, in the auto mode, in a telephotographing
operation having a focal distance exceeding a predetermined value,
the photographed image is automatically displayed, and thus, the
photographer can check details of the subject without a troublesome
operation.
[0289] When the head-mounted unit is not in use, the temples can be
folded along the front portion, and thus, the head-mounted unit can
be stored easily.
[0290] In the configuration in which the first image pickup device
can be folded together with the temples, the head-mounted unit can
be more easily stored. When the temples are not opened at a
predetermined angle, alarm information is given. This prevents the
photographer from performing a photographing operation without
realizing that the optical axis and the visual axis do not coincide
with each other. In other words, the photographing operation can be
performed such that the optical axis and the visual axis are
exactly the same. Since the alarm information is given by the
see-through image display portion, the provision of separate alarm
means is not necessary, thereby reducing the cost and the size of
the head-mounted unit.
[0291] In the configuration in which both the first image pickup
device and the see-through image display portion are provided in
the front portion, the optical axis of the first image pickup
device is not changed by opening or closing the temples.
Accordingly, once the optical axis and the visual axis are
adjusted, a deviation therebetween is not generated.
[0292] When the first image pickup device is attached to the front
portion via the base, the optical axis can be adjusted finely by
using the base.
[0293] An image signal is digitized before being output from the
first image pickup device, and thus, when the image signal is
transmitted to the controller/recorder, which is separately
disposed from the first image pickup device, the influence of
external noise can be reduced.
[0294] Since an image signal output from the first image pickup
device is raw image data, the provision of a digital signal
processing circuit for the first image pickup device is not
necessary, thereby making the head-mounted unit lighter and
smaller.
[0295] An adjusting mechanism for finely adjusting the optical axis
to coincide with the visual axis is provided. With this adjusting
mechanism, individual units can be adjusted when they are
manufactured, or the units can be adjusted by the individual users.
Thus, the head-mounted unit can deal with wide usage modes. By
providing this adjusting mechanism on the base, an inexpensive
adjusting mechanism with very little deviation can be formed.
[0296] Adjustment can be performed independently in the pitch
direction and in the yaw direction, thereby making it possible to
adjust a positional deviation between the optical axis and the
visual axis.
[0297] By changing the distance from the photographer's pupil to a
virtual image, the virtual image can be superimposed on a subject,
thereby allowing the photographer to clearly observe both the
virtual image and the subject. In this case, even when the position
of the virtual image is changed, the visual angle concerning the
virtual image is adjusted to be constant. Thus, the photographic
range and the photographic frame always coincide with each
other.
[0298] Distance measurement is performed to measure the distance to
a subject, and based on this distance, the position of the virtual
image is automatically adjusted by using an actuator. Thus, the
subject and the virtual image can be clearly observed at the same
time without the need to perform an extra operation.
[0299] The central position of a virtual image to be projected can
be adjusted in the pupil-distance direction. Thus, according to the
different position of the pupil of each photographer, required
information can be given to the photographer. To implement the
adjustment in the pupil-distance direction, a reflective member for
reflecting light to be output in the pupil-distance direction is
moved in the pupil-distance direction. Accordingly, the adjustment
can be conducted without changing the external appearance of the
head-mounted unit. This adjustment can be automated by using an
actuator, or fine-adjustment can be performed by counting pulses.
If the adjustment is performed manually, the configuration is
simplified and the cost can be reduced without causing a
troublesome operation.
Second Embodiment
[0300] A second embodiment of the present invention is described
below with reference to FIGS. 47 through 50. FIGS. 47, 48, and 49
are a front view, a plan view, and a right side view, respectively,
illustrating a head-mounted unit 2A. FIG. 50 is a block diagram
illustrating the configuration of an electronic circuit of the
camera, mainly the elements different from those shown in FIG.
12.
[0301] In the second embodiment, elements similar to those
described in the first embodiment are designated with the same
reference numerals, and a detailed explanation is thus omitted.
[0302] In a head-mounted camera, the image pickup device is
disposed on each of the left and right temples 12 so that a
three-dimensional image observed with the two eyes can be picked up
and recorded. In the first embodiment, the first image pickup
device 30 is disposed on the left-eye temple 12. In the second
embodiment, however, in addition to the first image pickup device
30, a second image pickup device 30R, which is configured similar
to the first image pickup device 30, is disposed on the right-eye
temple 12.
