JP2000221579A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid such a situation that printing magnification is so high that a printed photograph lower than an allowable image level is produced and to make a function for setting a printing frame coexist with a function for electronic zooming by providing a combination permitting/inhibiting means for inhibiting the combination of a specified printing frame with electronic zooming. SOLUTION: Transparent magnetic coating is applied to all the surface of photographic film 100, and only the part of an information recording part 102 on the magnetic coating is used, then information is magnetically recorded in the recording part 102. In such a case, the camera is equipped with the combination permitting/inhibiting means inhibiting the combination of the specified printing frame and the electronic zooming and permitting the combination of another printing frame and the electronic zooming. When both the specified printing frame which is inhibited from being combined with the electronic zooming and the electronic zooming are set, the information showing the set specified printing frame is recorded in the recording part 102 on the film 100 and the information showing that the electronic zooming is not set is recorded therein.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention records information on a set print frame on a photo film, and prints a photo in the print frame based on the information recorded on the photo film when printing the photo. A camera suitable for the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as one example of the above system, A
PS System (Advanced Photo Sys)
tem) has been operated. In a camera that has already been commercialized and is compatible with this APS system, although actual shooting is performed only at the shooting screen opening and shooting screen frame during standard shooting, C ( Three types of print frames (conventional), H (high-definition), and P (panorama) (C type: 15.6 mm × 22.3 mm, H type: 15.6 mm × 27.4 mm, P In the case of the type, any one of the print frames of 9.6 mm in length × 27.4 mm in width) is arbitrarily set, and the set information is stored in the information recording unit for each photographic frame of the photo film in the magnetic system or the exposure mode. It is recorded in the format.

When a photographic film photographed by such a camera is subjected to development and print processing, information recorded in an information recording section of photographed frames is automatically read by a printer. In accordance with the type of the designated print frame, an area in the designated print frame of the entire area in the actual shooting screen frame is trimmed and printed.

[0004] A camera adapted to the above system does not need to mechanically or physically change the photographing screen frame, and therefore provides a function of arbitrarily and promptly selecting a desired screen size for each photographing frame. However, the camera can be made small and inexpensive.

[0005] In addition to the technologies already put into practical use, another technical concept called "electronic zoom" has been proposed. When this "electronic zoom" is selected, the information recording unit for each photographed frame of the photo film indicates that the electronic zoom is to be performed (when the electronic zoom is one step) or the electronic zoom magnification type (the electronic zoom magnification). Is recorded as information), the printer automatically reads the information at the time of printing, and according to the presence or absence of the electronic zoom selected by the user at the time of shooting, or the magnification type, within the actual shooting screen frame, This is a pseudo zoom of a system in which a center area corresponding to the selected electronic zoom is trimmed and printed.

[0006]

However, the conventional proposals regarding the technology of the electronic zoom have a specific problem in the case where the technology of the electronic zoom is used together with the technology of switching the print frame which has already been put to practical use. No proposals or solutions are proposed.

In the APS system, the enlargement magnification at the time of printing differs depending on which of the three types of print frames C, H, and P is selected. That is, H
Assuming that the stretching magnification in the case of (1) is 1.0, C becomes 1.0 times, which is the same as H, and P becomes 1.7 times. In other words, although the printed photos all have sufficient image quality, strictly speaking, the image quality of P-type printed photos is lower than that of H-type or C-type printed photos.

If an electronic zoom technology is used in combination with such a real system, and the electronic zoom magnification is, for example, 1.7 times, which is the same as when a P-type print frame is selected, the enlargement magnification is H 1.7 times and 1.7 times for each type, C type and P type print frame
1.7 × 1.7 = 2.9 times, and for P type, the enlargement magnification becomes too large as 2.9 times, further deteriorating the print image quality is conspicuous, and falls below the allowable image quality level. Results. By improving the characteristics such as graininess and sharpness of the photographic film itself, the overall image quality can be improved. However, in this APS system, the print frame and the electronic zoom are realized in a pseudo manner during printing. Classically, the print frame (photographing screen frame) and zoom were originally performed mechanically, physically or optically on the camera side, and the image quality did not deteriorate due to that. Regardless, it is inconvenient that the image quality of the printed photograph greatly differs depending on the print frame and the electronic zoom selected in the APS system.

The suitability of selecting a combination of the size of the print frame and the print magnification by the electronic zoom depends on the performance of the photosensitive material used in the presumed camera system,
Depending on the absolute value of the screen size, the absolute value of the print size that is frequently used, and the like, a threshold value for determining the suitability of the combination selection is set for each camera system.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera in which a function of selecting a print frame and a function of electronic zoom coexist while avoiding the above disadvantages.

[0011]

A camera according to the present invention for achieving the above object has a first operation member for setting an arbitrary print frame among a plurality of types of print frames, and a second operation member for setting an electronic zoom. 2, an information recording device for recording information about the print frame and the electronic zoom set by operating the first and second operation members on a photographic film, and a combination of a specific print frame and an electronic zoom. Combination prohibition means for prohibition.

