JPH11337997A - Camera capable of setting initial mode - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable or setting initial mode which is simple in configuration without needing a switch exclusive to store the photographing condition of an initial mode and can be miniaturized. SOLUTION: When a first switch being a lower switch is turned on, a CPU 4 reads out the initial mode stored from an initial mode storing means 5 and sets the camera for the photographing condition of the initial mode. Then, when the first switch 1 is turned off while a second switch 2 that is an another operation switch is operated, the photographing condition set by a photographing condition setting means 6 at the point of time is stored at the initial mode storing means 5 as the initial mode. The storage of the initial mode is made possible without providing a switch exclusively for storing the initial mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera capable of selecting an arbitrary condition from among a plurality of photographing conditions and setting the initial mode as an initial mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera capable of selecting one photographing condition from a plurality of photographing conditions, particularly, a camera capable of storing the photographing condition and returning to the condition as necessary has been proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-95196. Have been. In this camera, the current shooting condition is stored in the memory by operating the shooting condition storage switch, the shooting mode for giving the shooting condition is stored in the memory, and the shooting mode is stored when the shooting condition recall switch is pressed. The shooting condition is called, and the camera is set to the mode of the condition. According to this camera, shooting can be performed with the same conditions as the shooting conditions used when shooting was first performed by an easy operation.

[0003]

However, the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-95196 requires a dedicated photographing condition storage switch for storing a plurality of photographing modes. The arrangement space is required, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the camera. Further, since the photographing condition storage switch is provided on the camera exterior body in addition to the conventional operation switch, the operation surface of the camera becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. In a camera in which an arbitrary condition can be selected from a plurality of photographing conditions and set as an initial mode, the photographing conditions of the initial mode are stored. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera that has a simple configuration that does not require a dedicated switch for performing the operation, and that can be set in an initial mode and that can be downsized.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting an initial mode, comprising a photographing condition setting means for setting a desired photographing condition from a plurality of selectable photographing conditions. In a camera in which an initial mode can be set to an initial mode, which is an arbitrarily set shooting condition in response to a predetermined shooting start preparation operation, a first mode operably provided to fulfill a first shooting function. Operation member, and a second operation member operably provided to perform the second photographing function.
And an initial mode storage means for storing the photographing condition set by the photographing condition setting means as the initial mode by operating the first operating member while operating the second operating member. By operating the first operating member while operating the second operating member, the shooting conditions set by the shooting condition setting means can be stored as the initial mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to the first aspect, wherein the first photographing function of the first operation member includes a photographing start mode. The second operation function of the second operating member is to set the desired photographing condition from at least a part of a plurality of selectable photographing conditions. It is to be.

A camera capable of setting an initial mode according to a third aspect of the present invention has a photographing condition setting means capable of setting a desired photographing condition from a plurality of selectable photographing conditions, and prepares for a predetermined photographing start. A first operation member operably provided so as to perform a first photographing function, wherein the first operation member is operable to perform a first photographing function; A second operation member operably provided so as to perform the second photographing function, timer means for counting a time during which the second operation member is operated, and the second operation member by the timer means Has been operated for a predetermined time or more, and
Initial mode storage means for storing the photographing conditions set by the photographing condition setting means as the initial mode when the first operation member is operated;
By operating the first operating member after operating the second operating member for a predetermined time, the set photographing condition can be stored as the initial mode.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since there are several types of camera configurations that can set the initial mode according to the present invention, an outline thereof will be described prior to the description of the embodiment. Note that the initial mode refers to a mode of the shooting condition that is initially set when a certain shooting condition can be initially set in response to a predetermined shooting start preparation operation.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a first initial mode showing the concept of the present invention. In this camera, when the first switch 1 of the first operation member, which is a power switch for bringing the camera into an operation state, is turned on, the CPU 4 configuring the camera control unit
A stored initial mode, which will be described later, is read from the initial mode storage means 5 composed of a solid-state memory, and the camera is set to the shooting conditions of the initial mode.

