JPH04328706A - Decision device for extent of background drawing of camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a finish photograph with intended background drawing extent without requiring any skillfulness by grasping the extent of a photography finish corresponding to the background representation extent based on a main subject in a found background when the main subject is photographed with a set aperture value. CONSTITUTION:The background representation extent decision device for the camera is equipped with means 3 and 1 for finding a subject distance and a background distance, an arithmetic means 1 which calculates the defocusing quantity of the background for the main subject from the main subject distance, background distance, and the focal length and aperture value of a photographic lens, and a background representation decision means 1 which decides the background representation extent from the obtained defocusing quantity.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention determines the degree of depiction of the background relative to the main subject from the main subject distance, the background distance, the focal length of the photographing lens, and the aperture value, or the background depiction of the camera that displays the determination result. This invention relates to a degree determination device.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, cameras have been known that are equipped with various functions to enjoy various descriptive effects when taking pictures. On the other hand, as the functionality increases, it has become necessary for the photographer to have more skill in order to obtain the desired finished photograph. Therefore, in order to visually predict the finished state of a photo, we calculated the (depth of field/distance) value from the subject distance, lens focal length, and aperture value, and evaluated the sense of depth of field from this value. , a device has been proposed that predicts and displays in the viewfinder the degree of blur and pan focus in the finished photo (
JP-A-1-235934). What this means is the idea that when the depth of field of a near object and a far object are the same, their evaluations will be different from the perspective of the quality of the photograph.

Furthermore, for the photographer's convenience, a camera has been proposed in which the selected exposure mode is displayed as a pictogram (West German Patent No. 3317563).

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the depth of field described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-235934 is not an index that quantitatively indicates the rate at which the area behind the main subject becomes blurred. However, it is not possible to know the amount of blur for each background object individually because it is unknown at what distance the actual background object is behind the photograph. It is extremely difficult to predict the

Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned West German patent, it is possible to prevent shooting in the wrong exposure mode by displaying the selected exposure mode with pictograms, but there is also a structure that predicts the quality of the photo. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain the quality of the finished product, and as in the past, skill is required to obtain a photograph with the desired depiction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and
By taking into account the main subject distance, the focal length and aperture value of the photographing lens, and also the background distance, the degree of blurring of the background based on the main subject is determined as the degree of background depiction, or the result is predicted and displayed. To provide an easy-to-use camera that can easily and reliably take a photograph with a background depiction effect intended by a photographer.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides means for determining the main subject distance and background distance, and calculates the amount of blur of the background relative to the main subject from the main subject distance, the background distance, the focal length of the photographing lens, and the aperture value. and background depiction determining means for determining the degree of background depiction from the obtained amount of blur.

[0008] The above configuration further includes a display means having a display section capable of displaying a stepwise display, and a display control means for causing the display means to display stepwise the background depiction degree obtained by the background depiction determination means. (Claim 2)
).

[0009] Furthermore, as the display means, the display portion may be formed of pictographs (claim 3), and furthermore, the pictographs express the finished state at the highest level and the lowest level of the degree of background depiction, and It is preferable that an index indicating the degree of background depiction and coordinates are expressed between the lines (Claim 4).
).

[0010] Furthermore, the aperture value setting member is provided with an aperture value setting member in which the aperture value is set to a larger or smaller value by operating the aperture value setting member in a forward or reverse direction, and pictograms expressing the finished state at the highest and lowest levels of the background depiction level are displayed by operating the aperture value setting member. It is preferable that the highest level and lowest level pictograms are arranged so as to match the directions (Claim 5).

[0011] Further, it is preferable that a viewfinder is provided for displaying the photographed image, and that the display section of the display means is constituted by a liquid crystal element, and that stepwise display by the liquid crystal element is performed within the viewfinder screen. 6).

[0012] The apparatus also includes an exposure mode setting means that can selectively set an exposure mode, and a switching control means that turns on or off the display of the degree of background depiction by the display control means in accordance with the selected exposure mode. (Claim 7),
Furthermore, it is preferable that the switching control means turns on the display when the exposure mode is a mode in which the aperture value can be manually set (claim 8).

[0013]

[Operation] According to the present invention, the main subject distance and background distance are determined during photography, and the amount of blur of the background relative to the main subject is determined using the obtained main subject distance, background distance, and focal length and aperture value of the photographing lens. is calculated, and the degree of background depiction is determined from the obtained amount of blur. The obtained background depiction degree is used for a desired purpose as necessary.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the degree of background depiction obtained as described above is led to the display means and displayed in stages on the display section corresponding to the degree of background depiction.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the degree of background depiction is displayed using pictograms.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the display unit displays the finished state at the highest level and the lowest level of the background depiction degree, and an index indicating the background depiction degree is displayed between them. and the coordinates are displayed.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the aperture operating member is operated in the forward direction to increase the degree of background depiction,
A pictograph expressing the finish state at the highest level is placed on the side in that direction, and when the degree of background depiction is weakened by operation in the opposite direction, a pictogram expressing the finish state at the lowest level is placed on the side in that direction.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, a signal indicating the degree of background depiction is guided to a display section made of a liquid crystal element, and is displayed in a superimposed manner within the viewfinder screen by lighting up the liquid crystal element.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the exposure mode can be selectively set, and the display of the degree of background depiction is turned on or off depending on the selected exposure mode.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when a mode in which the aperture value can be manually set is selected as the exposure mode,
The degree of background depiction is displayed.

[0021]

Embodiment FIG. 2 shows a main configuration diagram of a camera to which the present invention is applied. A subject image is guided from a photographing lens (not shown) to a finder mirror 20 along an optical axis L. The finder mirror 20 is made semi-transparent only near the center so that a subject image with a necessary amount of light for automatic focusing (hereinafter referred to as AF) can pass through. The focusing plate 21 is arranged at a focal position with respect to a photographing lens on the left side (not shown) on the optical axis L, and the same image as the subject image to be photographed is captured. The image reflected on the focus plate 21 is a pentaprism 22
An image is formed on the eyepiece lens 23 via the. By looking through the eyepiece lens 23, the photographer can see the same image as the photographed image within the finder screen.

