JPH0456929A - Camera with automatic programmed zooming function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the time for release/lock due to an uncharged state by charging a flash photography device unless releasing operation is performed for a long time after a photographer decides framing. CONSTITUTION:A grip part 1 is provided with a grip switch button 2 which detects the photographer holding the grip part 1. A range found value and a light measured value are locked by pressing a release button 3, provided on the grip part 1, to a 1st stage and exposing operation is started by pressing the switch to a 2nd stage. Then when it is decided from a photographic distance outputted repeatedly from a range finding means that a focal length varying means need not operate for a specific time, the focal length varying means is inhibited from operating thereafter and the flash photography device is charged. Consequently, the charging is completed to some extent when releasing operation is started and the time for release/lock due to the uncharged state can be shortened.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera having an automatic program zoom function.

Conventional technology In recent years, automatic program zoom (Auto Progr.
This APZ function, which has become known for cameras having a function (Am Zoom (hereinafter referred to as rAPZJ)), is that when the object path gLD is determined, a program line that shows the relationship between the object distance and the photographic magnification β is This function automatically determines the photographing magnification, calculates the focal length f using the formula f (photographing distance) - β・D, and drives the zoom motor so that the focal length of the zoom lens becomes the obtained focal length. .

On the other hand, a so-called intermittent charging method is also known in which charging is performed at predetermined time intervals when charging a flash photography device built into a camera.

The problem that Akira is trying to solve The APZ function described above calculates the photographing magnification β from a predetermined program line according to the subject distance, and performs a zoom operation so that the focal length f is determined from f-β,D. However, even when the subject distance does not change for a predetermined period of time, the distance measurement operation and the above calculation for determining the focal length are performed. However, if the shutter release operation is not performed for a long time after the photographer determines the framing (composition) by the APZ operation, the distance measurement operation and calculation operation are unnecessary.

Furthermore, if you proceed to the actual photographing operation and perform a so-called uncharged lock, in which you cannot perform a release operation unless the flash photographing device is fully charged, you may miss a photo opportunity.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a distance measuring means for repeatedly measuring the shooting distance of a subject in a camera with an automatic program zoom function; a focal length changing means for changing the focal length of the photographing lens to a predetermined distance according to the tc shooting distance measured by the distance measuring means; and a flash photographing device for illuminating the subject; control means for prohibiting the subsequent operation of the focal length changing means and charging the flash photography device when it is determined that the operation of the focal length changing means is unnecessary for a predetermined period of time based on the photographing distance; .

Effects With this configuration, if the photographer does not perform a release operation for a long time after deciding on framing, the flash photography device is charged, so that charging will be completed to some extent when the release operation is started. This reduces the amount of time it takes for the release to lock due to uncharging.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described based on the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are views of the camera according to the present invention viewed from the front left and rear left, respectively, as seen from the photographer's perspective.

In FIG. 1, (1) is a grip section that is considered to be always held when taking a photograph, except in special cases. Grip part (
1) is provided with a grip switch button (2) for detecting that the photographer is holding the grip section. In the figure, (3) is a release button provided on the upper part of the grip part (1). Pushing it one step locks the distance measurement value and photometry value, and pushing it two steps starts the exposure operation. (4 is the main switch for starting the camera, (5) is the flash section.

In Fig. 2, (6) is a viewfinder, (7) is a light emitting element such as an LED for detecting eye proximity, and (8) is a light emitting element (e.g. S) that receives the light emitted by the light emitting element (7).
FIG. 3, which shows a light receiving element made of a PC, is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a CPU (microcomputer) (10) not only controls the entire camera of the present invention, but also operates a distance measuring section (10) that also performs APZ calculations.
11) calculates the subject distance and uses that data as C
Output to PU (10). The focal length variable part (12) is C
The zoom lens motor is driven so that the focal length f is the APZ calculation result calculated in the PU (10). The focal length detection section (13) includes the focal length variable section (12).
When the focal length is changing, the current focal length is detected by a code plate or the like and the detected value is output to the CPU (10). The flash (14) has a capacitor for light emission inside, and when the capacitor is charged by a charging signal from the CPU (10), a charging completion signal is sent to the CPU (10).
). The photometry section (15) measures the subject brightness,
The data is output to the CPU (10). Exposure control section (
16) is an eyepiece detection unit (17) that performs release operation and film winding based on control signals from the CPLI (10).
) includes a light emitting element (7) shown in FIG. 2 and a light receiving element (8) for detecting reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting element (7). When the photographer looks through the finder (6), the light emitted from the light emitting element (7) is reflected by the photographer, and the eyepiece detection unit 17) detects the light emitted from the light receiving element (8) at a reflected light level within a predetermined range. The clock section (18) is configured to be detected by a predetermined switch (
APO (Au t ) that stops camera operation when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the camera was not operated.

