JPH11282074A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of accurately displaying the residual amount of the battery. SOLUTION: A main CPU 1 obtains the consumption of power, based on not only the detected voltage of the battery 7, but also the operation frequencies of a stroboscope device 2 and motors 4 and 5, so that the power consumption can be accurately obtained. Then, a display device 11 displays the residual amount of the battery 7, based on the obtained power. Thus, a user see the display, to be able to accurately grasp the residual amount of the battery.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a camera, for example, a camera capable of accurately displaying the remaining battery level or displaying an image by a dot matrix.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a camera using a battery, for example, a liquid crystal display is used to notify a user of the remaining amount of the battery. By the way, in the related art, the remaining amount of the battery is mainly estimated by measuring the voltage or the like of the loaded battery. In addition, the estimated remaining amount of the battery is indicated by a liquid crystal display.
It is often displayed in three stages: a fully charged (or unused) state, a partially consumed state, and a completely consumed state.

[0003]

However, even if, for example, a semi-consumed state is displayed by such a three-stage display by the liquid crystal, the user can determine from the display how long shooting is possible. Is usually difficult. On the other hand, there is an idea that the liquid crystal display is made finer and the area of the liquid crystal display is reduced in response to a slight decrease in the voltage of the battery, whereby the remaining amount of the battery is displayed more accurately.

[0004] However, batteries generally have the property of maintaining a substantially constant voltage during most of their use. Therefore, it is usually difficult to accurately detect the remaining amount of the battery by the method of estimating the remaining amount of the battery by measuring only the voltage of the battery. Also, if the configuration is such that the area of the liquid crystal display is changed for a slight change in voltage,
For example, the area of the liquid crystal display increases or decreases in response to a temperature change or each time the battery voltage temporarily drops, so that the user may lose confidence in the liquid crystal display.

On the other hand, cameras having a display screen of a dot matrix format have been developed. According to such a camera, since an image can be formed on a display screen using a set of dots, for example, characters and the like can be formed from the image,
Therefore, more information can be transmitted to users and the like.

On the other hand, on a dot-matrix display screen provided in a conventional camera, only characters and symbols of a fixed size are displayed. Is limited on the display screen, thereby reducing the degree of freedom of the display form.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and has as its object to provide a camera capable of accurately displaying the remaining amount of a battery or a camera capable of displaying an image in various display forms.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a camera according to the present invention comprises an operating means for performing a predetermined operation by consuming the power of a battery; an operation count and an operating time of the operating means. Measuring means for measuring at least one of the following, voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the battery, at least one of the number of times of operation and the operating time of the operating means measured by the measuring means, and the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means. Determining means for determining the power consumed by the operating means based on the voltage of the battery, and display means for displaying the remaining amount of the battery based on the power determined by the determining means. It is characterized by.

The camera according to the present invention comprises a display means of a dot matrix format, a control means for controlling a display mode of the display means, and data of an image displayed on the display means, wherein the size of the image is different. The control means determines the size of an image to be displayed according to the display mode of the display means, and stores the data corresponding to the determined size of the image. The image data is read out from the means, and an image is displayed via the display means based on the read data.

[0010]

According to the camera of the present invention, the determining means determines at least not only the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detecting means but also the number of times of operation and the operating time of the operating means measured by the measuring means. Since the power consumed by the operating means is determined based on one of the powers, the power consumption can be accurately determined, and the display means can determine the power consumption based on the power determined by the determining means. Since the remaining battery level is displayed, the user can accurately grasp the remaining battery level by looking at the display.

According to the camera of the present invention, the control means determines the size of an image to be displayed in accordance with the display mode of the display means, and stores the data corresponding to the determined size of the image. Since the image is read out from the storage means and the image is displayed via the display means based on the read out data, the same image can be displayed in different sizes in various display modes. Thus, the degree of freedom of the display form can be increased.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the camera according to the first embodiment. FIG.
, The main CPU 1 uses a constant voltage circuit 8
, The power of the constant voltage Vc is received. Further, the main CPU 1 is connected to the strobe device 2, the film feed motor 4, the shutter drive motor 5, and the lens drive motor 6, and controls these. The main CPU 1 serving as a control means has a built-in counter serving as a measuring means, and operates a strobe device 2, a film feeding motor 4, a shutter driving motor 5, and a lens driving motor 6 which are operating means, respectively. The number of times is individually weighted and added.
In addition, a timer for measuring the operation time of each device may be provided in addition to the counter, and the power consumption may be calculated based on the number of operations and the operation time.

Further, the main CPU 1 is connected to the temperature sensor 3, which measures the temperature of the battery 7 and transmits a corresponding signal to the CPU 1. In addition, the main CPU 1 controls a liquid crystal display screen 11 as a display unit. The main CPU 1, which is also a voltage detecting means, has a detecting terminal BC,
The terminal BC is connected between two resistors R1 and R2 arranged in series between the positive electrode of the battery 7 and the ground.

