JPH07318785A - Camera provided with bracket device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a camera provided with a bracket device constituted so that a continuous photographing action can be executed by bringing objects in plural range- finding areas into focus by being provided with a bracket control means executing a bracket photographing action by driving an automatic focusing means and a continuous photographing means based on two or more range-finding data. CONSTITUTION:The camera is provided with the bracket control means executing the bracket photographing action by driving the automatic focusing means and the continuous photographing means based on two or more range-finding data. A range- finding means, a defocus quantity measurement means, a lens driving means and the continuous photographing means are constituted of a main CPU 35 and the like. The CCD line sensor of a multiple range-finding sensor unit 21 is provided with three range-finding parts (range-finding sensors) executing the range-finding of the plural range-finding areas in a photographic picture. Then, the range-finding of three range- finding points is executed in turn and calculated. Besides, the focusing processing thereof is executed. Moreover, a photometry action with the range-finding area corresponding the respective range-finding points as a center is executed and the objects within the respective range-finding points are photographed in a focused state and with a precise exposure value.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an autofocus camera equipped with a multi-point distance measuring device and a bracket device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent single-lens reflex cameras,
Some compact cameras include a so-called multi-point distance measuring device capable of measuring defocus or distance to an object located in a different distance measuring area on a shooting screen. However, a camera provided with a conventional multi-point distance measuring device only focuses on a subject within one of the distance measuring areas selected by a predetermined algorithm. Therefore, in some cases, such as when the subjects photographed by the photographer are scattered back and forth, it may not be known which subject should be focused. In such a case, the desired focus may not be obtained with a single shot, and when attempting to shoot multiple shots while focusing on multiple subjects, the structure may be changed for each subject. When the focus is locked and the composition is restored, the picture is taken, or in a camera equipped with a multi-point range finder in which the photographer can select the range-finding area, the range-finding area must be selected one by one before shooting.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the conventional camera, and is a bracket device or a bracket device for a camera capable of continuously photographing an object in a plurality of distance measurement areas while focusing on the object. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera provided with.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, which achieves this object, is a camera equipped with multi-point distance measuring means, automatic focus adjusting means, and continuous photographing means. It is characterized in that it is provided with bracket control means for driving the automatic focus adjusting means and the continuous photographing means on the basis of two or more pieces of distance measurement data among the distance data to execute bracket photographing.

[0005]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an automatic focusing (AF) single-lens reflex camera to which the present invention is applied. The AF single-lens reflex camera includes a camera body 11 and an AF-compatible taking lens 51 that is attachable to and detachable from the camera body 11. The camera body 11 is provided with so-called automatic focus adjusting means, multi-point distance measuring means, multi-point photometric means and continuous photographing means.

Most of the subject light flux that has entered the camera body 11 from the taking lens 51 is reflected by the main mirror 13 toward the pentaprism 17 that constitutes the finder optical system, and part of the reflected light is multipoint photometric. IC for
It is incident on eighteen light receiving elements. On the other hand, a part of the subject light flux incident on the half mirror portion 14 of the main mirror 13 passes through this portion and is reflected downward by the sub-mirror 15 to be a CCD sensor unit for multi-point distance measurement (hereinafter referred to as "multi-distance sensor unit" It is incident on 21.

The divided photometric IC 18 is provided with a plurality of photometric light receiving elements (eight photometric sensors) for receiving a subject light flux. The relationship between each photometric sensor and the shooting screen 20, that is, the photometric areas A1, B1, B2, C where each photometric sensor performs photometry.
An example of the relationship between 1, C2, D1, D2, D3 and the shooting screen 20 is shown in FIG.

Each of these photometric sensors logarithmically compresses the electric signal photoelectrically converted according to the amount of received light, and the peripheral control circuit 2
Main CPU as bracket control means via
A / D conversion at 35. The main CPU 35 executes a predetermined exposure calculation based on the photometric signal and the film sensitivity information, and calculates an appropriate shutter speed and aperture value for exposure. Then, based on the shutter speed and the aperture value, the photographing process, that is, the exposure mechanism (shutter mechanism) 25
The diaphragm mechanism 27 is driven to expose the film. Further, the peripheral control circuit 23 drives the mirror motor 31 via the motor drive circuit 29 to perform up / down processing of the main mirror 13 during the photographing process, and drives the film winding motor 33 after the exposure is completed. To wind the film by one frame. The bracket control means of the present invention,
Including the peripheral control circuit 23 and the main CPU 35,
The continuous photographing means includes an exposure mechanism 25, a diaphragm 27, a motor drive circuit 29, a mirror motor 31, and a film winding motor 33.

