DE10066306B4 - Display device of single lens reflex camera, controls picture mode display LEDs to display specific display aspect, when power supply is switched ON - Google Patents

Abstract

The picture mode display LED provided from back of mode board, illuminates picture character indicated by index of bezel. A display controller controls the picture mode display LEDs to display a specific display aspect, when the power supply of camera is switched to ON state.

Description

The The invention relates to an operating device for a camera. Especially the invention relates to a control wheel mounted on a camera body, which is provided with a lighting device and as a mode dial can be used to make a variety of different recording modes desired Shooting mode, z. B. an exposure mode to select.

cameras with a mode for the automatic program selection in which depending on the currently available Recording situation from different programmed AE modes, i. from different exposure programs, a suitable one is selected usually have on her camera body an operating device with which the mode for automatic program selection chosen by hand can be. A known operating device has a manually rotatable Element, e.g. B. a mode dial on which a sign printed is that the mode for represents the automatic program selection. This mode is selected by the element is turned by hand in such a way that the sign is on the camera body trained index mark. Will the mode for the automatic Program selected in advance, so chooses one in the camera body provided microcomputer depending on the Objektent distance, brightness, lens focal length etc. from different programs the most suitable automatic exposure mode. Some camera body are equipped with an LCD panel that displays the exposure mode.

at the known operating device with its manually rotatable element the user can visually check that on the rotatable Element provided character, which is the mode for automatic program selection currently being set to the index mark, whether the mode for the automatic program selection is currently selected. The user can however, do not determine which of the various programs in automatically selected in this mode has been.

in the Prior art cameras are known which have a manual exposure mode, a shutter priority AE mode and have a program AE mode and are provided with a shutter wheel. On the shutter wheel are numbers for the different shutter speeds, a character representing an automatic shutter speed mode, and other characters representing program AE mode and other AE modes, intended. Would like to the user select one of the different shutter speeds, so actuated with this camera type, the shutter wheel so that the desired, on the shutter wheel printed on the shutter on the camera body trained index mark is set. Would the user like one of the select different AE modes, so pressed he used the shutter wheel in the same way to one of the different, to select positions assigned to AE modes. Selects the user by pressing the Shutter wheel one of the different shutter speeds, and he wants then the just selected Shutdown know so he is forced to the signs of just selected, to look at the shutter wheel provided shutter speed, the currently set to the index mark. Also choose the User by pressing the shutter wheel is in AE mode, it can set the selected shutter speed not catching a glimpse of the shutter wheel, because the shutter speed is automatically selected, mainly in dependence the object brightness.

From the document JP 09-197463 A an operating device in the form of a dial is known. An index mark points to one of a plurality of characters when the dial stops at a stop position associated with the character. In JP 10-091264 A a Einstellwahlvorrichtung for adjusting camera functions in the form of a luminescent material is described. This document also discloses other possibilities of programs that can be set on a camera. In the publication JP 07-41529 U an operating device for a camera is disclosed in which a separate LED is provided for each adjustment. The above three references also disclose detents in which a spring or ball snaps into engagement with a spring when the index mark closely faces one of the symbols. Complementing is still on the publication US 5,749,005 referred to, in which a camera is also disclosed with an operating device.

The object of the invention is to provide an operating device for a camera with which a desired mode or parameters can be manually selected from different modes or parameters in a simple manner and at the same time automa from different subordinate modes or parameters selected mode or parameter can be determined by visually checking the manually selected mode or parameter with a view of the operating device.

A Another object of the invention is an operating device for a camera with an automatic selection mode, in which depending on the current recording conditions from different modes selected a particular mode with the automatic selection mode by pressing a Control element selected which can indicate whether the automatic selection mode is selected, and that also indicates which subordinate mode in the automatic Selection mode currently selected is.

The Invention solves These objects by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

The The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. In this demonstrate:

1 An embodiment of a camera body of an SLR camera system according to the invention in perspective view,

2 a block diagram of a control circuit of in 1 shown camera body,

3 a block diagram of the basic elements of the SLR camera system in a state in which an interchangeable lens to the in 1 shown camera body is connected,

4A the top view of a main element of the camera body after 1 intended operating mode dial,

4B the top view of another main element of the mode dial,

4C the top view of another basic element of the mode dial,

5 the mode dial in perspective, exploded view,

6 a section through the mode dial,

7 another section through the mode dial,

8th the top view of a shutter wheel that can be attached to the camera body,

9A and 9B the flow chart of a in the SLR camera system according to 3 main program to be executed with its basic operations,

10A and 10B the flow chart of in 9 illustrated operation for display opening,

11 the flow chart of in 9 illustrated operation for folding out the mirror,

12 the flow chart of in 11 illustrated operation for manually unfolding the flash,

13 the flow chart of in 11 shown operation to automatically fold out the flash,

14 the flow chart of in 9 illustrated operation for AE calculation,

15 the flow chart of in 14 illustrated operation for automatically setting the recording mode,

16A and 16B the flow chart of in 14 illustrated operation for determining the automatic lightning discharge,

17 the flow chart of in 14 illustrated operation for determining the Verwacklungsgefahr,

18 the flow chart of in 9 illustrated operation for illuminating the viewfinder LCD,

19A and 19B the flow chart of in 9 illustrated illumination operation for displaying the recording mode,

20 the flow chart of in 9 illustrated operation for triggering the closure,

21 the flow chart of in 13 illustrated exposure operation, and

22 the flowchart of a display opening change operation following one of the initialization operations 9 is.

1 shows as an embodiment of the invention, a camera body of an AE / AF-SLR camera system. AE stands for auto exposure and AF for auto focus. The camera body has on its housing cover 103 a trigger 105 who in 1 on the left side of the housing cover 103 is arranged. The camera body 101 has on its housing cover 103 behind the trigger 105 a power switch 107 and an outside LCD panel 109 , The LCD panel 109 displays various photographic information, such as: As the image number, the shutter speed, the aperture value, etc. The camera body 101 has on its top center a fold-out, built-in automatic flash 111 that of one in the camera body 101 provided CPU (camera control) 11 via a flash control circuit 53 is controlled, as in 3 is shown. Immediately behind the built-in flash 111 is on the camera body 101 a hot shoe as external connection 113 provided, on which an external flash can be plugged. The built-in flash 111 contains a flash unit with a reflector, a xenon tube as a flash source and a Fresnel lens. The flashlight unit is held by a fold-out mechanism and controlled so that it is between an in 1 shown retracted position and a Ausklapp- or flash position, in which the Fresnel lens faces the object, is reciprocable. The fold-out mechanism has a spring that holds the built-in flash 111 continuously biased into the deployed position, as well as a holding mechanism that releases the flash 111 holds against the spring force exerted by the spring in the retracted position when the flash 111 retracted.

On the after 1 right side of the housing cover 103 of the camera body 101 is a mode selector (operating device 121 ) is provided, which forms a device with which a desired operating mode can be manually selected from various operating modes. At the front of the camera body 101 there is an annular bayonet connection 115 on which an interchangeable lens 61 Removable attached, as in 3 is shown. At the bayonet connection 115 there is an array of contacts 117 in contact with a corresponding arrangement of the interchangeable lens 61 provided contacts, so that, as in 3 shown the CPU 11 with a lens CPU 63 can communicate. In this way, the CPU 11 various lens information such as the aperture value and the focal length value supplied.

The program dial (control device 121 ) has a display disc (display element) 123 attached to the housing cover 103 is attached, and a cover ring 125 that rotates about the indicator disc 123 is appropriate. The indicator disc 123 is provided along its circumference about its central axis with several characters, each indicating an operating mode. In this embodiment, thirteen characters 124a to 124m intended. In the exemplary embodiment, there are thirteen operating modes which are activated by actuating the program selection wheel 121 can be selected. The lid ring 125 is with an index mark 127 Mistake. After the lid ring 125 has been manually twisted, it is always stopped by a latching mechanism so that the index mark 127 to a point corresponding to one of the characters 124a to 124m is set. Is the index mark 127 on one of the thirteen characters 124a to 124m is set, the operating mode corresponding to this character is selected from the thirteen operating modes.

The thirteen characters 124a to 124m are divided into two groups: the first group of characters 123a contains the eight characters 124a to 124h and the second character group 123b contains the remaining five characters 124i to 124m , as in 4A is shown. The parts of the indicator disc 123 , the first character group 123a are translucent, so that each character in the character group 123a from a corresponding light source from below the indicator disc 123 So from the inside of the camera body pers 101 from or from behind, can be illuminated. In contrast, none of the characters in the second set of characters 123b illuminated by a light source.

The control system of the camera body 101 is explained below with reference to the 2 and 3 explained. The camera body contains the CPU 11 , which takes over the overall control of the camera system. The CPU 11 Contains a ROM in which control programs, which are assigned to various functions of the camera are written, and a RAM in which information such. For example, various parameters or lens information are temporarily stored. As in 2 shown contains the camera body 101 in addition to the CPU 11 a voltage regulator 15 , an oscillator 17 , a first motor driver IC 19 , a tensioning motor 21 , a second motor driver IC 23 , a film transport motor 25 , a third motor driver IC 27 , an AF motor 29 , an AF photo interrupter 31 , an AF-CCD image sensor 33 , a shutter control circuit 35 , an aperture control circuit 37 and an EEPROM 39 , The camera body 101 also contains a photometer IC 41 , an aperture value detection resistor 43 , a viewfinder LCD 45 , a pair of LEDs 47 one of which is green and the other red and eight LEDs serving as a lighting device 51 ( 51a to 51h ), which are also referred to below as character LEDs. Furthermore, it is located in the camera body 101 a main switch SWM, a photometer switch SWS, a release switch SWR, a manual unfolding switch SWPu serving to manually flip out the flash, a folding detecting switch SWPud serving to detect the folding state, and a mode switch SWMod serving the same Operating mode dial is assigned.

To the CPU 11 is the EEPROM 39 in which information about the number of exposures of a roll of film and various rewritable parameters and modes are written. The power of a battery 13 , in a battery compartment, not shown, of the camera body 101 is housed, the CPU 11 over the voltage regulator 15 supplied as a constant voltage. The CPU 11 the constant voltage leads the oscillator 17 to, which outputs clock pulses on it. The CPU 11 works in sync with the clock pulses coming from the oscillator 17 be issued.

The main switch SWM, the photometer switch SWS, the release switch SWR, the manual unfolding switch SWPu, the unfolding detection switch SWPud and the mode switch SWMod are respectively connected to the CPU 11 connected. The mode switch SWMod is with the cover ring 125 connected together.

The main switch SWM is with the power switch 107 interconnected, so that the main switch SWM with actuation of the power switch 107 is turned on. If the main switch SWM is switched on, the CPU starts 11 to work. The CPU 11 then energizes the peripheral elements and at the same time starts performing various operations corresponding to the ON / OFF states of the actuated switches.

