JPH08146284A - Camera provided with line-of-sight detecting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To easily and quickly detect a focus detection state for a desired subject. CONSTITUTION: This camera is provided with a gazing position arithmetic part 2 detecting the gazing position of a photographer on a finder display image plane, plural AF sensors 4 detecting the focusing state of a photographing optical system within a focus detecting area on a scheduled focusing surface conjugate to a recording medium, an AF sensor position control part 3 moving the plural AF sensors 4 so that the focus detecting area may move on the scheduled focusing surface, an arithmetic operation part 1 selecting any one of the plural AF sensors 4 based on the gazing position detected by the calculation part 2 and moving it by using the control part 3, a display part 7 displaying a mark showing the focus detecting area on the finder display image plane, and a display moving control part 6 moving the displaying position of the mark on the finder display image plane based on the gazing position detected by the arithmetic part 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having a line-of-sight detection function which moves a focus detection area based on a gaze position of a photographer on a viewfinder display screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a camera which detects a focus adjustment state of a photographing optical system for a subject within a focus detection area and drives the photographing optical system so that the photographing optical system focuses on the subject. There is. In this camera, the focus detection area is set on the planned focal plane which is a plane conjugate with the film plane.

In recent years, a plurality of focus detection areas have been set within a planned focal plane, one of the focus detection areas is selected based on various conditions, and the photographing optical system is set to the in-focus position according to the focus adjustment state of the area. A camera adapted to be driven is known. The condition for selecting the focus detection area is to select a focus detection area including a subject with the shortest object distance among the subjects included in the focus detection area, or to provide a line-of-sight detection device for detecting the gaze position of the photographer. And selecting a focus detection area near the gaze position. There is also known a camera that lights up and displays an area corresponding to the selected focus detection area on the finder display screen in order to allow the photographer to visually recognize which focus detection area has been selected.

FIG. 45 is a view showing a finder display screen of a conventional camera of this type. In this figure, 490
Is an exposure range, and if the camera has a finder field ratio of 100%, it coincides with the finder field frame. In this example, the vertically long focus detection areas 491a to 491e are the exposure range 49
It is set at a predetermined interval in the center of 0. 492
Reference numerals a to 492e are focus detection selection areas overlapping with the focus detection areas 491a to 491e, and the gaze position of the photographer detected by the line-of-sight detection device is included in any of the focus detection selection areas 492a to 492e. In this case, the focus detection areas 491a to 491e overlapping with this are selected. Therefore, if the photographer superimposes the subject to be focused on any of the focus detection regions 491a to 491e and gazes at the subject, the focus detection regions 491a to 491e including the subject are selected and the subject is in focus. The photographing optical system is driven as described above.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional camera, the focus detection areas 491a to 491e are provided.
Are provided discretely and fixedly with respect to the exposure range 490, the area in which focus can be focused is limited to a narrow discontinuous area. Therefore, in order to focus on a desired subject, the focus detection area 491
a to 491e, or the focus detection areas 491a to 491 are ignored.
The subject must be placed over e, the subject must be focused, and the composition must be adjusted again without moving the photographic optical system (that is, with the focus locked). In any case, the conventional camera requires a complicated operation to focus on a desired subject.

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera having a line-of-sight detection function capable of easily detecting a focus detection state for a desired subject.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Description will be made in association with the drawings showing an embodiment. The invention of claim 1 is applied to a camera having a line-of-sight detection function, and will be described with reference to FIGS. And a plurality of focus detection regions 173A to 173A on the planned focal plane conjugate with the recording medium.
A plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) for detecting the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system 101 in 3C.
And the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 15A) so that the focus detection areas 173A to 173C move on the planned focal plane.
0C) to move the focus detection position moving means 3 (160A-
160C and 161A to 161C), and one of the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detection unit 2, and the focus detection position moving unit 3 (160A). ~ 160C and 161A to 161C) to achieve the above object.

In the camera according to the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) are respectively provided with focus detection position moving means 3 (160A to 160C and 161A).
161C), and focus detection position moving means 3 (160A)
˜160C and 161A to 161C), the first one-dimensional moving mechanisms 161A to 161C that move the focus detection device 4 (150A to 150C) in one axis direction, and the movement of the first one-dimensional moving mechanisms 161A to 161C. Second one-dimensional moving mechanisms 160A to 160C for moving the first one-dimensional moving mechanisms 161A to 161C in a direction different from the direction.

In the camera according to the third aspect of the present invention, the focus detection position moving means 3 includes a plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C).
A plurality of first ones each independently moving in one axis direction
A second moving mechanism 210A to 210C and a plurality of first one-dimensional moving mechanisms 210A to 210C are mounted, and the first one-dimensional moving mechanisms 210A to 210C are individually moved in directions different from the moving direction of the second one. One-dimensional moving mechanism 220
With.

1 and 24, in the camera of the invention of claim 4, the focus detection position moving means 3 comprises a plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C).
And a single first one-dimensional moving mechanism 220 for individually moving each in one axis direction, and a second first one-dimensional moving mechanism 220 for moving the first one-dimensional moving mechanism 220 in a direction different from the moving direction.
And a dimension moving mechanism 160.

1 and 43, in the camera of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) have the center of the area 460 in the exit pupil of the photographing optical system 101. It is arranged at a position equidistant from, so as to gaze at the region 460 in the exit pupil.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 17, in the camera of the sixth aspect of the invention, the focus detection position moving means 3 (160A to 160C and 161A to 161C) is provided.
Is configured such that the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) can be moved outside the focus detectable range 171 so that the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) do not interfere with each other.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 27 and FIG. 29, in the camera of the seventh aspect of the invention, the plurality of focus detecting devices 4 (150A to 150C: openings 260A showing the focus detecting areas of the respective devices). 260B, 260C) is provided on the base 161b that moves integrally, with the positional relationship unchanged, and the focus detection position moving means 3 (160, 161) moves the base 161b within the focus detectable range 270 on the planned focal plane. It is configured to move in two dimensions.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 35 and FIG. 39, the camera of the invention of claim 8 is a visual axis detecting means 2 for detecting the gaze position of the photographer on the finder display screen, and recording. In the focus detection area 330 on the planned focal plane conjugate with the medium, the focus detection device 4 (300) for detecting the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system 101 and the focus detection area 330 move on the planned focal plane. Focus detection position moving means 3 (1) for moving the focus detection device 4 (300)
60, 161) and a selection unit 1 that selects at least a part of the focus detection region 330 (for example, the regions 333 and 332) based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detection unit 2.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, in the camera of the ninth aspect, the focus detecting device 4 (3
The focus detection area 330 of 00) is formed in a cross shape, and when the gaze position of the photographer is in the focus detectable area 310B at the center of the focus detection area 330, the focus detection area 330
When the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system 101 is detected in the central portion 333 of the focus detection area and the gaze position is outside the focus detectable range 310B in the central portion, photographing is performed in a focus detection area other than the central portion 333 of the focus detection area 330. The focus adjustment state of the optical system 101 is detected.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in the camera of the tenth aspect of the invention, a display device for displaying a mark 200 indicating the focus detection areas 173A to 173C on the finder display screen. 7 (193) and display position moving means 6 (119) for moving the display position of the display device 7 (193) on the finder display screen based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detecting means 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 8, a description will be given of a display device 7 in the camera of the invention of claim 11.
(120) and a plurality of sets of display position moving means 6 (119), and any one set of display devices 7 based on the gaze position.
The mark 200 is displayed on the finder display screen by (120) and the display position moving means 6 (119).

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 8 and FIG. 32, in the camera of the twelfth aspect of the invention, the display device 7 (120) is provided with a plurality of display elements 281 to 285 and is placed at the gaze position. Based on this, the mark 200 is displayed on the finder display screen by any one or a plurality of display elements.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in the control method according to the invention of claim 13, the moving speed of the gaze position based on the gaze position detected by the gaze detecting means 2. When the moving speed is higher than the reference value, the subject at the gaze position (for example, the range 171
The corresponding focus detection device 150B is moved so as to perform focus detection (at B.
The focus detection devices 150A and 150C other than 0B are retracted so as to avoid interference with the moving focus detection device 150B, and when the moving speed is equal to or lower than the reference value, the subject at the gaze position (for example, in the range 171A). ) Another focus detection device 150 adjacent to the focus detection device 150A
B waits at a position where the focus detectable areas of the adjacent focus detection devices overlap.

[0020]

In the camera of the first aspect of the invention, the line-of-sight detecting means 2
Detects the gaze position of the photographer on the viewfinder display screen. The selection unit 1 includes a plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150) based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detection unit 2.
Any one of A-150C) is selected. The focus detection position moving means 3 is selected so that the focus detection areas 173A to 173C move on the planned focal plane of the photographing optical system 101 (any one of 150A to 150C).
One) to move.

In the camera of the second aspect, the first one-dimensional movement mechanisms 161A to 161C shown in FIG. 5 move the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) in the uniaxial direction. Second one-dimensional moving mechanism 160A-160
C is the first one-dimensional moving mechanism 161A to 161C in a direction different from the moving direction of the first one-dimensional moving mechanism 161A to 161C.
61C is moved respectively.

In the camera of the third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of first one-dimensional movement mechanisms 210A to 210C shown in FIG. 18 move the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) independently in one axis direction. . Second one-dimensional moving mechanism 2
Reference numeral 20 denotes a plurality of first one-dimensional movement mechanisms 21 in a direction different from the movement directions of the first one-dimensional movement mechanisms 210A to 210C.
0A to 210C are individually moved.

