JPH0244867A - Camera provided with sound recording function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the function of successive photographing by starting to record sounds after the successive photographing is finished when a successive photographing mode is selected in a sound recording mode. CONSTITUTION:A CPU 1 is provided with various kinds of function constitution such as a self-timer means or a sequence control means, and the setting information of a sound recording switch S3, a mode change-over switch S4, etc., are inputted before photographing by a user, and stored in a memory in the CPU 1, and the CPU 1 executes a prescribed programmed operation based on these memory information so that a camera operation such as picture recording and sound recording are performed. Then, when the sound recording mode and in addition, the successive photographing mode to take plural pictures continuously are selected, the CPU 1 is made to start the sound recording after the successive photographing is finished. Accordingly, in the successive photographing mode, such trouble as makes the interval of the record of the picture too long because of the repeat of the photographing and the sound recording is eliminated. Thus, the natural photographing becomes possible, and the function of the successive photographing can be enhanced.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application fields] The present invention relates to a camera with an audio recording function.

[Prior Art] In a camera with a recording function such as a still video camera, audio is usually recorded in correspondence with video, and the audio is
- Approximately 10 seconds of recording is possible on the rack. Also,
Is it possible to select and switch between a recording mode in which recording is performed or a mode in which recording is not performed, and also to be able to set a so-called continuous shooting mode in which images are recorded continuously? Problems] However, with conventional cameras, when you set the recording mode to continuous shooting mode, the process repeats shooting → recording → shooting → recording, and in such a repeating process, the time interval of video recording is about 10 seconds, and the opening time is It becomes unnatural,
The quick-shooting function had been dropped.

The present invention solves the above problem, and in recording mode,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera having an audio recording function that can improve the continuous shooting function by performing recording after the continuous shooting mode is completed.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a means for recording video information and a means for recording sound, and has a recording mode in which the sound is recorded and a non-recording mode in which the sound is not recorded. In a camera that can freely switch between a single shooting mode in which only one screen of video is recorded and a continuous shooting mode in which multiple screens are continuously shot, in the recording mode,
Moreover, when the continuous shooting mode is selected, recording is started after the continuous shooting is completed.

Note that when recording video and audio on a magnetic floppy disk, each signal of one image is recorded on each track, or the track on which audio is recorded after continuous shooting corresponds to the first track of continuous video shooting. It may be made to correspond to all tracks, or to all tracks.

[Function] In the above configuration, when continuous shooting mode is selected, continuous video recording is performed first, and audio recording is performed after continuous shooting is completed, so that the time interval between multiple image recordings is shortened. It will no longer be long.

Furthermore, by appropriately associating audio with a plurality of images, it is possible to diversify the playback output according to the photographer's intention.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, when the continuous shooting mode for continuously shooting multiple screens is not selected in the recording mode, recording is started after the continuous shooting ends. This eliminates the problem of repeating shooting and recording in the conventional continuous shooting mode, which causes the interval between recording images to become too long, allowing natural continuous shooting and improving the continuous shooting function. be able to. (Hereafter, margin)
[Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of an embodiment of a still video camera equipped with an audio recording device of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the entire camera, 2 is a group of various switches that input command information etc. to the CPU (details will be described later), and 3 is a power circuit section. Main battery 4, booster circuit 5 for obtaining power for CCD (described later), backup battery 6, CPU
Regulator 7 for obtaining power for use and general circuits
Consists of etc.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an autofocus (AP) circuit section, which includes an AF circuit 9 that outputs focus and distance information to the CPUI, a lens extension motor 0, a lens stop magnet 11, and a lens position detection encoder 12. 13 is a lens switching/barrier opening/closing circuit; 14 is its motor; for example, when the motor 4 rotates forward, the lens is sequentially switched between standard and close-up; when the motor 4 rotates in reverse, it is located in front of the lens, and has the function of an optical path shielding plate. The barrier is then opened and closed.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an automatic exposure (AE) circuit section, and this circuit section 15 is a spot photometry aperture that inputs a detection signal of a photometry element SP that measures the subject brightness at the center spot of the shooting screen! ?
816, a photometry circuit 17 which inputs the detection signal of the photometry element AVE that measures the brightness of a subject in the peripheral area of the photographing screen; an A/D conversion circuit 18 which converts these detection data into A/D; One serial communication interface performs serial communication with the receiving CPU 19. Based on the commands from the CPU 1 inputted through the same interface 19, weights between the above detection data are set as described later so that appropriate exposure can be obtained. a weighting circuit 20 that performs weighting;
It consists of a level shift circuit 21 that shifts the level of a signal based on the output of this weighting circuit 2o and a command from a CPU via one interface.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a circuit section for controlling the actual closing timing of the CCD shutter based on the output from the AE circuit section 15, which connects to a timekeeping capacitor 25 and opens the circuit at the shutter opening timing. The switch 26 that releases the short circuit of the capacitor 25 and the connection point potential V between the capacitor 25 and the output part of the level shift circuit 21 are referenced to the reference potential V.
It consists of comparators 27 and 28 for comparison with Q and Vl.