The photometer switch SWS and the release switch SWR are with the trigger 105 interconnected so that the two switches are turned on when the shutter button is pressed 105 is half or completely depressed. Immediately after the photometer switch SWS is turned on, the CPU becomes 11 a photometer signal from the photometer IC 41 supplied to calculate the object brightness. Based on the object brightness, the CPU performs 11 an AE calculation operation ( 14 ), which calculates the optimal shutter speed and aperture value in the selected exposure mode. At the same time the CPU receives 11 from the AF-CCD image sensor 33 operating on the phase difference method, video signals of the object image so as to calculate the value of the defocusing and then the AF operation ( 9B ), so to perform the focus. In the AF operation, the CPU drives 11 the AF motor 29 via the motor driver IC 27 with a value corresponding to the defocusing value, about a focusing lens group L of the interchangeable lens 61 to move to an axial position in which a focus state is reached. The rotation of the AF motor 29 is via an AF coupling 30 on one in the interchangeable lens 61 provided connection 66 transmitted, whereby a focal length adjustment mechanism 67 in the interchangeable lens 61 via the AF coupling 30 and the connection 66 driven and thereby the focusing lens group L is moved to an axial position in which a focus state is reached. The AF photo interrupter 31 returns with rotation of the AF motor 29 Pulses whose number corresponds to the movement value of the focusing lens group L. The CPU 11 receive the from the AF photo interrupter 31 output pulses and controls on the basis of these pulses the drive value for the AF motor 29 , The photometer IC 41 has a light intensity sensor provided with a plurality of segments, so that the camera system measures luminous intensity values in segmented areas of the recording field and compares them with one another.

Immediately after the release switch SWR is turned on, the CPU performs 11 the following Operations out: she controls a folding mirror 160 so that it pops up, it controls the iris control circuit 37 such that the iris diaphragm of the interchangeable lens is dimmed in accordance with the diaphragm value determined in the AE calculation, and then controls the shutter control circuit 35 so that the shutter is triggered according to the detected shutter speed. After completing the exposure, the CPU controls 11 the tensioning motor 21 via the motor driver IC 19 so on, that the folding mirror 160 falls back and the shutter mechanism is loaded, ie the drive springs of the leading and the trailing closure part (roller blind) are tensioned. Subsequently, the CPU drives 11 the film transport motor 25 via the motor driver IC 23 so that the film is transported around an image.

The manual Ausklappschalter SWPu is in connection with a Ausklapptaste not shown on the camera body 101 near the built-in flash 111 is arranged. Immediately after switching on the manual unfolding switch SWPu, ie after pressing the fold-out button 119 , the CPU turns off 11 one in 2 shown switching transistor Tr1 to a likewise in 2 PuMg shown energy supply, whereby the interlocking of holding mechanism and built-in flash 111 , which is held by the holding mechanism in the retracted position, is released. Once the mesh of holding mechanism and lightning 111 solved, the flash works 111 under the action of the above-mentioned spring of Ausklappmechanismus and is then in its discharge, ie lightning position. About the pop-up detection switch SWPud, which turns on when the flash fires 111 in its unloading position, the CPU detects 11 that the lightning 111 folded out into its unloading position. The pop-up detection switch SWPud is turned off when the flash 111 moved from its unloading position to its retracted position.

Captures the CPU 11 about data as from the photometer IC 41 Obtained object brightness data and ISO sensitivity data that low and / or backlight conditions are present, it provides the Ausklappmagneten PuMg energy to the flash 111 fold out and unload automatically. Is, as in 2 shown an external flash 71 on the hot shoe 113 attached, so the CPU prevents 11 that the built-in flash 111 folds out. This will prevent the built-in flash 111 against the external flash 71 bumps when the CPU 11 the external flash 71 instead of the built-in flash 111 controls.

The mode switch SWMod is a 4-bit coded switch, which corresponds to the rotation stop position, ie the latching position of the cover ring 125 is switched on and off. The CPU 11 selects one of the thirteen modes of operation and thus functions and parameters that are one of the thirteen characters 124a . 124b . 124c . 124d . 124e . 125f . 125g . 125h . 125i . 125j . 125k . 125l or 125m to which the index mark is to be assigned 127 is set, ie the latching position of the cover ring 125 assigned.

The viewfinder LCD 45 , which is arranged so that it can be viewed in the viewfinder, and the LCD panel 109 are to the CPU 11 connected. Each of the two LCDs 45 . 109 displays various photographic information, such as: Picture number, shutter speed, aperture value, etc. When the power switch SWM is turned off, the viewfinder LCD shows 45 nothing on while the LCD panel 109 displays information needed before taking a picture. Such information includes, for example, movie status information, that is, information indicating whether the film is loaded, transported, or rewound, a film number display properly loaded, and information that the film is fully rewound. If the SWM main switch is switched on, the currently selected shutter speed / mode as well as further information on the LCD panel will be displayed in addition to the film number display 109 displayed while on the viewfinder LCD 45 as long as nothing is displayed until the AE calculation, by pressing the program dial 121 is to begin. After the AE calculation has been performed, be on the viewfinder LCD 45 and the LCD panel 109 the calculated optimal shutter speed, aperture value and other useful information are displayed.

Two LEDs 47 namely, the green LED 47a and the red LED 47b bring to the viewfinder LCD 45 by lighting information about the ad. In a normal recording state, the green LED is 47a through the CPU 11 switched on, while in a warning state, the red LED 47b through the CPU 11 is turned on to the viewfinder LCD 45 to illuminate with red light and thus warn the user that he will not receive the desired picture. Such a warning condition is z. B. given when the selected shutter speed is longer than a calculated threshold value, which must be observed in order to avoid blurring of the image due to an unintentional hand movement.

To the CPU 11 Eight transistors Tr are connected to the eight character LEDs 51 (LEDs 51a to 51h to illuminate the recording mode indicate the characters), which are the eight characters 124a to 124h the first character group 123a on the display disc 123 illuminate independently of each other In the illustrated embodiment, the main switch SWM is turned on or one of the program modes indicated by the corresponding character of the first character group 123a ( 124a to 124h ) is represented by actuation of the cover ring 125 selected, so will the eight character LEDs 51a to 51h the corresponding LED is turned on by turning on the corresponding transistor Tr to illuminate the character associated therewith.

Is the interchangeable lens 61 that the lens CPU 63 contains, on the camera body 101 connected, the CPU communicates 11 about data with the lens CPU 63 to get different lens information, such as: As the focal length (in the case of a zoom lens, so the current focal length), the object distance, ie the position of the focusing lens group L, and the open aperture value. The lens CPU 63 detects the focal length, as in 3 shown via a coding disk 64 and the object distance, that is, the position of the focusing lens group L, via a coding disc 65 and sends the detected focal length as well as the detected object distance to the CPU 11 of the camera body 101 ,

Structure of the program dial 121

The structure of the program dial (operating device 121 ) with reference to the 4A . 4B . 4C . 5 . 6 and 7 explained. The 4A . 4B and 4C show main elements of the program dial 121 in the plan view. 6 shows one from the back of the camera body 101 considered sectional view along a vertical plane, focusing on the camera body 101 extending from right to left and the axis of the program dial 121 crosses. 7 shows one from the left side of the camera body, ie in 1 from the right, viewed sectional view of the program dial 121 along a vertical plane extending front to back with respect to the camera body and the axis of the program dial 121 crosses.

On the display disc 123 is the first character group 123a with eight characters or symbols 124a to 124h formed by the bottom of the indicator disc 123 to be lit out. Furthermore, on the display disc 123 the second character group 123b with five characters or symbols 124i to 124m trained, who are not illuminated. The lit first drawing group 123a and the unlighted second character group 123b are on the indicator disc 123 along a circle around the central axis at predetermined intervals from each other. The indicator disc 123 For example, it consists of a milky translucent synthetic resin. The first character group 123a will be on the display disc 123 formed by that first the surface of the indicator disc 123 is coated with black paint and then parts of this black paint, which is on the surface of the first group of characters 123a forming characters are removed by means of a laser. The second character group 123b is on the black painting of the indicator disc 123 formed in such a way that the parts of the surface of the indicator disc 123 on which the second character group 123b is to be covered with an opaque paint whose color is different from the black color of the first group of characters 123a , In the embodiment shown, the eight characters represent 124a to 124h facing the translucent parts of the indicator disc 123 are assigned eight different program modes while the five characters 124i to 124m facing the opaque parts of the indicator disc 123 , a shutter priority AE mode, a shutter priority AE mode, a manual mode, an ISO film sensitivity selecting mode, and a listening signal selecting mode, respectively. In the first character group 123a represents the sign 124a a flash lock / auto recording mode (flash-lock mode with automatic shooting mode selection, ie exposure mode) and the character 124h an automatic recording mode (mode with automatic selection of the recording mode, ie the exposure mode). Continue to set in the first group of characters 123a the characters 124b . 124c . 124d . 124e . 124f and 124g a night portrait mode, a sport / action mode, a close-up mode, a landscape mode, a portrait mode, and a standard mode, respectively. The character 124h contains the translucent letters "AUTO PICT" 124h1 , which abbreviate the automatic recording mode, as well as an approximately rectangular frame 124h2 , so on the indicator disc 123 imprinted that he has the translucent letters 124h1 framed.

Is the index mark 127 on the letter 124h is set, the above-mentioned automatic recording mode is selected. In the automatic recording mode, the CPU performs 11 a predetermined calculation according to its from the lens CPU 63 to automatically select the most appropriate exposure program from among the five different programs (ie the five shooting modes: Sports / Action Mode, Close-up Mode, Landscape Mode, Portrait Mode, and Standard Mode). In this exposure program, which has been selected in the automatic shooting mode, the CPU controls 11 the built-in flash 111 so that it automatically discharges under low light conditions, ie ignites. Apart from the fact that in the flash lock / automatic recording mode the built-in flash 111 is prevented from discharging and thus folding out, the flash lock / automatic recording mode is identical to the automatic recording mode.

The lid ring 125 is provided with a latching mechanism so that the index mark 127 reliable on one of the characters 124a to 124m stops. The mode switch SWMod is the lid ring 125 assigned. The one of the thirteen signs 124a to 124m to which the index mark 127 is set is selected.

In addition to the indicator disc 123 has the program option wheel 121 one in 4B shown LEG disc (retaining disc 135 ) and one in 4C shown coding base 149 , The LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) carries the character LEDs 51a to 51h which are used to illuminate the characters indicating the recording mode. The indicator disc 123 is like in the 6 and 7 shown, firmly on the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) assembled. The character LEDs 51a to 51h are on the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) arranged so that they are the characters 124a to 124h illuminate. The character LEDs 51a to 51h are on a flexible circuit board 137 attached. the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) has eight recesses at its top 135a to 135h that the eight characters 124a to 124h are turned to, so the eight LEDs 51a to 51h in the eight wells 135a to 135h are arranged. The flexible circuit board 137 is on a bottom surface of the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) attached. In the camera body 101 Lead wire sections of the circuit board 137 to the CPU 11 can be connected. The LED disc 135 has at its bottom surface a longitudinal axis 136 that is axial to an axial hole 135i the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) is arranged.

As in the 4B and 5 shown, has the LED disc (retaining disk 135 ) a sector-shaped recess 135J attached to an upper part of the LED panel 135 is formed, where there are no depressions 135a to 135h are located. A correspondingly shaped spring plate (spring element) 131 is in the sector-shaped recess 135J arranged. The spring plate 131 forms a major element of the lid ring 125 provided latching mechanism. As in 7 shown is part of the spring plate 131 about a set screw 161 on the upper end face of the axial shaft 136 the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) attached. The spring plate 131 has two positioning holes 131b on two positioning pins 136a are stuck, which are within the sector-shaped recess 135 from the upper end surface of the axial axis 136 extend out. By the two positioning holes 131b the spring plate 131 on the two positioning pins 136a the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) are plugged, the spring plate 131 with precise positioning on the LED disc (holding disc 135 ) are attached. Because the spring plate 131 on an upper surface of the LED disc (holding disc 135 ) is attached, at which the eight pins 135a to 135h are not formed, the character LEDs 51a to 51h as well as the spring plate 131 arranged correctly in a plane. This contributes to saving space within the program dial 121 at.

