JP2002072331A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate trouble that it is difficult to apply an exclusive display device for performing focus aid display by putting a mark for performing focusing display in finder field on a prism to a camera which is capable of selecting an area where focus detection operation is performed from plural focus detection areas in the case of providing the display device. SOLUTION: This camera is provided with a display unit which is capable of superimposing and displaying the selected focus detection area out of plural focus detection areas in the finder field. At the time of focusing a photographing optical system, display parts 2224a and 2224b corresponding to the selected focus detection area in the display unit are set in a display state so as to superimpose and display the selected focus detection area, and display parts 2208b and 2211a corresponding to the focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area in the display unit are set in the display state so as to superimpose and display the focusing state of a photographing optical system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for superimposing and displaying a focus detection area and a focus aid index in a finder visual field.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a single-lens reflex camera or the like, a focus adjustment state (focusing / non-focusing) of a photographing lens is determined based on a defocus amount corresponding to a shift amount between an image forming position of a subject image by the photographing lens and a predetermined image forming plane. State), and the viewfinder displays this focus adjustment state as a focus aid display.

When a photographer manually performs a focusing operation (focus adjustment operation), he or she looks at the focus aid display and checks whether the photographing lens is focused on a subject in a predetermined or selected focus detection area. It is possible to judge whether or not to perform the necessary focusing operation easily.

By the way, as a method of such a focus aid display, for example, a method of turning on a focus mark provided outside a finder field of view (observation range of a subject in the finder) when the taking lens is focused, There is a method of providing a mark indicating the in-focus state and the out-of-focus state (so-called rear focus or front focus) of the photographing lens outside the viewfinder field, and displaying the focus detection result on the mark.

[0005] The photographer adjusts the focus by turning the distance operation ring (focus ring) of the photographing lens by hand while looking at the mark.

However, in these conventional methods, whether the object is in focus and the direction of defocus are close to the short distance (front focus).
Although it is clear whether it is on the far side or on the far side (rear focus), the degree of deviation is not known.

[0007] Furthermore, since the focus aid display is displayed outside the finder field of view, there is a problem that the photographer's eyes are separated from the essential subject during focus adjustment. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-301097 discloses a focus indicator provided substantially at the center of the finder field of view, and a focus aid that shifts the display outward from the center as the degree of out-of-focus increases when out of focus. A camera that performs a superimposed display for the camera has been proposed.

[0008]

However, in the camera proposed in the above publication, a mark for focusing display is engraved substantially at the center of the viewfinder field on a prism or the like, and a dedicated display for focusing aid display is provided. A vessel is provided. For this reason, for example, it is difficult to apply the present invention to a camera that can select an area for performing a focus detection operation from a plurality of focus detection areas that have recently become mainstream.

Further, in the camera proposed in the above publication, the focus detection area displayed in the finder field of view and the focus aid display overlap with each other, so that the finder may be difficult to see.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a display in which the focus adjustment states in a plurality of focus detection areas can be easily viewed without using a dedicated display for displaying a focus aid and without keeping an eye on the subject. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a camera.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a display unit capable of superimposing and displaying a focus detection area selected from a plurality of focus detection areas in a finder visual field. In the camera,
At the time of adjusting the focus of the photographing optical system, the display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area in the display unit is displayed as a display state, and the selected focus detection area is superimposed and displayed. The display unit corresponding to the focus detection area other than the focus detection area is set to the display state, and the focus adjustment state of the imaging optical system is superimposed and displayed.

In other words, the display unit that originally superimposes and displays the selected focus detection area is also used to superimpose and display the focus adjustment state for the focus aid, thereby effectively utilizing the display unit. At the same time, according to the display position of the selected focus detection area, the display position in the focus adjustment state can be set to a position for making the viewfinder easy to see.

Specifically, for example, when a plurality of focus detection areas and a plurality of display units corresponding to these focus detection areas in the display unit are arranged in a matrix, when the focus of the photographing optical system is adjusted, the display unit It is only necessary to superimpose and display the out-of-focus state and the in-focus state of the photographing lens by setting the display unit of the row or column not including the display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area in the display state.

The display unit corresponding to a focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area among display units of rows or columns including a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area in the display unit is displayed. May be displayed as a non-focus state, and the display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area may be displayed as a display state to superimpose the focus state.

In this case, in each display section of the display unit, a display form when the selected focus detection area is superimposed and a display form when the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system is superimposed ( It is desirable that the viewfinder can be easily viewed, for example, by making the shape, size, color, etc. different from each other.

