JPH0496029A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily detect a focus by moving a lens for focusing to a specified position, zooming it to a wide side thereafter and detecting the focus in the case that the focus cannot be detected caused by low contrast scanning. CONSTITUTION:When a focus detection start switch is turned on, the focus is detected by a range-finding part 2. In the case that the focus cannot be detected as the result, the focus is repeatedly detected while a lens group for focusing (AF lens) LF is driven. Then, in the case that the focus cannot be detected further as the result and the focus detection start switch is continuously turned on, the lens group LF is moved to the specified position and the focus is repeatedly detected while the lens group LF is zoomed toward the wide side thereafter. When such a lens position that defocus quantity is not excessively large at least with respect to an object on a near side is set as the specified position, the focus is easily detected when it is repeatedly detected while the zooming is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having a zooming function and automatically focusing.

Conventional technology Conventionally, cameras (TTL method) detect the focus state by receiving the light flux that has passed through the photographic lens with a light sensor such as a COD, and automatically adjust the focus based on the amount of defocus obtained as a result of the detection. A camera that automatically adjusts the focus using a camera has been commercialized. In such a camera,
Normally, a certain level of contrast is required to detect the focus state, and if the contrast necessary for detecting the focus state cannot be obtained, focus cannot be detected.

In contrast, when focus detection becomes impossible due to insufficient contrast, focus detection (
A camera is being considered that is configured to repeatedly perform distance measurement (distance measurement) (perform low-contrast scanning). This configuration is effective when the focus adjustment lens group is far away from the lens position that focuses on the subject, resulting in insufficient contrast. This method cannot be used in cases where the contrast is insufficient.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-17420 discloses a camera configured to continue focus detection while zooming to the wide side in response to a signal indicating that focus detection is impossible. According to this configuration, it can be used even when the subject is outside the distance measurement area or the subject itself lacks contrast, but there are problems such as the angle of view changes greatly due to zooming, giving the photographer a sense of discomfort. This may occur.

Therefore, if the focus cannot be detected because the focus is far out of focus, focus can be detected by driving the focus adjustment lens group, and if it cannot be detected by driving the focus adjustment lens group. As far as possible, a configuration is conceivable in which focus detection is repeated while zooming toward the wide-angle side. With this configuration, unlike conventional systems that uniformly zoom and cause changes in the angle of view, this configuration takes care not to change the angle of view as much as possible, but when it was previously impossible to detect the focus. Focus detection can be performed within a certain range.

Problem to be Solved by the Invention However, with the above configuration, if focus detection cannot be made possible by driving the focusing lens group, the focusing lens group may be moved to the infinity end or the nearest end. will be located. For this reason, the amount of defocus becomes so large that focus detection may not be possible even if focus detection is repeated while zooming thereafter. for example,
If the focusing lens group is located at the infinity end at the start of zooming, it is often difficult to detect focus for nearby objects.

The present invention solves these problems and provides a camera that makes it easy to detect focus when repeating focus detection while zooming because it is not possible to detect focus by driving the focusing lens group. The purpose is to provide

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the camera of the present invention has a zooming function, as described in the first claim, and has a focus detection start switch and a focus detection start switch. In a camera that automatically performs focusing using a TTL method using a detection means and a focusing lens group driving means, when the zoom lens group driving means and the focus detection start switch are turned on, the focus detection means a focus detectable signal output means that performs focus detection and outputs a focus detectable signal when the focus cannot be detected as a result; and a focus detectable signal output means that outputs a focus detectable signal when the focus cannot be detected; a low contrast scan completion signal output means for repeating focus detection by the focus detection means while driving the adjustment lens group, and outputting a low contrast scan completion signal when the focus still cannot be detected as a result; and the focus adjustment lens. a position setting means for setting a specific position to which the lens group is moved; and when the focus detection start switch is continuously turned on even after the low contrast scan completion signal is output, the focus adjustment lens group is moved to the position. After the focus adjusting lens group driving means moves the focus adjustment lens group to a specific position set by the setting means, the focus detection means repeats focus detection while zooming toward a wide-angle side using the zoom lens group driving means. The configuration includes a control means for controlling the power supply, and the following.

In this case, as described in the second claim, the position setting means sets, as the specific position, a lens position in which the amount of defocus does not become extremely large, at least with respect to a nearby subject. It is better to configure.

For example, as described in the third claim, the position setting means includes, as the specific position, a lens that focuses on an object at infinity at a focal length at the time when the low contrast scan completion signal is output. The lens position may be set to be intermediate between the position and the lens position that focuses on the closest subject.

Further, as described in the fourth aspect, the position setting means may be configured to set a lens position that focuses on a near object as the specific position.

For example, as described in claim 5, the specific position may be set to a lens position that focuses on a subject at a position approximately 2.5 m from the camera body.

According to the camera according to the first aspect of the invention, focus detection is performed when the focus detection start switch is turned on, and if focus detection is not possible as a result, focus detection is repeated while driving the focus adjustment lens group. .

As a result, if focus detection is still not possible and the focus detection start switch is still turned on,
The focusing lens group moves to a specific position, and then focus detection is repeated while zooming toward the wide-angle side.

According to the camera according to the second aspect, the focus adjustment lens group is moved to a lens position where the amount of defocus does not become extremely large, at least with respect to a nearby subject, immediately before the zooming for focus detection. do. If focus cannot be detected even with low-contrast scanning on the telephoto side, it is likely that the subject is near. When the lens moves, focus detection is likely to be possible when focus detection is repeated while zooming to the wide side.

According to the camera according to the third aspect, the focus adjusting lens group is configured to move the lens position that is focused on an object at infinity and the closest object at the focal length at that time, immediately before the zooming for focus detection. Move the lens to a position that is intermediate between the lens position that focuses on This prevents the amount of defocus from becoming extremely large for both near and far objects, making it easier to detect focus when focus detection is repeated while zooming to the wide side.

According to the camera according to the fourth aspect, the focusing lens group moves to a lens position where a nearby subject is brought into focus immediately before zooming for focus detection. in this case,
The amount of defocus may be large for distant subjects, but if focus cannot be detected even with low-contrast scanning at the telephoto side, it is likely that the subject is near. When the defocus amount for the subject is small, focus detection is likely to be possible when focus detection is repeated while zooming to the wide side.

According to the camera according to the fifth aspect, the focus adjustment lens group moves to a lens position where the subject is focused at a position approximately 2.5 m from the camera body, immediately before the zooming for focus detection. Therefore, the amount of defocus does not become large for nearby objects.

(The following is a blank space) Embodiment Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, a single-lens reflex camera system equipped with an interchangeable lens whose focal length can be changed by a motor will be described.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of this system. As shown in this figure, the camera body side inputs data from the distance measuring section (2) to the body control section (1) to adjust the focus. By calculating the lens drive amount and energizing the motor (Ml) in the focus adjustment lens group drive control unit (3), the focus adjustment lens group (hereinafter referred to as rAF lens) (L
F) to automatically perform focusing, body data output section (4) and lens data input section (5)
It has the function of communicating with the lens side and operating the lens according to the body's will.

Also, on the lens side, there is a zoom ring operation detection means (10).
When an operation is detected, the zoom lens group drive control unit (7) energizes the motor (M3) to drive the zoom lens group (LA) to perform zooming (hereinafter referred to as "power zoom"). ), and a function to output lens data to the body by communicating with the body through the body data input section (8) and lens data output section (9), and a function to operate according to the data from the body. are doing.

Next, the external configuration of the body and lens will be explained.

Figure 2(a) shows a camera body (BD) to which the present invention is applied.
The figure (b) shows the external configuration of the interchangeable lens (LE) that is replaceably attached to the camera body (BD).
shows the external configuration of. Hereinafter, the names and functions of each part will be briefly explained based on FIG. 2.

(11) is a slider for turning the main switch (SM) ○N10FF, and this slider (11) is turned ON.
The camera body (BD) is ready for operation when it is in the OFF position, and the camera body (BD) is ready for operation when it is in the OFF position.
BD) becomes inoperable.

(12) is the release button, and when it is pressed to the first step, the shooting preparation switch (Sl), which will be described later, is turned on, and the metering and
Start each operation of exposure calculation and AF (automatic focusing). Further, by pressing the button to the second step, a release switch ($2), which will be described later, is turned on and an exposure control operation is started.

(13) is a wide view key, which is used to obtain a finder field of view wider than the actual shooting area before shooting (before release). In other words, this key is used to zoom up the camera at the time of release so that the shooting area visible within the shooting frame (FD2) (Fig. 5), which will be described later, coincides with the range that is imaged on the film. 0N10FF).

(14) is a body display section, which displays information such as shutter speed, aperture value, switches, battery warning mark, etc. Further, the display section in the finder shown in FIG. 5 displays the shutter speed (FD4), photographic frame (FD2), etc.

(15) is a mount lock bin. Interchangeable lens (L
E) is attached and in the mount lock state, a lens attachment switch (SLE), which will be described later, is turned OFF; otherwise, the lens attachment switches (S, E) are turned ON.

(16) is an AF coverr, which is rotationally driven based on the rotation of the AF motor within the camera body (BD).

(17) is the aperture lever and the camera body (BD
) Interchangeable lenses (LE) for the number of aperture stages determined by
This lever is used to narrow down the aperture.

(18) is an auto wide key, which is used to turn on/off the auto wide function. Here, auto wide is used to automatically zoom in the wide direction when focus cannot be detected during normal auto focusing, or when focus cannot be detected even after low contrast scanning is completed. It means repeating the distance.

Low contrast scanning is when the contrast necessary to detect the focus state during distance measurement cannot be obtained (
Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as "low contrast"), which means repeating distance measurement while driving the AF lens.

Note that focus detection is a general term for the following operations (1) to (4), and in this embodiment, it is used to mean the same as distance measurement.

■Detect whether it is low contrast or not.

■Detects the focus state if the contrast is not low.

That is, the amount of focus deviation (defocus amount) is detected and it is determined whether or not the focus is in focus.

(2) If it is not in focus, the position of the AF lens that will be in focus or the number of drive pulses for the AF lens required to bring it into focus is calculated based on the defocus amount.

In this embodiment, the focus cannot be detected only during low contrast, and cases where focus cannot be detected due to low brightness can be treated separately from cases where focus cannot be detected due to low contrast. This will not be considered in the following explanation.

Next, the names and functions of each part in the interchangeable lens (LE) will be explained.

(25) is the mount lock groove, and (26) is the AF coupler.

(27) is the aperture lever. Camera body (BD
) When you attach an interchangeable lens (LE) to the camera body (
The mount lock bin (15) of the BD) engages with the mount lock groove (25), the convex part of the AF coupler (16) on the body side engages with the concave part of the AF coupler (26) on the lens side,
The rotation of the AF motor on the body side is caused by the AF coupler (16) (2).
6) to the lens side, and the AF lens moves to perform focusing. Furthermore, the terminal on the lens side (J
l) ~ (J8) are body side terminals (J,,) ~ (J,,
) is connected. Further, the aperture lever (17) engages with the aperture lever (27) on the lens side, and the aperture lever (27) on the lens side follows and moves by the amount of movement of the aperture lever (17) on the body side. is controlled to a value corresponding to the amount of movement of the aperture levers (17) and (27).

(28) is a lens display section that displays focal length and the like.

Reference numeral (80) denotes an operating ring (zoom ring), which is rotated to specify the direction and speed of power zoom.

Next, the circuit configuration of the camera system will be explained.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the in-body circuit built into the camera body (BD). First, the in-body circuit will be explained based on this diagram.

(μC1) is an in-body microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "in-body microcomputer") that controls the entire camera and performs various calculations.

(AFc,) is a light receiving circuit for focus detection, and C serves as an integral type photosensor for focus detection that accumulates photocharge for a predetermined time.
A that processes the OD, COD drive circuit, and CCD output.
It is connected to the in-body microcontroller (μC1) via a data bus. There is. This focus detection light receiving circuit (AFc circuit) provides information regarding the amount of defocus (defocus amount) of the subject present in the distance measurement area.

(LM) is a photometric circuit installed in the viewfinder optical path, and the photometric value is A/D converted and the in-body microcontroller (μ
C1) as luminance information.

(DX) is a film sensitivity reading device that reads film sensitivity data provided in a film container and serially outputs it to the microcomputer (μC1) in the body. (DISPC)
inputs display data and display control signals from the microcomputer (μC1) in the body, and displays the display section (DIS) on the top of the camera body.
This is a display circuit that causes the display section (14) in FIG. 2 and the display section (DISP, .

Here, the display in the finder of FIG. 5 will be explained. In this figure, (FDI) is the finder frame,
Indicates the area where you can actually see the subject. (
FD2) is a shooting frame that is displayed when the wide view function is turned on by operating the wide view key (13), and it becomes possible to shoot a subject within the shooting frame. (FD3) is a display of the distance measurement area, indicating that it is possible to focus on the subject within this frame. However, in reality, distance measurement islands (A) to (D) as shown in Figure 9 are provided within the distance measurement area (FD3), and the focus is placed on the subject existing within these distance measurement islands. It will be matched. (FD4) and (FD
5) are the shutter speed and control aperture value, respectively, and indicate the values obtained by photometric calculation.

(LE, T) is an in-lens circuit built into the interchangeable lens (LE) (hereinafter also simply referred to as "lens"), which supplies information specific to the interchangeable lens to the in-body microcomputer (μC1). This intra-lens circuit (LEcT) will be explained in detail later.