[0303] In the head-mounted unit 2A in the second embodiment, as
shown in FIGS. 47 through 49, the second image pickup device 30R
provided with a second photographing optical system 31R is disposed
on the right-eye temple 12, and the temple 12 is foldable with
respect to the front portion 11 by a hinge 24R, which is configured
similarly to the hinge 24 at the left eye, except that the hinge
24R is horizontally symmetrical with the hinge 24. On the
head-mounted unit 2A, an adjusting mechanism (adjusting means) for
adjusting the angle in the pitch direction and in the yaw direction
between the second image pickup device 30R and the see-through
image display portion 6 is disposed. Screws 22R and 23R and a bis
32R contained in the angle adjusting mechanism are exposed, as
shown in FIG. 47, so that they are adjustable.
[0304] In the camera using the head-mounted unit 2A, the subject
distance is measured by triangular distance measurement performed
using the left and right image pickup devices 30 and 30R, and thus,
the projector light-emitting portion 16 disposed in the first
embodiment is not provided.
[0305] The circuit within the second image pickup device 30R is
connected to the circuit within the first image pickup device 30
via the frame 13, and the cable connecting terminal 21 to be
connected to the head-mounted unit 2A is provided only for the
first image pickup device 30. Accordingly, control signals
transmitted from the controller/recorder 4 to the second image
pickup device 30R and image signals transmitted from the second
image pickup device 30R to the controller/recorder 4 are
transmitted via the cable 3.
[0306] The configuration of the camera including the second image
pickup device 30R is shown in FIG. 50.
[0307] The second image pickup device 30R includes the following
elements. A second photographing optical system 31R forms an
optical subject image. A low-pass filter 86R removes unnecessary
high-frequency components from light passing through the second
photographing optical system 31R. A CCD 87R converts the optical
subject image formed by the second photographing optical system 31R
via the low-pass filter 86R into an electric signal and outputs it.
A CDS/AGC circuit 88R, which serves as signal processing means for
performing processing, such as removing noise and amplification, on
the signal output from the CCD 87R. An A/D conversion circuit 89R,
which serves as signal processing means, converts the analog image
signal output from the CDS/AGC circuit 88R into a digital image
signal. A CCD driver 91R controls the driving of the CCD 87R. A
timing generator 90R supplies timing control signals to the CDS/AGC
circuit 88R, the A/D conversion circuit 89R, and the CCD driver
91R. A diaphragm shutter driver 96R, which serves as a drive
circuit, controls the driving of a diaphragm shutter 84R, which is
described below, contained in the second photographing optical
system 31R. A USM driver 95R, which serves as a drive circuit,
selectively drives USMs (Ultra Sonic Motor) 92R, 93R, and 94R,
which are described below, contained in the second photographing
optical system 31R.
[0308] More specifically, the second photographing optical system
31R includes a front lens 81R, a variator lens 82R for changing the
focal distance, a compensator lens 83R for correcting a deviation
of the focus position in accordance with a change in the focal
distance, a diaphragm shutter 84R serving as both a diaphragm
function and a shutter function, a focus lens 85R for adjusting the
focus, and the USMs 92R, 93R, and 94R for driving the variator lens
82R, the compensator lens 83R, and the focus lens 85R,
respectively.
[0309] The timing generator 90R, the USM driver 95R, and the
diaphragm shutter driver 96R are controlled by the second CPU 112
of the controller/recorder 4.
[0310] The digital image data output from the A/D conversion
circuit 89R of the second image pickup device 30R is input into the
DSP circuit 115 of the controller/recorder 4 and is also input into
the AF processing circuit 122 of the controller/recorder 4.
[0311] That is, the digital image data from the first image pickup
device 30 and the digital image data from the second image pickup
device 30R are input into the AF processing circuit 122. The AF
processing circuit 122 calculates the distance to the subject based
on the two image data having a parallax by using, for example, the
known triangular distance measurement principle.