In addition, a posture detecting means for detecting the posture of the camera is provided, and the position of a display unit for superimposing and displaying the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system in the display unit can be changed according to the detection result by the posture detecting means. By doing so, it is possible to set the display position of the focus adjustment state to a position where the focus adjustment state is easily understood regardless of the camera posture.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a single-lens reflex camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body;
Denotes a photographing lens mounted on the camera body. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the taking lens 2 is shown as if it is composed of two lenses, a focusing lens 3 and a variable power lens 4, but it is actually composed of a larger number of lenses.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a main mirror, which is obliquely provided in the photographing optical path during finder observation and reflects a part of the light beam incident from the photographing lens 2 to the finder system, and retracts outside the photographing optical path during photographing.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a sub-mirror, which reflects a light beam transmitted through the main mirror 5 toward the lower side of the camera body 1 during finder observation.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a shutter, and 8 denotes a photosensitive member for recording a photographed image, and is constituted by a silver halide film, a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD or a MOS type, or an image pickup tube such as a vidicon. In the following description, it is assumed that the photosensitive member 8 is a silver halide film.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a field lens 9a, reflection mirrors 9b, 9c, and 2 disposed near the imaging plane of the taking lens 2.
This is a phase difference type focus detection device including a next imaging lens 9e, an aperture 9d, and a line sensor 9f including a plurality of CCDs. This focus detection device detects a focus adjustment state in each of 35 focus detection areas in a finder visual field described later in the field of view.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a focusing plate arranged on a predetermined imaging plane of the photographing lens 2. Reference numeral 11 denotes a condenser lens for effectively guiding a light beam from the photographing lens 2 to the eyepiece 16.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a penta roof prism that bends the optical path of the light beam that has passed through the focus plate 10 and the condenser lens 11 and guides the light beam to the eyepiece system. Between the condenser lens 11 and the penta roof prism 12, a field mask for defining a finder field area is arranged.

Prisms 14 and 15 for changing the optical path of the light beam emitted from the penta roof prism 13 are bonded and fixed to the exit surface of the penta roof prism 13.

The surfaces 14a and 14b of the prism 14 are provided with a coating having a dichroic characteristic for transmitting visible light and reflecting infrared light, for example. Light is guided to the eyeball 17 of the photographer.

An eyepiece 16 is disposed behind the prism 15. A light flux of the subject image formed on the focus plate 10 reaches the eyeball 17 of the photographer through the eyepiece 16 and is moved by the photographer. An image is observed.

Reference numerals 18 and 19 denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of a subject in a finder visual field (photographing screen). The imaging lens 18 positions the focusing plate 10 and the photometric sensor 19 in a conjugate imaging relationship via the reflection optical path in the penta roof prism 13 and the prism 14.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a high-brightness LED that emits infrared light that can be visually recognized even in a bright subject. Reference numeral 21 denotes a condensing lens. The LED 20 and the eyeball (pupil) 17 of the photographer are formed in a conjugate imaging relationship. It functions as a condenser lens that efficiently allows light from the lens to enter the eyeball 17 of the observer.

Reference numeral 22 denotes an electrolytic effect type in which 35 focus detection areas to be described later are formed in the viewfinder field of view, and are patterned by a plurality of segments (display units) so that only the selected segment area can transmit light. Is a TN liquid crystal display unit (hereinafter, referred to as a superimposed LCD) using a twisted nematic mode.

The light beam emitted from the LED 20 passes through the condensing lens 21 and the transmission segment of the LCD 22 for superinvoke, and the first light projecting lens 23 and the mirror 2
4 and the second projection lens 25 and the prism 14
Incident on.

The light incident on the prism 14 is reflected on the dichroic surface 14a and reaches the dichroic surface 14b. Here, the subject image formed on the focus plate 10 and the pattern of the transmission segment overlap each other, reach the eyeball 17 of the observer through the prism 15 and the eyepiece 16, and are observed.

Reference numeral 27 denotes an LCD in the finder for displaying photographing information such as an aperture value and shutter time outside the finder field of view, and is composed of a TN liquid crystal display unit like the LCD 22 for the superimpose. The LCD 27 in the finder is illuminated by light from the LED 26 for illumination, and light transmitted through the LCD 27 is guided into the finder by the triangular prism 28, so that photographing information is displayed outside the finder field of view. Thus, the photographer can confirm the set photographing information.

Reference numeral 29 denotes an aperture provided in the taking lens 2, and reference numeral 30 denotes an aperture driving device including an aperture control circuit 108 described later. Reference numeral 31 denotes a lens driving motor.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a lens driving mechanism including a driving gear and the like. Reference numeral 33 denotes a photocoupler which detects the rotation of a pulse plate 34 linked to the lens driving mechanism 32 and
9 is transmitted with lens drive information.

The focus adjustment circuit 109 drives the lens drive motor 31 based on the lens drive information and the calculated lens drive amount information up to the focus position, and moves the focus lens 3 to the focus position. .

Reference numeral 35 denotes a mount contact serving as a communication interface between the camera and the photographing lens 2. Reference numeral 36 denotes a manual focus ring for driving the focusing lens 3 by manual operation. When the photographer himself adjusts the focus (focus), the user manually rotates the ring 36 to focus the focusing lens 3. It can be moved directly to the focus position.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an electric circuit built in the single-lens reflex camera. In this figure, the components described in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG.

The camera body 1 has a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 1 constituting a microcomputer.
The CPU 100 includes a photometry circuit 101, an automatic focus detection circuit 102, a signal input circuit 10
3. The LCD drive circuit 104, the LED drive circuit 105, the shutter control circuit 106, the motor control circuit 107, the aperture control circuit 108, and the focus adjustment circuit 109 are connected.

EEPROM 10 attached to CPU 100
0a has a storage function of storing various data.

The photometric circuit 101 amplifies the luminance signal output corresponding to the brightness of the field from the photometric sensor 19, logarithmically compresses and A / D converts the amplified signal, and outputs the luminance signal to the CPU 100 as field luminance information from each sensor. send.

The photometric sensor 19 is composed of 21 photodiodes SPC-A to SPC-U corresponding to each photometric area set so as to divide the finder visual field into 21 sections so as to cover each focus detection area. ing. The automatic focus detection circuit 102 A / D-converts a voltage obtained from a CCD line sensor unit 9f composed of 35 sets of line sensors CCD-1 to CCD-35 corresponding to 35 focus detection areas. send.

SW1 is a first button of a release button (not shown).
The switch is turned on by a stroke operation to start photometry, focus detection operation and the like of the camera, and the switch SW2 is turned on by a second stroke operation of a release button to start a release operation.

SW-ANG is a switch composed of a mercury switch or the like, which is turned on / off according to the camera attitude to detect the camera attitude.

SW-DIAL1 is a switch for selecting various information (for example, shutter speed, aperture value, etc.) necessary for photographing, and SW-DIAL2 is provided in an electronic dial (not shown). A switch used for setting a shooting mode. Also, SW-DIAL3,
SW-DIAL4 is a switch provided in a sub electronic dial (not shown) to supplement the operation of the electronic dial.

SW-M is a main switch for bringing the camera into an operating state. SW-AF / MF is a switch for selecting whether to perform focus adjustment, that is, to automatically or manually focus the photographing lens 2. In the present embodiment, SW-AF / MF is provided on the photographing lens 2. I have.

The SW-S is an automatic focus detection area selection mode for automatically selecting an area for performing a focus detection operation among the 35 focus detection areas, which is set by default in this camera. This is a switch for switching to a manual focus detection area selection mode for selecting an arbitrary focus detection area (manually), and is provided in a focus detection area selection button (not shown).

The signals from these switches are input to a signal input circuit 103, and are sent to a CPU 10 via a data bus.
Sent to 0.

Note that SW-DIAL1, SW-DIAL
2. Each signal from SW-DIAL3 and SW-DIAL4 is input to an up / down counter in the signal input circuit 103. Then, signals from these switches, that is, the amount of rotation click of the electronic dial are counted by an up-down counter, and the counted value is
Sent to 0.

The LCD drive circuit 104 drives the display of the LCD 22 for super invocation and the LCD 27 in the finder, and controls the display contents of both LCDs in accordance with a signal from the CPU 100.

The LED drive circuit 105 controls the lighting of the superimposing LED 20 and the lighting LED 26.

The shutter control circuit 106 energizes the magnet MG-1 to run the front curtain in the shutter charged state, and thereafter energizes the magnet MG-2 to run the rear curtain. As a result, a predetermined amount of light is exposed on the photosensitive member 8.

The motor control circuit 107 includes a motor M1 for winding and rewinding the film, and a motor M for charging the main mirror 5 and the shutter 7.
2 is controlled.

A series of release sequences in the camera is operated by the film feeding unit including the shutter control circuit 106 and the motor control circuit 107.

Aperture control circuit 108 and focus adjustment circuit 1
As shown in FIG. 1, 09 is arranged in the taking lens 2 and transmits a signal to the CPU 100 via the mount contact 35.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration inside the viewfinder that is visible when looking through the viewfinder. Note that, in this figure, the LCD 22 for super invouse and the LCD 27 in the finder are in a fully lit state.

In FIG. 3, the outer frame is the field mask 12.
It is formed by Reference numerals 2201 to 2235 denote 35 sets of display indices arranged in a matrix of 7 × 5 so as to correspond to 35 focus detection areas superimposed and displayed by the LCD 22 for superimposition. In the above-mentioned automatic focus detection area selection mode, one or one focus detection area is automatically selected by a predetermined algorithm, and in the manual focus detection area selection mode, one or one focus detection area is arbitrarily selected. You.

Reference numerals 27a to 27g denote LCDs 2 in the finder.
7, a manual exposure display segment 27a indicating a manual exposure state;
b is an AE lock mark segment, 27c is a strobe charging completion mark segment, 27d is a shutter time display segment, 27e is an aperture value display segment, 27f is an exposure compensation setting mark segment, and 27g is a photographing lens 2.
Is a focus mark segment (is this necessary in the present invention?) Indicating the in-focus state.

FIG. 4 shows one set of display indices out of 35 sets of display indices superimposed and displayed (2201 is shown as a representative here). As shown, each set of display indices includes a large frame-shaped portion (display portion) 2201a and a small frame-shaped portion (display portion) 2201 arranged inside the large frame portion 2201a.
b, and as described later, by switching the display state of these two frame portions 2201a and 2201b, it is possible to distinguish between the display indicating that the focus detection area is selected and the display for focus aid. I can do it. Note that other display indices 2202 to 2235
Also has the same configuration as the display index 2201.

Then, 35 sets of large-small frame-shaped segments (display portions) are arranged on the above-described superimposed display LCD 22 in a form corresponding to these display indices. When the segment is in the light transmitting state, the larger display index (2
201a) is superimposed and the smaller display index (2201b) is superimposed when the small frame-shaped segment enters the light transmitting state.

FIG. 5 shows 35 sets of line sensors CCD-1 to CCD- constituting the line sensor unit 9f.
35 focus detection areas 9f01 formed by 35
To 9f35. The line sensor CCD-1 is located in the focus detection area 9f01, the line sensor CCD-2 is located in the focus detection area 9f02, and so on.
D-1 to CCD-35 and focus detection areas 9f01 to 9f3
5 correspond one-to-one, and the focus detection area 9f01 corresponds to the display index 2201, the focus detection area 9f01 corresponds to the display index 2201, and so on.
5 and the display indices 2201 to 2235 correspond one-to-one.

