Imaging apparatus that is connectable to and controlled by a separate apparatus

• US 20080117320A1
• Filed: 01/14/2008
• Published: 05/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1996
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nikon Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nikon Corporation
• Inventors: Onuki, Masao, Ohmura, Akira
• Application Number:
  US12/007,667
• Publication Number:
  US 20080117320A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/294
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00538 Modular devices, i.e. allowing combinations of separate components, removal or replacement of components
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00541 with detachable image reading apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0074 Arrangements for the control of a still picture apparatus by the connected apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/62 Control of parameters via user interfaces

Abstract

An imaging apparatus includes a connector that is directly connectable to a bus of an information processing apparatus that is separate from the imaging apparatus. This enables the set-up of the various parameters of the imaging apparatus to be performed rapidly while the imaging apparatus is directly electrically connected to the bus of the information processing apparatus, which can be, for example, a personal computer. The connector is coupled to a controller of the imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus can also include a photographic lens and a photoelectric converter arranged relative to the photographic lens to receive light focused by the photographic lens. The photoelectric converter outputs an image signal of an object based on the image formed by the photographic lens. The controller is coupled to the photoelectric converter to control the imaging apparatus. According to one embodiment, the connector is a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association-conforming connection terminal.

Claims

1. An electronic camera, comprising:

a first unit including;

an imaging device that converts image data formed by a photographic lens into digital data; and

a displaying device that displays the photographed image; and

a second unit including;

a release button that is operated during photography; and

a battery loading space in which one or more batteries may be arranged.

2. An electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the first unit further includes an illuminating device that illuminates an object to be photographed.

3. An electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the first unit is movable relative to the second unit.

4. An electronic camera, comprising:

a first module including;

a photoelectric converter that converts image data formed by a photographic lens into digital data; and

a display that displays the photographed image; and

a second module including;

a release button that is operated during photography; and

a battery loading space in which one or more batteries may be arranged.

5. An electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the first module further includes a strobe light that illuminates an object to be photographed.

6. An electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the first module is movable relative to the second module.