FIG. 2 shows a camera 10 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a liquid crystal screen 11 showing a remaining amount of a battery disposed on the back of (partially shown). In FIG. 2, the liquid crystal screen 11 has a shape similar to the outer shape of the battery, and has ten liquid crystal display areas 11a on the left and three display areas 11c on the right. When the battery 7 (FIG. 1) is in a fully charged (or unused) state, all the areas 11a and 11c are in a display state, and as the batteries are exhausted, the areas 11a and 11c become non-active from left to right. It changes to the display state.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, only the right three regions 11c are in the display state. In this state, it indicates that the remaining amount of the battery is a predetermined amount, and in the present embodiment, it indicates that the remaining amount is enough to take three 12-shot films by flash photography. ing. In other words, strobe photography of 12 frames or the like can be performed with the amount of power indicated by one area 11c.
In the liquid crystal screen 11, a warning line 11b is formed by liquid crystal display between the area 11a and the area 11c, and when all the areas 11a are in the non-display state, the remaining amount of the battery becomes a predetermined amount. It has become clear that it has become. In addition, when 36 sheets of film are loaded,
When only the three areas 11c are in the display state, there is a battery remaining enough for one film to be photographed by flash photography.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the amount of decrease in the voltage with respect to the number of times of photographing in the battery loaded in the camera. Note that the graph differs depending on the type of camera, the type of battery, and the like. In FIG. 3, the voltage V of the battery has such a characteristic that it decreases sharply at first as the number of times of photographing increases, then becomes constant and finally sharply decreases again.

Here, the voltage γ or more is defined as an operable region, and if the battery voltage is in this region, the operation of the camera can be stably performed. On the other hand, the voltage γ is a final voltage, and if the voltage of the battery is lower than this, the function of the camera that operates based on the electric power may be impaired.

By the way, with respect to the voltage γ, the current voltage V
The problem is how much power can be taken for three 12-shot films (that is, 36 shooting times) and for strobe shooting. The voltage of the battery having such an electric energy is obtained as the voltage β from the following equation. .beta. = (B + (C + D + E) .times.12) .times.3 + .gamma. (1) Here, when the film is loaded, the film is fed when the camera automatically winds the film to a predetermined position (at the time of auto loading). The voltage of the battery, which is reduced by the power supplied to the motor 4 (FIG. 1), indicates the power supplied to the film feed motor 4 per frame when the film is forcibly rewound after the photographing is completed. D indicates the voltage that decreases due to the power supplied to the lens drive motor 6 that drives the lens to the in-focus position during autofocusing, and the film supply when winding the film to the next frame after shooting. E indicates a voltage that is reduced by the power supplied to the feed motor 4, and E indicates a voltage that is reduced by the power supplied to the strobe device 2 that performs the light emitting operation. Since photographing is performed for 12 frames per film, C + D + E is multiplied by 12, and B is added thereto to multiply by 3 (for 3 films). In some cases, even if the film is a 12-frame film, 13 frames can be photographed with a margin, but in such a case, C + D + E may be multiplied by 13.

On the other hand, when obtaining the voltage β, the zoom drive motor is omitted. The zoom operation is
This is because it is not performed quantitatively for each photographing, but is an arbitrary operation of the photographer, and it is difficult to estimate the amount of voltage drop due to the movement. However, by statistically processing the frequency of the zoom drive motor, the voltage drop amount A may be obtained based on the average value and used in the equation (1). Further, since the power consumption of the shutter drive motor 5 is lower than that of the motor or the strobe device, it is ignored in the calculation of the voltage β, but may be added.

When the voltage of the battery 7 matches the voltage β thus obtained, the display screen 11 displays a warning line 11b on the liquid crystal as shown in FIG. Are all hidden, and the area 11 on the right
Only c is displayed on the liquid crystal.

Next, the operation of the camera according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control performed in the main CPU 1 of the camera. In FIG. 4, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the control flow starts. In step S101, the main CPU 1 sets the voltage V
Is measured. This voltage is a potential difference between the detection terminal BC and the ground.

Further, the main CPU 1 determines in step S10
In step 2, it is determined whether or not the measured voltage V is equal to or lower than the final voltage γ. The warning line 11b flashes to indicate that the battery 7 is in a depleted state. Thereafter, in step S130, the power switch is turned off.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S10
In step 2, if it is determined that the measured voltage V is higher than the end voltage γ, the process proceeds to step S103, and the measured voltage V is compared with the voltages α and β. If the measured voltage V is higher than the voltage α, the main CPU 1 resets the built-in counter in step S104, and places all areas 11a on the display screen 11 in the liquid crystal display state in step S105, and the battery 7 is fully charged. Or it indicates that it is not used. After that, the flow moves to step S109.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S10
If it is determined in step 3 that the measured voltage V is between the voltages α and β, in step S106, the area 11a on the liquid crystal screen 11 shown in FIG. 2 is changed to a non-display state according to the value of the counter. Thereafter, the flow proceeds to step S109
Move to.

