JPH04371938A - Remote controller for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable even a remote controller operator to take an infocus picture by generating an alarm and measuring a range again when range measurement data is larger than a specific value. CONSTITUTION:The camera has a range finding function and a remote control function and when a remote control decision means 16C in a CPU 16 recognizes a remote control operation mode, a distance decision means 16b decides whether or not the measured distance to a subject is longer than a specific distance. When the measured distance to the subject is longer, it is judged that the camera does not accurately measure the distance to the subject and an alarm means 21 warns that the distance to the subject is longer than the specific distance. Consequently, the operator repeats range finding operation until the measured distance becomes shorter than the specific distance and can perform shutter releasing operation after the distance becomes shorter, so that the in-focus picture can be taken.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates generally to remote control devices for cameras, and more specifically to technology for accurately focusing an autofocus camera equipped with a remote control function on a remote control operator. Regarding.

0002

[Background Art] In recent years, in response to the diversification of camera usage, the subject himself/herself emits a remote control signal light from a remote control (hereinafter abbreviated as "remote control") transmitter toward the camera. A camera has been proposed in which the shutter release is performed based on the following.

Recently, a remote control device has been proposed that realizes a remote release function by also using part of the wave receiving optical system or signal processing circuit of a so-called active autofocus camera. Publication No. 60-249127, JP 62-12343
Publication No. 6). In such a device, since the receiving optical system and the like are also used, it is possible to simplify the structure of the device.

0004

However, with the above-mentioned conventional remote control device, when the release is performed based on a remote control signal, if the photographer is holding the remote control device in a bad position, the photographer may not be able to focus. There is an inconvenience that the background or the like may be brought into focus instead of being focused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera equipped with a distance measurement function and a remote control function so that even a remote control operator can take a photograph that is accurately focused.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] According to the present invention, there is provided a remote control device for a camera that has a distance measurement function for measuring the distance to a subject and a remote control function, and the remote control device can perform remote control operations. remote control determining means for recognizing that the remote control operation mode is in effect, and determining whether the measured distance to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance in response to the determination that the remote control determining means is in the remote control operation mode; and a warning means for issuing a warning that the distance is longer than a predetermined distance when the distance measurement data to the object indicates that the distance is longer than the predetermined distance.

[0007] When the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, the distance measurement may be repeated until the distance measurement data becomes shorter than the predetermined distance.

[0008] In another aspect, in a remote control device for a camera having a distance measurement function for measuring the distance to a subject, a remote control function, and a photometry function for detecting the brightness of the subject, a remote control similar to that described above is provided. A determination means and a distance determination means are provided, and when the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, re-metering and re-measurement of the distance are repeated until the distance measurement data becomes shorter than the predetermined distance. Can be configured.

In this case, it is advantageous to further provide a display means for displaying that the distance is longer than a predetermined distance when the distance measurement data to the object indicates that the distance is longer than the predetermined distance.

0010

[Operation] In the above configuration, when the remote control determining means recognizes that the remote control operation mode is set, the distance determining means determines whether the distance to the measured object is longer than a predetermined distance. Determine whether When the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, it is determined that the camera has not accurately measured the distance to the subject.
The warning means issues a warning that the distance to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance. Thereby, for example, by the remote control operator operating the remote control again, it becomes possible to perform more accurate photographing.

Further, when the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, the distance measurement is repeated until the distance measurement data becomes shorter than the predetermined distance. The release operation can be performed after the distance measurement data becomes shorter than a predetermined distance by moving to a certain area, etc., and it becomes possible to take a photograph with the subject in focus.

[0012] Furthermore, when the camera is equipped with a distance measurement function, a remote control function, and a photometry function, if the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, the distance measurement data By repeating photometry and distance measurement until the distance is closer, not only the focus but also the exposure can be appropriately adjusted in response to the movement of the subject.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing the display means that displays a message to that effect when the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, the remote control operator can make more accurate measurements based on this display. It becomes possible to adjust the photographing conditions and perform other actions such that the distance is correct.

[0014]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a viewfinder screen of a camera equipped with a remote control device according to the present invention. In the figure, 51 is a finder screen corresponding to a photographing screen. A subject 52 holding a remote control transmitter 53 is visible within this finder screen. Further, A, B, and C indicate distance measurement ranges (focus areas).

