JPH07295025A - Feed device for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prolong the life of a battery by judging external environmental circumstances based on the present positional information of a camera obtained by a GPS and changing feed duration in accordance with the external environmental circumstances. CONSTITUTION:A microcomputer PRS obtains the information on a position where the camera is put at present from a GPS receiver DGP. Furthermore, the computer PRS obtains date information from an imprinting device incorporated in the computer PRS or being one of the devices of a camera system. Continuously, the optimum feed maintaining time T at the present position is set by timer value set arithmetic operation based on the obtained positional information. Then, three kinds of decided values for obtaining the optimum feed maintaining time for a season in a place where the camera is used are obtained based on the latitude information and the date information obtained. By subtracting the optimum feed maintaining time variable value based on height information already obtained and the optimum feed maintaining time variable value based on the latitude information from the T which is set as the maximum value of the feed maintaining time, the optimum feed maintaining time for the present position is obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply holding device for a camera, which enables photometric calculation, a display circuit, a detachable device such as a lens to be energized for a predetermined time only when necessary.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional camera, when a release button is pressed to the first stage and is in a half-pushed state, a switch for supplying power to all or a part of electric elements constituting the camera is turned on only when necessary. As a result, the photometric circuit in the camera, the AF control device, etc. are activated. While displaying the exposure control information such as the aperture and shutter speed calculated based on the subject brightness detected by the photometry circuit, the AF control device controls the AF sensor to obtain the focus adjustment information based on the AF sensor output. Focus is adjusted.

The power supply switch that is turned on in the half-pressed state is turned on for a predetermined time even if the release button is released from the half-pressed state once it is turned on.
Persist the state. During this time, the user can input the setting value information into the camera from the control information of the camera such as the exposure information displayed on the display device, and perform the shooting suitable for the user.

[0004]

However, the energy of the battery is continuously consumed while the power source is held,
Since recent cameras are electronically controlled, even a short time has a great effect on battery life.

Further, the battery performance greatly varies depending on the external environment temperature, and extremely decreases at low temperatures. Even in the case of the same camera, the battery life greatly changes depending on the external environment temperature in which it is used. Therefore, when shooting in a cold region, the battery is frequently replaced during shooting. Therefore, there is a problem in that the usability and reliability are impaired, for example, it is necessary to prepare a large number of spare batteries.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] GLOBAL
The battery life is extended by determining the external environment condition based on the current position information of the camera obtained by the POSITIONING SYSTEM (hereinafter abbreviated as GPS) and changing the power supply duration according to the external environment condition.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below based on the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a camera as a first embodiment of the present invention. First, the structure of each part will be described.

In FIG. 1, PRS is a camera control device, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), RO
It is a one-chip computer (hereinafter referred to as a computer) in which an M, a RAM, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), an A / D conversion function, and an input / output port are arranged. The computer PRS performs a series of camera operations such as an automatic exposure control device, an automatic focus adjustment function, film winding and rewinding in accordance with a camera sequence program stored in the ROM. Therefore, the computer PRS uses the communication signal S
O, SI, SCLK communication selection signals CLCM, CSRD,
The XDDR is used to communicate with the peripheral circuits in the camera body and the control device in the lens to control the operation of each circuit and the lens.

SO is a data signal output from the computer, SI is a data signal input to the computer PRS, and SCLK is a synchronous clock of the signals SO and SI.

LCM is a lens communication buffer circuit,
When the camera is operating, power is supplied to the lens power supply terminal VL, and the selection signal CLCM from the computer PRS is at a high potential level (hereinafter abbreviated as'H 'and low potential level is abbreviated as'L'). When the camera
It serves as a communication buffer between lenses.

When the computer PRS sets CLCM to "H" and sends out predetermined data from SO in synchronization with SCLK, the buffer circuit LCM causes the buffers for SCLK and SO to pass through the communication contact between the camera and the lens. Signal L
Output CK and DCL to the lens.

At the same time, the signal DLC from the lens is output to the buffer signal SI, and the computer PRS is set to SC.
Lens data is input from SI in synchronization with LK.

DDR is a switch detection and display device driving circuit, and is selected when the signal CDRD is "H",
It is controlled from the computer PRS using SO, SI and SCLK.

That is, the display of the display device DSP of the camera is switched based on the data sent from the computer PRS, and the on / off state of various operation members of the camera is notified to the computer PRS by communication.

SW1 and SW2 are switches linked to a release button (not shown), one of which is grounded and the other of which is connected to a terminal of the computer PRS. SW
The terminal of the computer PRS to which 1 and 2 are connected is connected to the positive terminal of the battery by a pull-up resistor (not shown).

By pressing the release button in the first stage, S
When W1 is turned on, it is in a half-depressed state, and subsequently, when pressed in the second stage, SW2 is turned on. Computer PRS is S
When W1 turns on, the terminal connected through the resistor to turn on the transistor PTR is pulled down to the LOW level. Then, by turning on a transistor (not shown) to the electric element that has started the time measurement from the previous time SW1 was turned on by the built-in timer and the power supply was turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed, the power is newly supplied from the battery and the photometry, Performs automatic focus adjustment, resets the timer that controls power supply, and starts timing.

Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed by the timer, the transistor is turned off to stop the power supply to the electric element.

When SW2 is further turned on, this is used as a trigger for exposure control and subsequent film winding.

SW2 is connected to the "interrupt input terminal" of the computer PRS, and even if the program when SW1 is on is interrupted by SW2 on, control can be immediately transferred to a predetermined interrupt program. .

MTR1 is a film feeding motor, and MTR2 is a mirror up / down and shutter spring charging motor, and forward / reverse control is performed by respective drive circuits MDR1 and MDR2. Signals M1F and M1 input from the computer PRS to MDR1 and MDR2
R, M2F and M2R are signals for motor control.

MG1 and MG2 are energized by a shutter front curtain, a rear curtain running start magnet, signals SMG1 and SMG2, and amplification transistors TR1 and TR2, respectively, and shutter control is performed by a computer PRS.

The DGP is a GPS receiver for receiving transmission data including time and the like from an artificial satellite via the antenna ANT to know the current position.

The position information obtained by the DGP is transmitted to the microcomputer PRS, and the microcomputer PRS uses this position information for controlling the power supply maintaining time.

LPRS is an in-lens control circuit, which is a signal DCL input to the circuit LPRS in synchronization with LCLK.
Is data of an instruction from the camera to the taking lens LNS, and the operation of the lens in response to the instruction is predetermined. The control circuit LPRS analyzes the command according to a predetermined procedure, and performs focus adjustment, diaphragm control operation, output DLC.
To output the operation status of each part of the lens (drive status of the focus adjustment optical system, drive status of the diaphragm, etc.).

When a command for focus adjustment is sent from the camera, the focus adjustment motor LMTR is driven by the signals LMF and LMR according to the drive amount and direction sent at the same time, and the focus adjustment optical system is turned on. Move the lens in the axial direction to adjust the focus. The movement amount of the optical system is an encoder circuit ENC that detects the pattern of the pulse plate that rotates in conjunction with the optical system with a photocoupler and outputs the number of pulses according to the movement amount.
The pulse signal SENCF of F is monitored and the counter in the circuit LPRS counts, and when the count value matches the movement amount sent to the circuit LPRS, the LPRS itself outputs the signal LM.
F and LMR are set to “L” to control the motor LMTR.

Therefore, once the focus adjustment command is sent from the camera, the camera control device computer PR is used.
S does not have to be involved in the lens driving at all until the driving of the lens is completed. Also, the contents of the counter can be sent to the camera when requested by the camera.

SPC is a photometric sensor for exposure control that receives light from a subject through a taking lens, and its output SSPC is input to an analog input terminal of a computer PRS, and after A / D conversion, a predetermined program. Is used for automatic exposure control.

The sensor drive circuit SDR1 is provided with the sensor device S according to each signal input from the computer PRS.
Each control of NS1 is performed.

The signal CSDR1 is used when the computer PRS communicates with the sensor driving device SDR1.

The data signal SO is supplied to the sensor driving device SDR.
1. Several drive modes prepared in advance and amplification degrees for amplifying image signals from the sensor device SNS1 are selected, and photoelectric conversion element row pairs for performing read driving among five photoelectric conversion element row pairs are selected. To do.