The lid ring 125 is a cylindrical element, which with a lower ring part (floor element) 126 is provided, as in the 5 and 7 is shown. The lower ring part 126 has a circular axial bore in its center 126a , Furthermore, the ring part has 126 thirteen snap-in holes 125a attached to the upper surface of the ring part 126 along a circle around the axis of the program dial 121 are arranged. The snap-in holes 125a are the thirteen characters 124a to 124m assigned. A latching ball 133 is located between one on the spring plate 131 trained detent hole and one of the thirteen latch holes 125a , as in 7 is shown. The thirteen latching holes 125a as well as the detent ball 133 are main elements of the locking mechanism of the cover ring 125 , The spring plate 131 , the thirteen latching holes 125a and the detent ball 133 together form the latching mechanism of the cover ring 125 , How out 7 As can be seen, the latch mechanism and the character LEDs 51a to 51h arranged substantially in a common plane, resulting in miniaturization of the program dial 121 contributes.

The lower ring part 126 is formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper operating part of the cover ring 125 , In this way, the ring part 126 in one on the housing cover 103 of the camera body 101 trained circular recess 103a attached and around the axis of the program dial 121 rotatable. The outer periphery forming portion of the ring member is as a fitting part 126b formed, so in the recess 103a it is mounted around the axis of the program dial 121 is rotatable, as in the 6 and 7 is shown. A lid ring substrate 141 and a brush element 143 are on the bottom surface of the lower ring part 126 via setting screws 165 attached. The lid ring 125 can be around the central axis of the recess 103a rotate, wherein the cover ring substrate 141 in sliding contact with an inner surface of the lid 103 around the recess 103a is around, so that avoids that the ring part 126 from the recess 103a of the lid 103 solves.

The coding base 149 is firmly under the cover ring 125 arranged. A coding plate 147 is at the top surface of the coding base 149 attached. On the upper surface of the coding plate 147 is a predetermined code pattern 148 appropriate. The brush element 143 that on the lid ring 125 attached has two brushes 143a and 143b that are in contact with the code pattern 148 stand so that the brushes 143a and 143b slide on the latter when the lid ring 125 rotates.

The LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) is in the cover ring 125 arranged in which the axial axis 136 in the circular axial bore 126a of the lower ring part 126 is mounted, being between the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) and the cover ring 125 an insulator ring 139 is held, as in the 6 and 7 is shown. With this structure, the spring plate 131 exactly in the sector-shaped recess 135J be fitted, with the detent ball 133 on one of the snap-in holes 125a is placed while passing through the latch hole 131 is observed. Then the axial axis 136 the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) in the axial recess 126a of the lower ring part 126 be attached so that the spring plate 131 and the detent ball 133 in a simple way on the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) can be mounted. Because the spring plate 131 about the detent ball 133 against the lower ring part 126 pushes so that the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) in one of the lid ring 125 pioneering direction is biased so as to cover the lid 125 against the housing cover 103 To press, it is ensured that between the cover ring 125 and the housing cover 103 no gap exists.

After the LED disc 135 relative to the housing cover 103 is positioned at the coding base 149 attached by first putting a set screw 163 from the inside of the camera body 101 from in to the coding base 149 trained hole 149a and then the set screw 163 in the lower end 136b the axis 136 is screwed, as in 6 is shown.

The indicator disc 123 has an integrally formed on her longitudinal axis 123c extending towards the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ). The indicator disc 123 is from outside the camera body 101 out onto the LLED disc (holding disc 135 ) mounted by the longitudinal axis 123c in the axial bore 135i the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ) is used, the characters 124a to 124m in the direction of the axis of the program dial 121 the character LEDs 51a to 51h assigned. The indicator disc 123 will be on the LED disc 135 attached by placing in the lower end of the longitudinal axis 123c a set screw 167 is screwed.

With such a structure, the lid ring rotates 125 around the indicator disc 123 and the LED disc (retaining disc 135 ), via the coding base 149 on the housing cover 103 who is part of the camera body 101 is attached. The coding plate 147 attached to the top surface of the coding base 149 is attached is with the annular coding pattern 148 whose center coincides with the center of the program dial 121 coincides. The brushes 143a and 143b of the brush element 143 are in contact with the code pattern 148 so that they slide on the latter when the lid ring 125 rotates. How out 5 The brushes are 143a and 143b arranged at an angle relative to each other, which is approximately 90 ° relative to the center of the Codierplatte. The coding pattern 148 contains three conductor patterns of different diameters along the length of three coaxial around the axis of the Progammwahlrads 121 Circles arranged around are formed. The three conductor patterns are each arranged along the corresponding circle at predetermined intervals, so that they are about the axis of the program dial 121 Cover predetermined angle ranges. The brushes 143a and 143b are each provided with three contacts, with the three conductor patterns of Codierplatte 148 get in touch. One of the three conductor patterns is provided as a common ground so that a 4-bit signal can be generated by using the brushes 143a and 143b four conductor segments on the conductor patterns of the code pattern 148 be electrically connected to the common ground. So there are several conductor segments on the conductor pattern 148 for the brushes 143a and 143b electrically connected to each other, so that an electrical potential difference is generated on each conductor pattern. By combining the electrical potential differences of the coding pattern 148 can be detected, the positions of the brushes 143a and 143b relative to the coding pattern 148 be determined. As a result, so can the current rotational position of the LED disc 135 be detected. In the present embodiment form the brush element 143 and the code pattern 148 together the mode switch SWMod. The locking mechanism of the program dial 121 who has the spring plate 131 , the detent ball 133 and the snap-in holes 125 contains, is designed so that the index mark 127 creating a click sound on one of the characters 124a to 124m stops and at each lock position a 4-bit signal is generated, the sters a combination of conductor segments of the Codiermu 148 equivalent. The CPU 11 detects this 4-bit signal and then switches the corresponding character LED 51a to 51h one.

Although the program dial 121 has been explained with reference to an embodiment whose The main function is to select a specific one of the different exposure modes, the above-explained structure of the program dial 121 also be applied to a shutter wheel, which serves to select a specific manually from different shutter speeds. At the in 1 shown camera body 101 Although such a shutter is not provided, the camera body 101 However, it can be modified so that such a shutter wheel is formed on it. 8th shows an embodiment of a shutter wheel. According to this embodiment, the shutter wheel has a display disk 123 ' in which various reversal times of the shutter speeds (1 to 2000), the word "AUTO" representing a shutter speed automatic mode, the letter X representing a shutter time of an X-shutter synchronization setting, and the word "BULB" indicating the bulb Mode or short B mode represents, are formed. The parts of the indicator disc 123 ' representing a first character group 124s and that numbers corresponding to the inverse of the shutter speeds are translucent, so that each digit from below the indicator disc 123 ' can be illuminated. On the other hand, there is a second group of characters 124t ie the letters "AUTO", "X" and "BULB", similar to those in 4 represented second character group 123b with her five signs or symbols 124i to 124m only on the indicator disc 123 ' printed. Is one on the lid ring 125 ' trained index mark 127 ' set to a specific shutter speed (1 to 1/2000 second), a corresponding background light source, z. An LED, to turn on the backlight of the digits of the selected shutter speed. Is the index mark 127 ' to the word "AUTO" of the second group of characters 124t is set, the backlight is illuminated, which corresponds to the shutter speed used by the CPU 11 calculated as best suited in the AE calculation. The user can visually check the selected shutter speed in this way. In the illustrated embodiment, a latching ball and a spring plate are behind the second set of characters 124t arranged, as already for the detent ball 133 and the spring plate 131 in 5 has been explained.

In the illustrated embodiment, the serving as a control element lid ring rotates 125 around the indicator disc 123 , which serves as the display element for the selected operating mode and the characters 124a to 124m displays. The characters 124a to 124m However, they can also be outside, not inside the cover ring 125 on the display disc 123 be trained so that the characters 124a to 124m around the outer circumference of the cover ring 125 are arranged around. For example, the display element for the operating mode may be formed as a stationary ring element, which the lid ring 125 surrounds.

The first character group with the characters 124a to 124h can also directly on the light exit surfaces of the character LEDs 51a to 51h be printed. In this case, for example, the character LEDs 51a to 51h on the display disc 123 at predetermined intervals along a circle about the central axis of the indicator disc 123 be arranged.

The character LEDs 51a to 51h each may also be another type of light-emitting element.

The operations of the SLR camera system in conjunction with the program dial 121 will be described in the following 9A to 22 illustrated flow charts explained. The in the 9A to 22 The CPU performs the operations shown 11 based on programs running in the internal ROM of the CPU 11 are written.

main program

One in the 9A and 9B shown main program is performed when the battery 13 in the camera body 101 is inserted. Immediately after the battery 13 in the camera body 101 has been inserted and the battery cover, not shown, has been closed, an initialization of the CPU is performed in step S11, in which the inputs and outputs and the internal RAM of the CPU 11 be initialized. Subsequently in step S13, peripheral circuits connected to the inputs and outputs are also initialized. Then, in step S15 in the CPU 11 started a reference timer. The operations of steps S11, S13 and S15 are performed immediately after the battery 13 in the camera body 101 inserted and the battery cover has been closed. Then be with inserted battery 13 the operations are repeatedly performed from step S17.

In step S17, a 250 ms interval timer is set in the CPU 11 is started, the ON / OFF state of each switch of the CPU in step S19 11 and, in step S21, it is determined whether the main switch SWM is turned on. The 250 ms interval timer is designed to set intervals to which the CPU 11 periodically checks whether the main switch SWM is turned on.

If it is determined in step S21 that the main switch SWM is turned off, the control flow proceeds to step S23 in which a display operation is performed. In this display operation, the LCD 109 controlled to display one or more characters informing the user that the power is currently off. Subsequently, the character LEDs 51a to 51h turned off in step S25. Then, it is determined in step S27 whether 250 ms have elapsed after the start of the 250 ms interval timer. If it is determined in step S27 that 250 ms have elapsed, the control flow returns to step S17, in which the 250 ms interval timer is started and steps S19 to S27 are performed again. The steps S17 to S27 are repeatedly performed during the time when the main switch SWM is turned off.

If it is determined in step S21 that the main switch SWM is turned on, the control flow proceeds to step S29, where it is determined whether the main switch SWM was previously turned off. If the main switch SWM was previously turned off, it means that the control flow has come to the operation in step S29 for the first time since the main switch SWM was turned on, and the control flow goes to step S31 in which a display opening operation is performed (FIG. 10A and 10B ). In this operation, each of the eight LEDs 51a to 51h according to a predetermined algorithm, first switched on and then off, whereupon only one of these eight LEDs is turned on last. This LED corresponds to that of the eight program modes, with the lid ring 125 was first selected. The display opening will be explained later in more detail. If it is determined in step S29 that the main switch SWM was not previously turned off, the control flow skips step S31 and proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, an in 11 closer explained operation performed to unfold the built-in mirror. If it is determined in this operation that the manual-Ausklappschalter SWPu is turned on, the switching transistor Tr1 is turned on to supply the Ausklappmagnet PuMg with voltage, whereupon the built-in flash 111 fold out. The operation to fold out the flash 111 will be explained later in detail.