23 is a release signal for photographing the CCD shutter and C
Open based on the pulse signal from the CD driver 32,
This is a control circuit for controlling the shutter to close when a predetermined exposure is obtained based on the output of the comparator 28 of the circuit unit 22 or a forced close signal from the CPUI, and the control circuit controls the shutter to close when a predetermined exposure is obtained. Output to.

Reference numeral 24 is a gain control discrimination circuit, which detects when the predetermined exposure (exposure amount less than the appropriate exposure by a predetermined amount) is not obtained even after the camera shake limit time is exceeded based on the output of the comparator 27 and the close signal from the shutter control circuit 23. etc.,
A signal for electrically controlling the gain of the video recording image signal is given to the CPU 1.

2 are microphones for recording, and 30 is an audio circuit that operates in response to a recording control signal from the CPUI.The output of this audio circuit 30 is given to a video recording circuit 34, which will be described later.

31 is a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD), which is a solid-state image sensor that converts optical image information into an electrical signal;
2 is a driver that drives the CCD 31, and this CCD driver 32 receives the output of the CCD shutter control circuit 23, C
It operates in response to the ISO sensitivity switching signal from the PUI, the synchronization signal PG generated in synchronization with the rotation of the floppy disk, etc.

34 is a video recording circuit for magnetically recording images and audio onto a floppy disk, and 35 is a magnetic head thereof. Digital information signal (year, month, day, track number, etc.) displayed simultaneously with the image, gain control output, synchronization signal PG
It operates according to the following.

36 is a spindle motor driver for driving the floppy disk to rotate at a constant speed according to a command from the CPUI, and 37 is a spindle motor.

38 is the magnetic herad 35 according to a command from the CPUI.
The stepping motor driver for moving the 3 is a stepping motor, and this stepping motor 3
9, the magnetic head 35 is controlled to move to a predetermined track position on the floppy disk. 40 is a head holding plunger for setting the head in a predetermined position during recording (writing).

41 is a flash that fires when the exposure amount is insufficient during shooting, and it has a built-in charging circuit and booster circuit for flashing.
The boost operation is started by the boost signal from cpui, and the CP
Based on the charging completion monitor signal from the UI, a charging completion signal is output to the CPU when charging is completed. Also, CPUI
The flash is emitted by the light emitting force signal from the .

42 is a diagonal set circuit that prevents abnormal operation when the power supply is low; 43 is an LED that flashes when the CCD shutter is opened in a self-timer mode during photographing; and 44 is a floppy disk. If the insertion tube's insert lid is left open, etc.
A buzzer that generates a sound to alert the user, 4
Reference numeral 5 denotes a display unit which is operated by the output of the CPU and displays various camera information, setting modes, etc. on an LCD or the like.

The components of the switch group 2 include the main switch SO2 and the switch S for performing photometering and distance measurement prior to photographing.
Release switch S2 for performing i-shooting operations, recording switch S3.1 for selecting recording or not recording mode
A switch for switching between single shooting (S, which is the standard mode), continuous shooting (C), which takes multiple shots, and self-timer shooting (SELF). S4, date information changeover switch S5, date information correction switch S6, switch S7 that detects the open/closed state of the deck lid, switch S8 that detects the insertion state of the floppy disk, switch S9 that detects the presence or absence of the write-protection claw of the floppy disk, the above-mentioned A switch S10 for detecting the open and closed positions of the barrier. Sil, a switch S12 that detects the initial position of the lens, and a lens changeover switch 31 that puts the lens in a close-up state during close-up photography.
3. Close-up lens Switch 314 for detecting the position of the person (close-up state) and the hanging position (stand-start state). It consists of a switch S15 and a switch S16 that detects the initial position of the magnetic head.

