JPH08101441A - Camera provided with display function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To clearly inform a photographer of display contents even when the luminance of a subject projected in a finder is high. CONSTITUTION: This camera is provided with light quantity varying means 9 and 10 optically varying light quantity made incident on the finder, a display control means 1 allowing display means 13 and 14 to display in the specified timing of the photographing sequence of a camera and allowing the light quantity varying means 9 and 10 to vary the light quantity in the finder. In the specified timing of the photographing sequence of the camera, for example, in the case of finishing photometric operation, a display means is driven and the light quantity in the finder in such a case is decreased in order to display a diaphragm value and a shutter speed value obtained based on the photometric information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a display function having display means for displaying at least one of shooting information and warning, and optical means for displaying the display contents of the display means in a superposed manner on a viewfinder field. It relates to the improvement of the attached camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The following has been proposed as a conventional example for improving the appearance of display in a finder.

1) A light emitting element such as an LED is used to display photographing information outside the viewfinder frame, and the display brightness is varied by the brightness in the viewfinder (US Pat. No. 400
6485, U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,892).

2) In a device for superimposing (superimposing) display in the finder by irradiating a focusing target installed on a focusing plate in the finder with an LED or the like from a diagonal direction to illuminate the target. The brightness of the target is changed by the brightness of the viewfinder.

3) A transmissive liquid crystal display device with a backlight is installed outside the field of view of the finder, and the emission brightness of the backlight is varied by the brightness within the finder.

[0006]

In the structure in which the superimposing display is performed by irradiating the focusing target of the focusing plate installed in the finder with an LED or the like at an angle, the brightness of the subject is reduced. Since the dynamic range of change is large, it may be difficult to see in bright daylight even when the drive current of the light emitting element that illuminates the target is increased. In particular, if the background of the optotype display part is a sky or a white, high-luminance subject, it is almost impossible to confirm it.

In the case of a display with a comparatively small amount of information such as the above-mentioned focused in-focus target, even if the target is slightly difficult to see due to the background, there is little effect on the shooting, but it is taken by superimposing it on the subject in the viewfinder. When displaying information and warnings, there is a problem that if the user fails to check the contents, the shooting fails or it is difficult to continue shooting.

Further, in the structure in which the display unit is provided outside the viewfinder frame, it is necessary to move the line of sight in order to confirm the display, and therefore it is necessary to keep an eye on the subject. There is a problem of missing a photo opportunity.

(Object of the Invention) The object of the present invention is to achieve high brightness even if the subject displayed in the viewfinder has high brightness.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera with a display function that can clearly inform the photographer of the displayed contents.

[0010]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention according to claims 1, 4 to 6 is a light quantity varying means for optically varying the quantity of light incident on the finder, The display means is displayed at a predetermined timing of the photographing sequence of the camera, and the display control means for varying the light amount in the finder by the light amount varying means is provided, and when the photometry operation is completed at a predetermined timing of the photographing sequence of the camera. In order to display the aperture value and the shutter speed value obtained from the photometric information, the display device is driven, and at the same time, the amount of light in the viewfinder is reduced.

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention according to claims 2 and 4 to 6 uses a light amount varying means for optically varying the amount of light incident on the finder and a parameter varying means. When the parameter is changed, the display parameter is displayed on the display unit, and the display control unit for changing the light amount in the finder by the light amount changing unit is provided to change the photographing parameter, for example, the automatic exposure mode. Displays the shooting parameters and reduces the amount of light in the viewfinder at this time.

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention according to claims 3 to 6 is directed to turn on the light quantity varying means for optically varying the quantity of light incident on the viewfinder and the display instructing means. If you do, display the display means,
Display control means for varying the light amount in the finder by the light amount varying means is provided, and when an instruction to display is made, the information at that time is displayed in the finder and the light amount in the finder at this time is displayed. I am trying to reduce it.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below based on the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a system controller for performing sequence control and calculation, 2 is a ROM for storing programs and data, and 3 is an RA for storing data.
M, 4 are photometric sensors for detecting the brightness of the subject, 5 is a photometric circuit, 6 is a ranging circuit for measuring the distance to the subject, 7 is a shutter, 8 is a shutter drive circuit for driving the shutter, 9 is a diaphragm, and 10 is a diaphragm. Is a diaphragm drive circuit for driving the same, 11 is a transmissive liquid crystal plate (LCD) installed in the viewfinder, 12 is an LCD drive circuit for driving the same, 13 is an LED for displaying by a dot matrix, and 14 is its driving. Do L
It is an ED drive circuit.

Reference numeral 15 is a shutter release switch,
The two-step switch is turned on in sequence according to the amount of depression, and the photometry for shooting is enabled by turning on with a shallow amount of depression.
Switch 15 to instruct standby operation such as distance measurement
a (SW1), a switch that is turned on with a deep pressing amount to instruct exposure of the film is set to 15b (SW2). These switches are SW1 of the system controller 1.
Through SW2 port.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a display confirmation (DISP) switch for confirming the display in the finder, which is connected to the DISP port of the system controller 1. Reference numeral 17 is a mode switch for setting a photographing mode, and is configured such that 2-bit switches 17a and 17b are turned on / off by rotating a mode dial described later. Reference numeral 18 is a rotary dial for selecting the shutter speed and aperture value, and 19 is a dial detection circuit for detecting the rotation direction and rotation amount of the rotary dial 18.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera having the above-mentioned structure as seen from the upper front side, in which 20 is a photographing lens and 21 is a mode selection dial. In addition, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera having the above structure as seen from the lower rear side, and 22 is a viewfinder eyepiece lens.

FIG. 4 is an optical path diagram of the photographing system and the finder system of the camera.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 23 is a quick return mirror that reciprocally rotates about a rotating shaft 23c in the direction of the arrow in the figure, 23a is a position for guiding the photographing optical path in the finder direction, and 23b is a position for photographing. Shown respectively. 24 is a focusing plate, 25 is a penta prism, 26 is an eyepiece lens 21.
Half mirror formed inside, 27 is an eyeball, 28 is LE
A lens for focusing the display content of D13, and 29 is a film.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are views showing a superimpose display in the finder. More specifically,
5A shows a bright state in the viewfinder, FIG. 5B shows a dark state in the viewfinder in the shutter priority (TV) mode, and FIG. 5C shows a dark state in the aperture priority (AV) mode. 5D shows the dark state in the program (P) mode.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the release switch 15 is pressed and the switch 15a (SW1) which is turned on with a shallow stroke is closed, the system controller 1 starts the operation from step # 1. [Step # 1] The brightness of the subject is measured. That is,
The brightness of the subject is detected by the photometric sensor 4 installed above the pentaprism in the finder. [Step # 2] A distance sensor (not shown) measures the distance from the camera to the subject. [Step # 3] The shutter speed value and the aperture value are calculated based on the subject brightness value and the film sensitivity value measured in the above step # 1. [Step # 4] The aperture 9 is set to the minimum aperture.

The diaphragm 9 is driven by rotating a stepping motor (not shown) by a diaphragm driving circuit 10. [Step # 5] The shutter speed value and aperture value calculated in step # 3 are displayed on the LED 13.

The display on the LED 13 is performed by the imaging lens 2
8 and a half mirror 26 formed in the viewfinder eyepiece 21 for superimposing display on the viewfinder screen (see FIG. 5B). Also, step # 4
By narrowing the diaphragm 9 to the minimum value, the inside of the finder becomes dark. Assuming that the diaphragm 9 is not narrowed down, FIG.
As shown in, when the background is bright, the superimposed LED display becomes difficult to see.

The dot matrix LED 13 is a matrix-shaped LED chip mounted on a substrate, and each dot is driven by a constant current by the LED drive circuit 14.

This drive method may be either static drive in which a current is constantly applied to each dot or dynamic drive in which each dot is selectively driven in time series. Further, it goes without saying that it is necessary to consider the installation position of the LED 13 and the optical system arrangement so that the position to be superimposed in the finder is a predetermined position. [Step # 6] The state of the release switch 15a (SW1) that is turned on with a shallow stroke is determined. If it is off, the process proceeds to step # 10, and if it is on, the process proceeds to step # 7.

Here, the release switch 15a (SW
It is assumed that 1) is on. [Step # 7] The state of the release switch 15b (SW2) that is turned on with a deep stroke is determined, and if it is turned on, the process proceeds to step # 8. On the other hand, if it is off, the process returns to step # 6 to determine the state of the switch 15a (SW1) again. [Step # 8] Drive (set) the aperture 9 via the aperture drive circuit 10 to the aperture value calculated in the above step # 3.
To do. [Step # 9] The shutter 7 is opened via the shutter drive circuit 8 only during the shutter speed calculated in step # 3, and the film 29 is exposed. [Step # 10] The LED 13 is turned off to erase the shutter speed value and the aperture value displayed in the superimposed display. [Step # 11] The diaphragm 9 is passed through the diaphragm drive circuit 10.
To the open aperture. By setting it to an open value, the viewfinder becomes brighter.

Next, the operation when the display confirmation switch 16 is pressed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the display confirmation switch 16 is pressed, the system controller 1 starts operation from step # 12. [Step # 12] The brightness of the subject is measured. That is, the brightness of the subject is detected by the photometric sensor 4 installed above the penta prism in the finder. [Step # 13] The shutter speed value and the aperture value are calculated based on the subject brightness value and the film sensitivity value measured in the above step # 12. [Step # 14] The diaphragm 9 is passed through the diaphragm drive circuit 10.
To the minimum aperture. [Step # 15] The shutter speed value and the aperture value calculated in the above step # 13 are displayed on the LED 13 that performs dot matrix display. [Step # 16] The state of the display confirmation switch 16 is determined, and when it is turned off, the process proceeds to the next step # 17. [Step # 17] The LED 13 is turned off to erase the shutter speed value and the aperture value displayed in the superimposed display. [Step # 18] The diaphragm 4 is passed through the diaphragm drive circuit 10.
To the open aperture. By setting it to an open value, the viewfinder becomes brighter.

Next, the operation when the rotary dial 18 is turned will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When it is detected that the rotary dial 18 has rotated, the system controller 1 starts the operation from step # 19. [Step # 19] The rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotary dial 18 detected by the dial detection circuit 19 are stored in the RAM 3
To memorize. [Step # 20] The selected automatic exposure mode is determined.

There are three automatic exposure modes, namely, shutter speed priority (TV) mode, aperture priority (AV) mode, and program (P) mode. Depending on the setting position of the mode dial 21 (see FIG. 2), The state of the 2-bit switch of the mode detection switches 17a and 17b can be detected by the system controller 1.

The setting position of the mode dial 21 is detected by
It can be easily detected by a known brush and a pattern substrate (both not shown).

If the TV mode is determined in step # 20, the process proceeds to step # 21. [Step # 21] The shutter speed value is changed according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotary dial 18 stored in step # 19.

Here, it is assumed that the rotating direction of the rotary dial 18 for increasing or decreasing the shutter speed is predetermined. Further, in practice, the rotary dial 18 is mechanically set so that a predetermined number of clicks are generated by one rotation, and the shutter speed is changed by 1 step or 1/2 for each click. Needless to say, since the rotation amount corresponds to the number of steps to be changed, the configuration is easier for the photographer to use.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step # 20 that the mode is the AV mode, the process proceeds to step # 22. [Step # 22] The set aperture value is changed according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotary dial 18 stored in step # 19.

It is assumed that the rotation direction of the rotary dial 18 for opening or closing the aperture value is predetermined.
By mechanically setting a predetermined number of clicks per revolution and changing the aperture value by 1 step or 1/2 step for each click, the amount of rotation and the number of steps you want to change It is possible to correspond. [Step # 23] The aperture value or the shutter speed value is calculated based on the shutter speed or the aperture value and the film sensitivity value set in the steps # 21 to # 22. [Step # 24] The diaphragm 9 is passed through the diaphragm drive circuit 10.
To the minimum aperture. [Step # 25] The shutter speed and aperture value calculated in step # 3 are displayed on the LED 13, and the process ends.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the light amount control in the finder is realized by narrowing the diaphragm of the taking lens. However, this is carried out by the transmissive LCD installed in the finder. The following is
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the camera is the first
Since it is similar to the embodiment described above, it is omitted here.

When the release switch 15 is pressed and the switch 15a (SW1) which is turned on with a shallow stroke is closed, the system controller 1 starts the operation from step # 26.

Regarding the operations of steps # 26 to # 28 to steps # 30 to # 35, steps # 1 to # 3 to steps # 5 to # of the first embodiment (FIG. 6).
Since it is the same as the process of 10, the description is omitted here. [Step # 29] The transmissive LCD 11 is turned on via the LCD drive circuit 12.

When the LCD 11 is turned on, its transmittance decreases and the inside of the finder becomes dark [see FIGS. 5 (b) to 5 (d)]. [Step # 36] LC via the LCD drive circuit 12
Turn off D11. When the LCD 11 is turned off, its transmittance increases and the inside of the finder becomes bright [Fig. 5 (a)].
reference〕.

With the above-mentioned structure, there is an effect that the durability of the camera is improved because no mechanical movement is required as compared with the case where the diaphragm of the taking lens is used in the first embodiment.

The same purpose can be achieved even in a compact camera whose finder system is different from that of the taking lens system.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an example in which the light amount control in the finder is performed by operating the click return mirror 23.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall construction of a camera with a display function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 10, 30 is a motor for driving the quick return mirror 23, 31 is a motor driver, which is connected to the MIR port of the system controller 1.

The quick return mirror 23 is vertically moved by driving the motor 30.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the release switch 15 is pressed and the switch 15a (SW1) which is turned on with a shallow stroke is closed, the system controller 1 starts the operation from step # 26.

Regarding the operation of steps # 37 to # 39 to steps # 41 to # 46, steps # 1 to # 3 to steps # 5 to # of the first embodiment (FIG. 6).
Since it is the same as the process of 10, the description is omitted here. [Step # 40] The quick return mirror 23 is raised. The up state is the position indicated by 23b in FIG.

When the quick return mirror 23 is raised, the light flux of the taking lens is completely blocked and the viewfinder becomes dark (see FIG. 12). At this time, since the shutter 7 is closed, the film 29 is not exposed. [Step # 47] The quick return mirror 23 is moved down. The down state is the position indicated by 23a in FIG.

When the quick return mirror 23 goes down, the light flux incident from the taking lens is transferred to the penta prism 25.
It is guided to the finder through and the inside of the finder becomes bright.

With the above structure, the inside of the finder can be brought into a dark state, so that the display contrast can be increased. In this case, it is possible to reduce the brightness of the display element, and thus it is possible to reduce power consumption.

(Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described which is constructed so as to superimpose in the finder to display a warning that the power supply voltage is low. .

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall construction of a camera with a display function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 32 is a power supply battery for the camera, and its output (V _BAT ) is supplied to an electronic circuit in the camera. 33 is a voltage detection circuit for the power supply battery 32.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the release switch 15 is pressed and the switch 15a (SW1) which is turned on with a shallow stroke is closed, the system controller 1 starts the operation from step # 47. [Step # 47] The voltage detection circuit 33 detects the voltage state of the power supply battery 32. [Step # 48] The detected voltage value is compared with a predetermined value. If it is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step # 51, and if it is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step # 49.

Step # 51 when the value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value
The operations of # 61 to # 61 are the same as those in step # 1 of the first embodiment (FIG. 6).
1 to # 11, the description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step # 49 as described above. [Step # 49] The diaphragm 9 is passed through the diaphragm drive circuit 10.
To the minimum aperture. [Step # 50] LED1 warns that the power supply voltage is insufficient
Display in 3. Because of this difference, since the diaphragm 9 is narrowed to the minimum value as described above, the inside of the finder becomes dark and the display as shown in FIG. 15 is obtained.

As described above, when the warning display is displayed in the viewfinder of the camera by superimposing, the warning display becomes clear even if the subject brightness is bright by making the viewfinder dark. A camera that is easy to understand and easier to use can be realized.

According to each of the above embodiments, when the photographing information and the photographing data are displayed in the viewfinder in a superimposed manner, the information in the viewfinder is displayed in response to a predetermined operation of the camera or at a predetermined timing of the photographing sequence. Since the brightness is reduced, it is possible to increase the contrast of the superimposed display contents.

Further, since the subject is displayed in the viewfinder in a superposed manner, it is not necessary to move the line of sight from the subject, and it is possible to surely capture the shutter chance of the collision.

Further, when the camera is a single-lens reflex camera, it is possible to control the brightness in the viewfinder by the conventional photographing control means such as narrowing down the photographing lens or raising the quick return mirror.
It can be realized without causing a large increase in cost and an increase in size of the camera.

Further, when the brightness control in the viewfinder is performed by the transmission type liquid crystal plate (LCD) installed in the viewfinder, the light quantity can be controlled without mechanical operation, so that the reliability is improved. is there.

(Correspondence between the Invention and the Embodiment) In this embodiment, the LED 13 and the LED drive circuit 14 correspond to the display means of the present invention, and the diaphragm 9, the diaphragm drive circuit 10 or the LCD.
11, the LCD drive circuit 12, or the quick return mirror 23 corresponds to the light quantity changing means of the present invention, the rotary dial 18 corresponds to the parameterization changing means, the display confirmation switch 16 corresponds to the display instructing means, and the system controller. 1 corresponds to the display control means.

The above is the correspondence relationship between each configuration of the embodiments and each configuration of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions or embodiments shown in the claims or the embodiments It goes without saying that any structure may be used as long as it can achieve the function of.

(Modification) In the fourth embodiment, the warning content is the power supply voltage state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the content that causes an obstacle or a shooting failure in advancing the sequence of the camera, for example, Film loading failure warning,
It goes without saying that it may be a camera shake warning or an out-of-exposure range warning.

Further, although the present invention has been described as applied to a camera such as a single-lens reflex camera, a lens shutter camera, a video camera, etc., it may be applied to other optical devices and other devices, and also as a constituent unit. Is something that can be done.

Further, the present invention may be constructed by appropriately combining the above-mentioned embodiments or their techniques.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention,
At the predetermined timing of the shooting sequence of the camera, for example, when the photometric operation is completed, the aperture value and the shutter speed value obtained from the photometric information are displayed. I am trying to reduce.

According to the present invention, the photographing parameters,
For example, when the automatic exposure mode is changed, the shooting parameters are displayed and the amount of light in the finder at this time is reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, when a display instruction is given, the information at that time is displayed in the viewfinder and the light amount in the viewfinder at this time is reduced.

Therefore, even if the subject displayed in the viewfinder has high brightness, it is possible to clearly inform the photographer of the display content.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera with a display function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front upper side.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the lower rear side.

FIG. 4 is an optical path diagram of a photographing system and a finder system of the camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a superimposed display in the viewfinder of the camera with a display function according to the first example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation during a release operation of the camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when the display confirmation switch of the camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention is pressed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation when the rotary dial 18 of the camera with a display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention is turned.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation of the camera with a display function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera with a display function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation of the camera with a display function according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of display in a finder in a camera with a display function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of display in a finder in a camera with a display function.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera with a display function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation of the camera with a display function in the fourth example of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display in a finder in a camera with a display function according to a fourth example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 System Controller 9 Aperture 10 Aperture Drive Circuit 11 LCD 12 LCD Drive Circuit 13 LED 14 LED Drive Circuit 16 Display Confirmation Switch 18 Rotation Dial

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A camera with a display function, comprising: a display means for displaying at least one of photographing information and a warning; and an optical means for displaying the display content of the display means in a superposed manner on the viewfinder field. A light amount changing means for optically changing the amount of light incident on the light source, and a display control means for displaying the display means at a predetermined timing of the photographing sequence of the camera and changing the light amount in the finder by the light amount changing means are provided. A camera with a display function. 2. Parameter changing means for changing the photographing parameter, display means for displaying at least one of the photographing parameter and warning, and an optical means for displaying the display contents of the displaying means in a superposed manner on the viewfinder field. In a camera with a display function provided, a light quantity varying means for optically varying the quantity of light incident on the viewfinder, and when the photographing parameter is varied by the parameter varying means, the photographing means is caused to display the photographing parameter. With
A camera with a display function, comprising display control means for changing the amount of light in the finder by the light amount changing means. 3. A display means for displaying at least one of photographing information and a warning, an optical means for displaying the display contents of the display means in a superposed manner on a viewfinder field, and a display state of the display means from outside. In a camera with a display function including display indicating means, a light amount changing means for optically changing the amount of light entering the viewfinder, and when the lighting of the display indicating means is instructed, the display means is displayed. At the same time, a camera with a display function is provided with display control means for changing the light quantity in the finder by the light quantity changing means. 4. The camera with a display function according to claim 1, wherein the light amount varying means is an aperture of a taking lens. 5. The camera with a display function according to claim 1, wherein the light quantity varying means is a transmitted light quantity control element installed in a finder. 6. The camera with a display function according to claim 1, wherein the light amount varying means is a shielding member which shields light from entering the viewfinder.