The camera of the present invention is provided with a combination permitting / prohibiting means for prohibiting a combination of a specific print frame and electronic zoom and permitting a combination of another print frame and electronic zoom. And the function of the electronic zoom can coexist, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a printed photograph having a print magnification that is too large and falls below the allowable image quality level.

Here, in the camera according to the present invention, the combination permission / prohibition means may include both the specific print frame and the electronic zoom for which the combination with the electronic zoom is prohibited by the first and second operation members. Is set, the information recording device causes the information representing the set specific print frame to be recorded on the photo film, and the information representing that the electronic zoom is not set to be recorded on the photo film. It may be something.

In this case, an inappropriate combination is avoided by canceling the setting of the electronic zoom.

Alternatively, in the camera of the present invention,
The combination permitting / non-permitting means is configured such that, when both the specific print frame and the electronic zoom for which the combination with the electronic zoom is prohibited are set by the first and second operation members,
The information recording apparatus records information representing a specific print frame which is different from the set specific print frame and which is allowed to be combined with the electronic zoom on the photo film, and the electronic zoom is set. That is, information representing the fact may be recorded on a photographic film.

In this case, the print frame is automatically changed, thereby avoiding an inappropriate combination.

In the camera according to the present invention, the combination permission / prohibition unit may be configured to operate the first operation member when a specific print frame for which combination with the electronic zoom is prohibited is set. It is preferable that the operation of the second operation member is prohibited.

In this case, when a print frame inappropriate for combination with the electronic zoom is set by operating the first operation member for setting the print frame, the second operation member for setting the electronic zoom becomes inoperable. In addition, the user trying to set the electronic zoom can be informed of the inappropriate combination.

Further, in the camera according to the present invention, the information recording device records information at a position on the photographic film corresponding to the currently exposed frame after exposing one frame of the photographic film. It is preferred that

In this case, the information can be recorded while the photographic film is fed by one frame from the photographed frame to the next frame.

Further, in the camera of the present invention, when both the specific print frame and the electronic zoom for which the combination is prohibited by the combination permitting / rejecting means are set, a display means for displaying that both of them are set. It is preferable to provide

By this display, it is possible to reliably recognize that an inappropriate combination has been set.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed obliquely from the front.

At the center of the front of the camera 10, there is provided a zoom lens barrel 11 having an optical zoom lens therein. At the top of the front of the camera 10, a finder objective window 12 and an AF projection window 13 are provided. , AF light receiving window 14 and AE light receiving window 15 are arranged. A shutter button 16 is arranged on the upper surface of the camera 10.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera shown in FIG.

On the back of the camera 10, a finder eyepiece window 17, a slide switch 18 for switching the print frame to one of C, H and P, a zoom operation lever 19 for operating the optical zoom lens to the tele side or the wide side,
A push button switch 20, a power-on switch button 21, and other operation members 22 for setting an electronic zoom are provided. Here, in the present embodiment, the slide switch 18 and the push button switch 20 are respectively
It corresponds to the first operation member and the second operation member according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as viewed from the direction in which the rear and bottom surfaces appear.

On the bottom surface of the camera 10, a cartridge lid 24 for closing an entrance portion of a film cartridge loading chamber 23 in which an APS film cartridge 50 conforming to the APS photo system is loaded, and a cartridge lid for opening the cartridge lid 24. Open / close lock lever 2
5 are provided.

A photo film wound around a spool is incorporated in the film cartridge 50, and the film entrance and exit are covered with an open / close lid (not shown) having a light-tight structure. Is not opened or closed. Further, a bar code (not shown) is provided outside the flange surface of the spool of the film cartridge 50 on the side facing the camera loading chamber, and the bar code is provided through a window provided on the end surface of the film cartridge 50. Is visible.

The cartridge lid 24 is opened by rotating the cartridge lid opening / closing lock lever 25 at the bottom of the camera 10 in the opening direction, and the APS film cartridge 50 is inserted into the film cartridge loading chamber 23 in the axial direction as indicated by the arrow. Load it.

Next, when the cartridge lid 24 is closed, the opening / closing lid for keeping the film entrance of the film cartridge 50 light-tight is opened in conjunction with this closing operation, and the operation of the camera is subsequently started. Here, the photographic film inside the film cartridge is first driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction in which the film is sent out, and the loaded A
It is determined whether the photo film in the PS film cartridge is unused or used, and at the same time, the sensitivity of the photo film is detected.

When it is detected that the photo film in the loaded film cartridge is not used, the driving direction of the photo film is reversed, and the photo film is rotated in the sending direction, and the first frame is moved. When the film is fed to the photographing position, the film feeding stops and the preparation for photographing is completed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a photographic film contained in a film cartridge.

The photo film 100 is in the form of a long roll, and is fed in the direction of arrow A in the camera. Two perforations 101 are perforated at the top of each shooting screen frame 110, and at the bottom,
An information recording unit 102 in which information on the frame is recorded is provided. In the present embodiment, a transparent magnetic coating is applied to the entire surface of the photo film, and only the information recording portion 102 of the magnetic coating is used.
Information is magnetically recorded in the information recording unit 102. The information recording unit 102 records information about the print frame and the electronic zoom set as described later. The photographing screen frame on which photographing is actually performed by the camera 10 shown in FIGS. Regardless of which of the three types of print frames C, H, and P described later is set, the shooting screen frame 110 shown in FIG. 4 remains the same.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a part of a cross section of the inside of the camera 10 along the photographing optical axis.

