JP2003195145A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera constituted so that various photographic parameter values such as a zoom position can be changed and controlled based on a distance between a subject and a camera main body without requiring switching operation or the like. <P>SOLUTION: This camera 1 is constituted so that infrared rays projected from a light projecting part 8 arranged on the back surface of the camera 1 and reflected on the subject may be received by a light receiving part 9, a distance fC between the camera and the photographer is measured by an AF range-finding part 37 based on output from the light receiving part, and the zoom moving position zR of the zoom lens corresponding to the distance fC is calculated by using the measured distance fC and the distances fT and fW between the camera and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto-side zoom end position and the wide-side zoom end position of a zoom lens 2-1 previously stored as a preset value, then the zoom lens is driven to a zoom moving position through a zoom motor control circuit 35. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of changing and controlling various photographing parameter values of a camera according to the distance between the photographer and the camera body when the photographer approaches or separates the camera. Regarding the camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a camera, when a photographer approaches his or her eyes to look into a viewfinder, the eye-contact state is detected, and functions such as autofocus and zoom are automatically started. It is known that it has a configuration. Further, in Japanese Patent No. 3191318, an object is determined in focus detection at the time of eye detection, an appropriate size of the object is assumed based on the distance to the object, and the focal length is set to be that size. A proposal has been made for a camera having a function (auto standby zoom function) for setting and setting to perform zoom driving.

Further, generally, in a camera equipped with a zoom photographing lens driven by a motor or a camera equipped with an electronic zoom (digital zoom) function, a two-contact switch usually called a zoom lever switch is provided and the switch is used. The desired zoom magnification is adjusted by an operation such as tilting.

[0004]

By the way, the above-mentioned structure called "eye start" is for starting AF and zoom drive operations at the time of eye contact, and the auto standby zoom function is based on the distance between the subject and the camera body. It is intended to drive the zoom lens by using the zoom lens, and no proposal has been made yet to change and control the shooting parameter value of the camera such as zooming based on the distance between the photographer and the camera body.

Further, in a conventional camera with a zoom function, the layout of the zoom lever switch is restricted due to the miniaturization of the camera, and the zoom lever switch is kept pressed until the zoom lens is driven to a desired zoom magnification. You need to In this case, the zooming operation for driving the zoom lens to the desired zoom magnification by the zoom lever switch is completed, and the shooting operation is performed by pressing the release button after releasing the finger from the zoom lever switch, so the shooting timing may be lost. .

The present invention has been made in view of these problems in the conventional camera, and various kinds of camera zoom positions and the like can be obtained based on the distance between the photographer and the camera body without the need for switch operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera having a function capable of changing and controlling a shooting parameter value.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a taking lens, a release button, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance between a camera body and a photographer, and the distance measuring means. The camera is provided with a control means for changing the photographing parameter value of the camera based on the distance measured by the distance means.

In the camera thus constructed,
By changing the distance between the photographer and the camera body by bending and stretching the arm that holds the camera of the photographer,
It is possible to change and control the shooting parameter values of the camera such as the zoom position without the need for switch operation and the like, and it is also possible to shoot without losing the shooting timing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, when the release button is operated, the operation of the photographing parameter value change control means is prohibited. To do.

In the camera thus constructed,
When the release button is operated, the shooting parameter value change control means does not operate, so the shooting parameter value set at that time is not changed even if the distance between the photographer and the camera body is changed, and the setting is not performed. A desired image can be taken with the taken image parameter values.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first or second aspect, the photographing lens has a zoom function, the photographing parameter value is a zoom position of the photographing lens, and the control means. Is a zoom position change control means.

With such a configuration, in a camera having a zoom function, the zoom position of the photographing lens is changed by changing the distance from the camera body by bending and stretching the arm of the photographer without operating a switch. It can be set to a desired position, and the finger operation can be concentrated on the release button operation and the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the third aspect, a zoom switch for operating the zoom position of the photographing lens is provided, and the zoom position operation of the photographing lens by the zoom switch and the zoom position change control are performed. The zoom position control of the photographing lens by means is switched and selectively executed.

With such a structure, the zoom operation of the photographing lens can be performed by the zoom switch, and can also be performed by the zoom position change control means based on the distance between the photographer and the camera body.

The invention according to claim 5 is the camera according to claim 3, further comprising zoom movement position calculating means for calculating the zoom position of the taking lens based on the distance measured by the distance measuring means. It is characterized by being present.