ΦBCLK is a reference clock for operating the sensor driving device SDR1, and the sensor device SNS1 is driven in synchronization with this signal.

Signal φB input to sensor device SNS1
0, φB1, φB2, and φB3 are drive signals for selecting five photoelectric conversion element row pairs selected by the data signal SO and for reading and driving one of the selected photoelectric conversion element row pairs. The sensor device SNS1 is driven according to the output φCONT.

The sensor device SNS1 is a light receiving element of the focus detection device and is composed of a pair of five photoelectric conversion element arrays.

The five pairs of photoelectric conversion element arrays are arranged on the same chip corresponding to each position of the distance measuring points displayed in the camera finder shown in FIG.
Drive control is performed by DR2.

The sensor device SNS1 in this embodiment is composed of a storage photoelectric sensor array composed of a phototransistor array disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 12579 / 60-12765. Unlike the known CCD sensor or MOS sensor, the sensor array accumulates charges proportional to incident light in the base portion of the transistor, and outputs a signal according to the accumulated charge amount for each sensor array during reading. To do. The operation of the photoelectric conversion element alone is disclosed in the above-mentioned publications and the like, and thus its details are omitted.

Here, the above-mentioned photometric sensor SPC, sensor device SNS1, sensor drive device SDR1, display device DS.
Power supply to P, switch detection, and DDR, which is a display drive device, is started after the half-pressed state of SW1 is turned on, and power supply is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time counted by a built-in timer.

As a result, power is supplied only when necessary,
The battery is configured to consume the minimum required power.

Next, the control of the computer PRS will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the switch detection and display drive device DDR detects that the main SW (not shown) is turned on, the DDR knows that the main SW is turned on by communicating with the computer PRS. (# 10
1)

Then, the computer PRS displays the display device D.
Data such as the shooting mode of the camera displayed on the SP is transmitted to the switch detection and display drive device DDR, and the data is also read from the ROM built into the computer PRS as necessary, and the predetermined memory is determined. Perform the initialization operation to store in the position. (# 102)

When a series of initialization operations are completed, SW1 is activated by pressing the release button (not shown) in the first stage.
Waits until it is turned on. (# 103)

When it is detected that SW1 is turned on, the computer PRS pulls down the control terminal to the LOW level so as to turn on the transistor PTR.

As a result, power is supplied to the electric elements which are supplied only when necessary, such as the exposure control sensor SPC, the sensor drive device SDR1 and the sensor device SNS1.

Further, data necessary for a series of data processing and control such as photometry calculation and AF control is communicated with a taking lens unit LNS mounted via a mount, and a predetermined position of a memory is determined. To store. (# 1
04)

Next, in the timer setting subroutine, the time T for keeping the transistor PTR ON is set. (#
105)

The timer setting subroutine will be described later.

Then, the focus adjustment state of the lens is detected by the sensor driving device SDR1 and the sensor device SNS1, and AF control is performed to drive the lens based on the calculated result of the focusing to focus on the subject. (# 106)

Then, the exposure data is obtained by the exposure control sensor SPC, and the optimum exposure control information is calculated by using the information from the taking lens according to the photographing mode of the camera set at that time.

The exposure control information obtained at this time is sent from the computer PRS to the switch detection and display drive device DDR.
And is displayed by the display device DSP. (# 1
07)

After the exposure control information is obtained, it is checked whether or not the switch SW2 which is a film exposure control start signal and which is turned on by the second depression of the release button is turned on. (# 108)

When it is detected that the SW2 is turned on, the optimum control information for the lens obtained based on the information obtained by the photometric calculation is transmitted to the photographic lens LNS mounted through the lens control device LCOM. , A series of film exposure control operations such as shirt control. (# 111)

If SW2 is off, it is confirmed whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the time T set in # 105 by the built-in timer, that is, whether the power supply maintaining time is zero. (# 109)

If it is not zero, the power supply is maintained,
The above-described photometric processing of # 107 is performed again. At this time, if the exposure data obtained from the exposure control sensor SPC is different from the previous exposure data because the subject or the light state of the subject has changed, the optimum exposure control information is calculated from the current exposure data. To do.

When it becomes zero, it is determined that the power supply is completed, and the control terminal connected to the base of the transistor PTR via a resistor is turned off to turn off the transistor PTR.
Switching to the level and ending the power supply to the electric element that supplies power only when necessary.

Next, based on FIGS. 3 and 4, # 10 in FIG.
The timer setting subroutine for setting the power supply maintaining time T shown in 5 will be described.

First, the microcomputer PRS is GP
The position information of the current camera is obtained from the S receiver DGP. (# 120)

This position information is obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP based on the time data from the artificial satellite.

Further, the date information is obtained from the imprinting device which is built in the computer PRS or which is one of camera systems (not shown). (# 121)

Then, based on the obtained position information, the optimum power supply maintaining time is set at the current position by the timer value setting calculation described later. (# 122)

Here, based on the power supply maintaining time T and the latitude information and altitude information which are part of the position information obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP, the initial values of the variable amounts TP and TH for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time are obtained. To convert. Here, T is set to a predetermined maximum power supply maintaining time TMAX. Set TP and HP to zero.

Further, from the obtained latitude information and the date information from the imprinting device which is built in the computer PRS or is one of the camera systems (not shown), it is most suitable for the season of the place where the camera is currently used. In addition, the following three types of determination values for determining the power supply maintenance time are determined.

Power supply maintenance time variable judgment maximum latitude value LMAX Power supply maintenance time variable judgment altitude value HMIN Power supply maintenance time variable judgment minimum latitude value LMIN (# 130)

Next, the latitude information L which is a part of the position information obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP is extracted and compared with a predetermined minimum power supply maintenance time determination latitude value LMAX. (#
131)

If L is greater than or equal to LMAX, the power feeding maintaining time T is set to the minimum power feeding maintaining time TMIN, and (# 141).
The timer value setting process ends.

If L is not greater than LMAX, altitude information, which is a part of the position information of the GPS receiving device DGP, is extracted and compared with a power supply maintenance time variable determination altitude value HMIN prepared in advance. If H is not larger than HMIN, the power supply maintenance time is not optimized depending on the altitude, and the process proceeds to latitude power supply maintenance time optimization processing (# 135). (# 132)

If H is greater than or equal to HMIN, the difference ΔH between the power supply maintenance time variable determination altitude value HMIN and H prepared in advance.
Ask for. (# 133)

Then, by a coefficient HA that is prepared in advance and serves as a scale for varying the power supply maintenance time depending on the altitude, Δ
Divide H to obtain a power supply maintaining time variable value TH for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time for the current altitude. (# 134)

Subsequently, the latitude information L is compared with a predetermined power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN.
(# 135)

If L is less than or equal to LMIN, the power feeding maintaining time T is not optimized depending on the latitude.

If L is not smaller than LMIN, the difference ΔL from the power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN prepared in advance is obtained from the latitude information L. (# 136)

Then, by the coefficient PA that is prepared beforehand and serves as a scale for varying the power supply maintenance time depending on the latitude, Δ
By dividing L, the power supply maintaining time variable value TP for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time for the current altitude is obtained. (# 137)

Finally, the optimum power supply maintaining time variable value TH from the already obtained altitude information and the optimum power supply maintaining time variable value TP from the latitude information are set to the maximum value of the power supply maintaining time T. By subtracting from, the optimum power supply maintenance time for the current position can be obtained. (# 138)

Here, the power supply maintaining time variable values TP and TH
First sets TP = 0 and TH = 0, so
Even if a value is not set in TP or TH depending on the latitude or altitude, the obtained power supply maintaining time T is optimized and there is no problem.

Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver will be described with reference to FIG.

The antenna ANT is NAVASTA (not shown).
Receives radio waves from R satellites, for example quadrify
Ra-helix type. R received by this antenna
The F signal is input to the mixer MX. On the other hand, the modulator DM spreads the local oscillation signal CK1 from the local oscillator PG1 with the PN code signal from the PN code generator PNCG, and the spread modulation signal is input to the mixer MX. As a result, the RF signal has an intermediate frequency I
The data demodulation circuit DDM, which is converted into the F signal, demodulates the data including the time when the satellite transmits the signal from the input signal. The demodulated data is the data processing circuit DPC
And the delay measuring circuit DLYD.

