JP2002305686A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera used in common for a silver-salt photographing device recording an image on a silver-salt film and an electronic image pickup device capable of photographing an electronic image by an electronic image pickup element, that reduces a setting time of an ND(Neutral Density) filter for the electronic image pickup device and provides a shortest release time lag to both the silver-salt photographing device and the electronic image pickup device. SOLUTION: The camera that is used in common as the silver-salt photographing device or the electronic image pickup device includes ND filters comprising e.g. 3 stages of transmissivity variations, which are fitted to an ND filter frame 124 turnable around a rotary shaft 146 and have different transmissivity to adjust a quantity of light made incident onto the image pickup element (CMOS imager 48), a switching control circuit and a switching drive mechanism for the ND filters, a barrier for protecting a photographing lens, and a switch sensing opening/closing of the barrier. The camera selects the ND filter with the intermediate transmissivity when the switch senses the closing state of the barrier.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a silver halide camera having the function of an electronic image pickup device having an electronic image pickup device for converting a subject image into an electric signal, and more particularly to a method for obtaining an optimum image of the electronic image pickup device. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic image pickup apparatus provided with photographing means for converting a subject image into an electronic image signal and means for recording an electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup means on a recording medium and displaying an image, A silver halide imaging device for exposing the subject image to the silver halide film, and a so-called `` silver halide photography and A plurality of electronic imaging cameras have been proposed.

In such a dual-purpose camera, it is necessary to adjust an optimal light amount in an electronic image pickup apparatus in order to obtain the same image as a photograph taken as a silver halide photographing apparatus. As a method for adjusting the optimal light amount of the electronic imaging device, a well-known technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-203975 is used. For example, a control means such as a CPU measures the reflected light amount of an object by an illumination lamp. The rotation amount of the pulse motor is determined based on the signal from the light amount sensor, and the adjustment is performed so that the optimum light amount is obtained.

[0004]

However, in a camera, it is necessary to minimize the release time lag so as not to miss the moment of taking a picture. In the case of using a method of selecting a plurality of filters having different transmittances for adjusting the amount of light incident on the image sensor while measuring the amount of reflected light with a sensor, it takes a long time until the filters are set, There is a possibility that the timing of the release operation (that is, the shutter chance) is missed.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera which combines a silver halide photographing apparatus for recording on a silver halide film and an electronic imaging apparatus capable of photographing an electronic image with an electronic imaging device, and sets an ND filter of the electronic imaging apparatus for a set time. And a camera having the shortest release time lag for both the silver halide imaging device and the electronic imaging device.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention takes the following measures.
That is, according to the first aspect, in a camera that combines an adjustable silver halide photographing device that records an image on a silver halide film and an adjustable electronic imaging device that can capture an electronic image by an electronic imaging device, A plurality of ND filters having different transmittances for adjusting the amount of light
A switching control circuit and a switching drive mechanism for the filter, a barrier for protecting the photographing lens of the silver halide photographing device, and a switch for detecting whether the barrier is open or closed, and the closed state of the barrier is detected by the switch; A camera is proposed that switches the ND filter so that the transmittance becomes intermediate when the above is done. In addition, the present invention proposes a camera that further includes a photometric circuit that repeatedly performs photometry, and that selectively switches the ND filter according to the photometric value of the photometric circuit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera including an electronic image pickup device for photographing an electronic image and a plurality of filters having different transmittances for adjusting the amount of light incident on the electronic image pickup device. A camera is proposed in which a filter having an intermediate transmittance among the plurality of filters is arranged in front of the electronic imaging element as the state shifts from the photographing enabled state to the inoperative state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera having an electronic image pickup device for photographing an electronic image and a plurality of filters having different transmittances for adjusting the amount of light incident on the electronic image pickup device. There is proposed a camera in which, when shifting from the inoperative state to the photographable state, one of the plurality of filters is selected according to the brightness of the subject and arranged in front of the electronic image sensor. .

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, which serves both as a silver halide photographing apparatus and an electronic imaging apparatus, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

This camera has two photographing functions including a silver halide photographing apparatus for exposing and recording a loaded silver halide film and an electronic imaging apparatus for photographing an electronic image by an electronic image pickup device. It assumes a camera that can be used for both purposes. In addition, this camera is used for adjusting the amount of light incident on the electronic image pickup device because it is necessary to adjust the amount of light optimal for the electronic image pickup device so as to obtain the same image as the photograph taken as the silver halide image pickup device. A plurality of ND filters having different transmittances, a drive control circuit for the ND filters, an ND filter switching drive mechanism, and a photometric circuit for performing photometry are provided. It is selected and used to make a difference as described below so that the difference between silver halide photography and electronic imaging does not occur.

For example, the main feature of this camera is that, when a closed state of the barrier is detected using a barrier for protecting a photographing lens and a switch for detecting opening and closing of the barrier, an ND filter having an intermediate transmittance. To drive the filter to the position where is used. Further, this camera repeatedly performs photometry with a photometric circuit, appropriately selects one of a plurality of ND filters based on the obtained photometric value and subject brightness, and places the ND filter at a position where an image can be captured through the selected ND filter. Is driven.

First, an outline of a camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The appearance of this camera has a front portion as shown in FIG. On the front surface of the camera body, a photographic optical system 1 including an objective lens for forming a subject image on a silver halide film and a lens barrel 2 holding the photographic optical system 1 can protrude and retract near the center ( That is, it can be retracted).

