JPH05100148A - Camera with line-of-sight detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute the starting of an exposing action and lens drive locking, without operating other operational members. CONSTITUTION:This camera provided with a line of sight detecting device, includes a photographing lens, an exposure control means controlling an exposing action for exposing a photographic screen formed by the photographing lens on a film, a gaze detecting means (S205) detecting a position where the photographer fixes his or her eyes on the photographic screen, a focus detecting means detecting a focus in a focus detecting region set on the photographic screen, and focusing or nonfocusing on the region (S204), and an exposure starting means (S208) starting the exposing action by the exposure control means when the position corresponding to the focus detecting region, is a gaze position, for the lapse of a prescribed time (S207) after the focus detecting means detects the focusing in the above-mentioned focus detecting region.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera capable of detecting the line-of-sight position of a photographer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a camera equipped with a visual axis detection device for detecting the position of the photographer's visual axis on the photographing screen (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-241511). There is also known a camera that performs focus detection at the detected line-of-sight position (JP-A-1-190177).

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, focus detection is always performed at the line-of-sight position, and when the exposure operation is started by the photographer's intention after focusing, it is manual. Therefore, the exposure operation could not be started without using both hands.

Further, when fixing the focus detection position or locking the lens drive (for example, after focusing), it is necessary to keep the line of sight fixed or operate other operation members.

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera having a line-of-sight detection device which can activate an exposure operation and lock a lens drive without using other operation members.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, a camera having a line-of-sight detection device according to the present invention controls a photographing lens and an exposure operation for exposing a photographing screen formed by the photographing lens onto a film. Exposure control means, a gaze detection means for detecting the gaze position of the photographer on the photographing screen, and focus detection in a focus detection area set on the photographing screen, and focusing or defocusing of the area is performed. Focus detection means to detect, and after the focus detection means detects the focus in the focus detection area for a predetermined time, when the position corresponding to the focus detection area is the gaze position, The exposure control means activates the exposure operation.

Further, the camera having the line-of-sight detecting device according to the present invention includes a taking lens, a gaze detecting means for detecting a gaze position of a photographer on a photographing screen, and a focus detection in a focus detecting area set on the photographing screen. Focus detection means for detecting in-focus or out-of-focus of the area, lens drive means for driving the photographing lens according to the focus detection result, and the focus detection means for adjusting the focus detection area in the focus detection area. When the position corresponding to the focus detection area becomes the gaze position for a predetermined time after detecting the focus, a lens drive prohibiting means for prohibiting the subsequent lens drive by the lens drive means is provided. It is included as a configuration.

In these cases, the focus detecting means may perform focus detection by a focus detecting area corresponding to the gaze position.

[0009]

According to the present invention, when the focus detection is always performed at the line-of-sight position, the exposure operation can be started by the exposure starting means in response to the movement of the line-of-sight after focusing. Also, depending on the movement of the line of sight after focusing or after focusing,
The focus detection position can be fixed or the lens drive can be locked.

[0010]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and the like. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a camera having a visual line detection device according to the present invention. The lens barrel 10 is replaceable with respect to the camera body 20 and can be detachably mounted. A taking lens 11 is built in the lens barrel 10. The photographing lens 11 is a lens whose focus can be adjusted by moving in the optical axis direction.

When the lens barrel 10 is attached to the camera body 20, the photographing light flux coming from the subject passes through the photographing lens 11 and is guided to the main mirror 21 provided in the camera body 20. A part of the photographing light flux is reflected to the finder side by the main mirror 21 and passes through the display means 23, the screen 24, the pentaprism 25, and the eyepiece lens 26, so that the screen image is observed by the photographer. The other part of the photographing light flux is the main mirror 21.
Is transmitted, is reflected by the sub-mirror 22, and is guided to the focus detection means 30 as a light beam for focus detection.

Further, inside the camera body 20, in the vicinity of the eyepiece lens 26, in addition to the line-of-sight detecting means 40, the glasses detecting means 50, and the shutter means 27, which will be described later, well-known camera internal mechanisms such as unillustrated winding means are arranged. Has been done. The photometric unit 29 performs spot photometry or center-weighted photometry of the central portion within the photographic screen by the finder light flux branched by the half mirror 28.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the focus detecting means incorporated in the camera according to the first embodiment. The focus detection unit 30 includes a field mask 31 having a two-dimensional opening 31A, a field lens 32, a diaphragm mask 33 having a pair of openings 33A and 33B, and a pair of re-imaging lenses 34A and 34B. The photoelectric conversion means 35 includes light receiving portions 35A and 35B in which light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged.

