JPH0496028A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect a focus even when an object is out of a range finding area, etc., by detecting the focus by executing zooming to a wide side in the case that the focus cannot be detected caused by low contrast scanning. CONSTITUTION:When a focus detection start switch is turned on, the focus is detected by a range-finding part 2. In the case that the focus cannot be detected as the result, the focus is repeatedly detected while a lens group for focusing (AF lens) LF is driven. Then, in the case that the focus cannot be detected further as the result and the focus detection start switch is continuously turned on, the focus is repeatedly detected while a zoom lens group LA is driven toward the wide side. Thus, a viewing angle is changed at the time of photographing. However, the focus is detected within a fixed range even in the case that the object is out of the range finding area or the contrast of the object itself is insufficient.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a camera having a zooming function and automatically focusing.

Traditionally, the light flux that has passed through the photographic lens is received by a light sensor such as a CCD, the focus state is detected, and the focus is automatically adjusted based on the amount of defocus obtained as a result of the detection. Cameras that automatically perform focusing using the TTL method have been commercialized.In such cameras, contrast on the footrest is usually required to detect the focus state.
If the contrast necessary to detect the focus state cannot be obtained, focus cannot be detected.

In contrast, a camera is being considered that is configured to repeat focus detection (distance measurement) (perform low-contrast scan) while driving the focus II1115 lens group when focus detection becomes impossible due to lack of contrast. There is. This configuration is effective when there is insufficient contrast because the position of the focal point m-node lens group is far away from the lens position that focuses on the subject. This method cannot be used in cases where the contrast is insufficient.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-17420 discloses a camera configured to continue focus detection while zooming to the wide side in response to a signal indicating that focus detection is impossible. This configuration can handle cases where the subject is outside the distance measurement area or the subject itself lacks contrast, but there are problems such as the angle of view changes greatly due to zooming, giving the photographer a sense of discomfort. This may occur.

However, the present invention solves these problems and suppresses changes in the angle of view due to zooming for focus detection as much as possible, while still allowing the camera to capture images that are far out of focus or where the contrast of the subject itself is insufficient. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera that can perform focus detection even when

In order to achieve the above object, the camera of the present invention has a zooming function, and uses a focus detection start switch, a focus detection means, and a focus 11IxrJ lens group driving means.
In a camera that automatically performs focusing using the L method, when the zoom lens group driving means and the focus detection start switch are turned on, the focus detection means performs focus detection, and if the focus cannot be detected as a result, the focus is changed. a focus detection impossible signal output means for outputting a focus detection impossible signal; and when the focus detection impossible signal is output, the focus detection means drives the focus adjustment lens group by the focus adjustment lens group driving means a low contrast scan completion signal output means that outputs a low contrast scan completion signal when focus detection is still not possible after repeating focus detection; and a focus detection start switch that continues to output a low contrast scan completion signal even after the low contrast scan completion signal is output. and a control means for controlling the focus detection means to repeat focus detection while the zoom lens group drive means zooms toward the wide side when the focus detection means is turned on.

With this configuration, focus detection is performed when the focus detection start switch is turned on, and if focus detection is not possible as a result, focus detection is repeated while driving the focus adjustment lens group. It will be done. As a result, if focus detection is still not possible and the focus detection start switch is subsequently turned on, focus detection is repeated while driving the zoom lens group toward the wide-angle side.

(The following is a blank space.) As an embodiment of the present invention, a single-lens reflex camera system equipped with an interchangeable lens whose focal length can be changed by a motor will be described below.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of this system. As shown in this figure, the camera body inputs data from the distance measuring unit (2) to the body control unit (1) to calculate the lens drive amount for focusing, and By energizing the motor (Ml) in the lens group drive control section (3),
Focus adjustment lens group (hereinafter referred to as rAF lens) (
A function that automatically focuses by driving the LF),
Body data output section (4) and lens data input section (5)
), it has the function of communicating with the lens side and operating the lens according to the body's will.

Also, on the lens side, there is a zoom ring operation detection means (10).
When an operation is detected at ''), a function to output lens data to the body by communicating with the body through the body data input section (8) and lens data output section (9), and a function to operate according to the data from the body. It has

Next, the external configuration of the body and lens will be explained.

Figure 2(a) shows a camera body (BD) to which the present invention is applied.
The figure (b) shows the external configuration of the interchangeable lens (LE) that is replaceably attached to the camera body (BD).
shows the external configuration of. Hereinafter, the names and functions of each part will be briefly explained based on FIG. 2.

(11) is a slider for turning the main switch (S,) 0N10FF, and this slider (11) is
The camera body (BD) is ready for operation when it is in the OFF position, and the camera body (BD) is ready for operation when it is in the OFF position.
BD) becomes inoperable.

(12) is the release button, and when it is pressed to the first step, the shooting preparation switch (Sl), which will be described later, is turned on, and the metering and
Start each operation of exposure calculation and AF (automatic focusing). In addition, by pressing the second step, you can also use the release switch (described later).
S2) is turned on to start the exposure control operation.

(13) is a wide view key, which is used to obtain a finder field of view wider than the actual shooting area before shooting (before release). In other words, this key is used to zoom up the camera at the time of release so that the shooting area visible within the shooting frame (FD2) (Fig. 5), which will be described later, coincides with the range that is imaged on the film. 0N10FF).

(14) is the body display that displays information such as shutter speed, aperture value, switch information, and a battery warning mark. Further, the display section in the viewfinder shown in FIG. 5 displays the shutter speed (FD4), photographic frame (FD2), etc.

(15) is a mount lock bin. Interchangeable lens (L
E) is attached and the mount is locked, the lens attachment switch (SLE), which will be described later, is turned off. Otherwise, the lens attachment switch (SLE) is turned on.

(16) is an AF coverr, which is rotationally driven based on the rotation of the AF motor within the camera body (BD).

(17) is the aperture lever and the camera body (BD
2” (LE
) is a lever for narrowing down the aperture.

(18) is an auto wide key, which is used to turn the auto wide function ○N10FF. Here, auto wide is used to automatically zoom in the wide direction when focus cannot be detected during normal auto focusing, or when focus cannot be detected even after low contrast scanning is completed. It means repeating the distance.

Low contrast scanning refers to repeating distance measurement while driving the AF lens when the contrast necessary to detect the focus state is not obtained during distance measurement (hereinafter referred to as "low contrast"). say.

Note that focus detection is a general term for the following operations (1) to (4), and in this embodiment, it is used to mean the same as distance measurement.

■Detect whether it is low contrast or not.

■Detects the focus state if the contrast is not low.

That is, the amount of focus shift (defocus amount) is detected, and it is determined whether or not the focus state is reached.

(2) If it is not in focus, the position of the AF lens that will be in focus or the number of drive pulses for the AF lens required to bring it into focus is calculated based on the defocus amount.

In this embodiment, the focus cannot be detected only during low contrast, and cases where focus cannot be detected due to low brightness can be treated separately from cases where focus cannot be detected due to low contrast. This will not be considered in the following explanation.

Next, the names and functions of each part in the interchangeable lens (LE) will be explained.

(25) is the mount lock groove, (26) is the AF coupler,
(27) is the aperture lever. Camera body (BD
) When you attach an interchangeable lens (LE) to the camera body (
The mount lock bin (15) of the BD) engages with the mount lock groove (25), the convex part of the AF coupler (16) on the body side engages with the concave part of the AF coupler (26) on the lens side,
The rotation of the AF motor on the body side is AF cover (16) (2)
6) to the lens side, and the AF lens moves to perform focusing. Furthermore, the terminal on the lens side (J
, ) to (J8) are terminals on the body side (J++) to (J+s
) is connected. Further, the aperture lever (17) engages with the aperture lever (27) on the lens side, and the aperture lever (27) on the lens side follows and moves by the amount of movement of the aperture lever (17) on the body side. is controlled to a value corresponding to the movement of the aperture levers (17) (27).

(28) is a lens display section that displays focal length and the like.

Reference numeral (80) denotes an operating ring (zoom ring), which is rotated to specify the direction and speed of power zoom.

Next, the circuit configuration of the camera system will be explained.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the in-body circuit built into the camera body (BD). First, the in-body circuit will be explained based on this diagram.

(μC1) is an in-body microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "in-body microcomputer") that controls the entire camera and performs various calculations.

(AFc T ) is a light receiving circuit for focus detection, which includes a COD as an integral type photosensor for focus detection that accumulates photocharge for a predetermined period of time, a drive circuit for the COD, and a circuit that processes the output of the CCD and performs A/D conversion. It is connected to the in-body microcomputer (μC1) via a data bus. This focus detection light receiving circuit (AFCT) provides information regarding the amount of defocus (defocus amount) of the object present in the distance measurement area.

(LM) is a photometric circuit installed in the viewfinder optical path, and the photometric value is A/D converted and the in-body microcontroller (μ
C1) as luminance information.

(DX) is a film sensitivity reading device that reads film sensitivity data provided in a film container and serially outputs it to the microcomputer (μC1) in the body. (DISPC)
inputs display data and display control signals from the microcomputer (μC1) in the body, and displays the display section (DIS) on the top of the camera body.
This is a display circuit that causes the display section (14) in FIG. 2) and the display section (DISPz) in the finder (FIG. 5) to perform predetermined displays.

Here, the display in the finder of FIG. 5 will be explained. In this figure, (FDI) is the finder frame,
Indicates the area where you can actually see the subject. (
FD2) is a photographing frame that is displayed when the wide view function is turned on by operating the wide view key (13), and it becomes possible to photograph a subject within the photographing frame. (FD3) is a display of the distance measurement area, indicating that it is possible to focus on the subject within this frame. However, in reality, distance measurement islands (A) to (D) as shown in Figure 9 are provided within the distance measurement area (FD3), and the focus is placed on the subject existing within these distance measurement islands. It will be matched. (FD4) and (FD
5) are the shutter speed and control aperture value, respectively.
Indicates the value obtained by photometric calculation.

(LECT) is an in-lens circuit built into the interchangeable lens (LE) (hereinafter also simply referred to as "lens"), and supplies information specific to the interchangeable lens to the in-body microcomputer (μC1). Regarding this lens internal circuit (LECT),
This will be explained in detail later.

(Ml) is the AF motor, AF coupler (16) (
26) to drive the AF lens in the interchangeable lens (LE).

(MDI) operates the AF motor (Ml) based on the focus detection information.
), and forward rotation, reverse rotation, and stop are controlled by commands from the microcomputer (μC1) in the body.

(ENC) is an encoder for monitoring the rotation of the AF motor (Ml).It outputs a pulse to the counter input terminal (CNT) of the microcomputer (μC1) in the body at every predetermined rotation angle. The in-body microcomputer (μC1) counts these pulses and controls the speed of the AF lens.

(TVci) is a shutter control circuit that controls the shutter based on a control signal from the in-body microcomputer (μC1).

(AVCT) is an aperture control circuit that controls the aperture based on a control signal from an in-body microcomputer (μC1).

(11!2) is a motor for winding and rewinding the film and charging the exposure control mechanism. Also,(
Mn2) connects the motor (M2) to the microcomputer (μC1) in the body.
) is a motor drive circuit that drives based on commands from the motor.

Next, the configuration related to the power supply will be explained.

(El) is a battery that serves as a power source for the camera body (BD).

(Tri) is the first circuit that supplies power to part of the circuit described above.
This is a power supply transistor. (Tr2) is a second power supply transistor for supplying power for driving the zoom motor within the lens, and has an MO'S configuration.

(DD) is a DC/DC controller for stabilizing the voltage (VDD) supplied to the microcomputer (μC1) in the body, and operates when the power control terminal (PWO) is at the "High" level. (VDD) is the in-body microcontroller (μ
C1), lens internal circuit (LEc engineering), film sensitivity reading circuit (DX).

and the operating power supply voltage of the display control circuit (DISPC).

(Vcc+) is a focus detection light receiving circuit (AFct),
and the operating power supply voltage of the photometry circuit (LM'), which is supplied from the power supply battery (El) via the power supply transistor (Tri) under the control of the signal output from the power supply control terminal (PWI). (VDD2) is the operating power supply voltage of the zoom motor inside the lens, and the power supply voltage is controlled by the signal output from the power supply control terminal (PN2). I! It is supplied from I (El) via the power supply transistor (Tr2). (Vc
c@) are motor drive circuit (MDI), shutter control circuit (TVCT), aperture control circuit (AVcτ)
, and the operating power supply voltage of the motor drive circuit (Mn2), and is directly supplied from the power supply battery (El).

(Dl) to (D3) are used to reduce power consumption by applying a voltage lower than the voltage (VDD) to the microcontroller (μC1) in the body when the DC/DC converter (DD) is not operating. It is a group of diodes. This low voltage is set to the lowest power supply voltage at which the in-body microcontroller (μC1) can operate, and when the DC/DC converter (DD) has stopped operating, the in-body microcontroller (μC1)
) is operational.