In the camera thus constructed, the zoom movement position calculation means can calculate a predetermined zoom movement position corresponding to the distance measured by the distance measurement means.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the camera according to the fifth aspect, the distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position of the taking lens, and the wide-angle side zoom end position of the taking lens. It is characterized by comprising preset means for presetting the distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to.

By providing such presetting means, the distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide-angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens used for calculating the zoom movement position of the photographing lens is calculated. , Can be preset according to the physique and preference of the photographer.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the sixth aspect, the distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide-angle side zoom end position of the taking lens is set as a default value in advance. A storage means for storing the storage means, wherein the default value stored in the storage means and the preset value set by the preset means can be selectively used. Is.

With this configuration, the default value is stored when the product is shipped,
The distance between the camera body and the photographer, which corresponds to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide-angle side zoom end position of the taking lens, can be used as it is for calculating the zoom moving position of the taking lens after purchasing the product. It is also possible to selectively use the preset value that has been set.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the sixth aspect, the zoom movement position calculating means sets the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide angle side zoom end position of the taking lens set by the preset means. Based on the corresponding distance and the distance between the camera body and the photographer measured by the distance measuring means, the zoom movement position of the photographing lens corresponding to the measured distance is calculated. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the seventh aspect, the zoom movement position calculating means includes a telephoto side zoom end position of the photographing lens set by the preset means, The distance corresponding to the wide-angle side zoom end position, or the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide-angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens stored as default values in the storage means. Corresponding distance, and based on the distance between the photographer and the camera body, which is the distance measurement by the distance measuring means,
It is characterized in that it is configured to calculate a zoom movement position of the taking lens corresponding to the distance measured.

With this configuration, the zoom movement position of the photographing lens corresponding to the distance measured by the distance measuring means can be easily calculated by proportional calculation or the like.

The invention according to claim 10 is the camera according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the zoom movement position calculating means is
As the distance measured by the distance measuring unit increases, the zoom movement position of the photographing lens is calculated to be closer to the telephoto side, and as the distance measured by the measuring unit decreases, the photographing lens zoom movement increases. 11. It is characterized in that it is configured to calculate the position to be on the wide-angle side.
The invention according to claim 8 is the camera according to claim 8 or 9,
The zoom movement position calculation means calculates the zoom movement position of the photographing lens so as to be on the wide angle side as the distance measured by the distance measurement means increases, and the distance measured by the measurement means decreases. It is characterized in that the zoom movement position of the photographing lens is calculated so as to be closer to the telephoto side.

With this configuration, depending on the photographer's preference, the direction in which the held camera is moved away from the photographer and the direction in which the camera is brought closer to the photographer are set to the telephoto side or the wide-angle side of the zoom position of the photographing lens. Can be selected and set as appropriate.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the tenth aspect, the zoom movement position calculating means sets the distance measured by the distance measuring means by the preset means or stores the memory. When it is larger than the distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position set as the default value in the method, the telephoto side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom movement position, and when it is smaller than the distance corresponding to the wide angle side zoom end position. The wide-angle side zoom end position is configured to be calculated as the zoom movement position, and the invention according to claim 13 is the camera according to claim 11, wherein the zoom movement position calculation is performed. The wide-angle side zoom end position, in which the distance measured by the distance measuring means is set by the preset means or is set as a default value in the storage means. When the distance is larger than the distance corresponding to, the wide-angle side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom moving position, and when the distance is smaller than the distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position, the telephoto side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom moving position. It is characterized by being configured as follows.

With this configuration, the camera gripped is moved outside the range of the distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position or the wide angle side zoom end position set by the preset means or stored as the default value. Even when the zoom lens is positioned with respect to the photographer, the zoom movement of the photographing lens can be stopped at the telephoto side zoom end position or the wide angle side zoom end position, which is the limit position, to prevent malfunction.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, the zoom position change control means includes the zoom movement position calculated by the zoom movement position calculation means and the current zoom. When the distance from the position is large, the zoom position is changed at high speed, and when the distance between the zoom moving position calculated by the zoom moving position calculating means and the current zoom position is small, the zoom position is changed at a low speed. It is characterized by being configured to perform.

