JP3409416B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having a large capacity memory which can be rewritten from the outside.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Cameras have been equipped with a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as "CPU") and have been highly electronicized to realize automation of exposure, focusing, film feeding, strobe control and the like. It was

Automatic exposure will be described as an example of such automation. The CPU executes the following operations according to a processing program stored in advance in the ROM. That is, the subject brightness signal from the photometric sensor provided in the camera and the sensitivity signal of the loaded film are read. Then, an appropriate exposure condition is obtained by executing a calculation prestored in the ROM for these values. Then, the result is displayed on a display device provided outside the CPU to notify the photographer. Further, when the shutter button is pressed, a control signal is output to an external actuator so that the aperture value of the lens and the opening time of the shutter are as calculated.

A so-called one-chip CPU is used in a camera in which there is a strong demand for size reduction and weight reduction. The one-chip CPU means an input / output control device, an RO
M, RAM, and a CPU that internally includes a logic device for executing calculations and the like.

[0005]

When an error is found in the processing program, when it is desired to use an advanced arithmetic program corresponding to a sensor with high performance, or when the specifications of the actuator are changed, etc. Is the ROM
It is necessary to change the processing program in.

However, in the one-chip microcomputer type CPU, since the program is stored in the ROM in the mask step of the manufacturing process (note: henceforth, it is usually called "mask ROM"), the contents of the ROM after manufacturing are stored. Cannot be changed. Change the program on the CPU
There was no choice but to remake it and then reattach it to the circuit board inside the camera by soldering.

A so-called one-time CPU, which is transiently used when a product such as a prototype is started up, can be electrically written in an internal ROM. Therefore, mask ROM
There is an advantage that the operation of a new processing program can be confirmed without going through the manufacturing process as described above. But,
Like the mask ROM, the one-time CPU cannot erase the processing program once written, and cannot rewrite the program in the ROM to repeatedly use the same CPU. Also, reattachment by soldering was necessary.

ROM capable of repeating electric rewriting and erasing
There is an EEPROM. However, the conventional EEPROM has a storage capacity of only a few Kbits at the most, and is not enough to store a large amount of programs (several tens of Kbytes or more) required in the currently highly automated cameras. There wasn't. In principle, it is possible to store a large program by using a large number of EEPROMs, but if several tens of EEPROMs are used, the camera becomes too large to be practical. Therefore, in consideration of the clear use of a camera, it has been impossible to store the control program in the conventional EEPROM.

As described above, in the current camera, R
There is a problem that the processing program in the OM cannot be changed quickly.

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera in which a processing program can be easily modified as needed.

[0011]

The inventor of the present invention has achieved the above object by using a flash memory which has been newly developed in recent years.

In the present specification, a flash memory is a memory that is sufficient to repeatedly execute electrical erasing / writing, erase in batch or in block units (several bytes or tens of bytes), and store a control program. A non-volatile memory that satisfies the condition of capacity. Structurally, there are NAND type, NOR type, AND type, and various structures derived from these, but in the present specification, all of them are included.

The present invention has been made in order to achieve the above object, and in one aspect thereof, in a camera having a control means for controlling a photographing operation, at least control information defining the photographing operation is stored. A storage unit, a control unit that reads out the control information and controls the image capturing unit according to the control information, a connection unit for connecting to an external circuit, the storage unit, and any one of the connection unit and the control unit. A camera is provided which has a selection means selectively connected to either one.

The connecting portion is configured to include a plurality of terminals, and is provided with detecting means for detecting the connection of the external circuit to the connecting portion, and the selecting means is responsive to the detection result of the detecting means. The connection partner may be changed.

It is preferable that the selecting means changes the partner of the connection according to a signal input to a predetermined terminal (hereinafter referred to as "specific terminal") of the terminals. In this case, the storage unit may be configured to be operable by using a signal input through the specific terminal as a power source.

It is preferable that the storage means is capable of electrically rewriting the control information. The storage means is preferably capable of collectively erasing the stored contents. The storage means is
It may be a flash memory.

The connecting portion may be configured to include a plurality of terminals, and these terminals may be installed separately in at least two regions.

At least one of a remote control device for remotely controlling the camera and a data back device for printing desired data on the film is connectable, and a connecting portion for connecting to the external circuit. Is
At least one of a connection unit for connecting the remote control device and a connection unit for connecting the data back may serve as both.

The connecting portion may be installed so as to be exposed to the outside.

It may have an openable / closable cover member that covers the above-mentioned connecting portion. For remote-controlled cameras,
Control means for controlling the photographing operation of the camera, and the control hand
Program for controlling the shooting operation of the column can be rewritten
Storage means for storing data and a connection for connecting to an external device.
A device for remote operation is connected to the connection part and the connection part.
If connected, connect the connection to the control means,
Remote control from the device is possible,
When a device to rewrite the program is connected
Is connected to the storage means,
Means for enabling program rewriting for the means,
There may be provided a camera including:

[0021]

When a predetermined signal is input to the specific terminal from the external circuit, the selection means detects this and changes the connection partner. Alternatively, when the detection means detects that the external circuit is connected, the selection means changes the partner of the connection in response thereto.