DISP units 61 and 62, such as a transmission type liquid crystal panel, are interposed between the focus plate 21 and the pentaprism 22. These DISP sections 61 and 62 are the DISPC circuit 6
The drive is controlled by As a result, the contents displayed by a predetermined image indicator, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, are displayed together with the photographed image in a superimposed manner on the finder screen.

On the other hand, the object image guided from the finder mirror 20 to the sub-mirror 25 is directed downward by the sub-mirror 25, and then guided to the FD circuit 3 which performs focus detection. The FD circuit 3 includes an optical system necessary for AF processing, a light receiving sensor such as a CCD, and a signal output section. 1 consists of a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer),
Data necessary for display control is output to the DISPC circuit 6, and A
In addition to performing F calculations, it also performs sequence control for the entire camera.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the camera 30 seen from the rear. A photographing lens 31 is attached to the front side of the camera 30. Note that an interchangeable lens can also be used as the photographic lens 31. Furthermore, a shutter speed setting member 32 for increasing or decreasing the shutter speed is disposed at one end on the front side, and an aperture value setting member 33 for increasing or decreasing the aperture value is disposed on the rear side. When these setting members 32 and 33 are turned to one side, a certain set amount (
The apex value increases by, for example, 0.5, and when turned in the opposite direction, it decreases by a certain set amount (for example, 0.5).

Further, a finder 34 equipped with an eyepiece 23 for displaying a photographed image and predetermined display contents together in a superimposed manner is provided at a suitable position at the rear of the camera 30. Furthermore, a main switch 35 for turning on and off the power of the camera is provided on the upper side of the camera 30, for example on the left side, and a release button 36 is provided on the opposite side. Further, this camera 30 is equipped with a plurality of settable exposure modes, and a mode setting button 37 is provided at a suitable position near the release button 36 to allow the exposure mode to be selectively set. Each time the mode setting button 37 is pressed, the setting mode is sequentially and cyclically changed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing display contents displayed on the inside and outside of the finder screen by the DISP sections 61 and 62. The display by the DISP unit 61 is superimposed at a suitable position within the photographic image frame, and the display by the DISP unit 62 is performed at a suitable position outside the photographic image frame (at the bottom in this embodiment).

In the DISP unit 61, reference numeral 41 indicates a background depiction indicator that expresses the finished state of the photograph at the highest and lowest levels of the background depiction degree using pictographs, etc., and 42 indicates the finished state of the photograph at the highest and lowest levels of the motion sensitivity. It shows a dynamic indicator expressed as a pictogram or the like. Further, 43 is a coordinate for indicating the degree of background depiction and dynamic sensation, and 44 is a plurality of indicators arranged corresponding to the coordinate 43 and indicating the above-mentioned degree, and only the indicator 44 of the corresponding degree is lit. Thus, the degree is displayed. As shown in the figure, the coordinates 43 have five levels, and can be displayed in five levels using the indicator 44, but it is sufficient if there are at least two or more levels. Further, the pictographs on both sides of the indicators 41 and 42 are arranged so that the degree of depiction matches the operating direction of the operating members 32 and 33.

[0028] Background depiction refers to adjusting the degree of blurring of the background relative to the main subject (degree of emphasis of the main subject).
Among the background depiction indicators 41, the mark on the right side of the figure indicates the weakest degree of emphasis, and the mark on the left side indicates the strongest degree of emphasis. Furthermore, the sense of motion describes the state of stillness and movement of the subject, and the mark on the right side of the figure in the dynamic sense indicator 42 indicates the case where the above-mentioned sense of motion is the weakest, that is, the movement has stopped, and the mark on the left side indicates the case where the motion sensitivity is the strongest. In this way, by displaying the depiction effects etc. in a superimposed manner within the viewfinder screen on which the photographed image is displayed, the subject and the prediction of the finished state of the photograph can be grasped at the same time, which improves usability.

In the DISP section 62, 45 is a shutter speed display section, and 46 is an aperture value display section, each having a required number of digits. Also, 47 is "P", "A", "
It consists of a segment displaying the three letters "S" and indicates the exposure mode. When the exposure mode is P mode,
"P" is displayed for PA mode, "PS" for PS mode, "A" for A mode, "S" for S mode, and "S" for manual M mode. It is set so that it is not displayed.

[0030] Each mode will now be explained. In the P mode, the aperture value AV and shutter speed TV are calculated from the exposure value according to a preset program line. In A mode, the aperture value AV is set manually, and the shutter speed TV is set from the exposure value to the aperture value AV.
It is calculated by subtracting . In the S mode, the shutter speed TV is manually set, and the aperture value AV is determined by subtracting the set shutter speed TV from the exposure value. In the M mode, both the aperture value AV and the shutter speed TV are manually set.

Note that in the present invention, PAS is used as the exposure mode.
is also adopted, and specifically, it is treated as PA mode and PS mode. In PA mode, when the aperture value AV is manually changed according to the shooting conditions set in the program line, the shutter speed TV is newly calculated based on the brightness at that time for the changed aperture value AV. Yes, even if the brightness changes thereafter, only the shutter speed TV changes. In PS mode, when the shutter speed TV is manually changed for the shooting conditions set in the program line, the aperture value AV is newly calculated based on the brightness at that time for the changed shutter speed TV. Even if the brightness changes thereafter, only the aperture value AV changes. By using such PA mode and PS mode, P
The setting can be easily changed to the A mode or the S mode by simply operating the operating members 32, 3 while looking through the finder without changing the exposure from the mode to the A mode or the S mode.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a camera to which the present invention is applied. As described above, the microcomputer 1 controls the overall sequence of the camera 30, and executes necessary controls, which will be described later, based on input signals and operation signals from each part. Further, the microcomputer 1 uses a built-in timer (not shown) to manage time such as setting operations, as will be described later, and also manages the status of the camera using various flags.

