JPH04120504A - Telescope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To rationally arrange the action of an automatic focusing function and a manual power focusing function without impairing the operability of an operating member for manual power focusing by prioritizing the action of the automatic focusing means when 1st and 2nd operating members are simultaneously operated. CONSTITUTION:An upper cover 2 is provided with the sliding operating member 4 for a main switch which turns on/off a power source, the push type operating member 5 of an automatic focusing switch, and the push type operating members 501 and 502 for manual power focusing. Furthermore, a control means 140 is provided, which prioritizes the action of the automatic focusing means 19 when the 1st and the 2nd operating members 5, 501 and 502 are simultaneously operated. Therefore, even when the 2nd operating members 501 and 502 are inadvertently operated while the 1st operating member 5 is being operated, the automatic focusing action is prioritized and a lens is not moved carelessly. On the other hand, when the 1st operating member 5 is operated even while the 2nd operating members 501 and 502 are being operated, the automatic focusing action is prioritized, so that quick focusing is accomplished. Thus, the quick focusing is accomplished and the rational result is obtained.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Ll. The present invention relates to a telescope, and more particularly to a telescope with an automatic focusing function.

! Next summer 1 summer here, telescopes include not only binoculars but also monoculars,
In the following explanation, binoculars will be used as an example.

Binoculars with an automatic focusing function are, for example,
Although it is well known as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 205 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-46407, there is no mention of having an automatic focusing function and a manual power focusing function. On the other hand, in the field of cameras, it is well known that automatic focusing functions and power focusing functions are provided, but there are some cameras in which selection of these functions is performed by, for example, a mode changeover switch.

In general, the autofocus function is not effective for all objects to be observed, and there are some objects that it is not good at. For example, objects that lack contrast or are reflective are not suitable for automatic focusing. Therefore, it is desirable to provide binoculars with a power focus function so that such objects can be observed in good focus.

Although the frequency of use of the power focus function is considered to be considerably less than that of the automatic focus function, it is desirable that the operation member is easy to operate, so it will be placed in a position with good operability. . However, if the operating member for manual power focus is provided in a position with good operability in this way, it is possible to operate the operating member carelessly and cause an undesired interruption, for example, when the autofocus function is operating. This is more likely. On the other hand, using a changeover switch like the camera described in the conventional example above is inconvenient in another sense (that is, in the sense that the number of operations is increased).

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and provides a telescope that has a rational arrangement of automatic focusing functions and manual power focusing functions without impairing the operability of the manual power focus operation member. The purpose is to provide

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the binoculars of the present invention include: a first operating member; and an automatic focusing means for driving the lens to automatically perform focusing in response to the first operating member. , a second operating member, a manual power focus means for driving a lens in response to the operation of the second operating member, and the first and second operating members are operated simultaneously. IΔ葎≦
It has a configuration that includes a 1st whisper, a 7-layer Kenyute M-sho means, and the following.

In this case, the control means can be constructed from a microcomputer. The operation flow of the microcomputer includes an fsl step that determines whether or not the first operating member has been operated, and when it is determined that the first operating member has been operated in the first step, The process proceeds to a routine @1 in which the automatic focusing means is operated, and when it is determined that the first operating member is not operated, the process proceeds to a second step in which it is determined whether or not the second operating member is operated. If it is determined in the second step that the second operation member is being operated, the process proceeds to a second routine for operating the manual power focus means, but the second routine does not include the first operation member. There is a step gJ3 for determining whether or not the first operating member has been operated, and when it is determined in the third step that the first operating member has been operated, the second routine is aborted and the process proceeds to the first routine. According to the above configuration, even if the second operating member is operated by mistake while the first operating member is being operated, the automatic focusing operation takes priority and the lens does not move inadvertently. On the other hand, even if the second operating member is being operated, if the first operating member is operated, priority is given to the automatic focusing operation, allowing quick focus adjustment.

Example of SJL - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the binoculars of this embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows the front side, and FIG. 3 shows the back side. Here, 2 is an upper cover of a cover forming the housing of the binoculars 1, and 3 is a lower cover. These covers 2.3 are made of synthetic resin moldings. The upper cover 2 has a main switch slide type operation member 4 for turning the power on and off, a push type operation member 5 for an automatic focus (hereinafter referred to as rAFJ) switch, and a push type operation member 501 and 502 for manual power focus. is provided. Here, the operating member 501 is operated when driving the lens toward the near side in manual power focusing, and the operating member 502 is operated when driving the lens toward the far side. In order to facilitate operation while holding the main body of the binoculars 1, the operating member 501 is normally operated with the index finger of the observer's left hand, and the operating member 502 is arranged at a position such that it can be operated with the middle finger of the observer's left hand. .

On the other hand, the lower cover 3 is provided with a sliding operating member 6 for adjusting interpupillary distance and a sliding operating member 7.8 for adjusting diopter.

Next, 9 is a front cover, and 10 is a rear cover. A transparent glass is attached to the front cover 9, and inside the front cover 9 are first and second objective lenses 13 attached to the first and second lens barrels 11 and 12 (see FIG. 4), respectively. .14 and a light receiving window 20 equipped with a light receiving lens for AF. Note that the light receiving lens is fixed. Since the light receiving window and light receiving lens for distance measurement are provided separately from the objective lenses 13 and 14 of the binoculars, and because they only receive light from the outside, this distance measurement optical The system is an external light passive system. The vertical length of the light receiving window 2° is selected to be equal to or less than the vertical length of the objective lenses 13 and 14. Therefore, the vertical length (thickness) of the binoculars [1] does not increase due to the presence of the light receiving window 20. The rear cover 10 is provided with an eyepiece hood 10a110b made of a rubber material.

The optical system structure of the binoculars 1 having the above-mentioned external structure is such that the first and second lens barrels 11 and 12 are arranged on the left and right with the central axis A-A' as the axis of symmetry, as schematically shown in FIG. , an objective lens 13.14 is provided in the first and second lens barrels 11.12.
is in front, prisms 15 and 16 are in the middle, and eyepiece 1
7.18 is located at the rear.

The objective lenses 13.14 are movable simultaneously within the lens barrel 11.12 for AF and manual power focusing, while the eyepieces 17.18 move independently of each other for diopter adjustment. It can move within the lens barrel 11112. In addition to this embodiment, an embodiment in which the eyepiece lens is moved during AF and manual power focusing is also possible. As will be described later, the first and second lens barrels 11, 12 can move toward or away from each other while remaining parallel to each other in order to adjust the interpupillary distance.

A focus detection module 19 along the central axis A-A'
The focus detection module 19 includes a light receiving lens 20a fixed at the front. In addition,
A stepping motor 22 for AF and manual power focusing is provided behind the focus detection module 19, and a deceleration gear section 23 for decelerating the operation of this motor 22 and transmitting it to the objective lens 13.14 is provided. It is provided between the focus detection module 19 and the motor 22. The focus detection module 19 adopts a phase difference detection method as shown in FIG. 5, although it is not particularly limited to this.

In FIG. 5, the field mask SM and the condenser lens LC are arranged near the image formation position by the light receiving lens 20a. The optical axis Z is behind the condenser lens LC.
Re-imaging lenses L1 and L2 are arranged with the axis of symmetry as the axis of symmetry.
A mask plate 24 having numbers 1 and A2 is provided. A CCD line sensor 25 is arranged on the imaging plane of each re-imaging lens L1, L2. The condenser lens LC has the power to form images of the apertures A1 and A2 of the mask plate 24 on predetermined positions of the light receiving lens 20a, and the sizes of the apertures A1 and A2 are set to match the size of the observation body light passing through the light receiving lens 20a. The specific aperture value is set as shown below.

Images If, Io, and Ib on the optical axis are light receiving lenses; 20
Images of objects Of, Oo, and Ob in front of a are shown. Re-imaging lens L1 of these images If, Io, Ib
, L2 are Ilf, [to, I
lb, I2f, I2o, and I2b. In other words, the re-imaged image I of the reference image Io of the object 000 located at the intermediate distance
ON I 2o is connected to a position slightly in front of the line sensor 25, and the re-imaging image I if, I 2f of the image If of the observation object Of located at a long distance is the re-imaging image I lo, which is in front of the optical axis 12o. The re-imaged images Ilb and I2b of the image Ib of the observation object ob located at a short distance are focused at a position close to Z, and the re-imaged images Ilb and I2b are focused at a position behind the re-imaged images 11o and I2o and away from the optical axis 2. . Here, the position of the image by the light-receiving lens 20a corresponds to the distance between the two re-imaged images, and the line sensor 25 determines the distance between the two re-imaged images between the two re-imaged images of the reference image point o. A close distance or a long distance is determined depending on whether the image is longer or shorter than the image interval, and the amount of image shift is detected based on the difference in the image interval.

That is, the line sensor 25 is composed of a large number of pixels arranged along the moving direction of the re-imaged image, and these pixels are divided into two areas: a standard part and a reference part. The image interval between the two re-imaged images is detected based on the signals from the standard part and the reference part. This detected image interval is processed by a microcomputer.

Then, the microcomputer uses the processing result to
It is determined whether or not it is in the F state, and the day focus amount is calculated.

Furthermore, compared to active triangulation methods, etc., the phase difference detection method only needs to receive a beam of light in one direction, so it does not require optical spread, and is therefore suitable for placement in the center of binoculars. It can be said that there is.

As for the AF operation method, a system controller (described later) outputs a day focus amount from a predetermined focus position based on the output of the sensor, and drives the motor 22 by the day focus amount (therefore, the objective lens 13, 14 This is an open-loop control method that moves the In this example, focus detection is performed without going through the objective lenses 13 and 14, so the lens is driven by the amount of - times focus detection data to bring it into focus, and the accuracy in that case is determined by the stepping motor. It is raised by using . However, continuous AP is achieved while the operating member 5 is kept being pressed (that is, while the AF switch is turned on). When a stepping motor is used as in this embodiment, since it can be driven and stopped with high accuracy, errors do not accumulate and it is also advantageous for continuous AF. Regarding AF, there are two types: one-shot AF and continuous AF, and it is normal to provide a mode button to switch between modes (that is, to switch between one-shot AF and continuous AP). Yes, but
In this example, L+ Qll f, 1
As shown in FIG. We are trying to make that switch.