In step S35, it is determined whether the pop-up detection switch SWPud is turned on, that is, whether the built-in flash 111 is unfolded. If this is the case, the control flow proceeds to step S37, in which an operation for charging the built-in flash 111 is carried out. On the other hand, if it is determined in S35 that the detection switch SWPud is turned off, the control flow skips step S37 and proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, an LCD display operation is performed. In this operation, when the camera body is turned on 101 useful information such as the currently selected shutter speed on the LCD panel 109 displayed while the viewfinder LCD 45 indicates nothing until the AE calculation operation to be performed by operating the mode selector switch is started.

In Step S41, it is determined whether the photometer switch SWS is turned on is. In step S43, it is determined whether the release switch SWR is turned on is. Is neither the photometer switch SWS nor the trigger switch SWR is turned on, it is determined in step S45 whether the State of the mode switch SWMod has changed. Will in step S45 found that the state of the mode switch SWMod not changed the control flow returns to step S27.

Of the Control sequence moves with step S49, if it is determined in step S41 that the photometer switch SWS is turned on, if in step S43 it is determined that the trigger switch SWR is turned on, or if it is determined in step S45, that the state of the mode switch SWMod has changed.

As in 9B 2, an operation is performed in step S49 to set a photometer timer. In this operation, a number indicating how many times a switch check is performed from step S53 to step S87 is set to a predetermined value. Following this operation, the CPU waits 11 until the release switch SWR is turned on while the switch check is performed at intervals shorter than the intervals of the 250 ms interval timer. In the case where the release switch SWR is not yet turned on, even if the switch check has been performed in step S51 the predetermined number of times, the control flow returns to step S17. In this embodiment, the interval timer used in the setting operation just explained is a 125 ms interval timer (photometer timer), and the value indicating how many times the switch check operation is performed is set to 80. This value is registered in a counter.

After the setting of the photometer timer has been performed in step S49, the 125 ms interval timer is started in step S51. Then, in step S53, the ON / OFF state of each switch of the CPU 11 is supplied, and it is determined in step S55, whether the main switch SWM is turned off. If the main switch SWM is turned off, the control flow proceeds to step S89 where the flash-lock flag is set to 0. Then, in step S91, the backlight for the viewfinder LCD is turned off. In step S93, the character LEDs become 51a to 51h turned off, whereupon the control flow returns to step S17. If it is determined in step S55 that the main switch SWM is turned on, the control flow proceeds to step S57.

In step S57, the lens data including the F-number is F-number, the current focal length, and the flash-flash information of the built-in flash 111 from the attached lens of the CPU 11 fed. Subsequently, in step S59, the CPU 11 from the photometer IC 41 the photometer value, ie the brightness value Bv supplied. In step S61, the aperture value is supplied. The set aperture value, which is achieved by turning a non-illustrated aperture setting ring of the interchangeable lens 61 is set manually, is about the resistance value of a detection resistor 43 detected. If the iris adjustment ring is set to A, ie to automatic, the CPU does 11 no use of that in the resistance of the detection sensor 443 lying information, but calculates the aperture value Av. This AE calculation operation takes place in step S63.

In step S63, in the AE calculation operation, which is shown in FIG 14 is described in more detail, the shutter speed Tv and the aperture value calculated. In the AE calculation, based on the photometer value, the optimum shutter speed Tv and the optimum diaphragm value Av, and the film speed and the exposure compensation value are calculated according to a predetermined algorithm corresponding to the selected exposure mode.

After the AE calculation operation is performed, in step S65, the in 11 detailed operation for folding out the built-in flash 111 in accordance with the set shutter speed Tv and the set aperture value Av. In the operation to fold out the flash 111 will determine if the flash 111 must be unfolded, and if this is the case, the foldout magnet PuMg is energized to the flash 111 fold out. The details of this operation will be discussed in more detail later. After flashing the flash has been performed in step S65, it is determined in step S67 whether the flash 111 is unfolded. Has been found that the flash 111 the control flow proceeds to step S69, in which the operation for charging the flash 111 is performed, whereupon the control flow proceeds to step S71. It is found that the flash 111 is not yet unfolded, the control flow skips the step S69 and proceeds to step S71.

In step S71, an operation is performed in which an LCD display is performed. In this operation, various useful information such as the shutter speed on the LCD panel 109 displayed. Also the viewfinder LCD 45 Displays various useful information such as the current focus state, shutter speed set, blur warning indicator, and bilecent loading mode while the user is looking at the subject through the viewfinder.

Then, in step S73, an operation for backlighting the viewfinder LCD 49 carried out. In this operation, under a normal shooting condition, the green LED becomes 47a switched on, while under a warning condition the red LED 47b is turned on. Such a warning condition consists, for example, in the fact that the selected shutter speed is longer than the calculated maximum shutter speed, with which a blurring of the image caused by an unintentional hand movement can be avoided.

After the lighting operation has been performed in step S73, a lighting operation is performed in step S75 to display the shooting mode. This operation is in the 19A and 19B explained in more detail. In this operation, when the auto recording mode or the flash lock / auto recording mode is selected, the LEDs are off 51a to 51h the one corresponding to the exposure program which in turn has been selected in the AE calculation in step S63. The details of the AE calculation will be explained later.

After the illumination operation just explained is performed in step S75, the AF operation is performed in step S77. In the AF operation, the AF-CCD image sensor becomes 33 are driven, video signals of the object image of the CPU 11 fed, and becomes the AF motor 29 driven by a value corresponding to the defocus value required, the focusing lens group L of the Wechselobjek tivs 61 to move to an axial position in which a focus state is reached.

Subsequently, it is determined in step S79 whether the release switch SWR is turned on. If it is determined in step S79 that the release switch SWR is turned on, the control flow returns to step S49, executing a shutter release operation (S95). On the other hand, if it is determined in S79 that the release switch SWR is not turned on, it is determined in step S81 whether 125 ms has elapsed, ie, whether the 125 ms interval timer has started up. If 125 ms have not elapsed, step S81 is repeated to wait for the 125 ms to elapse. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S81 that the 125 ms has elapsed, it is determined in step S83 whether the counter value (COUNTER) is 0. If the counter value is not equal to 0, it is decremented by 1 in step S85, and the control flow returns to step S53. During the time when the main switch SWM is turned on with the release switch SWR turned off, the operations are repeated eight-times from step S53 to step S85 until the counter value whose initial value 80 is, 0 becomes. If the operations are repeated eighty times from step S53 to step S85, 10 seconds elapse (125 ms × 80 = 10 seconds).

If it is determined in step S83 that the counter value is 0, the control flow proceeds to step S87 where it is determined whether the photometer switch SWS is turned on. If the photometer switch SWS is turned on, the control flow returns to step S53. Namely, even if 10 seconds elapse, steps S53 to S83 and S87 are repeated until the photometer switch SWS is turned on (photometer ON loop 2). If it is determined in step S87 that the photometer switch SWS is not turned on, the control flow proceeds to step S89, where the flash-lock flag is set to 0. Subsequently, in step S91, the backlight for the viewfinder LCD 45 switched off. Then, in step S93, the LEDs 51a to 51h turned off, on the control flow returns to step S17. In step S91, the CPU turns off the LEDs 51a to 51h the one corresponding to the exposure program selected in the AE calculation operation in step S63 and turned on in the lighting operation in step S75 when the automatic shooting mode or the flash lock / automatic shooting mode is selected.

display opening

The operation to display the opening in the main program 9A is performed in step S31 will be described below with reference to in the 10A and 10B illustrated flow charts explained. In this operation, in the present embodiment, the eight character LEDs become 51a to 51h first on and then off, regularly in a predetermined pattern or irregular according to a random distribution. Preferably, by operating a selection switch, the user determines whether turning on and off the character LEDs 51a to 51h regularly in a predetermined pattern or according to a random distribution. The result of this selection is preferably in the EEPROM 39 saved.

If the eight character LEDs 51a to 51h be turned on regularly in a predetermined pattern and then turned off, so in a working with the regular pattern display mode, the character LEDs 51a to 51h first turned on in turn at predetermined intervals. Is then a predetermined time since switching on all the character LEDs 51a to 51h expired, the latter are turned off in the same order at predetermined intervals. Ultimately, of the eight character LEDs 51 to 51h only the one that corresponds to the one of the eight program modes, the last with the cover ring 125 has been selected. The eight program modes are flash lock / auto record mode, night portrait mode, sport / action mode, close-up mode, landscape mode, portrait mode, standard mode, and auto-shooting mode. In the present embodiment, none of the eight character LEDs 51a to 51h switched on when with the lid ring 125 a mode other than the exposure programs is selected, that is, when the shutter priority AE mode, the aperture priority AE mode, the manual mode, the ISO film sensitivity mode or the audio signal mode is selected.

In the operation for display opening, in step S101, it is determined whether the interchangeable objective mounted is in order, that is, as one with a lens CPU 63 lens type is identified, so that one of the eight shooting modes, namely the flash lock / automatic recording mode, the night portrait mode, the sport / action mode, the close-up mode, the landscape mode, the portrait mode, the standard mode or the automatic recording mode can be selected. If it is determined that the interchangeable lens is not in order in this sense, the control sequence returns to the main program. On the other hand, if the interchangeable lens is in order in this sense, the control flow proceeds to step S103, in which he telt whether one of the eight recording modes has been selected. If this is the case, it is determined in step S105 whether the operation for display opening is turned on. The control flow returns when it is determined in step S105 that the display opening is turned off. On the other hand, if the display opening is turned on, the control flow goes to step S107 where it is determined whether an ordered display mode has been selected in which the eight character LEDs 51a to 51h first turned on in a specific order and then turned off in the same order at specific intervals. If this mode is selected, the control flow proceeds to step S111. If this mode is not selected, it means that a random display mode has been selected in which the eight character LEDs 51a to 51h be turned on and off irregularly. The control flow proceeds to step S151 in this case. In an in 22 explained operation for changing the display opening is determined whether the display opening is performed. This operation also determines if the ordered ad or the random ad should be performed, if applicable. The details of the operation for changing the display opening will be explained later.

If it is determined in step S107 that the ordered display mode has been selected, the control flow proceeds to step S111. In step S111, a 50 ms interval timer is started. Then, in step S113, a variable n is set to 0. The 50 ms interval timer is a reference timer used to set the time intervals to which the character LEDs 51a to 51h be switched on and off. The variable n is used for the assignment of illumination data, the illumination of at least one of the character LEDs 51a to 51h serve. Table 1 shows the relationship between the variable n, the illumination data and the corresponding recording mode. Table 1 thus indicates the relationship between the variable n and the character LEDs 51a to 51h to turn on. In the present embodiment, the variable n is set to one of the twenty-four integers between 0 and 23, while the illumination data is represented by one of fifteen different hexadecimal numbers. In Table 1, the black circles indicate that the corresponding character LED is illuminated. The data of Table 1 are in the EEPROM 39 pre-stored. The CPU 11 reads the illumination data, ie the corresponding addresses associated with the set variable n. In the present embodiment, each illumination datum consists of one byte, ie 8 bits, so that every 1 bit datum stands for the instruction, from the character LEDs 51a to 51h to turn the corresponding on or off.

