GB2235983A - Indicating apparatus of camera - Google Patents

Abstract

An indicating apparatus of a camera indicates photographing information of the camera in an indicating portion 23 provided in a camera body. The indicating portion has a plurality of divided indicating sections which indicate different photographing information. A transparent switch unit 59 is superimposed on the divided indicating sections to change the photographing information indicated in the divided indicating sections when the transparent switch unit is actuated. <IMAGE>

Description

-1INDICATING APPARATUS OF CAMERA

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an indicating apparatus of a camera, and more precisely, it relates to an indicating apparatus of a camera having an indicator for indicating various photographing information.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a recent camera having an automatic focusing (AF) device and an automatic exposure (AE) device, it is required to provide a large indicator in which various photographing information, such as various programmed exposure modes including a shutter speed priority mode for a telephotographic lens, a depth of field-priority mode for a wide angle lens, the number of frames in which pictures have been taken, or other programmed modes are indicated to be easily seen at a glance by a photographer.

There -is a known camera which has a liquid crystal display (LCD) in which exposure modes, such as a manual exposure mode, an automatic exposure mode and a bulb exposure mode, a shutter speed and the number of frames in which pictures have been taken are indicated. The photographing information indicated in the liquid crystal display are selected by a mode selection switch provided on the camera body.

However, in a known indicating apparatus having a liquid crystal display, the indicated information are very small and become complicated, and accordingly, it is very difficult for a photographer to control the mode selection while seeing the indicated information. Furthermore, since the mode selection switch is located far from the LCD, it is difficult for a photographer to actuate the mode selection switch.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an indicating apparatus of a camera in which the -2mode selection can be easily effected.

To achieve the object mentioned above, according to the present invention, there is provided an indicating apparatus of a camera comprising an indicator which has a plurality of indicating sections for indicating different information, transparent switches on the respective indicating sections, and an indicated information switching means for changing the photographing information to be indicated in the associated indicating sections.

With this arrangement, the photographing information can be easily changed by the actuation of the associated transparent switches.

Preferably, the photographing information are divided into sub-title information indicated by a plurality of sub-titles and lower (auxiliary) information, so that the lower information (auxiliary information) can be indicated by the control of the divided indicating section on which the "sub-title information" is indicated.

In an embodiment, when the associated transparent switches are actuated, the sub-title information indicated in a display is changed to another sub-title information, so that different sub-title information can be quickly indicated to be seen by a photographer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a control unit of an indicating apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a switch box and a CPU shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a camera to which the present invention is applied; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an indication represented by a dot-LCD of a camera, according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a transparent switch unit having six-divided switches corresponding to the dot-LCD; Fig. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a transparent switch unit; Fig. 7B is a partially broken side elevational view of a transparent switch unit shown in Fig. 7A; Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are schematic views showing different sub-title information indicated in the dot-LCD at a lens-auto mode; Fig. 8D is a schematic view showing sub-title information indicated in the dot-LCD at a lens-manual mode; Fig. 9A is a schematic view of an indication plane in which small sub-title information is indicated in a lower portion thereof; Fig. 9B is a schematic view of an indication plane which shows information prior to the indicated information shown in Fig. 9A by one step; Fig. 10 is a schematic view of an indication plane which shows auxiliary information of a "drive mode" displayed in respective indication sections; Fig. 11A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at an "exposure mode"; Fig. 11B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 11A, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 11C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 11B, after a first indication section is 3 0 actuated; Fig. 11D is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 11B, after a second indication section is actuated; Fig. 11E is a schematic view of an indication plane 3 5 shown in Fig. 11B, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 11F is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 11B, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 11G is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. I1F, after a fifth indication section is actuated; Fig. 12A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a nlens-manual mode"; Fig. 12B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 12A, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 12C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 12D is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, after a second indication section is actuated; Fig. 12E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, after a third indication section is 2 0 actuated; Fig. 12F is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 12G is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 12F, after a fifth indication section is actuated; Fig. 13A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "strobe automatic emission mode"; Fig. 13B is a schematic view of anindication plane shown in Fig. 13A, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 13C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 13B, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 13D is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 13C, when the charging is completed; Fig. 13E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 13B, after a second indication section is actuated; Fig. 13F is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 13E, when the charging is completed; Fig. 13G is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 13B, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 14A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "drive mode"; Fig. 14B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 14A, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 14C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 14D is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, after a second indication section is actuated; 20 Fig. 14E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 14F is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 14G is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 14F, after a fifth indication section is actuated; Fig. 15A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "photometer mode"; Fig. 15B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 15A, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 15C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 15B, after an upper indication section is actuated; Fig. 15D is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 15B, after a lower indication sectionis actuated; Fig. 16A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at an "Xv mode"; Fig. 16B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 16A, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 16C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 16B, after a sixth indication section is actuated; Fig. 17A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at an "ISO mode"; Fig. 17B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 17A, after a second indication section is actuated; Fig. 17C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 17B, after a sixth indication section is actuated; 20 Fig. 18A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "multiple exposure mode"; Fig. 18B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 18A, after a third indication section is actuated; 25 Fig. 18C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 18B, after a sixth indication section is actuated; Fig. 19A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at an "AE lock mode"; 30 Fig. 19B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 19A, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 19C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 19B, after a first indication section is 3 5 actuated; Fig. 19D is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 19B, after a second indication section is actuated; Fig. 19E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 19B, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 20A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "lens-auto mode"; Fig. 20B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 20A, after a first indication section is 10 actuated; Fig. 20C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 20B, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 20D is a schematic view of an indication plane 15 shown in Fig. 20C, after lapse of a predetermined time; Fig. 20E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 20B, after a second indication section is actuated; Fig. 20F is a schematic view of an indication plane 20 shown in Fig. 20E, after lapse of a predetermined time; Fig. 20G is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 20B, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 20H is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 20G, after lapse of a predetermined time; Fig. 21A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "power-zoom mode"; Fig. 21B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 21A, after a second indication section is 3 0 actuated; Fig. 21C is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 21B, after a first indication section is actuated; Fig. 21D is a schematic view of an indication plane 3 5 shown in Fig. 21B, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 21E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 21B, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 22A is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 21A, after a third indication section is actuated; Fig. 22B is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Fig. 22A, after first and second indication sections or third and fourth indication sections are actuated; Fig. 23A is a schematic view of an indication plane before operation at a "battery voltage check mode"; Figs. 23B through 23D are schematic views of an indication plane shown in Fig. 23A, after a fourth indication section is actuated; Fig. 23E is a schematic view of an indication plane shown in Figs. 23B through 231), after a sixth indication section is actuated; Fig. 24 is a main flow chart of operations of an indicating apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 25 is a flow chart of a sub-routine of a "camera system check" in the present invention; Fig. 26 is a flow chart of a sub-routine of an "abnormal data SEV in the present invention; Figs. 27A and 27B are flow chart of a sub-routine of a "switch information processing" in the present invention; Fig. 28 is a flow chart of a sub-routine of an "operation selection" in the present invention; Fig. 29 is a flow chart of a sub-routine of a "mode selection" in the present invention; and, Fig. 30 is a f low chart of a sub-routine of a "data setting and indicationn in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following discussion will be directed to a control circuit of a camera to which the present invention is applied, with reference to Fig. 1.