An image forming lens 3 for forming an image of a subject on a predetermined image pickup device, an objective lens 4 of a finder optical system, and an object to be adjusted when the focus of the photographing optical system 1 is adjusted. A distance measuring window 5 for an autofocus module for measuring a distance is provided side by side, and a strobe panel 6 attached in front of a strobe light emitting window is provided beside the distance measuring window 5.

On the upper surface of the camera, a two-stage release button 7 and a manual zoom button 8 for changing the focal length of the photographing optical system 1 are provided side by side at a position that can be operated with the right finger. This manual zoom button 8
Can also be used as an image scroll button for browsing electronic images captured in the past.

In the vicinity of the center of the upper surface of the camera, a small LCD panel 9 for displaying and outputting photographing information such as the number of already photographed frames, various modes and data information is provided. A mode button 10 for setting a self mode / remote control mode and a mode button 11 for setting a strobe mode are arranged side by side. Each time the mode button 10 is pressed, for example, mode release → self mode The mode is switched in order from mode to remote control mode to mode release. Similarly, when the mode button 11 is pressed, the mode is set so as to sequentially switch from a low-luminance automatic light-emitting mode, a red-eye light-emitting mode, a light-emitting off mode, a forced light-emitting mode, a night scene mode, and a low-luminance automatic light-emitting mode. .

Further, on the other side of the LCD panel 9, a DSP mode button 12 for setting a display mode (abbreviated as DSP mode) and a photographing mode button 13 are provided side by side. By pressing, an electronic image captured in the past is displayed on a monitor device 16 described later and can be viewed. When the button 12 is pressed again, the DSP mode is canceled.

Each time the photographing mode button 13 is pressed, it is set so as to be switched in the order of, for example, the hybrid photographing mode → the film mode → the hybrid photographing mode. The “hybrid photographing mode” referred to here is a mode in which electronic photographing and silver halide photographing are performed at substantially the same timing, and an electronic image photographed on the monitor device 16 is displayed. The “film mode” is a mode in which circuits related to electronic imaging are turned off and only silver halide photography is performed.

In order to protect the lens of the photographing optical system 1 described above, a barrier 14 is mounted on the front surface of the camera body so as to be slidable in the lateral direction and can be opened and closed. (Not shown) is on /
Turn off. That is, when the barrier 14 is operated from the closed state to the open state, the lens barrel 2 in the collapsed state
The camera is set up at the (wide-angle) shooting position.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the camera body as viewed from the upper rear side. In the vicinity of the center of the back of the camera, an eyepiece window 1 of an optical finder system for observing a subject is provided.
5 and a monitor 1 for displaying electronic images and composition lines
6 is further provided, and a film confirmation window 17 for confirming the state and the presence or absence of the silver halide film used is provided.

The monitor device 16 and the film confirmation window 17 are integrated into a back cover 18 rotatably supported by the camera body. In addition, a panorama shooting mode switching lever 19 and two buttons 20 and 21 for setting date information are provided on the rear side.

An exterior member forming the camera body having such an appearance includes a front exterior 22 made of, for example, a plastic such as polycarbonate or ABS, and a first screw (not shown) made of metal. ), A lower cover 24 also formed of metal and fixed to the camera body with a second screw (not shown).
As described above, the back cover 18 that can be opened and closed and the cover 25 that can be opened and closed when a battery (not shown) is replaced are configured to surround a camera body described later. In this camera, when the second screw is removed, the lower cover 24 can be easily removed from the camera body, and a substrate relating to a digital unit (electronic imaging function unit) to be described later is exposed. The adjustment of the silver salt part is made possible.

The digital section operates at a high speed to handle a large amount of data, and is liable to generate electrical noise. , At least upper and lower covers 2
3, 24 are made of metal.

Each component constituting the camera of this embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an exploded block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera. First, a description will be given of each part related to the silver halide photographing function unit (silver halide photographing apparatus).
Has at least a positive lens 30 and a negative lens 3
2, a sector 31 is arranged in these lenses, and the drive of the sector 31 is controlled by a shutter plunger 37 via a shutter driving mechanism 36. When the sector 31 is opened, the silver halide film 33 is opened.
The subject image is exposed on the top.

The shutter speed is determined based on the luminance value of the subject output from the photometric sensor 65, the film sensitivity detected by a film sensitivity detection circuit (not shown), and a predetermined program chart (not shown). Is operated and controlled by the main CPU 58 as the control means, and the sector 31 is appropriately driven and controlled so that the calculated shutter speed is obtained.

The zoom / feed drive mechanism 38 includes a mechanical switching mechanism (not shown), and a motor 39 described as M3.
Is selectively switched between a zoom operation and a film feeding operation. Furthermore, an encoder for detecting the feed amount of the silver halide film 33, an encoder for detecting the drive amount of the motor 39, and an encoder for detecting the focal length of the photographing lenses 30, 31 are included. A signal output from each encoder is input to the main CPU 58 via the IFIC 64.

The exposed silver halide film is wound up by one frame in accordance with the output of an encoder for detecting the feed amount of the film. During film feeding, the motor 3
The date information is imprinted on the film by the date imprinting device 40 in accordance with the output of the encoder for detecting the driving amount of No. 9.

