JP3157002B2 - Camera with zoom lens focal length storage and readout device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a zoom lens which stores a focal length position of a zoom lens, and further automatically drives the zoom lens to the stored focal length position. The present invention relates to a camera having a focal length storage and reading device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a camera in which a zoom lens is driven by a motor so that a focal length can be changed by a switch operation.

Further, as such a camera, one configured to display the set focal length on a liquid crystal display device or the like,
In addition to a switch for driving the zoom lens, a switch provided with another switch for zooming the zoom lens to a specific position, for example, a macro position, is known.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] A camera of the type described above in which the zoom lens is driven by a motor is configured such that when the main switch is turned off, the zoom lens is housed inside a housing. There are many. Therefore, if you want to take multiple shots at the same focal length, and you want to turn off the switch each time one shot is completed, the photographer must look at the viewfinder each time Zooming must be performed so as to have the same focal length as that of the camera, which is inconvenient. In such a case, it is substantially impossible to reset the focal length to exactly the same. Further, as described above, a camera provided with another switch for zooming the zoom lens to a specific position is also known, but in such a case, the focal length that can be set is limited in type such as a macro position. Therefore, the photographer cannot make any selection.

On the other hand, if it is desired to perform shooting at the same focal length a plurality of times, and if the switch is not turned off until all the shootings are completed, if the time interval between each shooting is somewhat long, the power is turned on during that time. This leads to wasteful consumption of batteries, and when it is necessary to carry the camera for each photographing, it is inconvenient to carry the camera unless the zoom lens is housed inside the housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and has a simple operation that enables a photographer to accurately zoom to a position arbitrarily selected by a photographer. It is an object to provide a camera having a distance storage and reading device.

Means for Solving the Problems A camera having a focal length storing and reading device for a zoom lens according to the present invention includes a zoom lens driven by a motor, a zoom encoder for detecting the focal length of the zoom lens, and manual operation. A first operating member for outputting a signal for instructing driving / stopping and a driving direction of the motor, a second operating member provided separately from the release button, a zoom memory mode, and a mode other than the zoom memory mode. Setting means for setting the mode of the second operation member, and an E ² PROM for storing focal length data detected by the zoom encoder when the second operation member is operated in a state where the zoom memory mode is set. When the first operation member is operated, the motor is driven in accordance with the instruction signal, and a mode other than the zoom memory mode is operated. Focal length but when the second operating member is operated at the set state, the read focal length data stored in the E ² PROM, detected by the zoom encoder with the read focal distance data Drive control means for driving the motor until the data matches.

[Operation] According to the camera having the focal length storage / readout device of the zoom lens of the present invention, the zoom lens is driven by the first operation member until an arbitrary focal length is obtained by the above-described configuration. If the second operating member is operated in the memory mode, the focal length data detected by the zoom encoder is stored in the E ² PROM.
After that, even if the main switch is turned off and the zoom lens is housed inside the housing, the stored focal length data does not disappear, so the main switch must be turned on again. If the second operation member is operated at an arbitrary timing after being turned on, the zoom lens can be easily and accurately driven again to the focal length position stored in the E ² PROM. Further, by operating the first operation member, fine adjustment from that position is also possible.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, as a first embodiment of the present invention, a specific example of a zoom lens focal length storage / readout device used in a camera having a zoom lens focal length storage / readout device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a focal length storage / readout device for such a zoom lens.

In the figure, 101 is a zoom lens, 102 is a zoom lens
A motor for changing the focal length of 101; a motor control means 103 for controlling the drive of the motor 101; a first operation means 104 for instructing the drive / stop and a drive direction of the motor;
5 is a position detecting means for detecting the focal length position of the zoom lens 101, 106 is the zoom lens 10 detected by the position detecting means 105.
The storage means for storing the focal length position of the first, 107, whether to drive the motor in accordance with an instruction from the first operating means, or to drive the motor to the focal length position stored in the storage means This is the second operation means to be selected.

Hereinafter, an operation procedure of the focal length storage and reading device of the zoom lens shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

First, the first operating means 104 is operated to drive the motor 102, thereby driving the zoom lens 101 until a desired focal length is obtained. While the zoom lens 101 is being driven, the position detecting means 105 detects the position of the zoom lens 101.

When the zoom lens 101 reaches a position where a desired focal length can be obtained and stops driving, a switch (not shown) is turned on, and the position of the zoom lens 101 at this time is stored in the storage unit 106.

Thereafter, when a main switch (not shown) is turned off, the zoom lens 101 is stored in the housing.

When the second operation means is operated after the main switch is turned on again, the focal length position stored in the storage means 106 is sent to the motor control means 103.

The motor control means 103 starts driving the motor 102, sequentially inputs the position of the zoom lens from the position detection means 105, and compares it with the position data input from the storage means 106.

Position data input from the position detection means 105 and storage means 1
When the position data coincides with the position data input from 06, the motor control means 103 terminates the driving of the motor 102.

As described above, according to the focal length storing and reading apparatus of the zoom lens of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately perform zooming to a position arbitrarily selected by the photographer with a simple operation.

Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a specific example of a camera having a focal length storing and reading device for a zoom lens according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system outline of a camera having a focal length storage / readout device for a zoom lens according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera having the focal length storage and reading device of the zoom lens according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a main CPU 200, an interface IC 210, a power supply unit 220, a strobe unit 230, a mirror / shutter unit 240, Winding unit 250, lens unit 260, finder unit 270, display unit 280, AF unit
Divided into 10 blocks of 290.

 Hereinafter, each block will be described in detail.

The main CPU 200 is for controlling the entire camera, and has an interface IC 210, an LCD IC 283, an AFIC 292, and an E ² PROM described later via a serial communication line 201.
209 and exchange data. Another serial communication line 205 is provided between the main CPU 200 and the shoe contact 202, and is used for communication with accessories such as an external strobe. Also interface with main CPU 200
A dedicated data line 208 is provided between the IC 210 and the IC 210, and exchanges information that cannot be transmitted by serial communication, such as a power supply voltage, a photometric output analog signal, and a signal after shaping the waveform of a photo interrupter. The analog signal is
Input to the A / D conversion port of the main CPU 200,
Converted to digital within 200. Similarly, the strobe charging voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit 237 described later
0 is input to the A / D port. Also, this main CPU2
00 has four interrupt ports, each of which will be described later with a PW switch, BK switch, PUP switch, and K
Connected to EYINT. Other input / output ports are normal input / output ports, and DX for reading DX information of patrone
Sequence switches such as a switch, an MU switch for detecting the rising position of the mirror, an SC switch for detecting whether the charging of the shutter is completed, and an X switch for detecting whether the traveling of the front curtain of the shutter is completed, Direct, main CP
Reading by U200. The output port is used for data module control, TELE / WIDE strobe light emission, dimming signals, and the like.

As the interface IC 210, a mixed digital / analog Bi-CMOS IC was used. This interface IC
Reference numeral 210 denotes an analog processing unit for driving motors (mirror shutter motor 242, winding motor 251, zoom motor 265, AF motor 261) and aperture magnet 263, photometric battery check, photointerrupter waveform shaping, and the like, and switches. And a digital unit for performing serial communication and data latch.

The digital section includes an 8-bit serial communication shift register and an 8-bit latch circuit 3 for latching data.
And the analog section is controlled by rewriting the data of the latch circuit. Key switch group 213 consists of 17 mode switches, first release switch, second release switch, ZOOM
The switch is composed of eight switches, a TELE switch, a ZOOM / WIDE switch, a SHIFT / UP switch, a SHIFT / DOWN switch, a SELF switch, and a SPOT switch, and is read into the main CPU 200 by serial communication. The key switch group 213 further includes a 5-bit zoom encoder and an SB switch for detecting a retracted position.
The data is read into the main CPU 200 by serial communication.

The outputs of the photometry circuit and battery check circuit of the analog section are sent to the main CPU 200 as analog voltages, and the A / D
Is converted. Also, photo interrupters for film detection
The 252, the AF photo interrupter 262 and the aperture photo interrupter 264 each require an LED driving circuit and a circuit for shaping the waveform of the received light signal, which are provided in the interface IC 210, The output is sent to the main CPU 200 via a dedicated data line. other,
Motor (mirror shutter motor 242, winding motor 2
51, a drive circuit for the zoom motor 265, the AF motor 261), a drive circuit for the magnets (shutter magnets 241a and 241b, and an aperture magnet 263), a charge signal output to the strobe booster circuit 231 and a DC / DC converter 222. Signal, output signal to dummy load 211, AF auxiliary light LED 212 drive signal, LCD 271 for display in viewfinder
And a circuit for a drive signal of the backlight LED 272 for the LCD. Here, since a large current is required for driving the motor, a motor driver 214 is also provided outside.

The power supply unit 220 supplies two systems of power. One is a power source used for drivers that require power, such as motors and magnets. The battery voltage is always supplied, and the other is a small signal power source stabilized by the DC / DC converter 222. And is controlled by the interface IC 210. When the DC / DC converter 222 is not activated, since neither the main CPU 200 nor the interface IC 210 is supplied with power, when either the PW switch 217 or the BK switch 218 is turned on, the battery voltage is supplied through the diode. It has become.

The strobe unit 230 includes a main capacitor 232, a strobe booster circuit 231 for charging the main capacitor 232, and a main C
Voltage dividing circuit 237 for monitoring by PU200 and Xe tube on TELE side
233, a TELE light emitting circuit 234 for causing the TELE side Xe tube 233 to emit light, a WIDE side Xe tube 235, and a WIDE light emitting circuit 236 for causing the WIDE side Xe tube to emit light. The strobe boosting circuit 231 is controlled by a signal from the interface IC 210. Also, the main CPU 200
The output of the voltage dividing circuit 237 instructs the interface IC 210 to execute or stop charging. In addition, the light emitting section of the strobe unit 230 has a narrow light distribution angle on the TELE side X
An e-tube 233 and a WIDE-side Xe tube 235 having a wide light distribution angle are provided. Here, the Xe tube 233 on the TELE side is the TX from the main CPU 200.
・ Full light emission is performed by the ON signal. Also, Xe tube on WIDE side
235 starts emitting light with the WXON signal from the main CPU 200, and W
Light emission is stopped by X / OFF signal. WIDE side Xe tube 235
Is also used for pre-light emission for so-called red-eye prevention.

The mirror / shutter unit 240 includes a mirror / shutter motor 242 that performs up / down and shutter charging of the mirror by forward rotation, and two shutter magnets 241a and 241b that control the movement of the front curtain and rear curtain of the shutter. . From the mirror / shutter unit 240, three sequence switches (not shown) are directly input to the main CPU 200. This sequence switch is a switch for monitoring the position of the mirror and the shutter. The MU switch detects the rising position of the mirror, the SC switch detects the completion of charging of the shutter, and the main CPU 2
This is a switch for stopping the motor at 00. Also,
The X switch is a switch for notifying that the focal plane shutter is fully opened, and is for setting the flash emission timing. The reverse rotation of the mirror / shutter motor 242 is sent to the cartridge chamber by a gear train and used for rewinding.

The winding unit 250 includes a winding motor 251 and a photo-interrupter 252 for film detection. As mentioned above,
The output of the photo-interrupter 252 for film detection is shaped into a waveform by the interface IC 210 and becomes a feedback pulse for notifying the main CPU 200 of the winding amount. The winding of the film is performed by the forward rotation of the winding motor 251. On the other hand, the reverse rotation of the winding motor 251 is used for gear release when the film is taken out halfway. Here, the film detection photointerrupter 252 detects the amount of movement of the film by detecting the amount of movement of the perforation of the film. Each time the film is wound one frame,
The film detection photointerrupter 252 generates 24 pulses. Photo interrupter for film detection 252
Is also used as a monitor during rewinding. That is,
While the pulse is being output, it means that rewinding is in progress, and when the pulse is stopped, it means that rewinding has ended. When it is determined that rewinding has been completed,
The main CPU 200 stops the mirror shutter motor 242.

The lens unit 260 includes an AF motor 261 used when performing focusing, an AF photo interrupter 262 that generates a feedback pulse, an aperture magnet 263 that stops aperture stop, and an aperture photo interrupter 264 that detects the aperture stop. A zoom motor 265 for performing zooming, a 5-bit zoom encoder 266 for detecting the absolute position of the zoom lens, and an SB switch 267 for detecting the retracted position of the zoom. I have. The AF motor 261 is driven by an amount corresponding to the defocus amount measured by the AFIC 292. The driving amount of the AF motor 261 is based on the AF photointerrupter 2.
Detected with 62 feedback pulses. Further, the absolute distance to the subject required for controlling the G number of the strobe and determining the aperture value can be obtained by integrating the number of pulses of the AF photo-interrupter 262 after resetting the lens to infinity. The zoom motor 265 is a motor for zooming a lens (not shown) or performing a collapse operation when the lens is not used, and is controlled at an absolute position by a zoom encoder 266 and an SB switch 267. The zoom encoder 266 divides the photographable area into 32 (= 5 bits), and the main CPU 20 through the interface IC 210.
Tells 0 the absolute position. The SB switch 267 is provided at the collapsing end of the lens, and detects completion of collapsing. The retracted position is also released from the WIDE end of the zoom encoder 266. The aperture (not shown) is mechanically stopped down by a spring at the same time as the mirror is raised, and when the set aperture value is reached, the attraction of the aperture magnet 263 is released and the aperture stop is stopped halfway. It has become.
The detection of the stop-down amount is performed by detecting the rotation of the gear in conjunction with the stop-down of the stop blade by the stop photo interrupter 264. That is, the aperture photo interrupter
The number of pulses output by H.264 is proportional to the amount of narrowing.

