JPH1114898A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To selectively set a desired focus detection area by operating a switch only once by providing plural focus detection region of the same number and in the same arrangement as plural detection area selection switches. SOLUTION: Three focus detection areas 1a to 1c arranged in a line are provided within the finder of this camera (a). Three focus detection region selection switches 1A to 1C arranged in a line are provided on the back cover of the camera (b). By operation to turn on the switch 1A, the focus detection region 1a is selected. By operation to turn on the switches 1B and 1c, the focus detection areas 1b and 1c are selected, respectively. The selection switches 1A to 1C have the same number and the same arrangement relation as the focus detection areas 1a to 1c. Thus, a photographer can accurately operate the focus detection region selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected.

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 multipoint focus detection autofocus function capable of detecting a plurality of focus points.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic dial or a four-way joystick is used as an operating means for a photographer to arbitrarily select an area in which a camera performs focus detection among a plurality of focus detection areas in a camera as described above. Often. In this case, the dial or the like is operated in the direction corresponding to the direction in which the selection area is to be moved, and the selection areas are moved one by one from the initially selected focus detection area to the focus detection area to be actually selected.

[0003]

However, in recent years, the automation of cameras has been advanced, and the number of focus detection areas that can be selected in a photographing screen tends to increase, and the operation is complicated by an electronic dial or a joystick selection method. And it takes time to make a selection.
Moreover, when a plurality of focus detection areas are arranged vertically and horizontally when using an electronic dial, it is necessary to prepare two electronic dials, one for vertical and one for horizontal, which complicates the structure and operation. There is also a problem.

Further, a method using a line-of-sight detection technique for selecting a focus detection region has been proposed. However, high accuracy is required for detection of a line-of-sight line in which the number of focus detection regions is increased. Not a target.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a camera having an operation means for selecting a focus detection area from among a plurality of focus detection areas provided in a photographing screen. By providing a plurality of switches as the operation means in the same number as the plurality of focus detection areas and arranged in the same manner as the arrangement of the plurality of focus detection areas in the shooting screen, an arbitrary focus detection area can be operated by one operation. Is to be able to choose exactly.

A plurality of switches are formed in the same shape as the corresponding focus detection areas (when the focus detection areas are cross-shaped, the switches are also cross-shaped), and the switches and the focus detection areas are formed. May be clarified to improve the accuracy of the selection operation.

[0007] Further, a display means such as a light-emitting body for displaying that each switch has been operated is provided so that the switch operated by the photographer can be known at a glance, or each switch is protruded when not operated. It may be configured with a switch that is retracted when operated in the state.

Further, the plurality of switches arranged on the back surface (back cover or the like) of the camera may be formed on the piezoelectric element unit to simplify the structure of the back cover and the entire operation means.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) First, FIG. 2 shows an overall configuration of a control unit of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a microcomputer for controlling the movement of each part of the camera. Reference numeral 2 denotes a lens control circuit which drives and controls a focus adjusting motor of the photographing lens 13 and a diaphragm blade controlling motor. The lens control circuit 2 is connected to the microcomputer 1
While receiving the COM signal, serial communication is performed via DBUS, motor drive information is received by the serial communication, and drive control of the motor is performed according to the information. At the same time, various information (focal length, etc.) of the lens is sent to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a liquid crystal display circuit, which drives liquid crystal displays 11 and 12 for notifying the photographer of the remaining battery power of the camera, the number of shots, the TV value, the AV value, the exposure correction amount and the like. The liquid crystal display circuit 3 performs serial communication via DBUS while receiving the DPCOM signal from the microcomputer 1, receives display data by the serial communication, and receives the liquid crystal displays 11, 12 according to the data.
Drive. The data transmitted from the serial communication includes information on which part of the segment is to be blinked, and when the data is received, the designated segment of the liquid crystal displays 11 and 12 is blinked accordingly. Display.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a switch sense circuit which reads the state of a switch for setting a photographing condition by a photographer and a switch indicating the state of the camera, and sends the read state to the microcomputer 1. The switch sense circuit 4 sends switch data to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication via DBUS while receiving the SWCOM signal. In addition, the dial value is counted up / counted down according to the input value of the electronic dial 10, and while receiving the SWCOM signal, the count value is transmitted to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication via DBUS.

