JPH04109227A - Function operation member of equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease the number of components and to improve the operability by providing a selecting/operating member which groups plural functions and selects a group and plural setting/operating members which set the contents of the respective functions. CONSTITUTION:When the selecting/operating members 10 - 12 are operated, a group including a specific number of functions is selected among plural functions and the corresponding members 10 - 12 set function contents for the functions in the selected group. Thus, the functions are selected, group by group, and the members 10 - 12 for the function contents corresponding to the respective functions among the selected functions are provided. Consequently, even when the number of functions increases, the number of components need not be increased, the equipment never increases in scale, and the operability is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a function setting member for selecting a function and setting its contents in a device such as a camera that can operate under various functions.

[Conventional technology]

For example, when taking pictures with a camera, suitable shooting can be achieved by setting the contents of various functions that determine the exposure compensation, film sensitivity, drive, AF area, and other In conditions. If the content settings are not done smoothly and reliably,
You will miss the timing of the VA shadow, and the result will be an unnatural photo.

Conventionally, such an operating member has been provided with an operating member corresponding to each function content, or a plurality of selection members for selecting functions and one operating member capable of setting any function content have been provided independently. A camera is provided.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

A device equipped with operating members corresponding to the contents of each of the functions described above will have a larger number of parts as the number of functions increases, and the equipment will become larger if space is taken into account when installing them. Furthermore, if there are too many operating members, operation errors may occur.

Further, in the case where the function selection member and the function content setting member are provided independently, the number of parts is smaller than that in the case where the function selection member can be changed and selected cyclically, for example. However, it takes time to select each function mode, and the operations become more frequent.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a function operation member for a device that selects a function in the middle of a group and is provided with an operation member for setting function contents corresponding to each function in the selected group. What is the purpose of doing?

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention provides a device in which a plurality of functions are grouped so that at least one group includes two or more functions, and which can operate under each of the functions, and a selection operation for selecting the group. and a plurality of setting operation members for setting the contents of each function corresponding to each function in the selected group.

Further, the selection operation member may be configured such that the selection group is changed cyclically each time it is operated (claim 2).
).

Further, the selection operation member may include a first selection operation member that performs large grouping, and a second selection operation member that performs small grouping from the large group selected by the first operation member. Good (M requirement 3).

[Effect]

According to the present invention, when the selection operation member is operated, a group including a predetermined number of functions is selected from among the plurality of functions. Then, the function contents are set for the selected functions in the group using the corresponding setting operation members.

Further, according to the second aspect of the invention, the selected function is cyclically changed in groups each time the selection operation member is operated.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, when the first selection operation member is operated, large grouping is performed, and furthermore, the second selection operation member is operated.
When the selection operation member is operated, the large group selected by the first operation member is divided into small groups.

FIG. 3 shows a main configuration diagram of the camera proposed by the present invention group.

A subject image is guided from a photographing lens (not shown) to a finder mirror 20 along an optical axis. The finder mirror 20 is made semi-transparent only in the vicinity of the center so that a subject image with a necessary amount of light for automatic focusing (hereinafter referred to as AF) can pass through.

The focusing plate 21 is arranged at a focal position with respect to a photographing lens (not shown), and is used to capture the same image as the subject to be photographed. The image reflected on the focus plate 21 is formed on an imaging lens 23 via a pentaprism 22. By looking through the imaging lens 23, the photographer can see the same image as the photographed image within the finder screen.

A transmissive liquid crystal panel (hereinafter referred to as LCD) 24 is interposed between the focus plate 21 and the pentaprism 22, and displays the distance measurement area and the contents of various functions, which will be described later.

This LCD 24 is driven by an LCD drive circuit 6.

As a result, the distance measurement area and the contents of various functions are displayed together with the photographed image in a superimposed manner on the finder screen.

On the other hand, the subject image guided from the finder mirror 20 to the submirror 25 is directed downward by the submirror 25, and then guided to the focus detection section 2.

The focus detection section 2 includes an optical system, a sensor, and a signal output section necessary for AF processing. The control circuit 1 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU), and outputs necessary display data to the LCD drive circuit 6,
Focus detection 8I! API! based on the output signal from 2! I
In addition to performing I calculations, it also performs sequence control for the entire camera.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of sensors within the focus detection section 2, including four distance measurement areas 2a and 2b.