In the camera of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the single first one-dimensional movement mechanism 220 shown in FIG. 24 individually moves the plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A to 150C) in the uniaxial direction. The second one-dimensional movement mechanism 160 has a first
The focus detection device 4 (150A to 150C) is moved in a direction different from the moving direction of the one-dimensional movement mechanism 220 of.

27 and 29, the focus detection position moving means 3 (160,
161) includes a plurality of focus detection devices 4 (150A (260
A) to 150C (260C)) is provided on the base 161b on which the positional relationship does not change and the focus detection range 2 on the planned focal plane
It moves two-dimensionally within 70.

In the camera of the eighth aspect, the line-of-sight detecting means 2 detects the gaze position of the photographer on the finder display screen. The selection unit 1 uses the focus detection area 330 (see FIG. 3) based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detection unit 2.
9) Select at least part of the area. In the focus detection position moving means 3, the focus detection area 330 is the optical imaging system 101.
The focus detection device 4 (30
Move 0).

In the camera of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the display device 7 (193) displays the mark 200 indicating the focus detection areas 173A to 173C on the finder display screen 170. The display position moving means 6 (119) is the visual line detecting means 2
Based on the gaze position detected by the display device 7 (19
3) Move.

Incidentally, in the section of means and action for solving the above problems for explaining the constitution of the present invention, the drawings of the embodiments are used for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention. It is not limited to the example.

[0028]

【Example】

First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. (a) Description of Functional Blocks FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a camera having a visual axis detection function according to the present invention, and is a functional block diagram in which the functions are divided into blocks. In this figure, reference numeral 1 is an arithmetic unit for controlling the entire camera of this embodiment. A gaze position calculation unit 2 observes the eyeball of the photographer and calculates the gaze position of the observer on the finder display screen based on the observation result. The gaze position information calculated by the gaze position calculation unit 2 is input to the calculation unit 1, and AF is performed based on the gaze position information.
The calculation result of the calculation unit 1 is sent to the sensor position control unit 3, the AF sensor 4, and the like.

Based on the gaze position information, one of the AF sensors 4 is selected by the arithmetic unit 1. The AF sensor 4 selected based on the command value calculated by the calculation unit 1 based on the gaze position information is moved to a predetermined position by the AF sensor position control unit 3. The AF sensor 4 detects, at the position moved by the AF sensor position control unit 3, the focus adjustment state of the shooting lens, that is, the shooting optical system (not shown in FIG. 1) for the subject included in the focus detection area. The detection result is input to the arithmetic unit 1. A lens driving unit 5 drives the photographing lens to the driving position calculated by the calculation unit 1 based on the detection result of the AF sensor 4.

A display position control unit 6 moves the display position of the display unit 7 based on the calculation result of the fixation position calculation unit 2 so that the display unit 7 displays the fixation position on the planned focal plane. . The display unit 7 performs a predetermined display at the display position. Reference numeral 8 is a photometry unit for measuring the brightness of the field. An exposure unit 9 records subject information on a recording medium such as a film. When the film is used, the exposure unit 9 is composed of a shutter and a diaphragm and exposes the film.

(B) Description of Each Part of Camera b-1: Description of Optical System FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the camera of the present embodiment, and is a schematic configuration diagram including the optical system. 1 in FIG.
Reference numeral 01 denotes a taking lens, which is illustrated as a single lens for convenience, but actually includes a plurality of lenses. A quick return mirror 102 has a half mirror at its center. Reference numeral 103 denotes a focusing screen on which a subject image is formed, and corresponds to a finder display screen observed by a photographer. Some of the focusing screens 103 also use a Fresnel lens and also serve as a condenser lens. 104 is a penta prism,
Reference numeral 105 denotes an eyepiece lens, which is shown as a single lens for convenience, but may actually be composed of a plurality of lenses. The eyepiece lens 105 of this embodiment includes a dichroic mirror 105a as a light splitting device. Reference numeral 106 is the eyeball of the photographer.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a release switch, which is instructed to start driving various functions of the camera by operating this switch. Reference numeral 108 denotes a central processing unit that controls the entire camera, and is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. When the release switch 107 is turned on, a command is sent from the central processing unit 108 to each device, and various operations are executed according to a camera control procedure described later.

B-2: Description of Gaze Position Calculator and Its Surrounding Reference Numeral 109 is a gaze position calculator, which calculates the gaze position of the photographer's eyeball 106 on the finder display screen and controls each of the following devices. , The gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer is calculated based on the detection signal detected by each device. The method of calculating the gaze position will be described later. The calculated gaze position information is the AF sensor moving device 11 described later.
7 and the display position control device 119.

Reference numeral 110 is a lighting device driving device, and 111 is a lighting device. Lighting and turning-off of the lighting device 111 is controlled by the lighting device driving device 110, and illuminates the photographer's eyeball 106, such as below a viewfinder eyepiece window (not shown). It is located in a position where you can. Although only one lighting device 111 is shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of lighting devices 111 may be arranged depending on the gaze position calculation method. An infrared light emitting diode is suitable for the illuminating device 111 because it is preferable to illuminate the eyeball 106 of the photographer with a light beam other than visible light.

An image forming lens 112 forms an eyeball image of the photographer on the photoelectric conversion element 113. Imaging lens 11
When an aspherical lens is used as 2, an eyeball image can be formed on the photoelectric conversion element 113 by using one aspherical lens. Photoelectric conversion element 113 for picking up an eyeball image
Is suitable for a surface light receiving element such as a CCD although it depends on the calculation method of the gaze position. The imaged information is sent to the gaze position calculation device 109. Reference numeral 114 denotes a photoelectric conversion element driving device that drives the photoelectric conversion element 113.

B-3: Description of AF Sensor and Surroundings 115 is a sub-mirror, and is a quick return mirror 1.
The subject light transmitted through the half mirror provided at the center of 02 is guided to the AF sensor 116. AF sensor 116
Detects the focus adjustment state of the photographing lens 101 with respect to the subject included in the focus detection area, and detects the central processing unit 108.
Send to. Reference numeral 117 denotes an AF sensor moving device, which moves the AF sensor 116 in the vicinity of a planned focal plane, which will be described later, based on a signal from the gaze position calculation device 109.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the details of the AF sensor 116 and the AF sensor moving device 117. In FIG.
Reference numeral 150 denotes an AF module which constitutes the AF sensor 116, and detects the focus adjustment state of the taking lens 101 with respect to the subject included in the focus detection area. Here, as for the specific configuration of the AF module 150, various types are known and are technologies that have already been put into practical use. Therefore, only a brief description will be given in this specification.

In FIG. 4, the AF module 150 is
A field mask 151 having an opening 151a arranged near a planned focal plane conjugate with the film surface, a field lens 152, an aperture mask 153 having a pair of openings 153a and 153b, and a pair of re-imaging. Lens 154
a, 154b and a pair of photoelectric conversion elements 155a, 155
and a substrate 155 on which b is arranged. Opening 15
1a sets a focus detection area in which the focus adjustment state is detected by the AF module 150, and the size of the opening 151a and the position on the planned focal plane define the size and position of the focus detection area.

The exit pupil 156 of the taking lens 101 includes a pair of regions 156a and 156b, and the light flux passing through these regions 156a and 156b is the field mask 151.
A primary image is formed in the vicinity. Aperture 1 of field mask 151
The primary image formed on 51a is the field lens 15
2. A pair of openings 153a and 153b of the visual field mask 153
The pair of re-imaging lenses 154a and 154b re-images as a pair of secondary images on the pair of photoelectric conversion elements 155a and 155b. A pair of photoelectric conversion elements 155
Output signals of the secondary image are generated by a and 155b, and are transmitted to the central processing unit 108. The central processing unit 108 calculates the defocus amount of the taking lens 101 based on this output signal. In this way, the defocus amount of the taking lens 101 with respect to the subject included in the focus detection area, that is, the focus adjustment state is detected.

Returning to FIG. 3, 160 and 161 are uniaxial stages, and a pair of uniaxial stages 160 and 16 are provided.
The AF sensor moving device 117 is constituted by 1.
Since the configurations of these uniaxial stages 160 and 161 are common, only the configuration of one uniaxial stage 160 will be described in detail.

The uniaxial stage 160 is provided with a base 160a extending in one direction and a moving base 160b mounted on the base 160a. The base 160a includes
A screw rod 160c is rotatably arranged along the extending direction, and on both sides of the screw rod 160c parallel to the screw rod 160c, the base 16
A pair of guide bars 160d are arranged along the extending direction of 0a. These screw rod 160c and guide rod 16
0d extends through the movable base 160b, and the threaded rod 160
A female screw hole (not shown) is formed in the penetrating portion of c and is screwed into the screw rod 160c. A through hole (not shown) having a slightly larger diameter than the guide rod 160d is formed in the penetrating portion of the guide rod 160d, and the moving base 160b is configured to be slidable with respect to the guide rod 160d. Screw rod 1
60c is connected to a drive shaft of a motor (not shown). Therefore, when the screw rod 160c is rotationally driven by the motor, the moving base 160b screwed into the screw rod 160c moves in the screwing direction, and the guide rod 160d extends, that is, the base 160.
It is guided in the extending direction of a and moves within the base 160a. The same applies to the uniaxial stage 161.

In this embodiment, the base 160a of the uniaxial stage 160 is fixed to the camera body, and the uniaxial stage 161 is fixed.
The base 161a is a moving base 160b of the uniaxial stage 160.
The AF module 150 is mounted on the moving table 161b of the uniaxial stage 161. The extending direction of the uniaxial stage 160 is set to the short side direction of the film, and the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 161 is set to the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 160, that is, the long side direction of the film. ing. This gives A
The F module 150 can be independently moved in the short side direction and the long side direction of the film, and its focus detection area is an arbitrary position within a two-dimensional range defined by the strokes of the uniaxial stages 160 and 161 in the planned focal plane. Can be moved to.