(Ml) is the AF motor, AF coupler (16) (
26) to drive the AF lens in the interchangeable lens (LE).

(MDI) operates the AF motor (Ml) based on the focus detection information.
), and forward rotation, reverse rotation, and stop are controlled by commands from the microcomputer (μC1) in the body.

(ENC) is an encoder for monitoring the rotation of the AF motor (Ml), and outputs a pulse to the counter input terminal (CNT) of the in-body microcomputer (μC1) at every predetermined rotation angle. The in-body microcomputer (μC1) counts these pulses and controls the speed of the AF lens.

(TVc,) is a shutter control circuit that controls the shutter based on a control signal from an in-body microcomputer (μC1).

(AVc7) is an aperture control circuit that controls the aperture based on a control signal from the in-body microcomputer (μC1).

(M2) is a motor for winding and rewinding the film and charging the exposure control mechanism. Also, (Mn
2) is a motor drive circuit that drives the motor (M2) based on commands from the in-body microcomputer (μC1).

Next, the configuration related to the power supply will be explained.

(El) is a battery that serves as a power source for the camera body (BD).

(Tri) is the first circuit that supplies power to part of the circuit described above.
This is a power supply transistor. (Tr2) is a second power supply transistor for supplying power for driving the zoom motor within the lens, and has an MO3 configuration.

(DD) is a DC/DC converter to stabilize the voltage (V,...) supplied to the microcomputer (μC1) in the body, and the power supply control terminal (PWO) is
Operates at II level. (VDD) is the microcomputer in the body (μC1), the circuit in the lens (LEcT), and the film sensitivity reading circuit (DX).

and the operating power supply voltage of the display control circuit (DISPC).

(V, c,) is the operating power supply voltage of the focus detection light receiving circuit (AFc) and the photometry circuit (LM), and the power supply voltage (V, c,) is
El) through a power supply transistor (Trl).

(VCo2) is the operating power supply voltage of the zoom motor in the lens, and is supplied from the power supply battery (El) to the power supply transistor (T) under the control of the signal output from the power supply control terminal (PH1).
r2). (Vcco) is the motor drive circuit (MDI), shutter control circuit (TVc), aperture control circuit (AVoT), and motor drive circuit (
This is the operating power supply voltage of Mn2) and is directly supplied from the power supply battery (El).

(Dl) to (D3) apply a voltage lower than the voltage (vI, D) to the in-body microcontroller (μC1) when the DC/DC converter (DD) is not operating to reduce power consumption. This is a group of diodes for This low voltage is set to the lowest power supply voltage at which the in-body microcontroller (μC1) can operate, and the DC/DC converter (
DD) is inactive, only the in-body microcomputer (μC1) is operable.

(BCI) is a battery check circuit that detects the voltage (Vcco) of the battery (El) and notifies the in-body microcomputer (μC1) of the detection result.

(GNDI) is the ground line of the low power consumption section,
The lens and the body are connected via terminals (J,,) (J,). It is necessary to use separate ground lines for the analog section and digital section within the body, but for convenience, only one line is shown in the drawing.

(GND2) is the ground line of the large power consumption section,
The lens and the body are connected via terminals (J, 8) (J,).

Next, the switches will be explained.

(SWV) is a normally open bushing switch for enabling/disabling the wide view mode and is turned ON when the wide view key (13) mentioned above is pressed.

(SAW) is a normally open bushing switch for enabling/disabling the auto wide function, and is turned on when the auto wide key (18) mentioned above is pressed.

(Sl) is a photographing preparation switch that is turned on when the release button (12) is pressed down to the first step. This switch (
SL) is turned ON, an interrupt signal is input to the interrupt terminal (INTI) of the microcomputer (μC1) in the body, and preparatory operations necessary for photographing such as photometry, distance measurement, and AF lens driving are performed.

(S,) is the slider (
11) is a main switch that is turned ON when it is in the ON position, and turned OFF when it is in the OFF position.

(PCI) is a pulse generator that outputs a "Low" level pulse every time the switch (SM) changes from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON. This pulse generator (
The output of PCI) is input as an interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal (INT2) of the in-body microcomputer (μC1).

(Sl) is a release switch that is turned on when the release button (12) is pressed down to the second step. This switch (
When SL) is turned ON, a photographing operation is performed.

(S3) is a mirror-up switch that is turned ON when the mirror-up is completed, charges the shutter mechanism, and is turned OFF when the mirror is lowered.

(S,...) is a battery attachment detection switch that turns OFF when a battery (El) is attached to the camera body (BD). When the battery (El) is installed and the battery installation detection switch (S,,,) is turned off, the capacitor (C1) is charged via the resistor (R1), and the microcomputer (
The reset terminal (REI) of μC1) changes from the "Low" level to the "High II level."Then, the in-body microcomputer (μC1) executes a reset routine to be described later.

Next, a configuration for serial data communication will be explained.

The photometry circuit (LM), film sensitivity reading circuit (DX), and display control circuit (DISPC) are connected to serial input (SI).
N).

Serial output (SOUT) and serial clock (S
The in-body microcontroller (μC
1) performs data communication serially. The target of communication with the in-body microcomputer (μC1) is selected by the chip select terminals (C3LM) (C3DX) (C6DISP).

That is, when the terminal (C3LM) is at the "Low" level, the photometric circuit (LM) is selected and the terminal (C3DX
) is at "Low" level, the film sensitivity reading circuit (DX) is selected and the terminal (C8DISP) is set to I L
When the level is O or II, the display control circuit (DISPC)
is selected. Furthermore, the three serial communication signal lines (SIN) (SOUT) (SCK) are connected to terminals (J
,,)(J,); (J,,)(J,); (J,
6) It is connected to the lens circuit (LE, T) via (J,), and when selecting the lens circuit (LEcT) as a communication target, set the terminal (C3LE) to ° “Low”.
level, and this signal is connected to the terminal (J3) (J
, , ) to the intralens circuit (LEcT).

Next, the lens internal circuit (LECT) will be explained based on FIG. Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the lens internal circuit (LEo→) built into the interchangeable lens (LE).
C2) is an in-lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "in-lens microcomputer") for controlling the zoom motor built into the interchangeable lens (LE), data communication with the camera body (BD), mode setting, etc. be.

Here, the terminal group (J
To explain l) to (J,), (J,) is a power supply terminal for supplying the power supply voltage (Vccg) for driving the zoom motor from the body side to the lens side, and (J2) is the power supply terminal for driving the zoom motor. A power supply terminal for supplying a power supply voltage other than (VIl+,) from the body side to the lens side, (J3) is a terminal for input/output of a signal indicating a data communication request, (J4)
is a clock terminal that inputs the clock for data communication from the body side, (J,) is a serial input terminal that inputs data from the body side, (J6) is a serial output terminal that outputs data to the body side, (J7) is a ground terminal of a circuit other than the motor drive circuit, and (J8) is a ground terminal of the motor drive circuit.

The signal line for the terminal (C3LE) transmitted via the terminal (J3) (J, 3) between the interchangeable lens and the body is a bidirectional signal line. This line connects the microcomputer in the body (μC1) to the microcomputer in the lens (
When the signal is transmitted to the lens microcomputer (μC2),
An interrupt occurs in the lens microcomputer (μC2).
) is activated and the interchangeable lens is designated as the object of communication with the body. On the other hand, via this line, the microcomputer in the lens (μC2) is connected to the microcomputer in the body (μC1).
When the signal is transmitted to , the pulse generator (μC2) (Figure 3) inputs the interrupt signal to the lens interrupt terminal (LEINT) of the in-body microcontroller (μC1), and the in-body microcontroller (μC1) is activated. . In addition, from the microcomputer in the body (μC1) to the microcomputer in the lens (μC2)
When data is sent to the body, the microcomputer (μ
C1) is configured not to accept interrupts (LEINT).

(R8IC) is a reset IC that resets the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens when the voltage (V, D) supplied from the body falls below the normal operating voltage of the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens. . (R2) and (C2) are a reset resistor and a capacitor for resetting the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens.

(RE2) is the reset terminal of the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens, and the voltage (VD, ) for driving the circuit in the lens is supplied from the body, and the resistor (R2) and capacitor (
When the terminal (RE) is leveled from the °I Low W11 level to the "High" level by C2), the in-lens microcomputer (μC2) performs a reset operation.

(ZVEN) is the aforementioned operating ring (zoom ring) (80
), which sets the power zoom speed and direction during power zoom.

(M3) is a zoom motor for driving the zoom lens group. By driving the zoom lens group with this zoom motor, the focal length can be continuously changed without changing the position of the image point.

(Mn2) is a motor drive circuit for driving the zoom motor (M3), which controls the rotation of the zoom motor (M3) according to control signals indicating the motor drive direction and drive speed given from the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens. Control. In addition, the zoom motor (M3
) and stop applying voltage.

(ENC3) is an encoder for detecting the amount of rotation of the zoom motor (M3), and is also used when detecting the focal length.

(DSP) is an in-lens display control circuit that performs display on the lens display section (28) based on data from the in-lens microcomputer (μC2).

(SL): ) is a lens attachment detection switch, which is turned OFF when the interchangeable lens (LE) is attached to the camera body (BD) and the mount is locked. In other words, when the interchangeable lens (LE) is removed from the camera body (BD), the switch (SLE) becomes ○N and the condenser (C
2) Both ends are shorted. This allows the capacitor (C
2) is discharged, and the terminal (RE2) of the microcomputer (tt C2) in the lens becomes I Lo, II
become the level. After that, when the interchangeable lens (LE) is attached to the camera body (BD), the switch (sLE) is turned OFF.
It becomes FF, and the capacitor (
C2) is charged, resistor (R2) and capacitor (C2)
After a predetermined time determined by
h'" level, and as described above, the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens performs a reset operation.

This concludes the explanation of the hardware of this embodiment, and then the explanation of the software will begin.

First, an outline of the operational sea fence in the wide field mode and the automatic wide operational sea fence, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

FIG. 6 is a sea fence chart in wide-field mode, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image in the finder in wide-field mode. Here, what is sea fence chart?
This is a diagram showing the respective operational sea fences of the body and lens in a camera, along with the communication between the body and lens so that the relationship and timing of mutual operations can be understood. This communication will be explained later for each communication mode as lens communication.

In FIG. 6, when the main switch (sM) is turned ○N and the wide view switch (S, v) is turned ○N, the wide view mode is set and the shooting frame shown in FIG. 8(a) ( FD2) is displayed in the finder.

After that, if the shooting preparation switch (Sl) and the release switch (S2) are turned on at the same time in order to release the camera at the shortest possible time as a sea fence, first, distance measurement and light metering are performed, and the current focal length is set in order to zoom up. A target focal length ft is set by multiplying f by 1.4 (in this embodiment, the viewfinder field of view is set to 140%). Next, the photographic frame (FD2) is erased and the target focal length f is transferred to the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens (communication #C in mode ■). ) starts zooming and sets the target focal length f
, (FIG. 8(b)). At this time, the body side performs communication to receive the lens status at regular time intervals and waits for the lens to complete zooming (communications #d and #d' in mode 2). After confirming the completion of zooming, the mode (I
V) communication (#a) is performed, and CCD integration is started.

After the CCD integration, a data dump is performed, and when the data dump is completed, the lens data that changes due to zooming is received (communication #b) in mode 2, and distance measurement calculation and photometry calculation are performed using that lens data. . Here, lens data that changes during zooming (the specific details of which will be described later) may be received from the lens after zooming is completed. Further, the reason for performing distance measurement and photometry again after completing zooming is to improve the accuracy of distance measurement and photometry. After re-measuring the distance and re-measuring the light, the AF lens is driven according to the amount of defocus detected during the re-measuring, and the AF lens is adjusted during release.
While driving the F lens, the mirror is raised and exposed.

Thereafter, when 5 seconds have elapsed since the photographing preparation switch (Sl) and the release switch (S2) were turned FF, the wide field of view mode is again set and the photographic frame (FD2) is displayed. This 5 seconds is the time until the in-body microcomputer (μC1) enters the sleeve state, and does not have to be limited to 5 seconds. Here, the reason why the wide field mode is not set for 5 seconds after the switches (S1) and (S2) are turned off is to prevent the camera from continuing to zoom up when continuously photographing the same scene.

Next, the automatic wide operation sea fence will be explained based on FIGS. 7 and 9. FIG. 7 is an auto-wide sea fence chart, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image in the finder during auto-wide. In FIG. 9, (a) to (d) are distance measurement islands, and distance measurement can be performed to objects within each of these distance measurement islands. Then, for example, a multi-point algorithm is used that focuses on the closest subject if focus can be detected on all distance measurement islands.

The sea fence shown in FIG. 7 is an example that starts from the completion of the low contrast scan. When the low contrast scan is completed, first, the target focal length f is determined from the current focal length f. The target focal length f is preferably set to a value that does not give the photographer a sense of discomfort even when zoomed, and in this embodiment, it is set to 0.5 times the current focal length f. Once the target focal length f is determined, the data indicating the CCD integration start timing and the target focal length f are transferred to the lens side through mode (V) communication (#a'). On the lens side,
Target focal length f.