When the storage means (for example, a flash memory) is connected to the terminal, the external circuit can write the control information in the storage means without passing through the control means. On the other hand, when the storage means is connected to the control means, the control means can read the control information from the storage means and execute the control of the photographing means.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera of this embodiment. In this figure,
A data back 5 and a remote controller 70 which are optionally connected to the camera 1 are also shown. The camera 1 is drawn with the lens 2 attached and the data back 5 that also serves as a back cover is opened. On the upper surface of the camera 1, a release button 4, a liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as "LCD") 6, and an operation are performed. Buttons 7, a finder 3 is provided on the upper rear surface, and a terminal group 9 is provided on the lower left side of the rear surface.

The release button 4 is used by the photographer to instruct the start of exposure. The LCD 6 is for displaying the shooting mode and various conditions. The operation button 7 is used by a photographer to set a photographing mode, photographing conditions, etc. of the camera 1. The terminal group 9 is for connecting the remote controller 70.

Inside the camera, a cartridge chamber 10, a shutter 11 and a spool 12 are arranged in order from the left side. The cartridge chamber 10 is a portion for loading a film cartridge. The spool 12 is for winding a film. The film pulled out from the film cartridge loaded in the cartridge chamber 10 has a shutter 11
It passes through the back side of the and is wound around the spool 12.
Then, each time the image is taken, the film is taken up by a predetermined length. At this time, the film is fed by the driving force of the motor 36 (see FIG. 2) arranged inside the spool 12.

Below the shutter 11, a terminal group 8 for electrically connecting with the data back 5 is provided.

Of course, these parts are covered by the data back 5 when the camera is used.

The data back 5 is for optically imprinting various data on the film. In the present embodiment, it is possible to select and imprint either one of the time data regarding the date and the exposure data. Light for imprinting data on the film is emitted from the emission hole 13. As described above, the data back 5 is the camera 1
Since it also doubles as a back cover, the pressure plate 14 for pressing the film against the aperture to maintain the flatness is provided on the inner surface.
have. The emission hole 13 described above is provided in the pressure plate 14.

A terminal group 15 is arranged below the pressure plate 14 and at a position corresponding to the terminal group 8 of the camera 1. The terminal group 15 contacts the terminal group 8 when the data back 5 is closed, and forms an electric circuit for exchanging data between the camera 1 and the data back 5.

The remote controller 70 is for remotely controlling the camera through the cable 71. The remote controller 70
Is used by connecting the terminal group 72 provided at the tip of the cable 71 to the terminal group 9 of the camera 1. Remote control 7
0 has an LCD 73 and a plurality of operation buttons 74. The photographer can operate the camera 1 by operating the operation button 7 while confirming the photographing mode, the photographing condition and the like displayed on the LCD 73.

Next, the outline of the control configuration inside the camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The camera comprises a DC / DC converter 21,
Photometric device 24, film sensitivity detecting device 25, switch detecting device 26, distance measuring device 27, CPU 28, driver 3
3, LCD 6, shutter 11, diaphragm 35, motor 3
6, motor 37, terminal group 8, terminal group 9, flash memory (hereinafter referred to as "FM") 32, changeover switch 60
It is configured to include a and 60b.

The DC / DC converter 21 converts the voltage generated by the battery 20 into a predetermined voltage and supplies the voltage to each unit. DC / DC converter 21 of the present embodiment
Has two outputs, a voltage output 22 and a voltage output 23. The voltage output 22 is used to drive each control circuit including the CPU 28 and the FM 32, and its voltage is 5V in this embodiment. The voltage output 23 is the distance measuring means 2
7, used to drive the FM 32, and its voltage is about 12V in this embodiment. DC / DC converter 21
Outputs the voltage output 23 according to the switching signal appearing on the signal line 68 described later even when the CPU 28 is not operating.
N / OFF is possible.

The photometric means 24 is for measuring the brightness of the subject. In this embodiment, the photometric means 24 is configured to include a photodiode. The photometric means 24
Outputs the measurement result (photometric value information) to the CPU 28.

The film sensitivity detecting means 25 reads coded sensitivity information provided on the side surface of the loaded film cartridge. The film sensitivity detecting means 25 outputs the read sensitivity information to the CPU 28.

The switch detection means 26 is for detecting the operation states of the release button 4, the operation button 7, and the like. The switch detection means 26 outputs the detected operation state of the release button 4 or the like to the CPU 28.