With this configuration, it is possible to accurately and quickly control the change of the photographing lens to the zoom movement position calculated based on the distance-measuring distance.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments will be described. 1A to 1C are views showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electronic camera. FIG. 1A is an external perspective view of the front of the camera, and FIG. 1B is a camera. FIG. 1C is an external perspective view of the finder section as seen from the rear side of the camera.

As shown in FIG. 1A, on the front surface of the camera 1, there are provided a photographing lens section 2 including a focus lens and a zoom lens, a lens barrier 3 for protecting the photographing lens section 2 and the like. ing. Further, on the upper surface of the camera, a zoom lever for instructing to move the zoom lens position of the photographing lens unit 2 to a tele (telephoto) position or a wide (wide angle) position, a release button 5 for instructing photographing, and a subject are dark. A strobe 6 or the like that emits light in some cases is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, on the rear surface of the camera, in addition to the finder section 7, an infrared LED serving as a light projecting section 8 and a PSD serving as a light receiving section 9 are provided. With these, the distance between the back of the camera and the photographer is measured. That is, the light emitted from the infrared LED 8 of the camera 1 held by the hand is reflected by the photographer,
By receiving the reflected light at the PSD 9, the distance between the back surface of the camera and the photographer is measured. On the back of the camera, a liquid crystal (LC
D) A monitor 10, a cross key 11 for selecting a photographed image thereof, various menus, and the like, a button 12 for issuing other predetermined instructions, and the like are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the finder section 7 has an AF (Auto Focus) target mark 13 and a strobe which are used when the user decides which position to focus on. Finder LED 14a that emits light when flashing or when strobe light is needed due to insufficient light intensity,
It is provided with a finder LED 14b which emits light during focus adjustment. Note that the finder LEDs 14a and 14b are adapted to emit light even when the distance between the photographer and the camera 1 is measured.

Next, the internal structure of the electronic camera according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The electronic camera 1 photoelectrically converts a photographing lens unit 2 as a photographing optical system including a zoom lens 2-1 and a focus lens 2-2, and a subject image formed by the photographing lens unit 2. An imager 21 that is a photographing element that outputs an electric signal, an image pickup circuit 22 that performs predetermined image processing or the like on the output of the imager 21, and an image pickup circuit
A / D conversion circuit for converting the output of 22 into a digital signal 23
And a memory 24 composed of a DRAM for storing the output of the A / D conversion circuit 23, and a D / A for reading the digital image data stored in the memory 24 and converting it into an analog signal.
A conversion circuit 25 is provided.

Further, an LCD drive circuit 26 for driving the above-mentioned LCD monitor 10 by receiving the output of the D / A conversion circuit 25 is provided, and an image is picked up through the taking lens system 2 by a drive signal of the LCD drive circuit 26. LCD monitor 10
It is supposed to be displayed. Further, the digital image data stored in the memory 24 is compressed in response to the operation of release switches 32A and 32B driven by a release button 5 described later, while the compressed image data is read from a memory card 28 described later. At this time, it has a compression / decompression circuit 27 for decompressing the image data, and a memory card 28 configured to be removable, for example, for storing the image data compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 27.

Further, in the electronic camera 1, the image pickup circuit 22
Is inputted to the AE circuit 29 which is a photometric means for performing calculation for automatic exposure and also serves as an exposure control means, and the result is inputted to the system controller 100 and the A /
The output of the D conversion circuit 23 is input to a focusing circuit 30 that performs calculations regarding focus adjustment, and the result is also input to the system controller 100.

The system controller 100 is a control means for performing overall control of the electronic camera 1, and drives the zoom motor control circuit 35 to drive the zoom motor 2.
-4 is controlled. The zoom motor 2-4 drives the zoom cam 2-3 to move the zoom lens 2-1 in the optical axis direction to change the focal length. In addition, the system controller 100 uses the output of the focusing circuit 30 to
The focus motor control circuit 36 is driven to control the focus motor 2-5, and the focus position is adjusted by the focus lens 2-2.

In addition, the system controller 100 includes a strobe light emitting section which is a light source for illuminating a subject.
31 is connected. The strobe light emitting section 31 is provided with a capacitor capable of accumulating a predetermined amount of electric charge, and the system controller 100 controls the driving of the strobe light emitting section 31 including the light emitting amount by charging and discharging the capacitor. It has become.