The main CPU 1 determines in step S103
In step S107, when it is determined that the measured voltage V is lower than the voltage β, the count is reset in step S107. In a succeeding step S108, the main CPU 1
Displays the warning line 11b on the liquid crystal screen 11 and calculates the value of (β−V) / (β−γ). (Β-
V) / (β−γ) becomes 0 when V = β, and V =
It becomes 1 when γ. Therefore, the closer the value of (β−V) / (β−γ) is to 1, the smaller the remaining amount of the battery becomes.

The main CPU 1 calculates (β−V) / (β−
According to the value of γ), when the value is in the zone from 0 to 1/3, all three areas 11a on the right of the warning line 11b on the liquid crystal screen 11 shown in FIG. Has become. When the value increases and enters the zone of 1/3 to 2/3, the main CPU 1 places only two right side areas 11a in a display state, and further increases the value to 2/3 to 1/3. Is entered, only one area 11a on the right side is displayed. After that, the flow moves to step S109.

In step S109, the main CPU 1 determines whether or not the zoom operation has been performed. If it determines that the zoom operation has been performed, the main CPU 1 determines in step S126 that the battery 7 has been operated.
Is measured. Further, in step S127, the main CPU 1 determines whether or not the measured voltage V is equal to or lower than the end voltage γ.
The process immediately proceeds to step S129, in which the entire area 11a of the display screen 11 is set to the non-display state, for example, the warning line 11b is blinked to indicate that the battery 7 is in a consumed state. Thereafter, in step S130, the power switch is turned off.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S12
If it is determined in step 7 that the measured voltage V is higher than the end voltage γ, the process proceeds to step S128, and a count value A ′ corresponding to the amount of power consumed by the zoom operation is added to the value counted so far. Thereafter, the flow returns to step S103 again. The zoom operation is
Since the calculation of the voltage β is not taken into account, if the zoom operation is repeated for a long time, the battery may be consumed before 36 shots are taken. However, even in such a case, since the battery consumption state is displayed in real time via the display screen 11, even if the display screen 11 is displayed so that there is a sufficient amount of battery remaining, Regardless, it is possible to prevent the camera from suddenly becoming unusable due to a dead battery.

If the main CPU 1 determines in step S109 that the zoom operation is not to be performed, it determines in step S110 whether or not the automatic loading has been performed. If it is determined that auto loading has been performed, the main C
PU1 measures the voltage V of the battery 7 in step S123. Further, in step S124, the main CPU 1 determines whether or not the measured voltage V is equal to or lower than the end voltage γ. If the main CPU 1 determines that the measured voltage V is equal to or lower than the end voltage, the process directly proceeds to step S129, and the area 11a of the display screen 11 is displayed. All are set to the non-display state, and the warning line 11b blinks to indicate that the battery 7 is in a consumed state. Thereafter, in step S130, the power switch is turned off.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S12
If it is determined in step 4 that the measured voltage V is higher than the end voltage γ, the process proceeds to step S125, and a count value B ′ corresponding to the amount of power consumed by the auto load is added to the value counted so far. Thereafter, the flow returns to step S103 again.

If the main CPU 1 determines in step S110 that the automatic loading is not performed,
In step S111, it is determined whether a forced rewind operation has been performed. If it is determined that the forced rewind operation has been performed, the main CPU 1 determines in step S120 that the battery 7
Is measured. Further, in step S121, the main CPU 1 determines whether or not the measured voltage V is equal to or lower than the end voltage γ.
The process immediately proceeds to step S129, in which the entire area 11a of the display screen 11 is set to the non-display state, for example, the warning line 11b is blinked to indicate that the battery 7 is in a consumed state. Thereafter, in step S130, the power switch is turned off.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S12
In step 1, when it is determined that the measured voltage V is higher than the end voltage γ, the process proceeds to step S122, where the value counted so far is set to the count value C ′ corresponding to the amount of power consumed by rewinding per frame. And the value multiplied by the number of rewinded frames is added. Thereafter, the flow returns to step S103 again.

If the main CPU 1 determines in step S111 that the forced rewind operation is not performed, it determines in step S112 whether the shutter release button has been pressed. When determining that the shutter release button has been pressed, the main CPU 1 measures the voltage V of the battery 7 in step S114. Further, the main CPU 1 determines in step S115 that the measured voltage V
Is determined to be equal to or lower than the end voltage γ, and if it is determined to be equal to or lower than the end voltage, the process immediately proceeds to step S129, where the entire area 11a of the display screen 11 is set to a non-display state,
For example, the warning line 11b flashes to indicate that the battery 7 is in a depleted state. Then step S1
At 30, the power switch is turned off.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S11
If it is determined in step S5 that the measured voltage V is higher than the end voltage γ, the process proceeds to step S116 to perform photographing and winding one frame, and to correspond to the value counted so far and the amount of power consumed by winding one frame. Is added.