The exit pupil 12 of the photographing lens 11 has an optical axis 1
A pair of regions 12A and 12B that are symmetric with respect to 3 is included, and the light flux passing through these regions 12A and 12B forms a primary image near the field mask 31. This field mask 3
As shown in FIG. 3, 1 has an opening corresponding to the focus detectable range M. The primary image formed in the opening 31A of the field mask 31 is reflected by the field lens 32, the pair of openings 33A and 33B of the diaphragm mask 33, and the pair of re-imaging lenses 34A and 34B, and the pair of photoelectric conversion means 35. Are formed as a pair of secondary images on the light receiving portions 35A and 35B. The photoelectric conversion means 35 outputs a pair of secondary images to the light receiving portion 35.
The defocus amount of the taking lens 11 can be detected by detecting the relative positional relationship in the arrangement direction of A and 35B using the subject image signal generated by the photoelectric conversion means 35.

Light receiving portions 35A and 35B of the photoelectric conversion means 35
3 covers the area M on the screen N, as shown in FIG. 3, and this area M is the range in which focus detection is possible. The above-mentioned positional relationship can be detected in the designated position P and the designated size area Q on the photographing screen, and inside the focus-detectable area M, the focus of any position and size can be obtained. Focus detection can be performed by the detection area. For example, it becomes possible to arbitrarily change the focus detection area based on the result of line-of-sight position detection described later.

The CPU 1 shown in FIG. 1 carries out calculations for performing eyeglass detection processing, visual axis detection processing, focus detection processing, photometric processing, rotation amount detection processing, operation detection processing, lens drive control, shutter control, display control, etc., which will be described later. It is a processing means. The outputs of the light receiving portions 35A and 35B of the focus detection means 30 are CP
It is connected to U1.
Focus detection calculation is performed to obtain the defocus amount from the positional relationship of the images. The CPU 1 controls the motor 60 according to the obtained defocus amount to drive the taking lens 11 to the in-focus position. Also, the CPU 12 on the lens side
CPU 1 built in the lens barrel 10 on the body side
In response, various lens data (focal length, etc.) is transmitted.

The focus detection area and the focus detection result are
It is displayed on the finder screen by the display means 23. The display of the display unit 23 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the focus detection area Q is shaded and displayed, and after focusing, as shown in FIG. 4, the inside of the focus detection area Q ′ can be transparent and only be framed.

When the release button 61 is pressed halfway from the released state, the operation of the CPU 1 is reset and the photographing standby state is set. When the release button 61 is fully pressed, the CPU 1 activates the exposure operation by the shutter means 27 in the normal mode. However, in the AF priority mode, the exposure operation by the shutter means 27 is not activated until the subject is in focus even when the shutter button is fully pressed.

The operation means 62 is a means for selecting a line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode and a line-of-sight continuous focus detection mode, which will be described later, and the CPU 1 switches the operation mode in accordance with the selection of the operation means 62. .. Here, the line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode is a mode in which the focus detection area is fixed at the gaze position detected for the first time after the release button 61 is half-pressed, and the line-of-sight continuous focus detection mode is the continuous gaze. In this mode, the focus detection area is set at the position.

The rotation amount detecting means 63 is a means for detecting the rotation amount of the body 20, and the rotation amount information is stored in the CPU 1
Sent to. 5 to 7 are views showing rotation amount detecting means used in the camera according to the embodiment, FIG. 5 is a front view, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an encoder, and FIG. 7 is a detecting portion. It is a figure. The rotation amount detecting means 63 is arranged on the bottom surface of the body 20. At this time, the body 20 is attached to the tripod seat 71 of the tripod 70 with the tripod female screw 64B and the tripod male screw 64.
It is attached by A. On the upper surface of the tripod base 71, as shown in FIG. 6, an encoder including a high reflection part 73 and a low reflection part 72 in the circumferential direction is formed around the tripod male screw 64A.

As shown in FIG. 7, the rotation amount detecting means 63 is of a reflection detecting type including a light projecting portion 63A and a light receiving portion 63B. When the body 20 rotates around the tripod screw 64, The amount of rotation is detected in the form of the number of reflected light pulses as the movement of the tripod base 71 relative to the encoder. The rotation direction can be detected by, for example, disposing the positions of the two light-receiving units so as to be displaced and determining the phase relationship between the two pulse signals. The rotation amount detection unit 63 is not limited to this, and may be any unit that can detect the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the body 20.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the line-of-sight detecting means used in the camera according to the embodiment. The line-of-sight detection means 40 includes an infrared light surface emitting element 41, a half mirror 42, a lens 43,
It is composed of a dichroic mirror 44 and the like. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting element 41 is reflected by the half mirror 42 and reflects the infrared light installed in the lens 43 and the eyepiece lens 26.
4 and is projected onto the eye 45 of the finder observer. In this optical system, the shape and position of the optical member are set such that the light emitting surface of the infrared light emitting element 41 overlaps with the viewfinder screen in shape and position.

