JP4786734B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of an AF camera ranging device that measures a plurality of points on a screen and focuses them.

  In recent years, various AF cameras that measure a plurality of points on a screen and perform focusing have been developed. Such AF is generally referred to as multi-AF, but the side effect that the time required for distance measurement becomes longer with the increase of distance measurement points cannot be ignored (Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). reference).

JP-A-10-142490 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-109481

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that analyzes a scene by dividing a scene into several parts to obtain a distance distribution. However, in the case of an apparatus that performs computation in a time division manner, it takes time to obtain the distance distribution itself.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a user manually selects a focusing point from a number of distance measuring points. Even in such a case, if there are too many distance measuring points, the user's selection operation becomes complicated, and there is another problem that a photo opportunity is missed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of focusing at high speed and accurately on a main subject even if it has a plurality of distance measuring points. .

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention has an imaging unit and a focusing unit, and focuses on a plurality of distance measuring points in a screen shot by the imaging unit. combined in the camera capable compares the viewfinder for viewing the position of the photographer's finger in the screen, the detected image repeatedly by the above imaging unit, the distance measurement points in the screen Of these, a determination display unit that determines an area pointed to by the photographer, detects and displays a distance measurement point near the pointed area, and corresponds to a position of the distance measurement point displayed by the determination display unit And a control unit that controls the focusing unit so that the subject can be focused.

  According to the present invention, in a camera that includes an imaging unit and a focusing unit and is capable of focusing on a plurality of points in a screen shot by the imaging unit, the imaging unit repeatedly By comparing the detected images, the tip position of the image change is determined by the determination unit. Then, the focusing unit is controlled by the control unit so that the focusing can be performed with respect to the tip position.

  In the present invention, further, in a camera having a multi-AF function, the subject image in the viewfinder screen is picked up by the image pickup means and an image signal is output. Then, the hand of the photographer determines the hand of the photographer from the image signal by the hand of the determining means. The multi-AF point is determined by the determining unit according to the determination result of the determining unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to measure a number of points on the screen, and to increase the degree of freedom of framing at the time of shooting, while providing a camera capable of shooting with focus that easily incorporates the user's intention. Can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) illustrates a schematic configuration of a camera distance measuring device, and (b) illustrates focusing on a subject. FIG. It is the block diagram which showed a part of sensor array of FIG. 1 in detail. (A) is a timing chart for explaining an operation for performing integral control by turning on the selection switch 22c, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of an output of an image signal monitored by a CPU. A general multi-point distance measurement method will be described. (A) shows an example of three points that can be measured in the screen, and (b) shows 30 points that can be measured in the screen. The figure which showed the example of the case, (c) is a flowchart explaining ranging operation. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a distance measuring point of a camera capable of measuring a number of points, (b) is a flowchart for explaining a distance measuring operation for a number of distance measuring points shown in (a), (c) is a diagram showing an example in which limited points with high priority are displayed on the screen, (d) is a diagram showing an example of a finally selected distance measuring point, and (e) is a number of measurement points. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the case of selecting and measuring a specific point from a distance point. It is a figure explaining the method of the relative position difference calculation of the light pattern in a passive type distance measuring device. It is a figure explaining the method of the relative position difference calculation of the light pattern in a passive type distance measuring device. (A) is the figure which showed arrangement | positioning of a light receiving lens and a sensor array, (b) is a figure which showed the monitor area of the sensor array of (a) typically, (c) is the case where the number of ranging points is set to 30 It is the figure which showed the monitoring area | region. It is the figure which showed arrangement | positioning of a light receiving lens and a sensor array. It is the figure shown about the example of the composition of a screen. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the priority determination in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the priority determination in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the priority determination in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the priority determination in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating vertical / horizontal detection and upward detection. (A) is a figure which divides | segments an imaging | photography screen and shows each ranging point position, (b) And (c) is a figure which shows the example of an imaging | photography screen. (A) is a diagram showing an example of an area to be preferentially measured in the shooting screen, (b) is a diagram showing an example in which ranging point display is made in an area with high priority of (a), (C) is the figure which showed a mode that a display was switched sequentially from the thing with a high priority. The modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, (a) is an external appearance perspective view of a camera, (b) is a circuit of switch 38a-38d corresponding to the operation member 38 of the camera of (a). It is the figure which showed the example of a structure. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging | photography operation | movement in the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining selection of a ranging point by a photographer's pointing. It is the figure which showed the example of the operation scene by pointing. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging | photography operation | movement by selection of the ranging point by pointing. It is the figure which showed the example which the user 42 instruct | indicates the point which wants to measure distance using the laser pointer 45. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement which image | photographs the point which the user 42 pointed using the laser pointer of FIG. The 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a camera, (b) is an external appearance perspective view of this camera. It is the figure which showed the example of the ranging in the scene where the main to-be-existed object does not exist in the center of a finder screen. It is a flowchart explaining the display operation | movement of the ranging point in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example at the time of focusing on the near tree accidentally instead of the main subject. It is the figure which showed the structure of the finder optical system by a gaze detection. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the mask LCD of FIG. 29 and a photographer's eye movement. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the first release in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the display control method in a screen in consideration of parallax. It is a figure for demonstrating LCD in a finder used as a ranging point. It is a figure for demonstrating the display control method in a screen in consideration of parallax.

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

  First, a general multipoint ranging method will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), when three-point ranging of A, B, and C in the screen is performed, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Integration control (step S1), correlation calculation (step S2), and interpolation calculation (step S3) are performed, and a distance is first obtained. Next, the same process is performed for point B (steps S4 to S6). Then, the distance of C point is also obtained by the same process (steps S7 to S9), and the distance of each point is obtained. Thereafter, the main subject distance is selected from each point (step S10).

  In the integration control, when an image signal of the subject 1 is detected by the sensor arrays 3a and 3b as shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, the output current of the pixels constituting the sensor array is changed to a capacitor and converted into a voltage. It is a technique that sometimes places a voltage signal within the dynamic range of a processing circuit.

  For each pixel, when an image signal as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C is obtained, the relative displacement amount x of the image positions on the sensor array 3a side and 3b side is obtained in pixel pitch units. Is the correlation calculation. The difference is obtained for each pixel data of the two sensor arrays 3a and 3b, and the result obtained by adding them is obtained. Next, the pixel data of the sensor array 3b is shifted by one pixel, and each pixel data is again processed in the same process. When the two image signals coincide with each other in the operation of repeating the difference, the approximate value of the shift amount x is obtained assuming that the degree of correlation is high.

  When the number of pixels is shifted, both data coincide with each other, the added value becomes the minimum value, and the correlation degree is the best. However, when the added value does not become 0, it is considered that there is a shift amount equal to or less than the pixel pitch, and more detailed interpolation calculation is required.

  If such complicated calculation control is repeated as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4A, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, when ranging of 30 points is performed, FIG. It takes 10 times as long as the distance measurement shown in (b), and the photographer may miss a photo opportunity.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the case of a camera capable of measuring a large number of points, first, the distance measurement points are determined according to the luminance distribution of each point in the screen from the integration control result of the entire screen. Priorities are determined, limited points with high priorities are displayed on the screen (FIG. 5C), and the user can select ranging points according to the display results.

  That is, distance measurement for a large number of distance measurement points shown in FIG. 5A is operated according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S21, the integration control result of the entire screen shown in FIG. 5A is obtained. Then, in step S22, the priority of the distance measurement point is determined according to the luminance distribution of each point in the screen from the integration control result. Is determined.

