JPH11326750A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select one focus area from plural focus area without adding a new operation member by providing an operation member for switching a mode in which the focus area in an X-axis direction is selected and a mode in which the focus area in a Y-axis direction is selected. SOLUTION: This camera is provided with an operation member for switching a mode in which a focus area in the X-axis direction is selected and a mode in which a focus area in the Y-axis direction is selected by the operation of a dial operation part. Namely, in this camera, when a photographer moves and selects 15 range-finding points arranged ion the X-axis and the Y-axis directions on an observation image plane of a finder to an optical range-finding point from a specified range-finding point, the movement of the range-finding point in the X-axis direction that an electronic dial is operated being the 2nd operation is performed after the operation of a range-finding point selection button being the 1st operation. Then, in the 3rd operation, an FE lock button 43 is pressed in the state that the range-finding point selection button is not operated and the electronic dial 46 is operated so that the range-finding point in the Y-axis direction is moved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an autofocus camera in which a plurality of focus areas are set in a photographing screen, and a focus is adjusted using a focus detection result in any one of the focus areas. In recent years, some cameras have a focus area set up, down, left, and right in a shooting screen.

In such a camera, when a photographer selects a specific focus area from a plurality of focus areas, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
As disclosed in JP-A-63-137216, a specific focus area is selected using a joystick or a joypad. However, joysticks and joypads require a larger area than dials and buttons, which hinders downsizing of the camera and causes malfunctions due to careless operations.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-288845, when a specific focus area is selected from a plurality of focus areas arranged in the left-right direction, the operation direction of the dial operating member and the moving direction of the focus area are made to match. Is disclosed.

[0005] When a focus area of a camera whose focus area is set up, down, left, or right in a photographing screen is selected by using this method, two dial operating members are required, which hinders downsizing of the camera.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-288845 discloses that simultaneous operation of operating a dial operating member while operating an operating member different from the dial operating member changes the moving direction of the focus area. Are also disclosed.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a joystick and a joypad for a camera and a camera accessory for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas set up, down, left, and right in a photographing screen. With one existing dial, it is possible to select at least one focus area from among a plurality of focus areas set up, down, left and right in the shooting screen without adding new dials or other operating members To

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas by operating a dial operation member. An operation member for switching between a first mode for selecting a focus area in the X-axis direction by operating the operation member and a second mode for selecting a focus area in the Y-axis direction by operating the dial operation member; Features.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas by operating a dial operation member. An operation member for switching between a first mode for selecting a focus area in one direction and a second mode for selecting a focus area in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by operating the dial operation member; And characterized in that:

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect of the present invention, a timer for measuring a time after the operation member is operated is provided, and the timer is a predetermined timer. When the time is measured, the mode returns to a mode before the operation member is operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas, a dial operating member, a first operating member, and the first operating member are provided. In response to the operation of the second operation member different from the member and the operation of the first operation member, focus area selection in the X-axis direction is performed based on the operation of the dial operation member, and the operation of the second operation member is performed. In accordance with the operation of the dial operating member,
Control means for performing control so as to select a focus area in the axial direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises:
After the operation of the operation member, the control of the first operation member is performed to control the focus area selection in the X-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises:
A timer for measuring the time since the operation of the operation member is operated, and when the timer measures a predetermined time, control is performed such that the focus area selection operation in the Y-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member is invalidated. It is characterized by doing.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises:
Has a timer that measures the time since the operation of the operation member, and when the timer measures a predetermined time, from the focus area selection operation in the Y-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member, the operation of the dial operation member It is characterized in that control is performed so as to switch to a focus area selection operation in the X-axis direction based on an operation.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a main part of a single-lens reflex camera as a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a photographing lens, which is shown as two lenses 1a and 1b for convenience in FIG. 1, but is actually composed of a large number of lenses. 2 is the primary mirror
Depending on the observation state and the photographing state, the photographing optical path is inclined or moved away. A sub-mirror 3 guides a light beam transmitted through the main mirror 2 to a focus detection device 6 provided below the camera body. Reference numeral 4 denotes a shutter and reference numeral 5 denotes a photosensitive member, which comprises a silver halide film, a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD or a MOS type, or an image pickup tube such as a vidicon.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a focus detection device, which includes a field lens 6a, reflection mirrors 6b and 6 disposed near the image plane.
c, a well-known phase difference method including a secondary imaging lens 6d, an aperture 6e, a line sensor 6f including a plurality of CCDs, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the focus detection device 6 includes a plurality of focus areas (15 distance measuring point marks 301T to 305) in the finder observation screen 300.
B) is configured to be capable of focus detection.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a focusing plate arranged on a predetermined image forming plane of the photographing lens 1, and 8 denotes a pentaprism for changing a finder optical path. Reference numerals 9 and 10 denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of the subject in the observation screen. The imaging lens associates the focusing plate 7 and the photometric sensor via a reflection optical path in the pentaprism 8 in a conjugate manner. .

Next, behind the exit surface of the pentaprism 8, an eyepiece 11 having a light splitter 11a is arranged. The light splitter 11a includes, for example, a dichroic mirror that transmits visible light and reflects infrared light and visible light (red light) closer to infrared light. Reference numeral 12 denotes a light receiving lens, and reference numeral 14 denotes an image sensor in which a photoelectric element array such as a CCD is two-dimensionally arranged.

Reference numerals 13a to 13d and 13e to 13h denote eight infrared light-emitting diodes (only two are shown in the figure) which are illumination light sources for the eye 15 of the photographer.
1.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a light splitter located in front of the light receiving lens 12 along the optical axis. 17 is an imaging lens. 18 is a transmissive liquid crystal. 19
Is a high-brightness infrared-visible light (red light) that allows the transmission part of the transmission-type liquid crystal SLCD 18 to be visually recognized even in a bright subject.
Backlight LED.

The light splitter 16 has an infrared light emitting diode 13a.
13d and 13e to 13h, transmitting the reflected infrared light from the pupil of the photographer's eye 15 to the image sensor 14 and reflecting the visible light (red light) closer to the infrared light of the backlight LED 19, It consists of a dichroic mirror leading to the pupil of the eye 15.

The transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18 is used to control the eye 1 of the photographer.
5, the imaging lens 17 and the eyepiece 1
It is arranged so as to be conjugate with the focus plate 7 via 1.

The light emitted from the backlight LED 19 passes through the transmissive portion of the transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18, is bent by the light splitters 16 and 11 a, and reaches the eye 15 of the photographer through the eyepiece 11.

FIG. 6A shows the structure of the transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18. The arrow X indicates the backlight LED1.
The TN type liquid crystal 18c is sandwiched between the polarizing plates 18a1 and 18a2 and the glass plates 18b1 and 18b2 with the red light from 9;
It is sealed. The liquid crystal 18c of the glass plate 18b2
On the side, a metal deposition film 18d for providing an opaque portion is provided. Reference numeral 18e denotes an electrode surface on which electrodes for driving the liquid crystal 18c are provided.

FIG. 6B shows the transmission type liquid crystal SLCD 18 viewed from the polarizing plate 18a2.
Only the 15 rectangular outline portions including 8f are not provided with the metal deposition film 18d. Further, a driving portion for the liquid crystal 18c is provided at a position corresponding to the 15 rectangular outline shape portions including 18f, and by driving the driving portion, the red light from the backlight LED 19 is emitted to the eye 15 of the photographer. When the light is not driven, the red light from the backlight LED 19 is blocked.

The 15 rectangular outline portions including 18f in FIG. 6B are located at positions corresponding to the focus detection area of the focus detection device 6, that is, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of focus areas (15 focusing point marks 30
1T to 305B).

Thus, as can be seen from the viewfinder view shown in FIG. 5, the backlight LED 19 is turned on, and any one of the 15 rectangular outline shape portions including 18f corresponding to the focus detection area of the transmission type liquid crystal SLCD 18 is provided. Are used as transmission parts, so that the distance measurement point marks (15 distance measurement point marks 301T to 305) can be displayed in the viewfinder observation screen 300.
B), and a focus area (distance measurement point) is displayed (hereinafter, this is referred to as a superimposed display).

In FIG. 5, a transmission type liquid crystal SLCD 18 is shown.
18f indicates a light-on display state in which the distance measurement point mark 303c is illuminated with the 18f as a transmission portion. In addition, transmission type liquid crystal SL
The 14 distance measuring point marks other than 18f of the CD 18 are non-transmissive parts, and the areas other than the distance measuring point mark 303c indicated by the dotted line are not lit. When the photographer is observing the viewfinder screen, the non-lighted distance measuring point mark is not visible.