The distance measuring means 27 is for measuring the in-focus condition of the subject, and is constituted by including a CCD or the like.
The distance measuring means 27 sends the measurement result (distance measurement value information) to the CPU 28.
Is output to.

The LCD 6 is for displaying information relating to exposure, operating mode setting, warning information and the like.

The shutter 11 is for giving a predetermined exposure time to the film surface.

The diaphragm 35 is for adjusting the amount of light passing from the subject.

The motor 36 is for winding and rewinding and feeding the film.

The motor 37 is for moving the lens group in the lens 2 in order to bring the object into focus.

The terminal group 8 is used for exchanging the imprinting signal with the data back 5. In addition, the actual communication is performed by a serial method. The terminal group 8 has a plurality of (six in this embodiment) terminals. However,
The number of terminals is not limited to this.

The terminal group 9 includes the remote controller 7 as described above.
This is a terminal for connecting 0. The terminal group 9 is
It also serves as a terminal for writing data to the FM 32. The terminal group 9 itself includes six terminals. However, the number of terminals is not limited to this.

The FM 32 is for storing the programs used by the CPU 28. The greatest feature of this embodiment is that the FM 32 is provided and the peripheral circuit portion of the FM 32 is provided. Therefore, the characteristic points will be described in more detail later.

The CPU 28 controls and controls the entire camera. In this embodiment, a RAM is used as the CPU 28.
A so-called one-chip type microprocessor equipped with 30, a logical operation unit, an AD converter and the like is adopted. The CPU 28 controls the above-mentioned units (for example, the photometric unit 2).
4) The LCD 6, the shutter 11, the diaphragm 35, the motor 36, the motor 37, etc. are controlled by executing a predetermined calculation by using the input from 4) and the program (and data) stored in the FM 32 in advance. There is. The actual control is performed via the driver 33. In addition, the CPU 28 has a function of exchanging data with the data back 5 through the terminal group 8.

The configuration of the FM 32, which is the greatest feature of this embodiment, and its peripheral circuit portion will be described in detail.

As described above, the FM 32 has the CPU 2
8 is used for storing programs used. Since the flash memory has a large capacity, the CPU2
It is possible to sufficiently store a large amount of programs required by the eight. In addition, since the program can be electrically rewritten, the program can be easily changed. Since it is possible to perform batch erasing or erasing in block units (erasing in several bytes or tens of bytes), there is an advantage that the time required for rewriting a program is short. There are various types such as NAND type and NOR type as the flash memory, but any type can be applied.

The FM 32 has a voltage output 22 and a voltage output 2
Power is supplied from both 3 and. Voltage output 22
Power is supplied to the FM 32 only when reading the stored program. On the other hand, the electric power from the voltage output 23 is for making the FM 32 ready for rewriting when the program is rewritten. In this embodiment, the voltage output 23 which is shared with the distance measuring means 27 is used, but the DC / DC converter 21 has an F
A voltage output dedicated to M32 may be provided. Alternatively, the switching signal of the signal line 68 may be diverted to supply the electric power required for rewriting from the outside. FM
The program stored in 32 is retained without being erased even when neither the voltage 22 nor the voltage 23 is supplied to the FM 32.

The FM 32, the CPU 28 and the terminal group 9 are
The changeover switch 60a and the changeover switch 60b are configured to be connectable to each other.

In this embodiment, the changeover switch 60a,
60b is realized by using a bidirectional switching element composed of a plurality of semiconductor switches and the like. The changeover switch 60a has three contacts 61a, 62a, 63.
a. The changeover switch 60a switches the internal circuit according to a command from the outside (here, a signal input through the signal line 68), and the contact 61a and the contact 6
Only either one of 2a and contact 63a is selectively contacted.
It is configured to connect to. Changeover switch 60b
Has basically the same configuration, and the contact 61b and the contact 6
Only either one of 2b and contact 63b
It is configured to be connectable to.

The CPU 28 is connected to the contact 61a of the changeover switch 60a via the signal line 64, and the contact 63 is connected to the contact 63a.
The FM 32 is connected to a via a signal line 69.
On the other hand, the CPU 28 is connected to the contact 61b of the changeover switch 60b via the signal line 65, and the signal line 66 is connected to the contact 63b.
The terminal group 9 is connected via. Further, the contact 62
The a and the contact 62b are connected via a signal line 67. As a result of adopting such a circuit configuration, the FM 32 and the CPU 28 can be electrically connected by connecting the contact 63a and the contact 61a of the changeover switch 60a. By connecting the contact 61b and the contact 63b of the changeover switch 60b, the terminal group 9 and the CPU 28 can be connected.
And can be electrically connected. Furthermore, contact 6
3a and the contact 62a are connected, and the contact 62b and the contact 63b are connected to connect the terminal group 9 and the FM 32, and the CPU 28 is connected to the FM 32 and the terminal group 9
It can be electrically separated from.