[0312] Accordingly, in a see-through image display portion 6A of
this camera, the LED driver 108, the projector LED 16a, and the
condenser lens 16b provided for the see-through image display
portion 6 are not disposed.
[0313] The other features of the configuration, the operation, and
the adjusting method are similar to those of the first embodiment,
and an explanation thereof is thus omitted.
[0314] According to the second embodiment, advantages similar to
those obtained by the first embodiment can be achieved.
Additionally, the same subject can be picked up by the first image
pickup device 30 and the second image pickup device 30R so that
three-dimensional image can be recorded.
Third Embodiment
[0315] A third embodiment of the present invention is described
below in detail with reference to FIGS. 51 through 53. FIGS. 51
through 53 are a front view, a plan view, and a right side view,
respectively, illustrating a head-mounted unit 2B. In the third
embodiment, elements similar to those of the first and second
embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals, and an
explanation thereof is thus omitted.
[0316] In the head-mounted unit 2B of the camera of the third
embodiment, the first image pickup device 30 is divided into a
camera portion 30A and a camera circuit 30B, and the camera portion
30A is disposed at, for example, the central portion between the
left and right eyes of the frame 13.
[0317] That is, in the upper central portion of the frame 13,
elements required for generating an electronic image from an
optical image, such as the first photographing optical system 31,
the low-pass filter 86, and the CCD 87, are mounted.
[0318] In the left-eye temple 12, the camera circuit 30B, including
elements, such as the CDS/AGC circuit 88, the A/D conversion
circuit 89, the timing generator 90, the CCD driver 91, the USM
driver 95, and the diaphragm shutter driver 96, for controlling the
camera portion 30A or processing image signals output from the
camera portion 30A are disposed.
[0319] In accordance with the provision of the camera portion 30A
at the central portion of the frame 13, the projector
light-emitting portion 16 used for measuring the subject distance
by using the triangular distance measurement is provided in the
camera circuit 30B at the side of the subject.
[0320] The other features of the configuration and the operation
are similar to those of the first embodiment.
[0321] According to the third embodiment, advantages similar to
those obtained by the first embodiment are achieved. Additionally,
since the camera portion 30A including the photographing optical
system is disposed at the central portion between the left and
right eyes of the frame 13, the horizontal parallax between the
observation range and the image pickup range can be significantly
reduced. The see-through image display portion 6 and the camera
portion 30A of the first image pickup device 30 can be integrally
provided in the front portion 11. Thus, once the difference between
the visual angle and the optical angle of the first photographing
optical system 31 is adjusted, it is not generated.
Fourth Embodiment
[0322] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is described in
detail below with reference to FIGS. 54 through 56. FIGS. 54, 55,
and 56 are a front view, a plan view, and a right side view,
respectively, illustrating a head-mounted unit. In the fourth
embodiment, elements similar to those of the first, second, and
third embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals,
and an explanation thereof is thus omitted.
[0323] In the head-mounted unit 2C of the fourth embodiment,
eyesight-correcting lenses are attached to the frame 13, which
serves as support means. Also, a first image pickup device 30C,
which serves as image pickup means, corresponding to the first
image pickup device 30, is fixed on the frame 13 via the base 220,
such as that shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, so that it is adjustable.
That is, the head-mounted camera 2C is a head-mounted camera with
eyesight-correcting lens. In other words, the head-mounted camera
2C is a display device with eyesight-correcting lens in terms of an
image display function.
[0324] Since the eyesight varies depending on the individuals, it
is important to provide an eyesight-correcting function.
Accordingly, it is possible that an eyesight-correcting function is
provided on the transparent optical members 14 and 15 for guiding
light to the second HOE 107. In this configuration, however, since
the transparent optical members 14 and 15 bend, the aberration is
generated in images that can be observed by the second HOE 107. As
stated above, since the eyesight varies depending on the
individuals, it is impossible to correct all the aberration levels
caused by the adjustment of the eyesight.
[0325] Then, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 54, second
HOEs 243 and 244 corresponding to the second HOE 107 and
transparent optical members 241 and 242 corresponding to the
transparent optical members 14 and 15 are formed to a minimal size.
