JPH0738059B2 - Camera exposure controller - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement of an exposure control device for a camera including an auto bracket shooting control means for performing continuous shooting while automatically changing an exposure value. is there.

Note that the auto bracket (to be exact, an auto exposure bracket) means the exposure value of the camera (in the case of automatic exposure, the exposure control value automatically calculated from the subject brightness and film sensitivity, and in the case of manual exposure) , Shutter speed and aperture value set by the photographer). Simply put, it means that when shooting a certain subject, the camera automatically takes a plurality of pictures by changing the exposure value in several steps.

(Background of the Invention) In terms of the space and cost of the camera, it is common to use the operating member as other operating members for the specifications that are not frequently used, such as the auto bracket mode, to improve the manufacturing effect. Has been done. However, for the photographer, because of this, complicated operations may be performed, and the operation procedure may not be remembered, which may cause an operation error. Therefore, it is necessary to make the operation procedure as simple as possible.

Conventionally, when executing auto bracket shooting, in addition to the information setting such as the exposure level change amount for each shooting during shooting, it is also necessary to set the information whether to execute auto bracket shooting or not. There was something I had to do. In this case, even if it is not so, complicated operations are required because the operation members are commonly used as described above. However, such operations must be performed separately to set each information. It was

(Object of the Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide an exposure control device for a camera that solves the above-mentioned problems and prevents useless shooting of a plurality of images at the same exposure level.

(Characteristics of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a mode setting means for setting an auto bracket mode, and an information setting means for setting information on a change amount of an exposure level in auto bracket shooting by manual operation. And, when the auto bracket mode is set by the mode setting means, the exposure level of each time is adjusted according to the information set by the information setting means to perform a plurality of shootings. Control means and detection means for detecting information relating to the amount of change in the exposure level and blocking the automatic bracket photographing when the information indicates that the amount of change is zero. .

(Embodiment of the Invention) FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a flowchart thereof.

When the auto bracket mode is set by the auto bracket mode setting means 101, the mode storage means 102 stores the auto bracket mode and transmits it to the auto bracket shooting control means 103. In addition, the level change amount setting means 104 changes the exposure level
That is, when the step number information for changing the exposure level is set during auto bracket shooting, the level change amount storage unit 105 stores the step number information. The above is performed while the first stroke operation of the release button is not performed.

Thereafter, when the photographer performs the first stroke operation of the release button, it is first determined whether or not the auto bracket mode is set. Since the mode is set here, it is next detected whether or not the content of the level change amount storage means 105 is zero. This detection is performed by the level change amount zero detecting means 106, and if it is detected that the amount is zero, a release signal is output to the mode storing means 102. As a result, the auto bracket mode storage of the mode storage means 102 is canceled, and auto bracket shooting is not performed even if the second stroke operation is performed.

On the other hand, if zero is not detected by the level change amount zero detecting means 106 and the release operation is performed, the auto bracket photographing control means 103 causes the photographing number counter 107
Until the detection means 108 detects that the number of times of auto bracket shooting counted in step 3 has reached a predetermined number, it automatically changes the exposure value based on the information from the level change amount storage means 105. Let them perform continuous shooting. As will be understood from the above, the detection means 108 detects whether or not the number of times of auto bracket shooting has reached a predetermined number. By detecting that the number of times of auto bracket shooting has reached a predetermined number of times, the auto bracket shooting control means 103 Output a stop signal.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the operating members when the camera incorporating the device embodying the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the front, and FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of the operating members when viewed from above. FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of each operation member when viewed from the back side. Fourth
In FIGS. 6 to 6, 1 is a release button, 2 is an operation lever for selecting one of continuous shooting (C) and single shooting (S) shooting modes, 3 is an operation lever for selecting a self-timer, and 4 is An exposure mode selection knob 5 for selecting an exposure mode of either shutter priority (Tv), aperture priority (Av), or manual (M), 5 is shutter speed, aperture value, or exposure step number information during auto bracket shooting (for example, Every 0.5 steps or 1
Used when setting the information for each step), for example, a so-called electronic dial with a 2-bit conductive pattern and a brush with 90-degree phases different from each other, swM is an aperture value setting switch, and in the manual exposure mode By pressing the switch swM and operating the dial 5, the aperture value can be changed. 6 is a switch lid of a storage unit 7 that stores switches that are rarely used, swABR is an auto bracket switch stored in the storage unit 7, and swME is a multiplex shooting switch also stored in the storage unit 7. Is.

FIG. 3 shows an electric circuit of a specific example in which the microcomputer COM is used to control a series of operations.

The light receiving element SPC receives the reflected light from the subject and outputs the received light signal to the operational amplifier OP1 having a high input impedance in which the compression diode D1 is connected to the feedback circuit. Operational amplifier OP1
Outputs the subject brightness information Bv, which is logarithmically compressed, via the resistor R1. The variable resistor VR1 connected to the constant voltage source VG1 outputs the film sensitivity information Sv. The operational amplifier OP2, to which the resistor R2 is connected to the feedback circuit, calculates and outputs the photometric information Ev = (Bv + Sv). Metering information Ev is 4 by A / D converter ADC
It is converted into a digital value of bits and input to the input ports PG0 to PG3 of the microcomputer COM.

