JP2003140251A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera enabling a user to take a photograph hardly influenced by camera shake by giving a warning so that a user who does not pay attention to the camera shake may call his (her) attention to holding even when such a user uses the camera in a situation that a user who does not know that the photograph out of focus is taken because of the camera shake in the case of photographing is present. SOLUTION: This camera is equipped with a camera shake detection mode for deciding the camera shake by a holding check function utilizing an acceleration sensor and an image sensor for range-finding. When the camera shake detection mode is set by switch operation, display for confirming setting by an LED near a finder, an LCD within the finder and a liquid crystal display part on the upper surface of the camera is performed to make the user recognize display form according to the set mode, and in the case of detecting the camera shake, the display form is displayed to warn the user or a photographer of the camera shake.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention improves a display mode in a photographing mode set by a user according to his / her preference, such as a camera shake prevention mode in which a camera shake generated during photographing is detected and a vibration warning is given to a photographer. Regarding the camera that did.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Normally, when a photographer holds a camera by hand to take a picture, a camera shakes during exposure, resulting in a failure photograph, that is, so-called camera shake may occur.
In order to prevent this camera shake, various anti-vibration techniques have been studied. This anti-vibration technique is divided into two techniques: detection of vibration and countermeasures against the detected vibration.

Further, the technology for preventing camera shake is classified into a warning technology for making a user recognize a shaking condition and a technology for preventing image deterioration due to camera shake by driving and controlling a photographing lens. Among them, as a warning technique, the present applicant has proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-201845, a camera that suppresses a failure due to a camera shake by devising a display means.

An example in which a distance measuring sensor is applied is also disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-165622, which was previously published in Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-62.
No. 27686. Usually, these warnings are made to be recognized by the photographer by lighting or blinking a display section provided in the camera.

[0005]

However, since the above-mentioned warning display is displayed according to the result of detection every exposure, it may be troublesome for some users to get various warning displays. In addition, the user may be distracted without knowing the meaning of the display form, and may miss a photo opportunity.

There are also users who want to understand the functions installed in a camera and enjoy shooting in a mode more suitable for the scene. For example, if the mode is set to prevent camera shake, it is necessary for users who are addicted to shooting and tend to forget that camera shake has occurred, but it is necessary for users who are always aware of camera shake when shooting. It will be annoying because it will be displayed even when changing.

Therefore, even if each user can select the display mode by operating the switch, the display mode suggesting that the mode is selected is expressed by an easy-to-understand design due to the limitation of the display area of the LCD display section. It was difficult. In other words, if it is difficult to understand what the design suggests, it may cause a user error. If a warning display is issued in a mode in which the setting has not been recognized due to this erroneous operation, the user may misunderstand that the camera may have failed.

Therefore, the present invention relates to an LC mounted on a camera.
The limited display surface of the D display section is effectively used, and the display mode that is easy to recognize allows the user to set a mode that is easy for the user to see. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that displays a warning that is easy to recognize in the vicinity.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is divided into a plurality of switch means for selecting a desired mode from a plurality of modes for performing electrical control during photographing by a camera, and a plurality of divided means. A liquid crystal display unit including a segment unit configured by a group of segments and displaying a display form indicating a setting state of the mode according to an instruction from the switch unit, and controlling a display form of the segment unit in the liquid crystal display unit. , And a display control means for lighting or blinking, wherein the display control means lights the first segment group of the segment groups when displaying the first mode of the plurality of modes. , Of the above modes, when displaying the second mode,
When the second segment group of the segment group is lit and the third mode of the plurality of modes is displayed, a part of the segments of the first segment group and the second segment group are displayed. A camera for lighting at least one of some segments of a segment group is provided.

The camera having the above-described structure allows the user to see the vicinity of the finder when the camera shake detection mode for judging the camera shake by the holding check function using the acceleration sensor and the image sensor for distance measurement is set by the switch operation. The LED, the LCD in the finder, and the liquid crystal display on the top of the camera perform a display for confirming the setting, and the display recognizes the display form displayed by the user when the camera shake is detected, and the display form is displayed. ,
The user or photographer can recognize that a warning due to camera shake has been issued.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display means for displaying a photographing range (finder field of view) according to a photographing mode provided in a viewfinder of a camera by a change in light transmittance, and a hand-shake determination, in addition to an existing distance measuring sensor, a monolithic acceleration sensor. In combination with a meter, it is equipped with vibration detection means that detects camera shake and indicates the occurrence of camera shake.If camera shake occurs, the transmittance of the display area of the liquid crystal display means can be changed in a pattern. This technology makes it easy for the user to recognize the occurrence of camera shake.

The monolithic accelerometer, which is formed on an IC chip, is a device for detecting vibration by utilizing a capacitance change generated between a movable pattern and an immovable pattern. Is, for example, JP-A-8-178.
It is possible to use those proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 954, etc.

