JP2009122593A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent degradation in operability of a camera due to setting a stop state, even during the time a user is focusing manually. <P>SOLUTION: The camera includes a focus detection means 106, which detects a focused state of a subject image formed on an imaging surface of an image recording medium via photographic lenses L1, L2, L3 and L4; a focusing means 112, which controls the focused state of the subject image, by operating a focusing lens 200a for the photographic lenses L1, L2, L3 and L4 by an operation member 207; an input means 108, to which an operation signal output from the operation member 207 is input; a display unit 114 which displays, for a prescribed time, a display form showing a focused condition, based on the focused state detected by the focus detection means 106; and a control means 112, which extends the prescribed time by input of the operation signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera capable of displaying a focus state of a subject image.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a camera that sets a control circuit of a camera body to a stopped state in order to prevent battery consumption (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-8-43875

  However, when the user manually adjusts the focus, if the control circuit falls into a stop state, the ranging result cannot be obtained, and a return operation of the stopped control circuit is required, which reduces operability. There is a problem.

The camera according to the first aspect operates the focus detection means for detecting the focus adjustment state of the subject image formed on the imaging surface of the image recording medium via the photographing lens and the focusing lens of the photographing lens. Focus adjustment means for adjusting the focus adjustment state of the subject image by operating with the member, input means for inputting an operation signal output from the operation member, and a focus state based on the focus adjustment state detected by the focus detection means It is characterized by comprising a display for displaying a display form for a predetermined time, and a control means for extending the predetermined time by inputting an operation signal.
The invention according to claim 2 is a display mode in which, in the camera according to claim 1, the in-focus state is a display form indicating that a difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane is less than a predetermined value. If the difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the apparatus further includes a prohibiting unit that prohibits the control unit from extending the predetermined time.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the second aspect, the prohibiting means adjusts the focus based on the direction of deviation between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging surface and the operation signal output from the operation member. Even when the direction does not match, the control means prohibits the extension of the predetermined time.
The invention according to claim 4 is a display mode in which, in the camera according to claim 1, the in-focus state is a display form indicating that a difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane is less than a predetermined value, And a prohibiting unit that prohibits the control unit from extending the predetermined time when the direction of deviation between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane does not match the focus adjustment direction by the operation signal output from the operation member. It is characterized by that.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, a lens information acquisition unit that acquires lens information from the photographing lens, and a communication determination that determines whether the lens information can be acquired by the lens information acquisition unit. A predetermined time for changing the predetermined time based on the determination result of the communication determination means and the determination result of the validity determination means, the validity determination means for determining whether the operation signal is valid based on the means, the lens information And a time change means.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the fifth aspect, when the lens information can be acquired and the operation signal is determined to be valid, the predetermined time changing means sets the predetermined time to the first value. The predetermined time changing means changes the predetermined time to the second value when it is determined that either the lens information can be acquired and the operation signal is valid.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera of the sixth aspect, when the lens information can be acquired and when the focus state is adjusted by the focus adjusting means when the operation signal is determined to be valid, the predetermined time is changed. The means changes the predetermined time to the first value, and when the focus adjusting means does not adjust the focus state, the predetermined time changing means changes the predetermined time to the second value.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the first value is shorter than the second value.

  According to the present invention, since the predetermined time for displaying the display state of the in-focus state is extended by the input of the operation signal, it is possible to prevent the operability from being lowered when the user manually adjusts the focus. .

-First embodiment-
A camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in the configuration diagram of the camera in FIG. 1, the body 100 of the camera 1 is provided with a mount 109 for detachably mounting a photographing lens described below.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a photographing lens that can be attached to the mount 109 of the camera 1. For example, four types of photographing lenses L1 to L4 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D can be attached to the camera 1 of this embodiment. The photographing lens L1 shown in FIG. 2A communicates with a plurality of lens groups 200a to 200b, a lens driving mechanism 201, a distance encoder 203, a zoom encoder 204, a lens control circuit 205, and the body 100 constituting the photographing optical system. Camera signal contact 206 and distance ring 207. As shown in FIG. 3, the lens control circuit 205 includes a lens power supply circuit 205a, a lens driving circuit 205b, and a lens microcomputer 205c. The camera signal contact 206 includes contacts 260 and 261 and contacts 262, 263, and 264 as shown in FIG.

  The lens group 200a constitutes a focusing lens, and moves in the optical axis direction by the operation of the distance ring 207 by the user in the lens driving mechanism 201 or a manual focus mode described later. Focus adjustment, that is, focusing is performed by the movement of the lens group 200a. The distance encoder 203 detects the position of the lens group 200 a as distance information and outputs it to the lens control circuit 205.

  The lens group 200b constitutes a zoom optical system and moves in the optical axis direction by operating a zoom ring (not shown). The focal length of the photographic lens changes due to the movement of the lens group 200b. The zoom encoder 204 detects the position of the lens group 200b as focal length information and outputs it to the lens control circuit 205.

  The lens control circuit 205 controls each part in the photographing lens L1 and transmits / receives various information to / from the camera 1 via the camera signal contact 206.

  The photographic lens L2 shown in FIG. 2B is obtained by omitting the lens driving mechanism 201 from the photographic lens L1. When the camera 1 includes a lens driving mechanism inside the body 100, the lens group 200a constituting the focusing lens can be moved in the optical axis direction by control from the camera 1 side. Alternatively, when the user operates the distance ring 207, the lens group 200a moves in the optical axis direction. The lens control circuit 205 of the photographic lens L2 transmits distance information and focal length information to the camera 1.

  The photographic lens L3 shown in FIG. 2C is obtained by omitting the lens driving mechanism 201 and the distance encoder 203 from the photographic lens L1. As in the case of the photographic lens L2, the lens group 200a can move in the optical axis direction under the control of the camera 1 when the camera 1 includes a lens driving mechanism inside the body 100. Alternatively, when the user operates the distance ring 207, the lens group 200a moves in the optical axis direction. The lens control circuit 205 of the photographic lens L3 transmits focal length information to the camera 1.

  The photographic lens L4 shown in FIG. 2D includes a plurality of lens groups 200a to 200b and a distance ring 207 that form a photographic optical system. The lens group 200a constituting the focusing lens moves in the optical axis direction when the user operates the distance ring 207.

  The camera 1 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. Inside the body 100 of the camera 1 are a quick return mirror 101, a focusing plate 102, a pentaprism 103, a viewfinder viewing window 105, a focus detection sensor 106, an image sensor 107, a lens signal contact 108, a camera control circuit 112, and an LCD 114. Is provided. Furthermore, the body 100 has a detachable power supply 110 and a power supply circuit 111 connected to the power supply 110. The operation unit 121 is a switch that receives a user operation. The operation unit 121 includes a power switch, a release switch, and the like. Further, by operating the operation unit 121, a manual focus mode in which the focus is manually adjusted or an auto focus mode in which the focus is automatically adjusted based on the detection result by the focus detection sensor 106 is switched.

  Referring to FIG. 1, subject light that has entered the camera 1 after passing through the taking lens is guided upward by a quick return mirror 101 positioned as shown by a solid line in FIG. 1B before the shutter release. To form an image on the focusing screen 102. The subject light further enters the pentaprism 103. The pentaprism 103 guides incident subject light to the viewfinder viewing window 105.

  Part of the subject light passes through the semi-transmissive region of the quick return mirror 101, is reflected downward by the sub mirror 1101a, and enters the focus detection sensor 106. For example, the focus detection sensor 106 divides a focus detection light beam into a pair of focus detection light images and forms a focus detection optical system, and a pair of split light images enter, and a focus detection signal corresponding thereto A pair of CCD line sensors. A focus detection signal output from the CCD line sensor is input to the camera control circuit 112.

  After the release, the quick return mirror 101 rotates to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1B, the subject light is guided to the image sensor 107, and the subject image is formed on the imaging surface. The image sensor 107 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or a CMOS that converts the received subject light into an image signal corresponding to its intensity.

