JP2001083585A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera constituted so that communication between a rear cover and the electric circuit of a camera side is executed by sharing a photoreflector for detecting perforation, a terminal is prevented from being exposed when the rear cover is opened, a malfunction is prevented from occurring because of disturbance and information is inexpensively and safely communicated. SOLUTION: This camera is constituted so that the photreflector WPR23 for detecting the perforation is utilized and an optical sensor SPR14 is arranged at the rear cover side so as to be opposed to the WPR23 by interposing a film 87. Then, the information such as film sensitivity and imprinting information is communicated by the optical communication passed through the hole part of the perforation in a state that the rear cover is closed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a communication member between a camera body and a data imprinting module or accessory provided on a back cover.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a camera back cover is provided with portions such as a printing module for printing a date and the like on a film and other accessories.

Various techniques have been proposed for exchanging signals between these parts and the camera body.

Conventionally, a structure is often used in which a flexible substrate is crawled around a side where a camera body and a back cover are connected by a hinge, and an electric circuit on the camera body side is connected to a data imprinting module. However, there is also a problem of durability and a problem that back cover replacement is not easy, and various improvement plans have been proposed.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-216112 proposes a camera for displaying data imprinting information on a display panel of a camera body for the purpose of deleting the display panel. In this camera, a group of exposed terminals is provided on the side of the back cover that can be opened and closed, and a contact group (or an electrode or a terminal) that contacts the group of terminals is provided on the camera body side. With the back cover closed, the terminal group and the contact group come into contact and are electrically connected, and exchange information by serial communication. Also,
When the back cover is opened, the terminal group and the contact group are separated from each other.

[0006] Similarly, in order to connect an electric circuit on the camera side and a data imprinting module provided on the back cover, wiring formed by gold plating on a flexible substrate is arranged as a metal terminal. There is a configuration in which the wiring and the metal terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected when the lid is closed.

These are examples in which terminals (wirings) and terminals are electrically connected by contact to perform communication, but other examples of optical communication include, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In Japanese Patent No. 159871, an optical connector is used.
A configuration is described in which optical communication is performed between a strobe shoe and a speedlight of a camera body. According to this configuration, by providing an EC film that becomes transparent when a voltage is applied to the distal end of the connector, it is possible to prevent disturbance light from entering when the connector is in an open state (a state in which the cover is not connected and not connected). This prevents malfunctions.

[0008]

However, with respect to the above-described configuration in which the terminals (wirings) and the terminals are electrically connected to each other, when the back cover is opened to load the film,
If the metal terminals are exposed, they may be vulnerable to disturbances, or the static electricity accumulated on the human body may fly and break the electric circuit.

[0009] Further, in a configuration in which optical communication is performed, a dedicated optical communication device is required, which is expensive.

Therefore, the present invention performs communication between the back cover and the electric circuit on the camera side by using the photo reflector for perforation detection, so that the terminal is not exposed when the back cover is opened.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera which can prevent malfunction due to disturbance and perform information communication safely at low cost.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a perforation detecting means provided on a camera body side having a first microcomputer for optically detecting a film feeding state; An optical sensor that is located on the opposite side of the film with the perforation detection means and communicates with the camera body side,
An auxiliary unit for performing an auxiliary operation at the time of photographing according to the output of the optical sensor; and the first and second microcomputers perform film feeding. At the timing when it is not
A camera that performs an optical communication operation using the perforation detection unit and the optical sensor is provided.

The auxiliary unit is capable of storing shooting information such as a date on a film, and the contents of communication performed between the first and second microcomputers include film sensitivity information and recording information. Communication including at least one of the start timing information and performed between the first and second microcomputers is performed via a perforation position of the film.

[0013] The camera having the above-described structure has a configuration in which the optical sensor is arranged on the back cover side so as to face the perforation detecting means composed of an optical sensor with the film interposed therebetween, so that the first micro-unit with the back cover closed is provided. The computer and the second microcomputer communicate with each other about the photographing information via the perforation detecting means and the optical sensor.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows and describes the appearance of a camera according to the present invention. 1A is a side view of the camera, FIG. 1B is a top view thereof, and FIG. 1C is a front view thereof.

This camera has a system capable of arbitrarily setting various photographing modes in a single-lens reflex system.

In this configuration, the flash unit 1 is usually provided with a flash unit 15 (see FIG. 2) stored in the top of the main body, and is used by popping up as necessary.
The display unit 2 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel 13 (see FIG. 2), and displays and outputs information about the camera. In particular, the display unit 2 has a layout similar to that of a mode setting image select button 3 to be described later. Is visualized with the image of the shooting mode.