2c and 2d, and each distance measurement area is composed of a solid-state imaging device (hereinafter referred to as CCD) as shown in FIG. The distance measurement areas 2a and 2b are responsible for the horizontal direction near the center, and the distance measurement areas 2C and 2d are responsible for the vertical direction on the left and right sides. The distance measurement for AF processing is performed in the distance measurement area 2a,
2b, 2c.

2d, and the obtained image signal of the subject is sent to the front 2CPU.
I am guided by 1.

FIG. 5 shows the distance measurement areas 2a, 2b, and 2c.

2d, in which the COD of the standard part and the COD of the reference part are arranged in correspondence with each other at a predetermined interval. That is, the distance measurement area 2a includes the reference portion A1 and the reference portion A2, and the distance measurement area 2b includes the reference portion B1 and the reference portion B2.
However, the distance measurement area 2C corresponds to the reference portion C1 and the reference portion C2, and the distance measurement area 2d corresponds to the reference portion D1 and the reference portion D2. In focus detection, the subject image guided to the focus detection section 2 is separated by a known condenser lens etc. provided for each distance measurement area and guided to a reference section and a reference section, and the image of the reference section is separated. This is performed using a phase difference detection method that takes the correlation while shifting the image of the reference part.

FIG. 6 shows the display position of each area displayed within the photographing screen, that is, the finder screen. LCD
24, area a corresponds to ranging area 2a, and area b
corresponds to distance measurement area 2b, and areas c and d are displayed at positions corresponding to distance measurement areas 2c and 2d, respectively.

Thus, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the display areas are arranged horizontally symmetrically and vertically asymmetrically (that is, horizontally asymmetrically in the vertical position).

FIG. 7 is an external view of the camera 30 seen from the rear. A finder 31 is provided at a suitable position at the rear of the camera 30. As described above, the finder 31 displays the distance measurement area and the contents of various functions. In addition, among the above functions, regarding the content of inappropriate functions, please check the L
It is also displayed on an on-body display section 32 consisting of a CD or the like.

33 is a shutter button, and when this shutter button 33 is pressed, a photograph is taken. It should be noted that when the shutter button 33 is pressed halfway, a photographing semi-exposure switch 9, which will be described later, is turned on, and when it is pressed fully, exposure is started.

10 is a function button for selecting various functions such as exposure compensation r+/-J, AF area, film sensitivity ISO, single shooting, continuous shooting drive, etc. In this embodiment, the above four functions are divided into two groups. , the first group is exposure compensation r+/-J and AF area, and the second group is film sensitivity ISO, single shooting, and continuous shooting drive. Each time the function button 10 is pressed, the two groups are alternately selected.

11 is a front up/down dial provided on the front side of the camera 30 that can be rotated in the left/right direction, and is used to adjust exposure compensation r+z'-J.
This changes the function contents of film sensitivity correction ISO. Reference numeral 12 is a rear up-down dial that is rotatable in the left and right directions and is provided on the rear side of the camera 30.
Area and single shot.

This is to change the function contents of the continuous shooting drive. Further, a focus mode switch (not shown) is provided on the front surface of the camera 30.

This focus mode switch is AF and FA (macro block diagram).

As described above, the CPLJl controls the entire sequence of the camera 30, and executes necessary control described below based on input information and operation signals from each part. The CPU 1 also includes a built-in timer (not shown), which will be described later, to manage time for setting operations. The focus detection section 2 performs AF processing and outputs the obtained ranging signal to the CPU 1. The lens driving section 3 moves a lens (not shown) in response to the lens movement distance (it) to the in-focus position calculated based on the distance measurement signal from the focus detection section 2, and brings the lens into focus. The photometry means 4 detects the subject brightness, and the obtained brightness data is led to the CPU 1 to calculate an appropriate exposure value. The DX detection section 5 reads the film sensitivity recorded on a loaded film (not shown). The LCD drive circuit 6 displays the area, necessary functions, and their contents within the finder screen, and includes a screen self-display drive circuit 61 that controls display within the frame in which the subject image is displayed on the finder screen. , and an outside-screen surface nail drive circuit 62 that controls the display of the subject image in a suitable peripheral position outside the frame. Reference numeral 7 denotes on-body display means for displaying information on the on-body display section 32.

