JPH08271964A - Camera viewfinder display - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a display device a finder of camera by which the actual finishing state of a photograph is easily grasped by providing a means for individually displaying the photometric information detected in each photometry area. CONSTITUTION: A multi-division photometric device is provided with five photometric areas. The five photometric areas are arranged corresponding to five divided areas of finder visual field FV, that is, a 1st photometric area 35a in the center part of the finder visual field, a 2nd photometric area 35b at the upper left part, a 3rd photometric area 35c at the lower left part, a 4th photometric area 35d at the upper right part and a 5th photometric area 35e at the lower right part. A transmission type liquid crystal display device is provided with specified plural segments 51 to 61. For example, the segment 51 is disposed at a position corresponding to the 1st photometric area 35a and a central range-finding zone, 36a, and constituted of three kinds of segments, such as the segment ∞ showing that a subject distance obtained by range-finding is a distance farther than the specified distance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an in-viewfinder display device for displaying various kinds of photographing information in the field of view of a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are a plurality of photometric areas, each photometric area is independently metered, and the photometric information obtained in each photometric area is calculated by a CPU to determine the proper exposure. An automatic exposure) camera and an AF (autofocus) camera having a plurality of distance measurement zones and performing distance measurement in each distance measurement zone are known.

With these conventional cameras, it is not possible to individually know the measurement information obtained in each of the plurality of photometry areas and the plurality of distance measurement zones. If the measurement information can be known for each photometry or distance measurement zone, it becomes easy to grasp the actual finish of the photograph.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and makes it possible to visually confirm the measurement information obtained for each of a plurality of photometric areas or a plurality of distance measuring zones. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a viewfinder display device of a camera that makes it easier to grasp the actual finish of a photograph.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An in-viewfinder display device for a camera of the present invention is characterized in that, in an AE camera having a plurality of photometric areas, it has display means for individually displaying photometric information detected in each photometric area.

Further, the in-viewfinder display device of the camera of the present invention is an AF camera having a plurality of distance measuring zones,
It is characterized in that it has display means for individually displaying the distance measurement information detected in each distance measurement zone.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below with reference to illustrated embodiments. FIG. 19 shows a camera having an in-viewfinder display device to which the present invention is applied. The camera 10 is an AE / AF single-lens reflex camera and has a camera body 11. A photographing lens 12 is attached to the center of the front surface of the camera body 11. A finder eyepiece portion 13 is formed in the center of the upper rear surface of the camera body 11.
On the left side of the upper surface of the camera body 11, a metering mode switching button 1
4, a distance measurement mode switching button 15 and a reference point switching button 16 are provided. On the right side of the upper surface of the camera body 11, a main switch 17, an external display liquid crystal display device 18, a dial type U
A P / DOWN switch 19 and a release button 20 are provided.

FIG. 20 shows the structure of an optical system provided in the camera 10. The subject light flux incident from the photographing lens group 29 included in the photographing lens 12 is reflected by the main mirror 21 and imaged on the focusing plate 23. The formed image is observed by the photographer as an erect real image through the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24, the pentaprism 25, and the eyepiece lens 26. A part of the light flux that is transmitted through the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24 and is incident on the pentaprism 25 is incident on the multi-segment photometric element 28 via the photometric lens 27.

This multi-division photometric device 28 has five photometric areas, and the arrangement of these five photometric areas is shown in FIG.
5 divided areas of the finder field FV shown in FIG.
b, the lower left portion 35c of the finder visual field, the upper right portion 35d of the finder visual field, and the lower right portion 35e of the finder visual field. From this fact, hereinafter, the central portion 35a of the finder visual field is referred to as the first photometric area, and the upper left portion 3 of the finder visual field.
5b is the second photometric area, and the viewfinder field is the lower left 35c.
Is the third photometric area, and the upper right part 35d of the viewfinder is the fourth
The metering area and the lower right portion 35e of the finder field are referred to as a fifth metering area.

The subject light flux that has passed through the half mirror portion provided in the main mirror 21 is reflected by the sub mirror 22 and guided to the AF unit 30. The AF unit 30
A CCD line sensor 31 capable of measuring the distances of objects located in each of a plurality of distance measuring zones observed in the viewfinder field FV, that is, a central distance measuring zone 36a, a left distance measuring zone 36b, and a right distance measuring zone 36c. Is equipped with.

The CCD line sensor 31 includes three distance measuring units 3.
1a, 31b, 31c, and these distance measuring units respectively have distance measuring zones 36a, 36 in the viewfinder field FV.
It corresponds to b and 36c. Distance measuring units 31a, 31b, 3
An image (a subject light flux) in each of the distance measuring zones 36a, 36b, 36c divided into two by a pair of imaging lenses (not shown) provided in the AF unit 30 is projected on each of the 1c. Each distance measuring unit 31a, 3 of the CCD line sensor 31
The light receiving elements 1b and 31c photoelectrically convert the subject projected image and store it as signal charges.