Additionally, an eyesight-correcting lens 238 is attached to the
second HOE 243 and the transparent optical member 241 at the side
of the subject, and an eyesight-correcting lens 239 is attached to
the second HOE 244 and the transparent optical member 242 at the
side of the subject. As the eyesight-correcting lenses 238 and 239,
regular spectacle lenses may be used, and less expensive lenses may
be formed.
[0326] A rim 231, which is fixing means for fixing the lenses 238
and 239, is attached to the frame 13 with a bis 234 at the central
portion, a bis 235 at the left-eye side, and a bis 236 at the
right-eye side.
[0327] A pair of nose pads 232 for supporting the ridge of the nose
is provided for the rim 231 via a pair of cringles 233.
[0328] With this configuration, the bises 234, 235, and 236 can be
unscrewed to easily remove the rim 231 and the lenses 238 and 239.
The lenses 238 and 239 can be replaced by a new pair having
different eyesight, and the new pair can be fixed.
[0329] The first image pickup device 30C of the fourth embodiment
is attached to the joint portion 229 on the side surface of the
frame 13 via the base 220 similar to that shown in FIGS. 43A and
43B (and FIG. 44). In this case, the relative position in the pitch
direction and in the yaw direction between the first image pickup
device 30C and the see-through image display portion 6 can be
adjusted.
[0330] As in the first image pickup device 30 shown in FIG. 43A,
the cable 230 is extended at the rear surface of the first image
pickup device 30C, and is embedded in the left-eye temple 12 and is
further connected to the circuit substrate in the frame 13.
[0331] Although in this embodiment the eyesight-correcting lenses
238 and 239 are disposed on the transparent optical members 241 and
242 at the side of the subject, they may be disposed on the rear
surface (at the side of the eyes) of the transparent optical
members 241 and 242.
[0332] If the rim 231 is formed of a material having a
predetermined level of elasticity, only the left-eye lens 238 can
be selectively (independently) detached by unscrewing or loosening
the bis 235. Similarly, the right-eye lens 239 can be selectively
(independently) detached by unscrewing or loosening the bis
236.
[0333] According to the fourth embodiment, advantages similar to
those obtained by the first through third embodiments can be
achieved. Additionally, since the eyesight-correcting lenses are
disposed on the front surfaces of the transparent optical members,
photographers having different eyesight levels can observe a
predetermined image superimposed on a subject which is
substantially directly observed (in this case, observed via the
eyesight-correcting lenses).
[0334] A natural spectacle-type camera having aesthetically
pleasant-looking appearance can be formed with a simple
configuration.
[0335] Since the eyesight-correcting lenses can be easily removed
separately from the transparent optical members, the eyesight
correction can be easily performed depending on the user. Even if
the eyesight of the left eye is different from the eyesight of the
right eye, lenses having different eyesight can be fixed.
[0336] Additionally, the transparent optical members and the first
image pickup device are integrally held by the frame. Accordingly,
even if eyesight-correcting lenses are replaced by a new pair, the
angle adjustment between the transparent optical member and the
first image pickup device is not required. It is thus possible to
provide an easy-to-use head-mounted camera with eyesight-correcting
lenses.
[0337] In the foregoing embodiments, the technical concept of the
present invention is applied to head-mounted cameras (image pickup
devices). However, the technical concept of the present invention
can be applied to head-mounted display devices displaying
multi-purpose information.
[0338] Although in the foregoing embodiments HOEs are used as
optical elements, convex lenses, concave lenses, half mirrors, and
free-form optical elements formed of glass or plastics, or a
combination thereof may be used.
[0339] As the projection means, the LED 102, the condenser lens
103, and the LCD 104 are used. However, other display devices, such
as an electro-luminescence (EL) panel or a self-luminous plasma
display, may be used.
[0340] When the visual angle of the photographic frame is changed,
the focal distance of the photographing optical system is changed.
However, instead of the optical zoom, an electronic zoom may be
used, or a combination of the optical zoom and the electronic zoom
may be used.