As its constitution, both patterns are both formed of a polysilicon member on a silicon substrate,
A pair of capacitors is formed with one electrode movable and responsive to acceleration, while the other electrode is stationary with respect to acceleration. When acceleration is applied to such a silicon substrate, the capacitance of one capacitor increases and the capacitance of the other capacitor decreases. A signal processing circuit for converting these differential capacitances into voltage signals is required, and these movable electrodes, capacitors, and signal processing circuits are monolithically formed on the same substrate.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-178954 describes an application for actuating a safety device such as an automobile braking system and an air bag, and by making it monolithic, dimensional cost, required power, Although it has been described that the device is excellent in reliability, the present embodiment effectively arranges and controls such elements, keeps the above characteristics, adds a situation peculiar to the camera, and effects with high accuracy. Realizes an anti-vibration camera. This portion may be configured by a so-called shock sensor or the like that detects a shock or the like.

1 and 2 show an example of the structure of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the appearance of the camera and the internal structure of a part thereof, and FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a hard printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a flexible printed circuit), which is a feature of this embodiment, and FIG. 1C shows a distance measuring optical system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical block configuration of the camera of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1A, on the front surface of the camera 10, in addition to the taking lens 9 and the strobe 8, a finder objective lens 15, a distance measuring section for auto focus (AF) and photometry are used. The light receiving lens of the photometric distance measuring unit 5 and the like are arranged. Inside this camera, an electronic circuit for fully automatic operation of the camera is provided.
This electronic circuit also includes the above-mentioned monolithic accelerometer (acceleration sensor) 3 mounted on the rigid printed circuit board 14. In order to show the positional relationship, a part of the internal structure is shown in FIG. It is cut so that it can be seen.

In addition to the acceleration sensor 3, a one-chip microcomputer (CPU) 1 for controlling the operation relating to photographing of the entire camera and an actuator such as a motor are operated on the hard printed circuit board 14 to operate the mechanical mechanism. An interface IC (IFIC) 2 for driving the unit is mounted. Further, in the vicinity of the CPU 1, for example, an EEPROM is provided as a memory 4 for storing adjustment data for component variations in the camera assembly process.

FIG. 1B is a view showing the relationship between the hard printed board 14 and the flexible board 7 when the camera is viewed from the lateral direction. This rigid printed circuit board 14
Since is not bent along the curved surface inside the camera, the flexible substrate 7 is used and is connected by the connector 12. The display element (LC
D) 6 is mounted, and a communication line with the autofocus (AF) sensor 5c and a switch pattern 13 are formed. The flexible board 7 wraps around to the back of the camera, and a notification element such as a sounding element PCV or an LED in the warning display section 11 as shown in FIG. 1B is mounted, and is output from the CPU 1 to the warning display section 11. In addition to transmitting the signal, the AF sensor 5c is also capable of transmitting and receiving the signal.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the AF sensor 5c uses the well-known principle of triangulation to measure the subject 101.
Of the image signal 10 of the subject 101.
2 can be detected by two sets of the light receiving lens 5d and the sensor array 5e, and the subject distance L can be detected from the relative position difference x.

Generally, the subject has a vertical shadow, and the two light receiving lenses 5d are arranged in the horizontal direction (X direction) as shown in FIG. 1 (a). The sensor array 5e is also divided in the horizontal direction. With such an arrangement, an image shift in the X direction caused by a camera shake in the lateral direction can be detected by the AF sensor. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
It is placed in the direction to detect blurring in the Y direction rather than the
Detection in both Y directions is complemented by another sensor.

Here, the acceleration sensor 3 will be described with reference to an example of the manufacturing process shown in FIG. First, an oxide film 21 is formed on a silicon substrate (IC chip) 20 (FIGS. 3A and 3B), a pattern is formed on the oxide film 21 by a resist mask, and the exposed portion is etched. Then, the resist mask is removed and the opening can be formed in an arbitrary portion (FIG. 3C). Then, after depositing a polysilicon layer 22 (see FIG.
(D)) When the oxide film 21 is selectively removed by wet etching, a polysilicon layer 22 is formed on the silicon substrate 20 in a bridge structure (FIG. 3).
(E)). Impurities such as phosphorus are diffused into the polysilicon layer to make it conductive. With this type of bridge structure, the movable electrodes 22 having pillars at four corners as shown in FIG. 4B are formed on the silicon substrate 20.

Also, on the silicon substrate 20, FIG.
As shown in (a), separate electrodes 24 and 25 are formed and arranged adjacent to the arm portions 23a and 23b of the movable electrode 22 described above, whereby the arm portion 23a, the electrode 24, and the arm portion 23 are formed.
A small capacitor capacitance is formed between b and the electrode 25.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, an IC chip having this movable electrode structure arranged on the silicon substrate 20 can be used as a monolithic IC with a processing circuit capable of determining acceleration in a predetermined direction.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4C, the processing circuit section 29 is formed on-chip on this chip together with the monolithic movable electrode capacitor. This is to detect a capacitance component changing by the movable electrode 22 and output a signal according to the acceleration. The movement of the bridge-shaped movable electrode 22 increases one of the capacitances formed in the two electrodes and decreases one of them, so that the acceleration in the arrow direction of FIG. 4B can be detected. Therefore, if this IC chip is mounted on a camera,
The acceleration in the Y direction can be determined as in (b).