The image select button 3 is operated by an F
KSW46, PRSW47, SASW48, YKSW4
9 and a group of switches for mode setting consisting of FASW50. These are assigned to each of the photographing modes, and five kinds of photographing modes as a first mode with one touch, for example, “landscape mode”, “portrait mode”, “stop action mode”, “night scene mode”
Alternatively, one can be selected from “full auto mode”. Each of the SWs 46 to 50 is switched from a first mode to a second mode described later in response to the pressing operation (see FIG. 3).

The release button 4 is a two-stage push-down switch, and the first release switch 1RSW4 of the first stage.
0 and a second release switch 2RSW41 of the second stage. The viewfinder 5 observes the image from the photographing lens 6 by a single-lens reflex method,
The photographing information can also be displayed and confirmed within the field of view of the viewfinder.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration according to a first embodiment of the camera of the present invention.

In this configuration, the main CPU 10
A predetermined control program recorded in the internal ROM is sequentially executed to appropriately control various peripheral ICs and the like.
This camera system is comprehensively controlled.

The main CPU 10 is connected to an AFIC 11 which is an IC for auto focus (AF) and an EEPROM 12 which is a nonvolatile storage element. This camera employs, for example, a "TTL phase difference detection method" as an autofocus method, but is not limited to this.

The main CPU 10 is connected to a liquid crystal display panel 13, a date module 14, a strobe unit 15, and an interface IC (IFIC) 16, and various switches 40, which will be described in detail later.
-52, 55-63, and a piezoelectric buzzer (PCV) that emits a sound at the time of autofocus and switch operation
65 are connected.

A series of operations of the camera thus configured will be described.

In this camera, first, the AFIC 11
Is a reset signal (AFCEN) from the main CPU 10.
Sig1 is sent and reset. Next, when the subject image is formed on the photo sensor array arranged on the upper surface of the AFIC 11 through the photographing lens 6, processing such as light intensity integration and quantization is performed inside the AFIC 11, and the focus shift amount is obtained as distance measurement information. Is calculated. Then, a signal (AFE) indicating that the light quantity integration processing has been completed together with the completion of the light quantity integration.
ND) Sig2 is sent to the main CPU 10.

The distance measurement information includes the AFIC 11 and the main C
Signal indicating that communication between PUs 10 is performed (AFCEN)
Sig3, data signal (DATA) Sig4, and synchronization clock signal (CLK) Sig5 cause main CPU 1
Transferred to 0.

However, if there is "variation" in the characteristics of each element of the photosensor array, accurate distance measurement information cannot be obtained as it is. Therefore, the EEPROM 12
The main CPU 10 performs a correction calculation of the distance measurement information obtained from the AFIC 11 in advance by storing predetermined variation information of the photo sensor array in a referable manner.

In the EEPROM 12, other adjustment values such as mechanical variations and variations in electrical characteristics of various elements are stored in advance.

These adjustment values may be adjusted by EEPRO
Signal (EPCEN) Sig7 to make M12 communicable
In addition, the data can be read by the data signal (DATA) Sig8 and the synchronous clock signal (CLK) Sig9.

The main CPU 10 and the AFIC
Data transfer between the EEPROM 11 and the EEPROM 12 is as follows.
Performed by serial communication.

The IFIC 16 is activated by an IFIC activation signal (IFCENb) Sig 11 from the main CPU 10. Then, the main CPU 10 and the latch signal (L
ATCH) Sig12 and 4-bit bus line signal (D0
b to D3b) Sig13 to Sig16 and D / Ab signal Sig1
7 is used to perform parallel communication, measure the brightness of the subject, measure the temperature in the camera, shape the waveform of the output signal of the photo interrupter, etc., control the constant voltage drive of the motor, and perform various operations such as a temperature stable voltage and a temperature proportional voltage. Generation of constant voltage,
The remaining charge of the battery, reception of an infrared remote controller, control of a motor driver, control of various LEDs, monitoring of a low power supply voltage, control of a booster circuit, and the like are performed.

The notice of flash emission, focusing, and brightness warning are notified to the photographer using the LED 20 in the viewfinder. The measurement of the subject brightness is performed using a photometric sensor 21 composed of a two-part silicon light emitting diode (SPD).

The light receiving surface of the photometric sensor 21 is divided into two parts, a central part of the screen and a peripheral part thereof, and a spot light meter that performs light metering only at a part of the center of the screen and a multimeter that performs light metering using the entire screen. Photometry and two types of photometry can be selectively performed.

Further, when the camera body is operated by the self-timer, the photographer who is away is notified by using the self-use LED 27. The liquid crystal display panel 13 is provided with a segment signal (SEG) Sig sent from the main CPU 10.
34 and the common signal (COM) Sig 35, the number of film frames, the shooting mode, the strobe mode, the aperture value, the remaining battery level, and the like are displayed.