The finder unit 270 is an optical system for guiding a subject image reflected on a reflex mirror (not shown) and formed on a Fresnel lens to an eyepiece, and has no movable part. The electrical components arranged here are an LCD 271 for display in the finder for displaying in the finder, a backlight LED 272 for illuminating the LCD 271 for display in the finder, and a two-segment photodiode 273 for photometry. The photometric two-division photodiode 273 is divided into a circle or a concentric circle, and can perform center-weighted photometry and peripheral photometry. 2 for photometry
The photocurrent generated by the split photodiode 273 is sent to the interface IC 210 as it is, subjected to current / voltage conversion internally, and sent to the A / D port of the main CPU 200. The LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder uses a transmissive liquid crystal.
The display content of the LCD 271 for display in the finder is common to the LCD panel 281 of the display unit 280 in many cases. When the display in the finder display LCD 271 is performed, the backlight LED 272 is turned on. If the backlight LED 272 is turned off, the photographer cannot recognize even if the display is performed on the display LCD 271 in the viewfinder. Therefore,
Display on LCD panel 281 and display in viewfinder
When not displaying the LCD271, the backlight LED2
You only have to turn off 72.

The display unit 280 is located in the back cover of the camera, and has a large LCD panel 281, a key switch group 282 provided in the back cover portion, an LCDIC 283 that drives the LCD panel 281 and reads the key switch group 282, A date module 284 for imprinting the date on the film is arranged. L
The CD panel 281 has both a display by the LCDIC 283 and a date display by the date module on a single panel, and has a special structure because the driving systems are different from each other. The LCD panel 281 is used for display in the viewfinder.
Unlike the LCD271, a reflective liquid crystal is used, so a backlight is not required, but a reflector (not shown) is provided on the back surface. The key switch group 282 has MODE
Nine switches, +/- switches, PF switches, Z-MEMO switches, MACRO switches, REWIND switches, DRIVE switches, SUBJECT switches, and FLASH switches are connected. The on / off of these switches is read into the main CPU 200 via the LCD IC 283. The date module 284 is directly controlled by the main CPU 200 and uses a battery 221 that is a common power supply with other components of the camera. Therefore, when the battery 221 is removed, the date is reset, and a large backup capacitor (not shown) is used to prevent the battery 221 from being reset when the battery is inserted and removed for a short time.

The AF unit 290 includes an AF sensor 291 and the AF sensor 291.
And AFIC292 formed integrally. AFIC2
92 sends the integration result of the AF sensor 291 to the main CPU 200 using a serial communication line, and the main CPU 200 calculates the amount of defocus by calculation. The E ² PROM 209 is arranged in the AF unit 290 to store pixel variation, dark current, position correction data, and the like of the AF sensor 291.After the camera is completed, the E ² PROM 209 is stored in the RAM in the main CPU 200. It is also used as a means for storing data that should be kept even when the power is turned off.

Next, an interrupt method of the main CPU 200 for turning on / off the power, returning from the power saving mode, and the like will be described. The main CPU 200 has four interrupt ports capable of falling interrupts.
BK switch, PUP switch, interface IC210 and LC
KEYINT which is a NOR signal of the interrupt request signal from DIC283 is connected. This interrupt port can be set to enable or disable interrupts. The interrupt port is normally in the disabled state, but is reset to the interrupt enabled state when shifting to the power saving mode. Here, the power saving mode refers to a state in which the main CPU 200 stops its function to prevent battery consumption when the PW switch or the BK switch is turned on and left for a long time.

The PW switch is a power switch of the camera, and when turned on, the voltage of the battery 221 is supplied to the stabilized power supply which is the power supply of the main CPU 200, a power-on reset is applied to the main CPU 200, the operation is started from the beginning of the program, and the shooting is performed. Preparation is performed. The BK switch is a switch linked to the back cover. Like the PW switch, when the back cover is opened,
Power is supplied to the CPU 200. However, this is because when the back cover is closed, the film is loaded even if the PW switch is off, and the preparation for photographing is not performed even if only the BK switch is turned on. Main CPU2
When 00 starts operation, the DC / DC converter 222 is started via the interface IC 210, and power is continuously supplied to the main CPU 200 even if the PW switch and the BK switch are turned off. At this time, the main CPU 200 stops the DC / DC converter 222 after performing processing (retraction, data saving to the E ² PROM 209, etc.) that must be performed before power-off. The PUP switch is a switch that detects the pop-up of the strobe and permits charging and flashing of the strobe. Usually, since the main CPU 200 reads periodically, there is no need for an interrupt. KEYINT is an output signal of the NOR gate 215 of a signal when any one of the first key switch group 282 input to the LCD IC 283 is pressed and an output signal of the interface IC 210, while the main CPU 200 is operating. Has been ignored because it reads all key switches periodically. The KEYINT interrupt function is required only when entering the power saving mode. In power saving mode, the main CPU 200, interface IC 210, D
If all functions such as the C / DC converter 222 are stopped, and the PW switch and the BK switch are turned off in this state, the camera stops without power down processing or film loading. In order to prevent this, the main CPU 200 allows an interrupt before entering the power saving mode, operates the DC / DC converter 222 when the PW switch and the BK switch are turned off, and secures its own power supply. . That is, the switch capacitor is turned off by the filter capacitor of the DC / DC converter 222.
It compensates until the DC / DC converter 222 is started. When the camera is operated, the PUP switch and KEYINT are interrupted to exit the power saving mode.

FIGS. 3A to 3D are external views schematically showing the external appearance of a camera having a focal length storage and reading device of a zoom lens according to the present embodiment and operation members. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the display contents of the LCD panel 281. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the display contents of the LCD 271 for display in the finder. Hereinafter, the operation and display will be briefly described with reference to these drawings.

The PW switch 301 is a switch for turning on the power. Also, when the PW switch 301 is turned on, the lens is extended from the lowered position to the WIDE end, and the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder start displaying, and the camera is ready to take a picture.

The strobe pop-up button 333 is a button for putting the strobe housed in the camera body into use.

The SELF switch 302 is a switch for setting and canceling the self-timer mode. In the self-timer mode, a self-timer mark 402 is displayed on the LCD panel 281. Also, while the self-timer is operating,
The self-timer mark 402 and the AF assist light blink.

ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 and ZOOM / TELE switch 304
A switch for driving a zoom lens and a focusing lens.

The release switch 305 has a two-stage configuration. The first stage (first release switch) is a switch for starting photometry, exposure data measurement, display in the viewfinder, and AF. The second stage (second release switch) is a switch for starting exposure and starting a self-timer.

SHIFT / UP switch 306 and SHIFT / DOWN switch 307
Is a switch for changing the exposure mode, F number, shutter speed, and exposure correction value. The exposure mode is changed by simultaneously pressing the SHIFT / UP switch 306 or the SHIFT / DOWN switch 307 and the MODE switch 308. Here, the exposure mode includes a program auto mode (P mode) and an aperture priority mode (A mode).
And a manual mode (M mode). The selected mode is displayed on exposure mode display section 401 of LCD panel 281.

The F number can be changed only when the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode or the manual mode. The set value of the F number is determined by the F number display sections 406 and 504 of the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder.
Will be displayed.

The shutter speed can be changed only when the exposure mode is the manual mode. To change the shutter speed, use SHIFT / UP switch 306 or SHIFT / DOW
This is performed by simultaneously pressing the N switch 307 and the +/- switch 309. The set value of this shutter speed is
The image is displayed on the LCD panel 281 and the shutter speed display units 405 and 503 of the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder.

The exposure correction value can be changed in the program auto mode and the aperture priority mode. The exposure correction value is also changed by simultaneously pressing the SHIFT / UP switch 306 or SHIFT / DOWN switch 307 and the +/- switch 309. The exposure compensation value is calculated by the LCD panel 281 and the +/- display units 409 and 507 of the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder,
It is displayed on the frame number display section 407 of the D panel 281.

The SPOT switch 310 is a switch for selecting spot metering. When the spot metering value is input, the LCD
The display of the photometric mode display unit 412 of the panel 281 and the spot photometric display of the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are performed. On the other hand, when the exposure mode is not the spot metering mode, the exposure mode is the evaluation metering mode when the exposure mode is the program auto mode mode.
Is displayed, but when the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode or the manual mode, the average metering mode is set and the LCD
Display on panel 281 and LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder is not performed.

Also, the MODE switch 308 and the +/− switch 309 described above
Are turned on at the same time, reset of each mode and battery check are performed.

The PF switch 311 is a switch for switching between an auto focus mode and a power focus mode. When the power focus mode is selected,
Power focus display is performed by the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder.

The Z-MEMO switch 312 is a switch for storing a memory at the zoom position and performing a call.

The MACRO switch 313 is a switch for switching the macro mode.
It is configured to switch in the order of the wide macro mode and the non-macro mode. At the same time, the macro state is displayed on the macro mode display section 410 of the LCD panel 281.

The DRIVE switch 314 is a switch for switching the drive mode. The drive mode selected by the DRIVE switch 314 is displayed on the drive mode display section 411 of the LCD panel 281.

The SUBTECT switch 315 is a switch for switching the subject mode. This SUBTECT switch 3
The subject mode selected by 15 is the LCD panel 2
81 are displayed on the subject mode display section 403. Further, when the portrait mode is selected as the subject mode, the number indicating the auto zoom magnification is
It is displayed on the LCD panel 281 and the shutter speed display sections 405 and 503 of the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder.

The FLASH switch 316 is a switch for switching the flash mode. This flash switch 316
This is accepted when the built-in flash is in use and the exposure mode is the program auto mode or the aperture priority mode. The strobe mode display section 413 of the LCD panel 281 performs display only when the built-in strobe is used as the strobe. On the other hand, when the manual mode is selected as the exposure mode, only the lightning mark of the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder and the parentheses of the LCD panel 281 are displayed.

The back lid mark 414 flashes this,
It is provided to prompt the user to open the back cover.

The battery mark 415 is provided in order to prompt the photographer to replace the battery 221 by blinking when the remaining amount of the battery 221 is low. When the battery 221 runs out, the operation of the camera stops.

Date mode switch 317, Data set switch 31
8, date adjust switch 319 and date display section 40
Reference numeral 8 denotes an operation switch and a display for imprinting a date.

The REWIND switch 320 is a switch for performing a rewind request described later.

321 is a switch cover, 322 is an external LCD panel, 323 is an eyepiece, 324 is a film window, 325 is a battery cover, 326 is a strobe, 327 is a shoe (with a cover), 328 is an AF illuminator, 329 is a back cover, 330 Is the main body, 331 is the rear lid opening knob, 3
32 is a grip.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes an exposure mode display unit;
Is a self-timer mode display, 403 is a subject mode display, 404 is a power focus display, 405 is a shutter speed display, 406 is an F-number display, 407 is a frame number display, 408 is a date display, and 409 is +/- display part, 41
0 is a macro mode display, 411 is a drive mode display,
Reference numeral 412 denotes a metering mode display unit, and 413 denotes a flash mode display unit.

Further, in FIG. 5, 501 is an AF display, 502 is a flash display, 503 is a shutter speed display, 504 is an F-number display, 505 is a spot metering display, 506 is a power focus display, and 507 is + //-display part.

Note that the AF display section 501 of the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder is
When the autofocus mode is selected with the F switch 311, the light is turned on when focusing is performed, and blinks when it is determined that focusing is impossible. The strobe display 502 of the viewfinder display LCD 271 blinks when both the built-in strobe and the external strobe are off and the brightness of the subject is insufficient, thereby urging the photographer to use the strobe. When only the built-in flash is used, the light is turned on when the built-in flash is completely charged, and when only the external flash is used, the light is turned on when the external flash is completely charged. Further, when both the built-in strobe and the external strobe are used, the light is turned on when both strobes have been charged.

Next, the operation of the camera having the focal length storage and reading device shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (main routine) schematically showing the operation of the main CPU 200.

The photographer turns on the PW switch 301 for shooting,
Alternatively, when the back cover is opened for film loading, the BK switch is turned on, and the main CPU 200 is started. Main CPU2
When 00 starts, the program is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

A002 is a process for setting a stack and prohibiting an interrupt.

A004 is an initial process at power-on. This initial processing includes the activation of the interface IC 210 and the DC / DC converter 222 through communication with the interface IC 210.
Of start-up, reading of data from the E ² PROM290, the main CPU
There are initialization of a random access memory (RAM) in the memory 200, initialization of an I / O port of the main CPU 200, and the like.