FIG. 5A shows a configuration example of the processing circuit 29. As described above, a capacitance component is formed between the arm portions 23a and 23b included in the acceleration 3 for detecting the movement in the Y direction and the electrode 24, and between the arm portion 23b and the electrode 25, and the arm portion 23a, The movement of 23b changes these capacities. This capacitance change is converted into an electric signal by the processing circuit 29.

The processing circuit 29 includes a carrier wave generator (oscillation circuit) 31 that oscillates a carrier wave having a pulse waveform, and a demodulation circuit 32 that demodulates the respective oscillation waveforms changed by the capacitance change of the acceleration sensor 3 by full-wave switching rectification.
And a filter circuit 33 that outputs an acceleration-dependent analog signal, and a PWM signal generation circuit 34 that performs analog-PWM conversion. The output waveform is shown in FIG. In this way, the duty ratio of the pulse (ratio of T1 and T2) changes according to the acceleration.

Therefore, the acceleration sensor 3 outputs a voltage signal proportional to the acceleration or a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal proportional to the acceleration. The CPU 1 that can handle only digital signals can detect acceleration by demodulating a PWM signal using a built-in counter. For the voltage signal proportional to the acceleration, a regulator having an A / D converter may be used. If the PWM signal is used, the CPU
It is not necessary to mount the A / D converter in 1.

FIG. 2A shows a block circuit diagram of a camera in which such an acceleration sensor 3 is mounted, which will be described. In this configuration, the CPU that controls the entire camera
1, an IFIC 2, a monolithic accelerometer (acceleration sensor) 3, and a memory (EEPR) for storing adjustment data.
OM) 4, an autofocus (AF) unit 5a, a photometric unit 5b, an AF sensor 5c, and a liquid crystal display element (LCD) for displaying the setting state of the camera and information regarding shooting.
6, an in-viewfinder LCD 6a that is provided in the finder to display information related to shooting, a strobe unit 8 including an arc tube that emits auxiliary light, and a main capacitor 8a that charges the arc tube to emit light. , A photographing lens 9 having a zooming function, a warning display section 11 including an LED, a resistor 11a connected in series to the warning display section 11, switches 13a and 13b for starting a photographing sequence of the camera, and a camera shake. A mode switch 13c for setting the detection mode and a flash switch 13 for changing the flashing state of the flash of the camera.
d, a motor 18 that drives a drive mechanism such as a photographing lens, a shutter, and a film feeding mechanism, a rotary blade 16 that rotates in conjunction with the motor 18, and a rotary blade 16 that rotates for drive control of the motor 18. It is composed of a photo interrupter 17 that optically detects a hole.

Further, the motor 18 may switch the driving destination by the switching mechanism when driving each driving mechanism such as the shutter 19 and the zoom lens frame, or each driving mechanism may be provided with a separate motor. Good.

In this structure, the CPU 1 controls the photographing sequence of the camera in accordance with the operating states of the switches 13a and 13b. In other words, according to the output of the monolithic accelerometer 3, in addition to the warning display by the in-view LCD 6a for the camera shake warning, the AF unit 5a at the time of shooting and the photometric circuit 5b for measuring the brightness of the subject for exposure control are driven to output the necessary signals. Then, the motor 18 is controlled via the IFIC 2 described above. At this time, the rotation of the motor 18 is transmitted to the rotary blade 16, the IFIC 2 waveform-matches the signal output by the photo interrupter 17 according to the position of the adjustment hole, and the CPU 1 monitors the rotation state of the motor 18. In addition, the strobe unit 8 emits auxiliary light as needed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a warning pattern displayed on the in-viewfinder LCD 6a as a first display example. As the in-finder LCD 6a, the one used for the screen display in the panorama mode, the blackout display indicating that the shutter is released, or the like is diverted.

The light-shielding pattern which is obtained by combining the screen A and the screen C shown in FIG. 7 is a light-shielding pattern which is displayed when the panoramic photographing is set, and is used. First, as shown in screen A, only the upper area is shielded from light, then, as shown in screen B, only the central area showing the shooting range at the time of panoramic shooting is shielded, and finally, as shown in screen C, the panorama light shield unit This is a pattern in which the light shielding of only the lower region of the above is sequentially and repeatedly performed. By repeating this display form, the user looking into the finder can recognize that the hand shake is occurring (if the patterns A, B, and C are shielded at the same time, the blackout display can be performed). .

Since such a display makes it possible to express a feeling that the viewfinder screen is swaying, when the user re-holds the camera and camera shake does not occur, the screen D or the screen of FIG. 8A is displayed according to the normal or panorama mode. Returning to the screen E of 8 (b), the subject can be monitored.

