JP4529777B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera that records captured images as electronic data.

  There is known an electronic camera that uses a gain (referred to as imaging sensitivity) for an imaging signal as an exposure control parameter in addition to a shutter speed and an aperture value (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a camera determines imaging sensitivity according to subject brightness. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a technique in which a user sets imaging sensitivity for a camera and changes the imaging sensitivity set for the camera when the shutter speed and the aperture value reach control limits.

Japanese Patent No. 3244727 JP 2003-189175 A

  The technique of Patent Literature 1 cannot meet the user's request that the set imaging sensitivity is not automatically changed as much as possible. Further, the technique of Patent Document 2 cannot meet the user's request to leave the imaging sensitivity setting to the camera.

In the electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an imaging signal, a luminance detection unit that detects the luminance of the subject, and an image according to the luminance of the subject detected by the luminance detection unit First imaging sensitivity determination means for determining the sensitivity of the means, and second imaging sensitivity determination for changing the sensitivity set in the imaging means in accordance with the subject brightness when the shutter speed and the aperture value reach the control limits And a control means for controlling validity / invalidity of the first imaging sensitivity determination means and the second imaging sensitivity determination means.
In the electronic camera according to claim 1, when the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is disabled, the control unit may be configured to enable or disable the second imaging sensitivity determination unit.
The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein when the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled, the control unit may be configured to disable the already enabled second imaging sensitivity determination unit. .
In the electronic camera according to claim 2, when the second imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled, the control unit may be configured to leave the first imaging sensitivity determination unit invalid.
In the electronic camera according to claim 1, the control unit may be configured to enable or disable the second imaging sensitivity determination unit regardless of whether the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled or disabled.
In the electronic camera according to claim 1, when the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled, the control unit may be configured to disable the second imaging sensitivity determination unit.

  In the electronic camera according to the present invention, the imaging sensitivity can be controlled so as to widely meet the user's demand for the imaging sensitivity.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the back and top surfaces of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a main switch SW <b> 1, a release button SW <b> 2, and a monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 are disposed on the upper surface of the electronic camera 1. On the back of the electronic camera 1, a cancel switch SW3, a mode selection switch SW4, an exposure mode switch SW5, a left selection switch SW6, a right selection switch SW7, an upper selection switch SW8, and a lower selection switch SW9 are confirmed. A switch SW10, an image deletion switch SW13, a command dial (left rotation operation switch SW11 and right rotation operation switch SW12), and a color liquid crystal monitor 5 are disposed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a main configuration of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. The electronic camera 1 is controlled by the microcomputer 101.

  The photographing lens 21 forms a subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 22. The imaging element 22 is configured by a CCD or the like, captures a subject image on the imaging surface, and outputs an imaging signal to the imaging circuit 23. The imaging element 22 is configured to be able to change its imaging sensitivity (exposure sensitivity) in a predetermined step within a range corresponding to ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The imaging sensitivity is a controlled amount that changes the detection sensitivity of charges accumulated in the imaging element 22 or the amplification gain of an amplifier circuit (not shown). The imaging sensitivity is represented by a corresponding ISO sensitivity value.

  The image pickup circuit 23 includes an A / D conversion circuit, converts an analog image pickup signal output from the image pickup element 22 into digital data in response to a shooting instruction from the microcomputer 101, and performs a predetermined image on the converted image data. Process. Image processing includes γ conversion processing and white balance adjustment processing. The driver circuit DR1 drives the motor M1 in response to a command from the microcomputer 101. The motor M1 drives a focus lens (not shown) to advance and retreat in the optical axis direction.

  The main switch SW1 sends an operation signal to the microcomputer 101 in response to an operation for turning on / off the main power supply of the electronic camera 1. The release switch SW2 outputs to the microcomputer 101 a release operation signal that instructs the start of shooting in conjunction with the pressing operation of the release button SW2 (FIG. 1).

