JPH0540292A - Automatic setting camera for focal distance and aspect ratio - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically select an optimum focal distance by setting an aspect ratio, to easily photograph a main object in an optimum size, to automatically select the optimum aspect ratio by setting the focal distance and to easily photograph the main object in the optimum size. CONSTITUTION:A multibeam AF mechanism 15 is loaded on the camera. Information from this AF mechanism 15 is inputted to a controller 10. The controller 10 is equipped with a changeover switch 8 for operating timing switching and frame switching. According to the information obtained from the AF mechanism 15, the controller 10 analyzes the distance and position of the main object. The focal distance optimum for the aspect ratio selected by a user is selected based on this analyzed result. On the other hand, the aspect ratio optimum for the focal distance selected by the user is selected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for automatically setting a focal length and an aspect ratio.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A camera whose aspect ratio can be changed has been previously devised. An auto-zoom camera has also been devised for photographing a person as a subject on the exposed surface of the film in an optimum size.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned 2
No combination of the two ideas. 2 like this
By combining these two ideas, it becomes possible to automatically move the zoom to a focal length that has a variable aspect ratio and that captures the person who is the subject in the optimum size on the exposed surface of the film. However, the optimum focal length changes according to the aspect ratio selected by the user.
Therefore, a new method is needed to find the optimum focal length according to the aspect ratio. Further, the aspect ratio may or may not be optimal depending on the position of the person who is the subject on the screen, the distance between the persons, the arrangement of the persons, and the like, and it is troublesome for the user to select them. In addition to the auto-zoom, when the subject is a person, there is an optimum aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user, but selecting those is also a cumbersome task for the user.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and an object thereof is to provide a camera capable of automatically setting a focal length and an aspect ratio.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a wide-area AF for measuring distances at a plurality of positions on a photographing screen.
It is equipped with a frame priority mode that analyzes the distance and the position of the main subject based on the information obtained from the mechanism and selects the optimum focal length for the aspect ratio selected by the user based on the result.

Another invention is to analyze the distance and the position of the main subject by the information obtained from the wide area AF mechanism,
As a result, it has a zoom priority mode that selects the optimum aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user.

Another invention is provided with both zoom and frame priority modes that operate as a zoom priority mode when a zoom switch is operated and as a frame priority mode when a frame changeover switch is operated.

Another aspect of the invention is to record a predetermined combination of the optimum focal length and the aspect ratio, and analyze the distance and the position of the main subject based on the information obtained from the wide area AF mechanism. Then, the program mode is provided for selecting the optimum one from the above combinations based on the result.

Another invention is to analyze the distance and the position of the main subject based on the information obtained from the wide area AF mechanism,
It is equipped with a review mode in which the optimum focal length and the relationship between the aspect ratio and the combination of the focal length are learned from the result, and the optimum focal length and the aspect ratio are selected from the result.

Further, another invention is provided with the frame priority mode, the zoom priority mode, the program mode, and the review mode.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 2 showing the appearance of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, a taking lens 3 is provided in the center of the front surface of a camera body 2, a viewfinder 4 is provided in the upper center and a finder 4 is provided in the upper left. A strobe light emitting section 6 is provided on the distance measuring windows 5a and 5b and on the upper right side. A shutter release button 7 is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 2. Further, a joystick-type changeover switch 8 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 2. This switch 8 is a combination of a zoom switch 8a for switching the focal length of the taking lens 3 and a frame switch 8b for switching the aspect ratio. When the stick 9 is tilted to the left, the focal length switches to the wide side and to the right side. The focal length switches to the telephoto side when turned down. Also, when the stick 9 is tilted upward, the aspect ratio becomes large,
The screen size is changed in the order of L, H, C, P, and is changed in the order of P, C, H, L so that the aspect ratio becomes small when tilted downward.

L is a 35 mm full size equivalent screen having a screen size of 21.2 mm × 31 mm and an aspect ratio of 1.46,
H is a high-definition screen with a screen size of 21.2 mm x 37.7 mm and an aspect ratio of 1.78, and C has a screen size of 1.
Cinemascope screen with 6.4 mm x 37.7 mm and aspect ratio of 2.30, P has screen size of 13.2 mm x 37.
It shows a panorama size screen with 7 mm and an aspect ratio of 2.86. It should be noted that the high-definition screen is a high-definition television screen, and an image captured on this size screen is advantageous because it does not need to be trimmed when it is converted into an electronic image such as an electronic still image.