FIG. 21 shows a control system 40 of the camera 10. The camera 10 has a control unit 41 including a CPU. The control means 41 includes a main switch 1
Power switch 17a that is switched on / off by sliding operation of 7, photometric switch 20a that is switched on / off by half-pressing release button 20, release button 2
A release switch 20b which is switched on / off by fully pressing 0, a photometric mode switching switch 14a which is switched on / off by operating the photometric mode switching button 14,
Distance measurement mode switch 15a, which is switched on / off by operation of distance measurement mode switch button 15, reference point switch button 16
The reference point changeover switch 16a that is switched on / off by the operation of, and the UP switch 19a and the down switch 19b that are switched on / off by the operation of the UP / DOWN switch 19 are electrically connected.

Further, the control means 41 includes a liquid crystal display device 42 in the viewfinder by a liquid crystal display device, an external display liquid crystal display device 18, a transmissive liquid crystal display device 24, a photometric means 43, an exposure control means 44, a focus detection means 45 and the like. , Each of which is electrically connected. The lens drive means 46 is electrically connected to the focus detection means 45. A shutter drive unit 47 and an aperture drive unit 48 are electrically connected to the exposure control unit 44, respectively. The photometric means 43 is composed of a multi-division photometric element 28, a photometric circuit 49, and an A / D converter 50.

The control means 41 performs overall control of the camera 10 such as exposure control, focusing control, film feed control and the like. Further, the control means 41 controls the transmissive liquid crystal display device 2 in accordance with ON / OFF of the photometry mode switching switch 14a, the distance measurement mode switching switch 15a, the reference point switching switch 16a, the UP switch 19a, the DOWN switch 19b and the like.
4 drive is controlled.

The photometric means 43 measures the subject brightness by the multi-divided light receiving element 28, and the obtained information (photometric information) is input to the exposure control means 44. In order to obtain an appropriate amount of exposure, the photometry means 43 in the exposure control means 44.
An exposure calculation is performed on the basis of the photometric information from, and the aperture value and the shutter speed are thereby determined. The exposure control means 44 operates based on a command from the control means 41.

The focus detection means 45 measures the defocus amount with respect to the reference focus position (focus position) in the camera 10, and the lens drive means 4 is based on the obtained information.
Reference numeral 6 drives the focusing lens to bring it into focus.

Each of the external display liquid crystal display device 18 and the in-viewfinder liquid crystal display device 42 has various photographing information (shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction display, battery consumption level) according to the output signal from the control means 41. Self-timer information, film sensitivity information, exposure mode, metering mode, etc.) are displayed as appropriate.

The transmissive liquid crystal display device 24 has a plurality of predetermined segments 51 to 61. Control of these segments 51 to 61 is performed by the control means 41. FIG.
Shows a state in which all of the predetermined plurality of segments 51 to 61 are energized and displayed. Segment 5
1 is the first photometric area 35a and the central distance measuring zone 36.
It is arranged at a position corresponding to a. ".infin." segment indicating that the measured object distance is located farther than a predetermined distance, ". +-." segment indicating positive or negative, and 0. It consists of a seven segment that can digitally display a three-digit numerical value from 1 to 99.9, including one decimal point.

The segments 52, 53, 54 and 55 are arranged corresponding to the second photometric area 35b, the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d and the fifth photometric area 35e, respectively. Segments 52, 53, 54, 55
Have the same segment structure, respectively, and represent a positive or negative “±” segment, and 0.1 to 99.9.
It consists of a 7 segment that can digitally display a 3-digit numerical value including 1 decimal point.

The segments 56 and 57 are arranged so as to correspond to the left distance measuring zone 36b and the right distance measuring zone 36c, respectively, and it is confirmed that the measured object distance is located farther than a predetermined distance. "∞" segment shown, and 0.1
It consists of a 7 segment that can digitally display a 3-digit numerical value from 1 to 19.9, including 1 decimal point.

The segment 58 is a viewfinder field FV.
The first to fifth photometric areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 3
It functions as a dividing line that divides into 5d and 35e. The segments 59, 60 and 61 respectively include the central distance measuring zone 36a,
It is a segment showing the left distance measuring zone 36b and the right distance measuring zone 36c.

The segments 51 to 61 are transparent in the non-energized state and do not appear in the viewfinder field FV, but are opaque or semitransparent in the energized state and are visible in the viewfinder field FV. If the segments 51 to 61 are semi-transparent when energized, the viewfinder field FV
The overlapping portions of the segments 51 to 61 can be visually recognized to some extent, which is advantageous in that the subject can be easily observed.