  In step S23, as shown in FIG. 5C, limited points with high priority are displayed on the screen. In subsequent step S24, a distance measuring point is selected by the user in accordance with the result displayed in step S23.

  Thereafter, correlation calculation and interpolation calculation are performed in step S25, and focus is performed on the point selected in step S24 in step S26. Thus, the finally selected point is displayed as shown in FIG.

  As described above, if a fine distance measuring operation such as a complex correlation calculation or interpolation calculation is performed in step S25, only a limited point needs to be measured, so that the time lag can be shortened.

  Further, as described above, when a specific point is selected from a large number of distance measuring points and the distance is measured, for example, it is possible to operate according to the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, after the full screen integration control is performed in step S31, the priority of the distance measurement point is determined according to the luminance distribution of each point in the screen obtained from the integration control result in step S32 and the correlation calculation result of each point. Is determined.

  In step S33, limited points with high priority are displayed on the screen. Next, in step S34, a distance measuring point is selected by the user according to the display result of step S33.

  Thereafter, an interpolation calculation is performed in step S35, and focus is performed on the point selected in step S34 in step S36.

  As described above, the correlation calculation may be performed when the priority is determined. In this case, priority is determined from the luminance distribution and the coarse distance distribution.

  In any of the cases described above, the distance measuring points indicated by white circles in FIG. 5A are not normally displayed and are limited only before shooting (for example, when the release button is pressed halfway). Since only the point is displayed in a superimposed manner, the screen is clear and easy to see, and the camera can be easily selected by the user.

  Next, a method for calculating the relative position difference of the light pattern in the passive type distance measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 6, the relative position difference x of the light distribution incident on the sensor arrays 3a and 3b is obtained by the difference B (base line length) between the positions of the light receiving lenses 2a and 2b arranged at a distance L from the subject 1. , Depending on the distance L of the subject 1. If the focal length of each light receiving lens is f, the subject distance L can be obtained by the following equation (1).
L = B × f / x (1)
Since each sensor of the sensor array outputs a current signal according to the amount of incident light, if these signals are converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 4, a correlation calculation is performed by the calculator 5 that calculates the image shift amount. The relative position difference x can be detected. The detection result is input to the CPU 6 which is a calculation control means composed of a one-chip microcomputer or the like, and is calculated based on the above equation (1), whereby the subject distance L is obtained.

  The above is the basic principle and general apparatus configuration of the passive type triangulation system.

  The above deviation amount calculation function is generally composed of two processes as will be described later, but these may be built in the CPU 6 as a control program. When the camera is focused using such a technique, the CPU 6 controls the operation of the camera, and if an imaging focus lens or the like is appropriately controlled via an actuator such as a motor, automatic focusing (AF). A camera with a function can be provided.

  In order to calculate the image shift amount, an operation step (that is, a correlation operation) for checking how much the image is blurred in the unit of the sensor pitch in both line sensors is required. Then, a calculation step (hereinafter referred to as interpolation calculation) for calculating the shift amount more accurately with a finer resolution is required.

For example, when light is incident on the sensor array 3a in a pattern like the waveform 8a shown in FIG. 6, the magnitudes of outputs of the sensors R _{1 to} R ₆ of the sensor array 3a are as shown in FIG. ) In the distribution 8a as shown by the bar graph.

Here, “R” represents the right sensor, “L” represents the left sensor, and the subscripts 1 to 6 attached thereto represent the absolute position of the sensor position with respect to the optical axis of the light receiving lens, for example. If the same signal as the outputs R _{1 to} R ₆ is output from the outputs L _{1 to} L ₆ of the left sensor, the relative position difference x is 0, so that the subject distance L to be obtained is “infinity”. become.

When the subject is present at a “finite distance”, the left sensor L shifted by the number S of sensors determined from the x and the sensor pitch SP outputs the output as shown in FIG. An output signal having a value similar to R _{1 to} R ₆ is obtained.

The value FF (i) on the vertical axis in the graph shown in FIG. 7A is obtained according to the following equation.
FF (i) = Σ | R (i) −L (i) | (2)
That is, it is only necessary to use FF as a result of subtracting the output of the corresponding left sensor L from the output of a certain right sensor R and adding the absolute value for each sensor. That is, first, Li is subtracted from Ri to take its absolute value, and i is changed with a certain width and added.

Next, if one sensor of Ri or Li is shifted by one unit and the difference is taken in the same manner as the adjacent sensor which has previously taken the difference, FF (i + 1) can be expressed by the following equation.
FF (i + 1) = Σ | R (i + 1) −L (i) | (3)
As described above, the FF can be obtained while sequentially changing the shift amount (hereinafter referred to as the SIFT amount), but the SIFT amount in which the FF that is the sum of the differences between R and L becomes the minimum value (F _min ). Is considered to be the position with the best correspondence, and the SIFT amount in this case is obtained as S.

  The above is the outline procedure of the process related to the correlation calculation.

  Further, when the output distribution of both sensor arrays is illustrated with the above S taken into account, as shown in FIG. 7B, each sensor on the R side with a corresponding subscript from each sensor shifted by S on the L side Similar output is obtained.

  Next, the “interpolation calculation” process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The actual image shift amounts on the two sensor arrays are not exactly deviated from the sensor pitch, and for accurate distance measurement, the image shift amount must be detected with finer accuracy than the pitch. Therefore, an interpolation calculation is performed.

  R and L in FIGS. 7B and 7C respectively represent a part of sensor outputs constituting the sensor arrays 3a and 3b shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 (d) shows a graph that has been shifted to the above S for which the “correlation calculation” has already been completed, and has been made easier to compare. That is, L _{0 to} L ₄ should be accurately described as L _{s to} L _{s + 4} , but in order to avoid complicated description, this S is omitted here.

Here, it is assumed that light shifted by x on the R reference is still incident on the L sensor after shifting by S. At this time, for example, the light incident on R ₀ and R ₁ is mixedly incident on the L ₁ sensor, and similarly, the light shifted by x on the R reference is sequentially incident on each L sensor. It can be seen that the outputs (L _{1 to} L ₃ ) of each L are expressed as shown in the following equation (4).
L ₁ = (1−x) · R ₁ + xR ₀
L ₂ = (1−x) · R ₂ + xR ₁
L ₃ = (1−x) · R ₃ + xR ₂ (4)
The F _min and the FF values F ₋₁ and F ₊₁ obtained by shifting the shift amount in the plus direction and the minus direction from the F _min can be expressed by the following (5). It is expressed as an expression.
F _min = Σ | R _n −L _n |
F ₋₁ = Σ | R _n−1 −L _n |
F ₊₁ = Σ | R _{n + 1} −L _n | (5)
Further, when the above expression (5) is expanded using the above expression (4), the values F _min , F ₋₁ , and F ₊₁ are expressed as the following expression (6).

Further, if {| R ₀ −R ₁ | + | R ₁ −R ₂ | + | R ₂ −R ₃ |} in the above expression (6) is expressed as (ΣΔR), it does not depend on (ΣΔR). The previous deviation amount x is obtained by the following equation (7). This is the “interpolation calculation”.

  These calculations are performed by the calculation unit 5 shown in FIG. 6. However, the CPU 6 such as a one-chip microcomputer may be divided according to a predetermined program.

  Based on the values S and x thus obtained, the CPU 6 can provide an autofocus (AF) camera by calculating and controlling the amount of focus lens extension, but it can measure one point. Complicated calculations are required just by moving the distance.

  However, when measuring the distance of many parts, it is a very big problem as to which point the distance is calculated by performing the above calculation.

  For example, in the scene as shown in FIG. 1B, the camera side cannot completely determine whether the person 10 can be focused or the flower 10a can be focused. If it is a photo that records the growth of a flower, you should focus on the flower, and if you take a snap while traveling, you should focus on the person. Even if the number of distance measuring points increases, such a problem cannot be solved.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, a switch that can be operated by the user is provided, and the user can select whether to adjust the focus to the flower or the person by the operation. At this time, this device is configured to be able to measure the sun and the sky at the same time, but it determines that the priority of ranging is low.

  Here, a schematic configuration of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera distance measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1A, the light beam from the subject 10 is incident on the sensor arrays 12a and 12b through the light receiving lenses 11a and 11b. Output signals from these sensor arrays 12a and 12b are converted into digital signals by the A / D conversion circuit 13a in the CPU 13 and supplied to the correlation calculation unit 13b.

  The CPU 13 is an arithmetic control means composed of a one-chip microcomputer or the like, and further has an integration control unit 13c and a selection unit 13d inside. Further, the selection switch 14 for the user to select a distance measuring point and the focusing unit 15 are connected to the outside of the CPU 13.

  The light receiving lenses 11a and 11b are a pair of light receiving lenses arranged with parallax B, and an image of the subject 10 is formed on the sensor arrays 12a and 12b by the light receiving lenses 11a and 11b. This image is formed at different relative positions on the two sensor arrays according to the principle of triangulation by the parallax B.

  If this relative position difference x is detected, the distance L to the subject 10 can be obtained by calculating the above equation (1) according to the focal length f of the light receiving lenses 11a and 11b and the parallax B. If the focusing unit 15 is controlled by the CPU 13 in accordance with this result, it is possible to enjoy shooting with the subject 10 in focus.

  At this time, for example, in a scene as shown in FIG. 1B, the user can select whether to focus on a person or a flower by switching the selection switch 14.

  In the calculation method of the relative position difference x, an output of each sensor of each sensor array is stored as a digital signal in a memory (not shown) in the CPU by an A / D conversion circuit 13a provided in the CPU 13. Using this result, the CPU 13 performs a so-called correlation calculation by a predetermined program. This correlation calculation is a method of taking a difference while shifting the outputs of the two sensor arrays 12a and 12b in the arrangement direction of the sensor arrays, and determining that the “correlation” of the shift amount when the difference becomes the smallest is high. This shift amount and the pitch of the sensor array are values representing the relative position difference x described above. This correlation calculation is performed in a correlation calculation unit 13b in the CPU 13.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of such a sensor array in more detail.

  In FIG. 2, sensor arrays 21a to 21d are connected to a bias circuit 20 serving as a power source. From these sensor arrays 21a to 21d, a signal current corresponding to the amount of received light is output by the light receiving surface of the light receiving element forming the sensor array. This signal current is guided to the integration amplifiers 23a to 23d when the integration switch 22a for switching integration start / end is turned on.

  When the reset switch 22b is off, a voltage signal corresponding to the integration amount appears at the outputs of the integrating amplifiers 23a to 23d. This result is read by the A / D conversion circuit 13a built in the CPU 13, whereby the focusing can be performed through the correlation calculation described above.

  However, since the amount of light entering the sensor arrays 23a to 23d varies depending on the brightness of the scene, the color of the subject, and the reflectance, the integration amount is set to an appropriate value by an integration unit having a limited dynamic range. In order to fit, an accurate integration control technique is required. For example, when the integration time is too short, the integration result becomes flat and a difference cannot be obtained. However, if the integration time is too long, the integration result becomes uniform due to circuit saturation.

  As is clear from the above explanation of the correlation calculation, if the change in the image is poor, it is difficult to correlate the two images obtained by the two sensor arrays, and as a result, correct distance measurement cannot be performed.

  Therefore, a technique is used in which the integration result is monitored in real time and the integration is terminated when it reaches an appropriate level. That is, which sensor output is monitored is determined by which of the selection switches 22c connected to the maximum integrated value detection circuit 24 is turned on.

  FIG. 3A is a timing chart for explaining an operation for performing the integration control by turning on the selection switch 22c.

  When light enters the sensor arrays 21a to 21d, the reset switch 22b is first turned on, the output is reset to the reference level, the integration switch is turned on, and the reset switch 22b is turned off at the timing of T1. Integration begins.

  The output of the maximum integration value detection circuit 24 is selected when the switch of the selector 13d is connected to the maximum integration value output circuit 24, and the output having the largest integration amount is selected and sent to the A / D conversion circuit 13a in the CPU 13. Entered. Therefore, the CPU 13 sequentially monitors this output by operating the A / D conversion circuit 13a. If the integration switch 22a is turned off at the time T2 when the maximum value does not exceed the dynamic range of the circuit, the integration of each sensor is performed. The output never exceeds the dynamic range.

  Then, after the integration is stopped, in order to A / D-convert the integrated outputs of the sensor arrays 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, if the switch of the selector 13d is controlled to be switched, the CPU 13 can monitor each sensor output sequentially. Become.

  The image signal thus obtained is as shown in FIG. 3B, and the dark part is expressed as a low output and the bright part as a high output according to the incident state of light. With such a technique, the camera distance measuring device can obtain an appropriate image signal, and can also obtain information for finding a contrast range suitable for displaying an image pattern on the screen.

  Further, only a predetermined sensor can be connected to the maximum integrated value detection circuit 24 by the control of the switch 22 c of the CPU 13.

  Further, in the configuration of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A, when the light beam indicated by the broken line from the light receiving lens 11a is used, a point other than the point 17C at the center of the screen, that is, a point 17L shifted in the baseline length direction, 17R distance measurement is also possible.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, when one sensor array 12a and 12b arranged at the rear of the light receiving lenses 11a and 11b is added in the vertical direction to the base line length direction, one is shown in the figure. Like a light ray, it becomes possible to measure a point 17U portion and a point 17D portion that are perpendicular to the baseline length direction. Accordingly, at this time, as shown schematically in FIG. 8 (b), as shown schematically in the monitor area of the sensor array, many points in the screen can be measured.

  If this concept is expanded, the entire screen is monitored by using a so-called area sensor in which sensors are continuously arranged as shown in FIG. 9 instead of one or three line sensors. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the number of measurable points can be increased to 30 or more.

  With such a device, if the number of distance measuring points is increased, it is possible to provide a distance measuring apparatus capable of performing accurate distance measurement wherever a main subject is present. For example, it is possible to provide a camera that can accurately focus even when a person is located near the edge of the screen in the composition as shown in FIG. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to measure the contrast and luminance distribution of each part in the screen.

  However, as described above, the wider the distance measurement area, the more often unnecessary distance is measured at the time of distance measurement, and the probability of erroneous distance measurement also increases as a side effect.

  For example, in the scene as shown in FIG. 1B, if only the position of the person 10 or the flower 10a is first measured from the beginning and then set as a distance measurement candidate point, the sky, the sun, or the like There will be no out-of-focus or time lag problems due to incorrect distance measurement.

  If the position of the person 10 is set to the highest priority, the position of the flower 10a is set to the next priority, and the sun position is measured with the lowest priority, the high-speed measurement is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. Distance is possible.

  FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts for explaining the priority determination operation. Here, it is assumed that there is a means for detecting the photographer taking into account that the composition is horizontal or vertical.

  Since there are many cases where the brightness of the main subject is higher than the main subject such as the sky or the sun above the center of the screen, this embodiment helps to determine the main subject based on such information.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 15, this vertical / horizontal detection and upward detection include a spherical case 28 containing a fluid conductive material 29 such as mercury in a camera 27 and is inserted into the case 28. The CPU can determine which of the electrodes 30a to 30d is short-circuited by the fluid conductor.

  That is, it can be determined that the electrode 30b and the electrode 30c are short-circuited, the electrode 30b and the electrode 30a are vertically, and the electrode 30b and the electrode 30d are upward.

  The priority determination operation will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 14 described above. FIG. 16A shows an example in which the shooting screen is divided into, for example, distance measurement areas (hereinafter referred to as distance measurement points) [1] to [9] divided into nine parts for explaining the priority determination operation. FIGS. 16B and 16C are diagrams showing examples of shooting screens.

  In the following description, these ranging points are divided in the horizontal direction, [1], [2], [3] are A blocks, [4], [5], [6] are B blocks, and [7], [8], and [9] are C blocks, and divided vertically, [1], [4], and [7] are D blocks, and [2], [5], and [8] are E Blocks and [3], [6], and [9] are F blocks.

  In the first embodiment, as an example, the distance measurement point is divided into nine as shown in FIG. 16A. However, the distance measurement point is of course not limited to this, and is further divided. May be.

  First, in step S41, the vertical and horizontal detection mechanism of the camera as shown in FIG. 15 is used to detect the position above the shooting screen. Next, in step S42, it is determined which block is above.

  The determination results are as follows: [1], [2], [3] block, [1], [4], [7] block, [3], [6], [9] block In this embodiment, (i) the upper part of the shooting screen is “sky (area where there is no main subject)”, and (ii) the main subject is below the uppermost distance measuring point. (Iii) In the center of the shooting screen, the sequence is configured based on the idea that the existence probability of the main subject is high. Here, first, an explanation will be given by taking, as an example, a horizontally long composition ([1], [2], and [3] blocks above) that normally hold a camera.

  In such a composition, the blocks [1], [2], and [3] have a high probability of being “empty”. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S43 and the above [1], [2], and [3] are performed. The average luminance BVv of each block is obtained, and this is used as the determination criterion for the portion that is “empty”. In the composition shown in FIG. 16B, it is determined that the distance measurement points [5] and [6] are also “empty” in addition to the blocks [1], [2], and [3]. This brightness information is used when

However, since the uppermost block is “sky” and it is not known whether or not distance measurement is necessary at all, the process proceeds to step S44, and the predetermined brightness BVs set in advance and the top The average brightness BVv of the blocks is compared. In this step S44, if it is not less than the predetermined brightness, the probability of “sky” is high, so the process proceeds to step S45, where the priority coefficient P (P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ ) is 1 × 1. Is done.

  Here, “1” in front of “1 × 1” is a weighting value regarding the positions of the distance measurement points [1] to [9] shown in FIG. 16A, and the distance measurement at the four corners of the shooting screen. The points [1], [3], [7], [9] and the distance measuring point [2] in the upper center are set to “1” because the existence probability of the main subject is low, and the four sides excluding these areas The distance measurement points [4], [6], and [8] in the center of the section are set to position weighting (hereinafter referred to as position weighting) “2”, and the distance measurement point [5] in the center of the shooting screen is Since the existence probability is extremely high, “3” is set.

Also, the number “1” after “1 × 1” is weighting due to luminance and its change (hereinafter referred to as luminance weighting). For example, when it is “sky”, it is assumed that the need for distance measurement is low. “1”, otherwise “2, 3, 6” are increased.

  In this embodiment, “sky” is an area where the existence probability of the main subject is low, and the priority coefficient is defined as 1 × 1 = 1 with (position weighting) × (luminance weighting). .

  If the average brightness BVv is equal to or lower than the predetermined brightness BVs in step S44, the process proceeds to step S46, where the priority coefficient is set to “1 × 2”. For example, the priority coefficient is a composition having a “mountain” in a part of the sky as in the shooting screen shown in FIG. However, the forward “1” does not change because it is position dependent.

  As described above, after the priority coefficients of the blocks [1], [2], and [3] are determined, the process proceeds to determination of a distance measuring point below.

  In step S47, luminance comparison is performed within the block rows [4], [5], and [6], and the presence or absence of the change is determined. For example, there is a change in the composition as shown in FIG. 16B, and there is no change in the composition as shown in FIG.

  If there is a change in this determination, the process proceeds to step S48, and the luminance of the distance measuring point [4] of the block [4], [5], [6] and the previously obtained [1], [2 ], The luminance BVv of the block (upper screen) of [3] is compared.

Here, if the luminances are different, the process proceeds to step S49, and the luminance weighting is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₄ : 2 × 6)”. On the other hand, if the brightness is the same in step S48, the distance measurement point [4] is considered to be “sky”, and the process proceeds to step S50 where the brightness weight is “2 (priority coefficient P ₄ : 2 × 2) ”.

Subsequently, in step S51, the luminance of the distance measurement point [5] of [4], [5], and [6] is similarly compared with the luminance BVv. If the two brightness values are different from each other, the process proceeds to step S52, in which the brightness weighting is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₅ : 3 × 6)”. Then, the luminance weighting of the distance measuring point [5] is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₅ : 3 × 2)”.

Further, in step S54, the distances [6] at [4], [5], and [6] are similarly compared with the luminance BVv. As a result, if the two luminances are different, the process proceeds to step S55, and the luminance weighting is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₆ : 2 × 6)”. On the other hand, if the luminance is similar, the process proceeds to step S56, and the luminance weighting of the distance measuring point [6] is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₆ : 2 × 2)”.

Next, in step S57, the position weights of the distance measurement points [7] and [9] are set to “1”, and the luminance weights are set to “3 (priority coefficients P ₇ , P ₉ : 1 × 3)”. The Thereafter, in step S58, the position weighting of the distance measuring point [8] is set to “2”, and the luminance weighting is set to “3 (priority coefficient P ₈ : 2 × 3)”.

If there is no change in the luminance comparison in the blocks [4], [5], and [6] in step S47, the process proceeds to step S59, and the position weighting of the distance measurement point [5] is performed. Is set to “3”, and the luminance weight is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₅ : 3 × 2)”. Incidentally, the composition having no change corresponds to FIG. 16C, and the distance distribution points [4], [5], and [6] have the same luminance distribution.

In step S60, the position weights of the distance measurement points [4] and [6] are set to “2”, and the luminance weights are set to “2 (priority coefficients P ₄ , P ₆ : 2 × 2)”. The

Further, the blocks [7], [8], and [9] below the blocks [4], [5], and [6] are assumed to have a high probability that the main subject exists, and the distance measurement point [ The luminance weights of [7], [8], and [9] are set to “6”. Therefore, in step S61, the position weights of the distance measuring points [7] and [9] are set to “1”, and the luminance weight is set to “6 (priority coefficients P ₇ , P ₉ : 1 × 6)”. . Further, in step S62, the position weight of the distance measuring point [8] is set to “2”, and the luminance weight is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₈ : 2 × 6)”.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103, and the priority order is determined so that the process related to the distance measurement is performed from the distance measurement point with the higher weight of the priority coefficient set as described above.

  Here, the determination of the priority order will be described.

  With these weighting settings, the priority coefficient of distance measurement points [7] and [9] is “6”, and the priority coefficient of distance measurement point [8] is weighted to “12”.

  In this case, the priority coefficient of the distance measurement point [8] is “12”, the priority coefficients of the distance measurement points [5], [7], and [9] are “6”, and these are the distance measurement with high priority. It becomes a point.

  For example, in the composition as shown in FIG. 16B, the priority coefficients of the ranging points [4], [5], and [6] are “12”, “6”, and “4”, respectively. The bottom ranging points [7], [8], and [9] are obtained by multiplying the position weight by the weight of “3” from the remaining predictions of luminance determination so far. ] And [9] have a priority coefficient of “3”, and the distance measurement point [8] has a priority coefficient of “6”. Accordingly, the distance measurement points [4], [5], and [8] have the highest priority.

Then, as described above, from the weighting results of the priority factors P _{1 to} P ₉ of the distance measurement points [1] to [9], in the composition as shown in FIG. ], [8],..., In the composition as shown in FIG. 16C, prioritization is performed in the order of [8], [5], [7], [9],.

  If the blocks [1], [4], and [7] are in the uppermost row in the determination in step S42, a vertically long composition with the camera standing is set, and the uppermost row is the block [1]. , [4], [7], the middle is the block [2], [5], [8], and the bottom is the block [3], [6], [9].

  Therefore, the priorities in the blocks [1], [2], [3], the blocks [4], [5], [6] and the blocks [7], [8], [9] in the horizontal composition described above. The coefficients are set such that blocks [1], [2], and [3] are blocks [1], [4], and [7], and blocks [4], [5], and [6] are blocks [2], When [5], [8] and the blocks [7], [8], [9] are replaced with the blocks [3], [6], [9], steps S63 to S82 change the distance measurement points. Only by changing, the sequence becomes the same as the above-described steps S43 to S62.

In such a vertically long composition, the blocks [1], [4], and [7] have a high probability of being “empty”, so the average luminance BVv is obtained in step S63 and used as a determination criterion. Similar to step S44, the average luminance BVv and the predetermined luminance BVs are compared in step S64. Here, if the brightness is equal to or greater than the predetermined brightness, the probability of “sky” is high, so the process proceeds to step S65, and the priority coefficient P (P ₁ , P ₄ , P ₇ ) is set to 1 × 1.

  In this composition, the position weights [1], [3], [7], [9], [4] are set to “1” and the distance measurement points [2], [6] ], [8] are set to “2”, and the distance measurement point [5] at the center of the shooting screen is set to “3” because the existence probability is extremely high.

  In step S64, if the average luminance BVv is equal to or lower than the predetermined luminance BVs, the process proceeds to step S66, and the distance measurement points [1], [4], and [7] have priority coefficients “1”. X2 ".

  Next, in step S67, luminance comparison is performed in the blocks [2], [5], and [8] to determine the presence or absence of the change. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S68, and the brightness of the distance measurement point of block [2] is compared with the average brightness BVv.

If the comparison results in different luminances, the process proceeds to step S69 where the luminance weighting of the distance measurement point [2] is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₂ : 2 × 6)”. On the other hand, if the brightness is the same in step S68, the process proceeds to step S70, and the brightness weighting is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₂ : 2 × 2)”.

Subsequently, in step S71, the luminance of the distance measuring point [5] and the luminance BVv are similarly compared. Here, if the luminances are different, the process proceeds to step S72, and the luminance weighting of the distance measuring point [5] is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₅ : 3 × 6)”. On the other hand, if the brightness is the same in step S71, the process proceeds to step S73, where the brightness weighting is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₅ : 3 × 2)”.

Further, the distance measuring point [8] is similarly compared with the luminance BVv in step S74. If the brightness of the distance measuring point [8] is different, the process proceeds to step S75, and the brightness weighting is set to “6 (priority coefficient P ₈ : 2 × 6)”. On the other hand, if the brightness is the same in step S74, the process proceeds to step S76, and the brightness weighting is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₈ : 2 × 2)”.

Next, in step S77, the position weights of the distance measurement points [3] and [9] are set to “1”, and the luminance weights are set to “3 (priority coefficients P ₃ , P ₉ : 1 × 3)”. Is done. Further, in step S78, the position weighting of the distance measuring point [6] is set to “2”, and the luminance weighting is set to “3 (priority coefficient P ₆ : 2 × 3)”.

On the other hand, if there is no change in the luminance comparison in the blocks [2], [5], and [8] in step S67, the process proceeds to step S79, where the position weighting of the distance measuring point [5] is performed. “3”. Also, the luminance weighting is set to “2 (priority coefficient P ₅ : 3 × 2)”.

Next, in step S80, the position weights of the distance measuring points [2] and [8] are set to “2”, and the luminance weight is set to “2 (priority coefficients P ₂ , P ₈ : 2 × 2)”. .

Further, in step S81, it is assumed that the blocks [3], [6], and [9] below the blocks [2], [5], and [8] have a high probability that the main subject exists. The luminance weights of the distance points [3], [6], and [9] are set to “6”. Accordingly, the position weights of the distance measuring points [3] and [9] are set to “1”, and the luminance weight is set to “6 (priority coefficients P ₃ , P9: 1 × 6)”. In step S82, the position weighting of the distance measuring point [6] is set to “2”, and the luminance weighting is set to “6 (priority coefficient P6: 2 × 6)”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103 and the priority order is determined.

  If the blocks [3], [6], and [9] are in the uppermost row in the determination in step S42, the vertical composition with the camera standing is set, and the uppermost row is the block [3]. , [6], [9], the middle row is a block [2], [5], [8], and the bottom row is a vertically long composition of blocks [1], [4], [7], and steps S63 to S82 described above. This is a composition with the camera upside down.

  Therefore, in steps S83 to S102 described below, the setting of the priority coefficient in the vertical composition of steps S63 to S82 described above is performed by changing the blocks [1], [4], and [7] to the blocks [3] and [6. ], [9], and replacing blocks [3], [6], and [9] with blocks [1], [4], and [7], the same sequence can be obtained just by changing the ranging point. Become.

In such a vertically long composition, the blocks [3], [6], and [9] have a high probability of being “empty”, and therefore, in step S83, the average luminance BVv is obtained and used as a determination criterion. Next, in step S84, the average luminance BVv is compared with the predetermined luminance BVs. If the brightness is equal to or greater than the predetermined brightness, the process proceeds to step S85, and the priority coefficients P (P ₃ , P ₆ , P ₉ ) of the distance measurement points [3], [6], [9] are 1 ×. It is set to 1.

The position weighting in this composition is that the distance measurement points [1], [3], [7], [9], [6] are “
1 ”, distance measurement points [2], [4], and [8] are set to“ 2 ”, and distance measurement point [5] is set to“ 3 ”.

  In step S84, if the average luminance BVv is equal to or lower than the predetermined luminance BVs, the process proceeds to step S86, and the distance measurement points [3], [6], and [9] have priority coefficients “1”. X2 ".

  Next, the luminance weighting (steps S87 to S102) in the blocks [2], [5], and [8] is the same sequence as the steps S67 to S82 described above, and the blocks [2], [5], It is determined by comparing the brightness of the distance measuring points [2], [5] and [8] of [8] with the average brightness BVv.

Next, in step S87, if the luminance is different as a result of the luminance comparison of the blocks [2], [5], [8], the process proceeds to step S88, and the luminance of the distance measuring point [2] is To be compared. Here, if the distance measurement point [2] is different from the average brightness BVv, the process proceeds to step S89 and the priority coefficient P ₂ is set to 2 × 6. If the brightness is the same, the process proceeds to step S90 and the priority is set. Coefficient P ₂ is set to 2 × 2.

Subsequently, similarly, in step S91, if the distance measurement point [5] has a different luminance, the process proceeds to step S92, and the priority coefficient P ₅ is set to 3 × 6. The process proceeds to S93 and the priority coefficient P ₅ is set to 3 × 2.

In step S94, if the distance measurement point [8] has a different luminance, the process proceeds to step S95 and the priority coefficient P ₈ is set to 2 × 6. If the luminance is the same, the process proceeds to step S96. The priority coefficient P ₈ is set to 2 × 2.

Next, in step S97, the distance measurement points [1] and [7] are set to the priority coefficients P ₃ and P ₉ : 1 × 3, and in step S98, the distance measurement point [4] is the priority. Coefficient P ₆ is set to 2 × 3.

On the other hand, if there is no change in the luminance comparison in the blocks [2], [5], and [8] in step S87, the process proceeds to step S99, and the distance measurement point [5] is assigned the priority coefficient. P ₅ is set to 3 × 2, and in subsequent step S100, the distance measurement points [2] and [8] are set to the priority coefficients P ₂ and P ₈ : 2 × 2.

Further, blocks [1], [4], and [7] below blocks [2], [5], and [8] are assumed to have a high probability that a main subject exists, and in step S101, measurement is performed. The distance points [1] and [7] are set to the priority coefficients P ₁ and P ₇ : 1 × 6. Next, in step S102, the distance measurement point [4] is set to the priority coefficient P ₆ : 2 × 6.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103 and the priority order is determined.

  As described above, it is possible to narrow down the distance measurement points to be measured by analyzing the position in the shooting screen and the luminance distribution in consideration of the probability that the main subject exists.

  In the scene as shown in FIG. 17A, when the area to be preferentially measured is determined in this way, [5], [7], [8], [9] Assuming that the priority of the area is high, a distance measuring point display with white circles as shown in FIG. 17B is displayed superimposed on the finder. This technique can be realized by making the LCD segment inserted in the finder optical system transparent or non-transmissive.

  Also, the selection by the user from this point is such that the display is sequentially switched from the one with the highest priority as shown in FIG. 17C by pressing the selection switch 14 provided on the exterior of the camera. Just do it.

  Thus, if the release button is pushed when the selection display comes to the point intended by the user, the user can easily focus on the desired position.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment described above, the selection switch 14 can be an operation member 38 as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 18A, a photographing lens 34 is provided on the front surface of the camera 27, and a viewfinder eyepiece is provided in the center of the back surface. In addition, an upper IF of the camera 27, a liquid crystal panel 36 for displaying the number of film frames, a release switch 37, and a cross-shaped operation member 38 that is tilted back and forth and left and right when pressed from above are arranged. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 18 (b), the CPU 27 of the camera 27 is connected to switches 38a to 38d that are turned on and off depending on how the operation member 38 is pushed, and the states of these switches 38a to 38d. The user's operation is detected according to the above. For example, if the front of the operation member 38 is pressed (switch 38a is on), the distance measuring point candidate is down, and if the back is pressed (switch 38b is on), the candidate is up. If the operation member 38 is pushed left and right (switch 38c on / switch 38d on), the display of the distance measuring point changes accordingly.

  And if CPU40 controls a camera according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, imaging | photography using the said switches 38a-38d can be performed effectively.

  First, in step S111, when the operation member 38 is operated and it is determined that the switch 38a to 38d is turned on by double clicking, the process proceeds to step S112, and the above-described FIGS. A scene is determined by a flowchart as shown in FIG. As a result, distance measurement candidate points are displayed in the viewfinder as shown in FIG.

  In step S113, the display in the finder is performed by the candidate display of the distance measurement point. Next, in step S <b> 114, a user operation is determined by operating the operation member 38.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), for example, in a scene where a mountain can be seen over the fence, the scene is very similar to the scene of the person in front of the mountain shown in FIG. 16 (c). The probability of focusing on the fence increases. However, since the display in the finder is performed by the candidate display, the operation of the user is determined by the operation of the operation member 38, and the distance measurement point display is switched in the direction of the operation.

  When the operation direction is detected in step S114, the process proceeds to step S115, and a distance measurement point candidate point is detected. Here, if the candidate point exists, the process proceeds to step S116 and the selected point is turned on when the selected point is determined. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  On the other hand, if there is no candidate point in step S115, the process proceeds to step S114 without shifting to the selected point lighting in step S116.

  As described above, in the loop of steps S114 to S116, the user can switch the distance measuring point while looking at the finder screen, and can focus on an arbitrary point among the candidate points. In addition, if the specifications other than the candidate points can be selected, the selection operation becomes difficult when the number of distance measuring points increases, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

  If the direction is not detected in step S114, it is determined in step S117 whether the release switch 37 is on or off. Here, when it is desired to perform distance measurement again, that is, when the release switch 37 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S118, and any one of the switches 38a to 38d of the operation member 38 is double-clicked again. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S117.

  When the release switch 37 is turned on in step S117, the selected point is determined in subsequent step S119. Here, if the selected point is determined, the process proceeds to step S120, and focusing is performed on the distance measuring point. On the other hand, when there is no selection point, that is, when the release is performed before the selection operation, the process proceeds to step S121, and the point with the highest priority is focused. In step S122, shooting is performed.

  As described above, in this modification, it is possible to quickly focus on an arbitrary point among the candidate points by performing a front-rear and left-right pushing operation with the cross-shaped operation member.

  In the example of the scene shown in FIG. 17A, the left button (switch 38d) of the operating member 38 is [7], the right button (switch 38c) is [9], and the front button (switch 38b) is pressed. If this is done, [8] and if the rear button (switch 38a) is pressed, the points [5] will be selected, and those selected points will be displayed in the viewfinder, so that the user can make simple operations without error. Can be taken.

  Further, by effectively using the imaging function of the camera distance measuring device, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the photographer points to the vicinity of the distance measuring point and can be selected by detecting the camera. Anyway.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, when pointing near the point [5], the point [5] is selected and displayed as a focusing point. Further, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the point [9] is pointed, the point [9] is displayed, and if the focus can be achieved, the operation member 38 in the above-described modification example. Thus, the focus point can be determined easily without requiring a special switch.

  FIG. 21 shows an operation scene with a pointing finger. In FIG. 21, the user 42 confirms the screen 43 of the camera 27 while looking through the camera 27 finder, and points to the main subject 10 with the left hand to select a distance measuring point.

  Also, using the flowchart as shown in FIG. 22, the camera CPU monitors the image signal in the screen many times using the area sensor as shown in FIG. If there is a change in the image and if a change in image is detected, a distance measuring point near the tip of the change position can be selected to focus on the point as desired by the user.

  First, in step S131, when it is detected that the user has pressed the release button halfway (the first release switch is turned on), in the subsequent step S132, the inside of the screen is imaged, and the priority point is determined by the procedure as described above. In step S133, the priority points are displayed. The priority points are stored in step S134, and in-screen imaging is performed again in step S135.