The changeover switch 8 and the shutter release switch 18 are connected to the controller 10, as shown in FIG. The controller 10 is composed of a well-known microcomputer, and has an LCD driver 13 in addition to a ROM 11 and a RAM 12 storing programs.
And so on. The controller 10 is connected to a multi-beam AF device 15 as a wide area AF device, an exposure frame switching device 16, and a motor driver 17. The motor driver 17 drives a feeding motor 19 that winds and rewinds the film, and a zoom motor 22 that adjusts the focal lengths of the imaging system lens group 20 and the finder system lens group 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the finder 4 is a Kepler type real image type finder, and the objective lens 23 is used.
25 provided between the eyepiece 24 and the eyepiece lens 24
A liquid crystal display plate 26 showing a field frame is provided on the incident surface side of. As shown in FIG. 5, line-shaped liquid crystal display portions 27 to 31 which are respectively driven corresponding to P, C, H, and L are provided on the peripheral portion of the liquid crystal display plate 26.

Each of the display units 27 to 31 has a slight density so that the photographer can distinguish it from other fields of view in order to easily select the aspect ratio of the photographing screen. When the finder field of view is selected by operating the screen size switching knob 8, the density of the selected finder field becomes slightly higher than the densities of the other fields of view, and it is possible to try changing the shooting screen. Then, when the shutter button 7 is pressed halfway, the density of the selected viewfinder field becomes higher and the photographing range becomes clearer.

That is, when the screen size changeover switch 8 is operated to select one of the P, C, H, and L screen modes, the liquid crystal display sections 27 to 31 are LC-connected in association with this.
It is driven by the D driver 13 and has a viewfinder field corresponding to each screen mode. For example, as shown in FIG.
In the 35 mm full size screen mode of L, the display unit 29-
31 is turned on, and the left and right edges of the field frame have a density. As a result, the 35 mm full size viewfinder field 33 is displayed. In addition, as shown in FIG.
In the high-definition screen mode of, all display units 27-3
1 is turned off, and the field frame size is maximized. As a result, a high-definition size viewfinder field 34 is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the cinemascope screen mode of C, only the liquid crystal display units 27 and 31 are turned on, and the upper and lower edge portions of the field frame have a narrow density. As a result, the finder field of view 35 of the cinemascope size is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the P panorama size screen mode, the liquid crystal display units 27, 28,
30 and 31 are turned on, and the upper and lower edges of the field frame have a wide width and a high density. As a result, the panoramic viewfinder field 36 is displayed.

When the shutter release button 7 is pressed halfway after switching the field of view frame, as shown in FIG.
The exposure frame switching device 16 operates to switch the exposure opening 40 to each screen size. The exposure frame 41 includes a pair of upper and lower side masks 42 and 43 which are movable in parallel with each other.
It is composed of a pair of left and right side masks 44 and 45. The upper and lower side masks 42 and 43 have one end fixed to the endless belt 46, and move in the up and down direction by the rotation of the stepping motor 47 to approach or separate from each other. The left and right side masks 44 and 45 are also configured in the same manner, and approach or separate from each other in the left and right direction by a stepping motor (not shown). This results in an aperture size of 21.2 mm x 31 mm for L, 21.2 mm x 37.7 mm for H, and 1 for C.
6.4 mm x 37.7 mm, P is 13.2 mm x 37.7 mm
Opening size. In addition to the movement of the masks 42 to 45 by the belt and the stepping motor, these masks may be moved in parallel by a solenoid, a link device, a rack and a pinion, or the like.

Next, the control in the controller 10 will be described. First, the items common to the various modes will be described, each mode will be described, and then the composition evaluation function and the learning mode will be described. The modes handled in this embodiment are (1) frame priority mode (maximum angle of view method) (2) frame priority mode (composition evaluation method) (3) zoom priority mode (4) zoom + frame both priority mode (5) Program mode (6) Review mode (7) Learning mode.

[1] Items Common to Various Modes In order for a person as a subject to be photographed on the focus exposure surface with an appropriate size, the relationship between the distance to the subject and the angle of view is expressed by the following formula 1. Need to meet.

[0020]

[Equation 1]

Here, θ is the angle of view determined from the focal length of the taking lens and the size of the film exposure surface, L is the distance to the subject, B is the size of the person, and r is the up / down or left / right of the person who is the subject. This is a parameter that determines how much room to imprint. As for r, for example, r =
In the case of 1, the person is imprinted on the entire screen, and in the case of r = 2, a margin of 0.5 times the size of the person is provided vertically or horizontally. Generally, a margin of (r-1) / 2 times the size of a person is provided in the vertical and horizontal directions. The above relationship is shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a graph obtained by substituting actual numerical values into the equation 1 and plotting the relationship. However, the vertical axis of the graph adopts τ shown by the following equation.

