JPH0336533A - Camera with eyepiece detecting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To determine framing before the start of an operation, without special operation by a photographer, by making a control means start an operation in response to the output of a delay means which produces an output after a prescribed time which follows the produce of the detecting output of a detecting means. CONSTITUTION:In an eyepiece detecting part, when the photographer looks through a finder 19, light emitted from a light emitting part 20 is reflected from the photographer, and is detected at reflected light level in a prescribed range by a light receiving part 21. As it does so, when the photographer looks through the finder, the detecting means applies an output to the delay means, which applies an output to the control means according to the output of the detecting means after the prescribed time. The control means starts the operation of the function of the camera in response to the output of the delay means; therefore, the need for a special operation by the photographer is obviated, and framing can be determined in a prescribed time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The present invention relates to a camera with an eye proximity detection function, and more particularly to an automatic program zoom function.

The present invention relates to a camera with an eye-approach detection function that has an automatic focus detection function, an automatic exposure function, and the like.

Auto Program Zoom
Zo.

Cameras having the following functions (rAPZJ, hereinafter referred to as rAPZJ) have become known. This APZ function means that when the subject distance is determined, the photographing magnification is automatically calculated using the program line that shows the relationship between the subject distance and the photographing magnification β, and f is calculated using r (focal length) = β・D. This function calculates and drives the zoom motor so that the obtained focal length f is achieved.

On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 52-110037 proposes a camera in which a temperature sensing element is provided in a part of the finder, and when a photographer looks through the finder, the temperature is detected and power is supplied to a focus detection circuit. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-42639 discloses a camera in which a part of the viewfinder is provided with a light emitting/light receiving element, and when the photographer looks through the viewfinder, the reflected light is detected and the autofocus lens drive is started. .

8 ＜ `` The above APZ function was originally designed for camera beginners, but in order to use this function with a conventional camera, you must hold the release button halfway down. This requires a somewhat difficult operation, and it is not necessarily easy to use for beginners.

Also, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 52-110037, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 6
In the camera proposed in Publication No. 4-42639, there is no waiting time from temperature detection and reflected light detection to focus detection operation and lens drive start, so it is not affected by noise or the photographer has difficulty in framing (composition). There are problems such as the focus detection operation being started before the focus is determined.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a noise countermeasure in which the functions of the camera are started after the framing is determined, without the need for any special operations and without the photographer being aware of it during normal shooting operations. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera with an eye-approach detection function.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a detection means for detecting that the photographer is looking into the viewfinder, and a detection output after a predetermined period of time after the detection output of the detection means is generated. The camera is configured to include a delay means that generates the delay means, and a control means that starts the operation of the functions of the camera based on the output of the delay means.

The detection means includes, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element that detects reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting element. Further, as the operation of the function that the camera has, for example, a distance measurement operation.

Examples include photometry operation, zoom operation, and the like.

According to this configuration, when a photographer looks through the finder, the detection means outputs an output to the delay means, and the delay means outputs an output to the control means after a predetermined time according to the output of the detection means. . Since the control means starts the operation of the functions of the camera based on the output of the delay means, the photographer can decide on the framing at the predetermined time without having to perform any special operations.

Ura JL Team Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main parts of this embodiment having an APZ function. Further, FIGS. 6 and 7 are views of the camera of this embodiment viewed from the front left and rear left, respectively, as viewed from the photographer.

In FIG. 1, a grip holding detection section (1) detects that a photographer is holding a grip section (16) of the camera. When taking pictures, the photographer is considered to always hold the grip part (16) of the camera, except in special cases. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6, a grip switch button (18) is provided on the grip part (16) of the camera, and when the photographer holds the grip part (16), the grip switch button (18) is pressed. It is configured to be pushed in and detected by the grip holding detection section (1).

Further, in this embodiment, an eye proximity detection section (2) is provided as means for detecting that the photographer is looking into the finder. As shown in FIG. 7, the eyepiece detection section (2) includes a light emitting element (20) and a light receiving element (21) that detects the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting element (20). It is something that A light emitting diode (LED) or the like can be used as the light emitting element (20), and an SPC or the like can be used as the light receiving element (21). Eyepiece detection part (2
), when the photographer looks through the finder (19), the light emitted from the light emitting section (20) is reflected by the photographer, and the light receiving section (21) is reflected at a reflected light level within a predetermined range.
) is configured to be detected by

The APZ possibility determination section (4) shown in FIG. 1 determines whether APZ is possible based on the signals output from the grip holding detection section (1) and the eye contact detection section (2). When it is determined that APZ is possible by the determination method described later, a signal is output from the APZ possibility determining section (4) to the focal length variable section (5). Based on the signal, the focal length variable section (5) drives the zoom motor so that the focal length f is the calculated result.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of this embodiment, and parts that perform the same operations as those described in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

In Figure 2, CPU (microcomputer) (10)
controls the entire camera of this embodiment, and also performs APZ calculations and a timer operation to be described later.