When the demodulation data is input, the delay measuring circuit DLYD outputs a timing signal to the PN code generator PNCG. PN code generator PNCG is PN
Clock pulse C from the code clock generator PG2
The PN code is always generated by K2, and when the timing signal is input, the generated PN code is sent to the delay measuring circuit DLYD. And
The PN code from the data demodulation circuit DDM and the PN code from the PN code generator PNCG are the delay measurement circuit DLY.
Then, the delay time of the PN code required for correlation of both PN codes is measured. The delay time of this PN code is measured by counting the high frequency clock pulse CK3 from the measurement clock generator PG3, and the counted value is P
The delay data necessary for the correlation of the N code is output from the delay measuring circuit DLYD to the data processing circuit DPC.

The data processing circuit DPC is composed of a microprocessor and is driven by the clock pulse CK4 from the data processing clock generation circuit PG4.
The radio wave propagation time from the satellite to the GPS receiver is obtained from the transmission time data included in the demodulated data from the data demodulation circuit DDM and the reception time data obtained from a cesium and rubidium vapor atomic clock (not shown) built into the GPS receiver. , Calculate the distance from the satellite to the GPS receiver from the time. Then, the data processing circuit 235 obtains the position information concerning the latitude, longitude and altitude of the GPS receiver by calculation from the distance information from each satellite and the position information of each satellite itself included in the demodulated data, and sends it to the computer PRS. Output.

In this way, by changing the power supply maintaining time of the camera according to the GPS information, the load is reduced and the battery life is extended according to the performance of the battery.

The second embodiment will be described in detail below.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention, which has a configuration in which the line-of-sight detection function is added to FIG.

A sensor drive device SDR as a line-of-sight detection function
2 and the sensor device SNS2 are added.

Therefore, the other parts except the visual axis detecting function have already been described. Therefore, FIG. 6 describes the visual axis detecting section, and in the second embodiment, the operation in relation to the visual axis detecting function is performed. The focus detection function to be performed will be described.

First, the line-of-sight detection unit will be described with reference to FIG.

The sensor drive circuit SDR2 operates in accordance with each signal input from the computer PRS.
Each control of NS2 is performed. For the data signal SO, the sensor device SNS2 is driven in a predetermined drive mode from among several drive modes prepared in advance. At this time, the driving status can be notified to the computer PRS by the data signal SI.

The signals φVI and φHI may be the sensor device SNS depending on the drive mode selected by the data signal SO.
The second image signal SOUT2 is used as a synchronization signal for reading.

The sensor device SNS2 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged two-dimensionally.
Drive control is performed by DR2.

Signal φV input to sensor device SNS2
O is a vertical transfer clock that transfers each pixel in the vertical direction when reading a plurality of pixels that form the sensor device SNS2. Similarly, φHO is a horizontal transfer clock that transfers each pixel output in the horizontal direction. φRO is a reset signal for the read system.

Output VOUT2 of the sensor drive circuit SDR2
Is an image signal obtained by amplifying the image signal SOUT2 from the sensor device SNS2 with an amplification degree determined by the data signal SO from the computer PRS.

The image signal output VOUT2 is the computer PR.
It is input to the analog input terminal of S and the microcomputer PR
S performs A / D conversion of the signal and performs a series of visual axis detection processing and calculation based on the digital value.

The line-of-sight detection method will be briefly described below.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the principle of the visual axis detecting method.
In the figure, 13a and 13b are light sources such as light emitting diodes that emit infrared light insensitive to the observer, and the respective light sources are arranged substantially symmetrically in the x direction with respect to the optical axis of the light receiving lens 11. The eyes are divergently illuminated. A part of the illumination light reflected by the eyeball is focused on the image sensor 14 by the light receiving lens 11. FIG. 8A shows the image sensor 14.
FIG. 8B is an output intensity diagram of the image sensor 14, which is a schematic diagram of an eyeball image projected on the. The method of detecting the line of sight will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The infrared light emitted from the light source 13b illuminates the cornea 16 of the eyeball 15 of the observer. At this time, the corneal reflection image d (virtual image) formed by a part of the infrared light reflected on the surface of the cornea 16 is condensed by the light receiving lens 11 and imaged at the position d ′ on the image sensor 14. Similarly, the light source 5a
The emitted infrared light illuminates the cornea 16 of the eye. At this time, the corneal reflection image e formed by a part of the infrared light reflected on the surface of the cornea 16 is condensed by the light receiving lens 11 and forms an image at the position e ′ on the image sensor 14.

Light fluxes from the ends a and b of the iris 17 are transmitted through the light receiving lens 11 to the position a on the image sensor 14.
Images of the end portions a and b are formed on ′ and b ′. Light receiving lens 1
When the rotation angle θ of the optical axis of the eyeball 15 with respect to the optical axis of 1 is small and the x coordinates of the ends a and b of the iris 17 are xa and xb, the coordinate xc of the center position c of the pupil 19 is xc≈ ( It is expressed as xa + xb) / 2.

Since the x-coordinate of the midpoint of the corneal reflection images d and e and the x-coordinate xo of the center of curvature O of the cornea 16 substantially coincide with each other, the x-coordinates of the corneal reflection image generation positions d and e are xd, x
e, the standard distance between the center of curvature O of the cornea 16 and the center C of the pupil 19 is OC, and the coefficient considering the individual difference with respect to the distance OC is A, the rotation angle θ of the optical axis of the eyeball 15 is (A * OC) * SIN θ≈xc- (xd + xe) / 2 (1) The relational expression is approximately satisfied. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the eyeball 15 is detected by detecting the position of each feature point (corneal reflection image d, e and iris end a, b) projected on the image sensor 14. The rotation angle θ of the optical axis of 15 can be obtained. At this time, the equation (1) can be rewritten as β * (A * OC) * SINθ≈ (xa ′ + xb ′) / 2− (xd ′ + xe ′) / 2 (2). However, β is a magnification determined by the position of the eyeball with respect to the light receiving lens 11, and is substantially obtained as a function of the interval | xd′−xe ′ | of corneal reflection images.

The rotation angle θ of the optical axis of the eyeball 15 can be rewritten as θ≈ARCSIN {(xc'-xf ') / β / (A * OC)} (3). However, xc'≈ (xa '+ xb') / 2 xf'≈ (xd '+ xe') / 2

By the way, since the optical axis of the eyeball of the observer and the visual axis do not match, when the horizontal rotation angle θ of the optical axis of the observer's eyeball is calculated, the angle between the optical axis of the eyeball and the visual axis is calculated. By correcting the difference α, the horizontal line of sight θx of the observer can be obtained. Letting B be a coefficient that considers individual differences with respect to the correction angle α between the optical axis of the eyeball and the visual axis, the horizontal line of sight θ of the observer
x is calculated as θx = θ ± (B * α) (4). Here, if the angle of rotation to the right with respect to the observer is positive, the sign ± is selected as + if the eye of the observer looking through the observation device is the left eye, and − if the eye is the right eye. Further, in the figure, an example in which the observer's eyeball rotates in the z-x plane (for example, horizontal plane) is shown, but when the observer's eyeball rotates in the y-z plane (for example, vertical plane) Can be similarly detected. However, since the vertical component of the line of sight of the observer matches the vertical component θ ′ of the optical axis of the eyeball, the vertical line of sight θy is θy = θ ′.

Further, in the single-lens reflex camera, the position (xn, yn) on the focusing plate seen by the observer from the line-of-sight data θx and θy is xn≈m * θx≈m * [ARCSIN {(xc'-xf ' ) / β / (A * OC)} ± (B * α)] (5) yn≈m * θy. However, m is a constant determined by the finder optical system of the camera.

Here, since there are two coefficients A and B for correcting the individual difference of the line of sight, that is, the individual difference correction coefficient, the observer sees two targets at different positions, and is calculated at that time. It is possible to obtain the coefficients A and B from the rotation angle of the observer's eyeball.

Then, by substituting the obtained eye-gaze individual difference correction coefficient of the observer, that is, the photographer into the equation (5) which is the eye-gaze correction means for correcting the eye-gaze detection error, the photographer looking into the viewfinder of the camera. The position of the line of sight on the focus plate can be calculated correctly.

FIG. 13 shows the viewfinder field.
Each distance measuring point mark 200, 201, 202, 203,
204 shines in the finder field and displays the focus detection area (distance measuring point).

Here, the distance measuring point marks 200, 20 at the left and right ends
4, dot marks 205 and 206 are engraved, and individual difference correction data (eye correction coefficient) A of the eyeball,
It shows an optotype at the time of collecting B.

Reference numeral 207 is a mode display portion of the camera provided outside the field of view.

Next, a basic method for focus detection will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, a field lens FLD is arranged with the same optical axis as the photographic lens LNS to be focus-detected. Two secondary imaging lenses FCLA and FCLB are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis behind them. Further, photoelectric conversion element arrays SAA and SAB are arranged behind them. Stops DIA and DIB are provided near the secondary imaging lenses FCLA and FCLB. The field lens FLD substantially forms an image of the exit pupil of the taking lens LNS on the pupil planes of the two secondary imaging lenses FCLA and FCLB. As a result, the luminous fluxes incident on the secondary imaging lenses FCLA and FLCB are separated by 2 on the exit pupil plane of the photographing lens LNS.
The light is emitted from the areas of equal areas which do not overlap with each other and which correspond to the next image formations FCLA and FCLB.
The aerial image formed near the field lens FLD is 2
When the images are re-imaged on the surfaces of the photoelectric conversion element arrays SAA, SAB by the next imaging lenses FCLA, FCLB, the photoelectric conversion element arrays SAA, SA are generated based on the displacement of the aerial image position in the optical axis direction.
The two images on AB will change their positions. Therefore, the focus state of the taking lens LNS can be known by detecting the displacement (deviation) amount of the relative position of the two images on the photoelectric conversion element array.

As a method of processing the photoelectric conversion signal signals output from the photoelectric conversion element arrays SAA and SAB, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 142306/58 and US Pat.
No. 07 publication is disclosed. Specifically, the number of photoelectric conversion elements forming the sensor array SAA or SAB is N
, And the image signals from the i-th (i = 0, ..., N-1) photoelectric conversion element arrays SAA and SAB are A (i) and B (i).
Then, the following equation V (k) = Σ (m−1), i = 0 A (i) □ B (i + | k | +1) −Σ (m−1), i = 0 A (i + 1) □ B (i + | k |) (k <0) = Σ (m−1), i = 0 A (i + k) □ B (i + 1) −Σ (m−1), i = 0 A (i + 1 + 1) □ B (I) (k ≧ 0) = V1 (k) −V2 (k) (1) is calculated for k1 ≦ k ≦ k2. Note that M is (M = N
-| K | -1) is the number of calculated pixels. A (i)
□ B (j) is an operator for A (i) and B (j), for example, A (i) □ B (j) = | A (i) −B (j) | (2) A (i) □ B (j) = | A (i) −B (j) | n (3) A (i) □ B (j) = max [A (i), B (j)] (4) A (i) □ B (j) = min [A (i), B (j)] (5) and the like are considered, and the formula (2) is A (i), B (j).
The absolute value of the difference is extracted from equation (3), its power value is extracted from equation (4), the larger of A (i) and B (j), and the smaller from equation (5). Represent each. With the above definition, V1 (k) and V2 (k) can be regarded as the correlation amounts in a broad sense. Furthermore, V1 (k) actually means the correlation amount according to the above definition in the displacement of (k-1) according to the equation (1), and similarly V2 (k) means the correlation amount in the displacement of (k + 1). To do.

Therefore, the evaluation value V (k) which is the difference between V1 (k) and V2 (k) is the image signal A at the relative displacement k.
(I) and B (i) represent changes in the correlation amount. Since the amount of change in the correlation amount peak is “0”, it is considered that the correlation amount peak exists in the section [k, k + 1] where V (k) · V (k + 1) <0 (6), and V By interpolating the values of (k) and V (k + 1), the shift amount of the image signals A (i) and B (i) can be known.
FIG. 10 shows two image signals A (i) and B (i) when the number of photoelectric conversion elements is 16 (N = 16). In this case, there is a shift amount of P.

In FIG. 11, the relative displacement amount k is -N / 2≤k≤.
It shows the evaluation amount V (k) according to the equation (2) when it is changed in the calculation range of N / 2. As mentioned above, V (k)
The shift amount P can be obtained by linearly interpolating the values of V (k) and V (k + 1) where V (k + 1) <0.

Further, in FIG. 12, the relative displacement amount k is -3.
The relative relationship between the image signals A (i) and B (i) when calculating each evaluation amount V (k) when changed in the calculation range of ≦ k ≦ 3 is graphically represented, and the hatched portion indicates the correlation. It is a photoelectric conversion element that is a target of calculation.

Normally, when calculating the shift amount P, the contrast of the two images is also calculated. If the contrast is lower than a predetermined value, it is judged that the obtained shift amount P is not reliable. The focus detection operation is being performed.

In this way, the relative position displacement is obtained, and the defocus amount of the photographing lens, that is, the so-called defocus amount is detected.

In general, since the photographing screen of the camera is horizontally long, a plurality of subject areas for focus detection are indicated by, for example, distance measuring point marks 200 to 204 in FIG.
As a method of obtaining the final defocus amount from a plurality of focus detection mechanisms corresponding to these plurality of subject areas, the central focus detection points are weighted as they are arranged in the horizontal direction like the focus detection points at several locations. The near-point priority algorithm that was used is effective.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an automatic distance measuring point selection algorithm in which the central distance measuring point is weighted.

First, it is determined whether or not there is a distance measuring point that can be measured among the five distance measuring points (# 501). If no distance measuring point can be measured, the process returns to the main routine (# 511). ). If there is one distance measuring point that can measure the distance (# 502), that one point is set as the distance measuring point (# 507). If there are two or more focus points that can be measured, proceed to the next step. Is there a center focus point (# 503), or is the center focus point a short distance (for example, 20X focal length or less)?
(# 504).

Here, if the central focus detection point can measure the distance and is at a short distance, or if the central focus detection point cannot measure the distance, then # 5
Go to 05. In # 505, if the number of short-distance focus points is larger than the number of long-distance focus points, it is determined that the main subject is on the photographer side, and the closest focus point is selected (# 506). If the number of short-distance focus points is small, it is determined that the main subject is on the long-distance side, and the closest point among the long-distance focus points is selected in consideration of the depth of field (# 510). If the central focus detection point is far in # 504, proceed to # 508.

If the number of long-distance focus points is larger than the number of short-distance focus points, it is determined that the main subject is on the far-distance side including the central focus point, and the central focus point is selected ( # 509). Also,
If the number of long-distance focus points is small, the closest focus point is selected as described above (# 506).

If there is a distance measuring point capable of distance measuring as described above, one distance measuring point is automatically selected.

Next, the sensor drive device SDR2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The block COM exchanges data with the computer PRS, and outputs the SDR2 selection signal CSDR and
The communication signals SCLK and SO are input and SI is output. When CSDR is'H ', SDR2 is selected and SCLK, SI, and SO at this time are valid. Further, when it is recognized that the data is transmitted / received abnormally, the received data becomes invalid.

After the data SO from the computer PRS is received, if it is recognized that there is no abnormality, the block BUF
And the contents are retained until the next SO reception. In addition, the BUF transfers the information from the block CNT to the MCT.
To PR via COM to computer PR as data SI
Can be sent to S.

The block MCT controls the blocks VGE, HGE, RGE and VAMP based on the contents held in the BUF and the information from the block CNT.

The block CNT has a function of counting the timing signal for generating the sensor device SNS2 drive signal output from the block VGE and the block HGE, and when the predetermined number is counted, the block MCT is notified of the information.

The block VGE has a function of generating the timing of φVO synchronously or asynchronously with the signal from the block SEN according to the information from the MCT.

The block HGE has a function of generating the φHO timing in synchronization with or asynchronously with the signal from the block SEN based on the information from the MCT.

The block RGE has the function of generating the timing of the reset signal φRO during the read driving of SNS2.

The block SEN has a function of detecting the signals φVI, φHI, SCON from the computer PRS in synchronization with the reference clock inside the SDR2.

The block LSF is the blocks VGE and HG.
Based on the timing generation signals from E, RGE, and CGE, it has a function of performing level conversion to a signal level that becomes an optimum signal for the sensor device to be driven.

The block VAMP is connected to the sensor device SNS2.
After taking the difference of the dark current output from the image signal output SOUT2 from the computer, amplification degree information determined by the data signal SO from the computer PRS is given from the MCT, amplified by this, and output as the image signal VOUT2.

The dark current is an output value of a light-shielded pixel in the sensor, and the SDR2 temporarily holds a predetermined pixel output in a storage device such as a capacitor,
Performs differential amplification with the image signal.

Next, data communication with the computer PRS and communication data SO and SI will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the communication timing between the computer PRS and the sensor driving device SNS2, and the description will be made based on this.

First, at time t1 in the figure, CSDR is raised to the “H” level and the sensor drive device SDR2 is selected as the communication partner of the computer PRS. Sensor drive device SD
Upon detecting this, R2 enters the standby state for the communication synchronization clock SCLK.

At time t3, SCLK falls to the “L” level, and the output bit DO7 of the output data line SO from the sensor driving device SDR2 is determined.

At time t4, SCLK rises to the "H" level and the sensor drive device SDR2 takes in the output bit DI7 of the output data SI from the computer PRS.

At times t4 to t5, DO7 is output to the data line SO and the output data SI from the computer PRS is taken in by the same operation as at times t2 to t3. At time t6, the capture of DI0 is completed and the 8-bit data capture is completed.

Further, at time t7, CSDR2 is turned off and the communication with the sensor driving device SDR2 is completed.

When the sensor driving device SDR2 detects that CSDR has risen to the "H" level while driving the sensor device SNS2, the output data SO
Can be set to the “H” level to inform the computer PRS that it is in the driving state.

Therefore, the computer PRS determines whether or not the drive of the sensor device SNS2 is continuing in the CSDR.
The communication synchronization signal SCL
You can know without sending K.

Next, the contents of communication data will be described.

Tables 1 and 2 show the contents of the reception data SO.

The contents of the received data SO are switched by the two bit information indicated by DN8 and DN7.
MDSEL1, MDSEL0 with 7 = 0 and DI6 = 1
Drive mode selection, SELSEL output signal output timing selection, and G1 and G0 amplification of the image signal SOUT2 from the sensor device SNS2 described above.

In Table 2, DI7 = 1 and DI6 = SELφ are set, and the count value is set to the counting device which counts the number of output times of two drive signal outputs of φVO or φHO.

SELφ has a set value of φVO or φH
Choice of O.

The setting of the count value is made up of the exponent part and the mantissa part, and is further divided into the upper digit and the lower digit.
It is selected by 2 bits of 1 and CNSET0.

CBIT3, CBIT2, CBIT1, C
The 4 bits of BIT0 indicate the set value selected by CNSET1 and CNSET0.

In Table 3, MDSEL1 and MDSEL0 shown in Table 1 are used.
2 bits of SMODE, which is the drive mode of the image signal reading shift register built in the sensor device SNS2.

There are four types of SMODE, modes 0, 1, 2, and 3, and any one of them is selected. Each drive mode is as follows.

In the mode 0, the read operation is stopped and in the mode 1
Outputs only the vertical transfer clock φVO,
During the output operation of φVO, φHO is held at the “H” level.

In mode 2, the vertical transfer clock φVO is output once and then φHO is continuously output.

The mode 3 is a drive mode in which the outputs of the vertical transfer clock φVO and the horizontal transfer clock φHO called VTARNS are combined. VTRANS will be described later.

Here, φVO and φHO in each mode
The number of output times depends on the value set in Table 2 above.

Table 4 shows the image signal SOU of the sensor device SNS2.
The amplification degree selection information G1 and G0 for amplifying T2 and the amplification degree determined by this are shown. The image signal SOUT2 is 5
The sensor drive circuit S is amplified as an image signal VOUT2 by being amplified by any one of amplification factor G of 10 times, 20 times, and 40 times.
It is output from DR2.

Table 5 shows the contents of SYSEL.

If SYSEL = 0, computer PR
ΦVO is output regardless of the signal φVI from S, and SYS
If EL = 1, φVO is detected and φVO is output.

Tables 6 and 7 show the contents of setting the number of times the φVO or φHO drive signal is output.

First, Table 6 shows the contents of SELφ. If SELφ = 0, the number of output times of φVO is set, SY
If SEL = 1, the output frequency of φHO is set.

Table 7 shows the output frequency setting destinations of the dynamic signal output selected by SELφ.

If CNSET1 = 0, it is the upper digit of the output number of the transfer clock, and if CNSET1 = 1, it is the lower digit of the output number of the transfer clock.

Further, if CNSET0 = 0, the mantissa and CN
If SET = 1, it indicates an index.

Data to be communicated by the data SO shown in Tables 1 to 7 is stored in a predetermined storage position after each communication.

In the communication shown in Table 1, if SYSEL = 0, after the communication is completed, the output of φVO or φHO is waited until φVI or φHI is output from the computer PRS, and if it is output, the reference clock in SDR2 is set. Then, the signal output of φVO or φHO is started.

If SYSEL0 = 1, after the communication is completed, the signal output of φVO or φHO is started based on the clock in SDR2.

Further, the sensor drive circuit SDR2 has a counting function for counting the number of transfer signal outputs by the shift register, and outputs the number of drive signal outputs set in Table 2, Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7 once. Subtract each time.

Table 8 shows the contents of the transmission data SI.

Of the values counted by the counting function built in the sensor driving device SDR2, the part that can be displayed in the upper 4 bits is transmitted to the computer PRS.

CNB3, CNB2, CNB1, CNB0
Represents the mantissa part CNE3, CNE2, CNE1, and CNE0 represent the exponent part.

The above CNB3, CNB2, CNB1 and C
Mantissa part NB0 and CNE3, CNE2, CNE1, C
Whether the exponent part NE0 is φVO or φHO is selected by SELφ of the data SO shown in Table 2 at this time.

At this time, the sensor driving device SDR2 is driving the sensor device SNS2, and the values of DI5 to DI0 are invalid.

As a result, the computer PRS can know the number of times the drive signal is output from the data SI, and the load during the read drive can be reduced.

The sensor device SNS2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a frame transfer type CCD area sensor consisting of vertical K pixels and horizontal L pixels.

Since the internal structure of the CCD sensor and the mechanism of charge transfer are not particularly relevant here, the description thereof will be omitted.

SIMG is a photosensitive area, and is composed of pixels IMPXL arranged in K in the vertical direction and L in the horizontal direction.

IMPXL is a unit pixel having a photoelectric conversion function such as a photodiode and a charge transfer function, and a signal generated here is a vertical transfer clock φV.
By applying O, it is driven by a plurality of drive signals generated based on φVO inside SNS2.

SSTR is a storage area for temporarily storing the charges generated in the photosensitive area SIMG, and the unit storage section STPXL forming the SSTR is a unit pixel I forming the SIMG.
The number is the same as MPXL, and the transfer clock is also the vertical transfer clock φVO.

HSHIFT is a horizontal transfer register. By applying the horizontal transfer clock φHO input from the sensor driving device SDR2, HSHIFT is transferred to φH inside SNS2.
It is driven by a plurality of drive signals generated based on O.

ΦRO transfers a signal by HSHIFT, and when the signal is output from SOUT2 in synchronism with this, signal amplification is performed so that the influence of the output of the previous pixel does not affect the next output pixel in the output order of SOUT2. This is a signal for initializing the output for each pixel in the circuit SAMP.

A voltage for controlling the saturation level of the pixel IMPXL is applied to VOF. OFD is the pixel IMPXL
In order to discharge the electric charge of a predetermined level or more so as not to be oversaturated when the electric charge generated according to the amount of light radiated on the light reaches a predetermined level controlled by the voltage applied to the VOF, that is, saturation. It is a discharge groove provided, which is generally called an overflow drain.

FIG. 18 is a diagram simply showing a situation in which the sensor driving device SDR2 is operating in a series of operations of the camera.

In the figure, the driving of the sensor device SNS2 can be roughly classified into three drivings by the sensor driving device SDR2: clear driving, accumulation, and image signal reading.

Here, an overall description will be given of each of the three types of drive, and detailed timing description of the sensor drive signals φVO and φHO will be omitted.

Further, the drive signal is represented by two levels of'H 'and'L', but this is used for convenience of functional description, and is different from the analog output level of each drive signal.

First, clear drive is performed.

The clear drive is for initialization for sweeping out unnecessary charges of the sensor device SNS2, and is executed by continuous read drive for one frame.

At time t1, communication with the computer PRS is performed.

The computer PRS first performs the communication shown in Table 2 to transmit the data SO, and the sensor driving device SDR2
Set.

First, the number of outputs of φVO and φHO is set. Since the sensor device SNS2 is composed of vertical K pixels and horizontal L pixels, φVO is selected by SELφ = 0, and the output count K is set by CNSET1 and CNSET0. Further, by switching to SELφ = 1, φHO is selected, and the output count L is set by CNSET1 and CNSET0.

Once the number of outputs of φVO and φHO is set, next, in the communication of Table 1, the mode 2 of the driving method of Table 3 and the asynchronous start at SYSEL = 1 of Table 5,
The amplification degree is set in Table 4, respectively.

After the communication shown in Table 1 is completed, φVO output is started without waiting for the signal φVI from the computer PRS at time t2 when the internal reference clock is counted a predetermined number of times, and one φVO output is ended at time t3. To do.

At this time, 1 is subtracted from the output count setting value K of φVO, which has been copied in advance from the predetermined storage position to the predetermined position for calculation.

Then, φHO is output.

First, φHO is raised from the'L 'level to the'H' level and then lowered to the'L 'level. One horizontal transfer drive is performed in this one cycle.

The output frequency set value L of φHO, which is copied in advance from a predetermined storage position to a predetermined position for calculation, is
It is subtracted for each output of HO and repeated until it becomes zero. Then, it becomes 0 at time t5, and the driving of the first line is completed.

Further, at the time t6 when a predetermined number of times are counted from the time t5 by the internal reference clock of the sensor driving device SDR2.
Then, the second φVO output is performed, and the same operation as the first line is repeated to complete the reading of the second line at time t7.

This is repeated, and at time 8 when the number of repetitions reaches K, the reading of the K-th line is completed, the image signal reading for one frame of the sensor device SNS2 is completed, and unnecessary charges are discharged. A certain clear drive is made.

As a result, the clear drive of the two-dimensionally arranged sensor device SNS2 consisting of vertical K pixels and horizontal L pixels is performed regardless of the computer PRS after the data is received from the computer PRS.

Next, the accumulation operation is performed.

At time t9 in the figure, the data SO is received from the computer PRS, and in the communication of Table 1, the drive system indicated as V-TRANS in the figure of Mode 3 of Table 3 is selected.

After the communication is completed, at the time t10 counted a predetermined number of times by the internal reference clock, the φVO output is started without waiting for the signal φVI from the computer PRS.

Here, the setting of the synchronous mode and the number of outputs of the vertical drive signal φVO and the number of outputs of φHO are the same as those in the clear drive, and they are already written and stored in the sensor drive device SDR2 by communication during the clear drive. So there is no need to set it again.

When the output of the driving clock is started, first, φHO is raised to the'H 'level, and φVO is raised and lowered while the'H' level is maintained. For each cycle of startup and shutdown, the output count K of φVO, which has been copied in advance from a predetermined storage position to a predetermined position for calculation, is decremented by 1 and repeated until it becomes zero. Then, at time t11 when it becomes 0, φHO is lowered to the'L 'level, and φVO output is terminated.

Subsequently, φHO is output.

First, φHO is raised from the'L 'level to the'H' level and then lowered to the'L 'level. One horizontal transfer drive is performed in this one cycle.

The output frequency setting value L of φHO, which is copied in advance from a predetermined storage position to a predetermined position for calculation, is
It is subtracted for each output of HO and repeated until it becomes zero.

Then, at time t13 when it becomes 0, φHO output is terminated.

Furthermore, from time t14 to t16, time t9.
The same operation as to t14 is performed. At this time, the accumulation time corresponds to the interval from time t10 to t15.

At this time, the computer PRS performs storage drive and storage time control with a slight load of only the contents of communication data and the contents of communication data output from the computer PRS.

Finally, the image signal reading operation is carried out by reading driving in units of one line.

At the time t17 in the figure, the data SO is received from the computer PRS. First, in the communication of Table 1, MDSEL1
= 1 and MDSEL0 = 0, the driving method of mode 2 in Table 3 is set, and the synchronous mode of Table 5 is set when SYSEL = 1.

Since the synchronization mode is set here, φ
The VO waits for the output of the signal .phi.VI from the computer PRS, detects that .phi.VI has become "H" level at time t18, and outputs .phi.VO once.

Here, the setting of the synchronous mode, the number of times the vertical drive signal φVO is output, and the number of times φHO is output are the same as those in the clear drive, and are already written and stored in the sensor drive device SDR2 by communication during the clear drive. So there is no need to set it again.

Then, one output of φVO ends at time t19, and subsequently, output of φHO starts at time t20. The output of φHO is performed in the same manner as the above-described clear driving, and the output is repeated equal to the set number of times L.

At time t21, the L-th φHO output is completed, and the image signal reading of the first line is completed.

Further, at time t22, the read drive start signal φVI is output from the computer PRS, and when it is detected, φVO is output to start the read drive of the second line.

The read drive signal output operation for the second line is the same as the read drive signal output operation for the first line.
One φVO output and L times φH that follow.
The reading drive is completed with O output.

The same operation as the first line or the second line is repeated for each output of φVI, and at time t24, the read drive for K lines is completed and the image signal read is completed.

The read image signal is A / D converted for each pixel by an A / D converter built in the computer PRS. Then, the A / D converted image signal is 1
Temporarily store in a predetermined address of RAM in line units,
Arithmetic processing such as image signal information extraction is performed from image signals of a plurality of continuous lines. The image signal of the line that has already been subjected to the arithmetic processing and is no longer needed is determined to be an empty storage area, and the newly read image signal is written.

Next, the control of the computer PRS will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the switch detection and display drive device DDR detects that the main SW (not shown) is turned on, the DDR knows that the main SW is turned on by communicating with the computer PRS. (# 20
1)

Then, the computer PRS displays the display device D.
Data such as the shooting mode of the camera displayed on the SP is transmitted to the switch detection and display drive device DDR, and the data is also read from the ROM built into the computer PRS as necessary, and the predetermined memory is determined. Perform the initialization operation to store in the position. (# 202)

When a series of initialization operations are completed, SW1 which is activated by pressing the release button (not shown) in the first stage
Waits until it is turned on. (# 203)

When it is detected that SW1 is turned on, the computer PRS pulls down the control terminal to LOW level so as to turn on the transistor PTR.

As a result, the electric power is supplied to the electric elements which are fed only when necessary, such as the exposure control sensor SPC, the sensor drive device SDR1 and the sensor device SNS1.

Further, data necessary for a series of data processing and control such as photometry calculation and AF control is communicated with the taking lens unit LNS mounted through the mount to make a predetermined position in the memory. To store. (# 2
04)

Next, in the timer setting subroutine, the time T for keeping the transistor PTR ON is set. (#
205)

The timer setting subroutine will be described later.

Then, it is checked whether or not the visual axis detection operation SW, which is one of the photographing modes of the camera, is on. (# 20
6)

If the line-of-sight detection SW is on, line-of-sight detection is performed. (# 207)

If the line-of-sight detection switch is off, line-of-sight detection is not performed, and the sensor drive device SDR1 and the sensor device SNS1 are not detected.
The focus adjustment state of the lens is detected by the AF and the lens is driven based on the calculated result
Take control. (# 208)

Then, the exposure control sensor SPC obtains the exposure data, and the information from the photographing lens is used to calculate the optimum exposure control information by the calculation according to the photographing mode of the camera set at that time.

The exposure control information obtained at this time is sent from the computer PRS to the switch detection and display drive device DDR.
And is displayed by the display device DSP. (# 2
09)

When the exposure control information is obtained, it is checked whether or not the switch SW2 which is a film exposure control start signal and which is turned on by the second depression of the release button is turned on. (# 210)

When it is detected that the SW2 is turned on, the optimum control information for the lens obtained based on the information obtained by the photometric calculation is transmitted to the photographic lens LNS attached through the lens control device LCOM. , A series of film exposure control operations such as shirt control. (# 213)

If SW2 is off, a value obtained by subtracting from the time T set in # 205 by the built-in timer in accordance with the elapsed time, that is, whether or not the power supply maintaining time is zero is confirmed. (# 211)

If it is not zero, the power supply is maintained,
The above-described photometric processing of # 209 is performed again. At this time, if the exposure data obtained from the exposure control sensor SPC is different from the previous exposure data because the subject or the light state of the subject has changed, the optimum exposure control information is calculated from the current exposure data. To do.

