JPH04294333A - Camera with eye contacting detecting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the power consumption by inhibiting human body dejection after preparatory operation for camera photography starts. CONSTITUTION:The camera is equipped with a CPU 1 for control over photography and a CPU 2 for control over the actuation of the camera. An eye contacting detection part 10, LCDs 11 and 12, a DC/DC converter, and a main switch SMAIN and other switches are connected to the CPU 2. The CPU 2 outputs an actuation signal to the CPU 1 in response to the ON-to-OFF change of a necessary switch. The eye contacting detection part 10 detects whether or not a photographer looks in a finder. When the photographer operates an actuation switch, it is considered that the photographer intends to take a picture and the preparatory operation for the photography is started. When the preparatory operation is thus started, it is judged that the camera enters a photography stage and the operation for detecting whether or not the photographer looks in the finder is inhibited. Consequently, the power consumption of the camera is reducible.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera with an eye proximity detection function that is designed to save power.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera has been proposed in which the operation of the camera is started upon detecting that a photographer looks through a finder (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 42639/1983). This camera includes a first human body detector using an infrared photoreflector that emits and receives infrared rays to a finder section of the camera, and a second human body detector that receives infrared rays emitted from the human body. After grasping the grip of the camera, the first and second human body detectors are continuously operated, and when a human body is detected, the camera starts operating.

0003

[Problem to be solved by the invention] The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1986-42
In the camera described in Publication No. 639, after the grip is grasped, the first and second human body detectors are constantly performing the detection operation, so the detection operation is often performed in vain, and the power consumption is inevitably reduced. It would be a waste of money. In particular, since cameras use built-in batteries, wasting power is a big problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera with an eye-approach detection function that inhibits human body detection after the camera moves to a preparatory operation for photographing, thereby saving power.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a camera having a photographer detection means for detecting that a photographer has looked into the finder, including a starting means for starting an operation for preparing for photographing, and a starting means for starting an operation for preparing for shooting. The apparatus further includes a prohibition means for prohibiting the operation of the photographer detection means during operation.

[0006]

[Operation] In the camera according to the present invention, a detection operation is performed to determine whether or not the photographer has looked into the finder. On the other hand, when the photographer operates the activation switch, it is assumed that there is an intention to photograph, and a preparatory operation for photographing is activated. When the preparatory operation is started, it is determined that the camera has entered the photographing stage, and the operation of detecting the presence or absence of a photographer looking through the finder is prohibited.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire camera according to the present invention. This camera has a CP that controls the shooting.
It includes U1 and a CPU 2 that controls the activation of the camera, and is composed of various parts that perform required operations based on various data from the CPUs 1 and 2.

The CPU 1 includes a photometry section 3, a built-in flash section 4, an LCD 6 driven by an LCD driver 5, and an AF
section 7, lens ROM 8, and film feeding section 9 are connected. The CPU 1 controls various data for exposure, film feeding, photometry, distance measurement, lens driving, and data transfer between the CPUs 2 to each of the above sections.

The photometer 3 measures the brightness of an object. The photometry unit 3 performs photometry operation based on the signal from the LMOUT port of the CPU 1, and uses the obtained photometry data as described above.
Data is transmitted to the CPU 1 via the LMIN port based on a clock for receiving data from the MOUT port.

[0010] The built-in flash section 4 is built into the camera body at a suitable location, and performs light emission, charging, and light control. This built-in flash unit 4 starts charging based on a charging start signal from the FCHG port of the CPU 1, and when charging is completed, transmits a charging completion signal to the CPU 1 via the MON port. Also, the built-in flash unit 4 is the TR of the CPU 1.
Upon receiving a flash emission start signal from the G port, the flash is emitted and a dimming signal is sent to the MON port. Furthermore, the built-in flash section 4 has a moving motor or a biasing member that is biased upwardly and externally described later, and the lock of the moving motor or the biasing member is released by a signal from the FPOP port of the CPU 1. The light emitting parts of the four built-in flash units are moved from a stored (non-emitting) position, such as a position along the upper front surface of the pentaprism, to a protruding position (emission position), for example, a position protruding toward the top/front of the pentaprism. It stands out.

[0011] The LCD 6 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display panel installed at a suitable location within the viewfinder of the camera, and the LCD driver 5 allows information such as the camera's shooting mode, exposure value, and number of frames to be displayed within the field of view of the viewfinder. It has been done.

The AF section 7 consists of a distance measuring section that measures the distance to the subject and a lens drive control section that drives the lens based on the distance measurement data. This AF section 7 performs distance measurement based on the distance measurement instruction, and uses the obtained distance measurement data to AF
Send to CPU1 via IN port. Also, CPU1
executes a distance measurement calculation based on the received distance measurement data to calculate the lens drive amount for focusing, and transmits the lens drive amount data to the AF section 7 from the AFOUT port. The AF section 7 is configured to drive the lens to the in-focus position based on the received lens drive amount data.