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a camera equipped with a finder shown in FIG. The camera 100 in FIG. 2 includes a light receiving element section 1 and a light emitting element section 2. The light receiving element section 2 includes infrared light emitting diodes (IRED) 2A, 2B,
2C, and the light emitting element section 1 includes three semiconductor position detection elements (PSD) 1A, 1B, and 1C. And the IRED2A, 2B, 2C and PSD1
A, 1B, and 1C correspond to distance measurement ranges A, B, and C shown in FIG. 1, respectively. That is, the infrared light projected from the IRED 2A hits the subject in the distance measurement range A, and the infrared light reflected back is received by the PSD 1A. In addition, the infrared light projected from IRED2B hits the subject in distance measurement range B, and the infrared light reflected back is received by PSD1B, and
The arrangement is such that the infrared light projected from the RED 2C hits the object in the distance measurement range C, and the infrared light reflected and returned is received by the PSD 1C.

Each light receiving means, ie, the semiconductor position detection element PSD, is configured to generate two output signals that change reciprocally at the light receiving position on the light receiving surface of the light receiving means itself. For example, PSD1A has two current signals I1
A1, I1A2 are generated, and the magnitude of these signals is
The values change in opposite directions depending on the light receiving position on the light receiving surface of the SD1A. Distance data can be obtained by generating a light receiving position signal based on the ratio of such output signals and performing a distance measurement calculation. In addition, when each PSD receives a remote control optical signal, the 2
A light reception signal for remote control can be generated based on the sum of the two output signals.

The camera shown in FIG. 2 further includes light reception switching means 11, current/voltage conversion means 12, amplification means 13, synchronous detection means 14, comparator 15, CPU 16, light emission switching means 18, light emission driving means 19, and a driver. means 20, display means 21, remote control switch 22, main switch 23
, a half-press switch 24, a release switch 25, and the like.

The light reception switching means 11 includes PSDs 1A, 1B,
It accepts the signal output from 1C and selectively outputs a predetermined signal based on the selection control signal SEL from the CPU 16. The current/voltage conversion means 12 converts the current signal output from the light reception switching means 11 into a voltage signal, and this voltage signal is amplified by the amplification means 13 and applied to the synchronous detection means 14 and the comparator 15. . The synchronous detection means 14 detects current from the light receiving element section 1 to the current voltage conversion means 12 and the amplification means 1 in accordance with the light emitting operation of the light emitting element section 2 performed in accordance with instructions from the CPU 16, which will be described later.
3 is received in synchronization with the light projecting operation, and the synchronously detected light reception signal is output to the CPU 16.

The distance measurement calculation means 16a in the CPU 16 performs distance measurement calculations based on the light reception signal synchronously detected by the synchronous detection means 14, and outputs distance measurement data. The predetermined distance determining means 16b determines whether the measured distance data is longer than a predetermined distance. Remote control determination means 1
Reference numeral 6c controls the predetermined distance determining means 16b to operate only when the remote control is operated. Note that the distance measurement calculation means 16a, the predetermined distance determination means 16b, and the remote control determination means 16c can be realized by, for example, a program built into the CPU 16. Also, comparator 15
The signal inputted from the amplification means 13 is waveform-shaped into a pulse signal and applied to the remote control determination means 16c.

The light projection switching means 18 also includes a light projection element section 2.
One of the infrared light emitting diodes 2A, 2B and 2C is selected to emit light, and the IRED selected by the light projection switching means is driven by the light projection driving means 19 to emit light. Further, the driver means 20 is for driving mechanical parts such as a shutter and a film winding device (not shown). Furthermore, the display means 21 displays various information to the operator.

[0021] Also, normally, the remote control transmitter 53 is attached to the main body of the camera 100, and the remote control transmitter 53
When using the camera 100, it is configured to be removed from the camera 100. When the remote control transmitter 53 is removed from the camera 100, the remote control switch 22 is turned on and the camera enters the remote control mode. Further, the main switch 23 is for switching the CPU 16 to a standby state or an operating state. Regarding the shutter half-press switch 24 and release switch 25, when the shutter button (not shown) is pressed, the half-press switch 24 is first turned on, and the shutter half-press state is switched to CP.
Configured to notify U16. Further, when the shutter button is pressed, the release switch 25 is turned on and the release is performed.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the circuit configuration of the light receiving switching means 11. As shown in the figure, the light reception switching means 11 includes transmission gates 30 to 41, inverters 42 to 47, and a control signal SEL from the CPU 16, which becomes conductive when the control input is "L", that is, at a low level.
a decoder 4 outputting selection signals G1 to G6 according to the
8 etc. The decoder 48 receives the selection signal G
By setting any one of transmission gates 1 to G6 to "L", one of transmission gates 30 to 41 is selectively rendered conductive. As a result, any of the output terminals of the PSDs 1A to 1C is connected to the current-voltage conversion means 12, and the light receiving currents I1A1, I1A2, 11B1, I1
Any one of B2, I1C1, and I1C2 is input to the current-voltage conversion means 12. In addition, PSD1A or 1C
As shown in FIG. 3, each has two output terminals. That is, PSD1A has output terminals 1A1 and 1
A2, PSD1B connects output terminals 1B1 and 1B2,
PSD1C has output terminals 1C1 and 1C2, respectively. Therefore, as shown in Table 1, the output terminals of the PSDs 1A to 1C corresponding to "H", that is, high level ones among the selection signals G1 to G6, are the inverted (minus side) input of the operational amplifier 51 in the current-voltage conversion means 12. terminal, and one of the selection signals G1 to G6 is “L”.
The output terminals of the PSDs 1A to 1C corresponding to the PSDs 1A to 1C are connected to the non-inverting (plus side) input terminal of the operational amplifier 51 in the current-voltage conversion means 12. As a result, by selectively setting the selection signals G1 to G6 to "H", only the light receiving current of the PSD 1A to 1C selected by the light receiving switching means 11 is converted into a voltage signal by the current voltage converting means 12. It has become. Note that by setting a plurality of selection signals G1 to G6 to "H" at the same time, the sum of a plurality of light-receiving currents can be obtained.

[0023] Furthermore, in the current-voltage converting means 12, 4
9 and 50 are bias power supplies, 51 is an operational amplifier, and 52 is a feedback resistor. Then, the light receiving current I1A1 of PSD1A to 1C is applied to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 51.
to I1C2 are converted into voltage signals and sent to the amplifying means 13.
supplied to The output voltage value at this time is
1 and the resistance value of the feedback resistor 52.

[0024] In the above configuration, an example in which three light-emitting elements and three light-receiving elements are used is described, but one or more light-receiving elements may be provided. It is possible. When there is one light receiving element, in Fig. 3, PSD1B, 1C and IRE
The configuration excludes D2B, 2C and parts related to these.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the remote control transmitter 53. The transmitters in the figure are IRED101 and IRED10.
1, a pulse generating means 103 that generates pulses at predetermined time intervals, and a transmitting switch 10.
4 and so on.

In such a remote control transmitter, when the transmission switch 104 is pressed, the pulse generating means 103 is activated.
generates two pulses at a predetermined interval and applies them to the driving means 102. The driving means 102 drives the IRED 101 in response to these two pulses to output an infrared light signal twice.

FIG. 5(a) shows the pulse signal N1 output from the pulse generating means 103. That is, the pulse signal N1 outputted from the pulse generating means 103 is controlled so that T3 satisfies T1≦T3≦T1+T2, where T3 is the time interval between the first pulse and the second pulse. Note that here, T1 and T2 are predetermined time widths. Further, (b) in FIG. 5 shows that the infrared light signal projected in response to the pulse signal N1 is transmitted to the camera 10.
The light receiving signal N2 received and amplified by the light receiving element section 1 of
(Fig. 2), and (c) of Fig. 5 shows this received light signal N2.
shows the pulse signal N3 after being shaped into a pulse waveform by the comparator 15.
Table 1 Selection signal
Condition in which the PSD output terminal of the PSD is connected
Output terminal Input terminal of operational amplifier 51 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
−−−−−−−−−−−− G1
H 1A 1A1
− side L
1A1
+ side G2 H 1A
1A2 − side
L 1A
2 + side --
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
----- G3 H 1B
1B1 − side
L 1B
1 + side G4
H 1B 1B2
− side L
1B2
+ side −−−−−−−−−−−−−−
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− G5
H 1C 1C1
− side L
1C1
+ side G6 H 1
C 1C2 − side
L 1
C2 + side −
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
------

Camera 1 configured in this way
The remote control operation in 00 will be explained. In the remote control operation, a remote control signal is transmitted to the camera 100 by operating the remote control switch 104 of the transmitter 53, and in response to this, a photometry operation, a distance measurement operation,
and release operations are performed sequentially. That is, the light-receiving element section 1 sequentially performs a light-receiving operation for a remote control signal and a light-receiving operation for a distance measurement operation.

Further, details of the remote control operation will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. first,
The CPU 16 confirms whether the remote control switch 22 is on or off. That is, when the transmitter 53 is removed from the main body of the camera 100 and the remote control switch 22 is turned on, only the selection signals G1 and G2 corresponding to, for example, the PSD 1A in the light receiving element section 1 are set to "H", and the selection signals G1 and G2 corresponding to the PSD 1A are set to "H".
only becomes active (steps S1, S2).

If it is determined in step S1 that the remote control switch 22 is off, it is determined whether the main switch 23 is on or off and the half-press switch 24 is on or off, and if both are on, the normal The process moves to step S16 to execute the photographing operation (step S14,
S15) If the main switch 23 is off, the operation ends.

In step S1, if the remote control switch 22 is on, it is determined that the remote control mode is in effect, and the operator operates the transmission switch 104 of the transmitter 53 to transmit the pulse signal N1 (FIG. 5(a)). ) When an infrared light signal is transmitted twice at a predetermined time interval corresponding to
1+I1A2 is output to the current-voltage conversion means 12. The voltage signal N2 output from the current-voltage conversion means 12 (Fig.
(b)) is amplified by the amplifying means 13, then shaped into a pulse signal N3 (FIG. 5(c)) by the comparator 15, and input to the port P1 of the CPU 16 (step S2).
).

When the rising edge of the first pulse is input (step S3), the CPU 16 measures a predetermined time T1 and then starts a timer that measures a predetermined time T2 (steps S4 and S5). If the rising edge of the second pulse is input before the timing of time T2 ends (step S6), the CPU 16 determines that the remote control signal from the transmitter 53 has been input, and sets the camera 100 to remote control mode. The fact that the remote control mode has been set is displayed on the display means 21 (step S7). Note that the above series of operations is performed in order to prevent noise light other than the predetermined infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter 53 from being sensed.

Note that if the second pulse is not input in step S12 and the timer ends, the process returns to steps S3 and S1 depending on whether the remote control switch 22 is turned on or off (
Step S13).

When the camera 100 is set to the remote control mode as described above, the operator, who is the subject, uses the transmitter 53.
A timing operation for a predetermined time Tw is performed in order to hide the camera from the photographing range (step S8). During this time, the remote control switch 22 is turned on and off, and the main switch 23 is turned on and off.
Check that they are off (steps S9, S10), and if both are on and the Tw timer ends (step S11)
, the process moves to step S16. If the remote control switch 22 is not on in step S9, the process returns to step S1, and if the main switch 23 is not on in step S10, the operation ends, and in step S11
If the w timer has not expired, the process returns to step S9.

The photometry operation in step S16 is the same as that conventionally performed, so its explanation will be omitted.

Next, in steps S17 to S19, distance measuring operations for distance measuring ranges A, B, and C are sequentially executed. That is, an infrared signal for autofocus is transmitted from each IRED 2A, 2B, and 2C of the light emitting element section 2 to the subject 52, and the infrared signal reflected by the subject 52 is transmitted to each of the distance measurement ranges A, B, and C. and the corresponding PS
The light is received by each light receiving surface of D1A, 1B, and 1C. As a result, two light-receiving current signals I each change reciprocally according to the light-receiving position on the light-receiving surface of each PSD 1A, 1B, and 1C.
1A1, I1A2, I1B1, I1B2, I1C1, I
1C2 are generated respectively. A light receiving position signal is generated based on the ratio of each of these two light receiving current signals,
Based on this light reception position signal, the distance measurement calculation means 16a in the CPU 16 performs distance measurement calculation to obtain distance measurement data.

Each distance measurement range A obtained in this way,
When the distance measurement data to be used for the focusing operation is determined from the distance measurement data of B and C (step S20), it is checked again whether the remote control mode is set (step S21). If the mode is remote control mode, it is determined whether the distance measurement data is a predetermined distance or more (step S100), and if it is less than the predetermined distance, a release process including AF control and AE control is executed and the shutter is released. (Step S23)
. If the measured distance data is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the display means 21 displays a warning that the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, and then the process returns to step S1.

If it is not the remote control mode in step S21, it is checked whether the release switch 25 is on or off (step S22), and if it is on, the release process is executed and the shutter is released (step S23), and if it is off, the shutter is released (step S23). It is checked whether the half-press switch 24 is on or off (step S24), and if the half-press switch 24 is on, the process returns to step S22, and if it is off, the process returns to step S1.

In the first embodiment described above, if it is determined in step S100 that the distance measurement data is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the user is prompted to operate the remote control again in step S101, and the process returns to step S1. Therefore, the release operation is performed so that the release is not carried out carelessly, and there are also effects such as being able to prevent wasteful use of the film.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, in step S2 of FIGS. 6 and 7 described above, the remote control signal from the remote control transmitter 53 is received by all three PSDs 1A to 1C. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the same step numbers as in FIGS. 6 and 7 indicate the same operations, and in the following explanation, the parts returning from step S2' and steps S200 and S201 to step S17 that are different from those in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described. The explanation will focus on the operation.

As described above, in this embodiment, the remote control signal is received by all three PSDs 1A to 1C, so if the remote control switch 22 is turned on in step S1, the selection signals G1 to G6 corresponding to the PSDs 1A to 1C are received. All become "H" and all of the PSDs 1A to 1C become active (step S2').

As a result, if a remote control signal is received by any of the PSDs 1A to 1C, the same operation as in the case of FIGS. It is determined whether If the distance measurement data is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance in step S200, a display indicating that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance and distance measurement will be performed again is displayed in step S201, and then the process returns to step S17 to perform distance measurement again.

In this embodiment, since the remote control signal from the remote control transmitter 53 can be received in all of the ranging ranges A to C shown in FIG. 1, the range of transmitter positions for remote control operation can be widened. It has the effect of Furthermore, since only distance measurement is performed again, it is possible to take a photograph with the subject more accurately in focus.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the operation of the apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, when it is determined in step S200 that the distance measurement data is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, similarly to step S100 in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. After displaying that distance measurement is to be performed, the process returns to step S16 to perform photometry and distance measurement again. In the case of this third embodiment, for example, if the subject happens to be not in any of the normal distance measurement ranges A to C, light metering and distance measurement will be performed again, so the focusing operation and exposure for the subject will be performed again. Operations are performed more accurately.

In the above embodiments, a PSD was used as the light receiving element, but the light receiving element is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a line sensor and a multi-segmented light receiving element. Further, in the above embodiment, the light receiving element of the remote control and the light receiving element for distance measurement are used together, but it goes without saying that dedicated elements can be used for each.

[0046]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the camera remote control device according to the present invention, it is possible to take a photograph in which the subject is definitely in focus, for example, when the photographer himself is the subject. becomes possible. Also,
The focusing operation and the exposure operation can be carried out to accurately follow changes in the photographing conditions due to the movement of the subject, etc., and there is also the effect of preventing wasted use of film.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the viewfinder of a camera to which a remote control device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of a camera equipped with a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing a detailed configuration of light reception switching means and the like in the camera of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of a remote control transmitter used in the camera of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing signals from various parts of the camera of FIG. 2 and the remote control transmitter of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention together with FIG. 9;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention together with FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention together with FIG. 11;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention together with FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Light receiving element section 1A, 1B, 1C Semiconductor position detection element (PSD) 2
Light emitting element section 2A, 2B, 2C Infrared light emitting diode (IRED)
11 Light reception switching means 12 Current/voltage conversion means 13 Amplification means 14 Synchronous detection means 15 Comparator 16 CPU 16a Distance calculation means 16b Predetermined distance determination means 16c Remote control determination means 18 Light projection switching means 19 Light projection driving means 20 Driver means 21 Display Means 22 Remote control switch 23 Main switch 24 Half-press switch 25 Release switch 51 Finder 52 Remote control operator 53 Remote control transmitter 100 Camera 101 Infrared light emitting diode 102 Drive means 103 Pulse generation means 104 Transmission switch

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A remote control device for a camera having a distance measurement function for measuring the distance to a subject and a remote control function, comprising a remote control determination means for recognizing that the remote control operation mode is set, and the remote control determination unit. distance determination means for determining whether the measured distance to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance in response to the determination that the means is in the remote control operation mode; 1. A remote control device for a camera, comprising: warning means for issuing a warning that the distance is longer than a predetermined distance when the distance is longer than a predetermined distance. 2. When the distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, the distance measurement is repeated until the distance measurement data becomes shorter than the predetermined distance. Remote control device for the camera described. 3. In a camera remote control device having a distance measurement function for measuring the distance to a subject, a remote control function, and a photometry function for detecting the brightness of the subject, a remote control device that recognizes that it is in a remote control operation mode. control determining means; and distance determining means for determining whether the measured distance to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance in response to the remote control determining means determining that the remote control operation mode is selected. A camera remote, characterized in that when distance measurement data to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, re-metering and re-measurement of distance are repeated until the distance measurement data becomes shorter than the predetermined distance. control device. 4. The camera according to claim 3, further comprising display means for displaying that the distance is longer than a predetermined distance when distance measurement data to the subject indicates that the distance is longer than a predetermined distance. Remote control device for the camera described.