Then, these changeover switches 60a,
Switching of the internal circuit of 60b is configured according to a signal input from the terminal group 9 via the signal line 68. The signal lines 64, 66, 67 and 69 are 5
It is composed of a book signal line. The signal line 65 is composed of four signal lines. The signal line 68 is composed of one signal line, but the specific structure is not limited to the one described here. If the switching instruction and the like are converted into a command and sent, it is also possible in principle to use the signal line 68 and the other signal line 66 and the like so that only one signal line is used.

The "control means" referred to in the claims corresponds to the CPU 28, the driver 33, etc. in this embodiment. What is "memory means"?
It corresponds to FM32. The “connecting portion” corresponds to the terminal group 9 (however, in the example of FIG. 10, the terminal group 8 is also included. Further, in the example of FIG. 12, it corresponds to the terminal group 18). The "selecting means" corresponds to the changeover switches 60a, 60b and the signal lines 66, 67, 64, 69 connected to them. The “specific terminal” corresponds to one of the terminals included in the terminal group 9 that is connected to the signal line 68. The “cover member” corresponds to the bottom cover 16. The "connection detecting means" corresponds to the changeover switches 60a and 60b themselves or the switches described at the end of the embodiment.

Details of the electric circuit inside the data bag 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

The data back 5 includes a CPU 40 and an LCD.
42, LCD 43 for imprinting, lamp 44, oscillator 4
5, the terminal group 15 (terminals 15A to 15E), and the operation switch 46. Each of these parts has a battery 4
It is driven by the electric power supplied from 1.

The operation switch 46 and the LCD 42 are arranged on the back side of the data back 5. As described above, the data back 5 can imprint either the time data or the exposure data on the film. The photographer selects any one by operating the operation switch 46. The data actually printed is LC
Since it is displayed on D42, the operation is performed while watching this.

The imprinting LCD 43 and the lamp 44 are for producing an image to be imprinted on the film. The LCD 43 for imprinting displays almost the same content as that displayed on the LCD 42. However, it goes without saying that, in consideration of the imprinting on the film, the display is appropriately reversed left / right, top / bottom, and black and white. The light emitted from the lamp 44 at a predetermined timing is passed through the display surface of the LCD 43, and then emitted from the emission hole 13 toward the film. As a result, the characters and the like displayed on the LCD 43 are directly copied on the film.

The CPU 40 controls and controls the entire data back 5. The CPU 40 obtains time data by counting signals of a constant frequency that the oscillator 45 constantly outputs. On the other hand, the exposure data is obtained from the camera 1 by serial communication through the terminal group 15. The setting process and the imprinting operation in response to the operation of the operation switch 46 are realized by the CPU 40 controlling the above respective units.

The signals handled by each of the terminals 15A to 15D are as follows. The terminal 15A receives a clock signal from the camera 1. Terminal 15B
Indicates that a handshake signal is transmitted and received, and the terminal 15C transmits and receives various data signals bidirectionally. The terminal 15D is for receiving the imprinting signal. The imprinting signal is a signal generated according to the timing when the camera 1 starts the exposure operation, and the data imprinting operation described above by the data back 5 is executed by using this signal as a trigger. The terminal 15E is a grounding terminal which is not used for signal transmission / reception in this embodiment.

Details of the electric circuit in the remote controller 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

The remote controller 70 includes an LCD 73, a plurality of operation buttons 74, a CPU 76, a terminal group 72 (terminals 72A to 72A).
72F).

The operation button 74 is used by the photographer to input an instruction to set various conditions such as a photographing mode, a distance measuring mode, and an exposure condition. It is also for instructing power-on and release operation. The conditions set using the operation buttons 74 are displayed on the LCD 73.

These series of operations are realized by the CPU 76 controlling the LCD 73 and communicating with the camera 1 in response to an input from the operation button 74. In addition, the electric power required to operate each unit is supplied from the battery 78.

The terminals 72A to 72D are for connecting the remote controller 70 to the camera 1. The terminal group 72 is connected to the terminal group 9 of the camera 1. These cables 71, the terminal group 72, and the terminal group 9 are used to exchange various setting conditions and commands.
Is done through. The signals in charge of each terminal are as follows.

The terminal 72A is for receiving a clock signal from the camera 1. The terminal 72B is for bidirectionally transmitting / receiving a handshake signal, and the terminal 72C is for bidirectionally transmitting / receiving various data signals. The terminal 72D is for directly transmitting and receiving the multiplexed power-on signal and release signal.

The terminal 72E is not used for the remote controller 70 because it is for a switching signal used when rewriting the FM32. The terminal 72F is grounded.

Next, an example of the program rewriting device 50 for erasing / rewriting the program in the FM 32 will be described with reference to FIG.