Here, the CPUI is equipped with various functional configurations such as a self-timer means and a sequence control means to be described later, and setting information such as the recording switch S3 and the mode changeover switch 84 is input by the user before shooting and is stored in the memory in the CPUI. Based on this memory information, the CPU executes predetermined program operations and performs camera operations such as video recording and sound recording.

Particularly, in the present invention, when the self-timer mode is selected and set using the mode selector switch S4, recording is performed during the self-timer count before taking an image, whereas when the self-timer mode is not selected, recording is performed after the end of taking the image. , the sequence is automatically switched using the CPUI.

Hereinafter, the operation of this camera will be explained according to flowchart 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 7.

FIG. 2 shows the main flowchart. In the same figure, when power is turned on to CPU1, CPU1 resets to
(#1), and set the reset flag to "1"#2>,
Initialization of flags and RAM, lens and magnetic head 35
Perform initial settings to set the to the initial position (#3). Note that if this reset flag remains at "1", it means that the date has not been corrected as described later, and such date information is not recorded on the floppy disk, but on the LCD. A warning is given by flashing a part of the screen. Next, check to see if there is a battery (#4), and if there is no battery, perform the battery removal routine (#5), and if there is a battery, check the state of the main switch SO (#6).

If the switch SO is currently ON, check whether the deck lid is open or closed, whether there is a floppy disk, whether there is a recording prohibition claw, and whether the deck lid has just changed from open to closed (#7
~ #10) If the deck lid is closed immediately, the initial load routine will load the unrecorded tracks on the floppy disk.
The magnetic head 35 moves to that position (#11).

After that, when the judgment in #10 becomes No, we next check the status of the photometry/distance measurement switch S1 (#12), and since it has changed from OFF to ON, it means that the photometry/distance measurement, exposure, and subsequent various steps are in progress.・S1 sequence consisting of 7 steps (Fig. 3,
(shown in FIG. 4) are processed (#13, #14). If switch S1 is OFF or has been ON from before, proceed to S1 sequence and close the lens.
The state of the lamp switch 313 is checked (#1.5>), and if this is turned on, the lens switching routine (#16) is processed.

Next, check the state of the mode selector switch S4 (#17
), when this is turned on, the date flag is set to "○", and if it is in the date switching correction mode, it is removed from this correction mode (#1.8), and the mote change routine (#19
). Through this mode change process, as described above, one of the shooting modes of single, continuous shooting, and selfie is stored in memory. Next, check the state of the recording switch S3 (#201; when this is turned on, the date flag is similarly set to "0", and if it is in the date switching correction mode,
The correction mode is exited (#21), and the recording switching routine (#22) is processed.

In addition, the above-mentioned close-up switch S 1.3, mode changeover switch S 4 = 8, and sound switch S3 are,
Each of them moves to a different state each time it is pressed (turned ON), and returns to the original state when the number of existing states is reached.

After that, check the status of the date selector switch S5 (#23
), when this is turned ON, the date 1~ flag is set to ``1'' and the date switching correction mode is entered (#24), and the reset flag is set to rQJ to enable recording of date information (#25), and the time is set for a predetermined period of time. Depending on the progress, start the timer from day 1 to exit this switching correction mode (#2
6>, process the date switching routine (#27). Next, the date flag is checked (#28), and if it is "1" and the date correction switch S6 is turned on, the date timer is newly started (#29 and #30), and the date correction routine (# 31). When the date correction switch 36 is OFF and the date timer time has elapsed (YES in #32), the date flag is set to "0"(#
33) Exit from the date switching correction mode. In addition, S
As will be described later with reference to one sequence, even if the photometry/distance measurement switch S1 is turned ON, the date switching correction mode is exited.

After that, check whether the charging circuit of the flash 41 needs to be boosted (#34), and if boosting is necessary, check whether charging is complete (#35), and if not, start boosting the voltage (#36). Return to step #4 above. Also, # above
When the main switch SO is OFF in step 6 and # above
34. #35 It is not necessary to increase the voltage, but if charging is completed, stop increasing the voltage. #37)
Start the timer (#38), and until the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in #39), check the open/closed state of the deck lid (#44). Until the predetermined time set by the second timer has elapsed (
#45: NO), switches So, SL, S3. S4. S
5. Check for changes in the condition of S6, deck lid, etc. (#4
7) If there is a change, return to #4 above; if there is no change, go to #4.
Return to 39.