Power 0ff) [Also for Noh,
(19) is an E"FROM in which version No. 8 of the camera operating software is recorded.

Next, the switches will be explained. Main switch (S
M) is a switch for starting the camera.

The grip switch (SG) is a switch that is turned ON when the grip switch (2) shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, and detects that the photographer has grasped the grip and started the photographing operation. A lock switch ($1) locks the distance measurement value, photometry value, and photographing magnification. The lock switch (Sl) is turned on by pressing down the release button (3) shown in FIG. 1 one step. The exposure control switch (S2) performs a release operation by pressing down the release button (3) two steps, and the flash emission switch (SF) is a switch that is turned on when performing flash photography.

In addition, when the CPU is equipped with a power supply, a timer,
Reset terminal (RES) for resetting registers, etc.
) is provided.

Next, the processing performed within the CPU (10) in FIG. 1 will be explained based on the flowcharts in FIGS. 4 to 9.

When the power battery is installed, the CPU (10) executes the rREsETJ routine shown in FIG. First step (
#1) Initial resets the timer, registers, etc. When the initial reset is completed, in step #2) E2
Write the version number of the operating software to the PROM.Next, in step (#3), write the E2FROM (1
9) to the version number written in step (#2)
, and in step (#4) E2PROM N9
) is correct. If the data is incorrect, photography will not be allowed. If the data is correct, the main switch (SM) is turned OFF in step (#5).
When it is determined whether the switch (SM) is N or not and the switch (SM) is turned on, the camera is activated and the routine proceeds to the rMAINJ routine shown in FIG.

The rMAIN4 routine shown in FIG. 5 will be explained. First, in step (#6), it is determined whether the grip switch (SG) is ON. Switch (SG) is ON
Wait for the rAPZ to become
Move to subroutine J. In step (#8), it is determined whether the switch (S11) is ON or not, and the switch (S
If l) is OFF, the above steps (#6) to (#7)
The operations up to this point are repeated, and if the switch (Sl) is ON, the process moves to the rsl ONJ subroutine of step (#9), which will be described later. After the rsl ONJ subroutine, in step (#10), the main switch (S
It is determined whether M) is ON or not, and if it is OFF, the photographing operation is ended. If the switch (SM) is ON, step (4)
In step H1), a predetermined value T1 is set in timer 1, and in the first step (#12) for starting, it is determined whether or not timer 1 has counted up. This timer 1 is the APO timer described earlier. If the timer l has not counted up, return to step (#6) and repeat the above operation. If the timer has counted up, the display etc. will be turned off and the system will be in standby mode until the switch (SG) or switch (sl) is turned on again. .