The program rewriting device 50 includes an external storage device 53 and an external output terminal group 72 '(terminals 72'A to 7').
The personal computer 52 having 2'F) can be mainly configured. A program that defines the processing sequence of the rewriting operation, a new control program to be written to the FM 32, and the like are stored in advance on a floppy disk (hereinafter referred to as “FD”) 51. Comparing with the circuit diagram of FIG. 2, the terminals 72'A to 7 '
2′D is the signal line 66, and the terminal 72E is the signal line 68.
Is connected to.

Next, the operation in the camera 1 during normal use and rewriting of the program in the FM 32 will be described.

In a normal use state, nothing is connected to the terminal group 9 or the terminal group 7 of the remote controller 70.
2 is connected. In this state, since there is no changeover signal on the signal line 68, the changeover switch 60a
Connects the CPU 28 and the FM 32. Therefore,
The CPU 28 can read programs and data from the FM 32. On the other hand, the changeover switch 60b
Connects the signal line 66 of the terminal group 9 and the CPU 28. Therefore, the photographer can remotely operate the camera 1 using the remote controller 70. Contact 62a and contact 62b,
And a signal line 67 connecting the two are FM32, CPU2
8 and the terminal group 9 are both insulated. Therefore, the potential of the portion does not cause a malfunction.

When the rewriting device 50 is connected to the terminal group 9, a switching signal appears on the signal line 68. Then DC /
The DC converter 21 starts to supply to the FM 32 the power required for rewriting the program. As a result, the FM 32 is brought into a state in which the contents can be rewritten. Also,
Changeover switch 60a and changeover switch 60b
Switches so as to connect the FM 32 and the signal line 66.
Therefore, the terminal group 9, the signal line 66, the signal line 67, and the signal line 6
The new program sent from the rewriting device 50 through the storage device 9 or the like is stored in the FM 32.

Naturally, in this state, the CPU 28
It is insulated from 32 and the terminal group 9. Therefore, FM
The rewriting process of 32 is not affected by the operating state of the CPU 28 or the like. Conversely, the program rewrite signal is CP
It does not adversely affect U28 and the like.

Next, the rewriting operation viewed from the rewriting device 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The user first sets the terminal group 72 'to the terminal group 9
The rewriting device 50 is connected to the camera 1 by connecting to the camera 1. After this, on the personal computer 52,
The program stored in the FD 51 is executed, and the following processing is performed by sending a rewriting command and a processing program to the camera 1 from the external output terminals 72'A to 72'E.

The rewriting device 50 outputs a switching signal through the terminal 72'E (step 600). The switching signal is transmitted to the DC / DC converter 21 through the signal line 68, and the DC / DC converter 21 is activated. At the same time, the changeover switches 60a, 6a
0b is switched, and the FM 32 is separated from the CPU 28. Further, the FM 32 is directly connected to the rewriting device 50 via the terminal groups 9 and 72.

The rewriting device 50 instructs the FM 32 to erase the old processing program in the FM 32 (step 60).
1). The rewriting device 50 is in a standby state until the FM 32 completes the erase operation according to the instruction (step 60).
2). Note that in this embodiment, without actually checking whether or not the erase operation is completed, after the standby state is continued for a predetermined time during which the erase can be surely performed, the process automatically proceeds to the next process. I am trying to do it.

The rewriting device 50 starts a process of reading a new program from the FD 51 and outputting it from the terminals 72'A to 72'D (step 603). Then, the rewriting device 50 is in a standby state until the transfer of the program is completed (step 604). The program is sent to the FM 32 through the cable 71, the terminal group 72 ′, the terminal group 9, and the signal lines 66, 67, 69.

When the transfer of the program is completed, this time,
At this time, the new processing program stored in the FM 32 is read again (step 605). Then, it is compared whether the read program matches the original program in the FD 51 (step 606). If they match, it is determined that the program has been correctly written, and the rewriting device 50 turns off the rewriting signal output to the terminal 72E and ends the processing (step 609). Then, the changeover switches 60a and 60b are actuated to disconnect the rewriting device 50 from the FM 32. F
The M32 is connected to the CPU 28 again.

In step 606, if the two programs do not match, the rewriting device 50 confirms the number of times the erasure rewriting process has been performed, and this reaches the predetermined limit number (here, N times). It is determined whether or not (step 607). If the limit number (N times) has not been reached, the process returns to step 600 and the process is performed again. On the other hand, when the limit number of times is reached,
A warning is issued on the rewriting device 50 to notify that the correct program could not be written (step 608). After this, the process proceeds to step 609 to end the process. In this embodiment, the limit number of times is three.

Next, the CPU 28 at the time of general photographing
The processing operation of will be described with reference to FIG. The processing is FM3
This is done in accordance with the processing program stored in 2. The CPU 28 repeatedly executes the processing shown in FIG. 7 while power is being supplied.