  The cancel switch SW3 outputs an operation signal for canceling the operation to the microcomputer 101 in response to the pressing operation. The mode selection switch SW4 outputs an operation signal for switching the operation mode of the electronic camera 1, that is, the photographing mode, the reproduction mode, and the menu mode, to the microcomputer 101 in response to the pressing operation.

  The exposure mode switch SW5 outputs an operation signal for enabling the exposure mode switching operation to the microcomputer 101 in response to the pressing operation. The electronic camera 1 is configured to cyclically switch between a plurality of exposure modes when a command dial (SW11 and switch SW12) described later is rotated while the exposure mode switch SW5 is operated. The exposure mode will be described later.

  The left selection switch SW6, the right selection switch SW7, the upper selection switch SW8, and the lower selection switch SW9 each output an operation signal indicating the selection direction to the microcomputer 101 in response to the pressing operation. The confirmation switch SW10 outputs a confirmation operation signal to the microcomputer 101 in response to the pressing operation. The image deletion switch SW13 outputs an operation signal for deleting the image data file to the microcomputer 101 in response to the pressing operation.

  The command dial outputs a rotation operation signal to the microcomputer 101 in conjunction with the rotation operation. When the command dial is operated to rotate left, an operation signal corresponding to the operation amount is output from the left rotation operation switch SW11. When the command dial is operated to rotate right, an operation signal corresponding to the operation amount is output from the right rotation operation switch SW12.

  The battery 103 supplies power to each unit in the electronic camera 1. The battery check circuit 105 checks whether or not the battery voltage of the battery 103 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage necessary for camera operation. When the battery check circuit 105 detects that the voltage of the battery 103 is less than a predetermined voltage, the battery check circuit 105 sends a signal indicating a decrease in battery voltage to the microcomputer 101.

  The photometric device 119 detects the subject brightness and sends a detection signal to the microcomputer 101. The driver circuit DR2 drives and controls the shutter mechanism 107 in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 101. The shutter mechanism 107 opens and closes blades (not shown) to block and expose light to the image sensor 22. The driver circuit DR3 drives and controls the diaphragm mechanism 109 in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 101. The aperture mechanism 109 opens and closes an aperture (not shown). The driver circuit DR4 drives and controls the mirror mechanism 111 in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 101. The mirror mechanism 111 moves up and down a mirror (not shown).

  The external interface 112 is an interface circuit that outputs (transmits) data in the electronic camera 1 to an external device such as a personal computer or another electronic camera. Examples of the external interface 112 include RS232C, USB, and IEEE1394.

  The liquid crystal drive circuit DR5 generates a drive signal for the color liquid crystal monitor 5 according to a command from the microcomputer 101. The color liquid crystal monitor 5 displays images and menus.

  The display device drive circuit DR6 generates a drive signal for the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 according to a command from the microcomputer 101. The black-and-white liquid crystal monitor 6 displays a code or mark indicating the set exposure mode, the number of shot frames, and the like.

  The memory card 121 is a recording medium that is attached to and detached from the electronic camera 1 via the card connector 119. The memory card 121 stores image data (file) and audio data (file). The image storage memory 118 constitutes a buffer that temporarily stores image data during the above-described image processing and compression processing and decompression processing described later. The compression / decompression circuit 117 compresses the image data by a predetermined method such as JPEG, or decompresses the compressed image data. The memory 116 is used as a work area for the microcomputer 101. The timer 113 measures the time designated by the microcomputer 101, outputs a time-up signal, and outputs a signal indicating the current date and time.

  The driver circuit DR7 drives and controls the piezoelectric buzzer 115 in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 101. The piezoelectric buzzer 115 generates a buzzer sound by vibrating a piezoelectric element (not shown). For example, an AC / DC adapter is connected to the external power connector 120.

For example, the electronic camera 1 described above is configured such that any one of the following seven exposure modes can be selected.
[1] Program (P) mode [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode [4] Manual (M) mode [5] Portrait shooting mode [6] Landscape shooting mode [7 ] Sports shooting mode

  [1] In the program mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the shutter speed and the aperture value in accordance with the brightness so that an appropriate exposure can be obtained. [2] In the shutter priority auto mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the aperture value according to the brightness so that proper exposure can be obtained at the set shutter speed. [3] In the aperture priority auto mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the shutter speed according to the brightness so that proper exposure can be obtained with the set aperture value. [4] In the manual mode, the deviation between the control exposure and the appropriate exposure according to the shutter speed and aperture value set for the electronic camera 1 is calculated.