The camera 10 to which the present invention is applied has a general divided photometry mode (a mode in which optimum exposure is given to the main subject), a center-weighted average photometry mode, and a spot photometry mode. In each photometry mode, The photometric information obtained in the individual photometric areas of the first to fifth photometric areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e is set to the segments 51 to 51.
The feature is that they can be individually viewed through 55. Hereinafter, the transmissive liquid crystal display device 2 for displaying photometric information
The operation of No. 4 will be described.

When the power switch 17a is turned on by operating the main switch 17, the photometry mode immediately after this turning on becomes the split photometry mode. After that, metering mode switch button 1
Press 4 once to switch to the center-weighted average metering mode, press it again to switch to the spot metering mode, and then press it again to switch between the second split metering mode, the center-weighted average metering mode, and the second spot metering mode, and then press again. And it returns to the first split metering mode. That is, by operating the photometry mode switching button 14, six photometry modes, that is, a divided photometry mode, a center-weighted average photometry mode, a spot metering mode, a second split photometry mode, a second center-weighted average photometry mode, and a second Any one of the desired spot metering modes can be selected. FIG. 6 shows the selection order of the above six photometric modes by operating the photometric mode switching button 14.

The split metering mode, the center-weighted average averaging metering mode, and the spot metering mode selected by the metering mode switching button 14 are general split metering modes,
The center-weighted average photometry mode and the spot photometry mode. The second split metering mode, the second center-weighted average photometry mode, and the second spot metering mode are the same as the split metering mode, the center-weighted average photometry mode, and the spot metering mode, respectively, regarding the light metering method. In this mode, the photometric information obtained in the individual photometric areas of the fifth photometric areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e can be individually viewed through the segments 51 to 55.

In the second divided photometry mode, the second center-weighted average photometry mode, and the second spot photometry mode, the segments 51 to 55 correspond to the corresponding first to fifth photometry areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e. The photometric value at is displayed as an EV (exposure value) value. In the second split photometry mode, the second center-weighted average photometry mode, and the second spot photometric mode, the segment 58 is energized to be visible in the viewfinder field FV. In each of the mode and the spot metering mode, the current is not supplied and the visual field FV is invisible.

In any of the second split metering mode, the second center-weighted average averaging mode, and the second spot metering mode, when any mode is selected by the metering mode switching button 14, first of all, The EV value in each of the first to fifth photometric areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e is displayed. An example of this display is shown in FIG. In the figure, the first to fifth photometric areas 35a, 3
The EV values of 5b, 35c, 35d, and 35e are "1", respectively.
6.0 ”,“ 17.5 ”,“ 15.0 ”,“ 16.
5 ”and“ 15.5 ”are displayed.

When the reference point switching button 16 is pressed once from this display state, the EV value of the first photometric area 35a becomes the reference value, and the second to fifth photometric areas 35b, 35c, 35d, 3
5e shows the EV value of each photometric area and the first photometric area 35a.
The difference from the EV value of is displayed. "0" indicating the reference is displayed in the first photometric area 35a. In the case where the photometric result of each photometric area is the example shown in FIG. 3, the second to fifth photometric areas 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e respectively have "+1.
5 ”,“ −1.0 ”,“ +0.5 ”, and“ −0.5 ”are displayed. FIG. 4 shows this display state. In addition,
The value of the second photometric area 35b is (17.5-16.0),
The value of the third photometric area 35c is (15.0-16.0),
The value of the fourth photometric area 35d is (16.5 to 16.0),
The value of the fifth photometric area 35e is calculated by each calculation of (15.5-16.0).

When the reference point switching button 16 is pressed again from this display state, the reference photometric area indicated by "0" is switched to the second photometric area 35b, and the first photometric area 35a shows "-1.5". ], Third to fifth photometric area 3
5c, 35d, and 35e have "-2.5" and "-," respectively.
"1.0" and "-2.0" are displayed.

When the reference point switching button 16 is further pressed from this display state, the reference photometric area indicated by "0" is sequentially the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the fifth photometric area 35e. When the switching is performed and the reference point switching button 16 is further pressed, the state returns to the state in which all EV values in each of the first photometric areas are displayed. That is, by operating the reference point switching button 16, the reference photometric area indicated by "0" is changed to the first to fifth photometric areas 35a, 35b, 35.
It is possible to switch to any of the photometric areas c, 35d, and 35e. When the desired photometric area is selected, the display in the selected photometric area becomes "0" as described above, and the EV value of each photometric area and the EV value of the selected photometric area are displayed in the other photometric areas. Is displayed. Figure 7
Shows the display order of the photometric information by operating the reference point switching button 16.

In the second split photometry mode, the second center-weighted average photometry mode, and the second spot photometry mode, the segments 51 to 55 correspond to the corresponding first to fifth photometry areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e. It was configured to digitally display the photometric value at
By changing the transmittance of each of the first photometric area 35a, the second photometric area 35b, the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the fifth photometric area 35e, E
It is possible to make the photographer recognize the level of the V value.

In the embodiment having this structure, instead of the segments 51 to 55, each of the first photometric area 35a, the second photometric area 35b, the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the fifth photometric area 35e. A liquid crystal display unit is provided that changes the transmittance according to the photometric area. It is possible to change the density of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal display section of each photometric area. The lower the EV value, the higher (darker) the density becomes.
The higher the EV value, the lower (thinner) the concentration becomes. For example, the first photometric area 35a and the second photometric area 3
5b, third photometric area 35c, fourth photometric area 35d,
EV in any of the fifth photometric areas 35e
When the value is 0 or less, the liquid crystal density of the liquid crystal display unit corresponding to the photometric area is set to be the highest and the transmittance is set to the minimum (for example, 0), and when the EV value is 20 or more, it corresponds to the photometric area. The liquid crystal density of the liquid crystal display section is made the lowest to maximize the transmittance.

An embodiment of this configuration is shown in FIG. In the figure, the first photometric area 35 a and the second photometric area 35 a
b, the display densities of the liquid crystal display unit in the respective photometric areas of the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the fifth photometric area 35e are represented by the pitch of the diagonal lines. That is, in the figure, the liquid crystal density of the liquid crystal display portion is the lowest in the first photometric area 35a and the fifth photometric area 35e, and the second photometric area 35b, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the third photometric area 35c. The liquid crystal density of the liquid crystal display section is increasing in order.
Therefore, in the example shown in FIG.
a, the subject brightness of the subject observed in the fifth photometric area 35e is relatively bright, and the subject brightness of the subject observed in the third photometric area 35c is the darkest as compared to the subject brightness in other photometric areas. Can be recognized.

In each of the above embodiments, the photometric information in each photometric area is the EV value, but it may be a BV (brightness value) value.

In the second split photometry mode, the second center-weighted average photometry mode, and the second spot photometry mode,
Although the segments 51 to 55 are configured to digitally display the photometric values in the corresponding first to fifth photometric areas 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e as EV values, the first photometric area 35a and the second photometric area 35b,
In each of the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the fifth photometric area 35e, overexposure or underexposure may be displayed when the latitude is exceeded. An embodiment having this configuration is shown in FIGS.

In this embodiment, instead of the segments 51 to 55, a first photometric area 35a and a second photometric area 35 are provided.
b, a third photometric area 35c, a fourth photometric area 35d, and a fifth photometric area 35e are provided with overexposure / underexposure display portions 65 corresponding to the respective photometric areas. Each of the over-exposed / under-exposed display portions 65 includes a circular display portion 65a whose inside is semitransparent or opaque, and the circular display portion 6a.
The ring display portion 65b is formed around the circumference 5a. Simultaneous display of the circular display portion 65a and the ring display portion 65b indicates underexposure, display of only the ring display portion 65b indicates overexposure, and in the absence of any display, it indicates inside the latitude. FIG. 9 shows a state in which all of the overexposed / underexposed display portions 65 in each photometric area are displayed. FIG. 10 shows a specific display example. Both the circular display portion 65a and the ring display portion 65b are displayed in the third photometric area 35c, and the fourth photometric area 35c is displayed.
A ring display portion 65b is displayed in d, and the first photometric area 35a, the second photometric area 35b, and the fifth photometric area 35e.
Does not show anything. In the display example of the figure, it can be recognized that the subject in the first photometric area 35a, the second photometric area 35b, and the fifth photometric area 35e is within the latitude, and the subject in the third photometric area 35c is exposed beyond the latitude. It can be recognized that the subject in the under and fourth photometric areas 35d is overexposed by exceeding the latitude.

9 and 10, it is possible to display overexposure or underexposure when the latitude is exceeded in each photometric area, but it is not possible to display the degree of overexposure or underexposure. . Therefore, depending on the degree of overexposure or underexposure, the circular display portion 65a or the ring display portion 65a.
If b is displayed in a blinking manner and the blinking speed is increased or decreased, the degree can be displayed. An embodiment having this configuration is shown in FIG.

In this configuration, when the circular display portion 65a is simply displayed without blinking, it indicates a low degree of underexposure, and the higher the blinking rate and blinking speed, the higher the degree of underexposure (large exposure). (Under state). Similarly, when the ring display portion 65b is simply displayed without blinking, it indicates a low degree of overexposure, and the higher the blinking rate and blinking speed, the higher the degree of overexposure (large overexposure state). ) Is shown. In the specific display example shown in FIG. 11, the blinking speeds of the circular display portion 65a and the ring display portion 65b are expressed by the number of radial dots drawn around the overexposed / underexposed display portion 65. That is, in the figure, the larger the number of dots, the faster the blinking speed, and the smaller the number, the slower the blinking speed.

From the concrete display example shown in FIG.
It can be recognized that the subject in the photometric area 35a and the second photometric area 35b is within the latitude, the subject in the third photometric area 35c is underexposed, and the fourth photometric area 35d.
It can be recognized that the subject in 1 is overexposed and the subject in the fifth photometric area 35e is underexposed. further,
It can be recognized that the degree of underexposure of the subject in the third photometric area 35c is small because the circular display portion 65a and the ring display portion 65b are blinking late, and the fourth photometric area 3
The subject in 5d can be recognized as being overexposed greatly because the blinking speed of the ring display portion 65b is relatively fast, and the subject in the fifth photometric area 35e can be recognized as the circular display portion 65a and the ring display portion 65b. Third photometric area 35c
Since it blinks faster than the circular display portion 65a and the ring display portion 65b in (1), it can be recognized that the exposure is underexposed more than the subject in the third photometric area 35c.

The shape of the overexposed / underexposed display portion 65 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and the circular display portion 65a has a polygonal shape and the ring display portion 65b has a polygonal shape. Other shapes may be used, such as a display portion surrounding the periphery.

Instead of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 11,
The examples shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can also display the degree of overexposure / underexposure display and overexposure / underexposure in each photometric area. In this embodiment, instead of the segments 51 to 55, the first photometric area 35a, the second photometric area 35b, the third photometric area 35c, the fourth photometric area 35d, and the fifth photometric area 35e are associated with each other. An overexposed / underexposed display portion 67 is provided. Each overexposed / underexposed display portion 67 includes a barbed mark portion 67a facing upward, and a downward facing barbed mark portion 67b located below the barbed mark portion 67a.

Each of the arrow mark portions 67a and 67b is composed of a plurality of segments, and the size or area of the arrow mark portions 67a or 67b can be increased or decreased depending on the number of segments to be displayed. As shown in FIG. 12, each segment forming the arrowhead mark 67a is an opaque or semitransparent edge and a transparent inside segment, and each segment forming the arrowhead mark 67b is an opaque or semitransparent segment. It is said that. The arrow mark portion 67a indicates overexposure, and the arrow mark portion 67a
b indicates underexposure, and the degree of overexposure is indicated by the increase / decrease of the segment in which the arrow mark portion 67a is displayed, and the degree of underexposure is indicated by the increase / decrease of the segment in which the arrowhead mark portion 67b is displayed. When neither of the arrowhead mark portions 67a and 67b is displayed, the inside of the latitude is indicated.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which all of the overexposed / underexposed display portions 67 in each photometric area are displayed. FIG. 13 shows a specific display example.
One segment of the arrow mark portion 67b is displayed in the photometric area 35c, and the arrow mark portion 6 is displayed in the fourth photometric area 35d.
3 segments of 7a are displayed, and the fifth photometric area 35
Two segments of the bag mark 67b are displayed in e,
Nothing is displayed in the first photometric area 35a and the second photometric area 35b. From the specific display example shown in FIG. 13, it can be recognized that the subject in the first photometric area 35a and the second photometric area 35b is within the latitude, and
It can be recognized that the subject in the photometric area 35c is underexposed over the latitude, the subject in the fourth photometric area 35d is overexposed over the latitude, and the subject in the fifth photometric area 35e is underexposed over the latitude. Further, the subject in the third photometric area 35c has only one segment displayed, that is, the arrow mark portion 6
Since the display area of 7b is the smallest, it can be recognized that the degree of underexposure is small, and the subject in the fourth photometric area 35d has three displayed segments, that is, the arrow mark portion 6
Since the display area of 7a is the largest, it can be recognized that it is overexposed, and the subject in the fifth photometric area 35e is larger than the subject in the third photometric area 35c because the number of displayed segments is two. You can recognize that it is underexposed.

According to the in-viewfinder display device for a camera of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to know the photometric information of each part of the photographing screen observed in the viewfinder field without changing the framing of the camera. You can set various exposure settings. In addition, each photometric area 35 in the viewfinder field
In a to 35e, it is possible to know at a glance whether the exposure is overexposed or underexposed when the latitude is exceeded, so that it becomes easy to grasp the finish condition of the photograph.

The shape of the overexposure / underexposure display section 67 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and overexposure and underexposure can be displayed and the degree of overexposure or underexposure can be increased or decreased by the area of the display section. Any other display unit may be used as long as it can be displayed.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, each segment forming the bag mark mark 67a is a segment whose edges are opaque or semi-transparent and whose inside is transparent, and each segment forming the bag mark 67b is entirely opaque or semi-transparent. However, the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24 is used as a color liquid crystal display plate, and each segment forming the arrow mark portion 67a is set as a segment of a certain color (for example, blue or green), and each of the arrow mark marks 67b is formed. The segment may have a different color (for example, red).