The CPU 28 takes in the photometric information from the photometric means 24 and the sensitivity information from the sensitivity detection means 25 (step 701). Then, the fetched information is processed according to the calculation procedure defined in the photographing mode set at this time, and the proper exposure condition (shutter time, aperture value) is determined (step 702). Then, the calculated shutter speed, aperture value, etc. are displayed on the LCD 6 together with the photographing mode at this time (step 703). further,
Focusing information of the subject from the distance measuring means 27 is fetched (step 704), and the motor 37 is driven based on this focusing information to move the lens group in the lens 2 to focus on the subject (step 705). .

The CPU 28 determines whether or not the release button 4 has been pressed via the switch detection means 26 (step 706). As a result, if the release button 4 has not been pressed, the process returns to step 701 and the above processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the release button 4 has been pressed, the following exposure operation is performed (steps 707 to 711).

That is, the CPU 28 retracts the reflecting mirror (not shown) from the photographing optical path (step 7).
07), the diaphragm 35 is operated so as to have a predetermined diaphragm value (step 708). Then, the shutter 11 is operated to expose the film (step 709). The aperture value and shutter speed at this time are the values obtained in step 702.

After the exposure operation is completed, the CPU 28
The reflecting mirror is returned to the original state (step 710) and the motor 36 is rotated in the forward direction to feed the film and urge the mechanism (step 711).

Exposure operation (steps 707 to 71)
After 1) is completed, the CPU 28 returns to step 701 and repeats step 7 until the release button 4 is operated.
The processing from 01 to step 706 is repeated.

Next, the processing operation of the CPU 40 in the data bag 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

This routine is repeatedly executed while the battery 41 is connected to the CPU 40.

The CPU 40 keeps counting the output signal of the oscillator 45 to perform time processing for obtaining the date and the like (step 801). Also, terminals 15A to 1
5E, data communication is performed with the camera 1 via the terminal group 8 to obtain exposure information (step 802). However, at this time, since the camera 1 has not entered the exposure sequence yet, the imprinting signal via the terminal 15D is not input.

Then, the state of the operation switch 46 is detected to determine which of the time mode indicating the date and the exposure data mode is selected (step 80).
3). Step 8 if time mode is selected
On the other hand, when the exposure data mode is selected in step 04, the process proceeds to step 805.

At step 804, the CPU 40 displays the date data obtained at step 801 on the LCD 42 and the imprinting LCD 43. On the other hand, in step 805, the CPU 40 sets the exposure data (shutter speed, aperture value) obtained in step 802 to the LCD 42,
It is displayed on the LCD 43. Here, the shutter speed and the aperture value are given as the exposure data, but the exposure data is not limited thereto. For example, other data directly related to exposure (for example, the type of lens used) may be used.
Furthermore, data unrelated to the exposure such as the type of the camera 1 may be displayed. Step 80
After steps 4 and 805, the process proceeds to step 806.

At step 806, the CPU 40
The terminal 15D is monitored and it is determined whether or not the imprinting signal is input from the camera 1. As a result, if the copy signal is not input, the process directly returns to step 801, and the same processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the imprinting signal has been input, the CPU 40 turns on the lamp 44 for a certain period of time to optically record the data displayed by the LCD 43 on the film (step 807). After this,
The process returns to step 801 again.

In this embodiment, the time processing is executed only in step 801, but in step 8
It may be performed in parallel with the processing after 02.

The processing operation by the CPU 76 in the remote controller 70 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation is repeatedly executed while the battery 78 is connected to the CPU 76 via a power switch (not shown).

The CPU 76 detects the operation state of the operation switch 74 and performs a process according to the detected operation (step 901). Items that can be remotely controlled using the operation switch 74 include setting of the shooting mode and turning on / off of the camera.
OFF, camera release operation, etc. can be increased.

When the photographing mode and the photographing condition are set / changed, the set photographing mode is set on the LCD.
It is displayed on 73 (step 902) and the set conditions etc. are transmitted to the camera 1 (step 903).
If the power-on command is issued, the power-on signal is transmitted to the camera 1 through the terminal 72D (step 904). When the release operation is instructed, the release signal is transmitted to the camera 1 through the terminal 72D (step 905).

After step 903, step 904, or step 905, the procedure returns to step 901 and the same processing is repeated.

In the above-described embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 9), the terminal group 9 is provided with the connection terminals of the remote controller 70 and the rewriting device 50.
It was also used as the connection terminal of. But F
When the M32 (that is, the rewriting device 50) requires a larger number of connection terminals, in addition to the terminal group 9, the camera 1
It is of course possible to use the other terminal group of the above as the connection terminal of the rewriting device 50. For example, both the terminal group 9 and the terminal group 8 may be used. Such an example is shown in FIG.
It was shown at 0.