(BCI) is a battery check circuit that detects the voltage (VCCB) of the battery (El) and notifies the in-body microcomputer (μC1) of the detection result.

(GNDl) is the ground line of the low power consumption section,
The lens and the body are connected via terminals (JI7) (JT). It is necessary to use separate ground lines for the analog section and digital section within the body, but for convenience, only one line is shown in the drawing.

(GND2) is the ground line of the large power consumption section,
The lens and the body are connected via terminals (J18) (J8).

Next, the switches will be explained.

(S, u) is a normally open switch for switching between enabling and disabling the wide view mode, and is turned on when the aforementioned wide view key (13) is pressed (20N).

(s, -) is a normally open push switch for switching between enabling and disabling the auto wide function, and is turned CN when the auto wide key (18) mentioned above is pressed.

(Sl) is a photographing preparation switch that is turned on when the release button (12) is pressed down to the first step. This switch (
SL) is turned ON, an interrupt signal is input to the interrupt terminal (INTI) of the microcomputer (μC1) in the body, and preparatory operations necessary for photographing such as photometry, distance measurement, and AF lens driving are performed.

(So) is the slider (
11) is a main switch that is turned ON when it is in the ON position, and turned OFF when it is in the OFF position.

(PCI) is a pulse generator that outputs a "Low" level pulse every time the switch (SM) changes from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON. The output of this pulse generator (PCI) is input as an interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal (INT2) of the in-body microcomputer (μC1).

(S2) is a release switch that is turned on when the release button (12) is pressed down to the second step. This switch (
When S2) is turned on, a photographing operation is performed.

(S3) is a mirror-up switch that is turned ON when the mirror-up is completed, charges the shutter mechanism, and is turned OFF when the mirror is lowered.

(SREI) is a battery attachment detection switch that turns OFF when a battery (El) is attached to the camera body (BD). When the battery (El) is installed and the battery installation detection switch (SRE + ) is turned OFF, the capacitor (C1) is charged via the resistor (R1), and the reset terminal (REI) of the microcontroller (μC1) in the body is activated. It changes from the 'Low' level to the °H1gh II level. Then, the microcomputer (μC1) in the body executes a reset routine to be described later.

Next, a configuration for serial data communication will be explained.

Photometry circuit (LM), film sensitivity reading circuit (DX)
, and the display control circuit (DISPC) have serial input (SIN).

The in-body microcontroller (
Data communication is performed serially with μC1). The targets for communication with the microcomputer (μC1) in the body are the chip select terminals (C3LM) (C3DX) (C3DIS).
P)i: selected from.

That is, when the terminal (C3LJI) is at °'Low" level, the photometry circuit (LM) is selected, and the terminal (C3DX
) is 'Low' L, i bell is selected by the film sensitivity reading circuit (DX) output, and when the terminal (C3DISP) is 'Low' level (display control circuit (DIS)
PC) is selected. Furthermore, two or three signal lines for serial communication (SIN) (SOUT) (SCK) ii terminals (Jt5) (Js): (Jw) (J-); (
In-lens circuit (LECT) via JIB) (J6)
When selecting the lens internal circuit (LEc t ) as a communication target, the terminal (C3LE)
This signal is sent to the lens internal circuit (LEcm) via the terminals (Js) (Jl3).
transmitted to.

Next, the circuit inside the lens (LEc T ) based on Fig. 4
I will explain it in detail. Figure 4 shows the interchangeable lens (LE) i
2 is a circuit diagram of a built-in lens circuit (LECT); FIG. In the figure, (μC2) is an in-lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "in-lens microcomputer") that controls the zoom motor built into the interchangeable lens (LE), data communication with the camera body (BD), mode settings, etc. ”).

Here, the terminal group (J
To explain l) to (Js), (Jt) i is a power supply terminal for supplying the power supply voltage (VCC2) for driving the zoom motor from the body side to the lens side, (J2) is a power supply terminal for supplying power supply voltage (VCC2) for driving the zoom motor, and (J2) is a power supply terminal for supplying power supply voltage (VCC2) for driving the zoom motor. A power supply terminal for supplying the power supply voltage (VDD) from the body side to the lens side, (Js) is a terminal for input/output of a signal indicating a data communication request, and (J,) is a terminal for inputting/outputting a signal indicating a data communication request. Clock terminal for input, (Js) is a serial input terminal for inputting data from the body side, (J6) is a serial output terminal for outputting data to the body side, (J7) is a ground terminal for circuits other than the motor drive circuit. , (Js) are ground terminals of the motor drive circuit.

The signal line for the terminal (C3LE) transmitted via the terminal (Js) (Jl3) between the interchangeable lens and the body is a bidirectional signal line. This line connects the microcomputer in the body (μC1) to the microcomputer in the lens (
When the signal is transmitted to the lens microcomputer (μC2),
An interrupt occurs in the lens microcomputer (μC2).
) is activated and the interchangeable lens is designated as the object of communication with the body. On the other hand, via this line, the microcomputer in the lens (μC2) is connected to the microcomputer in the body (μC1).
When the signal is transmitted to , the pulse generator (μC2) (Figure 3) inputs the interrupt signal to the lens interrupt terminal (LEINT) of the in-body microcontroller (μC1), and the in-body microcontroller (μC1) is activated. . In addition, from the microcomputer in the body (μC1) to the microcomputer in the lens (μC2)
When data is sent to the body, the microcontroller (μ
C1) is configured not to accept interrupts (LEINT).

(R8IC) is a reset IC for resetting the lens microcomputer (μC2) when the voltage (VDD) supplied from the body becomes lower than the normal operating voltage of the lens microcomputer (μC2). (R2) and (C2) are a reset resistor and a capacitor for resetting the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens.

(RE2) is the reset terminal of the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens, and the voltage (V, ) for driving the circuit in the lens is supplied from the body, and the resistor (R2) and capacitor (C
2), the terminal (RE) changes from “Low” level to “H” level.
When the level changes to high, the microcomputer (μC) inside the lens
2) performs a reset operation.

(ZVEN) is the aforementioned operation ring (zoom ring') (8
0), and sets the power zoom speed and direction during power zoom.

(M3) is a zoom motor for driving the zoom lens group. By driving the zoom lens group with this zoom motor, the focal length can be continuously changed without changing the position of the image point.

(Mn2) is a motor drive circuit for driving the zoom motor (M3), which controls the rotation of the zoom motor (M3) according to control signals indicating the motor drive direction and drive speed given from the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens. Control. In addition, the zoom motor (M3
) and stop applying voltage.

(ENC3) is an encoder for detecting the amount of rotation of the zoom motor (M3), and is also used when detecting the focal length of the zoom motor (M3).

(DSP) is an in-lens display control circuit that performs display on the lens display section (28) based on data from the in-lens microcomputer (μC2).

(SLE) is a lens attachment detection switch, which is turned OFF when the interchangeable lens (LE) is attached to the camera body (BD) and the mount is locked. In other words, when the interchangeable lens (LE) is removed from the camera body (BD), the switch (SLE) is turned on and the condenser (C2
) are shorted. This allows the capacitor (C2
) is discharged, and the terminal (RE2) of the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens becomes "Low" level. After that, the interchangeable lens (LE) becomes the camera body (BD).
When installed, the switch (SLE) turns OFF,
The capacitor (C2) is charged by the power supply line (VDD), and after a predetermined time determined by the resistor (R2) and capacitor (C2), the terminal (RE2) changes to the °'High" level, and as described above, the lens The internal microcomputer (μC2) performs a reset operation.

This concludes the explanation of the hardware of this embodiment, and then the explanation of the software will begin.

First, an outline of the operational sea fence in the wide field mode and the automatic wide operational sea fence, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

FIG. 186 is a sea fence chart in wide field of view mode, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image in the finder in wide field of view mode. Here, the sea fence chart is a diagram showing the movement sea fences of the body and lens in a camera together with the communication between the body and lens so that the relationship and timing of mutual movements can be understood.

This communication will be explained later for each communication mode as lens communication.

In Fig. 6, when the wide view switch (S, ) is turned on after the main switch (S, ) is turned on, the wide view mode is set! The photographic frame (μC2) shown in FIG. J8 (a) is displayed in the finder.

After that, if the shooting preparation switch (Sl) and the release switch (S2) are turned on at the same time in order to release the camera at the shortest possible time as a sea fence, first, distance measurement and light metering are performed, and the current focal length f is set in order to zoom up. . The target focal length ft is set by multiplying by 1.4 (in this embodiment, the viewfinder field of view is set to 140%). Next, the photographing frame (FD2) is erased and the target focal length f+ is transferred to the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens (communication #C in mode ■). After receiving the target focal length f, the in-lens microcomputer (μC2) starts zooming and sets the target focal length f.
Zooming is performed up to t (FIG. 8(b)). At this time, the body side performs communication to receive the lens status at regular time intervals and waits for the lens to complete zooming (communications #d and #d' in mode 2). After confirming the completion of zooming, the mode (I
V) communication (#a) is performed, and CCD integration is started.

After the CCD integration, a data dump is performed, and when the data dump is completed, the lens data that changes due to zooming is received (communication #b) in mode 2, and distance measurement calculation and photometry calculation are performed using that lens data. . Here, lens data that changes during zooming (the specific details of which will be described later) may be received from the lens after zooming is completed. Further, the reason for performing distance measurement and photometry again after completing zooming is to improve the accuracy of distance measurement and photometry. After re-measuring the distance and re-measuring the light, the AF lens is driven according to the amount of defocus detected during the re-measuring, and the AF lens is adjusted during release.
While driving the F lens, the mirror is raised and exposed.

After that, when 5 seconds have passed since the shooting preparation switch (Sl) and release switch (S2) were turned FF, the wide viewing mode is set again, and the shooting frame (FI) is set to 2).
Display. During these 5 seconds, the microcomputer (μC1) inside the body
This is the time it takes for the device to enter the sleeve state, and it does not have to be limited to 5 seconds. Here, switches (Sl) and (S2)
The reason why the wide field of view mode is not set for 5 seconds after the FF is to prevent the zoom from continuing to increase when continuously photographing the same scene.

Next, the automatic wide operation sea fence will be explained based on FIGS. 7 and 9. ! @Figure 7 is an auto-wide sea fence chart, and Figure 9 is a diagram showing the image in the finder during auto-wide. In FIG. 9, (a) to (=) are distance measurement islands, and distance measurement can be performed for objects within each distance measurement island. Then, for example, a multi-point algorithm is used that focuses on the closest subject if focus can be detected on all distance measurement islands.

The sea fence shown in FIG. 7 is an example that starts from the completion of the low contrast scan. When the low contrast scan is completed, first, the target focal length f1 is determined from the current focal length f. It is better to set the target focal length f to an extent that does not give the photographer a sense of discomfort even when zooming, and in this embodiment, it is set to 0.5 times the current focal length f0. Once the target focal length f is determined, the data indicating the CD integration start timing and the target focal length f are transferred to the lens side through mode (V) communication (1'a'). When the lens side receives the target focal length f, it starts zooming with the focal length f as the target. At that time, the body side starts CCD integration to perform distance measurement during zooming, and when the CCD integration and data dump are completed, the CCD
Lens data calculated on the lens side is received at the CD integration start timing (communication #b in mode ■). Then, distance measurement and photometry calculations are performed using the lens data, and if the distance measurement is low contrast, mode (V) communication (#a') and CCD integration are performed.

Data dump, mode (Vl) communication (#b), distance measurement, photometry calculation, and check for zooming completion are repeated in this order.

Now, let us consider a case where focus detection becomes possible during the zooming described above. In this case, when the contrast necessary for detecting the focus state is obtained, data indicating the zoom stop is transferred to the lens (communication #e in mode 2). When the lens side receives data indicating zoom stop, it brakes the zoom lens group to stop it. At this time, on the body side, the mode (I[[) communication (#d) (#d) (
After repeating #d') and confirming that the zoom lens group has stopped, drive the AF lens and perform focusing.
In the Sea Fence chart shown in the figure, after communication confirming the stoppage of the zoom lens group (#d"), focusing is performed based on the distance measurement value (the number of driving pulses of the AF lens) obtained during distance measurement during zooming. However, if the distance measurement accuracy is low, the AF lens is not driven immediately and the next distance measurement (mode TV, Vl communication #
The AF lens may be driven using the distance measurement values obtained in (including a and #b).

Next, although not shown in FIG. 7, a case will be considered in which the focus cannot be detected during the zooming. Since the mode (VI) communication (#b) also includes data representing the state of the zoom lens group, in this case, the driving state of the zoom lens group is confirmed in the auto-wide processing after the photometry calculation. If the zoom lens group is stopped as a result of this confirmation, it is determined that focus detection is impossible even if zoomed to the target focal length f+, and distance measurement using auto wide is given up.

This completes the explanation of the outline of the operational sea fence of this embodiment. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained in detail by explaining the software of the in-body microcomputer (μC1) and the in-lens microcomputer (μC2). The contents of lens communication in the following explanation are shown in Table 1.
Lens status data sent from the lens to the body is shown in Table 2, and body status data sent from the body to the lens is shown in Table 3. Further, in the following explanation, control flags used in flowcharts are shown in Table 4, and variables are shown in Table 5, respectively.

First, the software of the in-body microcomputer (μC1) will be explained.

When the battery (El) is installed in the camera body (ED),
In the in-body circuit shown in Figure 3, the battery installation detection switch (SRET) is turned OFF, the reset capacitor (C1) is charged via the resistor (R1), and the in-body microcontroller (SRET) that controls the entire camera is charged. μC1) reset terminal (REI) from “Low” level to °° old gh
``A reset signal that changes to level is input.

By inputting this reset signal, the in-body microcontroller (μ
C1) starts generating a clock by internal hardware, operates a DC/DC converter (DD), is supplied with a driveable voltage (VD, ), and is connected to the 10th clock.
Execute the reset routine shown in the figure.

Note that in the sleeve state, which will be described later, the clock of the microcomputer (μC1) in the body stops and the DC/DC converter (DD) also stops operating. As in the case of installation, the internal hardware of the in-body microcomputer (μC1) starts clock generation and operation of the DC/DC converter (DD).

The reset routine in Figure 10 first disables all interrupts, resets various boats and registers,
Flag indicating that the reset routine has been passed (R3TF
) (steps #5 to #15). Then, in step (R20), it is determined whether the main switch (S,) is turned on. In addition, the main switch (S,
X) changes from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON, an interrupt (SM
INT) is generated and the process is executed from step (R20). The main switch (S,) is turned on in step (R20)
When it is, all interrupts are enabled, the flag (R3TF) indicating that the reset routine has passed is reset, and the transistor (Tri) (Tr2) for supplying power to each circuit and the lens side is turned on. In order to
#35).

Next, in step (R30), an AF lens renormalization subroutine is executed. This subroutine is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first, in step (R150), a subroutine for lens communication (■) is executed.

Lens communication (■) is communication in the communication mode (■) in which data is input from the new lens described in this example (hereinafter referred to as "new lens") among various communication modes between the body and the lens. It is.

Here, the new lens refers to a lens that is equipped with a zoom motor (M3) for changing the focal length and a microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens, and can transfer more data to the body than the old lens.

The subroutine for lens communication (■) is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, it first sets data indicating that the communication mode is mode (■), and then sets the data indicating that the communication mode is mode (■).
C8LE) to 'Low' level to notify the lens that data communication will be performed (step #1120. #
1122). Then, in step (#1125), 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) is performed. In this serial communication, the body and lens serially output data to each other and simultaneously serially input data sent from the other. The first byte outputs data indicating the type of body from the body. At this time, the lens outputs meaningless data F F H (the subscript indicates a hexadecimal number), and the lens and body each input data sent from the other party. The second byte outputs data indicating the type of lens from the lens.

At this time, the body outputs meaningless data F F s, and the lens and body each input data sent from the other party. Then, to indicate that the communication mode with the lens is mode (■), 1-byte data of the communication mode set above is serially output to the lens, and after waiting for a while, in step (#1130), the old lens is Determine whether or not.

As a result of this judgment, if it is an old lens, input 7 bytes of data from the lens and set the terminal (C5LE) to “High”.
° level and return (Step #1135.
#1138). As a result of the determination in step (#1130), if it is a new lens, input 11 bytes of data from the lens, set the terminal (C8LE) to the °"old ghl" level, and return (steps #1132 and #1138).
). In addition, before returning, connect the terminal (C3LE) to
It is this lens communication (■) that makes it “high” level.
This is to notify the lens of the end of the process, and similar processing is performed in other modes of lens communication.

Here, the contents of the communication data between the body and the lens in this example will be explained with reference to Table 1.

First, in lens communication with the old lens (not shown), lens-specific data is sent from the lens to the body, and the contents of the data are (i) Open aperture value AV.

(ii) H large aperture value AVh□ (iii) A conversion coefficient for converting the defocus amount into a drive amount (hereinafter, this conversion coefficient will be referred to as a "drive amount conversion coefficient") (1v) Current focal length f.

(v) Lens attachment signal. N (vi) Conversion coefficient K for converting the feed amount to distance
. (Hereinafter, this conversion coefficient will be referred to as a "distance conversion coefficient.") (vii) This is the difference ΔSB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface.

On the other hand, modes (1) to (
IX), and these communications are called lens interactions 1(I) to (IX), respectively. Lens communication in each mode will be explained below. In the following, the data transferred from the lens to the body will be collectively referred to as lens data, and the data shown in Table 2 that represents the driving status of the lens will be collectively referred to as lens status data. The data shown in Table 3 representing control commands etc. will be collectively referred to as body state data.

In lens communication (I), data indicating the zoom retraction mode is sent from the body to the lens.

In lens communication (II), data indicating a zoom stop (body state data) is sent from the body to the lens.

In lens communication (I[l), data (Table 2) indicating the lens state is sent from the lens to the body.

In lens communication (IV), data (body state data) indicating the CCD integration start timing is sent from the body to the lens. Immediately after this communication, the microcomputer (μC) inside the lens
2) starts calculation of lens data (data that changes depending on the focal length) at the focal length at that time.

In lens communication (V), data (body state data) indicating the CCD integration start timing from the body to the lens and (x) target focal length f.

will be sent.

In lens communication (Vl), the lens status data and the previously executed mode (IV) or (
Lens data calculated at the time of communication V), which changes depending on the focal length, is sent. This latter data is: (iii) Drive amount conversion coefficient KL (iv) Current focal length f.

(vi) Distance conversion coefficient KN (vii) Each data of the difference ΔSB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface.

In lens communication (■), all lens-specific data is sent from the lens to the body. The contents of this data are lens condition data and (i) maximum aperture value AV.

(ii) Maximum aperture value AV□, (iii) Drive amount conversion coefficient KL (1v) Current focal length f.

(v) Lens attachment signal Lox (vi) Distance conversion coefficient K, (vii) Difference between film surface and AF sensor surface △5B (vi
ii) Shortest focal length f0. , (ix) The longest focal length f,,8.

In lens communication (■), data indicating permission for power zoom (body status data) is sent from the body to the lens.

In lens communication (IX), body state data and (x) target focal length f are sent from the body to the lens.

Each of the above data (i) to (X) is 1 byte,
The body state data and lens state data are each input and output as 2 bytes.

In addition, modes (IV) and (V) for transmitting data indicating the timing to start CCD integration are communicated, and a mode (Vl) for receiving and taking lens data (data that changes depending on the focal length) after CCD integration and data dumping is performed. ), it becomes possible to calculate lens data with the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens during CCD integration and data dumping. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of time required to calculate lens data and shorten the time required for distance measurement.

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 11, step (#152
) Continue the explanation. In step (#152), the value of the counter N indicating the drive amount of the AF lens for focusing is set to -NLG (a negative value with a large absolute value;
Whether the first bit is O or 1 indicates positive or negative), and in step (#155) the AF lens drive subroutine is executed.

Here, the AF lens driving module (not shown) will be explained. This lens drive module controls the drive of the AF lens using counter interrupts and timer interrupts. The counter interrupt is generated by the encoder (ENC).
) (FIG. 3), a timer interrupt is generated when a pulse indicating driving of the AF lens is input, and a timer interrupt is generated when there is no next counter interrupt within a certain period of time after a counter interrupt is performed. Then, by this timer interrupt, it is detected that the lens has reached the terminal end (infinite end or nearest end). Moreover, this module is a module that sets a lens driving flag (LMVF) before driving, and when driving is finished, resets the flag (LMVF) by a counter interrupt or a timer interrupt and returns.

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 11, step (#160
) Continue the explanation. In step (#160), a timer interrupt is enabled, and in the next step (#165), a timer interrupt waits for a flag (LEEDF) indicating that the lens has reached the end to be set. This flag (
LEEDF) is set, assuming that the lens is retracted to the infinity position, the counter that counts the amount of lens extension NF from the infinity position is reset, the above flag (LEEDF) is reset, and the process returns. (
Step #170. #175).

Return to the flowchart in Figure 10 and step (#41)
Continue the explanation from. In step (#4], ), it is determined whether the lens is an old lens or not, and if it is not an old lens, step (#45
) to execute the zoom lens group renormalization subroutine. The subroutine for renormalizing the zoom lens group is shown in FIG. 12. When the subroutine is called,
First, the lens select signal (C8LR) from the lens
interrupt (C8LEINT) is prohibited, the lens communication (I) subroutine is executed, and data of the zoom lens group renormalization mode is output (step #180.
#182) Next, lens communication (III) is repeated to check the lens condition at 10m5ec intervals, and if the flag (WEDF) indicating the wide end is set, it is determined that zoom retraction is complete (steps #185 to 7119).
0). Then, after 10 m5 ec, lens communication (■) is executed to input all lens data, the interrupt request (C8LEINT) from the lens is permitted, and the process returns (steps #192 to $1198).

Here, the subroutines of lens communication (1) and (III) used in the above processing will be explained.

First, FIG. 30 shows a subroutine for lens communication (I). When the subroutine is called, data indicating the mode (I) is set and the terminal (C8LE) is set to “Low”.
“As a level, 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) is performed to determine the type of body and lens (steps #1000 to #1012).Next, the mode (
I) serially outputs 1 byte of data to the lens to indicate 2), and then instructs zoom lens group renormalization.
Outputs the body status data of the bite to the lens serially,
The terminal (C3LE) is set to "High" level and returns (steps #1015 to #1020).

Next, FIG. 32 shows a subroutine for lens communication (In). When the same subroutine is called, mode (I[
+), and connect the terminal (C8LE) to °“
2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) to determine the type of body and lens (steps #1040 to #1045). Next, a 1-byte serial communication is performed to indicate the mode (I). Serially output data to the lens, then input 2 bytes of data indicating the lens status, and connect the terminal (C8LE) to ".

Return as “High” level (Step #10
48~$11055).

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 10, step (#41)
The case where the lens is determined to be an old lens will be explained.

If it is determined in step (#41) that the lens is an old lens, the process proceeds to step (#50), and it is determined whether or not the photographing preparation switch (sl) is turned on. Shooting preparation switch (sl)
If it is not turned on, proceed to step (#63), execute a subroutine to determine the wide field of view mode, and then turn off the power supply transistor (Tri) (Tr2).
Connect the power supply control terminals (PWI) (Pg2) to “
The power supply control terminal (PIlio) is set to “Low” level and the power supply control terminal (PIlio) is set to “Low” level to stop the operation of the DC/DC converter (DD).
The level is set to 'Low' (steps #63 to #70).

Then, it enters a sleeve state (stop state). On the other hand, in step (#50) the shooting preparation switch (Sl) is set to O.
If it is determined that it is N, step (#52)
Go to and set the flag (LSIN) that prohibits low-contrast scanning.
F), and in step (#55) perform the 5IO
Execute subroutine H. Then step (#6
0) determines whether the flag (SIONF) is set, and if it is set, step (#55)
Return to step (#63) if it is not set.
Proceed to. Here, the flag (SIONF) is a flag that is set while the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on or when more than 5 seconds have not elapsed since it was turned off.

In an interrupt (SI INT) that occurs when the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on after being turned off, processing from step (#52) is executed. Also, the lens interrupt (C8LEINT) that occurs when an interrupt signal is input from the lens to the interrupt terminal (LEINT)
), set the flag (C8LEF) indicating that there was an interruption from the lens in step (#75),
Processing from step (#52) is executed.

Here, the subroutine for determining the wide field of view mode in step (#63) is shown in FIG. When the same subroutine is called, the wide view switch (Swu), which indicates whether the wide view mode is enabled or disabled, is turned on in step (#200).
Determine whether or not. Wide view switch (
If S, U) are not turned on, the flag (WWF) indicating that the wide field of view mode is valid is reset, the photographed frame is displayed at 0FFL, and the process returns (steps #220 and #225). Also, even if the wide view switch (S, u) is turned on, the current focal length fn
1.4 times the maximum focal length of the lens f, z, l: It is impossible to zoom 1.4 times, so wide field mode is disabled (@VF=O),
The display of the shooting frame is also turned off (step #205.
#220. #225). On the other hand, step (#200
) (1205), when it is determined that the wide view switch (S, , ) is 0N11.4Xf, ≦ f0.8, the flag (WWF) is set to enable wide view mode (WWF).
F=1), the photographed frame is displayed on the finder, and the process returns (steps #210 and #215).

Next, the 5IOH subroutine of step (#55) in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first a flag (SIONF) indicating that this subroutine has been passed is set, and an interrupt (SIINT) is set.
), and set the power control terminal (PWI) (PW2) to Hi to turn on the power supply transistor (Tri) (Tr2).
gh” level and executes the wide-field zoom determination subroutine (Fig. 13) (steps #300 to #3).
08).

Here, the reason why the wide-field zoom judgment is performed every time in step (#308) (the reason why it is performed every time the SION subroutine is called) is that while the shooting preparation switch (Sl) is ON, This is to handle even if the wide and knee switches (SW, ) are turned 0N10FF before 5 seconds or more have passed since they were turned OFF.

After completing the wide-field zoom judgment in step (#308),
A flag (
C3LEF) (step #310). Then, a flag (C3LEF
) is set, the process advances to step (#315) to execute a subroutine for lens INT control, and then advances to step (71332).

Here, the lens I that controls the interruption from the lens
FIG. 16 shows the NT control subroutine. When this subroutine is called, it resets the flag (C3LEF) indicating an interrupt from the lens, and performs lens communication (■) to input all lens data (step #
530. #532). Then, in step (#534), the flag (RQZMF) included in the lens status data (Table 2) sent from the lens in this communication is determined. This flag (RQZMF) is a flag indicating that the lens requests permission from the body for power zooming, and if it is not set, the process returns as is. On the other hand, if the flag (RQZMF) is set, 10m
After waiting for 5ec, execute lens communication (■) to transfer power zoom permission to the lens and return (
Steps #534 to #538).

Here, FIG. 37 shows a subroutine for lens communication (■) used in the above processing. When this subroutine is called, first, the data indicating the mode (■) is set, the terminal (C3LE) is set to °'Low" level,
Performs 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) to determine the type of body and lens (step #11
40-111145). Next, 1 byte of data is serially output to the lens to indicate the mode (■), followed by 2 bytes of body status data ( Table 3) is serially output to the lens, and the terminal (C3
LE) to °“)light” level and return (
Steps #114B to 111152).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the step (#3
The case where it is determined in 10) that the flag (C3LEF) is not set will be explained. Flag (C3LEF
) is not set, the process proceeds to step (#320) and it is determined whether or not the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on. If the shooting preparation switch (Sl) is not turned on, power zoom is in progress or the switch (Sl) is turned on.
Since the state is within 5 seconds after FF, lens communication (■
) to input the lens data. Step #325
), proceed to step (#332). On the other hand, step (#
If it is determined that the switch (Sl) is ON in step 320), it is ready for shooting, so by executing the AF control subroutine, the AF lens is driven for distance measurement calculation and focusing. (Step #3
30).

A subroutine for this AF control is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, first, the subroutine TR8 is executed to notify the in-lens microcomputer (μC2) of the CCD integration start timing and to transfer the target focal length ft to the lens (step #450).

This subroutine of TR8 is a subroutine that communicates data with the lens side only during auto-wide or when zooming by 1.4 times in wide-field mode, so it returns without executing anything at first. Next, the COD in the focus detection light receiving circuit (AFcy) performs integration (charge accumulation), and after the CCD integration is completed, the data converted to a digital signal is input (data dump), and the lens variable data (focus RCV to input (data that changes depending on distance)
Execute the subroutine (step #452. #4
55. $1460).

However, if communication notifying the CCD integration start timing is not performed in the TR8 subroutine, this RC
The V subroutine also returns without executing anything. This RCV subroutine will be described later together with the TR8 subroutine.

After returning from the RCV subroutine, step (
Proceed to $1465) to perform distance measurement calculations and calculate the amount of defocus. The subroutine for this distance measurement calculation is shown in FIG. 19. When this subroutine is called, first, in step (#600), each distance measurement island
A correlation calculation of ~(=)) is executed, but since this correlation calculation is not the gist of the present invention, its explanation will be omitted. After performing this correlation calculation, proceed to step (#602),
A multi-point algorithm (e.g.,
Select the closest subject), and if all islands have low contrast (the contrast necessary to detect the focus state is insufficient), focus cannot be detected, and if at least one island has low contrast, focus can be detected. . It is determined in step (#605) whether or not this focus cannot be detected. If the focus cannot be detected, a flag indicating low contrast (
LCONF) and return (step 71).
606). On the other hand, if it is determined that focus detection is possible,
It is determined in step (#608) whether or not the flag (LSNF) indicating that low contrast scanning is in progress is set, and if it is set, the AF lens is being driven, so the subroutine to stop the lens is executed (step #609). After executing, the process advances to step (#610). Here, the lens stop subroutine (detailed flowchart is not shown) is as follows:
After controlling the motor drive circuit (MDI) to stop driving the AF lens, the flag (LMVF) is reset.

As a result of the determination in the step (#608), the flag (L
SNF) is not set, the process directly advances to step (#610).

In step (#610), the flag (LCONF) is reset, and then the defocus amount is calculated, and the defocus amount is multiplied by a coefficient KL for converting the defocus amount into the number of AF lens driving pulses, and the AF The number N1 of lens drive pulses is determined (steps #615 to #4618).

Next, in step (#620), it is determined whether the absolute value of the defocus amount is within the focusing range. Here, if the absolute value of the defocus amount is within 200 μm, it is considered to be within the focusing range.

As a result of this determination, if it is within the focusing range, a flag (AFEF) indicating that it is in focus is set, and if it is outside the focusing range, the flag (AFEF) is reset and the process returns (step #625.662g). .

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 15, the explanation will be continued. After returning from the distance measurement calculation subroutine (step #465), it is determined in step (#478) whether a flag (AWNF) indicating that auto-wide is in progress is set. If this flag (AWNF) is set, the AW processing subroutine is executed in step ($1480), but at first, the flag (AWNF) is set.
is not set, so continue with step (#48)
Proceed to step 5). In step (#485), after the release switch (S2) is turned on in wide-field mode (r
It is determined whether or not a flag (82ONF) indicating that sea fencing is being executed (after "52ON") is set. If the flag (32ONF) is set, the routine executed in wide field mode (steps #490 and #495) will be executed and the process will return, but since the flag (32ONF) is not set during the first distance measurement, , proceed to step (#500) and check that the flag (LCONF) indicating the low contrast state is set.
is being written. This flag (LCO
If NF) is set, the low contrast processing from step (#501) onwards is executed, but at this point it is assumed that it is not set and the process proceeds to step (#520).

In step (#520), it is determined whether a flag (AFEF) indicating a failed state is set. Then, if the flag (AFEF) is set, the focusing subroutine (step #525) is executed, and if the flag (AFEF) is reset, the out-of-focus subroutine (step #525) is executed.
1528) and return.

Here, the above-mentioned focusing/out-of-focus subroutine will be explained.

First, the focusing subroutine is shown in FIG.

When the same subroutine is called, the release switch (
Flag (S2INF) to disable ON of S2)
(Refer to step #352 in Figure 14).
Turn on the focus display in the finder and return (steps #630 and #635).

Next, FIG. 21 shows an out-of-focus subroutine.

When the same subroutine is called, the release switch (
Flag (S2INF) to disable ON of S2)
and turn off the focus display in the viewfinder (
Step #640. #642). Next, distance measurement calculation (
After executing the lens drive subroutine according to the number of AF lens drive pulses N1 calculated in step #465 in FIG.
645. #648) Then, while repeatedly determining whether or not the flag (LMVF) indicating that the AF lens is being driven has been reset at regular time intervals, wait for the AF lens to stop, and then If stops, return (step #650. #655
). Here, the lens drive subroutine (detailed flowchart is not shown) in step (#645) is the drive amount subroutine (detailed flowchart is not shown) for driving the zoom lens group, which will be described later.
This subroutine corresponds to FIG. 41), and after the flag (IJVF) is set and the drive amount N1 or N is set, the AF lens is driven (the AF motor (
energization to Ml) is started. And the flag (LM
As described above, when the driving of a predetermined AF lens is completed, it is reset by a counter interrupt or a timer interrupt that controls the driving.

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 15, step (#500
), it is determined that the flag (LCONF) indicating the low contrast state is set.

If this flag (LCONF) is set, a flag (S2INF) is set to disallow release (step #501), and a flag (LSINF) indicating low contrast scan prohibition is set. In step (#502), the flag (LSINF) is set.
If it has not been set yet, the low contrast scan subroutine (step 11505) is executed and the process returns.

Here, the above low-contrast scan subroutine is executed in the 22nd
As shown in the figure. This subroutine is a routine for focusing on a subject that has low contrast because the AF lens position is far away from the lens position where the subject is focused.

When this subroutine is called, first, it is determined in step (#670) whether or not a flag (LSNF) indicating that low contrast scanning is in progress is set.

Since it is not set at first, step (#672)
Step #6 sets the flag (LSNF), sets the lens drive amount N to a large positive value NLG, executes the lens drive subroutine, and returns (step #6).
72~#678). Low contrast scanning is started by such an operation, but here, during low contrast scanning, AF control (control for automatically focusing) is mainly used.
Let us consider only the operation of .

By driving the lens at the start of the low-contrast scan, the next distance measurement will be performed while driving the AF lens in the extending direction. Then, the next distance measurement calculation (step #4 in Fig. 15) is performed.
65), if focus detection becomes possible, at that point A
After stopping the driving of the F lens and determining whether the lens is in focus or out of focus, sea fencing for focusing is executed (steps #520 to #528 in FIG. 15).

On the other hand, if the next distance measurement results in a low contrast determination, the low contrast scan subroutine is executed again (
Steps #501 to #505 in FIG. 15).

When the low contrast scan subroutine is executed again, the flag (LSNF) is set, so A
Distance measurement is repeated while driving the AF lens in the extending direction until the flag (LEEDF) indicating the end of the F lens is set (steps #670 and #680).

Then, in step (#670), the flag (LEEDF) is set.
If it is determined that is set, it is determined in step (#690) whether it is the near end or the infinitely far end. At first, the AF lens is driven in the extending direction (near direction), so
It is determined Yes and proceeds to step ($692),
Set the lens drive amount N to a large negative value -NLG and start lens drive (step #695).With this drive, [distance measurement is repeated while driving the AF lens in the direction of refocusing (toward infinity)] However, if the mouth-con state continues and it is determined in step (11690) that the end is infinite (none at the near end), the flag (LSNF) indicating that low-contrast scanning is in progress is reset, and low-contrast scanning is prohibited. Set the flag (LSINF) to complete the execution of this low contrast scan (step $1700)
．． #705).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the explanation will be continued. As mentioned above, in low contrast scanning, focus cannot be detected (LC
ONF=1), steps (71501) → (#502) → (#505) until the AF lens reaches the infinity end.
), step (#55) → (#60) →
The loop (#55) (FIG. 10) is repeatedly executed.

If focus detection is not possible even after the low-contrast scan is completed, it is determined in step (#502) that the flag (LSINF) indicating low-contrast scan inhibition is set, and the process proceeds to step (150g). Determine whether the flag indicating auto-wide prohibition (AWINF) and the flag indicating auto-wide operation (AWNF) are set (steps #508 and #510).
. Initially, neither flag is set, so A
The W start subroutine (step #515) is executed and the process returns.

FIG. 23 shows a subroutine for starting AW (starting auto wide). When this subroutine is called, it is determined whether the switch (SaW) for enabling/disabling auto wide mode is ON, and
If F, flag indicating auto wide prohibition (AWINF)
Set and return (step $1720. #
'725). On the other hand, in step (#720) switch (
Saw) is turned on, the target focal length ft is set to 1/2 of the current focal length f, and the target focal length ft is the shortest focal length of the zoom lens. (Steps #730 and #732). Then, if L<f-knee, set the target focal length ft to the shortest focal length fa:n and proceed to step (#735); if ft≧fm:n, continue to step (#735)
Proceed to.

In step (#735), a flag (AWNF) indicating that auto-wide is in progress is set, and then the process returns.

The auto wide sea fence will be explained below.

This auto-wide sea fence is a sea fence for obtaining the contrast necessary for detecting the focus state by zooming to the wide side when the image magnification is too large and the contrast is low. This auto wide sea fence is also similar to the low-con scan mentioned above.
AF control will mainly be explained. Once auto-wide is started by the above AW start subroutine (step #515), in the next AF control, the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto-wide is in progress is set, and the subroutine of TR8 (step #450) is called.

FIG. 17 shows this subroutine of TR8.

When this subroutine is called, first, a flag (I
TGTF) is set or not in step (#5
50). If this flag (ITGTF) is set, lens communication (IV) is executed to notify the lens of the CCD integration start timing, and a flag (RCVF) is set to indicate that lens data that changes due to zooming is to be received. and return (step #555. #56B). On the other hand, step (#550)
If it is determined that the flag (ITGTF) is not set, proceed to step (#560) and set the flag (A
WNF) is set.

If this flag (AWNF) is set, the zoom drive speed is set, lens communication (V) is executed to transfer the data indicating the CCD integration start timing and the target focal length ft to the lens, and the lens data is The flags (RC, VF) indicating reception are set and the process returns (steps #563, #565, and #568). Through this communication, the lens side starts calculation of lens data and zooming. On the other hand, the flag (ITGTF) and (
AWNF) is not set, the process returns without executing lens communication. In addition, step (#
The reason why the zoom drive speed is set by the body in 563) is to set the zoom speed according to the shooting conditions.

Next, FIG. 18 shows an RCV subroutine for receiving lens data that changes due to zooming. When this subroutine is called, first, it is determined in step (#570) whether or not a flag (RCVF) indicating reception of lens data is set.

If this flag (RCVF) is set, lens communication (Vl) is executed to receive lens data,
The flag (RCVF) is reset and the process returns (steps #575 and #580). On the other hand, the flag (RCVF
) is not set, the process returns without executing lens communication (Vl).

Here, the lens communication (■) used in the above processing,
Each of the subroutines (V) and (Vl) will be explained in detail.

A subroutine for lens communication (IV) is shown in FIG. 33, a subroutine for lens communication (V) is shown in FIG. 34, and a subroutine for lens communication (VI) is shown in FIG.

When each of these subroutines is called, the respective modes (IV), (V), and (Vl) are first set.
Set the data indicating “Lo” to the terminal (C3LE).
w” level, performs 2-byte serial input/output to determine the type of body and lens, and then serially outputs 1-byte data to the lens to indicate each mode (step #1060~$ 11068° #1080~#1088. #1100~#11
08). Next, in lens communication (IV), step #
1070), lens communication (TV) in lens communication (V)
In addition to the 2-byte body state similar to 1-byte target focal length f.

Output the data serially (step #1o90.#
1092), set the terminal (C3LE) to 'High' level and return (step #1075. #1095
). In addition, in lens communication (Vl), 2 bytes of lens state data (lens state data at the time when the lens communication (Vl) is executed) and 4 bytes that change due to zooming are used.
Byte data (lens communication (TV) performed before that)
or (V), serially input the lens data that changes depending on the focal length) and connect the terminal (C8LE) to °
Return as 'High'° level (step #
1110~#1115).

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 15, Step 3 (#45)
The explanation continues from 0). While the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto wide is in progress is set, TR3
In the subroutine (step #450), lens communication (V
) to transfer the data indicating the CCD integration start timing and the target focal length f to the lens, perform CCD integration and data dump, and then input the lens data at the time of CCD integration start through lens communication (Vl) in the RCV subroutine. and executes distance measurement calculation (step #450-14
65). In the next step (#478), the flag (A
WNF) is set, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to step (#480) to execute the subroutine of AW mid-processing (auto wide mid-processing).

A subroutine for this AW processing is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first, the lens communication (
In the lens status data received from the lens by Vl), a flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven
It is determined in step (#750) whether or not is set. If this flag (ZMVF) is not set, it is determined that zooming is complete (focus cannot be detected even if auto wide is executed), and the flag (AW
NF) and reset the auto wide prohibition flag (
AWINF) and a flag (ITGTF) that instructs the transfer of data that informs the CCD integration start timing.
Set and return (step #750. #7
70- #780).

On the other hand, in step (#750) the flag (ZMVF
) is set, zooming has not yet been completed, so step (# 755). As a result of the determination in step (#755), the flag (LCO
) IP) is set, it means that focus cannot be detected, and the next distance measurement is repeated. On the other hand, the flag (LCONF)
If the focus is not set, the focus can now be detected.
While executing lens communication (II) that outputs data (body status data) that instructs the zoom lens group to stop to the lens, and repeatedly executing lens communication (III) that inputs the lens status at fixed time intervals, the zoom lens Wait for the flag (ZMVF) indicating that group driving is in progress to be reset (
Steps #755 to #768). Lens communication (I[I)
If the flag (ZMVF) is reset in the lens status data received from the lens, it is determined that the zoom lens group has stopped, and in order to end auto wide,
Reset flag (AWNF) Flag (AWINF)
is set, a flag (ITGTF) is set, and the process returns (steps #770 to #780). The reason for setting the flag (ITGTF) instructing the transfer of data that informs the CCD integration start timing in step (#780) is to execute the TR8 and RCV subroutines (steps #450 and #460) at the end of zooming. This is to input lens data at the position where the zoom lens group has stopped.

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 15, the explanation will be continued. During auto wide, perform the above AW process (step #480)
While doing this, while the focus cannot be detected (low contrast), step (#501) → (#502) → (#508) → (#
510), step (#55) → (#6
The distance measurement is repeated by repeatedly executing the loop (FIG. 10) of 0)→(#55). If focus detection becomes possible during auto wide, the zoom lens group is stopped during AW processing (step #1480), normal distance measurement is resumed, and focus sea fence is executed (step # 520~#528).

In the AF control subroutine (Fig. 15) explained above, if the flag (32ONF) indicating that sea fencing is being executed after 82ON is set, it is determined Yes in step (1485) and step The process proceeds to (#490), but since this sea fence is executed only in the wide field of view mode, it will be described later.

In this section, we will summarize the effects obtained by executing the auto wide sea fence. fJs
As shown in Figure (a), if the image magnification is too large and the subject moves away from the distance measurement islands (A) to (D), if you zoom to the wide side and repeat distance measurement while decreasing the image magnification, As shown in FIG. 3B, the subject enters the distance measurement island and the focus can be detected. Also, when photographing a person's face (not shown), if the magnification is too high, the distance measurement island will stick to the cheeks, resulting in low contrast and inability to detect focus, but it is possible to zoom slightly to the wide side. By doing so, a contrast over a certain position may be obtained and focus detection may be possible. In addition, the auto wide sea fence has a focal length f of the target to be zoomed.
Since I is determined by considering the current focal length f (in this example, the target focal length ft is set to 1/2 of the current focal length f), the focus can be detected by distance measurement during auto wide. Even if this is not possible, there will be no problem such as the angle of view changing too much (for example, the focal length changes from 200 mm to 28 mm) when zooming is completed, giving the photographer a sense of discomfort.

This concludes the explanation of the auto wide sea fence, and the first
Returning to the flowchart in Figure 4, the explanation will be continued from after returning from the AF control subroutine (step #330). When the AF control subroutine turns around, the film sensitivity Sv and the subject brightness value BVi measured with open metering are determined.
is input, and the exposure calculation subroutine (FIG. 25) is executed (steps #332 to #33g). When the same subroutine is called, first the exposure value Ev is set to EV”BVe+
AV+++ Sv grinning request. Here, AV@f; is the aperture value. The shutter speed TV and aperture value AV are calculated from this exposure value EV based on a predetermined AE program diagram, and the process returns (step #790.87).
95). Here, the explanation and illustration of the AE program diagram will be omitted since it has no direct relation to the present invention.

When the exposure calculation is completed, the process proceeds to step (#340) to execute the display AE subroutine (FIG. 26).

In this subroutine, data indicating shutter speed TV, aperture value AV, auto wide switch (sAw) 0N10FF, and wide field mode enable/disable is serially output to the display control circuit (DISPC).
The display control circuit (DISPC) controls the display section (DISP+) on the body (display section (14) in Figure 2) and the display section in the finder (DISP+) based on these data.
z) (Fig. 5). (Step #8)
00. #805). The content of this display has no direct relation to the present invention1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 14, the explanation will be continued. When the above-mentioned AE amount relationship display is finished, it is checked whether the flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set (#345). As a result of this judgment,
If the flag (ZMVF) is set, it means that power zooming is in progress, so the process proceeds to step (#388) without making any determinations related to exposure control after step (#350).
After resetting the timer (T2), restart and return. This timer (T2) is a timer that continues to display on the body and in the viewfinder for 5 seconds after the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned off or the power zoom operation is stopped.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step (#345), the flag (Z
MVF) is not set, step (1135
0), and it is determined whether a flag (82ONF) indicating that the sea fencing after 32ON is being executed is set. As a result of this judgment, the flag (82ON
If F) is set, the process proceeds to step (#400) and performs exposure control processing; however, step (#400)
The rest will be described later. First is the flag (82ONF)
Since this is not set, the process proceeds to step (#352), and it is determined whether or not a flag (S2INF) indicating that the release switch (S2) is invalid is set. This flag (S2INF) is set in the in-focus/out-of-focus determination subroutine (FIG. 15), and is set when the focus is out of focus or when the contrast is low, and release is not permitted. That is, this flag (S2INF)
but.

If set, release switch ($2) is 0N.
10 Step without determining F F (#385)
Then, it is determined whether the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the switch (Sl) continues to be in the ON state, it means that preparations are being made for photographing, so after resetting the timer (T2), the process restarts and returns (step #388). If the switch (Sl
) is in the FF state, 5 after the timer (T2) starts
It is determined in step (#390) whether or not more than a second has elapsed. As a result of this judgment, if it is within 5 seconds, the flag (SION
Return without resetting F) and execute the 81ON subroutine again (step #60 in Figure 10.
55) On the other hand, if more than 5 seconds have elapsed, it is determined that the photographer has no longer had the intention to take pictures, and the 5IOH
The flag (SIONF) is reset to prevent the subroutine from being executed any further (step #420
). Then, in order to enable the next switch (Sl) ON or startup from power zoom (execution of SLON subroutine), interrupt (SIINT) and (C3LE) are activated.
INT) and return (Step #425)
.

As a result of the determination in step (#352), a flag (S2INF) indicating that the release switch (S2) is invalid is set.
If not set, the process advances to step (#355) and it is determined whether the release switch (S2) is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the switch (S2) is not turned on, step (#3
85) Execute the following processing.

On the other hand, if the switch (S2) is turned on, step (
Go to #362) and set the interrupt (C3LE) to disable power zoom interrupts from the lens.
After setting a flag (82ONF) to indicate that sea fencing is to be executed after 82ON (step #365), the process proceeds to step (#370) and a flag (82ONF) indicating that the wide field of view mode is set is set (step #365). WVF) is set. As a result of this determination, if the flag (WWF) is not set, steps (#400) and subsequent steps are executed to perform normal exposure control, but explanations of the wide field mode will be explained for steps (#400 and subsequent steps). This will be explained at the same time.

As a result of the determination in step (#370), the flag (W
WF) is set, in order to zoom 1.4x, first set the shooting frame displayed in the viewfinder to 0FFL and set the wide field mode flag (WWF).
and execute the 1.4x zoom subroutine (steps #375 to 1380), where:
The reason for resetting the flag (mF) is to prevent the zoom from continuing to increase by 1.4 times when the release switch (S2) is turned on one after another.

The 1.4x zoom subroutine described above is shown in FIG. 27. When the subroutine is called, first, the current focal length f of the lens is determined. is multiplied by 1.4 and set as the target focal length f (step 9810). Next, set the zoom speed suitable for zooming in wide-field mode, and change the lens to transfer these target focal length f+ and zoom speed to the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens. (IX)
Execute the subroutine (steps #810 to #81
5).

A subroutine for this lens communication (IX) is shown in FIG. When the subroutine is called, first the mode (
IX), and set the terminal (CSLE) to “
2-byte serial input/output is performed as "Low" level to determine the type of body and lens (steps #1160 to #1165), then the mode (■
), serially outputs 1 byte of data to the lens to indicate the body status, serially outputs 2 bytes of data to inform the body status, and serially outputs 1 byte of data to transfer the target focal length ft to the lens. After doing so, the terminal (C3LE) is set to the "High" level and the process returns (steps #1168 to #1175).

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 27, the explanation will be continued. After transmitting the target focal length ft using lens communication (IX), perform lens communication (In) for 10m5 to check the lens condition.
While repeating the process at intervals of ec, wait for the flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven to be reset (steps #818 to #825). If this flag (ZMVF) is reset, the zoom lens is activated. It is determined that the current focal length f0 has been zoomed to the target focal length f, and the process has stopped, sets a flag (ITGTF) that instructs input of lens data changed by zooming, and returns (step #828).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the explanation will be continued. When the 1.4x zoom subroutine in step (1380) returns, the 1.4x zooming has been completed, so in order to improve the distance measurement accuracy after zooming, the sea fence for re-distance measurement (step 1380) is completed. Execute #330~).

Here, a change in defocus amount due to 1.4 times zooming will be explained. The relationship between the amount of defocus and the focal length is expressed by Newton's approximation formula: xJ=f2. However, X: Defocus amount from infinity [mm] D: Distance to the subject [ma+f: Focal length of the photographing lens [mm].

2, when zooming 1.4 times, the focal length f゛ is f
” = 1.4f, so replacing f in formula ■ with f' gives xJ = (1,4f)2 = 1.96f2 - ■. Therefore, considering that the distance to the subject is constant Then, the amount of defocus X from infinity will be approximately doubled.

In order to prevent such a deterioration in focus accuracy (distance measurement accuracy), sea fencing for remeasurement of distance is performed after step (#330). When the AF control subroutine (Fig. 115) is called again during this distance remeasurement sea fence, the CCD
Since the flag (ITGTF) instructing the transfer of data that informs the integration start timing is set, lens communication (IV) is executed in the TR3 subroutine of step (#450).

After CCD integration and data dumping, lens communication (Vl) is executed to input the lens data changed by zooming, and distance measurement calculation is executed using the lens data (steps #45~#). 465),
M1 and proceed to step (#47g), but the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto-wide is in progress is not set, so proceed to step (#485). The flag indicating that it is a sea fence after 32 ON. (32ONF) is set, so the determination in step (#485) is Yes, and step (#49
In step (S490), it is determined whether or not the re-measured distance is a low contrast. If the distance is not a low contrast, the process returns directly, and if the distance is a low contrast, the subroutine 820-con is executed (step $1495).

This 820-Con subroutine is shown in FIG.

When the same subroutine is called, the number of AF lens drive pulses N1 is set to 0 and returns (step #830).
, This indicates that the AF lens is not driven during release. If the focus can be detected, the AF lens is driven during the release to improve focusing accuracy, but if the focus cannot be detected, the AF lens is driven during the release.
Does not drive F lens.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the description will continue after returning from the AF control subroutine (step #330) at the sea fence for distance measurement again. After re-measurement,
By zooming up to 1.4 times, the brightness within the screen has also changed, so after returning from the AF control subroutine, perform light metering again and display the information (steps #332 to #340)6. , since the flag (32ONF) is set at this point, it is determined Yes in the subsequent step (S350) and the step (S350) is determined as Yes.
400) to start exposure control.

When exposure control sea fencing is started, first, interrupts (C3LEINT) are prohibited and the flag (S20) IF) is reset so as not to accept power zoom interrupts from the lens. (Step #40
0, S405), and then the exposure control subroutine is executed (step #410).

This exposure control subroutine is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, it first outputs a predetermined control signal to control the IJ nose (step $1840).As a result, the upper part of the hair 1 (not shown) comes off, and the IJ nose is not shown. - The zoom movement is performed. Next, the aperture is narrowed down to the aperture indicated by the control aperture value AV force (step 11845), and
The AF lens is driven during release in accordance with the amount of defocus at the time of final distance measurement 41, and waits for the AF lens to stop (step #850). (continuation), step (S
Step 855) waits for the mirror up to be completed, and when the mirror up is completed, the first curtain (front curtain) of the focal brain shutter is run (step #860). and,
The exposure time counting timer (T3) is started and the actual exposure time T5 corresponding to the shutter speed TV is waited for to elapse (steps #860 to #71870). When the exposure time Ts has elapsed, the second curtain (second curtain) is run, and after waiting for the time to complete the second curtain run, the process returns (step #
875. S880).

The explanation will be continued by returning to the flowchart shown in S414. When the above exposure control subroutine (step #410) returns, the camera winds up one frame for the next shot, waits for 5 seconds, and resets the flag (SIONF) to indicate the end of shooting. (Step #4
15-11420). Then press the next shooting preparation switch (
Interrupt (SIINT) and (C3LEI)
Allow IT) and return (Step #425)
Here, the effects of the wide-field mode will be summarized.

First, the first effect is that the photographic frame (FD2) is displayed inside the viewfinder with force, so that it is possible to observe a wider range than the photographic area (Fig. 5).

As a result, when photographing a miniature moving object, etc., where it is difficult to grasp the photographic scene, the tracking power becomes easy and convenient. Furthermore, even in the case of a high eye point, the entire imaging area can be observed. Sara mini, shooting frame (FD2)
The LCD display shows 0N10FF7! By constructing the camera with components that can be used with +, it is possible to select the wide field of view mode when necessary or according to the photographer's preference.

Flowchart in Figure 10 4 Return to Step (#2
0), the case where it is determined that the main switch (S6) is in the ON state and Is is explained. Main Sui Sochi (
If Si) is not in the ON state, step 11, step (#8
0), disables interrupts other than ONi interrupts (SMINT) of the main switch (Sh), and in step (#85) sets the flag (R8TF) indicating battery installation (
Determine whether or not it has been set or separated. Flag (R3
If it is not set by the main switch (0FFi of SJ), a flag (SMOFF) indicating this is set as if this flow was executed, and the AF is set.
Execute the lens renormalization subroutine (step #
87. S90) In this case, the AF lens is retracted to the most retracted position. This point has already been explained to the staff, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.Next, in step (S92) it is determined whether the lens used is an old lens or not, and if it is not an old lens, the zoom lens group renormalization subroutine (step $1100). By executing the AF lens retraction and zoom lens group retraction subroutines, the AF lens and zoom lens group move to the most retracted position, and the size (length) of the entire camera including the lenses becomes the smallest. Then, the lens communication (III) subroutine is executed, and based on the data input from the lens, it is determined whether or not the body side can enter the sleeve state (step #105.
S110). When the body side enters the sleeve state, the power supply to the lens side zoom motor (M3) is cut off. Therefore, when performing zoom retraction control on the lens side, the sleeve state must not be entered, so wait for 50 m5ec to elapse in step (S115), return to step (S105), and start lens communication (III) again. The subroutine is executed and the determination in step (S110) is repeated. When the zoom retraction control is completed on the lens side, it is determined in step (S110) that it is okay to enter the sleeve state, and the camera side circuit and lens zoom motor are Transistor (Tri) that supplies power to (M3)
) (Tr2), power supply control terminal (Pwl)
(P 2) is set to “Low” level, and further DC/D
In order to turn off the C converter (DD), the terminal (MIO)
is set to "Low" Lt, interrupts other than the interrupt (SMINT) caused by turning on the main switch (S7) are prohibited and stopped, and the system enters a sleeve-like state (stop state). (Steps #120 to #130).

When the flag (R3TF) is set in step (S85), or when it is determined that the used lens is an old lens in step (S92), the process proceeds to step (S93), and the flag (R3TF) indicating when the battery is installed is set. R8T
Reset F). Then, step (S1120)
Proceed to the following and enter the sleeve state (stop state).

This completes the explanation of the software for the in-body microcomputer (μC1), and next we will move on to the in-lens microcomputer (μC2).
Describe the software.

When the lens is not attached to the camera body, the lens attachment detection switch (SL[) shown in Figure 4 is ON.
The reset terminal of the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens (
RE2) is maintained at "Low" level, the lens side circuit is not driven at all. When the lens is attached to the camera body, the lens attachment detection switch (SLE)
becomes OFF, and the reset terminal (RE2) becomes “Low”.
A signal that changes from level to "High" level is input. As a result, the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens
Execute the reset routine shown in the figure. In this reset routine, first, the ports and registers are reset (step #L5).

At this time, the APZ mode and sleeve are enabled.

Then, a zoom renormalization subroutine is executed (step #L15). Here, the APZ mode refers to a mode in which the camera automatically zooms to a focal length instructed from the body.

The subroutine for zoom lens group renormalization is shown in Fig. 40. When the subroutine is called, first, a flag (ZIF) indicating the zoom lens group renormalization mode is set, and the zoom lens group renormalization speed is set to the maximum speed ■3. do. And a large value Z as the driving amount. is set, a flag (WDF) indicating zooming in the wide direction is set, and the drive amount subroutine is executed to drive the zoom lens group (steps #L30 to #L
40). This drive I subroutine will be described later. Next, in step (#L45), the process waits for a flag (TINTF) indicating that a timer interrupt has occurred to be set. This timer interrupt is an interrupt that occurs after the zoom lens group reaches the end.

Here, the subroutine of drive I described above is shown in FIG. 41. This subroutine of drive I
(Figure 4) is a subroutine that drives the zoom lens group. When this subroutine is called, first a flag (ZMVP) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set.
) is set (step #L100). Then, after setting flags for motor control and setting the drive amount (zoom drive pulse number) ΔZ, energization of the motor (M3) is started and the process returns (steps #L110 to #L12
0) This zoom lens group driving module (not shown because it is not directly related to the present invention) controls the zoom lens group driving by counter interrupts and timer interrupts, similar to the AF lens driving module described above. There is. In other words, a counter interrupt occurs every time a pulse indicating the drive of the zoom lens group is received from the zoom encoder (ENC3) (Fig. 4) that detects the amount of rotation of the zoom motor (M3), and this interrupt causes the zoom speed to change. Pulse driving is performed for 62 minutes while controlling. After completing this 62-minute pulse drive, the power supply to the zoom motor (M3) is stopped and the flag (ZMVF) is reset. Also,
By the end of 62 minutes of pulse drive, the zoom motor (M
3) If the encoder (ENC3) no longer generates pulses even when energized, a timer interrupt occurs,
It is determined that this is the end of the interrupt, a subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group is executed, and after disabling the timer interrupt, a flag (TINTF) is set.

The subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group described above is shown in FIG. 42. When the subroutine is called, first, a stop signal is output to the motor drive circuit (Mn2) for 10 m5ec (step #L180), and then the drive is turned off.
A signal is output, the sleeve is enabled, a flag (ZMV-F) indicating that the zoom is being driven is reset, and the process returns (steps #L182 to #L187).

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 40, step (#L45
) Continue the explanation. As described above, the driving of the zoom lens group is stopped and the timer interrupt flag (TI
NTF) is set, Y in step (#L45)
If it is determined as es, the process advances to step (#L50) and the flag (TINTF) is reset. Then, the flag (ZIF) indicating that zoom lens group retraction is in progress is reset and the process returns (step #L60).

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 39, step (#L20
) Continue the explanation. When the renormalization of the zoom lens group described above is completed, a display routine for displaying lens information is executed, and the timer (T) for maintaining the power supply is reset.
Restart it, wait for 10 seconds to elapse, and after 10 seconds, erase the display and stop (Step #L20
~#L24).

The above display routine is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, the count value Zc of the zoom counter (ZC) that counts pulses from the zoom encoder (ENC3) is read. Then, from that value, determine the accurate current focal length f. Find its current focal length f. Display and return (steps 1lL250 to 11L260)
.

Next, processing during power zoom will be explained. If the microcomputer in the body (μC1) is stopped and the microcomputer in the lens (μC2) is stopped, or if the old body is used and the microcomputer in the lens (μC2) is stopped, the operation ring (zoom ring) When the operation (80) is performed, an F/ZINT interrupt routine for power zooming is executed. This interrupt routine is shown in FIG.

When the F/Z INT interrupt occurs, the microcomputer (μc2) in the lens first sets the terminal (C8LE) to “Lo” for an instant.
W level and interrupts the body (step #L400), and after resetting the timer (TA), restarts and waits for the timer (TA) to measure time t1 (steps #L410 to # L415)
Here, the reason why the timer (TA) waits for the time tl is to determine on the body side whether or not the lens is an old type. If the lens is not an old type, after the above interrupt to the body, the body sets the terminal (C3LE) to "'L" to perform data communication (lens communication).
.

In response to this, the lens performs a C8 interrupt, which will be described later, and executes another flow before the timer (TA) finishes counting time t. However, if the main switch (S ,,l) is OFF, the above data communication (lens communication) is not performed, and in the case of the old body, data communication (lens communication) is also not performed.For this reason, step ( #L400), even if the terminal (C3LE) is momentarily brought to “Low” level, the C8 interrupt is not generated and the timer (TA) finishes counting the time t = Then, in step (#L415), the timer (TA) When it is determined that time t1 has been counted, the timer (TA) is stopped, and the interrupt F/ZINT caused by the operation of the operating ring (80) is prohibited and stopped (step #
L417~#L420)7L Next, processing when a C8 interrupt occurs will be explained. From the body to the lens terminal (C3LE) from “High” level to “Low”
When the level changing signal is transmitted, the in-lens microcomputer (uC2) executes the C8 interrupt routine shown in FIG. In this routine, first, F/ZINT interrupts caused by operating the operating ring (zoom ring) (80) are prohibited, and 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) is performed in response to the clock from the body. It is determined from the communication data whether the body is an old body or not. If it is an old body, 6-byte serial communication is performed to send lens data to the body side, and the signal to the terminal (C3LE) becomes "High" level. Wait until it becomes ``High.''
It stops when it reaches l level (steps #L565 to #L
575), Since this example describes a new body, the in-body microcomputer (μ
Although the flowchart of C1) is not shown, these steps (#L565) to (#L575) allow the new lens to be compatible with the old body. On the other hand,
If it is determined in step (#L565) that the body is not the old body, then data indicating the communication mode is input from the body through 1-byte serial communication (serial input), and the communication mode is determined (step #L585.
#L590). Then, the following processes (processes corresponding to lens communication (I) to (IX) in the in-body microcomputer (μC1)) are executed according to the determination result of the communication mode.

If the communication mode is mode (I), the 2-byte body status flag (Table 3) is serially input, and the terminal (C3L
Wait for the signal to E) to change from the "Low" level to the "old ghll level," and when it reaches the "old ghll level," execute the zoom lens group renormalization subroutine, then execute the display subroutine and return (step # L
600-1L615). However, before returning,
Enable F/Z INT interrupts.

Note that the reason why we are waiting for the signal to the terminal (CSLE) to change from "Low" level to "High" level in step (#L604) is to make sure that the communication between the lens and the body is completed. This is to prevent other processing from being performed during communication. Confirmation of the end of communication and permission of F/ZINT interrupt are performed in the same way in other communication modes.

If the communication mode is mode (II), after serially inputting the 2-byte data similar to mode (I), the terminal (C8
The signal to LE) changes from °'Low" level to ")Iig
Wait for it to change to the "h" level, and when it reaches the "old gh" level, execute the zoom lens group stop subroutine (Figure 42), then execute the display subroutine (Figure 43) and return (Step # L620~#L635),
This mode of communication is executed when the body issues a stop command to the lens.

If the communication mode is mode (III), the lens status data (Table 2) is set and 2-byte data is serially output. Then, the signal to the terminal (C3LE) is l r
, o, e Wait for the level to change to 'High' level, and return when the level reaches 'High' (step #I, 640 to #L650). In this mode of communication, the body is shaped like a lens II! (While driving, stopped, etc.)
Executed when checking.

If the communication mode is mode (IV), this communication mode is the current focal length f. A mode for calculating lens data in a subsequent mode (
Transferred to the body through communication with VJ).

Therefore, by serially inputting the 2-byte body status data (Table 3), the signal to the terminal (CSLE) is “Lo”.
It waits for the level to change from "w"° level to "High" level, and when it reaches the "High" level, it calculates the lens data that changes due to zooming and returns (steps #L660 to #L670).

A subroutine for calculating this lens data is shown in FIG. When the subroutine is called, first, the zoom counter value Zc is read and the counter value is converted to the focal length f0 (steps #L800 to #L810).
, Then, the lens data that directly affects the distance measurement value, that is, the difference ΔSB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface,
Drive amount conversion coefficient KL, distance conversion coefficient K. Find each data. In order to obtain these lens data, first, a table storing the lens data for every 20 pulses of the zoom counter is searched (step #L8).
20) Then, highly accurate lens data is obtained by performing an interpolation calculation using the table data obtained through the search (step #L822).

If the communication mode is mode (V), this communication mode is the current focal length f, similar to mode (TV). In this mode, after calculating the lens data at , zooming is performed to the target focal length f+ specified by the body. Therefore, by serially inputting a total of 3 bytes of data, 2 bytes of body status data (Table 3) and 1 byte of target focal length ft, the signal to the terminal (C8LE) becomes "Low".
Wait for the level to change to the old ghll level, and when it reaches the old ghll level, calculate the lens data that changes due to zooming, execute the APZ subroutine, and return (steps #L680 to #L695).
, This APZ subroutine will be described later along with an explanation of mode (IX).

If the communication mode is mode (VI), this communication mode is a mode in which lens data calculated in mode (IV-) or (V) is transferred to the body after communication in these modes. Therefore, after serially outputting the 2-byte lens status data (Table 2), the mode (
■ Lens data that changes due to the zooming calculated in (V), i.e., the current focal length f
. , the difference △SB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface, the driving amount conversion coefficient KL, and the distance conversion coefficient KN are serially output (step #L700).
~#L712). Then, the process waits for the signal to the terminal (C8LE) to change from the 'Low' level to the I o i g h I+ level, and returns when it becomes the 'High' level (step #L715).

If the communication mode is mode (■), this is the mode in which all lens-specific data is transferred to the body, so after serially outputting 2-byte lens status data (Table 2), the conventional lens data AVo, AVnax is output. .

KL, fn, LoN, K, I, ΔSB
, the shortest focal length of the lens f, , the longest focal length f1 .
The 9-byte data including the data of is serially output (steps #L720 to #L732). Then, the signal to the terminal (C3, LE) is °'L.

Wait for it to change from level 11 to “High” level,
゛Return when you become the old ghl label (step #L
735).

If the communication mode is mode (■), this communication mode is a mode in which data indicating permission for zooming is transferred from the body to the lens in response to the F/Z INT interrupt, which is an interrupt for power zoom operation (zoom ring operation). . Therefore, after serially inputting the 2-byte body status data (Table 3), wait for the signal to the terminal (C3LE) to change from 'Low' level to 'High' level, and then change it to 'High' level. If so, execute the MPZ subroutine and return (step #L74).
0~#L750).

This MPZ subroutine is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, it first displays the focal length, reads the value of the encoder pattern (ZVEN) (Fig. 4) placed around the zoom ring, and determines whether or not the zoom ring has been operated (step #
L850~#L858). As a result, if there is no operation, the process advances to step (#L890) and it is checked whether a flag (ZVMF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set. If the flag (ZMVF) is set, the zoom lens group is stopped; if it is not set, the subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group is not executed, only the display is performed, and the process returns (step #L89).
0~#L898). On the other hand, if it is determined in step (#L858) that the zoom ring has been operated, the process proceeds to step (#L860) and it is determined whether or not the direction in which the zoom ring was operated is the telephoto direction. Then, if it is in the telephoto direction, a flag (WDF) indicating zooming in the wide direction is reset, and if it is not in the telephoto direction, a flag (WDF) is set (steps #L860 to 1lL872). Next, after reading the operation amount of the zoom ring, setting one of the zooming speeds v1 to ■3 corresponding to the operation amount, and further setting the zoom drive pulse number Δ2 according to the operation amount, the subroutine of the drive and starts driving the zoom lens group (steps #L874 to #L880).
After starting the drive, steps (#L850) to (#L8
80) repeatedly, but step (#L858)
If it is determined that the amount of operation of the zoom ring has disappeared, the zoom lens group is stopped, a display is performed, and the process returns (steps #L890 to #L898).

If the communication mode is mode (]IX, this communication mode is APZ mode, which does not require transferring lens data that changes due to zooming to the body in the next serial communication. This is a mode that automatically zooms to the specified focal length. Therefore, after serially inputting 3 bytes of data consisting of 2 bytes of body condition data (Table 3) and 1 byte of target focal length ft data, The signal to the terminal (C8LE) is “L”.

Wait until the W"L/bevel level changes to "High" level, and when it reaches the "High" level, execute the APZ subroutine and return (steps #L760 to #L7
70).

This APZ subroutine is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, first, the target focal length ft sent from the body is converted to the target zoom counter value Z.
After converting to t, the zoom counter value Zc at that point is read and the current zoom counter value is set as 2° (steps 11L900 to #L906).Next, the target zoom counter value Zt and the current zoom counter value Z are The zooming direction is set by comparing Z, and Z. If they match, there is no need to zoom, so
Return without driving the zoom lens group (step #
L908), Z, and Z. If they do not match, the process advances to step (#L910) and it is determined whether Zt is larger than Zn. As a result, if Zl is larger than Z, a flag (W
DF) and 2. -2. , calculate the number of zoom drive pulses ΔZ (steps 1lL912 to #L91
8). On the other hand, Zt is Z. If it is not larger than , set the flag (WDF) and calculate the zoom drive pulse number ΔZ from Zn-Zt (steps #L920 to $1L928
), Once the zoom drive pulse ΔZ is determined, the speed sent as the body state data (Table 3) is set as the drive speed, and the drive of the zoom lens group is started by calling the drive subroutine (Step 3). #L9
30. #L934). At this time, since the speed sent from the body is set as the drive speed, the zoom speed in APZ mode can be controlled from the body side. After driving starts, wait 10+++ seconds for the flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven to be reset.
It waits while checking at intervals, and returns if the flag (ZMVF) is reset (steps #L938 to #
L940). As mentioned above, the flag (ZMVF) is reset by a counter interrupt or timer interrupt that controls the drive when the driving of a predetermined zoom lens group is completed.

In addition, the above APZ subroutine (Fig. 48) or MP
In the Z subroutine (Figure 47), if communication in mode (I[I) to check the lens status occurs while the zoom lens group is being driven, the C8 interrupt is sent in order to respond to this while driving the zoom lens group. It is given top priority.

In addition, as mentioned in the explanation of communication in mode (I), when performing serial communication in modes (1) to (IX) and associated calculations and zooming, and returning, F is used to enable power zoom. /Z I N7 interrupt is enabled and the process returns (step #L780 in FIG. 45).

This completes the explanation of the configuration and operation of this embodiment.

(Margin below) As explained above, according to this embodiment, the shooting preparation switch (focus detection start switch) (Sl) is ON.
When the focus is detected, distance measurement (focus detection) is performed (steps #450 to #465 in Fig. 15), and if the focus cannot be detected (the first
Step #605 in Figure 9. #606), a low contrast scan is executed (step #505 in FIG. 15, the first
Loop #55 → #60 → #55 in Figure 0). If the focus becomes detectable during this low contrast scan, the AF lens is driven to bring it into focus and step #520 to #52 in Figure 115
8) It is possible to take pictures without changing the angle of view. On the other hand, there is a case where the auto wide function is turned on by operating the auto wide switch (SQ, ), and the focus cannot be detected even after executing the low contrast scan (the second
Steps #690 and #700 in Figure 2. #705),
If the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is still turned on (step #385 in FIG. 14), auto-wide is started (step #515 in FIG. 15). If the focus can be detected during this auto-wide, the AF lens is driven to bring it into focus, and steps #520 to #52 in Figure 15
8) An exposure control operation is performed (steps #400 to #425 in FIG. 14). As a result, the angle of view changes during shooting due to zooming, but it also makes it possible to detect focus within a certain range even if the subject is outside the distance measurement area or if the subject itself lacks contrast. can.

In this way, in this embodiment, zooming is performed only when the focus cannot be detected by driving the AF lens. Unlike the previous model, consideration has been given to keeping the angle of view as unchanged as possible.

In the explanation of the above embodiments, a single-lens reflex camera was used as an example, but the wide-field mode function (wide view function) and auto wide function described therein are as follows.
This can be similarly realized in a camera having a separate finder optical system, such as a lens-shutter type camera. In addition to film cameras that use film as a shooting medium, CCD and MO5-
A similar function can also be achieved in an electronic still camera using an IC.

(Hereinafter in the margin) Next, another example (hereinafter referred to as a "modified example") in which a part of the configuration is added or changed based on the example described above (hereinafter referred to as a "basic example") will be described.

In this example, the release switch (S2
Figure 49 shows a Sea Fence chart in wide-field mode for one example, which aims to shorten the time from turning on the lens to exposure (#c) (#). d') (#d") are communications having the same content as the communications (#c) (#d) (#d') in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

In the sequence of this example, priority is given to the high speed of the operation from turning on the release switch (S2) to exposure, and the release sea fence is executed without re-measuring the distance after zooming up.

In other words, on the body side, communication (tld"
), when the lens state data indicating the completion of zooming is received, the mirror is immediately raised and exposed without re-measuring the distance. Thereby, the time from turning on the release switch (S2) to exposure can be shortened.

The purpose of this example is to prevent out-of-focus photographs in wide-field mode. Regarding this example, the 50th
This will be explained with reference to the figures.

Assume that a person is to be photographed in the wide-field mode, that a finder image as shown in FIG. 50(a) is obtained before the shutter release, and focus is detected using the distance measuring island (d). In this case, when the camera is released, the zoom is increased and the viewfinder image becomes as shown in Figure (b). At this point, when the distance is measured again and the focus is detected using the distance measurement island (d), the face is in focus before the zoom is increased. However, after zooming in, the person's throat will be in focus. This results in a slightly out-of-focus photo.

Therefore, in this example, in wide-field mode, if the distance measurement island before zooming up is the distance measurement island (b) located in the center of the finder, distance measurement is performed again after zooming up, but the distance measurement island before zooming up is In the case of distance measurement islands (a), (c), and (d) other than the distance measurement island (b) located at the center of the finder, sea fences are used in which distance measurement is not performed again after zooming up. This can prevent out-of-focus photographs as described above from being produced.

1. Similar to Modification 2 above, this example aims to prevent an out-of-focus photograph when a finder image as shown in Figure 50 is obtained in wide-field mode. It is something.

In this example, when the wide-field mode is set, the distance measurement island is limited to the distance measurement island (b) located in the center of the finder. As a result, the position on the subject to be measured does not change even after zooming up at the time of release, so the focus will not shift when distance measurement is performed again after zooming up.

In this example, even if the actual shooting area (film frame) is the same,
This is to deal with the fact that the final screen area differs depending on whether it is a slide or a service size print.

FIG. 51 shows the relationship among the finder frame, photographing frame, and actual photographing area (film frame) in a single-lens reflex camera whose viewfinder field of view during normal use is approximately 93%. In the basic embodiment described above, the viewfinder field of view before release in wide-field mode is 140%, so that the shooting area that was visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before release is changed to the viewfinder frame (FD2) at the time of release. A 1.4x zoom-up is performed to match the imaging area visible within the FDI. In the case of photography corresponding to the standard service size, it is desirable to zoom up to 1.4 times. This is because the actual shooting area is a little wider than the shooting area that was visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before the release, but the surrounding screen is cut off when printing, so the final print screen is This is because the area almost coincides with the shooting area that was visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before the release. However, in the case of slide-compatible shooting, simply zooming up to 1.4x at the time of release will also capture scenery outside the shooting area that was visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before the release, and this will not be the final image. area of the screen.

Therefore, in this example, in the case of slide-compatible shooting in wide-field mode, the shooting frame (FD2
) will change to the actual shooting area (
FDO) (taking into account the error, it should match an area slightly inside the actual shooting area (FDO))
, it is configured to zoom up.

As a result, even in the case of slide-compatible shooting, the shooting area that was visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before release almost matches the area of the final slide screen.

Modification 11LL In this example, like Modification 4, the zoom-up magnification in wide-field mode is compatible with both slides and service size prints.

In this example, the type of film is read to identify whether it is a negative film or a versatile film. Specifically, it is possible to identify whether a negative film is a reversal film by detecting the latitude coded on the film as part of the DX code. Based on this identification result, in the case of negative film, the configuration zooms up so that the shooting area visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before release matches the shooting area visible within the viewfinder frame (FDI), especially when the release is released. shall be. On the other hand, in the case of a reversal film, the camera is configured to zoom up so that the shooting area visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before release matches the actual shooting area (FDO) at the time of release. As a result, in the case of either slide compatible or service size compatible shooting, the shooting area that was visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before release in wide field mode is the area of the screen of the final slide or print. almost matches.

In this example, like the first modification, a part of the sea fence in the wide field of view mode is modified.

In the basic embodiment described above, the wide view switch (S11
1. When I) is turned on, the shooting frame (FD2) is displayed within the viewfinder frame (FDI) at the same angle of view (finder image).
) will be displayed, and objects, scenery, etc. within that photographic frame (FD2) will be photographed. In the case of this sea fence, for example, you may initially check a moving subject using the viewfinder in normal field of view mode, and then you may want to check the scenery a little more outside.At this time, when you turn on the wide view switch (SWu), There is an inconvenience that the photographing frame (FD2) is displayed inside the camera, and that only a subject within a smaller photographing area than before turning on the wide view switch (St+u) can be photographed.

Therefore, in this example, in order to eliminate this inconvenience, when the wide view switch (Swu) is turned on, the shooting area that was visible within the viewfinder frame (FDI) before being turned on will be displayed within the shooting frame (FD2) after being turned on. After zooming down to match the visible shooting area, a sea fence is adopted in which the shooting frame (FD2) is displayed and the wide field of view mode is set. For example, if the viewfinder field of view before release in wide field mode is 140%, after zooming down to approximately 0.7x, the shooting frame (F
D2) will be displayed to set the wide field of view mode.

This sea fence will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 52 and 53.

In this example, a subroutine shown in FIG. 52 is adopted in place of the wide-field zoom determination subroutine shown in FIG. 13 in the basic embodiment described above. When the subroutine shown in Fig. 52 is called, first the wide view switch (Si+u
)but. Check whether it is turned on or not, and if it is not turned on, the flag (WW
F) and change the display of the shooting frame (FD2) to ○
FFI, return (step #CIO, #C50
, #C60). On the other hand, the wide view switch (S, u) is activated at step (#Cl0). If it is determined that the camera is in N mode, the shooting area that was visible in the viewfinder frame (FDI) before it was turned on will be displayed. A subroutine for zooming down to 0.7 times is executed to match the photographing area visible in the photographing frame (FD2) after the
). Then, a flag (WVF) indicating that the wide field of view mode is valid is set, the photographing frame (FD2) is displayed within the finder frame (FD frame), and the process returns (steps #C30, #C40).

Next, the subroutine for zooming down to 0.7 times as shown in FIG. 53 will be explained. When this subroutine is called, first, the current focal length f is determined.

In step (#C100), it is determined whether or not the value obtained by multiplying the current focal length f by 0.7 is smaller than the focal length fmln at the wide end, and if it is not smaller, the value obtained by multiplying the current focal length f by 0.7 is set as the target focal length. If it is small, set the focal length fmin at the wide end to the target focal length f.
, and set (step #C120). Then, after executing lens communication (IX) to set the zoom speed and inform the lens to zoom to the target focal length f, zoom while repeating lens communication (Ill) to check the status of the lens at intervals of 10m5ec. Wait until the lens group stops and the flag (ZMVF) is reset (steps #C130 to #C170). When the zoom lens group stops, a flag (ITGTF) is set to instruct the transfer of data that informs the integration start timing in order to perform distance measurement calculations by receiving lens data that changes due to zooming in the next distance measurement. and return (step #C180).

By adopting the sea fence described above, when the wide and knee switches (Sl, Iυ) are turned on, a wider area can be seen in the viewfinder than the shooting area that was visible in the viewfinder before turning them on. Even after this, it is possible to photograph the same area that was visible in the finder before turning on the switch.

The two modified JJL examples are partially modified auto wide sea fences.

In the basic embodiment described above, when focus detection becomes possible during auto wide, the zoom lens group is stopped, normal distance measurement is resumed, and the sea fence for focusing is performed at the focal length at which focus detection becomes possible. Running. However, depending on the personality of the photographer or the shooting scene, it may not be possible to tolerate changes in the angle of view that accompany auto wide.

Therefore, in this example, when mini focus detection becomes possible during auto wide, AF is used to focus on the subject.
A sea fence is adopted in which the lens is driven, a mode (AF lock mode) is set in which the IT AF lens is not driven thereafter, and only the zoom lens group is returned to the position where auto wide was started. As a result, even when using auto wide, the angle of view does not change, allowing the photographer to take the picture he or she intended.

Change 111 [In this example, auto wide is set to Oshi A to make it easier to detect focus and a.

In the basic embodiment described above, the auto wide sea fencing is started after the low contrast scan is completed (step #502 in Figure 15), and the AF lens position at the start of the auto wide is at the infinity end (this setting (steps #690 to #705 in Fig. 22). In this state, for example, when the object at the closest position is Become.

Therefore, in this example, in order to deal with this problem, at the start of auto wide, the AF lens is set at a lens position that focuses on an object at infinity and a lens position that focuses on the closest subject at the focal length at that point. The lens is configured to be set at an intermediate lens position. This prevents the amount of defocus from becoming extremely large for either near or far objects, making focus detection easier in auto wide mode.

Also, subjects for which focus cannot be detected even with low-contrast scanning on the telephoto side are often close subjects, so when starting auto wide, set the AF lens to a subject distance of 2.5, for example.
It may be configured to be set at a specific position such as a feeding position corresponding to m.

This example deals with the case where the time required for CCD integration becomes long in focus detection (distance measurement) performed during zooming.

In the basic embodiment described above, the data indicating that it is the timing to start CCD integration is transferred from the body side to the lens side (lens communication IV, V), and the lens side receives the data and transmits the state of the lens at the time it is received ( Performs lens data calculations based on the focal length (focal length), and requests lens data input from the body side (lens communication via C8 interrupt).
). As a result, CCD integration and lens data calculation are performed in synchronization, but if the time required for CCD integration becomes long, there may be a time lag even if the lens data is at the start of CCD integration. growing.

Therefore, in this example, in order to cope with the case where CCD integration requires a long time, data indicating the timing at the start and end of CCD integration is transferred from the body side to the lens side, and the lens side Lens data is calculated based on the state of the lens (focal length) at an intermediate point between the end and the end, and the lens data is transferred to the body after the data dump is completed. This reduces the time difference between the COD integration center point and the lens data calculation point, thereby improving distance measurement accuracy.

Table 1 Table 3 Table 2 Table 4 (Part 1) Table 4 (Part 2) Table 5 As described in detail of the invention, according to the camera of the present invention, the camera is far out of focus. If the focus cannot be detected because of this, the focus can be detected by driving the focus adjustment lens group, and photography can be performed without changing the angle of view. If focus detection is not possible by driving the focus adjusting lens group, focus detection is repeated while zooming to the wide side. This causes the angle of view to change during photography, but it is possible to detect focus within a certain range even when the subject is out of the distance measurement area or when the subject itself lacks contrast.

As described above, with the camera of the present invention, it is possible to perform focus detection, bring the object into focus, and take pictures, while suppressing changes in the angle of view as much as possible, even in cases where conventional focus detection has been impossible.

(Margin below)

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a camera system embodying the present invention, FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the external configuration of the body of the camera system, and FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram showing the camera system mounted on the body. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an interchangeable lens. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an internal circuit built into the body, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an internal circuit built into the interchangeable lens, and FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an internal circuit built into the camera system. It is a figure which shows a display. FIG. 6 is a sea fence chart showing an outline of the operating sea fence in wide field mode of the camera system, FIG. 7 is a sea fence chart showing an outline of the operating sea fence in auto wide mode of the camera system, and FIG.
The figure shows the image in the viewfinder in wide field mode.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image in the finder during auto wide mode. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a reset routine for the in-body microcomputer in the camera system, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for renormalizing the AF lens, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for renormalizing the zoom lens group. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for wide-field mode determination, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for 5LON, and
Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the AF control subroutine;
Figure 16 shows the lens IN that controls interrupts from the lens.
17 to 24 and 28 are flowcharts showing each subroutine called from the AF control subroutine. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the exposure calculation subroutine. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for displaying the AE amount relationship, FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for exposure control, and FIGS. 30 to 38 are for lens communication ( 12 is a flowchart showing subroutines I) to (IX). FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a reset routine for the microcomputer in the lens in the camera system, FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for renormalizing the zoom lens group, and FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for starting driving the zoom lens group. , Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group, Fig. 43 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for displaying lens information, Fig. 44 is a flowchart showing a routine for F/Z INT interrupt, and Fig. 45 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for displaying lens information. FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for calculating lens data, FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for zooming based on zoom ring operation, and FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for zooming based on instructions from the body. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for zooming. FIG. 49 is a sea fence chart showing an overview of the operational sea fence in the wide-field mode of modification 1;
Fig. 0 is a diagram showing a finder image in wide field mode of Modification 2, and Fig. 51 is a viewfinder frame and photographing frame in a single-lens reflex camera. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a wide-field zoom determination subroutine used in modification 6, and FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the wide-field zoom determination subroutine called from the wide-field zoom determination subroutine. 3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine. (1)...Body control section. (2) ... Distance measuring section. (3) Focus adjustment lens group drive control section (focus adjustment lens group drive means). (6)...Lens control section. (7)...Zoom lens group drive control section. (12)...1 Nollies button. (13) Wide view key (18) Auto wide key (LF) Focus adjustment lens group (AF lens). (LA)...Zoom lens group. (Ml)...Motor that drives the focusing lens group (
AF motor). (M3)...Motor that drives the zoom lens group (zoom motor). (Sl)... Shooting preparation switch (focus detection start switch). (S2)...Release switch. (SWV)...Wide view switch. (S□)...Auto wide switch. (BD)...Camera body. (LE)... Interchangeable lens (AFCT)... Light receiving circuit for focus detection (built-in integral type optical sensor). (μC1)...In-body microcomputer. (μC2)...Microcomputer inside the lens. (FDI)...Finder frame. (FD2) ... Shooting frame (FD3) ... Distance measurement area (a) - (=) ... Distance measurement island.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In a camera that has a zooming function and automatically performs focusing using a TTL method using a focus detection start switch, a focus detection means, and a focusing lens group driving means, the zoom lens group driving means; When the focus detection start switch is turned on, the focus detection means performs focus detection, and if focus detection is not possible as a result, a focus detection failure signal output means outputs a focus detection failure signal; and the focus detection failure signal is output. When the focus adjustment lens group is driven by the focus adjustment lens group drive means, focus detection is repeated by the focus detection means, and if the focus still cannot be detected as a result, a low contrast scan completion signal is generated. a low contrast scan completion signal output means for outputting a low contrast scan completion signal; and when the focus detection start switch is continuously turned on even after the low contrast scan completion signal is output, the zoom lens group driving means causes 1. A camera comprising: control means for controlling the focus detection means to repeat focus detection while zooming toward the camera.