[0013] The lens ROM 8 is incorporated in a suitable location within the photographic lens, and various lens data such as focal length information and aperture f-number of the photographic lens are stored in advance. The lens ROM 8 is configured to transmit the above various lens data to the CPU 1 via the LIN port based on a serial clock input from the LOUT port of the CPU 1.

The film feeding section 9 is used to wind up and rewind the film loaded in the camera, read film sensitivity information, and perform exposure. When the film exposure start signal is input from the FOUT port of the CPU 1, the film feeding section 9 exposes the film, and after the exposure is finished, receives the film feeding control signal and winds the film. During this time, the film is fed from the FIN port. Sends out a feed signal, and then sends film winding information and film sensitivity information to C via the FIN port after winding is complete.
It is designed to notify PU1. Further, when a film feeding control signal for film rewinding is input from the FOUT port of the CPU 1, the film feeding section 9 rewinds the film and sends the film feeding signal to the FI.
Notify CPU1 via N port.

Further, the CPU 1 is provided with a BCIN port for checking the voltage of the built-in battery 14. Furthermore, a plurality of ports are provided for transmitting necessary information to and from the CPU 2.

The CS port is for transmitting a chip select signal that enables the CPU 2 to communicate, and the CPU 2 is operated at the L level. The R/W port is for switching the reception and transmission operations of CPU2.
Enables CPU2 to receive at level H, and CPU2 at H level.
to be sent. SCK ports are CPU1 and CPU2
It outputs a serial clock for data and information transmission between the two. The SIN port is for transmitting various data owned by the CPU 2 to the CPU 1. The SOUT port transfers various data owned by CPU1 to the CP
This is for transmitting to U2. The WAKE port is for transmitting a signal for activating the CPU 1.

Next, the CPU 2 includes an eyepiece detection section 10, an LC
In addition to D11 and D12, the DC/DC converter 13, and the main switch SMAIN, a plurality of switches described later are connected. This CPU 2 has a low power consumption mode and a normal mode as described later. In the low power consumption mode, the operation of the CPU 1 is stopped, and each switch is monitored by the CPU 2. Then, by changing the required switch from off to on, CPU2
A start signal is output from the CPU 1 to the CPU 1.

The eyepiece detecting section 10 is provided at a suitable location outside the camera, for example, adjacent to the eyepiece of the finder, and detects the photographer looking into the finder.The detailed configuration is shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the eyepiece detection unit 10 includes a light emitting element 101 such as an LED that emits light in the infrared region slightly downward, and a current level that receives reflected light from the photographer and adjusts the current level according to the light intensity. The light-emitting element 101 emits light by being supplied with a pulse current from the light-emitting section 103, and the light-receiving element 102 amplifies and shapes the obtained detection signal in the light-receiving section 104. It has become. Note that the light emitting element 101 and the light receiving element 10
2 is attached to the outside of the camera, and is configured such that the projected light does not enter the light receiving element 102 when the finder is not looked into. In addition, the eyepiece detection unit 1
0 has an OR circuit 105 and an AND circuit 106, and is gated so as to detect only the reflected signal within the light emission period.
This is intended to prevent false detection caused by external light.

FIG. 3 is a time chart illustrating the eye-approach detection operation, in which FIG. 3(a) shows the case with the eye-approach, FIG. 3(b) shows the case without the eye-approach, and FIG. 3(c) shows the case of erroneous detection due to an inverter fluorescent lamp. In Figure (a), one detection signal reflected and received by the photographer appears at the FIND port at approximately the same time as the light emitting element 101 emits light in response to an instruction from the FLED port. In figure (b), the light emitting element 1 according to instructions from the FLED port
Since no reflected light is received during the light emission period of 01,
It can be seen that the photographer was not looking through the viewfinder. figure(
In c), the light emitting element 10 according to instructions from the FLED port
A plurality of pulse signals (three in this embodiment) are received within one light emission period. When the photographer is looking through the viewfinder, there is only one light reception signal as shown in Figure (a), so if there are two or more, it is considered to be caused by external light that becomes noise, as will be explained later. I'm handling it.

[0020] There is an ESTAT between the eyepiece detection section 10 and the CPU 2.
, FLED1, FLED2, and FIND ports. The ESTAT port is for outputting a control signal for supplying power to the eyepiece detection unit 10.
Power is supplied during the L level output period, and power supply is stopped during the H level output period. The FLED1 port and the FLED2 port output signals that control the light emission of the light emitting element 101. Two types of signals are used to control the light emitting element 1.
The amount of current supplied to 01 is switched. In other words, while the photographer is not detected, the detection operation is performed with a low current to save power, while once the photographer is detected, the current level is increased to ensure stable detection. Switching is being performed. Conversely, it is also possible to save power by increasing the amount of current to improve the detection ability while the photographer is not detected, and switching to a lower current once the photographer is detected.

The FIND port is for guiding the detection output from the eye-approach detection section 10 to the CPU 2 in order to detect the presence or absence of a photographer.