Returning to Figure 4, binoculars #! 1 (therefore, between the first and second mirrors [11, 12]), the focus detection module 19, the motor 22, and its reduction gear section 23 are arranged vertically along the central axis A-A'. When cut in section, No. 5 IXi
6. However, the motor 22 and the reduction gear portion 23 are not cut in section in FIG. In the figure, the lens barrel 26 is bent into a two-character shape, with first, #I2, third reflecting mirrors Ml, M2, . Place M3 as shown in the figure and attach it to the light receiving lens 2.
The optical axis Z1 of 0a is set below the optical axis ZO of the objective lens, and the optical axis is bent forward and upward as shown by 22 by the third reflecting mirror, and then the third reflecting mirror! 2, the optical axis is bent rearward as shown by 23 so that it is parallel to Zl, and the image of the object to be observed by the light receiving lens 20a is formed near the front of the condenser lens LC, thereby increasing the length of the optical path. Actually, this is because focus detection accuracy improves when the focal length of the light-receiving lens is increased. That is, the amount of lens extension from the infinite position (day focus amount) is expressed as follows: Lens extension amount = f2/(1-f), where f is the focal length of the lens, and 1 is the distance to the object to be observed.

Now, f = 30, l = 4 m → 4000 m
When , 302/ (4000-30) = 0.22, and when f = 60, 1 = 4 m-"4000 m, 602/ (4000-60) = 0.9137, which is the place to calculate the day focus amount. For the phase difference method, a lens with a long focal length that greatly defocuses depending on the distance to the object is more advantageous in terms of accuracy.

Focus detection module 19, motor 22, reduction gear section 2
A circuit board 27 is arranged above 3. This circuit board 27 is composed of a flexible printed circuit board, and a plan view thereof is shown in FIG. The front wings 28 , 29 of the circuit board 27 are bent and arranged so as to abut the sides of the focus detection module 19 . Specifically, the curved shape is maintained by partially adhering the screen adhesive tape to the outer side surface of the lens barrel 26. At the rear, a microcomputer 30, a main switch pattern 31, and an AF switch pattern 32 constituting a system controller to be described later are provided. Further, a pattern 503 for a near side power focus switch and a pattern 504 for a far side power focus switch are also provided. The circuit board 27 is also attached with many other chip components 33 that constitute predetermined circuits.

Returning to FIG. 4 again, when the lens barrel 12 is vertically sectioned along approximately the center B-H, it becomes as shown in FIG. 7. JRlj
At the bottom of ill, 12, as shown in FIG. 7, a mechanism 34 for adjusting interpupillary distance and a mechanism 35 for adjusting diopter are provided. These mechanisms are mounted on the base plate 36. 8 is the operation member for adjusting the diopter described above, and 6 is the operation member for adjusting the interpupillary distance.

As described above, inside the binoculars 1, the circuit board 27 is arranged at the top and the mechanical parts (interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism 34 and diopter adjustment mechanism 35) are arranged at the bottom, so that the space inside the binoculars @1 is reduced. Effective use is achieved and the entire structure becomes compact. However, since the electrical part and the mechanical part are separated and independent, each part can be easily replaced. For example, when an electrical component on the circuit board 27 fails, the electrical component or the circuit board 27 can be replaced without any modification to the mechanical parts.

Additionally, a lens drive mechanism for AF and manual power focus is provided from the center toward the bottom of the mirror 11i11.12. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, this AF lens drive mechanism includes the motor 22, a reduction gear section 23 consisting of four gears 01 to G4 that reduce the rotation of the motor 22, and the reduction gear section 23. Output gear G
4, a lens drive lever 38 driven by the camshaft 37, and the like. The cam shaft 37 has a cam groove 39 formed along its longitudinal direction, and the pin 40 of the lens drive lever 38 engages with this cam groove 39. Therefore, when the camshaft 37 rotates, the lens drive lever 38 moves in the C or D direction (FIG. 11).

The lens drive lever 38 has a cylindrical portion 44.45 that is loosely engaged with a pair of guide shafts 42.43 provided on the motor base plate 41, and the guide shaft 42 is connected via the cylindrical portion 44.45.
．． It is supported and guided by 43 and moves stably.

Holes 46 and 47 are provided at the left and right ends of the lens drive lever 38, and the objective lens system 13.
Fourteen pins 48 and 49 are engaged. The holes 46 and 47 are elongated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lens drive lever 38, but this is due to the eye adjustment.
This is to allow displacement in the E direction.

The motor base plate 41 has three support parts 50, 51, 52 extending upward to support the front ends of the guide shafts 42 and 43 and the front end of the camshaft 37 at the front, and the motor 22 at the rear. and a support portion 53 for supporting the rear end of the reduction gear portion 23 and the camshaft 37. A pair of spring contact pieces 55, 56 (shown only in FIG. 11, and shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 for simplified illustration) are provided at the bottom 54 of the motor base plate 41 in the vicinity of the support portion 53. (not shown), these contact pieces 55 and 56 form the switch pieces of an infinity switch for detecting the end in the C direction (infinite end), and one of the contact pieces When the six pieces 57 of the lens drive lever 38 come into contact with the contact piece 55.5
6 are in contact with each other. Supports 58, 59 and 60 provided on the base plate 36 in FIG.
．． Shafts 62 and 63 supported by 61 are interpupillary distance guide shafts when adjusting interpupillary distance, and mirrors 111i11.12 are respectively supported on these interpupillary distance guide shafts 62 and 63 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and parallel to each other. There is. 64a-64d, 65a
-65d are protrusions projecting downward from the lens barrels 11, 12, and the interpupillary distance guide shafts 62, 63 pass through recesses or holes formed in these protrusions.

Next, FIG. 12 shows the circuit system of the binoculars 1 of this embodiment. In the figure, 140 is a system controller consisting of a microcomputer. Power supply battery 141
The output voltage (DC voltage) VDDO is provided as a power source to the motor 22 and also to the DC/DC converter unit 142. This DC/DC converter
The unit 142 provides a predetermined output voltage (DC voltage) VDDI to the system controller 140 in response to a PWC signal for power control provided from the system controller 140, and also provides VCCI and VCC2 to the focus detection module 19. Here, VDD1 to VC
C1 has been adjusted to 5■d, and vCC2 has been adjusted to 12v. Note that the system controller 140 controls the DC/DC converter unit 142 to de-energize VCCI and VCC2 in order to save battery consumption, for example, when the focus detection module 19 is not activated.

A battery check circuit 143 checks the output voltage of the battery 141 according to a command from the system controller 140 and sends the result to the system controller 140.
tell to. The details of the battery check circuit are shown in FIG.

The motor drive circuit 144 is operated by a control signal from the system controller 140 and drives the steng motor 22. 145 is a slide type main switch, 146 is a push type AF switch, 505
is a push type near side power focus switch, 506
is the far side power focus switch, 147 is the 11th rM
This is an infinite switch formed with the contact piece 55.5G shown in . Reference numeral 148 is a light emitting diode (LED) for warning display, which lights up when the battery check circuit 143 checks and the battery has fallen below a predetermined value or when the object captured by the binoculars has low contrast. to warn. Of the circuit shown in FIG. 12, a portion indicated by a broken line 200 is provided on a circuit board 27 shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the installation and storage part of the battery 141, in which (a) and (b) correspond to FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. A line has been added to the battery area. Note that (C) is a left side view of (a). 150 is a grip consisting of a battery cover 151 attached to the lower cover 3 of the binoculars 1;
The grip 150 can be easily held by holding the grip 150 with your fingers. There are 6 batteries inside the grip 150.
41 is housed therein, and the battery 141 is held by attaching and fixing the battery cover 151 to the lower cover 3. Therefore, battery 14
Is 1 electric? t1! It has a structure that is supported by a lid 151. In order to prevent the battery cover 151 from being accidentally removed from the binoculars 1, a battery cover release switch 152 is provided as shown in FIG. It is desirable to configure it so that it can be removed.

FIG. 14 shows a unipolar drive circuit for a stepping motor. In addition, there is a bipolar type drive circuit as opposed to a unipolar type, but the bipolar type has a different coil winding method than the unipolar type, and the torque is higher than the unipolar type for the same size, but The circuit configuration becomes complicated. However, with the introduction of ICs, the complexity of the bipolar type circuit is no longer considered a problem, so
Recently, it has been used more and more. Of course, a bipolar drive circuit may also be used in this embodiment.

Now, in FIG. 14, the stabbing motor 22 consists of a rotor 400 and four excitation coils L1 to L4.As shown in the figure, the driving circuit has an emitter connected to a terminal 40.
It consists of PNP type transistors Q1 to Q4 connected to a DC power supply through 1 and whose bases are connected to a motor drive signal source, diodes D1 to D4 connected to their respective collectors, and a resistor R1. Transistor Q1~Q
The collector No. 4 is connected to one end of the coils L1 to L4. Note that the other ends of the coils L1 to L4 are grounded.

FIG. 15 shows the sequence of two-phase excitation in the circuit of FIG.
se), CCW is counterclockwise (counter cl
This represents the rotation of the motor to ockwise). When the drive signals φ1 to φ4 are at a low level, the corresponding transistors are turned on and the coils are energized, and when they are at the high level, the transistors are turned off and the corresponding coils are de-energized. In Fig. 15, vertical lines tl,...
・tl corresponds to each 18° rotation angle of the motor.