Further, the main CPU 1 proceeds to step S11.
In step 7, it is determined whether or not photographing using a strobe has been performed. If not, the process proceeds to step S119. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S117 that the flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step S118 to charge the strobe driving capacitor, and to increase the count value corresponding to the amount of power consumed by the charging to the value counted so far. '. After that, the flow returns to step S
103 is returned. Step S112
In step S131, if it is determined that the shutter release button has not been pressed, and if the power switch is turned off in step S113, the power is cut off in step S131.
If not, the flow returns to step S109.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the amount of power consumption is monitored in detail from the point in time when the voltage V of the battery falls below the voltage β. And the photographer can surely grasp the timing of battery replacement.

Incidentally, the voltage of a normal battery fluctuates according to the temperature. Specifically, the higher the temperature, the higher the voltage, and the lower the temperature, the lower the voltage. Therefore, the voltages α, β,
If γ is taken as a permanent value, control will be affected in relation to the actual voltage V. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the amount of decrease in voltage with respect to the number of times of photographing in a battery loaded in the camera, divided into normal temperature (V1), low temperature (V2), and high temperature (V3). As shown in FIG. 5, the voltage α,
γ have different values.

Therefore, in order to display the remaining amount of the battery, it is necessary to correct the temperature. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control to which temperature correction is added as a modification of the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, after the power switch is turned on, in step S201, the main CPU 1 performs temperature measurement by the temperature sensor 3 (FIG. 1).

In the following step S202, the main C
The PU 1 corrects the values of the voltages α, β, and γ based on the measured temperature. More specifically, the voltages α and γ are set in advance for each temperature.
Is measured and stored in the main CPU 1, and the voltages α and γ corresponding to the actual temperatures are obtained by interpolation processing or the like. On the other hand, since the power consumption of each device also changes according to the temperature, the amount of voltage drop A,
B, C, D, and E are measured and stored in the main CPU 1, and a value corresponding to the actual temperature is obtained by an interpolation process or the like, and then the voltage β is calculated. It should be noted that, in addition to the mode of correcting the values of the voltages α, β, and γ, a mode in which temperature coefficients corresponding to the voltage drop amounts A, B, C, D, and E are obtained and multiplied by the count value is also considered. Can be

After correcting the voltage in step S202, the main CPU 1 measures the voltage of the battery in step S101, and thereafter shifts the flow to step S102 in FIG. According to this modification, it is possible to accurately display the remaining amount of the battery regardless of the temperature change.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to another modification of the present embodiment. In this modified example, the main CPU 1 stores the measured voltage value of the battery and can compare it with the next measured voltage value.
In step S301 in FIG. 7, the main CPU 1
The voltage V of the battery 7 is measured, and in the subsequent step S302, the measured voltage V is compared with the voltages α and β. Measurement voltage V
Is higher than the voltage α, in step S303, the main CPU 1 turns off the flag for the reason described later, resets the built-in counter, and proceeds to step S303.
At 304, all the areas 11 on the display screen 11 are displayed.
a is set to the liquid crystal display state, indicating that the battery 7 is in a fully charged or unused state. Then the flow is step S
Move to 109.

On the other hand, the main CPU 1 determines in step S30
If it is determined in step 2 that the measured voltage V is between the voltages α and β, in step S305, it is determined whether the current voltage V is not significantly different from the previously measured voltage. If it is determined that the current voltage V is significantly different (dropped) from the previously measured voltage, the main CPU 1 determines in step S3
08, the flag is turned on, and in step S309,
Regardless of the current display mode of the liquid crystal screen 11, the warning line 11b is immediately displayed, and only the right area 11a is displayed. Thereby, the photographer knows that the battery should be replaced as soon as possible because the battery consumption has become severe due to, for example, excessive zoom operation.

On the other hand, in step S305,
If the main CPU 1 determines that the current voltage V is not significantly different from the voltage measured last time, the main CPU 1 determines whether the flag is on or off in step S306, responds to the flag off in step S307, and sets the value of the counter in step S307. Accordingly, area 11a on liquid crystal screen 11 shown in FIG. 2 is changed to a non-display state. After that, the flow moves to step S109. If the flag is on in step S306, it indicates that there has been a significant voltage drop at least once, and the flow moves to step S309 to issue a predetermined warning.

The main CPU 1 determines in step S302
In step S310, when it is determined that the measured voltage V is lower than the voltage β, the flag is turned off and the count is reset in step S310. In the following step S311, the main CPU 1 displays the warning line 11b on the liquid crystal screen 11, and calculates the value of (β−V) / (β−γ).

