JPH0297176A - Mode changing device for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability of a mode change by providing a mode changing means, with which a photographic mode setting means is caused to be in a mode changeable condition, and a single select operating member to operate the above mentioned mode changing means and to change the photographic mode. CONSTITUTION:The setting change of the photographic mode is executed by the pressing operation of a select switch 19 in a photographic mode changing mode. Each time the select switch 19 is once turned on, a flickering display is circularly moved from a single mode a timer mode a continuous photographic mode of one frame/second a continuous photographic mode of 2 frames/second a continuous photographic mode of 5 frames/second the single mode. Thus, for the photographic mode to execute the mode change most frequently, the mode can be changed only by the operation of the select switch 19 before the other operation is executed after an initial condition, for example, a power switch 16 is turned on or released or an AV connector is detached from an AV output connector 26. Thus, the operability is extremely satisfactory and there is no danger to erroneously change the other mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a mode changing device for a camera, and more particularly to a mode changing device that allows changing of a plurality of shooting modes using a single operating member.

"Prior Art and its Problems" In recent years, still video cameras have become multi-functional, and each function has a plurality of modes that can be changed. For example, the photographing mode includes a single mode, a self-timer mode, and multiple types of quick-shooting modes, and the white balance mode includes modes such as auto, cloudy sky, clear sky, fluorescent light, and electric light. In addition to the normal video recording mode, the recording function includes an audio recording mode. Furthermore, devices with a playback function have also been developed.

Conventionally, it was thought that multiple operating members were required to switch between the above modes, and as the number of functions and modes increases, the number of operating members increases, and furthermore, the number of operating members increases. I've started to operate it using .

However, as the number and combination of operating members increases,
I didn't know which operating member to operate to change to the desired mode, or which operating member could change the mode.

In particular, if you take time to set the necessary shooting mode when taking a photo, in the worst case scenario, you may miss a photo opportunity, or you may end up with an accident where you thought you had taken a good photo (recorded) but it turned out to be a failure. Become.

``Object of the Invention'' The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned problems with conventional cameras, and is a camera mode that improves the operability of changing modes by reducing the number of operating members for changing and setting functions, modes, etc. as much as possible. The purpose is to provide a changing device.

"Summary of the Invention" The present invention provides a camera equipped with a shooting mode setting means having a plurality of shooting modes, including a mode changing means for setting the shooting mode setting means to a mode changeable state, and a mode changing means for activating the mode changing means. It is characterized by the provision of a single select operation member for changing the photographing mode.

According to the present still video camera having the above configuration, the most frequently changed shooting mode can be changed by a single selection operation means, so the operation is easy and there is no risk of erroneous operation.

“Embodiments of the invention” The invention will now be described with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a still video camera to which the present invention is applied, viewed from the rear.

This still video camera has a rectangular parallelepiped camera body 1
0, and a lid 11 for attaching and detaching a magnetic disk is provided above the upper surface of the camera body 10.

The lid 11 has a disk holder on its inner surface, and holds a magnetic disk attached to the disk holder in a loading state in the closed position and in an unloading state in the open position. The lid 11 is always urged to rotate in the opening direction by a spring member, but is locked by a locking mechanism in the closed position. This lock is
It is released by pressing the eject button 12.

A battery cover 13 for attaching and removing the battery is provided on the left side of the longitudinal side of the camera body 10, and a battery cover 13 is provided on the right side of the same side.
A finder eyepiece 14 is provided.

An LCD panel 15 is provided near the center of the side surface where the finder eyepiece 14 is provided. This LC
As shown in FIG. 4, the D panel 15 consists of a large number of segments that display various information such as the number of recorded tracks, shooting mode, recording/playback mode, year, month, day, or hour, minute, and second calendar.

Various switches are provided below the LCD panel 15. From the left: a power switch 16, an up/down switch 17 consisting of a pair of up switch 17a and down switch 17b, a mode switch 18 as a mode change operation member, and a select switch 19 as a selection operation member.

The power switch 16 is a slide switch that stops at two positions, 0N10FF, and the up/down switch 17, mode switch 18, and select switch 19 are push button switches that are normally open.

A release button 20 is located on the top right side of the camera body 10.
is provided. Further, a flash switch 21 and an exposure compensation switch 22 are directed with the release button 20 as the center, and a zoom switch 23 consisting of a pair of telephoto switch 23a and a wide switch 23b is provided in front of the release button 20.

The release button 20 is a well-known two-step push button switch, and when pressed halfway (the first step), the play switch SWP is turned on.
Fully pressing turns on the release switch SWR. Strobe switch 21. An exposure compensation (EF) switch 22 and a zoom switch 23 serving as exposure compensation switch means are normally open push button switches.

On the side surface of the camera body 10 in the transverse direction, there is a dubbing/monitoring switch 25 and a
A V output connector 26 and a DC input jack 27 are provided. The monitor/dubbing selector switch 25 is A.
This is a slide switch that switches the signal output to the V output connector 26 between a composite output signal or audio output signal (monitor) of the signal recorded on the magnetic disk 37 and a demodulated signal (dubbing).

The above is an outline of the appearance of the illustrated embodiment.
A photographing lens (zoom lens 30), a strobe (light emitting unit 52), a finder, a distance measuring function/light receiving window, etc. are provided on the front of the camera.

Next, the configuration of the optical system, control system, etc. of the present still video camera will be explained based on FIG.

A diaphragm 31 is provided behind the zoom lens 30, and a CCD image sensor 32 is further provided behind the diaphragm 31. A subject image is formed on a light receiving surface of a CCD image sensor 32 by a zoom lens 30.

Integration and charge transfer of the CCD image sensor 32 are controlled and driven by a system control circuit 33 via an imaging circuit 34.

The charges accumulated in the CCD image sensor 32 are output to the imaging circuit 34, and from the imaging circuit 34 are outputted as an image signal to the video recording and reproducing circuit 35. This image signal is subjected to predetermined processing in the video recording and reproducing circuit 35 to be converted into a luminance signal Y1 color difference line sequential signal (B-Y, R-Y), a data signal, and further FM modulated. The data is recorded on a predetermined track of the magnetic disk 37 via the magnetic disk 37.

The magnetic disk 37 is rotationally driven by a spindle motor 38, and the rotation of the spindle motor 38 is controlled by a spindle motor drive circuit 39. The spindle motor drive circuit 39 is driven and controlled by the system control circuit 33. Further, the spindle motor drive circuit 39 controls the PG speed according to the rotation of the magnetic disk 37.
- This is a servo circuit that receives feedback from the pulses generated by the FG coil 40 and controls the phase with the signal from the PG and the rotation speed with the signal from the FG.

The magnetic head 36 is moved (accessed) onto the track of the magnetic disk 37 by the tracking control circuit 41, and performs recording and reproduction. As is well known, recording methods include field recording and frame recording. Further, the magnetic head 36 is turned on by operating the up/down switch 17.
Moved one track at a time.

42 is a loading switch, and the magnetic disk 3
7 is loaded, and outputs the detection signal to the system control circuit 33.

In the zoom lens 30, the variable magnification lens group is a zoom motor 43.
The focusing lens group is activated by the AF (autofocus) drive circuit 4.
4 respectively.

The aperture 31 is driven to open and close by an aperture drive circuit 45.

The zoom motor 43, the AF drive circuit 44, and the aperture drive circuit 45 are driven and controlled by the system control circuit 33.

The still video camera also includes a photometric sensor 46, a color temperature sensor 48, and an AF sensor 50 as sensors.

The subject brightness signal output from the photometric sensor 46 is logarithmically compressed and A/D converted by the photometric circuit 47 and then output to the system control circuit 33 . The system control circuit 33 performs a predetermined photometric calculation based on the above signal, and sets the aperture value of the diaphragm 31 and the integration time of the CCD image sensor 32.

Color temperature signal (blue (B)) output from color temperature sensor 48
) and red (R)) are logarithmically converted in the color temperature detection circuit 49 and then output to the system control circuit 33. The system control circuit 33 compares and calculates blue and red color temperature signals and performs white balance adjustment.

The AF sensor 50 is a triangular distance measuring sensor that has a light emitting section and a light receiving section. The object distance signal output from the distance measurement sensor 50 is processed into a distance signal by the AF detection circuit 51 and output to the system control circuit 33. The system control circuit 33 calculates the amount of movement of the focusing lens group from the distance signal, moves the focusing lens group to the focusing position via the AF drive circuit 44, and focuses the lens group.

Furthermore, this still video camera has a strobe. Light emission control of the strobe light emitting unit 52 is performed by a strobe control circuit 53.
This is done by the system control circuit 33 via the system control circuit 33.

In this embodiment, there is an auto mode in which the light is automatically emitted when the subject brightness falls below a certain value, an on mode in which the light is forced to emit light regardless of the subject brightness, and an off mode in which the light is not emitted at all. , on mode, and off mode are switched by operating the strobe switch 21.

Furthermore, this still video camera is capable of recording and reproducing audio in addition to image recording, but only the reproducing circuit is shown as the audio circuit. One track of the magnetic disk 37 is used for audio recording in the same way as one image recording, but its structure and operation are well known and are not the gist of the present invention or necessary for understanding, so a description thereof will be omitted.

An audio playback circuit 54 is connected to the video recording and playback circuit 35 . If the signal read by the magnetic head 36 during reproduction is an audio signal, the video recording and reproducing circuit 35 outputs the audio signal to the audio reproducing circuit 54.

The audio reproduction circuit 54 includes an A/D converter, a RAM, and a D/A converter. During playback, the demodulated audio signal from the video recording/playback circuit 35 is converted into a digital signal, stored in memory, expanded in time, converted into an analog signal, and output as audio output.

Furthermore, the video recording/playback circuit 35 and the audio playback circuit 54 are connected to the AV/dubbing selector switch 25.
An output connector 26 is connected.

The system control circuit 33 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a CPU that controls the entire still video camera.
Although it is a microcomputer equipped with a RAM and the like, it also functions as a means for setting a plurality of modes, such as a photographing mode, and a means for changing modes, according to built-in programs.

Next, the display-related configuration, which is a feature of the present invention, will be explained. FIG. 3 shows a front view of the LCD panel 15. The characters and figures shown within the outline of the LCD panel 15 are made of liquid crystal elements, and the white areas are light-transmitting state parts, that is, the light-out parts, and the black (filled parts) are the light-absorbing state parts, that is, the light-on parts. The display in Fig. 3 is the state when an unrecorded magnetic disk 37 is loaded and the power switch 16 is turned on.When the power switch 16 is turned off, the calendar display is r88-09-121 (year The other displays will disappear, leaving only the month/day) display.

The display on the LCD panel 15 can be categorized into six display sections displaying major functions, modes, and others. For each display section, the mode or value displayed therein can be changed. The change/setting operation is performed by pressing the select switch 19 or the up/down switch 17. The display section switching operation is performed by pressing the mode switch 18.

During the switching operation, the display indicating that the value has been set or is being set blinks to indicate that the setting mode is in progress.

Each display will be explained below in relation to its functions.

In FIG. 4, a display section relating to strobes is shown. The lit display rAUTOJ indicates a strobe auto mode in which the strobe light emitting unit 52 is automatically controlled to emit light when the subject brightness falls below a certain value.

If the strobe switch 21 is pressed here, the auto display rAUTOJ disappears and the display rONJ lights up. This display "ON1" indicates that the flash flash mode is a forced flash flash mode in which the flash flash unit 52 emits light regardless of the subject brightness while the release button 20 is pressed.

When the strobe switch 21 is pressed again, the strobe off mode is set and the display toFFJ lights up. This display roFFJ indicates that the strobe off mode is in which the strobe light emitting section 52 does not emit light even if the subject brightness is lower than the above-mentioned certain value.

FIG. 5 shows a photographic track number/exposure correction display section disposed below the strobe display section. The display ro lit in Figure 5 (A)
IJ means that the track to be recorded from now on is the first track. Each time the release button 20 is pressed and the exposure and recording processing is executed, the subject image is recorded (photographed) on one track, and the above display changes to "r02", "031, .
...The display changes to an incremented value of l.

When the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned on, the shooting track number difference exposure compensation display section 3 changes to a display regarding exposure compensation (EF) r+1.5J (see FIG. 5(B)).
This display r+1. FB4t, +1.5 than the appropriate exposure value
It is displayed that the image will be overexposed by EV.

The above +1.5 EV is the standard exposure correction value, but in this embodiment, the set value can be changed in steps of 0.5 EV within the range of ±2 EV. This changed value is displayed on the exposure display,
and is stored in the memory within the system control circuit 35.

If it is different from the standard value, the exposure correction value change display rthEFJ below the display r+1 lights up (see FIGS. 5(C) and (D)). If the exposure compensation value is not the standard value, even if you return to the shooting track display, the above display r±EF
J lights up to inform the photographer that the exposure compensation value is not the standard value (see FIG. 5(E)).

The exposure compensation value is changed by pressing the up/down switch 17 while the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned on (exposure compensation value change mode). When the up switch 17a is turned on, +2.0 in 0.5 increments
When the down switch 17b is turned on,
Down to -2.0 in 0.5 increments.

The battery-shaped figure placed next to the exposure compensation value change display "±EFJ" (see Figure 3) is a remaining battery power warning display, and lights up when the remaining battery power becomes low.

FIG. 6 shows a shooting mode display section disposed to the right of the strobe display section.

FIG. 6(A) shows a single mode display. The single mode is a mode in which one frame is recorded when the release button 20 is fully pressed (when the release switch SWR changes from off to on).

FIG. 6(B) shows the self-timer mode.

Figures 6(C) to (E) show 1 frame per second and 2 frames per second, respectively.
This indicates that the camera is in continuous shooting mode, which allows continuous shooting (recording) of 5 frames or 5 frames. The snapshot mode is a mode in which recording is performed continuously on the condition that the release switch 20 is turned on.

The setting of the photographing mode is changed by pressing the select switch 19 in the photographing mode change mode. Every time the select switch 19 is turned on once, the blinking display cycles from single mode to timer mode → 1 frame/second continuous shooting mode - 42 frames/second continuous shooting mode → 5 frames/second continuous shooting mode → single mode Moving.

7 to 1O show a recording/playback mode display section disposed below the photographing mode display section. This still video camera has two recording modes: a normal record mode that records only images, an AV record mode that records images and audio, an erase mode that erases recordings on each track track by track, and a playback mode. mode. Furthermore, it has a monitor mode in which images to be recorded can be monitored during the recording mode. Each of the above modes is then displayed in the recording/playback mode display section.

In normal record mode, the display rNORMALJ and rREcJ are lit (see Figure 7 (A)), and the AV
The record mode is indicated by the lighting of the displays rAVJ and rRECJ (see FIG. 7(B)).

Erase mode is activated by turning on the display rERASEJ (Figure 7 (C).
), and the playback mode is indicated by the display rPLAYJ(7) lighting up (see FIGS. 8(A) and 9(A, B)).

In monitor mode, display rMONITORJ lights up (8th
(C, D) and FIG. 9 (A, B)).

The shooting mode setting mode has multiple aspects. In a normal photographing state in which no AV connector is connected to the AV output connector 26, a display as shown in FIG. 7 (A to C) is made. Figure 7 (A) is normal record mode,
FIG. 7(B) shows the AV/record mode, and FIG. 7(C) shows the erase mode.

When the AV connector is connected to the AV output connector 26,
The display mode is as shown in FIG. 8 (A-D). Figure 8 (A
) is playback mode, Fig. 8 (B) is erase mode, Fig. 8 (
C) is normal record monitor mode, Figure 8 (D
) is the AV/record monitor mode.

The recording and reproducing mode can be changed by pressing the select switch 1'9 in the recording and reproducing mode change mode. Moreover, each time the select switch 19 is turned on, the display changes from (A) to (C) to (A) in FIG.
In FIG. 8, it moves cyclically in the order of (A) → (D) → (A).

FIG. 9 (A%B) is a display of standby and playback states in playback mode. When the playback mode is set in the recording/playback mode change mode, the playback standby state is entered and the playback display rPLAYJ blinks (see FIG. 9(A)). Here, the release button 20 is turned on (play switch 5WP
), playback starts and the playback display rPLAYJ
changes to a point, etc. (see Figure 9 (B)).

FIG. 10 (A, B) shows the display in normal record monitor mode. When the normal record monitor mode is set in the recording/playback mode change mode, the monitor is in standby mode and the displays rNORMALJ 8 and rM
ONITORJ blinks (see Figure 10 (A)). When the release button 20 (play switch 5WP) is turned on here, monitoring starts and the display fNORMALJ
and rMONITORJ turns on (Fig. 10 (
See B).

FIGS. 11(A-E) show a white balance mode display section disposed below the recording/playback mode display section.

The display rWBJ at the left end indicates that white balance adjustment is being performed. Next to rWBJ, the display rAUTOJ indicates automatic adjustment, the display "(picture of clouds) 1" indicates cloudy weather mode, the display "(picture of sun) 1 indicates clear weather mode, and the display r indicates fluorescent light mode.
(Picture of fluorescent lamp) 1 and display r (representing incandescent lamp mode)
A picture of an incandescent lamp) 1 is formed.

White balance adjustment is selectively set to auto, cloudy weather, sunny weather, fluorescent light, or incandescent light mode, and the set display section lights up. The setting operation is performed by pressing the select switch 19 in the white balance change mode. Each time the select switch 19 is pressed, the flashing mode cycles from auto to cloudy weather → sunny weather → fluorescent light → incandescent light → auto (see Fig. 11 (A~
(See E).

12 and 13 show a calendar display section located below the white balance display. This calendar display sexillon is "Year Month Day"
and "hour, minute, and second" are displayed selectively, and while the battery is loaded, "year, month, day" or "hour, minute, and second" is always displayed regardless of whether the power switch 16 is set to 0N10FF.

Figure 12 shows the date and time of September 12, 1988.
It represents the day.

FIG. 13 shows hours, minutes, and seconds, and shows that the time is 11:34:57. The hyphen display r-J placed between each number indicates the "year, month, day" display, and the colon display r:1 indicates the "hour, minute, second" display.

The above-mentioned "year, month, day" or "hour, minute, second" adjustment is performed by pressing the up/down switch 17 in the calendar change mode. When the calendar change mode is entered by suppressing the mode switch 18, the hyphen display r-J will be displayed if the "year, month, day" display is displayed, and the colon display ":" will be displayed if the "hour, minute, second" display is displayed. 1 starts blinking (see FIG. 12(A) and FIG. 13(A)).

When the select switch 19 is pressed once in this state, the year (hour) display section at the far left starts blinking. Then, each time the select switch 19 is pressed, the display that flashes will indicate the year (hour).
→ Month (minutes) - Day (seconds) - All lights on - Year (hours).

If the up/down switch 17 is pressed during the above flashing,
The numerical value on the display changes cyclically within a certain range. For example, when the month display section is blinking (Fig. 13(C)), the up switch 17a is pressed, rlOJ-rlIJ-
Down switch 17b in the order r12J-roIJ
When is pressed, it moves cyclically in the order of 081→to7J.

A rectangular graphic display disposed on the right side of the calendar display screen indicates whether or not the magnetic disk 37 is being loaded, and is lit when the loading switch 42 is turned on.

The mode change mode is cycled and changed as described below by pressing the mode switch 17.

First, the magnetic disk 37 is loaded and the power switch 1 is turned on.
6 is turned on, the LCD panel 15 is in a non-blinking lighting state as shown in FIG.

When the select switch 19 is pressed once in the above state, the shooting mode is changed, and the display in the shooting mode display section changes from the single mode display section lighting up to the self-timer mode display section blinking (Figure 6 (B)). reference). When the select switch 19 is pressed, the blinking display moves cyclically in order as described above.

When the mode switch 18 is pressed in the flashing state of the shooting mode display section or in the initial state, the flashing display section changes to a lit display, the setting mode changes to the recording and playback mode change mode, and the recording and playback mode display section (normal・Record mode display) changes to blinking (see Figure 7 (A)).

When the mode switch 18 is pressed in the above state, the blinking display changes to a lit display, the setting mode changes to the white balance mode setting mode, and the display in the white balance mode display section blinks (Figure 11 (A)
(see).

When the mode switch 18 is pressed, the blinking display changes to a lit display, the setting mode changes to the calendar change mode, and the "year, month, and day" display in the calendar display section blinks (Fig. 12 (A) ).

When the mode switch 18 is pressed, the flashing display in the calendar display section changes to a flashing "hour, minute, second" display (see FIG. 13(B)).

When the mode switch 18 is pressed here, the "hours, minutes, seconds" display mode flashing display in the calendar display section changes to a lit display, the mode setting mode changes to the shooting mode setting mode, and the display in the shooting mode display section changes to a lit display. It changes to blinking. In other words, each time the mode switch 18 is turned on, the mode setting mode changes in order.

Then, when the release button 20 (play switch 5WP) is turned on in the blinking state, the mode change mode is canceled and all display sections are changed to lit display.

Further, in the above-mentioned cycle state, the display of the calendar display section has been switched from the "year, month, and day" display mode to the "hour, minute, and second" display mode.

When the mode switch 18 is pressed again, the display in the calendar display section returns from the "hour, minute, and second" display mode to the "year, month, and day" display mode.

In other words, "Year Month Day" in the Calendar Display section
The display and the "hours, minutes, and seconds" display are switched by pressing the mode switch 18.

Note that the calendar display 0 of this embodiment is driven and controlled by a so-called auto-calendar circuit in the system control circuit 33.

Next, the basic operation of the still video camera having the above configuration will be explained.

When the magnetic disk 37 is loaded, the loading detection switch 42 is turned on, and the system control circuit 33 knows this.

When the power switch 16 is turned on in this state, the spindle motor 38 is started and the magnetic disk 37 starts rotating at a predetermined rotational speed. Then, the magnetic head 36 accesses the first (outermost) track and checks whether or not that track has been recorded. This check is performed by causing the magnetic head 36 to function as a reproducing head and by having the system control circuit 33 determine whether or not the magnetic head 36 has picked up a signal from the track.

If the magnetic head 36 is an unrecorded track, it is stopped there, but if it is a recorded track, it is moved to the next track, and a check is made as to whether or not recording has been completed in the same manner as described above. The magnetic head 36 is then stopped at the first unrecorded track. This completes the cueing of the magnetic head 36.

The track number where the magnetic head 36 stopped is the L
This is displayed in the number of shooting tracks and exposure compensation display section of the CD panel 15.

When the release button 20 is turned on in this state, the play switch SWP is turned on when pressed halfway, and the photometry circuit 47,
The AF detection circuit 51 and the color temperature detection circuit 37 are activated, and the system control circuit 33 performs photometry calculation, distance measurement calculation, and white balance calculation.

Then, based on the above calculation result, the aperture 31 is opened to a predetermined aperture value by the aperture drive circuit 45, the 3° focusing lens is moved to the in-focus position by the AF drive circuit 44, and the white balance of the imaging circuit 34 is adjusted. Adjustment values are determined. Here, when the photometric value is lower than a certain value, that is, when the subject is dark, the strobe control circuit 53 is activated and charging is started.

When the release button 20 is further pressed and the release switch SWR is turned on, the integration start and stop processing of the CCD image sensor 32 is performed, and the image signal output from the CCD image sensor 32 is transmitted to the imaging circuit 34 and the video recording/reproducing circuit 35. A predetermined process is performed and the data is recorded on one track of the magnetic disk 37 by the magnetic head 36.

When recording is completed, the magnetic head 36 is moved to the next track, and the display in the photographed track number display section of the LCD panel 15 changes to a value in which 1 has been added.

The above is the standard shooting operation. Note that this still video camera can record "year, month, day" or "hour, minute, second" as a data signal when recording an image.

In the case of reproduction, an input AV connector of a monitor television or the like is connected to the AV output connector 26. Then, the connector attachment detection switch 56 is turned on.

This ON is detected by the system control circuit 33, the recording/playback mode is switched to the playback mode, the recording/playback mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is switched to the playback mode display, and the display rPLAY1 blinks (Fig. 8(A)).
reference).

When the release button 20 is pressed in this playback mode, the signal on the track is read by the magnetic head 36 and output to the video recording/playback circuit 35.

The video recording/reproducing circuit 35 determines whether the signal is an image signal or an audio signal.

If it is an audio signal, it is output to the audio reproduction circuit 54 and the monitor/dubbing changeover switch 25. The audio signal is once recorded in the memory in the audio reproduction circuit 54, decompressed from the memory, and sent to the monitor/dubbing switch 25.
is output to.

If it is an image signal, it is demodulated and separated into a luminance signal Y-
3 and the color difference signal LSC, and are output to the monitor/dubbing changeover switch 25 as they are as encoded composite signals.

The monitor/dubbing changeover switch 25 outputs to the AV output connector 26 as follows. If dubbing is selected, the audio signal is output from the audio reproduction circuit 35, and the image signal is the luminance signal Y-S and color difference signal L.
SC is output to the AV output connector 26, and if the monitor side is switched, the audio signal from the image recording/reproducing circuit 35 and the image signal from the composite signal are output to the AV output connector 26. In this way, in the case of dubbing, the signal immediately after demodulation is output, so it becomes possible to dub with a signal with less distortion and noise.

Note that when the connector attachment detection switch 56 is not turned on, that is, when the AV connector is not connected to the AV output connector 26, the playback mode cannot be set by operating the mode switch 18. This prevents unnecessary operations and battery consumption.

Next, the operation of the system control circuit 33 regarding the mode change operation and display of the present still video camera will be explained based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 20. I will briefly explain.

As described above, the system control circuit 33 has a CPU, operates according to a program written in the ROM of this CPU, and realizes the mode changing operation of the present invention.

When the power switch 16 is turned on, the mode setting bit, interrupt enable bit, and other conditions are initialized. The memory related to displaying the number of photographed tracks is initialized when the loading switch 42 is turned off or the magnetic disk 37 is ejected.

After the above initialization, the magnetic head 36 cue processing and the LC
The display on the D panel 15 is executed. After cueing is completed, an interval timer is started, and input processing for each switch 18, 20 to 23 is executed at predetermined time intervals.

If any switch is on, it interrupts the subroutine related to the on switch and executes the process. For example, if the zoom switch 23 is on, it interrupts the zooming subroutine and executes the process via the zoom motor drive circuit 43. Move the zoom lens group to perform zooming. If the release button 20 (play switch swp) is on in record mode, the shooting subroutine is interrupted and exposure processing such as AF processing, photometry calculation processing, aperture operation processing, integral processing, white balance adjustment processing, etc.
Recording processing on the magnetic disk 37 and the like are executed. If the mode switch 18 is on, the mode setting subroutine is interrupted and mode setting processing is executed.

Furthermore, when the power switch 16 is turned on and predetermined conditions are initialized, the mode number M is set to O. The mode number M is counted up each time the mode switch 18 is turned on, and its value changes cyclically within the range of 0 to 4.

N is a selection number, and the selection numbers N (0), N (1), N (2), N corresponding to the mode number M
(3), N (4). The select value for each select number N is counted up each time the select switch 19 is turned on, and changes cyclically within the range of 0 to 4. Furthermore, the display mode of the LCD panel 15 is defined by the value of the selection number N mentioned above.

The display on the LCD panel 15 in the initial state is as shown in FIG. 4, and when the up/down switch 17 is operated, the magnetic head 37 is sequentially moved to the outer track or the inner track, and the select switch 19 is turned on. When it is done,
Change the shooting mode.

Note that the detailed operation of the above routine is not necessary for understanding the present invention, so a detailed explanation will not be provided.

Next, the operation performed by the system control circuit 33 in the mode change process will be explained based on FIG. 15.

When the mode switch 18 or select switch 19 is turned on, the mode change subroutine is interrupted.

In step 100, it is determined whether the AV connector is connected to the AV connector 26 (whether the AV terminal is ON or not).
That is, it is checked whether the connector attachment detection switch 56 is on. If it is not turned on, the process advances to step 101, and if it is not turned on, the process advances to step 102.

In step lot, set the normal record mode, turn on the recording/playback mode display section of the LC, D panel 15, and turn on the display fNORMAL RECJ.Step 1
Proceed to 04.

In step 102, the recording/playback mode is set to playback mode,
Display the recording/playback mode display section of the LCD panel 15
PLAYJ! blinks and proceeds to step 103.

In step 103, the mode number M is set to 1, and the process proceeds to step 104. In other words, A to the AV output connector 26
When the V connector is connected, the mode number M will automatically change to 1.
, and enters the recording/playback mode setting mode, which will be described later.

In step 104, it is checked whether the mode switch 18 is on. If it is on, the process proceeds to step 107; if not, the process proceeds to step 105. In other words, as long as the mode switch 18 is held down, the process proceeds to step 107.

In step 105, it is checked whether the power switch 16 is turned on. If not on, E
The process proceeds to ND processing, and if it is on, the process proceeds to step 120. END processing is the processing to exit from this subroutine.
When exiting from the subroutine, the program enters a standby state before entering this routine.

In step 107, it is checked whether the power switch 16 is on. If it is on, step 1
Proceed to step 10, and if it is not turned on, proceed to step 108.

In step 108, it is checked whether the mode number M is less than 3. If it is smaller, the process advances to step 109; if it is not smaller, the process jumps to step 111. If this subroutine is entered when the power switch 16 is turned off through the processing in steps 107 to 109, the mode number will be set to 3, and only the calendar change processing to be described later will be executed. As a result, while the mode switch 18 continues to be turned on, the mode change mode is cycled and changed at a predetermined time period.

In step 109, the mode number M is set to 3, and the process proceeds to step 111.

In step 110, the mode number M is increased by one, that is, the mode is advanced by one. Then, the process advances to step 111.

In step 111, it is checked whether the mode number M is 3. If it is 3, the process proceeds to END processing, and if it is not 3, the process proceeds to step 112.

In step 112, it is checked whether the mode number M is 4. If it is 4, proceed to step 113;
If not, proceed to step 116.

In step 113, it is checked whether flag A is set. If it has not been set, proceed to step 114 and set it; if it has been set, proceed to step 115 to reset it. This flag A is a flag for switching the display of the calendar display section between "year, month, day" and "hour, minute, second." Therefore, in the processing of steps 113 to 115, flag A is inverted, and the display mode of select numbers N(3) and (4) ("
(year, month, day) display and hour, minute, second display) are swapped.

When the processing in steps 114 and 115 is completed, the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 116, the selection number N(3) is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step 117. In step 117, the selection number N(4) is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step 118.

Step 118 checks whether mode number M is greater than or equal to six.

If YES, proceed to step 119; if NO, proceed to E
Proceed to ND processing.

In step 119, the mode number M is set to 0, and the EN
Proceed to process D. In other words, the mode switch 18 is pressed 6 times (A
When pressed five times (if the AV connector is connected to the V output connector 26), the count value of the mode number M is returned from 4 to O.

Select switch 1 when checking step 106 above.
If 9 is on, the process advances to step 120.

In step 120, 1 is added to the selection number N (M). That is, the select number N is set to a value corresponding to the mode number M. Then, the process proceeds to step 121.

In step 121, it is checked whether the mode number M is 0. If it is 0, it is the photographing mode change mode, so the process proceeds to step 122, the photographing mode change subroutine, and if it is not 0, the process proceeds to step 123.

In step 123, it is checked whether the mode number M is 1 or not. If it is 1, it is the recording/playback mode setting mode, so the process goes to step 124, the recording/playback mode setting subroutine, and if it is not 1, the process goes to step 125.

In step 125, it is checked whether the mode number M is 2. If it is 2, it is the white balance mode change mode, so the process proceeds to step 126, the white balance mode change subroutine, and if it is not 2, the process proceeds to step 127.

In step 127, it is checked whether the mode number M is 3 or 4. If YES, it is the calendar setting mode, so the process proceeds to the calendar setting subroutine of step 128; if NO, the process proceeds to step 129.

In step 129, the mode number M is set to 0, and the EN
Proceed to process D.

After the above END process is executed, release switch SW
When R is turned on, the mode change mode is canceled and the mode is set.

Next, regarding each mode change process described above, FIGS.
This will be explained with reference to FIG. When the processes shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 are entered, the photographing mode can be changed, the recording/reproducing mode can be changed, the white balance mode can be changed, and the calendar display can be changed, respectively.

After the power switch 16 is turned on, when the select switch 19 is turned on once, or when the mode switch 18 is turned on once and the select switch 19 is turned on once, the mode number M is set to O in step 121. If there is, it is checked and the process enters the photographing mode change subroutine (FIG. 15) in step 122.

In the shooting mode change subroutine, first step 130
Check whether the select number N(0) is 1 or not. If the value is 1, the process proceeds to step 131; if not, the process proceeds to step 132.

In step 131, a self-timer mode setting process is executed, and the photographing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is changed as shown in FIG. 6(B) before proceeding to the END process.

In step 132, it is checked whether the select number N(0) is 2. If it is 2, the process proceeds to step 133; if not, the process proceeds to step 134.

In step 133, the 1 frame/second snapshot mode setting is executed, and the shooting mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is set to the 6th frame/second snapshot mode.
After changing the display to that shown in Figure (C), proceed to the END process.

In step 134, it is checked whether the selection number N(0) is 3. If 3, proceed to step 135;
If not, proceed to step 136.

In step 135, the 2 frame/second continuous shooting mode setting is executed, and the shooting mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is set to the 6th frame/second continuous shooting mode.
After changing the display to that shown in Figure (D), proceed to the END process.

In step 136, it is checked whether the select number N(0) is 4. If it is 4, the process proceeds to step 137, and if it is not 4, the process proceeds to step 138.

In step 137, a 5 frame/second continuous shooting mode is set, the shooting mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is changed to the display shown in FIG. 6(E), and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 138, the selection number N(0) is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step 139. That is, when the select switch 19 is pressed five times, the select number (0) is returned from 4 to 0.

In step 139, single shooting mode setting is executed,
After changing the photographing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 to the display shown in FIG. 6(A), the process proceeds to END processing.

In short, in the above shooting mode setting mode, each time the select switch 19 is turned on, the shooting mode changes from single mode to self-timer mode - 13 fluff second continuous shooting mode -> 2 frames/second continuous shooting mode - 5 frames/second continuous shooting The mode is switched in the order of mode → single mode →...

The above is the photographing mode setting process when the select switch 19 is pressed or the mode switch 18 is pressed once with no AV connector attached to the AV connector 26 after the power switch 16 is turned on.

Next, the process when the mode switch 18 is pressed twice (once when the AV connector is connected) after the power switch 16 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

When the mode switch 18 is pressed twice, the mode number M becomes 1, and the recording/reproducing mode changing subroutine from step 123 to step 124 is entered.

In the recording/reproducing subroutine, first in step 140 it is checked whether the connector attachment detection switch 56 is on. In other words, it is checked whether the AV connector is connected to the AV connector 26 and is in a monitoring or dubbing state.

If it is turned on, the process jumps to step 146, and if it is not turned on, the process goes to step 141.

In step 141, it is checked whether the select number N(1) is 1, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed once. If the select switch 19 has been pressed once, the process proceeds to step 142, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 143.

In step 142, the AV/record mode setting is executed, the display in the recording/playback mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 7(B), and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 143, it is checked whether the select number N(1) is 2, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed twice. If the select switch 19 has been pressed twice, the process proceeds to step 144, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 145.

In step 144, the erase mode setting is executed, the recording/reproducing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 7(C), and the process jumps to step 153.

In step 153, the select number N(1) is set to 0, that is, when the select switch 19 is pressed three times, the counter is set to 0. Then, the process proceeds to END processing.

Further, in step 145, the normal record mode setting is executed and the recording/playback mode display section is set as shown in FIG.
) and proceed to END processing.

When the AV connector is connected to the AV connector 26,
As described above, the process jumps from step 140 to step 146.

As mentioned above, if the AV connector is connected to the AV output connector 26, the process jumps from step 140 to step 146.

In step 146, it is checked whether the select number N(1) is 1, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed once. If the select switch 19 has been pressed once, the process proceeds to step 147, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 148.

In step 147, erase mode setting is executed and the LCD
Figure 8 (B) shows the recording/playback mode display section of panel 15.
The display changes to , and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 148, it is checked whether the select number N(1) is 2, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed twice. If the select switch 19 has been pressed twice, the process proceeds to step 149, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 150.

In step 149, record/normal/monitor mode setting is executed, the recording/reproducing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 8(C), and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 150, it is checked whether the select number (1) is 3, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed three times. If the select switch 19 has been pressed three times, the process proceeds to step 151, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 152.

In step 151, AV/record/monitor mode setting is executed, the recording/reproducing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 8(D), and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 152, the playback mode setting is executed, the recording/playback mode display section is switched to the display shown in FIG. 8(A), and the process proceeds to step 153.

In step 153, the select number N (1) is set to O as described above. Then, proceed to END processing.

In short, in the above recording re-mode change subroutine, the AV
When the AV connector is not connected to the output connector 26, each time the select switch 19 is turned on, the mode cycles from record/normal mode to AV/record mode -> erase mode - record/normal mode ->... .

On the other hand, when the AV connector is connected to the AV output connector 26, the playback mode is entered and the select switch 1
Each time 9 is turned on, the recording/reproducing mode is switched in the order of reproduction mode, erasure mode, record/normal/monitor mode, record/AV/monitor mode, reproduction mode, etc.

Next, the process when the mode switch 18 is pressed three times after the power switch 16 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

When the mode switch 18 is pressed three times, the mode number M becomes 2, and the white balance (WB) mode changing subroutine from step 125 to step 126 is entered.

In this white balance mode change subroutine, first, in step 160, it is checked whether the select number N(2) is 1, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed only once. If the select switch 19 has been pressed only once, the process proceeds to step 161, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 162.

In step 161, the white balance mode is set to the first manual (cloudy) mode, the white balance display section is changed to the display shown in FIG. 11 (B), and then the EN
Proceed to process D.

In step 162, it is checked whether the select number N(2) is 2, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed only twice. If the select switch 19 has been pressed only twice, the process proceeds to step 163, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 164.

In step 163, set the white balance mode to the second manual (sunny weather) mode, change the white balance display section to the display shown in Figure 11 (C), and then press EN.
Proceed to process D.

In step 164, it is checked whether the select number N(2) is 3, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed three times. If the select switch 19 has been pressed three times, the process proceeds to step 165, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 166.

In step 165, the white balance mode is set to the third manual (fluorescent lamp) mode, the white balance display section is switched to the display shown in FIG. 11(D), and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 166, it is checked whether the select number N(2) is 4, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed four times. If the select switch 19 has been pressed four times, the process proceeds to step 167, and if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step 168.

In step 167, a fourth manual (incandescent lamp) mode, which is a white balance mode, is set, and the white balance display section is switched to the display shown in FIG. 11(E), and then the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 168, the selection number N(2) is set to 0, that is, the counter is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step 169.

In step 169, the auto white balance mode is set and the white balance display section is set as shown in Figure 11 (
After switching to the display in A), proceed to the END process.

In short, in this white balance change subroutine,
Each time the select switch 19 is pressed, the white balance mode changes from auto mode to cloudy WB mode → sunny W
Switch in the following order: B mode → Fluorescent WB mode - Incandescent WB mode → Auto WB mode →...

Next, the processing of the calendar change subroutine when the mode switch 18 is pressed four or five times after the power switch 16 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG.

When the mode switch 18 is pressed four or five times, the mode number M becomes 3 or 4, and the calendar change subroutine from step 127 to step 128 is entered.

In the calendar change subroutine, first step 170
, it is checked whether the value of select number (3) or (4) is 1, that is, whether the select switch 19 has been pressed once. If the select switch 19 has been pressed once, the process proceeds to step 171, and if it has not been pressed once, the process proceeds to step 174.

In step 171, it is checked whether flag A is set. If it is not set, the process proceeds to step 173; if it is set, the process proceeds to step 174.

In step 172, "hour" change mode setting is executed, and L
The calendar display section of the CD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 13(B), and the process proceeds to the END process.

In step 173, the “year” change mode setting is executed, and 1
The mode display section No. 5 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 12(B), and the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 174, the selection number N (3) or (4) is selected.
) is 2.

If it is 2, the process proceeds to step 175; if not, the process proceeds to step 178.

In step 175, a check is made to see if flag A is set. If it is not set, “minutes” are displayed and the process goes to step 176; if it is set, “minute” is displayed.
Since the month is displayed, the process advances to step 177.

In step 176, minute change mode setting is executed and the LCD
The calendar display section of panel 15 is shown in Figure 13 (C
) and proceed to END processing.

In step 177, the "month" change mode setting is executed, and the L
The calendar display section of the CD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 12(C), and the process proceeds to the END process.

In step 178, select number N(3) or (4) is selected.
) is 3, that is, select switch 1
Check whether p is pressed three times. If the select switch 19 has been pressed three times, the process proceeds to step 179, and if it has not been pressed three times, the process proceeds to step mode switch 182.

In step 179, it is checked whether flag A is set. If it is not set, the process proceeds to step 180; if it is set, the process proceeds to step 181.

In step 180, "second" change mode setting is executed, and L
The calendar display section of the CD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 13(D), and the process proceeds to the END process.

In step 181, the "day" change mode setting is executed, and the L
The calendar display section of the CD panel 15 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 12(D), and the process proceeds to the END process.

In step 182, the selection number N(3) or (4) is selected.
) is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step 183.

In step 183, the calendar change mode is canceled, the blinking of the calendar display section is stopped, and the data set in the mode setting process is displayed, and the process proceeds to the END process. That is, when the select switch 19 is pressed four times, the calendar display is canceled.

In the above calendar change subroutine, if flag A is set, that is, if "Year Month Day" is displayed,
Every time the select switch 19 is turned on, the blinking display (change data) moves cyclically in the order of year - month, day (setting) - year. When flag A is reset, that is, when displaying "hours, minutes, and seconds," each time the select switch 19 is turned on, the blinking display (change data) changes in the order of hours → minutes - seconds (setting) - hours. Move in circulation.

Then, when the up/down switch 17 is turned on in the blinking state, the blinking display data is sequentially incremented or decremented each time it is turned on.

In the mode setting subroutine described above, when the release switch SWR is turned on after executing the END process, if there is a blinking display, the mode or value of the blinking display is set, and the blinking changes to lighting.

Next, the operation of the system control circuit 33 when the AV connector is connected to the AV connector 26 will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

This routine starts when the magnetic disk 37 is loaded, the power switch 16 is turned on, the connector attachment detection switch 56 is turned on, and the play switch SWP is turned on.

In this routine, first, in step 191, it is checked whether the record mode is set. If it is not the record mode, the process proceeds to step 192, and if it is the record mode, the process proceeds to step 197.

In step 192, a check is made to see if it is in playback mode. If it is not the reproduction mode, the process advances to step 193, and if it is the reproduction mode, the process advances to step 203.

In step 193, it is checked whether the mode is monitor mode. If it is not in monitor mode, proceed to END processing,
If it is the monitor mode, the process advances to step 194.

In step 194, a check is made to see if the monitor start flag is set.

If it is set, the process proceeds to END processing since the monitor process has already been executed, and if it is not set, the process proceeds to step 195.

In step 195, a monitor start flag is set, and the process proceeds to step 196.

In step 196, monitoring is started. and E.N.
Proceed to process D. Here, the monitor refers to the AV output connector 26 that transmits the image signal output from the CCD image sensor 32 and the audio signal output from the recording device (not shown).
This is the mode in which the output is output to .

As described above, if the record mode is selected, the process advances from step 191 to step 197. In step 197, photometric calculation processing is executed, in step 198, color temperature detection and white balance value setting processing are executed, and in step 199
Then, distance measurement and focusing processing are executed, and the process proceeds to step 200.

In step 200, it is checked whether or not strobe light is being emitted. If not, the process proceeds to step 201, and if it is, the process proceeds to step 202.

In step 201, strobe charging is stopped, in step 202, strobe charging is started, and the process proceeds to END processing.

When proceeding to the END process in the record mode in this manner, when the release button 20 is fully pressed and the release switch SWR is turned on, exposure and recording processes are executed.

In the case of reproduction mode, the process proceeds from step 192 to step 203. In step 203, it is checked whether the reproduction start flag is set. If the reproduction start flag is set, the process proceeds to step 204; if not, the process proceeds to step 207.

In step 204, the reproduction start flag is reset, and the process proceeds to step 205.

In step 205, a meate signal indicating the standby state is output, and the process proceeds to step 206.

In step 206, the mode number M value is set to 1, L
The display rPLAYj on the CD panel 15 blinks as shown in Fig. 9 (
(See A)), and then proceed to END processing.

In step 207, a reproduction start flag is set, and the process proceeds to step 208.

In step 208, the magnetic head 36 is accessed to a predetermined track, the magnetic disk 37 is rotated, a signal recorded on the track is read, and a reproduction start process is executed to output the signal to the AV connector 26, and the process proceeds to step 209.

In step 209, the mode number M is set to O, and the LC
Turn on the display rPLAY1 on the D panel 15.
), then proceed to END processing.

Next, the operation of the system control circuit 33 regarding the exposure compensation value change mode display shown in FIG.
This will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned on, this exposure compensation value setting subroutine is entered.

In this subroutine, first, in step 210,
Check if you are in record mode. If it is the record mode, the process advances to step 211, and if it is not the record mode, the process advances to END processing.

In step 211, an exposure correction (EF) on flag indicating that exposure correction (EF) is in progress is set, and the process proceeds to step 212. With this exposure correction on flag set, the exposure value is corrected during exposure.

In step 212, it is checked whether the exposure correction value change flag is set. In other words, it is checked whether the standard exposure compensation value of +1.5EV has also changed. If it has changed, the process jumps to step 214; if it has not changed, the process goes to step 213.

In step 213, the exposure correction value is set to +1.5EV, and the process proceeds to step 214.

In step 214, it is checked whether the up switch 17a is on. If it is turned on, the process advances to step 215, and if it is not turned on, the process advances to step 216.

In step 215, the upswitch on flag is set, and the process proceeds to step 218.

In step 216, it is checked whether the down switch 17b is on. If it is on, step 2
Proceed to step 17, and if it is not turned on, jump to step 218.

In step 217, the down switch on flag is set, and the process proceeds to step 218.

In step 218, it is checked whether the exposure correction on flag is set. If it is set, the process advances to step 219; if it is not set (because the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned off), the process advances to END processing.

In step 219, an exposure correction value change flag is set. Then, the process proceeds to step 220. When this exposure compensation value change flag is set, the exposure compensation value change display r±EF
J lights up (see FIG. 5 (C to E)).

Step 220 checks whether the upswitch on flag is set or the downswitch on flag is set.

If the down switch on flag is set, the process proceeds to step 221; if the down switch on flag is set, the process proceeds to step 224.

In step 221, the exposure compensation value is subtracted by 0.5,
Proceed to step 222.

In step 222, it is checked whether the exposure correction value is less than -2.0. If it is smaller, the process advances to step 223; if it is not smaller, the process jumps to step 227.

In step 223, the exposure correction value is set to -2.0. That is, the lower limit of the exposure correction value is regulated to -2.0. Then, the process advances to step 227.

In step 224, the exposure correction value is increased by 0.5, and the process proceeds to step 225.

In step 225, it is checked whether the exposure compensation value is greater than +2.0. If larger, step 226
If it is smaller, jump to step 227.

In step 226, the exposure compensation value is set to +2.0. That is, the upper limit of the exposure correction value is defined as +2.0. Then, the process advances to step 227.

In step 227, the exposure compensation value is +1.5 (standard value)
Check if it is. If it is a standard value, the process proceeds to step 228, and if it is not a standard value, the process proceeds to END processing.

In step 228, the exposure correction value change flag is reset. In other words, exposure compensation value change display rf E FJ'
jt lights out succession END processing 4: [r.

This subroutine is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals while the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned on.

According to the embodiment having the above configuration, the shooting mode that is most frequently changed is the initial state, for example, after turning on the power switch 16, after releasing the camera, or after disconnecting the AV connector from the AV output connector 26, and the other shooting mode. Before this operation, the mode can be changed only by operating the select switch 19, so the mode can be easily changed, and the operability is very good (and there is no risk of accidentally changing another mode).

Furthermore, since the changed mode is set by pressing the release button 20, there is no need to take the trouble to provide an operating member for setting or to operate it.
It is possible to provide a camera that is more compact, cheaper, and easier to operate.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to an example in which it is applied to a still video camera, the present invention can also be applied to a silver halide camera.

In short, the present invention allows the mode to be changed most frequently (shooting mode) using only a single operating member (select switch 19), and for modes that are less frequently changed, it is possible to change the mode using a single operating member (select switch 19). The mode can be changed by a combination of the down switch 17, mode switch 18, and select switch 19).

"Effects of the Invention" As is clear from the above explanation, the camera mode changing device of the present invention has improved operability because the shooting mode, which is frequently changed, can be changed only by operating the select operation member. It is very common for operational errors to occur.
Never miss a photo opportunity.

Further, in a still video camera in which the shooting mode setting means is also set to a mode changeable state by the mode change operation member which makes the white balance mode setting means and the recording/playback mode setting means into a mode changeable state, and the mode can be changed by the select operation member, If the shooting mode setting means is configured such that in a certain initial state, the mode can be changed only by operating the select operation member, and the mode can be changed, the operability will be improved and the number of operation means will be reduced. A more compact and inexpensive camera can be provided.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a still video camera to which the present invention is applied, seen from the rear, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overview of the internal system of the still video camera, and FIG. Figure 4 (A, B% C) is an enlarged front view of the LCD panel of the same still video camera, and Figure 5 (A, B, C) is a diagram showing the strobe display section of the LCD panel in different modes. , D, E) are views showing the same number of shots/exposure correction value display section in different display modes, and Figures 6 (A, B, C, D, E) are views showing the shooting mode display section in different display modes. Figures shown in Figure 7 (A, B,
C), Figure 8 (A, B, C%D), Figure 9 (A%B)
and Figure 1O (A, B) are diagrams showing the recording/playback mode display section in different mode displays, and Figure 11 (A%B, C, D%E) are diagrams showing the white balance display section in different modes. Diagram showing mode display, 12th
Figures (A, B, C, D) show the calendar display section in year, month, and day display mode; Figure 13 (A, B, C
, D) is a diagram showing the same calendar display section in hours, minutes, and seconds display mode, FIG. 14 (A%B) is a flowchart of the mode change operation, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the shooting mode change operation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the recording/playback mode changing operation, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the white balance mode changing operation, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the calendar changing operation, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the playback mode operation, and FIG. is a flowchart of an exposure correction value changing operation. 10...Camera body, 15...LCD panel, 16
... Power switch, 17... Up-down switch (select operation member), 18... Mode switch (mode change operation member) 19
...Select switch (select operation member) 20...
・Release button, 26... AV output connector 33... System control circuit (mode setting means, mode changing means) 37... Magnetic disk, Patent applicant: Asahi Optical Industry Co., Ltd. Agent: Kunio Miura AuTo mouth GCOF'F (A) し し ます 　QON FF (B) 4 nests・;○GojOFF ((2) 4th (D) fig. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E ) Zen°S ni 26 00':h jH5 20mb11 rev. ko-p, %'H25 ko[F]-1;5 6th flash (A) (B) (C) Fig. 7 (A) ( B) (C) (D) Figure 8 B': = Pull 113.ri (A) (B) (C) Figure 13 8B÷g!3+, 9E (A) (B) (C) No. Fig. 12 Fig. 15 Fig. 17 Director General of the Patent Office Yoshi 1) Moon Yi 1. Display of the case 1988 Patent Application No. 250266 2 Name of the invention Camera mode changing device Representative Toru Matsumoto Detailed explanation column of the invention in the specification and drawing 6 Contents of amendment (1) Attached to the application On page 6, line 15 of the specification, the statement "directed" is amended to read "provided." (2) In the first and third lines of page 8 of the same specification, the description "zoom lens" is corrected to "zoom lens." (3) On page 9, lines 3 to 4 of the same specification, rPG-
The description FGJ will be corrected to rPGJ. (4) On page 9, lines 5 and 6 of the same specification, the statement “from rFG” was replaced with “F from spindle motor 38.
Correct with GJ. (5) On page 27, line 4 of the same specification, the statement ``In other words, in other words, calendar'' is amended to ``In other words, calendar.'' (6) In the first line of page 29 of the same specification, the statement "at a predetermined aperture value" is corrected to "up to a predetermined aperture value." (7) On page 29, line 7 of the same specification, the statement "release" is amended to read "release". (15) On page 44, lines 7 to 8 of the same specification, (8
) In the same specification, page 31, lines 1 and 9, rY-
The description 3J is corrected to rY+SJ. (9) On page 35, lines 9 and 10 of the same specification, the statement "if it is not on" is replaced with "if it is on"
and correct it. (10) On page 39, line 5 of the same specification, the statement "6 times" is amended to "5 times". (11) On page 39, line 6 of the same specification, the statement "5 times" is amended to "4 times". (12) On page 40, line 20 of the same specification, it is stated that “Cancelled,
mode is set. '' shall be amended to read ``Cancelled.'' (13) On page 41, line 9 of the same specification, the statement "once" is amended to read "five times." (14) In the fourth line of page 44 of the same specification, the statement "when pressed once" is corrected to "when pressed five times and the select switch 19 is pressed once". do. "Two times (once when the AV connector is connected)"
A certain statement has been corrected to "once." (16) The statement "twice" on page 44, line 10 of the same specification is amended to read "once." (17) On page 49, lines 4 and 5 of the same specification,
The statement "3 times" has been corrected to "2 times." (18) On page 52, lines 5 and 8 of the same specification,
The statement "4 or 5 times" should be replaced with "3 or 4 times."
and correct it. (19) Figure 2 of the drawings attached to the application shall be amended as shown in the attached sheet. (that's all)

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a camera equipped with a shooting mode setting means having a plurality of shooting modes, a mode changing means for setting the shooting mode setting means to a mode changeable state; and changing the shooting mode by activating the mode changing means. 1. A mode change device for a camera, characterized in that a single selection operation member is provided. (2) Shooting mode setting means having multiple shooting modes;
White balance setting means having a plurality of white balance modes or recording/playback mode setting means having a recording/playback mode; Mode changing means for setting the mode in the setting means to a changeable state; and the mode changing means being in a mode changeable state. A still video camera having a mode change operation member for selecting a setting means to be set to A camera mode changing device characterized in that in an initial state, a mode can be changed only by operating a selection member, and the mode can be changed.