[0341] In the foregoing embodiment, as display examples, the
photographic frames and the photographed images are used. Instead,
the present invention may be used in an information display device
(monitor) for, for example, a personal computer, and characters can
be displayed on the monitor. In this case, the PC connecting
terminal 51 is connected to a PC, and information or images from
the PC can be displayed. In the above-described embodiments, the
AV/S connecting terminal 50 for outputting signals to television
sets is provided. Alternatively, an input terminal for inputting
video signals from a video player or a DVD player may be disposed
so that video images can be viewed. As described above, the
head-mounted camera can serve as a head-mounted display device in
terms of the image display function. This head-mounted display
device is used, not only as a finder in an image pickup device, but
also as a device for viewing video images or as a portable
multi-purpose information display device.
[0342] [Appended Portions]
[0343] According to the foregoing embodiments of the present
invention, the following configurations can be implemented.
[Appended Portion A1]
[0344] A head-mounted camera comprising:
[0345] image pickup means including a photographing optical system
in which a focal distance is changeable and an image pickup element
for converting an optical subject image formed by the photographing
optical system into an electric image signal;
[0346] display means for displaying a photographic frame indicating
a photographic range as a virtual image so that the photographic
frame is superimposed on a subject substantially directly observed
by a photographer;
[0347] photographic-frame setting means for setting a visual angle
of the photographic frame displayed by the display means as the
virtual image and observed from the photographer; and
[0348] focal-distance setting means for setting the focal distance
of the photographing optical system so that the visual angle of the
photographic frame set by the photographic-frame setting means
coincides with a field angle of the image pickup means.
[Appended Portion A2]
[0349] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A1,
further comprising:
[0350] alarm means for giving an alarm at least one of occasions
when the visual angle of the photographic frame set by the
photographic-frame setting means is to be further increased even
though the field angle of the image pickup means has reached a
maximum value and when the visual angle of the photographic frame
is to be further decreased even though the field angle of the image
pickup means has reached a minimum value.
[Appended Portion A3]
[0351] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A2,
wherein the alarm means gives an alarm by displaying information
concerning the alarm on the display means.
[Appended Portion A4]
[0352] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A1,
wherein the display means comprises a holographic optical element
disposed on a visual axis when the photographer observes a subject,
and projection means for projecting the photographic frame on the
holographic optical element.
[Appended Portion A5]
[0353] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A1,
further comprising:
[0354] distance-measurement means for finding a distance to the
subject,
[0355] wherein the display means comprises correction means for
correcting a parallax, which is a deviation between the range
within the photographic frame observed by the photographer and a
photographing range observed by the image pickup means, based on
the distance to the subject found by the distance-measurement
means.
[Appended Portion A6]
[0356] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A1,
further comprising:
[0357] switching means for switching between the photographic frame
and a photographed image corresponding to the electric image signal
obtained by the image pickup means so that the selected
photographic frame or the photographed image is displayed by the
display means as a virtual image.
[Appended Portion A7]
[0358] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A6,
wherein the switching means automatically controls the photographed
image to be displayed as a virtual image when the focal distance of
the photographing optical system is greater than or equal to a
predetermined value.
[Appended Portion A8]
[0359] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A1,
further comprising:
[0360] a head-mounted unit to be mounted on the head of the
photographer, including a front portion positioned at the front
side of the head and temples positioned at the lateral sides of the
head,
[0361] wherein the display means is disposed on the front
portion.
[Appended Portion A9]
[0362] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A8,
wherein the temples are foldable with respect to the front portion,
and the temples are folded along the front portion when the
head-mounted unit is not in use.
[Appended Portion A10]
[0363] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A8,
wherein the image pickup means is disposed on the front
portion.
[Appended Portion A11]
[0364] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A10,
wherein the image pickup means is disposed on the front portion at
a position corresponding to a portion between the left and right
eyes of the photographer.
[Appended Portion A12]
[0365] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A8,
wherein the image pickup means is disposed on at least one of the
temples.
[Appended Portion A13]
[0366] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A12,
wherein the temples are foldable with respect to the front portion,
and the temples are folded along the front portion when the
head-mounted unit is not in use.
[Appended Portion A14]
[0367] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A13,
further comprising:
[0368] alarm means for giving an alarm when the temples are not
located at a predetermined foldable position when the head-mounted
unit is in use.
[Appended Portion A15]
[0369] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A14,
wherein the alarm means gives an alarm by displaying information
concerning the alarm on the display means.
[Appended Portion A16]
[0370] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion A8,
wherein the head-mounted unit comprises the image pickup means, the
head-mounted camera further comprising:
[0371] a remote controller, separately disposed from the
head-mounted unit, for communicating with the head-mounted unit to
control an operation of the head-mounted unit; and
[0372] a main body, separately disposed from the head-mounted unit,
for communicating with the head-mounted unit to receive an image
picked up by the image pickup means, the main body including
recording means for recording the received image.
[Appended Portion B1]
[0373] A head-mounted camera comprising:
[0374] a head-mounted unit being mounted on a head, including image
pickup means for performing image capturing to generate an analog
image signal, and display means for displaying information; and
[0375] a controller/recorder for controlling the display means and
the image pickup means and also for recording the image signal
generated by the image pickup means; and
[0376] connecting means for electrically connecting the
head-mounted unit and the controller/recorder,
[0377] wherein the head-mounted unit comprises signal processing
means for processing the analog image signal generated by the image
pickup means and also for converting the analog image signal into a
digital image signal, and
[0378] the digital image signal output from the signal processing
means is transmitted to the controller/recorder via the connecting
means.
[Appended Portion B2]
[0379] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion B1,
wherein the digital image signal output from the signal processing
means and transmitted to the controller/recorder via the connecting
means is raw image data which is not subjected to other signal
processing after being converted from the analog image signal to
the digital image signal by the signal processing means.
[Appended Portion B3]
[0380] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion B1,
wherein the display means displays a photographic frame indicating
a photographic range so that the photographic frame is superimposed
on a subject substantially directly observed by a photographer,
and
[0381] the image pickup means includes a photographing optical
system in which a focal distance is changeable and an image pickup
element for converting a subject image formed by the photographing
optical system into the analog image signal, the image pickup means
performing photographing after automatically setting the focal
distance of the photographing optical system so that a field angle
of the image pickup means coincides with a visual angle of the
photographic frame displayed by the display means and viewed from
the photographer.
[Appended Portion C1]
[0382] An adjusting device for a head-mounted camera,
comprising:
[0383] image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject;
[0384] display means being integrally formed with the image pickup
means, for displaying a photographic frame indicating a
photographic range so that the photographic frame is superimposed
on a subject substantially directly observed by a photographer;
and
[0385] adjusting means for adjusting a relative angle between the
image pickup means and the display means so that an optical axis of
the image pickup means and a visual axis passing through the center
of the photographic frame displayed by the display means are
parallel with each other.
[Appended Portion C2]
[0386] The adjusting device for the head-mounted camera according
to appended portion C1, wherein the adjusting means comprises
yaw-direction adjusting means for adjusting a relative deviation in
the yaw direction between the optical axis of the image pickup
means and the visual axis passing through the center of the
photographic frame displayed by the display means, and
pitch-direction adjusting means for adjusting a relative deviation
in the pitch direction between the optical axis of the image pickup
means and the visual axis passing through the center of the
photographic frame displayed by the display means.
[Appended Portion C3]
[0387] The adjusting device for the head-mounted camera according
to appended portion C2, further comprising:
[0388] a head-mounted unit being mounted on the head of the
photographer, including a front portion positioned at the front
side of the head to which the display means and the image pickup
means are attached, and temples positioned at the lateral sides of
the head; and
[0389] a base for mounting the image pickup means on the front
portion so that the direction of the image pickup means with
respect to the front portion is adjustable, the base serving as at
least one of the yaw-direction adjusting means and the
pitch-direction adjusting means by adjusting a relative mounting
angle between the base and the front portion and serving as the
other one of the yaw-direction adjusting means and the
pitch-direction adjusting means by adjusting a relative mounting
angle between the base and the image pickup means.