The LE circuit 2 is built into the photographic lens 31,
This is a lens circuit such as a ROM in which necessary lens data such as the aperture F value (AV0), focal length (fl), and lens extension amount per pulse are stored. The LE circuit 2 is electrically connected to the microcomputer 1 by attaching the photographing lens 31 to the camera 30. FD circuit 3
performs AF processing and outputs the obtained ranging signal to the microcomputer 1. This FD circuit 3 performs AF processing using a phase difference method, that is, separates the subject image guided from the optical axis L through the submirror 25 into two directions using a condenser lens (not shown), and guides it to an arrayed standard part and reference part. . The microcomputer 1 is configured to take in signals of a subject image received by a standard part and a reference part, and calculate a defocus amount by correlating the two signals.

The LM circuit 4 measures the brightness of the subject, and the obtained brightness data is led to the microcomputer 1 to calculate an exposure value. Further, the DX circuit 5 reads the sensitivity data of the film displayed at an appropriate location on the cartridge containing the film and guides it to the microcomputer 1.

The DISPC circuit 6 displays and extinguishes each of the above-mentioned image indicators on the finder screen based on commands and display data from the microcomputer 1.
The display is controlled according to each of the SP sections 61 and 62. The LEC circuit 7 outputs a required number of pulse trains based on the defocus amount obtained by the AF processing and the pulse delivery amount, and drives the photographic lens 31 to move it to the in-focus position. The AEC circuit 8 performs exposure control based on the photographing conditions set based on the exposure value obtained by the LM circuit 4 or the manually set shutter speed TV and aperture value AV.

The switches 9 are used to set the camera for photographing, setting exposure mode, setting photographing conditions, displaying an image indicator, etc., and each will be described later. The AND circuit 10 is for interrupt processing, and is configured to generate an interrupt when a predetermined switch is turned on and signals A1 to A3 are input.

The switches 9 will now be explained. S.I.
MON displays the DISP section 61 in the finder screen,
This is a switch that turns off when it is on and turns on when it is off. The SMD is a switch that cyclically switches and sets the exposure mode, and changes in the order of P mode, S mode, A mode, and M mode each time it is operated. S
AVUP is a switch that increases the aperture value AV by a predetermined amount each time it is operated. In this embodiment, the first operation shifts from P mode and PS mode to PA mode. SAVDN is a switch that lowers the aperture value AV by a predetermined amount each time it is operated. In this embodiment, the first operation shifts from P mode and PS mode to PA mode. ST
VUP is a switch that increases the shutter speed TV by a predetermined amount each time it is operated. In this embodiment, the first operation shifts from P mode and PA mode to PS mode. STVDN is a switch that lowers the shutter speed TV by a predetermined amount each time it is operated. In this embodiment, the first operation shifts from P mode and PA mode to PS mode. S1 is a switch that is turned on by pressing the release button 36 halfway, and this operation performs AF and photometry processing. S2 is a switch that is turned on by pressing the release button 36 halfway and then fully.
This operation starts the exposure operation. SIMI is a switch that instructs to turn on or off the display of image indicators (41 to 44) in the finder screen according to the exposure mode, and the exposure mode and display state (mode) are set in the following relationship. Display mode I: Display off in all modes Display mode II
: Display off when in M mode Display mode III: A, S
, Display off when in M mode Display mode IV: Display on in all modes Next, the sequence operation of the camera will be explained using the routine shown in FIG. When the release button 36 is pressed halfway (switch S1 is turned on), the exposure mode setting button 37, that is, the switch SMD is operated, or the switch SIMI is operated, the process shifts to the interrupt routine shown in FIG.

First, the PAS mode is reset to the normal P mode, and a flag IMONF indicating the display of the image indicator on the film screen is set (#5, 10). Next, after resetting the timer flag TIMF for power retention (#15), it is determined whether the switch S1 has changed from off to on (
#20). When the switch S1 changes from off to on, the flag S1F is reset (#25) and the process proceeds to #30. On the other hand, if switch S1 remains on or off, flag S1F has already been reset, so #
Skip 25 and proceed to #30. In #30, it is determined whether the switch S1 is in the on state, and if it is in the on state, a timer flag TIMF is set, and a flag S1ONF indicating that the switch S1 is on is set (#35 , #40), proceed to #50. On the other hand, when the switch S1 is turned off, the flag S1ONF is reset to indicate this (#45), and the flag S1ONF is reset (#50).
Proceed to. At #50, the microcomputer 1 takes in the above-mentioned data specific to the photographic lens from the LE circuit 2.

[0039] When the data acquisition from the photographing lens 31 is completed, it is then determined whether the flag S1ONF is set (#55). If set, AF processing is performed (#60), and then subject speed Vz
And the vibration velocity Vxy is detected (#65, #70). Note that the subject speed Vz is the moving speed of the subject in the direction of the optical axis L, and the blur speed Vxy is the moving speed of the subject on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L.

Here, using the subroutine shown in FIG.
The process will be explained. First, the data An obtained in the reference section during the previous AF process was saved as Cn, and the defocus amount DF was saved as DDF (#150
, #155), in order to start the current AF process, the reference section,
Guide the subject image to the reference section (#160). Then, the signal data An, Bn of the subject image received within the integration time is temporarily transferred to the memory to complete the data acquisition for distance measurement (#165), and then to the storage means (not shown) in the microcomputer. Store (#170). The microcomputer 1 calculates the defocus amount DF by calculating the correlation between the phase differences of the captured data An and Bn, and sends a signal corresponding to the obtained defocus amount DF to the LEC circuit 7 to output the signal to the photographing lens 31. to the focus position and return (#1
75, #185). Note that in this routine, after calculating the defocus amount DF, the subject speed Vz is determined (#180).