  [5] In the portrait shooting mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the aperture value and the shutter speed according to the brightness to values suitable for portrait shooting so that proper exposure can be obtained. [6] In the landscape shooting mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the aperture value and shutter speed to values suitable for landscape shooting in accordance with the brightness so that a proper exposure can be obtained. [7] In the sports mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the aperture value and the shutter speed to values suitable for sports scene shooting according to the luminance so that appropriate exposure can be obtained.

(Change exposure mode setting)
The exposure mode setting (selection) operation by the user is performed as follows. The electronic camera 1 changes the exposure mode to [1] → [2] →... [6] each time an operation signal is output from the left rotation operation switch SW11 with the exposure mode switch SW5 turned on. Switch cyclically to [7] → [1] →. Further, each time an operation signal is output from the right rotation operation switch SW12 in a state where the exposure mode switch SW5 is turned on, the exposure mode is changed from [7] → [6] →... → [2] → [1. ] → [7] → .. When the ON operation of the exposure mode switch SW5 is canceled, the electronic camera 1 switches to the exposure mode selected at that time. The electronic camera 1 displays a symbol or mark indicating the selected exposure mode in the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown).

(Change shutter speed setting)
The operation of setting the shutter speed by the user is performed as follows. When the exposure mode is set to [2] shutter priority auto (S) mode, the electronic camera 1 sets the shutter speed to 1 according to the operation amount when the command dial (SW11 and switch SW12) is rotated. Switching is performed in a predetermined step within the range of / 4000 seconds to 30 seconds. The electronic camera 1 displays a numerical value indicating the set shutter speed on the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown).

(Aperture value setting change)
The operation of setting the aperture value by the user is performed as follows. When the exposure mode is set to the [3] aperture priority auto (A) mode, the electronic camera 1 sets the aperture value to F2 according to the operation amount when the command dial (SW11 and switch SW12) is rotated. Switching in a predetermined step in the range of .8 to F32. The electronic camera 1 displays a numerical value indicating a set aperture value in a black and white liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown).

  When the exposure mode is set to [4] manual mode, when the command dial (SW11 and switch SW12) is rotated, the electronic camera 1 changes the shutter speed from 1/4000 seconds to 30 according to the operation amount. When the command dial (SW11 and switch SW12) is further rotated after the depressing switch SW10 is pressed down in a predetermined step in the range of seconds, the aperture value is set in the predetermined step in the range of F2.8 to F32 according to the operation amount. Switch with. Similarly, every time the confirmation switch SW10 is pressed, the shutter speed and the aperture value are alternately switched according to the operation amount of the command dial (SW11 and switch SW12).

  The electronic camera 1 may be provided with a subcommand dial. In this case, the shutter speed may be switched according to the operation amount of the command dial, and the aperture value may be switched according to the operation amount of the subcommand dial.

(Change of imaging sensitivity setting)
The setting operation of the imaging sensitivity by the user is performed by switching the electronic camera 1 to the menu mode. The user operates the mode selection switch SW4 to display a menu (not shown) on the color liquid crystal monitor 5, and sets the left selection switch SW6, the right selection switch SW7, the upper selection switch SW8, the lower selection switch SW9, and the confirmation switch SW10. By operating, the menu item “imaging sensitivity” is selected by the electronic camera 1. When the command dial (SW11 and switch SW12) is rotated with the “imaging sensitivity” selected, the electronic camera 1 switches the imaging sensitivity in a predetermined step within a range corresponding to ISO 100 to ISO 1600 according to the operation amount. . The electronic camera 1 displays a numerical value indicating the set imaging sensitivity in the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown).