When it becomes zero, it is judged that the power supply is completed and the control terminal connected to the base of the transistor PTR via the resistor is turned to HIGH in order to turn off the transistor PTR.
Switching to the level and ending the power supply to the electric element that supplies power only when necessary.

Next, the timer setting subroutine for setting the power feeding maintaining time T shown in # 205 of FIG. 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

Since FIG. 20 has the same contents as FIG. 3 and has already been described, it is omitted here.

FIG. 21 will be described.

Based on the obtained position information and date information, the timer value setting calculation described later sets the optimum power supply maintaining time at the current position. (# 222)

Power supply maintenance time T and GPS receiver D
Based on the latitude information and the altitude information, which are part of the position information obtained by the GP, the variable amounts TP and TH are set for the optimum power supply maintenance time. Here, T is set to a predetermined maximum power supply maintaining time TMAX. Set TP and HP to zero. Further, 1 is set to the coefficient α that changes the power supply maintaining time depending on the shooting mode of the camera.

Further, from the obtained latitude information and date information, it is most suitable for the season of the place where the camera is currently used,
The following three types of judgment values for determining the power supply maintenance time are determined.

Power supply maintenance time variable determination maximum latitude value LMAX Power supply maintenance time variable determination altitude value HMIN Power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN (# 230)

Next, the latitude information L which is a part of the position information obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP is extracted and compared with a predetermined minimum power supply maintenance time determination latitude value LMAX. (#
231)

If L is greater than or equal to LMAX, the power feeding maintaining time T is set to the minimum power feeding maintaining time TMIN, and (# 242).
The timer value setting process ends.

If L is not greater than LMAX, it is checked whether or not the line-of-sight detection switch is ON in the photographing mode of the camera.
(# 232)

If the line-of-sight detection switch is on, a positive value A smaller than 1 is set to the coefficient α for changing the power supply maintaining time depending on the photographing mode. (# 243)

Next, the altitude information, which is a part of the position information of the GPS receiving device DGP, is extracted and compared with the prepared power supply maintenance time variable determination altitude value HMIN. (# 23
3)

If H is not greater than H min, the power supply maintaining time is not optimized according to altitude, and the process proceeds to latitude power supply maintaining time optimization processing (# 236).

If H is greater than or equal to HMIN, the difference ΔH between the power supply maintenance time variable determination altitude value HMIN and H prepared in advance.
Ask for. (# 234)

[0251] Then, by the coefficient HA that is prepared in advance and serves as a scale for varying the power supply maintenance time depending on the altitude, Δ
Divide H to obtain a power supply maintaining time variable value TH for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time for the current altitude. (# 235)

Subsequently, the latitude information L is compared with a predetermined power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN.
(# 236)

If L is less than or equal to LMIN, the power feeding maintaining time T is not optimized depending on the latitude.

If L is not less than LMIN, the difference ΔL from the power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN prepared in advance is obtained from the latitude information L. (# 237)

[0255] Then, using the coefficient PA that is prepared beforehand and serves as a scale for varying the power supply maintenance time depending on the latitude, Δ
By dividing L, the power supply maintaining time variable value TP for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time for the current altitude is obtained. (# 238)

Finally, the maximum value of the power supply maintaining time is set to the optimum power supply maintaining time variable value TH from the already obtained altitude information and the optimum power supply maintaining time variable value TP from the latitude information. Then, by multiplying by a coefficient α that changes the power supply maintaining time depending on the shooting mode, the power supply maintaining time optimal for the current position can be obtained. (# 239)

Here, the power supply maintaining time variable values TP and TH
First sets TP = 0 and TH = 0, so
Even if a value is not set in TP or TH depending on the latitude or altitude, the obtained power supply maintaining time T is optimized and there is no problem.

It is checked whether or not the obtained power supply maintaining time has a smaller value than the minimum power supply maintaining time TMIN. (#
240)

If T is less than TMIN, the power supply maintaining time T is set to the minimum power supply maintaining time TMIN (# 241), and the timer value setting process ends.

As described above, when the series of operation contents and time of the camera changes according to the operation mode of the camera and the energy consumption changes, the power supply maintaining time is changed according to both the GPS information and the operation mode of the camera. You may do that.

The third embodiment will be described in detail below. In the second embodiment, GPS is used depending on whether or not line-of-sight detection is performed.
The machine power feeding maintenance time was optimized according to the position information from the receiving device DGP, but here, in the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, according to the detachable lens mounted on the camera through the mounts, The machine power feeding maintenance time is optimized based on the position information from the GPS receiving device DGP.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a third embodiment.
# 1 of the flowchart of the overall operation of the camera shown in FIG.
The content of the tie setting of 05 is shown.

A timer setting subroutine for setting the power feeding maintaining time T will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

First, the microcomputer PRS is shown in FIG.
From the information on the currently mounted lens obtained through a series of data communication and processing (# 103) that is performed when the SW1 is turned on, whether the mounted lens has a large current consumption , Or not. (# 320)

Power supply from the camera to the lens is supplied to the mounted lens through the VL terminal shown in FIG.

When a lens which consumes a large amount of current is attached, the position information of the current camera is obtained from the GPS receiving device DGP. (# 321)

This position information is obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP based on the time data from the artificial satellite.

Further, the date information is obtained from the imprinting device built in the computer PRS or one of the camera systems (not shown). (# 322)

Then, based on the obtained position information, the timer value setting calculation described later sets the optimum power supply maintaining time at the current position. (# 121)

The details of the timer value set (# 121) are shown in FIG. 4 and have already been described, so they will be omitted here.

As described above, since the energy consumed by the drive system for performing focus adjustment by the lens differs depending on the actuator to be driven or the focus adjustment optical device driven by the actuator, the energy attached to the detachable camera such as the lens of the camera is attached. When the device is attached, the power supply maintenance time may be varied according to both the GPS information and the attached device.

The fourth embodiment will be described in detail below. In the third embodiment, the machine power feeding maintenance time was optimized from the mounted lens and the position information from the GPS receiving device DGP, but here, in the block diagram shown in FIG. This is to optimize the power supply maintenance time for the detachable lens mounted on the camera.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the fourth embodiment.

The control of the computer PRS will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the switch detection and display drive device DDR detects that the main SW (not shown) is turned on, the DDR knows that the main SW is turned on through communication with the computer PRS. (# 40
1)

Then, the computer PRS displays the display device D.
Data such as the shooting mode of the camera displayed on the SP is transmitted to the switch detection and display drive device DDR, and the data is also read from the ROM built into the computer PRS as necessary, and the predetermined memory is determined. Perform the initialization operation to store in the position. (# 402)

When a series of initialization operations are completed, SW1 which is operated by pressing the release button (not shown) in the first stage
Waits until it is turned on. (# 403)

Upon detecting that the SW1 is turned on, the computer PRS pulls down the control terminal to the LOW level so as to turn on the transistor PTR.

As a result, electric power is supplied to the electric elements which are supplied only when necessary, such as the exposure control sensor SPC, the sensor drive device SDR1 and the sensor device SNS1.

Further, data necessary for a series of data processing and control such as photometry calculation and AF control is communicated with the photographic lens unit LNS mounted through the mount, and a predetermined position of the memory is determined. To store. (# 4
04)

Next, in the timer setting subroutine, the time T during which the power is supplied from the camera to the lens via the power supply terminal VL from the lens control device LCOM to the detachable taking lens LNS is set. (# 405)

The timer setting subroutine will be described later.

Subsequently, the focus adjustment state of the lens is detected by the sensor driving device SDR1 and the sensor device SNS1, and AF control is performed to drive the lens based on the calculated result of focusing to focus on the subject. At this time, power is supplied to the lens through the camera-lens power supply terminal VL regardless of the power supply time T from the camera to the lens. (# 406)

Thereafter, the power supply is repeated based on the time when the power is supplied from the camera to the lens and the time when the power supply is stopped, which is set by the lens power supply timer.

Then, the exposure data is obtained by the exposure control sensor SPC, and the optimum exposure control information is calculated by using the information from the taking lens according to the photographing mode of the camera set at that time.