[Appended Portion C4]
[0390] The adjusting device for the head-mounted camera according
to appended portion C2, further comprising:
[0391] a head-mounted unit being mounted on the head of the
photographer, including a front portion positioned at the front
side of the head, to which the display means is attached, temples
positioned at the lateral sides of the head, to which the image
pickup means is attached, and a hinge unit for allowing the temples
to be foldable with respect to the front portion and the temples to
be folded along the front portion when the head-mounted unit is not
in use,
[0392] wherein the yaw-direction adjusting means adjusts a relative
deviation in the yaw direction by restricting an opening angle of
the temples with respect to the front portion when the head-mounted
unit is in use, and the pitch-direction adjusting means adjusts a
relative deviation in the pitch direction by adjusting a mounting
angle of the hinge unit with respect to the front portion.
[Appended Portion C5]
[0393] An adjusting method for a head-mounted camera which
comprises: image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject;
display means for displaying a photographic frame indicating a
photographic range so that the photographic frame is superimposed
on a subject substantially directly observed by a photographer,
wherein the adjusting method adjusts a relative angle between the
image pickup means and the display means so that an optical axis of
the image pickup means and a visual axis passing through the center
of the photographic frame displayed by the display means are
parallel with each other.
[Appended Portion C6]
[0394] The adjusting method for the head-mounted camera according
to appended portion C5, wherein, in the adjusting step, a relative
deviation in the yaw direction between the image pickup means and
the display means and a relative deviation in the pitch direction
between the image pickup means and the display means are
adjusted.
[Appended Portion D1]
[0395] A head-mounted camera with eyesight-correcting lenses,
comprising:
[0396] image pickup means for performing image capturing of a
subject; and
[0397] display means for displaying a predetermined image of the
subject subjected to the image capturing performed by the image
pickup means,
[0398] the display means comprising:
[0399] optical elements disposed in front of the eyes of a
photographer, for displaying the predetermined image so that the
predetermined image is superimposed on the subject substantially
directly observed by the photographer; and
[0400] projection means for projecting the predetermined image on
the optical elements,
[0401] the head-mounted camera further comprising:
[0402] support means for integrally supporting the image pickup
means and the display means;
[0403] the eyesight-correcting lenses separately formed from the
optical elements; and
[0404] attaching means for detachably attaching the
eyesight-correcting lenses to the support means so that the
eyesight-correcting lenses are disposed on a line of sight of the
photographer observing via the optical elements.
[Appended Portion D2]
[0405] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion D1,
wherein the eyesight-correcting lenses comprises a right-eye lens
and a left-eye lens, which are separately formed, and the attaching
means detachably attaches the right-eye lens and the left-eye lens
independently.
[Appended Portion D3]
[0406] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion D1,
wherein the eyesight-correcting lenses are eyesight-correcting
lenses for a pair of spectacles.
[Appended Portion D4]
[0407] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion D1,
wherein the predetermined image projected on the optical elements
is a photographic frame indicating a photographic range of the
image pickup means.
[Appended Portion E1]
[0408] A display device comprising:
[0409] an optical element for displaying an image containing
predetermined information as a virtual image so that the image is
superimposed on a subject substantially directly observed by an
observer;
[0410] projection means for projecting the image displayed by the
optical element on the optical element;
[0411] virtual-image distance adjusting means for adjusting a
distance from the optical element to the virtual image displayed by
the optical element; and
[0412] visual-angle adjusting means for maintaining the visual
angle concerning the virtual image to be constant regardless of the
distance from the optical element to the virtual image.
[Appended Portion E2]
[0413] The display device according to appended portion E1, wherein
the virtual-image distance adjusting means adjusts the distance
from the optical element to the virtual image so that the distance
becomes substantially equal to a distance from the optical element
to the subject.
[Appended Portion E3]
[0414] The display device according to appended portion E2, further
comprising:
[0415] distance-measurement means for finding the distance from the
optical element to the subject,
[0416] wherein the virtual-image distance adjusting means adjusts
the distance from the optical element to the virtual image by using
the distance from the optical element to the subject found by the
distance-measurement means.
[Appended Portion E4]
[0417] The display device according to appended portion E1, wherein
the projection means comprises a display element for generating the
image containing the predetermined information, and
[0418] the virtual-image distance adjusting means adjusts the
distance from the optical element to the virtual image by adjusting
the distance between the optical element and the display
element.