Next, the subroutine of rAPZJ will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the grip switch (SG) is pressed and the routine shifts to this routine, step (#13) is first executed.
), the register C0UNT in the CPU (10) used for eye proximity detection is reset to 0, and step (#1
4) Start timer 2. This timer 2 is a timer set to generate an interrupt every predetermined time, and when the predetermined time elapses, the CPU executes the rlNTJ routine shown in FIG. 7 as an interrupt process. In FIG. 7, it is determined in step (#41) whether the grip switch (SG) is ON or not, and it is OFF, that is, when the photographer is not grasping the grip (in most cases, when there is no intention to photograph). moves to step (#42) and register C0
Return as UNT=O. In addition, step (#6
) and step (#41), but this is because the grip part (1
) or only the grip switch button (2). Switch (SG) is ON
If (i.e. if you are trying to take a picture) step (
Shifting to #43), the light emitting element (for example, an LED) (7) provided near the viewfinder (6) in Fig. 2 emits light.The light emitting element (7) emits light in a pulsed manner to save power consumption. . Then, the reflected light is received by a light receiving element (8) such as an SPC, and it is determined in step (#44) whether the reflected light level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is the value of the reflected light level when the distance between the finder (6) and the photographer (mainly the photographer's eyes) is several mm (for example, 5 mm), and if it is greater than this predetermined value, This is a reference value that determines that the photographer is looking through the finder (6), and if it is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the photographer is not looking through the finder (6).

If the reflected light level is above a predetermined value, step ($
45) and set the contents of register C0UNT to C0UN.
Set T+1 (COUNT=COUNT+1) 0 Next, it is determined whether the contents of the register C0UNT obtained in step (#45) are 2 or more. If C0UNT≧2, the process returns in step (#47) with C0UNT=2, and if C0IJNT is less than 2, the process returns with the contents of the register GOIJNT obtained in step (#45). That is, when the photographer holds the grip shown in FIG. 1 to perform a photographing operation and looks into the finder (6) shown in FIG.
Since the content of UNT is 0, even if the reflected light level caused by the light emission of the first light emitting element (7) is higher than the predetermined value, the INT routine (eyepiece detection routine) is exited with C0UNT = 1 in step (#45). If the 9th timer interrupt occurs and the reflected light level remains above the predetermined value even if the light emitting element (7) emits light, C0UNT = 2,
As a result of the determination in step (#14) in Figure 6, the transition to 7APZ operation (?) is made.The reason why the transition to APZ operation is not made by detecting the level of reflected light from the light emitted by the first light emitting element (7) is due to noise. This is to prevent the zoom operation from starting during framing.If the reflected light level is less than a predetermined value in step (#44), the process moves to step (#48). Set the contents of register C0UNT to C0UNT = 1 (COU
NT=COUNT-1), then in step (#49), find tζ register C0UNT in step (#48)
It is determined whether the content of is less than or equal to 0, and if it is less than or equal to 0, set C0UNT=O in step (#50), and if it is greater than 0, it is determined in step (#48) and is set to tζ register c.

Return with the contents of UNT as is. Next, this step (#44) (#48) (#49) (#5
The processing of step 0) will be explained based on an actual photographing operation. If you are not looking through the viewfinder (6) before taking a picture, the contents of register C01JNT are 0, so APZ will not start, but if you move your eyes away from the viewfinder (6) while APZ is operating, in this case (#44) The level of the reflected light is determined to be below the predetermined value.

However, even if the reflected light level is below a predetermined value, the AP
The operation of APZ is not stopped, and the operation of APZ is stopped only when the reflected light level due to light emission from the next light emitting element (7) also becomes less than a predetermined value. This is also step 145) ~ (#47)
As in case ', this is for noise countermeasure.8 Returning to the flowchart in Figure 6, step (#15)
It is determined whether the contents of register C0UNT are 2 or not. Wait until C0UNT22 (that is, it is determined that the user is looking into the finder (6)), and then proceed to step (#16). In step (#16), the timer 3 is reset and started (time 1 = 0). This timer 3 and the above-mentioned timer 2 are both built into the CPU, and the 0th order distance measuring unit (TC) can be used. 11) and photometry section (1
Step 5) performs known distance measurement and photometry operations, performs focusing in step (#18), and determines the subject distance D□ in step ($19).