FIG. 7 is a subroutine showing calculation of the subject speed Vz. First, check the state of the flag S1F (#200). If the flag S1F is set, AF processing has been performed at least twice and the defocus amount DFF has already been captured, so in #205 Calculate the speed Vz, and if the flag S1F is not set, set the flag S1F (#2
10) Return to wait for the next AF process. #2
05, the subject speed Vz is determined from the currently determined defocus amount DF, the previous defocus amount DDF, the lens drive amount based on the previous AF process, and the time interval of consecutive AF processes.
Calculate.

FIG. 8 is a subroutine showing calculation of the shake speed Vxy. In this case as well, the subroutine is basically the same as the subroutine shown in FIG. That is, first, the state of the flag S1F is checked (#220), and if the flag S1F is set, it means that the AF process has been performed at least twice and the data Cn of the reference part has already been taken in, so the state of the flag S1F is checked (#220).
At step 225, the shake speed Vxy is calculated, and on the other hand, the flag S
If 1F is not set, the flag S1F is set (#230) and the process returns to wait for the next AF process. In #225, the blur speed Vxy is calculated from the currently obtained data An, the previous data Cn, and the time interval between successive AF processes.

[0043] When the subject distance, subject velocity Vz, and blur speed Vxy are determined in this way, photometry is then performed to obtain the subject brightness BV0 (#75), and from the obtained subject brightness BV0 and film sensitivity SV, Execute exposure calculation (#80). In addition, in #55, flag S1ON
If F is not set, skip to #85 without executing these operations.

The above subroutine for photometry and exposure calculation will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

In FIG. 9, the microcomputer 1 takes in the brightness value BV0 from the LM circuit 4, the film sensitivity SV from the DX circuit 5 (#250, #255), and also receives the open F value (AV0) from the LE circuit 2. Using this, the exposure value EV=BV0+AV0+SV is determined (#260) and the process returns.

Next, in the exposure calculation shown in FIG. 10, it is first determined whether the exposure mode is P mode (#300).
). If it is the P mode, it is determined whether the PAS mode is the PA mode (#305). If it is not the PA mode, then it is determined whether the PAS mode is the PS mode (#310), and if it is not the PS mode, it is determined that it is the normal P mode, and there is no error based on the obtained exposure value EV. The aperture value AV and shutter speed TV, which are shooting conditions, are automatically set from the program line shown (#315, P
mode operation), return. If the PA mode is determined in #305, the shutter speed TV is calculated based on the currently set aperture value AV and the obtained exposure value EV (#325, A mode calculation), and the process returns.

Further, if it is determined that the PS mode is selected in #310, the aperture value AV is calculated based on the currently set shutter speed TV and the obtained exposure value EV (#32
0, S mode), return.

On the other hand, if it is determined in #300 that the mode is not P, it is then determined whether the mode is A (#330). If it is the A mode, the process proceeds to #325 and A mode calculation is performed, and if it is not the A mode, it is then determined whether the mode is the S mode. If it is S mode, proceed to #320 and perform S mode calculation; if not S mode, it is M mode, so proceed to #34
The process advances to 0, performs M mode processing, that is, sets the manually set shutter speed TV and aperture value AV, and returns.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step #85, the operation of the switches 9, that is, the changing setting process of the photographing conditions based on the key data input status is performed, and then the image indicator on the finder screen is changed according to the operation of the switches 9. Display control is performed (#90). 11 to 13 and 14 show this key data input and display subroutine.

In FIGS. 11 to 13, first, it is determined whether the switch SMD for setting the exposure mode has changed from off to on (#350). switch S
If the MD is not operated, the process skips to #400, whereas if the switch SMD is operated and changes from off to on, the process proceeds to #355. #355 sets the exposure mode to P, S,
The mode is advanced by one in the order of A and M, and then the timer flag TIMF is set (#360). First, it is determined whether the changed exposure mode is M mode or P mode (#365, 380). That is,
If the exposure mode is set to M mode (#36
5), the flags DAVF and DTVF indicating the display state of the image indicator in the finder screen are reset (#370, #375), and the process proceeds to #400. This is because it is impossible to determine whether the image indicator should display the degree of background depiction or the degree of motion when changing from another exposure mode to M mode, so it was decided not to display it. In this case, a separate member for indicating may be provided, or if each degree can be displayed individually, both may be displayed. On the other hand, #365
If the exposure mode is not M mode, it is determined whether it is P mode or not, and if it is set to P mode (#380
YES), sets the flag DAVF indicating the background depiction degree display (#385), then resets the flag DTVF indicating the motion sensitivity display (#390), and sets the PA
Reset S mode and return to normal P mode (#3
95), proceed to #400. P even if the exposure mode is M mode
If it is not in the mode (both #365 and 380 are NO)
, directly proceed to #400.

Subsequently, in #400, it is determined whether the switch SIMI has been turned on from off. switch SI
If MI has changed from OFF to ON, the display mode is cyclically advanced one by one in the order of I, II, III, and IV (#405), and the process proceeds to #410. In addition, if switch SIMI is not operated, switch to #41.
Go to 0.

After #410, it is determined which of the other exposure modes is in use. First, it is determined whether the switch SAVUP has been turned on from off, and if so, it is determined whether the exposure mode is P mode (#415). If it is P mode, then it is determined whether PAS mode is PA mode (#420), and if it is not PA mode, it is determined that this is the first operation of the switch SAVUP and the exposure mode is changed from PAS mode to PA mode. Then, the flag DAVF indicating the degree of background depiction is set, and the flag DTVF indicating the degree of motion sensitivity is reset (#430, #435), and the process proceeds to #475. Also,
If it is already in PA mode (YES in #425)
S), set the aperture value AV to 0.5, such as AV=AV+0.5.
Upload by 5 (#455).

In #415, if the exposure mode is not P mode, determine whether it is A mode (#440)
. If the exposure mode is A mode, a flag DAVF indicating the degree of background depiction is set, and a flag DTVF indicating the degree of motion sensitivity is reset (#445, #45
0), and to further change the aperture value AV, change the aperture value AV to AV
= AV + 0.5, increase by 0.5 (#45
5), proceed to #475. On the other hand, if it is not A mode in #440, then it is determined whether it is M mode (#460),
If it is the M mode, the process advances to #445, where the same processing as in the A mode is executed. If it is not the M mode, it is the S mode and no processing is necessary here, so the process directly proceeds to #475.