The control system will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG.
The camera control circuit 112 includes a camera control microcomputer 130 and controls each component of the camera 1 based on the control of the camera control microcomputer 130 and executes various data processing. Based on the focus detection signal output from the focus detection sensor 106 described above, the camera control circuit 112 has a defocus amount indicating a focus adjustment state (a physical amount indicating a difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane). The focus adjustment state when the absolute value of the defocus amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value is determined as in-focus. At the time of in-focus determination, the camera control circuit 112 displays the in-focus state on the LCD 114 that is a display of the camera 1. This is one display form of the focus aid mark MK described later. Further, the camera control circuit 112 measures a time during which an operation signal from the operation unit 121 is not input. When the predetermined time is reached, the camera control circuit 112 sets the camera 1 to a power saving state and stops the operation of each unit, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the camera control microcomputer 130 includes a CPU 130a for performing control processing, a serial interface 130b for communicating with the photographing lens L1, a serial interface 130c for communicating with an LCD drive circuit 113 described later, and a power saving state. A timer 130d, a ROM 130e, and a RAM 130f for measuring the time required to shift to The ROM 130e stores programs for performing various controls. The RAM 130f is a memory for temporarily storing various data, and each variable of V1 to V3 is stored. As will be described later, variables V1 to V3 represent the state of lens communication (communication success or communication failure), whether distance information is valid (presence / absence of distance encoder 203), and distance information, respectively.

  The LCD driving circuit 113 shown in FIG. 3 is a circuit that drives the LCD 114 based on a command from the camera control circuit 112. The LCD 114 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. In the playback mode, the LCD 114 displays image data created by the camera control circuit 112 based on an image file recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card (not shown). Further, on the LCD 114, based on the defocus amount calculated by the camera control circuit 112, a focus aid mark MK indicating a focus state is displayed for a predetermined time.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the focus aid mark MK displayed on the LCD 114. The focus aid mark MK differs in the portion to be lit depending on the focus adjustment state. That is, the marks MKa, MKb, and MKc are lit when the focus adjustment state is the front pin, the focus, and the rear pin, respectively. The focus aid mark MK is not limited to that shown in FIG. In this case, the lighting color of “◯” is changed according to the focus adjustment state (front pin, in-focus, rear pin). The time for which the focus aid mark MK is displayed is, for example, 4.0 seconds or 8.0 seconds, and is determined by the CPU 130a according to whether communication with the photographing lens attached to the camera 1 is possible, as will be described later. The display time of the focus aid mark MK is extended each time the CPU 130a inputs an operation signal from the operation unit 121, as will be described later.

  The lens signal contact 108 is an interface that transmits and receives various signals to and from the camera signal contact 206 provided in the photographing lens L1 attached to the lens mount 109. The lens signal contact 108 includes contacts 130 to 134 and is connected to the contacts 260 to 264 of the camera signal contact 206, respectively. The contacts 130 to 132 and 134 are used to supply power output from the power supply circuit 111 to the lens control circuit 205 in the photographing lens L1. The contact 133 is used when various types of information are transmitted and received between the body 100 and the photographing lens L1. Examples of the various information include lens data including information indicating the type of photographing lens output from the lens control circuit 205, distance information valid data indicating the presence or absence of the distance encoder 203, and distance information indicating the position of the lens group 200a. and so on. In addition, the camera control circuit 112 transmits information for driving the lens group 200a, that is, information indicating the defocus amount and the movement instruction to the lens microcomputer 205c via the contacts 133 and 263.

  A lens power supply circuit 205 a provided in the photographing lens L 1 supplies power output from the power supply circuit 111 provided in the body 100 to each part in the lens control circuit 205. The lens driving circuit 205 b calculates the amount of movement of the lens group 200 a based on the defocus amount input from the body 100 via the contact 263 and outputs it to the lens driving mechanism 201. The lens driving mechanism 201 moves the lens group 200a in the optical axis direction based on the input movement amount. The lens microcomputer 205c controls the operation of each part in the photographic lens L1, and transmits and receives various information to and from the body 100 through the camera signal contact 206 as described above.

Next, the power saving state setting of the camera 1 and the display operation of the focus aid mark MK in the present embodiment will be described.
When the power is turned on, the CPU 130a of the camera control microcomputer 130 instructs the serial interface 130b to start communication with the photographing lens. When the photographing lens mounted on the lens mount 109 can communicate, that is, when the photographing lenses L1 to L3 having the lens control circuit 205 are mounted and communication is established, the CPU 130a stores 1 in the variable V1 of the RAM 130f. When communication is not established, that is, when a photographing lens is not attached, or when a photographing lens L4 that does not include the lens control circuit 205 (or camera signal contact 206) is attached, the CPU 130a sets the variable V1 in the RAM 130f. 0 is stored. In the value stored in the variable V1, as shown in FIG. 5A, 1 represents lens communication success and 0 represents lens communication failure.