Further, the system controller 100 is connected with an operation switch group 32 including a plurality of operation switches. The operation switch group 32 includes a 1st release switch 32A for instructing to perform AE and AF for shooting by half-pressing the release button 5, and shooting by fully pressing the release button 5 to the memory card 28. A second release switch 32B for giving a recording instruction (shooting instruction), a tele-zoom switch 32C for performing a zoom operation to the tele side (telephoto side) by driving the zoom lever 4,
A wide zoom switch 32D for performing a zoom operation to the wide side (wide angle side) is provided.

This electronic camera further includes a power source 33, DC /
It has a DC converter 34, and the power of the power supply 33 is DC.
An appropriate drive voltage is converted by the / DC converter 34 and supplied to each circuit inside the electronic camera 1.

The light projecting section 8 is composed of an infrared LED,
Camera 1 controlled by system controller 100
Infrared light is projected to measure the distance between the camera and the photographer.
Then, the infrared light projected from the light projecting unit 8 is reflected by the photographer, and is received by the light receiving unit 9 composed of PSD. The AF distance measuring section 37 measures the distance between the camera 1 and the photographer based on the output of the light receiving section 9.

Next, the distance measurement between the photographer and the camera and the zoom control operation of the photographing lens section based on the distance measurement between the photographer and the camera in the thus-configured embodiment will be described, and the control of the operation system shown in FIG. This will be described based on the flowchart and the flowchart showing the control of the zoom motor drive system shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the distance between the photographer (especially the eye part) and the camera (back surface) is measured, and the zoom position (focal length) of the zoom lens is changed according to the measured distance to obtain a desired composition. For that purpose, first, the distances f _T and f between the camera and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide side zoom end position of the zoom lens are obtained.
_W (variable) must be set.

The values of these variables f _T and f _W are as shown in FIG.
As shown in, a certain value (referred to as a default value) is stored in the memory when the product is shipped, and the photographer can use the default value after purchasing the product. However, this variable f _T related to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide side zoom end position of the zoom lens,
If f _W is a fixed value, it may be inconvenient for the physique and preference of the photographer. Therefore, it is desirable that the photographer can freely set these variables f _T and f _{W. In} the present embodiment, the photographer can preset (preset) the variables f _T and f _W. Has become.

Next, the preset operation of the distances f _T and f _W between the camera and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide side zoom end position of the zoom lens will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. . First, infrared light is projected from the light projecting unit 8 toward the photographer, reflected light from the photographer is received by the light receiving unit 9, and based on the output of the light receiving unit 9, the AF distance measuring unit 37 uses the camera. And the distance f _C between the photographers is measured (step S1). Then, the measured distance f _C (variable) is stored in the non-volatile memory in the system controller 100 by button operation.

Next, it is determined whether or not the zoom lever 4 is operated (step S2), and then it is determined whether or not the telezoom switch 32c is operated by operating the zoom lever 4. (Step S3). At this time, by driving the zoom lever 4, the tele-zoom switch 32c
If is operated, the measured distance f _C is substituted for the distance f _T between the camera and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position of the zoom lens, and is replaced and stored (step S4). Therefore, at this time, the measured distance f _C
However, the favorite variable f _T can be set by adjusting the distance between the photographer and the camera so that the distance f _T corresponds to the telephoto side zoom end position of the desired zoom lens.

Next, in the judgment step S3, there is a telezoom.
Wide zoom switch if not
It is determined whether or not it is 32d (step S5).
The wide zoom switch 32d of the lens is operated.
If it is, the measured distance f _CCorresponds to the wide end position
Distance f between the camera and the photographer_WReplaced by
And stored (step S6). Therefore, at this time
Also, the measured distance f _CThe zoom lens of your choice.
Distance f corresponding to the edge position_WWith the photographer
By adjusting the distance of the camera, the desired variable f
_WCan be set.

By such an operation, preset values of the distances f _T and f _W corresponding to the tele-side zoom end position and the wide-side zoom end position of the zoom lens as shown in FIG. 5B are set. The default value can be stored in the memory like the default value, and the preset value setting can be retained and used for the next camera operation. In FIG. 5B, setting examples 1 and 2 are
This is a setting example in which f _T and f _W are preset so that the wide side zoom end position of the zoom lens comes to the side where the distance is large and the tele side zoom end position comes to the side where the distance is short,
In setting examples 3 and 4, conversely, f _T and f _W are preset so that the tele-side zoom end position of the zoom lens comes to the one with a longer distance and the wide-side zoom end position comes to the one with a shorter distance. Is. In this way, it is possible to easily set the movement amount and the movement direction to the distances f _T and f _W corresponding to the tele zoom end position or the wide zoom end position of the zoom lens desired by the photographer. When the photographer presets the values of f _T and f _W by the above operation, the default values set at the time of factory shipment may be canceled, or both may be selectively used. You may do it.