Further, FIG. 9 shows a second display example of the camera shake warning displayed on the LCD 6a. This display example is
Similarly to the pattern described in FIG. 7, the light-shielding portion displayed when the panoramic shooting is set is used. In this pattern, the upper and lower light-shielding portions are alternately displayed as screen A and screen C. Unlike the pattern in FIG. 7, this pattern does not obscure the panoramic shooting mode and the facial expression of the subject because the central portion of the screen is always visible. Further, since it is blinking, unlike the normal display in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the user does not misunderstand.

Next, the vibration detection principle of the camera thus constructed will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 6
As shown in (a), when the user 100 holds the camera with one hand and holds it, the camera tends to be slightly shaken in an oblique direction.
It can be decomposed into the movement in the Y direction. In general, most users are unconscious about such minute vibrations causing the effect of “camera shake” during shooting.
Since the camera detects this minute vibration and displays the display as described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the user takes a photograph to take a measure to suppress the vibration, such as holding the left hand 100a in the camera. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture without failure due to camera shake.

However, if a warning is given at all times, it will be troublesome for the photographer. Experienced users who are careful about camera shake may enjoy taking pictures that effectively use the shake of this camera, such as panning, so this holding check function is one of the modes. For example, the camera shake detection mode is set, and the device can be set only when the user thinks it is necessary.

That is, the mode changeover switch 13c and the liquid crystal display unit 6 as shown in FIG. 10A are provided, and in the normal state, only the function of the film counter or the like by the segment 6a is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, if the user 100 operates the mode changeover switch 13c to set the camera shake detection mode, FIG.
Display segments 6b and 6c as shown in (b) and (c)
The shake detection mode setting display consisting of is displayed. In this camera shake detection mode setting display, only the display segment 6b blinks, and the user can recognize that the mode is set.

This camera shake detection mode setting display is shown in FIG.
Since a part of the segment of the self-timer mode display 6d as shown in (d) is also used, it is not necessary to secure a space for forming a new segment in the liquid crystal display element 6, and the layout can be burdened. Absent. As shown in FIG. 11, these segments are obtained by dividing the segment for self-timer mode display into a plurality of segments.
Each part is wired so that each part can be independently display-controlled.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show the appearance of an example of the structure of a camera having such a camera shake detection mode. Here, FIG. 12 shows the configuration viewed from the rear side of the camera,
FIG. 13 shows the configuration seen from the front oblique direction. With reference to these drawings, the function of warning the occurrence of camera shake due to the holding check will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, a finder eyepiece portion 61 is provided on the back surface of the camera 10, and a light emitting diode (LED) 11 is provided beside it. The LED 11 is displayed in a blinking manner when the camera shake occurs, and the user can recognize the warning even when the camera is held. When such a warning is recognized, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the left hand 100a is attached to the camera held by the photographer with one hand (right hand) to hold the camera more firmly. You can take measures to prevent shaking. On the top surface of the camera 10, a mode display LCD 6 and a mode setting switch 1
3c, a release button 51, etc. are provided.

As shown in FIG. 13, a photographing lens 63 is provided on the front surface of the camera 10, a finder objective lens 64 and a light receiving lens of the photometric distance measuring unit 5 are provided above the photographing lens 63, and a strobe light emitting section 62 and LE for self-timer
D65 is arranged. If the LED 65 is also displayed in a blinking manner when a camera shake occurs, it is possible to know whether or not the camera shake has occurred to the photographer who requested when the user was in front of the camera.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a barrier 10a is provided on the front surface of the camera 10, which is slidable and covers the taking lens 63, the finder objective lens 64, and the light receiving lens of the photometry and distance measuring unit 5 when being carried. There is. The barrier 10a also serves as a power switch, and when opened, the power is turned on so that the retracted photographing lens 63 is extended to a predetermined position to enable photographing, and when closing the photographing lens 63, photographing is performed. The lens 63 may be retracted in the camera to have a function of turning off the power.

The LED 11 provided in the vicinity of the viewfinder eyepiece lens 61 on the back side of the camera described above may also be used as an existing LED for displaying the charging status of the strobe or the AF focusing display.

After the camera shake detection mode is set, if the camera is shaken due to unstable holding when holding the camera, the LCD in the viewfinder blinks as described above, or as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the LED 11 in the vicinity of the camera finder eyepiece 61 may be blinked to give a warning.

Further, when such shaking is occurring, the self-timer display LED 6 provided on the front surface of the camera
By providing the function of making 5 blink, for example, the user of the camera can recognize the shaking state of the camera of the photographer who has requested for photographing himself.