When the dial 5 is operated, the number corresponding to the number of clicks is counted by the dial interface circuit DIF, and the value is converted into 4-bit information and input to the input ports PH0 to PH3 of the microcomputer COM. . Information in the dial interface circuit DIF is set by inputting a pulse signal from the output port PE3 of the microcomputer COM. The exposure mode selection knob 4
Depending on which mode is selected, the double exposure mode switch swSEL is turned on and off, and 2-bit information corresponding to the selected exposure mode is input to the input ports PP0 to PP1 of the microcomputer COM.

When the battery BAT is loaded in the camera, the power Vbat is supplied to the microcomputer COM, the display system decoders TD, AD, FD, the dial interface circuit DIF and the like. When the first stroke of the release button 1 turns on the first stroke switch sw1 connected to the input port PA0, the potential of the output port PF becomes high level.
The transistor TRbat is turned on by the inverter INV and the resistor R4, and the voltage from the power supply Vbat is supplied as the power supply Vcc to operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2 for photometry, which consume a relatively large amount of power.

For the input ports PA1 to 11 of the microcomputer COM, the second stroke switch sw2 that is turned on by the second stroke of the release button 1, the mirror up switch swMRUP that is turned off when the mirror is up and turned on when the mirror is down, and mechanical charging is completed. The charge completion detection switch swCGE which is turned on by doing so, the film switch swFLM which is turned on every time one frame of film is completed, the trailing curtain switch swCN2 which is turned on when the trailing curtain is completed, and the self-timer by the operation lever 3 A self switch swSELF that is turned on when set, a switch swCS that is turned on when the continuous shooting mode is selected by the operation lever 2, and is turned off when a single shooting mode is selected, and the aperture value setting switch swM, off when the switch lid 6 is closed, and on when opened Switch swSE
T, the multiple shooting switch swME, and the auto bracket switch swABR are respectively connected.

The bases of the transistors TR0 to TR2 are connected to the output ports PE0 to PE2 via resistors R10 to R12, and the transistors TR0 to TR2 are connected.
R2 controls the energization of the first tension magnet MG0, the leading curtain magnet MG1 that runs the leading curtain, and the trailing curtain magnet MG2 that runs the trailing curtain, respectively. Also, the bases of the transistors TR3 to 5 are connected to the output ports PD, PC and PB via the resistors R13 to 15, the transistor TR3 drives the charging motor MD, the transistor TR4 drives the rewinding motor MC, The transistor TR5 controls the drive of the winding motor MB that winds the film at high speed.

The contents of the shutter time information register RGTv in the microcomputer COM are output from the output port PTD to the decoder TD. The decoder TD converts the contents into a signal for shutter time display and is composed of the connected liquid crystal etc. Indicator SEG1
To output the signal.

A signal of "1" (meaning high level) or "0" (meaning low level) is output from the output ports PFL and PABR to the decoder AD, and the decoder AD outputs "1" from the output port PFL.
When the signal of is input, the signal for blinking the auto bracket mark is output to the display SEG3 composed of the connected liquid crystal or the like. When the signal of "1" is input from the output port PABR, the signal for displaying the auto bracket mark is output to the display SEG3.

A "1" or "0" signal is output from the output port PME to the display unit SEG4 composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and the display unit SEG4 displays multiple shooting marks when the "1" signal is input. .

From the output port PFD, the contents of the aperture value information register RGAv, the contents of the auto bracket step information register RGBR, or the contents of the multiplex number information register RGME in the microcomputer COM are output to the decoder FD. decoder
The FD outputs a numerical value display signal corresponding to each of the above contents to a display SEG5 composed of a liquid crystal or the like connected thereto.

From the output port PAV, the content of the aperture value information register RGAv in the microcomputer COM is the drive circuit for aperture control.
Output to DAV. The aperture control drive circuit DAV outputs information converted into aperture information to a connected drive actuator CAV, for example, a stepping motor or the like, and drives this to perform appropriate aperture control.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer COM will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the battery BAT is loaded in the camera and the power supply Vbat is generated, the microcomputer COM starts the operation from the start of the flowchart of FIG.

[Step 1] Temporarily release the first release button 1 by the photographer.
Only the stroke is performed and the first stroke switch sw1
When the ON signal of is input to the input port PA0, the process proceeds to step 2.

[Step 2] Output "1" signal from output port PF,
The transistor TRbat is turned on to supply the power supply Vcc to each part. Then, the photometric timer is started. The photometric timer is for continuously supplying the power supply Vcc for a predetermined time after the input of the off signal of the first stroke switch sw1. Therefore, even if the photographer releases the release button 1, the photometric state is maintained for a predetermined time. Can be confirmed, and it becomes possible to change the setting information while viewing the display in the exposure mode selection, that is, 4. This configuration can be easily performed by the hardware timer built in the microcomputer COM.

[Step 3] The photometric information Ev converted into a 4-bit digital value by the A / D converter ADC is stored in the internal register RGEv.
To memorize.

[Step 4] Whether the shutter priority mode is set or not is determined based on the input states of the input ports PP0 and PP1.
If the shutter priority mode is set now, the process proceeds to step 5.