Next, the default or preset value f
_An operation for performing drive control (focal length adjustment) to the zoom movement position of the zoom lens based on _T , f _W and the distance measurement value f _C at the time of performing the photographing operation will be described. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, in the determination step S2 of whether or not the zoom lever is operated after the distance measurement of the current distance f _C , if the zoom lever is not operated,
The zoom movement instruction position (corresponding to the zoom movement position in the claims) z _R is calculated (step S7). When f _T ≦ f _W is set, the calculation of the zoom movement instruction position z _R is f _T > f based on the graph shown in FIG.
_{When W} is set, the system controller 100 performs proportional calculation or the like based on the graph shown in FIG. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the zoom lever is not operated, the operation of calculating the zoom movement instruction position z _R is repeated. 6 and 7, the horizontal axis represents the current distance f _C measured between the photographer and the camera, and the vertical axis represents the zoom movement instruction position z _R.
Is shown.

Further, the zoom movement instruction position z_RCalculation of
At the camera, preset the camera held by the photographer
Stored or stored as a default value.
Corresponds to the zoom end position on the zoom side or the zoom end position on the wide side
Distance f_T, F_WWhen it is located outside the range of
And as shown in FIG. 7, the movement of the zoom lens is at the limit position.
Tele side zoom end position or wide side zoom end position
Zoom movement instruction position z_RIs calculated
Be done. Therefore, the camera is set f _T, F_W
There is no risk of malfunction even if it is located outside the range. Na
Oh, the camera is set f_T, F_WLocated outside the range of
If you do so, it will be configured to display a warning by appropriate means
You may.

Next, based on the flow chart shown in FIG.
The operation of the zoom motor drive system will be described. Figure 3
In step S7 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
Move instruction position z_RIs calculated, the current zoom position
z_CAnd zoom movement command position z _RFrom the zoom movement amount z_M
Is calculated (step S11). Zoom lens zoom
To move to the movement instruction position, drive the zoom motor 2-4.
Focal length of zoom lens 2-1 via zoom cam 2-3
It is done by changing the distance. Where zoom for convenience
If the motor 2-4 is a stepping motor,
The moving position of the dome lens is represented by the number of steps. Present
Zoom position z_CAnd zoom movement command position z _RBased on
System controller 10 according to the graph of FIG.
The zoom movement amount z that moves once at 0_MIs calculated
It In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the zoom movement instruction position z._RAnd present
Current zoom position z_CDifference z_R-Z_CShows the vertical axis
Is the amount of zoom movement z_MIs shown.

After the zoom movement amount z _M is calculated in step S11, it is determined whether or not the zoom movement amount z _M is 0 (step S12). When z _M = 0, the current zoom position z _C is the zoom movement instruction position z _R
The zoom motor remains stopped. When the zoom movement amount z _M is positive, the zoom motor drives the zoom lens to the tele side, and the zoom movement amount z
_{If M} is negative, the zoom motor drives the zoom lens to the wide side (step S13). As can be seen from FIG.
If the difference between the zoom moving instruction position z _R and the current zoom position z _C is large, being adapted to the zooming movement amount z _M as zoom movement amount z _M increases are calculated, thereby the zooming movement instruction The zoom lens is driven at a high speed when the difference between the position z _R and the current zoom position z _C , that is, when the moving distance is large, and at a low speed when the moving distance is small.

With the above operation, the zoom lens can be driven to a desired zoom position based on a predetermined distance between the photographer and the camera body. Then, after the zoom lens is set to this desired zoom position, the release button 5 is operated to take an image. At this time, when the release button 5 is operated, the drive control of the zoom lens is stopped. Therefore, after the desired zoom position is set, the distance between the camera body and the photographer is maintained. It is also possible to take a picture, or to change the camera position while keeping the set zoom position, for example, to take the picture by bringing the camera body close to the photographer's eye.