Further, the switch sense circuit 4 is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the state of the focus detection area selection switches 1A to 1C arranged on the back cover of the camera is read and sent to the microcomputer 1.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a flash light emission dimming control circuit which controls a flash light emission function and a light emission stop function by TTL light adjustment. This strobe light emission dimming control circuit 5 includes an STCO
While receiving the M signal, the microcomputer 1 performs serial communication with the microcomputer 1 via DBUS, receives data related to strobe control, and performs various controls. The circuit 5 also has an interface function when an external strobe is attached to the camera. For this reason, when an external strobe is attached, communication is performed with the external strobe to send information such as whether or not there is an auxiliary light to the microcomputer 1. Conversely, it also has a role of transmitting a control signal from the microcomputer 1 to the external flash 14.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a focus detection circuit, which comprises a line sensor for performing AF (autofocus) by an existing phase difference detection method, and a circuit for storing and reading out the line sensor. Is controlled by The microcomputer 1 performs focus detection by an existing algorithm based on the A / D value of the sensor output, calculates the lens drive amount, and calculates the lens drive amount by the lens control circuit 2 so that the lens is focused. And drives the lens to focus. The camera according to the present embodiment has three focus detection areas 1a to 1c in a shooting screen as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a photometry circuit which performs photometry of a subject and sends a photometry output to the microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 performs A / D conversion of the sent photometric output and uses it for calculation of exposure conditions (aperture, shutter speed).

Reference numeral 8 denotes a shutter control circuit, which controls the running of a shutter first curtain and a rear curtain (not shown) according to a control signal of the microcomputer 1.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a feed motor / charge motor control circuit which feeds (winds up and rewinds) the film in accordance with a control signal from the microcomputer 1. The motor control circuit 9 also controls a mirror up / charge (mirror down) motor.

SW1 is a switch for starting the operation of the camera. When the microcomputer 1 recognizes that the SW1 has been turned on, it starts photometry, focus detection and display control.

The switch SW2 is linked with the release switch of the camera. When the microcomputer 1 recognizes that the switch SW2 has been turned on, the exposure operation is started.

The X contact is turned on at the timing when the front curtain of the shutter runs, and notifies the strobe light emission control circuit 5 of the strobe light emission timing.

SW3 is a camera mode (TV priority, AV
Switch for switching between priority, manual, program, etc.).

SW4 is a focus detection mode switch of the camera, which switches between a one-shot mode and a servo mode.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an electronic dial for changing a TV value, an AV value, a mode, and the like. For example, when the electronic dial 10 is rotated while the mode change switch SW3 is turned on, TV priority → AV priority → manual → program →
The mode is changed in the order of TV priority → AV priority → manual → program #, so that the mode intended by the photographer can be set. Also, when the electronic dial 10 is rotated in the reverse direction, the mode is changed to program → manual → AV priority → TV priority → program → ‥‥.

Further, when the TV priority mode is set by the mode changeover switch SW3 and the electronic dial 10, the user can set a desired TV value by rotating the electronic dial 10. Also,
When the AV priority mode is set by the mode switch SW3 and the electronic dial 10, the AV value desired by the photographer can be set by rotating the electronic dial 10.

SW4 is a switch for setting the AV value at the time of manual operation, and a mode switch SW3.
When the manual mode is set by the electronic dial 10 and the electronic dial 10 is rotated without turning on the switch SW4, the TV value is set by increasing / decreasing the TV value by the amount of rotation. Can be. Further, by turning the electronic dial 10 while turning on the switch SW4, the AV value can be set up / down by increasing / decreasing the AV value by the amount of rotation.

An external display device 11 is driven by the liquid crystal display circuit 3. Reference numeral 12 denotes a liquid crystal display device in the finder, which is driven by the liquid crystal display circuit 3.

An interchangeable lens 13 is controlled through the lens control circuit 2. Reference numeral 14 denotes an external flash, which is controlled through the flash light emission dimming control circuit 5. The frame strobe 14 has a power source different from that of the camera body. Reference numeral 15 denotes a built-in auxiliary light driving circuit for auto focus.

The control unit (microcomputer 1) configured as described above operates according to the program shown in the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the camera is turned on, the mode is switched and various set values are switched based on the information of the switch sense circuit 4 at (301), and the display data is corrected by communicating with the liquid crystal drive circuit 3. I do. Here, the state of the focus detection area selection switches 1A to 1C is also read.

At (302), it is determined whether or not SW1 is ON. If SW1 is ON, (30) for photometry / focus detection is determined.
Go to 6), and if it is OFF, go to (303).

At (303), it is determined whether or not the power is to be turned off.
If not, return to (301). That is, when the power of the camera is turned on, the power is kept on for a certain period of time to check the state of the SW and switch the display. Then, in (304), the display of unnecessary portions inside and outside the viewfinder of the camera is turned off by the liquid crystal display circuit 3, the power is turned off, and the control is ended in (305).

On the other hand, in (306), the photometry circuit 7 performs photometry of the object, and performs A / D conversion on a plurality of photometric outputs.
Calculation of exposure conditions (aperture, shutter speed) is performed from a plurality of photometry results.

Next, at (307), auto focus is performed. Here, first, an area for focus detection is selected by the program shown in FIG. When the focus detection area selection program is entered in (500), the focus detection area selection switches 1A to 1C are used by using the switch sense circuit 4 in (501).
Detect the state of. When it is determined in step (502) that any one of the focus detection area selection switches has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step (505), and it is determined that none of the focus detection area selection switches 1A to 1C has been turned ON. The process proceeds to (503).

In (503), since the focus detection area is not arbitrarily selected, focus detection is performed in all the focus detection areas, and the focus detection area used for the auto focus control is automatically determined based on the focus detection information. Select and perform auto focus control.

On the other hand, in (505), focus detection is performed only in the focus detection area corresponding to the focus detection area selection switch that has been turned on, and automatic focus control is performed.

The auto focus control is performed by a program shown in FIG. When the auto focus control program is entered in (401), it is first determined in (402) whether auxiliary light is necessary. If the auxiliary light is required, the process proceeds to (403), and if the auxiliary light is not required, the process proceeds to (404). Here, as a criterion for determining whether or not the auxiliary light is necessary, the contrast of the sensor output or the like is used. If any one of a plurality of selected focus detection areas needs auxiliary light, focus detection is performed using the auxiliary light.

In (403), the built-in auxiliary light driving circuit 15
To turn on the built-in auxiliary light (not shown). When the external flash 14 is mounted, the external flash 14 communicates with the external flash 14 via the flash emission dimming circuit 5 to turn on the auxiliary light built in the external flash.

In (404), the selected AF (not shown)
The image is accumulated in the sensor, and in (405), the auxiliary light is turned off.

Next, at step (406), the defocus amount of the selected focus detection area is calculated, and at step (407), the calculated defocus amount is converted into a lens drive amount via the lens control circuit 2. The driving amount is communicated to the lens 13, and the focus lens is moved to the focus position. And (40
Proceed to 8) and end the auto focus control.

After performing the photometric control (306) and the autofocus control (307) in this way, the process proceeds to (308), where the AV value / TV value calculated in (306) is applied to the liquid crystal display device in the finder by the liquid crystal display circuit 3. 12 and the external display device 11. Further, when the focus is achieved in (307), an in-focus display is also performed.

Next, at (309), it is determined whether or not the camera is in a state in which release is permitted. For example,
If the AF mode is the "one-shot mode", the release is permitted if the focus detection result in (307) is in focus, and the flow proceeds to (310). If not in focus, (302)
To check the SW. Here, SW1 is ON
In this case, photometry / focus detection / display is performed again.

At (310), it is determined whether or not the switch SW2 is ON, and it is determined whether or not to proceed to the release operation after (311). When SW2 is ON, the process proceeds to (311), and when SW2 is OFF, the process returns to (302). Here, when SW1 is ON, photometry / focus detection / display is performed again.

From (311), the release control of the camera is started. Here, first, the mirror is raised by the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9, and (3)
The aperture amount determined in step 06) is communicated to the lens 13 by the lens control circuit 2, and the aperture operation is performed to obtain the set exposure amount.

Next, at (312), the running control of the shutter first curtain and the rear curtain (not shown) is performed using the shutter control circuit 8 so as to obtain the TV amount determined at (306). Then, in (313), the mirror is lowered by the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9, and at the same time, the shutter is charged, and the lens control circuit 2 communicates with the lens 13 to return the narrowed aperture to the open state.

Subsequently, at (314), the film is wound up in accordance with the control signal from the microcomputer 1 by using the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9, and (3)
Return to 02).

Next, the relationship between the focus detection area and the focus detection area selection switch in the camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1A, the viewfinder (photographing screen) of this camera has
Two focus detection areas 1a to 1c are provided. Also,
As shown in FIG. 1B, three focus detection area selection switches 1A to 1C are provided on the back lid of the camera in a row.

When the switch 1A is turned on, the focus detection area 1a is selected, when the switch 1B is turned on, the focus detection area 1b is selected, and when the switch 1C is turned on, the focus detection area 1c is set. Selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switches 1A-
1C has the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 1a to 1c. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
4 illustrates a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of the camera according to the embodiment. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6A, five focus detection areas 6a to 6e arranged in a cross shape are provided in a finder (photographing screen) of the camera of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6B, five focus detection area selection switches 6A to 6C arranged in a cross are provided on the back lid of the camera.
E is provided.

When the switch 6A is turned on, the focus detection area 6a is selected. When the switch 6B is turned on, the focus detection area 6b is selected. When the switch 6C is turned on, the focus detection area 6c is turned on. Selected. When the switch 6D is turned on, the focus detection area 6d
Is selected, and when the switch 6E is turned on, the focus detection area 6e is selected.

The focus detection area selection switches 6A to 6A
6E has the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 6a to 6e. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
4 illustrates a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of the camera according to the embodiment. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7A, nine focus detection areas 7a to 7i arranged in three rows and three columns are provided in the viewfinder (photographing screen) of the camera of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7B, nine focus detection area selection switches 7A to 7I arranged in three rows and three columns are provided on the back lid of the camera.

Then, as in the first and second embodiments, when the switches 7A to 7I are turned ON, the focus detection area 7a, which shows the correspondence between uppercase and lowercase letters, respectively.
To 7i are selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switches 7A-
7I have the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 7a to 7i. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
4 illustrates a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of the camera according to the embodiment. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8A, 15 focus detection areas 8a to 8o arranged in 3 rows and 5 columns are provided in the finder (photographing screen) of the camera of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8B, 15 focus detection area selection switches 8A to 80 are arranged on the back lid of the camera in three rows and five columns.

When the switches 8A to 8O are turned ON, the focus detection areas 8a to 8o, each of which corresponds to a capital letter and a small letter, are selected as in the above-described embodiments.

The focus detection area selection switches 8A to 8A
8O has the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 8a to 8o. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
4 illustrates a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of the camera according to the embodiment. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in the finder (photographing screen) of the camera according to the present embodiment, five focus detection areas 9d to 9h arranged in one horizontal line are provided at both ends and the center. Focus detection areas 9a to 9 above and below the area
There are provided a total of 11 focus detection areas in which c, 9i to 9k are added.

As shown in FIG. 9B, on the back of the camera, five focus detection area selection switches 9D to 9H arranged in one horizontal line are provided. Focus detection area selection switches 9A to 9C, one at a time
A total of 11 focus detection area selection switches to which 9I to 9K are added are provided.

When the switches 9A to 9K are turned ON as in the above-described embodiments, the focus detection areas 9a to 9k whose correspondence is indicated by uppercase and lowercase letters are selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switches 9A to 9A
9K has the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 9a to 9k. For this reason, even if the focus detection areas are arranged in a complicated manner as in the present embodiment, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and furthermore, the focus detection can be performed. A desired focus detection area can be selectively set only by one ON operation of the area selection switch.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows the relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10A, five focus detection areas 10a to 10e arranged in a cross shape are provided in a finder (photographing screen) of the camera of this embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, five focus detection area selection switches 10A to 10E arranged in a cross shape are provided on the back lid of the camera.

When the switches 10A to 10E are turned on, as in the above-described embodiments, the focus detection areas 10a to 10e corresponding to upper and lower case letters respectively indicate the correspondence.
0e is selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switch 10A
10E to 10E have the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 10a to 10e. Also, focus detection area 1
While 0b to 10d are set as cross-shaped areas corresponding to the cross sensors, the focus detection area selection switches 10B to 10D are also formed in a cross shape. For this reason, the photographer can recognize which focus detection area selection switch corresponds to which focus detection area with the sensation of a fingertip, and accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected. can do. Moreover, a desired focus detection area can be selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows the relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11A, nine focus detection areas 11a to 11i arranged in three rows and three columns are provided in the viewfinder (photographing screen) of the camera of this embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, nine focus detection area selection switches 11A to 11I arranged in three rows and three columns are provided on the back cover of the camera.

When the switches 11A to 11I are turned on, as in the above embodiments, the focus detection areas 11a to 11a corresponding to the uppercase and lowercase letters respectively correspond to each other.
1i is selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switch 11A
11I have the same number and the same arrangement relation with respect to the focus detection areas 11a to 11i. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

By the way, each focus detection area selection switch 1
A light emitter such as an LED is attached to each of 1A to 11I, and the light emitter is turned on when an ON operation is performed. Further, the finder also has a built-in device for illuminating the periphery of the selected focus detection area. Therefore, for example, when the focus detection area selection switch 11C is turned ON as shown in FIG.
The illuminant attached to the camera 1C is turned on to allow the photographer to clearly recognize the switch operated on the external appearance of the camera, and the focus detection area 11 in the viewfinder.
The area around c is also illuminated, and the photographer can clearly recognize the selected focus detection area while looking through the viewfinder.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows the relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12A, three focus detection areas 12a to 12c arranged in one horizontal line are provided in a finder (photographing screen) of the camera of the present embodiment. Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, three focus detection area selection switches 12A to 12C arranged in one horizontal row are provided on the back cover of the camera.

When the switches 12A to 12C are turned ON as in the above-described embodiments, the focus detection areas 12a to 1c corresponding to upper and lower case letters respectively indicate the correspondence.
2c is selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switch 12A
12C have the same number and the same arrangement relationship with respect to the focus detection areas 12a to 12c. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

By the way, each of the focus detection area selection switches 12A to 12C of this embodiment is OFF (not operated).
Is a protruding state, and when it is turned on, it is in a retracted state and is kept in a retracted state until it is pushed again or another switch is turned on. The finder also has a built-in device for illuminating the periphery of the selected focus detection area. Therefore, for example, when the focus detection area selection switch 12C is turned on as shown in FIG.
2C is retracted more than the other switches 12A and 12B, so that the photographer can clearly recognize the switch operated with the appearance of the camera or the sense of a fingertip, and also illuminates the periphery of the focus detection area 12c in the viewfinder. This allows the photographer to clearly recognize the selected focus detection area while looking through the viewfinder.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 13 shows the relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The control of the camera according to the present embodiment is performed by a program similar to the program described in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13A, 15 focus detection areas 13a to 13o arranged in three horizontal rows and five vertical rows are provided in a finder (photographing screen) of the camera of this embodiment. Also, as shown in FIG. 13B, 15 focus detection area selection switches 13A to 130 are arranged on the back lid of the camera in three rows and five columns.

When the switches 13A to 13O are turned ON as in the above-described embodiments, the focus detection areas 13a to 13a corresponding to uppercase and lowercase letters respectively correspond to each other.
3o is selected.

Here, the focus detection area selection switch 13A
１３130 are the same number and have the same arrangement relationship with respect to the focus detection areas 13a〜13o. For this reason, the photographer can accurately operate the focus detection area selection switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and the desired focus detection area is selected and set by only one ON operation of the focus detection area selection switch. can do.

The focus detection area selection switches 13A to 13O of this embodiment are formed on one piezoelectric element unit in this embodiment. Therefore, the structure around the back cover and the switches can be simplified as compared with the case where many independent focus detection area selection switches are provided on the back cover.

The number and arrangement of the focus detection areas and the selection switches described in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is applicable to cameras having other numbers and arrangements of focus detection areas and selection switches. Can be applied.

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since a plurality of focus detection areas and a plurality of focus detection area selection switches are arranged in the same number and the same arrangement, the photographer can accurately operate the switch corresponding to the focus detection area to be selected, and one of the switches can be operated. A desired focus detection area can be selected and set only by performing the operation once.

When a plurality of switches are formed in the same shape as the corresponding focus detection areas, the positional relationship between the switches and the focus detection areas can be clarified, and the accuracy of the selection operation can be improved.

Further, if each switch is provided with a display means such as a luminous body for indicating that the switch has been operated, or if each switch is not operated, the switch is in a protruding state and if operated, the switch is in a retracted state. The switches operated by the photographer can be known at a glance, and the usability can be improved.

Further, if the plurality of switches arranged on the back surface (back cover or the like) of the camera are formed on the piezoelectric element unit, the configuration of the back cover and the entire operation means can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the camera.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the control unit.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the control unit.

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the control unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a focus detection area and a focus detection area selection switch of a camera according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: microcomputer 2: lens control circuit 3: liquid crystal display circuit 4: switch sense circuit 5: strobe light emission dimming control circuit 6: multipoint focus detection circuit 7: photometry circuit 8: shutter control circuit 9: motor control circuit 10: Electronic dial 11: External display member 12: Internal display member 13: Interchangeable lens 14: External strobe 15: Built-in auxiliary light drive circuit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A camera having operation means for selecting an area for performing focus detection from among a plurality of focus detection areas provided in a shooting screen, wherein the operation means has the same number as the plurality of focus detection areas; A camera comprising a plurality of switches arranged in the same manner as the arrangement of the plurality of focus detection areas in the photographing screen. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of switches is formed in the same shape as a corresponding focus detection area. 3. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying that each of the plurality of switches has been operated. 4. The camera according to claim 3, wherein said display means is a light emitter which is turned on when operated. 5. The camera according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of switches is in a protruding state when not operated, and is in a retracted state when operated. 6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of switches are formed on a piezoelectric element unit. 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of switches are provided on a back surface of the camera.