If the switch SAVUP does not change from off to on in #410, it is determined whether the switch SAVDN has changed from off to on (#465), and if it has changed from off to on, the above ~#46
Executes the same flag processing and aperture value calculation processing as 0 (
#470). However, since this is a case where the switch SAVDN is operated, the aperture value AV is decreased by 0.5, such as AV=AV-0.5, unlike in #455. Then, this process is completed and the process proceeds to #475.

In #475, the timer flag TIMF is set, and then it is determined whether the switch SIMON is operated and turned on from off (#480). If the switch SIMON is not operated, the process returns directly. On the other hand, when the switch SIMON is operated, it is then determined whether the flag SIMONF is set (#485). If the flag SIMONF is set, it is reset to turn off the image indicator display (#490), and conversely, the flag SIMONF is set.
If ONF has been reset, set the image indicator display to turn on (#49
5), Return.

Now, switch SAVUP, switch SA
When VDNs are not operated together (#410, #4
65 (both NO), it is determined whether the switch STVUP has been operated and turned from off to on (#500), and if so, it is determined whether the exposure mode is P mode (#505). If it is P mode, then it is determined whether the PAS mode is PS mode (#510), and if it is not PS mode, it is determined that this is the first operation of the switch STVUP and the exposure mode is changed from PAS mode to PS mode. (#515), and a flag DT indicating the motion sensitivity display.
Set the VF and reset the flag DAVF indicating the degree of background depiction (#520, #525), #
Proceed to 475. Further, when the PS mode is already set, the shutter speed TV is increased by 0.5, such as TV=TV+0.5 (#545).

In #505, if the exposure mode is not P mode, determine whether it is S mode (#530)
. If the exposure mode is S mode, a flag DTVF indicating the motion sensitivity level display is set, and a flag DAVF indicating the background depiction level display is reset (#535, #54
0), and to further change the shutter speed TV, increase the shutter speed TV by 0.5, such as TV=TV+0.5 (#545), and proceed to #475. on the other hand,#
If the mode is not the S mode at 530, it is then determined whether the mode is the M mode (#550), and if the mode is the M mode, the process proceeds to #535 and the same processing as in the case of the S mode is executed. If, M
If it is not the mode, it is the A mode and no processing is necessary here, so the process directly proceeds to #475.

If the switch STVUP does not change from OFF to ON in #500, it is determined whether the switch STVDN changes from OFF to ON (#555), and if it changes from OFF to ON, the switch STVUP changes from OFF to ON (#555). ~#55
The same flag processing and shutter speed calculation processing as in 0 are executed (#560). However, here the switch STV
Since this is the case when DN is operated, the shutter speed T
Unlike #545, V is decreased by 0.5, such as TV=TV-0.5. Then, this process is completed and the process proceeds to #475.

Next, in FIG. 14, it is determined whether a flag SIMONF indicating display of an image indicator is set (#600). The flag SIMO
If NF is set, switch SIMI is operated to instruct all lights to be turned off in exposure mode, and it is determined whether display mode I is set (#605).
. Here, the flag SIMONF is reset (#60
0 (NO), or switch SIMI is set to display mode I.
is set (YES in #605), both flags DAVF and DTVF are reset (#670,
#675), as described above, the image indicator is not displayed, and the process proceeds to #680.

On the other hand, if display mode I is not set in #605, the next steps are to determine whether display mode II is selected, whether display mode III is selected (#610, #615), and whether display mode IV is selected (NO in #615). ) are determined sequentially. Then, when display mode II is set, make sure that the exposure mode is not M mode (NO in #635).
O), proceed to #640. Since no display is performed in the M mode, an instruction is given to turn off the image indicator in #670 and #675, and the process proceeds to #680. Also, display mode I
When II is set, the exposure mode is M, A, S.
mode (#620, #625, #63
0), if it is in any of these modes, #670,
Proceed to #675 and instruct to turn off the image indicator. On the other hand, if it is P mode (NO in #630), #6
Proceed to 40. Further, when display mode IV is set (NO in #615), image indicators are displayed for all modes, so the process proceeds to #640 with the flags already set and reset.

That is, based on the determination of the states of each display mode and exposure mode described above, when display mode II is other than M mode, when display mode III is P mode, or when display mode IV is selected, in #640. Flag DAV
Determine whether F is set. Flag DA
If the VF is set, the degree of background depiction (blur indicator) is calculated, and the obtained degree (bokeh amount) data is set in the display data memory section A of the image indicator (not shown) (#645, # 650). On the other hand, if the flag DAVF is not set, then the flag DTV
Determine whether F is set (#655)
. If the flag DTVF is set, the motion sensitivity ratio (stop indicator) is calculated and the obtained degree (stop amount) data is set in the memory section A (#660
, #665).

Subsequently, in steps #680 to #690, data regarding the currently set exposure mode, shutter speed TV, aperture value AV, and flag DAVF, DTVF data are set, respectively, and then outputted to DISPs 61 and 62, and the above-mentioned data are set. Display the set data on the image indicator on the condition that there is an instruction to display the image indicator using a switch or a flag as described above (#695
).

Returning to FIG. 5, when the above display is performed (#
90), and then it is determined whether the switch S2 is turned on (#95). When turned on, it performs exposure control (release) (#100) and then waits for an interrupt (#1
05).

On the other hand, if switch S2 is not turned on (
#95: NO), the state of the timer flag TIMF is checked (#110), and if it is set, it is reset and then restarted (#120), returning to #15. If the above timer flag TIMF is not set,
It is checked whether the timer of the timer flag TIMF has elapsed for 5 seconds or not, and the process returns to #15 until 5 seconds have elapsed. If the switch S2 is not turned on even after 5 seconds have elapsed, it is determined that there is no intention to take a photograph, the photographing preparation operation is ended, and the camera enters a standby state for the next interruption (#105).