The camera 10 to which the present invention is applied has a normal distance measuring mode, a distance measuring zone selecting distance measuring mode, and a multipoint distance measuring mode. Further, in each distance measurement mode, any one of the center distance measurement zone 36a, the left distance measurement zone 36b, and the right distance measurement zone 36c is intentionally selected as the AF distance measurement zone, and the distance measurement obtained in each distance measurement zone It is characterized in that the information can be individually viewed through the segments 51, 56 and 57. The operation of the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24 for displaying distance measurement information will be described below.

Immediately after the power switch 17a is turned on, the normal distance measuring mode is selected. By operating the distance measurement mode switching button 15 in the normal distance measurement mode, the distance measurement zone selection distance measurement mode, the multi-point distance measurement mode, and the normal distance measurement mode are sequentially switched again in this order. Distance measuring zone selection Any one of the desired distance measuring mode and the multi-point distance measuring mode can be selected. FIG. 18 shows a selection order of the above three distance measuring modes by operating the distance measuring mode switching button 15.

In the normal distance measuring mode, the central distance measuring zone 36a is set as the AF distance measuring zone, and the distance measuring is not performed in the other distance measuring zones, that is, the left distance measuring zone 36b and the right distance measuring zone 36c. At this time, the segment 59 is energized to be in a visible state, and the other segments 60 and 61 are not energized to be invisible. When the reference point switching button 16 is pressed once in this mode, the distance measurement information measured in the central distance measurement zone 36a is displayed as the subject distance via the segment 51, and when it is pressed again, the display disappears. FIG. 14 shows a state in which, in the normal distance measurement mode, for example, when the subject distance obtained in the central distance measuring zone 36a is 6.7 meters, this subject distance is displayed by the segment 51.

When the distance measuring mode switching button 15 is pressed once from the normal distance measuring mode, the mode is switched to the distance measuring zone selecting distance measuring mode. In this ranging zone selection ranging mode,
By operating the reference point switching button 16, the central distance measuring zone 3
6a, the left distance measuring zone 36b, or the right distance measuring zone 36c can be intentionally selected as the AF distance measuring zone. When this distance measuring zone selection distance measuring mode is selected, the central distance measuring zone 36a is first selected as the effective AF distance measuring zone, and thereafter, each time the reference point switching button 16 is pressed, the left distance measuring zone 36b and the right distance measuring zone 36b are selected. The AF distance measurement zones are sequentially switched to the zone 36c and the central distance measurement zone 36a again.

In this distance measurement zone selection distance measurement mode, distance measurement is not performed in the distance measurement zones that are not selected. Also,
Of the segments 59, 60, 61, only the segment corresponding to the selected distance measuring zone is energized to be visible, and the other segments are not energized to be invisible. In this mode, as in the normal distance measurement mode, when the reference point switching button 16 is pressed once, the distance measurement information measured in the selected distance measurement zone is displayed as the subject distance via the segment 51, 56 or 57. Is pressed, and the display disappears when pressed again. FIG. 15 shows that in the distance measuring zone selection distance measuring mode, for example, when the left distance measuring zone 36b is selected as the AF distance measuring zone and the object distance obtained in the left distance measuring zone 36b is 8.0 meters, this object is detected. The distance is shown by the segment 56.

When the distance measurement mode switching button 15 is pressed once in the distance measurement zone selection distance measurement mode, the mode is switched to the multipoint distance measurement mode. In this multi-point distance measuring mode, all distance measuring zones, that is, the central distance measuring zone 36a, the left distance measuring zone 36b,
By performing distance measurement in the right distance measurement zone 36c and operating the reference point switching button 16, any one of the center distance measurement zone 36a, the left distance measurement zone 36b, and the right distance measurement zone 36c is detected as the AF distance measurement zone. Can be intentionally selected as. When this multi-point distance measuring mode is selected, the central distance measuring zone 36a is first selected as the AF distance measuring zone, and then each time the reference point switching button 16 is pressed, the left distance measuring zone 36b and the right distance measuring zone 36c are selected. The AF distance measurement zones are sequentially switched to the central distance measurement zone 36a again.