  When the communication is established, the CPU 130a determines whether or not the distance information valid data is included in the lens data input from the photographing lens. When the distance information valid data is input, the CPU 130a determines that the photographing lens L1 or L2 including the distance encoder 203 is attached. Then, 1 is stored in the variable V2 of the RAM 130f. When the distance information valid data is not input, the CPU 130a determines that the photographing lens L3 that does not include the distance encoder 203 is attached, and stores 0 in the variable V2 of the RAM 130f. In the value stored in the variable V2, as shown in FIG. 5B, 1 represents that the distance information is valid, and 0 represents that the distance information is invalid.

  When distance information is input from the taking lens, the CPU 130a stores a value indicating the distance information in a variable V3 of the RAM 130f. Each time the position of the lens group 200a changes and different distance information is input from the photographing lens, the CPU 130a updates and stores the value of the variable V3 in the RAM 130f to a value corresponding to the newly input distance information. FIG. 5C shows the correspondence between the value stored in the variable V3 and the distance information.

  When both the values of the variable V1 and the variable V2 stored in the RAM 130f are 1, the CPU 130a sets the timer register variable T1 to 2 so that the set time of the timer 130d is, for example, 4.0 seconds. In addition, when either one of the variable V1 and the variable V2 stored in the RAM 130f is 0, the CPU 130a sets the timer register variable T1 so that the set time of the timer 130d is, for example, 8.0 seconds. 3 is set. FIG. 5D shows a correspondence relationship between the value of the variable T1 and the set time. FIG. 5E shows the correspondence between variables V1, V2 and T1.

  After setting the set time of the timer 130d as described above, the timer 130d stops when the set time elapses without the operation unit 121 being operated by the user and the CPU 130a not inputting an operation signal. When the CPU 130a determines that the timer 130d is stopped, the CPU 130a outputs a turn-off instruction signal for instructing turning off the display of the LCD 114 to the LCD drive circuit 113 via the serial interface 130c. Then, the CPU 130a stops the operation of each unit and sets the camera 1 to the power saving state.

  In addition, after setting the set time of the timer 130d as described above, before the set time elapses, when the operation unit 121 is operated by the user and the CPU 130a inputs an operation signal, the CPU 130a resets the timer 130d. Then, time measurement is started again. That is, when the user operates the operation unit 121, the CPU 130a continues the operation state of the camera 1 without setting the power saving state. As a result, the display time of the focus aid mark MK on the LCD 114 is extended.

  When the values of the variable V1 and the variable V2 in the RAM 130f are both 1, and the CPU 130a updates the value of the variable V3 within the set time of the timer 130d, the CPU 130a resets the timer 130d and starts time measurement again. . Therefore, when the position of the lens group 200a changes without the user operating the operation unit 121, that is, when the user adjusts the focus state using the distance ring 207, the CPU 130a sets the power saving state. Without operating, the operating state of the camera 1 is continued. As a result, the display time of the focus aid mark MK on the LCD 114 is extended.

  The power saving state setting process and the focus aid mark MK display process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing in FIG. 6 is performed by executing a program by the CPU 130a of the camera control microcomputer 130. This program is stored in the ROM 130e and activated when the power is turned on.

  In step S100, the LCD drive circuit 113 is commanded to turn on the LCD 114, and the process proceeds to step S110. At this time, a flag i indicating that the LCD 114 is lit is set to 0. In step S110, the timer 130d is reset and the process proceeds to step S120. In step S120, the focus detection sensor 106 is commanded to detect the focus adjustment state, and the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, communication start control with the photographic lens is performed, and the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, it is determined whether or not communication with the taking lens has been established. When the photographing lenses L1 to L3 are attached and communication is established, an affirmative determination is made in step S140 and the process proceeds to step S150. At this time, 1 is stored in the variable V1 of the RAM 130f. If the photographic lens is not attached or if the photographic lens L4 is attached and communication cannot be established, a negative determination is made in step S140 and the process proceeds to step S190 described later. At this time, 0 is stored in the variable V1 of the RAM 130f.

