JPH1172832A - Aspect ratio switching device for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aspect ratio switching device without requiring to correct a zooming magnification with manual zooming, after an aspect ratio is switched by changing the zooming magnification only when a zooming operation is required taking into consideration a posture state at the time of switching the aspect ratio. SOLUTION: This camera is provided with an aspect ratio detecting means for detecting an aspect ratio, a posture difference detecting means for judging whether the camera is in a vertical or horizontal position, etc. When the aspect ratio detecting means detects a change in the aspect ratio (S101) and when an aspect changeover is executed from a classic in the horizontal position to a panorama in the horizontal position (S102), a high-vision in the horizontal position to the panorama in the horizontal position (S104) or the high-vision in the vertical position to the classic in the vertical position (S106), zooming drive (S103, S105 and S107) is executed to correct a zooming magnification.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an aspect ratio switching device for a camera, and more particularly to an aspect ratio switching device for a camera having a zoom mechanism for electrically driving a photographic lens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, an aspect ratio (C: classic / H: high-vision / P: panorama) switching operation and an electric zoom operation which appear on a film screen function separately. However, recently, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-142459, a method of correcting the zoom amount by changing the screen size in an auto-zoom mode with a constant magnification, or as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. There has been proposed a camera that automatically sets a zoom magnification in accordance with the vertical and horizontal postures of a camera.

[0003]

However, in the above conventional example, the zoom magnification is corrected based on one piece of information of the aspect ratio or the posture state. This correction is always performed for the change, and the information to be determined is either the aspect ratio or the posture state. For this reason, the zoom magnification is frequently corrected, which is troublesome for the photographer. In addition, there is a possibility that a photo opportunity is lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention determines a case where a zoom operation is necessary in consideration of a posture state when switching an aspect ratio, and zooms and corrects only when necessary. It is intended to provide.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an aspect ratio detecting unit configured to detect a setting state of an aspect ratio reflected on a film screen; A camera provided with a zoom drive unit capable of electrically changing the zoom magnification of the photographing lens and a posture difference detection unit for determining whether the camera is held in a vertical position or a horizontal position. Based on the detection result and the aspect ratio detected by the aspect ratio detecting means, it is determined whether or not the aspect switching has been performed under a specific state, and when the specific state is determined, the zooming is performed. An aspect ratio switching device for a camera, comprising a control unit for correcting a magnification.

For example, when switching from a vertical position H (high-definition) to a vertical position P (panorama) or switching from a horizontal position H (high-definition) to a horizontal position C (classic), When the aspect ratio is switched in a case where the automatic zoom correction is not required after the aspect switching, and the automatic zoom correction is performed, it is necessary to correct by the manual zoom after the aspect ratio switching. However, according to the above configuration, zoom driving is performed so that the subject image is appropriate, and the trouble of changing the magnification by manual zooming after switching the aspect ratio is eliminated.

In a specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application, as described in claim 2, in the specific state, the aspect is switched from a horizontal classic to a vertical panorama. 2. The camera aspect ratio switching device according to claim 1, wherein:

According to this configuration, when switching from the classical position in the horizontal position to the panorama position in the horizontal position, the aspect ratio of the screen is greatly different. Change the ratio. Thereby, automatic zoom correction is performed after the aspect ratio is switched, and there is no need to perform a manual operation.

According to a specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application, as described in claim 3, in the specific state, the aspect is switched from a horizontal HDTV to a horizontal panorama. And a camera aspect ratio switching device.

According to this structure, when switching from the high-definition in the horizontal position to the panorama in the horizontal position, the aspect ratio of the screen is greatly different. Change the ratio.
Thereby, automatic zoom correction is performed after the aspect ratio is switched, and there is no need to perform a manual operation.

In a specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application, as described in claim 4, in the specific state, the aspect is switched from a high-definition television in a vertical position to a panorama in a vertical position. And a camera aspect ratio switching device.

According to this configuration, when switching from the high definition in the vertical position to the classic in the vertical position, the vertical / horizontal ratio of the screen is greatly different, so that the zoom ratio is changed for changing the size of the subject. Thereby, automatic zoom correction is performed after the aspect ratio is switched, and there is no need to perform a manual operation.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a camera aspect ratio switching process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric control system of the camera according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows the processing.

First, FIG. 2 will be described. Reference numeral 1 denotes a microcomputer which controls the movement of each part of the camera. Reference numeral 2 denotes a lens control circuit connected to the microcomputer 1 via the DBUS, and drives and controls three motors related to the photographing lens 13, a focus adjustment motor, a zoom drive motor, and a diaphragm blade control motor. The lens control circuit 2 performs serial communication via DBUS while receiving the LCOM signal from the microcomputer 1. Motor drive information is received from the microcomputer 1 by serial communication, and drive control of each motor is performed based on the information. At the same time, various kinds of information (focal length, etc.) of the lens are transferred to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication.
To be transmitted.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a liquid crystal display circuit connected to the microcomputer 1 via DBUS. The liquid crystal display circuit 3 displays the remaining battery power of the camera, the number of shots, the TV value (shutter value), the AV value (aperture value), the exposure correction amount, and the like. The liquid crystal displays 11 and 12 for notifying the photographer are driven. While receiving the DPCOM signal from the microcomputer 1, the liquid crystal display circuit 3
Perform serial communication via BUS. The display data is received by serial communication, and the liquid crystal displays 11 and 12 are driven according to the display data.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a switch sense circuit connected to the microcomputer 1 via DBUS. The switch senses a switch for setting a photographing condition by a photographer and a switch indicating a camera state. This is a transmission circuit, and transmits switch data to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication via DBUS while receiving the SWCOM signal. In addition, the dial values are counted up / counted down by the input values of the electronic dials 10a and 10b, and the SWCOM signal is received from the microcomputer 1;
The microcomputer 1 sends a count value to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication via the.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a flash emission / dimming control circuit connected to the microcomputer 1 via DBUS.
It controls the strobe light emission and TTL light emission stop function. While receiving the SRCOM signal from the microcomputer 1, the strobe light emission / dimming control circuit 5
The microcomputer 1 performs serial communication with the microcomputer 1 via S, receives data related to flash control, and performs various controls. This circuit also functions as an interface when an external strobe is attached to the camera.
Therefore, when an external strobe is attached, communication is performed with the external strobe, and information (such as the presence or absence of auxiliary light) is sent to the microcomputer 1. Conversely, it also has a role of transmitting a control signal from the microcomputer 1 to the external flash 14.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a focus detection circuit connected to the microcomputer 1, and the AF detection circuit 6 uses an existing phase difference detection method.
And a circuit for storing and reading the data. The focus detection circuit 6 is controlled by the microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 outputs A /
Based on the D value, the distance is measured by an existing algorithm, the lens drive amount is calculated, and then the calculated lens drive amount is communicated to the lens control circuit 2 so that focusing is achieved, and the lens is driven. Focus.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a photometric circuit connected to the microcomputer 1, which sends a photometric output obtained by performing photometry of the subject to the microcomputer as requested by the microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 converts the received photometric output from analog to digital and uses it for calculating the exposure conditions (aperture and shutter speed). 8 is a microcomputer 1
The shutter control circuit is connected to the microcomputer 1 and executes travel control of a front curtain and a rear curtain of a shutter (not shown) according to a control signal of the microcomputer 1.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a feed motor / charge motor control circuit connected to the microcomputer 1, which carries out film transport (winding and rewinding) according to a control signal from the microcomputer 1. The feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9 also controls a mirror up / charge (mirror down) motor. SW1 is a button for starting the operation of the camera. When the microcomputer 1 recognizes that the SW1 has been turned on, photometry, distance measurement, and display are started. SW2 is moving to the release button of the camera, and when the microcomputer 1 recognizes that SW2 is turned on, the exposure operation is started. SW3
And SW4 are a pair of posture state detection switches shown in FIG.

SW5 and SW6 are aspect ratio detection switches, and it is possible to judge which of C: Classic, H: Hi-Vision, and P: Panorama by the ON / OFF state of SW5 and SW6. The X contact is connected to the flash emission / dimming control circuit 5 and is turned on at the timing when the driving of the front curtain of the shutter is completed, and notifies the flash emission dimming control circuit 5 of the flash emission timing.

SW7 is a switch for switching the camera mode (TV priority, AV priority, manual, program, etc.). 10a is a main electronic dial, and 10b is a sub electronic dial. These electronic dials change TV values, AV values, correction amounts, modes, and the like. For example, when the main electronic dial of 10a is rotated while pressing the mode switching button of SW7,
The mode is changed in the order of TV priority → AV priority → manual → program → TV priority → AV priority → manual → program..., And the mode can be freely set to the mode intended by the photographer. When the main electronic dial 10a is rotated in the reverse direction, the program → manual → AV priority → T
The mode is changed in the order of V priority → program →. When “TV priority” is set as a mode by the mode change switch 3 and the main electronic dial 10a, by rotating the main electronic dial 10a,
The TV value desired by the photographer can be set. The mode change switch 3 and the main electronic dial 10a
When the “AV priority” is set as the mode, the AV value desired by the photographer can be set by rotating the main electronic dial 10a. Further, when the "program mode" is set by the mode change switch 3 and the main electronic dial 10a, by rotating the main electronic dial 10a, the "program shift" for changing the combination of the TV value and the AV value is performed.
Becomes possible. When the "manual mode" is set by the mode change switch 7 and the main electronic dial 10a, the TV value can be changed by the main dial 10a, while the AV value can be changed by the sub electronic dial 10b. Become. When a mode other than the manual mode (AV priority, TV priority, program) is set by the mode change switch 7 and the main electronic dial 10a, the exposure correction can be changed by the sub electronic dial 10b.

SW8 is an AF mode setting button.
Is a photometry mode setting button, and SW10 is a transmission mode setting button. Reference numeral 11 denotes an external display device, and 12 denotes a color liquid crystal display device in the finder. The external display device 11 and the color liquid crystal display device 12 in the finder are both driven by the liquid crystal display circuit 3. An interchangeable lens 13 is controlled by the lens control circuit 2. Reference numeral 14 denotes an external strobe, which is controlled by the strobe light emission dimming control circuit 5. The external flash 14 has a power source different from that of the camera body.

FIG. 4 shows a camera attitude state detection switch pair S.
Each posture of the camera for explaining the operation of W3 and SW4 is shown. In the figure, reference numeral 400 denotes a camera, and a lens mount 401 for mounting the lens 13 is provided at the center, and a posture state detection switch pair SW3,
SW4 is installed. On the right side of the lens mount 401, a grip portion 402 having a battery storage space inside is formed. A shutter button 403 is provided above the grip portion 402, and a main electronic dial 10a for selecting various modes, a shutter speed, an aperture value, and the like is provided behind the shutter button 403.

FIG. 4A shows the case where the camera is in the horizontal position with the highest frequency of use, in which both SW3 and SW4 are OFF. In addition, FIG.
(C) is a diagram showing the camera in a vertical position state ((c) of FIG. 4 is a state in which the posture is changed by 180 degrees with respect to the position of (b)), one of SW3 and SW4 is ON, and the other is OF
Indicates that it is in the F state. As can be understood from FIG.
By detecting the ON / OFF state of W3 and SW4, it is possible to determine whether the camera is held in the horizontal position or the vertical position.

Next, the operation of the camera will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, "S" represents a step.

First, when the power of the camera is turned on due to factors such as pressing of the SW of the camera (S300), the mode is switched or the set value is switched based on the information of the switch sense circuit 4. . If there is a change, the microcomputer 1 controls the liquid crystal drive circuit 3 to correct the display data (S301). Also, SW
3, the posture state is detected by the ON / OFF state of SW4, and the change of the aspect ratio mechanically switched based on the ON / OFF state of SW5 and SW6 is detected. The zoom is performed by the zoom driving units 2 and 13 according to the flowchart, and the angle of view is corrected.
Next, it is determined whether or not SW1 is pressed (S1).
302). If SW1 is pressed, the process proceeds to S306 for photometry / distance measurement, and if SW1 is not pressed, it is determined whether to turn off the power (S30).
3). When the power is turned off, the process proceeds to S304,
If F is not set, the process returns to the SW information input processing of S301.
In other words, if the power of the camera is turned on for some reason, the power is kept on for a certain period of time to check the ON / OFF state of the switch and switch the display. Next, the liquid crystal display circuit 3 turns off the display of unnecessary parts inside and outside the viewfinder of the camera, and turns off the power.
FF is set (S304), and the process ends (S305).

The photometry circuit 7 performs photometry of the subject (S306). The photometric output is A / D-converted by the microcomputer 1, and the exposure conditions (aperture, shutter speed) are calculated. Then, using the focus detection circuit 6,
Based on the A / D value of the sensor output, the distance is measured by an existing algorithm based on the A / D value of the sensor output (S307), the lens drive amount is settled, and then the lens is controlled so as to focus. The lens drive amount calculated by the circuit 2 is communicated, and the lens 13 is driven to focus. After this, S
The AV value / TV value calculated in 306 is compared with the color liquid crystal display device 12 in the finder and the external display 1 by the liquid crystal display circuit 3.
1 (S308). If the result of the distance measurement in S307 is in focus, the in-focus display is also performed.

Further, it is determined whether or not the camera is in a state in which release is permitted (S309). For example, A
If the F mode is the "one-shot mode",
If the result of distance measurement at 7 is in focus, shutter release is permitted, and the flow shifts to S310 to check SW2.
If the camera is not in focus, S301 is performed to check the switch.
Move to. If SW1 is ON in S301, photometry / distance measurement / display is performed again. Next, it is determined whether or not the SW2 is pressed (S310), and it is determined whether or not to proceed to the release operation after S311. SW2 is O
If N, the process proceeds to S311 to perform a release operation. If SW2 is OFF, the process proceeds to S301 for checking the switch. Then, when SW1 is ON (S
302), photometry / distance measurement /
Display.

Next, a release operation is started in steps S311 to S313. First, the mirror is moved up by the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9 and S
The aperture amount determined in 306 is communicated to the lens 13 by the lens control circuit 2, and an aperture operation is performed to obtain the set exposure amount (S311). Thereafter, the running control of the front curtain and the rear curtain of the shutter (not shown) is performed using the shutter control circuit 8 so that the TV amount determined in S306 is obtained (S312). Next, the shutter is charged at the same time as the mirror is moved down by the feeding motor / charge motor control circuit 9 (S313), and the lens control circuit 2 communicates with the lens 13 (S306), and the aperture is returned to the open state. Control. Thereafter, the film is wound using the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9 in accordance with a control signal from the microcomputer 1 (S314).

Next, the features of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG.
This corresponds to the processing included in 301.

First, it is determined whether the aspect ratio has been changed by SW5 and SW6 (S101). If the aspect ratio has been changed, the process proceeds to S108. If the aspect ratio has not been changed, the process proceeds to S102 to check what kind of change has been made. In S102, it is checked whether or not C (classic) at the horizontal position has been changed to P (panorama) at the horizontal position, and if so, the process proceeds to S103 to correct the zoom magnification. If it has not been changed, the process moves to S104 to detect another case. Next, the zoom magnification is corrected using the lens control circuit 2 and the lens 13 (S103). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not H (high definition) based on the horizontal position has been changed to P (panorama) based on the horizontal position (S10).
4). If there is a change, the process proceeds to S105 to correct the zoom magnification. If there is no change, the process proceeds to S106 to detect the presence or absence of another aspect switch. Next, the zoom magnification is corrected using the lens control circuit 2 and the lens 13 (S105). Furthermore, from H (high definition) in the vertical position to C (classic) in the vertical position
(S106), and if there is a change, the process proceeds to S107 to correct the zoom magnification. If there is no change, the process proceeds to S108 to detect another case. Next, the magnification is corrected using the lens control circuit 2 and the lens 13 (S107). Thus, all the processes are completed (S108).

Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 5 shows the vertical position H
FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the aspect ratio is switched from (high definition) to a vertical position C (classic). Conventionally, as shown in FIG. However, by performing the correction in S107, the result is as shown in FIG. 5B, and the trouble of changing the magnification by the electric zoom after the aspect switching is released.

Similarly, FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the aspect ratio is switched from H (high-definition) at the horizontal position to P (panorama) at the horizontal position. It cuts off and forces you to perform manual zooming after switching aspects. However, according to the present embodiment, by performing the correction in S105, the result is as shown in FIG. 6B, and the trouble of changing the magnification by manual zooming after switching the aspect is eliminated.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a case where automatic zoom correction is not necessary after the aspect switching. FIG.
FIG. 7A shows the vertical position H (high-definition), and FIG. 7B shows the state where the vertical position P (panorama) is switched from this state without zooming. FIG. 8A shows H in the horizontal position.
(Hi-Vision), and FIG. 8B shows a state in which the state is switched to C (classic) at the horizontal position. By using this embodiment, even in a scene where a zoom operation must be performed after the aspect ratio is switched, the photographer is released from the troublesomeness.

The above is the configuration and operation of the embodiment according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and the functions described in the claims or the configuration of the embodiment are not limited thereto. It goes without saying that any configuration may be used as long as the function can be achieved.

The present invention may be combined with the above-described embodiments or the technical elements as needed. In addition, the present invention may be applied to any device, whether the whole or a part of the configuration of the claim or the embodiment forms one device or is combined with another device. It may be an element that performs the following.

Further, the present invention can be applied to an image recording medium other than a film.

The present invention is also applicable to various types of cameras such as a single-lens reflex camera, a lens shutter camera, and a video camera.
The present invention can be applied to optical devices other than cameras and other devices. Further, the present invention can be applied to a device applied to such a camera, an optical device, or another device, or to an element constituting these devices.

[Correspondence between the Invention and the Embodiment] The operation of SW5 and SW6 in the embodiment of the present invention is performed by the aspect ratio change detecting means according to the first aspect of the present invention. Corresponds to the zoom driving means, and the operation of the microcomputer 1 also corresponds to the control means. Further, the operations of the attitude difference detecting means SW3 and SW4 correspond to the attitude difference detecting means.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, the control means for correcting the zoom magnification is provided only when the aspect switching is performed under a specific state. Zoom driving is performed so that the subject image becomes appropriate, and the trouble of changing the magnification by manual zooming after switching the aspect ratio is relieved, and the number of shutter chances increases.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the specific state is set when the aspect switching is performed from the horizontal classic to the vertical panorama, so that the automatic zoom correction is performed after the aspect switching. Since there is no need to perform a manual operation, the photographer is relieved of the trouble of the zoom operation, and the number of photo opportunities is increased.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the specific state is set when the aspect is switched from the high definition at the horizontal position to the panorama at the horizontal position, the automatic zoom correction is performed after the aspect ratio is switched. Since there is no need to perform a manual operation, the number of photo opportunities increases.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the specific state is set when the aspect is switched from the vertical HDTV to the vertical panorama, the automatic zoom correction is performed after the aspect ratio is switched. Since there is no need to perform manual operations, the number of photo opportunities increases.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an aspect ratio switching process of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric control system of the camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the configuration of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the relationship between the attitude difference detection switch of FIG. 2 and the attitude of the camera.

FIG. 5 shows a vertical position H (high definition) to a vertical position C
It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that switched the aspect ratio to (classic).

FIG. 6 shows a horizontal position P from a horizontal position H (high definition).
It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that switched the aspect ratio to (panorama).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment in a case where automatic zoom correction is not required after aspect switching.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment in a case where automatic zoom correction is not required after aspect switching.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Microcomputer 2 Lens control circuit 3 Liquid crystal display circuit 4 Switch sense circuit 5 Strobe light emission / dimming control circuit 6 Focus detection circuit 7 Photometry circuit 8 Shutter control circuit 9 Motor control circuit 10a Main electronic dial 10b Sub electronic dial 11 External display member 12 Internal display member 13 Interchangeable lens 14 External strobe SW3,4 Attitude difference detection switch pair SW5,6 Aspect switching detection switch pair

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An aspect ratio detecting means for detecting a setting state of an aspect ratio projected on a film screen, a zoom driving means capable of electrically changing a zoom magnification of a photographing lens, and a camera held in a vertical position or a horizontal position. In a camera provided with a posture difference detecting means for judging whether the camera is held at a position, based on a detection result by the posture difference detecting means and an aspect ratio detected by the aspect ratio detecting means, the aspect switching is in a specific state. A camera aspect ratio switching device, comprising: control means for determining whether or not the zooming has been performed under the condition, and correcting the zoom magnification when the specific state is determined. 2. The camera aspect ratio switching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific state is when aspect switching is performed from a horizontal classic to a horizontal panorama. 3. The camera aspect ratio switching device according to claim 1, wherein the specific state is when aspect switching is performed from a horizontal HDTV to a horizontal panorama. 4. The camera aspect ratio switching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific state is when aspect switching is performed from a high-definition television in a vertical position to a classic in a vertical position.