(Automatic imaging sensitivity mode)
The electronic camera 1 has an imaging sensitivity automatic mode in which the electronic camera 1 itself automatically determines (sets) the imaging sensitivity in addition to setting the imaging sensitivity in accordance with the above-described user operation. The imaging sensitivity automatic mode includes an [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode and a [B] sensitivity automatic control mode.

  [A] In the sensitivity automatic setting mode, the electronic camera 1 automatically determines the imaging sensitivity in accordance with the brightness so as to obtain an appropriate exposure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of control in the sensitivity automatic setting mode. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents subject luminance, where the left side is higher in luminance and the right side is lower in luminance. In the electronic camera 1 (microcomputer 101), in the range where the subject brightness is higher than BV = 6, the imaging sensitivity is fixed (for example, equivalent to ISO 200 (SV = 6)), and at least one of the aperture value and the shutter speed is set as the subject brightness. The control exposure is determined according to the change.

  When the subject brightness is in the range of BV = 6 to 5, the electronic camera 1 fixes the aperture value and shutter speed (for example, the aperture value is F2.8 (AV = 3) and the shutter speed is 1/500 seconds (TV = 9). ) And changing the imaging sensitivity within a predetermined range (for example, a range corresponding to ISO 200 to ISO 400 (SV = 6 to 7)) to determine the control exposure.

  The electronic camera 1 fixes the imaging sensitivity (for example, equivalent to ISO400 (SV = 7)) when the subject brightness is in the range of BV = 5 to 3, and changes at least one of the aperture value and the shutter speed according to the subject brightness. Determine the control exposure.

  When the subject brightness is in the range of BV = 3 to 2, the electronic camera 1 fixes the aperture value and shutter speed (for example, the aperture value is F2.8 (AV = 3) and the shutter speed is 1/125 seconds (TV = 7 ) And changing the imaging sensitivity within a predetermined range (for example, a range corresponding to ISO 400 to ISO 800 (SV = 7 to 8)) to determine the control exposure.

  The electronic camera 1 fixes the imaging sensitivity (for example, equivalent to ISO 800 (SV = 8)) in the range where the subject brightness is lower than BV = 2, and changes at least one of the aperture value and the shutter speed according to the subject brightness. Control exposure.

  [B] In the automatic sensitivity control mode, the imaging sensitivity set by the electronic camera 1 is automatically changed according to the luminance so that the shutter speed and the aperture value are closer to the appropriate exposure while reaching the control limits. . FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of control in the sensitivity automatic control mode. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents subject luminance, where the left side is higher in luminance and the right side is lower in luminance. In the electronic camera 1, the aperture value and shutter speed are set in the range of higher brightness than the subject brightness corresponding to the control limit on the high brightness side of the aperture value and shutter speed (for example, F11 and 1/4000 seconds). The shutter speed is fixed (control limit), and the control exposure is determined by changing the imaging sensitivity set by the user in the low sensitivity direction. Note that the control limit does not have to coincide with the setting limit (the upper limit or the lower limit of the setting range) as long as it is within the setting range of the aperture value and the shutter speed that can be set in the electronic camera 1.

  The electronic camera 1 fixes the imaging sensitivity in a range of subject brightness corresponding to the control limit on the low brightness side (for example, F2.8 and 1 second) from the control limit on the high brightness side to the aperture value and shutter speed (for example, by the user). The control exposure is determined by changing at least one of the aperture value and the shutter speed according to the subject brightness.

  In the electronic camera 1, the aperture value and shutter speed are fixed (control limit) in the range of brightness lower than the subject brightness corresponding to the control limit on the low brightness side of the aperture value and shutter speed, and the image set by the user is set. The control exposure is determined by changing the sensitivity in the high sensitivity direction.

