JPH05173055A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a desirable picture taken even in self-photographing by executing the range-finding of wide AF when the time measuring with a self- timer is finished at the time of the wide AF and the self-photographing, and executing the range-finding of spot AF when the time measuring by the self- timer is started at the time of the spot AF and the self-photographing. CONSTITUTION:When a central processor 1 sets a self mode and a wide AF mode through switches SW 4 and SW 5 and a releasing button is fully pressed, the central processor 1 executes time measuring by turning on the switch SW 3. When the time measuring is finished, the processor 1 makes a range-finding circuit 4 execute the range-finding processing of the wide AF. When the central processor 1 sets the self mode and a spot AF mode and the releasing button is fully pressed, the central processor 1 makes the range-finding circuit 4 execute the range-finding processing of the spot AF, and the central processor 1 executes the time measuring at the same time or immediately after the range-finding.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having a self-timer mode and two AF modes of wide AF and spot AF.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an autofocus (AF) processing method for measuring a distance to a subject, a spot AF method for measuring only a specific one point in a shooting range in a viewfinder and a specific AF method. There are two methods, a wide AF method for measuring a distance over a wider range instead of a point.
In normal photography, wide AF is used and a distance measurement process is performed over a wide range, so that a desirable photograph can be obtained.
On the other hand, by using Spot AF with a special subject or the user's special intention and performing distance measurement on only a specific subject to take a picture, a desirable photograph that matches the user's intention can be obtained. Be done. A camera provided with these two AF modes and configured so that both modes can be selected and a user can freely use the two modes is conventionally known.

In addition, in a camera equipped with a self-timer,
In many cases, the user himself / herself becomes the subject when performing self-shooting, and the subject state may differ between when the user presses the release button and when the shutter is released when the self-timer completes timing. Many. Therefore, if the distance measurement is performed when the user presses the release button, the distance measurement process is performed on an object whose conditions are different from those of the subject to be actually photographed, resulting in erroneous distance measurement.

Therefore, when the user presses the release button, the distance measurement is not performed or the distance measurement result is invalidated even if the distance measurement is performed, and after a predetermined time, the self-timer completes the time measurement and the shutter is released. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally known is a camera that measures the distance again immediately before opening and shoots an image according to the distance measurement result.

[0005]

However, a function capable of selecting either the wide AF or the spot AF described above is required.
Assuming that the camera is equipped with the above-mentioned self-timer function, the following problems will occur.
For example, if the user intentionally selects the spot AF mode, when the release button is pressed, the above-mentioned spot AF mode is selected.
Even if the distance to a specific subject is measured according to, if the distance is measured again immediately before the shutter is released, the subject at that time includes the user, so the distance measurement result when the release button is pressed is ignored. As a result of the above-described distance measurement again, a distance measurement result different from the user's intention is obtained, and even if shooting is performed according to the result, a photograph that matches the user's intention cannot be obtained. ..

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera having a wide AF and a spot AF so that a desirable photograph can be obtained even in self-photographing.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides first and second operation members and the first operation member.
AF mode setting means for setting the wide AF mode or the spot AF mode by operating the operation member, self mode setting means for setting the self mode by operating the second operation member, the wide AF mode or the Distance measuring means for performing distance measurement according to the spot AF mode, a self-timer for measuring time according to the setting of the self mode, and the distance measuring means when the spot AF mode is set and the self mode is set. To perform the distance measurement according to the spot AF mode, and simultaneously with or immediately after the distance measurement, activate the self-timer to measure the time, and when the self-timer completes the time measurement, the spot AF is performed. Shooting is performed according to the distance measurement result of the distance measuring means according to the mode, and the wide AF mode is set. Re and wherein when the self-mode is set, the self-timer is activated by tightening perform counting, when the self-timer has finished counting, or the wide-A by operating the distance measuring means immediately thereafter
And a control means for performing distance measurement according to the F mode and performing photographing according to the distance measurement result.

[0008]

When the spot AF mode is set and the self mode is set, the first operation is, for example, by half-pressing the release button or by touching a touch sensor provided on the head of the release button. The control means actuates the distance measuring means to perform distance measurement according to the spot AF mode. At this time, the user performs half-press operation of the release button or touches the release button as described above. Since the user touches the sensor, the user is not included in the subject, and it is possible to measure the distance to a specific subject.

As a second operation subsequent to the first operation, the control means operates the self-timer to perform timekeeping by fully pressing the release button.
When the self-timer completes the time measurement, the control means performs photographing according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means in the spot AF mode, and at this time, the measurement of the distance measurement means by the first operation described above is performed. Since a photograph is taken according to the distance result, it is possible to obtain a photograph in which only the specific subject is in focus.