Here, the distance measuring point marks 301c, 3c on the left and right ends
05c is turned on when collecting individual difference correction data (eye-gaze correction coefficient) of the eyeball (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as calibration).

Reference numeral 306 denotes a field mask for forming a field of view in the viewfinder. Reference numeral 307 denotes an LCD in the viewfinder for displaying photographing information outside the field of view of the viewfinder.
The light illuminated by the LED 25 and transmitted through the LCD 24 is guided into the finder by the triangular prism 26,
It is displayed outside the finder field of view in FIG. 5, and the photographer is observing the photographing information. Reference numeral 27 denotes a posture detecting means, which is a switch for detecting the posture of the camera.

Reference numeral 31 denotes an aperture provided in the taking lens 1;
A diaphragm driving device including a diaphragm driving circuit 111 described later;
Reference numeral 3 denotes a lens driving motor, 34 denotes a lens driving member including a driving gear and the like, and 35 denotes a photocoupler.
The rotation of the pulse plate 36 interlocking with No. 4 is detected and transmitted to the lens focus adjustment circuit 110. Lens focus adjustment circuit 11
In the case of 0, the lens driving motor is driven by a predetermined amount based on this information and the information on the lens driving amount from the camera side, and the photographing lens 1 is moved to the in-focus position. 37
Is a mounting contact which serves as an interface between a known camera and a lens.

2 and 3, the camera 40 is the same as that shown in FIG.
Although a replaceable lens portion is not shown, 41 is a release button, 42 is a monitor LCD as an external monitor display device, as shown in FIG. 10, a fixed segment display portion 42a for displaying a predetermined pattern, And a 7-segment display section 42b for displaying variable numerical values.

Reference numeral 43 is near the release button 41. When the flash is mounted, the photometer 43 holds the photometric value obtained by the pre-flash of the flash, and when the flash is not mounted, the photometric value at several points known as multi-spot photometry is stored. FE lock button that captures photometric values for averaging.

Reference numeral 44 denotes an AE lock button for holding a photometric value,
Mode buttons 5a, 45b, and 45c are used to select a shooting mode and the like.

When the mode buttons 45b and 45c are pressed at the same time, a calibration mode for calibrating the line of sight for collecting the above-described individual difference correction data (line-of-sight correction coefficient) of the eyeball is set.

Numeral 46 denotes an electronic dial which is rotated to generate a click pulse so that the mode buttons 45a, 45
This is for selecting a mode that can be further selected from the modes selected in b and 45c, and a set value. For example, when the mode button 45a is pressed and a shutter-priority shooting mode is selected with the electronic dial 46, the LCD in the finder is displayed.
The currently set mode and shutter speed are displayed on the LCD 24 and the monitor LCD 42. Further, when the electronic dial 46 is rotated after the photographer releases the mode button 45a, the shutter speed is sequentially changed from the currently set shutter speed according to the rotation direction. In this way, the photographer can set the photographing modes and the photographing contents of the program AE shutter priority AE, aperture priority AE, subject depth priority AE, and manual exposure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the monitor LCD 4.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of all display segments of an LCD 24 in the viewfinder. In FIG. 10A, the fixed display segment section 42a includes a well-known shooting mode display,
A portion for displaying a photographing operation such as an AF operation of the camera and selection of a photographing mode is provided.

7-segment section 42b for displaying variable numerical values
Is a 4-digit 7-segment 82 indicating the shutter time,
A two-digit 7-segment 83 indicating the aperture value and a decimal point 8
4. Limited numerical display segment 8 for displaying the number of films
It is composed of 7 segments 86 of 5 and 1 digit.

In FIG. 10B, reference numeral 91 denotes a camera shake warning mark, reference numeral 92 denotes an AE lock mark, reference numerals 93, 94, and 95 denote the same display segments as the above-mentioned shutter speed display and aperture value display, and reference numeral 96 denotes an exposure correction setting. Reference numeral 97 denotes a flash completion mark, reference numeral 98 denotes a line-of-sight input mark indicating that the line of sight is being input, and reference numeral 99 denotes a focus mark which indicates the state of focus of the photographing lens 1.

Reference numeral 47 denotes a distance measuring point selection button. When a photographer presses the button, a predetermined distance measuring point is turned on, and the distance measuring point can be moved from the predetermined distance measuring point to an arbitrary distance measuring point. Enter point selection mode.

When the electronic dial 46 is turned after pressing the distance measuring point selection button 47, the predetermined distance measuring point 303c in the finder in FIG. 7A is synchronized with the rotation direction in the X-axis direction in the figure. 304c, 305c and 302c in the horizontal direction
It is possible to move to 301c. Then, the distance measuring point after the movement is lit and displayed, so that the distance measuring point selected by the photographer can be recognized.

After pressing the ranging point selection button 47, that is, after entering the ranging point selection mode, conventionally, pressing the FE lock button 43 for inputting the other functions described above, and then turning the electronic dial 46 A predetermined distance-measuring point 303c displayed in the viewfinder in FIG. 7B can be moved to 303T and 303B in the vertical direction, which is the Y-axis direction in the figure, in synchronization with the rotation direction. It is. Then, the distance measuring point after the movement is turned on, so that the distance measuring point selected by the photographer can be recognized.

In addition to the above-mentioned focus detection point selection mode in which the photographer can select an arbitrary focus detection point, the camera 40 selects the 15 focus detection points shown in FIG. A line-of-sight input mode for detecting the rotation angle of the optical axis of the eyeball and selecting a distance measuring point using a line-of-sight detection device that calculates the line of sight of the photographer from the eyeball rotation angle; The camera is provided with a focus detection point automatic selection mode in which the camera itself extracts and selects a focus detection point from a result of distance measurement of all 15 corresponding focus detection areas by a predetermined algorithm.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a power switch of the camera, which is
The camera is activated by setting the state to N. When the switch is OFF, the camera is in a lock position where the camera is not operated. Dotted line 51
Is the right hand with the camera held by the photographer.
a is an index finger and 51b is a thumb.

The FE lock button 43 and the electronic dial 46
Both are located near the release button 41. for that reason,
When the photographer holds the camera 301, looks into the viewfinder, and enters a shooting preparation operation, the FE lock button 43 and the electronic dial 46 can be operated with the index finger 51a pressing the release button 41 in that posture. .

When the photographer holds the camera 301, looks into the viewfinder, and enters a photographing preparation operation, the photographer can press the distance measuring point selection button 47 with his thumb 51b in that posture.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 51 denotes a camera grip / built-in battery chamber, which can be removed by turning a coin screw 52 of the camera. 53 is a tripod mounting screw part. 54 can be turned off with a coupler lid.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the electronic dial 4.
FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing an internal structure of No. 5; Electronic dial 46
A click plate 61 that rotates together with the click plate 61 is disposed, and a printed board 62 is fixed to the click plate 61. Switch patterns 62a (SWDIAL-1), 62
b (SWDIAL-2) and the GND pattern 62c are arranged as shown, and three sliding contact pieces 63a, 63
The switch contact piece 63 having 3b and 63c is fixed to the fixing member 66.

A click ball 65 that fits into a concave portion 61 a formed on the outer periphery of the click plate 61 is arranged, and a coil spring 64 that biases the ball is held by a fixing member 66. In the normal position (the state where the click ball 65 is stuck in the concave portion 61a), the sliding contact pieces 63a and 63b include the switch pattern 62a,
62b is not in contact with either.

The electronic dial 4 thus formed
In FIG. 6, when the photographer rotates the dial clockwise in FIG. 8A, the sliding contact 63b first contacts the switch pattern 62b, and then the sliding contact 63a.
Makes contact with the switch pattern 62a, and the set value is counted up at this timing. In the case of counterclockwise rotation, the relationship between the sliding contact and the switch pattern is exactly the opposite, and the set value is counted down at the same timing.

FIG. 8B is a timing chart showing this state, and shows pulse signals generated in the switch patterns 62a and 62b when the dial is rotated and their timings. The upper part shows the case of one click rotation in the clockwise direction, and the lower part shows the case of the rotation in the counterclockwise direction. In this way, the timing of count-up and the rotation direction are detected.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a main part of an electric circuit built in the camera of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

A central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 100 of a microcomputer built in the camera body 301 includes a line-of-sight detection circuit 101, a photometry circuit 102, an automatic focus detection circuit 103, a signal input circuit 104, and an LCD drive circuit 105.
a, an SLCD drive circuit 105b, a backlight LED drive circuit 106, an IRED drive circuit 107, a shutter control circuit 108, and a motor control circuit 109 are connected.
Further, signals are transmitted to the focus adjustment circuit 110 and the aperture driving circuit 111 arranged in the taking lens via the mount contact 37 shown in FIG.