The infrared light projected on the eyes 45 of the observer is reflected by the retina 46, returns to the eyepiece lens 26 again, and follows the path opposite to that when it exits, and is reflected by the infrared light reflecting dichroic mirror 44. , Lens 43, half mirror 42
And is received by the surface light receiving element 47. The surface light receiving element 47 may be a two-dimensional position sensor or a two-dimensional image sensor. The operation of the infrared light surface emitting element 41 is controlled by the CPU 1, and the output of the surface light receiving element 47 is sent to the CPU 1 for processing.

In the above structure, as shown in FIG.
Since the reflection efficiency at the line-of-sight position is higher than in other directions, the amount of light received at the position on the surface light-receiving element 47 corresponding to the position viewed by the observer on the screen 24 of the finder becomes larger than in other regions. .. In order to remove the influence of infrared light from the outside incident from the viewfinder, the surface light receiving element 47 when the surface light emitting element 41 emits light and when it does not emit light.
It is possible to detect the line-of-sight position on the screen N by taking the difference (shown in FIG. 9) in the distribution of the amount of received light of the image and the position R indicating the maximum amount of received light in the distribution. Further, when the absolute value of the maximum amount of received light is small, it can be determined that the line of sight cannot be detected because the finder is not observed. In the above structure, beam scanning may be performed two-dimensionally instead of the surface emitting element 41. Furthermore, line-of-sight detection other than the above configuration may be performed.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are views showing an example of the configuration of the glasses detecting means of the camera according to the embodiment, FIG. 10 is a plan view and FIG. 11 is a front view. Glasses detection means 50
Is composed of an infrared light emitting element 51, lenses 52 and 54, a surface light receiving element 55 and the like. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting element 51 is projected onto the finder observer via the lens 52. The light projecting portion S (shown in FIG. 11) is set at a portion below the eyes 45 where the glasses 53 are present in order to avoid reflection by the eyeball. Therefore, the eyeglasses detection means 50 uses the eyepiece lens 26 in the body 20.
It is better to place it at the bottom of.

When the observer wears the glasses 53 at the normal finder observation position, as shown in FIG.
The light is reflected by the surface of the eyeglasses 53 and is received by the lens 54 and the surface light receiving element 55. The operation of the infrared light emitting element 51 is C
Controlled by PU1, the output of the surface light receiving element 55 is CP
It is sent to U1 and processed. The light projection angle with respect to the glasses 53 is set so that the light enters the surface of the glasses 53 at a shallow angle so that the reflectance is high. Further, the surface light receiving element 55 is a two-dimensional position sensor or a two-dimensional position sensor.
It may be a three-dimensional image sensor.

In the above structure, when the glasses 53 are present, the reflection in the specific direction is higher than in the other directions, so that the light receiving amount in the small area on the surface light receiving element 55 is higher than that in the other areas. It becomes larger by projecting. In order to remove the influence of infrared light incident from the outside, the difference in the light receiving amount distribution of the surface light receiving element 55 when the surface light emitting element 51 emits light and when it does not emit light is taken, and the maximum light receiving amount of the distribution is a predetermined value or more. Therefore, it can be determined that the glasses 53 are present when the user concentrates on one small area. Further, even when the normal glasses 53 are not worn, since there is some reflection due to the skin of the observer,
When the maximum amount of received light is extremely small, it can be determined that the viewfinder is not observed.

Further, in the above structure, one infrared light emitting element 51 is arranged. However, the reflection direction varies depending on the distance between the finder and the glasses 53 and the angle of the front surface of the glasses 53. Since there is a risk of false detection,
The direction of the projection beam may be two-dimensionally scanned.

As shown in FIG. 12, the glasses detecting means 50 includes infrared light emitting elements 51A, 51B and 51C and a lens 5.
The light may be projected in a plurality of directions by 2A, 52B and 52C. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, one infrared light emitting element 51 and lenses 52A, 5 formed integrally with each other.
2B and 52C may be used to project light in a plurality of directions.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of the CPU of the camera according to the embodiment. In step 100, the CPU 1 starts the operation by half-pressing the release button 11. In step 101, it is detected based on a signal from the glasses detection means 50 that the photographer observing the viewfinder wears the glasses 53. In step 102, if the eyeglasses 53 are detected, the line-of-sight detection after step 103 may be erroneously detected.
The line of sight is not detected and the process proceeds to step 112. If no glasses are detected, the process proceeds to step 103.

In step 103, the line-of-sight position of the photographer observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40. In this flowchart, the line-of-sight position is detected once in one focus detection sequence, but the line-of-sight position detection may be performed at a timing independent of the focus detection sequence (for example, a timer interrupt every predetermined time). Good. In step 104, it is judged whether or not the sight line position cannot be detected, and if it cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step 109. If it can be detected, the process proceeds to step 105.