[Step 5] The content of the shutter information register RGTv, which stores the information set by the operation of the dial 5, is subtracted from the content of the register RGEv, and the result (aperture information
Av) is stored in the aperture information register RGAv. The contents of all registers in the microcomputer COM are held while the battery BAT is loaded. Battery BA
When T is loaded first, the most frequently used value, for example 1
It is assumed that the information of / 125 seconds is initially set.

[Step 6] The contents of the register RGBR that stores the exposure step number information of the auto bracket are stored in the aperture bracket step number register RGBA. The contents of the shutter bracket stage number register RGBT are set to zero (0).

[Step 7] The state of the flag FABR indicating whether or not the auto bracket mode is set is determined. If the auto bracket mode is not currently set, the process proceeds to step 8.

[Step 8] The state of the flag FME indicating whether or not the multiple shooting mode is set is determined. If the multiple shooting mode is not set now, the process proceeds to step 9.

[Step 9] The flag FsAB indicating whether or not the auto bracket switch swABR has been operated is reset to zero. Also, a flag FsME indicating whether or not the multiple shooting switch swME has been operated
Is reset to 0.

[Step 10] The contents of the aperture information register RGAv are output from the output port PFD, and the contents of the shutter information register RGTv are output from the output port PTD. This allows
The aperture value obtained by calculation is displayed on the display SEG5.
The set shutter speed is displayed in SEG1.

[Step 11] It is determined whether or not the second stroke of the release button 1 is performed and the ON signal of the second stroke switch sw2 is input to the input port PA1. If the ON signal of the second stroke switch sw2 is not input, the process returns to the start. Also the first stroke switch sw
While the 1 ON signal is being input, the calculation information can be obtained from the subject brightness information, the film sensitivity information, and the setting information by this routine, and these pieces of information can be displayed.

If the aperture priority mode is set, the process proceeds to step 4 → step 12 → step 13.

[Step 13] The contents of the register RGAv, which stores the information set by operating the dial 5 and the aperture value setting switch swM, are subtracted from the contents of the register RGEv, and the result is stored in the shutter information register RGTv. . When the battery BAT is loaded for the first time, a value with a high frequency of use, for example, F5.6 is initially set.

[Step 14] The contents of the bracket step number register RGBR which stores the exposure step number information of the auto bracket is stored in the shutter bracket step number register RGBT. Further, the contents of the aperture bracket stage number register RGBA are set to zero.

After that, also in the aperture priority mode, the same sequence as in the previous shutter priority mode is advanced, and the aperture value set in step 10 is displayed on the display SEG5, and the shutter speed calculated by the calculation is displayed on the display SEG1, respectively. Is displayed.

If the manual exposure mode is set, the process proceeds to step 4 → step 12 → step 15.

[Step 15] The contents of the register RGTM storing the shutter time information set by the operation of the dial 5 are stored in the shutter information register RGTv. This is when auto bracket shooting is set in manual exposure mode,
Since the contents of the register RGTv change with each shooting, the information set by the operation of the dial 5 is stored as it is, and the details will be described later.

After that, the same sequence as in the case of the aperture priority mode is advanced, and the aperture value set in step 10 is displayed on the display SEG5.
The set shutter speed is displayed on the display SEG1.

Next, a description will be given of the time of setting information by dialing while the photometric timer is operating. When the pressing of the release button 1 (first stroke) is stopped in the middle of the above sequence, the off signal of the first stroke switch sw1 is input, and the program proceeds from step 1 to step 20.

[Step 20] Whether or not the opening operation of the switch lid 6 has been performed is determined from the state of the switch swSET. Assuming the switch lid 6 remains closed, switch s to the input port PA9.
Since the OFF signal of wSET is input, the process proceeds to step 21.

[Step 21] It is determined whether or not the photometric timer is operating. Here, since it is immediately after the photometric timer is operated in step 2, the process proceeds to step 22.

[Step 22] Whether the shutter priority mode is set or not is determined based on the input states of the input ports PP0 and PP1.
If the shutter priority mode is set now, the process proceeds to step 23.

[Step 23] Here, an information reading routine associated with the operation of the dial 5 is executed. Here, the information reading routine associated with the dial operation will be described with reference to FIG.

[Information reading routine] [Step 80] The information input to the input ports PH0 to PH3 is stored in the dial register RGH. At this time register R
A value corresponding to the number of clicks on the dial 5 and information indicating whether the value is positive or negative depending on the rotating direction of the dial 5 are stored in the GH. That is, 4-bit information indicating how many steps to shift up or down from the current information is stored.

[Step 81] The pulse signal of the output port PE3 is output. As a result, the numerical value of the dial interface circuit DIF is reset to 0.

[Step 82] Return to the original step.

Returning again to the flowchart of FIG.

[Step 24] The numerical value set by the dial operation (contents of the register RGH) and the shutter information (contents of the register RGTv) are added and stored again in the shutter information register RGTv. Further, the contents of the shutter information register RGTv are stored in the register RGTM.

[Step 25] It is determined whether or not a certain code indicating a valve mode located next to the longest shutter speed is stored in the register RGTM. If it is not in valve mode now, jump to NEXT1, that is, step 3.

In this way, the setting information can be changed by operating the dial 5 during the photometric timer after the release button 1 is pressed (the first stroke) is stopped, and thereafter the routines after step 3 are executed. Step by
At 10, the aperture value and shutter speed are displayed on the display SEG1, SEG5,
Each can be displayed.

