JPH0915483A - Equipment provided with line-of-sight detecting means - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve operability by plurality setting a specified time for discriminating the fixing of the line of sight of a user and appropriately setting the specified time according to the use state or the frequency of an actuated specified function. CONSTITUTION: In this equipment, for example, a function for actuating a driver 19 for switching the angle of view of a lens, a driver 17 for switching the screen size and a driver 14 for switching whether data is imprinted or not is executed by gazing an index corresponding to each function. Then, the necessary gazing time is set to be made difference according to the content of the function for the display of liquid crystal segments 22a to 22j. Namely, the 1st to the 3rd specified time to discriminate the gazing time (fixing time of the line of sight) is set to t1<t2<t3 and the gazing time which is set longer in order from the screen size switching of the 1st function, the screen size switching of the 2nd function and the data imprinting switching of the 3rd function is prepared.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a visual axis detecting device for detecting the visual axis of a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a device having a visual line detection device that operates a predetermined operation based on the visual line position of a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of line-of-sight detection apparatus detects a user's line-of-sight position in a finder in a time-series manner as in US Pat. No. 4,109,145, and detects a plurality of indices in the finder. In some cases, the corresponding function is started when the line of sight is stopped for a predetermined time or longer.

Further, in JP-B-63-50349, the screen is divided into a plurality of areas, and indexes corresponding to various kinds of information are displayed in symbols or texts on each of the areas, and a predetermined time to the area is displayed. It is disclosed that the function corresponding to the case where the line of sight is stopped is activated.

On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-32312 discloses that one of a plurality of indexes is gazed at and a selective input is made by another member. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-219218 discloses a gaze determination area. It is disclosed that the setting is made narrower before the gaze determination and set wider after the gaze determination.

[0005]

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention In a line-of-sight detection device that operates a predetermined action according to the line-of-sight position of the user, if the line-of-sight position of the user does not continue for a predetermined period of time or longer, the user's will does as desired. I know I can't get it to work.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since only one type of predetermined time is set for determining whether or not the user's line of sight is stopped, if the predetermined time is set short, the line of sight not intended by the user is set. If the predetermined time is set to be long, the user is required to hold the line of sight for a long time, resulting in a decrease in operability.

In view of this, the present invention sets a plurality of predetermined times for determining whether the user's line of sight is stopped, and sets the predetermined time appropriately according to the usage state or frequency of a predetermined function to be operated. And

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a line-of-sight detecting means for detecting the line-of-sight of a user and a first line-of-sight when the line-of-sight of the user stays at a first predetermined position for a first predetermined time or more. And a control means for activating the function and activating the second function when the line of sight of the user stays at the second predetermined position for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. An appropriate line-of-sight hold time can be set for each of the first and second functions according to the contents of the function.

[0009]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the entire construction of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a system controller as a control means for performing sequence control and calculation, 2 is a ROM for storing programs and data, 3 is a RAM for storing data, and 4 is a light quantity of a subject. A photometering circuit, 5 is a distance measuring circuit for measuring a distance to a subject, 6 is a drive circuit of a shutter for exposing a film, 7 is a strobe circuit, 8 is a Xe tube, 9 is a camera operating state and a non-operating state. A main switch for switching 10 is a release switch for instructing exposure on a film, and 11 is a lens switching switch for switching Tele with a long focal length and a narrow angle of view and Wide with a short focal length and a wide angle of view.

Reference numeral 12 is a strobe mode changeover switch, which automatically emits light when the subject brightness is low.
Each time you press the switch, you can switch between four modes: to mode, forced light emission mode that emits light unconditionally, light emission prohibition mode that does not emit light unconditionally, and slow sync mode that balances the brightness of the background and the subject at low brightness. It is possible.

A screen size changeover switch 13 can switch between two screen sizes, a standard mode in which the entire screen frame is exposed and a panorama mode in which the upper and lower parts of the screen are covered.

Reference numeral 14 is an imprinting circuit for imprinting data such as date on a film, 15 is an imprinting block, and 15a and 15b are transmissive liquid crystal, which are installed at positions corresponding to a panoramic screen and a standard screen size, respectively. To be done. Fifteen
Reference numeral c or 15d is a reflection mirror, and 15e is a projection lamp. Imprinting is performed at a position corresponding to the screen size switching.

Reference numeral 16 is a film, 17 is a screen size switching drive circuit, 18 is a light shielding plate that covers the upper and lower sides of the screen when the panoramic screen is selected, 18a is an upper screen light shielding plate, and 18b is a lower screen light shielding plate. The positions (18b and 18d) indicated by dotted lines in the figure show the retracted state of the light shielding plates 18a and 18b when the standard screen size is selected. The light shielding plate is mechanically movable by a plunger or the like.

Reference numeral 19 is a lens switching drive circuit.

Reference numeral 20 is a photographing lens block, and 20a
Is a convex lens, and 20b is a concave lens. When the Wide lens is selected, the convex lens 20 is placed at the position indicated by the solid line in the figure.
a and the concave lens 20b are located. The concave lens 20b is retracted out of the photographing optical path. On the other hand, when the Tele lens is selected, the convex lens 20a and the concave lens 20b move to the positions shown by the dotted lines in the drawing, and the combined focal length becomes long. 20c and 20d are the installation positions of each lens at Tele.

Reference numeral 21 is a shutter installed in the lens block 20, which is driven by the shutter drive circuit 6.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a transmissive liquid crystal display plate installed under the viewfinder field. A backlight illumination (not shown) is installed on the transmissive liquid crystal display plate so that the display contents can be confirmed even in the dark. Reference numerals 22a to 22j denote liquid crystal display segments. 22a is a wide-angle lens (Wi
de) segment, 22b is a telephoto lens segment, 22c is a strobe AUTO mode segment, 22d is a strobe forced flash mode segment, 22e is a strobe flash prohibition mode segment, 22f is a strobe slow sync mode segment, and 22g is a data imprint mode segment. , 22h are data imprint prohibition mode segments, 22i are standard screen segments, 22j
Is a panoramic screen segment.

Reference numeral 23 is a transmissive liquid crystal installed in the field of view of the viewfinder, 23a and 23b are panorama frame display segments, 24 is a distance measurement frame display, 25 is a drive circuit for the liquid crystal 22 in the viewfinder, and 26 is a viewfinder eyepiece of the photographer. Infrared light-emitting diode for illumination to detect the fact that the constant current driver 27 is used, 28 is a phototransistor for reflected light detection, 2
Reference numeral 9 is a detection circuit for the detection circuit, and 30 is an infrared LED for illumination for detecting the line of sight.
(IRED) is its constant current driver, 32a is a photodiode that detects reflected light on the eyeball in the area on the left side of the eyeball optical axis, and 32b is on the eyeball of the area on the right side of the eyeball optical axis in the same manner. Photodiodes for detecting the reflected light of, the resistors 33, 34 for converting the photocurrent detected by each photodiode into a voltage, 35, 36 operational amplifiers, where the outputs of the respective operational amplifiers are VL and VR. To do. Reference numeral 37 is a signal selection circuit, and 38 is an AD converter.

Further, 39 and 40 are light receiving sensors 39.
And 40 are light receiving lenses for focusing light, and 41 and 42 are light receiving detection areas on the eyeball. 43 is the pupil of the eyeball, 44
Indicates an iris, and 45 indicates a sclera (white eye).

Next, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view seen from above the front surface of the camera. The same parts as those in FIG.
Description is omitted.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera as seen from below the rear surface thereof.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the viewfinder eyepiece of the camera. In FIG. 4, the illuminating element 26 and the detecting element 28 for eyepiece detection are installed laterally of the eyepiece lens 46. The eyeball illuminating element 30 for detecting the line of sight and the reflected light detecting photodiodes 32a and 32b are installed below the finder eyepiece lens 46, and detect the eyeball reflected light at a slightly elevated angle. 47 indicates the horizontal center of the finder optical axis.

5 is a diagram showing the detection area position on the eyeball by the left and right photosensors.

In FIG. 5, (a) is a view of the eyeball and the detection system seen from above, showing the eyeball illumination state of the illumination LED 30 and the detection angles of the left and right photodiodes 32a and 32b. Here, the left (L) and the right (R) with respect to the central axis 48 are the directions shown in the figure. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the positions of the iris and the left and right detection areas with the line of sight at the center. FIG. 5- (c) shows a state where the line of sight is to the left. FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a state where the line of sight is to the right.

Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the left-right output difference (right output-left output) characteristics of the left and right photodiodes with respect to the viewing angle.

FIG. 7 is an optical path diagram of the finder optical system.
In FIG. 7, 49 is an objective lens block, 50 is a field lens, and 51 is an eyeball eye point. The finder magnification is variable by moving the objective lens block 49 in the optical axis direction according to the magnification change of the photographing lens block 20.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the liquid crystal displays 22 and 23 in the viewfinder.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the system controller 1. The operation of the system controller 1 will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

When the main switch 9 is turned on, the system controller 1 starts its operation from step # 101. First, each function is initialized.

(# 101) The photographing screen is set to the standard screen. Detailed description of the screen switching mechanism is omitted. Light-shielding plates 18a and 18b that shield the upper and lower sides of the screen are moved to positions 18c and 18d retracted from the photographing optical path by a plunger or the like. (# 102) The set screen state is stored in the RAM 3. The address labels of the data stored in the RAM 3 and the data contents corresponding to them are as shown in Table 1. (# 103) Set the flash emission mode to AUTO mode. (# 104) The taking lens is set to a wide-angle lens. By moving the convex lens to the position of 20a and the concave lens to the position of 20b by the lens switching driver, the photographing magnification is set to a low state. (# 105) The set state of the taking lens is stored in the RAM 3. (# 106) The data imprinting prohibition mode is set and stored in the RAM 3. Next, the display in the finder is changed to the display of the contents corresponding to the above initial settings. (# 107) Wide-angle lens segment 22a, strobe A
Each of the UTO mode segment 22c and the data imprint prohibition mode segment 22h is turned on. (# 108) Strobe forced flash mode segment 22
d, the same light emission prohibition mode segment 22e, the same slow sync mode segment 22f, the data imprinting mode segment 22g, the telephoto lens segment 22b, and the standard screen segment 22i are turned off. (# 109) The panorama screen frame displays 23a and 23b are turned off.

FIG. 10 shows the display in the finder when the above lighting, blinking, and extinguishing control is performed. (# 110) The IRED 26 for eyepiece detection is turned on. (# 111) The amount of light received by the reflected light detecting phototransistor 28 is determined. If the amount of reflected light of a predetermined amount or more is detected, it is determined that the photographer has contacted the viewfinder, and the process proceeds to # 112. If there is no reflected light, proceed to # 132. (# 112) The eyeball illumination infrared light emitting diode (hereinafter, IRED) 30 for detecting the line of sight is turned on. (# 113) The outputs of the photodiodes 32a and 32b are detected, and the output difference voltage value of each is detected by the line-of-sight detection output (VEy
Calculate as e).

The details of the operation of detecting the outputs of the photodiodes 32a and 32b by the system controller 1 are as follows. The photocurrent detected by the photodiodes 32a and 32b is the current / current generated by the resistors 33 and 34, respectively.
The voltage is converted and the signal selection circuit 37 selects one of the two
Choose one. The selected signal is input to the AD converter 38, quantized with a predetermined resolution, and input to the system controller 1.

Further, since the eyeball is illuminated by not only the illumination IRED 30 but also ambient light at the same time, it is necessary to remove the external light component. In the present embodiment, the light receiving surface of the photodiode is covered with a visible light cut filter, and the illumination IRED 30 is modulated and lit at a predetermined frequency and the photodiode output detection system is provided with a high-pass filter characteristic.

Here, a method for obtaining the gazing point of the eyeball by the change of the reflected light amount on the eyeball by the left and right photosensors will be briefly described. When the photographer holds the camera and the position where the eye is in contact with the optical axis of the finder optical system is zero in the horizontal direction, the optical axis 40 of the line-of-sight detection system and the optical axis of the eye coincide with each other as shown in FIG. At this time, the detection area position on the eyeball in the state where the line-of-sight position is in the center is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5B, 41 is the left photodiode 32a.
, And 42 indicates the detection area of the right photodiode 32b.

Next, FIG. 5C shows the case where the line-of-sight position is on the left. When the line of sight is in the left direction, the area occupied by the pupil part 43 and the iris part 44 of the eyeball in the left detection area 41 increases. The pupil 43 does not reflect the illumination light, but the light is absorbed inside the eyeball. At the same time, the luminous portion 44 has a lower reflectance than the sclera portion 45, and as a result, the amount of light received by the left photodiode 32a decreases. On the contrary, since the ratio of the sclera portion 45 in the light receiving area 42 on the right side increases, the amount of received light increases. Therefore, the visual angle is detected by detecting the difference output of the left and right photo sensors. On the contrary, the case where the line of sight is in the right direction is shown in FIG.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5A, the directional characteristic of the detection of the photodiode forms a limited spot detection area on the eyeball by a light receiving lens (not shown), a diaphragm mask (not shown), and the like. Is configured. In the state where there is no horizontal shift between the optical axis of the eyeball and the optical axis of the detection system, the output difference (VR-VL) between the left and right sensors is equal because the proportion of white and black eyes in the detection area of the left and right sensors is the same, as shown in FIG. Calculated as zero. Here, the iris means the pupil portion 36 and the iris portion 37 shown in FIG. 5B.

(# 114) The value of the visual axis detection output (VEye) is determined. V22a.max>VEye> V22a.min or V22
If it is determined that b.max>VEye> V22b.min, the process proceeds to # 115. If it is determined that V22i (j) .max>VEye> V22i (j) .max,
Go to # 121. V22g (h) .max>VEye> V22g (h) .max
If it is determined to be, the process proceeds to # 127. (# 115) Gaze time is determined. If the gazing time has passed the first predetermined time t1, the process returns to # 116, and if t1 or less, the process returns to # 111. (# 121) Gaze time is determined. If the gaze time has passed the second predetermined time t2, the process returns to # 122. If t2 or less, the process returns to # 111. (# 127) Gaze time is determined. If the gaze time has passed the third predetermined time t3, the process returns to # 128. If t3 or less, the process returns to # 111.

Correspondence between the visual line output (VEye) and the finder visual field range will be described with reference to FIG. Assuming that the horizontal shift amount between the optical axis of the eyeball and the optical axis of the detection system is zero, the characteristic indicating the correspondence between the differential output (VR-VL) of the left and right photodiodes and the viewing angle in the viewfinder is as shown by the bold line in FIG. .

That is, the difference between the left and right photodiodes (VR-
VL) output is one-to-one with the view line position in the viewfinder horizontal direction
By detecting this difference, the photographer can detect the horizontal component of the gaze portion in the viewfinder.

Here, the transmission L installed in the finder
The horizontal visible range of the CD 23 in the finder optical system is the range shown by the arrow in FIG. Further, each index segment 22a to 22j on the LCD 22 outside the viewfinder
The set position corresponds to the range of the output value (VEye) of the difference between the detected left and right photodiode outputs VL and right photodiode outputs VR, as described below.

The wide-angle lens index 22a is from V22a.max to V22a.
min output value range (gaze area), telephoto lens index 22b is from V22b.max to V22b.min output value range (gaze area),
Strobe AUTO mode indicator 22c is from V22c.max to V22c.
Output value range of min (gaze area), the forced light emission mode index 22d is from V22d.max to V22d.min Output value range (gaze area), the same emission prohibition mode index 22e is from V22e.max to V22
e.min output value range (gazing area), the same slow sync mode index 22f is V22f.max to V22f.min output value range (gazing area), data imprinting presence / absence index 22g or 22h
Are set in the output value range (gaze area) from V22g (h) .max to V22g (h) .min. The shooting screen index 22i or 22j is the output value range (gaze area) from V22i (j) .max to V22i (j) .min, and the output value of the difference between the detected left and right photodiode output VL and the right photodiode output VR ( V
Eye) is determined to be within the above range # 11
5 or # 121, # 127, the state is a predetermined time (t
1, t2 or t3) or more is determined.

Here, a description will be given of the case where it is determined that each index has been watched for a predetermined time or longer corresponding thereto. First, when it is determined that the view angle switching index 22a or 22b is gazed, the current lens setting state is determined (# 116). If it is set to Wide lens (when LENSTY = 0), set the lens to T
Move to the ele position, turn off the Wide lens segment 22a at # 118, and remove the Tele lens segment 22b.
Is turned on and the process returns to # 111. The display in the finder is shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the Tele lens is set (when LENSTY = 1), the lens is widened in # 119.
Set to the position and # 120 wide lens segment 2
2a is turned on, the Tele lens segment 22b is turned off, and the process returns to # 111.

Next, description will be made regarding the case where it is determined that the screen switching segment 22i is being gazed at. (# 122) The current setting screen is determined. Standard screen (A
If it is determined that PASET = 0), the process proceeds to # 123, and if it is determined that the panorama screen (APASET = 1), # 125.
Proceed to. (# 123) Set to the panorama screen size and then # 1
At 24, the panoramic screen segment 22h and the panoramic screen frame 23a or 23b in the finder field are turned on. The display in the finder is shown in FIG. (# 125) The standard screen is set, and then, in # 126, the panoramic screen segment 22h and the panoramic screen frame 23a or 23b in the finder field are turned off.

Next, the data imprinting presence / absence segment 22g
Alternatively, a case where 22h is gazed at will be described. (# 128) Invert DATTEN stored in RAM3. (# 129) The state of the data imprinting presence / absence setting flag is determined. If the status is 1 (= with imprinting), # 131
If the state is 0 (= no imprinting), go to # 130. (# 130) The data imprinting segment 22g is turned off, and the data imprinting prohibition segment 22h is turned on. FIG. 15 shows the liquid crystal display contents in the viewfinder. After that, the process returns to # 111. (# 131) The data imprinting segment 22g is turned on and the data imprinting prohibition segment 22h is turned off. The contents of the liquid crystal display in the finder are shown in FIG. After that, the process returns to # 111.

On the other hand, the case where the reflected light is below a predetermined level in # 111 will be described. (# 322) The visual line detection IRED 30 is turned off. (# 133) The state of the main switch 9 is determined. If it is in the on state, the process returns to step # 111, and if it is in the off state, the eyepiece detection IRED 26 is turned off in step # 134, and the process is terminated. Also, in # 114, the line-of-sight detection output (VEye) is the above #
If the condition other than the condition to proceed to 115 is detected, the process proceeds to # 135. (# 135) The state of the release switch 10 is determined.
If pressed, go to # 136. If not pressed, go to # 11.
Returning to step 3, the left and right photodiode outputs are detected again, and the line-of-sight detection output (VEye) is determined based on the output value of the left-right difference. (# 136) Photometry is performed by the photometry circuit 4. (# 137) The distance measuring circuit 5 measures the distance to the subject. (# 138) The shutter 21 for second / minute determined by the subject brightness measured in # 136 and the sensitivity of the film 16 loaded in the camera is opened to start exposure of the film. (# 139) The strobe light emission mode (FLMODE) stored in the RAM 3 is determined. If it is 10, it is determined that the mode is the light emission prohibition mode and the process proceeds to step # 142. If it is 01, it is determined to be the forced flash mode, and if it is 11, it is determined to be the slow sync mode, and the strobe is fired in # 131. On the other hand, F
If LMODE is 00, it is determined to be AUTO mode # 1
The subject brightness value measured in step 36 is discriminated and the predetermined brightness value (E
v. ) Or more, the process proceeds to step # 142, and if it is equal to or more than the predetermined brightness value (Ev.), The process proceeds to step # 141, and the strobe light is emitted. (# 142) The shutter 21 is closed to end the exposure of the film 16. (# 143) The data imprinting mode (DATEEN) stored in the RAM 3 is determined. If 0, # 1
If it is 1 to 45, the process proceeds to # 144 and data is imprinted. (# 145) A film feeding circuit (not shown) feeds a predetermined amount of film. After the film is fed, the process returns to step # 113 to detect the line of sight of the photographer again.

In this embodiment, the functions of switching the lens angle of view, switching the screen size, and switching the presence / absence of data imprinting are executed by looking at the index corresponding to each function. Are set to be different.

In the above description, the first, second, and third predetermined times for determining the gaze time (the line-of-sight staying time) are t.
If 1 <t2 <t3 is set, a long gaze time is required in the order of switching the lens angle of view, which is the first function, switching the screen size, which is the second function, and switching the data imprinting, which is the third function. Become.

In the present embodiment, the light emitted from the IRED 26 for eyepiece detection is the photodiodes 32a and 3 for line-of-sight detection.
In order not to enter the light receiving detection area of 2b and affect the visual axis detection, the eyepiece detection IRED 26 and the visual axis detection photodiodes 32a and 32b are electrically time-divided, or some optical means is used. It is necessary to provide.

At the same time, in this embodiment, the gaze detection of the index is performed only by the output result in the horizontal direction, but the movement of the line of sight in the vertical direction can be detected by the same method. It is also possible to distinguish between the inside and outside of the viewfinder.

Further, when the rate of change in the amount of received light of the left and right photodiodes with respect to the viewing angle differs due to individual differences, a plurality of predetermined points in the finder are gazed in advance and the viewing angle output at that time is stored and stored. It is possible to easily perform correction by providing a correction function for performing correction based on the viewing angle correction data.

In the above embodiment, the change of the reflected light amount of the eyeball of the photographer's line of sight is detected by the photosensor. For example, the eyeball disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 241511/1990 is illuminated with infrared light. And CC the illuminated eyeball
Even if the line-of-sight detection means for detecting the gaze position of the eyeball by using an image pickup device such as D is used, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment) In contrast to the first embodiment in which the gaze time for each index corresponding to a plurality of functions is different, this embodiment corresponds to each function. The size of the output value range (gazing area) is made different.

FIG. 14 shows a view in the finder. FIG.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 52 is a transmissive LCD display installed outside the view field of the finder. Compared to the first embodiment, the Wide lens view angle setting index 52a, the Tele lens view angle setting index 52b, and the screen size switching index 52i or 52j are displayed in large size.

FIG. 15 shows an LCD display 5 outside the viewfinder.
2 shows the relationship between each index position and the horizontal line-of-sight detection output. The wide-angle lens index 52a is an output value range (gaze area) from V52a.max to V52a.min, and the telephoto lens index 52b is V52b.m.
Output value range (gaze area) from ax to V52b.min, strobe AUTO mode index 52c is output value range (gaze area) from V52c.max to V52c.min, and forced emission mode index 52d
Is the output value range (gaze area) from V52d.max to V52d.min, and the same emission prohibition mode indicator 52e is from V52e.max to V52e.
Output value range of min (gaze area), the same slow sync mode index 52f is the output value range of V52f.max to V52f.min (gaze area), data imprinting indicator 52g or 52h
Is the output value range (gaze area) from V52g (h) .max to V52g (h) .min, and the shooting screen index 52i or 52j is the output value range from V52i (j) .max to V52i (j) .min (gaze area). ) Is equivalent to.
That is, the output range corresponding to the Wide lens index 52a,
The output value range (gaze area) corresponding to the Tele lens index 52b and the output value range (gaze area) corresponding to the screen size switching indexes 52i and 52j are set wider than the other output value ranges (gaze area).

FIG. 16 shows an operation flowchart. # 2
Since the operations of 01 to # 213 are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. (# 214) The value of the visual axis detection output (VEye) is determined.
V52a.max>VEye> V52a.min or V52b.max> VEye
If it is determined that> V52b.min, the process proceeds to # 215. V52i (j).
If it is determined that max>VEye> V52i (j) .max, the process proceeds to # 221. If it is determined that V52g (h) .max>VEye> V52g (h) .max, the process proceeds to # 227. In # 215, # 221, and # 227, it is determined whether the gaze time is a predetermined time or longer. Subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the output value range (gazing area) corresponding to the function which is frequently used in photographing (in this embodiment, switching of the lens angle of view and switching of the screen size) is set wide, while the data imprinting switching and By setting a narrow output range corresponding to functions that do not switch frequently, such as strobe mode switching, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and provide an easy-to-use camera that better suits the actual conditions of use.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the structure is such that the gaze time to the index corresponding to each function is made different, and the output value range (gaze area) corresponding to each function (gaze area) ) Shows a configuration in which configurations having different sizes are combined.

FIG. 17 shows an operation flowchart. Second
In this embodiment, it is configured to determine whether different gaze times have passed in # 215, # 221, and # 227.

As described above, by setting the size of the area to be gazed and the gaze time for determining gaze for each of the plurality of predetermined functions of the camera, malfunctions are further prevented. It is possible to execute a function with a short gaze for a function that requires quick response.

In the present embodiment, the gaze area is set large and the gaze time is set short for the function that is frequently used, and conversely, the gaze judgment area is narrow and the gaze judgment time is set long for the function which is not frequently used. Configured to set.

In this embodiment, for example, when the shutter release is activated by gaze of the line of sight, the probability of malfunction is minimized, and when it is desired to set a short time from the gaze to the release activation, the gaze area is narrow and the gaze time is long. It is possible to achieve the original purpose by setting a short.

(Fourth Embodiment) A description will be given of a structure in which the gaze time for the index required to execute a predetermined function differs depending on the position of the index and a structure in which the user can set the gaze time by an external operation. FIG. 18 shows an overall configuration diagram thereof. FIG. 18 shows a transmissive liquid crystal that is transmissively displayed inside and partly outside the finder. Each of the display segments 52a to 52j corresponds to the display segments 22a to 22j of the first embodiment. Wide-angle lens (Wi
de) Segment 52a and telephoto lens (Tele)
The segment 52b is provided outside the viewfinder field 53, and the other segments are placed at positions overlapping the viewfinder field 53 so as to be superimposed and displayed with the field of view in the viewfinder. Reference numeral 54 denotes a gaze time changeover switch for externally selecting a gaze time for the index (gaze time for determining gaze).

FIG. 19 shows the left-right output difference (right output-left output) characteristics of the left and right photodiodes with respect to the viewing angle. The viewfinder field width with respect to the viewing angle is as shown in the figure. With the above configuration, the gaze time for the index within the viewfinder field is set longer than that for the index outside the viewfinder field. This is for confirming the normal subject when the user's line of sight is within the field of view, so that the gaze time is set long to prevent erroneous detection. On the other hand, when the user's line of sight is out of the visual field of view, it is for activating functions such as zooming and setting of data imprinting. Therefore, the gaze time is set to be short and the desired function responds quickly. . That is, by changing the gaze time depending on the positions of the field of view and the index in the viewfinder, the corresponding function can be operated appropriately.

If the gaze time of the index can be selected from the gaze time set in advance by the detection time changeover switch 54, the user can select a gaze time that is suitable for the eye movement characteristic. Can be set easily.

In this embodiment, two types of gaze time that can be selected are set, but three or more types may be set. Furthermore, the gaze time may be continuously variable. Further, the setting of the gaze time may be such that the gaze time is switched at once for all the indexes, or the gaze time may be separately set for each index from the outside.

The function referred to in the present invention includes a function involving mechanical operation such as moving a mechanism, but also including electrical operation such as signal input / output.

[0069]

[Table 1]

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, the line-of-sight detecting means for detecting the line-of-sight of the user and the line-of-sight of the user are the first.
When the vehicle is parked at a predetermined position for a first predetermined time or longer, the first
And a control means for activating the second function when the line of sight of the user stays at the second predetermined position for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. Appropriate line-of-sight stop time can be set for each of the first and second functions,
It is possible to provide a device having a line-of-sight detection means that accurately responds to the user's intention.

Further, by making the area of the index different between the index for activating the first function and the index for activating the second function, it is possible to make the size of the index suitable for each function. This improves the usability of the device having the line-of-sight detection means. For example,
For functions that are desirable to operate immediately, the size of the index is increased to make it easier for the line of sight to stay, and
For functions that are greatly affected by malfunctions, reduce the index to prevent malfunctions.

Furthermore, since the user can arbitrarily set the staying time of the line of sight, it is possible to absorb individual differences in eye movements and set the optimum state for each user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of light projecting and light receiving means around a viewfinder eyepiece lens.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a line-of-sight detection system and an eyeball.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining gaze detection output characteristics.

[Figure 7] Viewfinder optical path diagram

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating display in a finder.

FIG. 9 is a visual axis detection output characteristic diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display in the finder of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display in a finder according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the display in the finder of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the display in the finder of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view in the viewfinder of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a visual axis detection output characteristic diagram of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view in the viewfinder of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a line-of-sight detection output characteristic diagram of the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 System Controller 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 Metering Circuit 5 Distance Measuring Circuit 6 Shutter 7 Strobe Circuit 9 Main Switch 10 Release Switch 22 Viewfinder Outer Transmissive LCD 23 In-Finder Transmissive LCD 24 LCD Driver 26 Eyepiece Detection Illumination iRED 28 Phototransistor 30 Eye-gaze Detection Lighting iRED 32a Left detection photodiode 32b Right detection photodiode 37 Signal selection circuit 38 AD converter 41 Left photodiode detection area 42 Right photodiode detection area

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A line-of-sight detecting means for detecting the line-of-sight of a user, and executing the first function when the line-of-sight of the user stays at a first predetermined position for a first predetermined time or more and uses the line of sight. A device having a line-of-sight detection means having a control means for executing a second function when the line of sight of a person stays at a second predetermined position for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. 2. A display means for displaying a plurality of indexes for operating a specific function, a sight line detecting means for detecting a sight line position of the user in the display means, and a sight line position of the user being the first. When the index for executing the function is stopped for a first predetermined time or longer, the first function is executed, and the line-of-sight position of the user is set to the index for executing the second function, which is longer than the first predetermined time. A device having line-of-sight detection means having control means for executing a second function when the vehicle is stopped for a predetermined time or longer. 3. The line-of-sight detection means according to claim 2, wherein the index for executing the first function and the index for executing the second function are set so that the areas of the indices are different. Equipment to have. 4. The area for executing the first function is set to be larger than the area for executing the second function.
Or a device having the line-of-sight detection means described in 3. 5. The apparatus having the line-of-sight detection means includes a finder for observing an object, and the display means includes a display element for displaying the index in the finder field of view. A device having the line-of-sight detection means described in 4. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an external operation member capable of changing the first predetermined time or the second predetermined time by operating the user.
An apparatus having the line-of-sight detection means described in 2, 3, 4 or 5. 7. The device having the line-of-sight detection means has a lens optical system, and the first function executed by the control means is an operation of changing the focal length of the lens optical system. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4,
An apparatus having the line-of-sight detection means described in 5 or 6. 8. A line-of-sight detecting means for detecting a line-of-sight position of a user, an index display unit for displaying indexes for operating a plurality of functions, and a line-of-sight position of the user being a predetermined index position of the index display unit. In a device having a line-of-sight detection means having a control means for activating a function corresponding to the index when a predetermined time has passed in a state of being in agreement with each other, a plurality of types of the predetermined time are set for each function. A device having a line-of-sight detection means.