FIG. 5 shows the range of exposure on the film surface and the AF.
It is the figure which piled up and showed the module and the uniaxial stage. In this embodiment, three pairs of the AF sensor 116 and the AF sensor moving device 117 shown in FIG. 3 are used. 150A,
150B and 150C are AF modules, and
0A, 160B, 160C are uniaxial stages extending in the short side direction of the film, and 161A, 161B and 161C are uniaxial stages extending in the long side direction of the film. AF
Module 150A is uniaxial stage 160A, 161A
By this, it becomes possible to move in two dimensions, and focus detection range 1
The focus of the subject located at 71A is detected. Similarly, A
The F modules 150B and 150C detect the focus of the subject located in the focus detectable range 171B and 171C, respectively. The combined range of the focus detectable areas 171A, 171B and 171C forms one continuous focus detectable area 171.

Ranges 172A and 172 indicated by alternate long and short dash lines
B and 172C are uniaxial stage 161 respectively.
The movement range of A, 161B, and 161C is shown. Although the moving ranges 172A and 172B and 172B and 172C overlap each other near the boundary, control is performed so that the respective stages do not interfere with each other during stage operation. In the present embodiment, the positions of the AF modules 150A to 150C are controlled based on the gaze position information from the gaze position calculation device 109 described above, but the details of the control procedure will be described later.

In FIG. 6, 173A, 173B and 173C are AF modules 150A and 150B, respectively.
And the focus detection area of 150C are shown. Focus detection area 1
73A, 173B and 173C are the focus detectable areas 171A, 171B and 17 respectively as described above.
It can be moved to any position within 1C. Here, the reason why the focus detectable range 171 does not match the exposure range 170 and is limited to a narrow range is the focus detectable range 171.
Are uniaxial stages 160A-160C and 161A-
This is because the stroke of 161C and the size of the sub-mirror 115 are physically determined, and the uniaxial stages 160A to 160C and 1 having a stroke of a sufficient length.
AF modules 150A, 150B and 15 by reflecting the light fluxes of 61A to 161C and the entire exposure range 170.
If the sub-mirror 115 that guides to 0C is provided, the exposure range 1
Focus detection is possible in all areas within 70.

The focus detection areas 173A, 173B,
Although the shapes of 173C and 173C are simple rectangular shapes in this embodiment, generally, a cross shape, an H shape, and the like are known. For these shapes, the AF module 150
It is determined by the configurations of A, 150B, and 150C, and the details thereof will be deviated from the gist of the present invention, so the description thereof will be omitted.

AF modules 150A to 150C
When is moved toward the periphery of the exposure range 170, vignetting may occur because focus detection is performed using a light beam at a position that is largely apart from the optical axis of the taking lens 101. In this case, a technique in which a ROM is mounted on the taking lens 101 and information on the exit pupil peculiar to the taking lens is notified to the central processing unit 108 so that the vignetting portion can be corrected (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-139411, Kaihei 4-289809) has also been devised. For example, a plurality of photoelectric conversion element array pairs are provided in the AF module, and which photoelectric conversion element array pair is selected depending on the height position of the photoelectric conversion element array pair and the exit pupil position of the photographing lens. It is possible to detect the focus of a region apart from the optical axis of the photographing lens without vignetting.

Returning to FIG. 2, reference numeral 118 denotes the taking lens 101.
This is a photographic lens driving device for driving a lens, and methods using various motors have been widely known and put into practical use, and therefore details thereof will not be mentioned here.

B-4: Description of Display Device and Surroundings The display position control device 119 controls the display position of the display device 120 based on the signal from the gaze position calculation device 109. The display device 120 is disposed in a position opposite to the eyeball 106 of the photographer with the pentaprism 104 interposed therebetween, and emits a light flux having a shape corresponding to the focus detection areas 173A to 173C described above. Reference numeral 121 is a mirror, and 122 is an optical member, which guides the light flux emitted from the display device 120 to the front reflecting surface 104a of the pentaprism 104 and further enters the pentaprism 104 to enter the eyeball 106 of the photographer.
Lead into the field of view. Therefore, the reflection angle of the mirror 121, the shape of the optical member 122, the refractive index, etc. are determined so as to satisfy these conditions.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of the display position control device 119 and the display device 120. The display position control device 119 includes stages 191, 192, and the stage 192 is rotatably attached to the stage 191 by a shaft 192a provided on the stage 192. The stage 191 is provided with a shaft 191a, and the stage 191 is rotatable with respect to the shaft 191a. The stage 192 has a light emitting diode (LED) that constitutes the display device 120.
193 is mounted, and the LED 193 has a focus detection area 173.
A light beam having a shape (rectangle in this embodiment) corresponding to A to 173C is generated.

The shafts 191a and 192a are each connected to a drive shaft of a motor (not shown), and the central processing unit 108 is connected.
When the motor connected to the shaft 191a is driven by the control signal from the stage 191a, the stage 191 is rotated with respect to the shaft 191a and the emission direction of the light flux from the LED 193 is tilted in the horizontal direction. When the motor connected to the shaft 192a is driven, the stage 192 is rotated with respect to the shaft 192a, and the emission direction of the light flux from the LED 193 is tilted in the vertical direction.

In FIG. 2, the light flux emitted from the LED 120 (193) is reflected by the mirror 121, passes through the optical member 122, and the reflecting surface 104a of the pentaprism 104.
Is guided from the lens to the pentaprism 104, and is superimposed on the subject light that has passed through the photographing lens 101 to reach the eyeball 106 of the photographer. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the photographer can take the photographic lens 10 on the viewfinder display screen.
Subject image MD from 1 and irradiation light 200 of LED 193
You can see how the and overlap. In this embodiment, the LED 193 is displayed on the finder display screen.
Although the irradiation light 200 has the same shape as the focus detection areas 173A to 173C, the shapes and sizes do not necessarily have to be the same, and may be a cross shape or the like.

Returning to FIG. 2, 123 is a photometric device,
The field brightness is measured and the brightness information is sent to the central processing unit 108. With respect to the specific configuration of the photometric device, various methods have been known and put into practical use, and therefore the details thereof will not be described here. Reference numeral 124 denotes a shutter curtain, which is driven to perform an exposure operation on a film surface (not shown).

B-5: Operation and effect Next, the operation will be described. When the release switch 107 is pressed by the photographer for the first stroke and the half-press operation is executed, the central processing unit 108 causes the illumination device driving device 1 to operate.
The illuminating device 111 is operated via 10 and the illuminating device 111 illuminates the eyeball 106 of the photographer. The reflected image of the photographer's eyeball 106 illuminated by the illumination device 111 is captured by the photoelectric conversion element 113 via the imaging lens 112, and the information of the captured reflected image of the eyeball 106 is input to the gaze position calculation device 109. To be done. The gaze position calculation device 109, based on the information from the photoelectric conversion element 113,
The gaze position of the photographer's eyeball 106 on the finder display screen is calculated.

Regarding the specific procedure for calculating the gaze position by the gaze position calculation device 109, various procedures have already been proposed, including Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-94978 and Japanese Patent Application No. 5-139633. Although any procedure may be used, an outline of an example of the calculation procedure will be described below.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a human eyeball. The gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer can be obtained by calculating the eyeball rotation angles θ and φ defined below. It should be noted that although there are other crystalline lenses in human eyes, they are omitted because they do not affect the gaze position calculation method used here.

In FIG. 9, 106 is the eyeball of the photographer.
30 is a cornea and 131 is an iris. First, as shown in FIG. 9, an arbitrary three-dimensional coordinate is taken in the eyeball 106, and its origin O is in the eyeball 106. The eyeball 106 of the photographer facing an arbitrary direction is located at a position where the eyeball rotation center O ′ is displaced from the origin O by a translation amount L in the X-axis direction and a translation amount K in the Y-axis direction. Then, a straight line O′C connecting the eyeball rotation center O ′ and the corneal curvature center C located at a position separated by a distance ρ from the eyeball rotation center O ′, and the eyeball rotation center O ′.
And a straight line O'D connecting the pupil center D at a position away from the eyeball rotation center O'by a distance A substantially coincide with each other, that is, the eyeball rotation center O ', the corneal curvature center C, and the pupil center D are the same straight line. Suppose it is on the line. When the straight line DC connecting the corneal curvature center C and the pupil center D is defined as θ on the XY plane with respect to the Y axis, and the elevation angle from the XY plane is defined as φ.
This is the required eyeball rotation angles θ and φ. At this time, the distance D-C between the corneal curvature center position C on the Z axis and the pupil center D
X-axis and Z-axis components of

[Equation 1] Therefore, the required eyeball rotation angles θ and φ are

[Equation 2] It is expressed as Here, A−ρ is the distance between the pupil center D and the corneal curvature center C.

In practice, it is necessary to correct the image forming magnification of the image forming lens 112. Furthermore, the direction the actual photographer is looking at is the angle γx by the photographer with respect to the line direction of the straight line DC,
Since there is a deviation of γz, it is necessary to correct this angle.

The pupil center D and the corneal curvature center C are obtained as follows, for example. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the relationship between the front part of the eyeball 106 of the photographer and the imaging range of the photoelectric conversion element 113, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the relationship between the images captured by the imaging conversion element 113. It is a figure which shows the output along the line segment AA 'of FIG.

In FIG. 10A, 139 is the image of the front part of the photographer's eyeball 106, 140 is the image of the photoelectric conversion element 113 superimposed on the anterior segment image 139, 131 is the iris, and 132 is the image. Is a sclera and 133 is a pupil part. 134
Reference numerals a and 134b are Purkinje first images by two illumination devices 111 not shown in FIG. The line segment AA 'is
A column that is one of the pixel readout columns of the photoelectric conversion element 113 and in which the Purkinje first images 134a and 134b are captured is selected. It should be noted that the two Purkinje first images are not always present on the line segment AA ′, and only one of them may be present.

In FIG. 10B, the horizontal axis corresponds to A at the left end and A ′ at the right end, the horizontal axis corresponds to the position on the line segment AA ′, and the vertical axis corresponds to the photoelectric conversion element 113. Represents the output of. 141 is the output of the iris 131, 142 is the output of the sclera 132, 143 is the output of the pupil 133, 144
a and 144b are Purkinje first images 134a and 1a, respectively.
34b shows the output. Dx _L and Dx _R are
The position of the edge of the iris 131 (the inner end of the iris 131) is shown, and P1x and P2x are Purkinje first images 134a and 13
The position of 4b is shown. X coordinate Dx, Z of pupil center D
Coordinate Dz is

(Equation 3) It is expressed as Dx _L and Dx _R are line segments A as described above.
Determined from the output of the photoelectric conversion element 113 along A ′,
Dz _L and Dz _R are obtained from the output of the pixel column along the direction intersecting the line segment AA ′.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the corneal curvature center C can be obtained from the relationship between the two illuminating devices and two straight lines passing through the Purkinje's first image. In FIG. 11, S1 and S2 are lighting devices, and P1 and P2 are Purkinje first images by the lighting devices S1 and S2, respectively. The corneal curvature center C to be obtained is the intersection of a straight line passing through the illumination device S1 and the Purkinje first image P1 and a straight line passing through the illumination device S2 and the Purkinje first image P2.

From the above consideration, the eyeball rotation angles θ and φ of the photographer can be obtained by using the equations (3) and (4), and the eyeball rotation angles θ and φ of the photographer and the eyeball of the photographer From the positional relationship between 106 and the viewfinder display screen, the gaze position of the photographer on the viewfinder display screen can be obtained.

The gaze position information calculated by the gaze position calculation device 109 is sent to the AF sensor moving device 117 and the display position control device 119 via the central processing device 108. The central processing unit 108 calculates which range of the plurality of focus detectable areas 171A to 171C on the finder screen where the gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer falls, and the AF module 150A corresponding to the focus detectable area.
Select any one of ~ 150C. The AF sensor moving device 117, based on the gaze position information, the gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer on the finder display screen and the focus detection area (173A of the selected AF module (one of 150A to 150C)). The selected AF module is driven in the two-dimensional direction along the planned focal plane so that the selected AF module and the selected AF module overlap each other on the viewfinder display screen. The AF module 150A
.About.150C and stages 161A to 161C are controlled so as not to interfere with each other.

The focus adjustment information from the selected AF module is input to the central processing unit 108, and the central processing unit 1
Reference numeral 08 designates a defocus amount based on this focus adjustment information, drives the taking lens 101, and focuses on the subject included in the focus detection area (one of 173A to 173C) of the AF sensor 116. Get the status. On the other hand, the display position control device 119 detects the gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer on the viewfinder display screen and LE.
The LED 193 is moved so that the irradiation light 200 by D193 overlaps the viewfinder display screen.

In this way, when the gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer moves, the focus detection area (any one of 173A to 173C) of the AF module (any one of 150A to 150C) moves accordingly. And LED
The irradiation position of the irradiation light 200 of 193 is moved on the viewfinder display screen, and the focus adjustment state of the photographing lens 101 is detected by the selected AF module at the gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer and its vicinity, and the gaze position is also detected. The area on the finder display screen corresponding to the LED1
Illuminated by the irradiation light 200 of 93. In the example of FIG. 8 described above, the photographer is gazing at the region including the left eye of the model MD.

Then, the central processing unit 108 waits for the photographer to press the release switch 107 to the second stroke and fully press it, during which the above-mentioned gaze position calculation operation, AF sensor movement operation, and display device movement are performed. The operation, the photographing lens driving operation, and the AF operation are continued. When the photographer performs a full-press operation, the central processing unit 108 obtains an appropriate exposure value based on the brightness information obtained from the photometric device 123, stops the aperture device (not shown) to the appropriate aperture value, and further releases the shutter. The curtain 124 is driven to expose a film (not shown). In the case of FIG. 8, a focused photograph is obtained near the left eye of the model MD.

Next, on the viewfinder display screen, there are a case where the gaze position of the photographer moves continuously slowly, that is, a case where the moving speed is low and a case where the moving speed jumping between two points is high. It is desirable to change the moving procedure of the uniaxial stage and the AF module. Therefore, an example of each moving procedure will be shown below.

-When Movement Speed is Low- With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, a case where the movement speed of the gaze position is low, in other words, the movement amount of the gaze position at each gaze position detection is small will be described. In this case, the AF sensor needs continuous movement. 12 and 13, only the members necessary for description in the uniaxial stage and the AF module shown in FIG. 5 are shown, and other members are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, consider a case where the gaze position of the photographer continuously and slowly moves from the position A of the focus detectable range 171A to the position B of the focus detectable range 171B. When the gaze position is A, the AF modules 150A and 150B and the uniaxial stage 161
Let B be in PA ', PB' and PC ', respectively. The AF module 150A tracks the gaze position and moves from the position PA ′ to the right end position PA of the focus detectable range 171A. On the other hand, the uniaxial stage 161B is located at the position PC '.
AF module 1
50B moves to the left from the position PB 'and moves to A at the position PA.
Focus detectable area 17 adjacent to the F module 150A
Stand by at the left end position PB of 1B.

Further, the photographer's gaze position crosses the boundary, and the focus detectable range 171A to the focus detectable range 171.
When it moves to B, as shown in FIG. 13, the uniaxial stage 161A located at the position PD ′ retracts to the position PD, and at the same time, the uniaxial stage 161B located at the position PC moves to the position PCC.
After that, the AF module 150B, which was at the position PB, moves to the gaze position PBB.

The AF module 150B keeps track of the gaze position of the photographer and performs focus detection as long as the gaze position of the photographer moves within the focus detectable range 171B. Further, when the photographer's gaze position returns to the focus detectable range 171A again or moves slowly to the focus detectable range 171C continuously, the AF module 150A or 150C follows the same procedure to perform focus detection. . In addition, FIG.
The stage 161C not shown in FIG.
It is controlled so as not to interfere with 1B. In this way,
It is possible to continuously track the gaze position of the photographer without the stages interfering with each other.

-When Movement Speed is High- A case where the movement speed at which the photographer's gaze position is jumped between two points on the viewfinder display screen is high is described. In FIG. 14, only the members necessary for explanation are shown in the uniaxial stage and the AF module shown in FIG. 5, and other members are omitted. Consider a case where the gaze position of the photographer jumps from the position C of the focus detectable range 171A to the position D of the focus detectable range 171B. When the gaze position is C,
The AF modules 150A and 150B and the uniaxial stages 161A and 161B are PE ', PF', and P, respectively.
It is assumed to be in G'and PH '. When the gaze position moves from C to D, the stage 161A located at the position PG 'moves to the position P.
At the same time, the stage 161B moves from position PH ′ to position PH. During this time, the AF module 15
0B moves right on the stage 161B to the position PF. As a result, the AF modules 150A and 150B
Tracks gaze positions C and D. The stage 161C not shown in FIG. 14 is controlled so as not to interfere with the stage 161B.

15 and 16 show the release switch 107.
Is a flowchart showing a series of operations from the half-pressing operation for the first stroke to the shooting operation. When the gaze position is continuously and slowly moved with reference to this figure, a quick and jumpy operation is performed. The case of moving will be described.

When the release switch 107 is half-depressed, the program shown in FIG. 15 starts and the process proceeds to step S1. In step S1, the gaze position information and the like are initialized and the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the gaze position of the photographer is calculated by the gaze position calculation device 109, and the calculated gaze position information is input to the central processing unit 108. The moving speed V of the gaze position is calculated from the gaze position calculated last time and the gaze position calculated this time, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the previous gaze position is compared with the current gaze position. If the gaze position has moved, the process proceeds to step S4, and if the gaze position has not moved, the process proceeds to step S8. Note that, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed below that the first gaze position is in the focus detectable range 171A shown in FIG.

The case where the gaze position does not move will be described. If the gaze position has not moved, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S8, focus adjustment information is input from the AF module 150A to the central processing unit 108, and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the defocus amount is obtained based on the focus adjustment information, and the photographing lens driving device 11
8 drives the taking lens 101, and the AF sensor 116
The subject included in the focus detection area 173A of (150A) is focused, and the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, it is determined whether the photographer has fully pressed the release switch 107 to the second stroke. That is, waiting for a signal when the release switch 107 is fully pressed, the operations from step S2 to step S9 are performed until the full-press signal is received, that is, the gaze position calculation operation, the AF sensor moving operation, the display device moving operation, the AF operation. The operation and the shooting lens driving operation are repeated. When the photographer performs a full-press operation, step S1
The process proceeds to 1 and the shooting operation is performed, and a series of operations ends.

Next, the case where the gaze position moves will be described. If the gaze position has moved, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4, and the magnitude of the calculated moving speed V of the gaze position is compared with the magnitude of the reference value Vs. When the moving speed V is equal to or lower than the reference value Vs, that is, when the gaze position of the photographer continuously moves slowly, the process proceeds to step S5. When the moving speed V is larger than the reference value Vs, that is, when the gaze position of the photographer moves rapidly and jumply, step S
Go to 6. When the process proceeds to step S6, the AF module corresponding to the focus detectable range having the gaze position is moved to the gaze position. In the example of FIG. 14, the focus detectable range 171
Since the gaze position C of A has moved to the gaze position D of the focus detectable range 171B, the AF module 150B is moved to the gaze position D and the process proceeds to step S7. Note that when the AF module 150B moves, another uniaxial stage 161A
And 161C (not shown) interfere with each other, the uniaxial stages 161A and 161C are retracted at the same time as the AF module 150A is moved in step S6. In step S7, the display position control device 119 controls the gaze position of the eyeball 106 of the photographer on the finder display screen and the irradiation light 200 emitted by the LED 120 (193).
The LED 120 (193) is tilted so that and overlap on the finder display screen, and the process proceeds to step S8. After step S8, the same operation as in the case where the gaze position does not move in step S3 is performed, and thus the description is omitted.

On the other hand, if the moving speed V is less than or equal to the reference value Vs in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of a subroutine showing details of step S5. In step S21, the AF module in the focus detectable range including the gaze position is moved to the gaze position, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, if the previous gaze position and the current gaze position are in the same focus detectable range, the process proceeds to step S23, and if they are different focus detectable ranges, the subroutine of step S5 ends.

The flow after step S23 differs depending on where the gaze position is in the focus detectable range 171A to 171C. If the gaze position is within the focus detectable range 171A or 171C in step S23, step S24
If the gaze position is within the focus detectable range 171B, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S24, if the gaze position has moved in the direction of the focus detectable range 171B, the process proceeds to step S25, and if it has moved in any other direction, the subroutine of step S5 ends. In step S25, the AF module 150B is set to the standby position (the left end of the focus detectable range 171B when the gaze position is in the focus detectable range 171A, and the focus detectable range 171B when the gaze position is in the focus detectable range 171C.
To the right end), and the subroutine of step S5 ends.

When the process proceeds to step S26 in step S23, the process proceeds to step S27 if the gaze position moves in the direction of the focus detectable range 171A, and proceeds to step S28 if it moves in any other direction. In step S27, the AF module 150A is moved to the standby position at the right end of the focus detectable range 171A, and in step S28, the AF module 150C is moved to the standby position at the left end of the focus detectable range 171C, and the subroutine of step S5 ends.

Upon completion of step S5, the process proceeds to step S7. After step S7, the same operation as that after step S7 when the process proceeds to step S6 is performed, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 17, the gaze position of the photographer is at the center upper end of the focus detectable range 171, and the AF module 150
The case where focus detection is performed at B is shown. At this time, the AF modules 150A and 150C retreat to the retreat areas 172A and 172C so that the stages do not interfere with each other.
Similarly, at the lower left and right ends of the focus detectable range 171, A
When focus detection is performed by the F module 150A or 150C, the AF module 150B saves in the save area 172B.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the AF modules 150A, 1 are placed at the positions where the photographer's eyes are gazing.
Either one of 50B and 150C is driven, and the focus adjustment operation is performed at the gaze position, so that the photographer can perform the focus adjustment operation on any subject on the viewfinder display screen and focus on the desired subject. You can get the photo that was there. In addition, a photograph in which the position of the desired subject is focused can be obtained simply by gazing at the desired subject, and the operation is very simple.

Further, the gaze position of the eyeball of the photographer on the viewfinder display screen is displayed in a state where it can be visually recognized by the irradiation light 200 of the LED 193, so that the photographer can confirm which position he is gazing at. At the same time, the gaze position can be changed to select a desired subject, and the subject selection operation becomes reliable. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the moving procedure of the AF modules 150A, 150B, and 150C by the AF sensor moving device 117 is changed according to the way the photographer moves the gaze position, the quick movement of the gaze position is also followed. A reliable focus detection operation can be performed.

Although three AF modules are used in this embodiment, only one display device is used, but a display dedicated to each AF module is used by using the same number of display devices as the AF modules. It can also be a device.

-Second Embodiment- FIG. 18 is an AF sensor 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing the details of 16 and an AF sensor moving device 117. FIG. Uniaxial stage 210A, 210B, 210C
And 220 form an AF sensor moving device 117, and three AF modules 150A, 150B and 1 are provided.
The AF sensor 116 is composed of 50C. 210
A, 210B and 210C are uniaxial stages similar to the uniaxial stage 161 of the first embodiment.
1B and 211C have bases 161a, 212A and 21C.
2B and 212C are attached to the moving base 161b, 213A, 2C.
13B and 213C have screw rods 161c, 214A,
214B and 214C correspond to the guide rod 161d, respectively.

The uniaxial stage 220 includes a base 221 extending in one direction and a moving base 2 mounted on the base 221.
22A, 222B and 222C. The base 221 has three screw rods 223 along its extending direction.
A, 223B and 223C are rotatably arranged, and on both sides thereof, the base 2 is parallel to the screw rods 223A to 223C.
A pair of guide rods 226 are arranged along the extending direction of 21. The screw rods 223A to 223C and the guide rod 226 extend through the moving bases 222A to 222C. A female screw hole (not shown) is formed in the penetrating portion of the screw rod 223A of the moving base 222A, and the screw rod 223 is formed therein.
A is screwed, and the other screw rods 223B and 223C simply penetrate the moving base 222A. A female screw hole (not shown) is formed at a penetrating portion of the screw rod 223B of the moving base 222B, and the screw rod 223B is screwed into the female screw hole 223B.
3A and 223C simply penetrate the movable table 222B. A female screw hole (not shown) is formed in a penetrating portion of the screw rod 223C of the moving base 222C, and the screw rod 223C is formed therein.
The other threaded rods 223A and 223B simply penetrate the moving base 222C. Each moving stand 222A-2
An unillustrated through hole having a slightly larger diameter than the guide rod 226 is formed in the penetrating portion of the guide rod 226 of 22C, and the moving bases 222A to 222C are configured to be slidable with respect to the guide rod 226. ing. Screw rods 223A-22
Each of 3C is connected to a drive shaft of a motor (not shown). Therefore, the motor drives the threaded rods 223A to 223A.
When c is rotationally driven, the moving bases 222A to 222C screwed into the respective screw rods move in the screwing direction,
The guide rod 226 moves in the base 221 while being guided by the extending direction of the guide rod 226, that is, the extending direction of the base 221.

In this embodiment, the base 221 of the uniaxial stage 220 is fixed to the camera body, and the uniaxial stage 210A
The bases 211A to 211C of the uniaxial stages 210A to 210C are mounted on the movable bases 222A to 222C of the uniaxial stage 220, respectively.
Each is placed above. And the uniaxial stage 2
The extending direction of 20 is set to the long side direction of the film, and the extending direction of the uniaxial stages 210A to 210C is set to the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 220, that is, the short side direction of the film.

FIG. 19 shows the range of exposure on the film surface and A.
It is the figure which piled up and showed the F module and the uniaxial stage. A range 170 shown by a solid line shows an exposure range. A
The main focus detectable areas of the F modules 150A, 150B, and 150C are set to 230A, 230B, and 230, respectively.
Denote by C. The combined range of the focus detectable areas 230A, 230B and 230C forms one continuous focus detectable area 230. Note that the focus detection range 230
Is not coincident with the exposure range 170 and is limited to a narrow range for the following reason. The focus detectable range 230 is
Since the strokes of the uniaxial stages 210A to 210C and 220 and the size of the sub-mirror 115 are physically determined, the uniaxial stages 210A to 210C and 220 having a sufficient stroke and the exposure range 170.
Of the AF module 150A, 1
If the sub-mirror 115 that guides 50B and 150C is provided, focus detection can be performed in all areas within the exposure range 170. Further, the AF modules 150A to 150C are movable beyond the focus detectable range, and an example thereof is shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows an example of control when the gaze position of the photographer slowly and continuously moves from position E to position F. The stage 220 is omitted in the description of FIG. When the photographer's gaze position slowly and continuously moves from position E to position F, the stage 210C moves to position PI '.
To the position PI, the AF module 150C moves from the position PJ 'to the position PJ where the gaze position F is. At this time, the stages 210A and 210B are the stage 210
Move to the left so as not to interfere with C. Also, A
The F module 150A moves from the position PK ′ to the position PK and stands by in case the gaze position further moves leftward from the position F. Similarly, the AF module 150B moves from the position PL 'to the position PL and stands by. When switching the AF module for tracking the gaze position at the position F from the AF module 150C to the AF module 150B,
Since the AF module 150B moves from the position PL to the position PJ, the stage 210C retracts to the right side while avoiding interference. In this way, even if the gaze position moves leftward from the position F, the gaze position can be continuously tracked. As described above, the gaze position is the focus detectable range 2
When moving from 30C to the left, the AF module 15
If you continue to follow as much as possible at 0C, AF module 15
The focus detectable range of 0A, 150B, and 150C may be changed to 230A ′, 230B ′, and 230C ′, respectively. Note that the gaze position is shown in FIG.
When moving to the left of the point F of FIG.
The gaze position may be tracked discretely at 0B and 150A.

FIG. 21 shows an example of control when the photographer's gaze position jumps from position G to position H. In addition,
As in FIG. 20, the stage 220 will be omitted in the description. First, when the gaze position is at the position G in the focus detectable range 230C, the AF module 150C performs focus detection.
At this time, the AF module 150A is assumed to be at the position PM '. Next, the gaze position is the focus detectable range 230
When jumping to the position H of A, the stage 210A
Moves from position PN 'to position PN, AF module 1
50A moves from position PM 'to position PM. In this way, when the gaze position jumps to a different focus detectable range, the AF module corresponding to the destination focus detectable range moves to the gaze position. Also, when the gaze position jumps within the same focus detectable range, for example, within the focus detectable range 230A, the AF module 150A moves to the destination of the gaze position. In addition,
Regardless of the focus detectable range of each AF module, the AF module closest to the moving position of the gaze position may be controlled to be moved to the gaze position.

In this embodiment, the release switch 10
A procedure showing a series of operations from the half-stroke operation of 7 for the first stroke to the shooting operation is represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16 similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the flowchart is omitted.

-Third Embodiment-FIG. 22 is an AF sensor 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing the details of 16 and an AF sensor moving device 117. FIG. The configuration of the AF sensor moving device 117 is similar to that of the second embodiment (FIG. 18), but the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 220 is set to the short side direction of the film, and the extending direction of the uniaxial stages 210A to 210C. Is set in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 220, that is, in the long side direction of the film. The AF sensor 116 is also the second
Like the embodiment, the AF modules 150A to 150C are formed, but the AF module openings 159A to 159 are formed.
C is open in the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 220.

FIG. 23 shows the range of exposure on the film surface and A.
In the figure in which the F module and the uniaxial stage are overlapped and shown, a range 170 shown by a solid line is an exposure range. AF
The main focus detectable areas of the modules 150A, 150B, and 150C are 240A, 240B, and 240C, respectively.
Indicated by Focus detectable areas 240A, 240B and 2
The combined range of 40C forms one continuous focus detectable range 240. In addition, the stages 210A to 210
C can move on the stage 220 in the short-side direction of the film over the focus detectable ranges 240A to 240C, respectively. That is, since all of the stages 210A to 210C can be moved to a region above or below the focus detectable range 240, the AF modules 150A to 150C can be moved to the focus detectable range 240 as in the second embodiment.
It can move beyond A-240C. For example,
When the gaze position slowly moves from the focus detectable range 240A to the focus detectable range 240B, the AF module 150A can also track and detect the focus of the gaze position moved to the focus detectable range 240B. At this time, the stages 210B and 210C are
Move upwards so as not to interfere with 0A.

The reason why the focus detectable range 240 does not match the exposure range 170 and is limited to a narrow range is as follows. The focus detectable range 230 is physically determined by the strokes of the uniaxial stages 210A to 210C and 220 and the size of the sub-mirror 115, so that the uniaxial stage 210 having a stroke of sufficient length.
By providing A to 210C and 220 and the sub-mirror 115 that reflects the light flux of the entire range of the exposure range 170 and guides it to the AF modules 150A, 150B and 150C, focus detection is possible in all the areas within the exposure range 170. Become.

In this embodiment, the release switch 10
A procedure showing a series of operations from the half-stroke operation of 7 for the first stroke to the shooting operation is represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16 similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the flowchart is omitted.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 24 is an AF sensor 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing the image pickup device 16 and an AF sensor moving device 117. FIG. 24, the same members as those in FIGS. 3 and 18 are designated by the same reference numerals. The AF sensor 116 includes AF modules 150A, 150B, and 150C, and the AF sensor moving device 117 includes the uniaxial stage 160.
And 220. Uniaxial stage 160,
Since the details of 220 have been described in the first and second embodiments, description thereof will be omitted here. In this embodiment, the base 160a of the uniaxial stage 160 is fixed to the camera body, the base 221 of the uniaxial stage 220 is mounted on the moving base 160b of the uniaxial stage 160, and the AF module 150A is used.
~ 150C is a moving table 222A ~ 2 of the uniaxial stage 220.
22C, respectively. Uniaxial stage 16
The extending direction of 0 is set to the short side direction of the film, and the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 220 is set to the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 160, that is, the long side direction of the film.

FIG. 25 shows the range of exposure on the film surface and A
In the figure in which the F module and the uniaxial stage are overlapped and shown, a range 170 shown by a solid line is an exposure range. AF
The main focus detectable areas of the modules 150A, 150B and 150C are 250A, 250B and 250C, respectively.
Indicated by Focus detectable range 250A, 250B and 2
The combined range of 50C forms one continuous focus detectable range 250. The AF module 150A-
150C can move beyond the focus detection range.
Further, since the AF modules 150A to 150C are mounted on the moving bases 222A to 222C on the same uniaxial stage 220, the AF modules 150A to 150C are simultaneously moved with respect to the movement in the short side direction of the film.

The reason why the focus detectable range 250 does not match the exposure range 170 and is limited to a narrow range is as follows. The focus detectable range 250 is physically determined by the strokes of the uniaxial stages 160 and 220 and the size of the sub-mirror 115. AF module 1
Sub-mirror 11 leading to 50A, 150B and 150C
If 5 and 5 are provided, focus detection becomes possible in all areas within the exposure range 170. Further, in this embodiment, the extending directions of the uniaxial stages 160 and 220 are the short side direction and the long side direction of the film, respectively.
The extending directions of 0 and 220 may be opposite to the long side direction and the short side direction of the film, respectively.

FIG. 26 shows an example of control when the gaze position of the photographer slowly and continuously moves from position I to position J. The stage 160 will be omitted in FIG. The AF module 150C follows the gaze position and moves to the position P.
It moves from O ′ to the position PO where the gaze position J is located. In this case, the AF modules 150A and 150B
It is retreated to the left so as not to interfere with the module 150C. In addition, as in the second embodiment, the AF module 1
The focus detectable range of 50A, 150B and 150C may be changed to 250A ', 250B' and 250C ', respectively.

In this embodiment, the release switch 10
A procedure showing a series of operations from the half-stroke operation of 7 for the first stroke to the shooting operation is represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16 similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the flowchart is omitted.

-Fifth Embodiment- FIG. 27 shows an AF sensor 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing the image pickup device 16 and an AF sensor moving device 117. FIG. 27, the same members as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. An AF sensor 260 is provided with three AF modules 150 of the first embodiment,
The openings 260A, 260B and 260C are separately arranged in an H shape. As will be described later, the AF sensor 260 has three independent focus detection areas on the planned focal plane corresponding to the three openings 260A to 260C. The AF sensor moving device 117 is composed of uniaxial stages 160 and 161 as in the first embodiment.
Detailed description of 0 and 161 is omitted. In this embodiment, the base 160a of the uniaxial stage 160 is fixed to the camera body, and the base 161a of the uniaxial stage 161 is placed on the moving base 160b of the uniaxial stage 160. The AF sensor 260 is mounted on the moving table 161b of the uniaxial stage 161. The extending direction of the uniaxial stage 160 is set to the short side direction of the film, and the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 161 is set to the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the uniaxial stage 160, that is, the long side direction of the film.

An outline of the AF sensor 260 will be described with reference to FIG. The AF sensor 260 is disposed on the planned focal plane conjugate with the film surface, and has three openings 261a and 261.
b and 261c, and a field lens 262a, 26 corresponding to each opening.
2b and 262c, and three pairs of openings (263a, 26
3b), (263c, 263d), (263e, 263)
f) is provided, and three pairs of re-imaging lenses (264a, 264b), (264c, 264).
d), (264e, 264f) and three pairs of photoelectric conversion elements (265a, 265b), (265c, 265d),
And a substrate 265 on which (265e, 265f) are arranged.

The exit pupil 266 of the taking lens 101 has two pairs of areas (266a, 266b) and (266c, 266).
d) are included in these areas 266a-266d
The light flux passing through forms a primary image near the field mask 261. The primary images formed in the openings 261a to 241c of the visual field mask 261 have three pairs of openings (263a, 263b) to (26) of the field lens 262 and the visual field mask 263.
3e, 263f) and three pairs of re-imaging lenses (264
a, 264b) to (264e, 264f), three pairs of photoelectric conversion elements (265a, 265b) to (265
e, 265f) are re-imaged as three pairs of secondary images.
Three pairs of photoelectric conversion elements (265a, 265b) to (265
e, 265f), an output signal of the secondary image is generated and transmitted to the central processing unit 108. The central processing unit 108 calculates the defocus amount of the taking lens 101 based on this output signal. In this way, the defocus amount of the taking lens 101 with respect to the subject included in the focus detection area, that is, the focus adjustment state is detected.

FIG. 29 shows the range exposed on the film surface and A.
It is the figure which piled up and showed the position of the F sensor. Reference numeral 170 denotes an exposure range, and 271A, 271B, 271C are focus detection areas corresponding to the openings 260A, 260B, 260C of the AF sensor 260. In the figure, the focus detection area 271
Since A to 271C are overlapped with the rectangular openings 260A to 260C, they are indicated by reference numerals in parentheses. The AF sensor 260 can be two-dimensionally moved by the uniaxial stages 160 and 161, and the focus detection areas 271A to 271C can be moved to two positions.
The focus detection range 270 by moving dimensionally
A, 270B and 270C are formed. The combined range of the focus detectable areas 270A, 270B and 270C forms one continuous focus detectable area 270. In this embodiment, one focus detection area corresponds to each focus detection area, and the focus detection areas do not overlap each other except for the boundary of each focus detection area.

30 and 31 are diagrams showing an example of control of the AF sensor 260 when the gaze position of the photographer moves slowly. When the gaze position of the photographer slowly moves from the position K to the right as shown in FIG. 30, the AF sensor 26
0 moves to the right and the opening 260A located at the position PP '
Is the focus detectable range 270A and the focus detectable range 27
It moves to the position L on the boundary with 0B following the gaze position. When the gazing position reaches the position L, the AF sensor 260 located at the position PQ ′ moves to the position PQ in the left direction as shown in FIG. 31, and the opening 260B comes to the gazing position L. further,
The opening 260B moves to the right according to the movement of the gaze position. Since the stages 160 and 161 are not used in the description, they are omitted in the figure.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the display device 120 and the display position control device 119, and corresponds to the AF sensor 260 of this embodiment. The display position control device 119 is the first
This is similar to that shown in the embodiment (FIG. 7) and is composed of a stage 191 provided with a shaft 191a and a stage 192 provided with a shaft 192a. The display device 120 mounted on the stage 192 has five LEDs 281, 28.
2, 283, 284, 285 are provided. LED28
4, 282, 285 are used to detect focus detection areas 271a, 271a, 2
A mark corresponding to 71c is displayed, and LEDs 281, 2
A mark corresponding to the focus detection area 271b is displayed using 82 and 283. Others are the same as those in FIG. 7, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a modification of the display device 120 shown in FIG. 32, and the opening 26 of the AF sensor 260 is shown.
LEDs 291, 292, 29 corresponding to 0a to 260c
3 is placed on the stage 192. Others are the same as those in FIG. 7, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 34 shows the operation procedure of the fifth embodiment and is a flow chart showing a series of operations from the half-press operation of the release switch 107 by the first stroke to the photographing operation. When the release switch 107 is half pressed, the program shown in FIG. 34 starts and the process proceeds to step S301. In step S301, the gaze position information and the like are initialized and the process proceeds to step S302. Step S
In 302, the gaze position of the photographer is the gaze position calculation device 10
9 and the calculated gaze position information is input to the central processing unit 108. In step S303, the previous gaze position and the current gaze position are compared, and if the gaze position has moved, the process proceeds to step S31, and if the gaze position has not moved, the process proceeds to step S308. Note that steps S307 to S311 are the same as the operations of steps S7 to S11 in the flowchart (FIG. 15) of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

In step S31, if the gaze position is in the same focus detectable range as the previous time, the process proceeds to step S32, and if it is in a different focus detectable range, step S3.
Go to 3. In step 32, the same opening as the previous time is moved to the gazing position, and in step S33, the opening corresponding to the focus detectable range of the gazing position moving destination is moved to the gazing position and the process proceeds to step S307.

In the present embodiment, when the gaze position of the photographer jumps, the openings corresponding to the focus detectable range including the gaze position of the jumping destination move to the gaze position. The opening closest to the gaze position may be moved to the gaze position regardless of the focus detectable range of the gaze position. Since the AF sensor 260 has three focus detection areas, the mass of the AF sensor 260 is larger than that of the first embodiment and a motor with a large torque is required. Further, unless the structure is such that the shock at rest is reduced. However, the AF sensor moving device 117 is composed of a pair of uniaxial stages, and has the advantage of simple control.

-Sixth Embodiment- FIG. 35 shows an AF sensor 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing the image pickup device 16 and an AF sensor moving device 117. FIG. In FIG. 35, the same members as those in FIGS. 3 and 27 are designated by the same reference numerals. An AF sensor 300 has a cross-shaped opening 300a. The AF sensor moving device 117 is composed of the uniaxial stages 160 and 161 as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

An outline of the AF sensor 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The AF sensor 300 includes a field mask 301 having a cross-shaped opening 301a arranged on a planned focal plane conjugate with the film surface, a field lens 302, and a pair of upper, lower, left, and right openings 303a, 303b, 303c, 3
03d is provided, and a pair of re-imaging lenses 304a, 304b, 304c, 30 are provided on the upper, lower, left and right sides.
4d and a pair of upper, lower, left and right photoelectric conversion elements 305a, 30
A substrate 305 on which 5b, 305c and 305d are arranged is provided.

On the exit pupil 306 of the taking lens 101, a pair of upper, lower, left and right regions 306a, 306b, 306c, 3 are formed.
06d is included, and these areas 306a to 306 are included.
The light flux passing through d forms a primary image near the field mask 301. The primary image formed in the opening 301a of the visual field mask 301 is formed by the field lens 302, the pair of upper, lower, left and right openings 303a to 303d of the visual field mask 303, and the pair of upper, lower, left and right re-imaging lenses 304a to 304d.
It is re-imaged as a pair of upper, lower, left, and right secondary images on the pair of upper, lower, left, and right photoelectric conversion elements 305a to 305d. A pair of up, down, left and right photoelectric conversion elements 305a to 305d generate secondary image output signals, which are transmitted to the central processing unit 108. The central processing unit 108 calculates the defocus amount of the taking lens 101 based on this output signal. In this way, the defocus amount of the taking lens 101 with respect to the subject included in the focus detection area, that is, the focus adjustment state is detected.

FIG. 37 shows the range of exposure on the film surface and A.
It is the figure which piled up and showed the position of the F sensor. 170 indicates an exposure range and 310 indicates a focus detectable range. Since the uniaxial stage 160 extends outside the focus detectable range 310, the focus detectable range 310 can be made large. On the other hand, in FIG. 38, the stroke of the stage 160 is shorter than that used in FIG. Therefore, the focus detectable range 320 has a cross shape, but since the stage 160 is short, it can be mounted in a narrower space.

In the AF sensor 300, as shown in FIG. 39, the focus detection area 3 is used except for the case where the focus detection is performed using all the signals of the photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to the focus detection area.
It is also possible to divide 30 into seven continuous divided focus detection areas of 331 to 337 and perform focus detection using only the signal of the photoelectric conversion element corresponding to each divided focus detection area. In addition, focus detection can also be performed using a signal of a region close to the gaze position of the photographer without setting a boundary and dividing the region. FIG. 40 shows a specific example in which the gaze position jumps.

In FIG. 40, 340 is a finder field frame, which coincides with the exposure range 170 when the finder field ratio is 100%. Reference numerals 341 to 345 denote subject images obtained through the taking lens 101 of the camera. Shows that four players 342-345 are performing ball games,
It captures the moment when the player 342 passes the ball 341 to the player 343. The position of the photographer's gaze is that the ball 341 immediately before the player 342 passes the player 343.
In 2. The focus detection area 330 is deviated from the gaze position of the photographer, but due to the relationship with the gaze position before the player 342 is gazed, the split focus detection areas other than the split focus detection area 333 in the central portion of the focus detection area 330. The focus detection is performed using the photoelectric conversion element corresponding to.

That is, immediately before the player 342 passes, the gaze position is in the divided focus detection area 331,
The signal from the photoelectric conversion element corresponding to the divided focus detection area 331 is used to adjust the focus of the taking lens 101 to the player 342. When the player 342 passes the ball 341,
The gaze position jumps from the player 342 to the player 343, but since the image of the player 343 is at the position of the split focus detection area 335, the AF sensor 300 does not move and the signal used for focus detection is the split focus detection area 331. To the split focus detection area 335.

An example of control of the AF sensor at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Release switch 10
When 7 is pressed halfway down, the program shown in FIG. 41 starts and the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the gaze position information and the like are initialized and the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, the gaze position of the photographer is calculated by the gaze position calculation device 109, and the calculated gaze position information is input to the central processing unit 108. In step S403, the previous gaze position is compared with the current gaze position. If the gaze position has moved, the process proceeds to step S41, and if the gaze position has not moved, the process proceeds to step S408. Note that steps S407 to S411 are steps S7 to S11 of the flowchart (FIG. 15) of the first embodiment.
The operation is the same as that up to step S11, and the description is omitted here.

If the process proceeds to step S41 in step S403, the gaze position is changed to the focus detection area 33 in step S41.
It is judged whether it is within 0. If the gaze position is not in the focus detection area 330, the process proceeds to step S42, and if it is in the focus detection region 330, the process proceeds to step S45.
In step S45, the photoelectric conversion elements 305a to 305d corresponding to the focus detection area 330 based on the gaze position information.
In which region of the focus detection is to be performed, step S40
Proceed to 7. The following steps are the same as those in the first embodiment as described above, and the photographing operation is performed in step S411, and a series of operations ends.

The case of proceeding from step S41 to step S42 will be described. In step S42, if the gaze position is in the focus detectable range 310B of the divided focus detection area 333, the process proceeds to step S43, and if the gaze position is in the immovable focus detectable areas 310A and 310C of the divided focus detection area 333. It proceeds to step S44. When the process proceeds to step S43, the AF sensor 300 is moved so that the divided focus detection area 333 comes to the gaze position. In the case of proceeding to step S44, the AF sensor 3 is set so that the divided focus detection area closest to the gaze position in the divided focus detection areas of the focus detection area 330 comes to the gaze position.
00 to move to step S45. Step S45
The following is as described above, and the photographing operation is performed in step S411, and a series of operations ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the focus detection area 330 is divided into seven divided focus detection areas, and focus detection is performed using the signals of the photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to the respective divided focus detection areas. The focus can be detected even for a fast-moving subject without moving the AF sensor, and the movement of the gaze position can be quickly followed.
Although the focus detection area 330 is divided into seven divided focus detection areas, the number is not limited to seven. Further, when the gaze position is in the focus detectable area 310B, the focus detection of the gaze position is performed in the divided focus detection area 333. May be performed, and by doing so, it is possible to more quickly respond to the movement of the gaze position. However, when the cross-shaped divided focus detection area 333 is used as in the present embodiment, there is an advantage that focus detection can be surely performed on a subject elongated in the horizontal direction and a subject elongated in the vertical direction.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the display device 120 and the display position control device 119, and corresponds to the AF sensor 300 of this embodiment. The display position control device 119 is the first
The description is omitted because it is similar to that shown in the embodiment (FIG. 7). The display device 120 has seven LEDs 450, 451, 452, 453, 4 corresponding to the seven divided focus detection areas.
54, 455, 456 are mounted on the stage 192 in a cross shape. It should be noted that the LEDs 450 to 456 can be used to display only the individual divided focus detection areas or the entire focus detection area 330 can be displayed.

-Seventh Embodiment- A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44. In FIG. 43, A described in the first embodiment (FIG. 3) is used.
F module 150 and AF sensor position moving device 11
Three sets of 7 (160, 161) are used. In the uniaxial stages 160A to 160C, the AF sensor has a photographing lens 101.
Are arranged along the arc 464 so as to gaze at the region 460 in the exit pupil of the. 465A, 465B, 4 shown by the alternate long and short dash line
65C is an AF module 150A, 150B, 150
C shows the movable range of each. Area 466 is adjacent to A
A region where the F modules 150A and 150B interfere with each other is shown.
The interference area of 50C is shown.

FIG. 44 shows the exposure range on the film surface and A
It is the figure which piled up and showed the F module and the uniaxial stage. Focus detectable areas 470A, 470B, 470 of AF modules 150A, 150B, 150C, respectively
The range in which C is combined constitutes one focus detectable range 470. As shown in the figure, the focus detectable range 470A
In the interference area 466 on the boundary between the
The uniaxial stages 161A and 161B are controlled so that the modules 150A and 150B do not interfere with each other. Similarly, for the interference area 467 at the boundary between the focus detectable areas 470B and 470C, the uniaxial stages 161B, 16 are also provided.
1C is controlled.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Even when the modules 150A to 150C are separated from the optical axis 462 of the taking lens 101 in the long side direction of the film, the AF modules 150A to 150C move so as to gaze at the area 460 in the exit pupil, and thus even in the area away from the optical axis. Vignetting does not occur. In addition, also in the present embodiment, the first
Similar to the embodiment (FIG. 17), it is possible to provide a retreat area for the uniaxial stages 160A to 160C outside the focus detectable range 470.

In the above embodiments, the case where the number of openings of the AF module or the AF sensor is three has been described, but the number may be two or four or more. Further, in the present invention, the display device 120 is arranged on the opposite side of the eyepiece lens 105 with the pentaprism 104 interposed therebetween, but it may be arranged on another surface of the pentaprism 104. Further, a method of displaying by using a liquid crystal display plate or the like near the focusing screen 103 is generally known, and this method may be used.

In the correspondence between the embodiment described above and the claims, the gaze position calculating section 2 and the gaze position calculating section 10
Reference numeral 9 denotes a line-of-sight detecting means, which is AF modules 150A to 150
B and the AF sensors 4, 116, 260 and 300 are focus detecting devices, the AF sensor position control unit 3 and the AF sensor moving device 117 are focus detecting position moving means, and the computing unit 1 and the central processing unit 108 are selecting means. The display unit 7 includes a display device, a display position control unit 6 and a display position control device 11.
Reference numerals 9 respectively constitute display position moving means. In addition,
The details of the camera having the line-of-sight detection function of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0130]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the position of the focus detection area is changed according to the gaze position of the photographer, so that the photographer can select any position on the viewfinder field screen. A focus adjustment operation can be performed on the subject, and a photograph in which the desired subject is in focus can be obtained. Moreover, only by gazing at the desired subject, a photograph in which the position is in focus can be obtained, and the operation is very simple. Further, according to the gaze position of the photographer, the gaze position or the position of the focus detection area is displayed by the display means, so that the photographer can see which position he is gazing at, or at which position the focus detection operation is performed. It is possible to change the gaze position and select a desired subject while confirming whether or not it is performed, and the subject selection operation becomes reliable. Furthermore, since the control method of the focus detection device is changed according to the moving speed of the gaze position, the focus adjustment operation can be quickly performed in response to various gaze position movements.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a camera having a visual axis detection function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram including an optical system of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the AF sensor of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the first embodiment and an exposure range.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an exposure range, a focus detectable area, and a focus detection area in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a display device and a display position control device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a subject image, a focus detection area, and an irradiation light position of a display device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an eyeball for explaining a gaze position calculation method.

10A is a diagram in which an imaging range of a photoelectric conversion element is superimposed on an image of an anterior segment of a photographer, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an output example of the photoelectric conversion element.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between an illumination device, a Purkinje first image, and a corneal curvature center position.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is a figure showing a flow chart explaining a procedure from a release switch being pushed to photography operation ending.

FIG. 16 is a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is a figure showing a flow chart explaining a procedure from a release switch being pushed to photography operation ending.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a retract area of the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the configurations of an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the second embodiment and an exposure range.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the configurations of an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the third embodiment and an exposure range.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the configurations of an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the fourth embodiment and an exposure range.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating the configurations of an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an AF sensor according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the fifth embodiment and an exposure range.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a display device and a display position control device of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of the display device of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining the procedure from the pressing of the release switch to the end of the shooting operation in the camera of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the configurations of an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an AF sensor according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the sixth embodiment, and a focus detectable range.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a relationship between an AF sensor and an AF sensor moving device of the sixth embodiment, and a focus detectable range.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the relationship between the focus detection area and the divided focus detection areas of the AF sensor shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the divided focus detection area and the gaze position shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a view showing a flowchart for explaining a procedure from the pressing of the release switch to the end of the photographing operation in the camera of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating a display device and a display position control device of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the relationship between the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and the exit pupil of the taking lens.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the relationship between the AF sensor and the AF sensor moving device of the seventh embodiment and the exposure range.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between an exposure range and a focus detection area of a conventional camera having a visual axis detection function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 calculation unit 2 gaze position calculation unit 3 AF sensor position control unit 4 AF sensor 5 lens drive unit 6 display position control unit 7 display unit 8 photometric unit 9 exposure unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication location G03B 17/20 (72) Inventor Masao Owase 3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Stock company In Nikon (72) Inventor Koichi Oshita 3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Share company Nikon (72) Inventor Akira Omura 3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo In Nikon

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A line-of-sight detection means for detecting a gaze position of a photographer on a viewfinder display screen, and a focus adjustment state of a photographing optical system in a plurality of focus detection areas on a planned focal plane conjugate with a recording medium, respectively. A plurality of focus detection devices for detecting, by the focus detection position moving means and the line-of-sight detection means for moving the plurality of focus detection devices so that the focus detection area moves within the focus detectable range on the planned focal plane. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, comprising: a selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of focus detection devices based on the detected gaze position and that is moved by the focus detection position moving unit. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of focus detection devices includes the focus detection position moving means, and each of the focus detection position moving means moves the focus detection device in one axial direction. A first one-dimensional moving mechanism that moves, and a second one-dimensional moving mechanism that moves the first one-dimensional moving mechanism in a direction different from the moving direction of the first one-dimensional moving mechanism. A camera with a characteristic line-of-sight detection function. 3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the focus detection position moving unit moves the plurality of focus detection devices independently in a uniaxial direction.
A two-dimensional movement mechanism and a second one-dimensional movement mechanism that mounts the plurality of first one-dimensional movement mechanisms and individually moves the first one-dimensional movement mechanism in a direction different from the movement direction of the first one-dimensional movement mechanism. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function. 4. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the focus detection position moving means is provided with the plurality of focus detection devices, and each of the focus detection position moving means moves individually in a uniaxial direction. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, comprising a mechanism and a second one-dimensional movement mechanism that moves the first one-dimensional movement mechanism in a direction different from the movement direction. 5. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of focus detection devices are arranged at positions equidistant from a center of a region in the exit pupil of the photographing optical system so as to gaze at the region in the exit pupil. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function. 6. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the focus detection position moving unit is located outside the focus detectable range so that the plurality of focus detection devices do not interfere with each other. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, wherein each of the plurality of focus detection devices is configured to be movable. 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of focus detection devices are provided on a pedestal that moves integrally so that the positional relationship does not change, and the focus detection position moving means is provided on the planned focal plane. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, wherein the base is two-dimensionally moved within a focus detectable range. 8. A line-of-sight detection means for detecting a gaze position of a photographer on a viewfinder display screen, and a focus for detecting a focus adjustment state of a photographing optical system in a focus detection area on a planned focal plane conjugate with a recording medium. A detection device, a focus detection position moving unit that moves the focus detection device so that the focus detection region moves on the planned focal plane, and the focus detection based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detection unit. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, comprising: selecting means for selecting at least a part of the area. 9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein the focus detection area of the focus detection device is formed in a cross shape,
When the gaze position of the photographer is in the focus detectable range of the central portion of the focus detection area, the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system is detected in the central portion of the focus detection area, and the gaze position is the central portion. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, which detects a focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system in a focus detection area other than a central portion of the focus detection area when the focus detection area is outside the focus detection range. 10. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a display device displays a mark indicating the focus detection area on the finder display screen, and the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detection means. And a display position moving means for moving the display position of the display device on the finder display screen. 11. The camera according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of sets of the display device and the display position moving means are provided, and any one set of the display device and the display position moving means is used based on the gaze position. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function, wherein a mark is displayed on the viewfinder display screen. 12. The camera according to claim 10, wherein the display device includes a plurality of display elements, and the mark is displayed on the viewfinder display screen by any one or a plurality of display elements based on the gaze position. A camera having a line-of-sight detection function. 13. The camera control method according to claim 2, wherein a moving speed of the gaze position is calculated based on the gaze position detected by the line-of-sight detecting means, and the moving speed is If it is larger than the reference value, the corresponding focus detection device is moved so as to detect the focus of the subject at the gaze position, and at that time, other focus detection devices other than this focus detection device interfere with the moving focus detection device. If the moving speed is equal to or less than the reference value, the other focus detection device adjacent to the focus detection device that detects the focus of the subject at the gaze position can detect the focus of each adjacent focus detection device. A method for controlling a camera having a line-of-sight detection function, characterized by waiting at a position where the ranges overlap.