Now, between t1 and t2, drive signals φ1 and φ2 are at a low level, transistors Q1 and Q2 are turned on, current flows through coils L1 and L2, two-phase excitation occurs, and the motor rotates. In this specification, the rotation of the rotor 400 will be referred to as the rotation of the rotor. The rotation starts at tl, stops at T1 midway, and is in a stopped state from T1 to t2. During the next period t2 to t3, the drive signals φ2 and φ3 turn on the transistor Q3, and the coils L2 and L
3, the motor 22 is started again from t2 and stopped at T2, and is in a stopped state from T2 to t3. Thereafter, the motor 22 is driven by stepping in accordance with the sequential low level of two of the drive signals φ1 to φ4. t1 to t2, t2 to t3, . . . are equal intervals d, and when this interval d is shortened, the rotation of the motor becomes faster, and when it is lengthened, the rotation of the motor becomes slower.

FIG. 16 shows the speed control characteristics of the motor for good starting and stopping of the motor, and the speed of the motor is controlled in a manner including a trapezoidal portion as shown in the figure from starting to stopping. In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents speed (pulse rate). At startup, the speed does not increase all at once in order to generate torque, and the engine output is 300PP.
Start at a speed of S (PPS is the number of pulses per second, called pulse rate), then gradually increase the speed to 600PPS, and then eoopps
rotate at a constant speed. To stop the motor, press e.
The speed is gradually reduced from oopps to 30opps and then brought to a standstill. The period in which the speed is gradually increased is referred to as an acceleration period, and the period in which the speed is gradually decreased is referred to as a deceleration period. In the motor control of the embodiment described later, for example, when the moving distance of the lens is small, constant speed driving is performed from the beginning without providing an acceleration period.

The driving of the stepping motor has been explained above using the case of two-phase excitation as an example, but the excitation method used in this embodiment does not need to be limited to two-phase excitation, and even one-phase excitation can be used.
Or 1-phase and 2-phase mixed method (1-phase-2-phase excitation force method)
Therefore, the excitation sequences for these one-phase excitation force type and one-phase-two-phase excitation are shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Further, the characteristics of each of the above methods are briefly explained as follows.

Excitation JL method JΣ A method that always excites only one phase. Although the torque drop is small and the efficiency is good considering the input power is small, the damped vibration during stepping is large and tends to cause disorder, so it is unsuitable when used in a wide range of pulse rates or when vibration is disliked.

In addition, lI'u9 Rainbow is a method that always excites two phases. For this reason, compared to one-phase excitation, the input power is doubled and the temperature rise is also higher, but it is often used because high torque can be obtained and damped vibration is small. The step angle is the same as one-phase excitation.

A method that alternately excites one phase and two phases. The input power is 1.5 times that of 1-phase excitation, and the torque is between 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation. Since the step angle is 172 for 1-phase or 2-phase excitation, the resolution of the system can be doubled, and the response pulse is also 2
It will be doubled.

In this embodiment, as will be described later, the 1-2 phase excitation force formula is used during power focusing, and driving is performed at a constant speed of 200 PPS. The speed of 200PPS of this 1-2 phase excitation method is 2
This corresponds to the 100 PPS speed of the phase excitation method, which is a relatively slow speed. This is because the power focus is adjusted by the observer, so if the speed of the motor (and hence the moving speed of the lens) is fast, it becomes difficult to adjust the focus. Of course, 100PPS with 2-phase excitation method during power focus
It is possible to drive at low speed, but if the two-phase excitation method is
At a speed of 00 PPs, vibration and current consumption of the motor become large. Conversely, driving at the same speed is 1-
If the two-phase excitation method is used, it is possible to enjoy the advantage that vibration and current consumption are reduced.

Next, the control operation by the microcomputer 30 constituting the system controller 140 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 and subsequent figures.

! FIG. 19 shows a general operation flow. In the figure, first, when the battery 141 is installed, a reset operation is performed in each part of the microcomputer 30, and initial settings are made (step #1). This initial setting initializes the input/output board of the microcomputer 30,
This is to initialize data. Turning the main switch 145 ON has meaning after this initial setting. In step #5, main switch 145 is turned on.
If it is OFF, the process advances to step #7 and enters the standby 1 (wait) state. That is, although the power is on, the microcomputer 30 is not working. If it is determined in step #5 that the main switch 145 is ON, the process advances to the next battery check routine (#10). Next, in step #15, it is determined whether the battery check result is OK or not.
If not, the process advances to step #20 and a warning is displayed. This warning is given by a light emitting diode (LED) 148.9 After that, standby 2 (APO8ET to be described later) is entered (step #21).

If the battery check in step #15 is OK (if the battery voltage is sufficient),
In the next step #30, the lens is moved to an infinite position. This is because it is necessary to know the lens position by at least one point, and the infinity position as that one point is determined when the six pieces 57 touch the switch piece 55 in FIG. 11 and the infinity switch 147 is turned on. , and further move from there to mechanical contact, and subsequent lens driving is performed using this point as a reference.

After the lens is reset to the infinite position in step #30, the AF switch 14G is turned on in step #35.
If it is OFF, the process proceeds to step #36 to determine whether the power focus switch is ON or not. If the power focus switch is ON, a battery check (step #37) is performed. rear,
In step #38, the voltage level of the battery is determined. Here, if the battery voltage is below a predetermined reference value, the lens is driven to a specific value in step #40, and then a warning is issued (step #41), and the system enters standby 2. If the battery voltage has decreased but is higher than the reference value, a warning is issued in step #39, and then the process proceeds to step #42. If the voltage is sufficient, the process directly advances to step #42. Although not shown in this flowchart, the battery check is performed when the power focus switch is OFF.
Perform this only when the signal is turned ON. In step #42, it is determined again whether the AF switch 146 is ON.

Here, if the AF switch 146 is OFF, the motor is driven (therefore, the lens is driven) as a power focus in step #43, and the state of the power focus switch is checked again in the next step #44. If the power focus switch is ON, the process returns to step #43 to continue driving the motor, but if the power focus switch is OFF.

Stop the motor (step #45). After the second motor stop, or if the power focus switch is OFF in step #36 above, proceed to step #46 and turn off the auto power.
0FF). Here, in the case of auto power off, it becomes standby 2 (APO3ET). On the other hand, if it is not auto power off, the process proceeds to the next step #47 and it is determined whether the main switch 145 is ON. If the main switch 145 is OFF, the main switch 145 is in standby 1 (wait state), and if it is ON, the process returns to step #35 and it is determined whether the AF switch 146 is ON. Step #35 or Step #42
If the AF switch 146 is ON, step #50
After performing COD driving (activating COD for distance measurement) at step #55 and performing distance measurement calculation at step #55,
Block selection is performed in step #60. Here, the block selection is block selection for distance measurement. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the CCD line sensor for distance measurement has three blocks (first block Bf, 1 ．．
! It is divided into two blocks BL2 and a third block BI, 3), and distance measurement calculations (including contrast calculations) are performed for each block. The task is to choose one block.

This allows you to select which object to AF from competing objects, both far and near.
It will be possible to respond by asking whether or not to do so.

Next, in step #65, low contrast is determined.

The low contrast judgment here means to judge whether the contrast of the object to be observed is below a predetermined value in all blocks.
This is done based on COD data. When it is determined that the contrast is low, the process proceeds to step #70, where it is determined whether or not the lens is to be set at a specific position.If the lens is not set at the specific position, the process proceeds to step #47. When setting to a specific position, set it to the specific position in step #75 and proceed to step #85. The reason for setting the lens at a specific position when using low contrast is because if you detect low contrast many times, you will not know where you are looking. For example, when looking at the horizon,
It is well known from experience that when you move a lens to an infinity position, you can see something. In this embodiment, the specific position is not particularly limited to this, but it is assumed to be an infinitely distant position.

When it is determined that the low contrast is not 9° in the low contrast judgment at step #65, the process proceeds to step #80, where the lens extension position is calculated, and the process proceeds to step #85.

By the way, in FIG. 19, block selection (step #60
), it is determined whether or not all blocks have low contrast (step #65), but it is also possible to perform low contrast determination before block selection, and in fact, in the detailed flowchart described later, , a low contrast judgment is made before block selection. Now, in step #85, the number of pulses for driving the motor to the lens extending position is calculated. Next, if the extended position of the lens is within the focusing range, there is no need to drive the motor, so it is determined in step #90 whether motor drive is OK or not, and if NO, return to step #47. If OK, perform a battery check in the next step #95, and then proceed to step #1.
00, it is determined whether or not the motor drive is at the limit based on the battery voltage checked in step #95. Here, if the motor drive limit is reached, the lens is driven to a specific position in step #106, and then a warning is displayed in step #108.

The reason for driving the lens to a specific position when the motor drive limit voltage is reached is that when the battery is exhausted and the lens cannot be driven, it is easier to use the telescope if the lens is on the far side rather than on the near side. This is because you can see a wider range than the near side. Incidentally, it is preferable for the specified position during the above-mentioned low contrast to be at infinity in terms of probability, but it is better to set the specified position at the time of battery check to be slightly closer than infinity in order to cover a wider range. If the determination in step #100 is that the motor drive is not at its limit but the battery voltage has dropped considerably, a warning is issued in step #102 and then step #1
04, or directly to step #1 if the voltage is sufficient
After proceeding to step #04 and driving the motor, the process returns to step #47.

Note that this flowchart is based on the assumption that only two-phase excitation drive is used to drive the stepping motor during AF, and 1-2 phase excitation is used during power focus.

Next, the operation shown in FIG. 19 will be explained in detail according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 21 and subsequent figures.

When the batteries are installed in the binoculars, the reset routine shown in FIG. 21 is executed and initial settings are made in step #200. Various operations are performed as an initial setting, but to explain only the typical ones shown in the figure, first, the DC/
P that controls the DC converter unit 142
DAM used to set the WC terminal to O or drive the motor described later
to O, initialize the timer, and set the fast AF flag FSTAF.

When the above-mentioned initial settings are completed, it is determined in step #2o5 whether the main switch 145 is ON or not, and if the main switch 145 is OFF, step #2 is performed.
The process proceeds to the operation flow described in steps #10 to #220, that is, the flow for setting the wAIT state. First, in step #210, among the boats in the microcomputer 30, the output boat to which the motor 22 and the LED 148 are commonly connected is turned off. Then step #
At step 215, the clock frequency of the microcomputer 30 is switched. Specifically, lower the speed from a high-speed clock to a low-speed clock. Furthermore, in step #220, DC/DC
Converter unit 142 is stopped and 11AI
Enters T state (step #225). In this WAIT state, the microcomputer 30 is emitting a clock at a low frequency, but the power consumption is lower than when it is emitting a clock at a high frequency.