In step 105, the variation amount of the line-of-sight position is detected. Here, a method of detecting the variation amount of the line-of-sight position will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how the line-of-sight position varies. The left side of the screen N shows the case where the variation of the line-of-sight position is large, and the right side shows the case where the variation is small. R (X0, Y0) = R0: latest line-of-sight position R (X1, Y1) = R1: line-of-sight position when detecting the line-of-sight position one time before ... R (Xn, Yn) = Rn: line-of-sight position n times before Gaze position at detection

(Variation amount detection method 1) In the variation amount detection method shown in FIG. 16, the integrated value of the distance over which the line-of-sight position moves within a predetermined time is used as the variation amount parameter P. That is, In the equation (1), the line-of-sight position Ri is taken for those within a predetermined time from the present (R0 to Rk).

(Fluctuation amount detection method 2) In the fluctuation amount detection method shown in FIG. 17, the area F of the circumscribing polygon that is convex toward the outside and includes all the line-of-sight positions within a predetermined time is used as the fluctuation amount parameter P. That is, P = F (2) In the equation (2), the line-of-sight position Ri is taken for those within a predetermined time from the present (R0 to Rk).

(Variation amount detection method 3) In the variation amount detection method shown in FIG. 18, the area or radius G of the circumscribing circle including all the line-of-sight positions within a predetermined time is used as the variation amount parameter P. That is, P = G (3) In the equation (3), the line-of-sight position Ri is taken for those within a predetermined time from the present (R0 to Rk).

(Fluctuation amount detection method 4) In the fluctuation amount detection method shown in FIG. 19, the sum or large value H of the differences Xs, Ys between the maximum and minimum values of the line-of-sight position in the x and y directions within a predetermined time period.
Is the variation parameter P. That is, P = H = Xs + Ys or MAX (Xs, Ys) Xs = MAX (X0, X1, ..., Xk) -MIN (X0, X1, ..., Xk) Ys = MAX (Y0, Y1 ,. .., Yk) -MIN (Y0, Y1, ..., Yk) (4) In the equation (4), the line-of-sight position Ri is taken for those within a predetermined time from the present (R0 to Rk).

(Fluctuation amount detection method 5) In this variation amount detection method, the sum or maximum value σ of the standard deviations σx and σy of the line-of-sight position in the X and Y directions within a predetermined time is used as the variation parameter P.
And That is, P = σ = σx + σy or MAX (σx, σy) In the equation (5), the line-of-sight position Ri is taken for those within a predetermined time (R0 to Rk) from the present.

Returning to FIG. 14, in step 106, the line-of-sight fluctuation amount P is compared with a predetermined value K1, and if the line-of-sight fluctuation amount P is large, the process proceeds to step 109, and if it is small, the process proceeds to step 107. In step 107, the line-of-sight variation P
If is small, the photographer determines that the photographer is in a gaze state, and detects the gaze position based on the line-of-sight position S (X, Y) (see FIG. 15).

The gaze position detecting method is as follows. (Gaze position detection method 1) The position of the center of gravity of the area F of the convex circumscribing polygon is defined as the gaze position S (X, Y) on the outside including all the gaze positions within a predetermined time. (Gaze position detection method 2) The center position of the circumscribing circle including all the gaze positions within a predetermined time is defined as the gaze position S (X, Y). (Gaze position detection method 3) X, Y of the gaze position within a predetermined time
The average of the maximum value and the minimum value in the direction is set as the gaze position S (X, Y). That is, X = (MAX (X0, X1, ..., Xk) + MIN (X0, X1, ..., Xk)) / 2 Y = (MAX (Y0, Y1, ..., Yk) + MIN (Y0 , Y1, ..., Yk)) / 2 (6) In the equation (6), the line-of-sight position Ri is taken for those within a predetermined time from the present (R0 to Rk). (Gaze position detection method 4) X, Y of the gaze position within a predetermined time
Gaze position S (X, Y)
).

Returning to FIG. 14 again, in step 108, it is judged whether or not the gaze position S (X, Y) is outside the focus detectable range M, and if it is outside the focus detectable range M, step Proceed to 109 (see FIG. 20). Gaze position S (X, Y)
Is within the focus detectable range M, step 11
Go to 0. In step 109, the elapsed time after entering this step is measured. If the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 111, and if it is the predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to 112.

In step 110, the focus detection position P is set as the gaze position S (X, Y) and the process proceeds to step 113. Therefore, when there is little variation in the line-of-sight position of the photographer, focus detection is performed at the gaze position. In step 111, the focus detection position P is set as the previous focus detection position, and step 115
Proceed to. Therefore, if the line-of-sight position is undetectable, or the amount of line-of-sight variation is large, or if the gaze position is outside the focus detectable range and within a predetermined time after entering the above state, the focus immediately before entering the above state Focus detection is performed at the detection position (see FIG. 20). In step 112, the focus detection position P is set to the center position, and the process proceeds to step 115. Therefore, if the line-of-sight position cannot be detected, or the amount of change in line-of-sight is large, or if the gaze position is outside the focus detectable range, and if more than a predetermined time has elapsed since the above state, or if it is determined that glasses are present , The focus is forcibly detected at the center position of the screen (see FIG. 20).