The AND gate 8 is for inputting an interrupt signal, and the high level from terminals IP1 and 1P2 of the CPU 1 is pulled up to both input terminals thereof. Then, when the shooting preparation switch 9 or the function button 10 is turned on, the CPU
A low level is input to CPLJI.
can check for interrupts. In addition, cpu
i is designed so that it can be determined from which point an interrupt has occurred based on the level change of the terminals IPI and IP2. In addition, the front up-down dial 11 and the rear up-down dial 12 send signals corresponding to the rotation direction to the CPU
It is designed to output to .

The attitude detecting means 13 is attached to a suitable position on the main body of the camera 30 and detects whether the camera 30 is in a vertical attitude or a horizontal attitude, and an example of its configuration is shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 shows the camera 30 placed horizontally, and an approximately T-shaped sealed container 113 contains an appropriate amount of mercury HQ.
A conductive current body such as the following is enclosed.

Furthermore, terminals Sa to SC are provided at each end of the T-shape, while a common wiring 213 is provided inside at a slight distance from each terminal 3a to 8c. In the illustrated state, the mercury HQ connects the terminal sb to the common wiring 21.
3 is electrically connected and the terminal sb is grounded, whereby it is detected that the camera 30 is in a horizontal state (horizontal position).

The terminals 3a and 3c are connected by a lead wire, so that the vertical posture of the camera 30 can be detected regardless of whether the camera 30 is turned counterclockwise or clockwise. That is, returning to Figure 1, the CPU
I terminal IP3. A high level is output to IP4 in the form of a pull-up, and when the camera 30 is in a horizontal position, the terminal IP3 falls to a low level, while when the camera 30 is in a vertical position, the terminal IP4 falls to a low level. CPtJl determines the terminal that falls to such a low level and transmits the signal to the camera 30.
The posture of the robot is detected. 14 is the aforementioned focus mode switch connected to the terminal IP5.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the light is turned on to show all the display contents that can be displayed on the LCD 24, that is, the display contents displayed in the finder screen. In the figure, the inner white frame portion is the screen self-display portion 41, and the screen self-display drive circuit 61.
The display is driven by. On the other hand, the surrounding hatched area is the off-screen surface water area 42, and its display is driven by the out-of-screen surface nail drive circuit 62.

In the screen self-display section 41, the FA meter display section 43 at the top is for focus aid. As shown in the figure, the FA size display section 43 is configured to display a bar in five stages, with the center indicating the in-focus position.

The left side shows the rear bin state, and the right side shows the front bin state. The display example in FIG. 8 shows that the camera is in focus.

Areas a, b, c, and d in the center are displayed as marks at positions corresponding to the distance measurement areas 2a to 2d described above, and are used to display designated distance measurement areas. Also,
The wide area W1 includes areas a, c, and d, is displayed with marks indicating its four corners, and is symmetrical in the vertical and horizontal directions. The wide area W2 includes all of areas a, b, c, and d, is displayed with marks indicating its four corners, and is symmetrical only in the left-right direction.

The dial mark at the bottom of the screen self-display part 41 is a schematic representation of the front up-down dial 11 and the rear up-down dial 12, and the upper side is the front up-down dial 1.
1, and the lower side corresponds to the rear up/down dial 12. The right side of this dial mark 44 is the exposure compensation r+
/-J and r+/ representing each function of the AF area
-J mark 45 and AF mark 46 are displayed, and on the left side, ISO mark 47 and S/C mark 48 representing each function of film sensitivity correction ISO, single shooting, and continuous shooting drive are displayed. And dial mark 4
Selection marks 450, 460, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 450, 460, 460, 460, 460, 460, 460, 460, 460, 450, 460, 460,
470.480 is displayed.

In addition, the screen quality display section 42 includes a focus instruction section 49 that lights up in a disabled state from the left side of the figure, a 4-digit display 8II 50 that displays shutter speed TV and film sensitivity value SV, aperture value AV and exposure compensation fog △ It has a two-digit display section 51 that displays EV. The two-digit display section 51 has + and - added so that it can be seen in which direction the correction has been made. Note that the four-digit display section 50 and the two-digit display section 51 are not limited to four digits or two digits, and a desired number of digits can be set.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing when either the photographing preparation switch 9 or the function button 10 is turned on.