Returning to step #205 above, main switch 145
If it is ON, the process advances to step #230, where a battery check is performed, and then, at step #235, the result of the battery check is determined. Here, if the result of the battery check is negative, a warning is issued by blinking LE0148 (step #240).

At this time, the blinking frequency of the LED 148 is 2 Hz, although it is not particularly necessary to limit it to this. This warning by blinking the LED is continuously given as can be seen from step #245 if the main switch 145 is ON. When the main switch 145 is turned OFF, the process proceeds from step #245 to step #210, and the above-mentioned WAIT
Execute the operational flow that enters the state.

Next, when it is determined in step #235 that the battery check result is OK, the process proceeds to step #250, where the first AF flag and battery check flag are set. When this is completed, an infinite (00) reset is performed in step #260. For this infinite reset, if you do not know where the lens is at the beginning, it will be difficult to determine how to move the lens later, so after turning on the main switch, move the lens to the specified position (infinity). Since this routine is shown in FIG. 27, it will be explained later in accordance with FIG. 27. After the infinite reset is completed, the count of timer 2 is reset in step #265, which means setting the time to enter APO (auto power off) SET, which will be described later.

Next, in step #27o, it is determined whether the AF switch 146 is ON or not, and if it is ON, the S O shown in FIG.
Proceed to routine N, and if OFF, step #28o
The first AF flag is set. After tightening, step #285 so that the motor moves immediately the first time.
Set the move count MOVECNT to 8φH. After that, it is determined in step #286 whether or not the power focus switch is ON, and if it is, the process proceeds to step #287 to determine whether both the near side power focus switch 505 and the far side power focus switch 506 are ON. judge. The two switches 505 and 506 are both ON
In this case, since the user's intention is not known whether the user is trying to move toward the near side or the far side, the process returns to step #265 and power focusing is not performed. Furthermore, step #26
The reason for returning to step 5 and redoing part of the operation sequence is to take into account that the user intends to perform power focusing in this case.

Both of the above switches are not ON, but only one of them is ON.
In this case, proceed to STEP #288 and enter the power focus routine. The details of this power focus routine will be explained later with reference to FIG. 35. The power focus switch is turned off in step #286 above.
If so, it is determined in step #290 whether or not the timer 2 has counted up, and if it has counted up, the routine of APO8ET is entered (step #290).
295).

APO8ET is basically the same as the wAIT state, but differs in the following points. That is, in the WAIT state, time passes in the same state, but in APO8ET, the circuit is set to operate at regular intervals. Specifically, the main switch 145 is ON and the AF switch 146 is 1.
If it is not pressed within 5 seconds, the clock frequency is lowered to save power consumption and the DC/DC converter unit 142 is stopped. After exiting this APO3ET routine, the process returns to step #265.

If it is determined in step #290 that timer 2 has not counted up, the next step #300
It is determined whether the main switch 145 is turned on or not. If the main switch 145 is turned off, the process enters a WAIT state (step #305). If the main switch is ON, the process returns to step #270 described above and the subsequent flow is executed.

Next, the SON routine shown in FIG. 22 will be explained. This SON routine is the main routine in this binocular. First, in step #400, it is determined whether the first AF flag is set or not. Then, when the first AF flag is set in step #40o, this first AF flag is reset in step #4o5, and then in step #410, the COD is initialized (certain data is input and integrated,
A data dump is performed in a simulated manner to ensure the stability of subsequent CCD data. After this initialization of the COD is completed, the CCD is driven in step #415. The initialization is performed only when the first AF flag is set in step #400, that is, when the AF switch 146 is turned from OFF to ON.After that, the first AF flag is in the reset state, so the initialization routine The process directly proceeds to step #415, CCD driving, without passing through. CCD driving consists of an integration operation in which photocharges are accumulated for a predetermined period of time, and a data dump operation after the integration is completed.

When CCD driving is completed, distance measurement calculation is performed in step #420. This distance measurement calculation includes a calculation for calculating the amount of image shift between the standard part and the reference part on the CCD, and 3 blocks BLI, BL2, BL2, BL2, BL1, BL1, BL1, BL1, BL2, BL1, BL1, BL1, BL2, BL1, BL1, BL2, BL1, BL1, BL2, BL1, BL2, BL1, BL2, BL1, BL2. BL3 (Figure 20(b)
), and a contrast calculation for detecting the individual contrasts of (see ). Here, the reference part and the reference part on the CCD are provided in software for each block in the phase difference detection method for calculating the amount of shift (day focus amount). Of the two images obtained by separately forming the observation object in each AF block in the line direction using the optical system, one corresponds to the standard part and the other corresponds to the reference part.

When the distance measurement calculation is completed, the low contrast flag is reset in step #425, and then the low contrast determination routine is entered. Step #43 of the low contrast determination routine
0 has three blocks BLI, BL2. It is determined whether or not all of BL3 are low contrast, and if all three blocks are low contrast, the low contrast flag is set in step #435, and then low contrast processing is started (step #4).
40). This low contrast processing will be explained according to the flow shown in FIG. When entering the low contrast flow LOCON, in order to check how many times the low contrast has been counted, set the count number of the low contrast counter to 1 in step #5000.
Increment by

After that, the process proceeds to step #5100, and it is determined whether or not the set number of times LCONNO minus the count number is 0. If it is not 0, the LED 148 is turned on and off in step #5400 to issue a warning.
Go to MSha, if it is O, step #52
Set the low-con count to 0 with 00 and proceed to the next step #5
At 300, the low control reset routine (26th
(see figure), it becomes MPCAL. This MP
CAL proceeds to step #550 (Figure 22). Also,
The MS 110 returns to step #300 through step #310 (FIG. 21).

3 block B in step #430 of 22nd rXJ
LI, BL2. If any one of BL3 is not in low contrast, the process proceeds to step #445 to determine whether or not the second block BL2 is in low contrast. If the second block BL2 is not in low contrast, the process proceeds to step #460. Select the second block BL2 with (second block B
If the second block BL2 is low contrast in step #445, the next step #4
Proceeding to step 50, it is determined whether or not the first block BLI is low contrast, and here, if the first block BLI is low contrast,
Three blocks BLI, BL2. 3rd out of BL3
Since only block BL3 is not in low contrast, the third block BL3 is selected in step #470. However, in step #450, the first block BLI is low container type, and in step #455
It is determined whether MI-XMM1>XM3-XMMI. If YES, the process advances to step #470 and the third block BL3 is selected; if NO, the first block BLI is selected in step #465. Here, XMI represents the amount of deviation of the first block ELL measured this time, XM3 represents the amount of deviation of the third block BL3 measured this time, and XMM represents the amount of previous deviation (the amount of deviation corresponding to the current lens position). .

As described above, there are three blocks BLI in this embodiment.

BL2. Of B[, 3, priority is given to the second block BL2, but this is because in the case of binoculars, the object to be observed is usually placed in the center of the viewing frame 160, as shown in FIG. 20(a). This is because it is reasonable to give priority to the distance measurement data of the central block within the distance measurement area 161, that is, the second block BL2. If this second block BL2 has low contrast, this embodiment
Of the blocks BL3, the distance measurement data with the smallest deviation from the current lens position is adopted (steps #450 to #470).

After block selection has been performed as described above, which block has been selected is stored in memory (step #
475). If a block is selected, it means that it is not low contrast, so the low contrast warning LED
is turned OFF (step #480).

Now, as shown in Figure 29, it is possible to extend the lens from the infinity position (1) to the 2a+ position, but the direction of deviation indicates which side it has deviated from 4m, which is the midpoint of the extension amount. After the flag is reset in step #485, it is determined in the next step #490 whether the deviation amount XM is positive or negative. Here, the focus detection module is 4
It is set so that the amount of deviation is O when measuring a distance of m, and as shown in Figure 29, the intermediate point 4m is O, and the near side (2
m side) is plus (+), and infinity side is (-),
When XM is (-), a shift direction flag is set in step #500. Therefore, when this flag is set, it indicates that the distance is more than 4 meters to infinity. After setting the deviation direction flag in step #500, DFK is set to DFKM in step #505. Kokote, DFK4=corresponds to LXM code, DFK
M of M is often negative, and therefore indicates infinity (IN). In step #490, XM (
+) side, DFK is set to DFKP in step #495. Here, P of DFKP indicates that it is positive (therefore, it is near).

After step #495 or step #505, the process proceeds to step #510, where the value obtained by multiplying the amount of deviation XM by DFK is set as the number of deviation pulses DF. Here, DFK is a constant that converts the amount of deviation XM into the number of pulses (the number of motor drive pulses). Next, in step #515, it is determined whether the deviation direction flag is set or reset. When this shift direction flag is set (i.e., 1), it means that the shift is towards infinity (-) as mentioned earlier, so proceed to step #520 and move to the target position. Substitute (SP-DF) as the pulse number TP. SP is at infinite position (1) as shown in Figure 29.
This is the number of pulses from 4 m to the reference position. Step #
After 520, the process proceeds to step #525, where the T
Determine whether P is smaller than O. If TP is smaller than O, set TP to O in step #530 and then proceed to step #
Proceed to 550, and if it is 0 or more, continue to step #5
Go to 50. The reason for determining whether TP is smaller than O in step #525 and limiting TP to O in step #530 is because the C
This is to prevent malfunction of the motor drive due to such defects, since TP may become less than O due to the influence of noise etc. during OD and the like.

When the shift direction flag is not set in step #515 (that is, when it is O), it means that the shift is toward the near side (+), so as can be seen from FIG. 29, the target position pulse number TP is the value obtained by adding the number of pulses SP from the infinite position (1) to the reference position of 4 m and the number of deviation pulses DF (SP + DF) (step #535).Next, in step #540, it is determined whether this TP is greater than TPMAX. If TP>TPMAX, step #5
45, limit TP to TPMAX, then step #55
If TP≦TPMAX, the process proceeds to step #550 without doing anything. Here, TPMAX represents the number of feeding pulses up to the maximum point of the feeding amount, that is, the point of 2 m.