Next, at step 113, the line-of-sight variation P
Is compared with a predetermined value K2 (<K1). If the line-of-sight variation amount P is large, the process proceeds to step 115.
Go to 4. In step 114, the focus detection area Q is set to a small area around the focus detection position P (see FIG. 21), and the auto focus adjustment mode is set to the AF one-shot mode in which focus lock is performed after focusing. 11
Proceed to 6. Therefore, if the change in the line-of-sight position is extremely small, spot-like focus detection is performed at the gaze position, and it is determined that the subject is stationary or the composition has not been changed, and the focus is adjusted after focusing. It will be locked mode.

In step 115, the focus detection area Q is set to a large area around the focus detection position P (see FIG. 22).
At the same time, the automatic focus adjustment mode is set as the AF continuous mode for continuing the servo without focus lock after focusing, and the process proceeds to step 116. Therefore, if there is very little change in the line-of-sight position, or if the line-of-sight position cannot be detected or the amount of change in the line-of-sight position is large, or if the line-of-sight position is outside the focus-detectable range or if there are glasses, the wide range around the line-of-sight position Focus detection is performed in the area. In addition, it is determined that the subject is moving or the composition has been changed, and the lens drive mode is continued even after focusing.

In step 116, the set focus detection area is displayed on the screen by the display means 23, and step 1
Proceed to 17. In step 117, the set AF
Determine whether the mode is AF continuous mode,
Step 11 if in AF continuous mode
8. If it is the AF one-shot mode, proceed to step 119. In step 118, the focus focus lock flag is reset, and the process proceeds to step 120.
In step 119, if the focus focus lock flag is set, focus detection and lens driving are not performed, and the process proceeds to step 126. If not, the process proceeds to step 120. In step 120,
Well-known focus detection calculation is performed by using the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means 35 corresponding to the set focus detection area, the focus detection result (defocus amount) is obtained, and the routine proceeds to step 121. In step 121, the focus detection result is displayed on the display unit 2.
3 is displayed on the screen and the process proceeds to step 122.

In step 122, it is determined whether or not the focus detection result (defocus amount) is in focus. If it is in focus, the process proceeds to step 124, and if it is out of focus, the process proceeds to step 123. move on. In step 123, the motor 60 is controlled according to the focus detection result (defocus amount) to drive the taking lens 11 to the in-focus point, and then step 1
Proceed to 24. In step 124, the set AF
It is determined whether or not the mode is the AF continuous mode. If the AF continuous mode, the process proceeds to step 126. If the AF one-shot mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 126.
Go to step 125. At step 125, the focus lock flag is set and the routine proceeds to step 126.

In step 126, it is determined whether or not the setting state of the operating means 62 is the line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode. If it is the line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode, the process proceeds to step 127, and the line-of-sight continuous focus is set. If it is the detection mode, the process returns to step 101. Therefore, in the line-of-sight continuous focus detection mode, the gaze position is always detected, and when the gaze position is detected, focus detection is performed at that position (see FIG. 23).

At step 127, if the focus detection area set this time is a small area, the routine proceeds to step 128,
If it is not a small area, the process returns to step 101. Therefore, even in the case of the line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode, unless the variation of the line-of-sight position is extremely small, the gaze position is always detected, and when the gaze position is detected, the focus detection is performed at that position.

At step 128, the focus detection position P is set to the previous focus detection position, and the routine proceeds to step 129. In step 129, the focus detection area is set to the previous focus detection area, that is, a small area around the focus detection position P, and step 1
Return to 16. Therefore, in the line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode, once the variation of the line-of-sight position becomes extremely small, the size of the focus detection position and the size of the focus detection area are fixed (see FIG. 3).

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, steps 126 to 129 of the flow chart of the embodiment shown in FIG.
The process proceeds from step 119, 123, 124, 125 to step 130.

That is, in step 130, based on the result of focus detection, if not in focus, the process returns to step 101, and if in focus, the process proceeds to step 131. Therefore, the gaze position is always detected during non-focus, and when the gaze position is detected, focus detection is performed at that position (see FIG. 23).