(Imaging sensitivity automatic mode setting)
The setting / cancellation operation of the [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode by the user is performed by switching the electronic camera 1 to the menu mode. The user operates the mode selection switch SW4 to display a menu (not shown) on the color liquid crystal monitor 5, and sets the left selection switch SW6, the right selection switch SW7, the upper selection switch SW8, the lower selection switch SW9, and the confirmation switch SW10. By operating, the electronic camera 1 is made to select the menu item “ISO Control”. When the left selection switch SW6 and the right selection switch SW7 are operated with the “ISO Control” selected, the electronic camera 1 sets the setting item “ON (setting)” or “OFF (cancellation)” according to the operation. When the selection switch SW10 is further operated, the selected contents are validated ([A] sensitivity automatic setting mode is set). In order to show that the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is set, the electronic camera 1 displays, for example, “ISO AUTO” in the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown).

  The setting / canceling operation of the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode by the user is performed by switching the electronic camera 1 to the menu mode. The user operates the mode selection switch SW4 to display a menu (not shown) on the color liquid crystal monitor 5, and sets the left selection switch SW6, the right selection switch SW7, the upper selection switch SW8, the lower selection switch SW9, and the confirmation switch SW10. By operating, the electronic camera 1 is made to select the menu item “ISO Auto”. When the left selection switch SW6 and the right selection switch SW7 are operated with the “ISO Auto” selected, the electronic camera 1 sets the setting item “ON (setting)” or “OFF (cancellation)” according to the operation. When the selection switch SW10 is further operated, the selected content is validated ([B] sensitivity automatic control mode is set). In order to indicate that the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode is set, the electronic camera 1 displays, for example, “ISO AUTO” in the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown).

  [B] To indicate that the electronic camera 1 has changed the imaging sensitivity when the electronic camera 1 changes the imaging sensitivity set by the user while the automatic sensitivity control mode is ON (set). In the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and the finder (not shown), for example, “ISO AUTO” is displayed blinking at 50% duty (50% on: 50% off).

  The electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized by a combination of the above-described imaging sensitivity automatic mode and exposure mode, and thus will be described mainly.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the exposure mode set in the electronic camera 1 and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode. In FIG. 5, the exposure mode is any of the above [1] Program (P) mode, [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] Manual (M) mode. When the camera is set to be set to “ON”, the electronic camera 1 prohibits (selects) the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode from being set (cannot be selected), and always turns off (cancels) the automatic sensitivity setting mode [A]. In a state where selection is disabled, ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operations relating to the menu item “ISO Control” are prohibited in the above-described menu mode. Specifically, the menu item “ISO Control” is grayed out and cannot be selected.

  Also, the exposure mode is any of the above [1] Program (P) mode, [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] Manual (M) mode. When set, the electronic camera 1 permits any selection of ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) regarding the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode. Specifically, after [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is turned off (cancelled) as a default setting, the menu item “ISO Auto” on (setting) / off (releasing) operation is permitted in the above-described menu mode. The

  When the exposure mode is set to any one of the above [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, the electronic camera 1 turns ON (settings for the automatic sensitivity setting mode). ) / OFF (cancel) selection is allowed. Specifically, after the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is turned on (set) as the default setting, the ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operation related to the menu item “ISO Control” is permitted in the menu mode described above. The

  When the exposure mode is set to any one of the above [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, the operation related to the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is performed by the electronic camera 1 as follows. It is limited as follows.

(1) In the state where the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is ON (set), the electronic camera 1 prohibits (selectable) the ON (setting) of the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode, and the [B] automatic sensitivity setting. The control mode is always turned off (released). In a state where selection is disabled, ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operations relating to the menu item “ISO Auto” are prohibited in the above-described menu mode. Specifically, the menu item “ISO Auto” is grayed out and cannot be selected.

(2) In the state where the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is OFF (cancelled), the electronic camera 1 is allowed to select either ON (set) or OFF (cancel) regarding the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode. . Specifically, after [B] sensitivity automatic control mode is turned off (cancelled) as a default setting, the menu item “ISO Auto” on (setting) / off (cancelling) operation is permitted in the above-described menu mode. The

According to the electronic camera 1 of the embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(A1) The exposure mode is any one of [1] Program (P) mode, [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] Manual (M) mode In the case of setting, since the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is always disabled (OFF), the control exposure is calculated with the imaging sensitivity set by the user fixed. As a result, it is possible to respond to the user's desire not to automatically change the set imaging sensitivity.