If the aperture priority mode is set, the process proceeds to step 22 → step 26 → step 27.

[Step 27] Here, as with step 23, dial 5
The information reading routine associated with the operation is executed.

[Step 28] The numerical value set by the dial operation (contents of the register RGH) and the aperture value information (contents of the register RGAv) are added and stored again in the aperture information register RGAv. Also in the aperture priority mode, the process jumps to NEXT1, that is, step 3, and the aperture value and the shutter speed are displayed on the display SE in step 10 as in the shutter speed priority mode.
It can be displayed on G1 and SEG5 respectively.

If the manual exposure mode is set, the process proceeds to step 22 → step 26 → step 29.

[Step 29] The on / off state of the aperture value setting switch swM is determined. In the manual exposure mode, the aperture value setting switch swM is operated, and the dial value is used to change the aperture value, and only the dial operation is used to change the shutter speed. When the switch swM is on, the routine proceeds to the same routine (step 27) as in the aperture priority mode,
When it is off, the routine proceeds to the same routine (step 23) as in the shutter priority mode.

When a predetermined time has passed since the pressing operation of the release button 1 was stopped, the photometric timer operation ends. Accordingly, the program proceeds from step 21 to step 30.

[Step 30] The outputs of the output ports PTD, PFL, PABR, PME, and PFD are set to "0", and the displays SEG1 to SEG5 (however, the display SEG2 does not exist) are turned off. Moreover, the output of the output port PF is set to "0", the transistor TRbat is turned off and the power supply Vcc
Stop the supply of.

[Step 31] Similar to step 9, a flag FsAB indicating whether or not the auto bracket switch swABR has been operated and a flag indicating whether or not the multiple shooting switch swME has been operated.
Both FsMEs are reset to 0.

Then the program jumps to the start. Therefore, after the photometric timer ends, step 1 → step 20 → step
The standby mode of 21 → step 30 → step 31 is repeated.

Next, the case of setting the auto bracket mode will be described, but before that, the case where only the closing operation of the switch lid 6 is performed to set the auto bracket mode will be described. When the switch lid 6 is opened, the switch swSET is interlocked with it.
Turns on, and each on signal is input to input port PA9. Then the program proceeds from step 20 to step 40.

[Step 40] Determine the auto bracket switch swABR. Since the switch lid 6 has just been opened and the auto bracket switch swABR has not been operated, the routine proceeds to step 41.

[Step 41] The multiple shooting switch swME is determined. Similarly, since the multiple shooting switch swME has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 42.

[Step 42] The flag FsME indicating whether or not the multiple shooting switch swME has been pressed is determined. Since the flag FsME has been reset to 0 in step 9 in the initial loading state of the battery BAT and in the on state of the first stroke switch sw1, the routine proceeds to step 43.

[Step 43] The flag FsAB indicating whether or not the pressing operation of the auto bracket switch swABR has been performed is determined.
As in step 42, the flag FsME is set in step 9
Has been reset to 0, jump to step 21.

In this way, the switch lid 6 is opened, and nothing is executed if only the ON signal of the switch swSET is input.

Next, the case where the pressing operation of the auto bracket switch swABR is performed once from the above-described state will be described. When the pressing operation of the auto bracket switch swABR is performed, an ON signal is input to the input port PA11 accordingly. Then the program proceeds from step 40 to step 44.

[Step 44] It is determined whether or not the content of the register RGTM is in the valve mode. If it is in valve mode, it will return to the start and will not enter auto bracket mode. If not in valve mode,
Go to step 45.

[Step 45] The flag FsAB indicating that the auto bracket switch swABR is turned on is set to 1, and the flag FsME indicating that the multiple shooting switch swME is turned on is reset to 0.

[Step 46] The outputs of the output ports PTD, PFL, PABR, PME, PFD are set to "0", and the displays of the display devices SEG1 to SEG5 are all turned off. Next, set only the output of the output port PABR to "1" and
Turn on the SEG3 auto bracket mark. As a result, the photographer can clearly know that the auto bracket mode has been set.

[Step 47] The flag FABR indicating that the auto bracket mode has been set is set to 1.

[Step 48] Similar to step 23 or step 27, the information reading routine associated with the operation of the dial 5 is executed. In this case, in step 80, for example, dial 5
If the step number information of 0.5 is set by,
If the number of stages is 5,0,0.5, and if 1 is set, "-1,
The preset auto bracket shooting will be performed with the exposure automatically changed by the number of steps "0, 1". In addition, the shooting with the number of steps of "-0.5, 0, 0.5" is
The standard exposure value calculated by calculation is -0.5 steps below the exposure value, the standard exposure value, and the standard exposure value is 0.5 steps above the exposure value. It means to be performed continuously.