When the first switch 1 is turned off while the second switch 2 of the second operation member, which is an operation switch of the camera other than the power switch, is turned off, the photographing condition setting means at that time. The mode of the shooting condition of the camera set in 6 is stored in the initial mode storage means 5 as an initial mode. The stored initial mode is read when the power is turned on thereafter, and the initial shooting conditions of the camera are set. With the above configuration, the initial mode can be stored without providing a dedicated switch for storing the initial mode.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a second initial mode showing the concept of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Similarly, in the present camera, a stored initial mode, which will be described later, is read from the initial mode storage unit 5 in accordance with the ON state of the first switch 1 which is a power switch, and the camera is set to the shooting conditions of the initial mode. Is done.

In the second camera, the second and third operation members of the camera other than the power switch are provided.
When the switch 2 and the third switch 3 are pressed simultaneously, the mode of the photographing condition of the camera set by the photographing condition setting means 6 at that time is stored in the initial mode storage means 5 as an initial mode. With the above configuration, it is possible to reliably store the initial mode without providing a dedicated switch for storing the initial mode.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a third initial mode showing the concept of the present invention. The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Similarly, in the present camera, a stored initial mode, which will be described later, is read from the initial state storage means 5 in accordance with the ON state of the first switch 1 which is a power switch, and the camera is set to the shooting conditions of the initial mode. Is done.

In the third camera, the second and third operation members of the camera other than the power switch are used.
When both switches 2 and 3 are pressed, the CPU
The timer 4a incorporated in the timer 4 starts counting time. When the second and third switches are continuously pressed and the timer counts a predetermined time, the mode of the photographing condition set by the photographing condition setting means 6 at that time is set as the initial mode as the initial mode storing means. 5 is stored. With the above configuration, a dedicated switch for storing the mode is not provided, and
It is possible to securely store the initial mode without erroneous operation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a fourth initial mode showing the concept of the present invention. The same components as those in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Similarly, in the present camera, a stored initial mode, which will be described later, is read from the initial mode storage unit 5 in accordance with the ON state of the first switch 1 which is a power switch, and the camera is set to the shooting conditions of the initial mode. Is done.

In the fourth camera, when a second switch 2 which is a second operation member of the camera other than the power switch is operated, the timer 4a built in the CPU 4 starts counting time. . When the first switch is turned off after the second switch is continuously pressed and the timer counts a predetermined time, the photographing condition set by the photographing condition setting means 6 at this time is set. The mode is stored in the initial mode storage means 5 as an initial mode. With the configuration described above, it is possible to securely store the initial mode without erroneous operation or the like without providing a dedicated switch for storing the mode.

As a modification of the camera in which each of the initial modes can be set, the first switch 1 for instructing to read out the stored initial mode is not a power switch as described above but a zoom switch. Can be proposed.

Next, a camera in which an initial mode can be set according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the appearance of the camera of the present embodiment. The camera 10 has a slidable lens barrier 12 and a zoom lens barrel 13 provided on the front side of a camera body 11.
Are provided. The lens barrier 12 protects the front lens surface of the lens barrel when closed, and turns the camera 10 on (operating) when opened.
Of the built-in power switch 21 (see FIG. 6), which is an operation member, is switched from an off state to an on state (imaging start preparation state). Although not shown, a focusing lens for focusing is built in the lens barrel 13.

On the upper surface of the main body 11 of the camera 10, a release switch button 14, a flash mode switch button 16 which is a mode switch button for changing a photographing mode of the camera, and a self-operating member which is a second operation member. A mode switch button 17, an infinite mode switch button 18, and an LCD display section 19 for displaying various modes, the number of frames, and the like are provided on the right side of the mode switch button. By operating the flash mode switch button, a flash mode switch 22 (see FIG. 6) described later is turned on and off,
Flash light emission control is selected, and switching among an auto (AUTO) flash mode, a red-eye reduction mode, a flash off mode, a forced light emission mode, and a night scene mode is performed. By operating the self-mode switch button 17, a self-mode switch 23 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, is turned on and off to switch between a self-timer shooting mode and a normal mode. By operating the infinity mode switch button 18, an infinity mode switch 24 (see FIG. 6) described later is turned on and off, and an infinity photographing mode in which the focus position of the photographing lens corresponds to the scenery and focusing on each photographing position are possible. Switch the normal mode.

A zoom switch button 15 is provided on the rear side of the main body 11 of the camera 10, and a zoom switch 26 (see FIG. 6) is operated by sliding the switch button to the left or right. ) Is switched to perform zooming.

Next, the configuration of the electric control circuit of the camera 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the main block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 6 and in FIG. 7 and subsequent figures,
“Switch” is indicated as “SW”.

In the electric control circuit section of the camera 10, the operation switches include a power switch 21 as a first operation member for a first photographing function, which is turned on and off by the barrier 12, and a second photographing operation. Flash mode switch 2 which constitutes the photographing condition setting means for the function
2, a self-mode switch 23 as a second operation member,
An infinite mode switch 24, a release switch 25,
A zoom switch 26 and a rear cover switch 33 operated by opening and closing the rear cover are provided. These ON / OFF output signals are control means for controlling the camera 10,
RAM 2 for storing mode data for setting each shooting mode
9 is input to a CPU 28 containing the same. The mode and the number of frames set by the various mode switches are displayed on the LCD display unit 19.

An EEPROM 31 of a non-volatile memory as initial mode storage means is provided.
In the ROM 31, initial mode data 3 for instructing an initial mode for giving a photographing condition set at power-on is stored.
Flash mode 2 (five modes described later)
Setting data FLS_INI and self-timer mode (two types of modes described later) setting data SLF_I
NI and data INF_INI for setting an infinite shooting mode (two types of modes described later) can be stored. Then, the initial mode data is read out by the CPU 28 when the power is turned on, and the RA for setting the photographing conditions is set.
It is stored in M29.

The initial mode data stored in the EEPROM 31 includes various modes (flash mode, flash mode, etc.).
This is mode data for giving one mode among a plurality of photographing conditions in a self mode and an infinite mode.

That is, the data FLS_INI of the flash initial mode is data for designating one of the auto mode, the red-eye reduction mode, the flash off mode, the forced light emission mode, and the night scene mode. When the power is turned on, the initial mode data FLS_INI is obtained. Is transferred to the RAM 29 as flash mode data FLS_MOD.

The data SLF_ in the self-initial mode
INI is data for designating one of the normal shooting mode and the self-timer shooting mode. When the power is turned on, the initial mode data SLF_INI is changed to the self-timer mode data SLF_MOD as the RAM 29.
Is forwarded to

The data INF_I in the infinite initial mode is
NI is data for designating one of the normal shooting mode and the infinity shooting mode. When the power is turned on, the initial mode data INF_INI is changed to the infinity mode data INF.
_MOD is transferred to the RAM 29.

The photographing sequence from power-on in the camera of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are flowcharts of the processes associated with the lens barrier opening operation, respectively, and FIG.
The subroutine "MO" called in the routine of FIG.
9 shows a flowchart of a “D_MEM_CK” process.

When the lens barrier 12 is opened, the power switch 21 is turned on.
The initial mode data 32 already stored in the PROM 31 is read into the RAM 29 in the CPU 28 as each shooting mode data 30 of the camera. Specifically, the above EEP
Data FLS_INI, SLF_INI, and INF_IN which are initial mode data stored in the ROM 31
I and the mode data FLS_MOD, SL
Transfer as F_MOD and INF_MOD.

The data FLS_MOD is data indicating the flash mode, and when the data is 0, the auto mode corresponds. In this mode, the strobe automatically emits light when the subject is dark, and the shutter time is not set longer than the shutter time, which is likely to cause camera shake even when the subject is dark. In the case of data 1, the red-eye reduction mode corresponds. In this mode, the strobe light is weakly emitted a plurality of times before the main strobe light for exposure is performed to narrow the pupil of the subject person, thereby reducing redness of the eyes in a photograph. In the case of data 2, the flash-off mode corresponds. In this mode, no light is emitted even if the subject is dark. In the case of data 3, the forced light emission mode corresponds. In this mode, light is emitted even if the subject is bright. In the case of data 4, the night view mode corresponds. In this mode, the exposure is performed until the appropriate exposure is reached without rounding in the second where camera shake is likely to occur even in the dark.

The SLF_MOD is data indicating the self mode. When the data is 0, the normal mode corresponds, and in this mode, self-timer shooting is not performed. In the case of data 1, a self-timer mode is supported. In this mode, self-timer shooting is performed.

The INF_MOD is data indicating an infinite mode. When the data is 0, a normal mode is supported. In this mode, shooting corresponding to a subject distance is performed. In the case of data 1, an infinity shooting mode is supported. In this mode, shooting is performed with the subject distance set to infinity.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG.
After the reading of the photographing data into the camera 9, in step S2, the zoom is advanced from the retracted state to the wide state. Step S
When it is detected in step 3 that the rear cover is closed by the output signal of the rear cover switch 33, the film is automatically loaded in step S4.

If it is detected in step S5 that the flash mode switch 22 has been operated, the flow advances to step S6 to scroll the data FLS_MOD indicating the flash mode. That is, every time the button is pressed, the data changes from 0 to
It changes from 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 0. Table 1 shows the state of the change.
Shown in

[0035]

[Table 1]

In step S7, the self mode switch 23
Is operated, the data SLF_MOD indicating the self mode is scrolled in step S8. That is, every time the button is pressed, the data changes from 0 → 1 → 0. The changes are shown in Table 2.

[0037]

[Table 2]

In step S9, the infinite mode switch 254
Is operated, the data INF_MOD in the infinite mode is scrolled in step S10. That is, every time the button is pressed, the data changes from 0 to 1 to 0.
The changes are shown in Table 3.

[0039]

[Table 3]

After each mode is switched as described above, when it is detected in step S11 that the zoom switch 26 has been operated, the zoom lens is driven in step S12 to change the focal length. In the plan view of FIG. 5, when the zoom switch button 15 for operating the zoom switch 26 is slid rightward, it is driven to the telephoto side, and when it is slid leftward, it is driven to the wide side.

When it is detected in step S13 that the release switch 25 has been operated, the release process from step S14 to step S27 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is performed. That is, in step S14, distance measurement for focusing and photometry for exposure control are performed. In step S15, the self-mode data SLF_MOD is referred to. If the data is 1, since the self-timer shooting mode has been set, the process proceeds to step S16, and the self-timer shooting display LED blinks.

Subsequently, in step S17, the data INF_MOD of the infinity mode is referred to. When the data is 1, since the infinity photographing mode has been set, the flow advances to step S18 to drive the focus lens to the infinity in-focus position. . If the data is 0, the focus lens is driven to a focus position corresponding to the distance measurement in step S19.

Subsequently, referring to the flash mode data FLS_MOD in step S20, if the data is 1, since the red-eye reduction mode has been set, the flow advances to step S21 to perform pre-emission for red-eye reduction. . Then, in step S22, the exposure of the film is executed by performing shutter control in each mode, strobe light emission, and the like. If it is confirmed in steps S23 and S24 that the rear lid is closed and the film is in the loaded state, the film is wound up by one frame in step S25. If no film end is detected in step S26, the process returns to step S28. If the film end is detected, rewinding is performed in step S27, and the process proceeds to step S28 in FIG.

In step S28 shown in FIG. 8, the LCD according to the mode is performed. At the same time, displays such as the number of frames and the remaining battery level are also displayed. If the closing of the lens barrier 12 is not detected in step S29, the processing from step S3 to step S28 is repeated. If the closing of the lens barrier 12 is detected and the power switch 21 is off, the process branches to step S30.

In step S30, a subroutine "MOD_MEN_" for storing the initial mode shown in FIG.
CK "is called and if initial mode storage is allowed,
The initial mode data is stored in the EEPROM 31. In step S31, the LCD display unit 19 is turned off, and in step S32, the zoom is retracted, and the routine ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the subroutine "MOD_MEN_CK" of the storage process in the initial mode. The processing of this routine corresponds to the processing in the first camera of FIG. 1 showing the concept of the present invention. First,
When the self-mode switch 23 is turned on in step S34, therefore, when the power switch 21 is turned off by closing the lens barrier 12 while pressing the self-mode switch 23 in actual operation, the process proceeds to step S35. Proceeds to the EEPROM 31 to store the RA at this time.
The mode data of the photographing condition on M29 is written. That is, the data FLS_M on the RAM 29 of the CPU 28
OD is stored in the FLS_INI of the EEPROM 31, similarly, the data SLF_MOD is stored in the SLF_INI, and the data INF is stored in the SLF_INI.
_MOD is written to INF_INI. After writing, the process returns from the subroutine to the present routine.

In the camera of the first embodiment in which the initial mode can be set, the lens barrier 12 is opened after the storage processing of the initial mode is performed.
When the power switch 21 is turned on, the above-described EEPR
The data stored in the OM 31 can be read out as the initial mode and automatically set as the operation mode of the camera. In this way, by closing the lens barrier 12 and turning off the power switch 21 while operating the predetermined switch, in the case of the present embodiment, the self mode switch 23, the mode at that time can be stored as the initial mode.

It is to be noted that any switch such as a date setting switch or a panorama changeover switch may be applied instead of the self mode switch. With such a configuration, a predetermined shooting mode can be stored as an initial state by using an operation process that is not performed by the photographer in normal shooting. Also, since there is no need to provide a dedicated switch for storing the initial mode, the number of switches provided in the camera does not increase, and cost and cost are reduced.
It is also effective on space.

Next, a description will be given of a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the camera according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the camera according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, but differs in part of the processing involved in opening the lens barrier. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process associated with opening the lens barrier in the camera according to the present embodiment. The step position for calling the subroutine of the initial mode storage process differs from the flowcharts of FIGS.

That is, in the case of the camera of this embodiment,
Step S41 immediately after step S28 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 and before the detection of the closure of the lens barrier 12
Then, the subroutine "MOD_MEN_CKS" of the storage process in the initial mode shown in FIG. 12 is called.

The above subroutine "MOD_MEN_CK"
"S" corresponds to the initial mode storing process in the second camera of the concept of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 described above, and in step S42, the ON of the flash mode switch 22, which is the second operating member, is detected. Further, when the operation of the zoom switch 26 as the third operation member is detected in step S43, the process proceeds to step S44, and the initial mode is stored. If neither the flash mode switch 22 nor the zoom switch 26 has been operated, this subroutine ends, and the process returns to step S29 of the routine in FIG. 11 without storing the initial mode.

In step S44, the mode data in the RAM 29 indicating the photographing conditions at this time is written in the EEPROM 31, as in step S35 in FIG. That is, the data FLS_M on the RAM 29 of the CPU 28
OD is set to FLS_INI of the EEPROM 31, similarly, data SLF_MOD is set to SLF_INI, and data INF is set to
Write _MOD to INF_INI. After writing, the subroutine returns to step S29 of the routine of FIG.

After performing the above-described initial mode storing process, the lens barrier is closed and the power is turned off, and the lens barrier 12 is opened and the power is turned on again.
The data stored in 1 is read as the initial mode by the CPU 28 and the mode is set. Step S
At 43, the operation of the zoom switch 26 may be detected in either the right direction (tele direction) or the left direction (wide direction).

According to the camera of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the camera of the first embodiment, furthermore,
Using an operation that is normally not performed, that is, pressing the zoom switch 26 and the flash switch 22 simultaneously,
Since the initial mode of the photographing condition is stored, the initial mode is reliably stored.

Next, a description will be given of a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The camera of the present embodiment corresponds to the third camera showing the concept of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 3, and has a configuration similar to that of the third camera shown in FIG. A push-type power switch 21 'which repeats on / off by pressing operation is applied to the power switch 21 operated by the lens barrier of the camera of the first embodiment.
A 2-second timer 28a is provided in the PU 28 as timer means. Other configurations are the same as those of the camera of the first embodiment.

Further, the processing involved in opening the lens barrier shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 is also different. That is, as shown in the flowchart of the processing when the power switch is turned on in the camera of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 14, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, steps S28 to S30 in FIG.
The processing during step S is performed in step S of the flowchart shown in FIG.
From 51, the process of step S56 is replaced.

In the camera of this embodiment, when the power switch 21 'is pressed and turned on, FIG.
The processing by power-on of 4 starts. Step S1
In the same manner as in the camera of the first embodiment, the EE
The initial mode data stored in the PROM 31 is
Read as mode data into RAM 29 in U28,
The setting of the photographing conditions is performed according to the initial mode data. Hereinafter, the same processing is performed up to step S13.

Then, in step S51, a subroutine "MOD_MEM_STE" shown in FIG. 15 is called. This subroutine detects the state of a predetermined switch and detects an initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_EN.
This is the process of setting or resetting. That is, in step S57, the on / off of the self-mode switch 23 and the flash mode switch 22, which are the second and third operation members, are detected. If both switches are not on, the process proceeds to step S58. If both switches are on, Proceed to step S60.

In step S58, the initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_EN is reset to 0, and in step S59, the two-second timer 28a, which is timer means, starts counting, and the flow returns to step S52 in the routine of FIG. In step S60, the time counted by the 2-second timer 28a is checked. If 2 seconds have elapsed, that is, 2 seconds have elapsed since both switches 22 and 23 were turned on.
If the second has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S61, the initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_EN is set to 1, and the process returns to step S52 of the routine of FIG. If two seconds have not yet elapsed, the process returns to the routine in FIG.

When returning to the routine of FIG. 14, in step S52, the initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_E is set.
N is checked, and if the flag is 1, step S
At 54, a mode part is blinked on the LCD display unit 19 to indicate that the initial mode can be stored. If the flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S53, where normal display is performed on the LCD display unit 19. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S55, and checks whether the power switch 21 'is on or off. If it is on, the process returns to step S3 (see FIG. 7). If it is off, the process proceeds to step S56.

In step S56, a subroutine "MOD_MEM_SET" shown in FIG. 16 is called. The process of this subroutine is a process for storing the initial mode data in the EEPROM 31.
At 62, the initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_EN
Is checked, and if the flag is 1, step S6
3 and the mode data FLS_MO stored in the RAM 29 in the CPU 28 based on the current shooting conditions.
D, SLF_MOD, INF_MOD to EEPROM3
1 to FLS_INI, SLF_INI, INF
Write as _INI and return to the routine of FIG. If the flag is 0, the process returns to the routine of FIG.

When the power switch 21 'is turned on again by the initial mode data, the EEPR
The initial mode data stored in the OM 31 is called,
The photographing conditions of the camera are set to the initial mode.

As described above, according to the camera of the present embodiment, by blinking the LCD display, the photographer can confirm the initial mode to be stored without mistake. Further, by confirming that the switch operation has not been performed for a predetermined relatively long time, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous storage in the initial mode.

In the above embodiment, the storage of the initial mode is permitted by the two mode switches. However, as in the case of the camera shown in FIG. The storage of the initial mode data may be permitted, and then the power switch may be turned off to store the initial mode data.

Next, a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The camera according to the present embodiment has a structure similar to the third camera shown in FIG.
A push-type power switch 21 ′ that repeats on / off by a pressing operation is applied in the same manner as the configuration of the camera according to the above-described embodiment.
A second timer 28a is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the camera of the first embodiment.

Further, a part of the processing involved in turning on the power switch is different from the processing of the camera of the third embodiment. That is, as shown in the flowchart of the process associated with opening the lens barrier of the camera of the present embodiment shown in FIG.
Similarly, the switch operation is checked with respect to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_EN is set and reset in step S51, and the flag is checked in step S52.
The difference is that the step S71 is inserted before the subsequent step S55, and the subroutine "MOD_MEM_SETS" is called. Instead, step S55
There is no subroutine call between and and step S31.

The above subroutine "MOD_MEM_SE"
The process of “TS” is a process for storing the initial mode data in the EEPROM 31. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, the initial mode storage permission flag MOD_MEN_EN is checked in step S72.

When the flag is 1, the operation state of the zoom switch 26 is further checked. The operation of the zoom switch 26 can be checked by either the right (tele direction) or the left (wide direction) operation. If it has been operated, in step S74, FLS_MOD, SLF_MOD, and INF_MOD, which are the mode data based on the current shooting conditions stored in the RAM 29 in the CPU 28, are transferred to the EEPROM 31, and FLS_INI, SLF_
INI and INF_INI are written, and the process returns to step S55 of the routine in FIG. In cases other than the above, the process directly returns to step S55 of the routine in FIG. Then, the on / off state of the power switch 21 'is checked, and if it is on, the process returns to step S3 (see FIG. 7). If it is off, the LCD display is turned off in steps S31 and S32, the zoom is retracted, and this routine ends.

When the power switch 21 'is turned on again in the camera of the present embodiment, E
The initial mode data stored in the EPROM 31 is C
The data is read out to the RAM 29 by the PU 28, and the initial mode is set.

As described above, according to the camera of the fourth embodiment, the two mode switches are continuously pressed for a predetermined period of time to set the initial mode data in the storage permission state.
Since the initial mode data is stored by operating the zoom switch, the initial mode data can be stored more reliably. In the camera of the present embodiment, the self mode switch 23 and the flash mode switch 22 are applied as two mode switches for permitting storage, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other switches may be applied. Further, the zoom switch 26 is applied to the switch that is also used for instructing execution of storage, but another switch may be used for this purpose.

(Supplementary Note) According to the above-described embodiment, a camera having the following configuration and capable of setting an initial mode can be obtained. That is, (1) first storage means for storing an operation mode set from a plurality of operation modes, and second storage capable of storing any initial operation mode as an initial setting mode from the plurality of operation modes. Means for setting an initial mode by transferring an initial operation mode stored in the second storage means to the first storage means in response to a predetermined operation of a predetermined member. In the camera, by operating the first operating member while operating the first and second operating members for operating the camera and the second operating member, the operation mode stored in the first storage means And an initial mode setting means for storing in the second storage means as an initial mode.

(2) In the supplementary note (1), the initial mode setting means operates the first operation member while operating the second operation member for a predetermined period of time, thereby obtaining the first mode. A camera capable of setting an initial mode, wherein the operation mode stored in the storage means is stored as an initial mode in the second storage means.

(3) The camera according to the supplementary note (1), wherein the second storage means is a nonvolatile memory, wherein an initial mode can be set.

(4) In the camera according to the supplementary note (1), the predetermined operation of the predetermined member is an operation of a power supply operation member for bringing the camera into a photographing operable state.

(5) In the supplementary note (1), the first operation member is a power switch operation member for switching an operation state / non-operation state of the camera, and the initial mode setting means is provided by the power switch operation member. In response to an operation for changing from a camera operation state to a non-operation state, an operation mode stored in the first storage means is stored in the second storage means as an initial mode. camera.

(6) There is a photographing condition setting means capable of freely setting a desired photographing condition from a plurality of selectable photographing conditions, and the photographing condition is arbitrarily set in response to a predetermined photographing start preparation operation. In a camera capable of setting an initial mode to an initial mode, a first operation member operably provided to perform a first photographing function and an operable member provided to perform a second photographing function. An initial mode for storing the photographing conditions set by the photographing condition setting means as the initial mode by operating the first operating member while operating the second operating member and the second operating member. A camera capable of setting an initial mode.

(7) There is a photographing condition setting means capable of setting a desired photographing condition from a plurality of selectable photographing conditions, and the photographing condition is arbitrarily set in response to a predetermined photographing start preparation operation. In a camera capable of setting an initial mode to an initial mode, a first operation member operably provided to perform a first photographing function and an operable member provided to perform a second photographing function. A second operating member, a timer means for counting a time during which the second operating member is operated, and the timer means detecting that the second operating member has been operated for a predetermined time or more, And an initial mode storing means for storing the photographing conditions set by the photographing condition setting means as the initial mode when the first operating member is operated. Camera that can set the period mode.

(8) First storage means for storing an operation mode set as desired from among a plurality of operation modes, and an optional initial operation mode as an initial setting mode from among the plurality of operation modes. An initial mode in which an initial operation mode stored in the second storage unit is transferred to the first storage unit in response to a predetermined operation of a predetermined member, and the second operation unit is set to the initial mode. In a camera that can be set, a first operation member operably provided to perform a first shooting function, a second operation member operably provided to perform a second shooting function, By operating the first operation member while operating the second operation member, an initial mode setting method for storing the operation mode stored in the first storage means as the initial mode in the second storage means. And an initial mode setting camera.

(9) In the supplementary note (8), there is provided timer means for counting a time during which the second operating member is operated, and the initial mode storage means is provided with the second operating member by the timer means. Detecting that the user has operated for a predetermined time or more and operating the first operating member, stores the photographing condition set by the photographing condition setting means as the initial mode. Camera that can be set in the initial mode.

(10) In the supplementary notes (6), (7), (8) or (9), the first function of the first operating member and the second function of the second operating member may be used.
Wherein the desired photographing condition is set from at least a part of a plurality of selectable photographing conditions.

[0081]

As described above, according to the camera capable of setting the initial mode according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and second cameras having other functions than the dedicated switch for storing the photographing conditions of the initial mode. Using the two operation members, the initial photographing mode at the time of power-on can be set by a simple operation as desired by the photographer, and a small-sized camera having a simple configuration can be realized.

According to the camera capable of setting the initial mode according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the camera capable of setting the initial mode according to the first aspect, further, the first operation member is capable of preparing to start shooting. Since the end operation is performed, and the second operation member sets the photographing condition, the initial mode can be stored more reliably.

According to the camera capable of setting the initial mode according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first and second operation members which are not dedicated switches are used for storing the photographing conditions of the initial mode. Is operated for a predetermined period of time, and the initial mode is stored when the first operating member is operated, so that the photographer inadvertently sets an unintended initial mode. Can be prevented,
Setting of initial shooting conditions will not fail, and
A simple configuration can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a first initial mode showing the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a second initial mode showing the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a third initial mode showing the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a camera capable of setting a fourth initial mode showing the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the appearance of a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a main block configuration diagram of an electric control circuit unit of the camera in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart of a process associated with opening a lens barrier in the camera of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is another part of the flowchart of the process associated with opening the lens barrier in the camera of FIG. 5;

9 is still another part of the flowchart of the process associated with opening the lens barrier in the camera in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a subroutine “MOD_MEM_CK” process called in the routine of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process associated with opening a lens barrier in a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a subroutine “MOD_MEN_CKS” called in the routine of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a main block configuration diagram of an electric control circuit unit of a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process when a power switch is turned on in the camera of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine “MOD_MEM_STE” called in the routine of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a subroutine “MOD_MEM_SET” called in the routine of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of processing when a power switch is turned on in a camera capable of setting an initial mode according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a subroutine “MOD_MEM_SETS” called in the routine of FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st switch (1st operation member) 2 ... 2nd switch (2nd operation member) 4a ... Timer means 5 ... Initial mode storage means 6 ... Photography condition setting means 21 and 21 'Power switch (first operation member) 22 Flash mode switch (second operation member, photographing condition setting means) 23 Self-mode switch (second operation member, photographing condition setting means) 24 ... Infinite mode switch (photographing condition setting means) 26... Zoom switch (photographing condition setting means) 28a... 2 second timer 31... EEPROM (initial mode storage means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A photographing condition setting means for freely setting a desired photographing condition from among a plurality of selectable photographing conditions, and an initial photographing condition which is arbitrarily set in response to a predetermined photographing start preparation operation. In a camera in which an initial mode can be set to an initial mode, a first operating member operably provided to perform a first photographing function, and a first operating member operably provided to fulfill a second photographing function. A second operation member, and an initial mode storage for storing the photographing condition set by the photographing condition setting means as the initial mode by operating the first operating member while operating the second operating member. Means, and a camera capable of setting an initial mode. 2. The first photographing function of the first operating member is to perform an operation of preparing and ending photographing, and the second photographing function of the second operating member is 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a desired photographing condition is set from at least a part of a plurality of selectable photographing conditions. 3. A photographing condition setting means for freely setting a desired photographing condition from a plurality of selectable photographing conditions, and an initial photographing condition which is arbitrarily set in response to a predetermined photographing start preparation operation In a camera in which an initial mode can be set to an initial mode, a first operating member operably provided to perform a first photographing function, and a first operating member operably provided to fulfill a second photographing function. A second operation member, a timer means for counting a time during which the second operation member is operated, and the timer means detecting that the second operation member has been operated for a predetermined time or more, and Initial mode storage means for storing, as the initial mode, the photographing conditions set by the photographing condition setting means when the first operating member is operated. Mode can be set camera.