The main CPU 1 calculates (β−V) / (β−
According to the value of γ), when the value is in the zone from 0 to 1/3, the entire area 11a to the right of the warning line 11b on the liquid crystal screen 11 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. . When the value increases and enters the zone of 1/3 to 2/3, the main CPU 1 sets the right region 11
When only two a are displayed, and the value further increases and enters a zone from 2/3 to 1, the right region 11
a is kept in a display state. After that, the flow moves to step S109.

The reason why the flag is turned off in step S303 is that it is determined that the voltage V is sufficient at this time and that the previous voltage drop is temporary, while the flag is turned off in step S310. To do
This is because detailed voltage monitoring can be performed in step S311. In the present embodiment, an optical camera is described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to an electronic camera. In such a case, the main CPU 1 is provided with a timer,
The display time of the color liquid crystal screen for displaying the captured image may be measured and added to the counter value.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, a main CPU 101 serving as a control unit includes a ROM 1 serving as a storage unit.
02, the liquid crystal controller 103, and the touch panel 10
7 and various devices 108 of the camera body.
The liquid crystal controller 103 is connected to a RAM 104 and a driver 105, and the driver 105 is connected to a dot matrix type display device (display means).

The ROM 102 stores image data for display. This image data is displayed on the display device 106.
, For example, image data corresponding to characters or graphics for representing the mode. Note that a plurality of image data for the same character is stored in the ROM 102 so that the image can be displayed in different sizes.

The main CPU 101 reads out the image data stored in the ROM 102 and
3 to the RAM 104. The liquid crystal controller 103 transmits the image data stored in the RAM 104 to the driver 105, and forms an image on the display device 106. When the screen of the display device 106 on which such an image is displayed is pressed, the touch panel 10
7 reacts and transmits the position coordinates to the main CPU 101.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the back of the camera according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, the camera 100
Has a large dot matrix type liquid crystal screen 106 on the back thereof below the finder 100a. A return button 110 is provided below the liquid crystal screen 106. The display mode displayed on the liquid crystal screen 106 will be described below.

FIG. 10 shows a display screen 106 of the camera 100.
It is a figure which shows the display form of. FIG. 10A shows an original display mode. In FIG. 10A, the number N1 displayed at the upper left of the display screen 106 indicates the number of frames shot by the camera, and increases with the number of shots.
The symbol C1 to the right of the number N1 indicates the remaining battery power of the camera, and the liquid crystal display area decreases with the remaining battery power. The symbol C2 on the right of the symbol C1 indicates the type of film loaded in the camera (ISO sensitivity 400).

Further, a symbol (character) C3 displayed below the number N1 on the display screen 106 indicates the photographing mode of the camera, and indicates that the camera is currently in the automatic flash mode. Number DT to the right of symbol C3
Indicates a date, and the symbol C4 below the symbol C3 is
For example, a title name that can be recorded together with an image on a film is shown.

Here, it is assumed that the photographer presses the area where the symbol C3 is displayed with a finger or the like as shown in FIG. Then, the touch panel 107 reacts, and the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer desires to change the photographing mode, controls the display screen 106, and displays the image in the display form shown in FIG. Is to be changed.

In FIG. 10B, the symbol C5 displayed on the upper left of the display screen 106 is the same image as the symbol C3, but is different in size. Such an image is stored in the ROM1
02 are respectively displayed based on the data for the dot matrix stored in the data 02.
The area in which the symbol C5 is displayed is slightly darkened to indicate that the mode corresponding to the symbol C5 (that is, the automatic flash emission mode is currently selected).

The symbol C6 on the right of the symbol C5 indicates the red-eye prevention mode, and the symbol C7 on the right of the symbol C6 indicates the forced strobe light emission mode. On the other hand, the symbol C8 below the symbol C5
Indicates a flash prohibited mode, a symbol C9 on the right of the symbol C8 indicates a night view mode, and a symbol C1 on the right of the symbol C9.
0 indicates a distant view mode. Here, the photographer desires to select the strobe light emission mode, and the symbol C7
Area is pressed.

When the touch panel 107 responds, the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer desires to change the flash mode, sets the forced flash mode, and controls the display screen 106. The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG. 10C in which the area of the symbol C7 is darkened.

At this point, if the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 determines that the mode change has been completed, and controls the display screen 106 to change the mode shown in FIG.
The display is changed to the display form shown in (d). In FIG. 10D, the symbol C11 displayed at the left center of the display screen 106 is the same image as the symbol C7 in FIG. 10C, but is different in size. Such images are respectively displayed based on dot matrix data stored in the ROM 102.

Here, it is assumed that the photographer has pressed the area of the symbol DT. Then, the touch panel 107 reacts, and the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer wants to change the mode with respect to the date, and the display screen 106
Is controlled, and the area of the symbol DT is darkened as shown in FIG.
The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG.