In the above-described embodiment, in the camera provided with the zoom lever, the zoom position of the photographing lens is controlled to be changed based on the distance between the photographer and the camera measured by the distance measuring means. I showed, but in this case,
It is possible to switch between the normal zoom position changing operation by driving the zoom lever and the zoom position changing control based on the distance-measuring distance. However, it is also possible to omit the zoom lever or the zoom button for changing the zoom position and perform only the change control of the zoom position based on the distance-measuring distance. In this case, f _T , f
_W can be set by operating the menu button instead of the zoom lever or the zoom button.

In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described on the assumption that it is applied to a still image capturing electronic camera. However, the present invention is applied to a moving image capturing electronic camera and further to a silver halide camera. It is possible, and the same effect can be obtained. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the one in which the zoom position is targeted as the shooting parameter to be changed and controlled based on the distance between the camera body and the photographer whose distance has been measured has been described.
In addition to this, change control is also performed for shooting parameters such as white balance, contrast, brightness, resolution, and microphone gain (volume) in the case of a video camera based on the distance between the camera body and the photographer. It can be carried out. In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to control the zoom position of the zoom photographing lens.
The present invention can also be applied to zoom control of a camera having an electronic zoom (digital zoom) function.

[0054]

As described above based on the embodiments, according to the invention according to claim 1, the distance between the photographer and the camera body is changed by bending and stretching the arm holding the camera. Without the need for switch operation,
The shooting parameter value such as the zoom position can be controlled to be changed, and the shooting can be performed without losing the shooting timing. According to the second aspect of the invention, since the change of the photographing parameter value is prohibited after the release button is operated, even if the distance between the photographer and the camera body changes, the photographing parameter value set at that time is set. Thus, it is possible to take a desired image. According to the invention of claim 3,
The zoom position of the shooting lens can be set to a desired position by changing the distance from the camera body by bending and stretching the arm that holds the camera without operating the switch, and you can operate your finger as a release button. You can concentrate on it. According to the invention of claim 4, the zoom operation of the photographing lens can be performed by the zoom switch,
Alternatively, the zoom position change control means based on the distance between the photographer and the camera body can be used. According to the invention of claim 5, the zoom movement position calculation means can calculate a predetermined zoom movement position corresponding to the distance measured by the distance measurement means. According to the invention of claim 6, the distance between the camera body and the photographer, which corresponds to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide side zoom end position of the taking lens used for calculating the zoom movement position of the taking lens, is taken. It can be preset according to the person's physique and taste.

In the invention according to claim 7, the camera main body and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide side zoom end position of the photographing lens, which are stored as default values at the time of product shipment, etc. The distance can be used as it is for calculating the zoom movement position after the product is purchased, and can also be selectively used with the preset value set by the preset means. According to the inventions of claims 8 and 9, the zoom movement position of the photographing lens corresponding to the distance measured can be easily calculated by proportional calculation or the like. Further, according to the inventions of claims 10 and 11, the direction in which the gripped camera is moved away from the photographer and the direction in which the camera is brought closer to the photographer are set to the tele side or the wide side of the photographing lens according to the preference of the photographer. It can be appropriately selected and set. According to the invention of claims 12 and 13, the grip is performed outside the range of the distance corresponding to the tele-side zoom end position or the wide-side zoom end position set by the preset means or stored as the default value. Even when the camera is positioned with respect to the photographer, the zoom movement of the taking lens can be stopped at the telephoto side zoom end position or the wide side zoom end position, which is the limit position, to prevent malfunction. According to the invention of claim 14,
The change control to the zoom movement position of the photographing lens calculated based on the distance measurement distance can be performed at high speed and accurately.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the camera of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the zoom operation system of the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the zoom drive system of the camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing examples of default values and preset values of distances f _T and f _W between a camera and a photographer, which correspond to a telephoto side zoom end position and a wide side zoom end position of a zoom lens.

FIG. 6 is a graph diagram used for calculation of a zoom movement instruction position z _R when f _T ≦ f _W is set.

FIG. 7 is a graph diagram used for calculating a zoom movement instruction position z _R when f _T > f _W is set.