The CPU 100 has a built-in RAM, and has a function of storing line-of-sight calibration data in the built-in RAM. When the mode of the camera is set to “eye gaze calibration”, a calibration mode for acquiring eye gaze correction data (hereinafter, referred to as calibration data) for correcting individual differences in gaze becomes selectable. The calibration operation “OFF” and the setting of the line-of-sight detection prohibition mode can be performed with the electronic dial 46.

The line-of-sight detection circuit 101 includes the image sensor 1
14 (CCD-EYE) to A / D convert the output of the eyeball image and transmit this image information to the CPU. As will be described later, the CPU 100 extracts each feature point of the eyeball image necessary for gaze detection according to a predetermined algorithm, and further calculates the gaze of the photographer from the position of each feature point. The CPU 100, the line-of-sight detection circuit 101, and the image sensor 14 constitute one element of the line-of-sight detection device.

The photometric circuit 102 amplifies the output from the photometric sensor 10, performs logarithmic compression and A / D conversion, and sends the result to the CPU 100 as luminance information of each sensor. Photometric sensor 115
Denotes 15 focus detection points 30 in the viewfinder screen shown in FIG.
SPC that measures the area corresponding to each of 1T to 305B
-A to SPC-O.

As described above, the line sensor 116 of the focus detection device 6f has 15 distance measuring points 301T to 305 on the screen.
15 sets of line sensors CCD-1T to CC corresponding to B
This is a known CCD line sensor composed of D-5B. The automatic focus detection circuit 103
A / D-convert the voltage obtained from 6 and send it to CPU 100.

SW-1 is turned on by the first stroke of the release button 41 to start photometry, AF, and line-of-sight detection operation. SW-2 is turned on by the second stroke of the release button.
Release switch for N, ANG-SW1, ANG-S
W2 is an attitude detection switch that is detected by the attitude detection device 27, SW-AEL is an AE lock switch that is turned on by pressing the AE lock button 44, and SW-A.
FS is a focus detection point selection mode switch which is turned on by pressing a focus detection point selection button 47, SW-DIAL1 and SW-D.
IAL2 is input to the up / down counter of the signal input circuit 104 by a dial switch provided in the electronic dial described above, and counts the amount of quick rotation of the electronic dial 46.

The signals of these switches are applied to the signal input circuit 10
4 and transmitted to the CPU 100 via the data bus.

Reference numeral 105a denotes a well-known LCD driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal display element LCD to display the aperture value, the shutter time, the set photographing mode, and the like according to the signal from the CPU 100. Are displayed at the same time.

Reference numeral 105b denotes a known LCD drive circuit for driving the transmission type liquid crystal 18 for display. According to a signal from the CPU 100, 15 distance measuring points 301T to 305B shown in FIG.
Selectively transmit the distance measurement mark part corresponding to
Performs non-transmission control.

The LED drive circuit 106 includes a backlight LE
D19 is turned on and off. When the light is turned on, the photometric circuit 1
02 according to the signal calculated by the CPU 100,
The lighting brightness is changed to make it easier to recognize the ranging points according to the brightness in the viewfinder.

When energized, the shutter control circuit 108 controls the magnet MG-1 for running the front curtain and the magnet MG-2 for running the rear curtain to expose the photosensitive member to a predetermined amount of light.

The motor control circuit 109 controls a motor 86 for winding the film and a motor 87 for charging and rewinding the main mirror 2 and the shutter 4.
These shutter control circuit 108 and motor control circuit 109
A series of camera release sequences operates.

The grip / battery compartment 51 contains a battery 113 (shown in FIG. 9) and a connector 56 (shown in FIG. 9).
And P-GND and VBAT terminals are mechanically and electrically connected to each other to supply camera power to the main body power supply system 112 (shown in FIG. 9).

The terminals other than the P-GND and VBAT of the connector 56 and the terminals of the connector 57 and the connector 58
In the grip / battery chamber 50 mounted state, there are no terminals in the grip / battery chamber 50 and there is no connection state, and these terminals are used when mounting accessories such as the motor drive 200 described later in the third embodiment.

The switch 59 is a grip / built-in battery chamber 5
0, or a motor drive 2 described later in the third embodiment.
SW that recognizes the attachment of accessories such as 00.
It detects that it has been disconnected from GND.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, the camera 301 of the present embodiment will be described.
The operation flowchart will be described.

When the power switch 50 shown in FIG. 3 is turned to the ON position, the power of the camera is turned on from the inoperative state (S100).

The state of the CPU 100 is confirmed, and variables are reset so that a predetermined camera state is obtained. (S101)
Then, the camera waits until the release button 41 is pressed and the switch SW1 is turned on (S102). When the signal input circuit 104 detects that the release button 41 is pressed and the switch SW1 is turned on, the CPU 100
Puts each unit in the activated state, and detects and confirms the state (S103).

The CPU 100 checks with the gaze detection circuit 101 whether or not gaze detection is prohibited (S104). If the line-of-sight detection is prohibited, the line-of-sight detection is not executed, that is, the focus detection point automatic selection mode (S107) is entered without using the line-of-sight information.
The camera itself executes a subroutine of selecting a ranging point by a predetermined algorithm from the ranging results of all 15 ranging areas corresponding to the 15 ranging points in FIG. 5 (S108). At this time, the LCD drive circuit 105a is connected to the LCD 2 in the finder.
Since the line of sight input mark 98 of 4 is turned off, the photographer can confirm that the camera does not detect the line of sight outside the viewfinder screen 307 (FIGS. 5 and 10B).

If the gaze detection is not prohibited, the gaze detection circuit 1
01 executes line-of-sight detection (S105). At this time, the backlight LED drive circuit 106 controls the illumination LED (FL).
ED) 25, and the LCD drive circuit 105
Since a turns on the line-of-sight input mark 98 of the LCD 24 in the finder, the photographer can confirm that the camera is detecting the line of sight outside the finder screen 307 (FIG. 6).
(B)).

The set shutter time is displayed in the 7 segment 93. Here, the line-of-sight detection circuit 10
The line of sight detected in 1 is converted into the coordinates of the gazing point on the focus plate 7. The CPU 100 selects a ranging point from the 15 ranging points in FIG. 5 which are close to the coordinates of the gazing point (S10).
6) The backlight LED 19 is turned on by the backlight LED drive circuit 106 and the SLCD drive circuit 1
05b to transmit a signal to the SLCD 18 which is a transmissive liquid crystal.
The distance measuring point mark is lit and displayed by using (S11).
2).

Since the reliability of the gazing point is low and the photographer sees the distance measuring point selected by the photographer's line of sight displayed, the photographer recognizes that the distance measuring point is incorrect and releases the release button 41.
Release switch SW1 (S11)
3), the camera waits until the switch SW1 is turned on (S102).

Here, the focus detection point automatic selection mode (S107)
If the mode is not the focus detection point automatic selection mode (S107), the photographer enters the focus detection point selection mode (S109) in which the photographer can arbitrarily select from the 15 focus detection points in FIG.

When the AF point selection button 47 is operated in the AF point selection mode (S109), the AF point selection state (S11
0), the photographer can arbitrarily select from the fifteen ranging points in FIG. 5 in the ranging point moving routine (S111) described in detail with reference to FIG. 12 (S111).

When the distance measuring point selection button 47 is not operated, that is, when the distance measuring point is not selected (S110), it means that the currently selected distance measuring point has been selected.

The CPU 100 turns on the backlight LED 19 by the backlight LED drive circuit 106 and sends a signal to the SLCD drive circuit 105b to use the SLCD 18 which is a transmissive liquid crystal to display the distance measuring point mark selected above. The display is turned on (S112).

When the photographer sees that the selected ranging point is lit and displayed, recognizes that the ranging point is not correct, releases the release button 41 and turns off the switch SW1 (S113). Waits until the switch SW1 is turned on (S102).

When the photographer observes that the selected distance measuring point is lit, the release button 41 is kept pressed, and the switch S is pressed.
If W1 is kept ON (S113), the automatic focus detection circuit 103 performs a focus detection operation at the selected ranging point and one or more related ranging points (S114).

Here, it is determined whether or not the selected ranging point cannot be measured (S115). If the ranging point cannot be determined, the CPU 100 sends a signal to the LCD drive circuit 105a to send an L signal in the finder.
The focus mark 99 of the CD 24 flashes to warn the photographer that the distance measurement is NG (impossible) (S123), and the SW1 is turned on.
Is continued until is released (S124).