[0023]

[Equation 2]

Using τ, Equation 1 can be expressed as follows.

[Equation 3]

Hereinafter, this τ will be called the angle of view tangent, and will be used as a quantity corresponding to the photographing angle of view. By the way, the relationship of Expression 1 can be applied to any of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions of the screen. However, since the normal screen format is horizontally long and the person is vertically long, it can be understood that when the person is in the center of the screen, it is only necessary to consider the vertical direction. However, this does not apply when the person is not in the center of the screen. This is because the right or left part of the person may be off the screen when the subject is off the center. In the case of a screen with a small aspect ratio as in the past, it was not necessary to consider the case where the subject is significantly deviated from the center of the screen, but a screen with a large aspect ratio like this case was selected and This should be taken into consideration if there is a possibility that a person at a significantly distant position will be photographed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a multi-beam AF system is installed in order to recognize the presence and distance of a person other than the center of the screen. Therefore, assuming that the angle formed by the AF beam with the optical axis of the taking lens is φ, the condition for a person at a distance L to be accommodated in the horizontal direction of the screen including the left and right margins is as shown in Formula 4.

[0026]

[Equation 4]

To simplify Equation 4, the tangent of φ tan φ
Let be M, then Equation 5 is obtained.

[0028]

[Equation 5]

On the other hand, the condition for the person having the distance L to be accommodated in the vertical direction of the screen including the allowances in the upper and lower directions is expressed by the formula 3 and the formula 6.

[0030]

[Equation 6]

Here, τh and τv are the angle of view tangents of the screen in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The most appropriate composition can be obtained when the equal signs are satisfied in both Expressions 5 and 6. The mathematical expressions 5 and 6 are shown in FIG. Here, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the following four types of beams (total of seven beams) are adopted. Center (M = 0) Side (M = 0.16) Edge (M = 0.32) Special (M = 0.64)

By the way, τh and τv are determined by the following expressions from the horizontal and vertical sizes Nv and Nh of the film exposure surface and the focal length F of the photographing lens.

[0033]

[Equation 7]

[0034]

[Equation 8]

The equations (7) and (8) are shown in FIG. Here, the following four exposure surface sizes are assumed.

From Equation 5, Equation 6, Equation 7, and Equation 8, L
And the relationship between F and F is determined as follows.

[0037]

[Equation 9]

[0038]

[Equation 10]

In order to correctly store the object in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen, both Expressions 9 and 10 must hold. Since the most suitable composition is the case where the equal sign holds in both equations, the focal length F that most opposes the subject at the distance L is as shown in Equation 11.

[0040]

[Equation 11] However, min (a, b) is a function that results in one of a and b having a smaller value.

Expressions 9 and 10 can be expressed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, Expression 9 is represented by a thin line and Expression 10 is represented by a thick line.

Hereinafter, in order to simplify the explanation, the following definitions are made. -The type of film exposed surface size is called a frame. -Set the frame label to n _j (j = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
-)-The above n _j is generically called n. -The total number of frames is represented as [n]. The vertical and horizontal lengths of n _j are called Nv _j and Nh _j . • Label each beam of the multi-beam AF with m _i (i =
0, 1, 2, 3, ...). -The above m _i is generically called m. -The total number of multi-beams is expressed as [m]. The tangent tan φ of the angle φ formed by the beam m _i and the lens optical axis is represented by M _i . Denote the distance measured by the beam m _i as L _i . The maximum focal length that can be taken is Fla and the minimum focal length is Fsm. A function for evaluating the adequacy of composition when the focal length F and the frame n are selected in view of the distance information obtained from all the beams is represented by ε (F, n). This will present some things later.・ The minimum value of the function g (p) when the variable p is changed within the range that Condition satisfies is minimum (g (p)) ^condition The value of the variable p at that time is p | whenmin (g (p)) ^condition maximum Similarly, regarding the value, the maximum (g (p)) ^condition is set to the value of p at that time as p | whenmax (g (p)) ^condition .

(1) Frame priority mode (maximum angle of view method) In this mode, the user selects a frame and the camera user selects the optimum focal length from the distance measurement results of each beam. The optimum focal length fo (n _j , m _i ) when the object measured by the beam m _i is photographed in the frame n _j is
Therefore, the following equation is obtained.

[0044]

[Equation 12]

Each time the shutter release is pressed halfway or each time the frame is switched by the user, distance measurement is performed, and the focal length is adjusted to F calculated by the following equation. However, at this time, it is assumed that the frame is set to n _j . Flow charts at this time are shown in FIGS.

[0046]

[Equation 13]

In this mode, any zooming operation by the user is prohibited, but in case the user does not like the focal length selected in this mode, this mode is automatically released when the zoom switch is operated and the zooming operation is performed. It is also possible to shift to another mode in which it is possible, for example, a zoom priority view angle fixed mode or a complete manual mode. A flow chart in this case is shown in FIG.

(2) Frame priority mode (composition evaluation method) In this mode, the user selects a frame and the camera selects the optimum focal length from the distance measurement results of each beam. The distance is measured each time the shutter release is pressed halfway or each time the frame is switched by the user, and the focal length is adjusted to fo calculated by the following equation. However, it is assumed that the frame is set to n _j . Flow charts at this time are shown in FIGS.

[0049]

[Equation 14]

Although any zooming operation by the user is prohibited in this mode, this mode is automatically released when the zoom switch 8a is operated in case the focal length selected in this mode is not desired by the user. , Another mode for zooming operation,
For example, the zoom priority view angle fixed mode or the complete manual mode may be set. A flow chart in this case is shown in FIG.

(3) Zoom priority mode In this mode, the user selects the focal length by zooming and the camera selects the optimum frame from the distance measurement results of each beam. The distance is measured each time the shutter release button is half-pressed or each time zooming is performed by the user, and the frame is adjusted to no calculated by the following equation. However, it is assumed that the focal length is set to F. Flowcharts at this time are shown in FIGS.

[0052]

[Equation 15]

In this mode, any frame switching operation by the user is prohibited. However, in case the frame selected in this mode is not desired by the user, this mode is automatically released when the frame switch 8b is operated. The mode may be changed to another mode in which the frame switching operation is possible, for example, the frame priority view angle fixed mode or the complete manual mode. A flow chart in this case is shown in FIG.

(4) Zoom + frame both priority mode In this mode, the frame switch operates as described in (1) or (2) above, and the zooming operation operates as in (3) above. Flow charts in this case are shown in FIGS. 18, 21, and 23.

(5) Program mode In this mode, the camera selects the optimum focal length and frame from the distance measured for each beam. The distance is measured each time the shutter release is pressed halfway, and the combination of the frame and the focal length that maximizes ε is obtained. First, for each frame ε
Is determined to be fo (n _j ). Flow charts in this case are shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0056]

[Equation 16] Furthermore, it seeks n _j where ε is the largest of fo (n _j),
Let this be no.

[0057]

[Equation 17]

The no obtained at this time is set as a frame, and fo (no) is set as the focal length. In this mode, the frame switching operation and the zooming operation by the user are prohibited. However, in case the user does not like the frame or the focal length selected in this mode, the zoom switch 8a or the frame switch 8b may be operated in case. This mode is automatically canceled at the time of the operation of, and it is possible to shift to another mode in which the frame switching operation can be performed, for example, the zoom priority view angle fixed mode, the frame priority view angle fixed mode, or the complete manual mode. ..

(6) Review Mode The learning described later is performed based on the optimum composition creating conditions accumulated in the past and the distance measurement result of each beam, and the optimum result is obtained from the learning result and the current distance measurement result of each beam. In this mode, the camera selects the focal length and the frame. Distance measurement is performed each time the shutter release is pressed halfway, and the obtained distance measurement distances L _i of the respective beams are input to an AAN (artificial neural network) described later, and the focal length F and frame n _j output from the same AAN are input. Set to. Flow charts in this case are shown in FIGS.

Further, since it is possible that the setting assumed by the camera to be optimum is not optimum for the user, it is possible to sequentially set other suitable settings. For example, each time the review button is pressed, the most suitable setting, the second most suitable setting, the third most suitable setting, and so on can be sequentially selected.

In this mode, the frame switching operation and zooming operation by the user are prohibited at all, but in case the user does not like the frame or the focal length selected in this mode, the frame switch operation or the zooming operation is performed. At times, this mode may be automatically canceled and the mode may be changed to another mode in which the frame switching operation is possible, for example, the zoom priority view angle fixed mode, the frame priority view angle fixed mode, or the complete manual mode.

[2] Composition Evaluation Function The optimum angle-of-view tangent for the subject measured by the beam m _i is as shown in the following equations in the horizontal and vertical directions as shown in equations 5 and 6.

[0063]

[Equation 18]

[0064]

[Formula 19]

On the other hand, the actual angle of view when the focal length F and the frame n _j are selected is as follows.

[0066]

[Equation 20]

[0067]

[Equation 21]

The logarithmic value of the ratio between the optimum angle of view and the actual angle of view is given to the function v as shown in FIG. 28, and the result is used as an evaluation function indicating how appropriate the angle of view is for the subject. To do.

[0069]

[Equation 22]

[0070]

[Equation 23]

When eh and ev are "0", it is most suitable, and when -1 is "-1", it is most unsuitable (close to the prohibited state). Further, when it is “0”, it is neither (no influence on the angle of view determination standard). Specifically, when τ is equal to τo, it takes the maximum value “1”. In this case, the subject is imprinted on the film in the most suitable size. Further, as τ becomes larger than τo, it approaches “0”. In this case, the subject is captured in a size smaller than the most suitable size. Also, τ
When is smaller than τo, the minimum value is "-1". In this case, the subject will run off the film exposure surface. Furthermore, when τ is too smaller than τo, it approaches "0" again. This is because the subject is too close to the set focal length and frame and it is not necessary to shoot at the same time as other subjects, or even if not, it should not be taken at the same time due to the depth of field. This corresponds to the case where it can be assumed that the subject is not a person. The evaluation function e for each subject hitting each beam is ε which is the sum of all the beams.

[0072]

[Equation 24]

In the above example, the evaluation value is calculated using the same function v for each beam, but a different evaluation function may be used for each beam. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the beam M _i
It is also possible to use different evaluation functions depending on the value of. As shown in FIG. 7A, for a beam with a large M _i ,
When τ is too smaller than τo, a function that approaches “0” again is used. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, for a beam with a small M _i, a function that does not easily approach “0” even when τ is smaller than τ o is used. This is because the subject in the center of the screen is more likely to be the main subject, and if τ is too smaller than τo, the assumption that there is no influence on the angle-of-view determination criterion is not likely to hold.

[3] Learning Mode The relationship between the focal length / frame selected in the various modes (1) to (6) and the distance measurement result of each beam will be referred to as composition-related information. When the camera is set to the learning mode, the release button 7 is pressed halfway or fully or the learning switch 50 (see FIG. 1) is turned on by pressing down the learning button (these are referred to as learning timings). The composition-related information at that time is stored in the camera, and learning is performed based on the composition-related information recorded in the past and the composition-related information this time. As mentioned above, (6)
In the review mode, the review switch 51 is pressed when the release button 7 is pressed halfway or fully or when the review button is pressed.
When is turned on, the focal length and frame determined by the camera to be optimum are set from the learning result and the distance measurement result of each beam. Further, since the setting assumed by the camera to be optimum may not be optimum for the user, other suitable settings can be sequentially selected. For example, every time you press the learn button, the most suitable setting, the second most suitable setting,
The third most suitable setting is to be selected sequentially. A flow chart in this case is shown in FIG.

AAN is used to perform learning based on the composition-related information. As one of the learning methods using AAN,
Error back-propagation learning (back propagation) is known. This method will be described below.

First, an input layer, an output layer, and one or more intermediate layers as shown in FIG. 31 are provided, and each unit of the input layer corresponds to each unit of the intermediate layer and each unit of the intermediate layer corresponds to the output layer. Prepare a network that is unidirectionally connected to each unit. When an input signal vector is given to the input layer of this network, some output signal vector is obtained according to the coupling coefficient and the threshold value of each unit in the network. Furthermore, the input signal vector and the most suitable (or most expected) for that input signal vector
Prepare some combinations of output signal vectors (this is called a teacher signal vector). From the difference between the output signal vector that actually appears in the output layer when the input signal vector is given to the input layer and the ideal teacher signal vector, the operation of changing the coupling coefficient and the threshold value of each unit is performed. Learning). By repeating learning, the coupling coefficient and the threshold value are changed so that an optimum output signal vector close to the teacher signal can be obtained for any input signal vector.

In this embodiment, a value I _i obtained by normalizing the distance L _i measured by each beam at the learning timing is given as the input signal vector. I _i is obtained as follows.

[0078]

[Equation 25]

Lmin is the minimum distance that can be measured. In this way, I _i becomes “1” at the closest distance, and I _i becomes “0” at the infinite distance. During this period, if the focal length is constant, I _i takes a value proportional to the size of the subject on the film. As the output signal vector, a value O _k representing the suitability of the composition is output for all possible combinations of the focal length and the frame. The combination is defined as follows.

First, a typical focal length is selected so that the reciprocal of the focal length becomes even, and Z0, Z1, Z2, ...
・ ・For example, in a camera capable of photographing a focal length of 28 mm to 110 mm, the typical value is selected as follows. Focal length Reciprocal of focal length Z ₀ = 28 mm 0.036 Z ₁ = 30 mm 0.033 Z ₂ = 33 mm 0.030 Z ₃ = 37 mm 0.027 Z ₄ = 42 mm 0.024 Z ₅ = 48 mm 0.021 Z ₆ = 56 mm 0.018 Z ₇ = 67 mm 0.015 Z ₈ = 83 mm 0.012 Z ₉ = 110 mm 0.009

The above Z _p (p = 0, 1, 2, ...) Is referred to as a focal length representative value, and the total number thereof is [Z]. Further, Z _p is generically referred to as Z. These are combined with the frame n _j to make all possible combinations (see FIG. 32). Specifically, the focal length representative value Z _p and the evaluation value of the composition when the frame n _j are selected are assigned so as to be O _{p · [n] + j} .

As the teacher signal vector T _k , consider the same combination of focal length and frame as the output signal vector. It is assumed that the frame n _j and the focal length F are selected at the learning timing. First, a focal length representative value closest to F is selected and its subscript is q.

[0083]

[Equation 26]

However, abs (x) is a function whose result is the absolute value of x. In particular, when the focal length representative value is set so that the reciprocals are equal as described above, Z _q satisfying the following condition may be searched for.

[0085]

[Equation 27]

Of the elements T _k , the only element corresponding to the combination of the representative focal length Z _q and the frame n _j is “1”, and the other elements are “0”.

[0087]

[Equation 28]

Next, the learning procedure of the AAN defined in this way will be described. First, define as follows. Output of unit i of I _i input layer (equivalent to I _{i of} Equation 25) U _j Input of unit j of intermediate layer H _j Output of unit j of intermediate layer S _k Input of unit k of output layer O _k Output layer Output of unit k (O _k defined earlier)
Equivalent) T _k Teacher signal for unit _{k in} output layer (equivalent to T _k defined above) W _ji Coupling coefficient from unit i in input layer to unit j in intermediate layer V _jk Unit j in output layer to output layer Coupling coefficient to the unit k of θ _j Threshold value of the unit j of the intermediate layer γ _k Threshold value of the unit k of the output layer [H] The number of units of the intermediate layer Means all sets.

(1) Initialize each coefficient and threshold value of the network with appropriate values. (2) The input signal vector {I _i } and the teacher signal vector {T _k } are calculated based on the newest composition-related information stored. (3) From the input signal vector {I _i } to the intermediate layer unit j
The input {U _j } to

[0090]

[Equation 29]

(4) Obtain the output {H _j } of the intermediate layer unit.

[0092]

[Equation 30]

Here, the function g (x) is a function for converting the value x input to the unit into the output value of the unit (hereinafter referred to as a unit function). The unit function is a function whose output value monotonically increases from “0” to “+1”, and a normal sigmoid function (see FIG. 33, Formula 31) is adopted.

[0094]

[Equation 31]

(5) The input {S _k } to the output layer unit k is obtained from {H _j }.

[0096]

[Equation 32]

(6) Obtain the output {O _k } of the output layer unit.

[0098]

[Expression 33]

(7) From the difference between O _k and T _k , the error δ _k with respect to the coupling coefficient connected to the unit k of the output layer and the offset of the output layer unit k is _obtained .

(8) From δ _k , {V _kj } and H _j , the error δ _j with respect to the coupling coefficient connected to the unit j of the intermediate layer and the offset of the intermediate unit j is obtained.

(9) V _kj is corrected with an appropriate coefficient α by using δ _k . Similarly, γ _k is corrected by a mortgage coefficient β.

[0102]

[Equation 36]

[0103]

[Equation 37]

(10) W _ji is _converted to an appropriate coefficient α using σ _j
Correct with. Similarly, θ _j is corrected by an appropriate coefficient β.

[0105]

[Equation 38]

[0106]

[Formula 39]

Α and β in the above (9) and (10) are parameters for determining the learning speed. The larger the value, the faster the learning, but the lower the accuracy.

(11) Next, if there is new composition-related information, the input signal vector {I _i } and the teacher signal {T _k } are calculated based on it, and the process is repeated from (3). If the composition-related information referred to this time is the oldest stored, proceed to (12).

(12) When the number of repetitions of (3) to (11) exceeds the limit number of times, the process ends. If not, repeat from (2).

AAN is learned by the procedures (1) to (12). The details of the learning procedure and general knowledge of AAN are described in detail in "Introduction and Learning Neurocomputer" published by Technical Review Company. In the review mode, the distance is measured each time the shutter release is pressed halfway, and the result is input to the learned AAN, and the value of the output vector {O _k } obtained as a result (the value indicating the compatibility of the composition) is Set to the combination of frame and focal length that corresponds to the largest element. That is,

[0111]

[Formula 40]

Then, the focal length is Zo shown by the following equation,
The frame is set to no.

[0113]

[Formula 41]

[0114]

[Equation 42]

However, div represents an integer division, and mo
d represents the remainder. Further, when the setting of Zo and no is not optimal for the user and the learning button is pushed down in order to select another suitable setting, the value of the output vector {O _k } is the second largest. Set it to the combination of frame and focal length corresponding to the element. Further, when the learning button is pressed, each time the button is pressed, the combination corresponding to the element with the second largest value, the combination corresponding to the element with the third largest value, and so on. Are sequentially set in the order of combinations (see FIG. 30).

In the above embodiment, the exposure frame switching device 16 is used to switch the screen size for shooting, but in addition to this, all shooting is performed in one screen size, and in addition to this, The trimming information indicating the size may be recorded in the magnetic recording layer of the film, the IC memory of the cartridge, or the like to perform the pseudo trimming photographing. In this case, the trimming information is read at the time of printing, and trimming printing is performed based on this.
Further, the present invention is, of course, not limited to the numerical value of the aspect ratio or the number of screens. Although the Kepler-type real image finder is adopted as the finder 4 in this embodiment, a daylight finder or another real image zoom finder may be used. Further, as the wide area AF mechanism having a function of measuring the distance to a plurality of positions on the photographing screen, not only the above-mentioned multi-beam AF mechanism but also, for example, long slit light is projected on the photographing screen in a horizontal or diagonal direction, A slit beam AF mechanism for performing distance measurement by reflected light returning from a plurality of positions may be used.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Set the aspect ratio because it has a frame priority mode that analyzes the distance and its position of the main subject based on the information obtained from the wide area AF mechanism and selects the optimum focal length for the aspect ratio selected by the user based on the result. By doing so, the optimum focal length is automatically selected, and the main subject can be easily photographed in the optimum size.

Further, since the distance and the position of the main subject are analyzed by the information obtained from the wide area AF mechanism, a zoom priority mode for selecting the optimum aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user is provided with the result. , The optimum aspect ratio is automatically selected by setting the focal length, and the main subject can be easily photographed in the optimum size.

By providing both of the above modes,
When the user sets the focal length, the optimal aspect ratio for this is automatically selected, and when the user sets the aspect ratio, the optimal focal length for this is automatically selected. You can always shoot the main subject in the optimal size.

Further, the combination of the optimum focal length and the aspect ratio which is determined in advance is recorded, and the wide area A
The distance and the position of the main subject are analyzed based on the information obtained from the F mechanism, and the program mode is provided to select the optimum one from the combinations based on the result, so that the main subject is similarly photographed in the optimum size. can do.

Further, the combinations of the focal lengths and the aspect ratios obtained from the results of the respective modes are sequentially stored, and the distance measuring point of the wide area AF, the optimum focal lengths and the aspect ratios are selected from the combinations stored in the past. By providing the review mode for selecting and, the learning effect is exerted, and the size of the main subject can be further optimized to easily take a picture.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a changeover switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a finder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal display plate provided inside the finder shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a viewfinder field of a screen equivalent to 35 mm full size.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a viewfinder field of a high-definition screen.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a finder field of view of a cinema scope screen.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a viewfinder field of a standard panoramic screen.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of an exposure frame switching device.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship among an angle of view θ, a distance L from a subject to a photographing lens, a size B of a person, and a parameter r.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing Equation 1 as a relationship between a distance from a subject to a photographing lens and an optimum angle of view.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing Expressions 5 and 6 as a relationship between the distance from the subject to the taking lens and the optimum angle of view.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing each beam of multi-beam AF according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing Expressions 7 and 8 as a relationship between the focal length and the optimum angle of view.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing equations (9) and (10) in the relationship between the distance L and the optimum focal length when the subject of the beam Special is photographed in the frame H.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart when the shutter release button is pressed halfway in the frame priority mode.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart when frame switching is performed in the frame priority mode.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart when a zooming operation is performed in the frame priority mode.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart when the shutter release button is pressed halfway in the zoom priority mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for performing a zooming operation in the zoom priority mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart when a frame switching operation is performed in the zoom priority mode.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart when the shutter release button is pressed halfway in the zoom + frame priority mode.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart when the shutter release button is pressed halfway in the program mode.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for performing a zooming operation and a frame switching operation in the program mode.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart when the shutter release button is pressed halfway in the review mode.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for performing a zooming operation and a frame switching operation in the review mode.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an evaluation function V (x) indicating how appropriate an angle of view is for a subject.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of three evaluation functions provided according to the value of a beam M _i .

FIG. 30 is a flowchart when a learning button is pressed in the learning mode.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an artificial neural network including an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a combination of a composition suitability output and a focal length representative value Z _p corresponding thereto and a frame n _j in the same neural network.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a sigmoid function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 8 changeover switch 8a zoom switch 8b frame switch 10 controller 15 multi-beam AF mechanism 16 exposure frame changeover device 26 liquid crystal display panel 27-31 display section

[Equation 34]

[Equation 35]

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A zoom camera having a variable aspect ratio, in which the distance and its position of a main subject are analyzed based on information obtained from a wide-area AF mechanism for measuring a plurality of positions on a photographing screen, and the result is selected by a user. A camera that is equipped with a frame priority mode that selects the optimum focal length for the aspect ratio. 2. In a zoom camera with an adjustable aspect ratio, the distance and position of a main subject are analyzed based on information obtained from a wide-area AF mechanism that measures distances at a plurality of locations on a shooting screen, and the result is selected by the user. A camera characterized by a zoom priority mode that selects the optimum aspect ratio for the focal length. 3. In a zoom camera with a variable aspect ratio, the distance and its position of a main subject are analyzed based on the information obtained from a wide-area AF mechanism that measures a plurality of locations on a shooting screen, and the result is selected by the user. A frame priority mode for selecting the optimum focal length for the aspect ratio, and a zoom priority mode for selecting the optimum aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user based on the analysis result are provided. camera. 4. A zoom camera whose aspect ratio can be changed analyzes the distance and its position of a main subject based on information obtained from a wide area AF mechanism that measures a plurality of positions on a photographing screen, and the user selects the result according to the result. The zoom switch is operated with a frame priority mode that selects the optimal focal length for the aspect ratio and a zoom priority mode that selects the optimal aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user based on the analysis results. A camera characterized in that it sometimes operates as the zoom priority mode, and when the frame changeover switch is operated, it operates as the frame priority mode. 5. A wide-range AF mechanism that records a predetermined combination of an optimum focal length and an aspect ratio in a zoom camera whose aspect ratio can be changed, and measures the distance to a plurality of positions on a photographing screen. A camera having a program mode for analyzing the distance and the position of a main subject based on the obtained information and selecting the optimum one from the combinations based on the result. 6. A zoom camera having a variable aspect ratio, in which the distance and its position of a main subject are analyzed based on information obtained from a wide-area AF mechanism for measuring a plurality of positions on a photographing screen, and the result is selected by a user. The frame priority mode that selects the optimum focal length for the aspect ratio, the zoom priority mode that selects the optimum aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user based on the analysis results, and the predetermined optimum A camera having a program mode in which a combination of various focal lengths and aspect ratios is recorded and an optimum one is selected from the combinations based on the analysis result. 7. A zoom camera with a changeable aspect ratio is used to analyze the distance and position of a main subject based on information obtained from a wide-area AF mechanism that measures a plurality of locations on a shooting screen, and the result is selected by the user. The frame priority mode that selects the optimum focal length for the aspect ratio, the zoom priority mode that selects the optimum aspect ratio for the focal length selected by the user based on the analysis results, and the predetermined optimum A combination of focal length and aspect ratio is recorded, and a program mode for selecting an optimum one from the combinations based on the analysis result, and a combination of the focal length and the aspect ratio obtained as a result of each mode are described. Sequentially memorize, and from the combinations memorized in the past, the distance measurement point of the wide area AF mechanism and the optimum focal length and A camera equipped with a review mode for selecting a cut ratio and a cut ratio.