Shooting preparation switch 9 (indicated by SL in the flowchart)
Alternatively, when any of the function buttons 10 (indicated by 5FUN in the flowchart) is turned on, it is first determined whether the function button 10 has changed from off to on (step #2). Note that it may be determined which one is turned on.

When it is determined that the function button 10 has been turned on from off (YES in step #2), the process for changing the mode shown in FIG. 10 is executed (step #4).
). After 5 seconds have passed after the predetermined process has been executed (YES in step #6), the process content displayed on the finder screen is turned off (step #8). On the other hand, when it is determined that the shooting preparation switch 9 has been turned on from off (
If step #2 is NO), the process shown in FIG. 18 when the photographing preparation switch 9 is turned on is executed (step #10). At this time, when the photographing preparation switch 9 is turned off (YES in step #12), the display contents are turned off in step #8.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operating procedure for changing the mode when the function button 10 is turned on from off. The operating procedure for changing this mode will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17.

In the figure, Mode E means that the aforementioned first group that includes exposure compensation "+/-" and AF area is selected, and Mode ■ means that film sensitivity correction I is selected.
This means that the aforementioned second group that includes SO, single shooting, and continuous shooting drive is selected.

First, in step #20, the first mode flag MI
It is determined whether F is 1 or not. This determines whether the routine is the first one after the function button 10 is turned on.

If it is in the first routine (No in step #20), it is determined in step #22 whether the previously selected mode was 1 or ■. That is, assuming that mode ■ was selected in the setting operation at the time of the previous interrupt when the function button 10 was turned on (step #22
In this case, the mode flag is changed to mode E in step #24, assuming that a setting operation is to be performed for mode ■ in this interrupt. Conversely, if mode E was selected in the setting operation at the previous interrupt, the mode flag is set in step #34, assuming that the setting operation is to be performed for mode E in step #22 and mode ■ in this interrupt. Mode is changed to ■.

In this way, the selection of the function mode is interrupted each time the function button 10 is turned on, and a different function mode is set or cyclically changed.

Now, if the mode is changed to mode ■, then exposure compensation r, which is a function that can be set in mode
Contents and marks related to +/, J and AF area are
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, it is displayed on the screen white display area 41 and the off-screen surface water area 42. It should be noted that some of the displayed contents and marks display the setting contents in the previous mode ■.

This allows you to check the previous settings, and if you decide that there is no need to change the settings as described later, you can simply leave them as they are and the settings will be the same as last time. can be done quickly.

In this example, the two-digit display section 51 displays the previous exposure compensation amount △EV.
is the apex value, and is displayed as 1.0, for example (step #26). Next, the attitude detection means 13 determines the current attitude of the camera 30. If the attitude of the camera 30 is in the horizontal position (No in step #28), as shown in FIG.
,b.

The marks c, d, and wide area W2 are displayed blinking to show that they are ready for selection (step #30).
). On the other hand, if the attitude of the camera 30 is in the vertical position (YES in step #28), each of the areas a, c, d and wide area W1 for ranging that can be selected in the vertical position is shown in FIG. A blinking display is displayed to show that the macro is in a selectable state (step #32).Next, in addition to the dial mark 44, the r+/-J mark 45 and AF mark 46 representing the function in mode 1 and their Selection marks 450 and 460 are displayed, and other displays are turned off (steps #42 and #44). Thereafter, the first mode flag MIF is set to 1, the built-in timer is reset, and a 5 second time count is started (steps #46, #48). Then, the process returns to step #6 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the mode is changed to mode ■ in step #34, then the contents and marks related to film sensitivity Is○, single shooting, and continuous shooting drive, which are functions that can be set in mode ■, are changed to mode ■. As shown in FIG. 13, it is displayed on the screen white display area 41 and the off-screen surface water area 42. That is, first, the previous film S degree S■ is displayed as 100, for example, on the 4-digit display section 50 (step #36), and then the contents of the previous single shooting and continuous shooting drive are displayed (step #38). . In the example of FIG. 13, within the S/C mark 48,
The letter "S" representing single shot is displayed. Also, the currently selected area (in the previous mode) is displayed (step #40).In the example of Fig. 13, it can be seen that wide area w2 is selected.Then, in step #42 , the dial mark 44, the ISO mark 47 of mode ■, the S/C mark 48, and their selection marks 470 and 480 are displayed.As mentioned above, other displays are turned off, and the first mode flag MI
After each process of setting F to 1 and starting the reset of the built-in timer (steps #44 to #48),
Return to step #6 in FIG. 9.

