JPH05346618A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the scale of the circuit of a camera with both remote control and eye-start functions and cost by detecting the outputs of the first light receiving means and a second light receiving means with single detecting means and controlling a camera action based on the output of the detecting means. CONSTITUTION:Remote control signal light emitted from a transmission means 1 is received by the first light receiving means 2. The detecting means 5 detects the remote control signal light emitted from the transmission means 1 based on the output of the first light receiving means 2 and outputs the detected signal light to a control means 6. When a photographer views through a finder, infrared rays for detecting the human body, projected by a projecting means 4 are reflected by the human body 61 and received by the second light receiving means 3. The detecting means 5 detects signal light projected by the projecting means 4 and reflected by the human body 61 based on the output of the second light receiving means 3. Thus, a remote control detecting circuit can be used as an eye-start detecting circuit.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly, to a remote control function for controlling the operation of the camera by transmitting an operation signal from a transmitting means located at a position remote from the camera, The present invention relates to a camera having a so-called eye-start function, which starts a camera operation by detecting an operation looking into a finder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera having a remote control function is widely known in which a remote control signal is sent to a camera body from a transmitting means located away from the camera to control a camera operation such as a release operation and a mode change. Has been
For example, various proposals have been made, including JP-A-2-281246. Infrared light is usually used as a medium for a remote control signal of this type of camera because it is inexpensive, has no effect on the human body, and has little disturbance.

On the other hand, there is already known a camera that detects the eye start function, that is, the operation of the photographer looking into the viewfinder to start the camera operation, thereby shortening the release time lag. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-42639 proposes such a camera. This proposal has an infrared projection system and an infrared reception system.The infrared light projected from the infrared projection system is reflected by the human body and enters the infrared reception system. By detecting the light, it is possible to detect the motion of the photographer looking into the viewfinder.

[0004]

By the way, in the case of a camera having both the remote control function and the eye start function, it is necessary to incorporate both the remote control detection circuit and the eye start detection circuit into the camera. Then, by providing both of the above detection circuits, the circuit scale increases, leading to an increase in cost, and it becomes difficult for a low-priced camera such as a compact camera to have both of these functions.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a camera having both a remote control function and an eye start function, in which the circuit scale is reduced to reduce the cost.

[0006]

A camera of the present invention is provided with a transmitting means for emitting an optical signal for remotely controlling the operation of the camera and a first means provided on the front surface of the camera body for receiving the optical signal. Second light receiving means, a light projecting means provided on the back surface of the camera body for emitting an optical signal, and a second light receiving means for receiving the reflected light of the optical signal from the light projecting means from the user's face.
The light receiving means, the detecting means for receiving the output of the first light receiving means and the output of the second light receiving means, and the control means for controlling the camera operation based on the output of the detecting means.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Prior to the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the entire electric circuit of the camera to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and the arrangement of the light projecting means and the light receiving means on the camera will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, the main CPU 60 sequentially and sequentially controls the respective constituent parts in the camera based on a program stored in a ROM provided therein, thereby operating the peripheral related constituent parts. To control.

The AF (autofocus) distance measuring section 43
The distance to the subject is measured by the infrared light active method, and the obtained subject distance information is output to the main CPU 60.
The AF distance measuring unit 43 includes IREDs (infrared light emitting diodes) 41a, 41b, 41c and PSDs (position detecting elements).
42a, 42b, 42c are respectively connected.
Then, the reflected light from the subject is transmitted to these PSDs 42a,
42b and 42c respectively receive and measure the distance.

The E ² PROM 48 is a non-volatile storage element, and when converting the distance measurement data to the lens position data, an error caused by a mechanical variation of the lens position,
Adjustment data for correction at the time of production is stored in advance. When the adjustment data is transferred from the E ² PROM 48 to the main CPU 60, the main CPU 60
The lens position is calculated based on the distance measurement data and the adjustment data of the E ² PROM 48.

Further, the AE (automatic exposure) photometric section 49 measures the subject brightness. The sensors for measuring the subject brightness are the light receiving elements 50a and 50b, and the photocurrent corresponding to the subject brightness is detected by the sensors.
Is output to. Then, the AE photometric section 49 outputs photometric data based on the photocurrent to the main CPU 60. As a result, the main CPU 60 determines the backlight condition, calculates the exposure, etc., based on the photometric data.