The autofocus module 41 serving as a distance measuring means is constituted by a separator optical system for separating two images and a line sensor disposed at a position where an object image is formed. Focus detection is performed. The main CPU 58 calculates the interval between two images based on the signal output from the autofocus module 41, and calculates the driving amount data of the photographing lens for driving to the in-focus position.

The motor 35 is controlled so as to attain the driving amount, and the photographing lenses 30 and 3 are driven through the focus driving mechanism 34.
2 is changed. The focus drive mechanism 34 includes an encoder for detecting the position of the photographing lens, and a signal output from the encoder is an IF signal.
The data is input to the main CPU 58 via the IC 64.

The driver circuit 67 drives the motors 39 and 35 and the plunger 37, and is appropriately controlled by the main CPU 58 via the IFIC 64. This IFI
C64 is mainly composed of a photometric sensor 65 and a remote control light-receiving sensor 6.
6. Driver circuit 67, encoder (not shown) and main C
It controls the interface function with PU58.

The switch 68 is a first release switch that is turned on in conjunction with the half-pressing operation of the release button 7, a second release switch that is turned on in conjunction with the deep pressing operation of the release button 7, or is linked with the barrier 14. Power switch and date information setting buttons 20 and 21
And a number of switch elements such as shooting mode switching buttons 10, 11, and 13, a DSP mode switching button 12, an operation switch such as a panorama shooting mode switching lever 19, and a detection switch (not shown) for mechanical mechanism operation. ing. The EEPROM 59 is provided as one of non-volatile memories that stores an adjustment value unique to each camera so as to be able to refer to the camera in order to suppress variations in each camera at the factory.

Next, each part related to the electronic image pickup function section (electronic image pickup apparatus) of the above-described camera will be described. A lens group for an imaging system for forming a subject image on a CMOS imager 48 as an image sensor formed on an IC chip includes positive lenses 43 and 45 and negative lenses 42 and 46.
A fixed stop 44 and an ND filter 47 according to the present invention are arranged between these lenses (details will be described later). The subject image formed on the CMOS imager 48 is converted into an analog video signal.
The image data is converted into digital image data by a control circuit (not shown) formed on the
7 is output.

The image processing LSI 57 has a RISC
A processor and various hardware macros are built in, and the RISC processor controls the hardware macros according to a program written in the flash memory 62. The hardware macro includes an external memory controller (for example, a flash memory 62 and an SDRAM 63 as an external memory), an internal cache memory, a JPEG compression / expansion controller, various image processing functions (gain adjustment, γ correction, pixel interpolation, RGB / Y
C conversion, contour enhancement, saturation correction, color tone adjustment, etc.), O
SD (abbreviation of on-screen display) function,
External interface circuit (USB60, JTAG6
1) and a circuit for forming a display signal output to the LCD driver 69 is included.

The SDRAM 63 is provided as a memory for temporarily storing an image before image processing and an image during image processing. The flash memory 62 stores the RI
Since it is a non-volatile memory for storing a program to be executed by the SC processor and for storing a finally determined electronic image, its stored contents are preserved even when the camera is turned off.

The ND filter 47 includes an ND drive mechanism 4
9 is driven by a stepping motor 50 labeled M1. The ND filter 47 having a different transmittance can be switched according to the amount of light from the subject. The stepping motor 50 is controlled by a driver circuit 51 that operates according to an output signal from the image processing LSI 57.

The display signal output from the image processing LSI 57 is transmitted to the reflection type LC through the LCD driver 69.
The data is input to the D monitor 70, and a display segment (not shown) formed on the LCD monitor 70 is driven and visualized. The front light lighting signal output from the image processing LSI 57 is input to the LED driver 72,
The white LED 73 is turned on. The light emitted from the white LED 73 functions as auxiliary lighting through the light guide plate 71. The brightness of the white LED 73 is controlled to be constant by the constant current circuit of the LED driver 72.

The imaging angle of view of the imaging lenses 30 and 32 is
The imaging angle of view of the shortest focus (the so-called wide end) of each of these photographing lenses is set to be substantially the same, and
When the focal length of the zoom lens 32 is changed by the zoom / feed driving mechanism 38, the electronic image displayed on the LCD monitor 70 and the silver image are enlarged and reduced by the image processing LSI 57 (that is, electronic zooming). The angle of view of the latent image recorded on the salt film 33 is made substantially the same.

The light emitting tube 54 emits light by exciting a xenon (Xe) gas sealed in a tube such as a strobe xenon tube by a trigger signal output from a trigger circuit 55, and the light is reflected by the reflector 53. Then, the light passes through the flash panel 52 and is irradiated on the subject. The strobe control circuit 56 performs a charging process of a strobe main capacitor (not shown) and a light emission instruction to the trigger circuit 55 according to a control signal of the main CPU 58. The LCD panel 74 is a small display device for displaying camera information.

The image processing LSI 57 and the main CPU 5
Reference numeral 8 is connected by a data bus 75, and transmits and receives necessary data to each other, and adjusts the imaging timing of the CMOS imager 48 and the exposure timing of the silver halide film 33. The adjustment check terminals 103 and 104 are DM
It is provided at the end of the flexible substrate and can be adjusted.