In step #6, if the function content setting operation is started before 5 seconds have elapsed, the mode change flow (step #4) is continued.

Now, as described above, when the previous settings are displayed in the white display area 41 of the finder screen and the surface water area outside the screen 42, the flow returns to step #20, and the state of the first mode flag MIF is determined. . Here, in the second and subsequent routines, the fast mode flag MIF is set to 1 (step #
20 (YES), the process moves to step #50, and it is determined whether mode (2) is selected.

When mode mode is selected, first the front up-down dial 11 (indicated by 3ud1 in the flowchart)
A determination is made as to whether or not there is rotation (step #52
．． #56, see Figure 14). That is, when the front up-down dial 11 is rotated clockwise (YE in step #52)
S), an apex value of 0.5 is added to the EV to the l output correction amount, and the addition result is displayed on the two-digit display section 51, for example, 1.0.
(Step #54, #
60). At this time, the area that has already been selected (as described later, in the first operation after the first mode flag becomes 1, the rear up-down dial 12 is operated first, or the mode ) is lit up and displayed (in the example in Figure 14,
(wide area W2 is selected), the selection mark 460 is turned off to indicate that the AF area function is not currently being set. On the other hand, when the front up/down dial 11 is rotated counterclockwise (No in step #52 and YES in step #56), the apex value of 0.5 is subtracted from the exposure compensation amount △EV, and the result of the subtraction is displayed on the two-digit display. 5
1 is displayed in the apex value, for example as 1.0 (
Steps #58, #60).

Next, if the front up-down dial 11 is not rotated in either the left or right direction, it is determined whether or not the rear up-down dial 12 (indicated by 3ud2 in the flowchart) is rotated (step #52.56). Both NO1 steps #66 and #70). Then, each time the rear up-down dial 12 is rotated clockwise (YES in step #66)
), or every time it is rotated to the left (NO in step #66).
, YES in step #70), the area of the screen white display portion 41 corresponding to the distance measurement area is cyclically selected in the forward or reverse direction (step #68,
#72, see Figure 15).

In FIG. 15, all area marks that may be selected are shown for convenience 1, but in reality, only one of the area marks is selected and displayed, as will be described later.

When operating the rear up/down dial 12 for the first time,
Said step #30. As shown in #32, selectable areas are displayed blinking, and area selection is possible within them. When an area is selected by rotating the rear up-down dial 12 to the left or right, the selected area is taken in as the setting area AR. Subsequently, the attitude of the camera 30 is detected (step #76). camera 3
If 0 is the horizontal position and the setting area AR is a wide area (YES in step #76, YES in step #78), the wide area W2 is taken in as the setting area AR (step #80). If any other area is selected (NO in step #78), the area in step #74 is directly set as the set area AR.

If the camera 30 is in a vertical position and the setting area AR is a wide area, NO1 is selected in step #76.
(YES in step #82), the wide area W1 is taken in as the setting area AR (step #84). Furthermore, if the setting area AR is area b (YES in step #86), since area b is not selectable in the vertical position, if the rear up-down dial 12 is rotated clockwise, area b , and capture area C as the setting area AR (YES in step #88, step #90), and if it has been rotated counterclockwise, change it to area b and capture area a as the setting area AR (step #
88 and NO1 step #92). Also, areas a, c,
When d is selected (NO in step #86),
The selected area is directly set as the setting area AR. When the setting of the area is completed, the setting area AR
is lit up and then the exposure compensation amount △ is displayed on the 2-digit display section 51.
At the same time as EV is turned off, the selection mark 450 is turned off to indicate that the exposure correction r+/-J function is not currently being set (steps #94 to #98). Subsequently, through step #48 and step #6 (FIG. 9), the process returns to step #20, and then proceeds to step #52.