The motor driving section 51 drives a lens driving and shutter driving lens motor 52, a zoom driving zoom motor 57, and a film feeding motor 53. The rotational positions of the lens motor 52, zoom motor 57, and film feeding motor 53 are detected by encoders 54, 58, 55, respectively, and are detected by the main CPU.
60, the main CPU 60 outputs the motor drive unit 51.
Feedback control.

Further, the strobe controller 56 starts charging the main capacitor in response to the signal from the main CPU 60, and outputs a signal indicating completion to the main CPU 60 after the completion of charging. Then, the main CPU 60 outputs a charge stop signal to the flash control unit 56. Further, the main CPU 60 outputs a light emission timing signal to the strobe control unit 56 to control the strobe light emission. The switches 62, 63 and 64 are a first release switch, a second release switch and a remote control mode setting switch, respectively.

The transmitting means 1, the first light receiving means 2, the second light receiving means 3, the light projecting means 4 and the detecting means 5 will be described later with reference to FIG. 1, and the description thereof will be omitted here. To do.

3A and 3B are a side view and a rear view of the camera, showing the camera body 71 of the first light receiving means 2, the second light receiving means 3 and the light projecting means 4 shown in FIG. An example of the above arrangement is shown. The second light receiving means 3 and the light projecting means 4 provided on the back surface of the camera body 71 are arranged in the vicinity of the finder window 72, and the photographer normally uses the camera as shown in FIG. Since the finder window 72 is looked into, the infrared light emitted from the light projecting means 4 is transmitted to the human body 61.
And is received by the second light receiving means 3.

On the other hand, since the first light receiving means 2 is arranged on the front surface of the camera, the photographer can remotely operate the camera operation such as release from the front of the camera by the transmitting means 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the essential parts of a camera showing a first embodiment of the present invention, which is transmitted from a transmitting means 1 for controlling a camera by transmitting a remote control signal from a position distant from the camera. The remote control signal light is received by the first light receiving means 2. The detection means 5 detects the remote control signal light emitted from the transmission means 1 based on the output of the first light receiving means 2 and outputs it to the control means 6. The control means 6 discriminates the remote control signal light emitted from the transmission means 1 based on the output of the detection means 5 from the pulse interval T ₁ described later with reference to FIG. 5, and controls the operation of the camera by remote control. ..

The light projecting means 4 is controlled by the control means 6 and projects infrared light for detecting a human body. When the photographer looks into the finder, the human body detecting infrared light projected from the light projecting means 4 is reflected by the human body 61 and received by the second light receiving means 3. The detecting means 5 detects the signal light emitted from the light projecting means 4 and reflected by the human body 61 based on the output of the second light receiving means 3 and outputs it to the control means 6. Based on the output of the detecting means 5, the means 6 determines that the light emitting signal is emitted from the light emitting means 4 at a pulse interval T ₂ described later with reference to FIG. 7, and starts the camera operation.

As described above, the remote control signal light emitted from the transmitting means 1 and the human body detection signal light emitted from the light projecting means 4 and reflected by the human body when the photographer looks into the finder , After being received by the second light receiving means,
Conventionally, it was detected by each different detection means,
In the present invention, the detection is made by the common detection means 5, and the control means 6 makes a determination. The control means 6 is embodied as the main CP in FIG.
It is U60.

FIG. 4 is a transmission means 1 for transmitting a remote control signal light for remotely controlling the camera operation in FIG.
2 is a block diagram for explaining the details of the electrical configuration of the transmission CPU 20. When the transmission switch 17 is turned on, the transmission CPU 20 generates a remote control transmission signal pattern according to a program stored in a ROM therein. According to this transmission signal pattern, the driver 21 drives the IRED 22 to output a remote control signal by infrared light.