FIG. 6 shows an operation flowchart of the whole camera (mainly CPU 100) configured as described above. Hereinafter, the operation of the camera will be described with reference to this flowchart and FIGS. 1, 2, 7 to 12, and 13.

First, when the photographer turns the electronic dial to the position where SW-M is turned on, the camera power is turned on (# 300), and the CPU 100 waits until SW1 is turned on (# 301).

The signal input circuit 1 indicates that SW1 has been turned on.
03, the CPU 100 detects the SW-AF /
The state of the MF is confirmed (# 302). Here, SW-A
When the F / MF is on the AF side, an auto focus mode for automatically adjusting the focus in the selected focus detection area is set. When the F / MF is on the MF side, the auto focus mode is set in the selected focus detection area. The manual focus mode is set in which the photographer operates the manual focus ring 36 to adjust the focus.

When the SW-AF / MF is on the MF side (manual focus mode), the CPU 100 determines whether the focus detection area selection mode is the automatic focus detection area selection mode or the manual focus detection area selection mode. Check from the state (# 303).

Here, the selection of the focus detection area in the manual focus detection area selection mode will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the electronic dial is rotated while the switch SW-S, which is the selection switch of the manual focus detection area selection mode, is turned on, the signal of SW-DIAL1 or SW-DIAL2 is input to the up / down counter in the signal input circuit 103. The CPU 100 drives the LCD drive circuit 104 according to the signal.

Thus, the superimposed display L
The 35 sets of segments on the CD 22 are sequentially switched to the light transmitting state (display state), and as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7H, the selected focus detection area is superimposed and displayed in the finder visual field. You.

(A) in the figure shows the viewfinder display when the focus detection area selection mode is the automatic focus detection area selection mode. In this case, the outermost display indices 2201, 2202, 2203, and 22 of the 35 display indices are set.
04, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 22
14, 2215, 2221, 2222, 2228, 22
By displaying 29 and 2235, the photographer can confirm that the automatic focus detection area selection mode is set.

Also, in the display on the LCD 27 in the finder, to indicate that the focus detection area is currently selected, "A" is displayed in the aperture display segment 27e.
F "is displayed, and a dotted frame is displayed on the shutter speed display segment 27d so that the automatic focus detection area selection mode is set.

On the other hand, in the manual focus detection area selection mode,
As shown in (b) to (h) in FIG. 7, as the electronic dial is rotated, the display indices displayed in the superimposed manner are sequentially switched as shown in the drawing. Thereby, the photographer selects any one of the focus detection areas and determines the focus detection area as the focus detection area for performing the focus detection operation.

The display on the LCD 27 in the finder in the manual focus detection area selection mode displays "AF" on the aperture display segment 27e in order to inform that the focus detection area is currently selected. "SEL" is displayed on the shutter speed display segment 27d so that the photographer can recognize that the manual focus detection area selection mode is set.

In FIG. 7, a case has been described in which one focus detection area is selected from among the five focus detection areas in the center row in the vertical direction, but the sub electronic dial is rotated while turning on the SW-S. Then, by inputting the signal of SW-DIAL3 or SW-DIAL4 to the up / down counter in the signal input circuit 103, the focus detection area to be selected can be moved in the vertical direction.

That is, the photographer can use one of the 35 focus detection areas by using the electronic dial and the sub electronic dial.
It is possible to arbitrarily select an individual.

Returning to the flowchart, when the manual focus detection area selection mode is selected at # 303 and the focus detection area is selected, CPU 100 superimposes the display index corresponding to the selected focus detection area in the viewfinder visual field. An imposed display is performed (# 304). The focus detection operation in this focus detection area is performed by the automatic focus detection circuit 1.
02 (# 305).

If the automatic focus detection area selection mode is selected at # 303, CPU 100 automatically selects the center focus detection area 9f18 (# 30).
6) The automatic focus detection circuit 102 is caused to perform a focus detection operation in the focus detection area 9f18 (# 305).

At this time, since the center focus detection area 9f18 is not selected by the photographer, the superimposed display of the display index 2218 corresponding to the focus detection area 9f18 is not performed in the finder visual field.

The focus detection operation is performed by a phase difference detection method. Hereinafter, this method will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a part of the light incident from the photographing lens 2 passes through the main mirror 5 and is reflected downward by the sub mirror 6. The light reflected by the sub-mirror 6 passes through the primary focus plane p, further passes through a field lens 9a, a reflection mirror 9b, and an aperture 9d, and reaches a secondary imaging lens 9e called a spectacle lens.
Two images A and B are separately formed.

The two images A and B formed separately are reflected by the reflection mirror 9c, and are reflected by the line sensor unit 9
f. Line sensor unit 9f
Is a predetermined number of pixels of the photoelectric conversion element (line sensor S
PC) are arranged at a predetermined pitch, and the two images A and B projected on the line sensor unit 9f are photoelectrically converted. As a result, the output shown in FIG. 13 is obtained.

This output differs depending on the relative positional relationship between the light amount distributions of the two images A and B, that is, the shift amount of the light amount distribution. Further, the shift amount of the light amount distribution differs depending on the focus adjustment state of the photographing lens 2. . For example, it appears in the direction in which the elements on the line sensor are arranged as a lateral shift amount corresponding to the defocus amount from the planned imaging plane (primary focus plane) p of the photographing lens 2.

In FIG. 13, (a) shows the in-focus state, (b) shows the front focus state, and (c) shows the state of the subject image on the line sensor in the back focus state. When the distance between the images reaches a predetermined value ZOH, it is determined that the image is in focus.

Next, it is determined whether or not the result of focus detection is in focus based on the phase difference detection method (# 30).
7). When it is determined that the subject is in focus and the automatic focus detection area selection mode is set, FIG.
As shown in the figure, both frame portions 2218a and 2218b of the display index 2218 corresponding to the central focus detection area 9f18 are turned on to notify the photographer that the subject is in focus (# 30).
8).

On the other hand, when the manual focus detection area selection mode is set, as shown in FIG. 8B, a description will be given assuming that the selected focus detection area (here, 9f20 is selected as an example). ) Corresponding to the display index 222
The superimposed display of both frame portions 2220a and 2220b of “0” and a large frame portion 2204a of the display index 2204 to inform the photographer that the subject is in focus.
Is superimposed.

When the SW-ANG detects that the camera is in a vertical position (a position in which a grip unit (not shown) provided on the camera body is up or down), FIG.
As shown in (c), the selected focus detection area 9f20
Frame portion 2220 of the display index 2220 corresponding to
a and 2220b are superimposed and the large frame portion 2218a of the display index 2218 is superimposed and displayed to notify the photographer that the subject is in focus.

That is, the position of the superimposed display in the focused state is changed so as to always be on the upper side in the finder visual field according to the camera posture. After the in-focus state is displayed, the process waits until SW1 is turned on (# 322).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the image is out of focus at # 307, the shift amount of the light amount distribution of the two subject images A and B in FIG. 13 is smaller (front focus) or larger than the predetermined interval ZOH (back focus). Is extracted (# 30).
9) Based on this information, a focus aid display is performed in the finder visual field (# 310).

FIGS. 9 to 12 show the focus aid display. FIG. 9 shows the camera in a horizontal position,
FIG. 10 shows a case where the automatic focus detection area selection mode is set, and FIG. 10 shows a case where the camera is in the vertical posture and the automatic focus detection area selection mode is set. FIG. 11 shows a case where the camera is in a horizontal posture and the manual focus detection area selection mode is set (here, as an example, the focus detection area 9f24 is described as being selected). FIG. 12 shows a case where the camera is in the vertical posture and the manual focus detection area selection mode is set (again, as an example, the focus detection area 9f2
4 is selected).

As shown in FIG. 9, in the automatic focus detection area selection mode, both frame portions 2218a and 2218b of the display index 2218 corresponding to the center focus detection area 9f18 are displayed.
Is displayed superimposed to indicate the automatically selected focus detection area (and simultaneously indicates the focus position), and to indicate the rear focus state which is the current focus state (focus adjustment state) based on the focus detection information. Center display index 22
The small frame portion 2215b of the display index 2215 included in the same column as 18 is superimposed and displayed.

Note that 2 on the line sensor unit 9f
As the shift amount of the two subject images with respect to the predetermined interval ZOH becomes smaller, that is, as the rear focus state approaches the in-focus state, the small frame portion superimposed and displayed as shown in FIGS. 2215b → 2216b → 2
217b, and a step-by-step focus aid display is performed.

A display index 2 indicating the in-focus position as viewed from the position of the display index indicating the rear focus or the front focus.
The arrangement direction of 218 corresponds to the direction in which the focus ring 36 of the taking lens 2 should be operated in order to obtain focus. This allows the photographer to intuitively recognize which direction to rotate the focus ring 36 to achieve focusing. For example, FIG. 9 shows that focusing is achieved by rotating the focus ring 36 rightward.

When the photographer who looks at the displayed focus aid display operates the focus ring 36 and the amount of displacement between the two subject images reaches the predetermined interval ZOH, the photographer can see FIG.
As shown in (d), only the center display index 2218 is superimposed and displayed (# 308).
This informs the photographer that focus has been achieved.

When it is detected by SW-ANG that the camera is in the vertical position, as shown in FIG. 10A, the display index 2 corresponding to the central focus detection area 9f18 is displayed.
The two frame portions 2218a and 2218b of the 218 are superimposed and displayed to indicate the automatically selected focus detection area (indicating the in-focus position at the same time), and the focus state is the current focus state based on the focus detection information. Is displayed in a superimposed manner in the small frame portion 2204b of the display index 2204 included in the same row as the center display index 2218.

Then, as the rear focus state approaches the in-focus state, the small frame portion to be superimposed changes from 2204b to 2211b as shown in FIGS. Perform an aid display.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the focus aid display can be intuitively recognized in accordance with the camera posture to determine in which direction the focus ring 36 should be rotated. It is changed to be horizontal in the field of view.

The photographer rotates the focus ring 36 in accordance with the focus aid display superimposed in the finder field of view (# 311) to set the photographic lens 2 to the in-focus position. After the in-focus display shown in FIG. 9D or FIG. 10C, the process waits until SW1 is turned on (# 322).

Next, the focus aid display in the case where the manual focus detection area selection mode is set will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the manual focus detection area selection mode, both frame portions 2224a and 2224 of the display index 2224 corresponding to the selected focus detection area 9f24.
b is superimposed to indicate that the focus detection area is manually selected. Also, since the focus detection information indicates the back focus state which is the current focus state (focus adjustment state), the large frame portion 22 of the center display index 2211 among the display indexes in a row different from the row including the display index 2224
11a is superimposed to indicate the in-focus position, and the small frame portion 22 of the display index 2208 which is one of the display indexes included in the same column as the display index 2211 is displayed.
08b is superimposed and displayed.

Note that the 2 on the line sensor unit 9f
As the shift amount of the two subject images with respect to the predetermined interval ZOH becomes smaller, that is, as the rear focus state approaches the in-focus state, the small frame portion superimposed and displayed as shown in FIGS. 2208b → 2209b →
2210b, and a step-by-step focus aid display is performed.

A display index 2 indicating a focus position as viewed from the position of the display index indicating the back focus or the front focus.
The arrangement direction of 211 corresponds to the direction in which the focus ring 36 of the taking lens 2 should be operated in order to obtain focus. This allows the photographer to intuitively recognize which direction to rotate the focus ring 36 to achieve focusing. For example, FIG. 11 shows that focusing is achieved by rotating the focus ring 36 rightward.

When the photographer who sees the displayed focus aid display operates the focus ring 36 and the amount of displacement between the two subject images reaches the predetermined interval ZOH, the photographer can see FIG.
As shown in (d), only the display index 2211 is superimposed and displayed. This informs the photographer that focus has been achieved.

When the SW-ANG detects that the camera is in the vertical position, the display index 2224 corresponding to the focus detection area 9f24 is displayed as shown in FIG.
Are superimposed on both frame portions 2224a and 2224b to indicate the focus detection area manually selected.
The display index 22 is used to indicate the back focus state which is the current focus state (focus adjustment state) based on the focus detection information.
Among the display indices in a row different from the column including 24, the large frame portion 2219a of the central display index 2219 is superimposed and displayed to indicate the in-focus position.
The small frame portion 2205b of the display index 2205 which is one of the display indices included in the same row as 19 is superimposed and displayed.

It should be noted that 2 on the line sensor unit 9f
As the shift amount of the two subject images with respect to the predetermined interval ZOH becomes smaller, that is, as the rear focus state approaches the in-focus state, the small frame portion superimposed and displayed as shown in FIGS. 2205b → 2212b, and a step-by-step focus aid display is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the focus aid display can be intuitively recognized in accordance with the camera posture as to which direction the focus ring 36 should be rotated. It is changed to be horizontal inside.

The photographer rotates the focus ring 36 in accordance with the focus aid display superimposed in the viewfinder field of view (# 311) to set the photographing lens 2 to the in-focus position. After the in-focus display shown in FIG. 11D or FIG. 12C, the process waits until SW1 is turned on (# 322).

In the manual focus detection area selection mode, the focus detection area in the center row is not always selected. For this reason, as in the case of the automatic focus detection area selection mode, when trying to perform a focus aid display on the same column as the display index corresponding to the selected focus detection area,
The stepwise shift amount (resolution) displayed between the rear focus and the front focus differs, and it becomes difficult to quantitatively grasp the shift amount.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the manual focus detection area selection mode is set, the focus aid is set on a column (or row) different from the column (or row) containing the display index corresponding to the selected focus detection area. Display, always pin back,
The display indices 2215 to 2215 are displayed so that the front focus display is symmetric.
2221 or 2204, 2211, 2218, 222
5, 2232 is used.

In performing the focus aid display, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a large frame portion is used as a display index indicating the in-focus position or the in-focus state, and a small frame portion is used as a display index indicating the out-of-focus state. Part is used. This makes it possible to distinguish between the display of the in-focus position or the in-focus state and the display of the out-of-focus state.

Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12,
In order for the photographer to clearly distinguish between the focus aid display and the selected focus detection area display, the focus aid display is displayed in only one of the large and small frame portions, that is, a single frame, and the selected focus detection area is displayed. Is displayed in both large and small frame portions.

Next, the case where the auto focus mode is set in # 302 will be described. In this case, the CPU 100 checks whether the mode is the automatic focus detection area selection mode or the manual focus detection area selection mode as in # 303 (# 312). In the automatic focus detection area selection mode, a predetermined focus detection area is selected by a predetermined algorithm (# 313), and the focus detection operation in the selected focus detection area is performed by the automatic focus detection circuit 102 (# 313).
315).

Here, there are several methods for automatically selecting the focus detection area, but a near point weighting is applied to the central focus detection area, which is often employed in a so-called multi-point AF camera. The priority algorithm is valid.

On the other hand, if the mode is the manual focus detection area selection mode in # 312, the display index corresponding to the selected focus detection area is superimposed and displayed in the finder visual field (# 314). The automatic focus detection circuit 102 performs the focus detection operation in (3)
15).

When the focus detection operation is performed by the automatic focus detection circuit 102, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the selected focus detection area is an area where focus detection is not possible (# 316).
If not possible, the CPU 100 sends a signal to the LCD drive circuit 104 to send the focus mark 2 on the LCD 27 in the finder.
0g is blinked to warn the photographer that focus detection is impossible (# 317), and this operation is continued until SW1 is turned off (# 318).

If the selected focus detection area is a focus detectable area and the focus adjustment state in this focus detection area is not in focus (# 319), the CPU 100 sends a signal to the lens focus adjustment circuit 109. Then, the photographic lens 3 is driven for focusing (# 320).

After driving the lens, the automatic focus detection circuit 102 performs focus detection again (# 315), and determines whether or not the photographing lens 3 is in focus (# 319).

When the focus of the photographic lens 2 is obtained, the CPU 100 sends a signal to the LCD drive circuit 104 to turn on the focus mark 27g of the LCD 27 in the finder.

In the automatic focus detection area selection mode, the display index corresponding to the automatically selected focus detection area is superimposed (lighted up) using the superimposed LCD 22, and manual focus detection is performed. In the area selection mode, the displayed focus detection area is momentarily turned on with high brightness to notify the photographer that focus is achieved (#
321).

In manual focus, the photographer performs focus-aid display in order to adjust the focus by himself, but in auto-focus, the focus is automatically performed by the camera side, so the focus-aid display is not performed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, as in the conventional case, the in-focus display is performed on the LCD 22 in the finder.

Next, the photographer observes that the in-focus state is displayed in the viewfinder, recognizes that the focus detection area is incorrect, and turns off SW1 (# 322). Then, the CPU 100 continues to turn on SW1. Wait until
301).

When the photographer looks at the focus detection area displayed in focus and continues to turn on SW1, (# 3
22), the CPU 100 transmits a signal to the photometric circuit 101 to perform photometry (# 323).

At this time, in the present embodiment, the exposure value is calculated by performing weighting photometry calculation on a photometry area (not shown) including the focused focus detection area.

As a result of the calculation, the aperture value is displayed on the aperture value segment 27e of the LCD 27 in the finder.

Next, CPU 100 determines whether or not SW2 is ON (# 324), and determines whether SW2 is OFF.
If so, the state of SW1 is confirmed again (# 322). S
When W2 is ON, the CPU 100 transmits signals to the shutter control circuit 106, the motor control circuit 107, and the aperture drive circuit 108, respectively. That is, first, the motor M2 is energized, the main mirror 5 is raised,
After the aperture 29 is stopped down, the magnet MG1 is energized to run the front curtain of the shutter 7. The aperture value and the shutter speed (at the time of shutter second) are determined based on the exposure value calculated previously and the sensitivity of the film 8.

Then, after the determined shutter time has elapsed, the magnet MG2 is energized, the rear curtain of the shutter 7 is run, and the film exposure ends.

When the film exposure is completed, the motor M2
, The film 8 is advanced, and a series of shutter release sequences is terminated (# 325). Thereafter, the CPU 100f waits until SW1 is turned on again (# 301).

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment,
The case where the focus aid at the time of manual focusing and the superimpose display of the selected focus detection area are performed by the high-brightness LED 20, the condensing lens 21, and the superimposing LCD 22 in which a plurality of segments are patterned has been described. In the embodiment, instead of this, an LED in which 35 LEDs (display units) corresponding to 35 focus detection areas are arranged on a plane as shown in FIG.
An array (light emitting element array) 40 is used.

The LED array 40 is provided with an input terminal 40a extending from each LED. When a voltage is applied to the input terminal 40a of the LED corresponding to the selected focus detection area through the LED drive circuit 105, the LED is turned on. Lights up, and a superimpose is displayed in the viewfinder.

Here, in the first embodiment, the display of the focus detection area and the focus aid display are distinguished by the photographer by displaying different frame portions of the segments of the LCD 22 for superimposition. However, in the present embodiment, the LED array 40 has independent LEDs serving as light sources, so that the color density can be changed or individual LEDs can be changed.
Can be made different colors as a multi-color LED, and the photographer can clearly distinguish between the display of the focus detection area and the display of the focus aid.

The configuration and operation flow of the camera other than the LED array 40 are the same as in the first embodiment.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where there are 35 focus detection areas has been described. However, the number of focus detection areas in the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, focus-aid display is performed by using a display index at a position relatively close to the selected focus detection area, so that the movement of the photographer's line of sight is reduced. Has been described, the position of the focus aid display in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be performed using the outermost display index in the finder visual field.

[0129]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Originally, the display unit that superimposes and displays the selected focus detection area is used to superimpose and display the focus adjustment state for the focus aid, so that the display unit can be effectively used. In addition, according to the display position of the selected focus detection area, the display position in the focus adjustment state can be set to a position for making the viewfinder easy to see.

In each display section of the display unit,
If the display mode when superimposing the selected focus detection area is superimposed and the display mode (shape, size, color, etc.) when superimposing the focus adjustment state of the imaging optical system are different from each other, , The viewfinder can be easily seen.

Further, if it is possible to change the position of the display unit for superimposing and displaying the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system in the display unit according to the detection result of the camera posture, the focus adjustment state of the display unit can be changed regardless of the camera posture. The display position can be set to a position where the focus adjustment state is easily understood.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the viewfinder view of the camera.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a display index superimposed and displayed in the finder visual field.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a focus detection area sensor used in the camera.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a display change when a focus detection area is selected in the camera.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a display change when a focus detection area is selected in the camera.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a display of a focus adjustment state in an automatic focus detection area selection mode in the camera in a horizontal posture.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a display of a focus adjustment state in an automatic focus detection area selection mode in the camera in a vertical posture.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a focus adjustment state in a manual focus detection area selection mode in the camera in a horizontal posture.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a focus adjustment state in a manual focus detection area selection mode in the camera in a vertical posture.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a phase difference detection method used for focus detection of the camera.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an LED array for superinvoked display used in a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 3 shooting lens 9 focus detection device 9f image sensor 9f01 to 9f35 focus detection area 22 LCD for super invocation 27 LCD in viewfinder 36 manual focus ring 100 CPU 102 automatic focus detection circuit 2201-2235 display index (segment) 40 LED array

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A camera having a display unit capable of superimposing and displaying a focus detection area selected from a plurality of focus detection areas in a viewfinder field of view, wherein when the focus of an imaging optical system is adjusted, the selection in the display unit is performed. The display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area is displayed as a display state, the selected focus detection area is superimposed and displayed, and the display unit corresponding to a focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area in the display unit A superimposed display of a focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system as a display state. 2. A non-focused state and a focused state among the focus adjustment states of the photographing optical system, wherein a display unit corresponding to a focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area on the display unit is displayed. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a superimposed display is provided. 3. An automatic focus detection area selection mode for automatically selecting an area for performing a focus detection operation from among the plurality of focus detection areas, and a manual focus detection area selection mode for allowing manual selection of an area for performing a focus detection operation. When focus is adjusted in the manual focus detection area selection mode, a display unit other than the display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area in the display unit is displayed as a display state, and 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the out-of-focus state and the in-focus state are superimposed and displayed. 4. A plurality of display sections corresponding to the plurality of focus detection areas and the focus detection areas in the display unit are arranged in a matrix, and the selection in the display unit is performed when the focus of the imaging optical system is adjusted. 3. A superimposed display of an out-of-focus state and an in-focus state of the photographing optical system by setting a display unit of a row or a column that does not include a display unit corresponding to the focus detection area set as a display state. Or the camera according to 3. 5. A superimposed display in which the out-of-focus state of the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system is set to a display unit corresponding to a focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area in the display unit. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the focus state is superimposed and displayed with a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area as a display state. 6. An automatic focus detection area selection mode for automatically selecting an area for performing a focus detection operation from among the plurality of focus detection areas, and a manual focus detection area selection mode for allowing manual selection of an area for performing a focus detection operation. When the focus is adjusted in the automatic focus detection area selection mode, the display unit corresponding to a focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area on the display unit is set to a display state, and the photographing optical system is set. 6. A superimposed display of the out-of-focus state of the photographing optical system, and a superimposed display of the in-focus state of the photographing optical system with a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area as a display state. The camera according to. 7. The plurality of focus detection areas and a plurality of display sections corresponding to the focus detection areas in the display unit are respectively arranged in a matrix, and when the focus of the photographing optical system is adjusted, the selection in the display unit is performed. Out of focus of the imaging optical system by setting a display unit corresponding to a focus detection area other than the selected focus detection area to a display state among display units of rows or columns including a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area. 7. The camera according to claim 5, wherein a state is displayed, and a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area is displayed as a display state, and a focus state of the photographing optical system is superimposed and displayed. 8. In each display unit of the display unit,
The display form when the selected focus detection area is superimposed and the display form when the focus adjustment state of the imaging optical system is superimposed are different from each other. 8. The camera according to any one of 7. 9. Each of the display units of the display unit includes two display portions having at least different shapes or sizes, and one of the two display portions is set to a display state and the selection is made. 9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein the focus detection area thus set is superimposed and the other display portion is displayed as a display state, and the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system is superimposed and displayed. 10. In each display unit of the display unit, a display color when the selected focus detection area is superimposed and a focus adjustment state of the imaging optical system when the focus adjustment state is superimposed are displayed. The camera according to claim 8, wherein display colors are different from each other. 11. When displaying the out-of-focus state of the photographing optical system, a predetermined display unit of the display unit is displayed as a display state, and the in-focus position of the photographing optical system is superimposed and displayed. The display unit other than the display unit is selectively displayed, and the positional relationship between the display unit in this display state and the predetermined display unit superimposes the out-of-focus direction and the out-of-focus degree in the focus adjustment state. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the display is performed. 12. The camera according to claim 4, wherein the display unit sets the center display unit to a display state in a row or a column that does not include a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area. The in-focus position of the optical system is superimposed and the display units disposed on both sides of the central display unit are selectively displayed, and the positional relationship between the display unit in this display state and the central display unit A superimposed display of the out-of-focus direction and the degree of out-of-focus in the focus adjustment state. 13. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the display unit is a display corresponding to the selected focus detection area in a row or a column including a display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area. Superimposed display of the selected focus detection area and the in-focus position of the photographing optical system in a display state, and selectively display the display units disposed on both sides of the display unit. Superimposing the out-of-focus direction and out-of-focus degree in the focus adjustment state based on the positional relationship between the display unit in this display state and the display unit corresponding to the selected focus detection area as the display state. Features camera. 14. An arrangement direction of a display unit for superimposing and displaying a focus position with respect to a display unit for superimposing the out-of-focus direction in the display unit.
14. The camera according to claim 11, wherein an operation direction of an operation member for driving a focusing optical element in the photographing optical system coincides with an operation direction in a focusing direction. 15. A display unit having attitude detection means for detecting a camera attitude, and superimposingly displaying a focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system in the display unit in accordance with a detection result by the attitude detection means. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the position of the camera is changed. 16. The photographing optical system in the display unit so that the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system is superimposed and displayed in a horizontal direction regardless of the camera posture in accordance with the detection result by the posture detecting means. 16. The camera according to claim 15, wherein a position of a display unit for superimposing and displaying a focus adjustment state of the camera is changed. 17. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a liquid crystal display element.
The camera according to any one of the above. 18. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is constituted by a light emitting element array.
7. The camera according to any one of 6.