If you want to further change the corrected exposure amount △EV, continue to press the front up-down dial until the desired exposure correction amount is reached in step #52 or step #56.
Rotate 1 left or right.

Also, if you want to change the area further, step #66
, or in step #70, continue to rotate the rear up-down dial 12 to the left or right until the desired area is set.

When the front and rear up-down dials 11 and 12 are not operated for more than 5 seconds, it is assumed that the settings have been completed and all the displays are turned off (FIG. 9, step #8). Note that in the AF area function, selectable areas may be displayed by lighting, and selected areas may be displayed by blinking.

Next, if mode ■ is selected (step #50
(NO), first, it is determined whether or not the front up-down dial 11 is rotating (step #100. #10
4, see Figure 16). That is, when the front up-down dial 11 is rotated clockwise (YES in step #100)
, film sensitivity correction value △S■ is 0.5 in Apex value.
is added, and the sensitivity value 5VDX (apex value) read from the film tube is added to this addition result to obtain the value S.
v is displayed as, for example, 100 (apex value 5) on the four-digit display section 50 as shown in FIG. 16 (steps #102, #108, #110). The reason why the apex value is not displayed is simply to improve the familiarity of the photographer, and any value may be used. Then, the selection mark 480 is turned off to show that the single shooting and continuous shooting functions are not currently being set, and the selected area is displayed (step #112).
, #124>. On the other hand, when the front up-down dial 11 is rotated counterclockwise, step #100T-No, step #
104 (YES), the apex value of 0.5 is subtracted from the film sensitivity correction value △S■, and the sensitivity value 5VDX (apex value) read from the film tube is added to this subtraction result.
The added isv is displayed on the two-digit display section 51 as, for example, 100 (apex value 5) as described above (step #106, step #108, #110), and then the single shooting and continuous shooting functions are displayed as currently set. The selection mark 480 is turned off to show that it is not inside, and
The selected area is displayed (Step #1
12, #124).

Next, if the front up-down dial 11 is not rotated in either the left or right direction, it is determined whether or not the rear up-down dial 12 is rotated (step #100,
104 and NO1 step #114). Then, each time the rear up-down dial 12 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise (YES in step #114), single shooting S and continuous shooting C are alternately changed and set (step #116). When the single shooting drive is set, the letter S is displayed in the S/C mark 48 as shown in Fig. 16, and when the continuous shooting drive is set, as shown in Fig. 17. Only the letter S in the S/C mark 48 is erased (step 1.1).
18). After that, the film sensitivity value and selection mark 470 are erased to indicate that the film sensitivity correction ISO function is not currently being set, and the selected area is displayed (steps #12Q to #1
24>.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when the photographing preparation switch 9 is pressed. This operation will be explained below with reference to FIG.

When the shooting preparation switch 9 is turned on and an interrupt is started, first mode 1. I [display, i.e. dial? -ri44. r+/-J mark 45. AF? -ri46. l5O
v-447 and HiS/Cv-'y48, the place name selection marks 450 to 480 are turned off, while the previously set area is displayed (steps #130 and #134).

At this time, the first mode flag MIF is reset to 0 (step #132). By resetting this first mode flag MIF, the next time the function button 10 is turned on, the process of displaying the previous setting contents will be executed prior to the setting operation procedure (NO in step #20). , Steps #22 to #4
6).

Subsequently, the subject brightness BD obtained by the photometry circuit 4 is taken in, and a film sensitivity value of 5V is further taken from a film tube (not shown).
DX is read, and the film sensitivity correction value ΔSV is added to the film sensitivity value 5VDX (step #13
6~#140).

Then, the subject brightness BD is added to this corrected film sensitivity value S■ to determine the exposure amount EV, and the exposure correction amount ΔEV is further added to the obtained exposure amount EV. From this corrected exposure value EV, the aperture value AV and shutter speed TV are determined based on the relationship between the aperture value AV and the shutter speed TV with respect to the preset exposure value (steps #142 to #146). This aperture value AV
and shutter speed TV, as shown in Figure 19,
Displayed in the off-screen surface water area 42 (step #148)
. Note that the aperture value AV and shutter speed TV are also displayed on the on-body LCD 32.