Then, in step S136, the imaging data Z ₂ obtained by the imaging data Z ₁ and the step S135 obtained in step S132 are compared. Here, when there is a change, the process proceeds to steps S137 and S138, and the selection point is determined and displayed.

  In this state, in step S139, the release button is depressed, that is, the state of the second release switch is determined. Here, if the second release switch is not turned on (the release button is fully pressed), the process proceeds to step S140, and the state of the first release switch (half-pressed state of the release button) is detected. Here, if the release button is not half-pressed, the release button is reset and the process proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, in the half-pressed state, the process proceeds to the imaging step again in step S135, and the pointing operation can be performed again and again.

  If the second release switch is turned on in step S139, the process proceeds to step S141, the selected point is measured, and shooting is performed in step S142.

  Further, in the above-described detection step of the first release switch on in step S131, the user does not perform pointing, and the image at these two timings is determined so that the pointing is determined after the first release switch is turned on. By using changes, you can enjoy shooting with simpler and no extra operations.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the user 42 indicates a point to be measured using the laser pointer 45, and the camera determines the wavelength of the laser pointer and the shape of the spot with an area sensor or the like, and near the point. You may make it focus on the ranging point 46. FIG.

  In this case, shooting is performed according to the flowchart of FIG.

  In other words, if there is no screen in step S151, the distance measurement point is determined and detected by the laser pointer 45 in subsequent step S152. In step S153, the distance measuring point closest to the point supported by the laser pointer 45 is selected. In step S154, the selected distance measuring point is focused.

  Thus, the selection unit and the changeover switch means according to the first embodiment are not necessarily limited to those attached to the camera.

  Further, the user's intention may be reflected by a switch such as the above-described operation member that effectively uses the sensor function of the camera such as an imaging sensor.

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which manual selection is performed from a plurality of points has been described. However, in the embodiment described below, only the highest priority is displayed and when the user performs a switch operation. This shows an application example in which the next candidate point appears. This can make the screen clearer without having to display many displays at once. Moreover, as switch operation, what detects and determines the motion of a user's eyes | visual_axis can be considered.

  FIGS. 25A and 25B show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25A is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera, and FIG. 25B is an external perspective view of the camera.

  In FIG. 25 (a), a CPU 50 is a calculation control means comprising a one-chip microcomputer or the like for performing camera sequence control and various calculations. The CPU 50 includes an image detection unit 51, a correlation calculation unit 52, and a display control unit 53 inside.

  The CPU 50 is connected to a switch group 54 including release switches and the like, and to a distance measuring unit 55 and a photometric unit (not shown).

  The distance measuring unit 55 includes a driver 56 for driving the light projecting unit 57, a light projecting unit 57 that projects distance measuring light onto a subject (not shown), and light receiving lenses 58a and 58b that guide reflected light from the subject. And sensor arrays 59a and 59b for imaging the reflected light, and an A / D converter 60 for A / D converting the signal outputs of the sensor arrays 59a and 59b.

  The CPU 50 also includes an exposure control unit 63 and a focusing unit 64, a zoom detection unit 66 that detects the position of the zoom lens 65, and a display liquid crystal (LCD) 67 inserted in the finder optical system 68. A gaze detection unit 69 that detects the gaze of the photographer is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 25B, the camera body 70 is provided with a photographing lens 71 on the front surface thereof, and a distance measuring window 72, a finder 73, a strobe 74, and the like.

  As described above, the CPU 50 controls the photometry unit and the distance measurement unit 55 (not shown), and controls the exposure control unit 63 and the focusing unit 64 according to the output to accurately photograph the correct exposure in focus. Take a picture. When the zoom lens 65 is adopted as the camera taking lens 71, the angle of view is changed, and accordingly distance measurement / photometry and display control are required. Therefore, zoom information is input to the CPU 50 by the zoom detection unit 66 that detects the zoom position. Furthermore, the image of the finder 73 is also mechanically linked by zooming.

  In order to display the various information thus obtained on the LCD 67 provided between the finder optical systems, the CPU 50 has a display control unit 53 that controls the turning on and off of these segments.

  The distance measuring unit 55 includes a pair of light receiving lenses 58a and 58b and a pair of sensor arrays 59a and 59b. The A / D converter 60 performs A / D conversion on a subject image signal (not shown), and the CPU 50 Output.

  Since the light receiving lenses 58a and 58b are arranged apart from each other by a distance B corresponding to the base line length as parallax, the two sensor arrays 59a and 59b are determined by the relationship between the focal length f of the light receiving lenses 58a and 58b and the subject distance L. On the top, the same image is formed at a position shifted by the relative position x. From this principle of triangulation, it is understood that the subject distance L can be calculated by obtaining the image shift amount x.

In addition, in order to measure a wide range of the screen, for example, when measuring a place shifted by θ from the optical axis, as shown by a broken line in the figure.
It is only necessary to detect the relative deviation amount with reference to the sensor at a = ftan θ (8).

  With the camera having such a configuration, it is possible to focus even in a scene where the main subject 77 as shown in FIG. 26A does not exist in the center of the finder screen 76.

  FIG. 26B shows an image signal obtained in such a scene. A characteristic image signal change is observed at a person whose background is the main subject from a wall or the like. Therefore, if this change is detected in the flowchart as shown in FIG. 27 and it is the right side of the screen, the right LCD segment 79 of the LCD segments 78 in the finder screen is turned on, as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a distance measuring point is displayed on the screen, the subject to be photographed correctly is measured, and the photographer can recognize that the subject is in focus, so that the user can enjoy photographing with peace of mind.

  That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 27, when an object image signal is first input in step S161, the left and right edges are determined in subsequent steps S162 and S163. Next, in step S164, the coordinates of the central portion of the left and right edges determined in steps S162 and S163 are determined. Then, the LCD segment of the coordinates determined here is selected and turned on as shown in FIG. 26C, for example.

  In addition, since the distance measuring point is represented by a cross-shaped segment so that the center portion can be seen in this way, the facial expression of the subject can be well confirmed, and a clean screen can be obtained.

  Further, in the scene as shown in FIG. 28, there is a case where the camera mistakenly focuses on the front tree. In this case, the photographer may switch to the next distance measuring point candidate by pressing an operation button (not shown).

  For example, since more than 80% of the photos have a main subject in the center of the screen, in this embodiment, it is possible to move the distance measuring point to the center of the screen by a change operation and to correctly focus on the castle of the subject. did. In a scene where the main subject cannot be identified, the display may be reset to the center of the screen.

  Although this operation is difficult to change by using a finger, as shown in FIG. 29, a finder optical system based on line-of-sight detection may be configured and used.

  That is, in the finder optical system 80, infrared light is photographed by the photographer through the eyepiece 84 using the prism 82 and the infrared light emitting diode (IRED) 83 together with the subject image incident from the objective lens 81. Is irradiated. The reflected light is received by the photodiode 86 through the mask LCD 85.

  The mask LCD 85 is arranged so that the opening 90 is switched in the optical path as shown in FIG. If the opening of the mask LCD 85 is switched to determine which opening is opened and the most reflected light is incident so that the direction of the line of sight can be determined, the movement of the photographer's eyes It becomes possible to switch the distance measurement point.

  For example, in the case of the arrangement of the eyes 89 as shown in FIG. 30 (a), since there are white eye portions in the openings of S1 and S3, the IRED that enters the photodiode when the openings of S1 and S3 are opened. The reflected signal light due to increases.