Next, it is determined in step (#2°) whether or not the timer 30 count operation started in step (116) has elapsed for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment). 0
．． If it is within 5 seconds, move to step (#17) and repeat steps (#17) to (#19) until 0.
．． When 5 seconds have passed, the next predetermined time (
In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not one second has elapsed. That is, if one second has not elapsed (0,5≦t<1), it is determined in step (#22) whether the change in subject distance D1 is within a predetermined value. If it is not within the predetermined value, it is determined that the photographer is in the process of deciding the subject (composition), and the process moves to step (#17), and step ($1
Repeat the operations from 7 to (#21), subject pressure gltD
If the change in □ is within a predetermined value, it is determined that the subject (composition) has been decided, or timer 3 is set in step (#21).
When the count operation exceeds 1 second, the zoom operation from step 123) is started.To summarize the above operations related to the timer 3, the zoom operation is prohibited within 0.5 seconds after detecting eye contact.

For 0.5 to 1 second, the zoom operation is performed only when the subject distance D□ is stable, and for 1 second or more, the zoom operation is performed regardless of the subject distance D□. Note that the reason why the timer 3 is operated in steps ($16) to (#22) is to prevent the zoom operation from being started during framing and to take measures against noise.

When moving to zoom operation, first in step (#23), tζ subject distance D□ and A obtained in step (#18)
A focal length f□ corresponding to a predetermined imaging magnification β determined by the PZ program line is calculated.

When f□ is determined, it is determined in step ($24) whether or not it is C0UNTO. If C,0UNT=0, that is, if it is determined that the photographer is not looking into the finder (6),
If zooming is in progress, stop the zoom operation and return. If C0UNT is 'O', it is determined in step (#26) whether the main switch (SM) is ON or not, and if the main switch is OFF, the process moves to step (#27), and if zooming is in progress. Stop zoom operation and return.

In this way, in step (#24), C0LINTO
The determination as to whether this is the case or not is based on the following reasoning. That is, after exiting the rlNTJ routine in FIG.
Even while NT=2 and steps (#16) to (#23) are being executed, C0UNT:
Interruptions at predetermined time intervals following the previous interrupt with =2 are performed without stopping. Therefore step (#2
In 4), from then on, by interrupting every predetermined time,
It is necessary to judge whether or not C0UNT=O.

Also, when steps (#16) to (#23) are being executed, step (#
44) may be determined to be N (reflected light level less than a predetermined value). Since C0UNT was set to 2 by the previous interrupt processing, C0UNT is set to 2 in step (#48).
T=1, and in step Nt49) it is determined to be N and the process returns with C0UNT=1. Steps (+16) to (#23) are executed by this special sale interrupt processing.
) is executed, and when step (#24) is reached, step (#24) judges that C0UNT is not 0, and even if the reflected light level is less than a predetermined value, the next step (#26
). However, after returning with the content of C0UNT=1, the subsequent interrupt at predetermined time intervals causes C0UNT=0 in step 14B), and the process returns via steps (L49) and (#50).

Therefore, in the case where the process has proceeded to step (#24) due to the previous interrupt, 6, in order to wait for the switch (Sl) to be turned on, step (#2
After returning to step 4), in step (4t24) again, C
A determination is made as to whether 0UNT=0. C0UNT=0
As a result, the process returns after passing through step (#25) t, so no malfunction occurs.

If the switch (SM) is ON, it is determined in step (#28) whether the switch (Sl) is ON. If the switch (Sl) is not ON (OF Fl, the current focal length fN is determined by the focal length detection section (13) in FIG. 3, and it is determined whether it is equal to the focal length fy determined in step (#23). Discern.

If not, the zoom operation is started so that the focal length becomes f, and the process returns to step (#24) and the operations of steps (4t24) to (#30) are repeated. In step ($28), the switch (Sl ) is ON, the process moves to the rsl ONJ routine described later. If fN=fr in step (#30), stop the zoom operation in step (#32). 5 fN-fT before zoom drive
If so, there is no need for zoom drive, and no zoom operation is performed.

After stopping the zoom operation, the flash (14) is charged in step (#33). Figure 8 shows the flash charging routine. First, in step (#51), the flash light emission switch (SF) is turned on. Determine whether it exists or not. If the switch (SF) is OFF, the battery returns without charging. Switch ('SF) is ON
If so, it is determined in step (#52) whether or not the charging capacitor has been fully charged. If charging is complete, it will return immediately. ``If charging is not completed, a charging timer is started in step (#53). This charging timer opens a predetermined number of times, for example, 250 times.
m5) This is for so-called intermittent charging. After starting the charging timer, step (
In the step (#55) of starting charging at $54), it is determined whether or not the charging timer has counted up, and when the charging timer has counted up, charging is stopped and the process returns.

Returning to FIG. 6, in case the framing (composition) is changed during charging, distance measurement, photometry, focusing and subject distance D1 are performed again in steps 134) to (#36).
Perform the calculation. As a result of calculating the subject distance D0 in step (#36), it is determined whether the change in the subject distance D□ is within a predetermined value compared to the previous subject distance D1, and if it is not within a predetermined value, framing (composition) is performed. Assuming that the change has been made, return to step (#23) and perform the steps ($23) to (
Repeat step #36). If the change in subject distance DT is within a predetermined value, it is assumed that the framing (composition) has not been changed, and in step (#38), a predetermined value T2 is set in APO timer 1, and step (#3) is started.
9) Repeat steps (#24) to (#39) until it is determined that timer 1 has counted up. When timer 1 has counted up, clear the data such as distance measurement value, photometry value, etc. = 0, that is, the camera waits until the photographer takes his eyes off the finder, and then shifts to the MEjN routine.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the APZ is operating, the flash is charged while the framing (composition) is fixed after the completion of the zoom operation, so even if charging is not completed, the flash can be charged by switching ( Even if S 1 ) or (S2) is pressed and the exposure operation is started, charging occurs during framing, and the time until the exposure operation (so-called uncharged lock time) is shortened by tζ.

Furthermore, by operating timer 1 for APO during APZ operation, if zoom drive is not required during APZ operation (when the subject is fixed), APZ operation can be stopped after a predetermined period of time. This eliminates unnecessary distance measurement operations and prevents unnecessary power consumption.

Note that during this APZ APO, the eye proximity detection operation continues, and when the photographer takes his eyes off the finder and looks through the finder again, the photographing operation resumes.

Next, the rsl ONJ routine when the switch (sl) is turned on will be explained with reference to FIG. first,
In step 162), it is determined whether the contents of register C0UNT are 0 or not.

C0UNTI-0, that is, if the photographer is looking through the viewfinder, the current focal pressure N is displayed at step (#63).
, fN are detected. The current focal pressure ii&r, is obtained in step (#23), and it is determined in step (#64) whether or not it is equal to tζ focal length f□, and if fN"fT, the zoom is performed so that the focal length becomes fl. Start the operation. Alternatively, press the switch '(St) during zoom operation.
) is turned on, the zoom operation continues until the focal length reaches fN.

When f,=f□, the rhythm operation is stopped in step (#66) and the process moves to step (-#67).

On the other hand, if 1,1 is C0UNTO in step (#62), the zoom operation is stopped at the current focal length and the process moves to step 1-67). In step (#67),
Distance measurement and photometry are performed for confirmation, and focusing is performed again in step (168).

Next, in step (#69), the exposure control switch
It is determined whether or not S2) is ON. Swift (S2
) is ON, exposure control is performed in step (#74), the film is wound up in step (#75), and the process returns. If the switch (S2) is OFF, step (
In #70), it is determined whether the switch (Sl) is ON or not, and if it is OFF, the process returns. If the switch (Sl) remains ON, it is determined in step (#71) whether the main switch (SM) is ON. switch(
SM) is OFF, the photographing operation ends.

If the switch (SM) remains ON, step ($7
In step 2), timer l is set to a predetermined value T3 and started. Next, in step (#74), it is determined whether or not timer 1 has counted up, and if it is in the counting operation, the process moves to step ($69), and the step (#6
9) to repeat the operation of steps (#75), timer l
When it counts up, it enters a standby state and waits for the switch (Sl) to be turned on again.

As described above, in this embodiment, the APO timer is operated even when the switch (S 1 ) is turned on, so it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption due to long-term focus lock.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for switching between giving priority to APZ operation and charging the flash photography device.