In the example of FIG. 10, the terminals 8A to 8D and
The program is transferred by using a total of eight terminals 9A to 9D. Naturally, the terminals 8A to 8D
Similarly to the terminals 9A to 9D, the changeover switch 60a,
The CPU 60b is configured to be selectively connectable to either the CPU 28 or the FM 32. The switching signal 68 is only one terminal 9E as in the above embodiment.

A rewriting device 50 'corresponding to this is shown in FIG.
It was shown to. The rewriting device 50 'includes a terminal group (terminal 72'
Two terminals A to 72'F and terminals 72'G to 72'K) are provided. The terminals 72'A to 72'F are the terminal group 9 of the camera 1.
Is connected to. The terminals 72′G to 72′K are connected to the terminal group 8.

In this way, the group of terminals 8A to 8D and the terminals 9A to 9D (and the signal lines connected thereto) can be regarded as one parallel data bus to transfer programs in parallel. Becomes
Since the terminal group 8 and the terminal group 9 are separated from each other in position, the terminal group formed by the terminals 72′A to 72′F and the terminal group formed by the terminals 72′G to 72′K are Alternatively, the two connectors may be provided separately without being integrated.

In FIG. 10, the changeover switch 6
0a and 60b are shown in a form closer to the actual configuration than in FIG. The individual switching elements in the changeover switches 60a and 60b are configured to include semiconductor transmission gates 80 and 81. Each gate 8
Control signals 0 and 81 have opposite phases, which are turned on or off. Since the switching signal is not transmitted from the terminal 9E when the camera 1 is in a normal use state,
The gates 81 are turned on and the gates 82 are turned off, so that the FM 32 is connected to the CPU 28 as in FIG. On the other hand, during the erase / rewrite operation by the rewrite device 50 ′, the switching signal is input to the terminal 9E, so the gate 81 is turned off, the gate 82 is turned on, and the FM 32 is connected to the terminal groups 8 and 9.
It is directly connected to the rewriting device 50 'via.

In the embodiment described so far, the changeover switches 60a and 60b are provided inside the camera, so that the terminal groups 8 and 9 for connecting the accessories (data back, remote controller) are used as the terminals for connecting the rewriting device 50. Was also to be used. However, of course, the rewriting device 50
A dedicated terminal may be provided. Such an example is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an external view of the bottom of the camera 1,
The bottom lid 16 is in a removed state. On the bottom surface of the camera 1, the CPU 28, FM 32, changeover switch 60a,
Part of the printed circuit board 17 to which b is soldered is exposed. A terminal group 18 dedicated to the rewriting device 50 is provided on the board 17. To update the program in the FM 32, the bottom cover 16 may be removed, and the terminal group 18 may be connected to the contact terminal extending from the rewriting device 50. The bottom lid 16 is configured so that it can be easily removed by using a tool. Therefore, it is not necessary to readjust each part even if the bottom cover 16 is detached. It goes without saying that the dedicated terminal may be installed in a place other than the bottom of the camera.

As described above, since the camera of the above embodiment is provided with the FM 32, it is possible to easily and promptly deal with the change of the program. Further, since the rewriting device can be configured by using a general personal computer or the like, it can be easily performed even in a general store or the like. Therefore, it is possible to offer a new program to consumers in the form of an upgrade to the already sold camera.

Further, in the example in which the terminal for another accessory is also used as the terminal for connecting the rewriting device, it is not necessary to provide a terminal dedicated to the rewriting device which is rarely used (or never used in some cases). . Therefore, the cost increase can be suppressed to the minimum. Further, the present invention can be applied to a conventional model while minimizing the design change. For example, newly providing the changeover switch 60 and the like can be realized by only partially modifying the circuit provided on the circuit board. On the other hand, in order to provide a dedicated terminal that is normally exposed to the outside, new wiring is required between the terminal and the substrate, and therefore mechanical design changes may also be necessary. In addition, it may be necessary to change the shape of the die-cast that forms the outer shape of the camera. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the terminals of the data back 5 and the remote controller 70 are also used has been shown, but the same effect can be obtained by using the connection terminals of other removable accessories such as a strobe and a finder. To be

On the other hand, when the terminal dedicated to the rewriting device is provided, the reliability is further enhanced. If the program in the FM 32 is destroyed, the camera 1 will not function at all, so that high reliability is extremely important. In addition,
In this embodiment, since the dedicated terminal group 18 is not exposed to the outside, it can be applied to the conventional model without changing the shape of the case or the like forming the outer shape of the camera. Moreover, the terminal group 18 can be easily used by opening the conventionally existing bottom lid 16 and the like.

In the above embodiment, it is not necessary to disassemble the camera when rewriting the program, and mechanical, electrical and optical damage can be prevented. Of course, these readjustments are also unnecessary.