Returning to FIG. 1, the LCD 11 is located on the camera body.
For example, camera information is displayed on an external display section such as a liquid crystal panel provided at a suitable external location on the top surface. The LCD 12 is a display section such as a liquid crystal panel located in the viewfinder of the camera, and displays information about the camera. The LCDDRV port is for outputting a drive signal for driving the LCD11 and LCD12. DC/
The DC converter 13 generates the required voltage power from the built-in battery 14 and supplies the necessary power to the CPU 1, CPU 2 and each part of the camera. is being done.

Furthermore, a plurality of switches are connected to the CPU 2. S1 is an activation switch for performing photometry and distance measurement. S2 is a switch for exposing the film. SGRP is a switch consisting of a pressure-sensitive sensor, etc. that is turned on by grasping the camera's grip.
A plurality of cameras are arranged in a dispersed manner, and preferably the upper surface thereof is covered with a camera cover. SMAIN is the main switch that allows camera operation. SISO is an activation switch that changes ISO data. SFUNC is an activation switch for changing the AE mode (program mode, shutter speed (TV) priority mode, aperture (AV) priority mode, etc.). SUP/DOWN is an activation switch that changes the ISO value when in the ISO change mode, changes the AE mode when in the AE change mode, and changes the TV value or AV value in other cases.

Next, FIGS. 4 to 6 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the CPU 1. In addition, CPU1 has a hard timer, BC timer, hold timer, and S0ON internally.
It has a timer.

The hard timer measures a predetermined time required for the oscillation operation of the reference clock to stabilize after the oscillation starts. The BC timer measures a predetermined time T4 for repeatedly checking the power supply voltage. The hold timer measures a predetermined time T1, for example, about 4 seconds, to continue the eye proximity detection operation after the switch SGRP is turned off. The S0ON timer is activated when a foreign object is placed in the viewfinder of the camera and the switch SGRP is turned on due to contact with the foreign object (for example, when the camera is placed in a bag). After a certain period of time has elapsed, the eye proximity detection operation is prohibited to measure the predetermined time T2 (for example, 5 minutes) in order to save power.

First, as a starting signal from the CPU 2, the WA
When L level is input through the KE port, CPU1
starts the high-speed system Φ to start operation from the previous stop state, and the oscillation of the high-speed reference clock starts. The CPU 1 performs initial settings after the predetermined time counted by the hard timer has elapsed (#2). This initial setting includes resetting each port, starting supply of system Φ to the CPU 2, resetting the built-in RAM, etc. Next, C
Serial communication is performed with the CPU 2 using the S, R/W, SCK, and SIN ports in a known manner (#4). C.P.
Through this serial communication, U1 receives the data of the activation factor, the data of each switch, and the bit data S0 indicating whether or not eye contact is being detected, and transfers them to the built-in RAM. In addition,
The above bit data S0 is bit data that is set to 1 (S0ON) by the CPU 2 as a detection OK when the light emitting element 101 emits light and a detection output is obtained for the eye proximity detection operation.

[0027] When serial communication is completed, CPU1
It communicates with the lens ROM 8 in the photographic lens using both the OUT and LIN ports (#6). All communication data is FF
If it is H or 00H (none in #8), set the flag NOLNSF indicating no lens to 1 (#10), and if the communication data is other than the above data (#8), set the flag NOLNSF to 0. Reset (#12). This flag NOLNSF is used to notify the CPU 2 that there is no lens, and to prohibit the eye proximity detection operation to save power when the lens is not attached.

When the communication with the lens is completed, the timing status of the predetermined time T4 by the BC timer is checked (#1
4). This is because the BC timer may overlook the power state if only #24 and #116, which will be described later, are used. time T
If 4 has not elapsed (NO in #14), jump to #20, and if it has elapsed (YES in #14), perform a power check and reset and start the BC timer (#16, #18) ). Here, if the power supply voltage level is such that the next photographing operation is impossible, the flag BCLOCKF is set and the process moves to #28.

Next, if the switch SMAIN changes from off to on (YES in #20), reset and start the hold timer and check the power supply again (
#22, #24). On the other hand, if the switch SMAIN is other than the above (NO in #20), the process jumps to #26. Then, determine whether the switch SMAIN is on,
If it is off (NO in #26), proceed to #28, and if on (YES in #26), proceed to #34. When the switch SMAIN is off, serial communication is performed with the CPU 2 using the CS, R/W, SCK, and SOUT ports in a known manner (#28). In addition to display data on the LCD 11 and LCD 12, the data sent to the CPU 2 includes standby data for the CPU 1 to shift to stop mode, eye contact prohibition data indicating whether or not to perform eye contact detection operation, and time measured by the S0ON timer T2. progress status and flags NOLNSF and BCLOCKF. Next, CPU1 executes standby processing (#30
). That is, it processes each port and flag, and outputs light-off data to the LCD driver 5 in order to turn off the LCD 6. Thereafter, the CPU 1 waits for a certain period of time until the CPU 2 finishes the standby process and switches the system Φ from high speed to low speed, and after the elapse of this time, stops supplying the system Φ. After the supply of the system Φ is stopped, the CPU 1 executes a stop and stops the execution of the program. Note that the oscillation operation of the high-speed clock is stopped by a hard timer after a predetermined time period after the above-mentioned program is stopped.