The photographic film 100 is fed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 5 so that the portion of the next photographic frame is located at the photographic position sandwiched between the aperture 26 and the pressure plate 27. The aperture 26 defines an actual photographing screen frame when light passing through the photographing zoom lens from the left direction in FIG. The pressure plate 27
Is urged by a pressure plate spring 28 disposed between the camera 10 and the back cover 29 in a direction in which the photographic film 100 is pushed from the back surface thereof, and the photographic film 100 is moved in the optical axis direction (left-right direction in FIG. 5). The position of is regulated.

Here, the magnetic recording head 31 is located on the photo film 100 at a position facing the information recording section 102 in FIG.
When the photographing of one frame is completed, the photographic film 100 is fed by one frame, and the magnetic recording head 319 causes the photographic film 100 to be moved.
Information about the print frame and electronic zoom set by the user is magnetically recorded in the information recording unit 102 of the frame that has just been photographed.

FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams showing the relationship between the print frame set by the user and the area actually printed when printing is performed after development of this photographic film is completed. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG.
In each case, the user sets H type, C type, and P type print frames. Here, it is assumed that the electronic zoom is not set.

In the case of the H type, as shown in FIG. 6, the fact that the type is the H type is recorded in the information recording unit 102 at the time of photographing. Become. Although the actual shooting screen frame and the H-type print frame are matched here, the actual shooting screen frame is slightly widened (for example, vertical 1
(6.7 mm × width 30.2 mm) is usually set. However, in the following description, for ease of understanding, the margin in the actual shooting screen frame is ignored, and the description is made on the assumption that the actual shooting screen frame matches the H type print frame.

In the case of the C type, as shown in FIG. 7, the fact that the type is the C type is recorded in the information recording unit 102 at the time of photographing. The area 111 sandwiched between the broken lines is an effective print area. The enlargement magnification is the same as the enlargement magnification for the H type.

In the case of the P type, as shown in FIG. 8, the P type is recorded in the information recording unit 102 at the time of photographing.
A region 112 sandwiched between dashed lines having a width smaller than the upper and lower sides than 10
Is an effective print area, and the area 112 is 1.7 when the enlargement magnification for the H type is 1.0.
Printed at double magnification.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing effective print areas at the time of printing when the electronic zoom is set by the user. 9 and 10 show the case where the user sets the electronic zoom and sets the H type and C type print frames, respectively. In the present embodiment, the combination of the P type and the electronic zoom is prohibited, and the combination is not shown here. Here, a description will be given using a relative value when the enlargement magnification in the case of the H type when the electronic zoom is not set is 1.0.

In the present embodiment, there is only one stage of electronic zoom (electronic zoom on / off), and when the electronic zoom is on, the enlargement magnification is 1.7. Therefore, in the case of the H type shown in FIG. 9, the H type print frame when the electronic zoom is not set, that is, the actual shooting screen frame 1
A central area 113 (1 / 1.7) times 10 becomes an H-type print frame when the electronic zoom is on, and the enlargement is based on the H-type enlargement magnification of 1.0 when the electronic zoom is off. The magnification is 1.7.

In the case of the C type shown in FIG. 10, the center area 114 (1 / 1.7) times the C type print frame 111 when the electronic zoom is not set is the C type when the electronic zoom is on. When the enlargement magnification of the C type when the electronic zoom is off is set to 1.0, the enlargement magnification of the C type when the electronic zoom is on is 1.7 times.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are views showing the structure of the slide switch 18, zoom operation lever 19 and push button switch 20 shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. Operation knob 1 for switch 18
Reference numeral 81 denotes states set to 'H', 'P', and 'C', respectively.

When the operation knob 181 is operated, the slide switch 18 moves to any one of C, H, and P along the guide hole 31 provided in the camera cover.
To which position the two leaf switches 36,
38.

The zoom operation lever 19 is configured to rotate about a support shaft 37 that is supported by the camera body, and an operation surface 19 on one end of the zoom operation lever 19 is provided.
When 1a is pressed, the zoom operation lever 19 moves to the arrow B
The switch button 32a of the tast switch 32 is pressed by the pressing pin 193a. Then, while the switch button 32a is being pressed, the optical zoom lens barrel 11 shown in FIG. 1 moves to the telephoto side.

When the finger is released from the operation surface 191a, the zoom operation lever 19 stops pressing the switch button 32a of the tact switch 32 and returns to the original position by the urging force of the spring 192a.

On the other hand, similarly, the zoom operation lever 1
When the operation surface 191b on the other end side of the camera 9 is pressed, the zoom operation lever 19 rotates in the direction of arrow C, and the pressing pin 193b
Thereby, the switch button 33a of the tact switch 33 is pressed. Then, while the switch button 33a is being pressed, the optical zoom lens barrel 11 shown in FIG. 1 moves to the wide side. When the finger is released from the operation surface 191b, the zoom operation lever 19 returns to the original position by the urging force of the spring 192b, and the pressing pin 193b moves away from the switch button 33a of the tact switch 33.

The center of the zoom operation lever 19 is provided with a hole 191c into which the operation pin 201 of the push button switch 20 is inserted. It is inserted in a state where it is prevented from coming off by 202. The head 201 a of the operation pin 201 is in a state protruding from the surface of the zoom operation lever 19. Here, when the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 is at the “C” or “H” position and the head 201 a of the operation pin 201 of the push button switch 20 is pressed with a finger, the pressing unit 204 is turned on by the tact switch 34. Is pressed, the electronic zoom is set. When the finger is released from the head 201a of the operation pin 201, the spring 20
By the urging force of 3, the operation pin 201 returns to the original position (the position where the head 201 protrudes), and the pressing portion 204 is separated from the switch button 34a of the tact switch 34. The fact that the electronic zoom has been set is displayed on a not-shown finder display screen.

When the electronic zoom is set and the head 201a of the operation pin 201 is pressed again to turn on the tact switch 34 again, the electronic zoom is released.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 for switching the print frame is moved to the position "P", the tip 182a of the lock lever 182 fixed to the operation knob is turned. Operation pin 2
0, enters between the pressing portion 204 and the tactile switch 34, the tip portion 182a rides on the tip of the receiving member 35, and presses the head portion 201a of the operation pin 201, the pressing portion 204 comes into contact with the lock lever 182. The operation pin 201 is prevented from moving to the side of the touch switch 34, and the switch button 34a of the touch switch 34 is
Is prevented from being pressed. When the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 is moved to the position 'P', the tip 182b of the lock lever 182 pushes the leaf switch 36 to turn off the leaf switch 36. When the leaf switch 36 is turned off, the camera detects that the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 has moved to the position 'P'.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 for switching the print frame is moved to the position "C", the lock lever 182 fixed to the operation knob 181 is turned on the leaf switch 38. Is pressed to turn off the leaf switch 38. Thereby, it is detected that the operation knob 181 has moved to the position of “C”.

As shown in FIG. 11, when both of the two leaf switches 36 and 38 are ON, it is detected that the operation knob 181 is at the "H" position.

FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram of the camera of this embodiment.

The power from the internal battery 300 is directly supplied to the driver IC 301 and the
2 and supplied to the CPU 303. The output voltage of the regulator 302 is
4 is monitored. The reset circuit 304 has a role of stopping the operation of the CPU 303 to prevent the camera from running out of control when the output voltage of the regulator 302 decreases to the minimum voltage at which the CPU 303 can operate normally.

The CPU 303 has an EEPR in which various programs and data executed by the CPU 303 are stored.
OM 305, battery check circuit 306 for monitoring remaining capacity of built-in battery 300, liquid crystal display panel (LCD) in finder for performing various displays in finder
307, a display LED 308, an AF (auto focus) projection LED 309, the shutter button 16 shown in FIG. 1, a slide switch 18 for setting a print frame, and a zoom operation lever 1 for setting an optical zoom shown in FIG.
9, various operation switches 310 including a push button switch 20 for setting an electronic zoom, and a strobe circuit 311 are connected.
Receives instructions and information, or controls.
Further, a crystal oscillator 320 for generating a basic clock required for the operation of the CPU 303 is also connected to the CPU 303. Further, the above-described driver IC 301 is also connected to the CPU 303, and the driver IC 301 receives four electric motors 312, 316, 317, 318 and a magnetic recording head 319 (for the magnetic recording head 319, (See FIG. 5). Furthermore, the driver IC3
01, an shutter sensor 313 that captures the timing when the shutter starts to open, an AE light-receiving sensor 314 that captures the brightness of the scene, and an AF that measures the distance to the subject
The light receiving sensor 315 is also connected.

In order to avoid complexity of illustration, some of the various elements shown in FIG. 14 are not shown in the figures.

The driver IC 301 has a built-in shutter drive driver for driving an electric motor 312 for driving the opening and closing of the shutter. The shutter driving driver receives an instruction from the CPU 303 and operates the electric motor for opening and closing the shutter. 312 to drive the shutter sensor 313
The shutter is opened and closed from the timing of the shutter opening detected by the AE to the timing corresponding to the information on the brightness of the object scene detected by the AE light receiving sensor 314. By doing so, one frame of shooting is performed.

The driver IC 301 includes an electric motor 316 for feeding the film, an electric motor 317 for driving the zoom lens barrel, and an electric motor 31 for adjusting the focus.
8, a film feed driver for driving each of
A zoom lens barrel driver and a focus driver are built in.

The film feed driver drives the electric motor 316 in response to an instruction from the CPU 303, for example,
When the photographing of one frame is completed, the photographic film is wound up by one frame, and when the photographing of the last frame is completed, the photographic film is rewound into the film cartridge 50 (see FIG. 3).

Further, the zoom lens barrel driving driver determines that the CPU 303 has detected that the operation of the zoom operation lever 19 (see FIG. 2) of the operation switch 301 has been detected by the CPU 303.
The electric motor 317 is driven according to the instruction from U303, and the optical zoom lens barrel 11 (see FIG. 1) is operated to the tele side or the wide side.

Further, the focus driving driver drives the electric motor 318 according to the distance measurement result of the AF light receiving sensor 315, and moves the taking lens so that an image of the subject is formed on the photographic film surface.

The driver IC 301 incorporates an electronic zoom driving driver and a C / H / P trimming switching driver for driving the magnetic recording head 319.

The electronic zoom driving driver is a push button switch 2 for setting the electronic zoom among the operation switches 310.
The magnetic recording head 319 is driven in response to an instruction from the CPU 303 which has detected the operation information of "0", and synchronized with the winding of one frame of the photographic film by the electric motor 316 for feeding the photographic film. The information of the electronic zoom is recorded in the information recording section 102 of the frame for which photography has just been performed. In the present embodiment, this is recorded only when the electronic zoom is on, and the absence of the electronic zoom on is regarded as electronic zoom off.

The C / H / P trimming switching drive driver receives an instruction from the CPU 303 which has detected information on the slide position (C or H or P) of the print frame setting slide switch 18 of the operation switches 310. In response to this, the magnetic recording head 319 is driven, and in the same manner as the electronic zoom drive driver, the film is now photographed in synchronization with the winding of one frame of the photographic film by the electric motor 316 for feeding the film. The type (C, H, or P) of the print frame is recorded in the information recording unit 102 of the just-completed frame. The information recording unit 102 for each photographed frame
Is referred to at the time of printing a photograph, as described above.

Although two drivers, an electronic zoom drive driver and a C / H / P trimming switching driver, are shown here, the functions are divided into two functions. There may be one driver.

FIG. 15 shows the CPU 303 when the push button switch 20 (see FIG. 2) for setting the electronic zoom is pressed.
9 is a flowchart of an electronic zoom button on routine executed in the camera.

An "electronic zoom flag" is provided in the CPU 303. When the push button switch 20 for setting the electronic zoom is pressed, it is determined whether the electronic zoom flag is on or off. (Step 15_1). When the electronic zoom flag is off, the electronic zoom flag is changed to an on state indicating that the electronic zoom has been set (step 15_2). on the other hand,
If the electronic zoom has already been set to the ON state, the electronic zoom flag is changed to the OFF state to cancel the setting of the electronic zoom (step 15_3). That is,
The electronic zoom flag is alternately turned on and off each time the electronic zoom setting push button switch 20 is pressed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a shutter button on routine executed in the CPU 303 when the shutter button 16 (see FIG. 1) is pressed.

When the shutter button 16 is depressed, a preparation for photographing is first made (step 16_1). The preparation for photographing includes, for example, AE metering, AF ranging, focus adjustment according to AF ranging, and the like.

Next, photographing is performed (step 16_).
2). In this photographing step, in addition to opening and closing of the shutter, flash emission may be performed as necessary.

Thereafter, post-processing of the photographing is performed, for example, winding of one frame of the photographic film, counting up of the number-of-photographs counter, and the like (step 16_3).

Here, when winding up one frame of the photo film, steps 16_4 to 16_ described below will be described.
8 is performed.

That is, first, it is determined whether the electronic zoom flag indicating the setting state of the electronic zoom is on or off (step 16_4). When the electronic zoom flag is in the off state, step 1 described later
Proceed to 6_7.

On the other hand, when the electronic zoom flag is on, the leaf switch 36, which is one of the two leaf switches 36 and 38 shown in FIGS.
Is on or off, that is, it is determined whether the type of the set print frame is either 'C' or 'H' or 'P' (step 16_5). . This is because, after the push button switch 20 for setting the electronic zoom is pressed first, the slide switch 18 for setting the print frame is operated, and the operation knob 181 is operated.
May be moved to the position 'P'. In this case, even if the electronic zoom flag is on, the electronic zoom is not set. When the leaf switch 36 is in the off state, that is, when the print frame is set to 'P' as shown in FIG. 12, the process proceeds to step 16_7 described later.

Here, when the leaf switch 36 is off (the electronic zoom flag is on (step 16_4) and the print frame 'P' is set), the process directly proceeds to step 16_7. However, the process may proceed to step 16_7 after displaying that the electronic zoom has been canceled in the viewfinder.

If it is determined in step 16_5 that the leaf switch 36 is in the ON state, that is, that the print frame is set to “C” or “H”, the process proceeds to step 16_6, and the driver shown in FIG. I
The magnetic recording head 319 is driven by the electronic zoom driving driver in C301, and the information recording section 10 of the frame immediately after the photographing is performed.
In 2, the electronic zoom on is recorded. At the time of printing, since the electronic zoom on is not recorded in the information recording unit 102, it is recognized that the electronic zoom is off.

Subsequently, the driver IC 301 shown in FIG.
The magnetic recording head is driven by a C / H / P trimming changeover driving driver in the inside, and two leaf switches 36 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 are set in accordance with the position of the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 for setting the print frame. ,
According to the on / off state of 38, whether the type of the print frame is 'C', 'H', or 'P' is recorded in the frame information recording unit 102 immediately after the photographing (step 16).
_7).