This remote control signal is, as shown in FIG.
A carrier (carrier wave) having a frequency f _c (= 1 / T _c ) is pulse-modulated, and pulse trains A _{1 to} A ₃ having a predetermined number of pulses m are formed at a predetermined interval T ₁ .
Further, the transmitting means 1 is formed in a small size so that it can be detachably housed in the camera body, and uses a coin-type lithium battery 23 as a built-in power source.

Usually, the coin-type lithium battery 23 has a high internal impedance and a current of about 0.5 to 1 A
It cannot be supplied directly to the RED 22. Therefore I
Low impedance capacitor 2 for driving RED22
4 are connected in parallel, and from this capacitor 24 to IRED2
A driving current of 2 is supplied.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the details of the electrical configuration of the first light receiving means 2, the second light receiving means 3, the light projecting means 4 and the detecting means 5 in FIG. 1 described above. The light receiving means 2 is provided on the photodiode 10 in FIG.
The second light receiving means 3 is a phototransistor 12, the light projecting means 4 is an IRED 13, the detecting means 5 is a preamplifier 28, a BPF (bandpass filter) 29,
Each corresponds to a circuit block including a detection circuit 30, an integration circuit 31, and a waveform shaping circuit 32. The photodiode 10 and the phototransistor 12 have sensitivity only in the infrared light region.

The cathode of the photodiode 10 which receives the remote control signal light emitted from the transmitting means 1 (not shown) is connected to the stabilized constant voltage source Vr, while the light of the photodiode 10 is connected between the anode and the ground. A load resistor 11 for converting a current into a voltage signal is connected. The voltage signal generated across the resistor 11 is input to the detection means 5.

The IRED 13 corresponding to the light projecting means 4 is driven via the drive transistor 14 by the drive signal output from the main CPU 60. As shown in FIG. 7, the light emitting signal of the IRED 13 has a pattern similar to the signal pattern of the remote control signal shown in FIG. 5, that is, the carrier having the frequency f _c is pulse-modulated to obtain m pulses. The interval between the pulse trains B _{1 to} B ₃ is T ₂ . Then, the main CPU 60 causes the pulse trains B _{1 to} B ₃
This unit is repeatedly projected from the IRED 13 after a predetermined time.

The phototransistor 12 corresponding to the second light receiving means 3 has a constant voltage source V whose collector is stabilized.
It is connected to r and its emitter is connected to the photodiode 10, the load resistor 11 and the input end of the detection means 5.
That is, the photodiode 10 and the phototransistor 12
Are connected in parallel, that is, wired OR, and the output is input to the detection means 5. Note that diaphragms 66 and 65 for removing disturbance noise and the like are provided on the front surfaces of the IRED 13 and the phototransistor 12.

The signal waveform of each part of the detecting means 5 is shown in FIG.
~ (F). The preamplifier 28 is H
It has a PF (high-pass filter) characteristic and removes the stationary light component and commercial frequency light source noise contained in the photocurrent of the photodiode 10 and the phototransistor 12, and FIG.
As shown in (B), only the signal photocurrent is amplified and output. The BPF (band pass filter) 29 at the next stage is a carrier frequency f of the remote control signal transmitted from the transmission means 1.
_c and the carrier frequency f _{c of the} light-emission signal of the IRED 13 are configured to be the center frequency of the BPF characteristic, and have a peak of the voltage gain at the center frequency f _{o and} lower or Remove high frequency components. The output 36 of the BPF 29 shown in FIG.
After being input to the detection circuit 30 and detected as shown in FIG. 8 (D), it is input to the integration circuit 31.

In the integrator circuit 31, the integration operation of the signal component is performed, and at the same time the carrier component is removed.
The waveform is as shown in (E). The output 38 of the integrator circuit 31 is input to the waveform shaping circuit 32, and the threshold levels V _TH1 and V _TH2 having hysteresis are given in FIG.
The waveform is shaped as shown in FIG.
Entered in.

As described above, the transmitting means 1 shown in FIG.
The output photocurrent of the photodiode 10 due to the remote control signal light from the device or the output photocurrent of the phototransistor 12 of the reflected light from the human body 61 of the light projection signal emitted from the IRED 13 is a pulse signal as shown in FIG. Is converted to.