(B1) The exposure mode is one of [1] program (P) mode, [2] shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] manual (M) mode. If it is set, [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is disabled (OFF) as the default setting, so it is set by the user unless the user changes [B] automatic sensitivity control mode to enabled (ON). The controlled exposure is calculated with the imaging sensitivity fixed. As a result, it is possible to respond to the user's desire not to automatically change the set imaging sensitivity.

(C1) When the exposure mode is set to any one of [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is enabled as a default setting ( As long as the user does not change the [A] automatic sensitivity control mode to invalid (OFF), the control exposure is calculated with the imaging sensitivity determined by the electronic camera 1. Thereby, it is possible to respond to a user's request to leave the imaging sensitivity setting to the camera.

(D1) Since the [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode and the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode are both prohibited (ON), the operations in the two automatic modes related to imaging sensitivity do not overlap.

  In the above description, the exposure mode is set to any one of [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, and [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is enabled (ON). In the above state, the example in which the operation to enable (ON) the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode later is prohibited has been described. In this case, unless the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is disabled (OFF), the operation to enable (ON) the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is not permitted. That is, unless the imaging sensitivity automatic mode that has already been enabled (ON) is disabled (OFF), the other imaging sensitivity automatic mode cannot be enabled (ON) later.

  Instead, the operation to enable (ON) the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode later is permitted, and the automatic (B) sensitivity automatic control mode is enabled (ON) according to the operation, and already enabled ( [A] Sensitivity automatic setting mode set to ON) may be disabled (OFF). That is, the other imaging sensitivity automatic mode is enabled (ON) later, and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode that has already been enabled (ON) is disabled (OFF).

(Modification 1)
The relationship between the exposure mode set in the electronic camera 1 and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode may be different. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the exposure mode and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode in the first modification. Compared to FIG. 5, the contents when the exposure mode is set to any one of [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode are different. explain.

  In FIG. 6, when the exposure mode is set to any one of the above [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, the electronic camera 1 uses the [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode. Is disabled (cannot be selected) and [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is always ON (set). In a state where selection is disabled, ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operations relating to the menu item “ISO Control” are prohibited in the above-described menu mode. Specifically, the menu item “ISO Control” is grayed out and cannot be selected.

  When the exposure mode is set to any one of the above [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, the electronic camera 1 turns on (setting) [B] automatic sensitivity control mode. ) Is prohibited (cannot be selected), and the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is always turned off (released). In a state where selection is disabled, ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operations relating to the menu item “ISO Auto” are prohibited in the above-described menu mode. Specifically, the menu item “ISO Auto” is grayed out and cannot be selected.

According to the modification 1 demonstrated above, in addition to the effect (a1) and (b1) by the said embodiment, the following effect is obtained.
(A2) When the exposure mode is set to any one of [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode, [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is always enabled (ON) Therefore, the control exposure is always calculated with the imaging sensitivity determined by the electronic camera 1. Thereby, it is possible to respond to a user's request to leave the imaging sensitivity setting to the camera.

(B2) Since the [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode and the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode are both prohibited (ON), the operations in the two automatic modes related to imaging sensitivity do not overlap.

(C2) When the exposure mode is set, the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is uniquely enabled (ON) or disabled (OFF), so that the setting operation can be simplified. In this case, the menu item “ISO Control” may be omitted in the menu mode described above.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the exposure mode and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode in the second modification. Compared to FIG. 5, the exposure modes are [1] Program (P) mode, [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] Manual (M) mode. Since the contents when set to any one are different, these differences will be mainly described.