After the variable n has been set to 0 in step S113, the ON / OFF state of each switch of the CPU is changed in step S115 11 fed. In step S117, it is determined whether the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed. If such a change does not exist, the CPU reads 11 from the EEPROM 39 the illumination data associated with the set variable n to determine at least one of the character LEDs based on this data in step S119 51a to 51h to illuminate. Subsequently, it is determined in step S121 whether 50 ms has elapsed. are 50 ms has not yet elapsed, the control flow returns to step S115. If it is determined in step S117 that there is a change in the ON / OFF state of any switch before the lapse of 50 ms, the control flow advances to step S137 in which all the character LEDs 51a to 51h be turned off to stop the operation for display opening. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program.

If it is determined in step S121 that 50 ms have elapsed, the variable n is incremented by 1 in step S123, and subsequently, in step S125, it is determined whether the variable n is the number specified in the data table of table 1 23 exceeds. If it is determined in step S125 that the variable n is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number 23 is the control flow returns to step S115, whereupon the CPU 11 again from the EEPROM 39 reads out the lighting data associated with the variable n to illuminate the LED or LEDs associated with the lighting data in step S119.

The steps from S115 to S125 are repeatedly performed to turn off the character LEDs in turn 51a to LED 51h to illuminate at 50 ms intervals. Subsequently, the lighting condition of all character LEDs 51a to 51h for 500 ms (50 ms x 10 = 500 ms), whereupon the character LEDs 51a to 51h then in the same order from LED 51a to LED 51h be turned off in 50 ms intervals. The time intervals in which the character LEDs 51a to 51h in turn, the exposure time for the character LEDs as well as the time intervals in which the character LEDs 51a to 51h are turned off in turn, are not limited to this particular embodiment. For example, the character LEDs 51a to 51h switched on in the reverse order and also turned off analogously in this reverse order.

If it is determined in step S125 that the variable n predetermines that in the data table according to table 1 te number 23 exceeds, only the character LED associated with the current recording mode selected via the mode switch SWMod is selected in step S127. Subsequently, a 1 sec timer is started in step S129. Then, in step S131, the ON / OFF states of the switches of the CPU 11 is supplied, and in step S133, it is checked whether these states have changed. If such a change is not present, it is determined in step S135 whether one second has expired. If one second has not yet elapsed, the control flow returns to step S131. If it is determined in step S133 that the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed, or if it is determined that one second has elapsed in step S135, the control flow proceeds to step S137 in which all the character LEDs 51a to 51h turned off. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program.

In the above-explained operations from step S101 to step S137, first, the character LEDs are outputted from the LED 51a to the LED 51h and thus in 4B Turned clockwise at 50 ms intervals, then the illumination state of all character LEDs 51a to 51h 500 ms (50 ms × 10 = 500 ms), and then the character LEDs 51a to 51h in the same order, that is, starting from the LED 51a to the LED 51h , switched off in 50 ms intervals. Immediately after all the character LEDs 51a to 51h has been turned off, that character LED, which is the one with the program dial 121 corresponds to the current recording mode, switched on to illuminate for one second. After the second has expired, the LED is switched off again. This special control process allows the user to visually verify that the camera's power is turned on. In addition, the user can thereby easily visually check the currently selected recording mode. If it is determined in step S117 or step S133 that the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed, the lid ring 125 Thus, during the display opening has been actuated, the display opening is stopped to the in the 9A and 9B return to the main program shown in order to bring the camera system in a receptive state.

The operation performed when it is determined in step S107 that the mode for the random display has been selected will be described below with reference to FIG 10A and 10B and Table 2 explained. In the random display mode, the eight character LEDs become 51a to 51h irregularly turned on and off according to a random distribution. In the present embodiment, illumination data (0 to 7) are provided to match the number of character LEDs 51a to 51h correspond. Eight bits of illumination data are in the EEPROM 39 saved. In accordance with a predetermined algorithm for generating random numbers, a number between 0 and 7 is randomly selected, and the lighting data associated with the selected random number is extracted from the EEPROM 39 to turn on the corresponding character LED. Table 2 shows the relationship between a random number r of the illumination data and the corresponding recording mode, that is, the relationship between the random number r and the character LED to be turned on.

If it is determined in step S107 that the user has not selected the ordered display mode and thus has selected the mode of random display, the control flow advances to step S151. In step S151, a 50 ms interval timer is started. Then, in step S153, a variable i is set to 40. Subsequently, in step S155, a number between 0 and 7 is randomly selected as a random number r according to a predetermined algorithm, in accordance with the time value of the 50 ms interval timer serving as the reference timer. In step S157, the illumination data associated with the selected random number r is then extracted from the EEPROM 39 to turn on the corresponding character LED. In step S159, the ON / OFF states of the switches of the CPU 11 fed. In step S161, it is then determined whether the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed. If such a change is not present, it is determined in step S163 whether 50 ms have expired. are 50 ms has not yet elapsed, the control flow proceeds to step S159. If it is determined in step S161 that the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed, the control flow advances to step S177 in which all the character LEDs 51a to 51h be turned off so as to finish the display opening. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program.

If it is determined in step S163 that 50 ms have elapsed, the variable i is decremented by 1 in step S165, and then it is determined in step S167 whether the variable i is 0. If the variable i is not equal to 0 in step S167, the control flow advances to step S155. Then, in step S155, a number between 0 and 7 is selected as a random number r depending on the time value of the 50 ms interval timer. Subsequently, the illumination data associated with the selected random number r is extracted from the EEPROM 39 to turn on the corresponding character LED in step S157. The steps S155 to S167 are repeatedly performed until the variable i becomes 0.

If it is determined in step S167 that the variable i is 0, that is, the operation by which the randomly selected character LED is illuminated for 50 ms is performed 40 times, a 1 sec timer is started in step S169 , Subsequently, the ON / OFF states of the switches in the step S171 of the CPU 11 fed. In step S173, it is then determined whether the ON / OFF states of the switches have changed. If such a change is not present, it is determined in step S175 whether one second has expired. If one second has not yet elapsed, the control flow returns to step S171. If it is determined in step S173 that the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed, or if it is determined that one second has elapsed in step S175, the control flow goes to step S177 in which all the character LEDs 51a to 51h turned off. The control process then returns to the main program.

With the operations just described from step S101 to step S107 and step S151 to step S177, the character LEDs 51a to 51h one by one on and off at random, thereby visually informing the user that the power to the camera is on. If it is determined in step S161 or S173 that the ON / OFF state of a switch has changed, that is, the lid ring 125 has been operated during the display opening, the control process stops the display opening and returns to the in the 9A and 9B back to the main program to bring the camera into a ready state.

unfold of the built-in flash

The operation to fold out the built-in flash 111 in the in the 9A and 9B is executed in step S33 or step S65 will be described below with reference to the flowchart after 11 explained. In this operation, the switching transistor Tr1 is turned on to supply energy to the pop-up magnet PuMg, thereby in turn the built-in flash 111 to fold out, provided that the other than the flash lock / auto recording mode is selected and the conditions for a discharge of the flash 111 are required, are all set. If the built-in flash is manually collapsed by the user after it has been folded out, it will automatically be prevented from unfolding again until the photometer timer started in step S51 has started up, ie the corresponding time has elapsed.

In the pop-up operation, it is first determined in step S201 whether the flash-lock / auto-recording mode is selected. If this is the case, then the flash 111 prevented from discharging, and the control returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the flash-lock / automatic shooting mode has not been selected, that is, another mode has been selected, it is determined in step S203 whether the flash-lock flag is set to 1. If the flash-lock flag is not 1, it is determined in step S205 whether the flash 111 is unfolded. The default value of the flash lock flag is set to 0. If it is determined in step S203 that the flash-lock flag 1 or, in step S205, it is determined that the flash 111 is folded out, the control flow returns to the main program. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the flash 111 is not unfolded, it is determined in step S207 whether a flag referred to hereinafter as the auto-unfold flag is set to 1. The auto-unfold flag indicates whether the flash 111 automatically unfolded. The default value of the auto-expand flag is set to 0. As in 13 is shown, the automatic unfolding flag is set to 1 in step S251.

If it is determined in step S207 that the automatic folding-out flag is 0, an operation related to the manual pop-out of the flash is performed in step S213 12 is explained in more detail. Then, in step S215, it is determined whether a flag indicative of the release of an automatic flash operation, hereinafter referred to as the flash enable flag, is set to 1. If it is determined in step S215 that the flash-release flag is set to 1, then an operation related to the automatic pop-up of the flash is performed in step S217 13 is explained in more detail. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S215 that the flash-release flag is not set to 1, the control flow returns to the main routine. The flash enable flag indicates whether the built-in flash 111 is released for automatic discharge. The default value of the flash enable flag is set to 0. If it is determined in step S207 that the automatic folding-out flag is 1, the control flow proceeds to step S209 in which the flash-lock flag is set to 1. Subsequently, the automatic folding-out flag is set to 0 in step S211, and the control flow returns to the main routine.

Manually Unfold the built-in flash

The manual unfolding operation that occurs in the unfolding operation 11 is executed in step S213, will be described below with reference to the flowchart 12 explained. In this operation, it is first determined in step S231 whether the manual unfolding switch SWPu is turned on. If it is turned on, the unfolding magnet PuMg is turned on in step S233, that is, it is started to supply energy to the unfolding magnet PuMg. Subsequently, the control flow waits 5 ms in step S235. During this time energy is supplied to the unfolding magnet PuMg. Then, in step S237, the engagement of the holding mechanism and the flash becomes 111 released by turning off the pop-up solenoid PuMg, so that the spring force exerted by the spring the flash 111 fold out. The detection switch SWPud is turned on when the flash is lit. 111 has raised, so the CPU 11 By checking the ON / OFF state of the pop-up detection switch SWPud can determine that the flash 111 has raised. If it is determined in step S231 that the manual unfolding switch SWPu is not turned on, the control skips steps S231 to S237 and returns to the main routine.

automatically Unfold the built-in flash

The operation intended for the automatic unfolding of the flash, which in the unfolding operation after 11 is executed in step S217, will be described below with reference to the flowchart 13 explained. As can be seen from this flow chart, the flash becomes 111 in a state in which it is retracted, unfolded by the automatic unfolding operation when the for the discharge of the flash 111 all necessary conditions are set. In the operation, in step S241, first, it is determined whether the pop-up detection switch SWPud is turned on to find out whether the flash 111 is unfolded. If it is determined in step S241 that the pop-up detection switch SWPud is turned on, it means that the flash 111 has already been folded out, and the control returns to the main program. If the pop-up detection switch SWPud is not turned on, it is determined in step S243 whether a flag referring to the release of the auto-expand operation, hereinafter referred to as pop-out flag, is set to 1 while the photometer switch SWS is turned on ,

In the AE calculation operation, it is decided that the built-in flash 111 should be unloaded, the pop-up flag is set to 1, assuming the flash 111 retracted. The AE calculation operation contains one in the 16A and 16B illustrated decision operation in which it is decided whether the flash 111 should be unloaded automatically. If the pop-out release flag is not set to 1 or the photometer switch SWS is not turned on in step S243, the control flow returns to the main program. If the Ausklappfreigabe flag is set to 1, while the photometer switch SWS is turned on in step S243, the control flow returns to step S245. In step S245, the pop-up solenoid PuMg is turned on, that is, power is started to be supplied thereto. Subsequently, the control flow waits 5 ms in step S247. During this time, the unfolding magnet PuMg continues to be supplied with energy. In step S249, then, the engagement of holding mechanism and flash becomes intermeshing 111 solved in which the folding magnet PuMg is turned off to the flash 111 due to the force exerted by the spring of the Ausklappmechanismus spring force to fold out. Then, in step S251, the auto-folding flag is set to 1, and the control returns to the main routine.