The photometry section (11) measures the subject brightness, and the distance measurement section (12)
calculates the subject distance. The subject brightness and subject distance (0) respectively determined by the photometry section (11) and distance measurement section (12) are input to the CPU (10).

The exposure control section (13) performs the release operation and film winding in response to control signals from the CPU (10).The focal length detection section (14) is configured such that the focal length variable section (5) When the focal length disturbance is changed by the APZ possibility determining unit (4), the current focal length is detected by a code board, etc., and the value is sent to the CPU (1
0). Next, the switches will be explained. The main switch (SM) is a switch for starting the camera. If the lock switch (Sl) is turned on during APZ operation, it will stop the zoom operation and display the measured distance value.

Locks the metering value and shooting magnification. Lock switch (S
1) is turned on by pressing down the release button (17) shown in FIG. 6 one step. The exposure control switch (S2) performs ONL and release operations by pressing down the release button (17) two steps. Therefore,
When turning on the switch (Sl), turn on the switch (Sl).
2) will also be turned on, so there is no need to keep the release in the half-pressed state.

The grip switch (SG) is turned on when the grip switch button (18) shown in FIG.
Do N.

Next, the processing performed within the CPU (10) of FIG. 2 will be explained based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5.

When the power battery is installed, the CPU (10) executes the routine rSTART shown in FIG. First, in step 01), it is determined whether the main switch (SM) is ON or not. When the switch (SM) is ON, the camera starts, and in step 02>, the grip switch (SM) is turned on.
G) is ON. Switch (SG)
Wait for the AP to turn on, and then turn on the AP in step 03), which will be described later.
Move to the Z subroutine. In step 04), it is determined whether the switch (Sl> is ON or not, and the switch (S,)
If it is OFF, repeat the operations from Steps (It) to 03> above. If the switch (Sl) is ON, then in Step 05), the release operation is performed with the switch (If S is turned ON, Step 06) and the exposure is done. Control unit (13)
Then, in step 07>, the film is advanced and the photographing of one frame is completed, and then the process returns to step (II) and the above operations are repeated.

Next, the subroutine of step (13) rAPZ in FIG. 3 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the grip switch (SG) is pressed and the routine shifts to this routine, first, in step 011), the register C○ND in the CPU (10) used for eye proximity detection is reset to 0, and in step (112), the timer 1 is reset. Start. This timer 1 is a timer set to generate an interrupt every predetermined time, and when the predetermined time elapses, the CPU executes the eye proximity detection routine shown in FIG. 5 as an interrupt process. In FIG. 5, it is determined in step 041) whether the grip switch (SG) is ON or not, and if it is OFF, that is, the photographer is not grasping the grip (in most cases, there is no intention to photograph), step 041) is performed. The process moves to (#50) and returns with register C0ND=0. still,
The same determination is made in step 02) and step 041), since the grip part (16) may be released or only the grip switch button (18) may be released between the steps. switch(
If SG) is ON (that is, when you are about to take a picture), the process moves to step 02), and a light emitting element (for example, an LED) provided near the viewfinder (19) in Fig. 7 is displayed.
(20) to emit light.

The light emitting element (20) emits light in a pulsed manner to save power consumption. Then, the reflected light is sent to a light receiving element such as SPC (
21), and in step (143) it is determined whether the reflected light level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Here, the predetermined value is the value of the reflected light level when the distance between the finder (19) and the photographer (mainly the photographer's eyes) is wide open (for example, 5 am), and if it is greater than this predetermined value, It is determined that the photographer is looking through the viewfinder (19), and if it is less than a predetermined value, the viewfinder (19)
This is the reference value for determining that the person is not looking into the object.

If the reflected light level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, step 044
), and the contents of register C0ND are set to C○ND+1 (COND=COND+1).

Next, it is determined whether the contents of the register C0ND obtained in step 044) are 2 or more. If C0ND≧2, return as C0ND=2 in step 046),
If C0ND<2, the process returns with the contents of the register C0ND obtained in step 044). That is, in order for the photographer to perform the photographing operation, the grip portion (16) shown in FIG.
), and when you look through the finder (19) in Figure 7, register C0ND from step 011) in Figure 4.
Since the content of is O, even if the reflected light level caused by the light emission of the first light emitting element (20) is higher than the predetermined value, C0ND=1 is set in step 044) and the eye proximity detection routine is exited. If the next timer interrupt occurs and the reflected light level remains above the predetermined value even if the light emitting element (20) emits light, C
0ND=2, and the process moves to the APZ operation based on the determination in step 013) in FIG.