  In FIG. 7, the exposure mode is any of the above [1] Program (P) mode, [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] Manual (M) mode. When the camera is set to be either, the electronic camera 1 permits any selection of ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) related to the [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode. Specifically, after the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is turned on (set) as the default setting, the ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operation related to the menu item “ISO Control” is permitted in the menu mode described above. The

  The exposure mode is set to one of the above [1] Program (P) mode, [2] Shutter priority auto (S) mode, [3] Aperture priority auto (A) mode, and [4] Manual (M) mode The electronic camera 1 restricts the operation related to the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode as follows.

(1) In the state where the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is ON (set), the electronic camera 1 prohibits (selectable) the ON (setting) of the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode, and the [B] automatic sensitivity setting. The control mode is always turned off (released). In a state where selection is disabled, ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operations relating to the menu item “ISO Auto” are prohibited in the above-described menu mode. Specifically, the menu item “ISO Auto” is grayed out and cannot be selected.

(2) In the state where the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is OFF (cancelled), the electronic camera 1 is allowed to select either ON (set) or OFF (cancel) regarding the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode. . Specifically, after [B] sensitivity automatic control mode is turned off (cancelled) as a default setting, the menu item “ISO Auto” on (setting) / off (cancelling) operation is permitted in the above-described menu mode. The

According to Modification 2 described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(A3) Regardless of the selected exposure mode, [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode is enabled (ON) as the default setting, so the user can change [A] sensitivity automatic control mode to disabled (OFF). Unless otherwise, the control exposure is calculated with the imaging sensitivity determined by the electronic camera 1. Thereby, it is possible to respond to a user's request to leave the imaging sensitivity setting to the camera.

(B3) Regardless of the selected exposure mode, both the [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode and the [B] sensitivity automatic control mode are prohibited from being enabled (ON). There is no duplication of operation by mode.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the exposure mode and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode in the third modification. In FIG. 8, regardless of whether the selected exposure mode or [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is ON (set) / OFF (release), the electronic camera 1 turns ON (set) / OFF related to the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode. Any selection of (Cancel) is allowed. Specifically, after the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is turned on (set) as the default setting, the ON (setting) / OFF (cancellation) operation related to the menu item “ISO Control” is permitted in the menu mode described above. The

  Regardless of whether the selected exposure mode or [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode is ON (set) / OFF (cancelled), the electronic camera 1 can turn ON (set) / OFF (cancel) the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode. Any selection of) is allowed. Specifically, after [B] sensitivity automatic control mode is turned off (cancelled) as a default setting, the menu item “ISO Auto” on (setting) / off (cancelling) operation is permitted in the above-described menu mode. The

According to Modification 3 described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(A4) Regardless of the selected exposure mode, [A] sensitivity automatic setting mode is enabled (ON) as the default setting, so the user can change [A] sensitivity automatic control mode to disabled (OFF). Unless otherwise, the control exposure is calculated with the imaging sensitivity determined by the electronic camera 1. Thereby, it is possible to respond to a user's request to leave the imaging sensitivity setting to the camera.

(B4) [A] Since any selection of valid (ON) / invalid (OFF) related to the automatic sensitivity setting mode is permitted, when it is invalidated (OFF), the imaging sensitivity set by the user is fixed. Control exposure is calculated. Accordingly, it is possible to respond to a user's request that the set imaging sensitivity is not desired to be automatically changed.

(C4) Regardless of the selected exposure mode, [B] sensitivity automatic control mode is disabled (OFF) as the default setting, so the user changes [B] sensitivity automatic control mode to enabled (ON). Unless otherwise, the control exposure is calculated with the imaging sensitivity set by the user fixed. As a result, it is possible to respond to the user's desire not to automatically change the set imaging sensitivity.

(D4) Since any selection of valid (ON) / invalid (OFF) regarding the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode is permitted, when exposure is enabled (ON), control exposure is performed with the imaging sensitivity determined by the electronic camera 1. Is calculated. Accordingly, it is possible to respond to a user's request that the setting of the imaging sensitivity is left to the camera.