[Step 49] The contents of the bracket step number register RGBR and the contents of the dial are added and stored again in the register RGBR. As described above, the minimum resolution by one click of the dial 5 can be freely set in every 0.5 steps or every step. If the resolution of the shutter speed is different from that of the aperture value, a program for multiplying the contents of the register RGBR by an integer may be inserted. Since this is not related to the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the contents of the register RGBR are output from the output port PFD, and the display SEG5 displays a numerical value indicating the number of stages, for example, "0.5". The decoder FD and display SEG5 used at this time are also used for aperture display. The aperture value is decoded from Av of the apex value to the F number, and the decoding of the auto bracket is performed every 0.5 steps, for example. However, if the output from the output port PFD has, for example, 5 bits, 32 types of data can be sent. There are 14 types in total for 0.5 steps in F32, 11 types in total for 0.5 steps in 0 to 5 for auto bracket, 30 types in total, 31 types including blank code, and output data to output port PFD. The decoder FD can determine which information is added by adding a certain constant when sending, and an appropriate numerical value can be displayed.

[Step 50] The flag FME indicating whether or not the multiple shooting mode is set is determined. When not in the multiple shooting mode, it returns to the start. If it is in the multiple shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 51.

[Step 51] The content of the multiplex photographing count register RGME is set to "3". This is because the number of times of auto bracket shooting is set to 3 times in advance, so even if the number of times of multiple shooting is set arbitrarily, it is forced to 3 times to prevent the photographer from operating mistakes and to prevent erroneous exposure. This is to eliminate the danger.
Then the program returns to the start. Also, switch once
When the swABR ON signal is input, step 45 follows.
Since the flag FsAB is set to 1, the program will continue from step 40 → step even if the off signal of swABR is input.
41 → step 42 → step 43 → step 48, and it is possible to continue to maintain the auto bracket step number change mode on the dial 5, and the photographer should operate the dial 5 with the pressing operation of the switch swABR stopped. Is possible.

The automatic bracket step number changing mode can be released by turning on the first stroke switch sw1 or by closing the switch lid 6 and turning off the switch swSET.
That is, when the ON signal of the first stroke switch sw1 is input, step 1 → step 2 → step 3 → ...
The program advances, the flag FsAB is reset to 0 in step 9, and the display is also switched to the normal display in step 10. When the off signal of the switch swSET is input,
In the course of the program which proceeds in the order of step 20 → step 21 → step 30 → step 31, the auto bracket mark display disappears in step 30, the flag FsAB is reset in step 31 and the auto bracket step number changing mode does not proceed again.

Next, the exposure calculation in the auto bracket mode will be described. In the shutter priority mode, the contents of the bracket step number register RGBR are stored in the aperture bracket step number register RGBA as described in step 6, and in the shutter priority mode and the manual exposure mode, the shutter is set as described in step 14. Each of them is stored in the bracket step number register RGBT. At step 7, since the auto bracket mode is set and the flag FABR is set to 1, the routine proceeds to step 52.

[Step 52] It is determined whether or not the content of the bracket step number register RGBR is zero. If the content is zero, three shots are taken with the same exposure (standard exposure in the embodiment), which is meaningless, and therefore auto bracket shooting must be prohibited. Therefore, in this case, step 53
Go to.

[Step 53] Flag FA indicating auto bracket mode
BR is reset to 0. Also, set the output of output port PABR to "0".
To turn off the auto bracket mark display.

Next, by proceeding to step 8, the auto bracket exposure calculation is not performed, the flag FsAB is reset to 0, and a normal routine is executed.

In step 52, the bracket step number register RG
If the content of BR is not zero, it is necessary to calculate the exposure and display the auto bracket mark with the step number information, so the routine proceeds to step 54.

[Step 54] Set the output of the output port PABR to "1" and display the auto bracket mark. This is because when the switch swSET is turned off by closing the switch lid 6 from the auto bracket mode setting state, all the display is erased in step 30, so it is necessary to turn it on again when the first stroke switch sw1 is turned on. Because there is.

[Switch 55] It is determined whether or not the first stroke switch sw1 is turned on. If it is on, proceed to step 56.

[Step 56] The contents of the aperture information register RGAv and the contents of the aperture bracket stage number register RGBA are added and stored again in the register RGAv. Also, shutter information register RGTv
And the contents of the shutter bracket stage number register RGBT are added and stored again in the register RGTv. This means that the aperture information calculated in the shutter priority mode and the shutter time information calculated in the aperture priority mode are changed according to the number of auto bracket steps. That is, if the number of auto bracket steps is set so as not to become a negative number at the time of step 49, the value after the calculation at step 56 is the exposure value on the under side of the standard exposure value. Also, in the manual exposure mode, since the same step 14 as in the aperture priority mode is passed, the shutter speed is changed and the aperture value is not changed unlike the conventional camera.
It enables auto bracket shooting with a constant depth of field and switching exposure only.

When it is determined in step 55 that the first stroke switch sw1 is off, the exposure metering timer is operating, so the exposure calculation in step 56 is not performed and the standard exposure value is displayed in step 10. It will be. Even in this case, since the first stroke of the release button 1 is always performed when shooting, step 56 is always passed, so there is no problem in auto bracket shooting.

As described above, in the auto bracket mode, when the first stroke switch sw1 is turned on, the exposure value when the auto bracket is applied, that is, the exposure value on the under side is displayed, and the metering timer operation is performed. The standard exposure value will be displayed. This allows the photographer to easily recognize the exposure value of the auto bracket.

Next, a case where the valve mode is set by operating the dial 5 after setting the auto bracket mode will be described.
Since bracket shooting with valve shooting is basically meaningless, it is more effective to cancel the auto bracket mode. Therefore, if it is determined in step 25 that the valve mode is set, the process proceeds to step 57.

[Step 57] Set the output of the output port PABR to "0" and turn off the auto bracket mark display. It also resets the auto bracket mode flag FABR to 0.

Next, the setting of the multiple shooting mode will be described. When the ON signal of the switch swME is input in conjunction with the opening of the switch lid 6, the process proceeds from step 41 to step 60.

[Step 60] The flag FsME indicating that the multiple shooting step swME is turned on is set to 1. Further, the flag FsAB indicating that the auto bracket switch swABR is turned on is reset to 0.

[Step 61] The outputs of the output ports PTD, PFL, PABR, PME, PFD are set to "0", and all the displays are turned off. Next output port
The output of PME only is set to "1" and the multiple shooting mode mark is displayed on the display SEG4.

[Step 62] The flag FME indicating the multiple shooting mode is set to 1.

[Step 63] It is determined whether or not the auto bracket mode is set. If in auto bracket mode, proceed to step 64.

[Step 64] Since the auto bracket mode is set, the number of multiple shootings is forcibly set to 3 as in step 51.
That is, the content of the register RGME for multiple shooting number is set to "3".

If the auto bracket mode is not set in step 63, the process proceeds to step 65.

[Step 65] Similar to step 48 and the like, the information reading routine associated with the dial operation is executed.

[Step 66] The contents of the multiplex register RGME and the contents of the dial register RGH are added and stored again in the register RGME. Since the number of times of multiplexing is an integer, if the resolution of one click of the dial 5 is 0.5 steps, the contents of the dial register RGH will be doubled before addition. Further, it is necessary to prevent the contents of the register RGH from being a negative number, but it is omitted here.

[Step 67] The contents of the multiplex count register RGME are output from the output port PFD and displayed on the display SEG5.

Then the program returns to the start. Also, switch once
When the swME ON signal is input, the flag is set in step 60.
Since FsME is set to 1, then switch swME
Step 41 → Step 42 →
Proceeding to step 63, it becomes possible to maintain the multiple shooting number setting mode. Switch swME switches from auto bracket step number change mode to multiplex shooting setting mode.
Switch on once, and vice versa, switch sw
It is clear from the flow of FIG. 7 that it is sufficient to turn on the ABR once.

Next, if the number of times of multiplex is set once and then the number of times of multiplex is set to zero (0), it is necessary to cancel the multiplex shooting mode and turn off the multiplex shooting mark. This program has the flag FME set to 1 in step 8, so
This is done by proceeding to step 68.

[Step 68] If the content of the multiplex shooting count register RGME is zero, the process proceeds to step 69.

[Step 69] The flag FME indicating the multiple shooting mode is reset to 0. In addition, the output of the output port PME is set to "0", and the multiple shooting mark display is turned off.

When the content of the register RGME for multiple shooting times is not zero in step 68, the process proceeds to step 70.

[Step 70] The output of the output port PME is set to "1" and the multiple shooting mark is displayed. This is because all the displays are turned off in step 30, so that the photographer is informed that the multiple shooting mode is set when the first stroke of the release button 1 is made again.

As described above, the preparation stage for photographing is completed.

Next, the sequence after the second stroke of the release button 1 is performed will be described. When the second stroke of the release button 1 is performed and the ON signal (release signal) of the second stroke switch sw2 is input to the input port PA1, the process proceeds from step 11 in FIG. 7 to step 100 in FIG.

[Step 100] Whether the auto bracket mode is set is determined by the state of the flag FABR. If it is the auto bracket mode, proceed to step 101, otherwise proceed to step 102.

[Step 101] Set the output of the output port PFL to "1" and make the auto bracket mark on the display SEG3 blink.
As a result, the photographer can surely know that the auto bracket shooting has started.

[Step 102] It is determined whether the ON signal of the self-switch SELF is input to the input port PA6. If the ON signal is input, it means that the image is taken by the self-timer, so the process proceeds to step 103, and if not, the process proceeds to step 104.

[Step 103] The self-timer measures 10 seconds.

[Step 104] The contents of the aperture information register RGAv are output from the output port PAV. As a result, the diaphragm control drive circuit DAV converts the contents of the register RGAv into actual diaphragm information, and starts diaphragm control via the diaphragm driving actuator CAV such as a stepping motor.

[Step 105] A pulse signal is output from the output port PE0, the transistor TR0 is turned on, and the magnet MG for mirror up, which is the first combination magnet.
Energize 0. As a result, the mirror is raised by the known spring force.

[Step 106] It is determined whether or not the ON signal of the switch swMRUP for detecting the end of mirror up is input to the input port PA2. Here, this loop is repeated until the ON signal is input, that is, until the mirror is completely raised, and when it is completely raised, the routine proceeds to step 107.

[Step 107] Since the content of the shutter information register RGTv is an apex value, it is converted (decompressed) into real-time data.
To do.

[Step 108] A pulse signal is output from the output port PE1 to turn on the transistor TR1 to energize the shutter front curtain magnet MG1. As a result, the shutter front curtain runs.

[Step 109] It is determined whether the content of the register RGTM is in the valve mode. If it is in the valve mode, go to step 110, otherwise go to step 111.

[Step 110] Wait until the off signal of the second stroke switch sw2 is input. This is because the valve mode is set, and therefore the shutter needs to be opened while the ON signal of the second stroke switch sw2 is input.

[Step 111] Since it is not the valve mode, step 107
The real time is counted by the data expanded by and the calculated shutter time is measured.

[Step 112] When the real time counting ends, a pulse signal is output from the output port PE2 to turn on the transistor TR2 to energize the shutter rear curtain magnet MG2.
As a result, the shutter rear curtain runs.

[Step 113] Shutter rear curtain switch on input port PA5
It is determined whether or not the swCN2 ON signal is input. Here, this loop is repeated until the ON signal is input, that is, until the traveling of the shutter rear curtain is completed, and when completed, the routine proceeds to step 114.

[Step 114] The output of the output port PAV is set to "0". As a result, the diaphragm returns to the open state.

[Step 115] The output of the output port PD is set to "1" and the transistor TR3 is turned on to rotate the charging motor MD for mirror down and shutter charging.

[Step 116] Whether the multiple shooting mode is set or not is determined based on the state of the flag FME. If the multiple shooting mode, go to step 117, otherwise go to step 120.
Go to.

[Step 117] 1 from the contents of the multiplex number register RGME
Is subtracted and stored again in the register RGME.

[Step 118] It is determined whether or not the content of the multiplex number register RGME is zero. If it is zero, go to step 119,
If it is not zero, the process proceeds to step 121.

[Step 119] The fact that the content of the multiplex number register RGME is 0 means that the multiplex shooting has ended.
The flag FME indicating the multiple shooting mode is reset to 0.
In addition, the output of the output port PME is set to "0" and the multiple shooting mark display is turned off.

[Step 120] Start a film feeding timer. Also, set the output of output port PB to "1"
Turn on TR5 and rotate the film feeding motor MB.

When the multiplex shooting mode is continued, the content of the multiplex number register RGME is not zero, and therefore the process proceeds from step 118 to step 121, and step 120 is not passed, so that no film is fed. Therefore, multiple shooting is performed. When the multiple shooting is completed, the content of the register RGME becomes zero, so that the film is fed in step 120 after releasing the multiple shooting mode as described above.

[Step 121] It is determined whether or not the ON signal of the charge completion detection switch swCGE is input to the input port PA3. When the ON signal is not input, that is, when the charging is not completed, the process proceeds to step 123, and when the charging is completed, the process proceeds to step 122.

[Step 122] Since charging is complete, output port P
The output of D is set to "0", and the power supply to the charging motor MD is cut off.

[Step 123] It is determined whether or not the ON signal of the switch swFLM, which is turned on each time the feeding of one film of film is completed, is input to the input port PA4. No ON signal is input,
That is, if the feeding of one frame of film has not been completed, the process proceeds to step 124, and if completed, the process proceeds to step 125.

[Step 124] The state of the film feeding timer is determined. When the film is finished, the film cannot be fed any more, so that the switch swFLM is not turned on. In such a case, the time counting by the film feeding timer, which is a one-second timer, is finished. Step when the time is over
When it is not completed, the process returns to step 121, and the above sequence (step 121 → step 123) is repeated.

[Step 125] When it is detected in step 123 that the off signal of the switch swFLM is input, the output of the output port PB is set to "0", the transistor TR5 is turned off, and the film feeding motor MB is stopped.

[Step 126] Whether the auto bracket mode is set is determined by the state of the flag FABR. If it is not the auto bracket mode, the process proceeds to step 132, and if it is, the process proceeds to step 127.

[Step 127] It is determined whether or not auto bracket shooting has been performed three times. As described above, the auto bracket shooting is a shooting continuously performed with three exposure values of under, standard, and over, so if the shooting is not completed three times, the process proceeds to step 128.

[Step 128] Subtract the contents of the aperture bracket step register RGBA from the contents of the aperture information register RGAv,
It is again stored in the register RGAv. Further, the content of the shutter bracket stage number register RGBT is subtracted from the content of the shutter time information register RGTv, and the result is stored again in the register RGTv. Similar to step 56 in FIG. 7, the same program may be used in shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes.
This is because the contents of BA and RGBT have been changed. It should be clear from this arithmetic expression (subtraction formula) that the second exposure is the standard exposure and the third exposure is the overexposure.

[Step 129] Register RGAv, R from output ports PFD, PTD
The contents of GTv are output and the shutter speed information and aperture value information at this time are displayed.

Then the program jumps to NEXT2, step 104. That is, regardless of whether the second stroke switch sw2 is on or off (regardless of whether or not a release signal is generated), the next shooting is started. Further, even if the photographing at this time is in the self mode, the self-timer is not executed for the second and third times and the next photographing is started.

[Step 130] It is determined whether or not the off signal of the first stroke switch sw1 is input. At this time, if the OFF signal is not input, step 128, step 129
You can see the display calculated in. In other words, at this time, the final overexposure value can be confirmed.
Therefore, by checking the first underexposure value in the discrimination display in step 55, all the underexposure values, standard values, and overexposure values during auto bracket shooting can be confirmed in the shooting sequence. Is possible. When the off signal of the first stroke switch sw1 is input, the routine proceeds to step 131.

[Step 131] Flag F indicating auto bracket mode
Reset ABR to 0. Also, set the output of output port PFL to "0".
To turn off the blinking display of the auto bracket mark.