In the main CPU 60, this signal pulse P
Time T _y from falling E ₁ of ₁ from falling E ₂ times T _x and the signal pulse P ₂ to fall E ₂ of the next signal pulse P ₂ to the fall E ₃ of the next signal pulse P ₃ Read that T _x and T _y have a predetermined pulse interval T ₁ or T ₂ , and that the pulse widths T _{w1 to} T _{w3 of the} pulses P _{1 to} P ₃ are
Recognizing that is a predetermined value or more, it discriminates whether it is a remote control signal from the transmitting means 1, a light projection signal emitted from the IRED 13, or noise, and the like. Control movements.

In the camera of this embodiment, the photographing lens is normally retracted, and when the photographer looks into the viewfinder, the camera detects this and moves the photographing lens to the photographing range. ..

Next, the operation of the camera of the first embodiment constructed as above will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

When this flow starts, the main CPU 60 first detects whether or not the remote control mode switch 64 (see FIG. 2) and the first release switch 62 are turned on in order to detect the operation performed by the photographer on the camera. It is detected (steps S1 and S2). At this time, the main CPU 60 projects the IRED 13 to detect whether or not the human body is detected by the photographer looking into the finder (step S3), and the human body is detected. Until the above steps S1 to S3 are repeatedly executed, the process stands by.

Here, FIGS. 16 and 17 show a subroutine for performing human body detection in steps S22 and S23. In this human body detection subroutine, when the human body is detected, the E flag is set to 1 as a result, and when the human body is not detected, the E flag is set to 0. In the steps S3 and S20 in the flow of FIG. 9, the presence or absence of human body detection is determined by referring to the E flag, and the process branches. The carrier component of the light emission signal of the IRED 13 shown in FIG. 7 is generated by a hard timer inside the main CPU 60, and when the light emission is instructed by software, one pulse train B
(See FIG. 7).

Next, a method of detecting the human body reflected light in this human body detection subroutine will be described. Detection means 5
Output 39 of FIG. 8 within a predetermined time TE from the start of light projection in response to the light emitting signal of IRED shown in FIG.
The trailing edge E ₁ (E _{2 of the} pulse P ₁ (P ₂ , P ₃ ) shown in (F)
, E ₃ ) is detected and pulses P ₁ , P ₂ , P
It is detected whether the pulse interval of ₃ is T ₂ .

Further, the pulse widths T _w1 of the pulses P _{1 to} P ₃ ,
Threshold T such that T _wm > T _wn for T _w2 and T _{w3
Using wm} and T _wn , T _wm > T _w1 , T _w2 , T _w3 > T _wn
It is determined by detecting that Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the flow of FIG.

First, the E flag indicating the human body detection result is set to 0 (step S100). Next, the timer 2 in the CPU 60 is started, and the light emission of the IRED 13 is also started (steps S101 and 102). IRED13
Emits light according to the pulse train B _{1 in} FIG. Step S10
3, S114 and S115 form a loop for detecting the trailing edge E ₁ of the pulse P ₁ of the output 39 of the detecting means 5, and when the trailing edge E ₁ is detected within a predetermined time TE from the start of light emission, the timer inside the CPU 60. 1 is started (step S104), and the pulse width T _w1 of the pulse P ₁ is detected.

On the other hand, if there is no trailing edge E ₁ even after the lapse of a predetermined time TE from the start of light projection, the human body is not detected and the process returns F. Next, in step S105, the rise of the pulse P ₁ is detected, the count value of the timer 1 is read in step S106, and a predetermined pulse width T _wm > T _w1
> T _wn is determined (step S107). T _wm > T _w1
If> T _wn is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step, but if it is not satisfied, it is not reliable, so return F as no human body detection.
To do.

Next, when the count value of the timer 2 from the start of the projection pulse train B ₁ of the IRED 13 of FIG. 7 is read (step S108) and the elapse of the predetermined pulse interval T ₂ is recognized (step S109), the timer 2 is turned on. Then, the light emitting pulse train B _{2 of the} IRED 13 is projected again (step S111). Steps S112 and S11
6, in S117, the pulse P ₂ of the output 39 of the detecting means 5
A trailing edge E ₂ is detected within a predetermined time TE from the light emission start of the light emitting pulse train B ₂ by forming a loop for detecting the trailing edge E _{2 of}
When the pulse width is detected, the timer 1 inside the CPU 60 is started (step S113), and the pulse width measurement of the pulse P ₂ is started.