Further, the control means does not operate the distance measuring means even when the release button is half-depressed or when the release button comes into contact with the touch sensor, and the second operation is as follows. When the release button is fully pressed, the control means operates the distance measuring means to perform the distance measurement according to the spot AF mode, and at the same time as or immediately after the distance measurement, the control means causes the self-timer to operate. When the self-timer completes the time measurement, the control means performs shooting according to the result of the distance measurement by the full-press operation of the release button. , The user is not included in the subject because the release button is pressed all the way down by the user, and in the above-mentioned shooting, only the specific subject is focused. It is possible to obtain a photo that was in the state.

As described above, when the wide AF mode is set and the self mode is set, the control means operates the self timer to perform timekeeping by fully pressing the release button. When the self-timer completes timing, or immediately after that, the control means causes the distance measurement means to perform distance measurement according to the wide AF mode. Since the subject at this time includes the user, all the subjects are measured. It is possible to measure the distance to the target.

[0012] According to the distance measurement result, the control means performs photographing to obtain a photograph in focus for all subjects including the user. Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013]

1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a camera according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the central processing unit 1 is connected with respective switches SW1 to SW5. The switch SW1 on the left side of the drawing is a main switch connected to a power switch provided in the camera, and the other switch SW2 is a half-press switch that is turned on by half-pressing the release button. The switch SW2 is composed of two known contact pieces arranged in the displacement path of the release button. The switch SW3 is a release switch that is turned on by fully pressing the release button. The switch SW3 is provided with the other contact piece facing the tip of the release button through one of the contact pieces described above and its contact piece. It is composed of the one contact piece and the other contact piece opposed to each other via the contact piece. A switch SW4 in FIG. 1 is an AF mode setting switch connected to an AF mode setting button provided on the camera, and a switch SW5 is a self mode setting switch connected to a self button provided on the camera. is there.

The central processing unit 1 includes a liquid crystal display unit 2,
The respective circuits 3 to 5 and the strobe 6 are connected.
The liquid crystal display unit 2 is arranged on the upper surface of the camera body, and the display unit 2 is formed as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 101 in the figure denotes an abbreviation for wide AF mode, and 102
Indicates the abbreviation for spot AF mode, and 103 indicates
The mark for self-shooting is shown.

The photometric circuit 3 in FIG. 1 measures the brightness of the object according to a command from the central processing unit 1 and outputs the result to the central processing unit 1. When the device 1 determines from the photometric result of the photometric circuit 3 that the luminance is low, the central processing unit 1 outputs a trigger signal to the strobe 6 in synchronization with the opening of the shutter, which will be described later. The output of this trigger signal causes the strobe 6 to emit light in synchronization with the opening of the shutter.

The distance measuring circuit 4 can switch the distance measuring area in two ways, can realize both wide AF and spot AF, and is used as the distance measuring means described above. The central processing unit 1 operates the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measurement of the wide AF or the spot AF, whereby the distance measuring circuit 4 measures the distance to the object in accordance with the wide AF or the spot AF. The distance measurement result is output to the central processing unit 1. The winding circuit 5 receives a command from the central processing unit 1
Film 1 via a motor and power transmission system (not shown)
Wind up on a piece.

Central processing unit 1, liquid crystal display unit 2, circuits 3
5 to 5 and the strobe 6 are connected to a battery E on the left side in the figure, and the battery E supplies power to the central processing unit 1, the liquid crystal display unit 2, the circuits 3 to 5 and the strobe 6. To set the wide AF mode or spot AF mode, first turn on the power switch and then
The main switch SW1 in FIG. 1 is turned on, and when this is turned on, the central processing unit 1 automatically sets the wide AF mode, and the liquid crystal display section 2 displays "WIDE.A" in FIG.
The symbol "F" 101 is displayed, and at this time, "SPO
T. The AF symbol 102 is never displayed.

Next, in order to set the spot AF, the central processing unit 1 causes the spot AF to be performed by pressing the button for setting the AF mode and turning on the setting switch SW4 in FIG.
Set the mode, and then add "SPOT.AF" symbol 10
2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2, and the symbol 10
Cancel the display of 1. By this cancellation, the symbol 101
Disappears, and when the AF mode setting button is pressed and then released, the button is moved to an off position by an elastic member (not shown). By this movement, the switch SW4 is also moved. Converted to off.

When it is desired to change the spot AF mode to the wide AF mode, the AF mode setting button is pressed again and the switch SW4 is turned on, whereby the central processing unit 1 sets the wide AF mode. Symbol 1
01 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2 and the symbol 1
The display of 02 is canceled. By releasing this, the symbol 10
2 disappears, and thereafter, each time the button for setting the AF mode is pressed, the central processing unit 1 alternately sets the wide AF mode or the spot AF mode via the switch SW4, and the display unit 2 Also, the symbols 101 or 102 are displayed alternately. Therefore, the button for setting the AF mode is used as the first operation member, and by the central processing unit 1 and the switch SW4, the above-mentioned A
An F mode setting means is configured.