In the above embodiment, a flash memory is used as an example of a large capacity electrically erasable and rewritable memory. However, as long as it is a storage medium having a capacity capable of storing the processing program of the CPU and capable of erasing and rewriting the processing program from the outside of the camera through a predetermined terminal, a storage medium other than the flash memory. May be used. For example, FRAM (ferroelectric memory)
It is also possible to use. In this case, the CPU does not need RAM. Further, the photographing data and the like can be saved as a signal as appropriate. As a result, it is possible to read the photographing data and the like as electric signals at a later date and manage them using other electronic devices.

The power required by the FM 32 is set to DC / DC.
In the example in which the output from the converter 21 is used, the rewriting device can be simplified. On the other hand, if the power of the FM 32 is supplied from the rewriting device 50, the processing can be performed while ignoring the electric circuit in the camera.

In the above embodiment, the changeover switches 60a and 60b are changed over according to the signal input to the signal line 68. However, a switch that detects that an external circuit is connected to the terminal group 9 may be separately provided, and the changeover switches 60a and 60b may be operated according to the detection result of the switch. The switch may mechanically detect that the rewriting device 50 is connected.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, the control program in the camera 1 can be rewritten from the outside quickly and reliably by using the rewriting device. Further, the reassembling work does not require disassembly of the camera, so the work is easy.

If the existing terminal provided in the camera is used, the application to the conventional model is easy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a control configuration inside the camera.

FIG. 3 is an example of an electric circuit diagram in a data bag 5.

FIG. 4 is an example of an electric circuit diagram in a remote controller 70.

5 is a diagram showing an outline of a rewriting device 50. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a rewriting device 5 when changing a program in the FM 32.
It is a figure which shows operation | movement of 0.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a CPU 28 of the camera 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the CPU 40 of the data bag 5.

9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a CPU 76 of the remote controller 70. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram in the camera 1 showing an example in which terminals 8 and 9 are terminals for the rewriting device 50.

11 is a diagram showing an outline of a rewriting device 50 adapted to the camera of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example in which terminals for exclusive use of a rewriting device are provided on the bottom of the camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Camera, 5 ... Data back, 8 ... Terminal group (terminal), 9 ... Terminal group (terminal), 15 ... Terminal group (terminal), 28 ... CPU, 32 ... Flash memory (FM ), 40 ... CPU, 50 ... Rewriting device, 60 ... Changeover switch, 72 ... Terminal group (terminal), 76 ... CPU

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-4-243236 (JP, A) JP-A-63-163439 (JP, A) JP-A-4-226437 (JP, A) JP-A-2-204734 (JP , A) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-34755 (JP, A) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-126620 (JP, A) Actual Development No. 4-70641 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB) Name) G03B 17/00 G03B 17/26-17/34 G03B 17/38-17/46 G03B 7/00-7/28 G03B 19/00-19/16 H04N 5/222-5/257

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A camera comprising a control means for controlling a photographing operation, wherein at least a storage means storing control information defining the photographing operation, the control information is read out, and the photographing means is operated in accordance with the control information. Control means for controlling, a connecting portion for connecting to an external circuit, and a selecting means for selectively connecting the storage means to either one of the connecting portion and the control means. camera. 2. The connection portion includes a plurality of terminals, and comprises connection detection means for detecting connection of the external circuit to the connection portion, and the selection means responds to a detection result of the detection means. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the other party of the connection is changed. 3. The selecting means is a predetermined terminal (hereinafter referred to as "specific terminal") of the plurality of terminals.
The camera according to claim 2 , wherein the other party of the connection is changed according to a signal input to the camera. 4. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the storage means is operable by using a signal input through the specific terminal as a power source. 5. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is capable of electrically rewriting the control information. Wherein said storage means, a camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4 batch erasing of the contents stored that is capable, characterized. 7. The storage means, a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that a flash memory. 8. The connection part is configured to include a plurality of terminals, claims these terminals that are installed at least two positions or more regions to a separatory <br/> Ke and characterized by The camera described in 1. 9. A remote control device for remotely operating a camera, and a data back device for printing desired data on a film, wherein at least one of the remote control device and the data back device is connectable to the external circuit. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion serves as at least one of a connecting portion for connecting the remote control device and a connecting portion for connecting the data back. 10. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is installed so as to be exposed to the outside. 11. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising an openable / closable cover member that covers the connection portion. 12. A remotely controllable camera, a control means for controlling a shooting operation of the camera, a storage means for rewritably storing a program for controlling the shooting operation of the control means, and an external device. When a device for performing remote operation is connected to the connection unit for connecting and the connection unit, the connection unit is connected to the control unit to enable remote operation from the device, the connecting portion, when the device for rewriting the program is connected is provided by connecting the connecting portion in the storage means, and means for enabling e replacement program writing for the previous term memory means A camera characterized by that.