Generally, in a compact camera, since the miniaturization of the camera body is pursued, the area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display element 6 usually arranged on the upper surface of the camera is not sufficient,
The size and number of segments displayed on this display screen are also limited. With the increasing number of functions of cameras, it is necessary to display many modes. On the other hand, if each segment is made smaller, it becomes difficult to recognize. Also, if one segment is used for several displays, the user will not know what. It is not possible to recognize whether or not it is indicated, and the display becomes meaningless.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to emphasize the meaning of preventing camera shake, a blinking instability is displayed in order to express a feeling of shaking and a feeling of holding it down, and a portion supporting from below is displayed. Then, we have devised to convey the meaning of the mode to the user in an easy-to-understand manner. Also,
For the blinking portion and the supporting portion, a segment used in another mode is diverted so that the area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display element is not taken.

Next, a first display example of the warning pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display section 6 will be described. FIG. 14 (a)
Shows the segment 6d for the self-timer, and FIG.
FIG. 14B shows a segment 6e for the red-eye prevention mode that prevents the eyes from appearing red when the flash fires.
(C) and (d) show a display mode in which a part of the segments 6d and 6e are alternately blinked to express a feeling of shaking and a feeling of supporting it.

When such a display mode is set, for example, as the camera shake detection mode, if the camera is not held firmly, a warning display as shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, appears. In other words, if the LED 11 is displayed near the finder as shown in FIG. 12 at the time of shooting, there is a possibility that some users may be anxious about the blinking or misunderstand that the camera has broken down. Indicates that if this camera shake detection mode is released, this display will not be displayed. Also, regarding the mode display of the liquid crystal display unit 6, the user who is worried about blinking flicker may select a display form other than this.

Next, a second display example of the warning pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display section 6 will be described. FIG. 15 (a)
Shows the segment 6d for the self-timer, and FIG.
(B) is shown as a camera in which the inside of the segment 6f, which is arranged above the segment 6d and shaped as a remote controller used in the remote control mode, is outlined and the frame portion is left. Due to this display form, the portion that supports the camera (segment 6f) from below (part of segment 6f)
Flashes to emphasize the importance of holding the camera.

From such a display, the user intuitively recognizes that it is necessary to firmly hold the camera, and since camera shake has occurred, the LED blinks as shown in FIG. 12, It is possible to recognize that the blinking can be turned off by making sure holding.

A third display example of the warning pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display section 6 will be described. Figure 16 (a)
16 shows a segment 6g showing a spot mode in which priority is given to the results of distance measurement and photometry in the center of the screen.
(B) shows a segment 6d for a self-timer.

By turning off some of the segments constituting these two segments and turning on or off some of the segments to combine them, as shown in FIG. 16 (c), the segment 6g has a square shape. The portion represents the camera, and the lower segment of the segment 6d represents that the camera is held. The user is made aware of the importance of holding, and when the user actually shakes it, the LED 11 shown in FIG. 12 blinks. To recognize that the setting mode and the blinking display are related.

Further, these mode displays are not blinked at a fixed timing, but are blinked at an interval linked to the shaking condition of the camera so that the relation with the display in the viewfinder can be positively recognized. it can.

Referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 17,
The LED (LCD) display when the mode setting, for example, the camera shake detection mode is set and the camera shake is detected, will be described by taking the display forms shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D as an example.

First, as shown in FIG. 10B, the mode changeover switch 13c is operated (step S1).
In this switch operation, it is determined whether or not the camera shake detection mode is set (step S2). With this judgment,
If the camera shake detection mode is not set (NO), a predetermined segment indicating the mode is displayed (step S3).

On the other hand, if the camera shake detection mode is set (YES), the count value of the timer built in the camera is reset to 0 and then the count is started (step S4). Then, in order to let the user recognize that the camera shake detection mode has been set, a setting confirmation display is performed, specifically, the segment 6 in the liquid crystal display unit 6.
blinks b and 6c for a predetermined time (step S
5). This blinking interval may be arbitrary. At the same time as this blinking, L in the viewfinder explained in FIG. 7 or FIG.
A blinking display of the LED 11 near the CD and the viewfinder is also performed (step S6). This is to make the user recognize that the mode setting and the blinking portion are related by blinking the LCD in the finder, the LED 11 and the liquid crystal display portion 6 at the same time as the setting.

Then, it is determined whether or not these setting confirmation displays have been displayed for 2 seconds (step S7), and if 2 seconds have passed (YES), the camera shake detection in the camera shake detection mode is started (step S8). . If the camera shake is detected by this detection (YES), the segment 6 of the liquid crystal display unit 6 is detected.
Flashes b and 6c (step S9). It is preferable that the blinking in the camera shake detection has a different interval from the blinking in step S5. For example, the blinking at the time of setting is made to blink at an early interval, and the blinking at the time of detection is made at a later interval. Further, at the same time as the liquid crystal display unit 6 blinks due to this camera shake detection, the LCD in the finder and the LED 11 perform the blinking display as shown in FIG. 9 (step S).
10).