In Fig. 1, a camera 21 has an automatic focusing (AF) function, an automatic loading function, winding and rewinding functions, and an automatic exposure (AE) function etc. The basic operations of these functions are well known. The camera 21 has a dot-LCD 23 on a pentagonal prism 21a (Fig. 4) to indicate camera information (represented by dots). The LCD 23 is controlled by a controlling micro-computer 39 and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24.

The CPU 24 is supplied with an electrical power of a battery 25 through a regulator 26. The control circuit has a lock switch 28, a photometering switch 29 and a release switch 30. When the lock switch 28 is made ON and when the photometer switch 29 or the release switch 30 is made ON, the terminal P1 of the CPU 24 becomes a low level "L", so that a DC/DC converter 100 is activated to supply the electrical power to various components. Numeral 27 designates a super capacitor (condenser) to prevent a sudden voltage drop of the battery 25. Numeral 31 designates a CCD image sensor, 32 a CCD processing circuit, 33 a switch box, 34 an LED, 35 a lens ROM, and 36 an indication box. The indication box 36 has row drivers 37a and 37b, the dot-LCD 23 and column drivers 38a and 38b.

The LCD controlling micro computer 39 is connected to the CPU 24 through a bus 40 and has an indicating RAM (divisional indicating means 91 which will be described hereinafter) incorporated therein. The indicating RAM periodically sends data to the column drivers 38a and 38b and sends timing signals to the row drivers 37a and 37b to drive the dot-LCD 23.

The indication data based on a transfer clock signal SCK1 is supplied to the LCD controlling micro computer 39 from the CPU 24 through the bus 40. The indication data includes various data, such as an exposure mode TV, Av, ISO and Xv. Namely, the LCD controlling micro-computer 39 converts the data fed from the CPU 24 to indicating RAM data in the indicating RAM. Upon conversion, if necessary, the data of the character generator 41 can be referred to.

The data of the character generator 41 is fed to the LCD controlling micro computer 39 through a bus 42 in accordance with a transfer clock signal SCK2. A logic sum of the data and the above-mentioned indicating RAM data is performed in the micro computer 39 to obtain final indicating RAM data. The bit of the indicating RAM corresponds one dot in the dot-LCD 23.

The indicating RAM data is periodically transferred to the column drivers 38a and 38b in accordance with the timing signal generated by the LCD controlling micro computer 39. The chip selectors CSO and CS1 of the row drivers 37a and 37b are selection terminals for selecting the column drivers in which the data is to be written. Upon the transfer of the indication data to the column drivers 38a and 38b, when the STB signal is output 20 to the row driver 37a or 37b from the micro computer 39, the column driver 37a or 37b outputs data for one column of indication. As a result, the data for one row is output from the row driver 37a or 37b, data for one column is indicated in the LCD 23. DBO-DB7 designate data signal lines.

Fig. 3 shows a switch box 33 having a large number of operation switches for operating the dot-LCD 23 by way of example.

The operation switches are formed integral with the transparent switch unit 59 (Fig. 7) to select different photographing modes. The pull-up resistances R which are provided in the switch box 33 in Fig. 3 can be instead provided in the CPU 24 to pull-up only when the switch check is effected.

The micro computer 39 has a divisional indicating means 91, a sub-title information changing means 92, an -11indicated information changing means 101 and a whole indicating means 93.

The divisional indicating means 91 divides the dot-LCD into several indicating sections (Fig. 8A). In the 5 illustrated embodiment, there are six indicating sections 23a through 23f. The sub- title information is indicated in the first through fourth indicating sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d, and the arrow 51 for changing the indication of the sub-title information and "M (or B or R)" are indicated 10 in the fifth and sixth indicating sections 23e and 23f, respectively. The sub-title information changing means 92 changes the sub-title information displayed in the respective indicating sections when the portions of the transparent switch unit 59 (Figs. 6 and 7) corresponding to the "arrow 51" and the "M (or B)" are pushed (or contacted with a photographer's finger).

The indicated information changing means 101 selects the sub-title information when the portions of the transparent switch unit 59 corresponding to the indicating sections of the sub-title information are pushed (or contacted with a photographer's finger). The auxiliary information (Fig. 11B) of the selected sub-title information are indicated in the indicating sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d.

The sub-title information means photographing information which are represented by a plurality of sub-titles (Fig. 11A). As the auxiliary information of the sub-title information, there are inferior information of the sub-title information(Fig.11B) and detailed information (Figs.11C, 11D, 11E and 11F).

The whole indicating means 93 indicates the detailed information which shows the inferior information in detail in one plane in which the indicating sections are consolidated by the indicated information changing means 101 when the portion of the transparent switch unit 59 -12 corresponding to any one of the first, second, third and fourth indicating sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d in which the associated auxiliary information are indicated is actuated.

The following discussion will be directed to the indication of information of the dot-LCD 23 which constitutes an indicator of the present invention.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, the camera 21 has a camera body 43 in which the dot-LCD 23 is provided on the center pentagonal prism portion 21a.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the dot-LCD 23 in which all information appear. The letters "ACTION" which represents an action mode appears in the center of the indication plane. Also, symbols 45, 46, 47 and 48 which represent "synchronization in the daytime", "prohibition of automatic light emission", "drive mode" and "spot photometering mode", respectively appear in the indication plane.

11MFI1, 19EFlI, ITZ11, 'SEX" and "ISO" are indicated in the lower portion of the indication plane. ISPI represents a manual focus mode, 'TV a power zoom mode, and 'SEY' a multi exposure mode, respectively.