The operations after step #550 are not only performed following each of the above-mentioned steps, but also when there is an MPCAL. First, in step #550, the motor drive mode MMD is set to O, and in the next step #555, the number of drive pulses MP is set to (TP-NP). This (TP-N
P) represents the number of pulses from the current position to the target position. Subsequently, in step #56o, it is determined whether the drive pulse number MP is negative or not, and if it is negative, the next step #5 is performed.
65, set (NP-TP) to MP, and step #57
Assume that X, which indicates whether 0 is plus or minus with respect to the current position, is 1. If the liver is positive in step #560, X is set to O in step #575. In the above explanation, ``key'', TP, NP13P, etc. are actually RAM address names, and X is a CPU register name.

Note that although the contents of this register X indicate whether it is plus or minus with respect to the current position in Step 22 and step #625 described later, it is used for various other purposes in the flow described later.

After step #570 or step #575,
Proceeding to step #580, the number of focus zone pulses GZP is subtracted from the number of driving pulses MP. Then, check whether the result of the subtraction is positive or negative in step #58.
If it is negative, the amount of deviation is within the in-focus zone, so the motor is not moved. That is, in this case, proceed to step #590, set MOVECNT to O for counting the number of designated motor drive pulses, and proceed to step #595 (battery check).
Determine the reset flag, and if it is set, reset this flag in step #600 and proceed to step #
The process advances to step #605 to set BCNG, and if it is not set, the process advances to step #610 to perform MSi. MSWO
After setting timer 2 in step #310 of FIG. 21, the process advances to step #300.

On the other hand, in the BCNG, the process returns to step #240 and a warning is displayed. In step #585 (MP-GZP
) is positive, it means that the amount of deviation is larger than the in-focus zone, so step #61
Proceed to step 5 to execute the motor drive routine MOVE.

This routine MOVE will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.

In the flow shown in FIG. 23, it is first determined in step #620 whether or not there is a preset flag in the register. If there is a preset flag here, the process jumps to step #655 to unconditionally move the motor, but if there is no preset flag, the process jumps to step #655. For example, the preset flag to proceed to step #625 includes, for example, a low contrast reset flag. In step #625, it is determined whether the direction of the shift is toward infinity (1) or nearer to the current position. This determination is made based on whether the above-mentioned X is X=1 or X=O. Here, when X=1 (that is, when the direction of deviation X indicates the infinity side with respect to the current position), the process proceeds to step #655 to drive the motor. However, when X=0 (that is, when the direction of deviation is near the current position), the current position is set to a predetermined limit value (LIMIT) in step #630.
Determine whether or not it exceeds. Here, if the current position exceeds a predetermined limit value and is near, it means that the observer had seen the object passing beforehand, and while looking far away, the object passed nearby. Since this is not the case, the process proceeds to step #655 to move the motor.

However, in step #630, even if the current position (NP) is near, if it is at or below the predetermined limit value (LIMIT), the process proceeds to step #635 and calculates GZPX2, which is twice the focus zone. Then, in step #640, the number of pulses MP to the target position is set to a predetermined value.
Determine whether ZPX is 2 or less. And GPZX2
When ≧MP, the process proceeds to step #655 to drive the motor, but when GPZX2<MP, that is, the amount of movement to the target position is a predetermined value (GPZ
If the deviation is more than X2), the count MOVECNT indicating the number of distance measurements is incremented by 1 in step #645, and it is determined in the next step #650 whether the count value exceeds a predetermined number of times. Here, MOVEN
O2 is a constant indicating the predetermined number of distance measurements. The predetermined number of times is not limited to this, but three or four times are selected.

If the number of distance measurements is less than the predetermined number in step #650,
Proceed to MSWO and do not move the motor. However, if the predetermined number of times is exceeded, step #655 is taken to move the motor.
Proceed to. This is because if the deviation in step #645 is more than a predetermined value, there is a high possibility that something has crossed between the observer and the object to be observed, so as a general rule, the motor will not be moved.
When this state of deviation is detected a predetermined number of times, there is a high possibility that the observer intentionally looked at something nearby, which means that the motor should be moved.

Now, in step #655, the low contrast reset flag is reset. As mentioned earlier, the low contrast reset flag is a flag that is set when moving the lens to a specific position during low contrast.
This is a flag for jumping from 5 to #650, and since its role has been completed, it is reset here. Next, in step #660, the count value of the distance measurement counter is set to O. Subsequently, in step #665, data indicating the direction of deviation present in register X is input into register A in order to confirm the motor drive direction. In the next step #670, the current direction A (contents of register A) is subtracted from MHF indicating the direction before distance measurement (rotation direction at the previous time) in the motor rotation direction flag MHF. At 675, the current direction A is set as the rotation direction flag MHF. Next, step #680
Flag (BC) l indicating that backlash correction was performed in
After resetting the MHF flag), in step #685
- Determine whether A=O. Here, if the value is O (i.e., the same direction as the previous time), proceed to step #700, and if it is not 0 (i.e., the direction is opposite to the previous time), proceed to step #69.
Set backlash correction value (BCH) to register BCC with 0.
OUNT and sets the BCH flag in step #695. Steps #685 to #695 described above are a flow for correcting in advance the backlash caused by backlash when the motor rotates in the opposite direction from the previous time.

This is because when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, backlash of the gears causes play, causing the motor to idle despite the presence of pulses, so a backlash correction value is added to the number of pulses.

Next, in step #700, the number of pulses for acceleration and deceleration of the motor is set. This determines how many pulses are used for each of the acceleration period (in terms of mode, MMD=O) and the deceleration period (MMD=2) in the motor control characteristics shown in FIG. Here, the total number of pulses in the acceleration period and the deceleration period is obtained by assuming the same number of pulses VPN for the acceleration period and the deceleration period, and taking twice that number (VPNX2). After step #700, the process proceeds to step #705, where the maximum pulse rate is set as an initial value in pulse rate NPR. in particular,! @300 which is the first pulse rate of the acceleration period of the speed control characteristic of the motor in Figure 16
Enter the numerical value to create pps. Then step #
In 7E0, it is determined whether the number of pulses MP up to the target point is smaller than the value obtained by adding 1 to the total number of pulses in the acceleration period and the deceleration period (VPNX2+1). In FIG. 16, MP is the number of pulses corresponding to the period from the starting point to the stopping point of the motor. If it is determined that MP is smaller than (VPNX2+1), the process advances to step #715 and the motor drive mode MMD is set to 3. An MMD of 3 means that the distance from the current position to the next one is short, so the vehicle is driven at low speed from the beginning. On the other hand, MP (VPNX
2+1) or more, in step #720 the previous M
The current MP is the value obtained by subtracting the acceleration VPN from P.

After step #715 and step #720, motor drive data is set in step #725 or step #730. First, in step #725, the data at the address DAM in the RAM is put into the register X of the CPU. Step #730C- is MDATAO,X (3rd
1) is put into register A. After that, in step #735, it is determined whether the low contrast flag is set, and if the low contrast flag is set (when the flag = 1), in step #740, the microcomputer 30 to which the LHD 148 and the motor 22 are commonly connected is When boat Abit5 is set to O (O, LE014
8 is in the operable state) and proceeds to step #745, and when the low control flag is not set (the flag = 0), nothing is done, so Abit5 remains 1 (the motor is in the operable state) and the process proceeds to step #745. Proceed to. Step #
At 745, the contents of register A are given to motor drive data output P5.

Next, in step #750, it is determined whether or not the battery check flag is set (that is, whether or not the battery is checked when the motor is driven). In this way, determining whether or not to check the battery when driving the motor is as follows:
In this embodiment, the battery check is not performed every time the motor is driven while the AF switch 146 is OK;
This is because the battery check is performed only when the F switch 146 is turned from OFF to ON. That is, first, to explain the case where the AF switch 146 is turned on from OFF, step #230 in FIG.
A battery check is performed at step #250, and if the result is OK, a battery check flag is set at step #250. When the AF switch 146 is turned on in this state, the S ON routine starts from step #270.
In the determination of the battery check flag in step #750, it is determined that the battery check flag is set, so a battery check is performed in the subsequent step #760. When this battery check is completed, the battery check flag is reset in steps #770 and #785, regardless of whether the battery check result is negative or OK. In this state A
Even if the F switch 146 continues to be ONt (that is, even if it is determined that the AF switch 146 is ON in step #270), the battery check flag remains in the reset state, so even if step #750 is reached again, the battery is Check step #760 will be skipped,
No battery check is performed. Next, when the AF switch 146 is in the OFF state, the process advances from step #270 to step #280, and as the timer 2 counts up, the APO3ET routine is entered.
Since the O3ET routine sets the battery check flag, the AF switch 146 is set again.
is turned on, and as a result, the routine enters the SON ON routine at step #270, and when step #750 is reached, it is determined that the battery check flag is set, and a battery check is performed.

As described above, when the AF switch 146 is turned from OFF to ON, a battery check is performed when the motor is driven, and when the AF switch 146 is in an ON state other than that, a battery check is not performed when the motor is driven.

As a result of the determination in step #750, if the battery check flag is not set, the process proceeds to step #790, and if it is, the process proceeds to step #755, where one control wait is performed. This weight is determined by the signal φl in the circuit of FIG.
This is because when any two of φ4 are set to low level and current is passed through the coil, the voltage fluctuates immediately after the current is applied, so the purpose is to wait for the voltage to stabilize. Otherwise, the potentials of the five points taken out for the battery check will also vary, making it impossible to expect an accurate battery check. After waiting for the voltage to stabilize in step #755, a battery check is performed in step #760. Then, the check result is determined in step #765, and if the battery check result is negative, the battery check flag is reset in step #770, and after executing the battery check reset routine in the next step #775, the NP
It becomes CAL.

Here, the routine for battery check and specific position reset at low power will be explained with reference to FIG. First, when checking the battery, set a battery check reset flag to move the lens to a specific position in step #3000, and then set the TP in step #3050.
Input the specific position BCTP at the time of battery check as . When the contrast is low, a low contrast reset flag is set in step #3100. Then, the process advances to step #3200, where the specific position LCTP at low contrast is set as TP.
Put in. If these specific positions are at infinity, T
P becomes TP=O, and if it is 50 m, it becomes the number of pulses corresponding to it. Next, in step #3300, the focusing range GZP is narrowed to 5 pulses, and the process returns. The purpose of narrowing the focusing range GZP at the specific position in step #3300 is to make it easier to reach the specific position. That is,
According to steps #820 and #825 of the MOVE flow, the in-focus zone is set wide in advance on the infinity side, so when the lens is moved to a specific position in this specific position reset routine, it is necessary to focus within that wide in-focus zone. If there is a lens in the target area, the lens will not move and will not reach the target point, so the focusing range (zone) is set narrowly within this routine. In this embodiment, GZP is set to 5 pulses, but it is natural to set it smaller than GZMAX, which will be described later, and if it is set smaller than GZMIN, the effect of specific position reset will be greater.

Returning to FIG. 23, if the battery check flag is OK in step #765, the battery check flag is reset in step #785, and then step #790
1.5m5ec weight. This weight is used to widen the width of the first pulse when driving the motor. Note that by widening the width of the initial pulse in this manner, it is possible to enjoy the advantage that torque can be easily obtained when starting the motor.

Next, in step #795, the contents of the address DAM in the RAM are stored in the register X. After that, step #800
and execute the motor drive routine. After this motor drive routine is completed, it is determined in step #805 whether or not the battery check reset flag is set. This flag is a flag that is set when going to a specific position during a battery check. As a result of the above determination, if this flag is set, the flag is reset in step #810 and then becomes BCNG.

However, if the battery check reset flag is not set in step #805, the focus zone is calculated in steps #820 and #825. Specifically, the focus zone is changed depending on the distance to the object to be observed. That is, the focus zone (focus range) differs depending on the person and age, but in general in nature, the farther the distance, the lower the contrast. This increases the variation in distance measurement data, and there is a possibility that the lens may be driven inadvertently (hunting phenomenon). To prevent this, the focusing zone is made wider as it goes farther away depending on the distance to the object to be observed.

MP corresponds to the current position, and GZK indicates the slope of the focusing zone characteristic shown in FIG. The GZK is calculated from the relationship shown in Fig. 34, from the focusing zone GZMAX at infinity, the focusing zone GZMIN at the near position, and TPMAX corresponding to the distance between the infinity and near positions, GZK = (GZMAX - GZMIN) /TPMAX
It is.

In step #820, NP and GZK are multiplied, and in step #825, the difference between the maximum GZMAX and NPX GZK is calculated to obtain the in-focus zone GZP.

This concludes the main flow. Next, step #8 above
Motor drive routine in 00! ! This will be explained with reference to Figure I24.

In FIG. 24, first, in step #900, motor drive data MDATAO1X is input into register A of the CPU.

MDATAO indicates the motor drive data in Fig. 31, and
represents the number of the data. After that, in step #905, the contents of register A are read to the output port P5, and in step #910, the contents of the register A are read out to the output port P5, and the RAM address D is read out in step #910.
Insert the contents of A old register X.

Next, in step #915, it is determined whether the infinity flag is set. This infinity flag is the MOGR shown in Figure 27.
This is a flag that becomes 1 when N routines are passed. When this infinity flag is set, the process proceeds to step #920, where it is determined whether or not the infinity switch 147 is ON. If it is ON, the mode MMD is set to 5 in step #930.

MMD5 is a mode in which the lens drives the motor at a constant speed after turning on the infinite switch 147. Next, in step #935, the MR8PR is driven at a constant speed and placed in the register A. Note that this constant speed drive rate MR8PR is, for example, 40
It is assumed to be 0 ppS. Step #9 after step #935
Proceed to 40. If the infinity flag is not set in step #915, or if the infinity switch is OFF in step #920, the initial value of the counter is stored in register A in step #925, and then the process proceeds to step #940.

In step #940, the contents of the register are transferred to register R5.
Put it in. Incidentally, when the counter counts down and the count value is O, time-up occurs. Step #945 is a timer subroutine, specifically the operation of waiting for the time-up. In other words, see what the rate is. Then, create a time according to that pulse rate.

Next, in step #950, the direction flag MHF for the current position is determined. Here, if MHF indicates the infinite side, it is determined in step #970 whether x=O. Now, assuming that the motor drive data has the relationship as shown in Figure 31, when MHF = 1, X changes from 32 → 1 →
Since the order (direction) changes from 0 to 3, step #97
07: It is determined whether or not X=0, and if X=O, then )=3. Step #970T-X=If Ote 1ttt, set X-1 to X.

On the other hand, when MHF=0, X is ○→1→2→3→
Although the order (direction) of 0 changes, MHF is close to gj in step #95oσ judgment! When (=O), step #955
It is determined whether or not X=3. If x=3, then set X=O (step #965), and if not, set X+1 to X (step #960).

After setting X (that is, the data indicating the number in register X) as described above, step #985
It is determined whether the backlash flag (BCH flag) is set or not. Here, if the 20 BC) I flag is set, the count value of the backlash counter is decremented by 1 in step #99, and the value of the backlash counter becomes 0 in the next step #995. If the flag is not O, the routine returns to the first step #900, and if the flag is O, the routine returns to step #1000''IcI (reset the flag).

In this backlash correction routine, constant speed driving is performed at the minimum pulse rate (low speed). The reason is that the drive during backlash correction is in an idling state with no load applied, and when the backlash correction ends and the backlash disappears, the load suddenly increases and there is a risk of step-out. This is because it needs to be driven.

If the BCH flag is not set in step #985, the mode MMD is set to M in step #1005.
It is determined whether MD=5. If MMD=5,
In step #1010! ! [The counter value MC0ONT corresponding to the drive pulse for the distance W in FIG. 32 is decremented by 1, and in the next step #1015, it is determined whether the count value is 0 or more. And if it is greater than or equal to 0,
Return to the first step #900 of this routine. , O, the infinity flag is reset in step #1020, and then the routine proceeds to a motor stop routine.

In reality, it is desirable that the counter value MC0UNT be set to a value greater than or equal to the number of pulses corresponding to the distance W. This is because when the infinite switch 147 is turned on, the distance W is considered to vary relatively due to variations in the strokes of the switch pieces. In addition, by setting the number of pulses to be larger than the number equivalent to W in this way, the lens system has a mechanical hit of 4o3 (in the explanation of FIGS. 9 to 11, the support part 5
3), a gear clutch acts on the lens system to prevent damage. By the way, when bringing the lens position to infinity as the reference position, it is more reliable and more reliable to proceed further from the ON point and bring it to mechanical contact 403 instead of turning it on at the infinity switch 147. This is due to the intention that the accuracy is high. Therefore, if reliability and accuracy can be satisfied with a switch, the motor may be stopped by turning on the switch, and its position may be set to the infinite position. By doing so, the control becomes easy and the gear clutch described above can be omitted.

If MMD=5 is not determined in step #1005, it is determined whether MMD=3 in step #1025, and MMD
If =3, distance MPL to move in step #1030
Decrement by 1 and next step #IO35
It is determined whether MPL<0. Here, if MPL≧0, return to the first step #900 of this routine,
When MPL<0, the routine proceeds to a motor stop routine. In this case, since the distance is short, the data is stored in register MP.
Since it is present only in the lower 8 bits of the bit, it is called MPL (L indicates lower).

If MMD=3 is not found in step #1025, the process proceeds to step #1040, where it is determined whether MMD=2 or not. MMD=2 corresponds to the deceleration period as described above.

If MMD=2, do nothing and step #106
Proceed to 5, but here, if MMD = 2, MMD =
1 means HD=0, so step #10
Decrement MP by 1 at 45 and proceed to next step #
MP7 at 1050! +to or more is determined to be negative. Then, if MP<0, it means that the mode changes from MMD=1 to MMD=2, so step #10
55, MMD=2, and step #1060, MMD
The number of pulses VPNR at MC=2 (VPNR + 1
). Is this a period of deceleration? Since there would be one less food barusu and the judgment in step #1075 would be incorrect if that were done, one was added here in advance. If the mode changes to MMC=2 in step #1055, or if MMC=2 originally (if Yes in step #1040), the current pulse rate is added to the predetermined value VFR in step #1065. Let be the pulse rate.

This is done as shown in FIG. 33(b) in order to slow down the rotational speed of the motor when MMD=2 (i.e., the deceleration part).
This is to make the pulse width gradually wider.

In the next step #1070, the determined number of pulses is changed to 1.
Since it is decremented every time, the number of pulses is determined by subtracting 1 from VPNR. And the number of pulses is O
It is determined in step #1075 whether or not the value has become O, and if it has not become O, the process returns to the first step #900. When the number of pulses reaches O, motor stop C flow (MSTOP
).

If MP is 0 or more in step #1050, it means that the mode has not changed, so step 1
Proceeding to step 1080, it is determined whether the mode MMD is MMD=O (that is, force [speed period)], and if MMD=0, the process returns to the first step #900, and step #900
The subsequent flow will be executed, and the process will finally proceed from step #1.50 to step #1055. However, if MMD=O in step #1080,
In step #1085, the pulse rate is determined by subtracting the predetermined value VFR from the current pulse rate. This is because, in the case of acceleration, the pulse width is gradually narrowed as shown in FIG. 33(a). In the next step #1090, the number of pulses is decremented by 1, and in step #1095 it is determined whether the value has become 0. If it is not ○, the process returns to the first step #900, and if the value has become 0, it is determined in step #1095. If so, proceed to step #1100 to select the next mode of MMD.
=1 and return to the first step #900.

Next, in the motor stop routine MSTOP, the motor mode is set to MMD=O in step #1105.

This is because when the motor is driven again after it has stopped, it should be in the initial state (MMD=O). Next, in step #1110, the process waits for 3 Illsec, but this is to ensure that the pulse width is long when the motor is stopped as well as when the motor is started, so that the motor can be stopped smoothly. Thereafter, the motor is stopped in step #1115. Specifically, all the microcomputer motor drive output ports are set to high level (therefore, φ1=φ2
=φ3=φ4=1). Finally, in step #1120, TP is set to NP. This means that the lens has come to the target position (TP) and stopped, so now it is time to move to the target position (T).
P) should be the current position (NP).

Next, the operational flow of the battery check will be explained with reference to FIG. 25. First, in step #2000, the BCG terminal of the microcomputer is set to low level. As a result, the transistor Q5 of the battery check circuit shown in FIG.
2. The voltage generated at the connection midpoint J of R3 changes (increases),
Not constant. Therefore, in step #2005, sufficient time is waited for the charging of the capacitor C1 to be completed.

After that, the measurement data is stored in the RAM (upper byte C).
AI, , [(, lower byte CAL.

Clear L) and set 8 times as the number of measurements.
, put 8 in register X of the CPU (step #202
0). Then, in step #2025, register A is set to O.
After that, in step #2030, an A/D is used to convert the voltage obtained from the five points in FIG. 30 and input into the microcomputer 30 from an analog quantity to a digital quantity.
Start the conversion operation. And next step #
After waiting for the A/D conversion operation to be completed in step 2035, the next step #2040 sets the carry flag CY to 0, and in step #2045, data ADRR indicating voltages at five points is added to register A and a new value is added. The contents are stored in the register. After this addition, step #2051
The carry flag CY is determined. In other words, the result of addition is
If there is an overflow, CY=1, and the process proceeds to the next step #2052, where CAL and H are incremented. This data addition involves adding up eight measured values one by one. In step #2055, the numerical value X between the number of measurements is decremented by 1. Then, in the next step #2060, it is determined whether or not X has become O,
If it is not O, the process returns to step #2030 and the operations from step #2030 onward are repeated. Then, when the operations from step #2030 onward are performed eight times,
is O and Nashiba Proceed to step #2062 and register A
Insert the value into CAL, L. This value is the lower byte of the summed measurement value. Next, proceed to step #2065 and connect the terminals BCG to BCG of the microcomputer 30.
= 1 (ie, high level). Therefore, the transistor Q5 is turned off, and the voltage at the five points decreases as the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged, and finally reaches the ground potential (initial state).

In step #2070, the total value of data is divided by 8 and stored in register A in order to calculate an average from the total values of 8 times. In addition, (CAL-H) and (CAL-L) are upper-level, as shown in steps #2010 and #2015.
Indicates the lower byte. Step #20 like this
The data calculated in step 70 is transferred from register A to RAM address ANODATA in the next step #2075.
Hessdoor is done. Next, in step #2080, the amount X to be added to the battery check reference value is set to O.

Next, it is determined in step #2085 whether the battery check flag is set, and if this flag is set, the amount to be added is set to X=0.2 in step #2090.
If the user is not standing, the process proceeds to step #2095 without doing anything. This is because the reference value for determination is different depending on whether the battery check flag is set or not.

In step #2095, the reference value is subtracted from the data A, and in the next step #2100, it is determined whether the subtraction result is smaller than O. Here, whether or not it is smaller than 0 naturally means determining whether or not A<(E-BCLK+X). Note that E-BCLK is, for example, 4·OV, and the amount to be added is X=0.2V. Therefore, when the BC flag is not set, the reference value is 4. O
However, if the BC flag is set, it becomes 4.2V. Here, the reference value 4.0■ is the limit value that can drive the motor, and the battery voltage is 4.0. If it is smaller than OV, the motor cannot be driven. Therefore, the standard value 4. 0.2V from Ov
When the battery voltage drops to a reference value of 4.2V, which is the sum of The reason why the reference value of 4.2V is provided is to leave at least enough voltage to move the lens to a specific position before the motor becomes impossible to drive. When the main switch was turned from OFF to ON, the BC flag was not set during the battery check (step #230 in Figure 21), so the standard value was 4. OV, and the average voltage of the 8 times detected is 4.
If it is smaller than OV, perform a battery check. On the other hand, the battery check (second
In step #760) of FIG. 3, since the BC flag is set, the reference value is 4.2V, and a battery check is performed to see if the average voltage detected eight times is smaller than this reference value of 4.2V.

Next, as a result of these battery checks, if the data is smaller than the reference value, the process returns with the carry flag set to 1 in step #2105, and if it is greater than the reference value, the process returns directly. Above steps #230 and #760
Steps #235 and #765 following battery check
The determination as to whether or not the battery check is OK is made based on whether or not this carry flag is set. That is, when the carry flag is 0 (CY=O), it is OK,
If the carry flag is 1 (CY=1), the result is negative.

Next, the infinite flow MUGEN shown in FIG. 27 will be explained. This infinite flow MUGEN is always executed when the main switch 145 is turned on from OFF, as performed in step #260 of the infinite reset flow RESET shown in FIG. When entering this flow, the infinity flag is first set in step #4000, and the number of pulses MR representing the distance W from the infinity switch ON to the contact surface is set.
ESNo is set to infinite counter MC0UNT (step #4050). Next, in step #4100, determine the motor drive pulse rate MRP when the infinite switch is ON.
Set R to RAM MR8PR. Since the load on the pulse motor becomes larger than usual when the infinite switch is ON, the pulse rate is set to be smaller than normal and the torque of the motor is increased.

Next, in step #4150, the RAM address DAM
Put the contents of into CPU register X, step #42
Enter motor data MDATAO,X into register A at 00. Next, in step #4250, the contents of register A are read to output port P5, and in step #4300
At step #4350, the motor mode MMDti-MMD is set to O, and at step #4350, MHF is set to 1. The MHF is set to 1 because in this case, the lens is always moved to the infinite position. Next, in step #4400, the lowest pulse rate at startup is set as the motor starting pulse rate, and in step #4450, 300, which is the number of pulses that can be cleared from the infinity position to the near side, is set as the key. Then, in step #4500, TP is set to O, and in step #45
50, the VPNR is initialized, and step #4600 waits for 3m5ec until the motor rotates, and jumps to the MOTOR drive routine shown in FIG.

Next, to explain the power focus routine shown in FIG. 35, first, in step #6000, the address of the previous motor drive data is transferred from the CAM to register A, and then, in step #6005, after doubling the data,
Move to address DAMPF for storing power focus drive data. Said steps #6000 to #6
The reason for performing the operation 010 is 1 shown in FIG. 36(b).
- The drive data for two-phase excitation has doubled the number of data of the drive data for two-phase excitation shown in Figure (a), and the data for driving one-phase excitation is inserted between the data for driving two-phase excitation. This is to accommodate the fact that it is shaped like this. In other words, when driving the motor 22 that has stopped due to the previous 2-phase excitation from the same drive data as the previous one, doubling the address of the 2-phase excitation drive data will result in the address of the 1-2 phase excitation drive data. be.

As mentioned above, the microcomputer 30 doubles the address of the previous drive data and stores it in the address DAMPF, and then transfers the data to the switch input port P2 in step #6015.
Move the switch state data from to register A. This switch input boat P2 includes a main switch 145, an AF
switch 146, near power focus switch 505
, and the data of the far side power focus switch 506 are stored. Then, the switch data transferred to this register A is further stored in the memory SWI (step #
6020), then, in step #6025, O is placed in register X, and in the next step #60
30, it is determined whether the far side power focus switch 50B is ON or not, and if it is ON, put 1 in X (step #6
035), if it is OFF, the content of X is left as is (that is, O). The value of X here indicates the direction of power focus; when X=1, it is the far side direction, and when X-O, it is the near side direction. When the far side power focus switch 506 is turned on, set 1 to X as described above.
Thereafter, in step #6040, it is determined whether NP is O. NP indicates the current lens position, N
Since the lens is at the infinite end when P=O, the lens cannot be moved any further in the infinite direction, so the process becomes MSWO and the process proceeds to step #310 in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #6030 that the far side power focus switch 506 is not ON (that is, if the near side power focus switch 505 is ON), it is determined in step #6045 whether NP is TPMAX. Since TPMAX indicates the proximal end, NP=TP
If it is MAX, the lens cannot be moved any further toward the near side, so it becomes MSlfO and the process proceeds to step #310 in the gJ21 diagram. Said steps #6040, #60
45, the current lens position is at the infinity end, respectively.
If it is determined that it is not the proximal end, step #605
0, and here, NP is set to double the NP indicating the current position. This is because the 1-2 phase excitation used during power focusing requires twice the number of pulses as the 2-phase excitation used during AF, and it is also necessary to double the number of pulses for the current position.

Next, in step #6055, the drive direction is once transferred to register A, and then in step #6060, it is determined whether or not the MHF indicating the previous rotation direction is the same as the current direction A, and the drive direction is changed in the same direction. If so, the backlash correction counter BCCOUNT is set to 1 in step #6090, and then the process proceeds to step #6095. If the direction is in the opposite direction, the current direction stored in register A is set as the rotation direction flag MHF in step #6065, and the backlash correction value BC is set.
Move H to register A (step #6070), double its value (step #6075), and add 1 to the value as backlash counter BCCO.
Set to UNT (Steps #6080, #6085
).

Note that the reason for doubling BCH in step #6075 is for the case of two-phase excitation, so BCH is multiplied by 1.
- This is for converting to two-phase excitation. Also, step #
The reason why BCCOUNT is set to 1 in step #6090 and 1 is added to A in step #608o is to output the same data as the previous time at the first pulse.
The motor is not driven on the first pulse.

Step # following steps #6090 and #6085
At 6095, the address of the 1-2 phase excitation drive data of the address DAMPF is transferred to the register X. Next, in step #6100, the power focus drive data PF
Put DATAO,X into register A. In the case of 1-2 phase excitation, the type of power focus drive data is shown in Figure 36 (
As is clear from b), there are 8 types, so X is O~7
It is. Lens drive data in register A is at step #6
At step 105, the signal is transferred to the output port P5 for driving the motor.

After that, it is determined in step #6110 whether the battery check flag is set, and if it is, a 1m5ec wait is performed in step #6115, but this weight has the same purpose as the weight in step #755 of Fig. 23. It is.

In step #6120, the battery check flag is reset. This means that if the power focus switch 505 or 506 is kept ON, this power focus routine will go through many times, but instead of checking the battery each time, the power focus switch 505 or 506 will be turned ON. This is to ensure that the battery check is performed only when the power is turned on from off.

In step #6125, a battery check is performed, and this battery check is shown in FIG. 25 mentioned above. After the battery check, it is determined in step #6130 whether the carry flag CY is O or not. If it is not O, as a result of the battery check, the battery voltage is higher than the reference value, so a battery reset is performed to move the lens to a specific value. After executing the routine (step #6135), it becomes MPCAL and enters step #550 in FIG. If the carry flag CY is 1, the battery voltage is sufficient, so the process proceeds to step #6140 to load the power focus drive data into register A, and then, in step #6145, the power focus drive data is transferred to the output port P5. give step #6150
Then, data X representing the number of drive data is stored in the data address memory. Then step #615
In Step 5, enter the pulse rate PFPR during 1-2 phase excitation drive into register A.

Specifically, this pulse rate PFPR is 200 PPS as described above, which is the speed at which the user can adjust the focus. This pulse rate is input to the memory R5 (step #6160), and in step #6165 a time corresponding to the pulse rate is set.

Next, the process advances to step #6170, where the direction of rotation is confirmed. Directly, the flag M indicating the rotation direction
Determine whether HF is 1 or not, and if MHF=1 (
In other words, if it is in the far side direction), the process advances to step #6205, and it is determined whether or not X=O. As can be seen from Fig. 36(b), when MHF=1, 7→6→5→...→O
→ 7, so if x = O tear, set X to 7 (Step # 6215), and if x: 0, decrement X by 1 (Step # 6215).
6210). If MHF is not 1 in step #6170 (that is, in the near side direction), step #61
The process advances to step 75 and it is determined whether or not X=7. At this time(
When MHF=0), the direction of shift is O→1→2→...→7→0, so if X=7, x
= o and shi (step # 6180), X = 7 te na tt
if x is incremented by 1 (step #
6185).

After steps #6210 and #6215, proceed to step #6218, followed by steps #6180 and #6185.
Next, the process proceeds to step #8190, in which case it is determined whether the balaclinch correction counter BCCOUNT is O (distortion force).

Then, if this BCCOUNT is not set to 0), in step #6193, BCCOUNT is decremented by 1 and the flow from step #6140 is executed again. The motor drive pulse is output every time until BCCOUNT reaches O, but the pulse causes A
The motor is driven, but the current position of the lens remains unchanged for 6 seconds.

Said step #6190. When the backlash correction counter reaches O in #6218, the lens position changes, so step #6195. #6
Proceed to step 225 and increment the lens position NP (step #6195) or decrement (step #6
225) After that, step #6220, #6230
Proceed to step #6220(7) if NP is T
PMAXX2 (near side m) G-: Determine whether or not it is empty, and in the case of step #6230, determine whether NP has become O (infinite far end), and if it has become TPMAXX 2 or O. Steps #6255 to #6280
Proceed to the motor stop flow shown in . However, step #6220. If the determination in #6230 is No, the process advances to step #6235 to transfer the contents of the power focus address to register A, and in the next step #6240 it is determined whether the address is an even number. This is because in 1-2 phase excitation, the step angle of the motor is half that of 2-phase excitation, so if it ends with an odd number, AF operation will be performed later (AF operation is 2-phase excitation as mentioned above).
This is to correct this in advance, since the position will be shifted by half a step angle when it is entered.

Then, if the address is an odd number, repeat step #61.
Returning to step 40, the subsequent flow is executed so that the address ends up being an even number. Step #624
After the data in the input port P2 of the switch is transferred to the register A in step #6250, it is determined whether the input state of the switch has changed. Specifically step #60
The purpose of this step is to compare the switch state data inputted to the memory SWI in step #6245 with the switch state data inputted to the register A in step #6245.

If the contents of SWI and A match, it means that the switch operation has not changed, so proceed to step #614.
Return to 0. If it has changed, step #6255~#
The routine advances to the motor stop routine shown at 6280.

This motor stop routine is executed when the input state of the switch changes or when the motor is driven near the lens or to the infinite end.
to 1/2. This is to adjust for two-phase excitation before entering the main routine.

Subsequently, at step #6260, a wait time of 1 m5ec is performed, and at step #6265, a motor start is performed. Continuing steps #6270 to #6280
sets the data address to 172 before returning to the main routine.
The data is then stored in the DAM. After this operation is completed, it becomes AFSWCK and step #26 in Figure 21
Return to 5.

In the above flowchart, when the AF operation member 5 and the power focus operation member 501 or 502 are operated at the same time and the AF switch 146 and the power focus switch 505 or 506 are turned ON, f! ! 42
After the determination in step #270 of FIG. 1, the SON routine is entered and the routine for performing power focusing is not entered, so power focusing is not performed and priority is given to the AF operation.

The AF operation member 5 is operated first, and the AF switch 14
If the power focus operation member 501 or 502 is operated while the power focus switch 6 is turned on, the AF operation is similarly given priority.

However, the operating member 501 or 50 for power focusing
2 is operated first and the power focus switch 505 or 506 is turned on, and if the AF operation member 5 is operated and the AF switch 146 is turned on, step #6250 of the 35th IXJ It is determined that the switch input state has changed in step #6255.
~ After the motor is stopped at #6265, step #62
70 to #6280, return to step #265 in Fig. 21, and turn on the next step #270'''C-AF switch.
As a result, the S ON routine is entered, and A
F operation will be given priority. As a result, a quick focusing state can be achieved by AF.

As explained above, according to the present invention, even if the second operating member is operated by mistake while the first operating member is being operated, the automatic focusing operation will take priority and the lens will not accidentally shift. Since it does not move, there is no need to provide a switch for switching between the first and second operating members, and the second operating member can be configured with good operability. - Even if the operation member of the power barrel 2 is being operated, if the first operation member is operated, the automatic focusing operation will take priority and quick focus adjustment will be possible. The effect is that reasonable results can be obtained when operated simultaneously.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of binoculars embodying the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a front view, FIG. 3 is a back view, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the internal optical system and focus detection module, etc., and FIG. 5 is a view showing the optical system of the focus detection module. @Figure 6 is $
4 is a sectional view taken along the line AA', FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the same <BB' line, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the circuit board used in this embodiment. Figure 9 shows the AF lens drive mechanism viewed from above, Figure 10 shows it viewed from the front, and Figure 1.
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view thereof. 12th rI! J is a circuit block diagram showing the circuit configuration of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the battery storage structure. FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a drive circuit for a stepping motor. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the sequence of two-phase excitation in the circuit of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the speed control characteristics of the stepping motor. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are diagrams showing sequences of one-phase excitation and one-phase-two-phase excitation, respectively. FIG. 19 is a schematic flowchart showing the control of the microcomputer constituting the system controller. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of blocks in the ranging area. Figure 21, Figure 22, Figure 23, Figure 24, 9
25, 26, 27, and 28 are detailed flowcharts of FIG. 19. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram thereof. FIG. 30 is a circuit diagram for explaining the battery check circuit. FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 33, and FIG. 34 are explanatory diagrams of the above flowchart. FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of FIG. 19, and the third
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram thereof. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Binoculars, 4...First operation member for main switch, 5...A
second operating member for F switch, 11.12...first;
Second lens barrel, 13.14... Objective lens, 17.18... Eyepiece lens, 19... Focus detection module, 20a...
・Light receiving lens, 2″...Stepping motor, 23・
...Reduction gear section, 25...CCD line sensor,
26... Lens barrel, 27... Circuit board, 36.
...Base plate, 37...Cam shaft, 38...Lens drive lever 39...Cam groove, 41...Motor plywood,
48.49...Bin, 55.56...Switch piece for infinite switch, 140
...System controller, 141...Electric controller, 142...DC/DC converter unit 143...Battery check circuit, 145...Main switch, 146...AF switch. 147... Infinity switch, 148... Light emitting diode for warning display, 150...
Grip, 151...Battery cover, 152...
Battery cover release switch, 160...Binocular field frame, 161...Distance measurement area, 403...Mechanical (mechanical) hit, φ1 to φ4
... Motor drive signal, L1-L4 ... Excitation coil, BLI-BL3 ... CCD line sensor block,
501... Near side power focus operation member, 502
...Far side power fourth operation member, 505...
Near side power focus switch, 506... far side power focus switch. Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) a first operating member; an automatic focusing means for driving a lens to automatically perform focusing in response to the first operating member; a second operating member; A manual power focus means for driving a lens in response to the operation of an operation member; and a control means for giving priority to the operation of the automatic focus means when the first and second operation members are operated at the same time. telescope. (2) The control means is constituted by a microcomputer, and the operation flow of the microcomputer includes a first step of determining whether or not the first operating member is operated. When it is determined that the first operation member has been operated, the process proceeds to a first routine for operating the automatic focusing means, and when it is determined that the first operation member has not been operated, the second operation is performed. A second routine that proceeds to a second step of determining whether or not a member is operated, and operates the manual power focus means when it is determined in the second step that the second operating member is operated. The second routine includes a third step of determining whether or not the first operating member has been operated, and when it is determined in the third step that the first operating member has been operated. 2. The telescope according to claim 1, wherein the telescope terminates the second routine and proceeds to the first routine. (3) The second operating member independently includes an operating member for manual power focusing in the near side direction and an operating member for manual power focusing in the far side direction. A telescope according to claim 1 or 2. (4) The telescope according to claim 3, wherein the control means controls so that manual power focusing is not performed when the two second operating members are operated simultaneously. (5) The telescope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second operating member is of a push type.