At step 131, the focus detection position P is set as the previous focus detection position, and the routine proceeds to step 132. In step 132, the focus detection area is set to the previous focus detection area, that is, a small area around the focus detection position P, and step 1
Proceed to 33. In step 133, the set focus detection area is displayed on the screen by the display means 23, and step 1
Proceed to 34. In step 134, a well-known focus detection calculation is performed using the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means 35 corresponding to the set focus detection area, the focus detection result (defocus amount) is obtained, and the process proceeds to step 135. Step 13
In step 5, the focus detection result is displayed on the screen by the display means 23, and the process proceeds to step 136. In step 136, the motor 60 is controlled according to the focus detection result (defocus amount), the photographing lens 11 is driven to the in-focus point, and the process returns to step 131.

Once the focus is obtained by the above operation, the focus detection position and the size of the focus detection area at the time when the focus is obtained are fixed and used thereafter. Also,
If step 136 is omitted, the lens drive can be prohibited once the focus is achieved.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In FIG. 25A, step 20
At 0, the CPU 1 starts the operation by half-pressing the release button 11. In step 201, a well-known focus detection calculation is performed using the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means 35 corresponding to the focus detection area having the position and size fixed and set in advance, and the focus detection result (defocus amount) Is obtained, the process proceeds to step 202. In step 202, the focus detection result is displayed on the screen by the display means 23, and the process proceeds to step 203. In step 203, the motor 60 is controlled according to the focus detection result (defocus amount), the photographing lens 11 is driven to the in-focus point, and the process proceeds to step 204. In step 204, based on the result of focus detection, if the object is not in focus, the procedure returns to step 201, and if the object is in focus, the procedure proceeds to step 205. Therefore, focus detection is always performed during non-focusing, and the lens is driven according to the result.

In step 205, the line-of-sight position of the photographer observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40. In this embodiment, the line-of-sight position is detected once by one focus detection sequence, but the line-of-sight position detection may be performed at a timing independent of the focus detection sequence (for example, a timer interrupt every predetermined time). Good. In step 206, if the detected line-of-sight position does not match the focus detection position, step 20
5, the process proceeds to step 207 if they match. However, a margin is added to the position matching judgment. Further, the gaze position may be compared instead of the gaze position.

In step 207, the elapsed time after entering this step is measured. If the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, the process returns to step 205, and if it is more than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 208. In step 208, the exposure operation by the shutter means 17 is activated.

After focusing by the above operation, if the line of sight is held at the focus detection position where the focus is obtained for a certain time or more, the exposure operation can be automatically performed. Although the focus detection position is fixed in the above description, the focus detection position may be determined in the line-of-sight one-shot focus detection mode.

FIG. 25 (B) shows a modified example of FIG. 25 (A), in which step 208 is omitted and the focus detection position at which the focus is obtained after the focus is obtained at step 207. When the line of sight is held for a certain period of time or more, the focus is locked in step 209.

Before focusing, the focus detection position is changed according to the line-of-sight position, and instead of step 208, the focus detection position and the size of the area are fixed and the process returns to step 201. By doing so, the focus detection region may be locked when the line of sight is held for a certain period of time or more at the focus detection position where the focus is obtained after focusing.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, step 204 and subsequent steps in the flow chart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25A are changed, and the process proceeds from step 203 to step 210.

In step 210, if the result of focus detection indicates that the object is not in focus, the procedure returns to step 201, and if the object is in focus, the procedure advances to step 211. Therefore, during non-focus, the focus is always detected, and the lens is driven according to the result. In step 211, the elapsed time after entering this step is measured. If the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, the process returns to step 201, and if it is longer than the predetermined time, 212 is performed.
Proceed to. Therefore, the focus is always detected for a predetermined time after focusing, and the lens is driven according to the result. In step 212, the exposure operation by the shutter means 17 is activated, and the process proceeds to step 213. In step 213,
It waits for the end of the exposure operation, and returns to step 201.

When the in-focus state is maintained for a certain time or more after the in-focus state is achieved by the above operation, the exposure operation can be automatically performed. Therefore, when the exposure operation is performed immediately after the in-focus state as in the conventional case. However, it is possible to solve the drawbacks that there is no room to decide the composition and that the number of operation members increases and the operation becomes complicated when the exposure operation and the focus adjustment operation are performed independently.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In step 300, the CPU 1 starts the operation by half-pressing the release button 11. In step 301, a well-known focus detection calculation is performed using the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means 35 corresponding to the focus detection area having the position and size fixed in advance, and the focus detection result (defocus amount) , And go to step 302. In step 302, the focus detection result is displayed on the screen by the display means 23, and the process proceeds to step 303. In step 303, the motor 60 is controlled according to the focus detection result (defocus amount), and the photographing lens 11
To the focal point, and the process proceeds to step 304. In step 304, as a result of focus detection, if the object is not in focus, the procedure returns to step 301, and if the object is in focus, the procedure proceeds to step 305. Therefore, during non-focus, the focus is always detected, and the lens is driven according to the result. Step 305
Then, the line-of-sight position of the photographer who is observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40. In this embodiment, the line-of-sight position is detected once in one focus detection sequence, but the line-of-sight position detection may be performed at a timing independent of the focus detection sequence (for example, a timer interrupt every predetermined time). Good.