On the other hand, if the camera shake is not detected in step S8 (NO), the segment 6 of the liquid crystal display section 6 is displayed in order to make the user recognize that the camera shake mode is set.
b and 6c are turned on as shown in FIG. 10C (step S11). Then, it is determined whether or not the setting of the camera shake detection mode is canceled by the switch operation of the user (step S12). If the result of this determination is not canceled (NO), the process returns to step S8, and camera shake detection is continued. On the other hand, if the camera shake detection mode is released (YES), the detection operation is stopped and the segments 6b and 6c of the liquid crystal display unit 6 are turned off (step S
13) return.

Referring to FIG. 18, the AF sensor 5 described above is used.
The relationship between the output of c (image signal) and the output of the acceleration sensor 3 will be described. In this explanation, it is assumed that the camera held by the user is causing a camera shake having movements of both components in the X and Y directions as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

First, the shaking range of the camera is large, that is,
If the moving distance is long, as shown in Figure 18 (a),
Accelerometer 3 at the moment t = t1 when La moves
Outputs a signal when the camera starts moving. Only
Then, if it is moving at a constant speed, the camera is shaking.
However, the acceleration sensor 3 has no acceleration.
Therefore, the detection signal is not output. The camera stopped again
When t = t7 At the timing of this time, this time the constant speed exercise
The output result is output in such a direction as to stop. Tsuma
This means that camera shake is difficult to detect.
However, the image sensor (AF sensor 5c) of the camera is
Outputs a continuously changing image signal even while moving
Therefore, if this output result is judged, the output of the acceleration sensor 3
Even if is 0, the camera CPU1 is
And the output of the acceleration sensor 3 can be supplemented.
It

Further, when the swing width of the camera is small, that is, when the moving distance is short, as shown in FIG.
The image signal detected by the sensor 5c is output every time the acceleration sensor 3 repeatedly shakes, even if the image signal hardly changes. Such small wiggles are caused by hand tremors being transmitted to the camera when the photographer holds the camera in an attempt to fix and hold it, unlike in FIG. 18 (a). However, depending on the focal length, it is often possible to take a picture with no problem even if the picture is taken in a state in which the shaking is actually occurring. That is, even if the acceleration sensor 3 outputs a large output, the camera may only make a slight movement, and even if the output interval of the acceleration sensor 3 is open, the camera position may change significantly.

Further, there are some limits to the blur determination by the AF sensor 5c. For example, in a scene where the main subject has no contrast compared to the background, or in a dark scene where the main subject cannot be identified, changes in the subject image are not detected,
I can't judge. In addition, as in this embodiment,
With a sensor that has only one direction of detection, the movement and image change of the camera in a different direction cannot be known, and when the camera shakes too much, the position monitored by the AF sensor 5c is deviated and the image is completely removed. Therefore, it becomes impossible to accurately judge the amount of shaking. Therefore, it is necessary to properly use these two sensors to determine vibration.

With reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the output (image signal) of the AF sensor 5c as described above.
Then, the warning display operation of the camera with a camera shake detection mode function equipped with a sensor based on the output of the acceleration sensor 3 will be described. The sequence of this warning display is performed according to the program built in the CPU mounted in the camera. For example, in the camera shown in FIG. 13, when the barrier 10a for protecting the taking lens 63 on the front surface of the camera is opened, it becomes possible to take a picture, and this display sequence starts to move.

First, the user carries out framing with the camera ready to take a picture, and the approximate composition is determined. At this time, since the holding operation has not been started yet and the camera is largely moved, the determination based on the detection result by the AF sensor 5c is not effective. That is, since the AF sensor 5c monitors only a narrow portion within the shooting screen, it is not possible to quantitatively evaluate a large camera shake.

Therefore, it is first determined whether the output of the acceleration sensor 3 is larger than a predetermined value (step S21). In this determination, when the output of the acceleration sensor 3 is larger than a predetermined value (YES), it is determined that a shake occurs when the barrier 10a is opened and a shake occurs until the user determines the composition of the photograph with the camera. Then, the warning is not issued for a predetermined time from the start of the shaking, the display of the shaking warning is prohibited (step S22), and the shaking is continuously detected. But,
When the output of the acceleration sensor 3 is smaller than the predetermined value (NO), the composition of the photograph is determined, it is determined that the state of holding has been entered, and the process proceeds to image detection using the AF sensor 5c (step S23).

By this image detection, it is determined whether or not the luminance is lower than a predetermined value in order to determine whether or not the image state is a photographing state in which camera shake detection can be performed (step S2).
4). If it is determined that the brightness is low in this determination (YE
S), it is assumed that the image signal from the AF sensor 5c is not used for the hand-shake warning, and the process shifts to the next shake determination sequence based on the output of the acceleration sensor 3. In this shake determination, it is determined whether or not the acceleration sensor 3 outputs a detection signal (step S25). If the acceleration sensor 3 outputs a detection signal in this determination (YES), it is determined whether a detection signal in the opposite direction has been output (step S2).
6). If the detection signal in the reverse direction is not output (NO), the time until detection is counted to determine whether the predetermined time has been reached (step S27). If the predetermined time has been reached, If (YES), the occurrence of camera shake is warned (step S28).