  In step S150, it is determined whether or not distance information valid data is included in the received lens data. When the photographing lenses L1 and L2 are attached and distance information valid data is received, an affirmative determination is made in step S150 and the process proceeds to step S160. At this time, 1 is stored in the variable V2 of the RAM 130f. When the taking lens L3 is attached and the distance information valid data is not received, a negative determination is made in step S150, and the process proceeds to step S190 described later. At this time, 0 is stored in the variable V2 of the RAM 130f.

  In step S160, the set time of the timer 130d is set to 4.0 seconds, that is, the timer register variable T1 is set to 2, and the process proceeds to step S170. In step S170, it is determined whether the distance information input by the lens communication in step S120 is different from the distance information stored in the RAM 130f. If the input distance information is different from the distance information stored in the RAM 130f, an affirmative determination is made in step S170 and the process proceeds to step S180. In step S180, the timer 130d is reset, time measurement is started again, and the process proceeds to step S181 described later. If the input distance information is the same as the distance information stored in the RAM 130f, a negative determination is made in step S170 and the process proceeds to step S200 described later.

  If it is determined in step S140 that communication with the taking lens is not established or distance information valid data is not received in step S150, the process proceeds to step S190, and the set time of the timer 130d is 8.0 seconds, that is, the variable T1 of the timer register. Is set to 3 and the process proceeds to step S200. In step S <b> 200, it is determined whether an operation signal is input from the operation unit 121. When the operation signal is input, an affirmative determination is made in step S200 and the process proceeds to step S180. If no operation signal is input, a negative determination is made in step S200 and the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S181, it is determined whether or not the flag i is 1. When the flag i is 1, that is, when the LCD 114 is turned off, an affirmative determination is made in step S181 and the process proceeds to step S182. When the flag i is 0, that is, when the LCD 114 is lit, a negative determination is made in step S181, and step S182 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S210. In step S182, the LCD drive circuit 113 is commanded to turn on the LCD 114, the flag i is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, it is determined whether the timer 130d is in a stopped state after the set time set in step S160 or step S190 has elapsed. If the timer 130d is in the stopped state, an affirmative determination is made in step S210 and the process proceeds to step S220. If the timer 130d is not in the stopped state, a negative determination is made in step S210 and the process proceeds to step S240 described later.

  In step S220, the LCD drive circuit 113 is commanded to turn off the display of the LCD 114, the flag i is set to 1, and the process proceeds to step S230. In step S230, the camera 1 is set in the power saving state, and the process returns to step S110.

  When step S210 is negative, in step S240, in the same manner as in step S120, the focus detection sensor 106 is commanded to detect the focus adjustment state, and the process proceeds to step S250. In step S250, the LCD drive circuit 113 is instructed to cause the LCD 114 to display a display form (focus aid mark MK) indicating the focus state based on the detection result in step S240, and the process returns to step S130.

According to the camera of the first embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) Each time the CPU 130a inputs a distance signal that is output in response to the operation of the distance ring 207 of the attached photographic lens, the CPU 130a resets the set time of the timer 130d and represents the focus state displayed on the LCD 114. The display time of the display form (focus aid mark MK) is extended. Accordingly, even when the operation unit 121 is not operated, when it is detected that the user has performed the focus adjustment operation of the photographing lens, the time for setting the power saving state is extended, and the detection of the focus adjustment state and Since the display of the focus aid mark MK can be continued, the operability during manual focus adjustment is improved.

(2) The CPU 130a changes the set time of the timer 130d based on the values of the variable V1 and the variable V2 stored in the RAM 130f, that is, whether or not communication with the attached photographic lens can be established and the distance information valid data. I did it. In this case, the setting time of the timer 130d when the photographing lenses L3 to L4 are attached is set longer than that when the photographing lenses L1 and L2 are attached. Accordingly, even when distance information is not input from the photographic lens as in the photographic lenses L3 to L4, the time until the power saving state is set becomes long. It is possible to prevent the operability at the time of focus adjustment from being impaired.

-Second Embodiment-
A second embodiment of the camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7 to 8. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described. Points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a lens driving mechanism is provided in the body 100 of the camera 1.

  As shown in the block diagram of the control system of the camera 1 and the photographing lens L1 in FIG. 7, the body 100 is provided with a lens driving mechanism 150. The lens driving mechanism 150 drives the lens group 200a connected by coupling or the like (not shown) based on the movement amount calculated from the defocus amount in the camera control circuit 112. As a result, the lens group 200a included in the photographing lenses L2 and L3 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C can be moved by the control on the camera 1 side or the operation of the distance ring 207 by the user.

  The power saving state setting process and the focus aid mark MK display process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing of FIG. 8 is performed by executing a program by the CPU 130a of the camera control microcomputer 130. This program is stored in the ROM 130e and activated when the power is turned on.

  Each process from step S300 (LCD display) to step S382 (LCD display) performs the same process as each process from step S100 (LCD display) to step S182 (LCD display) in FIG. When the distance information valid data is not received, a negative determination is made in step S350 and the process proceeds to step S360, where it is determined whether or not the autofocus mode is set by operating the operation unit 121. If the autofocus mode is set, an affirmative determination is made in step S390 and the process proceeds to step S400. In step S400, similarly to step S360, the set time of the timer 130d is set to 4.0 seconds, that is, the variable T1 of the timer register is set to 2, and the process proceeds to step S420.

  If the manual focus mode is set, a negative determination is made in step S390 and the process proceeds to step S410. Each processing from step S410 (set timer setting time to 8.0 seconds) to step S470 (LCD display update) is performed from step S190 (set timer setting time to 8.0 seconds) in FIG. The same processes as those up to S250 (LCD display update) are performed.

According to the camera of the second embodiment described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained in addition to the functions and effects obtained in the first embodiment.
When the taking lens L3 not equipped with the lens driving mechanism 201 is attached, if the auto focus mode is set, the setting time of the timer 130d is set to 4.0 seconds, and if the manual focus mode is set. The set time was set to 8.0 seconds. Therefore, the set time can be changed according to the function and usage of the photographing lens, which contributes to improvement in operability during focus adjustment.

The camera described in the embodiment can be modified as follows.
(1) Other embodiment 1
The CPU 130a may reset the timer 130d based on the change in the distance information and the defocus amount representing the focus adjustment state detected by the focus detection sensor 106. In this case, if the CPU 130a determines that the defocus amount is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the CPU 130a may reset the timer 130d. That is, when the defocus amount is larger than the predetermined threshold, resetting of the timer 130d may be prohibited. Note that the threshold is recorded in advance in a predetermined recording area.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the difference between the process in the above-described case and the process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 will be mainly described.
If the input distance information is different from the distance information stored in the RAM 130f in step S170, the determination in step S170 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step S500. In step S500, it is determined whether the detected defocus amount is larger than a predetermined threshold. If the defocus amount is larger than the predetermined threshold, an affirmative determination is made in step S500 and the process proceeds to step S200. If the defocus amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold, a negative determination is made in step S500 and the process proceeds to step S180.

  As a result of the above-described processing, when it is determined that the defocus amount is larger than the predetermined threshold, the CPU 130a prohibits resetting the set time of the timer 130d. Therefore, when the defocus amount is large, it is unlikely that the user has finely adjusted the focus adjustment state by operating the distance ring 207 of the photographing lens. Therefore, the CPU 130a does not reset the timer 130d. The set time can be changed according to the lens usage state, and the operability during manual focus adjustment can be improved.

(2) Other embodiment 2
The CPU 130a may reset the timer 130d based on whether or not the operation direction of the distance ring 207 by the user matches the direction in which the subject image is focused (hereinafter referred to as the focusing direction). In this case, the CPU 130a determines the moving direction of the lens group 200a by comparing the input distance information with the distance information stored in the RAM 130f. Further, the CPU 130a determines whether the lens group 200a is a front pin, a focus, or a rear pin based on the output of the focus detection sensor 106, and determines the focus direction of the lens group 200a. If the CPU 130a determines that the moving direction of the lens group 200a matches the focusing direction, the CPU 130a resets the timer 130d. Further, when the moving direction of the lens group 200a does not coincide with the in-focus direction, the CPU 130a prohibits resetting the set time of the timer 130d. For example, when the focus adjustment state by the lens group 200a is the front pin, when the distance information input by the operation of the distance ring 207 changes from 2.0 to 1.0, for example, the CPU 130a focuses on the moving direction. It is determined that the direction matches.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the difference between the process in the above-described case and the process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 will be mainly described.
If the input distance information is different from the distance information stored in the RAM 130f in step S170, the determination in step S170 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step S600. In step S600, it is determined whether or not the moving direction of the lens group 200a matches the in-focus direction. If the moving direction and the in-focus direction match, an affirmative determination is made in step S600 and the process proceeds to step S180. If the moving direction and the in-focus direction do not match, a negative determination is made in step S600 and the process proceeds to step S200.