On the other hand, if the switch SMAIN is on in #26, the CPU 1 selects the startup switches S1, SISO, SFUN from the serial data received from the CPU 2.
Check the status of C and SUP/DOWN, and if any of the startup switches is on (YES in #34).
), move to #86. If the startup switch is off (
#34: NO), then it is checked whether the activation switch has been turned from on to off (#36). And if the start switch remains off (NO in #36)
, jump to #42. On the other hand, if the start switch changes from on to off (YES in #36), the eye-close prohibition data is reset, that is, the eye-close detection operation is started (
#38), then reset and start the hold timer (#40). C when the eye contact prohibition data is reset.
The PU2 skips the eye proximity detection operation sequence based on the data.

[0031] Next, CPU1 checks whether the S0 bit data in the data sent from CPU2 is in a state indicating on or in a state indicating off (hereinafter simply referred to as on or off). (#42), and if the bit data is on (YES in #42), the process moves to #50. If S0 bit data is off (N in #42)
O), further check whether the bit data has changed from on to off (#44), and if it is from on to off (YES in #44), reset and start the hold timer (#46), # Return to 4. Conversely, if it remains off (NO in #44), check whether the hold timer has elapsed for the predetermined time T1 (#48),
If the time T1 has elapsed (YES in #48), #2
8, serial communication is performed with the CPU 2 for standby processing. The light-off data obtained in the current standby process in #30 is updated onto the previous display data stored in the LCD driver 5, and the LCD 6 is thereby turned off. If the hold timer has not reached the above time T1 (NO in #48), the process returns to #4.

[0032] In #50, it is checked whether the S0 bit data has changed from off to on, and if it has changed from off to on (YES in #50), the S0ON timer is reset and started, and the BC timer is also reset and started. (#52, #54). If the S0 bit data remains on (NO in #50), proceed to #56 and CPU1
is the data received from CPU2, switch SGRP
Check whether it has changed from on to off. If the switch SGRP changes from on to off (
YES in #56), reset and start the hold timer (#58). In this way, when the photographer releases the switch SGRP during the eye proximity detection operation, only the display is held and the eye proximity detection operation is not performed after the hold time T1 has elapsed, thereby preventing wasteful power consumption. ing. On the other hand, if the switch SGRP has not changed from on to off (NO in #56), the process moves to #60.

In #60, the state of the switch SGRP is checked, and if it is off (NO in #60), the hold time T1 is checked (#62), and if it is on (#60), the hold time T1 is checked (#62).
60 (YES), time T2 is checked.

In #62, if the hold time T1 has elapsed (YES in #62), the process in #28 is performed to perform standby processing.
and if the hold time T1 has not been reached (#6
2 (NO), the display data is output to the LCD driver 5 (#64). Further, in #66, if time T2 has elapsed (YES in #66), the process moves to #28 for standby processing. If time T2 has not been reached (N in #66)
O), the CPU 1 communicates with the photometry section 3 to fetch photometry data from the photometry section 3, and also communicates with the AF section 7 to read the photometry data from the photometry section 3.
The distance measurement data is taken in from the distance measurement data, and the lens driving amount to the in-focus position is calculated from the distance measurement data (#68).

Furthermore, the CPU 1 executes calculations based on the AE mode described above (#70). When this exposure calculation is completed, it is determined whether the flash mode is selected (#
72). If it is not in flash mode (NO in #72)
, moves to #82, and if it is in flash mode (#72
YES) and check the light emission mode (#74). Here, the light emission mode indicates that, as a result of exposure calculation based on photometric data, it is necessary to emit a flash in cases of low brightness or backlight.

[0036] If the light emission mode is requested (#74
YES), pop up the built-in flash above the viewfinder (#76), and complete charging (
(#78). If charging is not completed (NO in #78), a charging start signal FCHG is sent to start charging (#80), and the charging operation is continued until charging is completed (loop of #78 and #80).
. By concentrating the charging operation until the battery is fully charged in this way, charging time is shortened. Then, when it reaches completion, CPU1
receives a charging completion signal from the built-in flash unit 4 via the MON port, and determines that it is fully charged (Y at #78).
ES), move to #82. And CPU1 is CPU
2, and transmits the display data, eye-closed data, and standby data owned by the CPU 1 to the CPU 2 using the CS, SCK, SOUT, and R/W ports (#82). Thereafter, the CPU 1 outputs display data to the LCD driver 5 and causes the LCD 6 to display photographing information.