When receiving the focal length f, zooming is started with the focal length f as the target. At that time, the body side starts COD integration to perform distance measurement during zooming, and when the CCDCD integration-data dump is completed, the lens side receives the lens data calculated at the COD integration start timing (mode (Communication #b) of (2) Then, the lens data is used to calculate TeNff1 and photometry, and if the distance measurement is low contrast, communication of mode (V) (#a'
), CCD integration.

Data dump, mode (VI) communication (#b), distance measurement,
Repeat photometry calculations and check for zooming completion in order.

Now, let us consider a case where focus detection becomes possible during the zooming described above. In this case, when the contrast necessary for detecting the focus state is obtained, data indicating the zoom stop is transferred to the lens (communication #e in mode 2). When the lens side receives data indicating zoom stop, it brakes the zoom lens group to stop it. At this time, on the body side, communication (#d) in mode (II [) for receiving the lens state in order to detect the stoppage of the zoom lens group (
#d') is repeated, and after confirming that the zoom lens group has stopped, the AF lens is driven and focusing is performed. ), the AF lens is driven for focusing based on the distance measurement value (the number of AF lens drive pulses) obtained during distance measurement during zooming, but if the distance measurement accuracy is low. In this case, the AF lens is not driven immediately and the next distance measurement (mode IV, Vl communication #
The AF lens may be driven using the distance measurement values obtained in (including a and #b).

Next, although not shown in FIG. 7, a case will be considered in which the focus cannot be detected during the zooming. Since the mode (VI) communication (#b) also includes data representing the state of the zoom lens group, in this case, the driving state of the zoom lens group is confirmed in the auto-wide processing after the photometry calculation. If the zoom lens group is stopped as a result of this confirmation, it is determined that focus detection is impossible even if zoomed to the target focal length f, and distance measurement using auto wide is given up.

This completes the explanation of the outline of the operational sea fence of this embodiment.Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained in detail by explaining the software of the microcomputer in the body (μC1) and the microcomputer in the lens (μC2). The contents of lens communication in the following explanation are shown in Table 1.
Lens status data sent from the lens to the body is shown in Table 2, body status data sent from the body to the lens is shown in Table 3, and control flags used in the flowcharts in the following explanation are shown in Table 4. , variables are shown in Table 5.

The software of the mass and in-body microcomputer (μC1) will be explained.

When the battery (El) is installed in the camera body (ED),
In the in-body circuit shown in Figure 3, the battery attachment detection switch (S,,,) is turned OFF, the reset capacitor (C1) is charged via the resistor (R1), and the body controls the entire camera. The reset terminal (REI) of the internal microcontroller (μC1) is set from “Low” to “High”.
A reset signal that changes to the h'' level is input.

By inputting this reset signal, the in-body microcontroller (μ
C1) starts generating Glock using internal hardware, operates the DC/DC converter (DD), is supplied with a driveable voltage (V, wa), and starts the 10th clock.
Execute the reset routine shown in the figure.

Note that in the sleeve state, which will be described later, the clock of the microcomputer (μC1) in the body stops and the DC/DC converter (DD) also stops operating. As when installed, the internal hardware of the microcontroller (μC1) in the body generates the clock and the DC/DC converter (
DD) starts operation.

The reset routine in Figure 10 first disables all interrupts, resets various ports and registers,
Flag indicating that the reset routine has been passed (R3TF
) (steps #5 to #15), and in step (#20) it is determined whether the main switch (SM) is turned on. In addition, the main switch (S,
) changes from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON, interrupts caused by main switch operation (SMI
NT) is generated and the process is executed from step (#20).

When the main switch (SM) is turned on in step (#20), all interrupts are enabled, a flag (R8TF) indicating that the reset routine has been passed is reset, and power is supplied to each circuit and the lens side. In order to turn on the transistors (Trl) (Tr2) for performing
#35).

Next, in step (#30), an AF lens renormalization subroutine is executed. This subroutine is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first, in step (#150), a subroutine for lens communication (■) is executed.

Lens communication (■) is communication in the communication mode (■) in which data is input from the new lens described in this example (hereinafter referred to as "new lens") among various communication modes between the body and the lens. It is.

Here, the new lens refers to a lens that is equipped with a zoom motor (M3) for changing the focal length and a microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens, and that transfers more data to the body than the old lens.

The subroutine for lens communication (■) is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, it first sets data indicating that the communication mode is mode (■), and then sets the data indicating that the communication mode is mode (■).
C3LE) to "Low" level, and informs the lens that data communication will be performed (step #1120.'
#1122). Then, in step (#1125), 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) is performed. In this serial communication, the body and lens serially output data to each other and simultaneously serially input data sent from the other. The first byte outputs data indicating the type of body from the body. At this time, meaningless data FF from the lens (the subscript □ is 1
(indicating a hexadecimal number) is output, and the lens and body each input the data sent from the other party. The second byte outputs data indicating the type of lens from the lens. At this time, the body outputs meaningless data FF, and the lens and body each input data sent from the other party. Then, to indicate that the communication mode with the lens is mode (■), 1-byte data of the communication mode set above is serially output to the lens, and after waiting for a while, in step (#1130), the old lens is Determine whether or not.

As a result of this judgment, if it is an old lens, input 7 bytes of data from the lens and connect the terminal (C3LE) to “”t(ig
h” level and return (Step #1135
．． #1138). As a result of the judgment in step ($11130), if it is a new lens, input 11 bytes of data from the lens and set the terminal (C3LE) to °'t(igh'
” Return to level (Step #1132.1
113B). In addition, before returning, connect the terminal (C3LE)
The reason why this is set to the "High" level is to notify the lens of the end of this lens communication (■), and similar processing is performed in other modes of lens communication.

Here, the contents of the communication data between the body and the lens in this example will be explained with reference to Table 1.

First, in lens communication with the old lens (not shown), lens-specific data is sent from the lens to the body, and the contents of the data are (i) maximum aperture value AV0 (ii) maximum aperture value AvMAx (iii) data A conversion coefficient for converting the focus amount into a drive amount (hereinafter, this conversion coefficient will be referred to as a "drive amount conversion coefficient") (iv) Current focal length f.

(v) Lens attachment signal. N (vi) Conversion coefficient K for converting the feed amount to distance
N (hereinafter, this conversion coefficient will be referred to as "distance conversion coefficient") (vii) Difference ΔSB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface.

On the other hand, modes (I) to (
There are communications (IX), and these communications are called lens communications (I) to (IX), respectively. Lens communication in each mode will be explained below. In the following, the data transferred from the lens to the body will be collectively referred to as lens data, and the data shown in Table 2 that represents the driving status of the lens will be collectively referred to as lens status data. The data shown in Table 3 representing control commands etc. will be collectively referred to as body state data.

In lens communication (I), data indicating the zoom retraction mode is sent from the body to the lens.

In lens communication (n), data indicating a zoom stop (body state data) is sent from the body to the lens.

In lens communication (III), data indicating the lens state (Table 2) is sent from the lens to the body.

In lens communication (IV), data (body state data) indicating the CCD integration start timing is sent from the body to the lens. Immediately after this communication, the microcomputer (μC) inside the lens
2) starts calculation of lens data (data that changes depending on the focal length) at the focal length at that time.

In lens communication (V), data (body state data) indicating the CCD integration start timing from the body to the lens and (x) target focal length f.

will be sent.

In lens communication (VI), the lens status data and the previously executed mode (IV) or (
Lens data calculated at the time of communication V), which changes depending on the focal length, is sent. This latter data is: (iii) Drive amount conversion coefficient KL (iv) Current focal length f.

(vi) Distance conversion coefficient KN (vii) Each data of the difference ΔSB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface.

In lens communication (■), all lens-specific data is sent from the lens to the body. The contents of this data include lens state data, (i) maximum aperture value AV0, (ii) maximum aperture value AvMAx, (iii) drive amount conversion coefficient KL, and (iv) current focal length f.

(v) Lens attachment signal. N (vi) Distance conversion coefficient K.

(vii) Difference between film surface and AF sensor surface △5B (vi
ii) Shortest focal length fal, (ix) Maximum focal length f1. .

It is.

In lens communication (■), data (body status data) indicating permission for power zooming is sent from the body to the lens.

In lens communication (IX), body state data, (x) target focal length f, and force (x) are sent from the body to the lens 4.

Each of the above data (i) to (X) is input/output as 1/\byte, body state data, and lens state data G as 2 bytes each.

In addition, a mode (IV) and (V) for transmitting data indicating the CCD integration start timing is used, and after CCD integration and data dumping, mini lens data (data that changes depending on the focal length) is received. (Vl) communication allows the microcomputer (μC2) in the lens to calculate lens data during CCD integration and data dumping.This reduces the time required for lens data calculation and reduces the time required for distance measurement. can be shortened.

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 11, step (#152
) Continue the explanation. In step (#152), the value of the counter N indicating the drive amount of the AF lens for focusing is set to -NL, (a negative value with a large absolute value,
Whether the first bit is O or 1 indicates positive or negative), and in step (#155) the AF lens drive subroutine is executed.

Here, the AF lens driving module (not shown) will be explained. This lens drive module controls the drive of the AF lens using counter interrupts and timer interrupts. The counter interrupt is generated by the encoder (ENC).
) (FIG. 3), a timer interrupt is generated when a pulse indicating driving of the AF lens is input, and a timer interrupt is generated when there is no next counter interrupt within a certain period of time after a counter interrupt is performed. Then, by this timer interrupt, it is detected that the lens has reached the terminal end (infinite end or nearest end). Moreover, this module is a module that sets a lens driving flag (LMVF) before driving, and when driving is finished, resets the flag (LMVF) by a counter interrupt or a timer interrupt and returns.

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 11, step (#160
) Continue the explanation. In step (#160), a timer interrupt is enabled, and in the next step (#165), a timer interrupt waits for a flag (LEEDF) indicating that the lens has reached the end to be set. This flag (
LEEDF) is set, assuming that the lens is retracted to the infinity position, the counter that counts the amount of lens extension NF from the infinity position is reset, the above flag (LEEDF) is reset, and the process returns. (
Step #170. #175).

Return to the flowchart in Figure 10 and step (#41)
Continue the explanation from. In step (#41), it is determined whether the lens is an old lens or not, and if it is not an old lens, step (#45)
, and executes the zoom lens group renormalization subroutine. The zoom lens group renormalization subroutine is shown in FIG. 12. When the subroutine is called, first, interrupts (C3LEINT) caused by the lens select signal (C8LE) from the lens are prohibited, and lens communication (
Execute subroutine I) and output data of zoom lens group renormalization mode (step #180. #1
82). Next, lens communication (III) is repeated to check the lens condition at intervals of 10 m5 ec, and if the flag (WEDF) indicating the wide end is set, it is determined that zoom retraction is complete (steps #185 to #190). After 10m5eC, lens communication (■) is executed to input all data of the lens, the interrupt request (C8LEINT) from the lens is permitted, and the process returns (steps #192 to #198).

Here, the lens communication (I) and (III) subroutines used in the above processing will be explained.

First, FIG. 30 shows a subroutine for lens communication (I). When the subroutine is called, data indicating mode (1) is set and the terminal (C8LE) is set to “Low”.
As a level, 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) is performed to determine the type of body and lens (
Steps #1000 to #1012). Next, mode (I
) is serially output to the lens to indicate 1 byte of data, then 2 bytes of body status data to instruct zoom lens group renormalization are serially output to the lens, and the terminal (C3LE) is set to °゛H1gh'' level. Return (steps #1015 to #1020).

Next, FIG. 32 shows a subroutine for lens communication (III). When the same subroutine is called, the mode (I
Set the data indicating [I] and connect the terminal (C3LE) to "
2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) to determine the type of body and lens (steps #1040 to #1045).Next, 1-byte serial communication is performed to indicate the mode (III). Serially output data to the lens, then input 2 bytes of data indicating the lens status, and set the terminal (C3LE) to "'High".
Return as level (step #1o48~#1
055).

Return to the flowchart in Figure 10. Step (#41)
) is determined to be an old lens.

If it is determined in step (#41) that the lens is an old lens, the process proceeds to step (#50), and it is determined whether or not the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on. Shooting preparation switch (Sl)
is not turned on, proceed to step (#63) and execute a subroutine to determine the wide field of view mode, then turn on the power supply control terminal (PWI) (PW2) to turn off the power supply transistors (Tri) (Tr2). I-L respectively
o, II level, DC/DC converter (DD)
The power control terminal (PWO) is set to Lo to stop the operation of the
w” level (steps #63 to #70).Then, it enters the sleeve state (stopped state).On the other hand, when it is determined in step (#50) that the shooting preparation switch (Sl) is turned on Then, proceed to step (#52) to reset the flag (LSINF) that prohibits low-contrast scanning, and execute the 5LON subroutine described later in step (#55).Then, in step (#60), the flag (SIONF) is reset. ) is set, and if it is set, return to step (#55); if not, proceed to step (#63).Here, the flag (SIONF) is This is a flag that is activated while the preparation switch (Sl) is turned on or when more than 5 seconds have not elapsed since it was turned off.

In an interrupt (SIINT) that occurs when the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on after being turned off, processing from step (#52) is executed. Also, a lens interrupt (C8LEINT) occurs when an interrupt signal is input from the lens to the interrupt terminal (LEINT).
Now, a flag (C8LEF) indicating that there has been an interruption from the lens is set in step (#75), and the processing from step (#52) is executed.

Here, the subroutine for determining the wide field of view mode in step (#63) is shown in FIG. When the same subroutine is called, in step (#200) the wide and knee switch (SWv), which indicates whether the wide field of view mode is enabled or disabled, is turned ON.
Determine whether it is or not. Wide view switch (
If SWv) is not turned on, the flag (WWF) indicating that the wide field of view mode is valid is reset, the display of the photographed frame is turned off, and the process returns (steps #220 and #225). Also, even if the wide view switch (S, v) is turned on, if 1.4 times the current focal length fo is greater than the longest focal length f10 of the lens, it is not possible to zoom 1.4 times. Since this is not possible, the wide field of view mode is disabled (WWF=O) and the display of the shooting frame is also turned off (Step #205. #2
20. #225), on the other hand, step ($1200
) (#205), wide view switch (SWv)
is ON, 1.4Xf, ≦f, 0. If it is determined that this is the case, the flag (WWF) is set to enable the wide field of view mode (WWF=1), the photographed frame is displayed on the finder, and the process returns (steps #210 and #215).

Next, the 5IOH subroutine of step (#55) in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first a flag (SIONF) indicating that this subroutine has been passed is set, and an interrupt (SIINT) is set.
), and the power supply transistor (Tri) (Tr2)
To turn on the power supply control terminals (Pken1) (PW2)
"High" level and executes the above wide-field zoom determination subroutine (Fig. 13) (steps #300~
1308).

Here, the reason why the wide-field zoom judgment is performed every time in step (1308) (the reason why it is performed every time the 5LON subroutine is called) is that while the shooting preparation switch (Sl) is ON or when it is OFF. This is to cope with the case where the wide view switch (S□) is turned to ○N/○FF when more than 5 seconds have not elapsed since the change.

After completing the wide-field zoom determination in step (6308),
A flag (
C8LEF) (step #310). Then, a flag indicating an interrupt from the lens (C8LEF
) is set, the process proceeds to step (#315) to execute a subroutine for lens INT control, and then proceeds to step (#332).

Here, the lens I that controls the interruption from the lens
The NT control subroutine is shown in Fig. 16. When the subroutine is called, it resets the flag (C3LEF) indicating lens interruption and performs lens communication (■) to input all lens data (step #
530. #532). Then, in step (#534), the flag (RQZMF) included in the lens status data (Table 2) sent from the lens in this communication is determined. This flag (RQZMF) is a flag indicating that the lens requests permission from the body for power zooming, and if it is not set, the process returns as is. On the other hand, if the flag (RQZMF) is set, lom
After waiting for sec, execute lens communication (■) to transfer power zoom permission to the lens and return (
Steps #534 to #538).

Here, FIG. 37 shows a subroutine for lens communication (■) used in the above processing. When this subroutine is called, first, data indicating the mode (■) is set, the terminal (C3LE) is set to the "'Low'" level, and 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) (step #114
0 to #1145). Next, 1 to indicate the mode (■)
The byte data is serially output to the lens, and then a flag indicating power zoom permission (power zoom OK) is output.
Serially output the 2-byte body status data (Table 3) set with MZOKF) to the lens, and connect it to the terminal (C8LE).
) is set to "High" level and returns (steps 11148 to $11152).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the step (#3
The case where it is determined in 10) that the flag (C8LEF) is not set will be explained. Flag (C8LEF
) is not set, the process proceeds to step (#320) and it is determined whether or not the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on. If the shooting preparation switch (Sl) is not turned on, the power zoom is in progress or within 5 seconds after turning the switch (Sl) ○FFt, so execute lens communication (■) and input lens data. Step #3
25), proceed to step (#332). On the other hand, if it is determined in step (#320) that the switch (Sl) is turned on, the camera is ready for shooting, so by executing the AF control subroutine, distance calculation and focusing are performed. The AF lens is driven (step #330).

A subroutine for this AF control is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, first, the subroutine TR8 is executed to notify the in-lens microcomputer (μC2) of the CCD integration start timing and to transfer the target focal length f to the lens (step #450).

This subroutine of TR8 is a subroutine that only communicates data with the lens side during auto wide or when zooming 1.4 times in wide field mode, so the 0th order returns without executing anything at first. Then, the COD in the focus detection light receiving circuit (AFoT) performs integration (charge accumulation), and after the COD integration is completed, the data converted to a digital signal is input (data dump), and the lens variable data (focal length RCV that inputs data that changes depending on
Execute the subroutine (step #452. #4
55. #460).

However, if communication notifying the CCD integration start timing is not performed in the TR3 subroutine, this RC
The V subroutine also returns without executing anything. This RCV subroutine will be described later together with the TR8 subroutine.

After returning from the RCV subroutine, step (
1465), a distance measurement calculation is performed to calculate the defocus amount. A subroutine for this distance measurement calculation is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first, in step (#600), each distance measurement island ((a) to
The correlation calculation (d)) is executed, but since this correlation calculation is not the gist of the present invention, its explanation will be omitted. After performing this correlation calculation, proceed to step (#602), where a multi-point algorithm (for example, select the closest subject ), and if all islands have low contrast (contrast necessary for detecting the focus state is insufficient), focus detection is disabled, and if at least one island has low contrast, focus detection is enabled. It is determined in step (#605) whether or not the focus cannot be detected. If the focus cannot be detected, a flag indicating low contrast (L
CONF) and return (step #60
6). On the other hand, if it is determined that focus detection is possible, it is determined in step (#608) whether or not a flag (LSNF) indicating that low contrast scanning is in progress is set, and if it is set, the AF lens is being driven. Therefore, after executing the lens stop subroutine (step #609),
Proceed to step (#610). Here, the lens stop subroutine (detailed flowchart is not shown) controls the motor drive circuit (MDI) to stop driving the AF lens, and then resets the flag (LMVF). As a result of the determination in the step (#608), the flag (LSN
If F) is not set, step (#
610).

In step (#610), the flag (LCONF) is reset, and then the defocus amount is calculated, and the defocus amount is multiplied by a coefficient for converting the defocus amount into the number of AF lens drive pulses. Determine the number of AF lens drive pulses N1 (steps #615 to #618)
.

Next, in step (111620), it is determined whether the absolute value of the defocus amount is within the focusing range. Here, if the absolute value of the defocus amount is within 200 μm, it is considered to be within the focusing range. As a result of this determination, if it is within the focusing range, a flag (AFEF) indicating that it is in focus is set, and if it is outside the focusing range, the flag (AFEF) is reset and the process returns (steps #625 and #628). ).

Returning to the flowchart in Fig. 15 to continue the explanation, after returning from the above distance measurement calculation subroutine (step #485), the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto wide is in progress is set in step (#478). Determine whether it is set. If this flag (AWNF) is set, the AW processing subroutine is executed in step (#480), but at first, the flag (AWNF) is set.
is not set, so continue with step (#48)
Proceed to 5). In step (1485), after the release switch (S2) is turned on in wide-field mode (r
It is determined whether or not a flag (82ONF) indicating that sea fencing is being executed ("after 52ON") is set. If the flag (82ONF) is set, the routine (
Step #490. #495) and returns, but since the flag (52ONF) is not set during the first distance measurement, the process proceeds to step (#500) and the flag (LCONF) indicating the low contrast state is set. Determine whether or not there is. This flag (LCONF
) is set, the low contrast processing from step (#501) onwards is executed, but at this point it is assumed that it is not set and the process proceeds to step (#520).

In step (#520), it is determined whether a flag (AFEF) indicating that the camera is in focus is set. Then, if the flag (AFEF) is set, the focusing subroutine (step #525) is executed, and if the flag (AFEF) is reset, the out-of-focus subroutine (step #525) is executed.
528) and return.

Here, the above-mentioned focusing/out-of-focus subroutine will be explained.

First, the focusing subroutine is shown in FIG.

When the same subroutine is called, the release switch (
Flag (S2INF) to disable ON of S2)
(Refer to step #352 in Figure 14).
Turn on the focus display in the finder and return (steps #630 and #635).

Next, FIG. 21 shows an out-of-focus subroutine.

When the same subroutine is called, the release switch (
Flag (S2INF) to disable ON of S2)
and turn off the focus display in the viewfinder (
Step #640. #642). Next, distance measurement calculation (
After executing the lens drive subroutine according to the number of AF lens drive pulses N1 calculated in step #465 in FIG.
645. #648). Then, it waits for the AF lens to stop while repeatedly determining whether or not the flag (LMVF) indicating that the AF lens is being driven has been reset at regular time intervals. Return (step #650. #655).

Here, the lens drive subroutine (detailed flowchart is not shown) in step (#645) is the drive I subroutine (fourth
This corresponds to Figure 1), and this subroutine sets the flag (LMVF) and sets the drive amount N1 or N.
After setting, drive the AF lens (AF motor (Ml)
) is started. And the flag (LMVF
) is reset by the counter interrupt or timer interrupt that controls the drive when the drive of a predetermined AF lens is completed, as described above.

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 15, step (#500
), it is determined that the flag (LCONF) indicating the low contrast state is set.

If this flag (LCONF) is set, a flag (S2INF) is set to disallow release (step #501), and a flag (LSINF) indicating low contrast scan prohibition is set. It is determined in step (#502) whether or not the flag (LSI
If NF) has not been set yet, the low contrast scan subroutine (step #505) is executed and the process returns.

Here, the above low-contrast scan subroutine is executed in the 22nd
As shown in the figure. This subroutine is a routine for focusing on a subject that has low contrast because the AP lens position is far away from the lens position that focuses on the subject.

When this subroutine is called, first, it is determined in step (#670) whether or not a flag (LSNF) indicating that low contrast scanning is in progress is set.

Initially, it is not set, so proceed to step (#672), set the flag (LSNF), set the lens drive amount H to a large positive value NLG, execute the above lens drive subroutine, and return. (Step #67
2~#678). A low contrast scan is started by such an operation, but here, during the low contrast scan,
Mainly, only the operation of AF control (control for automatically adjusting focus) will be considered.

By driving the lens at the start of the low-contrast scan, the next distance measurement will be performed while driving the AF lens in the extending direction. Then, the next distance measurement calculation (step #4 in Fig. 15) is performed.
65), if focus detection becomes possible, at that point A
After stopping the driving of the F lens and determining whether the lens is in focus or out of focus, sea fencing for focusing is performed (steps #520 to #528 in FIG. 15).

On the other hand, if the next distance measurement results in a low contrast determination, the low contrast scan subroutine is executed again (
Steps #501 to #505 in FIG. 15).

When the low contrast scan subroutine is executed again, the flag (LSNF) is set, so A
Distance measurement is repeated while driving the AF lens in the extending direction until the flag (LEEDF) indicating the end of the F lens is set (steps #670 and #680).

Then, in step (#670), the flag (LEEDF) is set.
If it is determined that is set, it is determined in step (#690) whether it is the near end or the infinitely far end. Initially, the AF lens is driven in the extending direction (near direction), so
If it is determined as es, the process proceeds to step (#692), sets the lens drive amount N to a large negative value -NLG, and starts lens drive (step #695). In this drive, distance measurement is repeated while driving the AF lens in the focusing direction (infinity direction), but when the mouth-con state continues and it is determined at step (#690) that the distance is at the infinity end (not at the near end), , flag indicating that low contrast scanning is in progress (LSNF)
and reset the low contrast scan prohibition flag (L
SINF) and completes the execution of the 20 low contrast scan (step $1700. #705).

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 15, the explanation will be continued. As mentioned above, in low contrast scan, focus cannot be detected (LCO
During NF=1), until the AF lens reaches the infinity end,
Step (#55) → (#60) → (#
55) loop (FIG. 10) is repeatedly executed. If focus detection is not possible even after the low-contrast scan is completed, it is determined in step (#502) that the flag (LSINF) indicating low-contrast scan inhibition is set, and the process proceeds to step (71508). It is determined whether a flag (AWINF) indicating auto-wide inhibition and a flag (AWNF) indicating auto-wide is in progress are set (steps #508 and #510).

Initially, neither flag is set, so AW
The start subroutine (step #515) is executed and the process returns.

FIG. 23 shows a subroutine for starting AW (starting auto wide). When this subroutine is called, it is determined whether the switch (SAw) for enabling/disabling auto wide mode is ON, and
If F, flag indicating auto wide prohibition (AWINF)
Set and return (step #720. #7
25) On the other hand, if it is determined in step (17720) that the switch (SAW) is turned on,
Set the target focal length f, to 1/2 of the current focal length f, and set the target focal length f, and the shortest focal length f of the zoom lens.
* Compare with T+ (Step #730. #7
32). Then, if f,<f,,, then the target focal length f
After resetting , to the shortest focal length f, 1°, step (
Proceed to #735) and if f, ≧1. ．． If so, proceed directly to step (#735).

In step (#735), a flag (AWNF) indicating that auto-wide is in progress is set, and then the process returns.

The auto wide sea fence will be explained below.

This auto-wide sea fence is a sea fence for obtaining the contrast necessary for detecting the focus state by zooming to the wide side when the image magnification is too large and the contrast is low. This auto wide sea fence is also similar to the low-con scan mentioned above.
AF control will mainly be explained. Once auto wide is started by the above AW start subroutine (step #515), in the next AFf15II control, the TR8 subroutine (step #515) is set with the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto wide is in progress. #450)
is called.

Here, the subroutine of the second TR8 is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, first, a flag (I
TGTF) is set or not by step ($1
550). If this flag (ITGTF) is set, lens communication (IV) is executed to notify the lens of the CCD integration start timing, and a flag (RCVF) is set to indicate that lens data that changes due to zooming is to be received. and returns (step #555. #568). On the other hand, step (#550
), if it is determined that the flag (ITGTF) is not set, proceed to step (1560) and set the flag (
AWNF) is set.

If this flag (AWNF) is set, the zoom drive speed is set, lens communication (V) is executed to transfer data indicating the CCD integration start timing and the target focal length f to the lens, and the lens A flag (RCVF) indicating data reception is set and the process returns (steps #563, #565, #568). Through this communication, the lens side starts calculation of lens data and zooming. On the other hand, if neither the flag (ITGTF) nor (AWNF) is set,
Return without executing lens communication. The reason why the zoom drive speed is set by the body in step (#563) is to set the zoom speed according to the shooting conditions.

Next, FIG. 18 shows an RCV subroutine for receiving lens data that changes due to zooming. When this subroutine is called, first, it is determined in step (#570) whether or not a flag (RCVF) indicating reception of lens data is set.

If this flag (RCVF) is set, lens communication (Vl) is executed to receive lens data,
The flag (RCVF) is reset and the process returns (steps #575 and #580). On the other hand, the flag (RCVF
) is not set, the process returns without executing lens communication (VI).

Here, lens communication (■) used in the above process.

The subroutines (■) and (VI) will be explained together.

A subroutine for lens communication (IV) is shown in FIG. 33, a subroutine for lens communication (V) is shown in FIG. 34, and a subroutine for lens communication (Vl) is shown in FIG.

When each of these subroutines is called, first, data indicating the respective modes (IV), (V), and (Vl) are set, the terminal (CSLE) is set to "Low" level, and the type of body and lens is set. 2-byte serial input/output is performed to determine the mode, and then 1-byte data is serially output to the lens to indicate each mode (steps #1060 to #1068 and #108
0~#1088. #1100 to #1108). next,
In lens communication (IV), 2-byte body status data indicating that the transfer is to notify the CCD integration start timing is serially output (step #1070).
In lens communication (V), in addition to the 2-byte body state similar to lens communication (IV), 1-byte target focal length f.

serially output the data (step #1090.
#1092), set the terminal (CSLE) to “High” level and return (step #1075. #109
5). In addition, in lens communication (Vl), 2 bytes of lens state data (lens state data at the time when the lens communication (Vl) was executed) and 4 bytes of data that changes due to zooming (lens communication executed before) IV
) or lens data (which changes depending on the focal length at the time of (V)) is serially input, and the terminal (C8LE) is returned as a "High level" (Step #1
110~#1115).

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 15, step (#450
) Continue the explanation. While the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto wide is in progress is set, lens communication (V) is performed in the TR3 subroutine (step #450).
The data indicating the CCD integration start timing and the target focal length f are transferred to the lens, and after performing COD integration and data dumping, the lens data at the start of COD integration is input through lens communication (Vl) in the RCV subroutine. and executes distance measurement calculation (steps #450 to #46).
5). In the next step (#478), the flag (AWN
Since F) is set, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to step (1480) to execute the subroutine of AW mid-processing (auto wide mid-processing).

A subroutine for this AW processing is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, first, the lens communication (
In the lens status data received from the lens by VI), a flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set.
It is determined in step (#750) whether or not is set. If this flag (ZMVF) is not set, it is determined that zooming is complete (focus cannot be detected even if auto wide is executed), and the flag (AW
NF) and reset the auto wide prohibition flag (
A correction NF) is set, a flag (ITGTF) instructing the transfer of data that informs the CCD integration start timing is set, and the process returns (steps #750 and #77).
0 to #780).

On the other hand, in step (#750) the flag (ZMVF
) is set, zooming has not yet been completed, so step (# 755). As a result of the determination in step (#755), the flag (LCO
If the flag (LCONF) was set, it was impossible to detect the focus, so the next distance measurement was repeated. On the other hand, if the flag (LCONF) was not set, it was possible to detect the focus, so the zoom lens group was instructed to stop. While executing lens communication (n) for outputting data (body state data) to the lens, and repeatedly executing lens communication (III) for inputting the lens state at fixed time intervals, the flag (indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven) is ZMVF) is reset (steps #755 to #768). If the flag (ZMVF) is reset in the lens status data received from the lens through lens communication (I[I), it is determined that the zoom lens group has stopped, and the flag (AWNF) is reset to end auto wide. , sets the flag (AWINF), sets the flag (ITGTF), and returns (steps #770 to #780). In addition, step (#
The reason for setting the flag (ITGTF) that instructs the transfer of data that informs the CCD integration start timing in step 780) is to execute the TR8 and RCV subroutines (steps #450 and #460) at the end of zooming and stop the zoom lens group. This is to input the lens data at the position.

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 15, the explanation will be continued. During auto wide, perform the above AW process (step #480)
While doing this, while the focus cannot be detected (low contrast), step (#501) → (#502) → (#508) → (#
510), step (#55) → (#6
The distance measurement is repeated by repeatedly executing the loop (FIG. 10) of 0)→(#55). If focus detection becomes possible during auto wide, the zoom lens group is stopped during AW processing (step #480), normal distance measurement is resumed, and sea fencing for focusing is executed (step #480). 520-#528).

In the AF control subroutine (Fig. 15) explained above, if the flag (32ONF) indicating that sea fencing after 82ON is being executed is set, it is determined Yes at step (a4gs) and step The process advances to (#490), but since this sequence is executed only in wide-field mode, it will be described later.

Here, the effects obtained by executing the auto wide sea fence will be summarized. As shown in Fig. 9(a), if the image magnification is too large and the subject moves away from the distance measurement islands (A) to (=), zoom to the wide side and perform distance measurement while reducing the image magnification. When this is repeated, the subject enters the distance measurement island and the focus becomes detectable, as shown in FIG. 2(b). Also, when photographing a person's face (not shown), if the magnification is too high, the distance measurement island will overlap the cheek, etc., resulting in low contrast and inability to detect the focus, but it is recommended to zoom slightly to the wide side. As a result, a contrast on the footrest may be obtained and focus detection may be possible. Furthermore, the auto wide sea fence has a focal length f of the target to be zoomed,
is determined by considering the current focal length f (in this example, the target focal length f is set to 1/2 of the current focal length f).
Therefore, even if the focus cannot be detected during distance measurement during auto wide, the angle of view will change too much when zooming is complete (for example, the focal length will change from 200 am to 28 m), causing the photographer to feel uncomfortable. There are no problems with giving.

This concludes the explanation of the auto wide sea fence, and the first
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the explanation will be continued from after the AF control subroutine (step #330) has taken a quick turn.

When returning from the AF control subroutine, the film sensitivity Sv and the subject brightness value BVo measured with open metering are
is input, and the exposure calculation subroutine (Fig. 25) is executed (steps #332 to #338). When the subroutine is called, first the exposure value EV is calculated as EV=B.
Obtained from Vo+AVo+ SV. Here, AVo is the aperture value. From this exposure value EV, the shutter speed TV and aperture value AV are calculated based on a predetermined AE program diagram, and the process returns (step #790. #
795). Here, the explanation and illustration of the AE program diagram will be omitted since it has no direct relation to the present invention.

When the exposure calculation is completed, the process advances to step (#340) and executes the subroutine for displaying AE (FIG. 26).

This subroutine serially outputs data indicating the shutter speed TV, aperture value AV, auto wide switch (SAW) 0N10FF, and enable/disable of wide field mode to the display control circuit (DISPC). ), the display section (DISP, ) on the body (display section (1
4)) and the display section in the finder (DISP,, ) (
5), a predetermined display is performed (step #800.
#805) Since this display content has no direct relation to the present invention, a description thereof will be omitted.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the explanation will be continued. After the above-mentioned display of the AE amount relationship is completed, it is determined in step (#345) whether or not a flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set. As a result of this determination, if the flag (ZMVF) is set, it means that power zooming is in progress, so the process proceeds to step (#388) without performing any determination related to exposure control after step (#350), and the timer (T2 ), restart and return. This timer (T2) is set to the shooting preparation switch (S
This is a timer to continue displaying on the body and in the viewfinder for 5 seconds after turning OFF or stopping the power zoom operation.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step (#345), the flag (Z
MVF) is not set, step (#350
), and it is determined whether a flag (82ONF) indicating that the sea fencing after 82ON is being executed is set. As a result of this determination, the flag (82ONF
) is set, the process advances to step (#400) and performs exposure control processing, but the steps after step (#400) will be described later. Initially, the flag (82ONF) is not set, so proceed to step (#352).
It is determined whether a flag (S2INF) indicating that the release switch (S2) is invalid is set. This flag (S2INF) is set in the in-focus/out-of-focus determination subroutine (FIG. 15), and is set when the focus is out of focus or when the contrast is low, and release is not permitted. That is, if this flag (S2INF) is set, the release switch (S2) is turned on.
The process proceeds to step (9385) without determining /○FF, and determines whether or not the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is turned on. As a result of this judgment, the switch (sl) is turned on.
If the state continues, it means that preparations are being made for photographing, so after resetting the timer (T2), the process restarts and returns (step #38B). If the switch (Sl) is in the FF state, it is determined in step (#390) whether 5 seconds or more have passed after the timer (T2) was started.

As a result of this judgment, if it is within 5 seconds, a flag (SIONF) is set.
Return without resetting the 5LON subroutine and execute the 5LON subroutine again (steps #60 and #55 in Figure 10).
). On the other hand, if 5 seconds or more have elapsed, it is determined that the photographer has no longer wanted to take a picture, and a flag (SI
ONF) (step #420,).

Then, in order to enable the next switch (Sl) ON or startup from power zoom (execution of SLON subroutine), interrupt (SIINT) and (C8LEIN) are activated.
T) and return (step #425).

As a result of the determination in step (#352), a flag (821NF) indicating that the release switch (S2) is invalid
If not set, the process proceeds to step (#355), and it is determined whether or not the reset switch (S2) is turned on. As a result of this judgment, if the switch ($2) is not turned on, the switch (S2) is disabled and step (#
385) Execute subsequent processing.

On the other hand, if the switch (S2) is turned on, step (
Go to #362) and set the interrupt (C8LE) to disable power zoom interrupts from the lens.
INT) and sets a flag (82ONF) to indicate that sea fencing is to be executed after 82ON (step 71365), proceed to step (#370) and set a flag (WWF) indicating that the wide field of view mode is in effect. ) is set. As a result of this judgment,
If the flag (WVF) is not set, the steps after step (#400) are executed to perform normal exposure control, but the steps after step (#400) will be explained in conjunction with the explanation of wide-field mode. Let me explain.

As a result of the determination in step (#370), the flag (W
WF) is set, before zooming to 1.4x, first change the shooting frame displayed in the viewfinder to ○FFL and the wide-field mode flag (WVF).
and execute the 1.4x zoom subroutine (steps #375 to #380), where:
The reason for resetting the flag (WVF) is to prevent the zoom from continuing to increase by 1.4 times when the release switch (S2) is turned on one after another.

FIG. 27 shows the subroutine for the 1.4x zoom described above. When this subroutine is called, first, the current focal length f of the lens is multiplied by 1.4 and set as the target focal length f (step #810). Next, set a zoom speed suitable for zooming in wide-field mode, and perform lens communication (IX) to transfer these target focal length f and zoom speed to the microcontroller inside the lens (μC2).
Execute the subroutine (steps #81o to #81
5).

A subroutine for this lens communication (IX) is shown in FIG. When the subroutine is called, first the mode (
IX), and connect the terminal (C3LE) to "
2-byte serial input/output is performed as "Low" level to determine the type of body and lens (steps 111160 to #1165), followed by mode (
IX) Serial output of 1 byte of data to the lens to indicate the state of the body, serial output of data from 2 Pies 1 to 1 to inform the state of the body, and the target focal length f.

After serially outputting 1 byte of data to the lens, set the terminal (C3LE) to “High”.
h” level (step #1168~
#1175).

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 27, the explanation will be continued. After transmitting the target focal length f in lens communication (IX), lens communication (III) to check the lens condition is performed at 10 m.
While repeating the process at intervals of 5 ec, it waits for the flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven to be reset (steps #818 to #825). This flag (Z
MVF) is reset, it is determined that the zoom lens has zoomed from the current focal length f to the target focal length f and has stopped, and sets a flag (ITGTF) that instructs input of lens data changed during zooming. and returns (step #828).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the explanation will be continued. When the 1.4x zoom subroutine in step (#380) returns, the 1.4x zooming has been completed, so in order to improve the distance measurement accuracy after zooming, the sea fence ( Steps #330~) are executed.

Here, the change in the amount of deflux due to 1.4 times zooming will be explained. The relationship between defocus amount and focal length is expressed by Newton's approximation formula: X・D=f2...
■It becomes. However, X: Defocus amount from infinity [mm] D: Distance to the subject [mm] f: Focal length of the photographic lens [mm].

Here, when zooming 1.4 times, the focal length f is f
' = 1.4f, so replacing f in formula ■ with f'' gives x・D= (1,4f)2= 1.96f2-■
becomes. Therefore, considering that the distance to the subject is constant, the amount of defocus X from infinity is approximately doubled.