Next, each distance measurement area 28 to 2 obtained by the focus detection circuit 2
AF data of d is taken in, and respective deviation amounts DFa to DFd are calculated from these AF data (steps #150 and #152).

Next, the area selected and set by the AF area function is determined (step #154). That is, when wide area W1 is selected, the amount of deviation DF
The average value found from a, DFc, and DFd, or the optimum amount of deviation by taking into consideration each contrast state, or the amount of deviation obtained by a method that takes both methods into account is taken as the set deviation amount DF, and the wide area W2 is If selected, the deviation amount obtained from DFa to DFd by the same method as above is taken in as the set deviation amount DF.Step #156. #158). In addition, when area a is selected, the deviation amount DFa is set as the set deviation amount DF,
When area b is selected, the deviation amount DFb is set as the deviation amount DF, and when area C is selected, the deviation amount DFc is set.
is taken as the setting deviation amount DF, and if area d is selected, the deviation amount DFd is taken in as the setting deviation amount DF (Steps #160. #162. #164° #1 6
6).

When the setting deviation amount DF is imported as described above, the setting deviation amount DF is then compared with the allowable level value (
Step #168). That is, if the set deviation amount DF is within the allowable value, it is determined that the camera is in focus, and an in-focus display is performed (step #170). This focus display is
This is done by lighting up the focus display section 49 as shown in FIG. 19, so that the photographer can easily confirm the focus. On the other hand, if the setting deviation amount OF is larger than the allowable value, it is determined that it is not within the allowable focusing range, and
In-focus display is not performed, or if the focus is out of focus, the display is turned off (step #172). In this case, it is determined whether the mode is FA mode or AF mode (step #174). In the FA mode, the setting deviation amount DF is displayed on the FA meter display section 4 as shown in FIG.
3 is displayed as a bar (step #174). Then, the photographer manually operates the lens drive while looking at this bar display to bring the lens into focus. Also, in AF mode,
The lens is automatically driven by the set deviation amount to bring it into focus, and the FA meter display used to assist in the FA mode is turned off since it is unnecessary (steps #178 and #180). This operation can be performed while the shooting preparation switch 9 is pressed (N in step #12 in Fig. 9).
o), repeated. Then, when the photographing preparation switch 9 is released (YES in step #12), each display content up to that point is turned off (step #8).

FIGS. 20 to 24 show other display examples of the finder display screen. As shown in the figure, the selection marks are composed of instruction marks 70 and 71 and selection marks 451 to 481 corresponding to each function.

In FIG. 20, marks 47, 48 indicating the function of mode (2) are displayed on the same side as marks 45, 46 indicating the function of mode (2).

21 and 22 show the first instruction method for mode selection in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 23 and 24 show the second instruction method.

The first instruction method is to light up the selection marks 451 to 481,
This is done by erasing. That is, when mode (2) is selected, selection marks 471 and 481 are turned off as shown in FIG. When mode ■ is selected, as shown in FIG.
4.61 is turned off.

The second instruction method is to use marks 45 to 4 for each function.
8 and the corresponding selection marks 451 to 481 are turned on and off in pairs.

That is, when the mode ■ is selected, as shown in FIG. 23, the ISO mark 47. The S/C mark 48 and the corresponding selection marks 471 and 481 are erased.

When mode ■ is selected, r+/-j marks 45. as shown in FIG. The AF mark 46 and the corresponding selection marks 452 and 462 are erased.

In this embodiment, in the AF area function, the selectable area and the selected area can be identified by lighting or blinking, but it may also be possible to distinguish by changing the lighting brightness, blinking cycle, etc. You can also do it.

Further, color identification may be performed using a color display.

Further, in this embodiment, there are four functions, and these are divided into two groups of two groups, but the present invention is also fully applicable to cases where there are a large number of functions. For example, divide 6 functions into 3 groups,
The group may be changed cyclically, or it may be divided into two groups and provided with a cyclic selection operation member or a selection operation member for each group, and three setting operation members for setting the contents of the function. Good too.