On the other hand, if there is no trailing edge E ₂ even after the elapse of a predetermined time TE from the start of light emission, the human body is not detected and the process returns F. Next, step S119 shown in FIG.
In step S1, the rising edge of the pulse P ₂ is detected.
At 20, the count value of timer 1 is read. Since the pulse width T _w2 of the pulse P ₂ corresponds to this count value, the thresholds T _wm , T are set in step S121.
T _wm> T _w2> T _wn whether compares from _wn, but if satisfied proceed, because if not satisfied unreliable,
Return as no human body detected.

Since the above-mentioned repetitive operation will be briefly described below, in steps S122 and S123,
The interval between the light emitting pulse trains B ₂ and B ₃ is set, and step S1
24 and S125, the light emission of the light emission pulse train B ₃ is started. Next, steps S126, S132, S13
3, the trailing edge E ₃ of the pulse P ₃ of the output 39 of the detecting means 5 is detected, and steps S127, 128, 129,
At 130, the pulse width T _w3 of the pulse P ₃ is checked. Since the human body detection is completed in step S131, the E flag is set to 1 and the process returns. When the human body is not detected, the E flag remains set to 0 and the process returns. The above is the description of the human body detection subroutine.

In step S25 of FIG. 10, the same processing as the human body detection subroutine described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 is performed. In addition, step S in FIG.
In the loop composed of 13, 14, and 15, the remote control detection has priority over the human body detection, and although not shown, the remote control detection routine (step S24) is performed for each loop, while the human body detection routine (step S24) is performed. S25)
Is executed once every predetermined number of times.

Returning to FIG. 9, the photographer looks into the finder, and if the human body is detected, the photographing lens is moved from the retracted region to the photographing region (step S).
4). Next, waiting for the photographer to turn on the first release (step S5), if the first release is turned on, distance measurement and photometry are executed (steps S6 and S7).
It waits for the second release (step S8).

On the other hand, if the first release is not turned on in step S5, the human body is detected again (step S20), and if the photographer is looking through the viewfinder, the first release is repeatedly waited. If the user is not looking into the viewfinder, the photographing lens is moved to the retracted area (step S21), and this flow is ended.

When the second release is turned on in step S8, lens driving, exposure, and film winding are sequentially performed (steps S9 to S11), and finally the photographing lens is moved from the photographing region to the retracted region (step S12). End the series of sequences.

Next, a case where the photographer sets the remote control mode in step S1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the remote control mode is set by turning on the remote control mode switch 64, input of a remote control signal is awaited (step S13). When the remote control signal from the transmitting means 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is input, the photographing lens is moved to the photographing range to perform distance measurement and photometry (steps S16-18), and then to D. move on. In this D, as shown in FIG.
Steps S9 to S12, that is, a series of operations such as lens driving, exposure, film winding, and collapsing are executed, and this flow is ended.

On the other hand, when the remote control signal is not input although the remote control mode is set in step S13 of FIG. 10, the fast release is turned on (step S).
14) and while detecting the action of the photographer looking into the viewfinder (step S15), the input of a remote control signal is awaited. If the first release is turned on during the operation of the standby loop of steps S13 to S15, the process proceeds to B (see FIG. 9), and if the action of the photographer looking into the viewfinder is detected, the process proceeds to C (see FIG. 9).

First release ON is detected B
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S19 of FIG. 9 above, after the operation of moving the taking lens to the taking range is performed, distance measurement and photometry are executed, and the second release is detected to drive the lens,
A series of sequences such as exposure, film winding, and collapsing are executed (steps S6 to S12). Further, in the case of C in which the human body is detected, the operation of moving the photographing lens to the photographing range is performed in step S4 of FIG.
S12, S20, and S21 are executed.