A006 is a mode switch input subroutine. This mode switch input subroutine reads the states of a total of 16 switches (key switch groups 213 and 282) connected to the LCD IC 283 and the interface IC 210 into the main CPU 200 through serial communication and compares them with the previous data to detect and turn on the edges. Count of switches that are turned off →
The number of switches that are turned on is counted. However, the purpose here is to input the switch initial state immediately after power-on.

A008 is a process for resetting data such as the state of charge of the built-in strobe and the external strobe.

A010 is a checker communication subroutine. The checker communication subroutine is a subroutine for communicating with the outside of the camera through the shoe contact, and reads / writes RAM data using an external checker.

A012 is based on the data stored in the E ² PROM 209.
It is to determine whether or not rewind was being performed when the PW switch 301 was turned off last time.
A014 is for performing rewind when it is determined in A012 that rewind is being executed. This, once off PW switch 301 during the rewind, it was in rewinding when off the PW switch 301 E ² PROM 2
The rewind is restarted when the PW switch 301 is turned on again.

A016 is the initialization of the camera mechanism in preparation for the exposure operation.

A018 is based on the data stored in the E ² PROM 209.
It is to determine whether or not the film winding was being performed when the PW switch 301 was turned off last time, and A020 performs winding when it is determined in A018 that the film winding is being performed. Things. .
When the PW switch 301 is turned off during the winding of the film as in the case of the above-described rewind (A012, A014), the fact that the film was being wound when the PW switch 301 was turned off is stored in the E ² PROM 209. When the PW switch 301 is turned on again, the film winding is restarted. At this time, since the film is wound up even when the battery comes off during winding up after the exposure, for example, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of being exposed while overlapping the exposed film.

A034 is a photometry subroutine. Here, the initial value of the photometric value is input.

A036 resets the counter of the display timer. This counter is decremented each time the 100 msec timer of the main CPU 200 overflows. When the counter borrows, the main CPU 200 shifts to the power saving mode.

A038 is for resetting the request code. As will be described later, when a branch from the main routine is required due to various information, a request code corresponding to the branch is set. This request code is 1-byte data,
At 00H, the main loop is repeated without branching.

The following is the part corresponding to the main loop. There are two main loops in the main loop. The first loop is
This is always executed in a loop consisting of A040 and A070 to A152. Further, when the 100 msec timer overflows, a second loop including A040 to A152 is executed. Hereinafter, each process of the main loop will be described.

A040 is a process for refreshing the I / O port of the main CPU 200.

A042 checks whether or not the 100 msec timer has overflowed. If an overflow has occurred, the timer of 100 msec is restarted by A044.

In A046, the state of the PW switch 301, the BK switch and the state of the POP switch which detects the use / storage state of the built-in strobe are input to the main CPU 200, and the edge of OFF → ON / ON → OFF is detected by comparing with the previous data. .

A048 is the same mode switch input subroutine as A006 described above.

A050 is a mode / request code setting subroutine, which sets the branch request command from the main routine, sets the operation mode of the camera, sets the data in accordance with the state of each switch input in A046 and A048, as described later.
Make changes.

In A052, the absolute distance to the subject is calculated from the amount of extension of the focusing lens from the infinity position. The absolute distance to the subject is used for calculating the G number at the time of flash photography and for calculating the zoom position at the time of auto zoom. Here, the extension amount of the lens is obtained by integrating the number of pulses of the AF photo-interrupter 262 from a position at infinity of the lens.

A054 is a process for managing the charging time of the built-in flash. If the charging is not completed within 20 seconds, the charging is stopped and the subsequent recharging is not performed. Also, once charging is completed, the voltage of the capacitor is monitored every 20 seconds, and the leakage is replaced.

 In A056, charging of the strobe is stopped.

A058 is a photometry subroutine. Interface
When a command is transmitted to the IC 210, a voltage proportional to the logarithmic value of the photocurrent of the photodiode due to the reflected light from the subject incident through the lens is output. This is the main CPU2
A / D conversion is performed at 00 to calculate the brightness (BV value) of the subject. The photometric two-segment photodiode 273 is divided into a circle or a concentric circle, and these outputs are weighted and averaged according to the mode. In addition, spot metering uses the AF sensor 291
The spot BV value is calculated from the integration time of the AF sensor 291.

A060 is a charge control subroutine for controlling charging of the built-in flash. When the main CPU 200 detects that the strobe pop-up button 333 (see FIG. 3C) has been turned on, it transmits a start command of the strobe booster circuit 231 to the interface IC 210, and the strobe booster circuit 231 starts charging. The voltage of the capacitor is input from the voltage dividing circuit 237 to the A / D conversion port of the main CPU 200. When the voltage of this capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage,
The main CPU 200 sets a charge completion flag, and thereby the flash booster circuit 231 stops charging.

A062 is an external flash data input subroutine, which receives data from the external flash. This subroutine is executed only when the external strobe is mounted. Data input from the external strobe includes a charging state, a maximum G number, a strobe mode, and the like.

A064 is an APEX calculation subroutine. In this subroutine, the brightness data of the subject calculated in the above A058,
An F number, a shutter speed, a G number of a strobe, and the like are calculated based on the data set in the above A050, data of the built-in strobe, and data of an external strobe.

In A068, display data such as mode and photometric data is decoded and sent to the LCDIC 282 via the serial communication line 201, thereby updating the display of the LCDIC 282. In addition,
As display means, there are an LCD panel 281, an LCD 271 for display in a finder, a backlight LED 272 for LCD illumination, and an auxiliary light LED 212 when a self-timer is activated, all of which are processed by A068. As described above, the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are driven by the LCDIC 283. LCDI
The C283 has 4 COMMON terminals and 22 SEGMENT terminals, and can display 88 at 1/4 duty. Main C
The PU 200 selects a display to be turned on from each mode and data, and transfers 88 pieces of data to the LCDIC 283 through the serial communication 201. The LCDIC283 uses these 88 data
The respective display units of the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are selectively driven. This display is updated every 100 msec, but the blinking display for warning is displayed only while A068 is executed three times, and the next two times are turned off to realize 2 Hz, duty 3: 2. . The backlight LED 272 and the auxiliary light LED 212 are controlled by serial communication to the interface IC 210. The backlight LED 272 is turned on when the first release switch or the SPOT switch 310 is operated to start photometry. The light is off during the self-timer operation and during exposure. The auxiliary light LED 212 is originally intended for assisting autofocus at low brightness, but blinks at 2 Hz to notify the user when the self-timer is operating. As described above, the LCD panel 28
1 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are blinking with a duty of 3: 2, but since the auxiliary light LED 212 has high brightness,
In order to avoid discomfort to the photographer, the duty is blinking at 1: 4.

The above is the second loop. This second loop is
Executed every 100 msec. The basic operation of the camera is
Since the setting is performed in the second loop every msec, the mode setting, photometry, display, and the like are updated every 100 msec.

Subsequently, a first loop process that is always executed regardless of the timer of 100 msec will be described.

A070 is a charge control subroutine, which controls charging of the built-in strobe similarly to A060.

A072 is a checker communication subroutine.
The same processing as in 10 is performed.

A074 inputs the state of the first stage (first release switch) and the second stage (second release switch) of the release switch 305.

A076 is an exposure determination / exposure subroutine, which is a subroutine for determining a branch to an exposure sequence and performing exposure, as described later.

In A078, it is determined whether or not the exposure has been performed in A076. If the exposure has been executed, jump to A044 above,
If not executed, the process from A080 on is performed.

In A080 to A148, various processes are executed according to the branch request code determined in A050.

First, A080 determines whether a power down request has been made in A050. If it is determined that a power down request has been made, power down processing is performed by A082.

Here, the power down process will be described. At the time of power down, first, interrupt to the main CPU 200 is prohibited. Next, a command is transmitted to the interface IC 210, and the camera mode (mirror shutter motor 242,
Winding mode 251, zoom motor 265, AF motor 261)
And all LEDs are turned off. In addition, E ² PRO
Send it to M209 and store it. Here, the data to be stored include the camera operation state (whether or not rewinding was performed when the PW switch 301 was turned off, and whether the PW switch 301
Whether or not the film was being wound at the time of turning off), an operation mode, an F number, a shutter speed, exposure correction data, and the like. In particular, values set in each exposure mode are stored as the F number and the shutter speed. Finally, the focusing lens is retracted to infinity and retracted. When the above processing is completed, the DC / DC converter 222 is stopped by shutting down the interface IC 210. After that, only the initialization of the I / O port and the monitoring of the PW switch 301 and the BK switch are repeated until the charge of the backup capacitor runs out and the main CPU 200 stops. If the PW switch 301 or the BK switch is turned on, the process jumps to A002, and the execution of the program is restarted.

If it is determined in A080 that the power down request has not been made, the process of A084 is executed. In A084, the above A050
To determine whether a standby request has been made.
When it is determined that the standby request has been made, the standby process is performed by A086. During standby,
First, display off data is transmitted to the LCDIC 282, and all the displays are turned off. Subsequently, an interrupt setting for canceling standby is performed. As described above, the main CPU 200 has four interrupt ports, and the PW switches 301 and BK
Connected to switch, POP switch and KEYINT signal. Here, KEYINT is the logical sum of the interrupt signal of the LCD IC 282 and the interrupt signal of the interface IC 210, and out of a total of 17 switches of the key switch group 213 connected to the interface IC 210 or the key switch group 282 connected to the LCD IC 282. Is turned on, an interrupt signal is generated. Here, PW switch 301, BK switch, POP
When an interrupt of either the switch or the KEYINT signal occurs, A024 to A032 are executed. In A024, initialization is performed. At this time, the interrupt is prohibited. Then, A0
At 26, the same initial processing at power-on as in A004 is performed. However, since the data in the RAM is retained even during the standby mode, the RAM is not initialized. In the standby mode, the operations of the interface IC 210, the LCD IC 282, and the like are stopped to save power, and the clock is also stopped. Next, in A028, the mode switch input subroutine is executed in the same manner as in A006, and in A030, the data such as the charging status of the built-in strobe and the external strobe are reset in the same manner as in A008. Execute a subroutine. After that, A034 and above are executed.

If it is determined in A084 that the standby request has not been made, the process in A088 is executed. In A088, the above A050
It is determined whether or not an autoload request has been made. When it is determined that the request for the initial load has been made, the processing of the initial load is performed by A090.
The initial load is an operation of winding up the film to a position where the photographer can take a picture when the photographer newly loads the film. When performing the initial load, the hoist motor 251 is controlled based on the output pulse of the photo interrupter 252 for film detection. Selection of the winding motor 251 and the photo interrupter 252 for film detection
This is performed by transmitting a command to the interface IC 210. When the film is fed to a predetermined position, the request command is reset, and the process jumps to A138 described later.

If it is determined in A088 that the initial load request has not been made, the process in A092 is executed. In A092, it is determined whether a rewind request has been made in A050. If it is determined that the rewind request has been made, the rewind operation is executed by A094. Rewinding is an operation of rewinding a film that has been shot (or has been shot halfway) into the cartridge.
This rewind is a photo interrupter for film detection.
While monitoring the output of 252, this is performed by inverting the mirror shutter motor 242 cooperating with the mirror up / down and aperture shutter charge. Control of the mirror shutter motor 242 and the film detection photointerrupter 252 is executed by communication with the interface IC 210. During rewind, PW switches 301 and B
The monitoring of the K switch is performed, and when the PW switch 301 is turned off, when the BK switch is turned on, or when the rewind is completed, the process ends. Thereafter, the request command is reset in A138, and the process jumps to A044 described above.
Here, when the PW switch 301 is turned off, the data indicating the camera operation state is set to "rewinding" in order to restart the rewind in A014 when the PW switch 301 is turned on next.

If it is determined in A092 that the initial load request has not been made, the process in A096 is executed. In A096, it is determined whether or not a request to disengage the gear has been made in A050. If it is determined that the gear release request has been made, the gear release operation is executed by A094. The gear disengagement is an operation of releasing the take-up spool in order to bring out the wound film. When the gear disengagement is completed, the request command is reset in A138, and the process jumps to A044 described above.

If it is determined in A096 that the gear release request has not been made, the process in A100 is executed. In A100, A050 above
It is determined whether or not a request for winding one frame has been made. If it is determined that the request for one-frame winding has been made, the operation of one-frame winding is executed by A102. Winding one frame means an operation of winding the film by one frame without performing the exposure operation. At this time, control of the winding motor 251 and the film detection photointerrupter 252 is performed through the interface IC 210.

If it is determined in A100 that the request to wind up by one frame has not been made, the process of A104 is executed. In A104, the above
In A050, it is determined whether or not a request for lens retracting has been made. If it is determined that the lens collapse request has been made, the lens is collapsed by A106, and the photographing is disabled.

In A108, the state of the PW switch 301 is monitored. When the PW switch 301 is off, the processing of A110 and below becomes unnecessary, so that the processing jumps to A036.

A110 and A112 are processes for extending the lens from the retracted area to the WIDE end when the PW switch 301 is on. Note that once A112 is executed, the lens initial set flag of the main CPU 200 is set, so this processing is not executed from the second order.