Furthermore, a two-stage selection operation member may be provided that divides the functions into large groups and further divides the functions into small groups. In this case, for example, for eight functions, if you first divide them into a large group containing four functions and then into a small group containing two functions, the cyclic method requires only two selection operation members. In addition, the number of operations is two at most, which is less than the case where two functions are simply selected cyclically (up to four times).

Additionally, if functions that are closely related to each other are grouped together, the camera will be even easier to use. For example, when in continuous shooting mode, moving subjects are often photographed, a wide area is suitable for the distance measurement area, which makes it easy to capture the subject, while in single shooting mode, when shooting a still subject, the distance measurement area is used to focus on a desired part of the subject. may be selected. Therefore, when changing the drive motor, the distance measurement area is often changed at the same time, and if these functions are grouped together, the time required for the setting operation will be shortened.

Note that the equipment to which the selection operation member and the setting operation member are applied is not limited to cameras, but can also be applied to any equipment that can be operated under the setting conditions of a plurality of functions.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, a plurality of functions are grouped so that at least one group includes two or more functions, and the device is operable under each of the functions, Since it is equipped with a selection operation member for selecting a group and a plurality of setting operation members for setting the contents of each function corresponding to each function in the selected group, the number of members is relatively small, and the selection operation and The setting operation is easier than before, and a device with excellent operability can be provided.

Further, since the function selection is changed cyclically in groups each time the function is operated, the function selection operation becomes quick and easy.

Furthermore, since functions can be divided into large groups and into small groups from the large group, the function selection operation becomes quick and easy.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the sensors in the focus detection unit 2, Fig. 5 is a diagram without showing the details of each ranging area 2a to 2d, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the sensors in the focus detection section 2. A diagram showing the display position of each area a to d to be displayed, FIG. 7 is an external view of the camera 30 seen from the rear, and FIG. 8 is the display content displayed on the LCD 24, that is, the viewfinder screen. A diagram showing all display contents, Figure 9 is a flowchart explaining the interrupt processing when either the shooting semi-pot switch 9 or the function button 10 is turned on, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the function button 10 changes from OFF to ON. 11 to 17 are diagrams showing the display state of the finder screen at each step in FIG. 10, and FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart explaining the operation, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the display state of the finder screen at each step in FIG. 18, and FIGS. 20 to 24 are diagrams showing other display examples of the finder screen.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Microcomputer, 2... Focus detection part, 3... Lens drive part, 4... Photometry means, 5... DX detection part, 6
...LCD drive circuit, 61... Screen self-display drive circuit, 62... Off-screen display drive circuit, 7... On-body display means, 8... AND circuit, 9... ill selection Gi switch, 10...

Function button, 11...Front up/down dial, 12...Rear up/down dial, 13...
Posture detection means, 14... focus mode switch,
20... Finder south mirror 21... Focal plate, 2
2... Pentaprism, 23... Imaging lens, 24
... Transmissive liquid crystal panel, 25 ... Submirror, 30
...Camera, 31...Finder, 32...On-body display, 33...Shutter button, 41...
Screen self-display part, 42...Screen outer surface claw part, 43...
・FA meter display section, 44...Dial mark, 45
..."+/-J mark, 46...AF mark, 47
...ISO mark, 48...S/C mark, 49.
...Focus display section, 50...4-digit display section, 51...2
Digit display section, 450-480.451-481...Selection mark, 70.71...Instruction mark, 2a-2
d-...Distance measurement area, a, b, c, d-Bare area, W
+, W2...Wide area.

Figure 1 Patent applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent
Patent Attorney Etsushi Kotani Patent Attorney Chief 1
) Masamukai Patent Attorney Takao Ito 2nd Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure b →d1

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of functions are arranged in at least one group.
A selection operation member for selecting the group, which is a device that is divided into groups to include the above functions and can operate under each of the functions;
A function operation member for a device, comprising: a plurality of setting operation members for setting the contents of each function in correspondence with each function in a selected group. 2. The function operating member for a device according to claim 1, wherein the selection operating member is configured to cyclically change the selected group each time the selection operating member is operated. 3. The selection operation member is comprised of a first selection operation member that performs large grouping, and a second selection operation member that separates the large group selected by the first operation member into small groups. A function operating member for a device according to claim 1 or 2.