Numeral 49 designates a small circle which represents a patrone, and 50 (dotted line) a film, respectively. The arrow 51 on the right side of the LCD 23 corresponds to the operation switch 57 (Fig. 6). The operation switch 58 is represented by "M" below the arrow 51.

When the arrow 51 in the fifth indicating section 23e is actuated, the sub-title information indicated therein changes in the up direction. On the other hand, when the arrow 51 is actuated together with a shift switch 109(Fig.5), the sub-title information indicated therein changes in the opposite direction (down) to indicate a sub-title information prior to the indicated sub-title information by one step. When the switch of the letter "M" in the sixth indicating section 23f is actuated, the indicated information changes to go further by one step. On the other -13hand, when the letter 'W' is actuated together with a shift switch 109, the indicated information changes to information prior thereto by one step. The shift switch 109 is located adjacent to the dot-LCD 23 of the camera body. However, not limited to this arrangement, the shift switch 109 can possibly be located at a different place other than specified herein.

The transparent switch unit 59 is provided in the upper portion of the dot-LCD 23 to be superimposed on the indication plane. The transparent switch unit 59 has six indication sections which constitute operation switches 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58. These operation switches 53 58correspond to the first section 23a through the sixth section 23f indicated in the dot-LCD 23, respectively.

The transparent switch unit 59, as shown in Fig.7A and Fig.7B, is comprised of an outer spacer 64, an inner spacer 63, a transparent electrode 62 and a polarization plate 61, superimposed on the dot-LCD 23 in this order. The transparent switch unit 59 is used with the dot-LCD 23 to provide a plurality of switch functions and to change the indication of the functions of the dot-LCD 23 so as to meet the various functions of the operational switches. It is also possible to realize a stable switching operation by the switches having contacts.

Figs. 8 through 23 show indications of the display of the dot-LCD 23 which change when the operational switches 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58 are actuated.

Fig. 8A shows a display of the LCD 23 before the operation starts at the lens-auto mode.

The display is divided into six sections 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e and 23f, corresponding to the operational switches of the transparent switch unit 59 located thereon.

Before the operation, in accordance with the divisional indicating means 91, "P mode" (which means program mode) is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol 66 of the strobe operation mode in the second section 23b, and "drive mode" and the symbol 68 thereof in -14 the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol 69 of the spot photometering is indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol of the arrow 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "M" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

In this indication, for example when an operator pushes down or contacts the symbol of arrow 51 of the fifth section 23e, the corresponding operational switch 57 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the sub-title information changing means 92 changes the display of the dotLCD 23, as shown in Fig. 8B. Namely, the symbol 0Xv" (which means exposure factor) is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "ISO" in the second section 23b, and the symbols "MULTI EXP"j(which means multi-exposure), "P" and the symbol 68 of the drive mode in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol IIAE LOCK" is indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol of arrow 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "M" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

When the operator pushes or contacts the arrow 51 of the fifth section 23e to make -the corresponding operational switch 57 ON, the sub-title information changing means 92 changes the display of the dot-LCD 23, as shown in Fig. 8C.

Namely, the symbol 91AF11 (which means auto focus) is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "Power ZOOM" in the second section 23b, and the symbols "ON" and the symbol 60 of the sub-mode in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol of battery and THEW' is indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol of arrow 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "M" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

Fig. 8D shows an indication plane at the manual mode of the lens switch. In Fig. 8, 'S mode" is indicated in the first section 23a, and "DRIVE" is indicated in the third section 23c. The symbols indicated in the other sections are same as those in Fig. 8A.

In the indication planes shown in Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, the symbols can be indicated with a reduced size, as shown in a lower part of the third and fourth sections in Fig. 9A, depending on the switch operations.

In Fig. 9A, when the operator pushes or contacts the shift switch and the symbol "M" of the sixth section 23f, the sub-title information changing means 92 changes the display of the dot-LCD 23, as shown in Fig. 9B. Namely, the divided sections of the dot-LCD 23 other than the fifth and sixth sections 23e and 23f are consolidated into one plane in which the symbol "PROG 250 F8.C etc., is indicated.

When the operator pushes or contacts the symbol "M" of the sixth section 23f, the indication is returned to the state shown in Fig. 9A.

In Fig. 9A, when the operator pushes or contacts the symbol "DRIVE" of the third section 23c to make the corresponding operational switch 55 ON, the display of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 10. Namely, the symbol 68 of the drive mode is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol 72 of the continuous photographing mode in the second section 23b, and the symbol 73 of the self-timer mode in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol 74 of the MAB mode is indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol of arrow 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

The MAB mode represents a "Multi Auto Bracketing Mode" in which the exposure value is successively changed to take a predetermined number of pictures. The symbol "B" represents a back switch which is adapted to bring the indication of display back to an indication preceding thereto by one plane when the back switch is pushed down (or contacted) to make the corresponding operational switch 3 5 58 ON.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 10, when the -16operator pushes or contacts the f irst section 23a to make the corresponding operational switch 53 ON, the display of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 9B. Also, when the operator pushes or contacts the shift switch and the symbol "B" (operational switch 58), the display of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 9A.

The following discussion will be directed to the operations in the "exposure mode" with reference to Fig. 11 (Figs. 11A through 11G).

Fig. 11A shows an indication plane before the operation starts at the "lens auto mode".

When the first section 23a is actuated to make the corresponding switch 53 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the information indication changing means 101 causes the indication plane to indicate lower information of the sub-title information. Namely, the symbol which represents the present indication mode and the 11PROG NORMAL" (which means Program Normal) are indicated in the first section 23a, and "PROG ACTION" (which means Program motion) and the symbol 75 of the -shutter priority mode are indicated in the second section 23b. 11PROG DEPTH" and the symbol 76 of the depth of field priority program mode are indicated in the third section 23c, and "EE" is indicated in the fourth section 23d. The symbol of arrow 51 is still indicated in the fifth section 23e. The display of the sixth section 23f is changed to "B".

Thereafter, when the 1' PROG NORMAL of the first section 23a is actuated to make the corresponding switch 53 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the total indication means 93 operates. As a result, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which nPROG 250 F8.W (program normal mode) etc., is indicated, as shown in Fig. 11C. The indications of the fifth and sixth sections 23e and 23f are same as those before the operation.

In the position shown in Fig. 11B, when the second -17 section 23b is actuated to make ON the corresponding operational switch 54 of the transparent switch unit 59, the indication of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 11D, by the total indication means 93. Namely, similar to the operation when the operational switch 53 is made ON, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol 75 of the shutter priority mode is indicated in addition to the symbol shown in Fig. 11C to set the "Program mode P. In the position shown in Fig. 11B, when the operational switch 55 is

actuated, the indication of the dot-LCD 23 is changed to the "program mode Y, as shown in Fig. 11E, by the total indication means 93. In Fig. 11E, the symbol 76 of the depth of field priority program mode is indicated in addition to the synbol shown in Fig. 11C.

In the position shown in Fig. 11B, when the fourth section 23d is actuated, the indication of the dot-LCD 23 is changed to the "shutter priority mode", as shown in Fig.

11F, by the total indication me&ns 93. Namely, the symbol UTv ?" is indicated to check the shutter speed, in addition to the symbol shown in Fig. 11C. The symbol "Tv" means "TIME VALUE".

When the symbol "arrow.' 51 is actuated, the indication plane is changed, as shown in Fig. 11G, and the numerical values representing the shutter speed, indicated in the indication plane are counted up. Conversely, when the symbol "arrow" 51, as well as the shift switch are actuated, in Fig, 11G, the indicated shutter speed is counted down.

Figs. 12A through 12G show the operations at the Nexposure mode", according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12A shows an indication plane before the operation starts in the "lens manual mode". In Fig. 12A, the display in the indication plane is same as that of Fig.

-18 11A, except for the symbol "ES11 indicated in the third section 23Q. For examp-le, when the first section 23a is actuated, the display of the indication plane is changed, as shown in Fig. 1213, by the information indication changing means 101. Namely, the symbol "MANUAL ES " is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "MANUAL SYNCHRO" in the second section 23b, and the symbol "MANUAL BULW in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol n25W which represents the shutter speed is indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol "arrow" 51 in the fifth section 23e, and symbol "B" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, when the first section 23a is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 53 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indicated information is changed, as shown in Fig. 12C by the total indication means 93.

Namely, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol "MANUAL 25W is indicated to set the "diaphragm priority mode".

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, when the second section 23b is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 54 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indication plane of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown In Fig. 12D by the total indication means 93. Similar to the foregoing, the symbol "MANUAL 12511 is indicated in the consolidated indication plane to set the "strobe synchro mode".

On the other hand, when the third section 23c is actuated in a position shown in Fig. 12B, the corresponding operational switch 55 is made ON. As a result, the indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 12E in which "MANUAL BULW is indicated to set the "program mode Y'.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 12B, when the -19fourth section 23d is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 56 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indicated information is changed, as shown in Fig. 12F by the total indication means 93.

Namely, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol "MANUAL 250 ---1" as well as the symbol "Tv V1 are indicated to set the shutter speed at the "shutter priority mode".

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 12F, when the fifth section 23e is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 57 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indicated information is changed, as shown in Fig. 12G, so that the enlarged symbol I'50OV1 is indicated. The symbol "50OV' indicates the shutter speed which is counted up by the operational switch 57. When the symbol "arrow" 51 is actuated together with the shift switch, the shutter speed is counted down.

The operation in the "strobe mode" will be explained below with reference to Fig. 13 (Figs. 13A through 13G) by way of example.

In a position shown in Fig. 13A which shows the indication plane before the operation starts, for example when the second section 23b is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 54 is made ON. As a result, the indication plane is changed by the information indication switching means 101, as shown in Fig. 13B in which the lower information of the sub-title information is indicated.

Namely, "AUTW' and the symbol 78 of the auto strobe mode are indicated in the first section 23a, and 'SYNCHRO", the symbol 79 of the daylight synchro mode, and the symbol 78 of the auto strobe mode are indicated in the second section 23b, respectively. Also, the symbol 80 of "automatic light emission prohibition mode" is indicated in the third sections 23c, the symbol "arrow" 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" in the sixth section 23f, respectively. No information is indicated in the fourth section 23d.

Thereafter, when the first section 23a is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 56 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 13C by the total indication means 93.

Namely, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol OPROG 250 F8.C is indicated, so that the indication plane before the charging at the "automatic strobe light emission mode" is completed appears.

After the lapse of a predetermined time, a small symbol 78 of the auto strobe mode is indicated in the indication plane to show the completion of the charging, as shown in Fig. 13D.

When the second section 23b is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 54 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 13E by the total indication means 93, so that the indication of the Maylight synchro mode" before the completion of the charging appears. In Fig. 13E, the indicated information is same as that of Fig. 13C, except that the symbol 79 of the daylight synchro mode is indicated in a reduced scale in Fig. 13E.

After the lapse of a predetermined time, a small symbol 78 of the auto strobe mode is indicated in the indication plane, in addition to the indication of Fig. 13E to show the completion of the charging at the "daylight synchro mode".

When the third section 23c is actuated in Fig. 13B, the corresponding operational switch 55 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed by the total indication means 93, so that the indication of the -21 automatic light emission prohibition model' is selected and indicated, as shown in Fig. 13G. The indication plane in Fig. 13G is same as that of Fig. 13E, except that the symbol 79 in Fig. 13E is replaced with the symbol 80 of the automatic light emission mode.

Figs. 14A through 14G show the operations at the "drive modC, by way of example.

Fig. 14A shows an indication plane before the operation starts in the "lens auto model'. In Fig. 14A, for example, when the third section 23c is actuated to make the operational switch 55 ON, the "drive mode" is selected by the information indication switching means 101, so that the display of the indication plane is changed, as shown in Fig. 14B. Namely, the symbol 47 of the single photographing mode is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol 81 of the continuous photographing mode in the second section 23b, the symbol 82 of the self-timer mode in the third section 23c, and the symbol 83 of the MAB mode in the fourth section 23d, respectively. The symbol "arrow" 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" is indicated in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, for example when the first section 23a is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 53 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indicated information is changed to the "single photographing mode", as shown in Fig. 14C by the total indication means 93. Namely, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication 30 plane in which the symbol "PROG 250 F8.C and the symbol 47 representing the single photographing mode are indicated with a reduced size.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, when the second section 23b is actuated to make the corresponding 35 operational switch 54 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indication plane of the dot-LCD 23 is changed to the "continuous photographing model', as shown in Fig. 14D by the total indication means 93. The indication plane of Fig. 14D is substantially same as that of Fig. 14C except that the symbol 81 representing the continuous photographing mode is indicated in a reduced scale.