The reason why the camera does not shift to APZ operation by detecting the level of reflected light from the light emitted by the first light emitting element (20) is to prevent noise, and also to prevent the zoom operation from starting during framing. It is.

If the reflected light level is less than the predetermined value in step 043), the process moves to step 047), and the contents of the register C0ND are set to C0ND-1 (C0ND=COND-1), and then in step (114B), the process proceeds to step 047). Determine whether the obtained contents of register C0ND are less than or equal to 0. If less than 0, set C0ND to 0 in step 049), and if greater than 0, return with the contents of register C0ND obtained in step 047). Then, this step 043) (1147) (148) (114
The process 9) will be explained based on an actual photographing operation. If you are not looking through the viewfinder (19) before taking a picture, the contents of register C0ND are O, so APZ will not start up. However, if you move your eyes away from the viewfinder (19) while APZ is operating, step 043 ), the level of reflected light is determined to be below a predetermined value. However, even if the value of the reflected light level is below a predetermined value, the operation of the APZ does not stop, and when the reflected light level due to light emission from the next light emitting element (20) also becomes below the predetermined value, the operation of the APZ is stopped. Stop. This is also for noise countermeasures as in steps 044) to 046).

In the flowchart of FIG. 4, in step 013) it is determined whether the contents of the register C0ND are 2 or not.

After waiting until C0ND=2 (that is, it is determined that the person is looking into the finder (19)), the process moves to step 014). In step 014), timer 2 is started (time t=0). This timer 2 and the above-mentioned timer l
Both can use those built into the microcomputer that constitutes the CPU (10).
Next, the distance measurement section (12> and the photometry section (11) perform known distance measurement and photometry operations.Focusing, that is, focus adjustment is performed in step (116), and step (117)
Find the subject distance D7.

Next, in step 018), it is determined whether or not the counting operation of the timer 2 started in step 014) has elapsed for a predetermined time (0°5 seconds in this embodiment). 0.5
If within seconds, proceed to step 015) and step 0
The operations 15) to 017) are repeated, and when 0.5 seconds have passed, it is determined in step 019) whether the next predetermined time (1 second in this embodiment) has elapsed.In other words, 1 second has elapsed. If not (0,5≦t×1), step 020
), it is determined whether the change in subject weight MDa is within a predetermined value. If it is not within a predetermined value, it is determined that the photographer is in the process of deciding the subject (composition), and the process proceeds to step 015). and repeat steps (1115) to 020), or it is determined that the subject (composition) has been determined when the change in subject distance is within a predetermined value, or timer 2 counts for 1 second in step 019). After , the zoom operation from step 021) starts.

To summarize the above operations related to timer 2, zoom operation is prohibited within 0.5 seconds after eye contact is detected, and from 0.5 to 1 second, zoom operation is performed only when the subject distance DT is stable; If this is the case, the zoom operation will be performed regardless of the subject distance. In addition, step 014)
-020), the reason why the timer 2 is operated is to prevent the zoom operation from being started during framing and to take measures against noise.

When moving to zoom operation, first, in step 021), a predetermined photographing magnification β↑ determined from the subject distance DA determined in step 017) and the APZ program line is determined.
The focal length f7 corresponding to is calculated. Once fT is determined, the zoom operation is started in step 022).

During zoom operation, in step 023) register C0
It is determined whether ND=0 or not, and when it is determined that C0ND=O3, that is, the photographer is not looking into the finder (19), the process moves to step 032) to stop the zoom operation and return. If C0ND≠0, step (#
24) determines whether the main switch (SM) is ON or not, and if the switch (SM) is OFF, step 0
32), the zoom operation is stopped, and the process returns. The reason why it is determined whether C0ND=O or not in step 023> is as follows. That is, after exiting the eye proximity detection routine in FIG. 5, C0ND=
2, and even while steps 014) to 022) are being executed, interrupts at predetermined time intervals following the previous interrupt with C0ND=2 are being performed without stopping. Therefore, in step 023), it is necessary to judge whether the state is C0ND-0 by interrupting every predetermined time thereafter.