In order to control the stop position of the film feeding and the like, a photoreflector WPR23 for detecting the perforation of the film and a photoreflector SPR14 for communication are arranged on the side of the back cover which faces the film 87 therebetween. This SPR 14 includes a date sub CPU 8
3 and controlled. The CPU 83 includes an imprinting unit 82 for imprinting information such as a date on a film, a clock oscillator 83 used for timing communication, a power supply 84 for driving these parts, and a date mode setting switch. The DMODSW 85 and the date set switch DSETSW86 are connected.

FIG. 3 shows the image select button 3 described above.
The enlarged view of FIG.

The image select button 3 includes a button which is equally divided into four parts around the periphery, up, down, left and right, and a center button. Of these, the top is a landscape mode button (FKSW) 46, the right is a portray mode button (PRSW) 47, the bottom is a stop action mode button (SASW) 48, the left is a night view mode button (YKSW) 49, and the center is full. Auto button (FA
SW) 50. These select button groups are used to select a plurality of mounted photographing modes, and the photographer selects a desired mode by pressing a button of a desired mode in accordance with photographing conditions.

Next, FIG. 4 shows the display contents of the liquid crystal display panel 13.

The illustrated state is a temporary output state in which the display on the display panel is turned on for the sake of explanation.

The display unit 70 displays (1 to 99) the number of photographed frames of the film. The display unit 71 shows the remaining battery level,
When the strobe for displaying the strobe mode is in the off mode, nothing is displayed on the display section 72. The display unit 73
Lights up in the self / remote control mode, and the display unit 74 lights up in the spot metering mode. The display unit 7
5, five types of "shooting modes" are visualized and displayed as images, and a segment corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the image select button 3 in FIG.

The display unit 76 displays the film feeding mode. In the one-frame feeding mode, one mouth is turned on. In the quick shooting mode, the display unit 76 is fully turned on to indicate the quick shooting. Display 77
Indicates that the numerical value displayed on the display unit 78 is the shutter speed (SS).
Or aperture value (F. No.), which are displayed in the long-time exposure mode and the aperture priority mode, respectively.
For the shutter speed display, 4 ", 8", 16 ", 3"
2 ”is displayed, and 5 is displayed in the case of aperture value display.
Numerical display of 6, 8, 11, 16, and 22 is performed.

The strobe unit 15 functions as an auxiliary light at the time of photographing or AF ranging, and outputs a strobe charging signal (ST) of the IFIC 16 output from the main CPU 10.
CHG) Sig 36, strobe light emission start signal (STON) S
ig37 and a signal for controlling the trigger circuit (STRG) Si
It is controlled by each signal of g38. Further, the charging voltage of the strobe is sent to the main CPU 10 as a VST signal Sig39.

In the switches 40 to 52, the key signal 0
-5 (KEYO0-KEY5) Sig40-Sig45 and key common 0-2 (KEYCOM0-2) Sig46-Sig4
8 is detected. With these signals, the switch 4
Which of 0 to 52 is on is known.

The above KEYO0 to KEY5 are normally pulled up inside the main CPU 10, so that their signal levels are in the "H" state. Here, for example, KEY
It is assumed that COMSig 46 is “1”, KEYCOMSig 47 is “H”, and KEYC0MSig 48 is “H”. At this point, if 1RSW 40 is turned on, KEY0
Sig 40 changes from “H” to “L”. Therefore, KE
The signal levels of YC0M0-2Sig46-48 and KEY
If the signal levels of 0 to 5 Sigs 40 to 45 are reduced, it is clear that any of the switches 40 to 52 are on.

Note that KEYCOM0 to 2Sig46 to 48
Cannot make two or more “L” at the same time.

When the 1RSW 40 is turned on, a distance measurement operation is performed, and when the 2RSW 41 is turned on, exposure based on various measured values is performed. In addition, a zoom up switch (Z
USW) 42 and zoom down switch (ZDSW) 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes a switch for performing a zoom operation of the lens frame. When ZUSW42 is turned on, ZDSW
When 43 is turned on, zooming is performed in the short focus direction.
When the self-switch (SELFSW) 44 is turned on, the self-timer shooting mode or the remote control standby state is set. In this state, if the 2RSW 41 is turned on, self-timer shooting is performed, and if a shooting instruction operation is performed by a remote control transmitter (not shown), shooting by the remote control is performed.

When the SPOTSW 45 is turned on, it enters a spot metering mode in which the metering sensor 21 performs photometry only at a part of the center of the photographing screen. Note that normal photometry with the SPOTSW 45 turned off is a center-weighted average photometry mode performed using the entire shooting screen.

The switches 46 to 50 are switches for switching to the "program shooting mode" as described with reference to FIG. 3, and allow the photographer to select a desired shooting mode in accordance with shooting conditions. It is turned on / off when performing.

When the SASW 48 is turned on, it enters the "stop action mode" and the shutter speed is set to be as fast as possible. At this time, the red-eye prevention mode of the strobe mode cannot be used in consideration of the long release time lag. When the SASW 48 is turned on again from the state of the stop action mode, the feed mode is switched from the default value of "single frame feed mode" to "quick shooting mode".

When the SASW 48 is turned on again in the state of the stop action mode, the single frame feed mode and the quick shooting mode are alternately switched. Note that A
The F mode is a servo AF in which the focusing operation is repeated according to the movement of the subject.

When the YKSW 49 is turned on, the "night scene mode" is set, and the limit value on the long sand side of the shutter speed during normal photographing is set longer, for example, from 1 second to 2 seconds.
When the YKSW 48 is turned on again from the state of the night view mode, the “exposure mode during long sand” is set.
It changes to 4 seconds, 8 seconds, 16 seconds, and 32 seconds, and returns to the “night view mode” when it exceeds a predetermined maximum time.

A strobe switch (STSW) 51 is a switch for switching the light emission mode of the strobe.
When the SW 51 is operated, the normal automatic light emission mode (AUTO) and the red-eye reduction automatic light emission mode (AUTO-
S), the forced light emission mode (FILL-IN), and the strobe off mode are switched.

Pop-up switch (PUPSW) 61
Is a switch for controlling the strobe. PUPSW6
Numeral 1 is linked to the movement of the strobe light-emitting unit, and is turned on when the light-emitting unit is raised to perform strobe charging.

If the PUPSW 61 is turned on when the subject has low luminance and the strobe mode is "Auto", strobe light emission is permitted.

The switch 63 is a switch (XSW63) for setting the timing of strobe light emission. This X
The SW 63 is turned on when the front curtain of the shutter runs and ends, and turned off when the shutter charge is completed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing in detail an example of the configuration of a communication system for communicating date information and the like using the WPR 23 shown in FIG.

In this communication system, the main CPU
And W for detecting the perforation of the film in order to control the film feed stop position and the like.
PR23 is attached to the camera body. The communication SPR 14 controlled by the sub CPU 83
Is attached to the back cover side with the film 87 interposed therebetween and facing the WPR 23. These WPR23 and SPR
There is no electrical connection between the main CPU 10 and
The exchange of signals between the sub-CPU 83 and the sub-CPU 83 is performed optically on the way through the photoreflector.

The WPR 23 is a light emitting diode (LED)
91, a phototransistor 92, and a voltage detection resistor 93
Similarly, the SPR 14 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 94, a phototransistor 95, a voltage detection resistor 96, and a voltage step-down resistor 97.

FIG. 6 shows a WP attached to the camera body.
The example of arrangement of R23 and SPR14 attached to the back cover side is shown.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the back cover 101 of the camera is opened, and a cartridge chamber 103 for loading a film cartridge is provided in the camera body 102 side.
, A shutter mechanism 104 and a spool chamber 105 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the WPR 23 is
Is located on the lower left of
The finder 107 is arranged.

At the center on the back cover 101 side, there is provided a pressure plate 109 for pressing a film (not shown) against the surface of the rail 108 on the camera side. Is provided, and an imprinting unit 82 is arranged behind it. When the back cover 101 is closed, the WPR
The SPR 14 is arranged at a position corresponding to the SPR 23.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views schematically showing a state in which the WPR 23 and the SPR 14 face each other with the film 87 interposed therebetween when the camera back cover is closed, from oblique and upward directions. .

When the back cover is closed, the film 87 is sandwiched between the pressure plate 109 and the rail 108. The SPR 14 communicates optically from the notch 112 of the pressure plate 109 through the perforation 111 of the film 87 so that it can communicate optically.
Confronts 23. The WPR 23 is arranged at a position avoiding the rail 108.

Referring to FIG. 8, WPR23 and SPR14
The state of communication with will be described.

FIG. 8A shows a state where a film surface (a film portion between perforations) exists between the WPR 23 and the SPR 14.
In this state, the signal light emitted from the light emitting diode 91 is reflected on the film surface and is incident on the phototransistor 92 of the WPR 23, and therefore cannot be incident on the phototransistor 95 of the SPR14. Therefore, communication between the WPR 23 and the SPR 14 cannot be performed. The same applies to the SPR 14 side.

However, as shown in FIG. 8B, the perforations 111 of the film
4, the signal light emitted from the light emitting diode 91 passes through the perforation 111 and enters the phototransistor 95 of the SPR 14, so that communication is possible. Conversely, even the signal light emitted from the light emitting diode 94 of the SPR 14 can pass through the perforation 111 and enter the phototransistor 92 of the WPR 23, thereby enabling communication.