Also, if the predetermined time set by the first timer has not elapsed in step #3 above, check the setting mode (#40), and if it is selfie or snapshot mode, change to the standard single mode (#41). , further check the condition of the lens (
#42), if it is close-up, change to stunt start #43), then proceed to #44 above. Also,
If the predetermined time set by the second timer does not elapse in #45 above, a warning is issued to the user using the buzzer 44 (#46
). As is clear from this flowchart, when the deck lid is open, no input is accepted and only date corrections are possible.

Also, if the deck lid is open in #7 above, proceed to #48, and if it has just changed from closed to open, start the second timer (#49), and continue until the predetermined time elapses. and #8 above. If there is no floppy disk in #9 or there is no claw (i.e. recording is prohibited), stop boosting the voltage and press (#9).
51), without checking the status of the switch 81, etc., proceed to #23 above, and when the predetermined second time elapses, issue a warning in the same manner as above (#52). Further, when the deck lid is closed, the warning is stopped (#53).

Next, an example of the S1 sequence of #14 will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, recording is prohibited during continuous shooting, and recording is performed after continuous shooting, and moreover, when the self-mode is selected, recording is performed during the self-timer.

In Figure 3, first stop the voltage boost to prohibit charging during recording/recording (#61), and set the date fair lag to "0", that is, turn on the switch S1 to exit the date switching correction mode). (#62), check whether self mode is stored in memory (#63),
If it is not self, it will immediately go into recording standby.
ONL the spindle motor 37 that drives the floppy
(#64) If the self-timer is counting, the spindle motor 37 is not turned on at this point to save power while the self-timer is counting.

Next, distance measurement and photometry/AE calculation routine (described later) are performed.
#65. After processing #66), it is checked from the calculation result whether or not boosting is necessary (#67), and if it is not necessary, it waits for the release switch S2 to be turned on (#68).

When the switch S2 is turned on, it is checked whether the self mode is stored in memory (#69), and if it is not the self mode, it immediately processes the self sequence (#70), which will be described later. After turning on the spindle motor 37 (#71), open the barrier (#71).
72), operates the lens extension motor 10 to extend the lens to the in-focus position #73), processes a release routine (#74) to be described later, and further processes the video recording circuit 34.
Record images on a floppy disk using a recording device such as (
#75). In this recording step, date information of year, month, day and track number are also recorded at the same time. Note that when the camera is not in self-mode, recording is performed after taking an image, so it has not been performed yet at this point.

After that, the magnetic head 35 is sent to the next empty track (
#76), reset the lens #77), check the memory information of mode selection and whether it is continuous shooting mode (#78),
If not in continuous shooting mode, reset continuous shooting flag 2#
79), to finish recording the image, turn the spindle motor 37 to 0FFL (#80), close the barrier (#8],), and return the lens to the stand-by position. (#82.#83).

Furthermore, if it is not the self mode (NO in #84), check the memory information according to the setting of the recording switch S3 (#8'
5) If it is in the recording mode, the recording operation will begin. Set the recordable timer time T of the audio memory to 9.6 seconds (S) #86) and start the audio memory (#87)
. Then, the timer counts down and 'T'-
〇 (#88), and before reaching that point, check whether the metering/distance switch S1 has turned from OFF to ON (#8
9). Here, in order to indicate the operator's intention to stop recording midway through, switch S1 is set to 0FFL and turned ON again, so if you press #8 to indicate YES, that is, to stop recording, , the 83 count described later is "0"
(#90) and ends the audio memory (#95).

If No in #8 above, check the state of the main switch SO (#91), and if it turns OFF, reset the audio memory as an indication of your intention to stop the current recording from the beginning #92). The process moves to #4 in the main flowchart of FIG. 2 described above without performing recording processing. #9 above
If the main switch SO or ON remains in step 1, then
Check whether the recording switch S3 has changed from OFF to ON (
#93).

This is because if the user wishes to make additional recordings for each captured image, the user can indicate his/her intention by pressing the recording switch S3. In other words, the recording switch S
When you press 3 once, the 83 count is incremented (#94>, and returns to #88.
As the 3 count is incremented, the process returns from #100 to #86 via #101, as will be described later, and the recording timer is set to Sera 1~ again to enable additional recording by the number of 83 counts.

When the timer reaches T=O, end the audio memory #95
), the spindle motor 37 is turned on (#96>, and audio is recorded (#97). Here, track number and audio compatible track N are recorded.

Date information such as year, month, and day is not recorded.

Next, the magnetic head 35 is moved to the next empty track (#
98>, spindle motor 37 to 0FFL (#99),
Check the 83 count (#100), and if it is "0", if the mode is self-shooting or continuous shooting, return to the standard single mode (#102, #103), and then return to #4 of the main flowchart. Also, if the count is 83 or '0' in #100, the 83 count is decremented (#101) and the process returns to #86. In this way, additional recordings are made.

Note that if it is not the recording mode in #85, the process moves to #1.02 without processing the steps of the recording operation described above.

Also, if continuous shooting mode is set in #78 above,
Continuous shooting is executed by setting the continuous shooting flag 2 to "1"(#104), returning to #65, and cyclically processing the above routine. Here, there is no recording during continuous shooting.

In addition, in #68 above, if the release routine S2 remains OFF or becomes OFF, the continuous shooting flag 2 is checked,
If continuous shooting is not in progress, check the open/close status of the deck lid, the status of the main switch SO, and the status of the metering/distance switch S1 (#106 to #108), and check whether they are closed or ON.
, if it is ON, the process returns to #66, and if it corresponds to either open, OFF, or OFF, the process moves to #4 of the main flowchart.

On the other hand, if the continuous shooting flag is 2 or "1" in #105, the continuous shooting operation is canceled and the process moves to #79.

On the other hand, if it is determined in #67 that the voltage needs to be boosted, check whether charging is completed (#109), and if charging is completed, check #
The process proceeds to 68, but if charging is not completed, it is checked whether there is bright backlight (#110). As a result, if there is bright backlight and the release switch S2 is turned on (YES in #111), the process proceeds to #69, but otherwise, the continuous shooting flag 2 indicates whether continuous shooting is in progress. (#112), and if continuous shooting is in progress, a so-called uncharged lock (occurs when it becomes dark during continuous shooting) occurs, stopping continuous shooting and proceeding to #79 above. If continuous shooting is not in progress, turn off the spindle motor 37 to save power while charging.
F (#113) and start boosting the pressure (#114). After that, check whether charging is completed (#115), and if charging is completed, stop boosting the voltage. (#118), returning to #66 above. If NO, return to #4 of the main flow.

Also, if charging is not completed in #115 above, the deck lid,
Look at each status of the main switch SO1 and photometry/distance measurement switch S1 (#119 to #121), and check whether they are closed or ON-.
If it is ON, check whether there is bright backlight, and if it is bright backlight, check the status of release switch S2 (#123).
, if it is ON, stop boosting the voltage without waiting for charging completion #124), and turn on the spindle motor 37 (#125)
) and start shooting < (Proceed to #69). Also, #1 above
Judgment in 22 is NO, that is, when it is dark or #12
When the release switch S2 or OFF is set in 3, the above #1
Return to 15. Further, in steps #119 to #121 above, when the deck lid is opened, the main switch SO or OFF, or the photometry/distance measurement switch S1 or OFF, the process exits the S1 sequence and moves to #4 of the main flowchart.

Note that when the self mode is stored in memory and the sequence (#70) of the same mode is processed, recording has already been completed, so the process directly proceeds from #84 to #96.

The S1 sequence shown in Figure 3 above is recorded after continuous shooting (
However, as will be described later, in this embodiment, recording is performed during self-timer counting, but below, an embodiment in which recording is performed during continuous shooting will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, in this embodiment, if the continuous shooting mode is #
The process advances from 78 to #104, and after setting the continuous shooting flag 2 to "1", a recording operation is performed. That is, timer T=9.6 seconds (
s) should be set #201>, and the voice memory should be started #
202), the process returns from #203 to #65 until T=O, and thereafter, this routine is repeated to perform continuous shooting and recording.

When T=O, end the audio memory #204>, set continuous shooting flag 2 to "0"#205), and close the barrier (#205).
206), then return the lens to the standat position (#207)
．． #208), skipping the recording routine and proceeding to #97 to record the audio.

Also, go from #68 to #105, and here continuous shooting flag 2
is "1", it is determined that continuous shooting has been stopped, and the continuous shooting flag 2 is set to "O"(#209), and the spindle motor 3
7 to 0FFL (#210>, close the barrier (#211)
, after returning the lens to the standat (#212.821
3), proceed to #88 and continue recording for the remaining time of the timer. Also, when proceeding to #112 with uncharged lock, if the continuous shooting flag is 2 or "1", the above #209
Similar to #213 to #213, processing to stop continuous shooting is performed in #214 to #218, and the process moves to #88.

