JPH11212177A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent shake at the time of release operation to start and stop time exposure photographing without using cable release and to save power. SOLUTION: When a release signal RL1 is given from a release switch 18 or a remote control release signal RCS1 is received by a remote control reception part 20, in a time exposure mode, a camera control part 11 performs photometry and range-finding and extends a lens based on the result of the range- finding. When a release signal RL2 is given or the signal RCS1 is received, the control part 11 controls a shutter driving system 17 to open a shutter and turns on the power source of the reception part 20. Furthermore, when the signal RL2 is given or a remote control release signal RCS2 is received, the control part 11 closes the shutter and controls to feed the film by one frame by a film driving system 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement of a camera having a long-time exposure function, and more particularly to a time exposure function of starting and opening a shutter by a predetermined operation and closing and stopping the shutter by a next predetermined operation. The present invention relates to a camera including:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional camera using a silver halide film, for example, when photographing a low-brightness subject such as photographing under a low light quantity, a long exposure time is used to compensate for the lack of light quantity and a long exposure time. Shooting is taking place. Such long-exposure shooting includes, in addition to long-time exposure by automatic exposure, shooting using a time-exposure function and a bulb function provided in a camera as a long-time exposure shooting function by manual operation. The time exposure function is a function for keeping the shutter open all the time from the release operation to the next release operation, and the valve function is a function for keeping the shutter open only while the release button is pressed.

In recent years, electronic control systems of cameras have been advanced, and most cameras are operated by battery power. In the long-time exposure shooting as described above, the control state must be maintained for a long time with the shutter open, and during that time, the power is continuously supplied to the electronic circuits that are not necessarily required. For this reason, long-exposure shooting consumes a battery as a power source earlier. In order to extend the life of the power supply battery, it is necessary to take measures against battery consumption in long-exposure shooting.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-295058 discloses a camera in which the finder illumination for finder display is low during the film exposure period. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-295058 discloses that the finder illumination is turned off or blinks during long exposure, or the finder illumination is turned on during short exposure and the finder illumination is turned off during long exposure. Are also shown. Also, JP-A-8-179396 discloses that
During long-time exposure, DC-
Shown is a camera adapted to halt operation of a DC (DC-DC) converter. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-179
In the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
By stopping the C-DC converter, the power consumption of the DC-DC converter itself is reduced, and the DC-DC converter
It is shown that shutting down the converter also limits power supply to other unwanted circuits.

[0005]

On the other hand, in long-time exposure photography such as the time exposure function described above, the shutter is kept open for a long time. As a matter of course, if the camera slightly moves while the shutter is open, a blur occurs in the captured image, so that a favorable captured result cannot be obtained. Except for the case where blur is intentionally generated, no blur should occur during photographing. However, as described above, at the time of long-time exposure shooting, in order to keep the shutter open for a long time, a release operation such as pressing a release button is performed.
There is a high risk of camera movement and blurring.

[0006] For this reason, in general, during long-time exposure photography, the camera is fixed by a tripod or the like, and a release operation is performed via a cable release or the like so as to prevent blurring. However, even if a cable release is used, it is difficult to completely prevent vibration of a tripod or the like holding the camera. In addition, the cable release itself is bulky and thus unsuitable for carrying, and requires special parts such as a release socket for attaching the cable release to the camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and effectively prevents the occurrence of camera shake during a release operation for starting and stopping long-time exposure, particularly time-exposure shooting, without using a cable release. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera which can be simplified and has a simple configuration on the camera side and can reduce the space and the like. An object of claim 1 of the present invention is to enable a release operation for time exposure shooting to be performed without contact with the camera body, to prevent camera shake during the release operation, and to further reduce the camera body side configuration and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that requires less space and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of reducing current consumption on the camera body during a time exposure operation. The object of claim 3 of the present invention is to
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera capable of effectively suppressing current consumption on the camera body during a time exposure operation. An object of a fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of preventing an excessive current consumption on the camera body side during a time exposure operation. A further object of the present invention is to provide a camera which can reduce the current consumption of the camera body during the time exposure operation more effectively without impairing the operability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of effectively suppressing the occurrence of camera shake caused by a normal release operation during a time exposure operation. An object of claim 7 of the present invention is to provide a camera which can clearly define the start and stop of the time exposure operation. An object of claim 8 of the present invention is to provide a camera that can clearly define the start and stop of the time exposure operation without adversely affecting photographing. An object of a ninth aspect of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of automatically canceling the time exposure operation when performing another operation during the time exposure operation.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera according to the present invention, wherein the shutter is opened by opening a shutter by a predetermined operation, and the shutter is opened by a next predetermined operation. In a camera having a time exposure function of closing and stopping, a release switch means provided on the camera body and generating a direct release signal for performing a direct release operation, and a remote control signal from a remote control device for performing a remote control And a remote release signal supplied from the release switch means, a remote control signal supplied through the remote control reception means, and a start and a time of the time exposure function based on at least one of a combination thereof. Camera control means for controlling the stop. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera according to the present invention, wherein the remote control receiving means operates by energization, and the camera control means controls a time exposure from when the time exposure function starts until when the time exposure function stops. It is characterized in that it includes means for controlling so as to intermittently energize the remote control receiving means during photographing. In the camera according to the present invention as set forth in claim 3, the remote control receiving unit is operated by energization, and the camera control unit performs the time exposure shooting from the time when the time exposure function starts until the time exposure function stops. It is characterized in that it includes means for providing a predetermined limit to the energizing time to the remote control receiving means and controlling the energizing time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera, the camera control means sets an operation limit time in a time exposure shooting period from when the time exposure function starts to when the time exposure function stops. And a means for controlling the time exposure function to be forcibly stopped when the time has elapsed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the camera system is stopped in a shutter open state, the shutter open state is maintained as it is, the remote control receiving means is operated by energization, and the camera control is performed. During the time exposure shooting from the time when the time exposure function starts until the time exposure function stops, only the means for stopping the time exposure function including the remote control receiving means is energized, and other camera systems are activated. In response to the operation of the means for stopping the time exposure function including the reception of the remote control signal in the remote control receiving means, the remote control receiving means includes a control means for restoring the other camera system. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the present invention, when the time exposure function is activated by the release switch means, the camera control means actually starts the shutter from the operation of the release switch means. It is characterized by including means for controlling to give a predetermined delay time before opening. The camera according to the present invention according to claim 7, wherein the camera control means starts and stops the time exposure function by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means,
It is characterized by including means for displaying a start and a stop.