In this multipoint distance measuring mode, the segment 5
Of the segments 9, 60, 61, only the segment corresponding to the selected distance measuring zone is energized and made visible,
The other segments are not energized and invisible, and the distance measurement information obtained by the distance measurement zones 36a, 36b, and 36c is used as the subject distance in the segments 51, 56, and 57.
Are displayed individually via. FIG. 16 shows that, in the multi-point distance measuring mode, for example, the left distance measuring zone 36b is selected as the AF distance measuring zone, the object distance obtained in the central distance measuring zone 36a is 5.0 meters, and the left distance measuring zone 36b. Subject distance of 3.5 meters obtained in, right ranging zone 36
The case where the subject distance obtained in b is 6.0 meters is shown.

Further, in the multi-point distance measuring mode, when the object in the distance measuring zone which is not intentionally selected as the AF distance measuring zone is located outside the depth of field, It has a function of blinking the corresponding segment 51, 56 or 57 to notify the photographer. An example of this display mode is shown in FIG. In the figure, the left distance measuring zone 36b is selected as the AF distance measuring zone, the object distance obtained in the central distance measuring zone 36a is 5.0 meters, and the object distance obtained in the left distance measuring zone 36b is 3. 5
In this case, the subject distance obtained in the right distance measuring zone 36b is 10.0 meters. In this case, since the subject in the right distance measuring zone 36c is located outside the depth of field, the segment 57 indicating the subject distance of 10.0 meters is displayed blinking. According to this configuration, by visually checking whether or not the subject distances displayed in the segments 51, 56, and 57 are blinking, it is possible to detect the distance measuring zones 36a,
It is possible to determine at a glance whether the subject at 36b or 36c is located within the depth of field or outside the depth of field. In the figure, a plurality of dots radially drawn around the segment 57 indicating a subject distance of 10.0 meters are
The blinking state of the segment 57 is shown.

Each of the above distance measuring modes (normal distance measuring mode,
Distance measuring zone selection distance measuring mode, multi-point distance measuring mode), any one of the object distance measuring zones 36a, 36b, 36
If distance measurement with c is not possible (for example, if the AF mechanism is unable to focus on a subject with extremely low contrast), or if the shooting distance is too short, etc. By blinking the segment 59, 60, or 61 to be displayed, it is displayed that the object in the distance measuring zone cannot be measured.

In each of the distance measuring modes (normal distance measuring mode, distance measuring zone selecting distance measuring mode, multi-point distance measuring mode), one of the object distance measuring zones 36a, 36b, 3
When the subject distance measured by the distance measurement in 6c is longer than the predetermined distance, the "∞" segment of the corresponding segment 51, 56, or 57 is displayed so that the distance of the measured subject distance is the predetermined distance. Shows that you are located at a greater distance.

In the transmission type liquid crystal display device 24 having the segment pattern shown in FIG. 1, when the camera 10 is held in the vertical position, the numerical values digitally displayed by the segments 51 to 57 may be difficult to see. In consideration of this problem, each of the segments 51 to 5 is added to the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24.
A segment similar to that of No. 7 is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the lateral position of the camera 10, and the corresponding segments 51 to 5
When the camera 10 is held in the vertical position, the position change is detected by the posture detecting means or the like, and the segment formed at a position rotated 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal position is used. It may be configured to display a numerical value. As a specific configuration for switching the display form of the segment by detecting the vertical position and the horizontal position of the camera, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-20555 (Japanese Patent Application No. 5-16) filed by the same applicant as the present invention.
4379) The structure disclosed in "Display device in viewfinder of camera" can be used.

According to the in-viewfinder display device of the camera of the present invention having the above structure, the distance measuring zones 36a, 36
It is possible to see at a glance the subject distance information in b and 36c, and also to see at a glance whether or not the subject in another range-finding zone not selected as the AF range-finding zone is within the depth of field. It is easy to understand the finished condition of the photo.

Although the multi-division photometric device 28 has five photometric areas, the shape and number of the photometric areas are not limited to this embodiment, and other shapes and numbers may be used. Further, the shape of various segments formed in the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and other shaped segments having the same function may be used.

Information similar to the photometry and distance measurement information displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal display device 24 may be displayed on the external display liquid crystal display device 18.

[0061]

As described above, according to the display device in the viewfinder of the camera of the present invention, the photometric information or the distance measuring information in each photometric area or the distance measuring zone can be individually visually recognized, and therefore, the actual It will be easier to understand the finish of the photo.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing all segments of a transmissive liquid crystal display device observed in a field of view of a finder.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a plurality of photometric areas in a viewfinder field.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which an EV value obtained in each photometric area is displayed in each of a plurality of photometric areas.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the first photometric area is selected as a reference, and the EV value of each photometric area and the first photometric area 35 are added to other photometric areas.
It is a figure showing the state where the difference with the EV value of a was displayed.

FIG. 5: The second photometric area is selected as a reference, and the EV value of each photometric area and the second photometric area 35 are selected as other photometric areas.
It is a figure showing the state where the difference with the EV value of a was displayed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a selection order of a plurality of photometry modes by operating a photometry mode switching button.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display order of photometric information by operating a reference point switching button.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which an EV value is formed by changing the transmittance of a corresponding finder field portion.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which overexposure or underexposure is displayed when the latitude is exceeded in each photometric area.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific display example in the display form in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific display example different from that in FIG. 10 in the display form in the example of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example in which overexposure or underexposure is displayed when the latitude is exceeded in each photometric area.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific display example in the display form in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific display example in a normal distance measurement mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a specific display example in a distance measurement zone selection distance measurement mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific display example in a multipoint distance measurement mode.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display mode in the case where a subject in a distance measuring zone not intentionally selected as a distance measuring zone for AF is located outside the depth of field in this multipoint distance measuring mode.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a selection order of a plurality of distance measurement modes by operating a distance measurement mode switching button.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a camera to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an optical system provided in a camera to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a control system of a camera to which the present invention has been applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Camera 11 Camera Body 12 Photographic Lens 13 Viewfinder Eyepiece 14 Metering Mode Switching Button 15 Distance Measurement Mode Switching Button 16 Reference Point Switching Button 17 Main Switch 18 External Display Liquid Crystal Display 19 UP / DOWN Switch 20 Release Button 21 Main Mirror 22 Sub mirror 23 Focus plate 24 Transmissive liquid crystal display device 25 Penta prism 26 Eyepiece lens 27 Photometric lens 28 Multi-segment photometric element 29 Photographing lens group 30 AF unit 31 CCD line sensor 35a First photometric area 35b Second photometric area 35c Third photometric area 35d Fourth metering area 35e Fifth metering area 36a Central distance measuring zone 36b Left distance measuring zone 36c Right distance measuring zone 40 Control system 41 Control means 42 Liquid crystal display device in viewfinder 43 Light measuring means 44 Exposure control means 45 Point detection means 46 a lens driving unit 47 a shutter driving unit 48 diaphragm drive unit 49 photometric circuit 50 A / D converter 51 to 61 segments

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Sakae Tanaka 1-1-11 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Pentax Sales Co., Ltd.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An AE camera having a plurality of photometric areas, wherein the AE camera has a display unit for individually displaying photometric information detected in each photometric area. 2. The in-viewfinder display device of a camera according to claim 1, wherein each of the photometric information is superimposed and displayed on a viewfinder field portion corresponding to a photometric area where the photometric information is obtained. 3. The display device in a viewfinder of a camera according to claim 2, wherein the photometric information is an EV value. 4. The display device in a viewfinder of a camera according to claim 3, wherein the EV value is formed by a change in transmittance of a corresponding viewfinder visual field portion. 5. The photometric information according to claim 2, which is information indicating overexposure or underexposure when the latitude is exceeded, and each of the overexposure and underexposure information of a camera displayed with a predetermined mark. Display device in viewfinder. 6. The in-viewfinder display device of a camera according to claim 5, wherein the degree of overexposure or underexposure is displayed by increasing or decreasing the blinking speed of a predetermined mark. 7. The display device in a viewfinder of a camera according to claim 5, wherein the degree of overexposure or underexposure is displayed by increasing or decreasing the area of a predetermined mark. 8. The reference area selection means according to claim 1, further comprising a reference area selection means for selecting any one of the plurality of photometric areas as a reference photometric area. When one photometric area is selected by, the photometric information detected in the other photometric area and the photometric information detected in the selected photometric area are displayed in the viewfinder field portion corresponding to the other photometric area. Display device in the viewfinder of the camera that shows the difference. 9. The in-viewfinder display device of a camera according to claim 1, wherein the photometric information is displayed by a transmissive liquid crystal display device provided in an optical path of the viewfinder. 10. An in-viewfinder display device for a camera, comprising: an AF camera having a plurality of distance measuring zones, which has a display means for individually displaying distance measuring information detected in each distance measuring zone. 11. The in-viewfinder display device of a camera according to claim 10, wherein the distance measurement information is superimposed and displayed in a viewfinder field portion corresponding to a distance measurement zone in which the distance measurement information is obtained. 12. The in-viewfinder display device of a camera according to claim 11, wherein the distance measurement information is subject distance information. 13. The distance measurement information according to claim 11, wherein when a focus is obtained in one of the plurality of distance measurement zones, a subject in another distance measurement zone is within the depth of field. In-viewfinder display device of camera, which is information indicating whether or not. 14. The reference zone selecting device according to claim 11, further comprising: a reference zone selecting unit that selects any one of the plurality of distance measuring zones as a reference distance measuring zone for focusing. Display in the viewfinder of the camera. 15. The in-viewfinder display device of a camera according to claim 10, wherein the distance measurement information is displayed by a transmissive liquid crystal display device arranged in the finder optical path.