JPH08191798A - Observation device with sight-line detecting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate personal information of observer sight-line in every arbitrary posture, by providing with a reset means for eliminating personal information of the observer sight-line stored in a memory means in every posture of the device. CONSTITUTION: A camera interprets that a photographed person has an intent to make calibration data on a side position eliminated as well as calibration data on a length position when a reset switch 46 is turned 'on' with a camera posture in the length position, and CPU which constitutes a part of a reset means eliminates all the calibration data which stored in EEPROM which is a memory means. On the other hand, the camera interprets that the photographed person has the intent to eliminate the calibration data corresponding to the present posture when the reset switch 46 is turned 'on' with the camera posture in the length position. and the CPU which constitutes the part of the reset means eliminates the calibration data corresponding to the present posture stored in EEPROM which is the memory means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement of an observation apparatus having a visual axis detecting function, such as a camera, which calculates the visual axis of a photographer looking through a viewfinder and controls various functions based on the visual axis information. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera is commercially available which detects the line of sight of a photographer looking into a finder and controls functions such as automatic focusing of a photographing lens based on the line-of-sight information.

In this type of camera, information relating to individual differences in the line of sight of the photographer is detected in advance and stored in storage means,
When controlling various functions from the photographer's line-of-sight information, the gaze position on the viewing surface is calculated using the previously stored individual difference information of the line-of-sight as line-of-sight correction information, and control is performed based on the position information. There is. In addition, the applicant of the present application filed Japanese Patent Application No. 6-
No. 76567 discloses a camera capable of detecting information relating to individual differences in the line of sight of a photographer corresponding to the posture of the camera and storing the information.

Further, as for the personal information of the observer regarding the line of sight stored in the camera, an external operation of the camera is performed so that the personal information can be newly input when the reliability of the stored personal information is low. It can be erased by. In addition, the reliability of personal information related to the line of sight is high because of the system configuration of the camera, the reliability of personal information detected in the horizontal position of the camera is high, but the reliability of personal information detected in the vertical position of the camera is relatively high. Will be low.

[0005]

However, in the prior art, the observer feels that the reliability of the personal information regarding the line of sight detected in the vertical position of the camera is low, and the observer inputs the new personal information again. When the external operation member of the camera is operated, the personal information detected by the camera in the vertical position as well as the personal information detected by the camera in the horizontal position, which is highly reliable, are erased, and the observer can detect the individual information in the horizontal position. There was a problem that the information had to be input again.

(Object of the Invention) A first object of the present invention is to provide an observing device with a visual axis detecting function capable of erasing personal information relating to the visual axis corresponding to the posture of the apparatus desired by the observer. Is.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an observing device with a visual axis detecting function, which can automatically erase the personal information regarding the visual axis corresponding to the posture of the apparatus desired by the observer. .

[0008]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention according to claim 1 provides the personal information about the line of sight of an observer stored in a storage means for each posture of the apparatus. A reset means for erasing is provided, and by the reset means,
The personal information regarding the line of sight of the observer for each arbitrary posture can be erased.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned second object, the present invention according to claims 2 to 4 is based on the posture information detected by the posture detecting means, and the sight line of the observer stored in the storing means. Resetting means for erasing the personal information regarding the observer's sight line corresponding to the posture of the apparatus detected by the posture detecting means is erased by the resetting means, and the horizontal position is detected by the posture detecting means. When the state is detected, all the information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and when the vertical position is detected, only the information corresponding to the current posture of the apparatus is deleted.

[0010]

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an essential part showing an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a single-lens reflex camera.
FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the upper surface and the rear surface of the same, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view in the viewfinder field of FIG.

In these figures, 1 is a taking lens,
Although shown as two lenses for convenience, it is actually composed of a larger number of lenses. Reference numeral 2 denotes a main mirror, which is obliquely installed in the photographing optical path or is retreated according to the observation state of the subject image by the finder system and the photographing state of the subject image. Reference numeral 3 denotes a sub-mirror, which reflects the light flux transmitted through the main mirror 2 toward a focus detection device 6 described below below the camera body.

Reference numeral 4 is a shutter, 5 is a photosensitive member, and is a silver salt film, a solid-state image pickup device such as CCD or MOS type, or an image pickup tube such as a vidicon.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a focus detection device, which is a field lens 6a and reflection mirrors 6b and 6 arranged near the image plane.
c, a secondary imaging lens 6d, a diaphragm 6e, a line sensor 6f including a plurality of CCDs, and the like.

The focus detection device 6 in this embodiment performs focus detection by a well-known phase difference method, and as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of regions (200) in an observation screen (in the viewfinder field) 213. It is configured so that focus detection can be performed at five points (denoted by 204).

Reference numeral 7 is a focusing plate arranged on the planned image forming surface of the taking lens 1, and 8 is a pentaprism for changing the optical path of the finder. Reference numerals 9 and 10 respectively denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the brightness of a subject within the observation screen.
And the photometric sensor 10 are associated with each other.