In FIG. 10E, a symbol DT displayed on the upper part of the display screen 106 indicates a date mode for exposing the date to the film, and a symbol CL shown in the middle part indicates the time for exposing the time to the film. The symbol C12 shown in the lower part indicates a non-recording mode in which neither date nor time is exposed. Here, it is assumed that the photographer desires to select the non-recording mode and presses the area of the symbol C12.

When the touch panel 107 responds, the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer wants to change the no-recording mode, sets the no-recording mode, and controls the display screen 106 to The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG. 10F in which the area of the symbol C12 is darkened.

At this point, when the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 determines that the mode change has been completed, and controls the display screen 106 to change the mode shown in FIG.
The display is changed to the display form shown in (g). In FIG. 10G, the symbol C13 displayed at the right center of the display screen 106 is the same image as the symbol C12 in FIG. Such images are respectively displayed based on dot matrix data stored in the ROM 102.

Here, it is assumed that the photographer presses the area of the symbol C4. Then, the touch panel 107 reacts, and the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer wants to change the title, and controls the display screen 106 to display the image on the display form shown in FIG. It is supposed to change.

In FIG. 10 (h), symbols C14 and C15 displayed in the upper part of the display screen 106 are main CPUs.
101 shows a button for selecting one of the title options stored in advance, and a symbol C16 shown in the middle row.
Indicates the selected title, and the symbol C shown at the bottom
Reference numeral 17 denotes a button for setting whether to record a title. Here, it is assumed that the photographer has pressed the area of the symbol C15.

When the touch panel 107 responds, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to display the next title “hiking” for the selected title “new”. FIG. 10 (i) The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG.

At this point, if the photographer decides not to record the title and presses the area of the symbol C17, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to execute the selected title “Hiking”. FIG. 10 is replaced with a symbol C19 indicating that a title is not recorded.
The display is changed to the display form shown in (j).

Here, when the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 determines that the mode change has been completed, and controls the display screen 106 to display the display form shown in FIG. It is supposed to change. In FIG. 10 (k), the symbol C20 displayed in the lower part of the display screen 106 indicates that the mode is that the title is not recorded.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, RO
Since data relating to the same image having different sizes is stored in M102, the main CPU 101 can read out the data as needed to quickly perform image processing. Further, in such a display, since the image is appropriately enlarged, there is also an effect that the visibility is excellent. Note that data relating to an image of a fixed size may be stored in the ROM 102, and when displaying the data, the main CPU 101 may perform an operation for enlarging the image. By doing so, the ROM 102
Storage capacity can be reduced, and the cost is reduced. On the other hand, when it is desired to reduce the calculation time of the main CPU 101 and obtain an optimal image size,
It is better to adopt the above embodiment.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing other display forms according to the present embodiment. According to the display modes shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the operation procedure of the camera can be notified to the photographer.

FIG. 11A shows an original display form. From such a display form, the symbol C2 (FIG. 10)
Since (a)) is not displayed, it can be seen that no film is loaded in the camera. However, here the photographer presses the shutter release button 100b (FIG. 9).
Is pressed, the main CPU 101 causes the display screen 106
Is controlled to change the display to the display form shown in FIG. 11B in which the information I1 "film erase" is displayed for only about 5 seconds. After five seconds have elapsed, the display mode is changed to the original one (FIG. 11C). Such a display indicates to the photographer that film loading is necessary.

FIG. 12A shows an original display form. Here, when the rewinding of the film of the camera is completed, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to blink the number N1 “0” to notify that the rewinding is completed. Further, the main CPU 101 displays the display screen 1
06 is controlled to change the display to the display form shown in FIG. 12 (b), which displays the information I2 “Film Attachment”. By taking out the film, the display form is changed to the original one (FIG. 12C). Such a display indicates that the photographer has to take out the film.

FIG. 13A shows an original display form. From such a display form, the symbol C1 (FIG. 10)
Since (a)) is blinking, it is known that the battery of the camera has run out. Further, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to display the information I3 “Attack” (FIG. 13B). The display indicates that the photographer needs to replace the battery.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display form according to a modification of the present embodiment. According to the display mode shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to notify the photographer of the functions and the like of the camera. According to such a modification, the camera 1
00, a help button 11
1 is arranged.

FIG. 14 (a) shows an original display form, similar to the display form shown in FIG. 10 (a). Here, it is assumed that the photographer lacks knowledge about the photographing mode. In this case, when the photographer presses the area of the symbol C3 indicating the photographing mode, the touch panel 107 reacts, and the main CPU 101 displays the display screen 1
06 is controlled to change the display to the display form shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14B, the symbol C5 "AUT
The area where “O” is displayed is slightly darker, indicating that the mode corresponding to the symbol C5 (ie, the automatic flash emission mode) is currently selected. Here, it is assumed that the photographer lacks knowledge about the mode indicated by the symbol C5 “AUTO” and wants to know the contents.