In order to prevent such a deterioration in focus accuracy (distance measurement accuracy), sea fencing for remeasurement of distance is performed after step (#330). When the AF opening control subroutine (Fig. 15) is called again at this distance remeasurement sea fence, COD
Since the flag (ITGTF) instructing the transfer of data that informs the integration start timing is set, lens communication (■) is executed in the subroutine of TR8 in step (#450).

After COD integration and data dump, lens communication (Vl) is performed to input lens data changed by zooming, and distance measurement calculation is performed using the lens data (steps #450 to #465). ). Next, the process proceeds to step (#478), but since the flag (AWNF) indicating that auto-wide is in progress is not set, the process directly proceeds to step (#485). 82O
A flag indicating that it is a sea fence after N (32O
NF) is set, so step (#485)
Then, the determination is Yes and the process proceeds to step (#490).
In step (#490), it is determined whether or not the remeasured distance is in low contrast. If it is not in low contrast, the process returns as is, and if it is in low contrast, the 820-con subroutine is executed (step #495).

This 820-Con subroutine is shown in FIG.

When the subroutine is called, the number of AF lens drive pulses Nl is set to O and returns (step #830).
. This indicates that the AF lens is not driven during release. If the focus can be detected, the AF lens is driven during the release to improve focusing accuracy, but if the focus cannot be detected, the AF lens is not driven during the release.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the explanation will be continued after returning from the AF open control subroutine (step #330) at sea fence for distance measurement again. After re-measurement,
Since the brightness within the screen has also changed by zooming up to 1.4 times, after returning from the AF open control subroutine, light measurement is performed again and the information is displayed (steps #332 to #340).

At this point, the flag (32ONF) is set, so in the subsequent step (#350), Yes.
If it is determined that this is the case, the process proceeds to step (#400) and starts exposure control.

When the exposure control sea fence is started, first, in order to not accept power zoom interrupts from the lens, interrupts (C8LEINT) are prohibited and the flag (82ONF) is reset (step #400). ,
#405). Then, an exposure control subroutine is executed (step #410).

A subroutine for this exposure control is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, it first outputs a predetermined control signal to control the release (step #
840). As a result, the locking part (not shown) is released, and
A release operation such as mirror up is performed. Next, the aperture is narrowed down to the aperture indicated by the control aperture value AV (step #845). Then, during the release, the AF lens is driven corresponding to the amount of defocus at the time of final distance measurement.
Wait until the F lens stops (step #850). Next, in step (#855), wait for the mirror up to be completed, and when the mirror up is completed, run the first curtain (front curtain) of the focal plane shutter (step #855).
860). And a timer for counting exposure time (T3)
and wait for the actual exposure time T, which corresponds to the shutter speed TV, to elapse (steps #860 to #
870). When the exposure time Ts has elapsed, the second curtain (second curtain) is run, and after waiting the time for the second curtain to complete running, the process returns (steps #875 and #880).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the explanation will be continued. When returning from the above exposure control subroutine (step #410), the camera winds up one frame for the next shot, waits for 5 seconds, and resets the flag (SIONF) to indicate the end of shooting (step #415
~#420). After that, press the next shooting preparation switch (Sl)
In order to enable an interrupt due to ON or power zoom, interrupts (SIINT) and (C3LEINT) are permitted and the process returns (step #425).

Here, the effects of the wide-field mode will be summarized.

First, the first effect is that the photographing frame (FD2) is displayed inside the viewfinder, so it is possible to observe a wider area than the photographing area (FIG. 5).

As a result, it becomes easier to grasp the scene to be photographed, and especially when photographing a moving object, tracking becomes easy and convenient. Furthermore, even in the case of a high eye point, the entire imaging area can be observed. Further, if the photographing frame (FD2) is constructed of a member such as a liquid crystal display that can turn on/off the display, the wide field of view mode can be selected when necessary or according to the photographer's preference.

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 10, step (#20)
The case where it is determined that the main switch (SM) is not in the ON state will be explained. Main switch (SM) is O
If it is not in the N state, proceed to step (#80) and interrupt (SMINT) by turning on the main switch (general).
), and in step (#85) it is determined whether a flag (R3TF) indicating battery attachment is set. When the flag (R3TF) is not set, turning off the main switch (SM)
Assuming that this flow has been executed, a flag indicating this is set (0FF in S), and the AF lens retraction subroutine is executed (steps #87 and #90). In this case, the AF lens is retracted to the most retracted position. be included. Since this point has already been explained, detailed explanation will be omitted. Next, in step (#92), it is determined whether or not the lens used is an old lens, and if it is not an old lens, a subroutine (step #100) for repopulating the zoom lens group is executed. By executing the AF lens retraction and zoom lens group retraction subroutines, the AF lens and zoom lens group move to the most retracted position,
The size (length) of the entire camera including the lens is the smallest. Then, the lens communication (III) subroutine is executed, and based on the data input from the lens, it is determined whether or not the body side can enter the sleeve state (
Step #105. #110). When the body side enters the sleeve state, the power supply to the lens side zoom motor (M3) is cut off. Therefore, when performing zoom retraction control on the lens side, the sleeve state must not be entered, so wait for 50m5ec to elapse in step (#115), and then return to step (#1゜5). The lens communication (m) subroutine is executed again, and the determination in step (#110) is repeated. When the zoom retraction control is completed on the lens side, it is determined in step (#110) that it is OK to enter the sleeve state, and the transistor (Tri) (which supplies power to the camera side circuit and the zoom motor (M3) of the lens) In order to turn Tr2) off, the power supply control terminal (PWI) (PH1) is set to Low level, and the DC converter (DD) is turned off.
F F j He<, terminal (PWO) “Low”
Main switch (SM) as L/ /'< )lv
Interrupts other than those caused by turning ON (SMINT) are prohibited and stopped, and the system enters the sleeve state (stop state).
(Steps #12o to #130).

When the flag (R3TF) is set in step (li85), or when it is determined that the lens used is an old lens in step (#92), the process proceeds to step (#93) and indicates when the battery is installed. Flag (R3
TF). And step (#120)
Proceed to the following and enter the sleeve state (stop state).

This completes the explanation of the software for the in-body microcomputer (μC1), and next we will move on to the in-lens microcomputer (μC2).
Describe the software.

When the lens is not attached to the camera body, the lens attachment detection switch (SLE) shown in Figure 4 is ON.
The reset terminal of the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens (
Since PH2) is maintained at "Low" level,
The circuit on the lens side is not driven at all. When the lens is attached to the camera body, the lens attachment detection switch (SLE)
) turns OFF, and the reset terminal (PH2) is set to °'Lo.
A signal that changes from w'' level to 'High' level is input. As a result, the in-lens microcomputer (μC2) executes the reset routine shown in FIG. 39. In this reset routine, first, the ports and registers are reset (step #L5).

At this time, the APZ mode and sleeve are enabled.

Then, a zoom renormalization subroutine is executed (step #L15). Here, the APZ mode refers to a mode in which the camera automatically zooms to a focal length instructed from the body.

FIG. 40 shows the subroutine for renormalizing the zoom lens group. When this subroutine is called, first, a flag (ZIF) indicating the zoom lens group retraction mode is set, and the zoom lens group retraction speed is set to the maximum speed v3. Then, a large value ZLG is set as the drive amount, a flag (WDF) indicating zooming in the wide direction is set, and the drive amount subroutine is executed to drive the zoom lens group (steps #L30 to #L30 to # L
40). This driving amount subroutine will be described later. Next, in step (#L45), the process waits for a flag (TINTF) indicating that a timer interrupt has occurred to be set. This timer interrupt is an interrupt that occurs after the zoom lens group reaches the end.

Here, FIG. 41 shows the subroutine of the drive (2) described above. This drive subroutine uses the zoom motor (M3)
(Figure 4) is a subroutine that drives the zoom lens group. When this subroutine is called, first a flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set.
) is set (step #L100). Then, after setting flags for motor control and setting the drive amount (zoom drive pulse number) ΔZ, energization of the motor (M3) is started and the process returns (steps #L110 to #L12
0), This zoom lens group drive module (not shown because it is not directly related to the present invention) controls the zoom lens group drive using counter interrupts and timer interrupts, similar to the AF lens drive module described above. There is. In other words, a counter interrupt occurs every time a pulse indicating the drive of the zoom lens group is received from the zoom encoder (ENC3) (Fig. 4) that detects the amount of rotation of the zoom motor (M3), and this interrupt causes the zoom speed to change. Pulse drive is performed by △Z while controlling . This △2
When the pulse drive for minutes is completed, the power supply to the zoom motor (M3) is stopped and the flag (ZMVF) is reset. Furthermore, if the encoder (ENC3) no longer generates pulses even if the zoom motor (M3) is energized by the time the pulse drive for Δ2 minutes is finished, a timer interrupt is generated, and the end of this interrupt is determined. After determining this, a subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group is executed, and after disabling timer interrupts, a flag (TINTF) is set.

FIG. 42 shows the subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group described above. When this subroutine is called, first, a stop signal is output to the motor drive circuit (Mn2) for 10 m5ec (step #L180). After that, a drive OFF signal is output, the sleeve is enabled, and a flag (
ZMVF) Reset and return (Step #L1
82~#L187).

Returning to the flowchart in Figure 40, step (#L45
) Continue the explanation. As described above, the driving of the zoom lens group is stopped and the timer interrupt flag (TI
NTF) is set, Y in step (#L45)
If it is determined as es, the process advances to step (#L50) and the flag (TINTF) is reset. Then, the flag (ZIF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being retracted is reset and the process returns (step #L60).

Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 39, step (#L20
) Continue the explanation. When the renormalization of the zoom lens group described above is completed, a display routine for displaying lens information is executed, and the timer (T) for maintaining the power supply is reset.
Restart it, wait for 10 seconds to elapse, and after 10 seconds, erase the display and stop (Step #L20
~#L24).

The above display routine is shown in FIG. When this subroutine is called, the count value Z of the zoom counter (ZC) that counts pulses from the zoom encoder (ENC3). Read. Then, the accurate current focal length f is determined from that value, the current focal length f is displayed, and the process returns (steps #L250 to #, L260).

Next, processing during power zoom will be explained. If the microcomputer in the body (μC1) is stopped and the microcomputer in the lens (μC2) is stopped, or if the old body is used and the microcomputer in the lens (μC2) is stopped, the operation ring (zoom ring) When the operation (80) is performed, an F/ZINT interrupt routine for power zooming is executed. This interrupt routine is shown in FIG.

When an F/ZINT interrupt occurs, the microcomputer (μC2) inside the lens first sets the terminal (C8LE) to “Low” for an instant.
level and interrupt the body (step #
L400). After resetting the timer (TA), the process restarts and waits for the timer (TA) to count time t (steps #L410 to #L415). Here, waiting for time t by the timer (TA) is as follows:
This is to determine whether the lens is an old type or not on the body side. If the lens is not an old type, after the above interrupt to the body, the body will communicate data (lens communication)
In order to perform this, the terminal (C3LE) is set to “L”.

, ' level, and the lens responds to this by setting C8, which will be described later.
An interrupt is taken and another flow is executed before the timer (TA) finishes timing t1. However, when the main switch (SM) on the body side is OFF, the above data communication (lens communication) is not performed, and in the case of the old body, data communication (lens communication) is also not performed. . Therefore, even if the terminal (C3LE) is momentarily brought to the "Low" level in step (#L400), the C8 interrupt is not performed, and the timer (TA) finishes counting the time t. Then, in step (#L415), the timer (
When it is determined that the timer (TA) has finished counting the time t, the timer (TA) is stopped, and the interrupt F/ZIN, T caused by the operation of the operation ring (80) is prohibited and stopped (step #
L417~#L420).

Next, processing when a C8 interrupt occurs will be explained.

°”High° from the body to the lens terminal (C8LE)
When a signal changing from the "low" level to the "low" level is transmitted, the in-lens microcomputer (μC2) executes the C8 interrupt routine shown in FIG. In this routine, first, F/Z machine NT interrupts caused by operation of the operating ring (zoom ring) (80) are prohibited, and 2-byte serial communication (serial input/output) is performed in response to the clock from the body. Based on this communication data, it is determined whether the body is an old body or not. If it is an old body, 6-byte serial communication is performed to send lens data to the body side, and the signal to the terminal (C3LE) is at the °゛old ghl+ level. It waits until the level reaches ``H1ghll'' and stops when it reaches the level (steps #L565 to #L575). Since this embodiment describes a new body, a flowchart of the in-body microcomputer (μC1) corresponding to this communication is not shown, but these steps (#L565) to (#L5
75) allows the new lens to be compatible with the old body. On the other hand, if it is determined in step (#L565) that the body is not the old body, data indicating the communication mode is input from the body through 1-byte serial communication (serial input), and the communication mode is determined (step #L565). L585. #L590). Then, the following processes (processes corresponding to lens communication (I) to (IX) in the in-body microcomputer (μC1)) are executed according to the determination result of the communication mode.

If the communication mode is mode (I), the 2-byte body status flag (Table 3) is serially input, and the terminal (C3L
Wait for the signal to E) to change from ``Low'' level to ``High'' level, and when it becomes ``High'' level, execute the zoom lens group renormalization subroutine.
The display subroutine is executed and the process returns (steps #L600 to 11L615). However, before returning, enable F/Z I NT interrupt.

In addition, the reason why we are waiting for the signal to the terminal (C3LE) to change from °"Low" level to "')Ihigh" level in step (#L604) is to complete the communication between the lens and the body. This is to ensure that no other processing is performed during communication. Confirmation of the end of communication and permission of F/ZINT interrupt are performed in the same way in other communication modes.

If the communication mode is mode (II), after serially inputting 2 bytes of data similar to mode (I), the terminal (C3
The signal to LE) is “Low” while the signal is “Ihigh”
When the level changes to ")Ihigh", execute the zoom lens group stop subroutine (Figure 42), execute the display subroutine (Figure 43), and return (step #L620-). #L635).

This mode of communication is executed when the body issues a stop command to the lens.

If the communication mode is mode (III), the lens status data (Table 2) is set and 2-byte data is serially output. Then, the signal to the terminal (C3LE) is “Lo
Wait for the change from “w” level to “High” level,
Returns when the level reaches "[(high") (steps $L640 to #L650). Communication in this mode is executed when the body checks the state of the lens (driving, stopped, etc.).

If the communication mode is mode (IV), this communication mode is a mode for calculating lens data at the current focal length f, and that lens data is used in the subsequent mode (
Vl) is transferred to the body.

Therefore, by serially inputting the 2-byte body status data (Table 3), the signal to the terminal (C8LE) is
It waits for the level to change from "ow" level to °lHlghIT level, and when the level reaches "High", it calculates the lens data that changes due to zooming and returns (steps 1lL660 to #L670).

A subroutine for calculating this lens data is shown in FIG. When the subroutine is called, the zoom counter value Z is first read. Read the counter value and convert it to the focal length f (steps #L800 to #L810)
. Thereafter, lens data that directly affects the distance measurement value, that is, the difference ΔSB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface, the driving amount conversion coefficient KL, and the distance conversion coefficient KN are obtained.

In order to obtain these lens data, first, a table storing the lens data for every 20 pulses of the zoom counter is searched (step #L820). Then, by performing interpolation calculations using the table data obtained from the search, highly accurate lens data is obtained (
Step 1lL822).

If the communication mode is mode (V), this communication mode calculates the lens data at the current focal length f, as in mode (IV), and then calculates the lens data at the target focal length f, instructed from the body. This is a zooming mode. Therefore, a total of 3 bytes of data, 2 bytes of body status data (Table 3) and 1 byte of target focal length ft, are input serially, and the signal to the terminal (C3LE) is "Low".
Waiting for the luxury to go from level to °'High'' level,
When the level reaches "High", the lens data that changes due to zooming is calculated, the APZ subroutine is executed, and the process returns (steps #L680 to #L695).
). This APZ subroutine will be described later along with an explanation of mode (IX).

If the communication mode is mode (VI), this communication mode is a mode in which lens data calculated in mode (TV) or (V) is transferred to the body after communication in these modes. Therefore, after serially outputting the 2-byte lens status data (Table 2), the mode (I
Lens data that changes due to zooming calculated in V) or (V), that is, the current focal length f
ゎ, serially output 4-byte data consisting of the difference △SB between the film surface and the AF sensor surface, the drive amount conversion coefficient KLI, and the distance conversion coefficient KN (steps #L700 to #L
712). Then, the signal to the terminal (C3LE) is
It waits for the level to change from "ow" level to "High" level, and returns when the level becomes "High" (step #L715).

If the communication mode is mode (■), this is the mode in which all lens-specific data is transferred to the body, so after serially outputting 2-byte lens status data (Table 2), the conventional lens data AVo, AVMAx is output. .

KLv f r, + LON + KN, ΔSB,
The 9-byte data including the data of the lens's shortest focal length f, l ff1l and longest focal length f1.8 is serially output (steps #L720 to 1lL732). Then, wait for the signal to the terminal (C8LE) to change from the “LOW” level to °l High IT level, and then
When the Hlgh II level is reached, the process returns (step #L735).

If the communication mode is mode (■), this communication mode is a mode in which data indicating permission for zooming is transferred from the body to the lens in response to the F/Z INT interrupt, which is an interrupt for power zoom operation (zoom ring operation). . Therefore, after serially inputting the 2-byte body status data (Table 3), wait for the signal to the terminal (C3LE) to change from 'Low' level to 'High' level, and then go to 'High' level. If so, execute the MPZ subroutine and return (step #L740~
#L750).

This MPZ subroutine is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, it first displays the focal length, reads the value of the encoder pattern (ZVEN) (Fig. 4) placed around the zoom ring, and determines whether the zoom ring has been operated or not. (Step #
L850~#L858). As a result, if there is no operation, the process advances to step (#L890) and it is checked whether a flag (ZVMF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven is set. If the flag (ZMVP) is set, the zoom lens group is stopped; if it is not set, the subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group is not executed, only the display is performed, and the process returns (step #L89).
0~#L898). On the other hand, if it is determined in step (#L858) that the zoom ring has been operated, the process proceeds to step (#L860) and it is determined whether or not the direction in which the zoom ring was operated is the telephoto direction. Then, if it is in the telephoto direction, a flag (WDF) indicating zooming in the wide direction is reset, and if it is not in the telephoto direction, a flag (WDF) is set (steps #L860 to #L872). Next, read the operation amount of the zoom ring, set one of the zooming speeds v1 to V3 according to the operation amount, and set the zoom drive pulse number ΔZ according to the operation amount, and then execute the drive engineering subroutine. and starts driving the zoom lens group (steps #L874 to #L880). After starting the drive, steps (#L850) to (#L880) are repeatedly executed, but if it is determined in step (#L858) that the amount of operation of the zoom ring has disappeared, the zoom lens group is stopped and the display is and return (
Steps #L890-#L898).

If the communication mode is mode (IX), this communication mode is an APZ mode in which there is no need to transfer lens data that changes due to zooming to the body in the next serial communication. Here, the APZ mode refers to a mode in which the camera automatically zooms to a focal length instructed from the body. Therefore, after serially inputting 3 bytes of data consisting of 2 bytes of body state data (Table 3) and 1 byte of target focal length f, the signal to the terminal (C3LE) becomes low.

Wait for the change from W" level to "old ghl= level,
° When the level reaches ")light", execute the APZ subroutine and return (step #L760-#L
770).

The second APZ subroutine is shown in FIG.

When this subroutine is called, first, the target focal length f sent from the body is converted to the target zoom counter value Z.
, the zoom counter value Zo at that time is read and set as the current zoom counter value Z (steps #L900 to #L906). Next, the zooming direction is set by comparing the target zoom counter value Z and the current zoom counter value Zo. If Z and Z match, there is no need to zoom, so the zoom lens group Return without driving (step 1lL90
8). Z, and Z. If they do not match, step (#L
The process proceeds to step 910) and determines whether Z is greater than Zo. As a result, if Z is larger than zo, a flag (WDF) indicating zooming in the wide direction is reset, and 2. -2. The number of zoom drive pulses ΔZ is determined from this (steps #L912 to 11L918).

On the other hand, if Z is not greater than Zl, the flag (WD
F), and 2. -2. Zoom drive pulse number△
Find Z (steps #L920 to #L928). Once the zoom drive pulse △2 is determined, the body state data (third
Set the speed sent as the table) as the driving speed,
Start driving the zoom lens group by calling the drive subroutine (steps #L930, #L9
34). At this time, since the speed sent from the body is set as the drive speed, the zoom speed in APZ mode can be controlled from the body side. After driving starts, a flag (ZMVF) indicating that the zoom lens group is being driven
The process waits for the flag (ZMVF) to be reset at 10m5ec intervals, and returns if the flag (ZMVF) is reset (steps #L938 to #L940). As described above, the zoom flag (ZMVF) is reset by a counter interrupt or a timer interrupt that controls the drive when the drive of a predetermined zoom lens group is completed.

In addition, the above APZ subroutine (Fig. 48) or MP
In the Z subroutine (Figure 47), if communication in mode (III) to check the lens status occurs while driving the zoom lens group, the C8 interrupt is given top priority in order to respond to it while driving the zoom lens group. It is said that

In addition, as mentioned in the explanation of communication in mode (I), when performing serial communication in modes (I) to (IX) and associated calculations and zooming, and returning, F is used to enable power zoom. /ZINT interrupt is enabled and the process returns (step #L780 in FIG. 45).

This completes the explanation of the configuration and operation of this embodiment.

(Margin below) As explained above, according to this embodiment, the shooting preparation switch (focus detection start switch) (Sl) is ON.
When the focus is detected, distance measurement (focus detection) is performed (steps #450 to #465 in Fig. 15), and if the focus cannot be detected (the first
Step $1605 in Figure 9. #806), a low contrast scan is executed (step #505 in FIG. 15, loop #55→#60→#55 in FIG. 10). If the focus becomes detectable during this low contrast scan, the AF lens is driven to bring it into focus, and steps #520 to #5 in Figure 15
28) Photographing can be performed without changing the angle of view. On the other hand, when the auto wide function is turned on by operating the auto wide switch (SA),
Even after executing the low contrast scan, the focus still cannot be detected (steps #690, #700, and #705 in Figure 22).
, and if the photographing preparation switch (Sl) is still turned on (step #385 in FIG. 14), auto-wide is started (step #515 in FIG. 15). If the focus can be detected during this auto wide, the AF lens is driven to bring it into focus, and steps #520 to #5 in Figure 15
2B), an exposure control operation is performed (steps #400 to #425 in FIG. 14). As a result, the angle of view changes during shooting due to zooming, but it also makes it possible to detect focus within a certain range even if the subject is outside the distance measurement area or if the subject itself lacks contrast. can.

However, after the low contrast scan is completed, the AF lens will be located at the infinity end (step #6 in Figure 22).
90. $1700. #705) For near objects, the amount of defocus becomes too large, especially on the telephoto side, and focus detection is often not possible even if auto-wide is executed. On the other hand, as will be explained later in Modification 8, the second solution is to move the AF lens to a specific position after the low contrast scan is completed and before starting the auto wide sea fencing. for example,
A to the intermediate lens position between the lens position that focuses on the object at infinity and the lens position that focuses on the closest object at the focal length at the time when the low-contrast scan completion signal is output.
If the F lens is moved, the amount of defocus will not increase for either near or far objects, making it easier to detect focus in auto wide mode. In addition, if focus cannot be detected even when performing low-contrast scanning on the telephoto side, it is likely that the subject is near, so the lens position that focuses on the near subject (e.g., corresponding to a subject distance of 2°5 m) The AF lens may be moved to the desired lens position.

In the explanation of the above embodiments, a single-lens reflex camera was used as an example, but the wide-field mode function (wide view function) and auto wide function described therein are as follows.
This can be similarly realized in a camera having a separate finder optical system, such as a lens-shutter type camera. In addition, it is not limited to film cameras that use film as a shooting medium, but also COD and MO5-
A similar function can also be achieved in an electronic still camera using an IC.

Next, another embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a "modified example") in which a part of the configuration is added or changed based on the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as "basic example") will be described.

Modification Example 1 In this example, the release switch (S2
) is intended to shorten the time from turning on to exposure. FIG. 49 shows a sea fence chart in the wide-field mode of this example. In this figure, the communications (#c) (#d) (#d') between the lens and the body are the same as the communications (#c) (#d) (#cl) in Figures 6 and 7, respectively. It is communication of content.

In the sea fencing of this example, priority is given to high speed operation from turning on the release switch (S2) to exposure, and the release sea fencing is executed without re-measuring the distance after zooming up.

In other words, on the body side, communication (#d'
), when the lens state data indicating the completion of zooming is received, the mirror is immediately raised and exposed without re-measuring the distance. Thereby, the time from turning on the release switch (S2) to exposure can be shortened.

Modified Example 2 This example is the 50th modification of the 9th example that aims to prevent out-of-focus photographs in wide-field mode.
This will be explained with reference to the figures.

Assume that a person is to be photographed in the wide-field mode, that a finder image as shown in FIG. 50(a) is obtained before the shutter release, and focus is detected using the distance measuring island (d). In this case, when the camera is released, the zoom is increased and the viewfinder image becomes as shown in Figure (b). At this point, when the distance is measured again and the focus is detected using the distance measurement island (d), the face is in focus before the zoom is increased. However, after zooming in, the person's throat will be in focus. This results in a slightly out-of-focus photo.

Therefore, in this example, in wide-field mode, if the distance measurement island before zooming up is the distance measurement island (0) located in the center of the finder, distance measurement is performed again after zooming up, but the distance measurement island before zooming up is In the case of distance measurement islands (A), (C), and (=) other than the distance measurement island (B) located at the center of the finder, a sea fence is used in which distance measurement is not performed again after zooming up. This can prevent out-of-focus photographs as described above from being produced.

Modification Example 3 This example, like the above-mentioned Modification Example 2, is aimed at preventing an out-of-focus photograph when a finder image as shown in FIG. 50 is obtained in wide-field mode. be.

In this example, when the wide-field mode is set, the distance measurement island is limited to the distance measurement island (b) located in the center of the finder. As a result, the position on the subject to be measured does not change even after zooming up at the time of release, so the focus will not shift when distance measurement is performed again after zooming up.

Modification Example 4 In this example, even if the actual shooting area (film frame) is the same,
This is to deal with the fact that the final screen area differs depending on whether it is a slide or a service size print.

FIG. 51 shows the relationship among the finder frame, photographing frame, and actual photographing area (film frame) in a single-lens reflex camera whose viewfinder field of view during normal use is approximately 93%. In the basic embodiment described above, the viewfinder field of view before release in wide-field mode is 140%, so that the shooting area that was visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before release is changed to the viewfinder frame (FD2) at the time of release. A 1.4x zoom-up is performed to match the imaging area visible within the FDI. In the case of photographing corresponding to the standard service size, it is desirable to zoom up by 1.4 times. This is because the actual shooting area is a little wider than the shooting area that was visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before the release, but the surrounding screen is cut off when printing, so the final print screen is This is because the area almost coincides with the shooting area that was visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before the release. However, in the case of slide-compatible shooting, simply zooming up to 1.4x at the time of release will also capture scenery outside the shooting area that was visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before the release, and this will not be the final image. area of the screen.

Therefore, in this example, in the case of slide-compatible shooting in wide-field mode, the shooting frame (FD2
) will change to the actual shooting area (
FDO) (taking into account the error, it should match an area slightly inside the actual shooting area (FDO))
, it is configured to zoom up.

As a result, even in the case of slide-compatible shooting, the shooting area that was visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before release almost matches the area of the final slide screen.

Modified Example 5 In this example, similar to Modified Example 4, the zoom-up magnification in wide-field mode can be applied to both slides and service size prints.

In this example, the type of film is read to identify whether it is a negative film or a versatile film. Specifically, by detecting the latitude coded on the film as part of the DX code, it is possible to identify whether it is a negative film or a versatile film. Based on this identification result, in the case of negative film, the configuration zooms up so that the shooting area visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before release matches the shooting area visible within the viewfinder frame (FDI) at the time of release. shall be. On the other hand, in the case of a reversal film, the camera is configured to zoom up so that the shooting area visible in the shooting frame (FD2) before release matches the actual shooting area (FDO) at the time of release. As a result, in the case of either slide compatible or service size compatible shooting, the shooting area that was visible within the shooting frame (FD2) before release in wide field mode is the area of the screen of the final slide or print. almost matches.

Modified Example 6 In this example, like Modified Example 1, a part of the sea fence in the wide-field mode is modified.

In the basic embodiment described above, the wide view switch (SWv
) is turned on, a photographing frame (FD2) is displayed within the finder frame (FDI) with the same angle of view (finder image), and a person, scenery, etc. within the photographing frame (FD2) is photographed. In the case of this sea fence, for example, you may initially check a moving subject using the viewfinder in normal field of view mode, and then you may want to check the scenery a little more outside.At this time, when you turn on the wide view switch (SWv), The shooting frame (FD2) is displayed inside the , and the wide view switch (S,
There is an inconvenience that only objects within a smaller photographing area than before turning on v) can be photographed.

Therefore, in this example, in order to eliminate this inconvenience, when the wide view switch (SWv) is turned on, the shooting area that was visible within the viewfinder frame (FDI) before turning on is changed to within the shooting frame (FD2) after turning on. After zooming down to match the visible shooting area, a sea fence is adopted in which the shooting frame (FD2) is displayed and the wide field of view mode is set. For example, if the viewfinder field of view before release in wide field mode is 140%, after zooming down to approximately 0.7x, the shooting frame (F
D2) will be displayed to set the wide field of view mode.

This sea fence will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 52 and 53.

In this example, a subroutine shown in FIG. 52 is adopted in place of the wide-field zoom determination subroutine shown in FIG. 13 in the basic embodiment described above. When the subroutine in Fig. 52 is called, first the wide view switch (S, v) is pressed.
Check whether it is turned on or not. If it is not turned on, check the flag (WV) indicating that wide-field mode is enabled.
F) and change the display of the shooting frame (FD2) to ○
FF and return (steps #C10, #C50,
#C60). On the other hand, if it is determined in step (#Cl0) that the wide view switch (SWv) is turned on, the photographing area that was visible in the viewfinder frame (FDI) before being turned on will be changed to the photographing frame (FD2) after being turned on. ) Execute a subroutine to zoom down 0.7 times to match the shooting area visible within ) (step #C20)
. Then, a flag (WWF) indicating that the wide field of view mode is valid is set, the photographing frame (FD2) is displayed within the finder frame (FDI), and the process returns (steps #C30, #C40).

Next, the subroutine for zooming down to 0.7 times as shown in FIG. 53 will be explained. When the interval subroutine is called, first, the value obtained by multiplying the current focal length f7 by 0.7 is the focal length fmL at the wide end. In step (#C100), it is determined whether or not the current focal length f is smaller than the target focal length f. f, step #C110), and if it is small, the focal length at the wide end, f+ntn, is set as the target focal length f (step #C120). Then, after executing lens communication (IX) to set the zoom speed and tell the lens to zoom to the target focal length f,
Lens communication to check the lens condition at 10m5ec intervals (
I[T] is repeated until the zoom lens group stops and the flag (ZMVF) is reset (steps #C130 to #C170). When the zoom lens group stops, a flag (ITGTF) is set to instruct the transfer of data that informs the integration start timing in order to perform distance measurement calculations by receiving lens data that changes due to zooming in the next distance measurement. and returns (step #C180).

By adopting the sea fence described above, when you turn on the wide view switch (SWv), you can see a wider area in the viewfinder than the shooting area that was visible in the viewfinder before turning it on, and even after turning it on, It is possible to photograph the same area that was visible in the finder before the switch was turned on.

Modification Example 7 This example is a modification of a part of the auto wide sea fence.

In the basic embodiment described above, when focus detection becomes possible during auto wide, the zoom lens group is stopped, normal distance measurement is resumed, and the sea fence for focusing is performed at the focal length at which focus detection becomes possible. Running. However, depending on the personality of the photographer or the shooting scene, it may not be possible to tolerate changes in the angle of view that accompany auto wide.

Therefore, in this example, the AF lens is driven to focus on the subject when focus becomes detectable during auto wide, and the AF lens is not driven thereafter (
AF lock mode) is used, and only the zoom lens group is returned to the position where auto wide was started. As a result, the angle of view does not change even when auto-wide is performed, and the photographer can take the picture he or she intended.

Modified Example 8 In this example, focus detection is made easier in auto wide mode.

In the basic embodiment described above, the auto wide sea fencing is started after the low contrast scan is completed (step #502 in Figure 15), and the AF lens position at the start of the auto wide is set to the infinity end. (Steps #690 to #705 in FIG. 22). In this state, for example, the focus cannot be detected for the object at the closest position because the defocus amount is too large, especially on the telephoto side.

Therefore, in this example, in order to deal with this problem, at the start of auto wide, the AF lens is set at a lens position that focuses on an object at infinity and a lens position that focuses on the closest subject at the focal length at that point. The lens is configured to be set at an intermediate lens position. This prevents the amount of defocus from becoming extremely large for either near or far objects, making focus detection easier in auto wide mode.

Also, subjects for which focus cannot be detected even with low-contrast scanning on the telephoto side are often close subjects, so when starting auto wide, set the AF lens to a subject distance of 2.5, for example.
It may be configured to be set at a specific position such as a feeding position corresponding to m.

Modified Example 9 This example deals with the case where the time required for CCD integration becomes long in focus detection (distance measurement) performed during zooming.

In the basic embodiment described above, data indicating that it is the timing to start CCD integration is transferred from the body side to the lens side (lens communication I\, V), and the lens side receives the data and transmits the state of the lens at the time it is received. (focal length), and then requests input of lens data from the body side (lens communication via C8 interrupt).
). As a result, CCD integration and lens data calculation are performed in synchronization, but if the time required for CCD integration becomes long, there may be a time lag even if the lens data is at the start of CCD integration. growing.

Therefore, in this example, in order to cope with the case where CCD integration requires a long time, data indicating the timing at the start and end of CCD integration is transferred from the body side to the lens side, and the lens side Lens data is calculated based on the state of the lens (focal length) at an intermediate point between the end and the end, and the lens data is transferred to the body after the data dump is completed. This reduces the time difference between the COD integration center point and the lens data calculation point, thereby improving distance measurement accuracy.

Table 2 Table 1 Table 3 Table 4 (Part 1) Table 5 Table 4 (Part 2) As described in detail of the invention, according to the camera of the present invention, by driving the focusing lens group, (by low contrast scan)
When focus detection cannot be made possible, focus detection is repeated while zooming to the wide side, but the focus adjustment lens group can be moved to a specific position just before zooming. Therefore, if you set this specific position to a lens position where the amount of defocus will not be extremely large, at least for the nearby subject, when focus detection is repeated while zooming,
Focus detection becomes possible and easier.

Moreover, by setting such a lens position as a specific position, the time required until focus detection becomes possible is also shortened.

(Margin below)

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a camera system embodying the present invention, FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the external configuration of the body of the camera system, and FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram showing the camera system mounted on the body. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an interchangeable lens. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an internal circuit built into the body, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an internal circuit built into the interchangeable lens, and FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an internal circuit built into the camera system. It is a figure which shows a display. FIG. 6 is a sea fence chart showing an overview of the operating sea fence in wide field mode of the camera system. FIG. 7 is a sea fence chart showing an overview of the operating sea fence in auto wide mode of the camera system. 9 is a diagram showing an image in the finder in wide field mode, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image in the finder in auto wide mode. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a reset routine of the in-body microcomputer in the camera system, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for renormalizing the AF lens, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for renormalizing the zoom lens group, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for wide-field mode determination, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine 810)1.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the AF open control subroutine, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the lens INT control subroutine that controls interrupts from the lens,
7 to 24 and 28 are flowcharts showing each subroutine called from the AF opening control subroutine, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an exposure calculation subroutine, and FIG. 26 is a subroutine for displaying the AE amount relationship. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for 1.4x zoom, FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for exposure control, and FIGS. 30 to 38 are subroutines for lens communication (I) to (IX), respectively. It is a flowchart which shows. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a reset routine for the microcomputer in the lens in the camera system, FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for renormalizing the zoom lens group, and FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for starting driving the zoom lens group. , Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing the subroutine for stopping the zoom lens group, Fig. 43 is a flowchart showing the subroutine for displaying lens information, Fig. 44 is a flowchart showing the F/ZINT interrupt routine, and Fig. 45 is a flowchart showing the O8 interrupt. FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for lens data calculation.
FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for zooming based on a zoom ring operation. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for zooming based on instructions from the body. FIG. 49 is a sea fence chart showing an overview of the operational sea fence in the wide-field mode of modification 1;
Fig. 0 is a diagram showing a finder image in wide field mode of Modification 2, and Fig. 51 is a viewfinder frame and photographing frame in a single-lens reflex camera. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a wide-field zoom determination subroutine used in modification 6, and FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the wide-field zoom determination subroutine called from the wide-field zoom determination subroutine. 3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine. (1)...Body control section. (2) ... Distance measuring section. (3) Focus adjustment lens group drive control section (focus adjustment lens group drive means). (6)...Lens control section. (7)...Zoom lens group drive control section. (12)...Release button. (13) Wide view key (18) Auto wide key (L, ) Focus adjustment lens group (AF lens). (LA)...Zoom lens group. (Ml)...Motor that drives the focusing lens group (
AF motor). (M3)...Motor that drives the zoom lens group (zoom motor). (Sl)... Shooting preparation switch (focus detection start switch) (S2)... Release switch. (S□)...Wide view switch. (SAv)...Auto wide switch. (BD)...Camera body. (LE)...Interchangeable lens. (AFcT)... Light receiving circuit for focus detection (built-in integral type optical sensor) (μC1)... Microcomputer in the body. (μC2)...Microcomputer inside the lens. (FDI)...Finder frame. (FD2)... Shooting frame. (FD3)...Distance measurement area. (a) to (d)... Distance measurement island. Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) In a camera that has a zooming function and automatically performs focusing using a TTL method using a focus detection start switch, a focus detection means, and a focusing lens group driving means, the zoom lens group driving means; When the focus detection start switch is turned on, the focus detection means performs focus detection, and if focus detection is not possible as a result, a focus detection failure signal output means outputs a focus detection failure signal; and the focus detection failure signal is output. When the focus adjustment lens group is driven by the focus adjustment lens group drive means, focus detection is repeated by the focus detection means, and if the focus still cannot be detected as a result, low contrast scanning is performed. low contrast scan completion signal output means for outputting a completion signal; position setting means for setting a specific position to which the focusing lens group is to be moved; and continuing the focus detection even after the low contrast scan completion signal is output. When the start switch is turned on, after the focus adjustment lens group is moved to a specific position set by the position setting means by the focus adjustment lens group drive means, the focus adjustment lens group is moved by the zoom lens group drive means. A camera comprising: control means for controlling the focus detection means to repeat focus detection while zooming toward the wide side. (2) The camera according to claim 1, wherein the position setting means sets, as the specific position, a lens position where the amount of defocus does not become extremely large with respect to at least a nearby subject. (3) The position setting means may set, as the specific positions, a lens position that focuses on an object at infinity and a lens position that focuses on the closest object at the focal length at the time when the low contrast scan completion signal is output. 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the lens position is set between . (4) The camera according to claim 2, wherein the position setting means sets a lens position that focuses on a nearby subject as the specific position. (5) The camera according to claim 2, wherein the position setting means sets, as the specific position, a lens position that focuses on a subject at a position approximately 2.5 m from the camera body.