On the other hand, when the third section 23c is actuated in a position shown in Fig. 14B, the corresponding operational switch 55 is made ON. As a result, the indication plane is changed to the "self-timer mode" by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 14E in which the symbol 82 of the "self-timer model' is indicated.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 14B, when the fourth section 23d is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 56 of the transparent switch unit 59 ON, the indicated information is changed to the "MAB model', as shown in Fig. 14F by the total indication means 93.

Namely, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbols "PROG", "Xv SET V', and "EF" are indicated. A small symbol- "83". representing the ^MAB mode" is also indicated.

In the indication plane shown in Fig. 12F, when the fifth section (arrow 51) 23e is actuated, - thc. Indicated information is changed, as shown in Fig-. 14G, so that the symbol 'IMAB 22 EXP" and the enlarged symbol 11 0.5 V1 are indicated. The symbol 11 0.5 V' represents the variation range of the exposure value at the 0MAB mode".

Thereafter, when "R" (which means a reverse switch) of the sixth section 23f is actuated, the display of the indication plane is returned to that of Fig. 14F.

The operation in the "photometering mode" will be explained below with reference to Fig. 15 (Figs. 15A through 15D) by way of example.

In a position shown in Fig. 15A which shows the indication plane before the operation starts at the "lens auto mode", for example when the fourth section 23d is -23 actuated, the corresponding operational switch 56 is made ON. As a result, the indication plane is changed by the information indication switching means 101, as shown in Fig. 15B. In Fig. 15B, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into two upper and lower sections. The symbol 'SULTI" and the enlarged symbol "8C representing the "multi photometering mode" are indicated in the upper section. The symbol "SPOPT" and the enlarged symbol 1'8511 representing the "multi photometering mode" are indicated in the lower section. The symbol "arrow" 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" is indicated in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

Thereafter, when the upper section consisting of the first and second sections 23a and 23b is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 53 or 54 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 15C by the total indication means 93.

Namely, the upper section (first and second sections) and the lower section (third and fourth sections) are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol 11PROG 250 F8.C and the symbol "47" representing the single photographing mode are indicated.

The symbol %farrow'# 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "M" is indicated in the sixth section 23f.

When the lower section consisting of the third and fourth sections 23c and 23d is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 55 or 56 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 15D by the total indication means 93, so that the small symbol "85" representing the "spot photometering mode" is indicated, in 35 addition to the information indicated in Fig. 15C.

Figs. 16A through 16C show the operations at the "Xv -24mode", by way of example.

Fig. 16A shows an indication plane before the operation starts in the "lens auto mode". In Fig. 16A, the symbol "Xv" is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "ISO" in the second section 23b, and the symbol "MULTI EXP" in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol "AE LOCK" is indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol "arrow" 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol nM" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

When the first section 23a is actuated to make the operational switch 53 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "Xv mode", as shown in Fig. 16B. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol "Xv" and the enlarged symbol "-2.5 V1 are indicated.

When the symbol "R" of the sixth section 23f is actuated together with the shift switch, the display of the indication plane is returned to that of Fig. 16A.

When only the sixth section 23f is actuated in the position shown in Fig. 16B, the display of the indication plane is changed to the single photographing mode, as shown in Fig. 16C. Namely, the symbols "PROG 250 F8.V and "Xv SET V1, and the small symbols ItEF19 and 114719 which represents the single photographing mode are indicated.

Note the symbol nM" is indicated in the sixth section 23f.

Figs. 17A through 17C show the operations at the "ISO mode", by way of example.

Fig. 17A shows an indication plane before the operation starts in the "ISO mode". In Fig. 17A, when the second section 23b is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 54 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed, as shown in Fig. 17B. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the -25 symbol I-ISO.1 and the enlarged symbol "200 V' are indicated to check whether or not the ISO value of 200 is an appropriate value. In this state, the symbol "M" which has been indicated in the sixth section 23f is replaced with the symbol "R". When the symbol "R" is actuated together with the shift switch, the display of the indication plane is returned to Fig. 17A. When there is a difference of the set ISO value from the ISO value of a f ilm to be used, the small symbol I'lSO" is indicated in the lower portion of the indication plane, as can be seen from Fig. 17C.

In Fig. 17c, the symbol "PROG 250 F8.01' and the small symbols 114711 representing the single photographing mode and "ISO" are indicated. Note the symbol "M" is indicated in the sixth section 23f.

Figs. 18A through 18C show the operations at the "multi exposure mode", by way of example.

Fig. 18A shows an indication plane before the operation starts. In Fig. 18A, when the third section 23c is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 55 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 18B. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol "MULTI EXPI1 and the enlarged symbol "S V1 are indicated. When the symbol "R" of the sixth section 23f is actuated to make the operational switch 58 ON, together with the shift switch, the display of the indication plane is returned to Fig. 18A.

When the symbol "R" of the sixth section 23f is 30 actuated in Fig. 18B, the display is changed to Fig. 18C in which the symbols "PROG 250 F8.C and "EXP SET 5 V1 are indicated. Also, the symbol WX11 (which means a multi exposure) is indicated in the lower portion of the indication plane.

Figs. 19A through 19E show the operations at the "AE LOCK mode", by way of example.

Fig. 19A shows an indication plane before the operation starts. In Fig. 19A, when the fourth section 23d is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 56 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the AE (Automatic Exposure) lock mode by the information indication switching means 101, as shown in Fig. 19B. Namely, the symbol nAE. LOW' is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "AE" in the second section 23b, and the symbol IIAE & AF'I in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol "arrow" 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" is indicated in the sixth section 23f, respectively. Note, no information is indicated in the fourth section 23d. When the symbol "B" of the sixth secction 23f is actuated, the display of the indication plane is returned to Fig. 19A.

In the state shown in Fig. 19B, when the first section 23a is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 53 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 19C^. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbols 'TROG 250 F8.011, I'AE LOCK" and "47" representing the single photographing mode are indicated, so that the "AE lock normal mode" is selected and indicated.

In the state shown in Fig. 19B, when the second section 23b is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 54 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "AE & ANGLE OF VIEW LOCK MODE" by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 19D. In this mode, the angle of view is locked at the exposure set by the automatic exposure control system.

In the state shown in Fig. 19B, when the third section 23c is actuated to make the corresponding operational switch 55 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "AE & AF LOCK MODE" by the total indication -27 means 93, as shown in Fig. 19E.