  However, when the line of sight is shifted as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the signal light of S3 decreases and the reflected light increases when the opening of S2 is opened. After the photographer presses the release button halfway and displays the first candidate, if the camera CPU detects the movement of the eye by controlling the IRED and mask in the flowchart as shown in FIG. When the photographer wants to switch the distance measuring point, he / she only moves his / her eyes to switch the distance measuring point, eliminating the need for manual operation.

  Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 31, first, image detection is performed in step S171, and the first candidate is displayed. Next, in step S172, if the second release switch is turned on, the process proceeds to step S173 and a normal imaging sequence is executed.

On the other hand, if the second release switch is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S174, and the infrared light emitting diode 83 is irradiated. In steps S175 and S176, the openings are sequentially changed, and two blocks S ₀₁ and S ₀₂ having a large reflected signal light are stored.

Next, in step S177, the two blocks S ₀₁ and S ₀₂ are compared. As a result, if there is a change, it is determined that the line of sight has changed, and the process proceeds to step S178, where the distance measuring point is changed.

  That is, two blocks with a lot of reflected signal light are selected while sequentially opening all the openings twice, and it is determined whether or not there is a movement of the line of sight depending on whether or not the interval changes. If there is a movement of the line of sight, the photographer determines that he / she likes the distance measuring point, switches the display to the next highest priority point, performs distance measurement on that point, and focuses. Make adjustments.

  As a result, the photographer is freed from the troublesome manual operation and can concentrate on the release operation, and the distance measuring point can be selected only by the movement of the eyes.

  It is possible to determine the point that the photographer saw and focus on that point, but the technique is complicated and expensive, but the photographer does not always see what he wants to shoot. I know it ’s not there.

  Therefore, in this second embodiment, the camera automatically determines priorities among the distance measuring points on the screen in advance, and adds or assists the operations or operations such as the eye movement of the photographer. Because of this, it is very easy to focus with high accuracy.

  By the way, if the finder and the AF light-receiving lens are separate optical systems, an error is likely to occur between the distance measurement point and the display point due to parallax.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 32, the in-screen display control method considering the above-described parallax will be described.

By detecting the main subject position based on the image signal described above, it is determined that the main subject is present in the direction θ ₁ in FIG. 32, and the distance of the subject is detected by the above-described method. In the viewfinder, on the right side with respect to the optical axis
The above-mentioned subject can be seen at the position of S · L · tan θ ₁ (9). Here, S is the parallax between the two optical systems.

If the reference position in the viewfinder is the edge of the screen (“frame reference position” in FIG. 32), the distance from this reference position to the viewfinder optical axis is
Since L ₁ tan φ ₁ (10) (where φ ₁ is the angle from the optical axis to the view angle end of the viewfinder), the distance from the reference position to the distance measurement point is
L ₁ tan φ ₁ + S−L ₁ tan θ ₁ (11)

Here, it is assumed that the display LCD is of a dot matrix type, and an LCD that can be filled with H segments as shown in FIG. 33 is housed in the finder. And Since the H pieces correspond to twice the L ₁ tan θ ₁ , the segment corresponding to the distance measuring point is the H segment among the H pieces.
H × (tan φ ₁ + S / L-tam θ ₁ ) / (2.tan φ ₁ ) th
= X _1st (12) The portion of (tan φ ₁ + S / L-tam θ ₁ ) / (2 · tan φ ₁ ) excluding H in the above equation (12) is referred to as a frame ratio.

  Therefore, if this segment is turned off and the upper, lower, left, and right segments are turned on two at a time, the segment can be displayed as shown in FIG.

  In addition, this lighting control makes it easy to see the subject. When the distance measurement point is extended in the vertical direction of the screen, it is necessary to control the display in the viewfinder in consideration of not only the horizontal frame ratio (frame ratio 1) but also the vertical frame ratio (frame ratio 2). is there.

As shown in FIG. 34, if the angle of view in the vertical direction is expressed as φ ₂ and the distance measuring point is θ ₂ , the ratio (frame ratio 2) to the angle of view of the distance measuring point position based on the upper end of the frame is
Since _{(tan φ 2 -tan θ 2)} / 2tan φ 2 ... become (13), as shown in FIG. 33 (a), assuming an LCD lined T segments within the screen vertically, the upper From
T (tan φ ₂ −tan θ ₂ ) / (2.tan φ ₂ ) th = y _1st
... It is considered that the subject exists in the segment (14).

  Therefore, when the display as shown in FIG. 33B is moved up and down, the lighting and extinguishing control is performed from this relationship in the vertical direction.

In other words, when expressed in the xy coordinate format,
When (x ₁ , y ₁ ) = (H × frame ratio 1, T × frame ratio 2) (15) is turned off and the upper and lower two segments are turned on, the result is shown in FIG. Such a display can be moved up, down, left, and right so that the photographer can be easily informed of the distance measuring light.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, only the point with the highest priority is displayed, and the point with the next highest priority (the center of the screen) can be switched by the movement of the line of sight. Thus, it is possible to provide a camera capable of focusing at a high speed as intended by the user.

  In addition, since the parallax between the finder and the distance measuring system is taken into consideration, more accurate point display is possible.

  In addition, according to the said embodiment of this invention, the following structures can be obtained.

(1) In a camera that can measure multiple points on the screen,
Priority order determining means for determining the priority order during distance measurement for the plurality of distance measuring points,
First selection means for selecting a plurality of limited ranging points among the plurality of ranging points according to the priority order;
A second selection means for selecting a specific distance measurement point among the limited distance measurement points by an operation of the photographer;
A camera comprising:

  (2) The camera according to (1), wherein the priority is determined according to a main subject position.

  (3) The camera according to (1), wherein the priority is determined by a brightness distribution in the screen.

  (4) The camera according to (1), wherein the priority order is determined by how the camera is held.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention other than embodiment mentioned above, this invention can be variously modified.

  Further, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the column of the effect of the invention Can be extracted as an invention.

  According to the present invention, since the wiper blade and the cap portion are integrally formed and are in a folded film shape, the area occupied by the cleaning mechanism is small even in the long head, and the cap mechanism is also effective. A maintenance device that can act on the above is obtained.

10 Subject,
11a, 11b light receiving lens,
12a, 12b, 21a-21d sensor array,
13 CPU,
13a A / D conversion circuit,
13b correlation calculation unit,
13c integral control unit,
13d selector,
14 selection switch,
20 bias circuit,
22a integration switch,
22b reset switch,
23a-23d integrating amplifier,
24 maximum integrated value detection circuit,
27 Camera,
28 cases,
29 conductive materials,
30a-30d electrodes.

Claims (4)

In a camera that has an imaging unit and a focusing unit, and is capable of focusing on a plurality of ranging points in a screen shot by the imaging unit,
A viewfinder for visually recognizing the position of the photographer's finger in the screen,
Comparing the detected image repeatedly by the above imaging unit, it determines an area which is pointed by the photographer of the distance measuring points in the screen, and detects the distance measurement point of finger pointing area near A judgment display section to be displayed;
A control unit that controls the focusing unit so that the subject corresponding to the position of the distance measuring point displayed by the determination display unit can be focused;
A camera comprising: The camera according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the pointed area by the determination display unit is performed according to an image change within a period determined by a switch operation by a user of the camera. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the pointed area is a position of a fingertip of a user of the camera in the screen. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the pointed area is a light spot position of laser pointer light.

Images