Next, the electronic zoom flag is changed to the off state (step 16_8), and this routine is exited. In the camera of the present embodiment, the electronic zoom setting is effective only for one frame to be photographed from now on, and when the digital zoom is to be set for the next frame, the electronic zoom is set after the photographing of the previous frame is completed. Is set again, and in this step 15_8, the electronic zoom flag is changed to the off state prior to photographing the next frame.

As described above, the setting of the electronic zoom and the type of the print frame are recorded in the information recording section 102 for each frame of the photo film. However, when the print frame type is “P”, the electronic zoom setting is not recorded.

When the photographing of the last frame of the photographic film is completed, the photographic film is rewound into the film cartridge 50 (see FIG. 3) by the film feeding electric motor 316 driven by the driver IC 301 shown in FIG. The film cartridge 50 is taken out of the camera and sent to development and print processing.

Information recording section 10 for each frame of photographic film
The information recorded in No. 2 is referred to at the time of printing a photograph of each frame as described above.

The camera of the above embodiment is provided with a magnetic recording head 319, and information is magnetically recorded in the information recording section 102 for each frame of the photographic film 100. A light source is provided in place of the head, and the information recording unit 102 for each frame is optically exposed to C, H,
It is also possible to record another P and whether or not there is an electronic zoom.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of another shutter button on routine that can be employed in place of the shutter button on routine shown in FIG.

Steps 17_1 to 17_4 of the shutter button on routine shown in FIG. 17 are the same as steps 16_1 to 16_4 of the shutter button on routine of FIG. 16, respectively, and description thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined in step 17_4 that the electronic zoom flag is on, whether the type of the set print frame is either “C” or “H” or “P” Is determined (step 1
7_5). Up to this determination in step 17_5, it is the same as step 16_5 in FIG. 16, but in step 17_5, when the print frame is set to 'P', the process proceeds to step 17_6, and the liquid crystal display panel (LCD) in the finder is set. A warning is displayed at 307 (see FIG. 14).

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a field frame display on the LCD 307.

Here, the field frame 30 when the electronic zoom is not set is shown.
7a and a field frame 307b when the electronic zoom is set. At the time of printing, the field of view frame 307 is set according to the setting at the time of shooting.
a (when electronic zoom is not set) or field frame 307
The field of view surrounded by b (when electronic zoom is set) is printed. As described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the print frame differs depending on each type of 'C', 'H', and 'P'. Regardless, the field frame when the electronic zoom is not set is the field frame 307a, and the field frame when the electronic zoom is set is the field frame 307b. Here, the two field frames 307a and 307b are
Are not displayed at the same time. When the electronic zoom is not set, the field of view frame 307a is displayed (however, the display is actually switched by switching between the print frames 'C', 'H', and 'P'). In the state, the field of view frame 307b
Is displayed (actually, the display is also switched by switching between the print frames 'C' and 'H'. There is no display corresponding to the print frame 'P' when the electronic zoom is set). In the example shown here, the field frame 307a when the electronic zoom is not set is a continuous line, and the field frame 307b when the electronic zoom is set is a dashed line for distinction from the case where the electronic zoom is not set.

In step 17_6 of FIG. 17, the field frame 30 corresponding to the print frame 'P' when the electronic zoom is not set is set.
7a is displayed, and a field frame 307b at the time of electronic zoom setting corresponding to the print frame 'C' or 'H' is displayed in a blinking manner, so that the photographer can receive both the print frame 'P' and the electronic zoom. Is set, and electronic zoom cannot be performed. If the image is taken as it is, a photograph having the same print frame as that when the electronic zoom is not set is obtained (surrounded by the view frame 307a of the print frame 'P' when the electronic zoom is not set). Is obtained.)

Thus, the photographer can set the print frame 'P'
, And that the prohibited combination of electronic zoom is set.

Step 1 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
7_7 to 17_9 correspond to 1 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
It is the same as 6_6 to 16_8, and the description is omitted.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the warning display.

The embodiment described here is an example in which an LCD for display is provided in the finder. However, instead of the LCD in the finder, or in addition to the LCD in the finder, for example, the back of the camera or the top of the camera, etc. 19 is provided with an LCD display panel.
A display pattern representing the electronic zoom setting as shown in
When the combination of the print frame 'C' or 'H' and the electronic zoom is set, the pattern is continuously displayed, and when the combination of the print frame 'P' and the electronic zoom is set, the pattern flashes. It may be displayed. Alternatively, as a further different display mode, an LED that blinks or lights when both the print frame 'P' and the electronic zoom are set may be provided.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a further different shutter button on routine that can be employed in place of the shutter button on routine shown in FIG.

Steps 20_1 to 20_4 of the shutter button on routine shown in FIG. 20 are the same as steps 16_1 to 16_4 of the shutter button on routine of FIG. 16, respectively, and description thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined in step 20_4 that the electronic zoom flag is on, electronic zoom on is recorded in the information recording section of the frame immediately after photographing, regardless of the type of print frame (step 20_5). Set print frame type is 'C' or 'H'
Is determined (step 20_6).