Next, dynamic depiction will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19. FIG. 15 shows the display state of the image indicators on the finder screen when the PS mode and S mode are set.
Coordinates 43 and corresponding degree indicators 4 as shown in FIG.
4 will be displayed.

Table 1 explains the contents of the motion sensitivity.
The display level is set to five levels.

[0067]

[Table 1]

As can be seen from Table 1, the higher the display level, the more the main subject appears to be stationary, and the lower the display level, the more the main subject appears to be moving. In addition to the blur speed Vxy and shutter speed TV, the shooting magnification and subject speed Vz can also be determining factors for the amount of image blur, but as a guide, 100
Display level 5 when below μm, display level 4 when 100 to 200 μm, display level 3 when 200 to 400 μm, display level 2 when 400 to 800 μm, and display level 2 when 800 μm
Display level 1 is set when the value is equal to or greater than m. The display of each display level 5 to 1 is shown in FIG. 16. Also, because there is a time lag between distance measurement and exposure, and the distance measurement area does not always cover the entire subject, there may be some difference between the display level of motion sensitivity and the resulting photo. Taking this into consideration, the display level is set to the side where the shutter speed is one or two steps higher than the rest, thereby solving the problem of the above-mentioned difference.

Furthermore, as described above, the display level can be changed to display modes A to C as shown in Table 2, with the focal length fl of the photographing lens 31 determining the photographing magnification, the blur speed Vxy, and the subject speed Vz as conditions. Based on the above Table 1, adjustments are made to meet each of the above conditions.

[0070]

[Table 2]

Therefore, the motion sensitivity is set by the display mode and display level.

The setting of the motion sensitivity and its display will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. First, the focal length f of the photographic lens 31 taken into the microcomputer 1 from the LE circuit 2 is determined. That is, the focal length fl is 18
If it is 0mm or more (YES in #700), proceed to #730, and if it is within the range of 60mm or more and less than 180mm (
If it is less than 60 mm (NO in #705), proceed to #710.

When the process proceeds to #710, the magnitudes of the blur speed Vxy and the subject speed Vxy on the film surface that have already been determined are determined. That is, the shake speed Vxy is 12.5
Determine whether it is smaller than mm/sec (#710), and
If the velocity is 2.5 mm/sec or less, then the subject velocity Vz is 1
It is determined whether it is smaller than mm/sec (#715)
. If the subject speed Vz is 1 mm/sec or less, set "C display" (display mode C) in a memory section (not shown).
#720). Note that the microcomputer 1 adjusts the photographic lens 31 to follow the moving object based on the object speed Vz of 1 mm/sec.
The so-called moving object predictive AF is realized by predicting the in-focus position of the camera and controlling the lens to be driven based on the result of this calculation.

On the other hand, when the shake speed Vxy is 12.5 mm/sec or more (NO in #710) and when the shake speed Vxy is 20 m/s
less than m/s (YES in #710) and subject speed V
If z is 1 mm/sec or more (NO in #715), “B
Display” (#725).

Next, if the focal length f is 180 mm or more, proceed to #730 and set the blur speed Vxy, 3 mm/sec,
Then, a comparison is made between the subject speed Vz and 1 mm/sec (#730, #735). That is, the shake speed Vxy
If the velocity is 3mm/sec or more, "A display" is set, while if it is less than 3mm/sec, the subject velocity Vz
is greater than 1 mm/sec, and if the subject velocity Vz is 1 mm/sec or more, set "A display" (
#745), and when it is smaller than 1 mm/sec, set "B display"(#740).

Furthermore, when the focal length f is 60 mm or more, 180
If it is less than mm, proceed to #750 and set the shake speed Vxy.
is 1mm/sec or 25mm/sec (#750, #760)
, the subject velocity Vz is compared in magnitude with 1 mm/sec and 2 mm/sec (#755, #765). That is, first, when the shake speed Vxy is 25 mm/sec or more (#750,
#760 (both NO), and the vibration speed Vxy is 1mm/
More than seconds and less than 25mm/second (YES for #760)
, and when the subject speed Vz is 2 mm/sec or more (#
765: NO), set “A display” (#770)
. In addition, the shake speed Vxy is smaller than 1 mm/sec (#7
50) and the subject speed Vz is 2 mm/sec or more (NO in both #755 and #765), "A display" is also set (#770).

[0077] Also, when the blur speed Vxy is 1 mm/sec or more and less than 25 mm/sec (YES in #760), and the subject speed Vz is less than 2 mm/sec (#765
YES), and if the blur speed Vxy is less than 1 mm/sec and the subject velocity Vz is 1 mm/sec or more but less than 2 mm/sec (NO in #755, YES in #765)
S), set "B display"(#775). Furthermore, if the blur speed Vxy is smaller than 1 mm/s and the subject speed Vz is smaller than 1 mm/s (YE in #755).
S), set "C display"(#780).

[0078] When any one of display modes A to C is set as described above, the display level within the set display mode is determined by the current setting as shown in Table 2. The shutter speed is set from the current shutter speed. Then, the data of the set display level is output to the image indicator, and the data shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the display level.
Displayed in one of the modes shown below. Therefore, the photographer only has to change the shutter speed while looking at the display of the image indicator so as to obtain a desired sense of motion. At this time, since it becomes difficult to use if the motion sensitivity is displayed in real time in direct association with the movement of the subject, in this embodiment, the display level data is set mainly depending on the focal length as described above.

In this example, both the subject velocity Vz and the blur velocity Vxy are used as the relative velocity between the camera and the main subject necessary for determining the motion sensitivity, but depending on the shooting situation, the subject velocity may Only Vz or only the blur speed Vxy can be used as the relative speed with respect to the main subject, and in such a case, it is also possible to judge the motion sensitivity using only one suitable speed.

Next, background depiction will be explained with reference to FIGS. 20 to 27. FIG. 20 shows the display state of the image indicator in the filter screen when the PA mode and A mode are set.
1, the coordinates 43 and one of the corresponding degree indicators 44 are displayed as shown in FIG.

Table 3 explains the content of the degree of background depiction, and the display level is set in five levels.

[0082]

[Table 3]

As can be seen from Table 3, the higher the display level, the more the background becomes blurred and the main subject appears emphasized, and the lower the display level, the more the background becomes out of focus with respect to the main subject. It looks like it fits. Basically, the background blur radius δ with respect to the main subject is calculated, and this value is used as the amount of background blur to set the degree of background depiction and further display it.

FIG. 22 shows a routine for calculating the degree of background depiction. First, calculate the background blur circle diameter δ (#100
0). Next, each level width of the degree of background depiction is calculated based on the obtained background blur circle diameter δ (#1005),
The background depiction level is calculated (#1110). Each of the above steps will be explained below.

FIG. 23 is a subroutine for calculating the background blur circle diameter δ. In this subroutine, first, the main subject distance D obtained by the AF processing is fetched (#1100). Also, the focal length f of the photographic lens 31
l is read from the LE circuit 2 (#1105). The microcomputer 1 reads the above-mentioned main subject distance D and focal length f.
Find the photographed image magnification β (=fl/D) from l (#1
110). Here, it is determined whether the mode is virtual background mode or not (#1115). Note that the setting of whether or not it is the virtual background mode may be automatically set by an operation member (not shown) or by AF processing depending on the distance measurement situation of the distance measurement area other than the main subject.

If the mode is the virtual background mode, the virtual background distance Dvir is determined (#1120). This virtual background distance Dvir is a background distance with respect to the main subject, and is a value set empirically from the captured image magnification β. In this mode, the effort of actually measuring the background distance can be omitted.

The relationship between the photographed image magnification β and the virtual background distance Dvir is stored in advance in a storage means such as a ROM, for example, as shown in the subroutine for calculating the virtual background distance coefficient k shown in FIG. may be memorized and calculated each time. In FIG. 24, the above #1
The captured image magnification β obtained in step 110 is taken in to find the corresponding virtual background distance Dvir, and further the virtual background distance coefficient k (=
Dvir/D) and outputs it (#1205).

Returning to FIG. 23, in #1130, the currently set aperture value AV, that is, the control aperture value F is fetched. Each data imported in each step above is #11
The background blur circle diameter δ is calculated using the calculation formula shown in 35.

On the other hand, if the mode is not the virtual background mode in #1115, the process advances to #1125 to execute processing based on the actually measured background distance. In #1125,
Among the defocus amounts obtained in a plurality of distance measurement areas, the farthest defocus amount DF is extracted, a background distance D is calculated from this value DF, and a background distance coefficient is further calculated. In addition, in this example, since the calculation in #1135 is shared,
The background distance obtained from the measured defocus amount DF is Dvir.
The coefficient is determined as the virtual background distance coefficient k by replacing it with . Then, the background blur circle diameter δ based on actual measurement is calculated using the obtained virtual background distance coefficient k (#1130, #1135).

Next, the background depiction degree level width calculation routine will be explained with reference to FIG. The width of each level of background depiction degree is the background blur circle diameter δ calculated in #1135.
In order to determine which of display levels 1 to 5 the background blurring diameter is included in, the width of the background blur circle included in each level is determined (#1300). The width of each level may be calculated based on a permissible scattering circle (for example, 30 μm), or the width of each level may be determined in advance and stored in the ROM. In this case, for example, each level of background depiction level is display level 1, 50 when the background blur circle diameter is 0 to 50 μm.
Display level 2 when μm~180μm, 180μm~4
Display level 3 at 40μm, 440μm to 900μm
Display level 4 is set when the diameter is 900 μm or more, and display level 5 is set when the diameter is 900 μm or more. Note that the contents of each display level 1 to 5 are shown in Table 3 above.

FIG. 26 shows a background depiction level calculation routine. In the figure, the microcomputer 1 is the #130
Incorporate the width of each level of background depiction degree obtained in 0 and the background blur circle diameter δ obtained in #1135 (#1400, #14
05), calculate which level of the above-mentioned level widths the background blur circle diameter δ corresponds to (#1410). The degree indicating the degree of background depiction obtained in this way is displayed in one of the modes shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 shows the relationship between the background blur circle diameter δ calculated in #1135 and the level of background depiction calculated in #1410 using the image magnification β and the aperture F value of the photographing lens 31 as parameters. It is a graph. In the figure, the virtual background distance coefficient k = 2.5, and the value of F in the graph indicates the open F value, and examples of 8 types of photographic lenses with F = 1.4 to 32 are shown. .

As can be seen from the same graph, as the image magnification β increases from a small value, that is, as the photographing state shifts from a general photographic scene to macro photography and furthermore to zoom macro photography, the blur circle diameter δ increases. The degree of background depiction (background blur level) is increased. Also,
If the aperture f-number of the photographic lens is small, such as 1.4 or 2, the degree of background depiction will be approximately within the display level 3 to 5; on the other hand, if the aperture f-number is small, such as 22 or 32, If the background depiction level is large, the background depiction level is approximately within the range of display levels 1 to 2 or 3.

In this embodiment, the degree of the depiction effect is displayed on the viewfinder screen in a superimposed manner with the photographed image, but a separate display means may be provided.

[0095]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
The degree of background delineation, which indicates how blurred the background is relative to the main subject, is determined from the main subject distance, the focal length of the photographing lens, the aperture value, and the background distance, so the obtained degree of background delineation can be used for the desired purpose as necessary. It becomes possible to use it.

[0096] Furthermore, since the obtained degree of background depiction is guided to the display means and predicted and displayed step by step on the display section corresponding to the degree of background depiction, it is possible to determine in advance how much background depiction (blur) the photograph will have. In addition, it is possible to reliably obtain a photograph with the finish intended by the photographer, and in particular, it is possible to provide the photographer with a camera that is easy to use.