Will the flash 111 in the main program 9B when the folding-out operation of step S65 is folded out, the pop-up detection switch SWPud is turned on and the automatic pop-up flag is set to 1. For this reason, the control flow leaves in step S205 (FIG. 11 ) the unfolding operation to return to the main program the next time it enters the unfolding operation. Will be the flash 111 manually retracted by the user after being folded out, the deployment detection switch SWPud is turned off, so that in step S207, the control flow proceeds to step S209 of the deployment operation when it first enters because the detection switch is turned off. Subsequently, the flash lock flag is set to 1 and the auto-fold flag is set to 0, and the control returns to the main program. Then, the flash-lock flag remains at 1 while holding the photometer switch SWS in the on-state until the photometer timer, which has been started in step S51, has started up, that is, the corresponding time has elapsed. If the control sequence follows in the main program 9B in the unfolding operation of the step S65, therefore, the control flow leaves the unfolding operation in step S203 to return to the main routine. Even if the flash-release flag is set to 1 and at the same time the photometer switch SWS is turned on, according to this control sequence, the flash will turn on 111 not automatically unfolded. After the Fotome ter timer has expired, will be in the main program after 9B the flash lock flag is set to 0 in step S89. If the control flow enters the unfolding operation in step S65, therefore, the flash becomes 111 automatically flipped, provided the flash enable flag is set to 1 while the photometer switch SWS is on.

AE calculation

The AE calculation operation that follows in the main program 9B in step S63, will be described below with reference to the flowchart 14 explained. In this operation, in step S301, first all the flags associated with the AE calculation operation, e.g. B. a blur flag, set to 0. Subsequently, in step S303, a predetermined compensation calculation is performed by making use of the lens data such as the aperture value and the minimum aperture value of the lens, that of the CPU 11 from the lens CPU 63 are supplied when these two CPUs communicate with each other in step S57. Then, in step S305, in each measurement zone, a brightness value based on that of the photometer IC becomes 41 supplied photometer signals and in step S307, a primary exposure value Lv 'according to a multi-segment Fotometriealgorithmus calculated. Subsequently, in step S309, a secondary exposure value Lv used for the exposure control is calculated based on a film sensitivity value Sv, an exposure compensation value Xv, and the primary exposure value Lv '.

Subsequently, in step S311, an automatic recording mode setting operation is executed 15 is explained in more detail. This operation sets an exposure mode by pressing the program dial 121 has been selected. In step S313, it is then decided whether that of the built-in flash 111 emitted flashlight through a part of the attached interchangeable lens 61 is interrupted. At the same time it is decided if that from the external flash 71 who in the hot shoe 113 attached, flash emitted by a part of the interchangeable lens 61 is interrupted. The above-mentioned decisions are made on the basis of the information about the flash-light interruption of the built-in flash caused by the interchangeable lens 111 based on the information about the flash of the external flash caused by the interchangeable lens 71 and based on lens information related to the interchangeable lens. By "flash interruption" is here meant that of the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 emitted flashlight through a part of the interchangeable lens 61 interrupted, ie shadowed. In this case, the flash does not cover the middle lower part of the subject area so that this part appears dark. In the illustrated embodiment, if it has been decided in step S313 that the built-in flash 111 and / or the external flash 71 emitted flashlight from a part of the interchangeable lens 61 is interrupted, therefore, to avoid this problem, the decision made in step S313 is made in the internal RAM of the CPU 11 saved, so that the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 not discharged in step S315.

The operation for determining the automatic lightning discharge provided in step S315 will be described later with reference to FIGS 16A and 16B explained in more detail. If the flash enable flag is set to 1 in this operation, the CPU will decide 11 about whether the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 according to predetermined conditions in a program calculation operation to be unloaded. The details of the operation performed in step S315 will be explained later. Is through the CPU 11 decided that the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 should be discharged, the corresponding flash is discharged in a shutter release operation in step S95. The shutter release operation is in 20 explained in more detail.

After this the operation provided in step S315 is performed, At step S317, it is determined whether the flash-release flag is at 1 is set. If the flash enable flag is set to 1, then Step S319 is a flash program calculation under a flash release condition used, executed, in the optimal shutter speed and the optimum aperture value be calculated. On the other hand, if the flash release flag is not 1 set, then a continuous light program calculation, which is under a Lightning lock condition is used, performed to the optimum shutter speed and calculate the optimum diaphragm value in step S321.

After this the operation is performed in step S319 or S321, in step S323 a decision about it taken, whether the calculated shutter speed is appropriate, blurring of the image due to camera shake.

In the operation of step S323, it is determined whether the shutter speed calculated in the continuous light program calculation after step S321 or the flash program calculation after step S319 is longer than the calculated maximum shutter speed at which blurring of the images due to Hand movement can still be prevented. The operation after step S323 will be explained in detail later. If the shutter speed calculated in step S321 or step S319 is longer than the maximum shutter speed, the red LED becomes 47b in the operation after step S73 is turned on to the viewfinder LCD 45 illuminate with red light and thus warn the user that he will not receive the desired image.

automatic Setting the recording mode

The operation to automatically adjust the shooting mode, which in the AE calculation after 14 is executed in step S311, will be described below with reference to the flowchart 15 explained. In this operation, when the flash lock / automatic shooting mode or the automatic shooting mode has been selected by operating the mode switch SWMod, among the five shooting or program modes, the most suitable program mode is based on the object distance, magnification and information set, which indicates the detection of a moving object. As mentioned earlier, the five shooting modes are sport / action mode, close-up mode, landscape mode, portrait mode and standard mode. In the present embodiment, the night portrait mode, which is one of eight program modes, is not selected in the automatic setting of the shooting mode because the shutter speed is usually longer than the calculated maximum shutter speed at which blurring of the image due to the hand movement can still be avoided. The object distance used in the automatic adjustment of the shooting mode is the size determined by the in step S53 (FIG. 9B ), while the magnification used in the automatic adjustment is the size determined by the focal length of the interchangeable lens 61 and the object distance, that is, the position of the focusing lens group L is determined.

The lens CPU 63 of the interchangeable lens 61 detects the position of the focusing lens group L over the coded disc related to the object distance 65 which divides the range of movement of the focusing lens group L into a plurality of areas from the close focus to the infinite setting so as to supply the detected position of the focusing lens group L to the CPU 11 issue. The CPU 11 then converts the detected position of the focusing lens group L supplied thereto into one of eight distance codes dvcode 0 to 7. Distance code 7 Naheinstellungsposition 6 4 5 1 0 2 3 Unendlicheinstellungsposition

The information about the detection of a moving object indicates that the object is in the AF operation of the in 9B is shown in step S77 in motion, if a focus on the object more than once is not possible, although the focusing lens group is controlled so that it should move to an in-focus position. The focus position is based on the via the AF-CCD image sensor 33 calculated defocus value has been calculated. In the present embodiment, the object brightness is converted into a brightness value Bv, the object distance into a distance value Dv, and the magnification into a magnification Mv, according to the APEX system. APEX stands for "additive system of photographic exposure".

In the shooting mode automatic adjustment operation, it is first determined in step S401 whether the automatic shooting mode or the flash lock / automatic shooting mode has been selected. If neither one nor the other mode is selected, the control process returns to the AE calculation. If one of the two modes just mentioned has been selected, a variable pictmode is set to 0 in step S403. The variable pictmode indicates one of the five shooting modes, namely the sport / action mode, the close-up mode, the landscape mode, the portrait mode and the standard mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the variable pictmode for the standard mode has the value 0, for the Portrait mode is 1, Landscape 2 is 3, Macro is 3, and Sport / Action mode is 4.

Subsequently, it is determined in step S405 whether the attached interchangeable lens 61 includes a lens CPU, wherein both the automatic recording mode and the flash lock / automatic recording mode is possible. If it is determined in step S405 that the interchangeable lens 61 If such a lens CPU is not included, the variable pictmode remains at 0 and the control returns to the AE calculation. However, if the interchangeable lens includes such a lens CPU, then in step S407, the value Mv and the distance code dvcode are calculated on the basis of the lens data supplied in step S57.

The value Mv is calculated using the following formula: log 2 (Object distance / focal length)

following In step S409, it is determined whether the distance code dvcode equals 7 is, i. whether the focusing lens group in the near-insertion position is arranged. If this is the case, the variable pictmode set to 3 according to the close-up mode in step S411, whereupon the control sequence for AE calculation returns.

Becomes on the other hand, in step S409, it is determined that the distance code is dvcode is not equal to 7, it is then determined in S413 whether the value Mv is less than 4. Is the value Mv not less than 4, it is determined in step S415 whether the object to be photographed has been identified as a moving object. Is the latter In the case, the variable pictmode becomes the sport / action mode is set to 4 in step S419, whereupon the AE calculation control routine returns.

Becomes determined in step S413 that the value Mv is less than 4, or it is determined in step S415 that the object to be photographed has not been identified as a moving object, so In step S421, it is determined whether the distance code dvcode equals 3 is, i. whether the focusing lens group in its infinity setting position is arranged. If the latter is the case, then the variable pictmode set to 2 according to the landscape mode in step S423, whereupon the control flow returns to the AE calculation.

Becomes In step S421, it is determined that the distance code dvcode is not is equal to 3, it is determined in step S425 whether the value Mv greater than 6 is. Is the Mv value greater than 6, it is determined in step S427 whether the distance code is dvcode is equal to 2. The value 2 of the distance code dvcode corresponds a distant area that connects to the infinity area. Becomes In step S427, it is determined that the distance code dvcode equals 2, the variable pictmode becomes the landscape mode in step S429 set to 2, whereupon the control flow for AE calculation returns. If it is determined in step S427 that the distance code dvcode is not equal to 2, the variable pictmode remains at 0 is set, and the control returns to AE calculation.

Becomes In step S425, it is determined that the value Mv is not greater than 6, it is determined in step S431 whether the value Mv is greater than or equal to is equal to 4 and less than or equal to 6. is If the value Mv in the aforementioned range 4 ≤ Mv ≤ 6, then the variable pictmode according to the portrait mode in step S433 is set to 1, and the control returns to AE calculation back. But if the value Mv is not in the range just mentioned, so keep the variable pictmode is set to 0, and the control returns AE calculation back.

According to the same explained Operation becomes dependent the current recording situation from the various Modes, namely the sport / action mode, the close-up mode, the landscape mode, Portrait Mode and Standard Mode, the most appropriate Exposure program (pictmode) selected. In the present description is neither the algorithm nor the tracked program line for each Exposure programs shown. It is noted, however, that a shorter shutter speed is selected in the sport / action mode than in the standard mode. In this way it is possible objects to record that are in motion.

Subsequently, will according to the selected Value of the variable pictmode in step S321 the continuous light program calculation or in step S319 the flash program calculation is performed to calculate the optimal shutter speed and aperture value.

establishing the automatic lightning discharge

The operation for setting the automatic lightning discharge, which in the AE calculation according to 14 is executed in step S315 will be described below with reference to the in the 16A and 16B illustrated flow charts explained. In this operation, by checking the state of the mode switch SWMod, it is determined in step S341 whether the flash-lock / auto-recording mode has been selected. If this is the case, then the built-in flash 111 and the external flash 71 is prevented from discharging, and the control returns to the AE calculation. If other than the flash lock / automatic shooting mode is selected, it is determined in step S343 whether a mode of automatic flash discharge, flash auto mode, has been selected.

Becomes In step S343, it is determined that the automatic flash mode is not chosen is, this means that a manual discharge or flash mode selected and the control flow proceeds to step S345, in which it is determined if the external flash charged to a level is where he is ready to discharge. This level is in the Hereafter referred to as flash readiness level.

If it is determined in step S345 that the external flash has been charged to the flash-ready level, it is subsequently checked in step S346 whether the automatic flash mode is selected. If the latter is the case, it is checked in step S347 whether, in step S313, the flashlight from that on the hot shoe 113 plugged external flash 71 is sent out to have been judged to be from a part of the interchangeable lens 61 is interrupted. If such judgment has been made in step S313, the external flash is not released for discharge, and the control returns to the AE calculation. Otherwise, the flash enable flag will be displayed, indicating if the built-in flash 111 for automatic discharge is set to 1 in step S355, whereupon the control flow returns to the AE calculation. If it is determined in step S346 that the auto-flash mode is not selected, the flash-release flag is set to 1 in step S355, and the control returns to the AE calculation.

If it is determined in step S345 that the external flash 71 not yet charged to the flash readiness level (this also applies when on the hot shoe 113 no external flash is plugged), it is determined in step S348 whether the automatic flash mode has been selected. If the latter is the case, it is determined in step S349 whether the judgment has been made in step S313 that the one of the built-in flash 111 emitted light through a part of the interchangeable lens 61 will be interrupted. If such a judgment has been made, then the built-in flash 111 is not released for unloading, and the control returns to the AE calculation. Otherwise, in step S350, by checking the ON / OFF state of the pop-up detection switch SWPud, it is determined whether the built-in flash 111 is unfolded. If it is determined in step S348 that the automatic flash mode is not selected, it is checked again in step S350 by checking the ON / OFF state of the pop-up detection switch SWPud to see if the flash 111 is unfolded.

If it is determined in step S350 that the built-in flash 111 is folded out, it is determined in step S351 whether the flash is charged to its flash readiness level. If the latter is the case, the flash-release flag is set to 1 in step S355, and the control returns to the AE calculation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S351 that the built-in flash 111 is not yet charged to its flash readiness level, the control process returns directly to the AE calculation.

If it is determined in step S350 that the flash 111 is not folded out, it means that he is either retracted or about to be brought into the fully folded position. In both cases, it is not correctly directed forward, so that the pop-up release flag is set to 1 in step S353, whereupon the control process proceeds with the AE calculation.

Is the pop-up release flag in the auto-expand operation ( 11 ) is set to 1, the control flow goes from step S243 to step S245, provided that the photometer switch SWS is turned on. This is how the built-in flash works 111 automatically out.

If it is determined in step S343 that the automatic flash mode has been selected, it is determined in step S357 whether the object distance resulting from the data communication of the CPU 11 with the lens CPU 63 is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. It is therefore determined whether the object distance is in a near range. If the latter is the case, the control sequence returns to the AE calculation. If the subject distance is too short, the automatic flash control does not work efficiently. In the present embodiment, the distance value Dv is equal to or less than -1, which is approximately 70 cm equals, so puts the CPU 11 determines that the object distance is in the near range. In this case, the CPU controls 11 both the built-in flash 111 as well as the external flash 71 so that they are not automatically unloaded.

In step S357, it is determined that the data communication between the CPU 11 and the lens CPU 63 If the object distance obtained is not equal to or smaller than the predetermined distance, it is determined in step S359 whether one of the eight program modes has been selected. The eight program modes are flash lock / auto recording mode, night portrait mode, sport / action mode, close-up mode, landscape mode, portrait mode, standard mode, and auto-shooting mode. If it is determined in step S359 that a mode other than one of the above eight program modes, namely, the manual exposure mode, a shutter priority AE mode or the program AE mode has been selected, it depends on the user built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 is used. The control sequence therefore returns to the AE calculation.

If it is determined in step S359 that one of the above-mentioned eight program modes has been selected, a continuous light program calculation in which the optimum shutter speed and the optimum diaphragm value are calculated is performed in step S361. Subsequently, in step S363, it is determined whether the shutter time calculated in step S361 is longer than the calculated maximum shutter speed at which blurring of the image due to the hand movement can still be avoided. Subsequently, in step S365, based on the photometer IC 41 supplied object brightness data determines whether there is a backlight situation for the object to be recorded. If it is determined in step S363 that the calculated shutter time is not longer than the required maximum shutter speed, and it is further determined in step S365 that there is no backlight situation for the object to be recorded, the control flow returns to the AE calculation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S363 that the calculated shutter time is longer than the required maximum shutter speed, or if it is determined in step S365 that there is a backlight situation for the subject, the control proceeds to step S345, so that the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 automatically unloaded.

Determining the shutter speed in view of the camera shake

The operation for determining the shutter speed with respect to the blurring hazard will be described below with reference to the flowchart 17 explained. This operation will be reflected in the AE calculation 14 executed in step S323. First, in step S371, a maximum shutter speed tvslow is calculated, in the course of which blurring of the image due to the movement of the hand can still be avoided. Subsequently, in step S373, it is determined whether the shutter speed TvD calculated in the continuous light program calculation in step S321 is longer than the maximum shutter speed tvslow. If the shutter speed TvD is longer than the maximum shutter speed tvslow, it is determined in step S375 whether the shutter speed TvD is longer than a flash synchronous time.

Becomes In step S373, it is determined that the shutter speed TvD is longer tvslow as the maximum shutter speed, and will continue in step S375 found that the shutter speed TvD is longer than the flash sync speed is, the camera shake flag is set to 1 in step S377, and the control sequence continues proceed to step S379. If it is determined in step S373 that the Shutter speed TvD no longer is tvslow as the maximum shutter speed, or becomes in step S375 found that the shutter speed TvD no longer than the flash sync speed is skipped so the control flow is step S377 and proceeds to step S379.

In step S379, it is determined whether the B mode has been selected. The B mode is selected in the manual mode when the user selects it from various shutter speeds including a B (bulb) setting. If it is determined in step S379 that the B mode has been selected, the camera shake flag is set to 1 in step S381, and the control returns to the AE calculation. If B mode is not selected, the control returns directly to the AE calculation. If the camera shake flag is set to 1, the red LED will turn on 47b in the illuminating operation for the viewfinder LCD in step S73 is turned on to the viewfinder LCD 45 to illuminate with red light, thus warning the user that he will not receive the desired image.

lighting the viewfinder LCD

In the operation to illuminate the viewfinder LCD, which in the in 9B is executed in step S73 will be described below with reference to the in 18 illustrated flowchart explained. In this operation, it is first determined in step S451 whether the camera shake flag is equal to 1. If this is not the case, then the green LED 47a in step S453 to indicate the presence of a normal shooting condition. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program. If the camera shake flag is 1, the red LED in step S455 47b turned on to warn the user that he will not receive the desired image. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program. In this control flow, in the case of the above-explained warning, not only the illumination color of warning information that only represents a part of the photographing information displayed on the viewfinder LCD is changed 45 are displayed. Rather, the color of everything on the viewfinder LCD 45 changed viewing information so that the user can be visually easily warned.

The flash enable flag is set to 1 after the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 has been loaded, the shake flag in step S301 becomes the one in 14 shown AE calculation set to 0. Then, the optimal shutter speed under the flash release condition is recalculated. This recalculated shutter speed is a flash sync speed, so the red LED 47b switched off and at the same time the green LED 47a is turned on.

lighting to display the recording mode

The lighting operation to display the recording mode following in the main program 9B is executed in step S75 will be described below with reference to the in the 19A and 19B illustrated flow charts explained. Will in this operation by pressing the cover ring 125 a specific one of the eight shooting modes, namely, the automatic shooting mode, the flash lock / automatic shooting mode, the standard mode, the portrait mode, the close-up mode, the sport / action mode or the night portrait mode is selected from the eight LEDs 51h . 51a . 51g . 51f . 51e . 51d . 51c and 51b the LED selected for the selected recording mode is selected. If the auto recording mode or the flash lock / auto recording mode is selected, the LEDs will turn off 51a to 51h lighting the recording mode indicating character, the one associated with the automatically selected recording mode is turned on. Is activated by operation of the cover ring 125 the shutter priority AE mode, the shutter priority AE mode, or manual mode is selected so none of the eight LEDs will be lit. 51a to 51h selected. In the present embodiment, the color of the LED is different 51a , the character representing the flash-lock / auto-recording mode 124a the indicator disc 123 represents the color of the LED 51h , which is the auto-recording mode character 124h the indicator disc 123 represents, as well as the colors of the remaining LEDs 51b to 51e from each other. This makes it easier to track the camera settings. In the illustrated embodiment, the colors are preferably selected as follows: the LED associated with the flash lock / automatic shooting mode 51a emits red light as a typical warning color, the LED associated with the automatic recording mode 51h emits green light, the LED assigned to the night portrait mode 51b , which is not selected in the automatic recording mode, emits orange light, and the remaining LEDs 51c to 51g send out yellow light. However, the colors can also be chosen in a different way.

In the lighting operation to display the shooting mode is in successive sequence determines whether the through the mode switch SWMod selected Mode of the automatic recording mode, the flash lock / automatic recording mode, the standard mode, the portrait mode, the close-up mode, the sport / action mode or night portrait mode is (steps S501, S505, S511, S515, S519, S523, S527 and S531).

If the automatic shooting mode has been selected, the corresponding LED is turned on in step S503 51h selected. Subsequently, in step S509, among the five possible shooting modes, namely, the sport / action mode, the close-up mode, the landscape mode, the portrait mode and the standard mode, the one selected in the automatic setting of the shooting mode is selected 15 has been selected automatically in the AE calculation. Then the LEDs will turn off 51c to 51e turning on the LED corresponding to the recording mode selected in step S509 (steps S513, S517, S525, S529, S533). The control sequence then returns to the main program.

In an analogous manner, in step S507, the corresponding LED 51a switched on when the flash lock / auto recording mode has been selected. Subsequently, in step S509, among the five shooting modes, the one selected in the automatic setting of the shooting mode is selected 15 has been selected in the AE calculation. From the LEDs 51c to 51g Then, the one corresponding to the recording mode selected in step S509 is turned on (steps S513, S517, S525, S529, S533). The control process then returns to the main program.

In the automatic recording mode or the flash-lock / automatic recording mode, therefore, the LED assigned to the automatic recording mode will first become 51h or the LED associated with the flash lock / automatic recording mode 51a and still that of the LEDs 51c to 51g , which is assigned to the automatically selected recording mode, is turned on, so that the user in the automatic recording mode or the flash lock / automatic recording mode is easily informed of the selected exposure mode in which he or she indicates the lighting condition of the characters 124a . 124c . 124d . 124e . 125f . 125g and 125h observed.