- Figs. 20A through 20H show the operations at the "AUTO FOCUS MODE", by way of example.

Fig. 20A shows an indication plane before the operation starts. In Fig. 20A, the symbol I'AF" is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "POWER ZOOM" in the second section 23b, and the symbols 91 ON It and 996011 representing the buzzer mode in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the battery mark 70 and the jo symbol "CHECK" are indicated in the fourth section 23d, the symbol "arrow" 51 in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "M" in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

When the first section 23a is actuated to make the operational switch 53 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "AE mode" by the information indication switching means 101, as shown in Fig. 20B.

Namely, the symbol "AF. SINGLE" is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "AF SERM' in the second section 23b, and the symbol "AF OM' in the third section 23c, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol Ilarrowl' 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" is indicated in the sixth section 23f. No information is indicated in the fourth section 23d. When the symbol "B" of the sixth section 23f is actuated, the display of the indication plane is returned to Fig. 20A.

In the state shown in Fig. 20B, when the first section 23a is actuated to make the operational switch 53 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 20C. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the enlarged symbol "AF SINGLE SEV and the symbol "AF SINGLE MODE" are indicated. After the lapse of a predetermined time, the display is changed to Fig. 20D.

In Fig. 20B, when the second section 23b is actuated to make the operational switch 54 ON, the display of the -28 indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 20E. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the enlarged symbol 11AF SERVO SEV is indicated. Namely, the AF servo mode is selected. After the lapse of a predetermined time, thee display is changed to Fig. 20F.

In Fig. 20B, when the third section 23c is actuated to make the operational switch 55 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "manual AF mode" by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 20G. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol "AF OFF SEV is indicated. After the lapse of a predetermined time, the display is changed to Fig. 20H.

Figs. 21A through 21E show the operations at the "POWER ZOOM MODE", by way of example.

Fig. 21A shows an indication plane before the operation starts, which is identical to the display shown in Fig. 20A.

When the symbol "POWER ZOOM" of the second section 23a is actuated to make the operational switch 54 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed by the information indication switching means 101, as shown in Fig. 21B. Namely, the symbol "FIV' is indicated in the first section 23a, the symbol "8C representing the up mode in the third section 23c, and the symbol "8V1 representing the normal photographing mode in the fourth section 23d, respectively. Furthermore, the symbol Itarrowli 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" is indicated in the sixth section 23f. Namely, the power zoom mode is selected. No information is indicated in the second section 23b. When the symbol "B" of the sixth section 23f is actuated, the display of the indication plane is returned to Fig. 21A.

In the state shown in Fig. 21B, when the first section -29 23a is actuated to make the operational switch 53 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 21C. Namely, the first, second, third, and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbols "PROG 250 F8.011, 'TC of the up mode, and 'TW' are indicated to select the "finder image fixing mode"(Fig.21c).

In Fig. 21B, when the third section 23c is actuated to make the operational switch 55 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 21D. Namely, the display of the indication play of Fig. 21D is identical to that of Fig.

21C, except for the symbol ITZ211. Namely, the "finder image selection mode 1" is selected.

In Fig. 21B, when the fourth section 23d is actuated to make the operational switch 56 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "finder image selection mode 2" by the total indication means 93, as shown in Fig. 21E.

b 1 a n k -30 Fig. 21A shows an indication plane before the operation starts. When the third section 23c is actuated to make the operational switch 55 ON, the display of the indication plane is changed to the "BUZZER SELECTION" mode by the information indication switching means 101, as shown in Fig. 22A. Namely, the first, second, third and fourth sections 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are consolidated into two upper and lower sections. The symbol "8V representing the buzzer mode and the symbol "BUZZER ON" are indicated in the upper section. The symbol 118811 and the symbol "BUZZER OFF" are indicated in the lower section. Namely, the buzzer selection mode is selected. The symbol flarrow" 51 is indicated in the fifth section 23e, and the symbol "B" is indicated in the sixth section 23f, respectively.

In this state, when the symbol "B" of the sixth section 23f is actuated, the display is returned to the initial position shown in Fig. 21A.

In Fig. 22A, when the upper section consisting of the first and second sections 23a and 23b is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 53 or 54 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, as shown in Fig. 22B. Namely, the upper section (first and second sections) and the lower section (third and fourth 25 sections) are consolidated into one indication plane in which the symbol "PROG 250 F8.C and the small symbol "8C representing the buzzer selection mode are indicated. In this state, no change of indication occurs in the fifth section 23e, but the indicated symbol of the sixth section 30 23f is changed from "B" to 11M11. In Fig. 22A, when the lower section consisting of the third and fourth sections 23c and 23d is actuated, the corresponding operational switch 55 or 56 of the transparent switch unit 59 is made ON. As a result, the indicated information of the dot-LCD 23 is changed, so that the symbol "8C disappears from the display shown in Fig. 22B.

-31 Figs. 23A through 23E show the operations at the "BATTERY VOLTAGE CHECK MODE", by way of example.

Fig. 23A shows an indication plane before the operation starts. In Fig. 23A, when the fourth section 23d is actuated to make the operational switch 56 ON, the display of the indication plane is as shown in Fig. 23B,23C or 23D, depending on the remaining battery voltage at the moment. Namely, when the battery has a sufficient voltage, the black battery mark 70 and the symbol "OK" are indicated, as shown in Fig. 23B. Conversely, when the battery has a decreased voltage, the half-blacked battery mark 70 and the symbol "LOW" are indicated, as shown in Fig. 23C. When the battery is completely exhausted, the white battery mark 70 and the symbol "EMPTY" are indicated, as shown in Fig. 23D. In Fig.23B through Fig.23D when the symbol "R" of the sixth section 23f is actuated or when a predetermined time lapses, the display is returned to the photographing indication plane shown in Fig. 23E.

The following discussion will be directed to the indication control operation of the dot-LCD 23 with reference to flow charts shown in Figs. 24 through 30.

When the main switch (not shown) is actuated, whether the lock switch 28 is made ON is checked at step S1. If the lock switch 28 is made ON, the release switch 30 and the photometer switch 29 are fetched at step S2. If the lock switch 28 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S11.

Thereafter, the sub-routine for checking the camera system is performed (step S3) to check whether there is an error at step S4. IF there is no error, the sub-routine for processing the switch information is performed to indicate the information in the dot-LCD 23 (steps SS). If there is an error, the control proceeds to step S10 to set the abnormal data.