Next, operation control in the camera according to the present embodiment will be described. The flowchart illustrated in FIG.
It shows a main sequence of a program related to the control procedure of the camera. When a battery as a power supply is loaded in the camera, the main CPU 58 starts operating, and a control program routine “main sequence” is started in the main storage area and executed as follows.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether the power switch of the camera is on (S1). When it is on, the processing steps after step S5 described later are executed, and when it is off, the processing is executed from step S2 in the following procedure.

In step S2, a subroutine "ND filter reset", which will be described in detail later, is called, and the ND filter frame 124 is reset driven (S2). Next, in step S3, the LCD panel 74 is turned off, and the image processing LSI 57 is instructed to turn off the display of the LCD monitor 70 (S3).

Thereafter, standby processing 1 for a predetermined period is performed (S4). This standby processing 1 is performed by the main C
Before stopping the operation of the PU 58, after the stop, the main CPU
Numeral 58 is for setting conditions for starting the operation again. In the standby process 1, the operation is set to start at the timing when the power switch is turned on. Then, the operation of the main CPU 58 is temporarily stopped.
When the standby state is released, the process is executed from the first step S1 of the main sequence.

In step S5, the photographing lenses 30, 32
From the retracted position to the wide position (S5). From step S6, first, the LCD panel 74 is turned on (S
6) The subject brightness value is taken in from the photometric sensor SPD65, and photometry of the camera is performed (S7). Then, the main capacitor included in the flash circuit 56 is charged (S8).

In step S9, a subroutine "ND filter set" to be described later is called, and a predetermined filter in the ND filter frame 124 is set based on the photometric value of the camera (S9). Thereafter, the timer 1 built in the main CPU 58 starts counting (S10).
The timer 1 is a counter that counts up at a predetermined time interval. The counter value is set to a predetermined initial value, and counting is started.

In step S11, it is determined whether the first release switch has been turned on by pressing the release button 7 (S11). If it is on, the process from step S22 described later is executed. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S12, where the photometric sensor SP
The subject brightness value is fetched from D65, and photometry of the camera is performed (S12). In step S13, a subroutine "ND filter set" described later is called, and a predetermined filter in the ND filter frame 124 is set based on the photometric value of the camera (S13).

From step S16, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation button is on (S16). If it is on, each process corresponding to the button pressed in step S17 is performed (step S17). S17), and then step S1
Proceed to 8. If it is off, the determination process from the next step S18 is executed.

From step S18, the on / off state of the power switch of the camera is determined (S18). If the power switch is off, the process returns to step S2 to perform the processing.
If it is on, further determination processing is performed in step S19.
It is executed in. That is, the timer 1 overflows when a predetermined time elapses after the counting of the timer 1 is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the timer 1 overflows (S19). If the timer 1 overflows, the process from the next step S20 is performed. Is performed, and if the overflow has not yet occurred, the process returns to step S11, and the same processing is repeatedly executed.

From step S20, the LCD panel 74
Is turned off, and the image processing LSI 57 is instructed to turn off the LCD monitor 70 (S20). Then, standby processing 2 is performed (S21). In addition,
This standby processing 2 is the same as the main C
Before stopping the operation of the PU 58, the main CP
U58 is a process for setting conditions for restarting the operation. In the standby process 2, the operation is set to start by a change in a switch linked to the operation button. Then, the operation of the main CPU 58 is stopped. When the standby is released, the same processing is performed from the above-described step S5.

From step S22, first, the image processing LS
I57 is turned on (S22), the interval between the two images is obtained based on the signal input from the autofocus module 41, and the driving amount data of the photographing lens for driving to the in-focus position is calculated. Then, according to the driving amount, the motor 39
Is driven to change the focal position of each photographing lens 30, 32 (S23).

Thereafter, based on the object brightness values obtained in steps S7 and S12, a program diagram or the like corresponding to the photographing mode, and the film sensitivity detected by a film sensitivity detection circuit (not shown), a known technique is used. A shutter opening time at which a proper exposure is obtained is calculated (S24).
Then, in step S25, a subroutine "photographing sequence" is called, and imaging by the CMOS imager 48 and exposure to the silver halide film 33 are performed (S2).
5). Then, the process returns to step S6, and the process is repeated in the same manner.

Here, detailed components of the camera body of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the configuration of the camera body and the camera body.
The camera body includes a spool chamber unit 200 that forms a spool chamber in which a spool shaft for winding a rolled film that has been photographed is rotatably disposed, and a roll-shaped photosensitive silver halide film that has not been photographed. Chamber unit 201 forming a cartridge chamber in which a film cartridge accommodated therein is loaded, and a lens barrel unit 20
4, an aperture opening provided to allow the light beam from the lens barrel unit 204 to pass therethrough, and a guide rail 202 for defining the position of the film with respect to the aperture opening.

The spool chamber unit 200, the patrone chamber unit 201, and the lens barrel unit 20
4 and a guide rail 202 connected to
A front plate 203 that reinforces the connection between the lens barrel unit 204 and each unit from the front side of the camera body, and a lower plate 205 that also reinforces the connection between the units from the bottom side of the camera body. It has as.

Further, the finder unit 207 is
It is mounted on the lens barrel unit 204.
At the time of assembly, each unit is fastened to an adjacent unit by a plurality of screws 206. Since a more detailed description is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-24146 filed by the present applicant, other description is omitted.

