JP2003232981A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera realizing the shortening of a time lag which is from designating photographing until starting photographing action. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 23a automatically detects the focusing position of a photographic optical system 11 on a subject in response to the half-depressing operation of a release button 24a and allows the optical system 11 to move to the detected focusing position. Then, the photographing action for the subject is performed in response to the fully depressing operation of the button 24a. When fixing designating operation is performed, the optical system 11 is fixed at a present position and also such fixing is maintained even after finishing the fixing designating operation. While fixing the system, automatic focusing action is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera having an autofocus function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a camera, a focus position of a focus lens with respect to a subject is detected, and the focus lens is automatically moved to the detected focus position to form an optimum subject optical image on a focus plane. Auto focus (AF) is performed to adjust the focus so that

As the AF method described above, for example, in the case of a digital camera, a method called CCDAF is used. This shifts the subject distance focused on the image pickup surface of the camera from infinity to short distance, and the CCD
High-frequency components (hereinafter,
Called "evaluation value". ) Is sampled and the point having the maximum evaluation value is set as the focus position.

Further, in the case of a silver halide camera, a light beam or a sound wave of a certain wavelength is emitted from the camera side toward the subject, and the distance to the subject is obtained from the angle and time of the light beam or the like returning upon hitting the subject and the focus position. There is also a way to decide. It is generally known that the above-described autofocus method takes time to some extent.

[0005]

Incidentally, the above-mentioned A
At the time of shooting with a camera equipped with an F mechanism, a usage method of performing an AF operation by half-pressing a release button and performing a shooting operation by full-pressing is generally popular. However,
With conventional cameras, the focus position that was once fixed by half-pressing is reset by suddenly releasing the finger from the release button, and when the release button is fully pressed again, the AF operation is performed again. There was a problem that the time lag would increase. Further, in a general shooting scene in which a camera is held by hand, it is often the case that actual shooting is performed using the focus position determined when half-pressing.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera that shortens the time lag between the instruction to shoot and the start of the shooting operation.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is arranged such that the image plane is automatically moved by moving in the optical axis direction in response to a half-press operation of the release button. An automatic focusing means for detecting a focus position of a focus adjusting member for varying a focused distance with respect to a subject and moving the focus adjusting member to the detected focus position, and a full-press operation of the release button. Accordingly, the photographing means for performing the photographing operation of the subject and the release button are separate bodies, and the fixing operation means for performing the fixing instruction operation, and the fixing instruction operation for performing the fixing instruction operation, the focus position at the current position. Fixing means for fixing the adjusting member and continuing the fixing even after the fixing instruction operation is completed, and focusing stopping means for stopping the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during fixing by the fixing means. Features It resides in the camera.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the automatic focusing means automatically sets the focusing position of the photographing optical system and the focus adjusting member such as the CCD with respect to the object in response to the half-press operation of the release button. The focus adjustment member is detected and moved to the detected focus position. The photographing means performs the photographing operation of the subject in response to the full-press operation of the release button. When the fixing instruction operation is performed by using the fixing operation means provided separately from the release button, the fixing means fixes the focus adjustment member at the current position and maintains the fixation after the fixing instruction operation is completed. To do. The focusing stop means stops the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during the fixing by the fixing means. Therefore, if the fixing instruction operation is performed during the half-press operation of the release button, the focus adjustment member is fixed at the in-focus position, and the fixation is maintained after the fixing instruction operation is completed. Can release the release button and then perform half-pressing and full-pressing operations of the release button to perform shooting without performing the focusing operation. Moreover, even if the fixing operation means is opened, the fixing is not released.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the focus adjusting member for automatically changing the distance to be focused on the image plane by the movement in the optical axis direction in response to the half-pressing operation of the release button with respect to the subject. A focus position is detected, the focus adjustment member is moved to the detected focus position, and the focus adjustment member is moved to the focus position between the half-press operation and the next half-press operation. Automatic focusing means for fixing, photographing means for photographing the subject in response to full-press operation of the release button, and fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation, which are separate bodies from the release button. When the fixing instruction operation is performed, a fixing unit that fixes the focus adjusting member at the current position, and a focus stopping unit that stops the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing unit during the fixing by the fixing unit. Specially equipped with It resides in the camera to be.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the automatic focusing means automatically sets the focusing position of the photographing optical system and the focus adjusting member such as the CCD with respect to the object in response to the half-pressing operation of the release button. The focus adjustment member is detected and moved to the detected focus position, and the focus adjustment member is fixed at the focus position between the half-press operation of the release button and the next half-press operation. The photographing means performs the photographing operation of the subject in response to the full-press operation of the release button. When a fixing instruction operation is performed using a fixing operation means separate from the release button, the fixing means fixes the focus adjustment member at the current position.
The focusing stop means stops the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during the fixing by the fixing means. Therefore, the focus adjustment member does not return to the initial state even if the release button is unexpectedly opened during the half-press operation. For this reason, if the fixing instruction operation is performed after it is unexpectedly released, the focus adjustment member remains fixed at the in-focus position, and the focusing operation is not performed even if the release button is pressed halfway or fully. You can take a picture.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the camera according to the first or second aspect, further comprising release means for releasing the fixing by the fixing means when the fixing operation means is operated during the fixing by the fixing means. The present invention further includes a camera.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the releasing means operates the fixing operation means during the fixing by the fixing means, the fixing by the fixing means is released. Therefore, only by operating the fixing operation means again, the fixing by the fixing means can be easily released and the automatic focusing operation can be started.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the focus adjusting member for automatically changing the distance to be focused on the image plane by the movement in the optical axis direction in response to the half-pressing operation of the release button is performed on the object. An automatic focusing means for detecting a focus position and moving the focus adjustment member to the detected focus position; a photographing means for performing a photographing operation of the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; The release button is a separate body, and is a fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation, a fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at the current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed, and a fixing operation by the fixing means. A camera is provided with: a focus stopping means for stopping the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means; and a fixing notification means for notifying that the fixing means is fixing.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the automatic focusing means automatically sets the focusing position of the photographic optical system and the focus adjusting member such as the CCD with respect to the object in response to the half-press operation of the release button. An automatic focusing operation of detecting and moving the focus adjusting member to the detected focusing position is performed. The photographing means performs a photographing operation of the subject in response to the full-press operation of the release button. When a fixing instruction operation is performed using the release button and a separate fixing operation means, the fixing means fixes the focus adjustment member at the current position. The fixing notification means notifies that the fixing means is fixing. Therefore, even if the release button is released, after performing the fixing instruction operation, even if the release button is half-pressed or fully-pressed, the focusing operation can be omitted and the photographing can be performed. Moreover, it is being fixed,
The fixed notification means can notify the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the fourth aspect, when the focus adjusting member moves to the in-focus position as a result of performing the automatic focusing operation, a message to that effect is transmitted. Further comprising a sounding means for generating a focus confirmation sound, the fixed notification means, when the fixed instruction operation is performed,
The camera is characterized in that a sound different from the focus confirmation sound is generated from the sounding means to notify that the fixation is in progress.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the sounding means moves the focus adjusting member to the in-focus position as a result of the automatic focusing operation being performed, a sound for confirming the focus is generated. . In response to the fixed instructing operation, the fixed notification means causes the sounding means to generate a sound different from the focus confirmation sound, thereby notifying that the fixing is in progress. Therefore, the sounding means can be diverted to inform that the sound is being fixed, and it is not necessary to provide a means for generating a sound to that effect separately from the sounding means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the fourth or fifth aspect, when the focus adjusting member moves to the in-focus position as a result of the automatic focusing operation,
Furthermore, a light emitting means for emitting light to convey that fact is further provided,
In the camera, the fixing notification means notifies that the fixing is being performed by continuing to hold the light emission of the light emitting means during the fixing by the fixing means.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the focus adjusting member moves to the in-focus position as a result of the automatic focusing operation being performed, the light emitting means emits light to inform that effect.
The fixing notification means keeps the light emission of the light emitting means during fixing by the fixing means to notify that the fixing is in progress. Therefore, the light emitting means can be diverted to inform that the fixing is being performed, and it is not necessary to provide a means for emitting light to inform that effect, separately from the light emitting means.

An invention according to claim 7 is the camera according to claim 4, 5 or 6, further comprising display means for displaying an image of the subject or various photographing information, and the fixed notification means is the fixed The camera is characterized in that the fact that the fixing is being performed is displayed on the display means during the fixing by the means.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the display means displays the image of the subject or various photographing information. The fixing notification means displays on the display means that the fixing is being performed while the fixing means is fixing. Therefore, by diverting the display means,
It is possible to inform that the fixation is being performed, and it is not necessary to provide a means for performing a display to inform that effect separately from the display means.

The invention according to claim 8 is the camera according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising distance notifying means for transmitting a focal length of the focus adjusting member being fixed by the fixing means. The camera is characterized by.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the distance notifying means reports the focal length of the focus adjusting member being fixed by the fixing means. Therefore, the focal length of the fixed focus adjustment member can be notified to the user by the distance notification means.

The invention according to claim 9 is the camera according to claim 8, further comprising display means for displaying an image of the subject or various photographing information, wherein the distance notifying means is
A camera is characterized in that the focal length is displayed on the display unit during the fixing by the fixing unit.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the display means displays the image of the subject or various photographing information. The distance notifying means displays the focal length on the display means while the fixing means fixes the focal length. Therefore, the display means can be diverted to convey the fixed focal length, and separately from the display means.
It is not necessary to provide a means for displaying that.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the focus adjusting member for automatically changing the distance to be focused on the image plane by the movement in the optical axis direction in response to the half-pressing operation of the release button with respect to the subject. An automatic focusing means for detecting a focusing position and moving the focus adjusting member to the detected focusing position; a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; The release button is a separate body, and a fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation, a fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at the current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed, and a fixing operation by the fixing means, An automatic focusing stopping means for stopping the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means; a continuation control means for continuing the fixing even after a photographing operation is performed during the fixing by the fixing means;
And a release control unit for releasing the fixation after the photographing operation is performed.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the automatic focusing means automatically and automatically responds to the half-press operation of the release button.
An automatic focusing operation is performed to detect a focus position of a focus adjustment member such as a photographing optical system or CCD with respect to a subject and move the focus adjustment member to the detected focus position. The shooting means
The subject is photographed in response to the full-press operation of the release button. When a fixing instruction operation is performed using a fixing operation means separate from the release button, the fixing means fixes the focus adjustment member at the current position. The automatic focusing stop means stops the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during the fixing by the fixing means. While the continuation control means is fixing by the fixing means,
The fixation is continued even after the photographing operation is performed. The release control unit releases the fixation after the shooting operation is performed. Therefore, after performing the fixing instruction operation, even if the release button is released, and then the release button is pressed halfway or fully, the focusing operation can be omitted and shooting can be performed. In addition, the continuous control means makes it possible to continue the simple shooting without the focusing operation even when shooting the subject at the same distance a plurality of times.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the focus adjusting member for automatically changing the distance to be focused on the image plane by the movement in the optical axis direction in response to the half-pressing operation of the release button is performed on the object. An automatic focusing means for detecting a focusing position and moving the focus adjusting member to the detected focusing position; a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; The release button is a separate body, and a fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation, a fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at the current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed, and a fixing operation by the fixing means, When the power is turned off and the power is turned on again during the fixing by the automatic focusing stopping means and the fixing means for stopping the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means, the power is turned off before the power is turned off again. Fixing means A camera comprising: a continuation control unit that moves the focus adjustment member to a more fixed position to continue the fixation; and a release control unit that releases the fixation according to the power-off. Exist in.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the automatic focusing means automatically and automatically responds to the half-press operation of the release button.
An automatic focusing operation is performed to detect the focus position of the photographic optical system or a focus adjustment member such as a CCD with respect to the subject and move the focus adjustment member to the detected focus position. The photographing means performs the photographing operation of the subject in response to the full-press operation of the release button. When a fixing instruction operation is performed using a fixing operation means separate from the release button, the fixing means fixes the focus adjustment member at the current position. The automatic focusing stop means stops the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during the fixing by the fixing means. While the continuation control means is fixing by the fixing means,
When the power is turned off and the power is turned on again, the focus adjusting member is moved again to the focus position fixed by the fixing means before the power is turned off, and the fixing is continued. The release control means releases the fixing in response to the power off. Therefore, after performing the fixing instruction operation, release the release button,
After that, even if the release button is pressed halfway or fully, the focusing operation can be omitted and shooting can be performed. Moreover, the continuous control means can perform simple shooting without the focusing operation even when shooting the subjects at the same distance at time intervals.

The invention according to claim 12 is the camera according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising switching means for switching between control by the continuation control means and control by the cancellation control means in response to a switching operation. It exists in a camera characterized by that.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the switching means switches between the continuation control means and the cancellation control means in accordance with the switching operation. Therefore, it is possible to select whether to perform the control by the continuation control means or the control by the release control means as needed.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a digital camera as a camera of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the subject light is incident on the CCD 12 through the photographing optical system 11 as a focus adjusting member. The photographing optical system 11 is a lens that adjusts the focus of a subject image by moving back and forth in the optical axis direction. A diaphragm 13 is arranged between the photographing optical system 11 and the CCD 12, and the diaphragm 13 limits the amount of light incident on the CCD 12. In addition,
The photographing optical system 11 and the diaphragm 13 described above are each driven by a motor driver 14.

The above-mentioned CCD 12 has an image pickup surface in which a plurality of pixels for photoelectric conversion are arranged in a secondary matrix,
When the subject light is incident, the optical image formed on the imaging surface is converted into an electrical signal and output as analog image data. The image data output from the CCD 12 has a noise component removed by the CDS circuit 15, and A /
After being converted into a digital value by the D converter 16, it is output to the signal processing circuit 17. Signal processing circuit 17
Uses a frame memory 18 that temporarily stores image data to perform various signal processing such as YUV conversion processing and white balance processing, and the signal-processed image data is used as a liquid crystal display 19 (hereinafter, referred to as a display unit).
(Abbreviated as "LCD 19").

The image data that has been subjected to the various signal processes is recorded in the data recording memory 21 via the image compression / expansion circuit 20. The image compression / expansion circuit 20 is
The image data output from the signal processing circuit 17 is compressed and output to the data recording memory 21, and the image data read from the data recording memory 21 is expanded and output to the signal processing circuit 17.

Further, the above-mentioned CCD 12 and CDS circuit 1
5 and the A / D converter 16 are controlled in conversion timing and removal timing by the system controller 23 via a timing signal generator 22 that generates a timing signal. Further, the signal processing circuit 17, the image compression / expansion circuit 20, and the data recording memory 21 are also controlled by the system controller 23.

The system controller 23 is for controlling the entire camera, and is a read-only memory that stores a CPU 23a for performing various arithmetic processes according to a program and a program executed by the CPU 23a.
A RAM 23, which is a readable / writable memory, having a work area used in various processes in the M23b and the CPU 23a, a data storage area for storing various data, and the like.
c, etc. are built in, and these are interconnected by a bus line (not shown).

The system controller 23 described above includes
An operation section 24 having a release button 24a and a fixing instruction button 24b (corresponding to a fixing operation means in the claims) provided separately from the release button 24a, an EEPROM 25 storing various set values, and an LCD 19 Further, an OSD 26 for displaying various kinds of shooting information mainly composed of text information on the natural image in an overlapping manner is connected. Further, the system controller 23 is connected with a sounding device 27 as a sounding device such as a speaker and a light emitting device 28 as a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode.

The operation of the digital camera having the above configuration will be described below. When the power of the digital camera is turned on, the digital camera performs a monitoring process of displaying the subject image incident on the CCD 12 on the LCD 19. In the monitoring process, the image data obtained by photoelectrically converting the optical image formed on the image pickup surface by the CCD 12 is, for example, every 1/30 second, the CDS circuit 15, A /
It is sent to the signal processing circuit 17 via the D converter 16. The signal processing circuit 7 stores the sent RGB image data in the frame memory 18.

In addition, R stored in the frame memory 18
The GB image data is read into the signal processing circuit 17 again, YUV converted by a YUV conversion unit (not shown) provided in the signal processing circuit 17, and written back to the frame memory 18. The YUV converted YUV image data is sent to the LCD 19 via the signal processing circuit 17 and displayed. This process is repeated, for example, every 1/30 seconds.

A photographing process is performed in parallel with this monitoring process. Regarding this photographing process, the CPU 23a in FIG.
This will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the digital camera is powered on, the CPU 23a determines whether or not a fixed flag F1 described later is turned on (step S1). If the fixed flag F1 is off (N in step S1), the CPU 23a determines that the motor driver 1
4 is controlled to move the photographing optical system 11 to an initial position such as infinity (step S2).

After that, the CPU 23a determines the button in the operation unit 24 operated by the user, and performs the operation determination process for allocating the process corresponding to the operated button. This operation determination process is repeatedly performed until the release button 24a is pressed halfway or fully (“repeat” in step S3). Further, when the user fully presses the release button 24a while the operation determination process is being repeated ("Full press" in step S3), the CPU 23a causes the automatic focusing operation (step S13) and the focus notification operation ( Step S1
4) and the photographing operation (step S10).

In the automatic focusing operation, the CPU 23a
Acts as an automatic focusing means, and drives the photographing optical system 11 via the motor driver 14 in synchronization with the transmission cycle of image data by the CCD 12. The CPU 23a drives, for example, the photographing optical system 11 from infinity to the closest distance, and A of image data sent to the signal processing circuit 17 during the driving.
The F evaluation value is read. Then, the CPU 23a detects the position of the photographing optical system 11 having the maximum read AF evaluation value as the focus position, and drives the photographing optical system 11 to the detected focus position via the motor driver 14. , The automatic focusing operation ends.

In the focus notification operation, the CPU 23
After the completion of the automatic focusing operation, the sound a is generated from the sounding device 27, and the light emitting device 28 is blinked for a predetermined time to move the photographing optical system 11 to the in-focus position to bring the subject into focus. Informs the user that is confirmed.

Further, in the photographing operation, the CPU 23a
Acts as a photographing means and sends the YUV image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the image compression / expansion circuit 20. The image data after YUV conversion sent to the image compression / expansion circuit 20 is compressed and written back to the frame memory 18. The compressed image data in the frame memory 18 is read out via the signal processing circuit 17, and the data storage memory 2
It is stored in 1.

On the other hand, when the user half-presses the release button 24a while the operation determination process of step S3 is repeated ("half-press" in step S3), the CPU 23
a performs automatic focus operation and focus notification (step S4,
5). After the end of the focus notification, the CPU 23a performs the operation determination process again (step S6).

The above operation determination process is performed while the user continues to press the release button 24a halfway (step S6).
"Continue"), and repeat. Therefore, while the half-press operation of the release button 24a is continued, the photographing optical system 1
No. 1 maintains the in-focus position detected by the automatic focusing operation in step S4.

On the other hand, when the half-press operation of the release button 24a is released ("release" in step S6), the CPU 23a
Returns to step S2 again. Therefore, when the half-press operation or the full-press operation is performed again, the CPU 23a performs the automatic focusing operation. Also, during the half-press operation, the fixed instruction button 24
When b is operated (“fixed” in step S6), the CPU
23a turns on the fixing flag F1 formed in the RAM 23c to indicate that the photographing optical system 11 is fixed at the current position (step S7), and performs the fixing / distance notification start operation (step S8).

In the fixed / distance notification start operation, the CPU
The reference numeral 23a functions as a fixed notifying means, generates a sound different from the focus confirmation sound from the sounding device 27, and starts the lighting of the light emitting device 28, so that the photographing optical system 11 is placed at the focus position detected in step S4. Notify the user that the is fixed. Further, the CPU 23a functions as a distance notifying unit, and starts displaying on the LCD 19 that the photographing optical system 11 is fixed and the focal length of the photographing optical system 11.

Next, the CPU 23a performs the operation determination process again (step S9). This operation determination process is repeatedly performed until the release button 24a is fully pressed or the fixed instruction button 24b is operated again (step S9).
"Repeat"). Therefore, even if the half-push operation of the release button 24a is canceled and the half-push operation is performed again, the automatic focusing operation is not performed, and the full-push operation of the release button 24a is performed (“Full-press in step S9”). )), The CPU 23a
The photographing operation is immediately performed (step S10).

Therefore, during the half-press operation, the fixed instruction button 24
When the operation of b is performed, the photographing optical system 11 is fixed at the in-focus position, and therefore, after that, even if the release button 24a is once opened and the release button 24a is half-pressed or fully-pressed again, the operation will not be successful. It is possible to perform shooting without performing the focusing operation, and it is possible to shorten the time lag between the full-press operation and the shooting instruction and the start of the shooting operation. Moreover, since the fixing is continued even if the fixing instruction button 24b is opened, the fixing instruction button 24b is unexpectedly opened, and the focusing operation is performed again according to the half-press / full-press operation. There is no.

On the other hand, if the fixing instruction button 24b is operated ("fixed" in step S9) while the operation determination process of step S9 is repeated, the CPU 23a performs a fixing / distance notification ending operation (step S16). After that, the fixed flag F1 is turned off (step S15), and step S2
Return to. Therefore, simply by operating the fixing instruction button 24b again, the fixing of the photographing optical system 11 is easily released, and the automatic focusing operation is performed every time the release button 24a is half-pressed or fully-pressed. . As is clear from the above, in the operation determination process of step S9, the CPU 23a functions as a fixing unit, a releasing unit, and a focusing stopping unit.

Further, in the fixed / distance notification ending process, the CPU 23a functions as a fixed notifying means and a distance notifying means to end the lighting of the light emitting device 28. Furthermore, C
The PU 23a terminates the display for fixing the photographing optical system 11 and the display of the focal length on the LCD 19.

After the shooting operation, the CPU 23a
It is determined whether the fixed flag F1 is turned on (step S11). If the fixed flag F1 is not turned on (N in step S11), the CPU 23a immediately returns to step S2.

On the other hand, if the fixation flag F1 is turned on (Y in step S11), the CPU 23a indicates that the photography continuation mode is set to continue the fixation of the photography optical system 11 even if the photography operation is performed. It is determined whether the shooting continuation flag F2 shown is on (step S12).

If the photographing continuation flag F2 is ON (Y in step S12), the CPU 23a again executes step S12.
Return to 9. Therefore, during the continuous shooting mode, even after the shooting operation is performed, the automatic focusing operation is not performed according to the half-pressing / full-pressing operation of the release button 24a, and the fixing of the shooting optical system 11 is continued. You can Therefore, even when the subject at the same distance is photographed a plurality of times, it is possible to continue the simple photographing without the automatic focusing operation. Further, from the above, it is understood that the CPU 23a works as the continuation control means described in claim 11.

On the other hand, if the shooting continuation flag F2 is off (N in step S12), the CPU 23a proceeds to step S16 described above. Therefore, when the continuous shooting mode is not set, the photographing optical system 11 is released from the fixation every time the photographing operation is completed, and the automatic focusing operation is performed in response to the half-pressing / full-pressing operation of the release button 24a. It can be performed. From the above, it can be seen that the CPU 23a functions as the release control means described in claim 11.

A power supply monitoring process is performed in parallel with this photographing process. Regarding this power supply monitoring processing, the CPU 23a in FIG.
This will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, CP
When the power switch is instructed to turn off the power (Y in step S20), the U 23a determines whether or not the fixed flag F1 is on (step S21). If the fixed flag F1 is not turned on (N in step S21), C
The PU 23a immediately turns off the power (step S24),
The process ends.

On the other hand, if the fixing flag F1 is turned on (Y in step S21), the CPU 23a enters the power continuation mode in which the photographing optical system 11 is continuously fixed even when the power is turned off and the power is turned on again. It is determined whether or not the power continuation flag F3 indicating that the setting has been made is turned on (step S22). If the power continuation flag F3 is on (Y in step S22), the power is immediately cut off (step S24), and the process ends. On the other hand, when the power continuation flag F3 is off (N in step S22), the fixed flag F1 is turned off (step S2).
3) The power is cut off (step S24).

As a result, if the power continuation mode is set, the fixing flag F1 continues to be turned on while the photographing optical system 11 is fixed, even if the power is cut off. Therefore, FIG.
When the power is turned on, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the process can proceed to step S17 only when the power continuation mode is set.

In step S17, the CPU 23a
Controls the motor driver 14 to move the photographing optical system 11 to the position before the power is turned off. After that, the CPU 23a
After performing the fixed / distance notification start operation (step S1
8) By proceeding to step S9, it is possible to continue fixing the photographing optical system 11 at the position before the power is turned off. Therefore, even when the subjects at the same distance are photographed at time intervals, it is possible to perform simple photographing without the focusing operation. Further, as is clear from the above, it is understood that the CPU 23a functions as the release control means and the continuation control means described in claim 10.

The switching between the shooting canceling mode and the shooting continuing mode and the switching between the power canceling mode and the power continuing mode are performed by the user using a mode switch (not shown) (switching means in the claims) as needed. It can be carried out.

The digital camera described above is the sound producing device 2
7. Using the light emitting device 28 and the LCD 19, the photographing optical system 1
It informs the user that 1 is fixed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the subject from being photographed in an incorrect focus state by performing the full-press operation without noticing that the subject is being fixed.

Further, the sounding device 27, the light emitting device 28, and the LCD 19 for displaying an image for notifying that the focus is fixed are diverted to inform the user that the focus is fixed. Therefore, the sound producing device 27, the light emitting device 28, and the LCD 1
It is not necessary to provide a device for informing that the fixing is being performed, separately from 9, so that the cost can be reduced.

Further, the above-mentioned digital camera notifies the user of the focal length of the photographing optical system 11 which is fixed.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the subject from being photographed in an incorrect focus state without noticing that the fixed focal length differs from the actual distance to the subject. Further, since the LCD 19 for displaying an image is diverted to convey the focal length, it is not necessary to provide a device for transmitting the focal length separately from the LCD 19, and the cost can be reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, if the fixing instruction button 24b is not operated during the half-press operation of the release button 24a, the photographing optical system 11 is fixed at the focus position detected by the automatic focus operation. I can't. However,
While pressing the release button 24a halfway, the fixed instruction button 2
If it is difficult to operate 4b, release button 24a
Even if the half-push operation of is released, it does not immediately return to the initial position (step S6 in FIG. 2), but the photographing optical system 11 is moved to the in-focus position until the next half-push operation or full-push operation is performed. Keep it fixed. In this way, even if the half-press operation of the release button 24a is unexpectedly released, the photographing optical system 11 does not return to the initial state. Then, after abruptly opening, a fixing instruction operation is performed, and the photographing optical system 11 is fixed at the in-focus position.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the photographing optical system 11 is used as the focus adjusting member.
It is also possible to use D12 as a focus adjusting member to move the CCD 12 to perform an automatic focusing operation.

[0066]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, when the fixing instruction operation is performed during the half-press operation of the release button, the focus adjusting member is fixed at the in-focus position,
Since the fixing is maintained even after the end of the fixing instruction operation, after performing the fixing instruction operation, even if the release button is opened and the release button is half- or full-pressed, the focusing operation is not performed. You can take a picture. Moreover, since the fixation is not released even if the fixing operation means is opened, it is possible to obtain a camera in which the time lag between the full-press operation and the shooting instruction and the start of the shooting operation is shortened.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the focus adjusting member does not return to the initial state even if the release button is unexpectedly opened during the half-press operation. For this reason, if the fixing instruction operation is performed after it is unexpectedly released, the focus adjustment member remains fixed at the in-focus position, and the focusing operation is not performed even if the release button is pressed halfway or fully. Since it is possible to take a picture, it is possible to obtain a camera in which the time lag from the time when the full press operation is performed and the picture taking instruction is started until the picture taking operation is started is shortened.

According to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to obtain a camera which can easily release the fixing by the fixing means and start the automatic focusing operation only by operating the fixing operation means again. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even if the release button is opened, the focusing operation is omitted even after the fixing instruction operation is performed and then the release button is half- or full-pressed. , You can shoot, so press it fully to
It is possible to shorten the time lag from the shooting instruction to the start of the shooting operation. Moreover, since the user can be notified of the fact that the camera is being locked by the fixed notification means, the user may not fully notice that the camera is being locked, and if the release button is pressed all the way down, the subject will be in the wrong focus state. It is possible to obtain a camera that can prevent the camera from being photographed.

According to the invention described in claim 5, the sounding means can be diverted to inform that the sound is being fixed, and it is necessary to provide a means for generating a sound to that effect separately from the sounding means. Since there is no such thing, it is possible to obtain a camera whose cost is reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the light emitting means can be diverted to inform that the fixing is being performed, and it is necessary to provide a means for emitting light to inform that effect, separately from the light emitting means. Since there is no such camera, it is possible to obtain a camera whose cost is reduced.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the display means can be diverted to inform that the fixing is being performed, and it is necessary to provide a means for performing a display to inform that effect, separately from the display means. Since there is no such camera, it is possible to obtain a camera whose cost is reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the focal length of the fixed focus adjusting member can be notified to the user by the distance notifying means. Therefore, the fixed focal length and the actual subject It is possible to obtain a camera that can prevent the subject from being photographed in an incorrect focus state without noticing that the distance to is different.

According to the invention described in claim 9, the display means can be diverted to convey the fixed focal length, and it is necessary to provide a means for displaying the fact separately from the display means. Since there is no such camera, it is possible to obtain a camera whose cost is reduced.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the focusing operation is omitted even if the release button is released after the fixing instruction operation is performed and the release button is half- or full-pressed again. You can take a picture. Moreover, since the continuous control means can continue to perform simple shooting without the focusing operation even when shooting a subject at the same distance a plurality of times, press the full-press operation to issue the shooting instruction. It is possible to obtain a camera with a short time lag until the shooting operation is started.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, after performing the fixing instruction operation, the release button is opened, and thereafter, even if the release button is half-pressed or fully-pressed, the focusing operation is omitted and the photographing is performed. It can be performed. In addition, the continuous control means enables simple shooting without focusing even when shooting the subjects at the same distance at time intervals. It is possible to obtain a camera with a short time lag from the start of shooting operation to the start of shooting operation.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a camera capable of selecting whether to perform control by the continuation control means or control by the cancellation control means, as necessary.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a digital camera as a camera of the present invention.

2 is a CPU 23a included in the digital camera shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the image capturing processing of FIG.

3 is a CPU 23a included in the digital camera of FIG.
4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the power supply monitoring processing of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 photographing optical system (focus adjusting member) 19 LCD (display means) 23a CPU (automatic focusing means, photographing means, fixing means,
Release means, focusing stop means, release control means, continuation control means, fixed notification means, distance notification means) 24a release button 24b fixed instruction button (fixed operation means) 27 sounding device (sounding device) 28 light emitting device (light emitting device)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2H011 CA21                 2H044 DC00                 2H051 EA06 GB20                 2H081 CC01 DD06 DD24 DD25                 2H102 AA31 AB00 AB17 BA02 BA15                       BB08 BB32 BB41

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A focus position for a subject of a focus adjusting member for automatically varying a distance to be focused on an image forming surface by moving in the optical axis direction in response to a half-press operation of a release button is detected. An automatic focusing means for moving the focus adjustment member to the detected focusing position; a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; and a separate release button. And a fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation, and a fixing means for fixing the focus adjustment member at the current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed and continuing the fixing after the fixing instruction operation is completed. And a focusing stopping means for stopping the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during fixing by the fixing means. 2. A focus position for a subject is automatically detected by a focus adjustment member that varies a distance to be focused on an image plane by moving in the optical axis direction in response to a half-press operation of a release button. An automatic focusing means for moving the focus adjusting member to the detected focus position and fixing the focus adjusting member to the focus position between the half-pressing operation and the next half-pressing operation. And a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button, a fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation which is a separate body from the release button, and the fixing instruction operation. When performed, it is provided with fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at the current position, and focusing stopping means for stopping the automatic focusing operation by the automatic focusing means during fixing by the fixing means. And the camera. 3. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a releasing unit that releases the fixing by the fixing unit when the fixing operation unit is operated during the fixing by the fixing unit. A camera to do. 4. A focus position for a subject of a focus adjusting member, which automatically changes a distance to be focused on an image forming surface by moving in the optical axis direction in response to a half-press operation of a release button, is detected. An automatic focusing means for moving the focus adjustment member to the detected focusing position; a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; and a separate release button. And a fixing operation means for performing a fixing instruction operation, a fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at a current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed, and an automatic focusing means during fixing by the fixing means. A camera comprising: a focus stopping unit that stops the automatic focusing operation according to the above; and a fixing notification unit that notifies that the fixing is being performed by the fixing unit. 5. The camera according to claim 4, wherein when the focus adjustment member moves to the focus position as a result of the automatic focus operation, a focus confirmation sound is generated to inform the focus adjustment member. The fixed notification means further includes a sounding means for generating a sound different from the focusing confirmation sound from the sounding means when the fixing instruction operation is performed, thereby indicating that the fixing is being performed. A camera that features communication. 6. The camera according to claim 4, wherein when the focus adjusting member moves to the in-focus position as a result of the automatic focusing operation, the camera emits light to inform that effect. A camera further comprising a light emitting means, wherein the fixing notification means notifies that the fixing is being performed by continuing to hold the light emission of the light emitting means during the fixing by the fixing means. 7. The camera according to claim 4, further comprising a display unit for displaying an image of the subject or various kinds of photographing information, wherein the fixing notification unit is fixed by the fixing unit. A camera, wherein the display means displays that the fixing is being performed. 8. The camera according to claim 4, further comprising a distance notifying unit that reports a focal length of the focus adjusting member that is being fixed by the fixing unit. 9. The camera according to claim 8, further comprising display means for displaying the image of the subject or various kinds of photographing information, wherein the distance notification means is on the display means while the distance is fixed by the fixing means. A camera displaying the focal length. 10. A focus position for a subject of a focus adjusting member for automatically varying a distance to be focused on an image forming surface by moving in the optical axis direction in response to a half-press operation of a release button is detected. An automatic focusing means for moving the focus adjustment member to the detected focusing position; a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; and a separate release button. The fixing operation means for performing the fixing instruction operation, the fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at the current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed, and the automatic focusing means during the fixing by the fixing means. Automatic focusing stop means for stopping the automatic focusing operation; continuation control means for continuing the fixing even after the photographing operation is performed during fixing by the fixing means; and after the photographing operation is performed. , Said fixed A release control means for releasing the camera. 11. A focus position for a subject is automatically detected by a focus adjusting member that varies a distance to be focused on an image forming surface by moving in the optical axis direction in response to a half-press operation of a release button. An automatic focusing means for moving the focus adjustment member to the detected focusing position; a photographing means for photographing the subject in response to a full-press operation of the release button; and a separate release button. The fixing operation means for performing the fixing instruction operation, the fixing means for fixing the focus adjusting member at the current position when the fixing instruction operation is performed, and the automatic focusing means during the fixing by the fixing means. An automatic focusing stop means for stopping the automatic focusing operation; and, during fixing by the fixing means, the power is cut off,
When the power is turned on again, the focus adjustment member is moved to the position that was fixed by the fixing means before the power was turned off again, and the continuation control means for continuing the fixing and the power cutoff And a release control unit for releasing the fixing. 12. The camera according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a switching unit that switches between control by the continuation control unit and control by the cancellation control unit in response to a switching operation. .