If it is determined in step 20_6 that the type of the set print frame is “C” or “H”, the process skips step 20_7 and proceeds to step 20_8. If it is determined to be P ', the type of the print frame is changed to' H 'in step 20_7, and the process proceeds to step 20_8. In the shutter button on routine shown in FIG. 16, when both the print frame type 'P' and the electronic zoom on are set, the electronic zoom is turned off.
The forbidden combination has been eliminated, but in the shutter button on routine of FIG. 20, when both the print frame type 'P' and the electronic zoom on are set,
By giving priority to the electronic zoom and changing the print frame to one of the types (here, type 'H') in which the combination with the electronic zoom is permitted, the prohibited combination can be eliminated. It is planned. Although the display is omitted in the flowchart shown in FIG. 20, when the type of the print frame is forcibly changed, it is preferable to display that fact.

In step 20_8, the type of the print frame is set to "C" or "H" in the information recording section of the frame immediately after the photographing.
Or 'P' is recorded. However, when both the electronic zoom on and the print frame type 'P' are set, the print frame type has been changed to 'H' in step 20_7, and the changed type 'H' is recorded. Will be done.

Next, similarly to step 16_8 in FIG. 16, the electronic zoom flag is changed to the off state (step 20_9), and the routine exits.

As shown in FIG. 20, a prohibited combination can also be avoided by giving priority to the electronic zoom and changing the print frame type as necessary.

FIG. 21 shows the slide switch 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another configuration example of FIG. 8, and FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the zoom operation lever 19 and the push button switch 20.

A switch lever 183 is fixed to the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 shown in FIG. 21, and the switch lever 183 is operated by the operation knob 181.
21 is turned off as shown in FIG. 21, the leaf switch 38 is turned off, and when the operation knob 181 is moved to the position "P", the other leaf switch 36 is turned off. And Operation knob 181 is 'H'
When the switch lever 183 is moved to the position
The two leaf switches 36 and 38 are separated from each other, and both of the two leaf switches 36 and 38 are turned on.

The slide switch 18 shown in FIG.
In the slide switch 18 shown in FIGS.
Lock lever 18 that prevents operation of push button switch 20
2 is not provided, and the push button switch 20 shown in FIG. 22 can be freely operated even when the operation knob 181 of the slide switch 18 shown in FIG. 21 is moved to the position “P”. it can.

When the switch structure shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is employed instead of the switch structure shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the operation itself for setting regardless of whether the combination is prohibited or not. Even when the electronic zoom button can be freely operated, the electronic zoom button on routine shown in FIG. 15 and the routine shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, or FIG.
The prohibited combination can be avoided by directly adopting the shutter button on routine indicated by 0.

FIG. 23 shows another configuration example of the push button switch 20 for setting the electronic zoom, which can be adopted in combination with the slide switch 18 shown in FIG. 21 instead of the switch structure shown in FIG. FIG.

Here, as compared with the configuration example shown in FIG. 22, the zoom operation lever 19 for operating the optical zoom lens barrel to the telephoto side and the wide side is not shown. The configuration example shown in FIG. 23 is a camera in which the zoom operation lever 19 is arranged at a position distant from the push button switch 20, or a camera having a structure in which the zoom operation lever does not originally exist, that is, a fixed focal length. This is applied to a camera having a structure in which a normal taking lens is incorporated and a zoom lens is not incorporated. In these cases, the appearance of the camera is different from that of the above-described embodiment, but the appearance of the camera itself is not the essence of the present invention, and illustration and description of the appearance are omitted.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not an optical zoom is incorporated in a camera, or even if an optical zoom is incorporated, an operation member for the optical zoom and an electronic zoom are provided. The present invention can be applied regardless of whether or not the setting operation member is combined with the same operation position.

In each of the above embodiments, the magnification of the electronic zoom is only one step (for example, 1.7 times), and only the electronic zoom is set to ON or OFF. The present invention can be applied to an electronic zoom having a plurality of steps (for example, 1.5 times and 2.0 times magnification). In this case, when the switch structure of FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, FIG. 22, or FIG.
For example, pressing the push button switch 20 for electronic zoom setting once will cause the zoom magnification to become 1.5 times, pressing twice will turn the zoom magnification to 2.0 times, pressing it three times will turn off the electronic zoom, and pressing it again will cause the zoom magnification to become 1.5 times. The setting may be cyclically changed as described above. In this case, since the print magnification of the P type is 1.7 times the print magnification of the P type as compared with the print magnification of the C type or the H type in the zoom magnification of 1.5, the relative print magnification in this system is 2 times. When the magnification is allowed up to 0.6 times, the combination of the zoom magnification of 1.5 times and the P type becomes 1.5 × 1.7 = 2.55 times. Therefore, this combination is permitted and the zoom magnification is 2.0 times. And the P type, 2.0 × 1.7 =
3.4 times, so this combination is prohibited. In addition, if the relative print magnification is allowed only up to 2.0 times in order to keep the uniformity of the image quality of the printed photograph stronger and constant in this system, the zoom magnification is 2.0 times and the P type is used. In addition to the combination of the zoom magnification 1.5 times and the P type, the combination of the zoom magnification 1.5 times and 2.0 times, and the electronic zoom off when the setting is changed to three stages Regardless of the zoom magnification, when the electronic zoom is on, the combination with the P type is prohibited. Alternatively, various switch structures may be employed within a range that satisfies the requirements of the present invention without being limited to the switch structures of FIGS. 11 to 13, 22, and 23, including the case where the electronic zoom is provided in only one step. You may. For example, instead of the slide switch 18 in each of the above embodiments, the first operation member according to the present invention changes the shooting screen frame from C →
A push button switch that changes in the order of H → P → C →... Alternatively, instead of the push button switch 20 for setting the electronic zoom, a slide switch that sets the electronic zoom on / off or sets the electronic zoom magnification according to the slide position may be adopted.

Although the above-described embodiments are based on the camera of the APS system currently in practical use, the present invention is not limited to the current APS system, but can be used for recording on a photographic film. The present invention can be widely applied to a system for switching a print area at the time of printing based on the received information.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to realize a camera in which a print frame setting function and an electronic zoom function coexist while avoiding the occurrence of a print photograph having a print magnification that is too large and falls below an allowable image quality level.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera of FIGS. 1 and 2 viewed from a direction in which a back surface and a bottom surface appear.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a photographic film contained in a film cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a part of a cross section along a photographing optical axis inside the camera.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an area where the photo film is actually printed when an H-type print frame is set by a user.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an area where a photo film is actually printed when a C-type print frame is set by a user.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an area where a photo film is actually printed when a P-type print frame is set by a user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing H when electronic zoom is set by the user;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a type print area.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a C-type print area when the electronic zoom is set by a user.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a slide switch, a zoom operation lever, and a push button switch shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a structure of a slide switch, a zoom operation lever, and a push button switch shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a structure of a slide switch, a zoom operation lever, and a push button switch shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram of a camera.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an electronic zoom button on routine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a shutter button on routine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a shutter button on routine.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of a field of view of an LCD.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of a warning display.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a shutter button on routine.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the slide switch.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the zoom operation lever and the push button switch.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the push button switch for setting the electronic zoom.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Camera 11 Optical zoom lens barrel 12 Viewfinder objective window 13 AF projection window 14 AF reception window 15 AE reception window 16 Shutter button 17 Finder eyepiece window 18 Slide switch 19 Zoom operation lever 20 Push button switch 21 Power-on switch button 22 Other Operating member 23 Film cartridge loading chamber 24 Cartridge lid 25 Cartridge lid opening / closing lock lever 26 Aperture 27 Pressure plate 32, 33, 34 Tact switch 35 Receiving member 36 Leaf switch 50 Film cartridge 100 Photo film 101 Perforation 102 Information recording section 110 Photographing Screen frame 111, 112 Print area 113, 114 Central area 181 Operation knob 182 Lock lever 182a Tip 182b Tip 183 Switch -191a, 191b Operation surface 192a, 192b Spring 193a, 193b Press pin 201 Operation pin 201a Head 204 Press section 300 Built-in battery 301 Driver IC 302 Regulator 303 CPU 304 Reset circuit 305 EEPROM 306 Battery check circuit 307 Battery check circuit 307 LCD) 308 Display LED 309 AF light emitting LED 310 Operation switch 311 Strobe circuit 312, 316, 317, 318 Electric motor 313 Shutter sensor 314 AE light receiving sensor 315 AF light receiving sensor 319 Magnetic recording head 320 Crystal oscillator

Claims (6)

[Claims] A first operation member for setting an arbitrary print frame among a plurality of types of print frames; a second operation member for setting an electronic zoom; and the first and second operation members. A camera comprising: an information recording device for recording information on a print frame and an electronic zoom set by the operation of (1) on a photo film; and a combination permission / prohibition unit for prohibiting a combination of a specific print frame and an electronic zoom. . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the combination permission / refusal unit sets the electronic zoom in a case where both the specific print frame and the electronic zoom in which the combination with the electronic zoom is prohibited are set by the first and second operation members. The information recording device records information representing a specific set print frame on the photo film, and records information representing that the electronic zoom is not set on the photo film. The camera according to claim 1. 3. The combination permitting / rejecting means, when both the specific print frame and the electronic zoom for which combination with the electronic zoom is prohibited are set by the first and second operation members, The information recording device records, on the photo film, information representing a specific print frame that is different from the set specific print frame and that is allowed to be combined with the electronic zoom, and that the electronic zoom is set. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein information representing the following is recorded on the photographic film. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the combination permission / refusal unit is configured to operate the second operation member when a specific print frame in which combination with the electronic zoom is prohibited is set by the operation of the first operation member. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is prohibited. 5. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after exposing one frame of the photographic film, information is recorded at a position on the photographic film corresponding to the currently exposed frame. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein 6. When both the specific print frame and the electronic zoom, for which the combination is prohibited by the combination permission / rejection unit, are set, display means is provided for displaying that both are set. The camera according to claim 1, wherein