On the other hand, if it is necessary to disassemble or repair the camera or make adjustments according to the present invention, if the lower cover 24, which is screwed to the bottom of the camera, is removed, a digital board (for example, a DM flexible board, M substrate)
Are exposed and the related chips and various connectors for electronic imaging provided on the digital board and the check terminals 103 for adjustment are visible on the board surface.
Adjustment of the flexible substrate is performed while connecting to a predetermined device via the check terminal 103. When adjusting the M flexible board, signals are transmitted and received to and from the M flexible board via the RELAY flexible board, and the adjustment is appropriately performed.

FIG. 6 shows in detail the configuration of various substrates mounted inside the camera exterior constructed as described above, and the related components. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the units such as the spool chamber unit 200, the cartridge chamber unit 201, the lens barrel unit 204, and the finder unit 207 constitute a main part of the camera body.

The viewfinder unit 207 of the camera, which has two functions of electronic imaging and silver halide photography, includes an imaging lens 3 as an optical system for electronic imaging as a part shared by these functions. An objective lens 4 of an optical system used for observing a subject for silver halide photography is integrally incorporated. The subject image is bent upward by 90 ° by a mirror (not shown) in the finder optical system through the imaging lens 3 and assembled so as to be formed on the CMOS imager 48.

The autofocus module 41
Is based on the result of distance measurement.
04 so as to automatically focus on the subject.
It is incorporated together with the D drive mechanism 49 and the stepping motor 50. In addition, this camera is assembled from various parts, and is configured to maintain mechanical and electrical connections.

In particular, the electrical connection relationship is configured as follows in a state where chips and the like are mounted on various flexible substrates other than the rigid substrate, and connection is possible. That is, the main CPU 58, the IFIC 64, the EEPR
An OM 59, a driver circuit 67, a photometric sensor 65, and a remote control sensor 66 are mounted. Press-connecting connectors 80a and 80b that can be electrically connected to each other by applying pressure by overlapping or screwing are provided at the branched ends for connection with another substrate.

The DM flexible substrate 81 is used for image processing L
SI 57, flash memory 62 and SDRAM 63
Etc. are mounted on the substrate. The ML flexible board 82 is a board for connecting the LCD panel 74 and is connected to the branch portion 84d of the M flexible board 80 by, for example, thermocompression bonding.

The K-flexible substrate 83 is used for the photographing optical system 1
A substrate for supplying an electric signal and electric power to, for example, the focus driving mechanism 34, the motor 35 (M2), the shutter driving mechanism 36, the shutter plunger 37, and the like incorporated in the lens barrel unit 204 including The K-flexible substrate 83 is provided with a press-connecting connector 83a which can be connected so as to be able to transmit an electric signal by applying a pressure such as overlapping or screw fastening.

The lens barrel unit 204 is provided with a Z-flexible board 84 provided with a reflection sensor 84a for detecting the lens position of the lens frame. A pattern 84b for solder connection is formed on one side of the Z flexible board, and is connected to a predetermined end of the M flexible board 80.

The W flexible board 84w is a spool chamber unit 200 in which the zoom / feed drive mechanism 38 is built.
And a switching plunger 85b and a motor 39 (M3) are connected to lead wires 85c and 85d.
Connected. Further, a reflection type sensor 84e for detecting the movement of the silver halide film loaded in the camera and a reflection type sensor 84 for controlling the zoom driving or feeding driving mechanism 38 are provided at the end of the W flexible substrate 84w.
f and a press-connecting connector 84h.

The press-connecting connectors 80a, 83a, 84h formed on the above-mentioned various substrates (M flexible substrate, K flexible substrate, W flexible substrate) are overlapped and interconnected, and the main CPU 58 mounted on the M flexible substrate 80, etc. Is transmitted and received.

Other substrates include the following, which are connected as follows. That is, the ST1 substrate 85
Is equipped with a charging section of the flash circuit 56, and is charged by the main capacitor 85a. The terminal 85b to be soldered is connected to the DX flexible board 86.

The DX flexible substrate 86 has a DX contact 86b, which is used to read a DX code on the surface of the film cartridge. The obtained DX code information is connected so as to be transmitted through the press-connecting connector 80b of the M flexible board 80 via the press-connecting connector 86c.

The battery 87 is connected to the ST1 substrate 85 by a minus contact piece 87a and a plus contact piece 87b as a power source, and is connected to supply power to each part of the camera. A
The FND flexible substrate 88 has an auto focus
Module 41 and reflective sensor 8 for controlling ND filter
8a, and is connected to the M-flexible board 80 together with the press-connecting connectors 86c and 80b through the press-connecting connector 88b. On the ST2 board 89, a trigger circuit 55 for strobe light emission is mounted.

A sensor 90 a is provided on the BXSW flexible board 90, and the sensor 90 a is a motor 39 (M 3) provided inside the spool chamber unit 200.
, And can detect the movement of the slit 84g that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor 39. Further, a switch (not shown) for detecting opening / closing of the back cover 18 is provided, and each signal is connected to the DCDC board 92 via the solder connector 90b at the end.

The date imprinting device 40 is mounted on the D-flexible board 91 and is connected to the M-flexible board 80 via a press-connecting connector 91a. DCDC board 92
Is a board for boosting and supplying a voltage to an image processing IC or the like, and is connected so that a control signal can be transmitted from the connector 80c of the M flexible board 80 via the connector 92a.

The CMOS flexible substrate 93 is a CMO
CMOS imager 48 as an image sensor made of S
Is installed. The RELAY flexible board 94 is connected to the M-flexible board 80 via the connector 93a.

The RELAY flexible board 94 mainly serves as a relay for a plurality of boards, and each of the branched ends has connection terminals 94a, 94b and a press-fit connector 9a.
4c. USB terminal and JTAG terminal 94d
Also have. The flexible board extension 94 e is for sending a signal to the image display monitor 70 provided on the back cover 18. The Xe + lead wire 95a, the Xe lead wire 95c, and the trigger lead wire 95b constituting the strobo-xenon tube connection wire group 95 are connected to the ST2 substrate 8
9 and connected via a DCDC board 92.

The switch 68 is provided on the S flexible substrate 96.
Are formed or connected, and are connected to the M-flexible substrate 80 via the press-connecting connector 96a. Other parts requiring a large current are connected by lead wires as shown (details will be described later).

In the case of this embodiment, the various mounted substrates are arranged inside the camera as follows. For example,
The M flexible board 80 is a cartridge room unit 201
, And the RELAY flexible substrate 94 is disposed on the front surface of the M flexible substrate 80. The ST2 substrate 89 is disposed above the spool chamber unit 200, the DCDC substrate 92 is disposed above the ST2 substrate 89, and the DM flexible substrate 81 is disposed below the camera.

The lead wires connected to each substrate and each line will be described in more detail. Power leads LW1 and LW2 from battery 87 are connected to ST1 substrate 85. Power line is ST1 board 85, DX flexible board 86
Via LW3 to M flexible substrate 80
D is supplied with Vcc by LW4. Further, the GND line LW5 is connected to the DCDC board 92 from the connection point of LW3 of the M flexible board 80. Also, M
Vcc from the LW4 connection point of the flexible substrate 80
Line LW6 is connected to DCDC board 92.

The Vcc line is further connected to the DM flexible substrate 81 by LW7. DCDC board 92
Is supplied to the DM flexible substrate 81 by the LW13. In addition, the same digital GND line is connected by LW12. The LW 10 is wired from the digital GND of the DCDC board 92, and the lower cover 24 of the camera is dropped to GND. Similarly, when the LW11 is wired from the DCDC board 92, the upper cover 23 is dropped to digital GND. Digital GND is concentrated on the DCDC substrate 92 and grounded at one point.

From the main capacitor charged in the ST1 substrate 85, LW8 and LW9 are wired and connected to a substrate (ST2 substrate 89) that performs strobe light emission. DCD
The power boosted by the C substrate 92 is supplied to the CMOS imager 48 by LW14 and LW15. This LW15
Is connected to digital GND.

As described above, the digital GND is DC
The DC board 92 is grounded at one point. The DM flexible board 81 on which digital components are mounted is shielded by a metal lower cover 24.
Connected to digital GND of CDC board 92. on the other hand,
The upper cover 23 shields the CMOS imager 48,
Similarly, it is grounded to the digital GND of the DCDC board 92.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure of the camera according to the present embodiment. In particular, here, the electronic image pickup function unit in the finder (hereinafter abbreviated as “F”) unit 207 described above.
(For example, the ND filter frame 124 or the CMOS imager 4
8 etc.). Lens barrel unit 2
An F main body 127 is fixed to an upper portion of 04. This F
The upper part of the main body 127 is covered with an F cover 122.

Further, a D holder 126 is attached to the F main body 127, and fixes the positive / negative lenses 42, 43, 45, 46 of the image pickup system arranged in the optical path indicated by the dashed line. In addition, an infrared cut filter 146 and a fixed diaphragm 44 are provided between the positive lenses 43 and 45. Behind the negative lens 46, a mirror 120 for bending the optical path upward by about 90 ° is fixedly provided by a frame 121. As a result, the light reflected by the mirror 120 passes through a predetermined ND filter 47 in the ND filter
An image is formed on the S imager 48.

The CMOS imager 48 has the aforementioned CMO
An S-flexible board 93 is attached and connected to transmit the obtained electric signal to the image processing IC 57. Further, a shaft is provided in the F main body presser 123 for holding the CMOS imager 48, and the ND filter frame 1 is provided.
24 is rotatably attached by being stopped by an E-ring 125. The ND filter frame 124 includes a plurality of NDs.
The filter 47 (for example, 142, 143, 14 described later)
4) is fitted. The D holder 126 is the F body 12
7, the subject image is a CMOS imager 4
The focus can be adjusted so as to form an image on the image 8.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a top view of the inside of the ND filter frame 124 assembled to the F body 127, and FIG. 9 shows a plurality of ND filter frames 124 fitted into the ND filter frame 124. ND filters (142, 143, 1)
44) is shown in a front view.

Sensor module 4 for autofocus
1 is the right front. This sensor module 41 is AFN
It is mounted on the D-flex 88. On the left side, imaging lenses 129 and 13 constituting a finder optical system of the camera are provided.
0, 131, 132, 133 and 134 are arranged. In this finder optical system, when a zoom button (not shown) is operated to perform a zoom drive, the image magnification also changes in conjunction with the zoom. In other words, the imaging lenses 130 and 131 are moved in the optical axis direction by a zoom feed driving mechanism (not shown) to change the magnification.