The control is fetched into the LCD controlling microcomputer 39 at step S6. Thereafter, at step S7, the timer 125 ms is set, so that an A-loop is performed every 125 ms. The A-loop is a main routine which intermittently (i.e. period is determined at -32step S7) performs by the operation of the timer. Thereafter, tile operation of the timer can be fetched at step S8 and the control stops at step S9.

At step S1, if the lock switch 28 is not made ON, 5 neither the signal from the photometer switch 29 nor the signal from the release switch 30 can be fetched at step S11, so that the sub-routine for erasing the indication of the dot-LCD 23 at step S12. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S6.

The sub-routine for performing the check of the camera system at step S3 will be explained below with reference to Fig. 25.

Whether there is a failure to load a film is checked in the CPU 24 at step S13. If there is no failure, the control proceeds to step S14. If there is a failure, the control proceeds to step S21 at which whether the"user's confirmation P' should be performed is checked. If the user's confirmation 1 is effected, the "abnormal data P' is released and if no user's confirmation 1 is effected, the abnormal data 1 is set (steps S22 and S23).

At step S14, whether the battery voltage level is abnormal is checked. If the battery voltage level is not abnormal, the control proceeds to step S15. If the battery voltage level is abnormal, whether the "user's confirmation 2" should be performed is checked at step S24. If the user's confirmation 2 is not performed, the "abnormal data 211 is set at step S26. If the user's confirmation 2 is performed, the "abnormal data 20 is released at step S25.

At step S15, whether there Is an error of the film 30 (e.g. the film is too old to be taken) is checked. If there is no error, the control proceeds to step S16. Conversely, if there is an error, whether the "user's confirmation 311 should be effected is checked at step S27. After the error in indication of the dot-LCD 23 is confirmed by a photographer (user), when the confirmation switch is actuated or when a predetermined time of indication lapses, the "abnormal data Y' is released step S28, otherwise the -33"abnormal data Y' is set at step S29.

At step S16, whether the number of the remaining frames of the film is above 5 is checked. If the number of the remaining frames is equal to or more than 5, the control proceeds to step S17. If the number of the remaining frames is less than 5, the "user's confirmation 4" is performed at step S30. After the error in indication of the dot-LCD 23 is confirmed by a photographer (user), when the confirmation switch is actuated or when a jo predetermined time of indication lapses, the "abnormal data 411 is released step S31. If no user's confirmation 4 is effected, the "abnormal data 4" is set at step S32 to indicate the abnormal state.

At steps S17 and S18, whether there is another error in camera function is detected. If there is no error, the control proceeds to step S19 at which no error is confirmed. Conversely, if there is an error, the control proceeds to step S20 at which the error is confirmed. Thereafter, the control is returned. 20 Fig. 26 shows a sub- routine for setting the abnormal data at step S10. If there is an abnormal data at step S4, the control proceeds to step S10, as mentioned before. At step S33, whether the "abnormal data V' should be applied is checked.

If the "abnormal data V' is applied, the control proceeds to step S34 at which the data of the dot-LCD 23 is set to indicate and warn the deviation of the lens. If no "abnormal data 1" is applied, the control proceeds to step S35.

At step S35, whether the "abnormal data V' should be applied is checked. If the "abnormal data V' isapplied, the control proceeds to step S36 at which the data of the dot-LCD 23 is set to indicate and warn the abnormal voltage. If no "abnormal data V' is applied, the control proceeds to step S37.

At step S37, whether the "abnormal data Y' should be -34applied is checked. If the "abnormal data P is applied, the control proceeds to step S38 at which the data of the dot-LCD 23 is set to indicate and warn that the f ilm is too old to be taken. If no "abnormal data Y' is applied, the control proceeds to step S39.

At step S39, whether the "abnormal data 4" should be applied is checked. If the "abnormal data C is applied, the control proceeds to step S40 at which the data of the dot-LCD 23 is set to indicate the number of the remaining frames of the film. If no "abnormal data 4" is applied, the control proceeds to step S41 to perform the sub-routine of Uanother data set".

The sub-routine of the "switch information processing" at step S5 will be described below with reference to Figs.

27A and 27B.

If no error is found at step S4, the fetch prohibition is first performed, and then, the data necessary for the subsequent processes is input to the CPU 24 (steps S43 and S44). Thereafter, whether the display in the indication plane should be made OFF is checked at step S45. If no display is made OFF, the control proceeds to step S50 and if the display is made OFF, the control proceeds to step S46.

At step S46, the data for making the display OFF is decoded, so that the data is output to the column drivers 38a and 38b to erase the display of the dot-LCD 23 (steps S47 and S48). Thereafter, the "fetch prohibition" is released at step S49.

At step S50, whether there is an error in camera 30 system is checked. If the error is found, the control proceeds to step S51 at which the abnormal data for indicating "system error" is decoded, so that the control proceeds to step S56. If there is no system error, the control proceeds to step S52 to detect whether the -indication for photographing" should be effected. If the "indication for photographing" is not effected, the control -35proceeds to step S59 and if the "indication for photographing" is effected, the control proceeds to step S53.

At step S53, whether the operational switch 57 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 57 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S54 and if the operational switch 57 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S63.

At step S54, whether the operational switch 58 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 58 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S55 and if the operational switch 58 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S65.

At step S55, the data of the "indication for photographing" is decoded. Thereafter, the decoded data is output to the column drivers 38a and 38b to indicate the "indication for photographing" in the dot-LCD 23 and release the "fetch prohibition" which has been performed at step S43 (steps S56 - S58).

At step S59, whether the "indication for operation" should be performed is checked. If the "indication for operation" is performed, the control proceeds to step S60 and if the "indication for operation" is not performed, the control proceeds to step S66.

At step S60, whether the operational switch 58 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 58 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S61 and if the operational switch 58 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S62 to perform the sub-routine of the "operation selection".

Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S56.

At step S61, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S55 and if the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S62 to perform the sub-routine of the "operation selection". Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S56.

If the "indication for operation" is not effected at step S59, the control proceeds to step S66 to detect whether the "mode indication" is effected. If the "mode indication" is effected, the control proceeds to step S67 and i f no "mode indication" is effected, the control proceeds to step S71.

At step S67, whether the operational switch 58 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 58 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S68 and if the operational switch 58 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S70 to perform the sub-routine of the "mode selection".