This warning judgment is made as shown in FIG. 18A when the acceleration sensor 3 outputs the detection signal, and when the detection signal indicating the reverse acceleration is not detected for a predetermined time.
This is for discriminating what the camera continues to move at a constant speed, and for allowing the photographer (user) to recognize that camera shake may occur. It should be noted that the determination of this state may be performed by the user with the intention of performing follow shots, and therefore, for example, the LCD in the finder is not blinked (FIGS. 7 and 9) but is shown in FIG. As described above, as the warning only for blinking the LED 11 near the finder eyepiece 61, a warning display different from the warning using the AF sensor 5c may be displayed.

On the other hand, if the reverse direction detection signal is output in step S26 (YES), it is determined whether relays are performed (step S29). If the release is performed (YES), step S described later.
20 shifts to distance measurement. On the other hand, if the release has not been performed (NO), the process returns to step S3.

If it is not determined that the brightness is low in this step S24 (NO), it is determined whether the contrast of the subject is lower than a predetermined value (step S30), and it is lower than the predetermined value. If it is determined that the contrast is low (YES), the sequence proceeds to the step S25 and subsequent steps, and if it is not low contrast (NO), it is determined that the image signal is suitable for the shake determination.

Next, when the image signal is suitable for camera shake determination, the number of detections n = 0 is set (step S31), and the image is detected by the AF sensor 5c as described in FIG. The image detection result is set to X0 (step S32). Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time (step S33), n is incremented (step S34) and image detection is performed (step S35). It is determined whether or not the difference between the image signal obtained here and the previously detected image signal (the image signal obtained in step S23 only for the first time) is larger than the predetermined level Xc (step S36). If the difference is larger than the predetermined level Xc in this determination (YES), it is determined that the camera holder is shaking due to the insufficient holding state of the photographer, and a camera shake warning is issued (step S37). With this camera shake warning, the photographer can recognize that camera shake has occurred, and can take various measures such as holding with both hands or placing it on something.

After the warning, it is further determined whether or not the difference between the image signals is larger than a predetermined level Xcc which is larger than the predetermined level Xc (step S38). If the difference is larger than the predetermined level Xcc in this determination (YES), it is determined that the photographer has taken a completely different angle or changed the composition, and the process returns to step S21. However, if the difference is not larger than the predetermined level Xcc (NO), the process returns to step S33 to detect the image signal.

If it is determined in step S36 that the difference between the image signals is not larger than the predetermined level Xc (NO),
It is judged that the holding state is stable and the release is possible. After this determination, it is determined whether the release button has been operated (step S3).
9). Here, if the release button is not operated (N
O), and returns to step S33. However, if it is operated (YES), the process moves to the following exposure sequence.

First, distance measurement is performed (step S40),
Focusing is performed based on the distance measurement result (step S41). Next, the exposure time is determined by the brightness information obtained by the image detection in step S23,
The exposure is started and the time measurement by the counter is started (step S42). If the camera shakes during this exposure, camera shake will occur, so the acceleration will be detected again.
Acceleration g due to shock etc. when pushing the release button
Is calculated (step S43). If the acceleration g is large, the photograph will be blurred even if the exposure time is short, and if the acceleration g is small, the photograph will be blurred if the exposure time is long. In order to determine this, if the exposure time tEND is reached (step S44), the count-up is performed and the exposure ends (step S45).

Then, the obtained acceleration g and exposure time t
The speed is calculated from END, and the movement speed (1/2 gt END ² ) is calculated from the fact that the speed has changed for the time t END depending on the speed obtained. It is determined whether or not this moving amount exceeds the allowable amount ΔY of the photographing lens (step S46). If the amount of movement exceeds the allowable amount ΔY (YES), a camera shake warning is given (step S47). However, if it does not exceed (NO), the process returns.

As described above, only the change in speed can be known only by the acceleration due to camera shake as the criterion for the occurrence of camera shake. In the present embodiment, first, the AF sensor 5c indicates that the vehicle is stopped at a predetermined position. Since the determination is made by not changing the output (image signal) of, the reference can be used to accurately determine how much the camera has moved during exposure.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the AF image sensor is not only used for distance measurement, but also effectively used as a holding check for camera shake determination, thus adding value to the camera. Can be increased. Also used in combination with the signal from the acceleration sensor,
Detects sway in the direction and supports dark scenes and low-contrast scenes. Also, by using it as a stillness detection sensor, it is possible to accurately calculate the camera movement amount from the output of the acceleration sensor. As a result, it is possible to realize accurate camera shake determination after shooting according to the focal length and aperture of the shooting lens and the shutter speed during shooting. Further, it is needless to mention again that if the photographing lens position is corrected based on this calculation result, it can be applied to a camera with an anti-vibration function.