If distance measurement is possible and the focus adjustment state of the distance measurement point selected by a predetermined algorithm is not in focus (S
116), the CPU 100 sends a signal to the lens focus adjustment circuit 110 to drive the photographing lens 1 by a predetermined amount (S11).
7). After the driving of the lens, the automatic focus detection circuit 103 performs focus detection again (S114), and determines whether or not the photographing lens 1 is in focus (S116).

If the photographing lens 1 is in focus at a predetermined distance measuring point, the CPU 100
A signal is sent to a, and the focus mark 99 of the LCD 24 in the finder is turned on, and a signal is also sent to the SLCD drive circuit 105b to display the focus at the focusing point of the SLCD 19 (S110).

At this time, the focusing point displayed in focus often coincides with the selected focusing point. In order to allow the photographer to recognize that focusing has been performed, this focusing display is transmitted. Flashing of the distance measurement mark part of the SLCD 19 of the liquid crystal type and display of the distance measurement point by changing the brightness of the backlight LED 19 (S112)
Is distinguished.

The photographer observes that the focused ranging point is displayed in the viewfinder, recognizes that the ranging point is incorrect, releases the release button 41, and turns off the switch SW1.
Then (S119), the camera continues to operate the switch SW1.
Is turned on (S102).

Further, if the photographer looks at the focusing point displayed in focus and continues to turn on the switch SW1 (S
119), the CPU 100 transmits a signal to the photometry circuit 102 to perform photometry (S120). At this time, an exposure value selected from the photometric areas CCD 301T to CCD 305B including the in-focus distance measuring point and weighted is calculated.

In the case of the present embodiment, the distance measuring point 303C shown in FIG.
A known photometric operation weighted to the photometric area CCD 303C including
The aperture value (F5.6) is displayed by using the decimal point 95 and.

Further, it is determined whether or not the release button 41 is pressed and the switch SW2 is turned on (S121). If the switch SW2 is off, the state of the switch SW1 is confirmed again (S119). When the switch SW2 is turned on, the CPU 100 transmits a signal to each of the shutter control circuit 108, the motor control circuit 109, and the aperture drive circuit 111.

First, MG2 is energized, the main mirror 2 is raised, the aperture 31 is stopped down, and then MG1 is energized to open the front curtain of the shutter 4. The aperture value of the aperture 31 and the shutter speed of the shutter 4 are determined from the exposure value detected by the photometric circuit 102 and the sensitivity of the film 5. MG2 after a lapse of a predetermined shutter time (for example, 1/250 second)
And the rear curtain of the shutter 4 is closed. When the exposure of the film 5 is completed, the MG2 is energized again, the mirror is lowered, the shutter is charged, and the MG1 is also energized.
The film is fed, and a series of operations of the shutter release sequence ends (S122). Thereafter, the camera waits until the switch SW1 is turned on again (S1).
02).

Next, returning to the focus detection point selection state (S110), the focus detection point moving routine (S111) in FIG.
Will be described in detail.

When the focus detection point selection button 47 is operated in the focus detection point selection mode (S109), the focus detection point selection state (S11)
In step (0), a distance measuring point moving routine is started.

At this time, first, the CPU 100 of FIG.
It is checked whether the signal input of -FEL is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S201).

The FEL button 44 is not pressed, and the SW-F shown in FIG.
If the signal input of EL is not in the signal input circuit 104, the CPU
100 is the SW-DIAL1, SW of the electronic dial 46
It is checked whether the signal input of DIAL2 is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S202).

SW-DIAL1, S of electronic dial 46
If there is a signal input of W-DIAL2, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the process enters an X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine for moving the distance measuring point in the X-axis direction (S203). Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, the rotation direction of the electronic dial 46 is determined based on the input of SW-DIAL1 and SW-DIAL2, and the distance measuring point is moved based on the signal amount.

Specifically, the electronic dial 46 is connected as shown in FIG.
If the click plate 61 in (a) is rotated leftward by one click, the signals of SW-DIAL1 and SW-DIAL2 are determined by the up-down counter to determine the rotation direction and the signal input for one click. Sends a signal to the SLCD drive circuit 105b. Therefore, transmissive liquid crystal SLC
The distance measurement mark corresponding to the currently selected and illuminated distance measurement point 303C in FIG. 7A of D18 is defined as an opaque part, and the distance measurement mark corresponding to the distance measurement point 302C is defined as a transparent part. The illuminated distance measuring point is the distance measuring point 30 on the left side in the X-axis direction.
Move to 2C.

If the electronic dial 46 is further rotated leftward by one click, the illuminated distance measuring point moves to the left distance measuring point 301C in the X direction. Furthermore, an electronic dial 46
There is no ranging point even if the mouse is rotated to the left by one click or more, so that the lit ranging point remains at the ranging point 301C.

By rotating the electronic dial 46 to the right side, the illuminated distance measuring point becomes the distance measuring point 30 on the left side in the X-axis direction.
Move to 5C, 305C.

When the X-axis direction movement routine (S203) is completed, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S206).

SW-DIAL1, SW-DIAL2, S
The distance measuring point selection mode (S206) is set within a predetermined time from the last signal input of either W-FEL or SW-FPS, that is, within 6 seconds in this embodiment.

The CPU 100 checks whether the signal input of the SW-FEL is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S2).
01), if the FEL button 44 is pressed and the signal input of SW-FEL in FIG. 9 is in the signal input circuit 104 and there is a signal input of SW-DIAL1 and SW-DIAL2 of the electronic dial 46 (S204). 75 (b), Y
Enters the Y-direction distance measurement point movement routine for performing the direction movement (S2
05).

Here, as in the X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S203), SW-DIAL1 and SW-DIA are used.
By inputting L2, the rotation direction of the electronic dial 46 is determined,
The distance measuring point is moved according to the signal amount, but the moving direction is different, that is, in the Y-axis direction in FIG.

More specifically, if the electronic dial 46 is clicked for one click, if it is rotated to the left, the SW-DIAL
1. The signal of SW-DIAL2 is determined by the up / down counter to determine the rotation direction and the signal input for one click.
The PU 100 sends a signal to the SLCD drive circuit 105b. Therefore, the distance measuring mark corresponding to the currently selected and lit distance measuring point 303C of the transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18 in FIG. 7A is an opaque part, and the distance measuring mark corresponding to the distance measuring point 303T is the transparent part. As a result, the lighted ranging point moves to the ranging point 303T on the left side in the Y-axis direction.

Further, even if the electronic dial 46 is rotated leftward by one click or more, there is no ranging point, so the lit ranging point remains the ranging point 303T. By rotating the electronic dial 46 to the right side, the illuminated distance measuring point moves to the distance measuring point 303B on the lower side in the Y-axis direction.

Here, if it is desired to move from the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction to the distance measuring point in the X-axis direction, the distance measuring point selection button 4
Pressing 4 returns to the focus detection point selection state (S110), and the electronic dial 46 may be operated here.

When the Y-axis direction movement routine (S205) ends, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S206). Here, SW-DIAL1, SW-DI
The distance measuring point selection mode is set within a predetermined time from the last signal input of any of AL2, SW-FEL, and SW-FPS, in this embodiment, within 6 seconds.

If the mode is the focus detection point selection mode, the flow returns to the focus detection point selection state (S110).
The ranging point moving routine (S111) in FIG. 11 ends.

In this embodiment, the distance measuring point moving routine (S
By combining the X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S203) and the Y-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S205), 15 distance measuring points can be moved two-dimensionally.

For example, when the distance measuring point 303C in FIG. 5 is selected, the photographer operates the distance measuring point selection button 47, and
In the focus detection point selection state (S110), a focus detection point moving routine (S111) is started. Therefore, if the photographer rotates the electronic dial 46 rightward for at least two clicks, the ranging point 303C in FIG. 5 moves to the ranging point 305C,
Here, if the electronic dial 46 is rotated leftward by one click or more after pressing the FEL button 43 within 6 seconds, the electronic dial 46 moves to the distance measuring point 305T.

When the photographer moves and selects 15 focus detection points arranged in the X-axis and Y-axis directions on the viewfinder observation screen from a predetermined focus detection point to an arbitrary focus detection point, a first operation is performed. After the operation of the distance measuring point selection button 47, the electronic dial 46 is operated as the second operation. The distance measuring point is moved in the X-axis direction in FIG. 7A, and the distance is measured by the third operation. When the point selection button 47 is not operated, the FE lock button 4 is another function button.
3 is pressed, and the electronic dial operation 46 is operated to
Since the distance measuring point is moved in the Y-axis direction (b), the direction of selecting the distance measuring point can be changed without adding a new operation member.

Unless the AF point selection button 47 is pressed,
Inadvertent contact of the electronic dial 46 with the outside prevents the distance measuring point from being inadvertently moved.

The photographer operates the focus detection point selection button 47, which is the first operation, to enter the focus detection point selection mode and to select the focus detection point. By operating the button 46, it is possible to recognize that the focus detection point can be moved in the X-axis direction in FIG. 7A. It can be recognized that it has been changed in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the operation method does not cause an erroneous operation with respect to the direction of movement of the ranging point.

The FE lock button 43 and the electronic dial 46
Since both are near the release button 41, the FE lock button 43 and the electronic dial 46 can be operated with the index finger 51a pressing the release button 41 while the photographer holds the camera 301 with the right hand 51, and ,
Since the focus detection point selection button 47 can also be pressed by the thumb 51b, when the photographer holds the camera 301, looks into the viewfinder, and enters the photographing preparation operation, the photographing operation is hindered in the posture. No, 2 in X-axis and Y-axis directions
The focus detection point can be moved in two directions.

As described above, when the photographer selects an arbitrary ranging point from the two-dimensionally arranged ranging points in the shooting preparation operation, the camera having extremely excellent operability. Can be provided.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a rear view of a camera 301 of the present embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the following two operation members are added to the back cover 302. Therefore, in FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same components.

Numeral 48 denotes the electronic dial 4 of the first embodiment.
6 is a back cover dial having substantially the same structure as that of FIG. 6. By operating the release button 41 while the camera is in the activated state, and operating the back cover dial 48 while the SW1 is ON, the exposure value from the photometry value of the camera is obtained. , To correct the exposure of the camera.

When the focus detection point selection button 47 is operated to enter a focus detection point selection mode in which a moving operation can be performed from a predetermined focus detection point to an arbitrary focus detection point, and the back cover dial 47 is operated, the first The distance measuring point can be moved in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 5B of the embodiment.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a back cover switch for transmitting the input of the back cover dial 48 to the camera body 301 when the back cover switch is in the ON position. , The camera body 301
Such input is not accepted.

As for the movement of the ranging point in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7B, when the back cover switch 49 is at the ON position, the ranging point selection button 47 is pressed. Later, that is, by rotating the back cover electronic dial 48 in the focus detection point selection mode, it is possible to synchronize with the rotation direction.

When the photographer inadvertently operates the back cover electronic dial 48 in the camera start-up state or the focus detection point selection mode, or when the camera is swept, the back cover electronic dial 48 is inadvertently moved to the outside. The back cover switch 49 may be set to OFF in order to prevent the exposure correction value of the camera or an arbitrary distance measurement point from being changed by operating the touch panel.

However, as shown in FIG. 13, if the focus detection point selection button 47 is pressed and the back cover electronic dial 48 is rotated after the focus detection point is in the OFF position, the movement of the focus detection point in the Y-axis direction does not change.
I can't.

The camera of the present embodiment has a back cover switch 49.
Regardless of ON or OFF, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed to move and select the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a main part of an electric circuit built in the camera according to the second embodiment. 14, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 9 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The difference from FIG. 9 of the first embodiment is that the addition of the back cover electronic dial 48 and the back cover switch 49 allows BP-DIAL1, BP-DIAL2, BP-SW
Is added.

The camera body 301 and the back lid 302 are different from the camera body 40 in having a connection portion for this signal line.

BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL2 are
A dial switch having substantially the same structure as the electronic dial 46 provided in the back cover electronic dial 48 is input to the up / down counter of the signal input circuit 104, and the back cover electronic dial 48 is provided.
Count the quick amount of rotation.

The BP-SW is turned on by the back cover switch 49 for transmitting the input of the back cover electronic dial 48 to the camera body 301.
If it is in the position, connect to GND and back cover electronic dial 48
By operating BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL
2 is input to the up / down counter of the signal input circuit 104 as shown in FIG. Back cover 49 is OF
In the F position, no signal change is input to the signal input circuit 104 even if the back cover electronic dial 48 is operated.

Next, referring to FIG. 15, the camera 301 of the present embodiment will be described.
The operation flowchart will be described. The basic operation flowchart is the same as that of FIG. 11 of the first embodiment,
The difference lies in the focus detection point moving subroutine (S111A). Therefore, in FIG. 15, the same components as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The distance measuring point moving subroutine (S111)
A) will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from FIG. 11 is that the back cover dial input (S207A) and the movement of the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction (S2A)
08A) is the added point.

In FIG. 15, when the focus detection point selection button 47 is operated in the focus detection point selection mode (S109), the focus detection point selection state (S110) is entered, and the focus detection point moving routine (S111A). Is started.

In FIG. 16, the distance measuring point moving routine (S1)
11A) will be described in detail. In FIG. 16, the flowchart part having the same function as in FIG.
Is attached.

At this time, first, the CPU 100 of FIG.
It is determined whether the signal input of the W-FEL is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S201A).

The FEL button 44 is not pressed, and the SW-
If the signal input of FEL is not present in the signal input circuit 104, CP
U100 is SW-DIAL1, S of the electronic dial 46.
It is determined whether the signal input of W-DIAL2 is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S202A).

SW-DIAL1, S of electronic dial 46
If there is a signal input of W-DIAL2, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the routine enters an X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine for moving the distance measuring point in the X-axis direction (S203A).

Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, SW-DIA
The direction of rotation of the electronic dial 46 is determined by inputting L1 and SW-DIAL2, and the distance measuring point is moved according to the signal amount.
Specifically, it is the same as the first embodiment.

When the X-axis direction movement routine (S203A) ends, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode.

SW-DIAL1, SW-DIAL2, S
The focus detection point selection mode is set within a predetermined time from the last signal input of either W-FEL or SW-FPS, in this embodiment, within 6 seconds.

The CPU 100 checks whether the signal input of the SW-FEL is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S2).
01A), the FEL button 44 is pressed, and the SW-FE in FIG.
If the signal input of L is in the signal input circuit 104 and the signal input of SW-DIAL1 and SW-DIAL2 of the electronic dial 46 is present (S204A), as shown in FIG. The routine enters a Y-axis direction distance measurement point movement routine for movement (S205A).

Also in this case, similarly to the X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S203A), SW-DIAL1, SW-DI
The direction of rotation of the electronic dial 46 is determined by the input of AL2, and the distance measuring point is moved according to the amount of signal, but the moving direction is different and is the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7B. Specifically, it is the same as the first embodiment.

When the Y-axis direction movement routine (S205A) ends, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S206A). Here, SW-DIAL1, SW-
The focus detection point selection mode is set within a predetermined time since the last signal input of DIAL2, SW-FEL, or SW-FPS, in this embodiment, within 6 seconds.

Next, if the distance measurement point selection mode (S206A), the back cover switch 49 is in the ON position, and the BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL2 signal inputs of the back cover dial 48 are present (S307), FIG. As in b), a Y-axis direction ranging point moving routine for moving the ranging point in the Y-axis direction similar to the Y-axis direction ranging point moving routine (S205A) is entered (S30).
8). Here also, the Y-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S20)
Similarly to 5A), the rotation direction of the back cover dial 48 is determined based on the input of BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL2, and the ranging point is moved in the Y-axis direction according to the signal amount.

Specifically, if the back cover dial 48 is rotated counterclockwise by one click, the BP-DIAL
1. The signal of BP-DIAL2 is determined by the up / down counter to determine the rotation direction and the signal input for one click, and
The PU 100 sends a signal to the SLCD drive circuit 105b. Therefore, the distance measuring mark corresponding to the currently selected and lit distance measuring point 303C of the transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18 in FIG. 7A is an opaque part, and the distance measuring mark corresponding to the distance measuring point 303T is the transparent part. As a result, the lighted ranging point moves to the ranging point 303T on the left side in the Y-axis direction.

Even if the back cover dial 48 is rotated counterclockwise for one click or more, there is no distance measuring point.
The lighted ranging point remains at the ranging point 303T.

If the back cover dial 48 is rotated clockwise, the illuminated distance measuring point becomes the distance measuring point 3 on the lower side in the Y-axis direction.
Move to 03B.

When the Y-axis direction movement routine (S308) ends, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S207A). Here, BP-DIAL1, BP-D
IAL2, SW-DIAL1, SW-DIAL2, SW
The focus detection point selection mode is set within a predetermined time from the last signal input of either -FEL or SW-FPS, that is, within 6 seconds in this embodiment.

Here, the back cover dial 48 is not operated.
Alternatively, if the back cover switch 49 is in the OFF position and there is no signal input of BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL2 of the back cover dial 48 (S307), it is checked again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S207A). ).

If the mode is the focus detection point selection mode, the process returns to the focus detection point selection state (S110A), and if not, the focus detection point moving routine (S111A) of FIG. 11 is terminated.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment,
In the distance measuring point moving routine (S111A), the X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S203A) and the Y-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S205A or S308) are combined to obtain 1
Five ranging points can be moved two-dimensionally.

Further, by operating the back cover dial 48 to enter the Y-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S308), the photographer can inadvertently operate the back cover dial 48 to operate. Even if the back cover switch 49 is in the OFF position, the FEL button 43 is operated to move the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction (S205A) in order to avoid exposure compensation or moving the distance measuring point. Exists, the distance measurement point in FIG. 7B can be moved in the Y-axis direction.

For example, when the back cover switch 49 is in the OFF position and the distance measuring point 303C in FIG. 5 is selected, the photographer operates the distance measuring point selection button 47 to select the distance measuring point (S110). ), And moves to the distance measuring point moving routine (S111).
A) is started. Then, the photographer sets the electronic dial 46
5 is moved to the right side by more than two clicks, the distance measuring point 303C of FIG. 5 moves to the distance measuring point 305C, where the FEL button 43 is pressed within 6 seconds, and then the electronic dial 46 is moved by one click. As described above, if the rotation operation is performed to the left side, the distance measuring point 305T
Go to

If the back cover switch 49 is in the ON position, the distance measuring point 303C is moved to the distance measuring point 305C, and then the back cover dial 48 is clicked for one click or more within 6 seconds.
If the camera is rotated counterclockwise, it moves to the distance measuring point 305T.

A back cover dial 4 having substantially the same structure as the electronic dial 46 is used as an input operation member for moving the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction.
Although the addition of 8 increases the size and complexity of the back lid 302 of the camera, the input of the back lid dial 48 is necessary to avoid a change in the camera state due to the careless operation of the back lid dial 48. Even if is interrupted, the input operation of the movement of the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction can be performed without providing a new operation member in the camera.

Further, irrespective of the interruption of the input of the back cover dial 48, by setting two input operation members for moving the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction, the photographer can set the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction. The input operation member for movement can be selected as an input member that is easy to operate.

In this embodiment, the input operation member and the input operation method when the input of the back cover dial 48 is cut off are the same as those in the first embodiment, but the Y-axis when the input of the back cover dial 48 is cut off. It is clear that the same effect can be obtained even if the input operation method for moving the distance measuring point in the direction is another input operation method.

(Third Embodiment) The motor drive 200 of the present embodiment can be mounted on both the camera 301 of the first embodiment and the camera 301 of the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, a description will be given in a state where the camera 301 is mounted on the camera 301 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the external appearance of the camera body 301.
3 is removed. Only in this state, mounting with the motor drive 200 described later is possible.

Motor drive 2 on the camera body 301
The coupler 54, which is a mechanical engagement portion with 00, is exposed.
The coupler 54 can charge the main mirror 2 and the shutter 4 of the camera body 301 by rotating. Therefore, as the rotation speed of the coupler 54 increases, the charging speed increases, and the time required for charging decreases.

An operation member 55 mechanically switches the charge of the main mirror 2 and the shutter 4 from the drive system in the camera body 301 to the coupler 54 when the motor drive 200 is mounted. The connector 56 is a connector for a camera power supply system and a communication system.
When the motor drive 200 is mounted, it comes into contact with all the connector contacts when the motor drive 200 is mounted.

The connector 57 and the connector 58 are contact type communication connectors that come into contact only when the motor drive 200 is mounted by sliding the mating pin. A hole is provided in the camera body 301, and a contact portion is provided below the hole.

The switch 59 is a grip / built-in battery chamber 5
This is a contact type switch for determining whether the motor drive 200 is mounted or not.

FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20 and FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a motor drive 200. Such a motor drive 200 can be mounted on the camera 301 of the first embodiment and the camera 301 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a rear view. FIG. 19 is a top view. FIG. 20 is a right side view of FIG. 18. FIG. 21 is a left side view of FIG. 18.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a screw for rotatingly engaging the camera 301 or the tripod screw 52 of the camera body 301 for mounting the motor drive 200 on the camera body 40 or the camera body 301. 202 is a screw 20 for such rotational engagement.
1 rotation operation member. Reference numeral 203 denotes a motor drive coupler that engages with the coupler 54 of the camera 301 or the camera body 301.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a switching pin for operating an operation member 55 for mechanically switching the charge of the main mirror 2 and the shutter 4 from the drive system in the camera body 301 to the coupler 54 when the motor drive 200 is mounted. 205a and 205b are positioning parts for the camera body 301.

The connector 206 electrically and mechanically engages with the connector 56 of the camera body 301. The connector 207 contacts the connector 57 of the camera body 301 and is electrically connected. The connector 208 contacts the connector 58 of the camera body 301 and is electrically connected.

Reference numeral 209 contacts the connector 59 of the camera body 301, is electrically connected to D-GND, and identifies that the motor drive 200 is mounted. 2
Reference numeral 10 denotes an external part of the power pack to be mounted with the motor drive 200. Regardless of the type of the power pack, the common member is disengaged by rotating 210a with a common member, and the power pack can be taken out. It becomes possible. There is a power supply electrode on the opposite side of the power pack 210 to which the motor drive 200 is mounted.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a release operation member of the motor drive 200, which is a release operation member 4 of the camera body 301.
It has the same function as 1. 212 is a motor drive 2
The electronic dial 00 has the same structure and function as the electronic dial 46 of the camera body 301 or 40. 213
Is an FE lock button of the motor drive 200 and has the same structure and function as the FE lock button 43 of the camera body 301 or 40.

Reference numeral 214 denotes a focus detection point selection button of the motor drive 200, which has the same structure and function as the focus detection point selection button 47 of the camera body 301 or 40. An AE lock button 215 of the motor drive 200 has the same structure and function as the AE lock button 44 of the camera body 301 or 40. Thus, the motor drive 200 of the embodiment is
Arrangement of operation members around the release operation member 41 used for photographing at the normal position of the camera body 301 or 40, and arrangement of operation members around the release operation member 211 at the time of photographing in the vertical position when the motor drive 200 is mounted. Is similar.

Also, the distance selection button 47 and the AE lock button 44 used for photographing the camera body 301 or 40 at the normal position, and the distance measurement for photographing in the vertical position when the motor drive 200 is mounted. Point selection button 214 and AE lock button 21
The arrangement of No. 5 is the same.

Therefore, when the photographer holds the camera body 301 or 40 with the motor drive 200 mounted in the correct position with the right hand 51 and operates the operation member of the camera body 301 or 40, or When operating the operating member of the motor drive 200 in the vertical position, it has completely the same operability.

Next, FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a main part in a state where the motor drive 200 is mounted on the camera body 301 of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 401 in the broken line denotes the motor drive 200 excluding the connector.

The rechargeable battery power pack 217a is connected to VBAT, PBAT via electrode contact pieces (not shown) at positions corresponding to the positive and negative poles of the power supply of the rechargeable battery power pack 217a.
Through the terminals of the connectors 206 and 56 as GND,
It is connected to the power supply system of the camera body 301 and to the DC / DC2 312 of the power supply circuit of the motor drive 200. Further, it is also connected to M3 of the motor 215 to supply power.

The DC / DC2 312 of the power supply circuit of the motor drive 200 corresponds to the secondary battery power pack 21.
It is necessary to generate two types of constant voltages VM1 and VM2 from the power supply 7a and supply them and VBAT, which is the power supply of the secondary battery power supply pack 217a, to the main body power supply system of the camera main body 301. VM1 and VM2 are connected to the camera body 301 via terminals of the connector 56. DC
DC2-ON is a DC / DC2 signal from the camera body 40.
Connector 5 with a communication line for controlling the start and stop of
6 is connected to the CPU 100 of the camera body 301 via the terminal 6.

The VCHK monitors the voltage of the VBAT in the DC / DC2 312 and is connected to the CPU 100 of the camera body 301 via the terminal of the connector 56.

The MD.CPU 311 mainly has a motor driver function, and mainly controls connection to the power supply system of M3 of the motor 215 by M3F and M3R signals.

SW1 'is turned on by the first stroke of the release button 211 of the motor drive 200, and the connector 2
A photometric switch that starts photometric, AF, and line-of-sight detection operations via the signal input control circuit 104 of the camera body 301 via the terminals 06 and 56.

SW2 'is a release switch which is turned on by the second stroke of the release button, and SW-FEL' is a FE lock switch which is turned on by pressing the FE lock button 213.

SW-AEL 'is an AE lock switch which is turned on by pressing the AE lock button 215, SW-A
FS 'is a focus detection point selection mode switch which is turned on by pressing a focus detection point selection button 214, SW-DIAL1' and S
W-DIAL2 'is the motor drive 20 already described.
A signal input circuit 1 via a terminal of connectors 206 and 56 by a dial switch provided in an electronic dial 212
The number is input to an up / down counter 04, and the quick rotation amount of the electronic dial 212 is counted.

SW-1 ', SW-2', SW-FE
L ', SW-AEL', SW-AFS ', SW-DIA
When the input is processed by the signal input circuit 104, the L1 ′ and SW-DIAL2 ′ are processed by the CPU 100 in the camera body 30.
1 or 40 SW-1, SW-2, SW-FEL,
SW-AEL, SW-AFS, SW-DIAL1, SW
-Handled in the same way as the input processed by the signal input circuit 104 of DIAL2.

The switch 59 is a grip / built-in battery chamber 5
0 and a switch for discriminating the mounting of the motor drive 200 detects that the motor drive 200 has been disconnected from the D-GND in the mounted state.

The M3F of the connectors 207 and 57 is MD.C.
It is connected to the PU 311 and is connected to an input / output port of the CPU 100 of the camera body 40, and outputs a control signal from the CPU 100 to the motor 215. M3F of the CPU 100 of the camera body 40 is DCDC2-
When the DC / DC2 312 is activated from the camera body 40 with the switch ON, if there is no signal input indicating activation,
It is detected that the motor drive 200 is not mounted and the grip and built-in battery chamber 50 is mounted.

M3R of the connector 57 is used for determining the battery type SW-B. Pulled up via R, MD.CPU31
Connected to 1. On the other hand, the camera body 301 has a CPU
100 are connected to the input / output ports of the motor drive 200. When the motor drive 200 is mounted, the input is the motor drive 2
00 is determined by SW-B. The control is performed at R, and as an output, the motor 215 of the motor drive 200 is controlled.

Here, the M3R signal when the motor drive 200 is mounted will be described.

When the secondary battery power pack 217a is inserted into the motor drive 200 as shown in FIG.
As shown by the solid line in FIG. R is
In the non-conducting state, like the grip and battery chamber 50 mounted state,
The M3R input / output port of the CPU 100 detects LOW in a pull-down state.

When a primary battery power pack (not shown) is inserted into motor drive 200, battery type determination S
WB. Since R is conductive and pulled up, the M3R input / output port of the CPU 100 detects Hi through the connectors 207 and 57.

As for the operation sequence, SW1 ', S
W2 ', SW-FEL', SW-AEL ', SW-AF
S ', SW-DIAL1', and SW-DIAL2 'are SW-DIAL1' and SW-DIAL2 '
1, SW-2, SW-FEL, SW-AEL, SW-A
Since it is treated the same as FS, SW-DIAL1, and SW-DIAL2, it is the same as FIG. 15 of the second embodiment, and the ranging point moving routine is the same as that of the second embodiment of FIG. This is the same as the movement routine (S111A).

FIG. 23 shows a state where the motor drive 200 is mounted on the camera 301 and the photographer holds the camera in a vertical position.

In FIG. 23, the same components as those in FIGS. 13 and 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The photographer's right hand 214
Holding the motor drive 200, the right hand 21
Although not shown in FIG. 23, the index finger 214a of the fourth index finger 214a is a release operation member 211, F of the motor drive 200.
The E lock button 213 and the electronic dial 212 are provided. The thumb 214b of the right hand 214 is a distance measuring point selection button 214, an AE
It is around the lock button 215.

FIG. 24 is a view of the viewfinder viewed by the photographer in the state of FIG. FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is 90
It is in a state rotated clockwise by degrees.

23 and 24, the focus detection point moving routine (S111A) in FIG. 16 in the focus detection point selection state (S110) of FIG. 15 will be described in detail.

In FIG. 23, in the focus detection point selection mode (S109), the focus detection point selection button 2 is pressed by the photographer's thumb 214b.
When the button 14 is operated, a focus detection point selection state (S110) is entered, and a focus detection point moving routine (S111A) is started.

At this time, first, the CPU 100 of FIG.
It is checked whether or not the signal input of W-FEL 'is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S201A).

If the FE lock button 213 is not pressed by the index finger 214a of the photographer and the signal input of SW-FEL 'in FIG. DIAL
It is checked whether the signal input of 2 ′ is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S202A).

SW-DIAL of the electronic dial 212
If there is a signal input of 1 ′ and SW-DIAL2 ′, FIG.
As described above, the process enters an X-axis direction ranging point moving routine for moving the ranging point in the X-axis direction (S203A).

Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, SW-DIA
L1 ', SW-DIAL2' input, electronic dial 2
The direction of rotation is determined, and the distance measuring point is moved based on the signal amount. Specifically, it is the same as the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

When the X-axis direction movement routine (S203) is completed, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode.

BP-DIAL1, BP-DIAL2, S
W-DIAL1, SW-DIAL2, SW-FEL, S
W-FPS, SW-DIAL1 ', SW-DIAL
2 ′, SW-FEL ′, SW-FPS ′ within a predetermined time from the last signal input, within 6 seconds in this embodiment,
This is the ranging point selection mode.

The CPU 100 checks whether the signal input of SW-FEL ′ is present in the signal input circuit 104 (S
201A), the FE lock button 213 is pressed, and the S
The signal input of W-FEL 'is in the signal input circuit 104, and the SW-DIAL1', SW-
If there is a signal input of DIAL2 '(S204A), FIG.
In step S205A, a Y-axis direction ranging point moving routine for moving the ranging point in the Y-axis direction is performed.

Also in this case, similarly to the routine for moving the distance measuring point in the X-axis direction (S203A), SW-DIAL1 ', SW-D
The direction of rotation of the electronic dial 212 is determined based on the input of IAL2 ', and the distance measuring point is moved according to the amount of signal. The moving direction is different and is the Y-axis direction in FIG. Specifically, the first
Embodiment 2 is the same as the second embodiment.

When the Y-axis direction movement routine (S205) ends, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S206A). Here, SW-DIAL1 ', SW-
The distance measuring point selection mode is set within a predetermined time from the last signal input of DIAL2 ', SW-FEL', or SW-FPS ', in this embodiment, within 6 seconds.

Next, if the distance measurement point selection mode (S206A), the back cover switch 49 is in the ON position, and there is a signal input of BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL2 of the back cover dial 48 (S307), the Y-axis direction is set. Ranging point moving routine (S20
The control enters a Y-axis direction ranging point moving routine for moving the ranging point in the Y-axis direction in the same manner as in 5A) (S308).

Also in this case, BP-DIAL1 and BP-DI are used in the same manner as in the Y-axis direction ranging point moving routine (S205A).
The rotation direction of the back cover dial 48 is determined based on the input of AL2, and the ranging point is moved in the Y-axis direction according to the signal amount.

Specifically, if the back cover dial 48 is rotated counterclockwise by one click, the BP-DIAL
1. The signal of BP-DIAL2 is determined by the up / down counter to determine the rotation direction and the signal input for one click, and
The PU 100 sends a signal to the SLCD drive circuit 105b. Therefore, the distance measuring mark corresponding to the currently selected and lit distance measuring point 303C of the transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18 in FIG. 24 is defined as an opaque part, and the distance measuring mark corresponding to the distance measuring point 303T is defined as a transparent part. And the lit focus detection point is Y
It moves to the distance measuring point 303T on the left side in the axial direction.

Further, even if the back cover dial 48 is rotated counterclockwise by one click or more, there is no distance measuring point.
The lighted ranging point remains at the ranging point 303T.

If the back cover dial 48 is rotated clockwise, the illuminated distance measuring point becomes the distance measuring point 3 on the lower side in the Y-axis direction.
Move to 03B.

When the Y-axis direction movement routine (S308) ends, it is confirmed again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S207A). Here, BP-DIAL1, BP-D
IAL2, SW-DIAL1, SW-DIAL2, SW
-FEL, SW-FPS, SW-DIAL1 ', SW-
The distance measuring point selection mode is set within a predetermined time, that is, within 6 seconds in this embodiment, from the last signal input of any of DIAL2 ', SW-FEL', and SW-FPS '.

Here, the back cover dial 48 is not operated.
Alternatively, if the back cover switch 49 is in the OFF position and there is no signal input of BP-DIAL1 and BP-DIAL2 of the back cover dial 48 (S307), it is checked again whether or not the mode is the focus detection point selection mode (S207A). ).

If the mode is the focus detection point selection mode, the flow returns to the focus detection point selection state (S110A), and if not, the focus detection point moving routine (S111A) in FIG. 11 is terminated.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment,
In the distance measuring point moving routine (S111A), the X-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S203A) and the Y-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S205A or S308) are combined to obtain 1
Five ranging points can be moved two-dimensionally.

Further, the back cover dial 48 can be operated to enter the Y-axis direction distance measuring point moving routine (S308), and the photographer can inadvertently operate the back cover dial 48 to operate Even if the back cover switch 49 is in the OFF position, the FEL button 43 is operated to move the distance measuring point in the Y-axis direction (S205A) in order to avoid exposure compensation or moving the distance measuring point. Exists, the distance measurement point in FIG. 7B can be moved in the Y-axis direction.

For example, when the back cover switch 49 is in the OFF position and the distance measuring point 303C in FIG. 24 is selected,
The photographer operates the focus detection point selection button 47 to enter a focus detection point selection state (S110), and moves to a focus detection point routine (S111).
A) is started. Then, the photographer sets the electronic dial 46
Is rotated to the right by more than two clicks, the ranging point 303C in FIG. 24 moves to the ranging point 305C, where the FEL button 43 is pressed within 6 seconds, and then the electronic dial 46 is turned one.
If you rotate it to the left more than the click distance, you will get
Move to T.

If the back cover switch 49 is in the ON position, the distance measuring point 303C is moved to the distance measuring point 305C, and then the back cover dial 48 is clicked for one click or more within 6 seconds.
If the camera is rotated counterclockwise, it moves to the distance measuring point 305T.

The motor drive 200 of this embodiment is
An FE as an operation member around the release operation member 41 used for photographing the camera body 301 or 40 at a normal position.
The lock button 43, the electronic dial 46, and the FE lock button 213, which is an operation member around the release operation member 211 in shooting in a vertical position when the motor drive 200 is mounted,
The arrangement of the electronic dial 212 is the same. In addition, the arrangement of the distance point selection button 47 and the AE lock button 44 used for photographing the camera body 301 or 40 at the normal position, and the distance measurement point selection button for photographing in the vertical position when the motor drive 200 is mounted The arrangement of 214 and the AE lock button 215 is the same.

Therefore, when the photographer holds the camera body 301 or 40 with the motor drive 200 mounted in the correct position with the right hand 51 and operates the operating member of the camera body 301 or 40, or When operating the operating member of the motor drive 200 in the vertical position, it has completely the same operability.

For this reason, the photographer must
23, the motor drive 200 is held in the vertical position as shown in FIG. 23, and the camera drive 200 is held in the vertical position without obstructing the photographing operation. As in the case where the mounted camera 301 is held at the normal position, the distance measuring points can be moved in two directions of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

As described above, when the photographer operates the motor drive 200
Even when the mounted camera 301 is in the vertical position and the shooting preparation operation has been started, it has extremely excellent operability in selecting an arbitrary ranging point from the ranging points arranged two-dimensionally. It is possible to provide camera accessories.

[0219]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera for selecting at least one focus area from among a plurality of focus areas by operating a dial operation member. And a joystick or a joystick by switching between a first mode in which a focus area is selected in the X-axis direction and a second mode in which a focus area is selected in the Y-axis direction by operating the dial operation member. Without adding an operation member such as a pad or a new dial, at least one focus area is selected from a plurality of focus areas set up, down, left, and right in the shooting screen with one existing dial operation member. It becomes possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas by operating a dial operation member, the second operation is performed by operating the dial operation member. An operation member for switching between a first mode for selecting a focus area in one direction and a second mode for selecting a focus area in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by operating the dial operation member; By using the existing dial operating member, a plurality of focus areas set up, down, left, and right in the shooting screen can be provided without adding operating members such as a joystick, a joypad, and a new dial. It is possible to select at least one focus area from.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect of the present invention, a timer for measuring a time after the operation member is operated is provided. When the time is measured, the mode can be easily switched by returning to the mode before the operation member is operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a camera for selecting at least one focus area from among a plurality of focus areas, a dial operation member, a first operation member, and the first operation member In response to the operation of the second operation member different from the member and the operation of the first operation member, focus area selection in the X-axis direction is performed based on the operation of the dial operation member, and the operation of the second operation member is performed. In accordance with the operation of the dial operating member,
Control means for controlling the selection of the focus area in the axial direction, the joystick, joypad, new dial and other operating members need not be added, and a single existing dial operating member can be used in the shooting screen. It is possible to select at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas set up, down, left and right.

The invention described in claim 5 of the present invention is the same as the invention described in claim 4, wherein the control means includes the second
By operating the first operation member after the operation of the operation member, the control is performed so as to select the focus area in the X-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member, thereby enabling the operation in the X-axis direction. Further, it is possible to easily select a focus area in the Y-axis direction.

[0222] The invention described in claim 6 of the present invention is the above-mentioned control means, in addition to the invention described in claim 4, wherein
A timer for measuring the time since the operation of the operation member is operated, and when the timer measures a predetermined time, control is performed such that the focus area selection operation in the Y-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member is invalidated. By doing
The focus areas in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be easily selected.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect, the control means further comprises:
Has a timer that measures the time since the operation of the operation member, and when the timer measures a predetermined time, from the focus area selection operation in the Y-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member, the operation of the dial operation member By controlling to switch to the focus area selection operation in the X-axis direction based on the operation, the focus areas in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be easily selected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a camera body according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a camera body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a camera body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external view of a camera body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display state in a finder visual field of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 18.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the movement of a distance measuring point shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure and output signals of an electronic dial.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a main part of an electric circuit of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining display states of the LCD 42 and the LCD 1024.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation sequence of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a ranging point moving routine of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a main block diagram of an electric circuit of a camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state where a motor drive is mounted on the camera body.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation sequence of the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a ranging point moving routine of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the camera body according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an external view of a motor drive according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an external view of a motor drive according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an external view of a motor drive according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an external view of a motor drive according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a main block diagram of an electric circuit when a motor drive according to a third embodiment is mounted on a camera body.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of a state where the motor drive according to the third embodiment is mounted on a camera body.

FIG. 24 is a viewfinder diagram of a camera in a vertical position shooting state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 18 transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 19 backlight of transmissive liquid crystal SLCD 40 camera body 41 release operation member 43 FE lock button 46 electronic dial 47 ranging point selection button 48 back cover electronic dial 49 back cover switch 200 motor drive 211 motor drive release Operating member 212 Electronic dial of motor drive 213 FE lock button of motor drive 214 Focusing point selection button of motor drive 300 Viewfinder observation screen 301T to 305B Distance measuring point mark 301 Camera body

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas by operating a dial operation member, wherein a first focus area in the X-axis direction is selected by operating the dial operation member. And a second mode for selecting a focus area in the Y-axis direction by operating the dial operating member. 2. A camera for selecting at least one focus area from a plurality of focus areas by operating a dial operation member, wherein a focus area in a first direction is selected by operating the dial operation member. A camera comprising: an operation member for switching between a first mode and a second mode for selecting a focus area in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by operating the dial operation member. 3. A mode for measuring a time period after the operation member is operated, wherein when the timer measures a predetermined time, the mode returns to a mode before the operation member is operated. The camera according to claim 1. 4. A camera for selecting at least one focus area from among a plurality of focus areas, comprising: a dial operation member, a first operation member, and a second operation member different from the first operation member. Selecting a focus area in the X-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operating member in response to the operation of the first operating member;
And a control means for controlling the selection of a focus area in the Y-axis direction based on the operation of the dial operation member in response to the operation of the operation member. 5. The X-axis focus area based on the operation of the dial operating member, by operating the first operating member after operating the second operating member, wherein the control means operates the second operating member. 5. The camera according to claim 4, wherein control is performed to make a selection. 6. The control means has a timer for measuring a time after the second operation member is operated, and when the timer measures a predetermined time, a Y-axis based on the operation of the dial operation member is provided. 5. The control for invalidating a focus area selection operation in a direction.
The camera according to. 7. The control means has a timer for measuring a time after the second operation member is operated, and when the timer measures a predetermined time, a Y-axis based on the operation of the dial operation member is provided. 5. The camera according to claim 4, wherein control is performed so as to switch from a focus area selecting operation in the direction to a focus area selecting operation in the X-axis direction based on an operation of the dial operating member.