First, set a predetermined value T to the APO timer l and start it. This allows the APZ operation to be performed within a predetermined period of time, thereby preventing wasteful power consumption. Next, as in the case of Fig. 6, the photographer looks through the finder and C0
When UNT 22 is reached, photometry is performed in step (#84).

It is determined in step (#85) whether or not the photometry results in low brightness. If the brightness is not low, the process moves to step (#89). If the brightness is low, it is determined in step ($86) whether or not the flash light emission switch (SF) is ON. If the switch (SF) is not ON, the flash light emission is not performed and the process moves to step (#89). If the switch (SF) is ON, it is determined in step (#87) whether the charge of the capacitor for flash emission has reached the voltage that allows light emission, and if it has reached the voltage that allows light emission, step (#89) is carried out. If the voltage has not reached the voltage that enables 0 light emission, charging is started in step (188), and the process returns to step (#84). The brightness disappears while charging,
When either the switch (SF) is turned off or the charging reaches a voltage that allows light emission, the process moves to step (#89). In step (#89), if charging is in progress, stop charging, and in step ($90), reset and start timer 3.6 Next, in step (#91), distance measurement operation is performed, and the following steps (#92) to Step (#1
06) is step (#18) to step (#3) in Figure 6.
2), perform the same operation as A in step (#106).
After the PZ operation is completed, photometry is performed again to determine low brightness and switch (SF) (steps (#107) to (#109)), then proceed to step (#112). Step 110) determines whether or not charging of the flash is completed, and if charging is not completed, step (#111) determines whether the charge level has reached the voltage that allows flashing. If the voltage has not been reached, the process returns to step (#84), and if the voltage that allows light emission has been reached, charging is started in step ($112) so that the charging is completed.

After charging is stopped in step (#113), a distance measuring operation is performed in step (#4).The following steps are the same as step 135) in FIG. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of Figure 10 above, if flash emission is required,
First, priority is given to charging up to a voltage that allows light emission. However, photometry is performed even while charging, and charging is stopped when the flash is no longer needed. That is, since the voltage that enables light emission is first secured and the APZ operation is performed, the uncharged lock will not occur even if the release button is pressed. Then, when no zoom operation is performed, charging is performed to a charging completion level.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are a flow chart and a time chart for performing eye contact detection with higher accuracy. In the explanation with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the timing of eye proximity detection is performed at regular intervals by the timer 2, but in FIG. 11, the light emission interval is shortened if the reflected light level is above a predetermined value.

FIG. 11 will be explained based on actual operation.

First, if the photographer does not hold the grip switch (SG), set it to C0UNTO in step (#122),
In step (#123), the light emitting element (7) is reset to emit light at time intervals of 11, and the process returns.

If the switch (SG) is ON, step (#124)
Step (#1) in which the light emitting element (7) emits light at
25), if the level of light received by the light receiving element (8) (reflected light level) is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the content of the register C0UNT is set to C0UNT+1 in step (#126), and the process proceeds to step (#126).
In #127), it is determined whether C0UNT≧4. In the step (#46) of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not C0UNT≧2, and if the reflected light level is twice a predetermined value or higher, the APZ operation is started, but in FIG.
If the number of times exceeds a predetermined value, the system shifts to APZ operation.

If C0UNT≧4 in step ($127), it is determined whether C0UNT=2 in step (#134).If it is detected that the 0 reflected light level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, then C0UNT21 is detected. Step (#13)
6). In step (#136), the interrupt timing by timer 2 is set to time t.

Set (t+>ts) and return. After t, an interrupt is generated again, and if the level of reflected light 6 this time is above the predetermined level, C0UNT=2 and step (#1
27) and step (#134), the process moves to step (#135). In step (#135), the time of timer 2 is set to 12 (1,<12<1,).

The reason why the interrupt timing by timer 2 is switched to three stages as described above is as follows. If the photographer is holding the grip and not looking through the viewfinder, or if the photographer is holding the grip but not looking through the viewfinder, the flash will fire at a relatively long flash interval (tl) to reduce power consumption. Once a reflected light of a predetermined value or more is received, the emission interval is shortened (1:+) to prevent noise. In this case, the noise is noise inside the camera, noise caused by a fluorescent light, or the like. The fluorescent light is lit at 50Hz and ζ is lit at 60Hz, so the time t
3 is set to be shorter than the frequency (period) of the fluorescent lamp, and if an interrupt occurs after the 0 time t3 has elapsed and a reflected light of more than the predetermined value is received again, the light emission interval is determined as not due to the above noise. Switch to t2.

Returning to Fig. 11, when the reflected light of the predetermined value or more is received four times in a row, C0UNT=4 in step (#126), and the process proceeds to step (#128) based on the determination in step (#127).
to move to. In step (@128) C0UNT=
4, the eyepiece flag is set to 1 in step (#129).
Determine whether or not. Since the flag is set to 0 at the time of the first eye contact detection, the process moves to step (#130) and the flag is set to 1. After that, in step (#131), set the timer 2 time to t2 and return.0 At the time of the next detection, the flag is 1, so step (#129)
When it is determined, the process moves to step (#132) and the flag is set to 0.
Then, t3 is set in timer 2 and the process returns.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (#125) that the reflected light is less than the predetermined level, register C is set as in FIG.
Set the content of 0UNT to C0UNT-1, and the result is C0U.
It is determined whether NT≦2. If C0UNT≦2, then t is placed in the timer 2 in step (#141) and the process returns. If C0UNT≦2, step (#
139) to C0UNTO, and then step (#1
At step 40), timer 2 is reset to t and the process returns.

As shown in FIG. 12, until the reflected light reaches a predetermined level or higher, 1. The light emitting element (7) emits light at intervals, and once reflected light of a predetermined level or higher is received, light is emitted at intervals of t3 and t2 alternately. As a result, if the reflected light level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value four times in a row, it is determined that the photographer is definitely looking through the finder and the APZ operation is shifted. During the APZ operation and shooting operation, the light emitting element (7) emits light alternately at intervals of t3 and t2, and if reflected light exceeding a predetermined value is not received twice in a row, the APZ is determined to have taken the photographer's eyes off the viewfinder. Stop operation.

In addition, in Fig. 11, the APZ operation is stopped when the reflected light exceeding a predetermined value is not received twice in a row.
The APZ operation may be stopped after performing the determination four times in the same way as at the start.

As explained above, according to the present invention, if the photographer does not perform a release operation for a long time after deciding on framing, the flash photography device is charged. Since charging has been completed to some extent when switching to , the time between V4 and release lock due to uncharging is shortened.
Missed photo opportunities @6 less.

shi) daytime eyes

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the present invention viewed from the front left, Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the present invention viewed from the rear left, and Fig. 3 is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the CPU in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of eye proximity detection, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the charging operation of the flash photography device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the release operation, and FIG. 1O is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the APZ operation in the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the eye proximity detection operation;
FIG. 12 is a time chart of the eye proximity detection operation. (])---Grip part (2)---Grip switch button (3) -m-Release button (4) -m-Main switch (10) -1 (SM) (SG) (Sl) (S2) -- (3F) Flash (6) Light emitting element (8) CPU (11) Focal length variable section Focal length detection section Photometering section Eyepiece detection section E"FROM Main switch Grip switch Lock switch Exposure control switch Fou y Fouch for light emission Switch finder (16) --- Exposure control section (1B) - 11 Timing section Light receiving element Distance measuring section Fig. 7 zWJ

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A distance measuring means for repeatedly measuring the photographing distance of a subject; and a focal length changing means for changing the focal length of a photographing lens to a predetermined distance according to the photographing distance measured by the distance measuring means. , a flash photography device for illuminating a subject, and when it is determined from the photographing distance repeatedly output from the distance measuring means that the operation of the focal length changing means is not necessary for a predetermined period of time, the focal length is changed thereafter. A camera with an automatic program zoom function, characterized in that it is provided with a control means for prohibiting the operation of the changing means and for charging the flash photography device.