The multi-distance measuring sensor unit 21 is a so-called phase difference type distance measuring sensor, and although not shown, a splitting optical system for splitting a subject light flux into two and a subject light flux split into two are respectively received and integrated. It is provided with a CCD line sensor (for photoelectric conversion and accumulation of its charge). CC
The D line sensor is provided with three distance measuring units (distance measuring sensors) capable of measuring a plurality of distance measuring areas on the photographing screen.

Two divided images of different areas are formed on each of the distance measuring units. The relationship between the distance measuring unit and the photographing screen 20, that is, the distance measuring areas A, B, and C where the three distance measuring units measure distances.
And photometric areas A1, B1, B2, C1, C of each photometric sensor
An example of the relationship between the photometric areas of 2, D1, D2 and D3 and the photographing screen 20 is shown in FIG. Hereinafter, each distance measuring sensor 21A
21C is the area for which the distance measurement area (distance measuring points) α, β,
Let γ. The multi-distance sensor unit 21 independently outputs the integrated data in each of the distance measurement areas α, β, γ integrated by each distance measurement unit to the main CPU 35. Although three distance measuring areas α, β, and γ are shown in this embodiment, the number of distance measuring areas may be two or four or more, and the arrangement thereof is not limited to this embodiment.

The main CPU 35 calculates the defocus amount by a predetermined calculation (predictor calculation) based on the integral data corresponding to each distance measurement area input from the multi distance measurement sensor unit 21. Then, based on these defocus amounts, the defocus amount to be used and the priority order are set, and the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the AF motor 39 (the number of pulses of the encoder 41) are calculated. Then, the main CPU 35 determines the AF motor 3 via the AF motor drive circuit 37 based on the rotation direction and the number of pulses.
Drive 9 During this driving, the main CPU 35
The pulses output from the encoder 41 are detected and counted in conjunction with the rotation of the AF motor 39, and the AF motor 39 is stopped when the count value reaches the number of pulses.

The main CPU 35 sets the AF motor 39 to D
Before C drive and before stopping, constant speed control by PWM control can be performed based on the interval of the output pulse of the encoder 41. The rotation of the AF motor 39 is transmitted to the taking lens 51 side through a connection between a joint 47 provided on the mount portion of the camera body 11 and a joint 57 provided on the mount portion of the taking lens 51. Then, the focus adjustment lens 53 is moved back and forth by the lens driving mechanism 55.

Further, the main CPU 35 incorporates a ROM 35a for storing programs and the like, a RAM 35B for temporarily storing predetermined data for calculation and control, a reference timer 35c for timing and a hard counter 35d, and as an external memory means. E ² PROM 43 of is connected. The E ² PROM 43 includes various constants unique to the camera body 11 and various functions required for the moving object prediction AF calculation of the present invention.
Constants are stored in memory.

Further, the main CPU 35 has a metering switch SWS which is turned on by half-pressing or fully-pressing a release button (not shown), a release switch SWR which is turned on by full-pressing, and an automatic focus control for switching between automatic focus control and manual focus control. A switch SWAF, a main switch SWM for turning on / off the power to the main CPU 35, peripheral devices and the like are connected. The main CPU 35 is set to A
The display device 45 displays F, exposure, shooting mode, shutter speed, aperture value, and the like. The display device 45 is usually
It includes those provided on the outer surface of the camera body 11 and at two places within the field of view of the finder.

The main CPU 35 functions not only as a control means for controlling the entire camera system as a whole, but also with the multi-distance measuring sensor unit 21 and the peripheral control circuit 23, etc., a distance measuring means and a defocus amount measuring means. And the AF motor 39 and the like constitute lens driving means.
The peripheral control circuit 23, the motor drive IC 29, the mirror motor 31, the winding motor 33, and the like constitute a continuous shooting means.

On the other hand, the photographic lens 51 is provided with a focus adjusting mechanism 55 for driving the focus adjusting lens group 53 in the optical axis direction and a mount portion of the photographic lens 51. Lens-side joint 5 that transmits the rotation of the motor 39 to the focus adjustment mechanism 55
7 and a lens CPU 61.

The lens CPU 61 includes electric contact groups 59 and 4
It is connected to the peripheral part control circuit 23 of the camera body 11 via the connection 9 and executes predetermined data communication with the main CPU 35 via the peripheral part control circuit 23. The data transmitted from the lens CPU 61 to the peripheral part control circuit 23 is the controllable aperture value Av.
(Apex conversion value of open F value), maximum aperture value Av (apex conversion value of minimum aperture F value), lens position, K value information and the like. The K value information is the number of pulses (the number of rotations of the AF motor 39) output by the encoder 41 when the image surface formed by the taking lens 51 moves in the optical axis direction by a unit distance (for example, 1 mm). is there.

This single-lens reflex camera is equipped with a photometric switch SW.
When S is turned on, AF processing is started. In AF processing,
First, the multi-distance measurement sensor unit 21 starts integration. After the integration is completed, the main CPU 35 inputs the integration data, calculates the defocus amount and the driving pulse number based on the data, and the AF motor 3 based on the driving pulse number.
Drive 9

The above is the configuration of the single-lens reflex camera in which the bracket device of the present invention is mounted. The bracket photographing process, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 not shown in FIG. To do. In the present embodiment, distance measurement is performed for each of the three distance measuring points α, β, γ in order, calculation is performed, and focusing processing is executed.
Photometry is performed centering on photometric areas B1, A1, and B2 corresponding to β and γ, and an object in each of the focus detection points α, β, and γ is photographed in a focused state and at an appropriate exposure value. It has a feature. Note that, in the present invention, for the photometry, center weighting, divided photometry, etc. based on a normal algorithm may be performed regardless of the distance measuring point. Less than,
The distance measuring points α, β, and γ are abbreviated as α point, β point, and γ point, respectively.

Although not shown, this single-lens reflex camera intermittently executes a main routine including switch checks such as a photometric switch SWS, a release switch SWR, and the like by a hard timer and a soft timer like a conventional camera having a CPU. . Then, the subroutine corresponding to the turned-on switch is called to execute a predetermined process, and when the predetermined process ends, the process returns to the main routine.
The subroutines shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are called when the photometric switch SWS and the release switch SWR are turned on.

When this subroutine is entered, it is checked whether or not the release switch SWR is turned on, and if it is not turned on, the process returns (S101). On condition that the release switch SWR is turned on, the following auto bracket processing is started.

The defocus calculation is executed based on the integrated data integrated by the first distance measuring point A. If the calculation result is valid, the number of pulses for driving the AF motor 39 is determined based on the calculated defocus amount. The AF motor 39 is calculated and driven based on the calculated number of pulses to focus the focusing lens group 53 on the object measured by the first distance measuring point A (S103, S105, S107). AF motor 39
After stopping, the integration and defocus calculation are executed again for the first focus detection point A, and it is checked whether or not the focus is achieved based on the defocus amount (S109, S11).
1). If the subject is in focus, the release process, that is, the release subroutine is called, exposure and film winding are executed, and the process proceeds to step S123 (S111, S1).
13, S123), if not in focus, step S11
Skip 3 and go to step S123 (S111,
S123).

The release process in step S113 includes photometry, exposure calculation (AE calculation), mirror up, shutter curtain running (exposure), mirror down, and film winding.

In the above process, it is well known that the result of the defocus calculation is judged to be invalid in the check in step S105 when the subject is too dark, or the surface shape of the subject is flat and the color contrast is low. , For example, on a white wall. Also, step S1
It is usually determined that the object is out of focus in 11 when the subject moves, or when the photographer changes the composition and catches a subject at a different distance.

When the photographing based on the first distance measuring point α is completed,
The same processing as steps S103 to S113 is executed based on the second distance measuring point β and the third distance measuring point γ (S123).
-S133, S141-S151).

With the above processing, continuous photographing in the in-focus state can be performed for three subjects (distance measuring points α to γ) whose distances are measured by the three distance measuring sensors.

Next, the AE calculation process included in the release process of step S113 in the above bracket photographing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the distance measuring sensors α to γ that perform the focusing process.
It is characterized in that the exposure value is set and exposure is performed based on the divided photometry with weighting on the photometric sensor B1, A1 or B2 corresponding to. The corresponding photometric sensors B1 and A1
Alternatively, spot metering using only B2 may be used.

When the automatic exposure calculation process is started, the photometric data is input from each photometric sensor and the subject brightness Bv is calculated based on each photometric data (S201). Then, the exposure value Ev is calculated by the subject brightness Bv and the film sensitivity Sv data based on each photometric sensor and a predetermined photometric calculation formula corresponding to the distance measuring sensor used for the distance measurement (S205, S20).
9, S211). Here, each exposure value Ev calculation formula is the first
When the distance measuring point α is used, the photometric area B1 is most weighted, when the second distance measuring point β is used, the light measuring area A1 is most weighted, and the third distance measuring point γ is When used, the photometric sensor B2 is most weighted.

When the calculation of the exposure value Ev is completed, the shutter speed and the aperture value are calculated by the program calculation formula in this embodiment, and the exposure calculation process is ended (S213).

The exposure process of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, with respect to photometry, spot photometry may be performed only by the photometry area B1, A1 or B2 corresponding to the distance measurement areas α to γ, and the aperture value and shutter speed are set by the program, shutter speed priority, aperture value priority exposure mode, etc. Known exposure modes and algorithms can be used.

The above is the embodiment in which the auto bracketing process is executed in the order of the distance measuring sensors regardless of the distance measuring data from the distance measuring sensors. Next, an embodiment in which the order of auto bracketing is changed based on the defocus amount of each distance measuring sensor will be described. This embodiment is an embodiment in which auto bracketing is performed in order from the closest object to the far object. Further, in the present embodiment, of the three distance measuring data, the distance measuring point determined to be invalid data is not photographed.

In this subroutine as well, similar to the subroutine of the previous embodiment, the main routine including the switch check of the photometric switch SWS, the release switch SWR and the like is intermittently executed by the hard timer and the soft timer.
Then, the subroutine corresponding to the turned-on switch is called to execute a predetermined process, and when the predetermined process ends, the process returns to the main routine.

When this subroutine is entered, it is checked whether or not the release switch SWR is on, and if not, the process returns (S301). On condition that the release switch SWR is turned on, the following auto bracket processing is started.

First, integration is executed for each of the three distance measuring areas α, β, γ, and integration data is input to calculate the defocus amount (S303). The calculation results are stored in the RAM 35b of the CPU 35, respectively. Next, it is checked whether or not each of the three focus detection data is valid in order to prevent the focus detection points whose calculation results are invalid from being photographed (S305, S307, S309).

When all the three distance measuring data are valid, the three distance measuring data are compared and the three distance measuring points α,
The distance order of the subjects entering β and γ is detected (S311 to S311).
S319). First, the distance measurement data at the α point and the distance measurement data at the β point are compared. If the α point is closer, the distance measurement data at the α point and the distance measurement data at the γ point are compared, and α If the point is closer, the β point distance measurement data is further compared with the γ point distance measurement data (S311, S313, S315).

In the above comparison, if the result of step S315 indicates that the β point is closer than the γ point, it is known that the points are α point, β point, and γ point from the short distance side, and the process proceeds to step S401. If the γ point is closer, it is known that the points are α point, γ point, and β point from the closer distance side, and the process proceeds to step S451.

In the present embodiment, when the distance data to be compared are equal or almost equal, the long distance,
That is, the points α, β, and γ are regarded as short distances in this order.
Further, the distance data does not have to be a direct subject distance, and normally a defocus value is used in a phase difference type autofocus device in a single-lens reflex camera.

The check result of step S313
If it is determined that the γ point is closer than the α point, the γ point, the α point, and the β point are found from the short distance side, and the process proceeds to step S501.

As a result of the check in step S311, if it is determined that the β point is closer than the α point, the β point and the α point are compared with the γ point (S317, S319).
If it is determined that the γ point is closer than the β point, it is known that the points are the γ point, the β point, and the α point from the closer distance side, and the process proceeds to step S651 (S317). If it is determined that β point is closer than γ point, and α point is closer than γ point, it is known that β point, α point, and γ point are from the shorter distance side. The process proceeds to step S551 (S317, S
319). It is judged that β point is closer than γ point,
Furthermore, if it is determined that the γ point is closer than the α point,
From the short distance side, it is found that the points are β point, γ point, and α point, and the process proceeds to step S601 (S317, S319).

That is, the order from the short distance is α, β, γ
When (α <β <γ), in step S401, α,
If γ, β, step S451; γ, α, β, step S501; β, α, γ, step S551; β, γ, α, step S60.
If 1, γ, β, α, jump to step S651.
If all three distance measurement data are invalid, the process directly returns (S305, S321, S323).

The processing for the points α, β, and γ in order from the short distance will be described with reference to FIG. First, the AF motor drive pulse number is calculated based on the distance measurement data for the α point, and the AF motor 39 is calculated based on the calculated pulse number.
Is driven (S401). When the driving of the AF motor 39 is completed, the integration data is input from the CCD AF sensor unit 21, the defocus amount for the α point is calculated, and it is checked whether or not focus is achieved (S403, S405).
If the subject is in focus, the release process is executed, and if the subject is out of focus, the process is skipped (S405, S407). That is, the image is taken only when the subject is in focus.

When the processing for the point α is completed, the same processing as in steps S401 to S407 is executed for the points β and γ and the process returns (S409 to S415, S417).
~ S423).

Through the above processing, bracket photographing (continuous photographing) is performed on the α point, the β point, and the γ point in this order in the focused state.

The processing shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 is the same for each point except that the order of processing for three points is different. In FIG. 9, processing is performed in the order of α point, γ point, and β point. In FIG. 10, β point, α point, and γ point are sequentially processed, and in FIG. 11, γ point and α point are processed.
Point, β point in this order, in FIG. 12, β point, γ point, α point in this order, FIG.
In step 3, processing is performed in the order of γ point, β point, and α point.

The above is the processing when the distance measurement data of the three points α, β and γ are all valid, but the processing when one of the distance measurement data is invalid will be described below. When only the distance measurement data of the α point is invalid, which of the β point and the γ point is the short distance is compared, and when the β point is the short distance, the auto bracket processing is performed in the order of the β point and the γ point. The process proceeds to step S409 to execute and return, and if the β point is closer, the auto bracketing process is executed in the order of the γ point and the β point and the process jumps to step S459 to return (S459).
305, S321, S325, S327).

When only the distance measurement data at β point is invalid,
Which of the α point and the γ point is closer is compared. If the α point is closer, the auto bracketing process is executed in the order of the α point and the γ point, and the process proceeds to step S559 to return, If the point is closer, the auto bracketing process is executed in order of the γ point and the α point, and the process returns to step S.
Jump to 609 (S305, S307, S329, S33
1).

When only the distance measurement data at the γ point is invalid,
Which of the α point and the β point is closer is compared, and when the α point is closer, the automatic bracketing process is executed in the order of the α point and the β point, the process proceeds to step S509 to return, and β If the point is closer, step S is executed to execute the auto bracketing process in the order of β point and α point and return.
Fly to 659 (S303, S307, S309, S33
3).

When only the distance measurement data at point α is valid,
Step S61 to execute the photographing process only for the α point
Jump to 7 (S305, S307, S329).

When only the distance measurement data at point β is valid,
Step S46 to execute the photographing process only for β point
Jump to 7 (S305, S321, S325).

When only the distance measurement data at the γ point is valid,
In order to execute the photographing process only for the γ point, step S4
Fly to 17 (S305, S321, S323).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the three distance measuring points α, β, γ are sequentially arranged from the closest distance side,
Since it is possible to focus on each of them and continuously shoot at an appropriate exposure value, it is possible to easily obtain a photograph in the most desirable focus state. Further, in the present embodiment, when the data of the focus detection point is invalid, the release process for the focus detection point is not performed, so that useless photographing can be reduced.

In the present invention, contrary to the above embodiment, bracket photographing can be performed from the farthest subject. This processing can be achieved, for example, by simply changing the order of the α point, the β point, and the γ point in the respective flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 13.

As described above, the illustrated embodiment is applied to a single-lens reflex camera having three distance measuring points, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the distance measuring points may be 2, 4, 5 or more. Further, the camera is not limited to a single-lens reflex camera as long as it is a camera capable of multi-point distance measurement and continuous shooting, and can be applied to a lens shutter type camera, a still video camera and the like.

Further, according to the present invention, with respect to two or more focus detection points in which the difference in defocus amount is included in a fixed range, only one focus detection point can be imaged.
In this case, it is desirable to give priority to the distance measuring point near the center.

The present invention, in the illustrated embodiment,
By omitting certain steps, the auto bracket shooting time can be shortened. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reintegration and focus check processing after the AF processing (steps S109, S111,
S129, S131, S149, S151) are omitted,
Similar processing can be omitted in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 to 13.

After the completion of each release process, the release switch SWR check process is turned on to release the release switch SWR.
If the configuration is such that the automatic bracketing process is exited if is turned off, the photographer can stop this during the automatic bracketing shooting.

The auto bracket photographing process shown above is usually set as one of the drive modes of the camera, for example. That is, for example, it is possible for the photographer to select one of the modes such as single frame shooting, normal continuous shooting, auto bracket shooting, and multiple exposure. Furthermore, the present invention further compares the defocus amount for the closest distance measuring point with the defocus amount for the farthest distance measuring point, and the one whose absolute value is smaller, that is, the one where the rotation amount of the AF motor 39 is smaller. May be first subjected to bracket photographing, and from this point, bracket photographing may be performed from the point on the far distance side toward the distance measuring point on the short distance side.

[0058]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention is
For cameras equipped with a multi-point distance measuring device, automatic focus adjustment device, and continuous shooting device, bracket shooting (continuous shooting) that executes automatic focus adjustment processing for two or more distance measuring points can be performed, so shooting of different main subjects When the camera is located at a distance, it is possible to quickly perform shooting with the focus intended by the photographer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a single-lens reflex camera as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a distance measuring point, a light measuring point, and a shooting screen in the same-eye reflex camera.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing of a bracket device in the same camera.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing of a bracket device in the same camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of AE calculation processing in the bracket processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a bracket order determination process in the bracket process of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing bracket order determination processing in the bracket processing of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 camera body 13 main mirror 18 multipoint multipoint photometric IC 21 multipoint multi-distance measurement sensor unit 25 exposure mechanism 29 motor drive circuit 31 mirror motor 33 film winding motor 35 main CPU 39 AF motor 51 shooting lens 53 focus adjustment lens group

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 18, 1995

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Most of the subject light flux that has entered the camera body 11 from the taking lens 51 is reflected by the main mirror 13 toward the pentaprism 17 that constitutes the finder optical system, and a part of the reflected light is multipoint split. For photometry
It is incident on the light receiving element of the IC 18 . On the other hand, the main mirror 1
A part of the subject light flux that has entered the half mirror unit 14 of No. 3 passes through this portion, is reflected downward by the sub-mirror 15, and is a CCD sensor unit for multi-point distance measurement (hereinafter referred to as “multi-distance measurement sensor unit”) 21. Incident on.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The multipoint division photometric IC 18 is provided with a plurality of photometric light receiving elements (eight photometric sensors) for receiving a subject light flux. The relationship between each photometric sensor and the shooting screen 20, that is, the photometric areas A1, B1, B measured by each photometric sensor.
An example of the relationship between 2, C1, C2, D1, D2, D3 and the shooting screen 20 is shown in FIG.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Each of these photometric sensors logarithmically compresses the electric signal photoelectrically converted according to the amount of received light, and the peripheral control circuit 2
Main CPU as bracket control means via
A / D conversion at 35. The main CPU 35 executes a predetermined exposure calculation based on the photometric signal and the film sensitivity information, and calculates an appropriate shutter speed and aperture value for exposure. Then, based on the shutter speed and the aperture value, the photographing process, that is, the exposure mechanism (shutter mechanism) 25
The diaphragm mechanism 27 is driven to expose the film. Further, the peripheral control circuit 23 drives the mirror motor 31 via the motor drive circuit 29 to perform up / down processing of the main mirror 13 during the photographing process, and drives the film winding motor 33 after the exposure is completed. To wind the film by one frame. The bracket control means of the present invention,
Including the peripheral control circuit 23 and the main CPU 35,
The continuous photographing means includes an exposure mechanism 25, a diaphragm mechanism 27 , a motor drive circuit 29, a mirror motor 31, and a film winding motor 33.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Two divided images of different areas are formed on each of the distance measuring units. The relationship between the distance measuring unit and the photographing screen 20, that is, the distance measuring areas α, β, γ measured by the three distance measuring units.
And photometric areas A1, B1, B2, C1, C of each photometric sensor
An example of the relationship between the photometric areas of 2, D1, D2 and D3 and the photographing screen 20 is shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a region where each station 距部is ranging ranging area (ranging point) alpha, beta, and gamma. The multi-distance sensor unit 21 independently integrates the integrated data in each of the distance measuring areas α, β, γ integrated by each distance measuring unit, and
Output to PU35. Although three distance measuring areas α, β, and γ are shown in this embodiment, the number of distance measuring areas may be two or four or more, and the arrangement thereof is not limited to this embodiment.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The main CPU 35 sets the AF motor 39 to D
Before C drive and before stopping, constant speed control by PWM control can be performed based on the interval of the output pulse of the encoder 41. The rotation of the AF motor 39 is transmitted to the taking lens 51 side through a connection between a joint 47 provided on the mount portion of the camera body 11 and a joint 57 provided on the mount portion of the taking lens 51. And irritation
The point adjustment lens group 53 is moved back and forth by the focus adjustment mechanism 55 .

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0013] The main CPU35 is, ROMs 35a that memory programs, arithmetic temporarily memory a predetermined control data RAM 35b, an internal reference timer 35c and hard counter 35d for counting, as the external memory means E ² PROM 43 of is connected. The E ² PROM 43 includes various constants unique to the camera body 11 and various functions required for the moving object prediction AF calculation of the present invention.
Constants are stored in memory.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The main CPU 35 functions not only as a control means for controlling the entire camera system as a whole, but also with the multi-distance measuring sensor unit 21 and the peripheral control circuit 23, etc., a distance measuring means and a defocus amount measuring means. And the AF motor 39 and the like constitute lens driving means.
Peripheral control circuit 23, motor drive circuit (modera
IC) 29 , mirror motor 31 and film winding
The motor 33 and the like constitute a continuous photographing means.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0019] The above is an SLR camera arrangement mounted bracket device of the present invention, hereinafter, the bracket shooting process which is a feature of the present invention, Figures 3 5
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the distance measurement is performed for each of the three distance measurement points α, β, γ in order, calculation is performed, and the focusing processing is executed. Further, the light measurement area B1 corresponding to each of the distance measurement points α, β, γ. , A1, B2 as the center, and the subject in the respective distance measuring points α, β, γ is photographed in a focused state and at an appropriate exposure value. Note that, in the present invention, for the photometry, center weighting, divided photometry, etc. based on a normal algorithm may be performed regardless of the distance measuring point. Hereinafter, the distance measuring points α, β, and γ are abbreviated as α point, β point, and γ point, respectively.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0022

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The defocus calculation is executed based on the integrated data obtained by integrating the first distance measuring point α , and if the calculation result is valid, the number of pulses for driving the AF motor 39 is determined based on the calculated defocus amount. The AF motor 39 is calculated and rotated based on the calculated number of pulses, and the focus adjustment lens group 53 is focused on the object measured by the first distance measuring point α (S103, S105, S107). AF motor 39
After stopping, the integration and defocus calculation are executed again for the first focus detection point α , and it is checked whether or not the focus is achieved based on the defocus amount (S109, S11).
1). If the subject is in focus, the release process, that is, the release subroutine is called, exposure and film winding are executed, and the process proceeds to step S123 (S111, S1).
13, S123), if not in focus, step S11
Skip 3 and go to step S123 (S111,
S123).

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Next, the AE calculation process included in the release process of step S113 in the above bracket photographing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The present embodiment is characterized in that an exposure value is set and exposure is performed on the basis of divided photometry with weighting on the photometric area B1, A1 or B2 corresponding to the focus detection points α to γ to be subjected to focusing processing. The corresponding photometric area B1, A1 or B
Spot metering with only 2 may be used.

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

When the automatic exposure calculation process is started, the photometric data is input from each photometric sensor and the subject brightness Bv is calculated based on each photometric data (S201). Then, the exposure value Ev is calculated by the subject brightness Bv and the film sensitivity Sv data based on each photometric sensor and a predetermined calculation formula according to the distance measuring point used for the distance measurement (S205, S209, S2).
11). Here, each exposure value Ev calculation formula is the first distance measuring point α.
Is used, the photometric area B1 is most weighted, and when the second focus detection point β is used, the photometric area A1 is used.
1 is most weighted, and the photometry area B2 is most weighted when the third distance measuring point γ is used.

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The exposure process of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, with respect to the metering, AF point α
It is also possible to use spot photometry only with the photometric area B1, A1 or B2 corresponding to γ, and to set the aperture value and shutter speed using well-known exposure modes and algorithms such as program, shutter speed priority, and aperture value priority exposure mode. .

[Procedure Amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0034

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

First, integration is executed for each of the three distance measuring points α, β, γ, and integration data is input to calculate the defocus amount (S303). The calculation results are stored in the RAM 35b of the CPU 35, respectively. Next, it is checked whether or not each of the three focus detection data is valid in order to prevent the focus detection points whose calculation results are invalid from being photographed (S305, S307, S309).

[Procedure Amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0038

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The check result of step S313
If it is determined that the γ point is closer than the α point, the γ point, the α point, and the β point are found from the short distance side, and the process proceeds to step S551 .

[Procedure Amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0039

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As a result of checking in step S311, if it is determined that β point is closer than α point, β point and γ point
The points and the points α and γ are compared (S317, S31).
9). If it is judged that γ point is closer than β point,
From the short distance side, it is found that the points are γ point, β point, and α point, and the process proceeds to step S651 (S317). If it is determined that β point is closer than γ point and α point is closer than γ point, β point, α point, γ point
It is found that it is a point and the process proceeds to step S501 (S31
7, S319). If it is determined that β point is closer than γ point and γ point is closer than α point, it is known that β point, γ point, and α point are from the closer side. The process proceeds to step S601 (S317, S319).

[Procedure Amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0040

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

That is, the order from the short distance is α, β, γ
When (α <β <γ), in step S401, α,
gamma, when the beta in step S451, β, α, γ Noto
For step S501, and if γ, α, β, step S501.
In step S551, when β, γ, and α, step S60.
If 1, γ, β, α, jump to step S651.
If all three distance measurement data are invalid, the process directly returns (S305, S321, S323).

[Procedure Amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0041

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The processing for the points α, β, and γ in order from the short distance will be described with reference to FIG. First, the AF motor drive pulse number is calculated based on the distance measurement data for the α point, and the AF motor 39 is calculated based on the calculated pulse number.
Is driven (S401). When the driving of the AF motor 39 is completed, the integration data is input from the multi-distance measurement sensor unit 21 , the defocus amount for the α point is calculated, and it is checked whether or not focus is achieved (S403, S405).
If the subject is in focus, the release process is executed, and if the subject is out of focus, the process is skipped (S405, S407). That is, the image is taken only when the subject is in focus.

[Procedure 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0042

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0042] When the process to pair ended α point, β point, γ
The same processing as in steps S401 to S407 is executed for the points and the process returns (S409 to S415, S41).
7-S423).

[Procedure Amendment 19]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0045

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The above is the processing when the distance measurement data of the three points α, β and γ are all valid, but the processing when one of the distance measurement data is invalid will be described below. When only the distance measurement data of the α point is invalid, which of the β point and the γ point is the short distance is compared, and when the β point is the short distance, the auto bracket processing is performed in the order of the β point and the γ point. perform the process proceeds to step S409 in order to return, towards the gamma point if short distance, gamma point, by executing the auto bracket processed in the order of β point jumps to step S459 so as to return (S
305, S321, S325, S327).

[Procedure amendment 20]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0046

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

When only the distance measurement data at β point is invalid,
Which of the α point and the γ point is closer is compared. If the α point is closer, the auto bracketing process is executed in the order of the α point and the γ point, and the process proceeds to step S509 to return, If the point is closer, the auto bracketing process is executed in order of the γ point and the α point, and the process returns to step S.
Jump to 609 (S305, S307, S329, S33
1).

[Procedure correction 21]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0047

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

When only the distance measurement data at the γ point is invalid,
It is compared which of the α point and the β point is the short distance. If the α point is the shorter distance, the auto bracketing process is executed in the order of the α point and the β point, and the process proceeds to step S559 to return, and β If the point is closer, step S is executed to execute the auto bracketing process in the order of β point and α point and return.
Fly to 659 ( S305 , S307, S309, S33
3).

[Procedure correction 22]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0055

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The present invention, in the illustrated embodiment,
By omitting certain steps, the auto bracket shooting time can be shortened. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reintegration and focus check processing after the AF processing (S109, S111, S12).
9, S131, S147, S149,) are omitted and FIG.
The same processing can be omitted in the embodiment shown in FIGS.

[Procedure amendment 23]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Brief description of the drawing

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a single-lens reflex camera as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a distance measuring point, a light measuring point, and a shooting screen in the same-eye reflex camera.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a bracket process of a bracket device in the same camera.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a bracketing process of a bracketing device in the camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an AE calculation process in the bracket process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing bracket order determination processing in the bracket processing of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a bracket order determination process in the bracket process of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example of bracketing processing determined by the bracketing order determination processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of bracket processing determined by the bracket order determination processing.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 11 camera body 13 main mirror 18 multi-point division photometry IC 21 multi-distance measurement sensor unit 25 exposure mechanism 29 motor drive circuit (modera IC) 31 mirror motor 33 film winding motor 35 main CPU 39 AF motor 51 shooting Lens 53 Focusing lens group

[Procedure correction 24]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 3]

[Procedure correction 25]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 6]

[Procedure Amendment 26]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 7]

[Procedure Amendment 27]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 9

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 9]

[Procedure correction 28]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 11

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 11

[Procedure correction 29]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 13

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Fig. 13]

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI technical display location G03B 7/28 17/00 Q

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A multipoint distance measuring means, an automatic focus adjusting means,
In a camera equipped with continuous shooting means, the automatic focusing means and the continuous shooting means are driven based on two or more distance measurement data out of a plurality of distance measurement data measured by the multipoint distance measurement means. And a bracket control means for executing bracket shooting, and a camera provided with a bracket device. 2. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a multi-point photometry means having a photometry area corresponding to the range-finding area of the multi-point range finding means; and an exposure value calculated based on each photometry area. And an exposure calculation means, wherein the bracket control means performs exposure with an exposure value based on a photometry area corresponding to a distance measurement area of the distance measurement data to be used, when the bracket shooting is performed. camera. 3. The bracket device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracket control means determines whether each of the distance data is valid or invalid, and when it is determined that the distance data is invalid, the distance data is not photographed. Equipped camera. 4. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the bracket control means performs continuous shooting from the shortest distance information based on the plurality of effective distance information. A camera equipped with a device. 5. A camera provided with a bracket device, wherein the camera according to claim 1 is a single-lens reflex camera.