The exposure control information obtained at this time is sent from the computer PRS to the switch detection and display drive device DDR.
And is displayed by the display device DSP. (# 4
07)

When the exposure control information is obtained, it is checked whether or not the switch SW2 which is a film exposure control start signal and which is turned on by the second depression of the release button is turned on. (# 408)

When it is detected that the SW2 is turned on, the optimum control information for the lens obtained based on the information obtained by the photometric calculation is transmitted to the photographic lens LNS mounted through the lens control device LCOM. , A series of film exposure control operations such as shirt control. (# 411)

If SW2 is off, it is confirmed whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined time from the predetermined time by the built-in timer, that is, whether the photometric timer is zero. (# 409)

If it is not zero, the power supply is maintained,
The photometric processing of # 407 described above is performed again. At this time, if the exposure data obtained from the exposure control sensor SPC is different from the previous exposure data because the subject or the light state of the subject has changed, the optimum exposure control information is calculated from the current exposure data. To do.

When it becomes zero, it is judged that the power supply is completed and the control terminal connected to the base of the transistor PTR via a resistor is turned to HIGH in order to turn off the transistor PTR.
The level is switched to stop the power supply to the electric element that supplies power only when necessary, and the power supply from the camera to the lens, which is repeated at regular intervals, is also ended.

Next, the timer setting subroutine for setting the lens power supply maintaining time T shown at # 405 in FIG. 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

First, the microcomputer PRS is GP
The position information of the current camera is obtained from the S receiver DGP. (# 420)

This position information is obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP based on the time data from the artificial satellite.

Further, the date information is obtained from the imprinting device built in the computer PRS or one of the camera systems (not shown). (# 421)

Then, based on the obtained position information, a timer value setting calculation described later sets the optimum power supply maintaining time at the current position. (# 422)

At this time, the power supply to the lens is supplied to the mounted lens through the VL terminal shown in FIG.

Here, from the one-time power feeding maintaining time TL and the latitude information and altitude information which are part of the position information obtained by the GPS receiving device DGP, a variable amount TP and Initialize TH. Here, TL is a predetermined maximum power supply maintenance time TLMAX
To set. Set TP and HP to zero.

Since TLMAX is the maximum power supply maintaining time, the power supply maintaining interval for the lens is also TLMAX.

Further, from the obtained latitude information and the date information from the imprinting device which is built in the computer PRS or one of the camera systems (not shown), it is most suitable for the season of the place where the camera is currently used. In addition, the following three types of determination values for determining the power supply maintenance time are determined.

Power supply maintenance time variable judgment maximum latitude value LMAX Power supply maintenance time variable judgment altitude value HMIN Power supply maintenance time variable judgment minimum latitude value LMIN (# 430)

Next, the latitude information L which is a part of the position information obtained by the GPS receiver DGP is extracted and compared with a predetermined minimum power supply maintenance time determination latitude value LMAX. (#
431)

If L is greater than or equal to LMAX, the power feeding maintaining time TL is set to the minimum power feeding maintaining time TLMIN, and (# 44
1) Finish the timer value setting process.

If not greater than L or LMAX, the altitude information which is a part of the position information of the GPS receiving device DGP is extracted and compared with the prepared power supply maintenance time variable altitude value HMIN.

If H is not larger than HMIN, the power supply maintenance time is not optimized according to altitude, and the process proceeds to latitude power supply maintenance time optimization processing (# 435). (# 432)

If H is greater than or equal to HMIN, the difference ΔH between the power supply maintenance time variable determination altitude value HMIN and H prepared in advance.
Ask for. (# 433)

[0307] Then, by the coefficient HA that is prepared in advance and serves as a scale for varying the power supply maintenance time depending on the altitude, Δ
Divide H to obtain a power supply maintaining time variable value TH for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time for the current altitude. (# 434)

Subsequently, the latitude information L is compared with a predetermined power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN.
(# 435)

If L is less than or equal to LMIN, the power feeding maintaining time TL is not optimized by the latitude.

If it is not L less than LMIN, the difference ΔL from the power supply maintenance time variable determination minimum latitude value LMIN prepared in advance is obtained from the latitude information L. (# 436)

Then, using a coefficient PA that is prepared in advance and serves as a scale for varying the power supply maintenance time depending on the latitude, Δ
By dividing L, the power supply maintaining time variable value TP for obtaining the optimum power supply maintaining time for the current altitude is obtained. (# 437)

Finally, the optimum power supply maintaining time variable value TH from the already obtained altitude information and the optimum power supply maintaining time variable value TP from the latitude information are set to the maximum value of the power supply maintaining time TL. By subtracting from this, the optimum one-time power supply maintenance time for the current position is obtained. (# 438)

Here, the power supply maintaining time variable values TP and TH
First sets TP = 0 and TH = 0, so
Even if a value is not set for TP or TH depending on the latitude or altitude, the obtained power supply maintenance time TL is optimized and there is no problem.

FIG. 27 shows a transistor P which is turned on by the computer PRS when it is detected that SW1 is turned on.
It is a figure which shows the timing of TR and lens feeding.

When the transistor PTR is turned on as described above, the exposure control sensor SPC and the sensor drive device SDR are provided.
1 and the sensor device SNS1 are supplied with electric power only when necessary.

First, at time t1, the computer PRS turns on the transistor PTR by detecting that SW1 is turned on.
At the same time, the power to the lens is turned on via the lens control device LCOM.

At time t2 when time TL set by the lens power supply timer setting routine has elapsed from time t1, the first lens power supply is terminated.

The computer PRS receives information necessary for zooming and photographing which changes due to zooming between t1 and t2.

Time t3 when time TLMAX has elapsed from time t1
At the same time, the camera restarts the power supply to the lens and receives the information necessary for photographing as in the period between the times t1 and t2.

This is changed to the transistor P at time t4.
Repeat until TR turns off.

As described above, the power supply to the lens may not be always performed, but may be varied depending on both the GPS information and the mounted lens.

[0322]

[Table 1]

[0323]

[Table 2]

[0324]

[Table 3]

[0325]

[Table 4]

[0326]

[Table 5]

[0327]

[Table 6]

[0328]

[Table 7]

[0329]

[Table 8]

[0330]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By changing the duration of power supply according to the external environment such as temperature, the energy consumed by the camera is minimized and the battery performance that fluctuates depending on the external environment
To reduce this burden.

As a result, the battery life can be extended, the battery can be replaced during shooting, and the number of spare batteries can be reduced, so that the user's usability and reliability are improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing, as a first embodiment, an optical system and an electrical block diagram as a specific configuration example when the present invention is incorporated in a camera.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of camera control by a computer PRS.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG.

5 is an electrical block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the GPS receiver shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing, as a second embodiment, an optical system and an electrical block diagram as a specific configuration example when the present invention is incorporated in a camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the principle of eye gaze detection.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the principle of line-of-sight detection.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the principle of autofocus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the principle of autofocus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the principle of autofocus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the principle of autofocus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display in a viewfinder of a camera.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a distance measuring point selection algorithm of a camera.

15 is a block diagram of the sensor driving device SDR2 shown in FIG.

16 is a diagram showing a timing of communication performed between the sensor driving device SDR2 and the computer PRS shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a frame transfer type CCD area sensor.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a timing when the sensor device SNS2 is driven by the sensor drive device SDR2 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a part of camera control by a computer PRS.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing details of the control contents shown in FIG. 25.

27 is a diagram showing the timing of the control contents shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

PRS chip microcomputer SNS1 Sensor device having a plurality of line sensor pairs composed of photoelectric conversion elements SDR1 Sensor device SNS1 drive circuit SNS2 Sensor device having two-dimensionally arranged sensors composed of photoelectric conversion elements SDR2 Sensor device SNS2 drive circuit LPRS lens Built-in microcomputer

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A position detection signal receiving means, a time counting means for starting timing from power-on, and a power feeding time control means, power feeding time control means, and time counting means for controlling a time from power-on to power shutdown based on a position detection signal. A power supply device for a camera, comprising a power supply control means for turning on and off the power supply based on the above. 2. A first time measuring means for starting time counting from power-on of the position detection signal receiving means and the camera, and a second time counting from starting power supply to a device for supplying power after power-on of the camera.
And a power supply control means for controlling power supply to a device that supplies power after the power of the camera is turned on based on a position detection signal between the power supply of the camera and the power cutoff of the camera. A power feeding device for a camera, which repeatedly turns on and off the power supply to a device that feeds power after the power of the camera is turned on based on the clocking means.