To set the self mode, the central processing unit 1 sets the self mode by pressing the self button and turning on the setting switch SW5 in FIG. When the inner mark 103 is displayed, the above self button is pressed, and then the button is released,
The button is moved upward by an elastic member (not shown), and the switch SW5 is turned off by this movement.
The self button is used as the second operation member,
The central processing unit 1 and the switch SW5 constitute the self-mode setting means described above.

When the above-mentioned self mode is set, the central processing unit 1 is adapted to measure the time inside the device 1, and when the predetermined time is reached, the inside of the central processing unit 1 measures the time. Completed, therefore, the central processing unit 1 has the same function as a self-timer. Further, the central processing unit 1 not only measures the time as described above, but also activates the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measuring process of the spot AF or the wide AF, and to perform the later-described photographing. Is used as the above-mentioned control means.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the central processing unit 1. Referring to this figure, the wide AF
The operation when the mode or the spot AF mode is set or the self mode is set will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following operations. First,
When the mode setting is confirmed on the display unit 2 shown in FIG. 2, and then the release button is half-pressed as the first operation, the two contact pieces are brought into contact with each other and the switch SW2 in FIG. 1 is turned on. Thus, the central processing unit 1 detects the half-press of the release button. This state is shown in step 200 in FIG. Upon detection of the above-described half-press, the central processing unit 1 causes the step 20
Proceeding to step 1, the photometric circuit 3 is caused to perform photometric processing, whereby the photometric circuit 3 executes photometric processing. Although detailed description of the photometric processing is omitted, the photometric circuit 3 calculates the brightness of the subject from the amount of light input to a light receiving element (not shown), and judges whether or not the brightness is low based on the calculated brightness. The judgment is output to the central processing unit 1.

When the central processing unit 1 has performed the photometric processing on the photometric circuit 3 as described above, the process proceeds to step 202, where the central processing unit 1 detects the setting of the wide AF mode or the spot AF mode. Before pressing the release button halfway down, at least with the button for AF mode setting,
When the central processing unit 1 is setting the wide AF mode via the switch SW4, the central processing unit 1
The routine proceeds from step 202 to step 203, in which the distance measuring circuit 4 is caused to perform the distance measurement processing of the wide AF.
Executes the wide-range AF distance measurement processing.

Before the release button is pressed halfway down, the central processing unit 1 moves the spot A through the switch SW4 by at least the AF mode setting button.
When the F mode is set, the central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 202 to step 204 and causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measurement processing of the spot AF.
Executes the distance measurement processing of spot AF.

Although detailed description of the distance measurement processing of the wide AF and spot AF described above is omitted, when the distance measurement is completed, the distance measurement circuit 4
Outputs the result of distance measurement to the central processing unit 1. When the central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measuring process of the wide AF or the spot AF, the process proceeds to step 205, and whether or not the device 1 outputs the light from the photometering circuit 3 and strobe light emission is necessary. To detect. When the photometric circuit 3 judges that the brightness is not low and outputs the judgment to the central processing unit 1, the central processing unit 1 detects from the above judgment that the strobe 6 does not need to emit light, and the steps from step 205 are executed. 208
1 to detect ON or OFF of the release switch SW3 in FIG. Further, when the photometric circuit 3 judges that the brightness is low as described above and outputs the judgment to the central processing unit 1, the central processing unit 1 requires the strobe 6 to emit light due to the judgment of the low brightness. If so, the process proceeds from step 205 to step 206 to detect whether or not the strobe 6 has been charged.

When the strobe 6 is completely charged,
The central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 206 to step 208
To detect the ON or OFF state of the release switch SW3. When the charging of the strobe 6 is not completed, the central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 206 to step 207, and the half-press switch SW2 in FIG.
Wait for off. At this time, shooting is not performed, and when the release button is stopped halfway down and separated from the release button, the release button moves upward and the two contact pieces are separated from each other, whereby the switch SW2 Is converted to off. The central processing unit 1 detects that the switch SW2 is off, and from step 207, returns to step “start” via step “219” of “return”,
When the switch SW4 is turned on by the AF mode setting button or the switch SW5 is turned on by the self button, the central processing unit 1 sets the mode and waits for the switch SW2 to be turned on.

Based on the result of photometry of the photometry circuit 3, it is judged that the strobe does not need to be emitted, or when the strobe 6 is completely charged, the photographing can be performed. 208 and step 209
Repeat the loop to operate. If the release button is released during this operation, the central processing unit 1 "returns" from step 209 by turning off the half-press switch SW2.
Then, the process returns to the “start” step via step 219, and the central processing unit 1 sets the mode and waits for the switch SW2 to be turned on as described above.

When the release button is fully pressed after the release button is pressed halfway, the release switch SW3 in FIG. 1 is turned on by the contact of the contact piece. Step 210
In step 210, the central processing unit 1 detects whether or not the self mode is set.

If the central processing unit 1 is not set to the self mode before the release button is half-depressed, the central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 210 to step 21.
4 and when the central processing unit 1 has set the self mode before the half-press operation of the release button, the central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 210 to step 211.
Then, the inside of the same apparatus 1 is timed in the same manner as the self-timer, and when a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds is reached thereafter, the inside of the central processing unit 1 completes the timekeeping, and from step 211 In step 212, the central processing unit 1 causes the above-described wide AF to be performed.
The mode or spot AF mode setting is detected.

If the central processing unit 1 sets the self mode or the spot AF mode before pressing the release button halfway down, the central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 212 to step 214, and the release is performed again. Before pressing the button halfway down, the central processing unit 1
When the mode is set, the central processing unit 1 proceeds from step 212 to step 213 to cause the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measurement processing of wide AF.

As a result, the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the wide-range AF distance measuring process, and although this process will not be described in detail, when the distance measuring is completed, the distance measuring circuit 4 outputs the result of the distance measuring to the central processing unit 1. Output to. When the above-described central processing unit 1 has performed the distance measurement processing of the wide AF to the distance measurement circuit 4, the processing proceeds from step 213 to the next step 214, in accordance with the distance measurement result output by the distance measurement circuit 4. Then, the central processing unit 1 performs photographing, and at this time, the unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens on its optical axis via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown).

If the central processing unit 1 sets at least the spot AF mode before the release button is half-depressed, the central processing unit 1 determines whether the central processing unit 1 is set to the center AF according to the distance measurement result output by the distance measurement circuit 4 in step 204. The processing device 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the optical axis direction. Further, when the central processing unit 1 sets only the wide AF mode in advance, the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens according to the distance measurement result output by the distance measuring circuit 4 in step 203, Further, when the central processing unit 1 sets the wide AF mode or the self mode in advance, the central processing unit 1 is set according to the distance measurement result output by the distance measuring circuit 4 in step 213.
Controls the movement of the taking lens.

The central processing unit 1 according to the above-mentioned distance measurement result.
When the movement control of the photographing lens is completed, the photographing lens is stopped via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown), and at least when the spot AF is set, the photographing lens indicates the distance measurement result in step 204. When the wide AF mode alone is set, the photographing lens is stopped at a position corresponding to the distance measurement result of step 203, and the wide AF mode and the self mode are set. At this time, the taking lens is stopped at a position according to the distance measurement result of step 213.

When the central processing unit 1 completes the movement control of the photographing lens, the process proceeds from the step 214 to the next step 215, and the central processing unit 1 causes the shutter driving mechanism (not shown) to open the shutter, whereby the above-mentioned operation is performed. The shutter drive mechanism is operated to open the shutter. In step 205, the central processing unit 1 responds to the determination of the low brightness output by the photometric circuit 3 described above.
When it is detected that strobe light emission is necessary, the central processing unit 1 causes the above-mentioned shutter drive mechanism to open the shutter and also outputs a trigger signal to the strobe 6, which causes the strobe 6 to release the shutter. The light is emitted in synchronization with the opening of.

Further, when the central processing unit 1 detects that the stroboscopic light emission is not necessary according to the judgment of the high brightness output by the photometric circuit 3, the central processing unit 1
The trigger signal is not output to the strobe 6, and only the shutter is opened by the shutter drive mechanism. After the shutter is opened, the above mechanism charges the shutter, and when this charging ends, the central processing unit 1
Detects the end of charging and proceeds from step 215 to step 216, where the central processing unit 1 moves the photographing lens to the initial position via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown). When the lens arrives at the initial position, the central processing unit 1 stops the movement of the photographing lens, and proceeds from step 216 to step 217. By this step 217, the central processing unit 1 winds the film in FIG. The winding circuit 5 is performed.
As a result, the winding circuit 5 winds the film into one frame via a winding mechanism (not shown). Next step 21
8, the central processing unit 1 detects whether the half-push switch SW2 in FIG. 1 is off or on. When on,
Waiting for off, release from the release button, and the central processing unit 1 "returns" by turning off the switch SW2.
Then, the process returns to the “start” step via step 219, and the central processing unit 1 sets the mode and waits for the half-press switch SW2 to be turned on, as described above.

Although the operation has been described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the present invention can achieve the object of the present invention by operating as another embodiment as follows. it can. Before pressing the release button halfway down,
When the central processing unit 1 sets the self mode and the wide AF mode via the switches SW4 and SW5 by the AF mode setting button or the self button, when the release button is pressed halfway, the switch SW2 is pressed. When the central processing unit 1 is turned on, the central processing unit 1 causes the photometric circuit 3 to perform the photometric processing, and at the same time, the central processing unit 1 detects the setting of the self mode and the wide AF mode. Detects whether or not the strobe 6 needs to emit light on the basis of the result of photometry by the output of the photometry circuit 3.

When it is detected that the light emission is unnecessary,
Alternatively, when the central processing unit 1 detects that charging of the strobe 6 has been completed following the detection of the necessity of light emission, if the release button is pressed all the way down, the central processing unit 1 clocks the inside by turning on the switch SW3. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) is reached, the inside of the central processing unit 1 completes the time measurement, and the unit 1 executes the distance measurement processing of the wide AF to the distance measuring circuit 4.
Then, the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the distance measuring process of the wide AF and outputs the result to the central processing unit 1. Based on the distance measurement result of this output, the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens on its optical axis via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown).

The central processing unit 1 according to the above-mentioned distance measurement result.
When the movement control of the photographing lens is completed, the photographing lens is stopped at a position according to the distance measurement result described above via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown), and the central processing unit 1 is completed by the completion of the movement control described above. Operates similarly to step 215 and subsequent steps in FIG. Also, before pressing the release button halfway down, the switches SW4, 5
When the central processing unit 1 is set to the self mode and the spot AF mode by turning on the switch, first, when the release button described above is pressed halfway, the central processing unit 1 turns on the metering by turning on the switch SW2. Processing the photometric circuit 3
In addition, the device 1 detects the setting of the self mode and the spot AF mode, and after the detection, the central processing unit 1 determines whether the strobe 6 needs to emit light according to the result of the photometry by the output of the photometry circuit 3. Detect whether or not.

When it is detected that the light emission is unnecessary,
Alternatively, when the central processing unit 1 detects the completion of charging of the strobe 6 following the detection of the necessity of light emission, if the release button is pressed all the way down, the central processing unit 1 turns on the switch SW3 so that the central processing unit 1 performs the distance measurement processing of the spot AF. To the central processing unit 1, and the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the distance measuring process of the spot AF and outputs the result of the distance measuring to the central processing unit 1.

When the central processing unit 1 has performed the distance measuring processing on the distance measuring circuit 4 as described above, or when the distance measuring circuit 4 outputs the result of the distance measuring to the central processing unit 1, the central processing is performed next. The device 1 causes the inside of the device 1 to perform time measurement, and when a predetermined time is reached, the inside of the central processing device 1 completes the time measurement, and the central processing is performed according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement circuit 4 described above. The device 1 controls the movement of the taking lens on its optical axis. When the central processing unit 1 completes the movement control of the photographing lens according to the above distance measurement result, the photographing lens stops at a position according to the above distance measurement result via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown). Then, upon completion of the above-mentioned movement control, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as in step 215 and thereafter.

As described above, if the release button is pressed halfway, and further fully, the contact pieces come into contact with each other. However, as another embodiment, the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be adopted. It can also be implemented as follows according to the configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, a pressure sensor 14 is provided in the displacement path of the release button 13 in the pressing direction X so as to be fixed to the fixed portion 15 in the camera, and the release button 13 is half-depressed to release the tip of the release button 13. When the portion 13a comes into contact with the elastic surface 14a of the pressure sensor 14, the pressure sensor 14 moves to the first position.
A half-depressing signal is generated by the pressing force P1 of the central processing unit 1 and the central processing unit 1 causes the photometric circuit 3 to perform the photometric processing and detects the setting of the AF mode and the self mode. Following detection, central processing unit 1
However, it is determined whether or not the strobe light emission is necessary based on the result of photometry by the output of the photometry circuit 3.

When the release button 13 in FIG. 4 is fully pressed,
The tip portion 13a of the release button 13 has the first pressing force P1.
With a stronger second pressing force P2, the elastic surface 14a of the pressure sensor 14 is contacted, and the pressure sensor 14 generates a full-press signal of the release button by the second pressing force P2.
Before the release button 13 is fully pressed, the central processing unit 1 detects the spot AF mode and the self mode as well as the photometry processing of the photometry circuit 3 by half-pressing the release button 13, as described above. When the central processing unit 1 detects that the strobe 6 does not need to emit light, or when the central processing unit 1 detects that the strobe 6 has been charged following the detection of the necessity of emitting light, the release button 13 is fully pressed. Then, the central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measurement processing of the spot AF by the generation of the full-press signal by the pressure sensor 14 described above, and at the same time or immediately thereafter,
The central processing unit 1 keeps time inside the central processing unit 1.
When the internal time measurement is completed, the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as described above, according to the distance measurement result of the spot AF by the distance measurement circuit 4 described above. After that, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as in step 214 and thereafter.

Before the release button 13 is fully pressed, the central processing unit 1 detects the wide AF mode and the self-mode as well as the photometric processing of the photometric circuit 3 by half-pressing the release button 13. After that, when the central processing unit 1 detects that the strobe 6 does not need to emit light, or when the central processing unit 1 detects that the strobe 6 has been charged following the detection of the necessity of emitting light, the release button is pressed. When 13 is fully pressed, the central processing unit 1 causes the central processing unit 1 to measure the time inside the device 1 by the generation of the full pressing signal from the pressure sensor 14, and when the timing is completed, the central processing unit 1 performs the wide AF operation. The distance measuring circuit 4 is caused to perform the distance measuring processing, and the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the distance measuring processing of the wide AF and outputs the result to the central processing unit 1. The central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as described above according to the result of distance measurement by this output, and thereafter, the central processing unit 1
Operates in the same manner as from step 214 onward.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which a touch sensor 16 is provided on the head 13b of the release button 13 and two contact pieces 17a and 17b are arranged in a separated state in the displacement path of the release button 13. And the two contact pieces 17a, 1 in FIG.
7b constitutes release switch SW3 in FIG. 1,
The configuration shown in FIG. 5 can also be implemented as follows.

As a first operation, the touch sensor 16 of the release button 13 is touched, and the touch sensor 16 generates a touch signal due to this touch, which causes the central processing unit 1 to perform the photometric processing for the photometric circuit. 3, the AF mode and the self-mode setting are detected, and following this detection, the central processing unit 1 detects whether or not strobe light emission is necessary based on the photometric result of the output of the photometric circuit 3. ..

Following the contact of the touch sensor 16,
When the release button 13 is pressed, one contact piece 17a is elastically deformed and comes into contact with the other contact piece 17b, and this contact turns on the release switch SW3 in FIG. The device 1 controls as follows by detecting the AF mode. Before pressing the release button 13, by touching the touch sensor 16 on the release button 13, the central processing unit 1 detects the spot AF mode and the self mode as well as the photometric processing of the photometric circuit 3 as described above. In addition, when the central processing unit 1 detects that the strobe 6 does not need to emit light, or when the central processing unit 1 detects the completion of charging of the strobe 6 following the detection of the necessity of emitting light, the touch sensor 16 is operated. When the release button 13 is pressed after the contact of
When W3 is turned on, the central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measuring process of the spot AF, and at the same time or immediately after that, the central processing unit 1 performs time measurement therein.
When the inside of the device 1 completes the time measurement, the distance measuring circuit 4 described above
The central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as described above according to the distance measurement result of the spot AF according to. After that, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as in step 214 and thereafter.

Further, before the release button 13 is pressed, the touch sensor 16 is contacted to cause the central processing unit 1 to perform the photometric processing on the photometric circuit 3 as described above, and the wide A
When the central processing unit 1 detects that the strobe 6 does not need to emit light after detecting the F mode and the self mode, or after the detection of the required emission of light, the central processing unit 1 completes the charging of the strobe 6. When the release button 13 is pressed following the contact with the touch sensor 16 when the detection is made, the central processing unit 1 causes the inside of the device 1 to measure time by turning on the switch SW3, and when the time measurement is completed. The central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measuring process of the wide AF, and the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the distance measuring process of the wide AF and outputs the result to the central processing unit 1. According to the result of distance measurement by this output, the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as above, and thereafter
The central processing unit 1 operates as in step 214 and thereafter.

As described above, the symbols 101 and 102 and the mark 103 in FIG. 2 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 2.
As another embodiment, a display unit 22 may be provided above the finder field frame 21 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and accordingly, the central processing unit 1 may operate in the same manner as described above by operating the release button. Alternatively, the central processing unit 1 can operate as follows regardless of the operation of the release button.

Regarding the setting of the spot AF mode and the self mode, first, the central processing unit 1 is pressed through the switch SW4 by pressing the button for setting the AF mode.
However, with the setting of the spot AF mode, the display unit 2 of FIG.
When "SPOT. AF" is displayed in 2, and the self button is pressed to set the self mode, the central processing unit 1 sets the self mode via the switch SW5, and the central processing unit 1 displays the self mode with the setting. 7 “SPOT.AF & SELF TIMER
Is displayed on the display unit 22, and at the same time as the display, the central processing unit 1 causes the photometric circuit 3 to perform photometric processing. The circuit 3 performs photometric processing and the result is processed by the central processing unit 1.
Output to.

When the central processing unit 1 performs the above-described photometric processing on the photometric circuit 3, the central processing unit 1 also performs the spot AF distance measuring processing on the distance measuring circuit 4, and the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the spot AF processing. Distance measurement processing is performed and the result is output to the central processing unit 1. When the central processing unit 1 has performed the photometric and distance measuring processes on the respective circuits 3 and 4 as described above, is it necessary for the central processing unit 1 to emit a strobe light in accordance with the photometric result of the output of the photometric circuit 3? Detect whether or not.

When it is detected that the light emission is not necessary, or when the central processing unit 1 detects the completion of the charging of the strobe 6 following the detection of the necessity of the light emission, the central processing unit 1 causes the inside of the same unit 1 to measure the time, When the inside thereof completes the time measurement, the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as described above according to the distance measurement result of the spot AF described above. When the movement control is completed, the central processing unit 1 operates as in step 215 and thereafter.

Further, with respect to the setting of the wide AF mode and the self mode, the central processing unit 1 sets the wide AF through the switch SW4 by turning on the power switch of the camera or pressing the button for setting the AF mode. The mode is set, and along with the setting, the central processing unit 1 causes the display unit 22 to display "WIDE. AF" in FIG. 6, and then, by pressing the self button, the central processing unit is operated via the switch SW5. 1 with the setting of self mode,
"WIDE.AF & SELF TIMER" is displayed on the display unit 22 of FIG. 6, and at the same time, the central processing unit 1 causes the photometric circuit 3 to perform the photometric processing, and the circuit 3 performs the photometric processing and the result is obtained. Is output to the central processing unit 1.

After the central processing unit 1 has performed the photometric processing on the photometric circuit 3 as described above, the central processing unit 1 then
According to the result of photometry by the output of the photometry circuit 3, it is detected whether or not the strobe light emission is necessary. When it is detected that the light emission is not necessary, or when the central processing unit 1 detects the completion of charging of the strobe 6 following the detection of the necessity for the light emission, the central processing unit 1 causes the inside of the device 1 to measure the time, and When the time measurement is completed, the central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measuring process of the wide AF, and the distance measuring circuit 4 performs the distance measuring process of the wide AF and outputs the result to the central processing unit 1. .. After that, the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens according to the result of the distance measurement described above, and when the movement control is completed, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as in step 215 and thereafter.

Wide AF mode or spot A described above
The F mode and the self mode are set by pressing the AF mode setting button and the self button, but only one operation member for the mode setting is provided, and as shown in FIG. A mode setting button 24 may be provided along the "H" shaped guide groove 23 formed in the body so as to be movable in the left-right direction and the vertical and horizontal directions in the drawing.

This button 24 is operated manually (MANU
It is located at the focus adjustment of (AL), and to set the wide AF mode or spot AF mode, use the "WIDE.
When the button 24 is moved to any setting position of “F” and “SPOT. AF” and the button 24 reaches the above setting position, the central processing unit 1 in FIG. Set the mode.

To set the AF mode or the self mode, the button 24 is set to "WIDE &SELF" in FIG.
, Or "SPOT &SELF", the button 24 is moved to any of the set positions, and when the button 24 reaches the set position described above, the central processing unit 1 in FIG. The mode or the self mode is set, and the central processing unit 1 causes the display unit 22 of FIG. 6 or 7 to display the mode of the above setting together with the setting, and at the same time as displaying this display or confirming the display, press the release button. The central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as described above by the pressing operation to or the contact with the touch sensor 16.

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, since the photometric circuit 3 in FIG. 1 is additionally provided, if the strobe 6 emits light in accordance with the above-mentioned judgment of low brightness, a clearer picture can be obtained. The present invention may be carried out as follows, except for the operations of the photometric circuit 3 and steps 201, 205 to 207 in FIG. 3, and this does not impede the purpose of the present invention.

When the spot AF mode and the self mode are set, the central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform the distance measurement processing of the spot AF only by pressing the release button halfway or by touching the touch sensor 16. Do it,
The central processing unit 1 is made to count the time internally by fully pressing the release button or by pressing the release button 13 shown in FIG. 5 following the contact of the touch sensor 16. When the inside of the distance measuring circuit 4 completes timing, depending on the distance measurement result of the distance measuring circuit 4 when the release button is half-depressed or when the touch sensor 16 is touched,
The central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as described above. After that, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as described above.

Alternatively, nothing is executed by half-pressing the release button or touching the touch sensor 16, and fully pressing the release button or following the touching of the touch sensor 16 and then the release button 13 of FIG. By the pressing operation of, the central processing unit 1 causes the distance measurement circuit 4 to perform the distance measurement processing of the spot AF while the internal processing of the central processing unit 1 completes the time measurement.
The central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the taking lens in the same manner as described above according to the distance measurement result of the distance measurement circuit 4 when the release button is fully pressed or pressed. After that, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as described above.

When the wide AF mode and the self mode are set, nothing is performed by pressing the release button halfway or by touching the touch sensor 16, and by fully pressing the release button or By pressing the release button 13 of FIG. 5 following the touch of the touch sensor 16, the central processing unit 1 causes the inside thereof to measure the time, and when the inside of the device 1 completes the timing, at the same time or immediately thereafter, The central processing unit 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform wide AF distance measuring processing, the distance measuring circuit 4 executes wide AF distance measuring processing, and outputs the result to the central processing unit 1. The central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens in the same manner as described above in accordance with the result of the distance measurement of the wide AF by the output of the circuit 4, and thereafter, the central processing unit 1 operates in the same manner as described above.

In addition to the above embodiment, another embodiment is conceivable, but when the spot AF mode and the self mode are set, at least when the inside of the central processing unit 1 starts timing or immediately before that. Assuming that the distance measurement processing of the spot AF is performed, the above-mentioned button may be pressed, and the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens according to the result of the distance measurement.

When the wide AF mode and the self mode are set, at least when the inside of the central processing unit 1 completes timing or immediately after that, the wide AF mode is set.
It is sufficient to press the above-mentioned button on the premise that the distance measurement processing is performed, and the central processing unit 1 controls the movement of the photographing lens according to the result of the distance measurement. As described above, when the inside of the central processing unit 1 completes timing, the spot A
Although it has been stated that the movement of the photographing lens is controlled according to the distance measurement result in the F mode, if the above distance measurement result is obtained while the central processing unit 1 is clocking, the result is immediately responded. The central processing unit 1 may control the movement of the photographing lens, and the shutter may be opened by the completion of the movement control and the completion of timing.

Further, the self-shooting described above is a so-called single self mode in which one frame is shot, but a double self mode in which the self-shooting of two frames is executed only by pressing the release button once. The present invention can also be applied to a camera of the present invention. In this case, when the spot AF mode is set in self-shooting, the central processing unit 1 starts the spotting operation every time the inside of the central processing unit 1 starts timing. When the AF distance measurement processing is performed by the distance measurement circuit 4, and when the wide AF mode is set together with the self-shooting, the apparatus 1 performs wide AF measurement every time the inside of the central processing unit 1 completes the time measurement. The distance processing may be performed by the distance measuring circuit 4.

Further, it is sufficient to operate in the same manner as described above even in the triple self mode in which the self-photographing of three frames can be performed by only pressing the release button all the way down. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied. Nor.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the spot AF mode and the self mode are set, when the inside of the central processing unit starts timing or immediately before that.
Since the distance measurement processing of the spot AF is performed and the photographer at this time operates the button as described above, the photographer is not included in the subject, and the distance can be measured only for a specific subject. According to the result, the central processing unit controls the movement of the photographing lens via a motor and a power transmission system (not shown),
When the control is completed, the shutter is opened as described above, and at this time, in order to take a picture so that only the specific subject described above is in focus, it is possible to obtain a photograph that matches the photographer's intention. it can.

When the wide AF mode and the self mode are set, the distance measurement processing of the wide AF is performed when the inside of the central processing unit completes the time measurement or immediately thereafter.
Since the subject at this time includes the photographer, it is possible to measure the distance to the subject. Depending on the result, the central processing unit controls the movement of the shooting lens, and when the control is completed, the shutter is opened, and at this time, shooting is performed so that all the subjects including the photographer are in focus. Therefore, a photograph suitable for the wide AF mode can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of each component provided inside a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a liquid crystal display unit provided above the camera.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central processing unit 1 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pressure sensor 14 is provided on the tip portion 13a of the release button 13.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a touch sensor is provided on the head portion 13b of the release button 13 and two contact pieces are arranged on the tip portion 13a as release switches.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a display unit 22 is provided above the finder 21 of the camera and the settings of the wide AF mode and the self mode are displayed on the display unit 22.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the setting of the spot AF mode and the self mode is displayed on the display unit 22.

FIG. 8 is a top view showing a state in which one operation member 24 is provided for setting the mode and its surroundings.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Central processing unit 2 Liquid crystal display unit 4 Distance measuring circuit

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A first and a second operating member, an AF mode setting means for setting a wide AF mode or a spot AF mode by operating the first operating member, and an operation of the second operating member. A self mode setting means for setting a self mode; a distance measuring means for performing distance measurement according to the wide AF mode or the spot AF mode; a self timer for measuring time according to the setting of the self mode; and the spot AF mode. Is set and the self mode is set, the distance measuring means is operated to perform distance measurement according to the spot AF mode, and the self timer is activated simultaneously with or immediately after the distance measurement. Time measurement is performed by the self-timer, and when the self-timer completes the time measurement, the distance measuring connection of the distance measuring means in the spot AF mode is performed. Perform imaging according, also when the wide AF mode is set and the self-mode is set to,
The self-timer is operated to measure the time, and when the self-timer completes the time measurement or immediately after that, the distance measuring means is operated to perform the distance measurement according to the wide AF mode, and the distance measurement is performed. A camera comprising: a control unit that performs shooting according to the result. 2. A mode setting unit that includes one operating member, and sets the wide AF mode and the self mode by operating the operating member, or sets the spot AF mode and the self mode, and the wide AF mode or the spot. When the spot AF mode and the self mode are set, the distance measuring means is operated to operate the distance measuring means for performing distance measurement according to the AF mode, the self timer for measuring time according to the self mode, Perform the distance measurement according to the AF mode, and simultaneously with or immediately after the distance measurement, activate the self-timer to measure the time, and when the self-timer completes the time measurement,
Shooting is performed according to the distance measurement result of the distance measuring unit in the spot AF mode, and when the wide AF mode and the self mode are set by the mode setting unit, the self timer is activated. When the self-timer completes the time measurement or immediately after that, the distance measuring means is operated to perform the distance measurement according to the wide AF mode, and the photographing is performed according to the distance measurement result. A camera comprising a control means and.