FIG. 8: Zoom movement amount z _M from the zoom movement instruction position z _R
It is a graph figure used for calculation of.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 camera 2 Shooting lens section 2-1 Zoom lens 2-2 Focus lens 2-3 Zoom cam 2-4 Zoom motor 2-5 Focus motor 3 lens barrier 4 Zoom lever 5 Release button 6 Strobe 7 Finder section 8 Projector 9 Light receiving part 10 LCD monitor 11 Four-way controller button 12 Instruction button 13 target mark 14a, 14b finder LED 21 Imager 22 Imaging circuit 23 A / D conversion circuit 24 memory 25 D / A conversion circuit 26 LCD drive circuit 27 Compression / expansion circuit 28 memory card 29 AE circuit 30 focusing circuit 31 Flash unit 32 Operation switch group 32A 1st release switch 32B 2nd release switch 32C tele zoom switch 32D wide zoom switch 33 power 34 DC / DC converter 35 Zoom motor control circuit 36 Focus motor control circuit 37 AF rangefinder 100 system controller

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/232 G03B 3/00 A G02B 7/11 B // H04N 101: 00 N

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A photographing lens, a release button, distance measuring means for measuring a distance between a camera body and a photographer, and control for changing a photographing parameter value of a camera based on the distance measured by the distance measuring means. And a camera. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein when the release button is operated, the operation of the photographing parameter value change control means is prohibited. 3. The photographing lens has a zoom function, the photographing parameter value is a zoom position of the photographing lens, and the control means is a zoom position change control means. Or the camera according to 2. 4. A zoom switch for operating the zoom position of the photographing lens is provided, and the zoom position operation of the photographing lens by the zoom switch and the zoom position control of the photographing lens by the zoom position change control means are switched to selectively. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the camera is configured so as to be able to execute. 5. The camera according to claim 3, further comprising zoom movement position calculation means for calculating a zoom movement position of the photographing lens based on the distance measured by the distance measurement means. 6. The distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position of the photographing lens and the distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to the wide angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens are set in advance. The camera according to claim 5, further comprising presetting means for setting. 7. A storage means for storing in advance the distance between the camera body and the photographer corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide-angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens as a default value, and is stored in the storage means. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the preset default value and the preset value set by the preset means can be selectively used. 8. The zoom movement position calculation means is a distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens set by the preset means, and the distance is measured by the distance measuring means. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the camera is configured to calculate the zoom movement position of the taking lens corresponding to the distance measured based on the distance between the camera body and the photographer. 9. The zoom movement position calculation means is stored as a default value in the storage means, or a distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens set by the preset means. Corresponding to the distance measured based on the distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position and the wide angle side zoom end position of the photographing lens, and the distance between the camera body and the photographer measured by the distance measuring means. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the camera is configured to calculate a zoom movement position of the taking lens. 10. The zoom movement position calculation means calculates the zoom movement position of the photographing lens so as to be on the telephoto side as the distance measured by the distance measurement means increases, and the distance measurement is performed by the measurement means. The camera according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the zoom movement position of the photographing lens is calculated so as to be on the wide angle side as the distance is smaller. 11. The zoom movement position calculation means calculates the zoom movement position of the photographing lens so as to be on the wide angle side as the distance measured by the distance measurement means increases, and the distance measurement is performed by the measurement means. The camera according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the zoom movement position of the photographing lens is calculated so as to be closer to the telephoto side as the defined distance becomes smaller. 12. The zoom movement position calculation means sets the distance measured by the distance measurement means to a telephoto side zoom end position set by the preset means or set as a default value in the storage means. If the distance is larger than the corresponding distance, the telephoto side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom moving position, and if it is smaller than the wide angle side zoom end position, the wide angle side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom moving position. The camera according to claim 10, wherein the camera is configured as follows. 13. The zoom movement position calculation means sets the distance measured by the distance measurement means to a wide-angle side zoom end position set by the preset means or set as a default value in the storage means. If it is larger than the corresponding distance, the wide-angle side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom movement position, and if it is smaller than the distance corresponding to the telephoto side zoom end position, the telephoto side zoom end position is calculated as the zoom movement position. 12. The camera according to claim 11, wherein the camera is configured as follows. 14. The zoom position change control unit changes the zoom position at a high speed when the distance between the zoom movement position calculated by the zoom movement position calculation unit and the current zoom position is large, and the zoom movement is performed. 14. The zoom position is configured to be changed at a low speed when the distance between the zoom movement position calculated by the position calculation means and the current zoom position is small. Camera according to paragraph.