If it is determined that neither the automatic shooting mode has been selected in step S501 nor the flash lock / automatic shooting mode in step S505, and it is further determined in step S511 that the standard mode has been selected, the corresponding LED is set in step S513 51g switched on. Subsequently, the control flow returns to the main program. If it is determined in step S515 that the portrait mode is selected, the corresponding LED is turned on in step S517 51f switched on, whereupon the control process returns to the main program. If it is determined in step S519 that the landscape mode is selected, the corresponding LED becomes 51e in step S525, whereupon the control flow returns to the main program. If it is determined in step S523 that the close-up mode is selected, the corresponding LED becomes 51d in step S529, and the control returns to the main routine. If it is determined in step S527 that the sport / action mode is selected, the corresponding LED is turned on in step S533 51c is selected and the control returns to the main program. If it is determined in step S531 that the night portrait mode is selected, the corresponding LED is turned on in step S535 51b switched on, and the control returns to the main program. If it is determined in steps S511 to S531 that none of the following modes, namely, the standard mode, the portrait mode, the close-up mode, the sport / action mode, or the night portrait mode, is selected, all the LEDs in step S537 51a to 51h turned off, and the control returns to the main program.

shutter release

The shutter release operation following in the main program 9B is executed in step S95 will be described below with reference to the in 20 illustrated flowchart explained. In this operation, a current is supplied to a trigger magnet, not shown, in step S601 first, so that this the investment of a contact or engagement element to the Rückklappspiegel 160 dissolves, causing the latter to swing upwards by the spring force exerted by a spring, not shown. At the same time, the iris control circuit 37 so driven that they are the iris diaphragm of the interchangeable lens 61 as far as corresponds to the aperture value determined in the AE calculation. Immediately after it has been determined with a detection switch, not shown, that the Rückklappspiegel 160 is fully swung up, the shutter circuit begins 35 in step S603 so as to provide the in 21 perform closer explained exposure operation in which the shutter circuit 35 is driven to trigger the image plane shutter at a predetermined shutter speed. The exposure operation will be explained later in detail. Upon completion of the operation of the image plane shutter, a mirror-down operation, a shutter-open operation, and a film transport operation are performed in step S605. In the operation intended to move down the mirror / cock, the tensioning motor becomes 21 so driven that the folding mirror 160 swings down while tensioning the drive springs of the leading and trailing closure parts of the shutter mechanism. In the operation intended to tighten the closure, the closure members are returned to their initial position while a closure tension spring is tensioned. In the operation intended for film transport, the film engine becomes 25 driven so that the film is transported around an image. Subsequently, in step S607, the flash-lock flag is set to 0, whereupon the control returns to the main routine.

exposure operation

The exposure operation performed in the shutter release operation 20 is executed in step S603 will be described below with reference to the in 21 illustrated flowchart explained. In this operation, in step S621, first, the timer value of a shutter timer is set to the shutter speed (exposure) value determined in the AE calculation, and then the shutter timer is started. Then, in step S623, the leading shutter of the image plane shutter is released to begin its movement. Then, in step S625, it is determined whether the shutter speed determined in the AE calculation is equal to or longer than the flash sync. If the shutter speed is shorter than the flash sync speed, neither the built-in flash should be used 111 still the external flash 71 be discharged. Of the Therefore, after step S625, control proceeds to step S639, where it is determined whether the shutter timer has expired. If the shutter timer has counted up, then in step S641 the leading shutter is released to begin its movement. Thereafter, the control process returns to the shutter release operation.

If it is determined in step S625 that the shutter speed is equal to or longer than the flash sync speed, it is determined in step S627 whether the movement of the leading shutter part is completed. If the movement of the leading shutter part is not completed yet, the control flow repeats the check in step S627. Then, if the movement of the leading shutter part is not yet completed, it is determined in step S629 whether the flash-lock / auto-recording mode is selected. If the latter is the case, neither should the built-in flash 111 still the external flash 71 be discharged. Consequently, the control flow proceeds to step S639. If the flash lock / automatic recording mode has not been selected, it is determined in step S631 whether the flash-release flag is set to 1, that is, whether the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 can be unloaded. If the flash enable flag is not set to 1, the built-in flash can be used 111 or the external flash 71 are not discharged, the control flow proceeds to step S639. If it is determined in step S631 that the flash-release flag is set to 1, the control flow proceeds to step S633, where an operation for discharging the external flash is performed. In this operation, a command signal (discharge signal) to the external flash 71 sent to unload this when he hit the hot shoe 113 is plugged.

Subsequently, it is determined in step S635 whether the built-in flash 111 has moved upward to its unloading position, in which it is determined whether the Ausklapp-detection switch SWPud is turned on. Has the built-in flash 111 is raised to its unloading position, the control flow proceeds to step S637 where an operation is performed with which the built-in flash 111 unloaded. Is the external flash 71 on the hot shoe 113 plugged in, then the built-in flash 111 prevented from folding out, so that in step S635, the control flow proceeds to step S639.

When discharging the external flash 71 in step S633 and the discharge of the built-in flash 111 In step S637, the exposure caused by the light passing through the lens is normally measured by an unillustrated photosensitive mechanism of a TTL photometry system. If the exposure reaches the calculated exposure value, then a command signal is sent to the built-in flash 111 or the external flash 71 sent to end the discharge.

modification the display opening

The operation to change the display opening, which is part of the main program 9A The CPU initialization executed in step S11 will be described below with reference to FIG 22 illustrated flowchart explained. In this operation, it is determined whether the display opening operation is performed. If this is the case, then it is further determined whether the mode for the ordered display or the mode for the random display is to be selected. Since the operation explained at this point is part of the CPU initialization, it will be performed each time the battery is powered up 13 in the camera body 101 is inserted. Thus, every time the display opening change operation is performed, the display opening, and hence the choice between the regular display mode, can be changed via a toggle action provided in the display opening change operation.

In the operation for changing the display opening, it is first determined in step S1101 whether the index mark 127 of the cover ring 125 on the sign 124m the indicator disc 123 is set. It is thus determined whether the Hörsignalmodus is selected. If so, it is determined in step S1103 whether the operation for display opening is currently turned on. If so, the display opening is turned off in step S1105, and the control returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display opening operation is currently off, the display opening is turned on. In step S105 of the display opening, the control flow proceeds to step S107 when the display opening is turned on, while the control flow returns to the main program when the display opening is turned off.

If it is determined in step S1101 that the index mark 127 of the cover ring 125 not on the sign 124m is set, it is determined in step S1109 whether the index mark 127 on the opposite sign 124l is set, that is, whether the ISO film speed setting mode is selected. If it is determined in step S1109 that the index mark 127 not on the sign 124m is set, the control sequence returns. Is the index mark 127 on the sign 124m set, thus, it is determined in step S1111 whether the ordered display mode is selected. If so, the random display mode is changed to the random display mode in step S1113, and then the control flow returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ordered display mode is not selected, that is, the random display mode is set, the random display mode is changed to the ordered display mode in step S1115, whereupon the control returns.

Every time the battery 13 is inserted or removed and at the same time the index mark 127 of the cover ring 125 the sign 124m , which indicates the Hörsignalmodus, is set opposite, in the same läuterten operation, the display opening is turned on or off. Every time the battery 13 is inserted or removed and the index mark 127 opposite the sign 124l setting the ISO film speed selection mode is switched between the order display mode and the random display mode. The display opening can thus be switched on and off by switching a flag with two alternative states. Similarly, it is possible to switch between the random display mode and the ordered display mode by switching a predetermined two alternative state flag. These flags can be in the EEPROM 39 stored so that it can read out the CPU, if necessary.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is then determined in step S1103 whether the display opening is turned on, if in step S1101, the index mark 127 on the sign 124m is set. The character to which the index mark 127 is set in step S1101, but does not necessarily have the character 124m be. It can be any other on the indicator disc 123 be provided signs. Analogously, the index mark must 127 in step S1109, not necessarily on the character 124l demonstrate. It can also point to any other sign.

Out the just explained embodiment shows the following: Since a trained on the display element Characters that have one control of several, one each Mode or a setting-indicating character is selected manually, illuminated by a lighting device, are the operating element and the display element in close association. This facilitates the user, the currently selected mode, or the setting visually check.

The Camera control turns on of several LEDs an LED, which from multiple characters associated with the character that the automatic recording mode or the flash lock / auto recording mode. Farther the camera control turns on another LED, which is one of several Character associated with that character, which consists of a number various modes that mode in the automatic recording mode or the flash lock / auto recording mode has been selected automatically is. Is the power of the camera turned on while the Index marking on another of the different modes representing Sign shows, so the camera control goes beyond from the plurality of LEDs that LED, the above is associated with said character. With this control flow can with a single control and a single indicator more selected as a mode and be displayed at a time.

There a plurality of light sources are disposed at positions to which the Can show index mark of the control, the different characters representing the different modes or settings represent, each illuminated by a light source associated with them become.

Claims (9)

Operating device ( 121 ) for a camera, with a display element ( 123 ), on which a group of characters ( 124a to 124h ) is formed, a control element relative to the display element ( 123 ) and an index mark ( 127 ), which points to one of the characters ( 124a to 124h ) when the operating element ( 125 ) stops at a stop position associated with the character, and a lighting device ( 51 ) with several light sources ( 51a to 51h ), each one of the characters ( 124a to 124h ), the light sources ( 51a to 51h ) on a retaining disk ( 135 ), the retaining washer ( 135 ) in one with a bottom part ( 126 ) provided cylinder element ( 125 ) is arranged, which forms the operating element, in the bottom part ( 126 ) several latching holes ( 125a ) are formed and on the retaining disk ( 135 ) a spring element ( 131 ), which is a detent ball ( 133 ) in one of the latching holes ( 125a ) presses. Operating device ( 121 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining disc in a disc part in which no light sources ( 51a to 51h ) are arranged, a receiving recess ( 135J ), in which the spring element ( 131 ) is arranged so that a on the spring element ( 131 ) formed ball hole ( 131 ), in which the detent ball ( 133 ), in the receiving recess ( 135J ) is located. Operating device ( 121 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light sources ( 51a to 51h ) on the retaining disk ( 135 ) are arranged at predetermined distances from each other along a circle. Operating device ( 121 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching holes ( 125a ), the spring element ( 131 ) and the detent ball ( 133 ) form a latching mechanism that the control element at the characters ( 124a to 124h ) stops corresponding stop positions and is arranged substantially in a plane in which the lighting device ( 51 ) is arranged. Operating device ( 121 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display element ( 123 ) one of the cylinder element ( 125 ) is surrounded disk element. Operating device ( 121 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the bottom part ( 126 ) of the cylinder element ( 125 ) a through hole ( 126a ) is formed, and that the retaining disc ( 135 ) one in the through hole ( 126a ) attached longitudinal axis ( 136 ), over which the retaining disk ( 135 ) on a camera body ( 101 ) is attached. Operating device ( 121 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the display element ( 123 ) another group of characters ( 124i to 124m ) is formed, and that those portions of the display element ( 123 ), the characters ( 124i to 124m ) correspond to the other group, are opaque. Operating device ( 121 ) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the latching mechanism is arranged so that it the opaque portion of the display element ( 123 ) is facing. Operating device ( 121 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources ( 51a to 51h ) LEDs are.