Also, when steps 014) to 022) are being executed, step 043)
may be determined to be N (reflected light level less than a predetermined value). Since C0ND=2 was set by the previous interrupt processing, C0ND=1 in step 047), and it is determined as N in step (148) and C0ND is set.
Return with D=1. At this time, steps 014) to 022> are executed by the previous interrupt processing, and when step 023) is reached, C0ND=0 in step 023).
Even if it is determined that the reflected light level is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to the next step 024). However, after returning with the content of C0ND=1, C0ND is
=O, and simply return to step (day 48) (149). Therefore, step (124
) even if the switch (S, ) is O.
Step 0 in step 031) to wait for N.
After returning to step 14), C0 is returned to step 023〉 again.
A determination is made as to whether ND=0 or not. As a result of C0ND=0, the process returns after passing through step (132), so no malfunction occurs. If the switch (SM) is ON, it is determined in step 025) whether the switch (Sl) is ON. Switch (S,) is not ON (OF
F), then find the current focal path Mrs in the focal length detection unit (14) of Fig. 2, then f y 7' ($27)
Determine whether the focal length l1liIr, 4 is equal to the focal path Mf, found in step 026). If it is not equal to 0, proceed to step (l123) and repeat the operations of steps 023) to 027). . During this time, in step 025), if it is determined that the switch (S, ) is ON, the process moves to step (cloud 28) in order to lock the current photometry value, distance measurement value, photographing magnification, and focal length. Also, when E, 1-ft is reached, step 02
The zoom operation is stopped at step 8>, and distance measurement, photometry, and focusing are performed for confirmation at steps (129) and (130). Next, in step 031) switch (S+)
is ON or not, and the switch (S+) is ON.
Otherwise, step 01 as continuous APZ
Move on to step 4) and repeat the above operations. Switch (Sl
) is ON, return and step 04) to 07
) to the exposure operation. Here, step (1131
) and step (114), the same judgment is made twice. This is due to the following reasons.

In the loop returning from step 031) to step 014>, if the switch (S+) is turned ON while the switch (Sl) remains OFF, the process proceeds to step 04).
There is no need to return to step t), and the process returns from step 04) to step 01) only when zooming is stopped in step 032).

Also, if the zoom is stopped in step 032), switch (
Since there is no need to perform the operation S+), there is no need to proceed from step 04) to step (I5). Therefore, the same judgment was made twice.

Note that in this embodiment, it is not necessary to hold the release button (17) in a half-pressed state;
7) is pushed so that the switch (S2) is turned on immediately after the switch (S, ) is turned on.

Therefore, compared to the conventional method of performing distance measurement, photometry, and focusing by pressing the release button (17) halfway, the time the release button (17) is pressed halfway is extremely short, and the photographer can press the switch (S There is no need to consciously turn on only , ).

In this embodiment, after the timer 1 and the timer 2 count a predetermined time from the eye proximity detection by the eye proximity detection unit (2), APZ operations including ranging, photometry, and zooming are performed, but the invention is not limited to this. The APZ operation may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed using other delay means.

As explained above, according to the present invention, the control means starts operating the functions of the camera by the output of the delay means that generates an output a predetermined time after the detection output of the detection means is generated. Therefore, the photographer can start the operation of the function without performing any special operation and without being conscious of the shooting operation. In addition, since a predetermined time is set between when it is detected that the photographer is looking through the viewfinder and when the function starts operating, noise countermeasures can be taken and the function starts operating. Framing can be determined before

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main parts of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a block diagram showing the specific jl structure. Third
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU in the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of APZ in the embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of eye proximity detection. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of a camera embodying the present invention viewed from the front left. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a camera embodying the present invention viewed from the left rear. (1)...grip holding detection section, (2) - eyepiece detection section. (4)--APZ possibility determination unit. (5).-focal length variable unit, (10).-CPU. (11) - Photometry section, (12) - Distance measurement section. (13) --- Exposure control section, (14) --- Focal length detection section. (16)...Grip part, (17)...Release button. (18) - Grip switch button. (19)--Finder, (20)-Light emitting element. (21) --- Light receiving element, (SM) --- Main switch. (S+)...Lock switch. (S2)--Exposure control switch. (SG)...Grip switch.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) The camera has a detection means for detecting that the photographer is looking through the finder, a delay means for generating an output a predetermined time after the generation of the detection output of the detection means, and an output of the delay means. A camera with an eye-approach detection function, comprising a control means for starting the operation of the function. (2) A camera with an eye proximity detection function according to claim 1, wherein the detection means includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element that detects reflected light emitted from the light emitting element. (3) The camera with an eye-approach detection function according to claim 1, wherein the function of the camera is a distance measurement operation. (4) The camera with an eye proximity detection function according to the first aspect, wherein the function of the camera is a photometry operation. (5) The camera with an eye proximity detection function according to the first aspect, wherein the function of the camera is a zoom operation.