In such a case, if the photographer presses the help button 1
By pressing 11, the CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to display the information I <b> 4, “Clark Naruto Jidoki Teijin strobe @ Hakashi Trout”, FIG. 14.
The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG. When the photographer views this information I4, the symbol C
The content of the mode indicated by 5 "AUTO" is understood, and the photographer can take a desired image. Similarly, for example, if the user wants to know the contents of the mode indicated by the symbol C6, the user presses the area of the symbol C6, selects the mode, and then presses the help button 111. , And corresponding information (not shown) is displayed.

When the photographer presses the return button 110 from the display form shown in FIG.
The display 101 controls the display screen 106 to change the display to the display form shown in FIG. Further, when the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to
The display is changed to the original display form shown in (e).

In the display form shown in FIG. 14E, for example, if the user wants to know the contents of the portion indicated by the symbol C1 (battery), he presses the area of the symbol C1 and presses the help button 111. By doing so, the CPU 101
The display screen 106 is controlled to display information corresponding to the battery. In this way, even if the photographer wants to know about the camera, he or she does not need to look at the manual each time, and can obtain necessary information from the display screen 106 by appropriately pressing the help button. ing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display form according to another modification of the present embodiment. According to the display mode shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to switch modes and the like without using a touch panel. According to this modification, the enter button 112 and the select buttons 113 and 114 are located adjacent to the return button 110 of the camera 100.
And are arranged.

FIG. 15 (a) shows an original display form, similar to the display form shown in FIG. 10 (a). Here, it is assumed that the photographer has pressed the enter button 112 with a finger or the like as shown in FIG. Then, main C
PU 101 indicates whether the photographer is in the shooting mode or the date mode,
It is determined that the title name is desired to be changed, and the display screen 1
06 is controlled to change the display to the display form shown in FIG.

In FIG. 15B, the symbol C21 displayed on the upper left of the display screen 106 is the same image (“AUTO”) as the symbol C3, but is different in size. Such images are respectively displayed based on dot matrix data stored in the ROM 102. The area in which the symbol C21 is displayed is slightly darkened to indicate that the mode corresponding to the symbol C21 (that is, the automatic flash mode is currently selected).

When the photographer desires to change the photographing mode and presses the enter button 112 again, the main CPU
The display 101 controls the display screen 106 to change the display to the display form shown in FIG. 15C (the same as in FIG. 10B).

In FIG. 15C, the symbol C6 on the right of the symbol C5 indicates the red-eye prevention mode, and the symbol C7 on the right of the symbol C6 indicates the forced strobe light emission mode. On the other hand, a symbol C8 below the symbol C5 indicates a forced flash prohibited mode, a symbol C9 on the right of the symbol C8 indicates a night view mode, and a symbol C10 on the right of the symbol C9 indicates a distant view mode. Here, when the photographer desires to select the red-eye prevention mode, the photographer presses the selection button 114 once. In response to the pressing, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to display the symbol C on the right of the symbol C5.
The area 6 is darkened (see FIG. 15D).

At this point, when the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer wants to change to the red-eye prevention mode, sets the red-eye prevention mode, and displays the display screen 106. By controlling, FIG.
The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG. The symbol C6 displayed in the upper center of the display screen 106 is the same image as the symbol C24 in FIG. Such image data is stored in a ROM
This is data for the dot matrix stored in each of the reference numbers 102.

Next, when the photographer presses the selection button 114, the main CPU 101 responds to the pressing, and controls the display screen 106 to darken the area of the symbol C22 (FIG. 15 ( f)). Further, when the photographer presses the selection button 114, the main CPU 101 responds to the pressing, and darkens the area of the symbol C23 (see FIG. 15 (g)).

Here, when the photographer presses the decision button 112, the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer wants to change the title, controls the display screen 106, and shows the state shown in FIG. The display is changed to the display mode.

In FIG. 15 (h), the symbol C25 (“New”) displayed at the center of the display screen 106 is one of the title options stored in the main CPU 101 in advance and is currently selected. Things. Symbol C26 "OK" button displayed at the bottom of display screen 106
“Title ON / OFF”) is information indicating the function of the enter button 112. That is, by pressing the enter button 112, one of a recording mode for storing the title and a non-recording mode for not recording can be selected. Here, it is assumed that the photographer has pressed the selection button 114.

Then, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 to select the selected title “new”.
In response, the next title "hiking" is displayed.
The display is changed to the display form shown in FIG.

At this point, if the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 determines that the photographer wants to change the title to "New", and controls the display screen 106 to display FIG. The display is changed to the display form shown in j).

Next, when the photographer presses the selection button 113, the main CPU 101 controls the display screen 106 in a direction opposite to the above in response to the pressing, and the symbol C2
Region 2 is darkened (see FIG. 15 (k)).