In addition, since the degree of background depiction is displayed using pictograms, it is easy to understand the display from an ergonomic point of view, and has the effect of suppressing operational errors. By displaying what is expressed in terms of states and what is expressed in terms of indicators and coordinates indicating the degree of background depiction between them, it is possible to further facilitate comprehension.

Furthermore, since the diaphragm operating member is made to correspond directionally to changes in the degree of background depiction depending on the operating direction, and the arrangement of pictograms expressing the finishing conditions at the highest and lowest levels,
Improves operability and reduces operational errors.

Furthermore, by superimposing the degree of background depiction on the viewfinder screen, the photographed image and the degree of background depiction can be grasped at the same time, so that a photographing opportunity is not missed, and an easy-to-use camera is provided. I can do it.

Furthermore, the display of the degree of background delineation can be turned on or off depending on the exposure mode, and the degree of background delineation can be displayed in a mode where the aperture value can be manually set.
When unnecessary (exposure mode), the display can be turned off, saving energy and making it easier to see the photographed image when displayed on the viewfinder screen.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a camera to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 shows a main configuration diagram of a camera to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the camera seen from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing all display contents displayed on the finder screen.

FIG. 5 is a routine explaining the sequence operation of the camera.

FIG. 6 is a subroutine of AF processing.

FIG. 7 is a subroutine for calculating subject velocity Vz.

FIG. 8 is a subroutine for calculating the shake speed Vxy.

FIG. 9 is a subroutine of photometry processing.

FIG. 10 is a subroutine for exposure calculation.

FIG. 11 is a subroutine for inputting key data.

FIG. 12 is a subroutine for inputting key data.

FIG. 13 is a subroutine for inputting key data.

FIG. 14 is a subroutine for displaying on an image indicator.

FIG. 15 shows the display state of the image indicator in the filter screen when PS and S modes are set.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the display state of the image indicator in the filter screen when the PS, S mode is set, and shows the state in which one of the indicator pieces 44 is displayed sequentially in accordance with the display level.

FIG. 17 is a routine for calculating the motion sensitivity (stop indicator).

FIG. 18 is a routine for calculating the motion sensitivity (stop indicator).

FIG. 19 is a routine for calculating the motion sensitivity (stop indicator).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the display state of the image indicator in the filter screen when PA and A modes are set.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the display state of the image indicator in the filter screen when the PA, A mode is set, and shows the state in which one of the indicator pieces 44 is displayed sequentially in accordance with the display level.

FIG. 22 is a routine for calculating the degree of background depiction.

FIG. 23 is a subroutine for calculating the background blur circle diameter δ.

FIG. 24 is a subroutine for calculating a virtual background distance coefficient k.

FIG. 25 is a subroutine for calculating the width of each level of background depiction degree.

FIG. 26 is a background depiction level calculation subroutine.

[Figure 27] Background blur circle diameter δ calculated in #1135 and #1
4 is a graph showing the relationship between the background depiction degree levels calculated in step 410;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Microcomputer 2 LE circuit 3 FD circuit 4 LM circuit 5 DX circuit 6 DISP/C circuit 61, 62 DISP section 7 LEC circuit 8 AEC circuit 9 Logic circuit L Optical axis 20 Finder mirror 21 Focus plate 22 Pentaprism 23 Eyepiece 30 Camera 31 Photographic lens 32 Shutter speed setting member 33 Aperture value setting member 34 Finder 35 Main switch 36 Release button 37 Mode setting button 41 Background depiction indicator 42 Dynamic indicator 43 Coordinates 44 Index 45 Shutter speed display section 46 Aperture value display section 47 Exposure mode Display segment part SIMON Viewfinder screen display on/off switch SMD Exposure mode switch setting switch SAVUP
Aperture value up switch SAVDN Aperture value down switch STVUP Shutter speed up switch STV
DN Shutter speed down switch S1 Half-press release button switch S2 Full-press release button switch SIMI Switch that turns the viewfinder screen display on and off according to the exposure mode

Claims (8)

[Claims] Claim 1: means for determining a main subject distance and a background distance; a calculation means for calculating an amount of blur of the background relative to the main subject from the main subject distance, background distance, focal length of a photographing lens, and aperture value; 1. A background depiction degree determining device for a camera, comprising: background depiction determining means for determining a background depiction degree from an amount of blur. 2. The background depiction level determination device for a camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit having a display section capable of displaying a stepwise display; and a display unit configured to display the background depiction level obtained by the background depiction determination unit. 1. A background depiction degree determination device for a camera, comprising display control means for displaying images in stages. 3. The background depiction level determination device for a camera according to claim 2, wherein said display means has a display section formed of pictograms. 4. The pictograms on the display section express finishing conditions at the highest and lowest levels of the degree of background depiction, and an index and coordinates indicating the degree of background depiction are expressed between them. 4. The camera background depiction degree determining device according to claim 3. 5. The background depiction degree determination device for a camera according to claim 4, further comprising an aperture value setting member whose aperture value is set to a larger or smaller aperture value by operating in a forward or reverse direction, and which determines whether the background depiction degree is at the highest level or the lowest level. An apparatus for determining the degree of background depiction of a camera, characterized in that the pictographs expressing the finished state are composed of pictographs of the highest level and the lowest level arranged so as to correspond to the operating direction of the aperture value setting member. 6. The background depiction determination device for a camera according to claim 2, further comprising a finder for displaying a photographed image, and a display section of the display means is composed of a liquid crystal element, and the step display by the liquid crystal element is as described above. A background depiction degree determination device for a camera, characterized in that the determination is made within a viewfinder screen. 7. The background depiction level determination device for a camera according to claim 2, further comprising an exposure mode setting means capable of selectively setting an exposure mode, and displaying the background depiction degree by the display control means according to the selected exposure. 1. A background depiction degree determination device for a camera, comprising a switching control means for turning on and off according to a mode. 8. The background depiction degree of the camera according to claim 7, wherein the switching control means turns on the display when the exposure mode is a mode in which the aperture value can be manually set. Judgment device.