At step S68, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S69 to perform the sub-routine of the "mode selection", and if the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S70 At step S71, whether the operational switch 58 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 58 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S73 to perform the "data setting and indicating sub-routine", and if the operational switch 58 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S72 to decode the "indication for photographing".

At step S63, whether the data setting is necessary is checked. If no data setting is necessary, the control proceeds to step S54, and if the data setting is necessary, the control proceeds to step S64 to perform the "data setting and indicating sub- routine". Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S56.

At step S65, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S55, and if the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S 62 to perform the "operation selection sub-routine". Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S56.

In Fig. 28 which shows the operation selection sub-routine, whether the "operation indication V' should be -37 performed is checked at step S74. If the lloperation indication V1 is performed, the control proceeds to step S75, and if no "operation indication V' is performed, the control proceeds to step S78.

At step S75, whether the operational switch 57 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 57 is not made ON, the data of the "operation indication V' is decoded and the control is returned (steps S76 and S77). If the operational switch 57 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S84.

At step S84, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S80 to decode the data of the "operation indication 2", and if the shift switch 109 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S82 to decode the data of the Uoperation indication Y'.

At step S78, whether the data of the "operation indication 2" should be indicated is checked. If the data is indicated, the control proceeds to step S79, and if no data is indicated, the control proceeds to step S81.

At step S79, whether the operational switch 57 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 57 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S106, and if the operational switch 57 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S80 to decode the data of the "operation indication 2". At step S106, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S76 to decode the data of the "operation 30 indication 111, and if the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S82 to decode the data of the 0operation indication Y'. At step S81, whether the operational switch 57 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 57 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S82 to decode the data of the "operation indication 311. If the operational -38switch 57 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S83.

At step S83, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S76 to decode the data of the "operation indication V', and if the shift switch 109 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S80 to decode the data of the "operation indication 2".

The "mode selection" sub-routine at step S70 will be discussed below with reference to Fig. 29.

At step S85, whether the mode is the drive mode is checked. If the mode is the drive mode, the control proceeds to step S87, and if the mode is not the drive mode, the control proceeds to step S86 to perform the Uother mode selection" sub-routine.

At step S87, whether the operational switch 53 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 53 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S88 to decode the data of the "single photographing mode" and is returned. If the operational switch 53 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S89.

At step S89, whether the operational switch 54 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 54 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S90 to decode the data of the "continuous photographing mode" and is returned. If the operational switch 54 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S91.

At step S91, whether the operational switch 55 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 55 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S92 to decode the data of the "self-timer mode" and is returned. If the operational switch 55 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S93.

At step S93, whether the operational switch 56 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 56 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S94 to decode the data of the 'SAB mode" and the data of the selection indication and is returned. If the operational switch 56 is not made ON, -39 the control proceeds to step S95 to decode the data of the "drive model'.

The "data setting and indicating" sub-routine at step S64 will be discussed below with reference to Fig. 30.

At step S96, whether the indication of the dot-LCD 23 is the "photographing indication" is checked. If the dot-LCD 23 is the "photographing indication", the control proceeds to step S102 to decode the data of the "setting indication" without modifying the values thereof. If the dot-LCD 23 is not the "photographing indication", the control proceeds to step S97.

At step S97, whether the "operation indication" should be performed is checked. If the "operation indication" is performed, the control proceeds to step S102, and if the "operation indication" is not performed, the control proceeds to step S98.

At step S98, whether the "mode indication" should be performed is checked. If the 0mode indication" is performed, the control proceeds to step S102, and if the "mode indication" is not performed, the control proceeds to step S99.

At step S99, whether the 'SAB mode" should be performed is checked. If the "MAB mode" is not performed, the control proceeds to step S100 to perform the "other data setting and indicating" sub-routine. If the "MAB mode" is performed, the control proceeds to step S101.

At step S101, whether the operational switch 57 is made ON is checked. If the operational switch 57 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S102 to decode the data of the "setting indication" without modifying the values thereof. If the operational switch 57 is made ON, the control proceeds to step S103.

At step S103, whether the shift switch 109 is made ON is checked. If the shift switch 109 is not made ON, the control proceeds to step S104 to decode the data of the "setting indication" which is counted up. If the shift switch 109 is -40made ON, the control proceeds to step S105 to decode the data of the "setting indication" which is counted down.

Although the illustrated embodiments have been directed to a common still camera, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to an electronic still camera or a video camera, etc.

b 1 a n k is 4

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:

1. An indicating apparatus of a camera for indicating photographing information of the camera in an indicating portion provided in a camera body, wherein said indicating portion has a plurality of divided indicating sections which indicate different photographing information, and wherein said apparatus comprises a transparent switch unit which is superimposed on the divided indicating sections, and an information indication switching means for changing the photographing information indicated in the divided indicating sections when the transparent switch unit is actuated.

2. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 1, wherein said transparent switch unit has a plurality of operational switches corresponding to the divided indicating sections.

3. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 1, wherein said photographing information includes sub-title information represented by a plurality of sub-titles, and lower information of the sub-title information.

4. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 3, further comprising a divisional indicating means for dividing the indicating portion into a plurality of indicating sections, so that a part of the divided indicating sections is adapted to indicate the sub-title information and a part of the divided indicating sections defines a modifying operational portion for changing the sub-title information indicated in the indicating portion.

5. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 4, wherein when the operational switch of the transparent switch unit corresponding to the sub-title information is actuated, said information indication switching means selects the sub-title information, so that the lower information of the selected sub-title information -42is indicated in any of the divided indicating sections.

6. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 5, wherein lower information of one sub-title information is indicated in the divided indicating section in which the sub-title information has been indicated when the transparent switch unit is actuated.

7. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 6, further comprising a subtitle information modifying means for selectively indicating any one of the sub-title information in the indicating portion.

8. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 7, wherein said sub-title information modifying means changes the sub-title information indicated in the associated indicating section to another sub-title information, when the transparent switch unit is actuated.

9. An indicating apparatus of a camera according to claim 1, wherein said transparent switch unit is provided on the divided indicating sections other than the divided indicating sections in which the sub-title information are indicated.

Published 1991 at The Patent Ofilec, State House. 66171 High Holborn. London WC1R41P. Further copies rnay be obtained from Sales B. Unit 6. Nine Mile Pbint Cwmrclinfach. Cross Keys. New"rt. NP) 7HZ. Printed by Multiplex techniques lid. St Mary Cray. Kent.