When the photographer desires to change the date mode and presses the enter button 112, the main CPU 10
1 controls the display screen 106 to change the display to the display form shown in FIG. FIG.
In (l), the symbol C29 (“98.01.30”) displayed in the upper part of the display screen 106 indicates a mode for recording the date, and the symbol C30 (“30”) displayed in the middle part of the display screen 106 is displayed. “18:30) indicates a mode for recording time, and a symbol C31 displayed in the lower part of the display screen 106 indicates a mode for not recording date and time. This indicates that the mode for recording the date has been selected.

When the photographer presses the selection button 114, the main CPU 101 responds to the pressing.
The display screen 106 is controlled to darken the area of the symbol C30 (see FIG. 15 (m)). At this point, if the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU
101 determines that the photographer wants to change to the time mode, and controls the display screen 106 to change the display to the display form shown in FIG. It is supposed to. Further, when the photographer presses the return button 110, the main CPU 101 changes the display to the original display form shown in FIG. 15 (o), which indicates that the time mode or the like has been set. .

In FIG. 15, among the symbols displayed in each of the display forms on the display screen 106, the same but different sizes of the images are stored in the dot matrix data stored in the ROM 102, respectively. Based on each of them, they are displayed.

As described above, according to the modification of this embodiment, the mode can be easily changed without using an expensive touch panel, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the camera. be able to. Note that this embodiment is not limited to an optical camera, but can be applied to an electronic camera.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiments, and it is needless to say that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. is there.

[0095]

According to the camera of the present invention, the deciding means is:
The power consumed by the operating means is obtained based on not only the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detecting means but also at least one of the number of operations and the operating time of the operating means measured by the measuring means. So
Since such power consumption can be accurately obtained, and the display means displays the remaining amount of the battery based on the power obtained by the determination means,
The user can accurately grasp the remaining amount of the battery by looking at the display.

According to the camera of the present invention, the control means determines the size of the image to be displayed in accordance with the display mode of the display means, and stores data corresponding to the determined size image from the storage means. Since the image is read out and the image is displayed via the display means based on the read out data, the same image can be displayed with different sizes in various display modes, whereby The degree of freedom of the display form can be expanded.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a liquid crystal screen 11 showing the remaining amount of a battery disposed on the back of a camera 10 (only a part is shown) according to the embodiment
FIG.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of an amount of decrease in voltage with respect to the number of times of shooting in a battery installed in a camera.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control performed in a main CPU 1 of the camera.

FIG. 5 shows the amount of decrease in voltage with respect to the number of times of photographing in a battery loaded in a camera at room temperature (V1) and at low temperature (V1).
2) is a graph separately shown at high temperature (V3).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control that has passed temperature correction as a modification of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to another modification of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a rear surface of the camera according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display mode of a display screen 106 of the camera 100.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another display mode according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another display mode according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display mode according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display mode according to a modification of the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display mode according to another modification of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 101 Main CPU 2 Strobe device 3 Temperature sensor 4 Film feed motor 5 Shutter drive motor 6 Lens drive motor 7 Battery 8 Constant voltage circuit 11, 106 Display device 102 ROM 103 Liquid crystal controller 104 RAM 105 Driver 107 Touch panel

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An operating unit for performing a predetermined operation by consuming power of a battery, a measuring unit for measuring at least one of the number of operations and an operating time of the operating unit, and a voltage for detecting a voltage of the battery. Detecting means; power consumed by the operating means based on at least one of the number of operations and the operating time of the operating means measured by the measuring means, and the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detecting means. And a display unit for displaying the remaining amount of the battery based on the power obtained by the determining unit. 2. A load detecting means for detecting that the battery has been loaded in the camera, wherein the measuring means detects at least one of the number of times of operation and the operating time of the operating means from the time of detection by the load detecting means. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein measurement of the camera is started. 3. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the remaining amount of the battery in multiple stages.
Or the camera according to 2. 4. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display unit also displays the number of films that can be photographed based on the remaining amount of the battery. 5. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display unit performs a warning display when the remaining amount of the battery becomes equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount. 6. The camera according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined remaining amount is a remaining amount of a battery capable of performing all-frame strobe shooting on at least one film. 7. A display means in a dot matrix format, a control means for controlling a display mode of the display means, and a plurality of data of images displayed on the display means are stored with different image sizes. The control means determines the size of an image to be displayed according to the display mode of the display means, and reads out data corresponding to the image of the determined size from the storage means. A camera configured to display an image via the display unit based on the read data. 8. The camera according to claim 7, wherein said display means includes a touch panel type screen. 9. The storage unit stores information indicating an operation procedure of the camera, and the control unit reads the information from the storage unit, and based on the read information, displays the display unit. 9. The camera according to claim 7, wherein an operation procedure of the camera is displayed via the camera. 10. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the display unit displays a hierarchical display mode.