  As a result of the processing described above, the movement direction of the lens group 200a detected based on the input distance information and the focus adjustment state detected by the focus detection sensor 106 should be corrected, that is, the defocus amount is set to a predetermined value or less. If the lens moving direction to be matched does not match, the CPU 130a prohibits resetting the timer 130d. That is, when the lens group 200a is not moved in the in-focus direction, the CPU 130a resets the timer 130d because it is unlikely that the user has finely adjusted the focus adjustment state by operating the distance ring 207 of the photographing lens. I tried not to. As a result, the set time can be changed according to the use state of the photographic lens, and the operability during manual focus adjustment can be improved.

(3) The camera 1 is not limited to an electronic camera including the image sensor 107, and may be a film camera.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as long as the characteristics of the present invention are not impaired, and other forms conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention. included.

It is a figure which shows the principal part structure of the camera in embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. It is a figure which shows the structure of four types of imaging lenses which can be mounted | worn with the camera in embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the control system of the camera in 1st Embodiment, and the imaging | photography lens with which it was mounted | worn. It is a figure which shows the structure on the function of the microcomputer for camera control provided in the camera. It is a figure explaining the variable stored in RAM. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the camera of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the control system of the camera in 2nd Embodiment, and the imaging | photography lens with which it was mounted | worn. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the camera of 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a camera according to another embodiment 1; 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in a camera according to another embodiment 2; It is a figure explaining an example of a display of a focus aid mark.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Body 106 ... Sensor for focus detection 107 ... Imaging element 108 ... Lens signal contact 112 ... Camera control circuit 114 ... LCD
130 ... Camera control microcomputer 130a ... CPU 130d ... Timer

Claims (8)

A focus detection means for detecting a focus adjustment state of a subject image formed on an imaging surface of an image recording medium via a photographing lens;
Focus adjusting means for adjusting a focus adjustment state of the subject image by operating a focusing lens of the photographing lens with an operation member;
Input means for inputting an operation signal output from the operation member;
A display for displaying a display form representing a focusing state based on the focus adjustment state detected by the focus detection unit over a predetermined time;
And a control means for extending the predetermined time by the input of the operation signal. The camera according to claim 1,
The in-focus state is a display form indicating that the difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane is less than a predetermined value,
The camera further comprising: a prohibiting unit that prohibits the control unit from extending the predetermined time if a difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane is a predetermined value or more. The camera according to claim 2,
The prohibiting unit is configured to perform the predetermined time by the control unit even when the direction of deviation between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging surface does not match the focus adjustment direction by the operation signal output from the operation member. A camera characterized by prohibiting extension. The camera according to claim 1,
The in-focus state is a display form indicating that the difference between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane is less than a predetermined value,
When the direction of deviation between the imaging position of the subject image and the imaging plane does not match the focus adjustment direction by the operation signal output from the operation member, the control means prohibits the extension of the predetermined time. A camera, further comprising prohibition means. The camera of claim 1,
Lens information acquisition means for acquiring lens information from the photographing lens;
Communication determining means for determining whether or not the lens information can be acquired by the lens information acquiring means;
Validity determination means for determining whether or not the operation signal is valid based on the lens information;
A camera, further comprising: a predetermined time changing unit that changes the predetermined time based on a determination result of the communication determination unit and a determination result of the validity determination unit. The camera according to claim 5, wherein
When it is determined that the lens information can be acquired and the operation signal is valid, the predetermined time changing unit changes the predetermined time to a first value, the lens information can be acquired, and the operation signal The camera is characterized in that the predetermined time changing means changes the predetermined time to a second value when any one of the valid is determined. The camera according to claim 6, wherein
When the focus information is adjusted by the focus adjusting means when the lens information can be acquired and the operation signal is determined to be valid, the predetermined time changing means changes the predetermined time to a first value. When the focus state is not adjusted by the focus adjusting means, the predetermined time changing means changes the predetermined time to a second value. The camera according to claim 6 or 7,
The camera characterized in that the first value is shorter than the second value.

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