In the camera according to the present invention, when the camera control means starts and stops the time exposure function by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means, the camera can start and stop immediately before the start. It is characterized in that it includes means for displaying the light emission immediately after. 10. The camera according to claim 9, wherein the camera control means operates a mode setting switch for setting an operation mode including a time mode and a main switch off of the camera system, and an opening / closing operation of a back cover. Means for controlling to stop the time exposure function based on at least one of opening detection of a back cover switch for detecting an operation of the camera and manual rewind switch for manually instructing film winding. It is characterized by.

[0016]

The camera according to claim 1 of the present invention has
In a camera having a time exposure function of starting and opening a shutter by a predetermined operation and closing and stopping the shutter by a next predetermined operation, a remote control receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from a remote control device for performing a remote control is provided. The camera control means is provided based on at least one of a direct release signal provided from release switch means for performing a direct release operation, a remote control signal supplied via the remote control receiving means, and a combination thereof. The start and stop of the time exposure function are controlled. With such a configuration, a release operation for starting and stopping time exposure shooting by a remote control signal from a remote control device can be performed, and time exposure shooting can be performed in a non-contact manner without using a cable release. Therefore, the occurrence of blur can be effectively prevented, and the configuration on the camera body side and the space for the configuration are not required.

Further, the camera according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises:
The remote control receiving means is configured to operate by energization,
And the camera control means, during the time exposure shooting from the start of the time exposure function until the stop,
The energization of the remote control receiving means is performed intermittently. With such a configuration, in particular, current consumption of the remote control receiving unit during the time exposure operation can be suppressed, and current consumption on the camera body side can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the third aspect of the present invention, the remote control receiving means is operated by energization, and the camera control means performs time exposure shooting from the time when the time exposure function starts until the time exposure function stops. The power supply time to the remote control receiving means is controlled by setting a predetermined limit. With such a configuration, in particular, the current consumption of the remote control receiving unit during the time exposure operation can be limited to a predetermined time, and the current consumption of the camera body can be effectively suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera, the camera control means sets an operation limit time in a time exposure shooting period from when the time exposure function starts to when the time exposure function stops, and when the operation limit time elapses. The time exposure function is forcibly stopped. According to such a configuration, in particular, the time exposure operation period is limited to a predetermined time, and it is possible to prevent an excessive current consumption on the camera body side during the time exposure operation.

In a camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the camera system is stopped in a shutter open state, the shutter open state is maintained as it is, the remote control receiving means is operated by energization, and the camera control means is provided. However, during the time exposure shooting from the start to the stop of the time exposure function, only the means for stopping the time exposure function including the remote control receiving means is energized, and other camera systems are stopped. Then, the other camera system is restored in response to the operation of the means for stopping the time exposure function including the reception of the remote control signal by the remote control receiving means. With such a configuration, in particular, the camera system other than the function of stopping the time exposure during the time exposure operation is stopped, and the current consumption of the camera body during the time exposure operation can be reduced more effectively.

In a camera according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the time exposure function is activated by the release switch means, the camera control means operates from the operation of the release switch means until the shutter is actually opened. Give a predetermined delay time. With such a configuration, the shutter is opened later than the release operation, particularly at the time of the time exposure start by the normal release operation, and the occurrence of camera shake due to the normal release operation during the time exposure operation is effectively suppressed. Can be.

In a camera according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the camera control means displays start and stop when starting and stopping the time exposure by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means. With such a configuration, particularly, the start and stop of the time exposure operation by the remote control operation can be clarified.

In the camera according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the camera control means starts and stops the time exposure function by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means, it emits light immediately before the start and immediately after the stop. Let it. With such a configuration, in particular, the reflection of the light-emitting display can be prevented, and the start and stop of the time exposure operation can be clarified without adversely affecting the shooting.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the camera, the camera control means operates a mode setting switch for setting an operation mode including a main mode, turning off a main switch of the camera system, and a time mode, and opening and closing the back cover. The time exposure function is stopped based on at least one of the detection of the opening of the back cover switch for detecting the rewind and the operation of the manual rewind switch for manually instructing the film winding. With such a configuration,
In particular, when an operation other than the time exposure stop operation is performed during the time exposure operation, the time exposure operation can be automatically released in an emergency.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a camera according to the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG.
1 shows a configuration of a main part of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This first embodiment corresponds to claim 1 of the present invention.
Corresponding to The camera shown in FIG.
System power supply 12, main switch 13, film drive system 14, lens drive system 15, exposure control system 16, shutter drive system 17, release switch 18, mode setting switch 19, remote control receiver 20, MR (manual rewind) switch 21, A back cover switch 22 and a remote control device 30 are provided.

The camera control section 11 constitutes a camera control means and controls the operation of the whole camera. System power supply 12
Is a power supply using a battery that generates power for operating the entire camera. The system power supply 12 supplies power DCDC to the camera control unit 11. The main switch 13 is a switch for turning on / off the power supply from the system power supply 12, and supplies a switch signal MAIN to the camera control unit 11 to turn on the operation of the entire camera including the operation of the camera control unit 11. / Off.

The film drive system 14 winds up and feeds the film one by one every time one frame is shot, and rewinds by manual instruction when the shooting of all the frames of the loaded film is completed or by the MR switch 21. When (rewind) is requested, the film is rewound. When the manual rewind is requested by the MR switch 21, the film drive system 14 controls the film drive system 14 to simply allow the manual rewinding of the film, thereby enabling the film to be rewound by a manual handle operation. It may be configured as follows. The lens drive system 15 includes a distance measurement system such as an autofocus, and performs a distance measurement in response to, for example, an operation of a first stage of a release switch 18, and further drives a photographing lens system according to the result of the distance measurement. , And controls the lens extension amount.

The exposure control system 16 includes a strobe system such as a photometric unit, a strobe light emitting unit, and a strobe control system. For example, in response to the operation of the first stage of the release switch 18, the photometry is performed prior to the distance measurement. Further, the shutter opening time, the amount of flash light emission, and the like are set and controlled so as to obtain an appropriate exposure according to the photometric result. The shutter drive system 17 controls the shutter, and opens and closes the shutter for a shutter open time based on the control of the exposure control system 16. The release switch 18 is a switch that constitutes release switch means and is operated by operating a release button (not shown), and provides a direct release signal to the camera controller 11.

The direct release signal supplied from the release switch 18 to the camera control unit 11 includes a first-stage release that occurs when the release button is operated halfway (ie, when the release button is half-pressed). There is a signal RL1 and a second-stage release signal RL2 generated when the release button is operated in the second stage, that is, when the release button is fully pressed (in a state where the release button is completely depressed). The mode setting switch 19 is operated by operating the camera control unit 11.
To set the operation mode of the camera including the timer exposure shooting mode.

The remote controller 30 has an operation unit (not shown) for instructing start and stop of time exposure in time exposure photographing, and according to the operation of the operation unit,
For example, a remote control code signal such as an infrared remote control code, that is, a remote control code signal is generated. The remote control receiving section 20 constitutes a remote control receiving section, and the power supply output V supplied from the camera control section 11
Operating in the RM, it receives a remote control code signal such as an infrared remote control code from the remote control device 30 and supplies the remote control signal to the camera control unit 11. The remote control signal includes a first remote control release signal RCS1 for starting time exposure shooting, a second remote control release signal RCS2 for stopping time exposure shooting, and the like.

The MR switch 21 is a switch for supplying a manual rewind, that is, a manual rewind signal MR for requesting rewinding by manual operation, to the camera control unit 11. As described above, the manual rewind signal MR by the MR switch 21 may be a signal requesting that the film be rewound simply by a manual handle operation. The back cover switch 22 responds to the opening and closing operations of the back cover of the camera, respectively.
LS is supplied to the camera control unit 11.

That is, the camera controller 11 is turned on / off by the main switch 13 and operates in the mode set by the mode setting switch 19 to switch the system power supply 1.
2 operates using the electric power supplied from the power supply 2. The camera control unit 11 controls the lens drive system 15, the exposure control system 16, and the shutter drive system 17 based on the operation of the release switch 18 to shoot one frame at a time. The control unit 14 controls to wind up and feed one frame of film. When all the frames of the loaded film have been shot, the camera controller 11 controls the film drive system 14 to automatically rewind the film.

When the time exposure mode is set by the mode setting switch 19, the camera control section 11 transmits at least the release signal from the release switch 18 and the remote control release signal from the remote control device 30 received by the remote control receiving section 20. In response to one, the time exposure shooting is started and stopped. Further, during time exposure shooting (after start), the camera control unit 11 operates when the main switch 13 is turned off, when the mode setting switch 19 is operated, when the MR switch 21 instructs manual winding, Whenever the back cover switch 22 detects the opening of the back cover, the time exposure is immediately released and stopped, the shutter is closed, and the film is wound up by one frame.

Camera control unit 11 as camera control means
Is a part that controls all sequences in the camera, such as photographing and film feeding, as described above, and is typically configured by an IC (integrated circuit) such as a control microcomputer. IC constituting the camera control unit 11
In addition to the control microcomputer, a custom IC such as a control gate array can be used. Remote control receiving unit 20 as remote control receiving means
Is constituted by a remote control receiving IC or the like having a function of receiving, demodulating and waveform shaping an infrared remote control code signal,
A remote control signal reception waveform is supplied to the camera control unit 11.

The remote control receiving section 20 can also be constituted by using a combination of an SPD (silicon photodetector), a filter, an amplifier IC, and a waveform shaper IC, or an IC having a plurality of functions among them.
Of course, the above-described camera control unit 11 and remote control receiving unit 20 can be configured using a discrete circuit instead of an IC. By operating the release switch 18, the camera performs photometry and distance measurement, extends the lens, opens and closes the shutter, performs photographing, and performs film feeding.

As described above, the release switch 18
Is a switch that operates in two stages. The first stage, that is, a half-pressed release signal RL1 in which the release button is pressed halfway, performs photometry, distance measurement, and lens extension, and the second stage, that is, the release button. The shutter is opened and closed and the film is fed by the release signal RL2 in the fully-pressed state where the is fully pressed. The function allocation by the release switch 18 may be changed as desired or according to the situation. Alternatively, the release switch 18 may be configured as a single-stage switch, and the entire operation may be executed by operating the release switch.

The mode setting switch 19 can be used to set the mode to the time exposure mode. Basically, when the mode setting switch 19 is turned on, the camera control unit 11 is set to the time mode. . In the time mode, when the release switch 18 is pressed (for example, the second-stage release signal RL2), the time exposure shooting operation starts, the shutter drive system 17 is controlled via the camera control unit 11, and the shutter is opened. In this state, when the release switch 18 is pressed again (for example, the second-stage release signal RL2), the camera control unit 11 closes the shutter via the shutter drive system 17, and the film drive system 1
The film is wound up via 4 and the shooting is completed.

The mode setting switch 19 may be configured so that the time exposure mode can be selected as one of many other photographing modes. The start and stop of the time exposure photographing in the time exposure mode are also release switches. The control may be performed by using either the release signal RL1 of the first stage or the release signal RL2 of the second stage.

Next, the operation of the camera configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The process shown in FIG. 2 is a mode switching process of the camera control unit 11 in response to the operation of the mode setting switch 19. In a normal state, the apparatus is in a standby state (step S1). In the standby state, it is monitored whether or not the mode has been changed by operating the mode setting switch 19 (step S2). If there is no mode change, monitoring of the mode change in the standby state is continued, and when the mode change is detected, the camera control unit 11 sets the selected operation mode (step S3).

It is checked whether or not the set mode is the time exposure mode (step S4). If the mode is the time exposure mode, the camera control unit 11 turns on the power of the remote control receiving unit 20 and changes the power output VRM. Remote control receiver 2
0 (step S5). If it is determined in step S4 that the operation mode set in step S3 is not the time exposure mode, the process returns to step S1, and
It goes into a standby state.

The process shown in FIG. 3 is a process in the time exposure mode of the camera controller 11. In a normal state, the apparatus is in a standby state (step S11).
Operation of release switch 18 or remote control receiver 20
Of the remote control release signal is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the release signal RL1 of the first stage is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 operates the remote control switch 3
0, the remote control code from the remote control receiving unit 2 is detected.
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received at 0, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then the lens drive system 1
5, the distance is measured (step S14), and the lens is extended based on the result of the distance measurement (step S15).

In step S12, if there is no operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state. With the lens extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16), and the release switch 18 is further depressed to turn on the second stage. The release signal RL2 of the operated second stage is given, or the first remote control release signal R
When CS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
Controls the shutter drive system 17 to open the shutter (step S17), and outputs the power output V to the remote control receiver 20.
The RM is supplied (step S18) (if the power supply output VRM has already been supplied to the remote control receiver 20, the state is continued).

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S19), the second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again, and the second stage release signal RL2 is given again, or When the second remote control release signal RCS2 is received by the remote control receiving unit 20, the camera control unit 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close the shutter (step S2).
0), one frame of film is fed by the film drive system 14 (step S21), and the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state. In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control unit 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and returns to step S11. Continue monitoring in the standby state.

As described above, when the time exposure mode is entered, the remote control receiving unit 20 is set to a receivable state,
The time exposure operation can be started by either the release switch 18 or the remote control release signal. In addition, the remote control receiving unit 20 is set in a receivable state even after the start of the time exposure operation, that is, after the shutter is opened, and the time exposure operation is stopped (time exposure release) by either the release switch 18 or the remote control release signal. ) Is possible. With such a configuration, when the influence of camera shake is likely to occur according to the brightness and the situation of the subject, the time exposure operation is controlled by the remote control device 30 or the time exposure operation is performed urgently regardless of the presence or absence of camera shake. When it is necessary or when the user forgets to bring the remote control device 30, the release switch 1
8 also enables time exposure operation.

Conventionally, the operation of time-exposure shooting was started and stopped only by the release switch. Therefore, in order to prevent camera shake, a cable release terminal, a terminal cap and a cable release must be attached to the camera. This was disadvantageous in terms of cost and space. On the other hand, the user had to carry a long and inconvenient cable release, such as always carrying it around or attaching it to the camera as necessary, which is not suitable for modern times. In addition, since the cable release is a so-called wired operation, it was not possible to start and stop the time operation from a place farther than a finite length of the cable release.

In order to realize the above-described system, it is necessary to keep the remote control receiving unit 20 in a receivable state (power-on state) even after the start of the time exposure operation. There is a problem in applying it to a small camera that does not have sufficient capacity of the battery. The solution to this is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the first method according to claim 2 of the present invention. The configuration of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1 similarly to the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG.

In the processing shown in FIG. 4, as in the case of FIG. 3, the apparatus is in a standby state in a steady state (step S1).
1) In the standby state, the operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the first stage release signal RL1 is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 detects a remote control code from the remote control device 30, and the remote control receiving unit 20 1 when the remote control release signal RCS1 is received.
After the photometry is performed via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), the distance is measured by the lens drive system 15 (step S14), and the lens is extended based on the distance measurement result (step S13). S15). In step S12, if there is no operation of the release switch 18 or reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

While the lens is extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16). The eye is turned on and the second-stage release signal RL2 is given, or the remote control receiver 20
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
To open the shutter (step S17) and supply the power output VRM to the remote control receiver 20 (step S18A). In this step S18A, the timer for clocking is reset.

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 (step S19A),
The second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again to supply the second stage release signal RL2 again, or the second remote control release signal RC
When S2 is received, the camera controller 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close the shutter (step S20), and feeds one frame of film by the film drive system 14 (step S21). Then, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state. Step S16
When the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control unit 11
The lens is returned to the initial state via (step S2)
2) Return to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S19A, if there is no next operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20, the timer is checked (step S31), and the set time, for example, 4.5.
After the elapse of ms, the supply of the power supply output VRM to the remote control receiving unit 20 is turned off (step S32), and after waiting for another set time, for example, 4.5 ms (step S32).
33), returning to step S18A, turning on the supply of the power supply output VRM to the remote control receiver 20, and resetting the timer. In step S31, the check in step S19A and the timer check in step S31 are repeated until the set time of the timer elapses.

When no remote control release signal is received,
In step S33, the power supply to the remote control receiver 20 is cut off for about 4.5 ms. During this time, the remote control release signal cannot be received, but the pulse format of the remote control code signal is changed to a waveform as shown in FIG.
By providing a read pulse of 9 ms or more before the remote control command portion, the influence of the power cut can be eliminated, and the remote control code can be reliably received. In the above, to save current consumption,
The energization of the remote control receiving unit 20 is set to intermittent energization to the extent that there is no uncomfortable feeling in response to the stop of the time exposure operation. FIG. 4 shows the first method, in which the remote control receiver 20 is intermittently energized at a time interval of about 1/2 to 1/3 of the identification time of the read pulse of the remote control signal.

In order to reduce the current consumption after the start of the time exposure operation, another method for setting the power supply to the remote control receiving unit 20 to the intermittent power supply to such an extent that the response of the stop of the time exposure operation does not cause an unnatural feeling is as follows. It is a third embodiment of the present invention. This third embodiment is based on a second method according to the second aspect of the present invention. The configuration of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1 similarly to the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG. The method shown in FIG. 6 is suitable when it is not necessary to make such a quick response.
The remote control reception acceptable state and the non-receivable state are repeated every 2 seconds.

In the processing shown in FIG. 6, similarly to the case of FIG.
1) In the standby state, the operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the first stage release signal RL1 is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 detects a remote control code from the remote control switch 30 and the remote control receiving unit 20 When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then performs distance measurement using the lens drive system 15 (step S14). Then, the lens is extended based on the distance measurement result (step S15). Step S1
In step 2, when the release switch 18 is not operated or the remote control receiving unit 20 does not receive the remote control release signal, the process returns to step S11, and the monitoring in the standby state is continued.

With the lens extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20 (step S16). The eye is turned on and the second-stage release signal RL2 is given, or the remote control receiver 20
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
To open the shutter (step S17) and supply the power output VRM to the remote control receiver 20 (step S18A). In this step S18A, the timer for clocking is reset.

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 (step S19A),
The second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again to supply the second stage release signal RL2 again, or the second remote control release signal RC
When S2 is received, the camera controller 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close the shutter (step S20), and feeds one frame of film by the film drive system 14 (step S21). Then, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control unit 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In step S19A, if the next operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 is not performed, the timer is checked (step S31). The supply of the power output VRM to the receiving unit 20 is turned off (step S32), and after further waiting for a predetermined time, for example, 1 to 2 seconds (step S33A), the process returns to step S18A, and the power output VRM to the remote control receiving unit 20 is again returned. Turn on supply and reset timer.

In step S31, the check in step S19A and the timer check in step S31 are repeated until the set time of the timer elapses. If no remote control release signal has been received, in step S33A, the remote control
To cut off the current. During this time, the remote control release signal cannot be received, but by repeatedly transmitting the remote control release signal, the remote control code can be received. In the above description, in order to reduce current consumption, energization to the remote control receiving unit 20 is set to intermittent energization to such an extent that there is no significant problem in response to the stop of the time exposure operation.

The method shown in FIG. 6 is suitable for a case where it is not necessary to make such a quick response, and repeats the state in which remote control reception is possible and the state in which reception is not possible every predetermined time, in this case, every one to two seconds. . Therefore, the timer exposure can be stopped by repeating the remote control operation several times. In addition, the state in which remote control reception is possible and the state in which remote control reception is not possible may be displayed by a display unit such as a lamp (not shown) so that remote control operation can be performed more easily and reliably. Of course, the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set, may be a fixed time, or may be changed as desired.

In order to reduce current consumption after the start of the time exposure operation, the energizing time to the remote control receiving unit 20 is limited, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, control of the stop of the time exposure operation by the remote control device 30 is prohibited. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, only control by the release switch 18 is performed. This fourth embodiment corresponds to claim 3 of the present invention.
It corresponds to. In the fourth embodiment, after starting the time exposure operation, the power of the remote control receiving unit 20 is cut off for a predetermined time, for example, three minutes, to reduce the current consumption, and the time exposure operation is stopped by operating the release switch 18. Configuration that can

The configuration of the camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG. In the process shown in FIG. 7, as in the case of FIG. 3, the stationary state is in the standby state (step S <b> 11).
Operation of release switch 18 or remote control receiver 20
Of the remote control release signal is monitored (step S12).

When the release switch 18 is depressed and the first stage is turned on, the release signal RL1 of the first stage is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 operates the remote control switch 3
0, the remote control code from the remote control receiving unit 2 is detected.
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received at 0, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then the lens drive system 1
5, the distance is measured (step S14), and the lens is extended based on the result of the distance measurement (step S15). In step S12, if there is no operation of the release switch 18 or reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

While the lens is extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20 (step S16). The eye is turned on and the second-stage release signal RL2 is given, or the remote control receiver 20
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
To open the shutter (step S17) and supply the power output VRM to the remote control receiver 20 (step S18A). In this step S18A, the timer for clocking is reset.

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 (step S19A),
The second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again to supply the second stage release signal RL2 again, or the second remote control release signal RC
When S2 is received, the camera controller 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close the shutter (step S20), and feeds one frame of film by the film drive system 14 (step S21). Then, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control section 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In step S19A, if there is no next operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20, the timer is checked (step S31A).
After a lapse of a set time, for example, three minutes or more, the supply of the power output VRM to the remote control receiving unit 20 is turned off (step S32), and the operation of the release switch 18 is further waited (step S35). When the release switch 18 is operated and the release signal RL2 of the second stage is turned on, the process shifts to step S20 to close the shutter and stop the timer exposure operation.

In step S31A, the check in step S19A and the timer check in step S31A are repeated until the set time of the timer elapses. In the above, to save current consumption,
The continuous energization of the remote control receiver 20 is limited to a predetermined time, for example, three minutes, and thereafter the energization is cut off.
In this case, the time exposure operation can be stopped only by the release switch 18 alone.

In this case, the release switch 18,
Further, other time shooting interrupting switches, for example, at least one of the main switch 13, the mode setting switch 19, the MR switch 21, and the back cover switch 22 are assigned to the interrupt port, and the system power supply 12 of the entire camera is turned off in three minutes. The configuration may be such that the current consumption is reduced and the system can be started by operating the release switch 18 or another time interruption switch to stop the time exposure operation. However,
In this case, a shutter that does not close (or does not return) even when the power is cut off in the shutter open state is used. Of course, the predetermined time can be set arbitrarily,
The time may be fixedly set, or may be changed as desired.

In order to reduce current consumption after the start of the time exposure operation, a maximum time limit is set for the time exposure operation itself, and the time exposure operation is forcibly stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is an embodiment of the present invention. This fifth embodiment corresponds to claim 4 of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the time exposure operation is forcibly stopped within a predetermined time, for example, 5 minutes after the start of the time exposure operation, the shutter is closed, and the film is fed.

The configuration of the camera according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, similarly to the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG. In the process shown in FIG. 8, similarly to the case of FIG. 3, in a steady state, the apparatus is in a standby state (step S11).
Operation of release switch 18 or remote control receiver 20
Of the remote control release signal is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the release signal RL1 of the first stage is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 operates the remote control switch 3
0, the remote control code from the remote control receiving unit 2 is detected.
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received at 0, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then the lens drive system 1
5, the distance is measured (step S14), and the lens is extended based on the result of the distance measurement (step S15).

If it is determined in step S12 that the release switch 18 has not been operated or that the remote control receiver 20 has not received the remote control release signal, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state. With the lens extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16), and the release switch 18 is further depressed to turn on the second stage. The release signal RL2 of the operated second stage is given, or the first remote control release signal R
When CS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
Controls the shutter drive system 17 to open the shutter (step S17), and outputs the power output V to the remote control receiver 20.
The RM is supplied (step S18A). This step S
At 18A, the timer for timing is reset.

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 (step S19A),
The second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again to supply the second stage release signal RL2 again, or the second remote control release signal RC
When S2 is received, the camera controller 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close the shutter (step S20), and feeds one frame of film by the film drive system 14 (step S21). Then, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state. Step S16
In, when the release switch is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control unit 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), returns to step S11, and returns to the standby state. Continue monitoring

In step S19A, if there is no next operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20, the timer is checked (step S31B), and the set time, for example, 5
When the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S20, the shutter is closed, and the timer exposure operation is stopped. In step S31B, the check in step S19A and the timer check in step S31B are repeated until the set time of the timer elapses.

In the above description, in order to reduce current consumption, the time exposure operation is limited to a predetermined time, for example, 5 minutes, and thereafter the time exposure operation is forcibly stopped. Of course, the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set, may be a fixed time, or may be changed as desired.
In order to reduce the current consumption after the start of the time exposure operation, the system power supply 12 is turned off immediately after the start of the time exposure operation, leaving only the energization of the remote control receiver 20.
Operation of release switch 18 and remote control receiver 20
In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the system is activated only when the remote control release signal is received in the above to stop the time exposure operation.

This sixth embodiment corresponds to claim 5 of the present invention.
It corresponds to. In the sixth embodiment, immediately after the time exposure operation starts, the release signal RL2 of the second stage of the release switch 18 and the remote control
The second remote control release signal RCS2 is assigned to the interrupt port, and the system power supply 12 is turned off while leaving only the remote control receiver 20 energized. The configuration of the camera according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, similarly to the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG.

In the processing shown in FIG. 9, as in the case of FIG.
1) In the standby state, the operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the first stage release signal RL1 is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 detects a remote control code from the remote control switch 30 and the remote control receiving unit 20 When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then performs distance measurement using the lens drive system 15 (step S14). Then, the lens is extended based on the distance measurement result (step S15). Step S
In step 12, when the release switch 18 is not operated or the remote control receiving unit 20 does not receive the remote control release signal, the process returns to step S11 and the monitoring in the standby state is continued.

With the lens extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20 (step S16). The eye is turned on and the second-stage release signal RL2 is given, or the remote control receiver 20
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
To open the shutter (step S17). Then, the camera control unit 11 allocates the release signal RL2 of the second stage of the release switch 18 and the second remote control release signal RCS2 of the remote control receiving unit 20 to the interrupt port (step S41), and supplies power to the remote control receiving unit 20. The output VRM is turned on (step S42), the power DCDC from the system power supply 12 is turned off while only energization of the power output VRM is continued, and other operations are stopped (step S43).

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after the step 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20 (step S44), whether the second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again and the second stage release signal RL2 is supplied again. Or the second remote control release signal RCS
2 is received, the camera controller 11 turns on the system power supply 12 (step S45), controls the shutter drive system 17, and closes the shutter (step S2).
0), one frame of film is fed by the film drive system 14 (step S21), and the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control unit 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In the above description, in order to reduce current consumption, the system power supply is suspended during the time exposure operation, and thereafter, the system power supply is turned on only when the time exposure operation is stopped.

In conventional time-exposure photography, the start and stop of the time-exposure operation are performed only by the release switch 18. Without the cable release, the camera is vibrated at the time of start and stop, and there is a concern that camera shake may occur. Was. On the other hand, regarding the start and stop of the time exposure operation by the release switch 18, a time difference is provided between opening and closing of the shutter to reduce the risk of camera shake in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. is there. This seventh embodiment corresponds to claim 6 of the present invention.

In the seventh embodiment, when the time exposure operation is started by the release switch 18, the release signal RL of the second stage of the release switch 18
A delay time of a predetermined time, for example, one second, is provided between the detection of the shutter release 2 and the opening of the shutter, and the stop of the time exposure operation is performed by detecting the release signal RL1 of the first stage for the release switch 18. And The configuration of a camera according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is shown in FIG.
This is performed as shown in FIG.

In the processing shown in FIG. 10, as in the case of FIG.
1) In the standby state, the operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the first stage release signal RL1 is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 detects a remote control code from the remote control switch 30 and the remote control receiving unit 20 When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then performs distance measurement using the lens drive system 15 (step S14). Then, the lens is extended based on the distance measurement result (step S15).

If it is determined in step S12 that the release switch 18 has not been operated or that the remote control receiving unit 20 has not received the remote control release signal, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state. With the lens extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16A), and the release switch 18 is further depressed to turn on the second stage. When the second-stage release signal RL2 is operated, the camera control unit 11 waits for a predetermined time, for example, one second (step S51), and then controls the shutter drive system 17 to open the shutter ( (Step S17), the power output VRM to the remote control receiver 20 is turned on (Step S17).
18).

If the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again by the remote control receiver 20 in step S16A, the camera controller 11 proceeds to step S5.
1, the shutter drive system 17 is immediately controlled to open the shutter (step S17), and the power output VRM to the remote control receiver 20 is turned on (step S1).
8). Further, in this state, the next operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 is waited (step S19), and the first stage of the release switch 18 is again turned on and the first stage of the release switch is again operated. Is supplied or the remote control receiving unit 20 receives the second remote control release signal RCS2, the camera control unit 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close the shutter (step S2).
0), one frame of film is fed by the film drive system 14 (step S21), and the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S16A, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control unit 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In the above description, the start and stop of the time exposure operation by the release switch 18 have a time difference between the opening and closing of the shutter in order to prevent the occurrence of blur due to the operation of the release switch 18. That is, when the time exposure operation is started by the release switch 18, a predetermined time, for example, one second delay time is provided between the time when the release signal RL2 of the second stage of the release switch 18 is detected and the time when the shutter is opened. The stop of the time exposure operation is performed by detecting the release signal RL1 of the first stage in the release switch 18. Of course, the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set, may be a fixed time, or may be changed as desired.

As described above, when the start and stop of the time exposure photographing operation by the remote control device 30 are enabled, when the remote control device 30 starts and stops the time exposure photographing operation away from the camera, the operation state is changed. However, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to understand. In order to solve this problem, the light emitting element is turned on at the start and stop of the time exposure operation, thereby notifying the user of the start and stop of the time photographing according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. It is. The eighth embodiment corresponds to claim 7 of the present invention. In the eighth embodiment, at the start and stop of the time exposure operation, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode to diode lamp) separately provided for a self-timer is turned on or off. The start and stop of the time exposure operation are displayed.

The configuration of a camera according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, similarly to the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG. In the process shown in FIG. 11, as in the case of FIG. 3, in the steady state, the system is in the standby state (step S11). The reception is monitored (step S12). When the release switch 18 is pressed,
The first stage release signal RCS1 is received by the remote control receiver 20 detecting the remote control code from the remote control switch 30 or the first stage release signal RL1 being given by the stage being turned on. If so, the camera control unit 11 measures the light via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), then measures the distance by the lens drive system 15 (step S14), and further based on the result of the distance measurement. The lens is extended (step S15).

In step S12, when there is no operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20, the process returns to step S11, and the monitoring in the standby state is continued. With the lens extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16), and the release switch 18 is further depressed to turn on the second stage. The release signal RL2 of the operated second stage is given, or the first remote control release signal R
When CS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
Is, for example, a self-timer LED provided separately
(Not shown) is turned on or off for a short time (step S61), the shutter drive system 17 is controlled to open the shutter (step S17), and the camera control unit 11
The power output VRM to the remote control receiver is turned on (step S18).

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after step 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20 (step S19), whether the second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again and the second stage release signal RL2 is supplied again. Or the second remote control release signal RCS
2 is received, the camera controller 11 turns on or blinks the self-timer LED (not shown) for a short time (step S62), controls the shutter drive system 17, and closes the shutter. (Step S20),
The film drive system 14 feeds one frame of film (step S21), and returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control section 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In the above description, the start and stop of the time exposure operation are displayed by turning on or off the LED for the self-timer. For this reason, the user can clearly know the start and stop of the time exposure operation by looking at this display, and can accurately grasp the timing even when operating with the remote control device. Instead of the self-timer LED, a display using another lamp or another light emitting element may be performed, and the start and stop of the time exposure operation may be notified by a sound display by an electronic buzzer or the like. good.

As described above, if the user is notified of the start and stop of the time exposure operation by turning on the light emitting element, the photographic film may be exposed by the display light. The ninth embodiment of the present invention has solved this problem. This ninth embodiment corresponds to claim 8 of the present invention. In the ninth embodiment, when the time exposure operation is started, the light emitting element is turned on or blinked before opening the shutter, and when the time exposure operation is stopped, the light emitting element is turned on or blinked after the shutter is closed. The start and stop of the exposure operation are displayed by light emission.

The configuration of the camera according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG. In the process shown in FIG. 12, as in the case of FIG. 3, the standby state is in a normal state (step S <b> 11). In the standby state, the release switch 18 is operated or the remote control release signal of the remote control receiving unit 20 is transmitted. The reception is monitored (step S12).

When the release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on and the first stage release signal RL1 is given, or the remote control
0, the remote control code from the remote control receiving unit 2 is detected.
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received at 0, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then the lens drive system 1
5, the distance is measured (step S14), and the lens is extended based on the result of the distance measurement (step S15). In step S12, if there is no operation of the release switch 18 or reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

While the lens is extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16). The eye is turned on and the second-stage release signal RL2 is given, or the remote control receiver 20
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again, the camera controller 11 turns on or blinks a light emitting element such as a self-timer LED (not shown) provided separately for a short time, for example. (Step S6
1) Control the shutter drive system 17 to open the shutter (step S17), and the camera control section 11 turns on the power output VRM to the remote control receiving section 20 (step S17).
18).

Further, in this state, the release switch 1
Waiting for the next operation after step 8 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving section 20 (step S19), whether the second stage of the release switch 18 is turned on again and the second stage release signal RL2 is supplied again. Or the second remote control release signal RCS
2 is received, the camera control unit 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to close or close the shutter (step S20A), and then turns on or blinks the light-emitting element for a short time (step S62A) to drive the film. The film of one frame is fed by the system 14 (step S21),
Returning to step S11, monitoring in the standby state is continued.

In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control section 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens driving system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In the above description, the time immediately before the start and the time immediately after the stop of the time exposure operation are displayed by lighting or blinking of the light emitting element of the self-timer LED. For this reason, the user can clearly know the start and stop of the time exposure operation by looking at this display, and can accurately grasp the timing even when operating with the remote control device. In addition, since the light emission display is performed immediately before and after the start of the time exposure operation, there is no possibility that the display light is reflected on the photographic film. Note that the start and stop of the time exposure operation may be notified by another lamp or another light emitting element instead of the self-timer LED.

As described above, when the start and stop of the time exposure operation are to be performed only by the release switch 18 and the remote control release signal of the remote control receiving unit 20, the time exposure operation is terminated in an emergency or rewinding. In such a case, the camera may be carried or rewound while the shutter is open, resulting in a failed photograph. Therefore, in an emergency or the like, the tenth embodiment of the present invention is configured to stop and release the timer exposure operation and close the shutter. This first
Embodiment 0 corresponds to claim 9 of the present invention.

In the tenth embodiment, after the start of the time exposure operation, not only the release switch 18 and the remote control release signal of the remote control receiving unit 20, but also the operation of the main switch 13, the operation of the mode setting switch 19, and the MR switch 21 operation, and back cover switch 22
The time exposure operation is stopped by any of the above operations. The configuration of a camera according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, similarly to the first embodiment. In this case, the processing in the time exposure mode of the camera control unit 11 is performed as shown in FIG.

In the processing shown in FIG. 13, as in the case of FIG.
1) In the standby state, the operation of the release switch 18 or the reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiver 20 is monitored (step S12). The release switch 18 is depressed, the first stage is turned on, and the first stage release signal RL1 is given, or the remote control receiving unit 20 detects a remote control code from the remote control switch 30 and the remote control receiving unit 20 When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received, the camera control unit 11 performs photometry via the exposure control system 16 (step S13), and then performs distance measurement using the lens drive system 15 (step S14). Then, the lens is extended based on the distance measurement result (step S15). Step S
In step 12, when the release switch 18 is not operated or the remote control receiving unit 20 does not receive the remote control release signal, the process returns to step S11 and the monitoring in the standby state is continued.

While the lens is extended in step 15, the operation waits for the operation of the release switch 18 or the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20 (step S16). The eye is turned on and the second-stage release signal RL2 is given, or the remote control receiver 20
When the first remote control release signal RCS1 is received again, the camera control unit 11
To open the shutter (step S17), and the camera control unit 11 outputs the power output VR to the remote control reception unit 20
M is turned on (step S18).

Further, in this state, the main switch 13
Operation, the next operation of the release switch 18, the switching operation of the mode setting switch 19, the next reception of the remote control release signal by the remote control receiving unit 20, the operation of the MR switch 21, and the operation of the back cover switch 22 by opening and closing the back cover. (Step S71), the signal M of the main switch 13
AIN is turned off, the release signal RL2 of the second stage of the release switch 18 is given, the switching signal MODE of the mode setting switch 19 is input, or the second remote control release signal RCS2 Is received, the signal MR of the MR switch 21 is turned on, or the open signal OPN of the back cover switch 22 is input, the camera control unit 11 controls the shutter drive system 17 to release the shutter. After closing (step S20), the film drive system 14 feeds one frame of film (step S21), and returns to step S11 to continue monitoring in the standby state.

In step S16, when the release switch 18 is released and the first stage is turned off, the camera control section 11 returns the lens to the initial state via the lens drive system 15 (step S22), and proceeds to step S11. Return and continue monitoring in the standby state. In the above description, after the start of the time exposure operation, the signal MAIN of the main switch 13 is turned off, the release signal RL2 of the second stage of the release switch 18 is inputted, the switching signal MODE of the mode setting switch 19 is inputted, and the remote control receiving unit 20 receives the signal. The time exposure operation is stopped by receiving the second remote control release signal RCS2, turning on the MR switch 21, and inputting the open signal OPN of the back cover switch 22. For this reason, the shutter does not remain open even in an emergency or careless rewinding, and the time exposure operation can be reliably released.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, for example, by selectively combining the above-described embodiments as appropriate. Can be implemented. In addition, since the remote control receiving unit 20 is enabled during the time exposure operation, not only the stop operation of the time shooting operation but also the zooming, the strobe light emission, and the film feeding operation can be operated by the remote control device 30, for example. By doing so, by using these together,
Zooming, strobe light emission, or film feeding operation during time-exposure shooting can be performed so that a photograph with a special effect can be taken.

[0102]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a camera having a time exposure function of starting and opening a shutter by a predetermined operation and closing and stopping the shutter by a next predetermined operation, Remote control receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from the remote control device for performing the camera control means, the camera control means via a direct release signal given from release switch means for performing a direct release operation, via the remote control receiving means Since the start and stop of the time exposure function are controlled based on at least one of the supplied remote control signal and the combination thereof, the time exposure shooting is started in a non-contact manner by the remote control signal from the remote control device. And release operation to stop A camera that can effectively prevent camera shake during a release operation for starting and stopping time-exposure shooting without using a release, and that requires less configuration on the camera body side and less space for the camera. can do.

According to the camera of the second aspect of the present invention, the remote control receiving means operates by energization, and the camera control means controls the time from when the time exposure function starts until when the time exposure function stops. Since the power supply to the remote control receiving unit is intermittently performed during exposure shooting, the current consumption of the remote control receiving unit during the time exposure operation is particularly suppressed, and the current consumption of the camera body is reduced. Can be. According to the camera of claim 3 of the present invention, the remote control receiving means is configured to operate by energization, and the camera control means performs time exposure shooting from when the time exposure function starts until when the time exposure function stops. Since the power supply time to the remote control receiving means is provided with a predetermined limit to control the power supply time, the current consumption of the remote control receiving means during the time exposure operation is limited to a predetermined time, and the current consumption of the camera body side is reduced. Can be effectively suppressed.

According to the camera of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the camera control means sets an operation limit time in a time exposure shooting period from when the time exposure function starts to when the time exposure function stops, and sets the operation limit time. Since the time exposure function is forcibly stopped when the time elapses, the time exposure operation period is particularly limited to a predetermined time, and it is possible to prevent an excessive current consumption on the camera body side during the time exposure operation.

According to the camera of the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the camera system is stopped in the shutter open state, the shutter open state is maintained as it is, and the remote control receiving means is operated by energization. During the time exposure shooting from the start to the stop of the time exposure function, the control means supplies power only to the means for stopping the time exposure function including the remote control receiving means, and other camera systems In response to the operation of the means for stopping the time exposure function including the reception of the remote control signal in the remote control receiving means, and restoring the other camera system. Suspends the camera system other than the function to stop time exposure, and The camera body current consumption during operation can be more effectively reduced.

According to the camera of claim 6 of the present invention, when the time exposure function is activated by the release switch means, the camera control means actually opens the shutter from the operation of the release switch means. The shutter is opened later than the release operation, especially at the time of the time exposure start by the normal release operation, by giving a predetermined delay time before, so that the camera shake caused by the normal release operation at the time exposure operation is reduced. Generation can be effectively suppressed. According to the camera of claim 7 of the present invention, the camera control means is configured to display the start and stop when starting and stopping the time exposure by the remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means, The start and stop of the time exposure operation by remote control operation can be clarified.

According to the camera of claim 8 of the present invention, when the camera control means starts and stops the time exposure function by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means, immediately before and immediately after the stop. Since the light-emitting display is configured, the reflection of the light-emitting display can be prevented, and the start and stop of the time exposure operation can be clarified without adversely affecting the photographing.

According to the camera of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the camera control means operates a mode setting switch for setting an operation mode including a time mode, including turning off a main switch of the camera system; By stopping the time exposure function based on at least one of opening detection of a back cover switch for detecting an opening / closing operation, and operation of a manual rewind switch for manually instructing film winding, time When an operation other than the time exposure stop operation is performed during the exposure operation, the time exposure operation can be automatically canceled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of a main part of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process in a time exposure mode of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a time exposure mode of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a waveform format of a remote control code signal in a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of a camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of a camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of a camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of a camera according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a time exposure mode of a camera according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing in a time exposure mode of the camera according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 camera control unit 12 system power supply 13 main switch 14 film drive system 15 lens drive system (including distance measurement system) 16 exposure control system (including photometry system and strobe system) 17 shutter drive system 18 release switch 19 mode setting switch 20 Remote control receiver (remote control receiver) 21 MR (manual rewind) switch 22 Back cover switch 30 Remote control device (remote control device)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A camera having a time exposure function of starting and opening a shutter by a predetermined operation, and closing and stopping the shutter by a next predetermined operation. Release switch means for generating a direct release signal, remote control receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from a remote control device for performing remote control, direct release signal given from the release switch means, via the remote control receiving means A camera comprising: camera control means for controlling start and stop of the time exposure function based on at least one of a supplied remote control signal and a combination thereof. 2. The remote control receiving means operates by energization, and the camera control means intermittently energizes the remote control receiving means during time exposure shooting from when the time exposure function starts to when it stops. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for performing the control. 3. The remote control receiving means is operated by energization, and the camera control means determines a power supply time to the remote control receiving means during a time exposure shooting from a time when the time exposure function is started to a time when the time exposure function is stopped. 3. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising means for providing a predetermined limit to control the power supply time. 4. The camera control means sets an operation limit time in a time exposure shooting period from when the time exposure function starts to when the time exposure function stops, and forcibly activates the time exposure function when the operation limit time elapses. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for controlling to stop the camera. 5. When the camera is in a shutter open state and the camera system is stopped, the shutter open state is maintained as it is, the remote control receiving means is operated by energization, and the camera control means is configured to control the time exposure function. During time exposure shooting from start to stop, power is supplied only to the means for stopping the time exposure function including the remote control receiving means, and other camera systems are stopped, and the remote control receiving means 5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for recovering the other camera system in response to an operation of the unit for stopping the time exposure function including receiving a remote control signal. A camera according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The camera control means, when the time exposure function is activated by the release switch means, controls to give a predetermined delay time from the operation of the release switch means to the actual opening of the shutter. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: 7. The camera control means includes means for displaying start and stop when the time exposure function is started and stopped by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The camera control means includes means for causing the time exposure function to emit light immediately before the start and immediately after the stop when the time exposure function is started and stopped by a remote control signal from the remote control device to the remote control receiving means. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 9. The camera control means includes: a main switch of the camera system, an operation of a mode setting switch for setting an operation mode including a time mode, and a back cover switch for detecting opening / closing operation of the back cover. Further comprising: means for controlling to stop the time exposure function based on at least one of the detection of the opening of the camera and the operation of a manual rewind switch for manually instructing film winding.
9. The camera according to any one of 8 above.