In A114, it is determined whether or not the power zoom has been requested in A050. If it is determined that the power zoom request has been made, power zoom is performed in A116. Power zoom refers to the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 and Z
The OOM / WIDE switch 303 is monitored, and the zoom motor 265 is rotated in the direction of the operated switch.
When the ELE switch 304 or the ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 is turned off, the zoom motor 265 is stopped. During power zoom, the main CPU 200
Inputs the values of the first release switch and the zoom encoder 266 by communication via the interface IC 210. Here, when the first release switch is turned on or when the zoom lens reaches the TELE end or the WIDE end, the zoom motor 265 is stopped, then the request code is cleared in A138, and the process jumps to A044. Zoom motor when the first release switch is turned on
The reason why the 265 is stopped is to give priority to a photo opportunity over a zoom state. When the first release switch is turned on, preparation for release is continuously performed.

If it is determined in A114 that the power zoom has not been requested, the process in A118 is executed. In A118, A0
At 50, it is determined whether a request for macro zoom has been made. When it is determined that the macro zoom request has been made, the macro zoom operation is executed by A120. The macro zoom is to move the zoom lens to a focal length position where macro photography is possible. Here, there are two focal lengths at which macro photography is possible, and they are respectively a TELE macro and a WIDE macro. The selection of whether the macro zoom is a TELE macro or a WIDE macro is made by setting a flag for instructing this selection in A050. In the zooming control, the zooming direction and speed are controlled while comparing the encoder value at the macro position stored in advance with the current encoder value, and the zooming is stopped at the target position. After that, the request code is cleared in A138, and the process jumps to A044.

If it is determined in A118 that the request for macro zoom has not been made, the process in A122 is executed. In A122, the above A0
At 50, it is determined whether a preset zoom request has been made. When it is determined that the request for the preset zoom has been made, the operation of the preset zoom is executed by A124. A preset zoom, pre-E ² PROM20
This is a process for instantaneously zooming to an arbitrary focal length stored in 9 and is the same as the above-described macro zoom control except that the target value is stored in the E ² PROM 209. After that, the request code is cleared in A138, and the process jumps to A044.

If it is determined in A122 that the request for the preset zoom has not been made, the process of A126 is executed. In A126, it is determined whether or not a request to change the magnification has been made in A050. When it is determined that the request for changing the magnification has been made, the operation of changing the magnification is executed by A128. here,
The magnification is a magnification of the auto zoom. That is, magnification = lens focal length / subject distance. Several magnifications are determined in advance.
The focal length is obtained from the subject distance data obtained in A052 and the selected magnification. In A128, zooming is performed to a position corresponding to the obtained focal length. Here, the zooming is controlled by the zoom encoder
The value of 266 is input to the main CPU 200 by communication via the interface IC 210. Then A138
To clear the request code and jump to A044 above.

If it is determined in A126 that the request for changing the magnification has not been made, the process in A130 is executed. In A130, it is determined whether or not the de-macro request has been made in A050. If it is determined that the request for de-macro has been made, the de-macro operation is executed by A132. In A132, when the focusing lens is in the macro shooting area, the focusing is performed using the AF motor 261 to the normal closest end while monitoring the absolute distance counter by the AF photo interrupter 262. After that, the request code is cleared in A138, and the process jumps to A044.

If it is determined in A130 that the request for de-macro is not made, the process of A134 is executed. In A134, it is determined whether or not the lens WIDE end set request has been made in A050. When it is determined that the lens WIDE end set request has been made, the operation of the lens WIDE end set is executed by A136. In A132, the target value of the zoom encoder 266 is set to the lens WIDE end, and the same processing as in A120 and A124 is performed. After that, clear the request code in A138 and
Jump to 44.

If it is determined in A134 that the lens WIDE end set request has not been made, the process of A140 is executed. In A140, it is determined whether or not the one-frame winding & lens WIDE end set request has been made in A050. If it is determined that the one-frame winding and WIDE end set request has been made, the operation of one-frame winding and WIDE end set is executed by A142. The single-frame winding and WIDE-end setting means performing both one-frame winding and WIDE-end setting. After performing the same lens WIDE-end setting processing as in A136 above in A142, jumping to A102, and performing one-frame winding. Perform processing.

If it is determined in A140 that the one-frame winding and lens WIDE end set request has not been made, the process of A148 is executed. In A148, it is determined whether or not the power focus request has been made in A050. If it is determined that the power focus request has been made, the power focus operation is executed by A150. Power focus is
The ZOOM / TELE switch 304 and the ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 are monitored.When the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 is turned on, the AF motor 261 is driven so that the lens is driven toward infinity, and the ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 is turned on. When the switch is turned on, the AF motor 261 is driven so that the lens is driven to the close side. The AF motor 261 is driven by the ZOOM / TELE switch 3.
It stops when 04 and the ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 are turned off. Thus, the photographer can arbitrarily perform focusing by manual operation. further,
During the driving of the lens, the values of the first release switch and the absolute distance counter are monitored, and when the first release switch is turned on, the driving of the lens is stopped in preparation for exposure. When the lens reaches the infinity end or the closest end, the driving of the lens is similarly stopped. The closest end is set at a different position between the macro motor mode and the non-macro mode even when the focal length is the same.

If it is determined in A148 that the power focus request has not been made, the process in A152 is executed. A152 is an AF control subroutine. In this AF control subroutine,
First, start integrating the AF sensor for distance measurement,
Performs AF ranging calculation. Next, if the auto focus mode is selected by the RF switch 311 and the first release switch is turned on, the lens is driven for focusing. Subsequently, a focusing flag is set at the time of focusing, and a focusing impossible flag is set at the time of focusing failure. These flags are used to determine whether or not to start exposure, and to display the in-focus and out-of-focus in A068.

Next, the mode / request code setting subroutine indicated by A050 in the main routine (FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (h).

FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (h) are flowcharts showing the mode / request code setting subroutine indicated by A050 in FIG. As described above, in the mode / request code setting subroutine, the mode setting, the branch request code of the main routine, and the like are performed based on data such as the state of each switch.

First, after performing initial setting in B000, the position of the zoom lens is input in B002. As described above, the zoom lens is provided with the 5-bit zoom encoder 266, and the output value of the zoom encoder 266 is read by the interface IC 210 and serially communicated to the main CPU 200. The zoom encoder 266 is "11111" at the WIDE end,
That is, it becomes "31" in decimal, and "00000", that is, "0" in decimal at the TELE end. When the lens is in the retracted area, a retract switch (SB switch) is turned on separately. The encoder output at this time indicates "31" (WIDE end) in decimal.

In B004, the data of the open F-number corresponding to the zoom position is input in the form of APEXAV.

In B006, it is determined whether the built-in strobe or the external strobe is on or off. If the built-in flash or the external flash is on, the SPOT flag is cleared in B008 and the SPOT metering is prohibited.

In B010, it is determined whether the back lid is open or closed.

If the back lid is closed, execute B012. In B012, it is further determined whether or not the back cover has just been closed, that is, whether or not the back cover has been opened or closed when the previous mode / request code setting subroutine was executed. Here, if the back cover is immediately closed, first, reset the mode when the back cover is closed, such as resetting the number of film frames and resetting the exposure compensation value in B014, and then request an initial load in B016. Set the code and end the subroutine. This initial load request code is a code for executing the operation of the content requested in the main routine.

If it is determined in B012 that it is not immediately after the back cover is closed, it is determined in B020 whether the PW switch 301 is on or off. Here, if the PW switch 301 is off, after resetting the mode in B022, the power down request code is set in B024, and the subroutine ends.

On the other hand, it is not immediately after the back lid is closed and the PW switch
When 301 is on, a film end is detected in B028. Here, when the film end is detected,
After the mode is reset in B030, the rewind request code is set in B032, and the subroutine is terminated. Note that the film end refers to a case where a predetermined number of pulses of the photodetector photointerrupter 252 for film detection are not input during film winding even after a predetermined time elapses. At this time, the film end data is set in the winding sequence. Whether rewind is requested is determined based on the film end data.

If no film end is detected in B028,
Jump to B062 (see FIG. 7 (c)).

If the back cover is open in B012, it is determined whether the back cover has just been opened in B036 or not, that is, whether the back cover was open or closed when the mode / request code setting subroutine was executed last time. to decide. here,
If it is determined that the case back has just been opened,
After mode resetting such as resetting of the exposure correction value is performed at 38, a gear release request code is set at B040, and the subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not immediately after the back cover is opened, it is determined whether or not the PW switch 301 is immediately turned off in B044. If it is immediately after the PW switch 301 is turned off, a mode reset equivalent to that at the time of power off is performed in B046, and then a lens collapse request code is set in B048, and the subroutine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in B044 that it is not immediately after the PW switch 301 is turned off, then in B052 the PW switch 301 is turned on / off.
Judge off. PW switch 301 with back lid open
Is turned off and the lens retracting is completed, the display counter executes the subtraction processing sequence from the next time, and if it is determined that 25 seconds have elapsed in B054, the standby request code is set in B058. become. Also, B0
If it is determined in step 52 that the PW switch 301 is on,
Jump to 062.

After B062, the same processing routine is executed regardless of whether the back cover is open or closed. B062-B086
Then, the processing at the time of the self-timer operation is performed.

The self-timer uses the self-timer mode flag (F_
MSLF) and the self-timer in-operation flag (F_ISLF) can determine the operation state. In B062, the self-timer mode flag is checked, and in B064, the self-timer operating flag is checked. When both flags are set, that is, when the self-timer mode is selected and the self-timer is operating, the self-timer for 12 seconds is operating. In this state, in addition to the PW switch 301 and the BK switch, a SELF switch 302, a MODE switch 308, and a +/- switch 309 are received.

First, it is determined whether 12 seconds have elapsed in B066. This judgment is made by subtracting the self-timer counter and checking the hollow. If 12 seconds have elapsed, an exposure request code is set in B068, and the subroutine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that 12 seconds have not elapsed, in B072, the number of ON switches is set to one.
Check if it is a piece.

If only one switch is turned on, B0
At 74, the state of the SELF switch 302 is checked. If it is determined that the SELF switch 302 is ON, the self-timer operating flag (F_ISLF) is cleared in B076, and the self-timer is canceled halfway. However, at this time, since the self-timer mode (F_MSLF) is held, if the release switch 305 is pressed, the self-timer starts again. If it is determined that the SELF switch 302 is off, the subroutine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in B072 that the number of on switches is other than one, it is checked in B080 whether the number of on switches is two. Here, if it is determined that the number of the switches that are turned on is two, then, the on / off of the MODE switch 308 is performed by B082, and the on / off of the +/− switch 309 is performed by B084. When the MODE switch 308 and the +/- switch 309 are simultaneously turned on, the process jumps to B260 (see FIG. 7 (h)) to reset the mode of the camera as described later. At this time, the self-timer mode flag (F_MSLF) and the self-timer operation flag (F_ISLF) are cleared at the same time, so that the self-timer is canceled halfway and the self-timer mode is also canceled. MODE switch 308 and +/- switch 3
If at least one of 09 is off, the subroutine ends. The counter has an initial value
Since 120 is set and this subroutine is executed every 100 msec, exposure is performed about 12 seconds after the start of the self-timer. If it is determined in B062 that the self-timer mode flag (F_MSLF) is not set, and if it is determined in B064 that the self-timer operating flag (F_ISLF) is not set, the process jumps to B088.

The processing after B088 is a mode setting process by operating the MODE switch 308.

In B088, the self-timer counter is reset.

In B090, it is determined whether or not there is a switch that is turned on. If no switch is on, check the display counter and if 25 seconds have not passed,
Set B094 and set the B096 standby request code. The display counter also measures about 25 seconds by subtracting the initial value 256 every 100 msec, similarly to the self-timer counter.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a switch that is turned on in B090, the DX code subroutine is executed in B100. This DX code subroutine
This is for inputting DX information. DX information input is main
This is done directly at the CPU200 port.

Subsequently, in B102, the display counter is reset.

Next, in B104, it is determined whether or not the state of the camera is a state in which rewind has been completed. When it is determined that the rewind has been completed, the process immediately returns, and the mode setting and the like are not accepted until the rewind end code is reset with the back cover opened.

On the other hand, if it is determined in B104 that the rewind has not been completed, B108 is executed. In B108, it is determined whether or not the number of switches being turned on is one. Here, when it is determined that the number of turned on switches is not one (that is, a plurality of switches are turned on), B248 (FIG. 7 (h)
Jump to see). Further, when it is determined that the number of switches turned on is one, it is further determined whether or not the switch has just been turned on in B110. Jump to (figure (g)).
On the other hand, if it is immediately after being turned on, B112 and subsequent steps are executed.

The processing after B112 is the processing when the switch is turned on independently.

In B112, ON / OFF of the REWIND switch 320 is checked. If it is determined that the REWIND switch 320 has been turned on, the mode is set in B114, then a rewind request code is set in B116, and the subroutine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in B112 that the REWIND switch 320 has been turned off, B120 is executed.

In B120, it is checked whether or not the mode change is prohibited. Here, whether or not the mode change is prohibited is determined by the mode change prohibition flag.
The mode change prohibition flag is set when the initial load has failed. Therefore, when the initial load fails, only the REWIND switch 320 is accepted. If it is determined in B120 that the mode change is prohibited, the subroutine is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode change is not prohibited,
Execute B124.

In B124, ON / OFF of the SELF switch 302 is checked. Here, when it is determined that the SELF switch 302 is turned on, the self mode flag (F_MSL
F) is set / reset, and the subroutine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the SELF switch 302 is turned off, B130 is executed.

In B130, ON / OFF of the SPOT switch 310 is checked. Here, when it is determined that the SPOT switch 310 is turned on, the spot mode flag (F_MS
POT) is set / reset, the spot integration end flag (F_SPLOCK) is reset at B134, and the photometric calculation display is started at B136. When F_MSPOT is set and F_SPLOCK is reset, the integration of the AF sensor 291 starts at A058. When the subject brightness BV is obtained by the end of the integration, F_SPLOCK is set and the AE is locked. In a state where F_MSPOT is set and F_SPLOCK is reset, the display of the exposure calculation value is prohibited. When the SPOT switch 310 is turned on again at this point, the spot metering mode is canceled.

If it is determined in B130 that the SPOT switch 310 is turned off, B140 is executed. In B140, PF switch 31
Check 1 on / off. Where PF switch 311
Is determined to be on, the PF flag (F_MPF) is set / reset at B142. When F_MPF is set, the camera enters the PF (power focus) mode, and when reset, the camera enters the AF (auto focus) mode. In the PF mode, exposure is performed when the second release switch is turned on, regardless of whether the subject is in focus or out of focus.

If it is determined in B140 that the PF switch 311 is turned off, B146 is executed. In B146, the on / off of the Z-MEMO (zoom memory) switch 312 is checked. Here, if it is determined that the Z-MEMO switch 312 is turned on, then it is determined in B148 whether or not the mode is the MEMO mode. If it is determined that the mode is the MEMO mode, the output value of the zoom encoder 266 and the state of the macro mode (tele macro flag; F_TMCR and wide macro flag; F_WMCR) at that time are stored in the E ² PROM, and the zoom memory display blinking counter is stored. Is set. This counter is monitored in A068 of the main routine (FIG. 6) described above, and the zoom memory display blinks five times. This allows the photographer to confirm that the zoom position has been stored. On the other hand, if it is determined in B148 that the mode is not the MEMO mode, a reset zoom request code is set in B152, and the subroutine ends. With this code, A124 of the main routine (FIG. 6) is called, and zooming is performed instantly based on the data stored in the E ² PROM.

If it is determined in B146 that the Z-MEMO switch 312 is turned off, B156 is executed. In B156, ON / OFF of the MACRO switch 313 is checked. Where MACRO
If it is determined that switch 313 is on,
At 158, the mode is changed. Here, the non-macro mode (F_TMCR = 0, F_WMCR = 0), the tele macro mode (F_TMCR = 0)
TMCR = 1, F_WMCR = 0), wide macro mode (F_TMCR
= 0, F_WMCR = 1).

Next, it is determined whether or not the result of changing the data in B160 is a macro mode. In macro mode, B1
At step 62, a macro zoom request code is set. As a result,
In A120 of the main routine (FIG. 6), zooming is performed on the macro area. In the case of no macro mode, B164
Sets the de-macro area request code. As a result, if the focusing lens is in the macro area in A132 of the main routine (FIG. 6), the focusing lens is moved to the normal closest end.

When it is determined in B156 that the MACRO switch 313 is turned off, B168 is executed. In B168, ON / OFF of the DRIVE switch 314 is checked. Here, if it is determined that the DRIVE switch 314 is turned on, the B170
The data is changed in the order of single mode (F_MDRV0 = 0, F_MDRV1 = 0), continuous shooting mode (F_MDRV0 = 1, F_MDRV1 = 0), double exposure mode (F_MDRV0 = 0, F_MDRV1 = 1). Next, in B172, it is determined whether or not the first shooting in the double exposure mode has been completed. When the processing has been completed (F_MDRV0 = 1, F_MDRV1 = 1), the mode is returned to the single mode (B170), a single-frame winding request code is set in B174, and the subroutine ends. This allows
In A102 shown in the main routine (Fig. 6), film 1
Wind up the frame.

When it is determined in B168 that the DRIVE switch 314 is turned off, B178 is executed. In B178, ON / OFF of the SUBJECT switch 315 is checked. Where SUBJECT
If it is determined that switch 315 is on,
180, no subject mode (F_MSBT0 = 0, F_MSBT1
= 0, portrait mode (F_MSBT0 = 1, F_MSBT1 =
0), night view mode (F_MSBT0 = 0, F_MSBT1 = 1), and zoom memory mode (F_MSBT0 = 1, F_MSBT1 = 1) in this order. Here, the portrait mode is
Aperture opening priority program AE using auto zoom function
If it is determined in B182 that this mode has been selected, a standard zoom request code is set in B184 in order to zoom to the initial position of the auto zoom. The night view mode is the same as the night view shooting program AE mode, and the zoom memory mode is as described above.

If it is determined in B178 that the SUBJECT switch 315 is turned off, B188 is executed. In B188, ON / OFF of the FLASH switch 316 is checked. Here, if it is determined that the flash switch 316 is turned on, then the state of the built-in flash is determined in B190. If the flash switch 316 is on and the built-in flash is in the POP / UP state, the B192 sets the AUTO mode (F_MSTR0 =
0, F_MSTR1 = 0), AUTO-S mode (F_MSTR0 = 1, F_
MSTR1 = 0), FILL-IN mode (F_MSTR0 = 0, F_MSTR1
= 1) or in the order of AUTO mode and AUTO-S mode. Here, the AUTO mode is a low-luminance automatic light emission mode. In the AUTO-S mode, a pre-emission is performed to prevent red-eye,
This mode performs the same operation as the TO mode. Furthermore, FI
The LL-IN mode is a forced light emission mode for coping with backlight and daylight synchronization. However, with the focal plane shutter, flash photography is not possible during high-speed photography, so that the use of the FILL-IN mode at high luminance requires adjustment of the aperture. Therefore, in the camera of this embodiment,
In the FILL-IN mode, both the shutter speed and the aperture are limited to use in the program AE mode determined by the camera.

If it is determined in B188 that the FLASH switch 316 is turned off, B196 is executed. In B196, the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 / ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 is checked. ZOO
The M / TELE switch 304 / ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 has three functions. When it is determined that the switch is on, each request code is set according to the mode. First, in B198, it is determined whether the portrait mode has been selected, and subsequently, in B202, it is determined whether the magnification change mode has been selected. When the portrait mode is selected and the magnification change mode is selected, B204
Is issued, and the subroutine is terminated. At this time, the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 / ZOOM / WIDE switch 30
Reference numeral 3 is used as a magnification changing means of the auto zoom.
There are 1/70, 1/50, and 1/30 magnifications.When the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 is turned on, the ZOOM / W
When the IDE switch 303 is turned on, the magnification is changed to the low magnification side. When entering portrait mode and when the magnification is changed, 1/70,
The numbers "1", "2" and "3" representing 1/50 and 1/30
This is displayed on the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder (see FIG. 4) and the shutter speed display section of the LCD panel 281 (see FIG. 5).

If it is determined in B198 that the portrait mode has not been selected, it is determined in B206 whether the power focus mode (PF mode) has been selected. If it is determined that the power focus mode has been selected,
At 08, a power focus drive request is issued. In the power focus mode, when the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 is turned on, the focusing lens is narrowed down toward infinity, and when the ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 is turned on, the focusing lens is extended to the closest side. When it is determined that the power focus mode has not been selected, the power zoom mode is set. Normally, this power zoom mode is selected. When the power zoom mode is selected, a power zoom drive request is issued in B210.
In the power zoom mode, the TE
Zoom to LE or WIDE side. After the power focus drive request is issued in B208 and after the power zoom drive request is issued in B210, the subroutine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in B196 that the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 / ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 is off, the B224
(See FIG. 7 (g)).

B214 to B246 are processes when the switch is turned on independently and continuously.

B214 checks whether or not the mode change is prohibited by the mode change prohibition flag as in the case of B120. When it is determined that the mode change is prohibited, the subroutine ends, and when it is determined that the mode change is not prohibited, B218 is executed.

In B218, the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 / ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 is checked. When it is determined that the camera is turned on, it is determined in B220 whether the portrait mode is selected. If it is determined by the ZOOM / TELE switch 304 and the WIDE switch 303 that the portrait mode is not selected, the process jumps to B206 and performs the processing described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that the portrait mode has been selected, the subroutine is terminated.

B218, ZOOM / TELE switch 304 / ZOOM / WIDE switch
When it is determined that 303 is turned off, B224 is performed. In B224, ON / OFF of the first release switch is checked. If it is determined that the first release switch has been turned on, photometric calculation and display are started in B266, and the subroutine ends.

When it is determined in B224 that the first release switch is turned on, B230 is performed. In B230, MODE
Check switch 308 on / off. Where MOD
If it is determined that the E switch 308 is on,
At 32, the photometric calculation and display are prohibited, and the subroutine ends.

When it is determined in B230 that the MODE switch 308 is turned off, B236 is performed. +/- switch for B236
Check 309 on / off. Here, when it is determined that the +/- switch 309 is turned on, it is further determined whether or not the mode is the manual mode in B238. When the mode is not the manual mode, in order to set the exposure correction amount, A display switching flag is set to display the correction amount on the frame number display section of the LCD panel 281. With this flag, the display is switched in A068 shown in the main routine (FIG. 6). After setting the display switching flag, the subroutine ends.

When it is determined in B236 that the +/- switch 309 is turned off, B244 is performed. B244 is a subroutine for changing the F number, and is in the aperture priority mode (A
In the manual mode (M mode) or the manual mode (M mode), the f-number is changed between the open f-number and the minimum f-number in half steps. Here, the SHIFT / UP switch 306 and the SHIFT / DOWN switch 307 are monitored. When the SHIFT / UP switch 306 is turned on, the aperture is narrowed down, and when the SHIFT / DOWN switch 307 is turned on, the aperture is opened. SHIFT UP switch 306 or
When it detects that the SHIFT / DOWN switch 307 has changed from the off state to the on state, the data is updated. When the switch is continuously on, the data is sequentially updated every 0.5 seconds at first and every 0.3 seconds thereafter. The time interval for updating the data at this time (0.
Measurement of 5 seconds or 0.3 seconds) is 100msec of the main routine
This is performed by integrating a timer. After changing the F-number, the subroutine ends.

B248 and subsequent steps are processing when it is determined that the number of switches turned on in B108 is not one, and are processing for multiple pressing of switches.

First, in B248, as in B120 and B214, it is checked whether or not mode change is prohibited by the mode change prohibition flag. When it is determined that the mode change is prohibited, the subroutine ends,
When it is determined that it is not prohibited, B252 is executed.

In B252, it is determined whether or not the number of switches that are turned on is two. Here, when it is determined that there are not two switches, it is when three or more switches are turned on. If three or more switches are turned on at the same time, check on / off of the first release switch in B286. If it is determined that the first release switch has been turned on, photometric calculation and display are started in B288, and the subroutine ends. Thus, when three or more switches are simultaneously turned on, only the first release switch is accepted.

On the other hand, when the number of switches that are turned on is two, the MODE switch 30 is used in addition to the first release switch.
8, +/- switch 309, SHIFT / UP switch 306 and SH
An IFT / DOWN switch 307 is also accepted.

First, check on / off of the first release switch in B254. Here, when it is determined that the first release switch is turned on, the photometric calculation and the display are started in B288 and the subroutine is ended in the same manner as described above.

When it is determined in B254 that the first release switch is turned off, B256 is performed. In B256, ON / OFF of the MODE switch 308 is checked. Where MODE
When it is determined that the switch 308 is turned on,
Subsequently, the on / off state of the +/- switch 309 is checked in B258. If it is determined that both the MODE switch 308 and the +/- switch 309 are on, a battery check is performed in B260, and a mode reset is performed in B262. The battery check is performed everywhere just before the motor starts driving.However, if the photographer wants to check the battery with his own will, the MODE switch
You just have to press 308 and +/- switch 309. The mode reset is for returning various modes to the home position. In the FLASH mode only, the AUTO mode and the AUTO-S mode are equally positioned in consideration of the frequency of use.

Next, in B264, it is determined whether or not the first shooting in the double exposure mode has been completed. If the first shooting in the double exposure mode has been completed, a winding request and a lens setting request are made in B266. The winding request is a request to wind the film by one frame. The lens setting request is a request to set the zoom lens to the WIDE end which is the position at the time of power-on. On the other hand, if the first shooting in the double exposure mode has not been completed, only a lens set request is made in B268. B266
Alternatively, after execution of B268, the subroutine ends.

If it is determined in B258 that the +/- switch 309 has been turned off, an exposure mode change subroutine is executed in B272. In the exposure mode change subroutine, a program auto mode (P mode), an aperture priority mode (A mode), and a manual mode (M mode) are sequentially performed according to the operation of the MODE switch 308, the SHIFT / UP switch 306, and the SHIFT / DOWN switch 307. Scroll. After executing the exposure mode change subroutine, the mode / request code setting subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in B256 that the MODE switch 308 is turned off, the on / off state of the +/- switch 309 is checked in B276. Here, when it is determined that the +/- switch 309 is turned off, that is, the MODE switch 308
If it is determined that both the switch 309 and the +/- switch 309 are off, the subroutine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the +/- switch 309 is turned on, subsequently, in B278, it is determined whether the exposure mode is the manual mode (M mode). Here, when the exposure mode is determined to be the manual mode, the B2
At 80, a shutter speed change subroutine is executed. The shutter speed change subroutine is a subroutine for changing the shutter speed between the highest speed and the lowest speed in half steps, and changing to a valve in the next step after the lowest speed. On the other hand, when it is determined in B278 that the exposure mode is a mode other than the manual mode, an exposure correction value change subroutine is executed in B282. The exposure compensation value change subroutine
This is a subroutine that changes between -4EV and + 4EV in approximately 1/3 steps. In the shutter speed change subroutine of B280 and the exposure correction value change subroutine of B282, the operation is
+/- switch 309, SHIFT / UP switch 306 and SHI
This is performed by the FT / DOWN switch 307.

In the exposure mode change subroutine of B272, the shutter speed change subroutine of B280, and the exposure correction value change subroutine of B282, similarly to the F number change subroutine of B244 described above, the SHIFT / UP switch 306 or SH
When detecting that the IFT / DOWN switch 307 has changed from the OFF state to the ON state, the data is updated. When the IFT / DOWN switch 307 is continuously ON, the data is sequentially updated at 0.5 second at first and every 0.3 second thereafter. At this time, the measurement of the time interval (0.5 seconds or 0.3 seconds) for updating the data is also performed in the same manner as the F-number change subroutine of B244 described above.
This is performed by integrating a timer.

Next, the APEX shown in A064 of the main routine (Fig. 6)
The operation subroutine will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this subroutine, as described above, A0 in FIG.
The F number, shutter speed, and G of the flash are calculated based on the brightness data of the subject calculated in step 58, the data set in A050 above, and the data of the built-in flash and the external flash.
Decide the number etc.

The APEX calculation can be performed by simple addition and subtraction by compressing each exposure parameter into a logarithm with a base of 2. At this time, the exposure value EV can be represented by EV = BV + SV = TV + AV (1). Here, BV is luminance data obtained by reflected light from the subject, and is calculated by a photometry subroutine indicated by A058 in the main routine (FIG. 6). SV indicates the sensitivity of the film, and is input from the DX code printed on the side of the patrone. TV is the shutter speed, and AV is the F number.

In the camera of the present embodiment, as described above, as the photometric sensor, the spot photometric sensor 291 also serving as the AF sensor 291;
Photometric two-segment photodiode 273 arranged concentrically
In the spot metering mode, a spot metering value (BVSPOT) is calculated. When the spot metering mode is not selected, the luminance data BVB of the main subject is calculated based on the photometric value inside the photometric two-segment photodiode 273, and the photometric two-segment photodiode 2 is also used.
The luminance data BVC of the background is obtained from the photometric value of the outer part of 73, and the overall luminance data BVAV is calculated from the average value of both.
Ask for E. In addition, BVB, the absolute value of BVC, BVB and BV
From the difference in C and the distance data to the main subject, an evaluation photometric value BVESP is obtained by fuzzy calculation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an APEX calculation subroutine.

First, in C002, it is determined whether or not the start of the photometric calculation display is permitted. As described above, permission to start the photometric calculation display is determined by the A050 of the main routine (FIG. 6).
B1 in the mode / request code setting subroutine shown in
36 (see FIG. 7 (e)) and B226 (see FIG. 7 (g)). The start of the photometric calculation display in B136 is permitted when it is determined that the SPOT switch 310 is turned on (see B130 in FIG. 7E). Also, B226
The start of the photometric calculation display is permitted when it is determined that the first release switch is turned on under certain conditions (see B214 to B224 in FIG. 7 (g)).

If it is determined in C002 that the start of the photometric calculation display is permitted, the EVCAL subroutine, the TVCAL subroutine,
The AVCAL subroutine, the GVCAL subroutine, and the CVCAL subroutine are sequentially executed, and the process returns to the main routine.
The EVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining the exposure value, the TVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining the shutter speed, the AVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining the F number, the GVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining the G number of the strobe, and the CVCAL subroutine is for proper exposure. This is a subroutine for calculating the amount of deviation, which will be described later in detail.

If it is determined in C002 that the start of the photometric calculation display is not permitted, then it is determined in C014 whether the exposure mode is the manual mode (M mode). If it is determined that the mode is the manual mode,
Then, the set value (AVMN) is adopted as the F-number (AV) and set to AVE in the exposure data area. Then, C01
8, Set value (TVMN) as shutter speed (TV)
Is set in the TVE of the exposure data area, and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in C014 that the exposure mode is not the manual mode, subsequently, in C020, it is determined whether the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode (A mode). If it is determined that the camera is in the aperture priority mode, the F-number (AV) is set in C022.
The setting value (AVA) is adopted as the AVE of the exposure data area.
And returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not the aperture priority mode, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the EVCAL subroutine indicated by C004 in FIG. 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the EVCAL subroutine.

First, in C102, it is determined whether or not the SPOT metering mode is selected. When the SPOT metering mode is selected, first, BVSPOT is substituted for BV in C104. That is,
The spot photometric value BVSPOT is adopted as the luminance data BV.

Next, in C106, the calculation of EV = BV + SV is performed. here,
As described above, the sensitivity SV of the film is input from the DX code printed on the side of the cartridge.

Subsequently, in C108, the exposure mode is set to the manual mode (M
Mode). If it is determined that the mode is other than the manual mode, in C110, the exposure correction amount (CVSET) set by the camera user is subtracted from the exposure value EV obtained in C106.

On the other hand, if it is determined in C102 that the SPOT metering mode has not been selected, then it is determined in C112 whether the exposure mode is the program auto mode (P mode). Here, when it is determined that the program auto mode is selected, it is further determined at C114 whether or not the mode is the night view mode.

If it is determined that the mode is not the night view mode,
To BVESP. That is, as the luminance data BV,
The evaluation photometric value BVESP obtained by the above-described fuzzy calculation is employed. Then, the above-mentioned C106 and subsequent steps are executed.

If it is determined in C114 that the mode is the night view mode, BVAVE + 1 is substituted for BV in C118. That is, as the luminance data BV, the photometric two-division photodiode 273 is used.
The value obtained by adding “1” to the average value BVAVE of the photometric value BVB of the inner portion and the photometric value BVC of the outer portion is adopted. here,
The reason why “1” is added is to prevent the photographed picture from becoming brighter than the naked eye by shifting the value of the luminance data BV to a value larger than the actual luminance. Then, the above-mentioned C106 and subsequent steps are executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in C112 that the program auto mode has not been selected, BVAVE is substituted for BV in C120. That is, the above-described BVAVE is adopted as the luminance data BV. Then, the above-mentioned C106 and subsequent steps are executed.

Next, the TVCAL subroutine indicated by C006 in FIG. 8 will be described in detail. The TVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining the shutter speed (TV) as described above.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the TVCAL subroutine.

First, in C202, it is determined whether the exposure mode is the manual mode (M mode). If it is determined that the mode is the manual mode, TVMN is set in TVE, which is the TV storage area of the exposure data area, in C204. That is, the set value (TVMN) is adopted as the shutter speed TV. Subsequently, at C206, the TVE is compared with the flash synchronization time (TVX). Here, when TVE ≦ TVX, C207
Then, check whether or not the flash has been charged. If TVE ≦ TVX and the charging of the strobe has been completed, the light emission flag of the strobe is set in C240. In A076 of the main routine (FIG. 6), the flash emission is determined by this flag.

On the other hand, if it is determined in C202 that the mode is not the manual mode, the shutter speed TV is set according to the mode.
Is calculated and set in TVE.

First, in C208, it is determined whether or not the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode (A mode). If it is determined that the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode, in C210, the shutter speed TV is calculated using the above equation (1). Ask for. That is, a value obtained by subtracting the F-number AVA by the setting from the exposure value EV obtained by the EVCAL subroutine is set in TVE.

If it is determined in C208 that the mode is not the aperture priority mode, it is determined whether the mode is the portrait mode in C250,
If it is determined that the mode is the portrait mode, the F-number is opened from the exposure value EV obtained by the EVCAL subroutine in step C252 to reduce the depth of the subject.
Set the value obtained by subtracting O in TVE.

If it is determined in C250 that the mode is not the portrait mode, the TVCALPRG subroutine is executed. The TVCALPRG subroutine is the shutter speed determined by the program diagram.
This is a subroutine for finding TV and setting it to TVE.

When the setting of the TVE is completed, the TVE is compared with the maximum allowable value TVMAX at C212. If TVE> TVMAX, TVE is changed to TVMAX in C214. TVE ≦ TVM
If it is AX, C216 compares this TVE with the minimum allowable value TVMIN. Here, if TVE <TVMIN, TVE is set to TVM in C218.
Change to IN. When changing TVE to TVMAX in C214 and
When TVE is changed to TVMIN in C218, a flag for blinking the display of the shutter speed and the F-number is set in C220. By setting this flag, the display of the shutter speed and the F number of the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are blinked in A068 of the main routine (FIG. 6), and the photographer is notified that the shutter speed is out of synchronization. Warning. However, in C222, it is further determined whether or not the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode (A mode). If the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode, the flag for blinking the display of the F-number in C224 is reset.

Next, it is checked by C226 whether the strobe is on. If the strobe is on, it is further checked whether charging is completed. Here, when the charging is not completed, the subroutine is terminated as it is. On the other hand, the strobe is on and
If charging is complete, use C230
Compare TVX and TVE. If TVE ≦ TVX and it is determined in C232 that the mode is not the night view mode, and if TVE> TVX and it is determined that C234 is the strobe FILL-IN mode, TVE is changed to TVX. If it is determined that the mode is not the FILL-IN mode, the subroutine is terminated. In addition, when it is determined that TVE ≦ TVX, and
If it is determined that the strobe FILL-IN mode is set when TVE> TVX, the flag for blinking the display of the shutter speed and the F-number is reset in C238, and furthermore, C240
After the strobe light emission flag is set, the subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in C226 that the strobe is off, it is determined in C242 whether TVE is equal to or lower than a predetermined shutter speed TV, that is, whether or not the brightness is low. If it is below, it is determined in C246 whether the mode is the night view mode. If it is determined in C242 that the brightness is low and the mode is not the night scene mode, a low brightness warning display for urging the use of a strobe is displayed on the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder. The predetermined shutter speed TV is a value that changes depending on the focal length of the lens, and is a shutter speed at which it is desirable to use a strobe in consideration of camera shake.

Next, the AVCAL subroutine indicated by C008 in FIG. 8 will be described in detail. The AVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining an F number (AV) as described above.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the AVCAL subroutine.

First, it is determined whether or not the exposure mode is the manual mode (M mode) in C302. If it is determined that the exposure mode is the manual mode, AVMN is stored in AVE, which is the AV storage area of the exposure data area, in C304. set. That is, the set value (AVMN) is adopted as the F-number AV.

If it is determined in C302 that the exposure mode is not the manual mode, it is determined whether the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode (A mode) in C306. If it is determined that the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode, the exposure data area is determined. A to AVE, which is the AV storage area of
Set VA. That is, the set value (AVA) in the aperture priority mode is adopted as the F number AV.

In other modes, it is determined by AVE = EV-TVE (C316). However, if the light emission flag is set (C310) and it is determined that the subject is backlit (C312), the EV calculation is performed again in C314 before the above calculation is executed. Whether or not the light is blocked is determined in the photometry subroutine indicated by A058 in the main routine (FIG. 6), and the brightness of the main subject (BVB) is at least 11 steps lower than the brightness of the background (BVC). , The light blocking flag is set. In C312, by reading the value of the light-shielding flag, it is checked whether or not light-shielding is present. The recalculation of the exposure value EV is performed by EV = BVC + SV-CVSET. Here, CVSET is, as described above,
This is the exposure correction amount set by the photographer. The recalculation of the exposure value EV is performed in order to properly expose the background in the backlight daylight synchronization.

After calculating AVE in C316, this AVE is compared with the maximum allowable value AVMAX in C318. Here, if AVE> AVMAX, C32
At 0, change AVE to AVMAX. If AVE ≦ AVMAX, this AVE is compared with the open F-number AVO in C322.
If AVE <AVO, AVE is changed to AVO in C324. When AVE is changed to AVMAX with C320 and AVE with C324
Is changed to AVO, it is checked again whether or not the light emission flag is set in C326, and if not, the flag for blinking the display of the shutter speed and the F number is set in C328. . As described above, the main routine (the sixth routine) is set by setting this flag.
At A068 in the figure, the shutter speed and the F-number display of the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are blinked to warn the photographer that the aperture is out of synchronization.

Next, the GVCAL subroutine shown at C010 in FIG. 8 will be described in detail. The GVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining a strobe G number (GV) as described above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the GVCAL subroutine.

First, it is checked in C402 whether the light emission flag is set. If the light emission flag is set, C4
Perform the operation of 04. This calculation is performed by GV = AV + DV- (SV-CVSET) +0.5. Here, AV is the F number obtained in the above AVCAL subroutine, DV is distance data to the subject, SV
Is the film sensitivity, and CVSET is the exposure compensation amount set by the photographer. Note that DV is A052 in the main routine (FIG. 6).
Is required. The reason for adding “0.5” is that correction is made uniformly to make the picture look beautiful.

Next, it is determined in C406 whether or not the mode is the night view mode. If the mode is the night view mode, “−1” is further subtracted from the GV calculated in C404 (C408). On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not the night view mode, subsequently, it is determined in C410 whether or not backlighting is performed in the same manner as in C312 (see FIG. 11). Was calculated by C404
Subtract “−1.5” from GV (C412). As described above, in the night view mode, “−”
In the case of "1" step and light-blocking, "-1.5 step" correction is performed, so that the background can be optimized, and a night-like or shading-like photograph can be taken.

Next, the CVCAL subroutine shown at C012 in FIG. 8 will be described in detail. The CVCAL subroutine is a subroutine for determining a deviation amount (CV) from a proper exposure as described above.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the CVCAL subroutine.

First, in C502, it is determined whether the exposure mode is the manual mode (M mode). If it is determined that the mode is the manual mode, it is next determined in C504 whether or not the valve shooting is performed. If it is determined that the shooting is not bulb shooting, the on / off of the strobe is further checked. When the exposure mode is the manual mode, the bulb shooting is not performed, and the flash is not turned on, the amount of deviation CV from the appropriate exposure value is calculated using the values set as the shutter speed TV and the F-number AV. Calculate by CV = EV- (TVE + AVE) (C508). Then, an exposure level determination subroutine is executed at C510, and the main routine (FIG. 6) is executed.
At A068, a determination is made to display the amount of deviation of the exposure from the appropriate value. The display of the deviation amount from the appropriate exposure value is also used as +/− display of the exposure correction amount which can be set in modes other than the manual mode. That is, "-" blinks for less than -1.5 steps, "-" lights for -1.5 steps to -0.5 steps, and both "+" and "-" lights for -0.5 steps to +0.5 steps. , +0.5 steps to +1.5 steps, "+" is turned on, and if it is larger than +1.5 steps, "+" is turned on. Further, when the luminance is equal to or less than the light metering limit luminance, both “+” and “−” are blinked.

If the C502 determines that it is not in manual mode,
Check whether the light emission flag is set in C512, and when the light emission flag is not set, that is, when the strobe is not used, subsequently, in C514, check whether the luminance exceeds the photometric limit luminance. to decide. If it exceeds, at C516, a flag for blinking the display of the shutter speed and the F number is set. As described above, the main routine (the sixth routine) is set by setting this flag.
At A068 in the figure, the shutter speed and the F-number display of the LCD panel 281 and the LCD 271 for display in the viewfinder are blinked to warn the photographer that the light metering is not linked. However, in C518, the exposure mode is aperture priority mode (A mode)
Is determined, and if the mode is the aperture priority mode, a flag for blinking the display of the F-number at C520 is reset.

If it is determined in C512 that the light emission flag is set, then in C522, the on / off state of the external strobe is checked. When the external flash is off, the G number (GV) calculated in C524 by the above-described GVCAL subroutine
Is determined to be a value capable of emitting light. If the value is not a value capable of emitting light, a flag for blinking the display of the shutter speed and the F-number is set in C526. As a result, a warning is issued to the photographer. However, in C528,
It is further determined whether or not the exposure mode is the aperture priority mode (A mode).
Resets the flag for blinking the display of the shutter speed.

The APEX calculation explained above is about 100 m in the main routine.
It is executed once every sec. Therefore, the shutter speed TV, F-number AV, etc. are updated every 100 msec,
Along with that, for LCD panel 281 and display in viewfinder
The display on the LCD 271 is also updated. As described above, since the program is executed in the same main routine as usual during the operation of the self-timer, the exposure data can be updated every 100 msec even when the self-timer is operating. . In this embodiment, at the start of the self-timer, the photometric value obtained in A058 of the main routine (FIG. 6) is locked, and the driving of the focusing lens is prohibited. Therefore, at this time, the distance data DV to the subject
Is also locked. However, the main routine (Fig. 6)
However, the charge control of the built-in strobe of A060 and A070 and the data communication of the external strobe of A062 and A066 are continuously performed, so if these data are changed, the result of the APEX calculation will also change. . For example, when charging of the strobe is completed during the operation of the self-timer, the shutter speed TV and the F-number AV are automatically changed to data suitable for strobe shooting, and exposure is performed according to the data. Conversely, if the strobe is turned off halfway, proper exposure without the strobe is performed.

Next, the AF control subroutine shown in A152 of the main routine (FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (c).
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In this subroutine, as described above, AF distance measurement calculation, lens driving for focusing, and determination of focusing / non-focusing are performed.

First, in D002, it is determined whether or not the self-timer is operating. If the self-timer is operating, the subroutine ends without doing anything.

If the self-timer is not running,
Then, it is determined whether or not the camera is in the power focus mode (PF mode). If it is determined that the power focus mode has been selected, the AF auxiliary light (auxiliary light LED212) is used in D006.
Is turned off, all the AF control flags are reset in D008, and then only the distance measurement subroutine is executed (D010). In this distance measurement subroutine, control of the AF sensor 291, calculation of the defocus amount based on the sensor data, and calculation of the driving amount of the focusing lens based on the defocus amount are performed. The calculation of the brightness of the subject by spot metering is also performed in this subroutine.

If it is determined in D004 that the power focus mode has not been selected, the first release switch is monitored in D014. If the first release switch is off, the AF control flag is reset in D016.
On the other hand, if the first release switch is on, it is determined at D018 whether or not the camera is in the night view mode. If not, it is further determined at D020 whether or not the camera is in the portrait mode. If it is determined in D018 that it is in the night view mode or if it is determined in D020 that it is in portrait mode, it is checked in D022 whether the focusing lens has been reset to infinity and reset to infinity If not, reset the focusing lens to the infinity position as the initial state (D02
4) At the same time, set the infinity reset flag (D
026). The reason why the focusing lens is reset to the infinity position in the night view mode is that the exposure is allowed at the infinity position when AF (focusing point detection) cannot be performed. The reason why the focusing lens is reset to the infinity position in the portrait mode is to improve the accuracy of the distance data in the auto zoom calculation.

When it is determined in D020 that the portrait mode is not selected, it is determined in D028 whether the drive mode is the single mode or the continuous shooting mode. In the camera of this embodiment, the drive mode and the AF mode are linked. That is, in the single mode, the AF operation is performed only once, and the AF is locked until the first release switch is turned off after focusing. In the continuous shooting mode, the AF is also in the continuous mode, and the AF operation is repeated while the first release is on, so that a continuous photograph of a moving subject can be easily taken.

If it is determined that the mode is the continuous shooting mode, the process jumps to D118.

When it is determined that the mode is the single mode, in D030,
It is determined whether AF has been completed once. Once it is determined that AF has been completed, the subroutine is terminated because no further processing is performed.

If it is determined that AF has not ended,
The value of the auxiliary light flag, which is a flag indicating that the auxiliary light (auxiliary light LED 212) is on, is checked. When the auxiliary light flag is set, an auxiliary light lighting command is transmitted to the interface IC 210 in D036, and the auxiliary light LED 212 is turned on. Note that this AF auxiliary light is used to shorten the integration time when the subject has low luminance and it takes time to integrate the light amount of the AF sensor 291.

 In D038 to D044, a lens scan operation is performed.

First, in D038, it is determined whether or not a scan request has been issued. If so, a lens scan is performed in D040, the scan request flag is cleared (D042), and the scan end flag is determined. Perform the setting (D044).

 D046 is the same distance measurement subroutine as D010.

In D048, it is determined whether or not the AF sensor 291 is integrating. As described above, the integration of the AF sensor 291 takes a long time, and particularly takes a very long time at low brightness. Therefore, when it is determined that the AF sensor 291 is performing the integration, the main routine (FIG. ).

On the other hand, if the AF sensor 291 is not integrating, D052
Turn off the AF auxiliary light at the end of integration with the interface IC
Perform through 210.

In addition, D054 turns on the first release switch /
Check off, and if it is off, perform the distance measurement process and return to the main routine.

If it is determined in D054 that the first release switch is on, then in D056, the state of the auxiliary light flag described above (D034) is determined. If the auxiliary light flag is set, then D058 Then, it is determined whether or not focusing is impossible. The non-focusing flag is set in the distance measurement subroutine when focus cannot be detected due to low brightness or when focus cannot be detected due to low contrast of the subject.

If the in-focus flag is set,
It is determined whether or not the mode is the night view mode. If it is determined that the mode is the night view mode, it is next determined in D078 whether or not the focusing lens has been reset to the infinity position.
At 80, the auxiliary light flag is checked to determine whether the brightness is low. If it is determined that the brightness is low, use D082
Then, the focus flag is set. As described above, in the night view mode, even if focusing cannot be performed, exposure is permitted if the focusing lens is reset to the infinity position and the luminance is low. When the in-focus flag is set, in the main routine (FIG. 6) A068
The in-focus indication is displayed at 71.

On the other hand, if it is determined in D076 that the mode is not the night view mode, the auxiliary light flag is reset (D106), and if the lens scan is not completed, the lens scan request flag is set (D108). By setting the lens scan request flag, a lens scan operation is performed in D040 when the AF control subroutine is executed next time.

If D058 determines that focusing is not possible,
Then, it is determined whether or not focus has been achieved. If it is determined that the camera is in focus, it is determined in D062 whether the portrait mode has been selected. The portrait mode is a mode having an auto zoom function. The auto zoom is a mode in which the photographing magnification of a subject is fixed, and zooming is performed once after focusing. When it is determined in D064 that the auto zoom has not been completed (that is, the auto zoom end flag has not been set),
At D066, an auto zoom subroutine is executed to perform a zooming operation. In this auto zoom subroutine,
The zooming operation is performed up to the lens focal length obtained by (subject distance) × (magnification). When the auto zoom ends, an auto zoom end flag is set in D068. After the auto zoom, the AF is performed again at the next execution of the AF control subroutine, and the focus movement due to zooming is corrected.

If it is determined in D062 that the portrait mode is not selected and if it is determined in D064 that the auto zoom has been completed, the single AF end flag is set in D072, and the process returns to the main routine. By setting this flag, in the single mode, the processing after D034 is not performed until the first release switch is turned off, so that the AF is locked.

Also, when it is determined that focus is not achieved in D060,
Jump to D132 (see FIG. 14 (c)).

When it is determined in D056 that the auxiliary light flag is not set, it is determined in D086 whether or not there is an auxiliary light lighting request based on the auxiliary light request flag. When there is no request, the process jumps to D058. On the other hand, if there is a request, the auxiliary light flag is first set (D088), and then the auxiliary light request flag is cleared (D090). The auxiliary light request flag is set in the distance measurement subroutine when the integration time of the sensor is longer than a predetermined value. Thereafter, in D094, it is determined whether the night view mode is selected. If the night view mode is selected, check if the lens scan request flag is set in D098, and if it is set, reset the auxiliary light flag (D100), and check whether focus is possible in 102. to decide. If focusing is impossible, the subroutine is terminated as it is. If focusing is possible, the process jumps to D110. on the other hand,
If it is determined in D094 that the night view mode is not selected, it is determined in D096 whether or not focusing is possible. If focusing is not possible, the process jumps to D110. If focusing is possible, the process jumps to D060.

D118 and subsequent steps are processing when it is determined in D028 that the continuous shooting mode is set.

First, in D118, the AF auxiliary light (auxiliary light LED212) is turned off,
Subsequently, in D120, a distance measurement subroutine is executed.

Next, in D122, it is determined whether or not the integration is being performed by the AF sensor 291. If the AF sensor 291 is integrating, the subroutine ends. On the other hand, if the AF sensor 291 is not performing the integration, then, in D124, the on / off of the first release switch is checked. If the first release switch is off, the subroutine ends. On the other hand, if the first release switch is on,
Then, it is determined whether or not focusing is impossible. When it is determined that focusing cannot be performed, the subroutine ends.
On the other hand, when it is determined that focusing is not possible, subsequently, in D130, it is determined whether or not focusing has been performed.
If it is determined that focusing has been achieved, the subroutine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that focusing has not been performed, a lens driving subroutine is executed in D132 based on the focusing lens driving amount data calculated in the distance measurement routine.

After the driving of the lens is completed, the infinity reset flag is reset in D134, and it is determined in D136 whether the lens is in contact with the near end. If not, the subroutine ends. On the other hand, when it is applied, the lens scan request flag is reset in D138, then the lens scan end flag is set in D140, and finally, the auxiliary light flag is reset in D142,
Return to the main routine.