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

(1) Switch means for switching electrical control during photographing by the camera into a plurality of modes, and liquid crystal display means having a segment portion for displaying the mode state according to the input state of the switch means. In the camera, the segment includes a first segment group that displays a first mode of the plurality of modes and a second segment group that displays a second mode of the plurality of modes. Of the plurality of modes, when displaying the third mode, at least one of the one segment of the first segment group and the one segment of the second segment group is lit and displayed. A camera, comprising: a display control means.

(2) The camera has a display member near the finder and a detection means for detecting the holding state of the camera, and the finder vicinity display member and the liquid crystal display section blink according to the output of the detection means. A camera characterized by performing.

(3) It has switch means for switching the electrical control of the camera at the time of photographing to a plurality of modes, and liquid crystal display means having a segment portion for displaying the mode state according to the input state of the switch means. In the camera, when a segment group including three or more segments is lit to display the first mode of the plurality of modes, and the second mode of the plurality of modes is displayed. A display control means for turning off a part of the first segment group and displaying a part of the remaining plurality of segments in a blinking manner.

(4) The second mode is a mode for detecting camera shake, and the blinking is performed for a predetermined time after the operation of the switch means or when the camera shake is detected. camera.

(5) In a camera having a mode of displaying a warning display near the viewfinder, a mode display section interlocked with a mode selection switch is provided, and when the above mode is set,
A camera having warning control means for making the warning display visible for a predetermined time after the mode selection switch is operated.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By using multiple segments, it is possible to realize a display control method for notifying that a predetermined mode has been set within a limited LCD display area that uses lighting and blinking, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the camera. We can provide small and lightweight products that are easy to carry anywhere. Also, due to the technology to prevent camera shake,
This makes it possible to make a camera that is smaller and more difficult to hold, to make it more difficult to shoot mistakes.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a camera and a ranging theory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of an acceleration sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration and an operation of an acceleration sensor used in the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a processing circuit used in the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the principle of camera vibration detection.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first display example of a warning pattern displayed on an LCD in a viewfinder of a camera.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a normal shooting pattern and a panoramic shooting pattern displayed on the LCD in the viewfinder of the camera.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second display example of the warning pattern displayed on the LCD in the viewfinder of the camera.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining setting of a camera shake detection mode and setting display.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a segment for self-timer mode display.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an external appearance of a camera having a camera shake detection mode according to an embodiment, as viewed from a rear oblique direction.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an external appearance of a camera having a camera shake detection mode according to an embodiment as viewed from a front oblique direction.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first display example of a warning pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the camera.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first display example of a warning pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the camera.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first display example of a warning pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the camera.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining display in setting of a camera shake detection mode.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the output of the AF sensor and the output of the acceleration sensor.

FIG. 19 is a first half portion of a flowchart for explaining a warning display operation of the camera with a shake detection mode function of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a second half of a flowchart for explaining a warning display operation of the camera with a shake detection mode function of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... CPU 2 ... IFIC 3 ... Monolithic accelerometer (acceleration sensor) 4 ... Memory (EEPROM) 5a ... Auto focus (AF) section 5b ... Photometer 5c ... AF sensor 6 ... Liquid crystal display element (LCD) 6a ... LCD in viewfinder 7 ... Flexible substrate 8 ... Strobe part 8a ... Main capacitor 9 ... Shooting lens 10 ... Camera 11 ... Warning display section 11a ... resistance 12 ... Connector 13a, 13b ... switch 14 ... Rigid printed circuit board 15 ... Finder objective lens 16 ... Rotary blade 17 ... Photointerrupter 18 ... Motor

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H102 AA51 BB08 BB23                 5C006 AA08 AF51 AF53 AF54 BB01                       FA03

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A switch means for selecting a desired mode from a plurality of modes for performing electrical control during photographing by a camera, and a segment group divided into a plurality of groups, wherein the switch means responds to an instruction from the switch means. Liquid crystal display means including a segment portion for displaying a display form indicating a mode setting state, and display control means for controlling the display form of the segment portion in the liquid crystal display means to turn on or blink, The display control means, when displaying the first mode of the plurality of modes, lights the first segment group of the segment groups, and displays the second mode of the plurality of modes. The second segment group of the above segment groups is lit when performing, and when the third mode of the plurality of modes is displayed, Serial some segments of the first segment group and a camera, characterized in that lighting a portion of at least one of the segments of said second segment group. 2. The camera further comprises a display member provided in the vicinity of the finder and a detection means for detecting a holding state of the camera, and the display member in the vicinity of the finder and the liquid crystal display means The camera according to claim 1, wherein blinking display is performed according to the output of the detection means. 3. A mode comprising a switch means for selecting a desired mode from a plurality of modes for electrically controlling the camera at the time of photographing and a segment divided into a plurality of modes, and the mode according to an instruction from the switch means. And a display control unit for controlling the display form of the segment unit in the liquid crystal display unit to illuminate or blink the display unit, When displaying the first mode among the plurality of modes, the control means lights the segment group including three or more segments, and displays the second mode among the plurality of modes. Is characterized in that a part of the first segment group is turned off and a part of the remaining plurality of segments is made to blink. Mera.