JPH1195311A - Learnable remote control camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a camera having a function for receiving a remote control signal execute its main operation by an optional remote control transmitter by making the camera learn the remote control signal. SOLUTION: Correspondence relation between a remote control code generated corresponding to a specified remote control signal and the specified operation of the camera is stored in a nonvolatile memory EEPROM 12, and the camera is set into a learning mode in which the stored content in the EEPROM 12 is updated by the mode setting means of the CPU 10. Especially, in a mode other than the remote control learning mode, the specified remote control signal is received and the operation of the camera corresponding to the signal is executed. When the camera is set in the remote control learning mode, the remote control code is updated. Thus, when the remote control transmitter is lost or when it is substituted by other remote control transmitter, the camera is made to learn the new remote control signal so as to solve the problem, and a dedicated remote controller need not be bought, so that this camera is economical.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera which can be remotely controlled by, for example, a remote control device.
In particular, it relates to a remote control camera that can learn itself.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a learning remote control (hereinafter referred to as a learning remote control) in which the functions of a plurality of transmitters are learned by a single transmitter and a plurality of devices can be selectively remotely controlled only by the transmitter. Various technologies relating to transmitters (abbreviated) have been developed.

[0003] With respect to these learning remote control transmitters, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 8-19074 and 5-7834, the learning memory area of the remote control transmitter is efficiently used as a learning remote control transmitter. There has been disclosed a technique capable of storing various types of commands within a memory capacity range. In addition, JP-A-5-75888
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-347785 also discloses a technology regarding a remote control transmitter that can be learned in the same manner as the above technology.

In addition, various technologies relating to the combination of a remote control transmitter and a camera for causing the camera to execute a shooting operation by an infrared remote control signal or setting the title to be imprinted at the time of shooting, its language information and the number of prints to the camera have been developed. ing.

In such a technique relating to a combination of a camera and a remote control transmitter, a predetermined signal is modulated by the remote control transmitter, the infrared light emitting element is made to blink at a high frequency, and the infrared light receiving element of the camera receives light. The multi-tone is performed by an electric circuit, a target signal is extracted, and when the double-tuned signal matches a predetermined signal pattern, various operations such as a photographing operation according to the signal pattern are executed.

[0006]

However, since remote control transmitters for TVs and VCRs are generally used in homes, they are not often lost, but they are used outdoors such as cameras and video cameras. In many cases, the remote control receiver according to the remote control is lost or accidentally broken. When a remote control transmitter such as a camera is lost in this way, there is a disadvantage that a substitute is difficult to obtain.

Further, when a camera with remote control transmission is replaced by a camera with a remote control reception function of another company's product, the previous remote control transmitter becomes useless. Further, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, although a technology in which a remote controller has a learning function is disclosed, a technology in which a remote controller has a learning function is not disclosed at all.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a camera having a function of receiving a remote control signal to learn the remote control signal pattern so that an arbitrary remote control transmitter can be used. To enable the main operation of the camera.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a remote control camera capable of learning according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a remote control code generated in response to a predetermined remote control signal and a predetermined camera operation. And a mode setting means for setting a remote control learning mode for updating the memory of the memory means. In a mode other than the remote control learning mode, Receiving the remote control signals, performs a camera operation corresponding to each signal, and updates the remote control code when the remote control learning mode is set.

A remote control camera capable of learning according to a second aspect is provided with a remote control receiving circuit for receiving a remote control signal and outputting a remote control code in accordance with an input signal, and a nonvolatile remote control storing a remote control code corresponding to a predetermined camera operation. Memory means, including rewriting means for updating the storage of the memory means, setting means for setting a remote control signal learning mode, and in a mode other than the remote control learning mode,
A predetermined camera operation is performed based on the remote control code output from the remote control receiving circuit and the storage in the memory means, and when the setting means is set to the remote control learning mode, the storage in the memory means is updated. And control means for causing

The remote control camera capable of learning according to the third aspect is characterized in that the remote control signal is a wireless remote control signal using infrared rays. The first aspect of the present invention
According to the third to third aspects, the following operations are provided.

That is, in the remote control camera capable of learning according to the first aspect of the present invention, the nonvolatile memory means
Correspondence between a remote control code generated in response to a predetermined remote control signal and a predetermined camera operation is stored, and the mode setting means is set to a remote control learning mode for updating storage in the memory means. In particular, in a mode other than the remote control learning mode, the predetermined remote control signal is received, a camera operation corresponding to each signal is executed, and the remote control learning mode is set when the remote control learning mode is set. The code is updated.

In the remote control camera capable of learning according to the second aspect, the remote control receiving circuit receives a remote control signal, outputs a remote control code corresponding to the input signal, and stores the remote control code corresponding to a predetermined camera operation by a nonvolatile memory means. Is stored, and set to a remote control signal learning mode by setting means including rewriting means for updating the storage of the memory means. In a mode other than the remote control learning mode, an output from the remote control receiving circuit is performed by the control means. A predetermined camera operation is performed based on the remote control code and the storage in the memory means. When the setting means sets the remote control learning mode, the storage in the memory means is updated. In the remote control camera capable of learning according to the third aspect, a wireless remote control signal using infrared rays is used as the remote control signal.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 (a) to 1 (c)
1A and 1B are three views showing the appearance of a remote control camera capable of learning according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a side view, FIG. 1B is a top view, and FIG. It is. The camera employs a single-lens reflex system, and various photographing modes can be arbitrarily set.

In FIG. 1, the strobe unit 1 normally has a strobe unit 15 (see FIG. 2 described later) stored in the top of the main body, and releases the locking of the spring bias as necessary. It is used after being set up. The display unit 2 includes a liquid crystal display panel 13 (see FIG. 2 described later), and displays and outputs various information of the camera. In particular, the image of the shooting mode is visualized on the liquid crystal display panel 13 with a layout similar to the shape of the image select button 3 for mode setting described later.

The image select button 3 is described in detail in FIG.
The FKSW 46, PRSW 47,
A mode setting button composed of a switch group composed of a SASW 48, a YKSW 49, and a FASW 50 (all shown in FIG. 2 described later). The one SW is assigned to one shooting mode, and one touch operation is performed. One of five shooting modes as the first mode, for example, “landscape mode”, “portrait mode”, “stop action mode”, “night scene mode”, and “full auto mode” can be selected. Each of the above SWs 46-50
Corresponds to a pressing operation, and a second mode described later after the first mode.
Switch to mode.

The release button 4 is a two-stage press-down button, and is a 1RSW 40 (see FIG. 2 described later) which is turned on when the first stage is pressed, and a 2RSW 4 which is turned on when the second stage is pressed.
1 (see FIG. 2 described later). The viewfinder 5 observes an image from the photographing lens 6 by a single-lens reflex method, and can also partially confirm information on a predetermined photographing mode in the field of view of the viewfinder 5.

The learning button 7 is a button in which a remote control code learning switch (REMOCONSW) 45 to be described later is formed. When the button is pressed, a mode for learning a remote control code is set. The zoom button 8 is a lead for changing the focal length of the camera, and a zoom up switch (ZUSW) 42
And a zoom-down switch (ZDSW) 43, which are see-saw switches.

FIG. 2 shows in detail a circuit configuration relating to a control system of a remote control camera capable of learning according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a main CPU 10 sequentially executes a predetermined control program recorded in a ROM (not shown) inside the main CPU 10 to appropriately control various peripheral ICs and the like. Totally control the camera. The main CPU 10 is electrically connected with an AFIC 11 which is an IC for auto focus (AF) and an EEPROM 12 which is an electrically nonvolatile element. Although this camera employs the "TTL phase difference detection method" as the autofocus method, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this.

A liquid crystal display panel 13, a date module 14, a strobe unit 15, and an interface IC (IFIC) 16 are connected to the main CPU 10, and various switches 4 to be described later in detail.
0 to 52, 55 to 63, and a piezoelectric buzzer (PC) that emits a sound at the time of autofocus and a switch operation.
V) 65 are electrically connected.

A series of operation control by these configurations is performed as follows. That is, the AFIC 11 first
The reset signal (AFR) of the AFIC 11 from the PU 10
ES) Sig1 is sent and reset. Thereafter, light from a subject (not shown) passes through the photographing lens 6 and the AFIC 1
When the light reaches an unillustrated photo sensor array arranged on the upper surface of the AFIC 11, the AFIC 11 performs processing such as light intensity integration and quantization, and calculates a defocus amount as distance measurement information. A signal (AFEND) Sig2 indicating that the light quantity integration processing has been completed along with the end of the light quantity integration is output to the main CP.
Sent to U10. The distance measurement information includes a signal (AFCE) indicating that communication between the AFIC 11 and the main CPU 10 is performed.
N) Sig3, data signal (DATA) Sig4,
The signal is transferred to the main CPU 10 by the synchronization clock signal (CLK) Sig5.

If the characteristics of each element of the photosensor array have "variation", accurate distance measurement information cannot be obtained in that state. Therefore, in the remote control camera capable of learning according to the present embodiment, the EEPR
Predetermined variation information of the photosensor array is stored in the OM 12 in advance so that it can be referred to, and the main CPU 10 performs a correction calculation of the distance measurement information obtained from the AFIC 11. In the EEPROM 12, other adjustment values such as mechanical variations and variations in electrical characteristics of various elements are stored in advance.

These adjustment values may be adjusted as needed by the EEP.
Signal (EPCEN) S for making ROM 12 communicable
ig7, a data signal (DATA) Sig8, and a synchronous clock signal (CLK) Sig9.
The main CPU 10, the AFIC 11, and the EEP
Data transfer with the ROM 12 is performed by serial communication.

On the other hand, the IFIC 16 has a main CPU
10 IFIC activation signal (IFCENb) Sig1
1 is activated. Then, the latch signal (LATC)
H) Sig12, 4-bit bus line signals (D0b to D0b
3b) Sig13, D / Ab signal Sig14 to Sig1
6, and the remote control signal Sig17 is used to perform parallel communication with the main CPU 10.

This parallel communication measures the brightness of the object, measures the temperature in the camera, shapes the waveform of the output signal from the photo interrupter, controls the low voltage drive of the motor, and controls various constant voltages such as a temperature stable voltage and a temperature proportional voltage. Generation, checking of the remaining battery level, reception of an infrared remote controller, control of a motor driver, control of various LEDs, monitoring of a low voltage of a power supply voltage, control of a booster circuit, and the like are performed. The flash warning and the focus and brightness warning are sent to the LED 20 in the viewfinder.
Is notified to the photographer using.

The measurement of the object brightness is performed by using a distance measuring sensor 21 composed of a two-part silicon photodiode (SPD). The light receiving surface of the photometric sensor 21 is divided into two parts, a central part of the screen and a peripheral part thereof.
It is possible to selectively perform two types of photometry, namely, average photometry that performs photometry using the entire screen.

Further, when the camera body is operated by the cell timer, the photographer who is away is notified by using the self LED 27. Further, the liquid crystal display panel 13 has a main C
Segment signal (SEG) Sig sent from PU10
34 and the common signal (COM) Sig 35, the number of film frames, the shooting mode, the strobe mode, the aperture value, the remaining battery level, and the like are displayed.

The flash unit 15 emits light from a light emitting tube (not shown) to give a necessary luminance to the subject when the luminance of the subject is insufficient at the time of photographing or auto-focusing. The strobe unit 15 includes a main CPU 1
0, the strobe charging signal (STCHG) Sig 36 of the IFIC 16 and the strobe light emission start signal (S
TON) Sig 37, signal for controlling the trigger circuit (ST
(RG) Sig38. Further, the charging voltage of the strobe is VST signal Si
It is configured to be sent to the main CPU 10 as g39.

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

Since the key signals KEY0 to KEY5 are normally pulled up inside the main CPU 10,
Its signal level is in the "H" state. Here, for example, K
EYCOM Sig46 is “1”, KEYCOM Sig46
Assume that g47 is "H" and KEYCOM Sig48 is "H". At this point, if a later-described first release switch (1RSW) 40 is turned on, KEY0
Sig40 changes from “H” to “L”. Therefore,
KEYCOM0 Sig46 to KEYCOM2Sig4
8 and KEY0 Sig40 to KEY5
If the signal level of Sig45 is known, switches 40-52
Is turned on.
In addition, KEYCOM0 Sig46 to KEYCOM2 S
The ig 48 cannot make two or more “L” at the same time.

The switch 40 is a first release switch (1RSW), and is turned on when the release button is "pressed" to instruct the start of a distance measuring operation. On the other hand, the switch 41 is a second release switch (2RSW), which is turned on only when the release button is "fully pressed". At this time, a photographing operation based on various measured values is performed.

The switches 42 and 43 are a zoom-up switch (ZUSW) and a zoom-up switch (ZDS).
W), which is a switch for performing a zooming operation of the lens frame. When ZUSW 42 is turned on, Z
When the DSW 43 is turned on, zooming is performed in the short focus direction. The switch 44 is a self-switch (SELFS
W), and when the SELFSW 44 is turned on, the camera enters a self-timer shooting mode or a standby state of a remote controller.
In this state, if the 2RSW 41 is turned on, self-timer shooting is performed, and if a shooting instruction operation is performed by the remote control transmission unit 17, shooting with the remote control is performed. The switch 45 is a learning switch (REMOCON
SW). When the REMOCONSW 45 is turned on, a mode is set for learning a remote control signal, and the received remote control signal is stored.

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

For example, when the FKSW 46 is first turned on, a "landscape mode" is set, and the values of the aperture and the shutter speed are determined so that the depth of field is as deep as possible within the proper exposure range. Similarly, when the PRSW 47 is turned on, a “portrait mode” is set, and within the appropriate exposure range,
The aperture and shutter speed are determined so that the depth of field becomes shallow. Similarly, when the SASW 48 is turned on, a “stop action mode” is set, and the shutter speed is set to be as fast as possible. At this time, the red-eye prevention mode of the strobe mode cannot be used in consideration of a long release time lag. When the YKSW 49 is turned on, the “night scene mode” is set, and the long-time limit value of the shutter speed during normal shooting is set longer, for example, from 1 second to 2 seconds.

When the FASW 50 is turned on, various modes set by the user operating the camera are initialized. That is, the standard program diagram is selected for the AE mode, the automatic flash mode is used for the strobe mode, the self-mode is released, and the lens is in the normal focus position (for example,
Nearby). During the self-timer operation,
Pressing SW50 cancels the self-timer operation. In addition, this camera, while learning the remote control code, FAS
When W50 is pressed, the stored remote control code has a function of returning to the initial value.

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

The switch 52 is an aperture priority switch (AVSW) that forcibly sets the camera to the aperture priority mode when "ON".
N "is a power switch (PWSW) that enables the camera to take a picture. A switch 56 is a panorama switch (PANSW) for switching to a panorama shooting mode.
The switch 57 is set to “O” when the back cover of the camera is open.
N "is a back cover detection switch (BKSW).

A switch 58 is a shutter charge detection switch (SCSW) that is turned "ON" upon completion of the shutter charge operation, and a switch 59 is turned "ON" upon completion of the operation of raising the main mirror (ie, retracting from the photographing light beam). Mirror up detection switch. The switch 60 is a DXSW for reading the DX code of the film cartridge loaded in the cartridge room of the camera.

Pop-up switch (PUPSW) 61
Is a switch for controlling the strobe. PUPSW6
Reference numeral 1 is interlocked with the movement of the strobe light-emitting unit, and is turned on when the light-emitting unit is raised to charge the strobe. Also, when the subject has low brightness and the strobe mode is “A”
If the PUPSW 61 is on when the signal is set to “auto”, the strobe light emission is permitted. A switch 62 is a rewind switch (RWMS) for instructing rewinding in the middle.
W).

The switch 63 is a switch (XSW) for setting a flash emission timing. This XSW
Reference numeral 63 is turned on when the first curtain of the shutter ends in advance, and turned off when the shutter charge is completed. WPR
A photoreflector 23 for detecting film perforation is turned on / off by a film feeding operation.

The motor driver 22 receives a signal (Sig 18) from the IFIC 16 and receives a mirror / film drive motor (M1) 24 and a lens drive motor (M2) 2
5 and the zoom motor (M3) 26, and the motor driver 37 outputs a signal (Sig30) from the IFIC 16.
Then, the diaphragm driving motor (M4) 36 is driven. S
The CPI 31 is a photo interrupter for measuring a driving amount of the mirror driving motor (M1) 24, and is an LDP.
I32 is a photo interrupter for measuring the driving amount of the lens driving motor (M2) 25.

Further, ZMPR 33 and ZMPI 34
A photoreflector and a photointerrupter for measuring the driving amount of the zoom motor (M3) 26. The AVPI 35 is a photo interrupter for measuring a driving amount of the aperture driving motor (M4) 36.

The MGF 28 is a magnet for holding the front curtain, and the MGS 29 is a magnet for holding the rear curtain. still,
Reference numeral 18 denotes a light emitting element for outputting the modulated signal light from the remote control transmitting unit 17, and 19 denotes a light receiving element for receiving the light.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the image select button 3 described above. As shown in the figure,
The image select button 3 is configured by arranging a button divided into four equal parts vertically and horizontally and a central button. The top is a landscape mode button (FKSW) 46, the right is a portrait mode button (PRSW) 47, the bottom is a stop action mode button (SASW) 48, and the left is a night view mode button (YKSW) 4.
9, and the center corresponds to a fully automatic button (FASW) 50. These selector buttons are buttons for switching a plurality of predetermined photographing modes, and are for the photographer to select a desired mode in accordance with photographing conditions. The switches 46 to 49 corresponding to the respective mode buttons are mechanically seesaw switches, and two or more switches cannot be turned on at the same time. For example, FKSW46
Is first turned on, a "landscape mode" is set, and the values of the aperture and shutter speed are determined so that the depth of field is as deep as possible within the proper exposure range.

Next, FIG. 4 shows the display contents of the liquid crystal display panel 13 for explanation. Note that FIG. 3 shows a temporary output state when all the displays on the liquid crystal display panel 13 are turned on for the sake of simplicity.

In the same figure, a display unit 70 displays the number of photographed frames of the film (1 to 99), and a display unit 71 shows the remaining battery power. The display section 72 displays the strobe mode, and nothing is displayed when the strobe is in the off mode. The display unit 73 is turned on in the self / remote control mode, and the display unit 74 is turned on in the spot metering mode. In addition, the display unit 75 displays the five types of “shooting modes” by visualizing them in an image,
Only one segment corresponding to each shooting mode as shown in FIG. 3 is turned on.

The display unit 76 displays the film feed mode. In the single frame feed mode, one □ is lit, and in the continuous shooting mode, the display unit 76 is fully lit to indicate continuous shooting. The display unit 77
This is a display indicating whether the numerical value displayed on the display unit 78 is the shutter speed (SS) or the aperture value (F. No.), and is displayed in the long exposure mode and the aperture priority mode, respectively. ing. The display unit 78 displays numerical values of 4 ", 8", 16 ", and 32" in the case of the shutter speed display, and performs a countdown display of seconds when the shutter is open. When the aperture value is displayed, the display unit 78 displays 5.
Numerical display of 6, 8, 11, 16, and 22 is performed.

Hereinafter, various operations of the learnable remote control camera according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. First, the main sequence of the remote control camera capable of learning will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the camera is turned on by turning on the power switch (PWSW) 55, initial settings necessary for the CPU 10 to perform predetermined processing and the EEPROM 12
Initial setting of the area for storing the remote control code of the camera, initial settings of various modes required for camera shooting, initial settings required for the normal operation of the camera's electrical system, and necessary for the camera to execute the sequence The initialization operation of the mechanism drive system is performed (step S1). Next, information about the camera required by the photographer is displayed on a liquid crystal display panel (LCD).
13 (step S2).

Subsequently, the CPU 10 detects a change in whether or not each of the switches ZUSW42 to AVSW52 among the operation members of the camera is pressed (step S3), and if it is detected that the switch is pressed, , Step S
The process proceeds to step 4, where a mode switching process for switching the shooting mode in accordance with the change of each switch is performed.

On the other hand, if the switch has not been depressed, a shutter release request flag (remote control 2R) by the remote control is detected (step S5). Here, when the remote control 2R flag is “0”, 1
On / off of the RSW 40 is detected (step S6).

If the remote control 2R flag is "1" in step S5, and if the 1R
If the SW 40 is pressed down (ON), the amount of defocus of the subject is calculated, and the driving amount of the focusing lens is obtained (step S7). On the other hand, in step S6, 1
If the RSW 40 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S2. Subsequently, based on the driving amount of the focusing lens,
The lens driving motor 25 is driven to focus on the subject (step S8).

In this case, if the shooting mode is single AF
In this case, once focus is achieved, AF lock is performed until the 1RSW 40 is released, and in the case of servo AF, the AF operation is constantly performed while the 1RSW 40 is on.

As a result of the focusing operation in step S8, CP
U10 determines whether or not the subject is in focus (step S9). If the subject is in focus, the luminance distribution of the field is detected, and an appropriate exposure value is determined from the film sensitivity and the field luminance. A shutter speed and an aperture value are calculated according to a program diagram corresponding to a shooting mode set by mode switching in S4 (step S10). On the other hand, if the camera is not in focus, the process returns to step S5 to perform the focusing operation until the camera is focused while the 1RSW 40 is pressed.

After step S10, it is determined whether the remote controller 2R flag is "1" or "0".
It is determined whether the RSW 41 has been pressed (step S12). If the RSW 41 has been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S13, and if not, the process returns to the step S5. On the other hand, the remote control 2R flag is set to “1”.
If so, the flow branches to step S13, and an exposure process is performed based on the shutter speed and the aperture value obtained in step S10. After the exposed film is wound up by one frame (step S14), the remote control 2R lag is set to "0".
Clear (step S15) and return to step S2.

Next, the operation of the subroutine "mode switching" executed in step S4 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 10 executes SELFS
It is detected whether W44 has been pressed (step S2).
1). Here, when it is detected that the SELFSW 44 has been pressed, it is determined whether or not the current mode is the self / remote control mode (step S22). Here, in order to turn on / off the self / remote control mode each time the SELFSW 44 is depressed, if the self / remote control mode is already set, an off process is performed (step S).
25, S26), otherwise, an ON process is performed (steps S23, S24).

That is, in step S23, the self /
Turn on the remote control mode. Specifically, the self / remote control mode flag is set to “1”. And IFIC16
The middle remote control receiving circuit is operated, and the remote control enters a standby state. When the signal is input to the remote control receiving sensor 19 for the first time by operating the remote control receiving circuit, a signal as shown in FIG.
16 to the CPU 10 (step S2
4).

On the other hand, in step S25, the remote control receiving circuit is turned off so that the remote control signal Sig17 is not output, and then the self / remote control mode is turned off (step S26). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27.

Subsequently, the CPU 10 detects the STSW 51 (step S27). Here, when the press of the STSW 51 is detected, it is determined from the state of the PUPSW 61 whether or not the flash unit 15 has popped up (step S28). If the PUPSW 61 is on, the flash unit 15 is popped up, so that the flash mode is updated to change the flash mode (step S29).

On the other hand, if the PUPSW 61 is off, the flash unit 15 has not popped up, and there is no need to change the flash mode. By the above processing, STSW5
Each time you press 1, AUTO, AUTO-S, FiLL
The mode is sequentially switched to -iN.

Subsequently, a learning switch (REMOCONS
W) Pressing of 45 is detected (step S30). Here, when the depression of the learning switch 45 is detected, the process proceeds to step S3.
Then, the self / remote control display 73 is blinked to indicate to the user that remote control learning is being performed (step S31). During learning, the lamp blinks continuously while waiting for input of a remote control signal. On the other hand, step S3
At 0, if the press is not detected, the subroutine "mode switching" ends.

Subsequent to step S31, the remote control receiving circuit is turned on (step S32). And FA
It is detected whether the SW 50 has been pressed (step S3).
3). Here, when it is detected that the FASW 50 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S34, in which predetermined remote control code information for preparing to initialize the learned data is stored.
The data is stored in another area of the EEPROM 12 or in a ROM fixed value, and the data is transferred to a predetermined RAM area (actual storage is performed in step S37). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S36 (step S34).

On the other hand, if it is not pressed, a process of waiting until a user receives a remote control signal desired to be set is performed (step S35). When the reception is completed in the interrupt processing, the reception completion flag is set. Therefore, the processing shifts to step S33 until the flag is set, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly waited.

Subsequently, the PCV 65 is sounded in order to notify the user of the completion of the reception (step S36), and a predetermined R
The data of the AM area is stored in the EEPROM 12 (step S37), and it is determined whether the mode is the self / remote control mode (step S38). If the mode is the self / remote control mode, the remote control receiving circuit may be kept on in the step S32. Therefore, the subroutine "mode switching" is terminated. On the other hand, if the self / remote control mode is not set in step S38, the remote control receiving circuit that has been turned on is turned off (step S39), and the operation ends.

Next, the subroutine "remote control reception" executed when a remote control signal is input to the CPU 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, description will be made with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

First, since the process is interrupted and branched at the falling edge of the remote control signal Sig17 (* 1 in FIG. 8) and the processing shifts to this processing, the rising edge of the remote control signal Sig17 (* 2 in FIG. 8) is detected. The time until (T1L) is measured. For convenience, the time unit is “msec” (step S41).

Next, from the rising edge of the remote control signal Sig17 (* 2 in FIG. 8), the next remote control signal Sig17
(T1H) until the falling edge (* 3 in FIG. 8)
Is counted (step S42). Similarly, T2L
(Time from * 3 to * 4 in FIG. 8) is measured (step S43). Subsequently, T2H, T3L, T3H, and T4L are measured (steps S44 to S47).

Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the mode at the time of remote control reception is the learning mode (step S48). If the mode is the learning mode, step S5
In step S49, the mode is not the learning mode, that is, remote control reception is performed as a normal camera operation. Subsequently, time data (see FIG. 12) corresponding to T1L to T4L, which is stored in advance in the EEPROM 12, which is a nonvolatile memory, is read into the memory inside the CPU 10 (step S49).

Then, the time data of T1L to T4L detected in steps S41 to S47 are compared with the time data of step S41.
At 49, the time data (see Table 1) read from the EEPROM 12 are compared and collated (step S).
50). Here, if the comparison result matches, the remote controller 2R flag is set to "1" (step S52), and the operation is terminated. If not, the remote controller 2R flag is set to "0". "(Step S53). Thereafter, the reception completion flag is set to "1" (step S54), and the process returns to the original process where the interrupt was branched.

Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described as a second embodiment. Note that the configuration of the remote control camera capable of learning according to the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described step S50 of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the time data of T1L to T4L detected in steps S41 to S47 and the time data read from the EEPROM 12 in step S49 (FIG. 12)
Reference) were compared and collated. But the first
In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, only a remote control code meaning one type of release request can be stored.

However, if a plurality of codes can be stored for the same release request, there is an advantage that the shutter release operation of the camera can be performed with a different code from a plurality of remote controllers. That is, if a plurality of types of remote control codes are stored at the factory when the camera is shipped, it becomes possible to operate the camera using a remote control code designed for another product or a remote control code of a product of another company.

In view of this point, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of types of release codes are stored in the EEPROM 12, and if any one of them is matched, a release request flag is set. Is controlled by the CPU 10 as described above.

Next, another modified example of the first embodiment will be described as a third embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the remote control signal that can be learned is limited to one shutter release. However, in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the shutter release. In addition, it is possible to learn camera operations related to shooting, such as changing the AE mode.

In the learning method, a switch dedicated to learning is provided in the first embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, since the content to be learned is increased, the content to be learned other than the operation of the switch dedicated to learning is increased. The operation is easy to understand for the user because learning is performed by the combined operation with the operation switch associated with.

Further, the memory area to be stored is expanded as shown in FIG. 14 as the learning content increases. The configuration of the memory area of FIG. 13 shown above is basically the same as the configuration of the memory area of FIG. 12, and is realized by repeating a plurality of similar patterns according to the type of signal.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
An operation according to the third embodiment will be described. First, when the power of the camera is turned on by turning on the power switch (PWSW) 55, the CPU is turned on similarly to step S1 in FIG.
10 performs initialization necessary for performing predetermined processing (step S61).

Subsequently, the state of the camera and the photographing information are displayed on the liquid crystal display panel (LCD) 13 (step S6).
2). Then, a change in whether or not each switch in the operation member of the camera is pressed is detected (step S63).
Here, when it is detected that the button is pressed, a mode switching process for switching the photographing mode in accordance with the change of each switch is performed (step S64). On the other hand, if the button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S65.

Next, a remote control signal is received by the interrupt processing routine "remote control reception" to determine whether or not the zoom-up request flag is set (step S65). If the zoom-up request flag is set, the zoom drive motor (M3)
26 is driven in the telephoto direction with a focal length of about 10 mm (step S66), and the zoom-up request flag is cleared (step S67). On the other hand, if the zoom-up request flag has not been set in step S65, the process proceeds to step S68.

Subsequently, it is determined whether the zoom down request flag is set (step S68). If the zoom-down request flag is set, the zoom drive motor (M3) 26 is driven to drive the focal length in the wide direction by about 10 mm (step S6).
9) The zoom-down request flag is cleared (step S70). On the other hand, if it is not set, the process moves to step S71.

Next, it is determined whether the rewind request flag is set (step S71). If the rewind request flag is set, the mirror / film drive motor (M1) 24 is driven to rewind the film (step S72), and the rewind request flag is cleared (step S73). On the other hand, step S
If it is not set at 71, the process moves to step S74.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the landscape mode request flag has been set (step S74). If the landscape mode request flag is set, the shooting mode is set to the landscape mode (step S7).
5), clear the landscape mode request flag (step S)
76). On the other hand, if not set, the process moves to step S77.

Then, it is determined whether the portrait mode request flag is set (step S7).
7). If the portrait mode request flag is set, the shooting mode is set to the portrait mode (step S78), and the portrait mode request flag is cleared (step S79). On the other hand, if not set, the process moves to step S80.

Next, it is determined whether or not the strobe mode request flag has been set (step S80).
If the strobe mode request flag is set, the strobe mode is updated (step S8).
1), the flash mode request flag is cleared (step S82). On the other hand, if it is not set, the flow shifts to step S83.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the release request flag has been set (step S83). Here, if the release request flag is set,
The distance to the subject is calculated (step S84), and the LD drive motor (M2) 25 is driven to adjust the focus of the lens (step S85). On the other hand, if not set, the process moves to step S86.

Next, it is determined whether or not the subject has been focused (step S86), and the above-mentioned step S8 is performed until the subject is focused.
4. The process of S85 is repeated. When the subject is in focus, the luminance of the field is measured using the photometric sensor 21, and the aperture value and the shutter speed are calculated (step S87). The aperture value obtained in step S87 is calculated. ,
The film is exposed based on the shutter speed (step S88), the film exposed in step S88 is wound up by one frame (step S89), the release request flag is cleared, and the process returns to step S63 to perform the subsequent processing. Repeat (step S90).

It is a matter of course that the operation modes of the camera such as the AF mode and the film feeding mode other than the photographing mode can be assigned to the remote control code and processed.

The mode switching process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Steps S101 to S109 correspond to steps S21 to S29 in FIG.
This is the same processing as that described above, and a detailed description is omitted.

In step S110, CPU 10 determines whether or not the camera is in the self / remote control mode. Here, when not in the self / remote control mode, consideration is given so that the learning switch 45 is not easily touched to enter the learning mode. If the mode is not the self-remote control mode, the flow shifts to step S124 to exit this sequence.

In the self / remote control mode, step S
The process proceeds to step S111, and if the learning switch 45 for detecting the learning switch 45 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the learning switch 45 has not been pressed,
Proceeding to step S124, subroutine "mode switching"
To end.

Subsequently, the fact that remote control learning is being performed is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel (LCD) 13 (step S11).
2). And to receive the remote control signal to learn,
The remote control receiving circuit is turned on (step S113).
Then, it is detected whether or not the reception of the remote control signal is completed by an interrupt subroutine "remote control reception" executed by the interrupt (step S114). Step S114 is repeated until the reception is completed. When the reception is completed, the process proceeds to step S115.

Then, the reception completion is indicated, and the PCV 65, which is the sound emitting element, is sounded until the received remote control signal is assigned to any of the camera operations (step S115). The camera operation to which the remote control signal is assigned is shutter release, zoom up, zoom down, film rewind, landscape mode setting, portrait mode setting, and strobe mode change setting.

The remote control signal received by the subsequent steps S116 to S122 is assigned to the camera operation. That is, first, the 1RSW 40 is detected, and when it is detected that the button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S123 so as to allocate the request as a release request. Then, ZUS
If W42 is detected and pressed, the process proceeds to step S123 to allocate the request as a zoom-up request (step S117). On the other hand, if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S118.

The same processing is performed in step S118 as ZDS
In step S43, W43 is assigned to the zoom-down request.
In step 119, the RWMSW 62 is assigned to the rewind request, in step S120, the FKSW 46 is assigned to the landscape mode request, and in step S121, the PRSW is assigned.
47 is assigned to a portrait mode request, and in step S122, the STSW 51 is assigned to a strobe mode request. Here, if the STSW 51 cannot be detected, the process returns to step S115 and the process is repeated.

In step S123, step S11 is performed.
6 to 1RSW40, ZUSW4 in step S122
2, ZDSW43, RWMSW62, FKSW46, P
The processing which has been shifted when any one of the switches RSW47 and STSW51 is detected is performed. In a predetermined area of the EEPROM 12 corresponding to each switch (see FIG. 14),
The remote control signal received in step S114 is stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124, and the subroutine ends.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The interrupt processing routine "remote control reception" will be described. When the remote control receiving circuit inside the interface IC 16 is turned on, when the remote control receiving sensor 19 receives a remote control signal from the infrared light emitting diode 18 connected to the remote control transmitting unit 17, the remote control signal (Sig 17) is sent to the CPU 10. Is entered. The CPU 10 generates an interrupt at the falling edge of the remote control signal (Sig17), interrupts the processing being executed, and executes the interrupt processing routine “remote control reception” as an interrupt branch destination. After executing the interrupt processing, the process returns to the interrupt branch source and continues the processing.

First, the previously described step S41 of FIG.
To S47, the time (T1L to T4L) between the edges of the remote control signal (Sig17) is measured (step S131). Next, it is determined whether or not the learning mode is being performed (step S132). Here, if it is in the learning mode, the process branches to step S150 and ends the process. On the other hand, if not in the learning mode, the request flags of the zoom-up request, the zoom-down request rewind request, the landscape mode request, the portrait mode request, the release request, and the strobe mode request are all cleared (step S133).

Next, the data of T1L to T4L corresponding to various request codes as shown in the data table of FIG.
The data is read from the PROM 12 to the RAM inside the CPU 10 (step S134). Then, the above step S131
T1L to T4L data measured in step S
The data is compared with the data of T1L to T4L read in 133 (step S135).

As a result of comparing the data tables shown in FIG. 14 in order from the top, it is determined whether or not the data table matches the zoom-up request (step S136). S15
0, and the process ends (step S137). On the other hand, if they do not match, the process shifts to step S138 to determine a match with another signal.

Next, in step S138, it is determined whether or not the request matches the zoom-down request. If the request matches, a zoom-down request flag is set (step S13).
9) Then, the process shifts to step S150 and ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S138 that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S140.

Next, in step S140, it is determined whether or not the rewind request is matched. If the rewind request is matched, the process proceeds to step S141 to set a rewind request flag.
After that, the process shifts to step S150 and ends. On the other hand, if no match is found in step S140,
Move to step S142.

Next, in step S142, it is determined whether or not the scene mode request has been met. If the scene mode request has been met, the flow advances to step S143 to set the scenery mode request flag. To end. On the other hand, if the values do not match in step S142, the process proceeds to step S144.

Next, in step S144, it is determined whether or not the request matches the portrait mode request. If the request matches the portrait mode request, the process proceeds to step S145, the portrait mode request flag is set, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S150. The process ends. On the other hand, in the above step S144,
If they do not match, the process moves to step S146.

Next, in step S146, it is determined whether or not the release request has been met. If so, the flow shifts to step S147 to set a release request flag, and then shifts to step S150, where the process ends. On the other hand, if they do not match in step S146, the process moves to step S148.

Next, in step S148, it is determined whether or not the request matches the flash mode request. If the request matches, the flow advances to step S149 to set a flash mode request flag. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S150 to end the processing. I do. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S148 that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S150 and ends. Thus, a series of operations of the subroutine "remote control reception" is completed.

As described above, in a camera that receives a remote control signal and performs a predetermined operation, the remote control signal pattern attached to the camera at the time of purchase is lost or lost by learning and storing the pattern of the remote control signal. If a remote control transmitter is to be used instead, it can be solved by learning a new remote control signal, so that there is no need to purchase a dedicated remote control, which is economical.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The above embodiments of the present invention include the following inventions. (1) A remote control receiving circuit that receives infrared light and outputs a remote control signal, mode setting means that sets a learning mode of the remote control signal, and converts a remote control signal output from the remote control receiving circuit into a remote control code. The conversion means, a memory for storing the remote control code, the remote control code converted by the conversion means, and the remote control code stored in the memory are compared, and a match signal is output if they match. In a mode other than the learning mode, a predetermined camera operation is performed in response to the coincidence signal. When in the learning mode, the remote control code from the remote control receiving circuit is stored in the memory. A remote control camera capable of learning. (2) The remote control camera according to (1), wherein the remote control signal is a digital signal. (3) The remote control code is a combination of at least one of high-level H and low-level L time width data of the remote control signal.
Remote control camera that can be described. (4) The remote control camera according to (3), wherein the memory stores a plurality of the remote control codes. (5) The remote control camera according to (1), wherein the predetermined camera operation is an exposure operation. (6) The remote control camera according to (1), wherein the predetermined camera operation is a film feeding operation. (7) The remote control camera according to (6), wherein the film feeding operation is a film rewinding operation. (8) The learning remote control camera according to (1), wherein the predetermined camera operation is a change operation of a shooting mode. (9) The remote control camera according to (8), wherein the operation of changing the shooting mode is an operation of changing the shooting mode at least relating to the depth of field. (10) The remote control camera according to (1), wherein the predetermined camera operation is a focal length changing operation. (11) The operation of changing the focal length is a zoom-up or zoom-down operation (1).
0) A learnable remote control camera as described in the above. (12) The remote control camera according to (1), wherein the predetermined camera operation is an operation for changing a strobe light emission mode. (13) A remote control receiving circuit which receives infrared light and outputs a remote control signal, mode setting means for setting a learning mode of the remote control signal, and converts a remote control signal output from the remote control receiving circuit into a remote control mode. The conversion means, a memory for storing the remote control mode, the remote control code converted by the conversion means, and the remote control code stored in the memory are compared, and a match signal is output if they match. Determining means, notifying means for notifying the memory of completion of storing the remote control code,
Exposure means for exposing the film, and in modes other than the learning mode, in response to the coincidence signal, the exposure means to perform film exposure, when in the learning mode, from the remote control receiving circuit A remote control camera capable of learning, comprising: control means for storing a remote control code in the memory. (14) The remote control camera according to (13), wherein the notification means is a sound generation means including a piezoelectric element. (15) A remote control receiving circuit that receives infrared light and outputs a remote control signal, mode setting means for setting a learning mode of the remote control signal, and converts a remote control signal output from the remote control receiving circuit into a remote control code. The conversion means, a memory for storing the remote control code, the remote control code converted by the conversion means, and the remote control code stored in the memory are compared, and a match signal is output if they match. Judgment means, display means for displaying that the learning mode is set, exposure means for exposing the film, and in modes other than the learning mode, film exposure is performed by the exposure means in response to the coincidence signal. When in the learning mode, the display means displays the learning mode, and the remote control light receiving circuit Learnable remote camera to the remote control code, characterized by comprising a control means for storing in the memory. (16) The remote control camera according to (15), wherein the display means is a liquid crystal display panel. (17) A remote control receiving circuit which receives infrared light and outputs a remote control signal, mode setting means for setting a learning mode of the remote control signal, and converts a remote control signal output from the remote control receiving circuit into a remote control code. The conversion means, a memory for storing the remote control code, the remote control code converted by the conversion means, and the remote control code stored in the memory are compared, and a match signal is output if they match. Determination means, reset means for initializing the memory in response to a reset operation, exposure means for exposing the film, and in modes other than the learning mode, the exposure means responding to the coincidence signal When the film exposure is performed and the learning mode is set, the remote control code from the remote control receiving circuit is stored in the memory. Learnable remote camera, characterized by comprising a control means. (18) The reset means initializes the memory in response to turning on the power of the camera (17).
Remote control camera that can be described.

[0108]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
By making a camera having a function of receiving a remote control signal learn the remote control signal pattern, it is possible to provide a remote control camera capable of performing a main operation of the camera by an arbitrary remote control transmitter.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a three-view drawing showing the external appearance of a remote control camera capable of learning according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail a circuit configuration related to a control system of a remote control camera capable of learning according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an image select button 3.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing display contents of a liquid crystal display panel 13;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main sequence of the remote control camera capable of learning according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine “mode switching” sequence executed in step S4 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine “remote control reception” executed when a remote control signal is input to CPU 10;

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a state of a remote control signal.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the remote control camera capable of learning according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a subroutine “mode switching” by the remote control camera capable of learning according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of an interrupt processing routine “remote control reception”.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a memory map.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory map.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a memory map.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Strobe part 2 Display part 3 Image select button 4 Release button 5 Viewfinder 6 Shooting lens 7 Learning button 8 Zoom button

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A non-volatile memory means for storing a correspondence between a remote control code generated in response to a predetermined remote control signal and a predetermined camera operation, and a remote control learning mode for updating the storage of the memory means. And in a mode other than the remote control learning mode, receiving the predetermined remote control signal,
Execute the camera operation corresponding to each signal, and when the remote control learning mode is set,
A remote control camera capable of learning, wherein the remote control code is updated. 2. A remote control receiving circuit for receiving a remote control signal and outputting a remote control code corresponding to an input signal; a non-volatile memory means for storing a remote control code corresponding to a predetermined camera operation; Setting means for setting a remote control signal learning mode, including rewriting means for updating the memory of the means; and in a mode other than the remote control learning mode, a remote control code output from the remote control receiving circuit and Control means for performing a predetermined camera operation based on the memory of the memory means and updating the memory of the memory means when the remote control learning mode is set by the setting means. And learnable remo Remote control camera. 3. The remote control camera according to claim 1, wherein the remote control signal is a wireless remote control signal using infrared rays.