At step 306, the line-of-sight position detected immediately after focusing is set as the initial line-of-sight position R (X0, Y0), and the routine proceeds to step 307. The gaze position may be used instead of the gaze position. In step 307, the amount of rotation of the camera is initialized by the transition to the focused state, and step 3
Go to 08. Therefore, the rotation angle of the camera body can be detected by accumulating the pulse signals from the rotation amount detecting means 63 after that according to the rotation direction.

At step 308, the line-of-sight position R (X, Y) of the photographer observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40 (see FIG. 28), and the process proceeds to step 309. In step 309, the line-of-sight rotation amount Wa on the object side is detected according to the line-of-sight displacement amount (X−X0) from the initial line-of-sight position and the focal length f of the photographing lens obtained from the lens CPU 12. That is, Wa = TAN ^-1 ((X-X0) / f) (7) or may be expressed using the magnification B and the subject distance d. That is, Wa = TAN ⁻¹ ((X−X0) / (d · B)) (8)

In step 310, the rotation amount Wc of the camera body 20 with respect to the focused object 90 is detected by integrating the pulse signals from the rotation amount detecting means 63 after focusing according to the rotation direction (see FIG. 29), and proceeds to step 311. In step 311, the line-of-sight rotation amount Wa
If does not match the camera rotation amount Wc, the process returns to 301, and if it does match, the process proceeds to 312. However, it is preferable that a margin is provided for the matching determination. If the displacement of the line-of-sight position in the Y direction (Y-Y0) is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process returns to step 301 regardless of the rotation amount. In step 312, the photometric value from the photometric means 29 is held at the value immediately after focusing, and the process returns to step 312.

By the above operation, while the amount of rotation of the camera after focusing and the amount of rotation of the line of sight match, that is, when the composition is changed but the same subject is viewed, photometry is automatically performed. Since the value and focus adjustment state are locked in the same state as when focusing, focus lock after focusing as in the past,
AE lock operation, focus lock after focusing,
There is no need to switch between AE lock mode and non-AE lock mode. Further, in this embodiment, the rotation amount in the horizontal direction of the screen is detected, but the rotation amount in the vertical direction of the screen may be detected. Further, the configuration of the camera body rotation amount detecting means is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and a gyro or the like may be used.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In step 400, the CPU 1 starts the operation by half-pressing the release button 11. In step 401, the line-of-sight position of the photographer observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40. In this embodiment, the line-of-sight position is detected once in one focus detection sequence, but the line-of-sight position detection may be performed at a timing independent of the focus detection sequence (for example, a timer interrupt every predetermined time). Good. Further, the gaze position may be used instead of the gaze position. Step 40
In step 2, if the detected line-of-sight position does not match the position of the scale 232 (see FIG. 32) displayed by the display unit 23 on the finder screen, step 40
Return to 1 and if they match, proceed to step 403. However, it is preferable to give some margin to the position coincidence determination. Further, the gaze position may be compared instead of the gaze position. In step 403, the motor 60 is controlled according to the distance display value of the line-of-sight position (3 m in FIG. 32) to drive the taking lens 11 to a position corresponding to the distance set by the line-of-sight, and the process returns to step 401. In addition to the scale 232, PF (power focus) and PZ (power zoom) are displayed on the viewfinder screen.
There is a mode selection display 231 for switching between, and it is possible to select by the line of sight in the same manner as the operation described above. The operation shown in FIG. 30 is an operation when the PF is selected.

With the above operation, by selecting the desired distance on the scale on the viewfinder screen with the line of sight, it is possible to adjust the distance without manual operation, so that both hands can be used as in the case of handheld shooting of the telephoto lens. It is convenient when it is blocked.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In step 500, the CPU 1 starts the operation by half-pressing the release button 11. In step 501, the line-of-sight position of the photographer observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40. In this embodiment, the line-of-sight position is detected once in one focus detection sequence, but the line-of-sight position detection may be performed at a timing independent of the focus detection sequence (for example, a timer interrupt every predetermined time). Good. Further, the gaze position may be used instead of the gaze position.

In step 502, if the detected line-of-sight position does not match the position of the scale 232 (see FIG. 33) displayed by the display means 23 on the finder screen, the process returns to step 501, and if the positions match. If so, go to step 503. However, it is preferable to give some margin to the position coincidence determination. Further, the gaze position may be compared instead of the gaze position.

In step 503, the power zoom motor (not shown) is controlled according to the focal length display value of the line-of-sight position (3 m in FIG. 33), and the zoom lens (not shown) sets the focal length set by the line-of-sight. Drive to the position corresponding to, and return to step 501. The operation of FIG. 31 is an operation when PZ is selected by the line of sight on the mode selection display 231.