Accordingly, communication between the WPR 23 and the SPR 14 is enabled when the signal light is at a position where the signal light can pass through the perforation 111 of the film.

Next, the timing chart shown in FIG.
0 and the WPR 23 and the SPR 14
A description will be given of the mutual communication with.

Normally, information such as date is written in the corner of the film frame by the imprinting unit when one frame is wound up after the photographing is completed. Communication is performed immediately before the film feeding at this time, and the process shifts to film feeding.

First, after the photographing is completed, the main CPU 10
The light emitting diode 9 of the WPR 23 stores the film sensitivity information read from the loaded film cartridge and the imprint density information stored in advance in a memory such as an EEPROM.
From 1 through signal perforation as signal light A, S
The light enters the phototransistor 95 of PR14. The signal light A is input to the sub CPU 81 after being converted into an electric signal.

The imprinting information includes data for correcting the characteristic variation of the LED of the imprinting unit generated for each camera at the time of shipment from the factory, and adjusts the imprinting density according to the film sensitivity. .

The sub CPU 81 sets the amount of light and the irradiation time at the time of imprinting in the imprinting unit 82 based on the received film sensitivity information and imprinting density information, and sets the imprinting mode (year). After confirming date information such as month, day, month, year, ..., etc.
The information on the printing mode is stored in PR23 in SPR1.
4 as a signal light by the light emitting diode 94 into the phototransistor 92 of the WPR 23,
Send to 0.

The main CPU 10 having received the information on the imprint mode returns, and outputs an imprint start signal to W.
The PR is transmitted from the PR 23 to the SPR 14, and the motor of the film feeding mechanism is driven to perform one-frame winding.
On the way, date information such as date is imprinted on the film by the imprinting unit 82.

The stop position of the film after being wound is controlled by controlling the speed of the feed based on the perforation count obtained from the WPR 23. When the film is stopped, the signal light is transmitted between the WPR 23 and the SPR 14 by the signal light. The film is stopped so that the film can pass through the perforation 111.

After the film winding of one frame is completed,
The main CPU 10 transmits an instruction to the sub CPU 81 to shift the communication system to the low current consumption mode. In this low current consumption mode, only the phototransistors 92 and 95 are activated, and the other components are set to the sleep state. Here, the low current consumption mode is
This shows a state of waiting at a low speed by a slow clock signal.

It should be noted that the start bit described later is WPR23.
Is transmitted to the SPR 14 from the sleep state in the low current consumption mode to a normal processing state and communication becomes possible.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration in the above-mentioned communication.

The communication mode of the present embodiment is as follows.
, A start bit (2 bits), followed by a command bit (7 bits + 1 bit) and a data bit (8 bits)
bit) followed by an end bit consisting of 11. Of course, the command bit and data bit are 8b
It is not limited to it, but may be 8, 16, 32,. P in this command bit indicates parity, and when each bit of 7 bits in 8 bits is added, 8 bits
It adjusts all of the it to sound even.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a signal waveform (signal light) of “0” and “1” in the communication of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 12A, the L level of the signal:
When the ratio to the H level is 2: 1, "0" is indicated. Also, in FIG. 12B, the L level of the signal: H
When the ratio with the level is 1: 2, "1" is shown.

Next, FIG. 13 shows the specific contents of the command bit and the data bit for the code and will be described.

The command of code 10 indicates film sensitivity transmission, and is composed of film sensitivity information read from the loaded film cartridge. The command of code 12 indicates transmission of the imprint density. As described above, the imprint density is created based on data stored in the EEPROM of the camera body at the time of manufacturing.

The code 14 indicates the start of imprinting, the code 16 indicates the transition to the low current consumption mode, and the data bits are 00 respectively.

Code 18 indicates a RAM data write request, and the address (16b
It) and data (8 bits). Code 1A
Indicates a RAM data read request, and indicates that the sub CPU 81
Of the RAM and the return value of the data. The codes 20, 21, 22 cause the ports of the main CPU 10 to function as input ports, and
And the data bits are 00
And the return value of the data. Code 30, 31, 32
Is data indicating the status writing of the ports 0, 1, and 2 by causing the port of the main CPU 10 to function as an output port.

The code 40 indicates the currently set imprint mode reading, and is a return value of 00 and data. Code 41 represents year data reading, and 00
And year data return values. Similarly, code 42,
Reference numerals 43, 44, and 45 represent data reading of month, day, hour, and minute, respectively. Note that the return value described above means data that responds to the transmitted data. For example, in response to a request from the main CPU to the sub CPU 81, the return value is transmitted from the sub CPU 81 to the main CPU 10. Shows the data.

Next, referring to a series of flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, the main CPU 1 on the camera body side will be described.
The processing operation at 0 will be described.

First, power is supplied by loading a battery or the like, and the main CPU 10 is initialized (step S1). At this time, RAM and port are initialized, and E
Necessary data is read from the EPROM 12 and set.

Next, it is determined whether or not the power switch provided on the camera has been operated (step S2). If the power switch has been operated (YES), it is determined whether or not the power switch (PWSW55) has been turned on (step S2). Step S3). In this determination, if the power switch is turned on (from OFF to ON) (YES), the photographing lens is extended from the retracted position to the photographable position (step S4). On the other hand, when the PWSW 55 is not turned on (from ON to OFF) (NO),
The photographing lens is collapsed to a collapsed state (step S
5) However, if the PWSW 55 has not been operated in step S2 (NO), or if the taking out of the taking lens has been completed or the retracting has been completed, it is determined whether or not the rewind SW has been operated. A determination is made (step S6).

If it is determined that the rewind SW is turned on (YES), the film is rewound (step S7). However, if the rewind switch has not been operated (NO), or if rewind has been completed, the open / close state of the back cover 101 is determined based on whether or not the back cover SW (BKSW 57) has been operated (step S8). Is operated (YES), it is determined whether or not the back cover SW is turned on (step S9).

If the BKSW 57 is not ON (from ON to OFF) in this determination (NO), the back cover 1
01 is determined to be closed, and at that time, the film is pulled out from the loaded film cartridge and the idle feeding for winding the film around the spool is performed (step S1).
0), the completion of the film loading is recognized based on the success of the idle feeding (step S11). However, if the BKSW 57 is turned on (from OFF to ON) in step S9 (YES), it is recognized that the closed back cover 101 has been opened (step S12).

Then, in step S8, the BKSW 57
Has not been operated (NO), that is, if the back cover 101 has not been opened or closed, and if the recognition in steps S11 and S12 has been completed, it is determined whether or not the power is on (step S13). If the PWSW 55 is not ON (NO), the process returns to the step S2. However, PWS
If W55 is ON (YES), information is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 13 of the camera body (step S1).
4) For example, the state of the zoom SW, the photographing mode selection button 3 and the like are detected and the processing is performed (step S15), and it is determined whether the release button is pressed and the 1RSW 40 is turned on (step S16).

If it is determined that the 1RSW 40 is not ON (NO), the process returns to step S2. However, 1
If the RSW 40 is turned on (YES), photometry is performed (step S17), the film sensitivity written on the film cartridge is detected (step S18), and exposure calculation for determining the shutter speed and the like is performed (step S1).
9).

Thereafter, the AF sensor is integrated, and the amount of defocus is calculated to obtain a lens drive amount for focusing (steps S20 to S22). The focusing lens is driven based on the obtained lens driving amount (step S23). After the driving is completed, it is determined whether or not the focusing by the focusing lens is within a predetermined range (step S24). If it is outside the range (NO), the process returns to step S17, and
Start again from metering. However, if it is within the range (YE
S), a symbol or the like indicating that focus has been achieved is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 13 or in the viewfinder (step S25).

Then, it is determined whether or not the 1RSW 40 is ON (step S26). If it is OFF (NO), the process returns to step S2. However, if it is ON (YES), it is detected whether or not the 2RSW 41 has been turned ON (step S27). If it has not been turned ON (NO), the process returns to step S26 and waits.
If it is done (YES), it is determined whether or not film loading is completed (step S28). If the loading of the film is completed in this determination (YES), it is detected whether the perforation of the film is at a position where communication is possible. First, the light emitting diode (LED) 9 of the WPR 23
1 to emit light, and the WPR23 phototransistor (T
(R) 92 to detect the signal light (step S2)
9). It is determined whether the output of the phototransistor 92 is at H level (step S30).
O), it is determined that communication is possible, and the WPR 23
The light emission of the light emitting diode (LED) 91 is turned off (step S31).

Then, the main CPU 10 and the sub CPU 8
Communication with the device 1 is performed (step S32), the communication OK flag is set to 1 indicating communication completion (step S33), and exposure is performed (step S34). If film loading has not been completed in step S28 (NO), the process proceeds to step S34 to perform exposure.

In step S30, when the output of the phototransistor 92 is at the H level (YE
S), it is determined that the film is at the position where the signal light is blocked and communication is not possible, and the light emitting diode (LED) 91 of the WPR 23 is turned off (step S).
35). Thereafter, the communication OK flag is set to 0 indicating that communication was not performed, and the process proceeds to step S34 to perform exposure.

Next, it is determined whether or not film loading has been completed before winding up (step S37). If film loading has not been completed (NO), the flow returns to step S2. However, if the communication has been completed (YES), it is determined whether or not the communication OK flag is set to 1 (step S38). If the flag is 0 (NO), it is determined that communication has not been performed before exposure. When it is determined, the film is slightly wound up and moved so that a perforation (hole) comes between the light emitting diode (LED) 91 of the WPR 23 and the phototransistor 95 of the SPR 14 (step S39), and the main CPU 1
0 and the sub CPU 81 (step S4).
0).

Then, after communication for starting the imprinting is performed (step S41), date information and the like are imprinted while the film is being wound up by one frame (step S42), and after the winding is completed, the mode shifts to the low current consumption mode. Then (step S43), the process returns to step S2. The same routine is repeated again to perform the next exposure.

Next, the processing operation of the date sub-CPU 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the sub CPU 81 is supplied with power.
Is initialized (step S51). At the time of the initialization process, the interrupted signal level changes from the L level to the H level, thereby starting up from the low current consumption mode and shifting to the normal processing mode (step S52).

As a signal to be input as an interrupt, SPR1
4; an output by the phototransistor 95; an interrupt by one second for performing calendar processing; and an input by key input.

Then, it is determined whether or not the interrupted signal is due to the output of the phototransistor 95 of the SPR 14 (step S53). If it is the output of the phototransistor 95 (YES), it is determined whether or not the interrupt signal is a communication signal. Is determined (step S54). This determination is to determine whether or not the signal is a communication signal by detecting the above-described start bit. If the signal interrupted in this determination is a communication signal (YES), communication processing is performed (step S55). . However, if it is not a communication signal (N
O), perforation processing and imprinting are performed (step S56). In the perforation process, if information on imprinting is not communicated before the perforation is detected, data based on the communication signal performed last time is used again, or imprinting is performed based on a default value.

Next, the counting of the timer is started (step S57), and it is determined whether or not the signal level of the interrupt input has been maintained at the H level for a predetermined time or more (step S58). If the signal level is maintained at the H level and does not become the L level (YES), it is considered that the back cover is open, and the process returns to step S52. However, if the signal level becomes L level within a predetermined time (NO), if the output is not the output of the phototransistor 95 in step S53 (NO), or if the communication process is completed, the interrupted signal is output. Is interrupted every second or not (step S
59) If it is interrupted every second (YES), a clock process for measuring the time is determined, and a calendar process for updating the date is performed (step S60). However, if the interrupted signal is not every 1 second (NO), it is determined whether or not the interrupt signal is a key input interrupt signal (step S61).

If it is determined in this determination that the interrupt signal is generated by a key input (YES), a process based on the key input instruction is performed (step S62), and the above-described step S52 is performed.
Return to However, if it is not an interrupt signal due to a key input (NO), the process returns to step S52 as it is.

In the above description of the present embodiment, when film feeding such as film winding is stopped, WP
It is assumed that a film perforation (hole portion) is located between R23 and SPR14 so that communication is possible. However, as shown in FIG.
In a state where communication was not possible due to the presence of the film surface with R14, data based on the previous communication signal was used again, or imprinting was performed based on the default value.

As another method, as shown in FIG. 18, when the film is fed after starting one-frame winding, when the first perforation is detected, the hole portions are formed by WPR23 and SPR14. The communication can be performed while passing through the space.

For example, when communication is not possible due to the presence of the film surface, the light emitting diode 91 of the WPR 23 is used.
Causes the phototransistor 92 of the WPR 23 to emit light.
Outputs an H level signal, but with the film feeding,
When perforation is applied, the signal changes to an L level signal. Since communication becomes possible from this point, the light emitting diode 91 sends a communication signal to the photodiode 95 of the SPR 14. This communication signal needs to end communication in a time sufficiently shorter than the time required for passing through the perforation.

FIG. 19 shows a modified example of the configuration of the WPR 23 and the SPR 14.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the WPR 23 and the SP
Each of the R14s has a light emitting diode and a phototransistor, and can communicate with each other. In this modification, the SPR 14a has only the phototransistor 95.

According to this configuration, the sub CPU 81 only receives an instruction from the main CPU 10. However, when the camera is equipped with a communication system which may have such a configuration, the cost can be reduced, and Useful effects can also be obtained in terms of mounting space.

As a modification, in the configuration of FIG.
Although a phototransistor is used as the light receiving element of the PR 14, it can be configured by replacing this with a photodiode 97 such as the SPR 14b shown in FIG.

Next, a second embodiment of the camera of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 21 shows the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. The other components are the same as those shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the main C having a clock function is used.
A liquid crystal (LE) for displaying clock information and photographing information by a clock function on the sub CPU 81 is provided with the PU 10a.
D) An operation unit 99 provided with a display panel 98 and further provided with key switches and the like for performing a shooting operation and setting various modes.
Is provided.

The main CPU 10a operates the WPR 23 at predetermined time intervals, that is, periodically, based on the clock function.
And the SPR 14 to communicate with the liquid crystal display panel 9
The sub CPU 81 can set information to be displayed on the sub CPU 81 or send key input information obtained by processing the key input by the operation unit 99 to the main CPU 10a for processing.

According to each of the embodiments described above, an optical sensor similar to the photoreflector is disposed on the back cover side such that the photoreflector PR for perforation detection is used and the film is opposed to the photoreflector PR. With the configuration, information such as film sensitivity and imprinting information is communicated by optical communication with the back cover closed, and exposed metal terminals that do electrical communication and flexible boards with wiring are not used. There is no damage or life due to the opening and closing of the back cover, and it is possible to prevent damage to an external disturbance and breakage of an electric circuit due to static electricity accumulated in a human body.

Although the cost is high due to the conventional dedicated optical communication device, the communication system of the present invention realizes cost reduction by using the existing optical sensor.

Although the above embodiments have been described, the present invention includes the following inventions.

(1) In a camera using a film with a perforation, in order to detect the movement of the film, the perforation detecting means for optically detecting the perforation of the film and the perforation detecting means via the film are opposed to each other. An optical sensor provided at a position, a first microcomputer for controlling a shooting operation of the camera, and a second microcomputer for controlling an auxiliary operation of the camera, wherein the first microcomputer has the The perforation detection means is connected, the optical sensor is connected to the second microcomputer, and the first microcomputer and the second microcomputer are connected to the imaging information via the perforation detection means and the optical sensor. Mutual Camera, characterized in that to perform the signal.

(2) The camera according to item (1), wherein the auxiliary operation of the camera includes an operation of recording photographing information on the film.

(3) The camera according to the above mode (1), wherein the perforation detecting means includes a reflection type photo interrupter.

(4) The camera according to item (1), wherein the optical sensor includes a reflection type photo interrupter.

(5) The camera according to (1), wherein the optical sensor includes a phototransistor.

(6) The camera according to (1), wherein the optical sensor includes a photodiode.

(7) The photographing information communicated between the first and second microcomputers includes film sensitivity information,
The camera according to (1), wherein the camera includes at least one of data imprint density information and recording start timing information.

(8) The camera according to (1), wherein the communication operation performed between the first and second microcomputers is completed before the film is fed.

(9) The camera according to item (1), wherein the first microcomputer is provided on a camera body side, and the second microcomputer is provided on a back cover side.

(10) The camera according to item (1), wherein the perforation detecting means is provided on a film rail surface, and the optical sensor is provided on a film pressure plate surface.

(11) During the feeding of the film, one of the light emitting elements of the perforation detecting means and the optical sensor emits light.
Camera according to item.

[0130]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the back cover and the electric circuit on the camera side communicate with each other by using the photo reflector for perforation detection, and the terminal is exposed when the back cover is opened. In addition, it is possible to provide a camera that can safely perform information communication at low cost by preventing malfunction due to disturbance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration according to a first embodiment of the camera of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an enlarged configuration of an image select button shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing display contents of the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system using the WPR illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement in which the communication system shown in FIG. 5 is mounted on a camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the communication system when a camera back cover is closed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a communication state in the communication system.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a communication state.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of contents in communication.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication signal.

FIG. 12 shows “0” and “0” in the communication according to the first embodiment.
It is a figure showing the example of the signal waveform of 1 ".

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents of command bits and data bits for a code.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a main CPU according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a main CPU following the routine of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a main CPU following the routine of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a sub CPU for date according to the first embodiment;
5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining an example in which the communication timing of the first embodiment is modified.

FIG. 19 is a modification of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

20 is a modification of the communication system shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Flash part 2 ... Display part 3 ... Image select button 4 ... Release button 5 ... Finder 6 ... Shooting lens 10 ... Main CPU 13 ... Liquid crystal display panel 14 ... Photo reflector (SPR) 15 ... Strobe unit 23 ... Photo reflector (WPR) 81: Date sub CPU 82: Imprinting unit 83: Clock oscillator 84: Driving power supply 85: Date mode setting switch (DMODSW) 86: Date set switch (DSETSW) 87: Film

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A perforation detecting means provided on a camera body side having a first microcomputer for optically detecting a film feeding state, the perforation detecting means being located on the opposite side of the film, An optical sensor that communicates with the camera body side; and an auxiliary unit that has a second microcomputer and performs an auxiliary operation during photographing according to an output of the optical sensor. A camera, wherein the first and second microcomputers perform an optical communication operation using the perforation detecting means and the optical sensor at a timing when film feeding is not performed. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary unit is capable of storing shooting information such as a date on a film.
2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the content of the communication performed between the second microcomputer includes at least one of film sensitivity information and recording start timing information. 3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein communication performed between the first and second microcomputers is performed via a perforation position of a film.