Then the program goes back to start and goes into standby mode.

Next, the case where the auto bracket mode is not set will be described. In this case, since the flag FABR is 0, step 12
Proceed to step 132 from step 6.

[Step 132] Switch swCS input to input port PA7
The continuous shooting mode or the single shooting mode is discriminated from the ON / OFF state of. In the case of the continuous shooting mode, the process returns to the start. In this case, the release button 1 is pressed,
Since the ON signals of the second stroke switches sw1 and sw2 have been input, the next shooting starts. In the case of the single shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 133.

[Step 133] Wait for the off signal of the first stroke switch sw1 to be input. Since the mode is the single shooting mode, the next shooting sequence does not proceed unless the photographer stops pressing the release button 1. When the off signal is input, the process returns to the start.

Next, a case where the film is finished in the middle of shooting will be described. In this case, as described above, the time counting by the film timer, which is, for example, a one-second timer, is completed, so that step 124
To Step 150.

[Step 150] The output of the output port PC is set to "1", the transistor TR5 is turned on, and the rewinding motor MC is rotated. Thereby, the rewinding of the film is started.

[Step 151] A rewind timer used to detect whether or not the film rewinding is completed is started.

[Step 152] It is determined whether or not the state of the film switch swFLM has changed. If there is a change, the process returns to step 151 to restart the rewind timer. If there is no change, go to step 153.

[Step 153] It is determined whether or not the rewind timer has finished counting. If not completed, step 152
Return to.

As can be seen from the above, the loop of steps 152 and 153 is advanced during the feeding of one frame, and when the completion of feeding of one frame is detected, the process proceeds from step 152 to step 151, and this loop is performed when the film is rewound. I will repeat. After that, when all the film is rolled up in the cartridge, for example, the cartridge stops rotating and the film switch sw
FLM state change disappears. When this is detected, the process proceeds to step 154.

[Step 154] The output of the output port PC is set to "0", the transistor TR5 is turned off, and the rewinding motor MC is stopped. This completes the rewinding of the film.

[Step 155] Flag F indicating auto bracket mode
Reset ABR to 0. Also, set the output of output port PFL to "0".
To turn off the blinking display of the auto bracket mark.

Then the program returns to the start.

Also, during auto bracket shooting, that is, 3
If you have to shoot continuously, but the film ends in the middle, step 15 at the first or second frame.
The routine after 0 is entered. In such a case, if auto bracket shooting is continued on the newly loaded film, there is a risk that the subject will be different and the photographer may misunderstand, so at the same time notifying the photographer of that, It is desirable to cancel the auto bracket mode. Looking at this in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the steps
When the film is finished after the blinking display of the auto bracket mark in 101, the film rewinding is automatically performed. While this film rewinding is in progress, the blinking display of the auto bracket mark has not been canceled yet. Therefore, by displaying the auto bracket mark that is not normally displayed during the film rewind,
The photographer can know that the film has ended without completely ending the auto bracket shooting. That is, the warning is displayed. Further, since the flag FABR indicating the auto bracket mode is reset to 0 in step 155, there is no inconvenience that the auto bracket shooting is continued on the newly loaded film as in the conventional camera.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform exposure level information and auto bracket mode setting for each shooting during auto bracket shooting through a series of operations (step 20 → step 40 → ... step 49), and The auto bracket mode can also be released during the above series of operations, that is, by setting zero in step 48, it will be automatically released in the subsequent step 52 → step 53. It is not necessary to perform by separate operation members or to remember complicated operation procedures, and the risk of operation error can be reduced.

In addition, setting the amount of change in the exposure level to zero means taking many pictures at the same level. Since such shooting is not basically auto bracket shooting, the auto bracket mode is released. That is inevitable.

(Effect of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, it is detected whether or not the information regarding the set amount of change in the exposure level is zero, and when the information is zero, auto bracket shooting is blocked. By doing so, it is possible to prevent useless shooting of a plurality of images at the same exposure level.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart thereof, and FIG. 3 is a microcomputer installed in a camera incorporating the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and its peripherals. FIG. 4 is a front view of the camera, FIG. 5 is a top view of the same, FIG. 6 is a back view of the same, and FIGS. 1 ... Release button, 2, 3 ... Operating lever, 4 ... Exposure mode selection knob, 5 ... Dial, 6 ... Switch lid,
7: Storage section, swABR: Auto bracket switch, s
wME ... Multiple shooting switch, COM ... Microcomputer, TD, AD, FD ... Decoder, SEG1 to SEG5 ... Display, DI
F: Dial interface circuit, MB, MC, MD: Motor, 101: Auto bracket mode setting means, 102 ...
... mode storage means 103 ... auto bracket photographing control means 104 ... level change amount setting means 105 ... level change amount storage means 106 ... level change amount zero detection means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A mode setting means for setting an auto bracket mode, an information setting means for manually setting information relating to a change amount of an exposure level in auto bracket shooting, and an auto bracket mode set by the mode setting means. Auto bracket shooting control means for adjusting the exposure level each time according to the information set by the information setting means to perform a plurality of shootings when set, and information on the amount of change in the exposure level Exposure control apparatus for a camera, which includes a blocking unit that blocks the auto bracket shooting when the information indicates that the amount of change is zero.