Here, a subroutine for detecting the remote controller in step S24 is shown in FIGS. In this remote control detection subroutine, the R flag is set to 1 as a result when the remote control is detected, and the R flag is set to 0 when the remote control is not detected. Figure 1
In the flow of 0, in step S24, the presence or absence of remote control detection is determined by referring to this R flag, and the process branches.

[0050] Also, in this remote detection subroutine, in order to detect the output 39 of the detector 5 corresponding to the light emitting signal emitted from the transmitting unit shown in FIG. 5, T for a given pulse interval T _{1 It} has thresholds T _Rm and T _{Rn such} that _Rm > T ₁ > T _Rn, and the pulse intervals are judged based on T _Rm <T _X and T _Y <T _Rn . Furthermore, pulse width T _w1
, T _w2 , T _w3 , T _wm > T _{wn
It has wm} and T _wn , and it is judged by T _wm > T _w1 , T _w2 , T _w3 > T _wn .

The remote control detection routine of FIGS. 18 and 19 will be described below. First, the R flag which is the remote control detection flag is reset to 0 (step S20).
0). Next, the input E waits for the trailing edge E ₁ of the pulse P ₁ of the output 39 of the detection means 5 in FIG. 8 (F), but if there is no trailing edge, it returns H, and if there is a trailing edge, the timer inside the main CPU 60 1 and timer 2 are started (steps S201, 202). Next, the rising of the pulse P ₁ is waited (step S203), and when the rising is detected, the timer 1
The count value T _{w1 of} is read (step S204). Whether or not the pulse width T _w1 of the pulse P ₁ is a predetermined pulse width is judged using the thresholds T _wm and T _wn , and T _wm > T _w1
When it is other than> T _wn , it returns as noise (step S205).

If this is satisfied, the input of the next pulse P ₂ is waited (step S206), the falling edge E ₂ is detected, the count value T _X of the timer 2 is read, and the timer 1 is restarted ( Step S207). Pulse P ₁
It is judged whether or not T _X, which is the pulse interval between P ₂ and P ₂ , exceeds the upper limit threshold T _Rm , and if it exceeds, it is not a normal signal, and a return is made.

Next, the magnitude of the lower limit threshold T _Rn is judged. If T _Rn ≧ T _X , then this pulse P ₂ is judged to be noise, and the pulse P ₂ is detected again (step S2).
09). If T _Rm > T _X > T _Rn , wait for the rising of the pulse P ₂ (step S210), and when the rising is input, read the count value T _w2 of the timer 1 (step S210).
211). Whether or not the pulse width T _w2 of the pulse P ₂ is a predetermined pulse width is determined in step S as in the case of the pulse P _1.
If the result of comparison is 112 and it is determined to be noise, the process returns H (step S212).

After that, the process proceeds to G (see FIG. 9), and the pulse interval T _Y between the pulses P ₂ and P ₃ is determined by steps S213 to S216.
Then, the pulse width T _w3 of the pulse P ₃ is calculated in steps S217 to S217.
If the remote control detection signal is determined in step 219, the R flag is set to 1 in step S220, the remote control detection is stored, and the process returns.
If it is not detected, the R flag remains set to 0 and the process returns. The above is the description of the remote control detection routine.

According to the first embodiment, the output of the first light receiving means 2 for receiving the remote control signal and the output of the second light receiving means 3 for detecting the human body are decoded by the same detecting means 5. That is, since the remote control detection circuit and the eye start detection circuit are used in common, the circuit scale can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the essential parts of a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the remote control signal light and the human body detection signal light may be received in an overlapping manner, whereas in the second embodiment, the light is selectively received. Also, this second
In the embodiment, there is no difference from the configuration of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the light receiving unit switching means 7 is added, and therefore, the same constituent members are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. However, only the light receiving section switching means 7 will be described below.

When the switching signal for switching between the first light receiving means 2 and the second light receiving means 3 is applied to the light receiving portion switching means 7 from the control means 6, the first light receiving means 2 is accordingly responded. Either one of the second light receiving means 3 and the second light receiving means 3 is set in the operating state, and the other is set in the non-operating state. The structure of the electric circuit of the entire camera is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components and the description thereof will be omitted.

The cathode of the photodiode 10 is PNP.
In the collector of the type transistor 15,
Are connected to the stabilized constant voltage source Vr, and the base of the transistor 15 is the main CPU 60.
Controlled by the output 19 of On the other hand, the collector of the phototransistor 12 is connected to the collector of the PNP type transistor 16, and the emitter of the transistor 16 is connected to the stabilized constant voltage source Vr.
The base of the inverter is the output 19 of the main CPU 60
8 are connected. That is, the PNP transistors 15 and 16 can be switched between the operating state and the non-operating state by the output 19 of the main CPU 60.
0 to photodiode 10 and phototransistor 1
2 operation / non-operation is switched.

The operation of the second embodiment thus constructed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 combined with FIG. Since the operation of FIG. 9 is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart when the remote control mode is set. When the remote control mode is set, the main CPU 60 in FIG. 12 fixes the output 19 to the “L” level and controls the remote control. For P
The NP transistor 15 is turned on, and the PN for human body detection control
The P-type transistor 16 is turned off. That is, only the photodiode 10 is operated and the human body detecting phototransistor 12 is deactivated. Also the main CPU 60
Also stops the projection of the IRED 13. This is to keep the detection sensitivity of the remote control signal high even under high brightness as described above.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, in the remote control mode, the human body detection operation is not performed and only the remote control signal is input and the fast release is detected. When the phototransistor 12 is selected by the main CPU 60, a synchronous signal may be output from the main CPU 60 to the detection means 5 in synchronization with the projection of the IRED 13 to perform synchronous detection.

The light emission of the human body detecting IRED 13 is set by the hard timer inside the main CPU 60 so as to generate the same pulse trains A ₁ , A ₂ and A ₃ as the remote control signal of FIG. 5, while the human body detecting routine is performed. 18 and 1
Commonization can be realized by replacing the remote control detection routine shown in FIG.

By the way, when the photodiode 10 and the phototransistor 12 are simultaneously activated, the load resistance 1
Since the photocurrents of both of them flow into 1, the photocurrents of both of them increase under high brightness and the input of the detecting means becomes saturated, or the increase of shot noise makes it impossible to detect the remote control signal or the human body detection signal. There is a risk. On the other hand, if the load resistance 11 is set to a small value in order to prevent saturation even under high brightness, the detection sensitivity will decrease, which will lead to a decrease in the reach of the remote control signal.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the first
Since the photodiode 10 which is the light receiving means and the phototransistor 12 which is the second light receiving means are switched so that one of them is in the operating state and the other is in the non-operating state, only one of them should be considered as the stationary photocurrent under high brightness. It will be.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the load resistance 11 can be set large and the detection sensitivity can be improved. Further, in the first embodiment, the signal patterns of the remote control signal and the human body detection signal had to be set separately as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, respectively, but in the second embodiment, they are made common and the software is simplified. Can be promoted.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the essential parts of a camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the first and second embodiments, the first light receiving means 2 arranged on the front surface of the camera receives the remote control signal light from the transmitting means 1 for remote control operation, and the light projecting means arranged on the rear surface of the camera. 4 and the second light receiving means 3 respectively detect the human body, whereas in the third embodiment, the second light receiving means 3 receives the remote control signal light from the rear of the camera by the transmitting means 1 '. The difference is that it is configured to be usable like a cable release, for example.

Now, according to the arrangement of the light receiving means shown in FIG. 3, instead of the transmitting means 1 arranged in front of the camera,
It should be possible to receive the remote control signal light from the transmitting means 1 ′ arranged at the rear of the camera by the second light receiving means 3 for remote control. However, the amount of light received by the phototransistor 12 serving as the second light receiving means 3 is limited by the diaphragm 65 (see FIG. 6) so that the reflected light of the IRED 13 serving as the light projecting means 4 can be optimally received to detect a human body. Therefore, the reaching distance of the remote control signal light from the rear of the camera is very short.

Therefore, in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the sensitivity switching means 8 shown in FIG. 11 in the second embodiment is used.
11 and the light receiving section selecting means 9 are added. Except for these points, there is no difference from the above-mentioned FIG. 11, so the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent members, and the description thereof will be omitted. Only different members will be described. explain.

In order to expand the remote control operation range from a distance behind the camera, when the photographer sets the remote control mode,
When the second light receiving unit 3 is selected by the light receiving unit selection unit 9 that enables selection of either the first light receiving unit 2 or the second light receiving unit 3, the light receiving unit switching unit 7 is used. The second light receiving means 3 is set in the operating state, and the detection sensitivity of the second light receiving means 3 is set to the optimum detection sensitivity in the detection means 5 while the second light receiving means 3 receives the remote control signal light.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram specifically showing the essential parts of the third embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 12 are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. Only described below. The light receiving section selecting means 9 is
In FIG. 15, the switch 68 serves as the main CP.
Input to U60. The main CPU 60 detects the input of the switch 68 in the remote control mode, and outputs 19 to operate either the photodiode 10 or the phototransistor 12, which is the first and second light receiving means, and the other inoperative state. And

When the phototransistor 12 is selected, the output 19 of the main CPU 60 is set to H level and the PNP is set.
The transistor 16 is turned on to activate the phototransistor 12. At the same time, the main CPU 60 outputs the sensitivity switching signal as the output 67, changes the voltage gain of the preamplifier 28 in the detecting means 5, and sets the optimum sensitivity for receiving the remote control signal. In this example, the voltage gain of the preamplifier in the detecting means 5 is changed to change the detection sensitivity, but the voltage gain of the BPF 29 and the threshold levels V _TH1 and V _TH2 of the waveform shaping circuit 32 may be changed.

According to the third embodiment described above, the remote controller detection times
Circuit and eye start detection circuit are combined to reduce the circuit scale
In addition to the above-mentioned first embodiment, the cost can be reduced.
It is the same, and the remote control signal detection and human body detection are selected.
Set the load resistance 11 to a large value by
Remote sensing signal and human body detection
In the main CPU 60, the signal patterns of the signals are made common
The point that the software can be shared is the same as the second embodiment.
Same, but in addition to these provided on the back of the camera
The remote control signal from the transmitting means 1'by the second light receiving means 3
Expand the range of remote control operation by receiving
You can do it, and remotely control from the back of the camera, for example
Take the picture without being noticed by animals or children
can do.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first light receiving means for receiving the remote control signal light is provided on the front surface of the camera body, and the light projecting means for projecting the human body detection light on the back surface of the camera body. And a second light receiving means for receiving the reflected light from the face of the user of this light projection, respectively, and one detecting means also serves as the output of the first light receiving means and the output of the second light receiving means. Then, the control means controls the camera operation based on the output of the detecting means, so that the circuit scale of the camera having both the remote control function and the eye start function can be reduced to reduce the cost. A remarkable effect is exhibited.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of a camera showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an entire electric circuit of a camera to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a side view and a rear view of the camera for explaining the arrangement of the first and second light receiving means and the light projecting means on the camera in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing details of a transmission unit in the first embodiment.

5 is a waveform diagram of a transmission pulse train of the transmission means shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram showing details of first and second light receiving means, a light projecting means, and a detecting means in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram of a light projecting pulse train projected from the light projecting unit shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing signal waveforms of respective parts in the block diagram of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a camera operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of camera operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of a camera showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram showing details of first and second light receiving means and light projecting means in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main part of a camera operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of a camera showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block configuration diagram showing details of first and second light receiving means and light projecting means in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a human body detection subroutine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a human body detection subroutine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a remote control detection subroutine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a remote control detection subroutine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Sending means 2 ... First light receiving means 3 ... Second light receiving means 4 ... Light emitting means 5 ... Detecting means 6 ... Control means 71 ... Camera main body

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A transmission means for emitting an optical signal for remotely controlling the operation of the camera, a first light receiving means provided on the front surface of the camera body for receiving the optical signal, and a rear surface of the camera body. A light emitting means for emitting an optical signal, a second light receiving means for receiving the reflected light from the face of the user of the optical signal from the light emitting means, an output of the first light receiving means and a second light receiving means. A remotely controllable camera comprising: a detection unit that receives the output of the light receiving unit; and a control unit that controls the camera operation based on the output of the detection unit.