In addition, in this embodiment, additional recording cannot be performed after recording ends after 9.6 seconds have elapsed during continuous shooting, and if continuous shooting ends (switch S2 is turned off or the battery is not charged) before 9.6 seconds have elapsed, , it is now possible to record additional audio. Further, according to the S1 sequence shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the barrier is kept open during continuous shooting in order to reduce the time lag.

Furthermore, the corresponding video track number for audio during continuous shooting can be made to correspond to the track number of the first (first stage of continuous shooting),
It can also be made to correspond to all track numbers.

Next, repeat the self mode sequence in #70 above in the fifth step.
This will be explained using figures.

Set timer T to 9.6 seconds (s) #3゜1) and start voice memory and self-count #302. #
303), during timer counting, the LED is blinked to indicate that self-counting or recording is in progress (#305). And while recording, #306. #308
The deck lid is opened or the main switch SO or O is turned on.
When it is FF, please reset the voice memory by self-cancelling as an indication of your intention to stop recording from the beginning #308).
Return to the main flowchart. If the recording is not performed until the timer counts up (YES in #304), the audio memory is terminated (#309), and #7 of the S1 sequence
Move to 1.

In addition, to record the audio memory to the floppy disk in self mode, after recording the image (#75 in Figures 3 and 4),
This is done in #97. Mana, LE during self-count
The flashing D was used to indicate the self-count and recording in progress, but the selfie LED can also be used to indicate that recording is in progress when recording during normal shooting (for example, single mode). You can also do this.

Next, #66 photometry/AE in the above S1 sequence
The calculation sequence will be explained with reference to FIG.

6.17 Photometric elements SP, AVE and photometric circuit
Perform photometry (#4011 photometry analog data with A/
It is A/D converted by the D conversion circuit 18 and taken into the CPU 1 (
#4o2~#4o4n.

Next, check whether the switch S1 is AP locked without being pressed (#405), and if No, the brightness photometric value Bv of the center (spot) is determined from the brightness photometric value Bv2 of the surrounding (above).
1 to find the brightness difference ΔBv (#406), and subtract the correction value α predetermined according to ΔBv from the photometric value Bv1 for the spoiler 1 to find the main subject brightness BvS (#406).
407) Also, set the above-mentioned Abe photometry value Bv2 as the background or sub-subject brightness BvA (#408), and if AF is locked in #405, select #406. Proceed to #408 without processing #407. Here, the AP lock at #405 is #10 at the 81 sequence in Figures 3 and 4.
This is only the case when moving from #8 to #66 and performing photometry/AE calculations.

Next, check whether the lens is in a close-up state (#409), and if NO, calculate the difference between the sub-subject brightness BvA and the main subject brightness BvS obtained above, that is, the degree of backlighting ΔBvS (#410). Compare this value with the backlight detection level δ (#411). If ΔBvS is smaller than δ, it is assumed that the degree of backlighting is low (frontlight), and the weighted main subject brightness Bvs- is 1/8 BvS+7/
8 Use BvA (#412), while #411 uses Δ
If BvS is larger than δ, the backlight flag is set to "1" as the degree of backlighting is large (higher backlighting). #415)
Set BvS to Bvs- (#416).

These weightings are performed by weighting circuit 20 (FIG. 1).

When the above process #412 is performed two times in succession, Bvs
Check whether - is higher than the camera shake limit brightness BvH (#414), and if it is YES, it is determined that it is brighter than the camera shake limit brightness and enters natural light shooting mode ■, and if it is No, it is determined that it is dark and it is in the dark. Enter flash photography mode ■. Furthermore, when the process of #416 is performed, it is checked whether the sub-subject brightness BvA minus the backlight detection level δ is equal to or higher than the camera shake limit brightness BvH (#417>
If YES, it is bright backlight, so set the transparent flag to "1"(#418) and enter backlight flash photography mode. On the other hand, if NO, it is backlit but the background is dark, so dark flash photography mode is entered. ■ Enter.

First, natural light photography mode (2) will be explained.

In this mode, the initial setting ISO sensitivity SvO determined by the CCD 31 corresponding to the film is set as the sensitivity value Sv.
419), the maximum brightness BvM that can control proper exposure when the subject brightness is extremely bright, and the maximum shutter speed T
From vM, the value Av corresponding to the aperture of the lens, and the value Sv corresponding to the sensitivity of the CCD (both are apex values), B v
M = T v M -1-A v-3v (#
420>.

Next, the Bvs- obtained in #412 above and the BvM above
Compare the magnitude of BvS- or BvM (#421). If it is larger than Bvs or BvM, it is too bright, so use 5vO-1 as the sensitivity value Sv (#422). If BvS- is larger than BvM, perform the process in #422 above. Without doing so, it is determined that boosting is not necessary (#423) and the process moves to the S1 sequence.

Next, dark flash photography mode (2) will be explained.

In this mode, compare the main subject brightness BvS plus IEv and the camera shake limit brightness BvH #424).
If BvS+1 is not smaller than BvH, the control brightness value B
As vT, set the main subject brightness BvS plus IEv (#425 >. As a result, the main subject will be photographed under natural light by IEv from the appropriate value. On the other hand, if BvS + 1 or B If it is smaller than vH, the main subject is dark, so the camera shake limit brightness BvH is set as the control brightness value BvT (#426).

Furthermore, in order to calculate the correction value for flash dimming, we use the value ΔEvN, which indicates how much the main subject will be undershot from the appropriate level when shooting with only natural light, as the main subject brightness Bv
Obtained from the difference between S and the control brightness value BvT (#427),
Check whether this value ΔEvN is larger than IEv (
#428), if it is larger, set ΔEvN to -IEv #4
29), then check whether ΔEvN is 13Ev or less (#4301, if YES, set the correction value K to 0).
#431), if NO, that is, when ΔEvN is between -1 and -3, set the correction value K to (1/2) ΔEvN
+(3/2) (#432).

Next, check whether the main subject distance is 5m or more (#4
33), if it is 5m or more, flash dimming correction value ΔE
Set vFL to the above correction value +0.5 #434),
If it is less than 5 m, the synchronized light correction value ΔEvFL is set to be 1 less than the above correction value (#435).

Next, set the initial setting ISO sensitivity SvO to I of CCD 31.
The SO sensitivity value Sv is #436), and the controllable maximum brightness BvM at the brightest time is determined from the maximum shutter speed TvM, the lens aperture value AV, and the above sensitivity value Sv, B v M = T v M + A After v-3v binding (#437), it is checked whether the control brightness value BvT is greater than or equal to the controllable maximum brightness BvM determined above (
#438). If the comparison result is YES, it is a bright time, and the ISO sensitivity Sv is set to 5vO-1 #439
), then similarly use T v M + A v -S v as the maximum controllable brightness BvM- at this time (
#440), check again whether the control brightness value BvT is greater than or equal to the maximum controllable brightness BvM (#441), and if the comparison result is YES, check the intermediate flag (#442) and check if the flag is set. For example, compare the main subject brightness BvS and the maximum brightness value BvM- (#443), BvS or BvM.
- If the brightness of the main subject is bright even in backlight and no flash is necessary, the intermediate flag is set to "0"(#444) and the mode shifts to natural light photography mode (2).

Above #438. Comparison result of #441 and #443 is N
o, and when the roadway flag at #442 is 0, go to #445 and check the flash emission timing T' v
From the control brightness value BvT, the So sensitivity value Sv, and the lens aperture value Av, it is set as Tv-=BvT+SvAv. Furthermore, it is checked whether the flash emission timing Tv is less than or equal to the maximum shutter speed T' v M (#446), and if Tv is smaller than TvM,
The same timing T”v is the touch limit shutter speed T
V Check whether it is below H (#447) and check if the TV is T.
If it is larger than vH, the Tv obtained in #445 above is left unchanged and a flag indicating the need for boosting is raised (#448).
Moving on to the SL sequence. Also, #446 and #447
If the judgment is YES, set Tv and TvM respectively.
(#4.49), set TvH (#450> and #44
Proceed to step 8.

Next, backlight flash photography mode (2) will be explained.

In this mode, the sub-subject brightness BvA-1 is used as the control brightness value BvT (#451). As a result, when the main subject is properly exposed, the background will be photographed over IEv. After the process of #451, the process moves to #427, and the same process is performed thereafter.

In addition, in #409 above, if the lens is in a close-up state, proceed to #452, and the camera shake limit brightness value for close-up is set to BvCU, and the camera shake limit shutter speed is T.
From v H, aperture value at close-up A v CU and initial setting ISO sensitivity SvO, BvCU=TvH+Av
CU-8vO, and then compare this camera shake limit brightness value BvCU with the sub-subject brightness BvA (#453), and BvA is BvC.
If it is larger than U, set the sub-subject brightness BvA+0.75 as the control brightness value BvT (#454), and set the flash emission timing Tv to the above BvT and the initial setting ISO sensitivity Sv.
From O and the aperture value AvCU at close-up, T' v = B v T + S v O-A v
CU #455), boosting required #456>, S
Return to 1 Sequence. If BvA is smaller than BvcU, the camera shake limit shutter speed TvHC during close-up is set as the flash emission timing Tv (#4.57), and the process proceeds to #456.