Next, an eyepiece lens 11 having a light splitter 11a is arranged behind the exit of the pentaprism 8 and is used for observing the focusing plate 7 by a photographer's eye 15. The light splitter 11a includes, for example, a dichroic mirror that transmits visible light and reflects infrared light.

Reference numeral 12 is a light receiving lens, and 14 is an image sensor (CCD) in which a photoelectric conversion element array such as CCD is two-dimensionally arranged.
(Also referred to as), the light receiving lens 12 is arranged so as to be conjugate with the vicinity of the pupil of the eyeball 15 of the photographer at a predetermined position.

Reference numerals 13a to 13f denote infrared light emitting diodes (referred to as IRED) which are illumination light sources for the eyes 15 of the photographer.

Reference numeral 21 is a high-intensity superimposing LED that can be visually recognized even in a bright subject, and the light emitted from this LED is reflected by the main mirror 2 via the projection prism 22 and is displayed on the display portion of the focus plate 7. It is bent in the vertical direction by the provided micro prism array 7a, passes through the penta prism 8 and the eyepiece lens 11 and reaches the eyeball 15 of the photographer.

Therefore, the micro prism array 7a is formed in a frame shape at a plurality of positions corresponding to the focus detection area of the focusing plate 7, and five superimposing LEDs 21 (each of which is LED-L1) corresponding to the micro prism array 7a are formed. , LED-L2
LED-C, LED-R1, LED-R2). As a result, as can be seen from the viewfinder field shown in FIG.
Numerals 1, 202, 203, and 204 illuminate in the finder field, and a focus detection area (hereinafter, also referred to as a focus detection point) can be displayed (hereinafter, this is referred to as superimpose display).

Reference numeral 23 is a field mask for forming a field of view of the finder, and 24 is an LCD in the finder for displaying photographing information outside the field of view of the finder.
D) Illuminated by 25. LCD in this finder
The light transmitted through 24 is guided into the viewfinder field by the triangular prism 26 and displayed outside the viewfinder field as shown by 207 in FIG. 3, so that the photographer can know the shooting information. 27 and 28 (not shown) are mercury switches for detecting the attitude of the camera.

Reference numeral 31 denotes an aperture provided in the taking lens 1, 32
Is a diaphragm driving device including a diaphragm driving circuit 111 described later, 3
Reference numeral 3 is a lens driving motor, and 34 is a lens driving member including a driving gear and the like. Reference numeral 35 is a photocoupler, which detects the rotation of the pulse plate 36 interlocked with the lens driving member 34 and transmits it to the lens focus adjustment circuit 110. The focus adjustment circuit 110 drives the lens driving motor 33 by a predetermined amount based on this information and the information on the lens driving amount from the camera side to move the taking lens 1 to the in-focus position. A mount contact 37 serves as an interface between a known camera and lens.

In FIG. 2, 41 is a release button, 42 is a monitor LCD as an external monitor display device, and a fixed segment display section 42 for displaying a predetermined pattern.
a and a 7-segment display section 42b for displaying variable numerical values. Reference numeral 44 is a mode dial for selecting a shooting mode and the like. Reference numeral 46 denotes a reset switch for erasing the personal information regarding the line of sight (information regarding individual differences in the line of sight) stored in the storage means described later.
55 is an index. The other operating members are not directly related to the present invention, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the details of the mode dial 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above. The mode dial 44 is adjusted to the index 55 engraved on the camera body so that the display mode allows the photographing mode to be set. Is set.

In FIG. 4, 44a is a lock position for deactivating the camera, 44b is a position in an automatic photographing mode controlled by a photographing program preset by the camera, 44c is a manual photographing mode in which the photographer can set photographing contents. Then, program AE, shutter priority A
It has E, aperture priority AE, subject depth priority AE, and manual exposure shooting modes. 44d is a "CAL" position which is in a calibration mode for performing a calibration of a gazing point described later.

Returning to FIG. 2 again, numeral 45 is an electronic dial for rotating and generating a click pulse to set a set value which can be further selected in the mode selected by the mode dial 44. On a certain finder LCD 24 and monitor LCD 42, the currently set shutter speed is displayed. When the photographer rotates the electronic dial 45, the shutter speed is sequentially changed from the currently set shutter speed according to the rotation direction.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure incorporated in the single-lens reflex camera having the above-mentioned structure. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

A central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 100 of a microcomputer incorporated in the camera body includes a visual axis detection circuit 101, a photometric circuit 102, an automatic focus detection circuit 103, a signal input circuit 104, and an LCD drive circuit 1.
05, LED drive circuit 106, IRED drive circuit 10
7, a shutter control circuit 108, and a motor control circuit 109 are connected. Further, signals are transmitted to the focus adjustment circuit 110 and the diaphragm drive circuit 111 arranged in the photographing lens 1 through the mount contact 37 shown in FIG.

EEPROM 10 associated with CPU 100
Reference numeral 0a has a function of storing the line-of-sight correction data as a storage unit for correcting individual differences in line-of-sight. Details of the stored calibration data will be described later. When the "CAL" position of the mode dial 44 is adjusted to the index 55, a calibration mode for collecting the line-of-sight correction data for correcting individual differences in the line of sight can be selected.
Selection of calibration number corresponding to each calibration data and OF of calibration operation
The electronic dial 45 can be used to set the F and line-of-sight detection prohibition modes. Multiple sets of calibration data can be set and can be distinguished by the person who uses the camera, or even when the same user has different observation states, for example, when eyeglasses are used and when they are not, or when a diopter correction lens is used. It is effective to distinguish between when using and when not using. Further, the calibration number (1, 2, 3 ...) Selected at this time or the state of the set line-of-sight prohibition mode is also set in the EEPROM 100a.
Is stored.

The line-of-sight detection circuit 101 is the image sensor 1
4 (CCD-EYE) output of the eyeball image is A / D converted, and this image information is transmitted to the CPU 100. The line-of-sight detection circuit 101 and the image sensor 14 together with an optical member such as the light-receiving lens 12 form a light-receiving unit. CPU100
Extracts each feature point of the eyeball image required for the sight line detection according to a predetermined algorithm, and further calculates the rotation angle of the eyeball of the photographer from the position of each feature point.

The photometric circuit 102, after amplifying the output from the photometric sensor 10, performs logarithmic compression and A / D conversion, and sends it to the CPU 100 as luminance information of each sensor. Photometric sensor 10
Is the left focus point 200 in the viewfinder screen shown in FIG.
SPC-L for photometry of the left area 210 including 201, and SP for photometry of the central area 211 including the central distance measuring point 202
C-C, an SPC-R that measures the right area 212 including the right distance measuring points 203 and 204, and a peripheral area 21 of these.
It is composed of four photodiodes with SPC-A for photometry of light.

The line sensor 6f includes five sets of line sensors CCD-L2, CCD-L1, CCD-C and CC corresponding to the five distance measuring points 200 to 204 on the screen as described above.
This is a known CCD line sensor composed of D-R1 and CCD-R2. The automatic focus detection circuit 103 A / D-converts the voltage obtained from these line sensors 6f, and the CPU
Send to 100.

SW1 is a switch which is turned on by the first stroke of the release button 41 to start photometry, AF and line-of-sight detection operation, SW2 is a release switch which is turned on by the second stroke of the release button, and SW-ANG1 and SW-ANG2 are SW-RSET, a posture detection switch that is detected by the mercury switch 27 and a mercury switch 28 (not shown)
Is equivalent to the reset switch 46, and is EE that is a storage means.
This is for erasing the personal information regarding the line of sight stored in the PROM 100a. SW-DIAL1 and SW-D
IAL2 is a dial switch provided in the electronic dial 45, and is input to the up / down counter of the signal input circuit 104 to count the rotation click amount of the electronic dial 45. SW-M1 to M4 are dial switches provided in the mode dial.

The signals of these switches are the signal input circuit 1
04, and is transmitted to the CPU 100 via the data bus.

A known LCD drive circuit 105 for driving the liquid crystal display device LCD to display an aperture value, a shutter speed, a set photographing mode and the like according to a signal from the CPU 100 is displayed on the monitor LCD 42 and the in-viewfinder LCD.
It is displayed on both 24 at the same time.

The LED drive circuit 106 is an LED for illumination.
(F-LED) 22 and LED 21 for superimposing
Control lighting and blinking. The IRED drive circuit 107 selectively lights the infrared light emitting diodes (IRED1 to 8) 13a to 13h according to the situation. Shutter control circuit 1
Reference numeral 08 is a magnet MG-1 for running the energized front curtain.
Then, the magnet MG-2 for moving the rear curtain is controlled to expose the photosensitive member with a predetermined amount of light.

The motor control circuit 109 controls the motor M1 for winding and rewinding the film and the motor M2 for charging the main mirror and the shutter 4.

The above shutter control circuit 108 and motor control circuit 109 advance a series of camera release sequences.

In the first embodiment, the line-of-sight detecting means of the present invention is the IREDs 13a to 1 which constitute the illuminating means.
3f, IRED drive circuit 107 for driving each IRED
And a CPU 10 for controlling the IRED drive circuit 107
0, eyepiece lens 11 constituting the light receiving means, light receiving lens 1
2, an image sensor 14, a line-of-sight detection circuit 101 for controlling the image sensor 14, a CPU 100 for controlling the line-of-sight detection circuit 101, a line-of-sight detection circuit 101 and CPU 100 for forming an arithmetic processing unit, and an EEPROM 100a for forming a storage unit. It consists of

The reset means is a reset switch 46 (SW-RSET), a signal input circuit 104 for detecting the signal input state of the reset switch 46, and the CPU 10.
0 and an EEPROM 100a.

The attitude detecting means is the mercury switch 2
7, 28, the signal input circuit 104, and the CPU 100.

Next, a method of resetting information relating to individual differences in the line of sight of the camera according to the present invention will be described.

The reset of the information regarding the individual difference of the line of sight stored in the storage means is executed in the calibration mode of the gazing point for acquiring the individual difference information.

This calibration operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 with reference to FIG. 7 showing the setting state of the illumination mode of the illumination means and the state within the viewfinder field in each posture of the camera.

The photographer rotates the mode dial 44,
When the index 55 is aligned with the CAL position 44d, the gazing point calibration mode is set (# 20).
0).

The gazing point calibration mode includes an “ON” mode in which the calibration operation is performed and an “OFF” mode in which the calibration operation is not performed. Each mode can be selected by rotating the electronic dial 45. In the "ON" mode, for example, five calibration numbers (CAL1 to CAL5) can be selected. In the EEPROM 100a, the address corresponding to the selected calibration number is displayed in FIG.
Five sets of calibration data shown in can be stored. Also, the calibration number selected at this time is the calibration data number (CAL
1 to CAL5) are stored in the EEPROM 100a.

The electronic dial 45 is used to display "OF
When the "F" mode is selected, the calibration data number stored in the EEPROM 100a is set to "0", for example, and the line-of-sight prohibition mode is set.

The signal input circuit 104 transmits a signal to the LCD drive circuit 105 via the CPU 100 to display on the in-finder LCD 24 and the monitor LCD 42 which one of the calibration modes has been entered.

LCD 24 in viewfinder and LC for monitor
The display according to the calibration data number is displayed on D42. Calibration "O
In the “N” mode, if the calibration data of the set calibration number is the initial value,
The calibration numbers shown on the LCD 24 in the finder and the LCD 42 for monitor blink. On the other hand, if calibration has already been performed with the set calibration number and calibration data different from the initial value is contained in the address of the EEPROM 100a corresponding to the calibration number, it is displayed on the in-finder LCD 24 and the monitor LCD 42. The calibration number is fully lit.

Therefore, the photographer can recognize whether or not the currently set calibration number already contains calibration data.

Further, in the "OFF" mode, "OFF" is displayed using 7 segments on the in-finder LCD 24 and the monitor LCD 42 (# 201).

When the photographer rotates the electronic dial 45, the signal input circuit 104, which detects the rotation, causes the CPU 1
A signal is transmitted to the LCD drive circuit 105 via 00.
As a result, the calibration numbers displayed on the in-finder LCD 24 and the monitor LCD 42 change in synchronization with the rotation of the electronic dial 45. When the photographer selects a desired calibration number while looking at the calibration number displayed on the in-viewfinder LCD 24 or the monitor LCD 42, the CPU 100 confirms the selected calibration number (#
202). The confirmed calibration number is the EEPROM 1 as the calibration data number.
It is stored on a predetermined address of 00a.

Subsequently, the CPU 100 operates the signal input circuit 104.
Confirm the shooting mode via. When the photographer confirms that the mode dial 44 is rotated to switch to a shooting mode other than the gazing point calibration mode (# 203), the calibration display inside and outside the viewfinder is turned off (# 205), and the main display is turned off. Then, the operation returns to the shooting operation of the camera, which is the routine of (# 236). And
If the mode dial 44 is switched to another shooting mode while the calibration numbers "CAL1 to CAL5" are displayed, the line-of-sight detection is performed using the calibration data of the calibration number, and the shooting is performed using the line-of-sight information. It can be operated.

On the other hand, when the CPU 100 confirms that the calibration mode of the gazing point is still set (# 203), the calibration data number set by the electronic dial 45 is confirmed again (# 2).
04). At this time, if the calibration data number stored in the EEPROM 100a is set to "0" and the line-of-sight prohibition mode is selected (# 204),
Check the calibration number again (# 20
2) Wait until the shooting mode is changed. That is, "OF" is displayed on the LCD 24 in the viewfinder and the monitor LCD 42.
If the mode dial 44 is switched while "F" is displayed, the photographing operation is performed without detecting the line of sight.

If the calibration data number is set to a value other than "0"(# 204), the attitude of the camera is continuously detected by the attitude detecting means composed of the CPU 100 and the signal input 104 (# 20).
6).

The attitude detecting means processes the output signals of the mercury switches 27 and 28, which are the attitude detecting switches SW-ANG1 and SW-ANG2, via the signal input circuit 104, and the camera is in the horizontal position or the vertical position. If the release button 41 is in the vertical position, it is determined whether the release button 41 is in the top direction or the ground direction.

FIGS. 7A-1 and 7A-2 (hereinafter simply referred to as FIG. 7A) show a state in which the camera is in the horizontal position. At this time, the attitude detection switch SW-ANG1 is shown. And S
Both W-ANG2 are set to be in the ON state. 7 (B-1) and 7 (B-2) (hereinafter, simply referred to as FIG. 7B) shows the state where the camera is in the first vertical position (the state where the release button 41 is in the top direction). At this time, the posture detection switch SW-ANG1 is ON, S
W-ANG2 is set to be in the OFF state. 7 (C-1) and (C-2) (hereinafter, simply referred to as FIG.
(C) is a state in which the camera is in the second vertical position (state in which the release button 41 is in the ground direction). At this time, the posture detection switch SW-ANG1 is OFF, SW-A.
NG2 is set to be in the ON state.

When the posture of the camera is detected (# 206),
The CPU 100 has a reset switch 46 for erasing the calibration data, which is personal information about the line of sight.
The state of (SW-RSET) is confirmed via the signal input circuit 104. If the reset switch 46 is in the OFF state (# 207), the calibration of the gazing point is continued without erasing the calibration data. on the other hand,
If the reset switch 46 is in the ON state (# 20
7) The calibration data is erased based on the attitude of the camera detected by the attitude detecting means (# 208).

Here, a method of resetting the calibration data based on the posture of the camera will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The posture of the camera is in the lateral position (see FIG. 7A).
In this state, if the reset switch 46 is turned on (# 2
40), the camera interprets that the photographer intends to erase the calibration data in the horizontal position as well as the calibration data in the vertical position, and the CPU 100, which constitutes a part of the reset means, stores the EEPROM 1 as a storage means.
All the calibration data stored in 00a are erased (# 241).

On the other hand, the attitude of the camera is vertical (see FIG. 7B).
Alternatively, in the state of (C), the reset switch 46 is turned off.
If N is given (# 240), the photographer takes the current posture (Fig. 7 (B)).
Alternatively, the camera interprets that there is an intention to erase only the calibration data corresponding to (state (C)), and the CPU 100 forming a part of the reset means corresponds to the current posture stored in the EEPROM 100a which is the storage means. The calibration data is deleted (# 242).

The calibration of the gazing point is set to be started by turning on the switch SW1. In order to prevent the camera from starting the calibration before the photographer is ready to calibrate the gazing point, the CPU 100 confirms the state of the switch SW1, and the switch SW1 is pressed by the release button 41. If it is ON, the switch is OFF
It waits until the state is reached (# 209).

When the CPU 100 confirms via the signal input circuit 104 that the switch SW1 is in the OFF state (# 209), it sets the number of gaze detections n to "0" and resets the variable used for gazing point calculation.

Further, the CPU 100 is the LED drive circuit 1
A signal is transmitted to 06 to blink the calibration target 1 of the gazing point (# 210). The target for calibration of the gazing point is a distance measuring point (also referred to as a distance measuring point mark) 20.
It also serves as 0 and 204, and is displayed superimposed in the finder. Further, the first visual target presented first when performing the calibration is selected according to the posture of the camera.

The posture of the camera is horizontal (see FIG. 7A).
In this state, the calibration target starts blinking from the distance measuring point mark 204 at the right end. In addition, as for the attitude of the camera, the first vertical position in which the release button 41 is in the upward direction (see FIG.
In the state of (B)), the calibration target starts blinking to the photographer from the distance measuring point mark 204 at the upper end. Similarly, when the camera is in the second vertical position (see FIG. 7C) in which the release button 41 is in the ground direction, the calibration target is the distance measuring point at the upper end with respect to the photographer. Blinking starts from the mark 200.

If the ON signal of the switch SW1 which is a trigger signal for starting the calibration of the gazing point is not inputted, the camera stands by (# 211). When the photographer gazes at the target that has started blinking and the switch SW1 is turned on (#
211), the CPU 100 sends a signal to the LED drive circuit 106 to turn on the calibration target 1 (# 212).

Subsequently, the line-of-sight detecting means is used to detect the eye 1 of the photographer.
The line of sight of 5 (the angle of rotation of the eyeball) is detected (# 213).
At this time, the rotation angles (θx, θy) of the eyeball and the pupil diameter Rp are detected. The method of calculating the rotation angles (θx, θy) of the eyeball and the pupil diameter Rp is described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-76567.

When the rotation angle of the eyeball is detected while the photographer is gazing at the visual target 1, "1" is added to the number of times of gaze detection n (# 214). In the present embodiment, the number of visual axis detections for one visual target is set to 10. Therefore, if the visual line detection number n is smaller than "10"(# 215), the visual target detection for the visual target 1 is continued. (# 213). Also,
When the line-of-sight detection number n reaches “10” (# 215), the line-of-sight detection for the visual target 1 ends. The CPU 100 emits an electronic sound several times using a sounding body (not shown) in order to let the photographer recognize that the target detection for the target 1 has been completed. At the same time, the CPU 100 controls the LED drive circuit 1
The optotype 1 is turned off via 06 (# 216).

Further, the CPU 100 carries out data processing of the 10 sets of detected eyeball rotation angles (θx, θy) and pupil diameter Rp (# 217). This is a process for excluding data detected when the photographer is gazing at the target and the line of sight moves against the will of the person. The CPU 100 excludes data having a large deviation from the average value of the detected data and calculates the average value of the remaining data.

Further, the CPU 100 determines whether the data after the data processing is valid (# 21).
8). This determination is performed by comparing the number of valid data among the 10 sets of detection data and the average value thereof with the reference value. For example, if the number of valid data is “5” or less, or if the average value exceeds the predetermined range, the first
CPU 100 determines that it failed to acquire the calibration data for the target (# 218), makes an electronic sound for a predetermined time by using a sounding body (not shown), and further transmits a signal to the LCD drive circuit 105. Then, the "CAL" display is blinked on the LCD 24 in the viewfinder and the LCD 42 for monitor to warn the photographer (# 23).
2).

On the other hand, the number of valid data is more than "5",
If the average value is within the predetermined range, it is determined that the data after data processing is valid (# 21
8), the CPU 100 stores the processed data in the EEPROM 100
It is stored on a predetermined address of a (# 219). At this time, the setting value of the flag of the illumination form of the illumination means is also stored in the EEPRPM 100a which is the storage means.

The calibration data stored in the EEPROM 100a is the average value of the rotation angle of the eyeball, the average value of the pupil diameter, and the product of these values. However, the calibration data is not updated for each calibration and has already been updated. It is designed to be added to the stored value (see FIG. 9). For example, if the posture of the camera at the time of gazing point calibration is in the lateral position (see FIG. 7A), the rotation of the eyeball after the data processing is (θx1, θy).
1), if the pupil diameter is Rpx1, then “(θx1, Rpx1 * θx
1, Rpx1, Rpx1 ^ 2) "is added to the stored value at the address corresponding to each data. At this time, as will be described later, the vertical rotation angle θy1 is processed and stored after the end of the gazing point calibration for the second visual target.

When the posture of the camera during the gazing point calibration is in the first vertical position (see FIG. 7B), the rotation angle of the eyeball after the data processing is (θx1v1,
θy1v1) and the pupil diameter is Rpy1v1, then “(θy1v1, R
py1v1 * θy1v1, Rpy1v1, Rpy1v1 ^ 2) ”is added to the stored value on the address corresponding to each data. At this time, as will be described later, the rotation angle θx1v1 in the horizontal direction is processed and stored after the end of the gazing point calibration corresponding to the second visual target.

Similarly, when the posture of the camera during the gazing point calibration is in the second vertical position (see FIG. 7C), the eyeball rotation angle after data processing is (θx1v2,
θy1v2) and the pupil diameter is Rpy1v2, then “(θy1v2, R
py1v2 * θy1v2, Rpy1v2, Rpy1v2 ^ 2) ”is added to the stored value on the address corresponding to each data. At this time, the rotation angle θx1v2 in the horizontal direction is processed and stored after completion of the gazing point calibration for the second visual target, as described later.

When the memory of the calibration data of the gazing point for the first visual target is completed (# 219), CP
U100 confirms the state of the switch SW1, and if the switch SW1 is pressed by the release button 41 and is in the ON state, it waits until the switch SW1 is turned off (# 220).

When the CPU 100 confirms that the switch SW1 is in the OFF state via the signal input circuit 104 (# 220), it sends a signal to the LED drive circuit 106 to blink the gazing point calibration target 2. (# 221). The target for calibration of the gazing point is the marks 200 and 204 which also serve as the focus detection marks, and the mark which is not used as the first target is used.
For example, when the posture of the camera is in the horizontal position (see FIG. 7A), the distance measuring point mark 200 at the left end as the calibration target starts blinking. In addition, as for the attitude of the camera, the first vertical position in which the release button 41 is in the upward direction (see FIG.
In the state of (B)), the distance measuring point mark 200 at the lower end starts blinking to the photographer as a calibration target. Similarly, the posture of the camera is the release button 41.
Is in the second vertical position in the ground direction (see FIG. 7C), the distance measuring point mark 204 at the lower end of the photographer starts blinking as a calibration target.

Further, the CPU 100 confirms via the signal input circuit 104 whether or not the switch SW1 which is the trigger signal for starting the calibration of the gazing point for the second visual target is turned on (# 222). If the ON signal of the switch SW1 is not input, the camera stands by (# 222). When the photographer gazes at the target that has started blinking, presses the release button 41 and turns on the switch SW1 (#
222), the CPU 100 sends a signal to the LED drive circuit 106 to turn on the calibration target 2 (# 223). Further, the line-of-sight detection means detects the line of sight (angle of rotation of the eyeball) (# 224). At this time, the rotation angles (θx, θy) of the eyeball and the pupil diameter R are detected.
p.

When the rotation angle of the eyeball when the photographer is gazing at the visual target 2 is detected, "1" is added to the number of times of gaze detection n (# 225). In the present embodiment, the number of gaze detections for one target is set to 10, so if the number of gaze detections n is smaller than "20"(# 22).
6), the visual axis detection for the visual target 2 is continued (# 22).
4). Further, when the number of gaze detections n reaches “20” (#
226), the visual axis detection for the visual target 2 ends. CPU
In order to let the photographer recognize that the sight line detection for the visual target 2 has been completed, 100 emits an electronic sound several times using a sounding body (not shown). At the same time, the CPU 100 is
The visual target 2 is turned off via the drive circuit 106 (# 22
7).

Further, the CPU 100 carries out data processing of the 10 sets of detected eyeball rotation angles (θx, θy) and the pupil Rp (# 228). The CPU 100 excludes data having a large deviation from the average value of the detected data and calculates the average value of the remaining data. Further, the CPU 100 determines whether the data after the data processing is valid (# 229). This determination is made by comparing the number of valid data without 10 sets of detected data and the average value thereof with a reference value. For example, when the number of valid data is “5” or less, or when the average value thereof exceeds the predetermined range, it is determined that acquisition of the calibration data for the second visual target has failed ( # 229), CPU1
Reference numeral 00 indicates an electronic sound for a predetermined time by using a sounding body (not shown), and further transmits a signal to the LCD driving circuit 105 to blink the "CAL" display on the LCD 24 in the finder and the monitor LCD 42 to warn the photographer. (#
232). At this time, if the calibration data and the illumination form for the visual target 1 are stored, those data are reset.

On the other hand, the number of valid data is more than "5",
If the average value is within the predetermined range, it is determined that the data after data processing is valid (# 22
9), the CPU 100 adds the processing data and the number of calibrations to a predetermined address of the EEPROM 100a and stores it (# 230).

For example, when the posture of the camera at the time of gazing point calibration is in the lateral position (see FIG. 7A), as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation angle of the eyeball after data processing is ( θx2, θy2) and the pupil diameter is Rpx2, then "(θx2
2, Rpx2 * θx2, Rpx2, Rpx2 ^ 2) ”is added to the stored value on the address corresponding to each data. In addition, data θyh, R corresponding to the rotation in the vertical direction
pyh is calculated as θyh = (θy1 + θy2) / 2 Rpyh = (Rpx1 + Rpx2) / 2, and the calibration data (θyh, Rpyh
* Θyh, Rpyh, Rpyh ^ 2) is added to the stored value at the address corresponding to each data.

When the posture of the camera during the gazing point calibration is in the first vertical position (see FIG. 7B), the rotation angle of the eyeball after the data processing is (θx2v1,
θy2v1) and the pupil diameter is Rpy2v1.
py2v1 * θy2v1, Rpy2v1, Rpy2v1 ^ 2) ”is added to the stored value at the address corresponding to each data. Also, data θxv1, Rpx for horizontal rotation
v1 is calculated as θxv1 = (θx1v1 + θx2v1) / 2 Rpxv1 = (Rpy1v1 + Rpx2v1) / 2, and the calibration data (θxv1, Rpxv1
* Θxv1, Rpxy1, Rpxv1 ^ 2) is added to the stored value at the address corresponding to each data.

Similarly, when the posture of the camera at the time of gazing point calibration is in the second vertical position (see FIG. 7C), the rotation angle of the eyeball after data processing is (θx2v
2, θy2v2) and the pupil diameter is Rpy2v2, then "(θy2v2
2, Rpy2v2 * θy2v2, Rpy2v2, Rpy2v2 ^ 2) ”is added to the stored value on the address corresponding to each data. Also, the data for horizontal rotation θxv
2, Rpxv2 is calculated as θxv2 = (θx1v2 + θx2v2) / 2 Rpxv2 = (Rpy1v2 + Rpx2v2) / 2, and the calibration data (θxv2, Rpxv2
* Θxv2, Rpxy2, Rpxv2 ^ 2) is added to the memory value on the address corresponding to each data.

When the memory of the calibration data and the number of calibrations for the second visual target is completed (# 230), the CPU 100 causes the LCD drive circuit 105,
The calibration completion display of the gazing point is performed via the LED drive circuit 106 (# 231). LED drive circuit 10
6 energizes the superimposing LED 21 to blink the visual target 1 and the visual target 2 several times, and the LCD drive circuit 105 becomes L.
A signal is transmitted to the CDs 24 and 42 to display "END" for a predetermined time.

After the calibration of a series of gazing points, the camera waits until the photographer operates the electronic dial 45 or the mode dial 44. If the photographer rotates the electronic dial 45 to select another calibration number, the CPU 100 determines that the signal input circuit 1
A change in the calibration number is detected via 04 (# 233), and the process proceeds to the initial step (# 201) of the gazing point calibration routine.

When the photographer continuously turns on the switch SW1 to calibrate the gazing point, the CPU 100 detects the ON signal of the switch SW1 via the signal input circuit 104 (# 234), View calibration calibration start step (# 21
0).

If the photographer rotates the mode dial 44 to select another photographing mode, the CPU 100
Detects a change of the photographing mode via the signal input circuit 104 (# 235), returns to the main routine of the photographing operation of the camera (# 236), and is controlled based on the calibration data of the gazing point. .

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

(Modification) In the present embodiment, the erasing of the calibration data corresponding to the posture of the camera is performed by the photographer changing the posture of the camera and turning on the reset switch 46 at that time. However, by using the electronic dial 45 or the like, the calibration data corresponding to the posture of the camera is called to reset the switch 46.
It may be achieved by turning on.

Further, in the present embodiment, the posture of the camera is detected by the posture detecting means using the mercury switch. However, the posture of the camera is detected by detecting the direction of the outer corner of the eye when the observer's eyes are image-processed. Alternatively, the calibration data corresponding to the posture may be deleted.

Although the present invention has been described as applied to a single-lens reflex camera, the present invention is also applicable to cameras such as lens shutter cameras, video cameras and still video cameras.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the camera, and can be similarly applied to any observation device having a visual line detection function and capable of changing the posture used by the user.

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

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Provided is reset means for erasing the personal information regarding the line of sight of the observer stored in the storage means for each posture of the apparatus, and by the reset means, the personal information regarding the line of sight of the observer for any posture can be erased. ing.

Therefore, it is possible to erase the personal information regarding the line of sight corresponding to the posture of the apparatus desired by the observer.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided resetting means for erasing the personal information relating to the line of sight of the observer stored in the storing means on the basis of the posture information detected by the posture detecting means. If the personal information relating to the line of sight of the observer corresponding to the posture of the apparatus detected by the posture detection unit is deleted, or if the lateral position state is detected by the posture detection unit, all the information stored in the storage unit is deleted. Information of
When the vertical position is detected, only the information corresponding to the current posture of the device is erased.

Therefore, it is possible to automatically erase the personal information regarding the line of sight corresponding to the posture of the apparatus desired by the observer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a mechanism diagram showing an outline when a first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a single-lens reflex camera.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a top surface and a back surface of the camera of FIG.

3 is a diagram showing the inside of a viewfinder of the camera of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the mode dial of FIG.

5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the camera of FIG. 1. FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing an operation during calibration of the camera of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the attitude of the camera and the set illumination IRED in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of resetting the calibration data of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of calibration data used at the time of calibration in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 eyepiece lens 12 light receiving lens 13a-13h IRED 14 image sensor 27, 28 mercury switch 46 reset switch 100 CPU 100a EEPROM 101 line-of-sight detection circuit 104 signal input circuit 107 IRED drive circuit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An illuminating means for illuminating an eyeball of an observer looking into an observation screen, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the illumination light from the eyeball of the observer, and personal information regarding the observer's line of sight for each posture of the apparatus. In the observation device with a line-of-sight detection function, which has a line-of-sight detection unit having an image processing unit that performs image processing of the eyeball image signal obtained by the light-receiving unit to calculate the line of sight of the observer, An observation apparatus with a line-of-sight detection function, which is provided with a reset unit that erases the personal information about the line of sight of the observer stored in the storage unit for each posture of the device. 2. An illuminating means for illuminating an eyeball of an observer looking into an observation screen, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the illuminating light from the eyeball of the observer, and personal information regarding an observer's line of sight for each posture of the apparatus. And a line-of-sight detection unit that has an image processing unit that performs image processing on the eyeball image signal obtained by the light-receiving unit to calculate the line-of-sight of an observer, and posture detection that detects the posture of the device. And a resetting means for erasing the personal information relating to the line of sight of the observer stored in the storage means based on the posture information detected by the posture detecting means. An observation apparatus with a line-of-sight detection function. 3. The reset means is means for erasing personal information relating to the line of sight of an observer, which is stored in the storage means and corresponds to the posture of the apparatus detected by the posture detection means. The observation device with a visual line detection function according to claim 2. 4. The posture detecting means is means for detecting a state in which the apparatus is in a horizontal position and two vertical states, and the reset means is a state in which the posture detecting means detects a state in a horizontal position. If the vertical position is detected, all the information stored in the storage means is erased, and if the vertical position is detected, the information corresponding to the current posture of the device stored in the storage means is erased. The observation device with a line-of-sight detection function according to claim 2.