With the above operation, the desired focal length on the scale on the viewfinder screen can be selected with the line of sight to adjust the focal length without manual operation, so that the telephoto lens can be held by hand. It is convenient when both hands are blocked.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the operation of the eighth embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention. In step 600, the CPU 1 starts the operation by half-pressing the release button 11. In step 601, the line-of-sight position of the photographer observing the viewfinder is detected based on the signal from the line-of-sight detecting means 40. In this embodiment, the line-of-sight position is detected once in one focus detection sequence, but the line-of-sight position detection may be performed at a timing independent of the focus detection sequence (for example, a timer interrupt every predetermined time). Good. Further, the gaze position may be used instead of the gaze position.

In step 602, the focus detection area is divided according to the detected line-of-sight position. That is, when the line-of-sight position exists near the boundary lines v1 and h1 (see FIG. 36) when dividing the focus detectable area M into a plurality of predetermined focus detection areas, the main subject detects a plurality of focus detection areas. Since focus detection is performed by dividing the focus detection area into other areas, it is easy to be affected by other subjects.Therefore, when dividing the focus detection area into multiple focus detection areas so that the line-of-sight position is located approximately in the center of the divided focus detection areas. Change the line (see Figure 35). Step 6
In 03, focus detection is performed in each of the plurality of divided focus detection areas, and a predetermined algorithm is selected from the plurality of focus detection results (for example, a weighted average obtained by increasing the weight of the result of the focus detection areas in which the eye gaze position exists). ) Finally produces one result and returns to step 601.

With the above operation, when the focus detectable area is divided into a plurality of areas for focus detection, the focus detection area centering on the line-of-sight position can be set at all times. An accurate focus detection result can be obtained for a moving main subject.

[0076]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the exposure operation can be activated by the movement of the line of sight when the focus is constantly detected at the line of sight position.
The exposure operation can be started even when both hands cannot be used. Further, the focus detection position can be fixed or the lens drive can be locked in accordance with the focus or the movement of the line of sight after the focus, so there is no need to manually lock the focus or lock the focus detection area.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a camera having a visual axis detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a focus detection unit incorporated in the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a focus detection area of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a focus detection area of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a rotation amount detecting means used in the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an encoder of a rotation amount detecting means used in the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detection unit of a rotation amount detection means used in the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a line-of-sight detection means used in the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the reflection efficiency at the line-of-sight position of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a glasses detection means of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a configuration example of a glasses detection means of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a modified example of the glasses detection means of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the glasses detection means of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a mode of variation of the line-of-sight position.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting a variation amount of a line-of-sight position.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting a variation amount of a line-of-sight position.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting a variation amount of a line-of-sight position.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting a variation amount of the line-of-sight position.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting a focus detection area.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting a focus detection area.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting a focus detection area.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting a focus detection area.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the camera having the visual line detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the camera having the visual axis detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a method of detecting a line-of-sight position of a camera according to a fifth example.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a rotation amount detection unit of a camera according to a fifth example.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the camera having the visual line detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the camera having the visual line detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a scale displayed by the display unit of the camera of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a scale displayed by the display unit of the camera of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the operation of the eighth embodiment of the camera having the visual line detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a method of dividing a focus detection area of a camera according to an eighth example.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a problem of a camera having a conventional visual line detection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 11 Photographic lens 20 Body 30 Focus detection means 40 Line-of-sight detection means 50 Glasses detection means 63 Rotation amount detection means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A photographic lens, an exposure control means for controlling an exposure operation for exposing a photographic screen formed by the photographic lens onto a film, and a gaze detecting means for detecting a gaze position of the photographer on the photographic screen. Focus detection is performed in a focus detection area set on the photographing screen, and focus detection means for detecting in-focus or out-of-focus of the area, and the focus detection means detects focus in the focus detection area. A camera having a line-of-sight detection device including exposure exposure means for activating an exposure operation by the exposure control means when a position corresponding to the focus detection area becomes a gaze position after a predetermined time. . 2. A photographing lens, a gaze detecting means for detecting a gaze position of a photographer on a photographing screen, focus detection in a focus detection region set on the photographing screen, and focusing or non-focusing of the region. Focus detection means for detecting focus, lens drive means for driving the taking lens according to the focus detection result, and for a predetermined time after the focus detection means detects focus in the focus detection area. A camera having a line-of-sight detection device including a lens drive prohibition unit that prohibits subsequent lens drive by the lens drive unit when a position corresponding to the focus detection area becomes a gaze position. 3. The camera having the line-of-sight detection device according to claim 1, wherein the focus detection means performs focus detection by a focus detection area corresponding to the gaze position.