[Appended Portion E5]
[0419] The display device according to appended portion E1, wherein
the projection means comprises a display element for generating the
image containing the predetermined information, and an
image-forming optical system for forming the image generated by the
display element on an optical path between the display element and
the optical element, and
[0420] the virtual-image distance adjusting means adjusts the
distance from the optical element to the virtual image by adjusting
a position at which the image is formed by the image-forming
optical system.
[Appended Portion E6a]
[0421] The display device according to appended portion E4, wherein
the visual-angle adjusting means adjusts the visual angle
concerning the virtual image to be constant by adjusting the size
of the image generated on the display element.
[Appended Portion E6b]
[0422] The display device according to appended portion E5, wherein
the visual-angle adjusting means adjusts the visual angle
concerning the virtual image to be constant by adjusting the size
of the image generated on the display element.
[Appended Portion E7]
[0423] An image pickup device comprising:
[0424] display means for displaying a photographic frame indicating
a photographic range as a virtual image so that the photographic
frame is superimposed on a subject substantially directly observed
by a photographer;
[0425] distance-measurement means for finding a distance to the
subject;
[0426] virtual-image distance adjusting means for adjusting a
distance from the display means to the virtual image displayed by
the display means so that the distance becomes substantially equal
to the distance to the subject found by the distance-measurement
means;
[0427] a photographing optical system for forming an optical image
of the subject;
[0428] an image pickup element for picking up the optical image of
the subject formed by the photographing optical system within the
photographic range corresponding to the photographic frame so as to
generate image data; and
[0429] recording means for recording the image data generated by
the image pickup element.
[Appended Portion E8]
[0430] The image pickup device according to appended portion E7,
further comprising:
[0431] visual-angle adjusting means for adjusting the visual angle
concerning the virtual image so that the visual angle becomes
constant regardless of the distance from the display means to the
virtual image.
[Appended Portion E9]
[0432] The image pickup device according to appended portion E7,
wherein the display means is used by being mounted on the head of
the photographer.
[Appended Portion F1]
[0433] A head-mounted display device comprising:
[0434] an optical element for displaying an image as a virtual
image so that the image is superimposed on a subject substantially
directly observed by an observer;
[0435] projection means for projecting the image displayed by the
optical element on the optical element; and
[0436] pupil-distance adjusting means for adjusting, in a
pupil-distance direction of the observer, a relative position of
the image projected on the optical element by the projection means
with respect to a pupil of the observer.
[Appended Portion F2]
[0437] A head-mounted camera comprising:
[0438] an optical element for displaying a photographic frame
indicating a photographic range as a virtual image so that the
photographic frame is superimposed on a subject substantially
directly observed by a photographer;
[0439] projection means for projecting the photographic frame
displayed by the optical element on the optical element;
[0440] pupil-distance adjusting means for adjusting, in a
pupil-distance direction of the photographer, a relative position
of the photographic frame projected on the optical element by the
projection means with respect to a pupil of the photographer;
and
[0441] image pickup means for picking up an image of the subject
within the photographic range indicated by the photographic
frame.
[Appended Portion F3]
[0442] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion F2,
wherein the projection means comprises horizontal projection means
for projecting light concerning the photographic frame in the
pupil-distance direction, and a reflective optical member for
reflecting the light projected by the horizontal projection means
in a vertical direction orthogonal to the pupil-distance direction
so as to project the light on the optical element, and
[0443] the pupil-distance adjusting means moves the reflective
optical member in the pupil-distance direction so as to adjust, in
the pupil-distance direction of the photographer, a relative
position of the photographic frame projected on the optical element
by the projection means with respect to the pupil of the
photographer.
[Appended Portion F4]
[0444] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion F3,
wherein the pupil-distance adjusting means comprises an actuator
for moving the reflective optical member in the pupil-distance
direction.
[Appended Portion F5]
[0445] The head-mounted camera according to appended portion F3,
wherein the pupil-distance adjusting means further comprises a
support member for supporting the reflective optical member so that
the reflective optical member is movable in the pupil-distance
direction, and the reflective optical member is moved in the
pupil-distance direction by manually moving the support member.
[0446] Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention
referring to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood
that the present invention is not limited to those precise
embodiments and various changes and modifications thereof could be
made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *