JPH1124154A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display the clocking or elapsing of a shutter time for a photographer in a process of long shutter time exposure in the dark. SOLUTION: In the case a night view mode or a long shutter time exposure (L.T.) mode is set as a photographing mode by an image selecting button 3, when a display/illumination switch (BLLEDSW) 45 is depressed during the exposure, a display/illumination LED (BLLED) 66 for illuminating a liquid crystal display panel 13 on which the shutter time, etc., during the exposure are displayed is turned on, to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to illumination of a display unit for displaying a state of a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A display unit such as a liquid crystal display panel is provided to display the state of a camera. Then, in a case where the display unit is dark and cannot be seen under certain photographing conditions such as at night, illumination for illuminating the display unit is provided.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-67280 discloses a method in which an illumination member is provided on the back of a liquid crystal display panel, and the illumination is turned on by operating an illumination lighting switch. A technique is disclosed in which a button is half-pressed, fully pressed, or a predetermined time has elapsed to turn off the illumination.

[0004]

However, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-67280, when the exposure starts, the illumination of the display panel for displaying photographing information is turned off. Exposure information during long-time exposure, which is often performed, cannot be seen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a camera capable of displaying timekeeping or progress of seconds to a photographer during long-time exposure in a dark place. .

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a display unit for displaying a state of the camera, an illumination unit for illuminating the display unit, and an exposure unit. Release means for outputting an operation start signal, exposure means for starting exposure by the exposure operation start signal, illumination switch for starting operation of the illumination means, information setting means for setting exposure conditions, and information setting means If the exposure time set by the above exceeds a predetermined value, the display unit displays the time measured for the exposure time during the exposure by the exposure unit, and performs an operation start operation of the illumination unit by the illumination switch. Lighting permission means for permitting.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera for displaying a state of the camera, an illuminating unit for illuminating the display, a release unit for outputting an exposure operation start signal, and the exposure operation. Exposure means for starting exposure by a start signal, an illumination switch for starting the operation of the illumination means, mode setting means for setting a shooting mode,
When an exposure mode in which the exposure time exceeds a predetermined value is set by the mode setting means, the exposure time is displayed by the display means during the exposure by the exposure means, and the illumination means is operated by the illumination switch. Lighting permission means for permitting an operation start operation.

A camera according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a display unit for displaying a state of the camera, an illumination unit for illuminating the display unit, and an information setting unit for setting an exposure condition or a shooting mode. If the exposure time set in the exposure condition or the exposure operation in the shooting mode set by the information setting means exceeds a predetermined value, the display means displays the time measured for the exposure time during the exposure operation, A lighting operation of the lighting means is permitted.

That is, according to the camera of the first to third aspects of the present invention, in a mode used in a dark photographing scene such as a long exposure mode, information during the exposure is displayed during the long exposure. Accepting a request to turn on the illumination of the display means is permitted.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1A to 1C show the appearance of a camera according to the present embodiment in three views. This camera is a single-lens reflex camera and has a system capable of arbitrarily setting various photographing modes.

The flash unit 1 includes a flash unit 15
(Refer to FIG. 2) is usually stored in the top of the main body, and is used by releasing the locking of the spring bias and standing up as necessary.
The display unit 2 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel 13 (see FIG. 2) and displays and outputs various information of the camera. In particular, the liquid crystal display panel 13 has a layout similar to the shape of the image select button 3 for mode setting described below. The image is visualized on the display panel in the image of the shooting mode.

The image select button 3 is described in detail in FIG.
, The FKSW 46, the PRSW 47,
A mode setting button composed of a switch group composed of a SASW 48, a YKSW 49, and a FASW 50 (all of which are shown in FIG. 2). Five shooting modes, for example, “landscape mode”, “portrait mode”, “stop action mode”, “night scene mode”, and “full auto mode”
You can select one from Each of the above-mentioned SWs 46 to 50 is switched from a first mode to a second mode described later in response to the pressing operation.

The release button 4 is a two-stage press-down button, and is a 1RSW 40 (see FIG. 2) that is turned on when the first stage is pressed and a 2RSW 41 (see FIG. 2) that is turned on when the second stage is pressed.
Reference).

The viewfinder 5 can observe an image from the photographing lens 6 by a single-lens reflex method, and can also partially confirm information on a predetermined photographing mode in the field of view of the viewfinder.

The illumination button 7 is a button on which a display illumination switch (BLLEDSW) 45 described later is formed, and when pressed, the BLLEDSW 45 is turned on. FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration related to control of the camera of the present invention in detail.

That is, the main CPU 10 has its internal RO
A predetermined control program recorded in M (not shown) is sequentially executed, and various peripheral ICs and the like are appropriately controlled to comprehensively control the camera system.

The main CPU 10 is connected to an AFIC 11 which is an IC for auto focus (AF) and an EEPROM 12 which is an electrically nonvolatile element.
This camera uses "T
TL phase difference detection method ".

The main CPU 10 includes a liquid crystal display panel 13, a data module 14, and a strobe unit 1.
5 and an interface IC (IFIC) 16, and various switches 40 to
52, 55-63, a piezoelectric buzzer (PCV) 6 that emits a sound when operating a switch and a focal point during auto focus
5 is connected.

A series of operation control of such a basic configuration is performed as follows. That is, the AFIC 11 first sends a reset signal (AF) of the AFIC 11 from the main CPU 10.
RES) Sig1 is sent and reset. Thereafter, light from a subject (not shown) passes through the photographing lens 6 and is
When the light reaches a photo sensor array (not shown) arranged on the upper surface of the IC 11, the light intensity integration,
Processing such as quantization is performed, and the amount of defocus is calculated as distance measurement information.

A signal (AFEND) Sig2 indicating that the light quantity integration processing has been completed is sent to the main CPU 10 along with the completion of the light quantity integration. The distance measurement information is AFIC
(AFCEN) Sig3 indicating that communication is to be performed between the CPU 11 and the main CPU 10, and a data signal (DATA) S
ig4 and the synchronization clock signal (CLK) Sig5.

Incidentally, if the characteristics of each element of the photosensor array have "variation", accurate distance measurement information cannot be obtained as it is. So, EEPROM
Predetermined variation information of the photosensor array is stored in the memory 12 in advance so as to be referred to, and the main CPU 10 performs a correction calculation of the distance measurement information obtained from the AFIC 11.

Other adjustment values such as mechanical variations and variations in electrical characteristics of various elements are stored in the EEPROM 12 in advance. These adjustment values are stored in a signal (EPCEN) Sig7 for enabling the EEPROM 12 to be communicable or a data signal (DA
TA) Sig8, synchronous clock signal (CLK) Sig9
Can be read. The main CPU 1
The transmission and reception of data between 0 and the AFIC 11 and the EEPROM 12 are performed by serial communication.

The IFIC 16 is activated by an IFIC activation signal (IFCENb) Sig11 from the main CPU 10. Then, the latch signal (LATCH) Sig
12, 4-bit pass line signal (D0b to D3b) Si
g13 to Sig16 and the D / Ab signal Sig17 are used to perform parallel communication with the main CPU 10,
Measurement of subject brightness, measurement of camera temperature, waveform shaping of output signals from photo interrupters, etc., constant voltage drive control of motors, generation of various constant voltages such as temperature stable voltage and temperature proportional voltage, and remaining battery Quantity check, infrared remote control reception, motor driver control, various LED control,
Monitoring of the low voltage of the power supply voltage and control of the booster circuit are performed.

Further, a notice of a strobe light emission and a warning of focusing and brightness are notified to the photographer using the LED 20 in the finder. The measurement of the subject brightness is performed using a distance measuring sensor 21 composed of a two-part silicon photodiode (SPD). The light receiving surface of the photometric sensor 21 is divided into a central portion of the screen and a peripheral portion thereof. The light receiving surface is divided into a spot light meter that performs light metering only at a part of the center of the screen and an average light meter that performs light metering using the entire screen. Two types of photometry can be selectively performed.

Further, when the camera body is operating with the cell timer, the photographer who is away is notified by using the self LED 27. Further, the liquid crystal display panel 13 has a main C
Segment signal (SEG) Sig sent from PU10
34 and the common signal (COM) Sig 35, the number of film frames, the shooting mode, the strobe mode, the aperture value, and the remaining battery level are displayed. This liquid crystal display panel 13 has a display illumination LED on its back.
(BLLED) 66 is provided, and in a dark place, the display can be illuminated as necessary to make it easier to see.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the image select button 3 described above. As shown in the figure, the image select button 3 includes a button divided into four equal parts vertically, horizontally, and a central button. Top is landscape mode button (FKSW)
46, a portrait mode button (PRSW) 47 on the right, a stop action mode button (SASW) 48 on the bottom, a night scene mode button (YKSW) 49 on the left, and a fully automatic button (FASW) 50 on the center.

These selector buttons are buttons for switching a plurality of predetermined photographing modes, and the photographer selects a desired mode in accordance with photographing conditions. The switches 46 to 49 corresponding to the respective mode buttons are mechanically seesaw switches, and two or more switches cannot be turned on at the same time.

For example, when the FKSW 46 is first turned on, a "landscape mode" is set as the first mode, and the values of the aperture and the shutter speed are determined so that the depth of field is as deep as possible within the proper exposure range. Is done. When the FKSW 46 is turned on again in the landscape mode state, the aperture mode is set to the “aperture priority mode” as the second mode, and the shutter speed value is determined so that the aperture value is 5.6 and the exposure range is appropriate. Subsequently, when the FKSW 46 is turned on again, the aperture value similarly changes to 8.

Next, the display contents of the liquid crystal display panel 13 are as follows.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The illustrated state is a tentative output state in which the display on the display panel is fully lit for explanation.

The display unit 70 indicates the number of frames taken by the film (1
~ 99) Display. The display unit 71 indicates the remaining battery level, and the display unit 72 displays the flash mode. This display section 7
No. 2 is not displayed when the strobe is in the off mode. The display unit 73 is turned on in the self / remote control mode, and the display unit 74 is turned on in the spot metering mode.

The display unit 75 visualizes and displays each of the five types of "photographing modes" in an image, and only one segment corresponding to each photographing mode as shown in FIG. 3 is lit.

The display unit 76 displays the film feed mode. In the single frame feed mode, one square is lit, and in the continuous shooting mode, the display unit 76 is fully lit to indicate continuous shooting. The display unit 77
A display indicating whether the numerical value displayed on the display unit 78 is a shutter speed (SS) or an aperture value (F. No.).
Each is displayed in the long exposure mode and aperture priority mode.

When the shutter speed is displayed, the display unit 78 displays numerical values of 4 ", 8", 16 ", and 32".
While the shutter is open, a countdown display of seconds is performed.
In the case of the aperture value display, 5.6, 8, 11, 1
6 and 22 are displayed.

The flash unit 15 emits light from an arc tube (not shown) to give the required brightness to the subject when the brightness of the subject is insufficient at the time of photographing or auto-focusing. This strobe unit 15 has a main CPU
10, the strobe charging signal (STCHG) Sig 36 of the IFIC 16 and the strobe light emission start signal (S
TON) Sig 37, signal for controlling the trigger circuit (ST
(RG) Sig38. Further, the charging voltage of the strobe is VST signal Si
It is configured to be sent to the main CPU 10 as g39.

In the switches 40 to 52, the key signal 0
5 (KEY0 to KEY5) Sig40 to Sig45 and key common 0 to 2 (KEYCOM0 to 2) Sig46
~ Sig48 is detected. From these signals, it is possible to determine which of the switches 40 to 52 is on.

Since the key signals KEY0 to KEY5 are normally pulled up inside the main CPU 10, their signal levels are in the "H" state. Here, for example, KEYCOM Sig46 is set to “1”, and KEYCOM Sig46 is set to “1”.
It is assumed that Sig47 is “H” and KEYCOM Sig48 is “H”. At this point, if a first release switch (1RSW) 40 described later is turned on, K
EY0 Sig40 changes from “H” to “L”. Therefore, KEYCOM0 Sig46 to KEYCOM2S
ig48 signal level and KEY0 Sig40-KE
If the signal level of Y5 Sig45 is known, switch 40
It is possible to determine which of -52 is on.

Note that KEYCOM0 Sig46 to KE
YCOM2 Sig48 cannot make two or more “L” at the same time. The switch 40 is a first release switch (1RSW) and is turned on when the release button is "half-pressed" to start a distance measuring operation. On the other hand, the switch 41 is a second release switch (2RSW), which is turned on only when the release button is "fully pressed". At this time, a photographing operation based on various measured values is performed.

Switches 42 and 43 are a zoom up switch (ZUSW) and a zoom down switch (ZDS).
W), which is a switch for performing a zooming operation of the lens frame. When ZUSW 42 is turned on, Z
When the DSW 43 is turned on, zooming is performed in the short focus direction.

The switch 44 is a self-switch (SEL
FSEL), and when the SELFSW 44 is turned on, the camera enters a self-timer shooting mode or a standby state of a remote controller. In this state, if the 2RSW 41 is turned on, self-timer shooting is performed, and if a shooting instruction operation is performed by the remote control transmission unit 17, shooting with the remote control is performed.

The switch 45 is a display illumination switch (B
LLEDSW). When the BLLED SW 45 is turned on, the BLLED 66 is made to emit light for a predetermined time, and the liquid crystal display panel 13 is illuminated from the back even in a dark place to make the display easier to see.

The switches 46 to 50 described above correspond to those shown in FIG.
This is a switch for switching corresponding to the “program photography mode” as described in the above section, and is turned on / off when the photographer selects a desired photography mode according to the photography conditions.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining state transitions in various photographing modes. According to this transition diagram, five types of shooting modes as the first mode, “full auto mode”,
“Landscape mode”, “Portrait mode”, “Stop action mode”, and “Night scene mode” can be easily selected by pressing the corresponding image select button 3 and further one-touch operation of the same button Can be switched to the predetermined second mode.

For example, when the PRSW 47 is turned on, a "portrait mode" is set, and the aperture and shutter speed are determined so that the depth of field becomes shallow within an appropriate exposure range. Similarly to the above-described landscape mode, when the PRSW 47 is turned on again from the portrait mode, the aperture priority mode is set. Each time the PRSW 47 is turned on, the aperture value is sequentially increased, and when the value exceeds the maximum aperture value, the mode returns to the “portrait mode”.

Similarly, when the SASW 48 is turned on, a "stop action mode" is set, and the shutter speed is set to be as high as possible. Also, in this case, considering that the release time lag will be long,
The red-eye prevention mode of the flash mode cannot be used.
From the state of the stop action mode,
When the button 48 is turned on, the feed mode is switched from the default value “single frame feed mode” to “continuous shooting mode”. Also, in the stop action mode, the SASW
When the switch 48 is turned on, the single-frame feed mode and the continuous shooting mode are alternately switched. Note that the AF mode is a servo AF in which the focusing operation is returned in accordance with the movement of the subject.
Becomes

When the YKSW 49 is turned on, the "night scene mode" is set, and the long-time limit value of the shutter speed during normal photographing is set longer, for example, from 1 second to 2 seconds. When the YKSW 48 is turned on again from the state of the night view mode, the exposure mode becomes the “long exposure (LT) mode”, and the shutter speed is set to YKS as shown in FIG.
Each time the W48 is turned on, it changes to 4 seconds, 8 seconds, 16 seconds, and 32 seconds, and returns to the “night view mode” when a predetermined maximum time is exceeded.

A strobe switch (STSW) 51 is a switch for switching the light emission mode of the strobe.
When the SW 51 is operated, the normal automatic light emission mode (AUTO) and the red-eye reduction automatic light emission mode (AUTO-
S), the forced light emission mode (FILL-IN), and the strobe off mode are switched.

Pop-up switch (PUPSW) 61
Is a switch for controlling the strobe. PUPSW6
Reference numeral 1 is interlocked with the movement of the strobe light-emitting unit, and is turned on when the light-emitting unit is raised to charge the strobe. Also, when the subject has low brightness and the strobe mode is “A”
If the PUPSW 61 is turned on when "ut" is displayed, strobe light emission is permitted.

The switch 63 is a switch (XSW) for setting the timing of strobe light emission. This XSW
Reference numeral 63 is turned on when the first curtain of the shutter ends in advance, and turned off when the shutter charge is completed.

The switch 52 is an aperture priority switch (AVSW) that forcibly sets the camera to the aperture priority mode when "ON".
N "is a power switch (PWSW) that enables the camera to take a picture. The switch 56 is a panorama switch (PANS) for switching to the panorama shooting mode.
W), and the switch 57 is a back cover detection switch (BKSW) that is turned “ON” when the back cover of the camera is open. The switch 58 sets “O” upon completion of the shutter charge operation.
"N" shutter charge detection switch (SCSW)
The switch 59 is a mirror-up detection switch that is turned “ON” when the operation of raising the main mirror (that is, retreating from the photographing light beam) is completed. The switch 60 is a DXSW for reading a DX code of a film patrone loaded in a patrone room of the camera.
Is a rewind switch (RWMSW) for instructing midway rewinding.

The WPR 23 is a photo-reflector for detecting film perforation, which is turned on and off by a film feeding operation. The motor driver 22 is an IFI
Upon receiving a signal (Sig18) from C16, a mirror driving motor (M1) 24 and a lens driving motor (M2) 2
5 and the zoom motor (M3) 26, and the motor driver 37 outputs a signal (Sig30) from the IFIC 16.
Then, the diaphragm driving motor (M4) 36 is driven. S
The CPI 31 is a photo interrupter for measuring a driving amount of the mirror driving motor (M1) 24, and is an LDPI.
Reference numeral 32 denotes a photo interrupter for measuring a driving amount of the lens driving motor (M2) 25. Also, ZMPR
33 and ZMPI 34 are a zoom motor (M3) 26
A photoreflector and a photointerrupter for measuring the amount of driving of the light source. The AVPI 35 is a photo interrupter for measuring a driving amount of the aperture driving motor (M4) 36.

The MGF 28 is a magnet for holding the front curtain, and the MFS 29 is a magnet for holding the rear curtain. Reference numeral 18 denotes a light emitting element for outputting a modulated signal light from the remote control transmission unit 17;
Is a light receiving element for receiving this.

Next, the operation control of the camera having such a configuration will be described. First, the outline of the camera sequence will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the power of the camera is turned on by turning on the power switch (PWSW) 55, initial settings necessary for the CPU 10 to perform predetermined processing, various mode initial settings necessary for camera shooting, Initial settings required for the normal operation of the electric system of the camera and initialization operations of a mechanism driving system necessary for the camera to execute a sequence are performed (step S1). Further, information about the camera necessary for the photographer is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel (LCD) 13 (step S2).

Then, a change in whether or not each of the switches FKSW46 to FASW50 among the operation members of the camera is pressed is detected (step S3). If the pressed change is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S4. If not, the process proceeds to step S5.

That is, in step S4, a mode switching process for switching the photographing mode in accordance with the change of each of the switches FKSW46 to FASW50 is performed, or the BLLEDS
When W45 is pressed, a process of turning on the BLLED 66 is performed.

In step S5, ON / OFF of the 1RSW 40 is detected. If the 1RSW 40 has been pressed (turned on), the process proceeds to the next step S6, and if not, the process returns to step S2.

In step S6, the BLLED 66
Turn off regardless of on / off. Then, the amount of out-of-focus of the subject is calculated, and the driving amount of the focusing lens is obtained (step S7). In addition, the lens driving motor 25 is driven based on the driving amount of the focusing lens to focus on the subject (step S8). In this case, if the shooting mode is single AF, once the focus is achieved, 1
AF lock is performed until the RSW 40 is released, and in the case of servo AF, the AF operation is constantly performed while the 1RSW 40 is on.

Then, as a result of the focusing operation in step S8, it is determined whether or not focusing has been achieved (step S9). If the focusing has been achieved, the process proceeds to the next step S10. While the 1RSW 40 is pressed, the process returns to the step S5 to perform a focusing operation until focusing is performed.

In step S10, the luminance distribution of the object field is detected, an appropriate exposure value is obtained from the film sensitivity and the object field luminance, and a program corresponding to the photographing mode set by the mode switching in step S4 is performed. The shutter speed and the aperture value are calculated according to the diagram.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the 2RSW 41 has been pressed (step S11). If the 2RSW 41 has been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S12.
The process returns to step S5.

In step S10, an exposure process is performed based on the shutter speed and aperture value obtained in step S10. Details of this exposure processing will be described later.

After winding up the exposed film by one frame (step S13), it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set (step S14). If the continuous shooting mode is set, while the 2RSW 41 is pressed (step S15), the process returns to the step S6 in order to continuously perform a series of sequences such as a focusing operation, a photometric calculation, and an exposure process.

On the other hand, if the mode is not the continuous shooting mode or 2R
If the SW 41 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S16. In this step S15, after the release sequence has been completed, the process waits until the 1RSW 40 is released and turned off.

When it is confirmed that the 1RSW 40 has been released once, the process returns to step S2. next,
Details of the “exposure process” in step S12 will be described with reference to a series of flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and a timing chart in FIG.

When the mirror driving motor 24 is driven in step S24 to be described later and the aperture driving motor 36 is driven in step S27, a current flows instantaneously, causing a drop in the power supply voltage. In order to prevent flickering from occurring in the lighting of the LED, first, regardless of whether the BLLED 66 that illuminates the liquid crystal display panel 13 is on or off, the BLLED 66
Is turned off (step S21).

Next, prior to the mirror-up operation, the front curtain holding magnet (MGF) 28 of the focal plane shutter (not shown) is energized to hold the front curtain (step S22), Holding magnet (MG
S) Energize 29 to hold the second curtain (step S2)
3) (* 1 in FIG. 10).

Thereafter, the mirror driving motor 24 is rotated forward to raise the mirror (step S24) (* 2 in FIG. 10). When the mirror has been moved up, the MUSW 59 is turned on, so that step S24 is repeated until then (step S25).

When the MUSW 59 is turned on, the short brake is applied to the mirror driving motor 24 to stop the motor (step S26) (* 3 in FIG. 10).

Next, the aperture driving motor 36 is driven to
The aperture is narrowed down (step S27). Then, the Tv value obtained in step S10 is converted to the shutter time (step S28).

Then, the front curtain holding magnet (MGF)
28, the exposure is started (step S2).
9) (* 4 in FIG. 10). Then, the counting of the shutter time is started (step S30), and completion of the counting of the shutter time is detected (step S31). When the time measurement is completed, the flow shifts to step S48 to be described later to perform an exposure end operation. If the timing has not been completed, the process moves to the next step S32.

In step S32, it is determined whether or not a long time has elapsed (a shutter time of 1 second or longer). If it is not the long time, the process returns to the step S31 and repeats the process to reduce the error in the shutter time. On the other hand, if it is a long time, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the elapse of the shutter time is displayed on the display section 78 (see FIG. 4) of the liquid crystal display panel 13, and updating is performed. Thereafter, it is determined whether the shooting mode is the night scene mode or the long exposure (LT) mode (step S34). When the shooting mode is the night view mode or L. T. In modes other than the mode, it is not necessary to check the progress of the shutter time even if the time is long, so the subsequent processing is not performed. Therefore, the process returns to step S31 and the process is repeated. However, the night view mode or L. T. In the mode, it is necessary to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel 13 because the use condition is assumed to be a dark place at night.
This processing is performed in the processing after step S35.

That is, first, it is determined whether or not the BLLEDSW 45 has been pressed (step S35). If it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S39 described later, and if it has been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S36.

In step S36, the BLLED 66 is turned on (step S36) (* 5 in FIG. 10). Next, a flag “BLLED ON flag” indicating that the ON of the BLLED 66 is being timed is set to “1” (step S37).

In this embodiment, once the BLLEDSW
When the button 45 is pressed, the BLLED 66 is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, between 3 seconds and 8 seconds) to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel 13. Further, the BLLED 66 is intermittently blinked rather than continuously lit, and flickers at a cycle (for example, about 6 Hz to 30 Hz) at which flicker is not noticeable to human eyes, thereby suppressing current consumption. In order to perform such an operation, a timer 1 for measuring the predetermined time and a timer 2 for generating the above-described period are set, and the timer operation is started (step S38).

In step S39, it is determined whether the ON of the BLLED 66 is being counted based on whether the "BLLED ON" flag is "1" or "0". When the “BLLED ON” flag is “1”, the process proceeds to the next step S40,
When it is “0”, the process proceeds to step S31 and the process is repeated.

In the above step S39, "BLLED
If the "ON" flag is "1", an overflow of the timer 1 for measuring the illumination time is detected (step S40). If an overflow is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S41, and if there is no overflow, the process proceeds to step S43 described later.

In step S41, since the predetermined illumination time has elapsed, the BLLED 66 is turned off (step S4).
1) (* 6 in FIG. 10). Then, after the "BLLED ON" flag is set to "0" (step S42), the process proceeds to step S31, and the process is repeated.

If the overflow of the timer 1 is not detected in step S40, step S4
Then, the process goes to 3 to detect an overflow of the timer 2 that measures the blinking period. Here, when the overflow of the timer 2 is not detected, the process returns to the step S31 to repeat the processing. If an overflow is detected, the process moves to the next step S44.

In step S44, a determination is made to alternately turn on / off the BLLED 66 in order to blink the BLLED 66. Previous BLLED66
If the state is ON, the process proceeds to step S45, and if OFF, the process proceeds to step S46.

In step S45, the BLLED is turned off (* 7 in FIG. 10). In contrast, step S46
Then, the BLLED is turned on (* 8 in FIG. 10). Then, the same operations as the setting of the timer 2 and the start of the time measurement in the step S38 are executed again here (step S4).
7). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31 and the process is repeated.

If it is determined in step S31 that the counting of the shutter speed has been completed, the flow advances to step S48 to end the exposure. Step S
At 48, in order to complete the exposure, the energization of the rear curtain holding magnet (MGS) 29 is turned off, and the rear curtain is driven. Next, in order to prevent flickering of the lighting of the BLLED 66 due to an instantaneous current flow when driving the aperture driving motor 36 in step S50 to be described later or driving the mirror driving motor 24 in step S51,
The ED 66 is turned off (step S49). Then, the diaphragm is driven to open (step S50).

Next, the mirror driving motor 24 is driven in the reverse direction (step S51) (* 9 in FIG. 10). Until the switch SCSW58, which is turned on upon completion of the mirror down and shutter charge, is turned on (step S5).
2), the process of step S51 is repeated.

Then, in step S52, SC
If it is detected that the SW 58 is turned on (FIG. 10)
In * 10), the short brake is applied to the mirror driving motor 24 to end the exposure processing (step S53).

As described above, the liquid crystal display panel is illuminated by the illumination request during the long exposure, so that the time measurement or the elapsed time can be displayed to the photographer during the long exposure. Become.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when shooting in a dark place, it is difficult to understand the timing of the shutter time during exposure. Therefore, a sounding element such as a piezoelectric buzzer (PCV) 65 is used to inform the photographer of the elapsed time. This is an example.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for performing such an operation. First, timing of the shutter time is started (step S61), and completion of the timing of the shutter time is detected (step S62).

If the time measurement has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the remaining shutter time is 30 seconds (step S63). If not, the process proceeds to step S66, and if so, the process proceeds to step S64. .

In step S64, the PCV 65 beeps. This is generated by driving the PCV 65 for about 2 kHz and 33 msec. Next, the PCV 65 is sounded again (step S65). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S62, and the processing is repeated until the shutter time is completed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the remaining time is not 30 seconds, it is next determined whether the remaining time is 20 seconds (step S66). If not, the process proceeds to step S67, and if so, the process proceeds to step S64. Similarly, in step S67, it is determined whether the remaining time is 10 seconds. If not, the process proceeds to step S68. If so, the process proceeds to step S64. By doing so, the PCV 65 can be made to sound "beep" every 10 seconds.

Next, in step S68, the remaining five seconds are determined, and similarly, in step S69, the remaining three seconds are determined.
At 70, the process branches to step S65 with 2 seconds remaining and at step S71 with 1 second remaining, and the PCV 65 is made to sound "beep". By doing this, the remaining 5 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds,
A beep can be pronounced in one second.

If it is determined in step S62 that the timing has been completed, the energization of the rear curtain holding magnet (MGS) 29 is turned off and the rear curtain is driven to complete the exposure (step S62). S72).

With the above-described structure, the remaining time can be recognized by the ear depending on the type of sound and the period of sound generation in accordance with the progress of exposure in shooting in a dark place. (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, the PCV 65 is sounded at predetermined time intervals. However, this is combined with the first embodiment to visually and audibly inform the photographer of the time elapsed. It is intended to be closed.

That is, in the third embodiment, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 12, the shutter time during exposure displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 13 is updated in synchronization with the sound generation of the PCV 65, and At that timing, the BLLED 66 is turned on for a predetermined time to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel 13.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the second and third embodiments, it is not necessary to operate the BLLEDSW 45,
In the first embodiment, the illumination by the BLLED 66 is not performed unless this switch is operated. If the switch is operated to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 13 during exposure, the camera may be shaken. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, when a remote control signal is detected during exposure using the remote control transmission unit 17, the BLLED 66
To illuminate the liquid crystal panel 13 so that the photographer can know the elapse of the shutter time. As a result, the lighting can be turned on without directly touching the camera.

That is, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 13, a modulated signal from the remote control transmitting unit 17 is received by the light receiving element 19 and the interface IC 16
After the demodulation, the main CPU 10 receives the signal, and if it is determined that the signal is transmitted from the remote control transmission unit 17, the BLLED 66 is turned on for a predetermined time.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In a case where the camera can be touched during the long exposure time, a release button is the most easily operated operation member. For example, as an operation member that is turned on by lightly touching, there is a 1RSW 40 that is turned on when the release button is half-pressed. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 14, when the 1RSW 40 or the 2RSW 41 is pressed during exposure, the BLLED 66 is turned on.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In an environment in which long-time exposure is used, shooting in a dark place is generally performed. Also, scenes that use the “night scene mode” as the exposure mode are often shots in night scenes, that is, in dark places.

For this reason, the above L.P. T. In the photographing in the mode and the night view mode, the BLLED 66 for illuminating the liquid crystal display panel 13 is kept on to make it easier to see the shutter time information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 13 during exposure.

Hereinafter, this operation will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15A is obtained by replacing the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 in the first embodiment with the operation in the sixth embodiment, and the other parts are the same. Absent.

In step S81, it is determined whether or not the exposure time is long. If it is determined that the exposure time is not a long time, the process proceeds to step S31, and the processing loop for measuring the exposure time is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S81 that the exposure time is a long time, the flow shifts to step S82 to display the elapse of the shutter time on the display unit 78 of the liquid crystal panel 13.
(See FIG. 4).

Next, in step S83, the photographing mode is set to the night scene mode or L.P. T. Determine if the mode is set. Night view mode and L. T. In the mode, since there are many places where the used condition is dark, the process proceeds to step S84 and the BL
The LED 66 is turned on to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel 13 to make the display easier to see. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

In step S83, the shooting mode is the night scene mode or L. T. If you decide that you are not in mode,
The process moves to step S31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.
In the sixth embodiment, the BLLED 66 is not turned on when the exposure mode is not the night view mode or the long-time exposure mode, even if the exposure is at the long exposure time. In some cases, the film sensitivity is so high that the time is not long, or in the case where the night view mode or the long time exposure mode is not used, there may be a case where the illumination by the BLLED 66 is desired.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 15B, the BLLED 66 is turned on at the time of shooting at a long time by exposure calculation, at the time of shooting in the night scene mode, or at the time of shooting in the long time exposure mode. The liquid crystal display panel 13 may be easily viewed.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 15B is obtained by replacing the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 in the first embodiment with this operation, and the other parts remain unchanged.

In step S91, it is determined whether or not the exposure time is long. If it is determined that the exposure time is not a long time, the process proceeds to step S92. If it is determined that it is a long time, the process proceeds to step S93.

In the step S92, the photographing mode is the night scene mode or the L. mode. T. Determine if the mode is set. Here, the shooting mode is the night view mode or L. T. If it is determined that the mode is not the mode, the process proceeds to step S31 described above, and the processing loop for measuring the exposure time is repeated.

When the shooting mode is the night scene mode or L. T.
If it is determined that the mode is set, the process proceeds to step S93, and the elapse of the shutter time is displayed on the display unit 78 (see FIG. 4) of the liquid crystal panel 13.

Next, at step S94, the BLLED6
6 is turned on to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel 13 to make the display easier to see. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present invention. . Here, the summary of the present invention is as follows.

(1) Display means for displaying the state of the camera, illuminating means for illuminating the display means, release means for outputting an exposure operation start signal, and exposure means for starting exposure based on the exposure operation start signal An illumination switch for starting the operation of the illuminating means, information setting means for setting exposure conditions, and when the exposure time set by the information setting means exceeds a predetermined value, during the exposure by the exposing means, A camera, comprising: a display unit that displays a clock time of an exposure second and an illumination permission unit that permits an operation start operation of the illumination unit by the illumination switch.

(2) Display means for displaying the state of the camera, illumination means for illuminating the display means, release means for outputting an exposure operation start signal, and exposure means for starting exposure in response to the exposure operation start signal An illumination switch for starting the operation of the illumination means, a mode setting means for setting a photographing mode, and an exposure mode in which the exposure time exceeds a predetermined value by the mode setting means. A camera for displaying an exposure time on the display unit during the exposure and permitting an operation start operation of the illumination unit by the illumination switch.

(3) There is further provided a first time measuring means for measuring a first predetermined time, wherein the lighting means executes the lighting operation during the first predetermined time. ) Or (2).

(4) The camera according to the above (1) or (2), wherein the display means displays while subtracting the exposure time elapsed during the exposure. (5) The camera according to (2), wherein the illumination permission unit permits the illumination operation of the illumination unit only when the long-time exposure shooting mode is set by the mode setting unit.

(6) The camera according to (2), wherein the lighting permitting means permits the lighting operation of the lighting means only when the night view photographing mode is set by the mode setting means. .

(7) A second timer for repeatedly counting a second predetermined time during the exposure operation is further provided, and the illuminator starts the illuminating operation of the illuminator every time the timing by the timer is completed. The camera according to the above (1) or (2), wherein

(8) It further comprises receiving means for receiving a remote control signal, wherein the lighting means starts the lighting operation of the lighting means when the receiving means receives the remote control signal. The camera according to (1) or (2), wherein

(9) The lighting device according to (1) or (2), wherein the lighting device starts the lighting operation of the lighting device when a release button is operated during the exposure operation. camera.

(10) Display means for displaying the state of the camera, illuminating means for illuminating the display means, and information setting means for setting exposure conditions or photographing modes are provided. If the exposure condition or the exposure time in the exposure operation in the photographing mode exceeds a predetermined value, the display unit displays the measured time of the exposure time during the exposure operation and permits the illumination operation of the illumination unit. Camera.

[0122]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a camera capable of displaying the time measurement or progress of a second to a photographer during long-time exposure in a dark place. In other words, the long exposure when shooting in a dark place makes it easier for the user to see the state of the camera during exposure. Further, when there is an influence of camera shake during exposure, it is possible to make it easier to see the state of the camera without touching the camera.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A to 1C are a side view, a plan view, and a front view of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a circuit configuration related to control of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an image select button for selecting a shooting mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a temporary output display example in which the display on the liquid crystal display panel is fully lit.

FIG. 5 is a transition diagram showing overall changes in various shooting modes.

FIG. 6 is a transition diagram showing a change in shutter speed from a night scene mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a camera sequence of the camera according to the first embodiment.

8 is a diagram showing a first half of a series of flowcharts of exposure processing in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a latter half of a series of flowcharts of exposure processing in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of an exposure process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a shutter time notification operation during exposure processing of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of an exposure process in the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of an exposure process in the camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart of an exposure process in a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are each a flowchart showing an exposure process in the camera according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is a substitute for the flowchart of FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Strobe part 2 Display part 3 Image select button 4 Release button 5 Viewfinder 6 Shooting lens 7 Lighting button 10 CPU 13 Liquid crystal display panel 17 Remote control transmission unit 40 First release switch (1RSW) 41 Second release switch (2RSW) 45 Display illumination switch (BLLEDSW) 46 Landscape mode button (FKSW) 47 Portrait mode button (PRSW) 48 Stop action mode button (SASW) 49 Night view mode button (YKSW) 50 Full auto button (FASW) 65 PCV 66 Display lighting LED (BLLED)

Claims (3)

[Claims] A display unit for displaying a state of the camera; an illumination unit for illuminating the display unit; a release unit for outputting an exposure operation start signal; an exposure unit for starting exposure in response to the exposure operation start signal; An illumination switch for starting the operation of the illuminating means; information setting means for setting exposure conditions; and an exposure time set by the information setting means exceeding a predetermined value. A camera, comprising: a display unit that displays a time count of an exposure second and an illumination permission unit that permits an operation start operation of the illumination unit by the illumination switch. A display unit for displaying a state of the camera; an illumination unit for illuminating the display unit; a release unit for outputting an exposure operation start signal; an exposure unit for starting exposure by the exposure operation start signal; An illumination switch for starting the operation of the illuminating means; a mode setting means for setting a photographing mode; and when the predetermined exposure mode is set by the mode setting means, the display means displays the light during exposure by the exposing means. And a lighting permitting means for displaying an exposure time and permitting an operation starting operation of the lighting means by the lighting switch. A display unit for displaying a state of the camera; an illumination unit for illuminating the display unit; and an information setting unit for setting an exposure condition or a photographing mode. When the exposure condition or the exposure time in the exposure operation in the photographing mode exceeds a predetermined value, the display unit displays the measured time of the exposure time during the exposure operation, and permits the illumination operation of the illumination unit. A camera characterized in that: