JPS6337321A - Exposure control device for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make release operation unnecessary at every prescribed frequency of auto bracket photographing, by providing an auto bracket photographing control means for starting the continuous photographing by varying automatically an exposure value, and stopping said continuous photographing in accordance with a detection by a detecting means. CONSTITUTION:When a release operation of a release operating means 101 is executed once, a diaphragm mechanism and a shutter mechanism, etc., are controlled, and photographing is started. Subsequently, whether auto bracket mode is set or not is discriminated. In such a case, when the auto bracket mode is set, an auto bracket photographing control means 102 continues the continuous photographing by varying automatically an exposure value, until it is detected by a detecting means 104 that an auto bracket photographing frequency counted by a photographing frequency counter 103 has reached a prescribed frequency. When it is detected that the auto bracket photographing frequency reaches to the prescribed frequency, the detecting means 104 outputs a stop signal to the auto bracket photographing control means 102.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Application of the Invention) The present invention relates to an improvement in an exposure control device for a camera equipped with an auto-bracketing control means for performing continuous shooting while automatically changing the exposure value. be.

Note that the auto bracketing (more precisely called auto exposure bracketing) refers to the camera's exposure value (in the case of automatic exposure, the exposure control value is automatically calculated from the subject brightness and film sensitivity, and in the case of manual exposure, This refers to the offset of the camera with respect to the shutter speed and aperture value set by the photographer. #I Simply put, when photographing a certain subject, the exposure value is changed in several stages and multiple shots are taken. This means that the camera automatically takes pictures.

(Background of the Invention) The original purpose of auto-bracket photography is to take multiple photographs of the same subject at varying exposures around the standard exposure, thereby obtaining photographs with appropriate exposures that match the photographer's preferences. However, with conventional cameras, even in such shooting modes, the shirt release is determined by the photographer's will, so the subject may change for each frame.
For example, even though the second frame of the photograph itself was optimal in the sense of a photo opportunity, there was a risk that three frames would be the best exposure.

In addition, some cameras allow auto-bracketing shooting if you also set the quick shooting mode at the same time, but if the slow shooting mode is selected, the same inconvenience as mentioned above will occur, and If the release operation was stopped by mistake, there would be inconveniences such as auto-bracketing ending mid-way through shooting. Furthermore, with the increase in various functions of cameras in recent years, the number of switches has also increased, and it is difficult to remember how to operate them, so it is often necessary to select two modes to operate one function. What I had to do was not easy to use.

(Object of the Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide a camera exposure control that solves the above-mentioned problems, satisfies both the photo opportunity and proper exposure in auto bracket photography, and improves operability. The purpose is to provide equipment.

(Features of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention starts continuous shooting while automatically changing the exposure value by performing a release operation once in auto bracketing mode, and detecting means The present invention is characterized in that it includes an auto-bracketing control means for stopping the continuous shooting in response to detection by the camera, thereby eliminating the need to perform a release operation every predetermined number of times of auto-bracketing.

(Embodiment of the Invention) FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 shows its flowchart.

When the photographer performs one release operation (second stroke) of the release operation means 101, the aperture mechanism, shutter mechanism, etc. are controlled, and photographing is started. When this photographing operation is completed, a charging operation of each of the mechanisms and the like is performed, and then a determination is made as to whether or not the auto bracketing mode is set. When the auto bracketing mode is set here, the auto bracketing shooting control means 102 detects by the detection means 104 that the number of auto bracketing shots counted by the number of shooting counter 103 has reached a predetermined number. Continue shooting continuously while automatically changing the exposure value until As mentioned above, the detection means 104 detects whether or not the number of auto-bracketing shots has reached a predetermined number of times, and upon detecting that the number of auto-bracketing shots has reached the predetermined number of times, it causes the auto-bracketing shooting control means 102 to stop the shooting. Output a signal.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of each operating member when looking from the front of the camera incorporating the device embodying the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of each operating member when looking from above. Figure tJ46 shows the arrangement of each operating member when viewed from the surface.
In Figures 4 to 6, l is the release button and 2 is the quick copy (C)
3 is the operating lever for selecting the self-timer, and 4 is the operating lever for selecting shutter priority (Tv), aperture priority (Av), or manual (M). ), 5 is the shutter speed, aperture value, or exposure step number information during auto bracket shooting (for example, 0.5).
A so-called electronic dial, sw, is used to set information for each stage or for each stage, and is equipped with, for example, a 2-bit conductive pattern with a phase difference of 90 degrees and a brush.
M is a switch for setting an aperture value, and the aperture value can be changed by pressing the switch swM and operating the dial 5 in the manual exposure mode. Reference numeral 6 designates a switch lid of a storage section 7 that stores switches that are used less frequently, swABR represents an auto-bracketing switch that is stored in the storage section 7, and swME represents a multiplex shooting switch that is also stored in the storage section 7. It is.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of an electric circuit in which a microcomputer COM is used to control a series of operations.

The light-receiving element SPC receives reflected light from the subject and outputs a light-receiving signal to a high input impedance operational amplifier OP1 having a compression diode D1 connected to a feedback circuit. The operational amplifier OPl outputs logarithmically compressed object brightness information By via a resistor R1, and the variable resistor VR1 connected to the constant voltage source VGI outputs film sensitivity information Sv. An operational amplifier OP2 whose feedback circuit is connected to a resistor R2 calculates and outputs photometric information Ev=(By+Sv). The photometric information Ev is converted into a 4-bit digital value by the A/D converter ADC, and is input to the input port PGO-PG3 of the microcomputer COM.

When the dial 5 is operated, a number corresponding to the number of clicks is counted by the dial interface circuit DIF, and the value is converted into 4-bit information and input to the input ports PHO to PG3 of the microcomputer COM. . The information in the dial interface circuit DIF is such that the pulse signal is sent to the output port P of the microcomputer COM.
It is reset by input from E3. Depending on which mode is selected by the exposure mode selection knob 4, the two exposure mode switches 5w5EL are turned on and off, and 2-bit information corresponding to the selected exposure mode is sent to the microcomputer COM (7) input port PPO~ PP
input to I.

When the battery BAT is loaded into the camera, the microcomputer COM and display system decoder TD are activated.

AD, FD and dial interface circuit DI
A power supply Vbat is supplied to F and the like. Also, the release button l
When the first stroke switch Swl connected to the input port PAO is turned on by the first stroke of The voltage is supplied as the power supply Vcc to circuits that consume a relatively large amount of power, such as the photometric operational amplifiers OPI and OF2.

Microcomputer COM input ports PA1-11
The second stroke switch SW2 is turned on by the second stroke of the release button L, and turned off by raising the mirror.
Mirror up switch swM that turns on when the mirror is down
RUP, 11 Charging completion detection switch sw CG E, which turns on when mechanical charging is completed, film switch swFLM, which turns on every time one frame of film is fed, trailing curtain, which turns on when trailing curtain travel is completed. Switch 5wCN2, a self-switch 5 that is turned on when the self-timer is set by the operating lever 3;
w5ELF, a switch 5wC5 that is turned on when, for example, continuous shooting mode is selected by the 8-operation lever 5, and turned off when a single shooting mode is selected, the aperture value setting switch swM, and the switch lid 6 that is closed. Switch 5w5E turns off when opened and turns on when opened.
T, the multiplex photography switch SWME, and the auto bracket switch swABR are connected to each other.

The bases of transistors TRO-TR2 are connected to the output boats PE0-PE2 via resistors RIO-12, and the transistors TRO-TR2 are connected to the first clamping magnet MG.
Front curtain magnet MG1 that drives the O1 front curtain. Controls the energization of the trailing curtain magnet (MG2) that drives the trailing curtain. Also, resistor R13 is connected to the output ports FD, PC, and FB.
The bases of transistors TR3 to TR5 are connected through transistors TR3 to TR5, transistor TR3 drives charging motor MD, transistor TR4 drives rewinding motor MC, and transistor TR5 winds the film at high speed. The respective drives of the winding motors MD are controlled.

From the output port PTD, the contents of the shutter speed information register RGTv in the microcomputer C0M are output to the decoder TD, and the decoder TD converts the contents into a signal for displaying the shutter speed seconds and displays it on the connected liquid crystal, etc. The signal is output to the configured display 5EGl.

Output ports PFL and PABR output signals of "1" (meaning high level) or "O°" (meaning low level) to decoder AD, and decoder AD outputs a signal from PFL to decoder AD. When the I II signal is input, the display device 5EG2 consisting of a connected liquid crystal etc.
Outputs a signal for displaying a reduction in hair bracket marks. When a signal of ゛l'' is input from the output port PABR, a signal for displaying an auto bracket mark is output to the display SEG2.

From the output port PME, a signal of 1'' or 0'' is output to the display 5EG4 composed of a liquid crystal or the like.
When the signal of °1'° is input, EG4 displays a multiple shooting mark.

From the output port PFD, the microcomputer 700M
The contents of the aperture value information register RGAv, the contents of the auto bracketing step information register RGBR, or the contents of the multiplex number information register ROMH are output to the decoder FD. The decoder FD outputs a signal for numerical display corresponding to each of the above-mentioned contents to a connected display device 5EG5 composed of a liquid crystal or the like.

The contents of the aperture value information register RGAv in the microcomputer 700M are output from the output port PAV to the aperture control drive circuit DAV. The aperture control drive circuit DAV is connected to the drive actuator CAV.
For example, the information converted into actual aperture information is output to a stepping motor or the like, and this is driven to perform appropriate aperture control.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer COM will be explained with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7-9.

When the battery DAT is loaded into the camera and the power supply Vbat is generated, the microcomputer COM starts the operation from the start of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[Step 1] Suppose that the photographer only makes the first stroke of the release button l, and the first stroke switch s
When the wl ON signal is input to the input port PAO, the process proceeds to step 2.

[Step 2] Output the signal ゛1' from the output capo-PF, turn on the transistor TRbat, and turn on the power supply V.
Supply cc to each part 0 Then start the photometry type. The photometry timer is the first stroke switch swl.
This is to keep the power supply Vcc continuously supplied for a predetermined period of time from the off signal input of 4, it becomes possible to change the setting information while viewing the display. Note that this configuration can be easily performed using a hardware timer built into the microcomputer COM.

[Step 3] The photometric information Ev, which has been slightly converted into 4-bit digital data by the A/D converter ADC, is stored in the internal register RGEv.

[Step 4] It is determined whether or not the shutter priority mode is set based on the input states of the input ports hppo and ppt. If the shutter priority mode is currently set, the process proceeds to step 5.

[Step 5] Subtract the contents of the shutter information register RGTv, which stores information set by operating the dial 5, from the contents of the register RGEv, and store the result (aperture information Av) in the aperture information register RGAv. let It is assumed that the contents of all registers in the microcomputer 700M are held while the battery BAT is loaded. Also, if you load the battery BAT for the first time,
It is assumed that information such as a frequently used value 1, for example 17125 seconds, is initially set.

[Step 6] The contents of the register RGBH that stores the auto bracketing exposure step number information are stored in the aperture bracketing step number register RGBA. Also, the contents of the shutter bracket stage number register RGBT are set to zero (0).

[Step 7: Determine the state of flag FABR indicating whether auto bracket mode is set. Assuming that auto bracketing mode is not currently set,
Proceed to step 8.

[Step 8] Determine the state of flag FME indicating whether multiple shooting mode is set.

Assuming that multiple shooting mode is not currently set.

Proceed to step 9.

[Step 9] Auto bracket switch 5WAB
A flag FsAB indicating whether R has been operated is reset to 0. Also, a flag FsME indicating whether the multiplex photographing switch swME has been operated is reset to O.

[Step 10] The contents of the aperture information register RGAv are transferred from the output port PFD to the shutter information register R.
The contents of GTv are each output from the output port PTD. As a result, the aperture value calculated by the calculation is displayed on the display 5EG5, and the set shutter speed time is displayed on the display SEG1.

[Step 11] The second stroke of the release button 1 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the on signal of the second stroke switch SW2 is input to the incoming PAL. If no signal is input, the process returns to the start. Also, while the ON signal of the first stroke switch sWI is being input,
Through this routine, calculation information can be obtained from subject brightness information, film sensitivity information, and setting information, and these information can be displayed.

Further, if the aperture priority mode is set, the process proceeds from step 4 to step 12 to step 13.

[Step 13] From the contents of register RGE v,
The contents of the register RGAv that stores the information set by the operation of the dial 5 and the aperture value setting switch 5WM are subtracted, and the result is added to the shutter information register RG.
Store it on TV.

Note that when the battery BAT is loaded for the first time, a frequently used value, for example, information such as F5.6 is initially set.

[Step 14] The contents of the bracket stage number register RGBR, which stores the exposure stage number information of auto bracketing, are stored in the shutter bracket stage number register RGBT. Also, the contents of the register RGBA for the number of aperture rebracketing stages are set to zero.

Thereafter, in the aperture priority mode, the same sequence as in the shutter priority mode is performed, and the aperture value set in step IO is displayed on the display 5EG5, and the shutter speed calculated by the calculation is displayed on the display 5EG1, respectively. Is displayed.

If the manual exposure mode is set, the process goes from step 4 to step 12 to step 15.

[Step 15] Register RGTM that stores the shutter speed information set by operating the dial 5
The contents of are stored in the shutter information register RGTv. This is because when auto-bracketing shooting is set in manual exposure mode, the contents of register RGTv change each time a shot is taken, so the information set by operating dial 5 is stored as is. Details will be explained later. do.

After that, the same sequence as in the aperture priority mode is followed, and the aperture value set in step IO is displayed on the display 5EG5.
The set shirt time is displayed on the display 5EGI.

Next, we will describe information setting by dial operation while the photometry timer is operating. When the depression (first stroke) of the release button 1 is stopped during the above-described sequence, the off signal of the first stroke switch swl is input, and the program proceeds from step 1 to step 20.

[Step 20] It is determined whether the switch lid 6 has been opened or not based on the state of the switch 5w5ET. Assuming that the switch lid 6 remains closed, the input port PA9
Since the off signal of the switch 5w5ET is input to the step 21, the process advances to step 21.

[Step 21] It is determined whether or not the photometry timer is in operation. Here, since the photometry timer has been activated in step 2, the process advances to step 22.

[Step 22] It is determined whether the shutter priority mode is set based on the input states of the input ports PPo and PPI. If the shutter priority mode is currently set, the process advances to step 23.

[Step 23] Here, an information reading routine associated with the operation of the dial 5 is executed. Here, the information reading routine accompanying the dial operation will be explained with reference to FIG.

r Information Reading Routine” [Step 80] The information input to the input port PHONPH3 is stored in the dial register RGH.

At this time, the register RGH stores a numerical value corresponding to the number of clicks on the dial 5 and information as to whether the numerical value is positive or negative depending on the direction of rotation of the dial 5. That is, 4-bit information indicating how many steps to shift up or down from the current information is stored.

[Step 81] Output the pulse signal of the output boat PE3. As a result, the value of the dial interface circuit DIF is reset to O.

[Step 82] Return to the original step.

Returning again to the flowchart in FIG.

[Step 24] The numerical value set by the dial operation (the contents of register RGH) and the shutter information (the contents of register R
(contents of GTv) and stored in the shutter information register RGTv again.

Also, the contents of the shutter information register RGTv are stored in register R.
Store it in GTM.

[Step 25] It is determined whether or not a certain code indicating the valve mode located next to the longest second of the shutter speed is stored in the register RGTM.If it is not currently the valve mode, go to NEXTl, that is, step 3 jump.

During the photometry timer after the suppression (first stroke) of the release button 1 is stopped in this way, the setting information can be changed by operating the dial 5, and then the routine from step 3 described above is executed. In step 10, the aperture value and shutter speed are displayed on the display 5EGI.
5EG5, respectively.

Further, if the aperture priority mode is set, the process proceeds to step 22 -> step 26 -> step 27.

[Step 27] Similar to step 23, here, an information reading routine associated with the operation of the dial 5 is executed.

[Step 28] The numerical value set by dial operation (contents of register RGH) and aperture value information (contents of register RG
Av contents) and register RG for aperture information again.
Store it in Av. Also, in aperture priority mode, NEX
The aperture value and shutter speed can be displayed on the displays 5EGI and 5EG5 in step 10, as in the case of the shutter speed priority mode.

If the manual exposure mode is set, the process proceeds from step 22 to step 26 to step 29.

[Step 29] Determine the on/off state of the aperture value setting switch swM. In the manual exposure mode, operate the aperture value setting switch swM and operate the dial to set the aperture value, and only by dialing the shirt button. Since the configuration is such that the seconds and hours can be changed, when the switch swM is on, the routine proceeds to the same routine (step 27) as in the aperture priority mode, and when it is off, the shutter is The routine proceeds to execution of the same routine (step 23) as in the priority mode.

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the pressing operation of the release button 1 was stopped, the photometry timer operation ends.

Along with this, the program moves from step 21 to step 3.
Proceed to 0.

[Step 30] Output boat PTD, PFL.

Set the output of PABR, PME, and PFD to °゛0°°.

All the displays on the displays 5EGI-5EG5 (however, the display 5EG2 does not exist) are turned off. Also output; t' -
The output of the PF is set to 0'', the transistor TRbat is turned off, and the supply of the power supply Vcc is stopped.

[Step 31] Similar to step 9, both the flag FsAB indicating whether the auto bracketing switch 5WABR has been operated and the flag FsME indicating whether the multiple shooting switch SWME has been operated are reset to 0.

The program then jumps to start.

Therefore, after the photometry timer ends, step 1→step 2
The standby mode of 0→Step 21→Step 3o→Step 31 is repeated.

Next, a description will be given of the time when the auto bracketing mode is set. First, a case will be described in which only the opening operation of the switch M6 is performed to set the auto bracketing mode. When switch M6 is opened, switch 5w5 is opened in conjunction with it.
ET is turned on, and this on signal is input to input port PA9. The program then proceeds from step 20 to step 40.

[Step 40] Auto bracket switch SwA
BR is determined. Since the switch lid 6 has just been opened and the auto bracket switch 5WABR has not been operated, the process advances to step 41.

[Step 41] The multiplex photography switch swME is determined. Similarly, since the multiplex photography switch swME has not been operated, the process advances to step 42.

[Step 42] In step 9, flag FsME is determined to indicate whether or not the multiple shooting switch swME has been pressed. In the initial state of loading the battery BAT and in the on state of the first stroke switch swl, the flag FsME is set in step 9. Since O has been reset, step 4
Proceed to step 3.

[Step 43] Auto bracket switch SwA
Flag FsAB indicating whether or not a BR pressing operation has been performed
As in the case of step 42, step 9
Since the flag F s M E has been reset to O, the process jumps to step 21.

If the switch cover 6 is opened in this way and only the ON signal of the switch 5WSET is input, nothing is executed.

Next, from the above state, auto bracket switch swAB
A case will be described in which the pressing operation of R is performed once. When the auto bracket switch swABR is pressed, an on signal is input to the input capo-1-PAIL. The program then proceeds from step 40 to step 44.

[Step 44] It is determined whether the contents of the register RGTM are in the valve mode. If the contents are in the valve mode, the process returns to the start and the auto bracketing mode is not entered.

If the valve mode is not set, proceed to step 45.

[Step 45] Auto bracket switch SwA
A flag FsAB indicating that the BR is turned on is set to 1, and a flag FsME indicating that the multiplex photographing switch 5wME is turned on is reset to 0.

[Step 46] Output boat PTD, PFL.

Set the outputs of PABR, PME, and PFD to 0'''.

Turn off all displays on display SEG l-3EG5 0
Next, set only the output of PABR (output capo) to "l II",
Turn on the auto bracket mark on display 5EG3. This allows the photographer to clearly know that the auto bracketing mode has been set.

[Step 47] A flag FABR indicating that the auto bracketing mode has been set is set to 1.

[Step 48] Similar to step 23 or step 27, an information reading routine associated with the operation of the dial 5 is executed. In this case, in step 80, if the stage number information is set to 0.5 using the dial 5, for example, ro, s, o.

0.5" and if l is set, r-1,
Three preset auto-bracket photographs will be taken in which the exposure is automatically changed in steps of 0 and IJ. In addition, the above “−〇.

Shooting with the number of stops of 5, 0, 0, 5J means an exposure value that is -0.5 steps under the standard exposure value calculated by calculation, a standard exposure value, or 0 to the standard exposure value. This means that images are taken consecutively at three levels of exposure value: .5 levels overexposure value.

[Step 49] Bracket stage number register RG
Add the contents of BH and the contents of the dial, and register R again.
Store it in GBH. As mentioned above, the minimum resolution by one click of the dial 5 can be set freely in increments of 0.5 steps or in increments of 1 step. Note that if the resolution differs from that of the shutter speed and aperture value, a program that multiplies the contents of the register RGBH by an integral number may be inserted, and since this is not related to the water chamber, a detailed explanation will be omitted here. Further, the contents of the register RGBH are outputted from the output port PFD, and numerical values indicating the number of stages, such as ro and 5J, are displayed on the display 5EG5. Note that the decoder FD and display 5EG5 used at this time also serve as an aperture display.
The decoding of the aperture value is based on the F number number rather than the apex value Ay, and the decoding of auto bracketing is, for example, a value every 0.5 stops, so it is necessary to change the decoding contents, but the output from the output port PFD is, for example, If there are 5 bits, 32 types of data can be sent, so if the aperture value display is Fl, 4 to F32 and every 0.5 stop, there are 14 types in total, and the auto bracket display is 0 to 5. .5
For each stage, there are 11 types in total, 30 types in total, and 31 types when blank codes are included.By adding a certain constant when sending data to the output PFD, the decoder FD determines which information it is. This makes it possible to distinguish and display appropriate numerical values.

[Step 50] The multiple shooting mode is set and the contents of ME are set to "3". This is because the number of auto bracket shots is predetermined to be three, so the number of times for multiple shooting is set arbitrarily. The program is forced to repeat three times in order to prevent operator errors and eliminate the risk of erroneous exposure. Furthermore, once the switch swABR on signal is input, the flag FSAB is set to 1 in step 45, so even if the swABR off signal is input, the program continues from step 40 → step 41 → step 42. → Step 43 → Step 48, and the auto bracketing stage change mode with J dial 5 can be maintained, and the photographer can operate dial 5 with the suppression operation of switch swABR stopped. .

The auto bracket stage number changing mode can be canceled by turning on the first stroke switch swl, or by closing the switch lid 6 and turning off the switch swSET. In other words, when the ON signal of the first stroke switch swl is input, the program progresses in the order of step 1 → step 2 → step 3 → etc. In step 9, the flag FsAB is reset to 0, and its display is also In step IO, the display switches to normal display. Also switch 5w
When the 5ET off signal is input, the auto bracket mark display disappears at step 30 during the program progressing from step 20 → step 21 → step 30 → step 31, and the step 31 flag FsAB is reset and the auto bracket stage number is reset again. It does not proceed to change mode.

Next, exposure calculation in auto bracketing mode will be explained. In the case of shutter priority mode, as described in step 6, the contents of the bracket step number register RGBR are changed to the bracket step number register RGBA, and in the case of shutter priority mode and manual exposure mode, the contents of the bracket step number register RGBR are
As mentioned in 4, the shutter bracket stage number register RG
Each is stored in BT. In step 7, since the auto bracketing mode is set and the flag FABR is set to 1, the process advances to step 52.

[Step 52] Bracket stage number register RGBH
It is determined whether the content of is zero or not. If the content is zero, then 3 at the same exposure (standard exposure in the example).
Since multiple shots are taken, it is meaningless, so it is necessary to prohibit auto bracket shooting. Therefore, in this case, the process advances to step 53.

[Step 53] A flag FABR indicating auto bracketing mode is reset to O. Matade Capo) PAB
Set the R output to “0°” and turn off the auto bracket mark display.

Next, by proceeding to step 8, the auto-bracketing exposure calculation is not performed, the flag FsAB is reset to O, and the normal routine is executed.

In step 52, if the contents of the bracket stage number register RGBH are not zero, it is necessary to perform exposure calculation and display of the auto bracket mark using the stage number information, so the process proceeds to step 54.

[Step 54] Set the output of output port PABR to “°1”
``'' to display the auto bracket mark. This is because when the switch 5w5ET is turned off by closing the switch M6 from the auto bracket mode setting state, all the display is turned off in step 30, so if the first stroke switch swl is turned on, it is necessary to turn it on again. Because there is.

[Step 55] It is determined whether the first stroke switch SWl is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step 56.

[Step 56] The contents of the aperture information register RGAv and the contents of the aperture bracket stage number register RGBA are added and stored in the register RGAv again. Also, the contents of the shutter information register RGTv and the contents of the shutter bracket stage number register RGBT are added, and the register RG is added again.
Store it on TV. This means that the aperture information calculated in the shutter priority mode and the shutter speed information calculated in the aperture priority mode are changed in accordance with the number of autobracket stages. In other words, if the auto-bracketing stage number is set so as not to be a negative number at step 49, the value after the calculation at step 56 will be an underexposure m with respect to the standard exposure value. Further, in manual exposure mode, step 14 similar to that in aperture priority mode is passed.

Since the shutter speed is changed and the aperture value is not changed as in conventional cameras, auto-bracketing photography with a constant depth of field and only exposure switching is possible.

Further, in step 55, the first stroke switch sw
If it is determined that l is off, the exposure calculation in step 56 is not performed because the photometry timer is operating.
In step 10, the standard exposure value will be displayed.

Even in this case, when taking a picture, the first stroke of the release button L is always made, so step 56 is always passed.
Therefore, there is no problem with auto-bracketing/shooting.

In this way, in the auto bracketing mode, if the first stroke switch (swl) is turned on, the exposure value with auto bracketing applied, that is, in this example, the underexposure value is displayed. While the 1iTllI optical timer is operating, the standard exposure value will be displayed. This allows the photographer to easily recognize the exposure value of auto bracketing.

Next, a case will be described in which the valve mode is set by operating the dial 5 after the auto bracket mode is set.

Bracketing during bulb photography is basically meaningless, so it is more effective to cancel auto bracketing mode. Therefore, if it is determined in step 25 that the mode is the valve mode, the process advances to step 57.

[Step 57] Set the output of output port PABR to “0”
' to turn off the auto bracket mark display. Also, reset the auto bracket mode flag FABR to 0.

Next, a description will be given of when the multiple shooting mode is set.

The switch swM is activated in conjunction with the opening of the switch lid 6.
When the ON signal of E is input, the process proceeds from step 41 to step 60.

[Step 60] A flag FsME indicating that the multiplex photographing switch swME is turned on is set to 1. Also, a flag FsAB indicating that the auto bracket switch swABR is turned on is reset to O.

[Step 61] Output port PTD, PFL.

Set the output of PABR, PME, and PFD to °゛0°°,
Turn off all displays. Set the output of only the 0th output port PME to "L" and set the multiple shooting mode mark to display 5E.
Display it on G4.

[Step 62] Flag FME indicating multiple shooting mode
Set to 1.

[Step 63] It is determined whether or not the mode is auto bracketing mode. If it is auto bracketing mode, the process proceeds to step 64.

[Step 64] Since the mode is auto bracketing, the number of multiple shots is forcibly set to three, as in step 51, that is, the contents of the register ROMH for the number of multiple shots are set to "
3".

If the auto bracketing mode is not set in step 63, the process advances to step 65.

[Step 65] Similar to step 48 and the like, an information reading routine associated with dial operation is executed.

[Step 66] Add the contents of the multiplexing number register RGMH and the contents of the dial register RGH, and store the result in the register RGMH again. Since the number of times of multiplexing is an integer, if the resolution of one click of the dial 5 is 0.5 steps, the contents of the dial register RGH are doubled and then added. It is also necessary to prevent the contents of the register RGH from becoming a negative number, but this is omitted here.

[Step 67] The contents of the multiple-sheet state register RGMH are output from the output capo PFD and displayed on the display 5EH5.

The program then returns to the start. Furthermore, once the ON signal of the switch swME is input, the flag FsME is set to 1 in step 60, so even if the switch swME (7) OFF signal is input thereafter, the process continues from step 41→step 42→ Proceeding to step 63, it becomes possible to maintain the multiple shooting number setting mode. The flow in Figure 7 shows that to shift from the auto bracketing step number change mode to the multiplex shooting setting mode, you only need to turn on the switch swME once, and to switch vice versa, you only need to turn on the switch swABR once. It is also clear from

Next, if the number of times of multiplexing is set once and then the number of times of multiplexing is set to zero (0), it is necessary to cancel the multiplex photography mode and turn off the multiplex photography mark. Since the flag FME is set to 1 in step 8, this program is executed by proceeding to step 68.

[Step 68] If the contents of the register RGMH for the number of multiple shots is zero, the process advances to step 69.

[Step 69] Flag FME indicating multiple shooting mode
Reset to 0. Also, the PME output is set to “O”.
’” to turn off the multiplex shooting mark display.

If the contents of the register ROMH for the number of times of multiple photographing are not zero in step 68, the process proceeds to step 70.

[Step 70] Set the PME output to 1
゛° to display the multiple shooting mark. This is to notify the photographer that the multi-photographing mode is in effect when the first stroke of the release button 1 is made again since all the displays are turned off by the stave 2b 30.

As described above, the preparation stage for photographing is completed.

Next, the sequence after the second stroke of the release button I will be described. When the second stroke of the release button l is performed and the on signal (release signal) of the second stroke switch sw2 is input to the input port PAl, the process proceeds from step 11 in FIG. 7 to step 100 in FIG. 9.

[Step 100] It is determined whether the auto bracketing mode is set or not based on the state of the flag FABR. If the auto bracket mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 101; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1O2.

[Step lot] Increase the output of the output boat PFL by °1
'', and the auto bracket mark on the display 5EG2 flashes. This allows the photographer to reliably know that auto bracket photography has started.

[Step 102] Determine whether or not the ON signal of the self-switch 5ELF is input to the input port PA6. If the ON signal is input, the process goes to Step 103 because the photograph is taken using the self-timer. If not, the process goes to Step 103. Proceed to step 104.

[Step 103] A self-timer measures 10 seconds.

[Step 104] The contents of the aperture information register RGAv are output from the output port PAv. As a result, the aperture control drive circuit DAV converts the contents of the register tiGAv into actual aperture information.

Actuator CA for aperture drive such as stepping motor
Aperture control is started via M.

[Step 105] A pulse signal is output from the output capo PEO, and the transistor TRO is turned on to energize the mirror-up magnet MGO, which is the first fixed combination magnet.

As a result, the mirror is raised by a known spring force.

[Step 106] It is determined whether or not the on signal of the switch swMRUP, which detects the completion of mirror up, is input to the input port PA2.Here, it is determined whether or not the on signal of the switch swMRUP, which detects the completion of mirror up, is input.Here, it is determined that the on signal is input until the on signal is input, that is, the mirror is completely raised. This loop is repeated until the image is completely uploaded, and the process proceeds to step 107.

[Step 107] Shutter information register RGTv
Since the content of is an apex value, it is converted (decompressed) into real-time data.

[Step 108] A pulse signal is output from the output capo PEI, and the transistor TRI is turned on to energize the shutter front curtain magnet MG1. This causes the shutter front curtain to run.

[Step 109] It is determined whether the contents of the register RGTM indicate the valve mode.

If the valve mode is set, the process proceeds to step 110; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 111.

[Step 110] Wait for the off signal of the second stroke switch SW2 to be input. Since this is the valve mode, it is necessary to keep the shutter open while the on signal of the second stroke switch SW2 is input. This is because there is.

[Step fill Since it is not the valve mode, real time counting is performed using the expanded data in step 107, and the calculated shutter time is measured.

[Step 112] When the real time count ends, a pulse signal is output from the output capacitor PE2, and the transistor TR2 is turned on to energize the shutter trailing curtain magnet MG2. This causes the shutter trailing curtain to run.

[Step 113] Determine whether or not the on signal of the shutter rear curtain switch 5wCN2 is input to the input capo PA5. Here, until the on signal is input, the running of the shutter rear curtain is completed. This loop is repeated until the process is completed, and upon completion, the process proceeds to step 114.

[Step 114] The output of the output capacitor (PAV) is set to O'', thereby returning the diaphragm to its open state.

[Step 115] Set the output of the FD to
”, transistor TR3 is turned on, and charging motor MD for mirror down and shutter charging is rotated.

[Step 116] It is determined based on the state of flag FMH whether the multiple shooting mode is set. If it is the multiple shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 117; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 120.

[Step 117] Subtract 1 from the contents of the multiplexing number register RGME and store it in the register ROMH again.

[Step 118] It is determined whether the contents of the multiplexing number register RGME are zero. If the contents are zero, the process proceeds to step 119; if not, the process proceeds to step 121.

[Step 119] Since the content of the multiplexing number register RGME is O, it means that multiplex photography has ended, so the flag FME indicating the multiplex photography mode is reset to O. Also, set the PME output to "O'" and turn off the multiple shooting mark display.

[Step 120] Start a timer for film feeding. Also, the output of output capo) FB is set to "1', transistor TR5 is turned on, and film feeding motor M is turned on.
Rotate B.

If the multiple shooting mode is continued, the contents of the multiplex number register RGMH are not zero, so the process advances from step 118 to step 121, and since step 120 is not passed, film feeding is not performed, so multiple shooting is not performed. It will be done. Furthermore, when the multiplex photography is completed, the contents of the register RGME(7) become zero, so the film is fed in step 120 after the multiplex photography mode is canceled as described above.

[Step 121] Determine whether or not the on signal of the charge completion detection switch swCGH is input to the input capo PA3. If the on signal is not input, that is, charging is not completed, step 123 The process proceeds to step 122, and when charging is completed, the process proceeds to step 122.

[Step 122] Since charging is completed, the output of the output boat PD is set to "O" and the power to the charging motor MD is cut off.

[Step 123] It is determined whether or not an on signal is input to the input port FA4 for the switch sFLM, which is turned on every time one frame of film has been fed. If not completed, proceed to step 124; if completed, proceed to step 1
Proceed to 25.

[Step 124] Determine the state of the film feeding timer. When the film is finished, no further film feeding is possible, so the switch swFLM is never turned on, and in such a case, the timer for film feeding, which is, for example, a one-second timer, finishes counting. When the time measurement is completed, proceed to step 15O, otherwise proceed to step 1
21 and repeats the aforementioned sequence (step 121→step 123).

[Step 125] In step 123, switch s
When it is detected that the FLM off signal has been input, the output of the output capacitor FB is set to "0", the transistor TR5 is turned off, and the film feeding motor MB is stopped.

[Step 126] It is determined whether the auto bracketing mode is set or not based on the state of the flag FABR. If it is not the auto bracketing mode, the process proceeds to step 132; if so, the process proceeds to step 127.

[Step 127] It is determined whether or not auto bracket photography has been performed three times.
Since 2-tone photography is photography that is performed continuously at three exposure values: under, standard, and overexposure, if the three exposures are not completed, the process advances to step 128.

[Step 128] The contents of the aperture bracket step register GRBA are subtracted from the contents of the aperture information register RGAV, and the result is stored in the register RGAV again.

Also, the contents of the shutter bracket stage number register GRBT are subtracted from the contents of the shutter bracket stage information register RGTv, and the result is stored in the register RGTv again. Here the seventh
Similar to step 56 in the figure, the same program can be used for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes.
This is because the contents of T have been changed. It is clear from this arithmetic expression (subtraction formula) that the second shooting will result in standard exposure, and the third shooting will result in overexposure.

[Step 129] The contents of the registers RGAv and RGTv are output from the output capo PFD and PTD, and the shutter speed information and aperture value information at this time are displayed.

The program then jumps to NEXT2, step 104. In other words, regardless of whether the second stroke switch SW2 is on or off (regardless of whether a release signal is generated or not), the next photographing starts. Furthermore, even if the shooting at this time is in the self-mode, the next shooting starts without executing the 7-luff timer for the second and third times.

[Step 130] It is determined whether the off signal of the first stroke switch SW2 is input. If the off signal is not input at this time, step 128.
The display calculated in step 129 can be viewed.

In other words, the final overexposure value can be confirmed at this time. Therefore, since the first Ashigou exposure value can be seen in the discrimination display in step 55, all exposure displays of the underexposure value, standard value, and overexposure value during auto bracket shooting can be confirmed in the shooting sequence. becomes possible. When the off signal of the first stroke switch sw2 is input, the process proceeds to step 131.

[Step 131] A flag FABR indicating auto bracketing mode is reset to O. Also output boat PFL
Set the output to °“O゛° and turn off the flashing display of the auto-bracket mark.

The program then returns to start and enters standby mode.

Next, a case where the auto bracket mode is not set will be described. In this case, since the flag FABR is O, the process advances from step 126 to step 132.

[Step 132] It is determined whether the mode is continuous shooting mode or single shooting mode based on the on/off state of switch 5wC5 input to PA7. In the case of snapshot mode, the process returns to the start, and in this case, the release button L is pressed and the first. Since the ON signal of the second stroke switch swl, 2 has been input, the next photographing begins. In the case of single shooting mode, the process advances to step 133.

[Step 133] Wait for the off signal of the first stroke switch SW2 to be input. Since this is single shooting mode, the next shooting sequence will not proceed unless the photographer stops pressing the release button 1. The off signal is input. When is input, the process returns to the start.

Next, we will discuss the case where the film ends during shooting. In this case, as mentioned above, the time measurement by the film timer, which is a one-second timer, for example, ends, so step 12
4, proceed to step 150.

[Step 150] Set the PC output to 1°
", the transistor TR5 is turned on and the rewind motor MC is rotated. As a result, rewinding of the film is started.

[Step 151] Start a rewind timer used to detect whether rewinding of the film has finished.

[Step 152] Film SW, CHI SW
It is determined whether or not the state of the F LM has changed. If it has changed, the process returns to step 151 and the rewind timer is started again. If there is no change, the process advances to step 153.

[Step 153] It is determined whether or not the time measurement by the rewind timer has ended. If it has not ended, the process returns to step 152.

As can be seen from the above, step 152. The process proceeds through the loop of step 153, and when the completion of feeding of one frame is detected, the process proceeds from step 152 to step 151, and this loop is repeated when the film is rewound. After that, when all the films are wound up in the cartridge, for example, the cartridge stops rotating and the state of the film switch swFLM no longer changes. If this is detected, the process proceeds to step 154.

[Step 154] Set the PC output to 110
II, the transistor TR5 is turned off, and the rewind motor MC is stopped. This completes the rewinding of the film.

[Step 155] A flag FABR indicating auto bracketing mode is reset to O. Matade Capo) P
Set the FL output to “°0°°” and turn off the flashing auto bracket mark.

The program then returns to the start.

Also, during auto bracket shooting, in other words,
If you have to take multiple shots in a row but the film ends midway through, repeat step 1 at the 1st or 2nd frame.
In such a case, auto bracketing should not be continued on the newly loaded film, as there is a risk that the subject may be different or the photographer may misunderstand. It is desirable to notify the photographer of this and cancel the auto bracketing mode at the same time. Looking at this in the flowchart of Figure 9, when the film ends after the auto bracketing mark is displayed blinking in step 101, Automatically moves to film rewind. While this film rewind is in progress, the flashing display of the auto bracket mark has not yet been canceled. Therefore, the auto bracket mark, which would not normally be displayed, is displayed during film rewind. The photographer can know that the film has ended without the auto bracket shooting being completely completed.

In other words, this is the warning display. Furthermore, since the flag FABR indicating the auto-bracketing mode is reset to O in step 155, the inconvenience of continuing auto-bracketing on newly loaded film as in conventional cameras is eliminated.

According to this embodiment, when a Lease signal is generated once during the auto bracket mode, the flag FABR indicating that mode remains set to 1 until auto bracket shooting is completed (step 126), so the shutter timing is It becomes possible to provide a camera that can achieve both proper exposure and good operability. In other words, since film winding is carried out at high speed by a motor drive, changes in the subject can be minimized, and if the photographer presses the release button L to take a photo opportunity, the predetermined frames are automatically taken in succession. Since auto-bracketing is executed with the camera, it is possible to ensure that at least one frame is taken to the photographer's satisfaction.In addition, the release button 1 only needs to be suppressed once, which improves operability. It will be good.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the present invention, when the release operation is performed once in the auto bracketing mode, continuous shooting is started while automatically changing the exposure value, and the detection means The present invention is equipped with an auto-bracketing control means that stops the continuous shooting in response to detection by the auto-bracketing device, thereby eliminating the need to perform a release operation every predetermined number of auto-bracketing shots. It is possible to satisfy both the requirements of proper exposure and to improve operability.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart thereof, and FIG. 3 is a microcomputer disposed in a camera incorporating the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is a front view of the camera, FIG. 5 is a top view, FIG. 6 is a back view, and FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts. l...Release button, 2.3...Operation lever, 4...Exposure mode selection knob, 5...
...Dial, 6...Switch cover, 7...
...Storage section, swABR...Auto bracket switch, 5WME...Multiple shooting switch,
COM・・・Microcomputer, TD, A
D, FD...decoder, 5EGI~5EG5
...Display device, DIF...Dial interface circuit, MB, MC, MD...Motor, 102...Auto bracket photographing control means, 103... ...Counter for the number of shots, 104...
...Detection means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Counter means for counting the number of shots in auto bracketing mode, detection means for detecting when the number of shots by the counter means reaches a predetermined number, and a release operation is performed once in auto bracketing mode. According to
An exposure control device for a camera, comprising an auto-bracket photography control means that starts continuous photography while automatically changing an exposure value, and stops the continuous photography in response to detection by the detection means.