Returning to #34, if the start switch is on (YES in #34), the light emitting element 1 for eye proximity detection
Since there is no need to emit light 01, eye-viewing prohibition data is set (#86). Next, start switch S for photometry and distance measurement.
Check the status of 1 (#88). Start switch S1
If it is on (YES in #88), proceed to #114, and if the start switch S1 is off (NO in #88),
Next, check the startup switch SISO (#90)
. Here, if the startup switch SISO is on (#9
0 (YES), move on to #92. When the process moves to #92, control in the ISO change mode is started based on the data received from the CPU 2. In this ISO change mode, the IS is changed based on the start switch SUP/DOWN data.
The O value is changed, and the changed value is sent to the CPU 2, outputted to the LCD drive 5, and displayed on the LCD 6 (#94, #96). After this, return to #4.

If the startup switch SISO is off (#
(NO at 90), then check the startup switch SFUNC (#98). Here, if the startup switch SFUNC is on (YES in #98), the process moves to #100. When the process moves to #100, control for changing the setting mode is started based on the data received from the CPU 2. This setting mode is AE mode or flash mode, and the mode contents are changed based on the data of the start switch SUP/DOWN. Then, the changed contents are sent to the CPU 2, outputted to the LCD driver 5, and displayed on the LCD 6 (#102, #104). After this, return to #4.

If the startup switch SFUNC is off (
#98: NO), then press the start switch SUP/DOWN
Check (#106). Here, start switch S
If UP/DOWN is on (YES in #106),
Move to #108. When the process moves to #108, control to change the shutter speed and aperture setting values is started based on the data of the start switch SUP/DOWN. The changed value is sent to the CPU 2, output to the LCD driver 5, and displayed on the LCD 6 (#110, #112)
. After this, return to #4.

If the starting switch SUP/DOWN is off (NO in #106), the process moves to #36.

[0041] Furthermore, if the start switch S1 is on,
Subsequently, it is checked whether the starting switch S1 has changed from off to on (#114), thereby determining the start of the photographing operation. If the start switch S1 has changed from off to on, check the power supply (#116)
. Then, if the power supply voltage is sufficient for the next shooting operation,
The CPU 1 communicates with the photometry section 3 to take in photometry data,
Furthermore, it communicates with the AF section 7 to take in distance measurement data, calculates the lens drive amount from the distance measurement data, and drives the lens to the in-focus position (#118). Also, based on the photometric data, exposure calculation is performed based on the set AE mode (#120).

Next, it is determined whether the flash mode is selected (#122). If not in flash mode (#12
2: NO), the process moves to #132, and if it is the flash mode (YES: #122), then the light emission mode is checked (#124). If it is not in light emitting mode (#124
(NO), move on to #132. If the light emitting mode is (
YES in #124), pop up the light-emitting part of the built-in flash unit 4 (#126), and further check that it is fully charged (
#128). If charging is not completed (N at #128)
O), a charging start signal FCHG is output to start charging (#130). The charging operation continues until charging is completed, and when charging is completed (YES in #128), the process proceeds to #132.

At #132, switch S2 for film exposure is checked. If the switch S2 is off (NO in #132), it performs serial communication with the CPU 2 and outputs display data, eyepiece data, etc. from the CPU 1, and also outputs the data to the LCD driver 5 and displays it on the LCD.
6 (#142, #144). On the other hand, if the switch S2 is on (YES in #132), the release is performed (#134). When the release is completed, the film is wound by the film feed control signal (#13).
6), then serial communication with CPU2 and display data,
In addition to outputting eyepiece data, etc., the data is output to the LCD driver 5 and displayed on the LCD 6 (#138, #
140). After this, return to #4.

Next, camera activation control will be explained using flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Note that FIG. 7 shows the upper half of the flowchart, and FIG. 8 shows the lower half of the flowchart.

The CPU 2 internally has an APO timer, an internal timer, and a soft timer for noise removal (chattering prevention). The APO timer continues until the CPU 2 stops the eye-approach detection operation when the switch SGRP remains on, that is, when the photographer is holding the camera without intending to take a picture, or when a foreign object is in contact with the switch SGRP. This is to measure a predetermined time T3. This prevents wasted power. The internal timer determines the timing of reading the status of each switch and the timing of emitting light from the light emitting element 101 for detecting eye proximity.
Overflow occurs every predetermined time t0, such as 50 ms or 125 ms. The soft timer for noise removal (chattering prevention) is used to provide a predetermined time interval of, for example, 5 ms when the light emitting element 101 re-emits light in order to prevent noise from being mixed in during the eye proximity detection operation.

First, the standby state, that is, the flag S
Check TBYF (#200). Flag STBY
If F=1 (YES in #200), the CPU 1 is in a stopped state, and the CPU 2 is in a low power consumption mode in which the system Φ operates at a low speed. Also, flag STBYF=
If it is 0 (NO in #200), both CPU1 and CPU2 are in the normal operation mode, and the system Φ of CPU2 is operating at high speed.

When the flag STBYF=0, it is checked whether the CS port has changed from the H level to the L level, that is, whether the CPU 1 is requesting serial communication (#202). If CPU1 does not request serial communication (NO in #202), #200
Return to When serial communication is requested (YE in #202)
S), check the serial data input/output status (#
204). In other words, when L level is input to the R/W port, #2 is used to input data from CPU1.
The process proceeds to #06, and if the H level is input to the R/W port, the process proceeds to #226 to output data to the CPU1. In #206, the CPU 2 saves the data transmitted from the CPU 1 to the built-in RAM, and confirms the end of serial communication when a predetermined number of bytes or the CS port changes from L level to H level (#208). Upon completion of this serial communication, the CPU 2 creates display data based on the data received from the CPU 1, and displays the LCD DRV.
Guide and display photographing information such as shutter speed, aperture, and exposure mode on the LCDs 11 and 12 via the port (#21
0).

Next, CPU2 checks whether there is a standby request based on the data received from CPU1 (#2
12) If it is not a standby request (NO in #212)
, returns to #200, and if it is a standby request (#212
(YES), sets the flag STBYF to 1, performs port processing, and changes to standby state (#214). Next, the process proceeds to #216, where the system Φ is switched from high speed to low speed. The CPU 1 executes a stop because the CPU 2 is switched to a low-speed clock. Therefore, C
PU2 outputs H level to PWC port and converts DC/DC
The operation of the converter 13 is stopped, and the CPU 1 and the CPU
Stop power supply to each part connected to U1 (#21
8). Next, after resetting and starting the APO timer (#220), CPU2 receives S0 from CPU1.
Check the elapse of ON timer time T2 (#222
). Then, when the S0ON timer passes time T2 (
YES in #222) and set the flag APOF (#2
24), if it has not elapsed, return to #200. In addition,
This flag APOF is set after either the SOON timer or the APO timer has elapsed, and when this flag is set, the eye proximity detection operation is stopped.

Next, returning to #204, if the R/W port is at H level, the process advances to #226 to output data to the CPU 1. In #226, the status of each switch is read and the read data is output to the CPU 1. continue,
The CPU 2 checks the eyepiece prohibition data from the data received in #206 (#228), and if the eyepiece prohibition data is set (prohibited in #228), the CPU 2 skips the sequence for eyepiece detection and moves to #238. However, if the eye view prohibition data is not set (#228 is OK), #
Proceed to 230. At #230, CPU2 is BCLOCKF
If the power supply voltage is at a level that does not allow shooting (YES in #230), proceed to #238; on the other hand, if shooting is possible (NO in #230), proceed to #232 for eye proximity detection. The light emitting element 101 is caused to emit light. When the photographer's detection is confirmed by this eye-approach detection operation (#23
4: YES), set the S0 bit data on (S0
ON) and outputs data to the CPU 1 (#236), and if it is not detected (NO in #234), the process moves to #238. In #238, data indicating the activation factor is output to the CPU 1. Then, the output data is a predetermined number of bytes or C
After confirming that the S port changes from L level to H level, serial communication is ended (#240). When this serial communication ends, the process returns to #200.

On the other hand, in #200, flag STBYF=1
If so, check whether the startup switch has changed from off to on (#242). When the startup switch changes from off to on (YES in #242), CPU2
executes the startup sequence of CPU1. First, PWC
DC/DC converter 13 by outputting L level to the port
After starting the CPU 1 and waiting for 2 to 3 ms to stabilize, stable power is supplied to the CPU 1 and the program execution can be started (#244, #246). Next, an L level is output to the WAKE port to release the stop state of the CPU 1 (#248) and start execution of the program. At this time, the CPU 2 switches the system Φ from low speed to high speed (#250). Then, in #252, various flags ST
Reset BYF, APOF, FINDF and #200
Return to

[0051] In #242, if the startup switch has not been changed from off to on, the CPU 2 checks whether the internal timer time t0 is stable at a constant value, and if it is not at a constant value (#254 (NO), #200
Return to , and if it is a constant value (YES in #254),
Check whether the switch SMAIN has changed from off to on (#256). If the switch SMAIN has changed from off to on (YES in #256)
, and #244, the CPU 1 is activated as described above. If the switch SMAIN has not changed from off to on (NO in #256), in #258, the switch SMAIN
Check if AIN is on, if it is off (#
If 258 is NO), move to #300, and if it is on (#
258: YES), it is checked whether the switch SGRP has changed from off to on (#260).

If the switch SGRP has changed from off to on (#260: YES), the APO timer is reset and started, and at this time the flag APOF is reset to 0 (#262, #264). Further, in #266, it is determined whether the switch SGRP is on. If switch SGRP is off (NO in #266)
), move to #300 and reset the flag APOF,
If switch SGRP is on (YES in #266)
, the presence or absence of a lens is checked in #268, and if there is no lens (NO in #268), the process proceeds to #300 and the eye proximity detection operation is stopped. Also, if the lens is attached (#
268 (YES), proceed to #270 and set the flag BCLOC.
Check the KF, and if the power supply voltage does not allow shooting operation (
YES in #270), move to #300. In this way, wasted power consumption can be prevented.

Next, in #272, the flag APOF is checked, and if the flag APOF=1 (Y in #272).
ES), resets the flag FINDF, and also resets the ESTA
The H level is output to the T port to stop the operation of the eyepiece detection section 10 (#302, #304). On the other hand, if flag APOF=0 in #272 (NO in #272), E
The L level is output to the STAT port to start the operation of the eye detection section 10 (#274). After the L level is output to the ESTAT port, the operation of the eye proximity detection unit 10 starts after waiting for a time required for the circuit to stabilize, for example, 50 ms (#276). When this waiting period ends and the operation of the eye proximity detection section 10 starts, an H level pulse of a predetermined width is output to the FLED1 port to cause the light emitting element 101 to emit light for eye proximity detection (#278). Then, check whether eye contact has been detected, and if it is not detected (#2
80 (NO), move to #292, and if detected (#2
80: YES), and then a noise removal (chattering prevention) soft timer waits for, for example, 5 ms (#282). After the above time has passed, proceed to #284,
An H level pulse with a predetermined width is output to the FLED2 port to cause the light emitting element 101 to emit light at a higher level than in #278 for redetection (#284). The detection level is changed by switching the light emission level, ensuring high accuracy when redetecting. If it is not detected by this re-detection operation (NO in #286), the process moves to #292, and if it is detected again (YES in #286), the flag FINDF
is checked (#288), and if the flag FINDF is not set to 1, the flag FINDF is set to 1, and then detection is performed again (#282, #284). Note that once detected in #286 above, the process may proceed to #244 and start up the CPU 1, but in this embodiment, re-detection is performed twice, and external light such as under fluorescent lights is detected. This is to prevent false positives caused by On the other hand, if the flag FINDF is set to 1, it is assumed that the second re-detection has been completed, and the process proceeds to #244, where the CP
Start U1.

#292, #280 or #286
If not detected, the flag FINDF is reset, and then the APO timer checks whether the T3 time has elapsed (#294). If the time has not passed (#
294: NO), the process returns to #200, and if the time has elapsed (#294: YES), the flag APOF is set to 1. Then, in #298, an H level is output to the ESTAT port to stop the eye proximity detection operation.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a detailed flowchart of the eye proximity detection operation of the CPU 2. FIG. 9(a) shows the case where the system Φ is low speed, and FIG. 9(b) shows the case when the system Φ is high speed.

As described above, the CPU 2 has a low speed and a high speed as the system Φ, and by setting the speed to a low speed, it can be operated in a low power consumption mode. Due to this low-speed operation, the execution speed of the program becomes slow, and when performing eye proximity detection, it becomes necessary to use different programs for low-speed and high-speed operations. Furthermore, if the light emission time of the light emitting element 101 is too long, it will be susceptible to the influence of noise, and if it is too short, it will be difficult to output a detection signal, so it is also required to set the light emission time to a suitable time. Therefore, the shortest light emitting time (corresponding to one clock cycle) of the light emitting element 101 at low speed is set to, for example, 300 μs.
If so, in order to make the light emission time the same in high-speed mode, it becomes necessary to wait for a certain amount of time during the light emission time.

Furthermore, even if the light emitting element 101 emits light at low speed and a detection output is received from the FIND port, it cannot be determined whether or not there is detection until the light emission is finished. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 2 is provided with an event counter 15 (see FIG. 2) that measures the number of detection outputs (pulses).

In the low-speed operation shown in FIG. 3(a), first,
The value of the event counter 15 is reset and counting is permitted (#400, #402). Next, an H level is output to the FLED port to cause the light emitting element 101 to emit light, and after a predetermined time, an L level is output to the FLED port to stop the light emitting element 101 (#404, #406), and the event counter is 15 is stopped (#408). Then, in #410, the event counter value is checked, and if the counter value is 1, that is, the light emitting element 1
When one pulse is output during light emission of 01 (#410
If the counter value is other than 1 (NO in #410), it is assumed that it has been detected (eye-approach detection OK, #412), and it is assumed that it has not been detected (NO in #410). (Eye proximity detection NG, #414). In other words, when the counter value is 0, it is assumed that there is no detection output to begin with, so it is not detected (see Figure 3(b)), and when the counter value is 2
In the above case, for example, in an environment such as under an inverter fluorescent lamp, it is treated as if several fluorescent lamp noises were received by the light receiving element 102 (see FIG. 3(c)) to prevent false detection. ing.

Next, in the high-speed operation shown in FIG.
The process from resetting the event counter 15 to outputting the H level to the FLED port is the same as during low-speed operation (
#500 to #504). At #506, a time wait is performed to ensure the same light emission time as during low-speed operation due to the difference in program execution speed. After waiting for the specified time, FLE
The L level is output to the D port to stop the light emitting element 101 from emitting light, and at the same time stop the counting operation of the event counter 15 (#508, #510). And #51
2, the event counter value is checked, and if the counter value is 1, that is, one pulse is output while the light emitting element 101 is emitting light (YES in #512), it is assumed that it has been detected (eye contact detection OK, # 514), while the counter value is 1
If it is other than that (NO in #512), it is assumed that it has not been detected (eye contact detection NG, #516).

FIG. 10 shows a time chart explaining the sequence of the eye proximity detection operation. When the photographer grasps the camera grip while the switch SMAIN is on, the switch SGRP changes from off to on. The CPU 2 checks the switch SGRP with an internal timer every t0 hours, and if it determines that the flag APOF is not 1, the ES
The L level is output to the TAT port to start supplying power to the eye contact detection section 10. After waiting for a period of time until the operation of the eye proximity detection section 10 stabilizes, an H level pulse of a predetermined width is output to the FLED port. If the photographer is not looking through the viewfinder, the FI will not work even if the shooting operation is repeated.
No output appears on the ND port. If there is no detection, the above operation is repeated every time t0 elapses using an internal timer.

After that, when the photographer looks through the finder, the output Q1 is detected in response to the immediately following detection pulse P1. Once the output Q1 is obtained, redetection is subsequently performed twice at 5 ms intervals. Outputs Q2, Q for detection pulses P2, P3
When 3 is obtained, CPU2 confirms the detection and sets DC/DC.
The converter 13 is started and the CPU 1 is started. C.P.
After starting U1, CPU2 outputs an H level pulse P to the FLED port when transmitting serial data of each switch to CPU1.

FIG. 11 shows a time chart from the release of detection to the end of time t3 by the APO timer.

[0063] CPU1 checks the serial data received from CPU2, and if S0ON is set,
Enables AF operation and photometry operation. Then, when the photographer takes his eyes off the viewfinder of the camera, the CPU 2 outputs S0 bit data that has been reset to 0. CPU1
receives this S0 bit data, determines that the S0 bit data has changed from on to off, and resets and starts the hold timer. T by hold timer
When the S0 bit data changes from OFF to ON or when another switch is operated while counting for one hour, the above-mentioned counting operation is stopped.

On the other hand, if the S0 bit data is not changed or any other switch is operated until the time T1 elapses, the CPU 1 performs serial communication with the CPU 2 to perform standby processing. The CPU 1 stops driving by standby processing, and the CPU 2 resets and starts the APO timer. If no switch operation is performed during T3 time counting by this APO timer, the T3
After the time elapses, the CPU 2 sets the flag APOF and
Outputs H level to the STAT port to stop eye detection operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for checking the power supply. First, CPU1 is BC
Take in the analog power supply voltage from the IN port (#60
0), performs A/D conversion internally (#602).

[0066] Next, the obtained power supply voltage is compared with a photographing possible level preset in the CPU 1, and it is determined whether the next photographing operation is possible (#604). When the above power supply voltage is at or above the photographing possible level, it is determined that photographing is possible (YES in #604), the flag BCLOCKF is reset, and the process returns from the subroutine (#606).
, #608). On the other hand, if it is determined that photography is not possible (#604
After setting the flag BCLOCKF, exit the subroutine and jump to #28 in Figure 5 (#610
, #612), performs standby communication with the CPU 2 and changes to low power consumption mode.

[0067]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
The present invention is effective because it is provided with a photographer detecting means for detecting the photographer, a starting means for starting an operation for preparing for shooting, and a prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the photographer detecting means while the starting means is in operation. It is possible to detect eye contact and save power. In particular, it becomes possible to extend the life of the built-in battery, and it is possible to provide a highly practical camera.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed circuit configuration of the eyepiece detection section 10. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a time chart illustrating the eye proximity detection operation; FIG. 3(a) shows the case with eye contact, FIG. 3(b) shows the case without eye contact, and FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CPU 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CPU 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CPU 1.

FIG. 7 is the upper half of a flowchart explaining the startup operation of the CPU 2. FIG.

FIG. 8 is the lower half of a flowchart illustrating startup control of the CPU 2.

FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of the eye proximity detection operation of the CPU 2; FIG. 9(a) shows the case where the system Φ is slow, and FIG. 9(b) shows the case when the system Φ is fast.

FIG. 10 shows a time chart illustrating a sequence of eye proximity detection operations.

FIG. 11 shows a time chart from detection cancellation to the end of T3 time by the APO timer.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for power check.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU1 2 CPU2 3 Photometry section 4 Built-in flash section 5 LCD driver 6, 11, 12 LCD 7 AF section 8 Lens ROM 9 Film feeding section 10 Eyepiece detection section 13 DC/DC converter 14 Built-in battery 15 Event counter 101 Light emitting element 102 Light receiving element 103 Light emitting section 104 Light receiving section 105 OR circuit 106 AND circuit S1, SISO, SFUNC, SUP/DOWN Start switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A camera having a photographer detecting means for detecting that a photographer has looked into a finder, comprising: a starting means for starting an operation for preparation for photographing; and a camera having a photographer detecting means when the starting means is in operation. A camera with an eye-approach detection function, characterized in that the camera is equipped with a prohibition means for prohibiting the operation of the camera.