The eyepiece window 1 is located behind the imaging lens 134.
35, while a finder panel 136 attached to an exterior (not shown) is provided in front of the imaging lens 129.
There is. Further on the left side, the above-described image sensor (CMOS
A dedicated optical system provided for the imager 48) is provided.

Here, the drive mechanism for the ND filter according to the present invention will be described in detail. ND filter frame 124
Has a circular outer frame portion, and a gear 145 is formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. On the other hand, the gear 145 meshes with ND
A pinion gear 137 is supported by the stepping motor 50 as a driving source so that the filter frame 124 can be rotated. The pinion gear 137 meshes with the gear 145 via the idle gear 124, and the ND filter frame 124 holds a predetermined ND filter 47 (142, 1).
43, 144), the filter can be switched on the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ND filter frame 124
And each region has a filterless portion 141 having no filter, a first-stage first-stage filter portion 142 in which a predetermined filter is fitted, and a first-stage filter portion 142.
A second-stage two-stage filter unit 143 and a third-stage three-stage filter unit 144 are provided.

In order to detect the initial position of the ND filter frame 124, the silver seal 140 having a high reflectance
The filter frame 124 is attached to a part of the stay. The initial position is arranged so that it can be detected by the reflective sensor 88a mounted on the AFND flexible 88. By detecting the seal 140, the drive control circuit can determine the position of the ND filter frame 124.

The ND filter frame 1 is formed so that an optimum image is formed on the CMOS imager 48 depending on the surrounding brightness.
When the ND filter (142, 143 or 144) having a predetermined number of stages is selected in a procedure described later, the optical axis of the optical axis 24 is rotated by the driving force of a stepping motor (not shown) around the rotation axis 146. In the upper position, the selected ND filter is step-driven by the stepping motor 50 so as to stop.

Incidentally, as in this example, the ND filter 47 is constituted by a set of three filters, and is set so that the transmittance becomes smaller as the first to third stages are sequentially set. So in this case,
The ND filter 143 having an intermediate transmittance is the second stage. However, the setting of the number of the plurality of ND filters 47 and the magnitude of the transmittance can be appropriately modified together with the shape of the ND filter frame 124 based on the filter switching control method. When a large number of ND filters are used, the switching unit need not be "one step down".

Next, a method for controlling the drive of the ND filter frame 124 will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 10 corresponds to step S2 in FIG. 4, and shows a subroutine for resetting the ND filter frame to the initial position. Step S3
At 0, the drive control circuit outputs a predetermined number of pulse signals to the stepping motor 50 and rotates it in the CW direction (ie, counterclockwise) (S30).

In step S31, while monitoring the output of the reflection type sensor, the ND filter
It is determined whether or not it has returned to the initial position where 40 is attached (S3
1). If it is at the position of the silver seal, an ND filter 143 having an intermediate transmittance is set in front of the CMOS imager 48. Then, in step S32, the filter No.
Is stored (S32), and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

On the other hand, if the position is not the position where the silver seal 140 is located, it is determined in step S33 whether or not a MAX pulse has been output (S33). The "MAX pulse" means the number of pulses having a value larger than the number of pulses for one rotation of the ND filter frame. If the pulse is not a MAX pulse, the process returns to step S30. On the other hand, if so, it is determined that a failure has occurred, and the camera operation is stopped in the failure mode.

When the photometric processing is performed during the main sequence (see FIG. 4), an ND filter having a predetermined transmittance is set according to the photometric value. When photometry is performed,
The photometric value is divided into four levels. Here, for example, photometric level 1 means the darkest zone, and photometric level 2
It means a zone that is brighter as it becomes 3 or 4.

Step S1 in the main sequence
When the "ND filter set" subroutine is called in 3 (FIG. 4), the processing is sequentially performed from step S34 in FIG. That is, FIG. 11 corresponds to steps S9 and S13 in FIG. 4, and is a subroutine for setting the ND filter to a predetermined photometric level.

First, at step S34, the photometry level 1
It is determined whether or not (S34). If it is level 1, in step S35, ｛(filter No.) −
The result of the calculation of 1｝ is stored (S35), and 1 is stored as the filter number in step S36 (S3).
6). Then, control goes to a step S45.

On the other hand, if the photometry level is not 1 in the determination in step S34, it is determined in step S37 whether or not the photometry level is 2 (S37). If it is level 2, in step S38, the storage memory N stores {(filter No.)-2}.
Is stored (S38), and 2 is stored as the filter number in step S39 (S39).
Then, control goes to a step S45.

The photometry level 2 is determined in step S37.
If not, it is determined in step S40 whether or not the photometry level is 3 (S40). If level 3, step S
At 41, the result of performing the operation {(filter No.)-3} is stored in the storage memory N (S41), and step S42 is performed.
To store 3 as the filter No. (S4
2). Then, control goes to a step S45. If level 3
Otherwise, in step S43, the result of performing the operation of {(filter No.)-4} is stored in the storage memory N (S43), and in step S44, 4 is set as the filter No.
Is stored (S44).

In step S45, stepping
(N × P) pulses are output to the motor 50 (S4
5). When the supplied voltage is-, CW direction, +
In this case, the motor is driven to rotate in the CCW direction (ie, counterclockwise).

By the above procedure, a filter based on the photometric value at that time is set. Since the timer is counted during the main sequence, the switching time of the ND filter may be appropriately selected in accordance with the camera. Note that the algorithm of the above-described calculation is an example, and may be modified.