(E4) Since both the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode and the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode can be enabled (ON), both operations can be performed after the imaging sensitivity setting is left to the camera. It is possible to respond to the user's request to make it happen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an outline of control when both the [A] automatic sensitivity setting mode and the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode are turned on (set). In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents subject luminance, with the higher luminance on the left side and the lower luminance on the right side. In the electronic camera 1, the aperture value and shutter speed are fixed (control limit) in the range of brightness higher than the subject brightness corresponding to the control limit on the high brightness side of the aperture value and shutter speed, and imaging set by the user The control exposure is determined by changing the sensitivity in the low sensitivity direction.

  The range of the subject brightness corresponding to the control limit on the low brightness side from the control limit on the high brightness side of the aperture value and shutter speed is the same as in the case of FIG.

  In the electronic camera 1, the aperture value and shutter speed are fixed (control limit) in the range of brightness lower than the subject brightness corresponding to the control limit on the low brightness side of the aperture value and shutter speed, and the image set by the user is set. The control exposure is determined by changing the sensitivity in the high sensitivity direction.

  In order to indicate that the electronic camera 1 has changed the imaging sensitivity set by the user, the electronic camera 1 that performs the control of FIG. 9 includes, for example, “ISO AUTO” in the monochrome liquid crystal monitor 6 and a finder (not shown). "Blinks at 75% duty (75% on: 25% off).

  In the above description, the seven exposure modes [1] to [7] have been described. For example, an SB shooting mode in which shooting auxiliary light is emitted during shooting may be added. In the SB shooting mode, the [B] automatic sensitivity control mode may be always enabled (ON).

  The control diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 9 are examples, and the subject luminance range in which the imaging sensitivity is changed, the imaging sensitivity value set according to the luminance, the aperture value, and the shutter speed control limit are set as appropriate. You may change it.

  A plurality of control diagrams as shown in FIG. 3 may be provided, and the control diagrams may be properly used in [5] portrait shooting mode, [6] landscape shooting mode, and [7] sports shooting mode.

  In the above description, the example in which the imaging sensitivity automatic mode is changed corresponding to the exposure mode has been described. However, instead of the exposure mode, a photometric mode (such as spot photometry or multi-photometry) or an image recording mode to a recording medium is used. The imaging sensitivity automatic mode may be changed in correspondence with (JPEG data recording or RAW data recording).

1 is a perspective view of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the principal part structure of an electronic camera. It is a figure which illustrates the outline | summary of the control in a sensitivity automatic setting mode. It is a figure which illustrates the outline | summary of the control in a sensitivity automatic control mode. It is a figure explaining the relationship between exposure mode and imaging sensitivity automatic mode. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the exposure mode in the modification 1, and an imaging sensitivity automatic mode. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the exposure mode in the modification 2, and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the exposure mode in the modification 3, and the imaging sensitivity automatic mode. It is a figure which illustrates the outline | summary of the control in the modification 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera 5 ... Color liquid crystal monitor 6 ... Black-and-white liquid crystal monitor 22 ... Imaging element 23 ... Imaging circuit 101 ... Microcomputer 119 ... Photometry apparatus

Claims (6)

Imaging means for capturing a subject image and outputting an imaging signal;
Luminance detection means for detecting subject luminance;
First imaging sensitivity determination means for determining the sensitivity of the imaging means according to the subject brightness detected by the brightness detection means;
Second imaging sensitivity determination means for changing the sensitivity set in the imaging means in accordance with the subject brightness when the shutter speed and the aperture value reach a control limit;
An electronic camera comprising: control means for controlling validity / invalidity of the first imaging sensitivity determination means and the second imaging sensitivity determination means. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the control means enables or disables the second imaging sensitivity determination means when the first imaging sensitivity determination means is disabled. The electronic camera according to claim 2,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled, the control unit disables the second imaging sensitivity determination unit that is already enabled. The electronic camera according to claim 2,
The electronic camera characterized in that the control means leaves the first imaging sensitivity determination means invalid when the second imaging sensitivity determination means is enabled. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enables or disables the second imaging sensitivity determination unit regardless of whether the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled or disabled. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the first imaging sensitivity determination unit is enabled, the control unit disables the second imaging sensitivity determination unit.

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