Next, the release sequence in S1 sequence (
#74) will be explained with reference to FIG.

This release is controlled based on the photometry/AE calculation results.

If the lens is not in close-up mode and strobe light is not required (NO in #501 and #502), natural light photography will be used, and the center spot (SP) of the light receiving area and the surrounding area (AV
Using the luminance data of E) (#503), the photometry/AE
Weighting based on Bvs- determined in #412 of the calculation sequence is added (#504). This is shown in Figure 1C.
Weighting is performed by the circuit 20 based on a command from the PU1. Then, the timer t1 is set to the camera shake limit time tH, and when the timer starts, light control (exposure) is started (
#505. #506). Here, -TvH.

tH=2 After the start of dimming, the reference standard potential VO that sets the appropriate exposure in the circuit 28 that controls the opening time of the shutter shown in FIG. The exposure is completed when VO≧V is compared. (#5'll).

If the timer reaches t1-0 before reaching this vO≧■ (YES in #508), compare the reference potential V1 (>VO) and the control potential ■ (#509), and if V is higher than Vl (#509). 509: NO>, even after the camera shake limit time has elapsed, the subject is still dark and the exposure is not sufficient, so increase the gain by a predetermined amount at gain control judgment step 8 @ 24.
522), and the exposure is completed (#511). Also, # above
If Vl is 7 or more in 509 (YES in #509),
Exposure is ended (#511) without changing the gain. Note that after the exposure is completed, the process proceeds to #75 of the S1 sequence.

On the other hand, if strobe light is required (YES in #502)
), use the brightness data of only the center spot (SP) of the light receiving part (#512), add ΔEvFL Sv found above as a correction value #513), use Bvs- found in #416 above #514 ), check whether it is backlit or not from the above-mentioned front desk (#515), and if it is not backlit (
Intermediate flag-O), process #516 to #522 below, and if it is backlit (intermediate flag-1), #523 to #52
In both of these processes that process 7 and end the exposure (#511), timer t1t timer t2=t
Set H+tF to Sera 1.

A' Tv Here, -T until flash emission at tA=2
vH is the hand wave timing time, tl-1-2 is the limit time, and tF is the flash emission time.

Then, natural exposure is started by timer start, and tl
When the value reaches -0, dimming is started by flash emission.

Regarding the processing after the start of light adjustment, when there is no backlight, the timer t1 in the case of shooting with only natural light as described above is used.
It is the same except that timer t2 is used instead of , and since it is brighter when backlit than when it is not backlit, it is necessary to process whether to increase the gain when timer t2-0 is reached. Exposure is immediately terminated (#511).

Also, when the lens is in a close-up state, #5
28 to #536 are performed, and the exposure is completed (#511). That is, this process uses the brightness data of the center spot (SP) and the periphery (Ave) of the light receiving part as in #503 above, and also adds correction of AvCU, so that Bvs ''-(3/4)BvS+ (1/4) BvA weighting is added (#530), and the same processing as in #523 to #527 during backlighting is performed. Note that the camera shake limit time during close-up - TvHC.

is tHo-2 In addition, in the above embodiment, weighting was added in the case of close-up and natural light modes, but weighting may also be added in backlighting, or the value may be determined separately. Good too.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a still video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the camera, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of switch S1, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the sequence of switch S1, FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the self sequence, and FIG.
Flowcharts 1 to 7 of the operation sequence and FIG. 7 are flowcharts of the release sequence. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... CPU, 29... Microphone, 30... Audio circuit, 31... CCD, 32... CCD driver, 34... Video recording circuit, 35... Magnetic head, S3...・Recording switch, S4... Continuous shooting mode switch.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) It has a means for recording video information and a means for recording audio, and can freely switch between a recording mode in which audio is recorded and a non-recording mode in which it is not recorded, and a single shooting mode in which only one screen of video is recorded. For cameras that can freely switch between continuous shooting mode and continuous shooting mode that shoots multiple screens in succession, when in recording mode and continuous shooting mode is selected, recording will start after the end of continuous shooting. A camera with an audio recording function.