As described above, in the silver halide photographing / electronic imaging camera according to the present embodiment, the setting time of the ND filter for the electronic imaging device can be shortened. And the time lag of the release operation is minimized for both the silver halide imaging device and the electronic imaging device, and is substantially eliminated.
Therefore, it is possible to take a picture at a suitable timing without fear of missing a photo opportunity.

(Modification) The above embodiment may be appropriately modified as needed. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention includes the following inventions. (1) It has a drive mechanism for switching the ND filter to be used by rotational drive, and the drive mechanism is used for a predetermined ND filter having a different transmittance according to the amount of reflected light (luminance value or photometric value) from the subject. Stepping so that it can be switched
It is possible to provide a camera for both silver halide photography and electronic imaging, which is characterized by being driven in pulses by a motor.

(2) The ND filters are arranged in an order in which the transmittance is sequentially increased and decreased, and the ND filters are reset to those having an intermediate transmittance during non-shooting (1). ) Can be provided. (3) At the time of photographing, the ND filter having a transmittance such that substantially the same result is obtained in silver halide photographing and electronic photographing is set in accordance with an output signal from an image processing LSI for an image sensor. The dual-purpose camera according to (1), wherein the relative position is calculated and a pulse signal corresponding to the calculated relative position is transmitted to the stepping motor via the driver circuit.

[0102]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A camera that combines the use of a silver halide imaging device and an electronic imaging device, wherein the setting time of the ND filter of the electronic imaging device is reduced, and both the silver halide imaging device and the electronic imaging device have the shortest release time lag. Provision is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera front part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rear part of the body of the camera.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the camera.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main sequence relating to a control procedure of the camera.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the configuration of main parts of the camera body.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the structure of various substrates attached to the camera body and related components in detail.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electronic image pickup device of a finder unit of the camera.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state where the ND filter frame is assembled to the F body.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing an ND filter frame and a plurality of ND filters fitted in the frame.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting an ND filter frame to an initial position.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting an ND filter to a predetermined photometric level.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3: Image forming lens (for CMOS imager), 4: Objective lens (finder optical system), 5: Distance measuring window, 7: Release button (two-stage switch button), 14: Barrier (for protection of photographing lens), 15 : Eyepiece window (optical finder), 41: autofocus module, 43, 45: positive lens (imaging system lens), 42, 46: negative lens (imaging system lens), 47: ND filter, 48: CMOS imager (image) Sensor), 49: ND drive mechanism (filter switching drive mechanism), 50: motor (M1: stepping motor), 51: driver circuit (drive control circuit), 57: image processing LSI, 58: main CPU, 59: EEPROM (Storage memory), 62: flash memory, 63: SDRAM, 65: photometric sensor, 93: CMOS flexible Plate, 120: Mirror, 121: Mirror fixing frame, 122: F cover, 123: F main body holding, 124: ND filter frame, 125: E ring, 126: D holder, 127: F main body, 129 to 134: Image formation Lens (finder optical system), 135: eyepiece window, 140: silver seal (high reflection plate), 141: no filter part, 142: one-step filter part (ND filter), 143: two-step filter part (ND filter), 144: three-stage filter unit (ND filter), 145: gear (drive mechanism), 146: rotating shaft, 147: infrared cut filter, 204: lens barrel unit, 207: finder (F) unit.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G03B 11/04 G03B 11/04 B 2H100 17/00 17/00 L 2H101 17/02 17/02 5C022 17/04 17 / 04 19/02 19/02 19/06 19/06 F term (reference) 2H002 CC10 DB02 DB24 HA05 JA09 2H020 MA02 MC22 MC41 MC73 MC79 ME01 2H042 AA06 AA08 AA22 2H054 AA01 AA03 BB07 2H083 AA05 AA33 AA53 CC02 CC05 CC52 CC23 CC23 CC23 CC23 2H100 AA61 CC05 2H101 BB05 BB07 EE02 EE14 FF01 5C022 AA13 AC32 AC55 AC61 AC69 AC70 AC74 AC78

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A camera which combines an adjustable silver halide photographing device for recording on a silver halide film and an adjustable electronic imaging device capable of photographing an electronic image with an electronic imaging device, wherein the amount of light incident on the imaging device is adjusted. A plurality of ND filters having different transmittances, a switching control circuit and a switching drive mechanism for the ND filter, a barrier for protecting a photographic lens of the silver halide imaging device, and a switch for detecting opening and closing of the barrier. A camera that switches the ND filter so that the transmittance becomes intermediate when the switch detects the closed state of the barrier by the switch. 2. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a photometric circuit for performing photometry repeatedly, wherein the ND filter is selectively switched according to a photometric value of the photometric circuit. 3. A camera comprising: an electronic imaging device for capturing an electronic image; and a plurality of filters having different transmittances for adjusting the amount of light incident on the electronic imaging device. A camera, characterized in that a filter having an intermediate transmittance among the plurality of filters is arranged in front of the electronic imaging element as the state shifts to a non-operation state. 4. A camera comprising: an electronic imaging device for capturing an electronic image; and a plurality of filters having different transmittances for adjusting the amount of light incident on the electronic imaging device. A camera characterized in that at the time of transition to a photographable state, any one of the plurality of filters is selected according to the brightness of a subject and arranged in front of the electronic image sensor.