The AF control is performed by repeatedly performing the above processing in accordance with a command in the main routine.

Next, the exposure determination / exposure subroutine shown in A076 of the main routine (FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 (b), 16 (a) and 16 (b).

In this subroutine, as described above, the determination of the branch to the exposure sequence and the exposure are performed.

First, on / off of the PW switch 301 is checked in E002. Here, if the PW switch 301 is off, E038
Clears the exposure flag 1 and returns to the main routine. The exposure flag 1 is a flag for determination when returning to the main routine, and is used in A78 in FIG. This flag is set to "1" when exposure is performed, and is set to "0" when exposure is not performed.

If the PW switch 301 is on, it is determined in E004 whether the exposure request code has been set. The determination of other request codes is processed in the main routine, but this exposure request code is processed here. The exposure request code is set about 12 seconds after the timer starts in the self-timer mode. When the exposure request code is set, the process jumps to E044.

If the exposure request code has not been set, it is determined in E006 whether the self-timer is operating. If the self-timer is running, jump to E038. On the other hand, when the self-timer is stopped, the on / off of the first release switch is checked in E008, and when the first release switch is on, the on / off of the second release switch is on / off in E010.
Check off. Here, when one of the first release switch and the second release switch is off, the process jumps to E038, and when both are on, E014 is executed.

In E014, it is determined whether or not the focus mode is the power focus mode (PF mode). If the focus mode is the power focus mode, it is not necessary to determine whether or not focusing is possible, so the process jumps to E022. On the other hand, if the mode is not the power focus mode, it is further determined at E016 whether or not the mode is the portrait mode. In the case of the portrait mode, it is determined whether or not the auto zoom process has been completed in E018, and if the auto zoom process has not been completed, E038
Jump to

If the auto zoom process has been completed, it is determined whether or not focusing has been performed in E020. If it is determined that focusing has not been performed, the process jumps to E038. On the other hand, if it is determined that focusing has been performed, a determination is made in E022 as to whether or not the camera is in a self-timer mode. In the self-timer mode, only the self-timer operating flag is set in E024, and no exposure is performed. This flag starts the self-timer. At this time,
At A068 of the main routine (FIG. 6), the display LCD 271 in the viewfinder is turned off, and the photographer is notified that the self-timer has started. After that, E038 is executed and the subroutine ends.

On the other hand, when the self-timer mode is not set in E022, F034
To determine whether the drive mode is the single mode or the continuous shooting mode. When in single mode, E0
At 36, the state of the exposure flag 2 is checked. Exposure flag 2
When exposure is performed, is set by E072 described later, and is not cleared until the first release switch is turned off. Therefore, once photographing is performed in the single mode, the next photographing cannot be performed unless the release switch 305 is released once.

On the other hand, when it is determined in E034 that the mode is the continuous shooting mode,
Execute E044 or later. After E044, it is an exposure process.

In E044, first, the imprint flag is set. However, if it is determined in E046 that this is the second shooting in the double exposure shooting mode, this imprinting flag is cleared in E048. By this imprint flag, E056 described later
In (exposure subroutine), the date is imprinted.

Subsequently, the focus flag is cleared in E050, and the focus disable flag is cleared in F052, and the battery check subroutine is executed in E054. Here, the battery check is for determining the voltage level of the battery 221.
In the camera of this embodiment, four levels are set. The voltage of the battery 221 is measured by operating the dummy load 211 connected to the interface IC 210. When the battery voltage output selection command is sent while the dummy load 211 is operating, the interface IC
A voltage obtained by converting the voltage of the battery 221 into a level is output to a port connected to the A / D conversion port of the main CPU 200 among the output ports of the 210. In the main CPU 200, this is A / D
After conversion, the level is determined. The first level is a level close to a new battery, and there is no particular problem. When entering the second level, the duty of the zoom motor that is being driven by duty is increased to perform high-speed zooming. This is to make the zoom drive speed substantially constant regardless of the voltage of the battery 221. In the case of the third level, it is necessary to warn of replacement because the remaining battery level is low. This warning is made by blinking the display of the battery mark on the LCD panel 281. The fourth level is a level at which the operation of the camera cannot be guaranteed. In this case, after the battery mark is displayed (all others are turned off) in the battery subroutine, all camera operations other than the PW switch 301 are prohibited. Therefore, only when the PW switch 301 is turned on → off, the same power down processing as in A082 (FIG. 6) of the main sequence is performed.

If the battery level is the first level to the third level, E0
At 56, an exposure subroutine is executed to perform exposure.

After exposure, each flag is set / reset (E058 ~ E0
72). Return to the main routine.

Next, the exposure subroutine indicated by E056 will be described. FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are flowcharts showing this exposure subroutine.

 First, in F002, charging of the strobe is stopped.

Next, in F004, preflash emission is performed as needed to suppress red-eye. As shown in FIG. 2, the strobe has a Xe tube 233 on the TELE side and a Xe tube 235 on the WIDE side. Of these, the WIDE side Xe tube 235 is used for pre-emission, and the TELE side Xe tube 233, WIDE side Xe tube 235,
Use external strobes alone or in combination.

In F006, the state of the imprint flag is determined. As described above, the imprint flag is a flag for setting whether or not to imprint the date. When this imprint flag is set, press F008
An imprinting trigger signal is output from the CPU 200 to the date module 284. The imprint of the date is switched depending on the sensitivity of the film being used, and this is set when the film sensitivity is input in A050 of the main routine (FIG. 6).

 In F010, mirror up and focusing are performed.

In F012, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is the bulb mode. With valve shooting, release switch 305
This is a shooting mode in which exposure is continued while is pressed, in which case the exposure time timer is not started.

 The exposure process is performed after F016.

 First, in F016, the first curtain is started.

Thereafter, the exposure is continued while the loop of F018 to F034 is repeatedly executed. The end of the exposure is basically based on the end of the timer of F018.

In F020, it is determined whether or not the shutter speed is equal to or less than 1/100 second, and if it is equal to or less than 1/100 second, the process jumps to F018. That is, if the shutter speed is 1/100 second or less, only by the end of the timer of F018,
End the exposure.

In F022, it is determined by the X switch whether or not the first curtain has ended. When it is determined that the first curtain has not ended, F0
Jump to 18. That is, when the first curtain has not ended, the exposure is ended only by the end of the timer of F018. On the other hand, when the front curtain is completed, it is determined in F024 whether or not the current mode is the front curtain sync mode. If the current mode is the front curtain sync mode, the built-in flash and the external flash are emitted in F026.

Next, in F028, it is determined whether or not the shutter speed is a long-time exposure longer than 1/8 second. If the shutter speed is 1/8 second or less, the process jumps to F018. On the other hand, if it is longer than 1/8 second,
At 030, the on / off of the PW switch 301 is checked. If the PW switch 301 is off, the process jumps to F036. In other words, if the shutter speed is a long-time exposure longer than 1/8 second, the exposure is ended even when the PW switch 301 is turned off.

Next, in F032, it is determined whether or not bulb shooting is performed.
If there is no bulb shooting, jump to F018. On the other hand, in the case of bulb shooting, the on / off state of the first release switch is further checked. If it is on, the process jumps to F018, and if it is off, the exposure ends. That is,
In the case of bulb shooting, the exposure is also ended by turning off the first release switch.

When the exposure is completed, it is checked again whether or not the shutter speed is longer than 1/100 second. If the exposure is shorter than 1/100 second, it is checked whether or not the rear curtain sync mode is set. Here, when in the second-curtain sync mode, F040
Thus, the light emission of the built-in strobe and the external strobe is controlled.

Further, when the shutter speed is 1/3 second or longer in the night view mode (F042) and zooming during exposure is selected (F044), zooming during exposure is performed at F046. Inter-exposure zooming is literally
This is an imaging method in which zooming is performed during exposure to continuously change the focal length of the lens. In the camera of the present embodiment, the ZOOM / WIDE switch 303 or the Z
Zooming is performed in the direction indicated by the OOM / TELE switch 304 for a time equal to the exposure time or until the lens hits the end.

When the above processing is completed, the second curtain is run in F048 to end the exposure, and then in F050, the mirror is lowered, the aperture is opened, and the like, to prepare for the next exposure.

F052 to F056 are film winding after exposure. Here, at the end of the first shooting in the double exposure mode, only the flag is set and the winding is not executed.

Hereinafter, the preset zoom function will be described in more detail.

The preset zoom includes a zoom memory mode and a zoom call mode.

First, the zoom memory mode will be described. The zoom memory mode is a mode for storing an arbitrary position of the zoom lens. This zoom memory mode is positioned as the subject mode, and the SUBJECUT switch 31
By pressing 5 several times, the mode is set.
When the mode setting is completed, a message to that effect is displayed on the LCD panel 281. The mode is stored in 2-bit data in RAM in the main CPU 200, and based on this data, the LCDIC2
The display data is sent to 83.

When the mode setting is completed, the zoom lens is moved to the focal length to be stored. At this time, the macro mode may be set. The zooming method is as described above. After moving the zoom lens,
When the MO switch 312 is turned on, the 5 attached to the lens
Interface IC with bit zoom encoder value
Via 210, it is temporarily stored in the RAM of the main CPU 200. Then, the macro mode information is added to the upper bits of the zoom encoder data by 2 bits and communicated and stored in the E ² PROM. When the storing process is completed, "25" is set to the zoom memory mode display blinking counter. This counter is decremented in the main loop every 100 msec, and the memory mode is blinked until a borrow occurs. That is, the memory mode display blinks five times, thereby confirming that the storage of the zoom position has been completed. At this point, the zoom memory mode is canceled and the mode shifts to the call mode. The zoom memory mode is
It is also released by turning off the PW switch 301. This is because the zoom call mode is set when the power is turned on.

The zoom call mode is a mode in which the zoom lens is moved to the stored position of the zoom lens.
When not in the zoom memory mode, the Z-MEMO switch 31
Upon detecting the ON of 2, the main CPU 200 reads the zoom memory data from the E ² PROM. Zoom memory data is
It consists of 2-bit macro data and 5-bit focal length data. Thereafter, a preset request code is set. In A124 of the main routine (FIG. 6), this data is compared with the zoom encoder value from the interface IC 210 to determine the zoom drive direction, and zooming is started. When the two values match, the zoom lens is stopped. The macro data is used for switching the closest end of the focusing lens and for displaying a macro mode.

In the present embodiment, the function of the Z-MEMO switch 312 switches storage or reproduction of the zoom position depending on whether or not the zoom memory mode is set. However, these switches may be provided separately. Of course it is good.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above in detail, according to the camera having the focal length storage and reading device of the zoom lens of the present invention, it is possible to accurately perform zooming to a position arbitrarily preset by a photographer with a simple operation. And fine adjustment from the preset position is also possible, so that the risk of missing a photo opportunity can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing one embodiment of a zoom lens focal length storage / readout apparatus used in a camera having a zoom lens focal length storage / readout apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system outline of a camera having a focal length storage and reading device of a zoom lens according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (d) show the present invention. FIG. 4 is an external view schematically showing the appearance and operation members of a camera having a focal length storage and reading device of a zoom lens according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the display contents of the LCD panel shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the display contents of the LCD in the viewfinder shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the main CPU shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 (h) are flowcharts for explaining the mode / request code setting subroutine shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the APEX calculation subroutine shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. The figure shows the EVCAL subroutine shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the TVCAL subroutine shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the AVCAL subroutine shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the GVCAL subroutine shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the CVCAL subroutine shown in FIG.
Flowchart for explaining the CAL subroutine, first
FIGS. 4 (a) to 14 (c) are flowcharts for explaining the AF control subroutine shown in FIG. 6, and FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) show the exposure shown in FIG. Judgment /
Flow chart for explaining the exposure subroutine,
FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are flowcharts for explaining the exposure subroutine shown in FIG. 15 (b). 101 zoom lens 102 motor 103 motor control means 104 first operation means 105 position detection means 106 storage means 107 second operation means 200 …
... Main CPU, 210 ... Interface IC, 220 ... Power supply unit, 230 ... Strobe unit, 240 ... Mirror / shutter unit, 250 ... Winding unit, 260 ...
Lens unit, 270 …… Finder unit, 280…
… Display unit, 290 …… AF unit.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A zoom lens driven by a motor, a zoom encoder for detecting a focal length of the zoom lens, and a first signal for instructing driving / stopping and a driving direction of the motor in response to a manual operation. Operating member, a second operating member provided separately from the release button, a zoom memory mode, setting means for setting a mode other than the zoom memory mode, and a state in which the zoom memory mode is set When the second operation member is operated, an E ² PROM that stores focal length data detected by the zoom encoder; and when the first operation member is operated, the instruction signal includes When the second operation member is operated in a state in which a mode other than the zoom memory mode is set, the motor is driven, and the E ² PROM is stored in the E ² PROM. And a drive control unit that drives the motor until the read focal length data matches the focal length data detected by the zoom encoder. Having a focal length storage and reading device.