JPH08101424A - Camera with blink detection function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] Without causing the camera to be large, the actual damage to malfunctions caused by blinking (improper shooting,
Wasteful power consumption). [Constitution] When the blink detection means 1, 25, 26, 32 detect the blink intended by the photographer, a start-up function for designating a function to be started according to the operation mode selected by the mode selection means 7. When the blinking intended by the photographer is detected, the designating unit 1 is provided to designate a function having a large influence of malfunction or a function having a small influence of malfunction according to the operation mode at that time. There is.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a camera with a blink detection function that activates a predetermined function by detecting an intended blink of an eyeball.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an eyelid closure identification device which has two light sources, compares reflected light from an eye with reflected light from a reflecting mirror, and determines that the eyes are closed when the numbers match during a predetermined period ( US Pat. No. 4,397,531) or a blink detection device of this kind is provided in a camera, and the sequence (release) of the camera is advanced by blink detection (JP-A-5-4).
No. 0303) has been proposed.

Further, the camera is equipped with a line-of-sight detection device, and when the eye-gaze position moves from a predetermined first position to a second position in the finder, a camera release or a distance measuring point is selected by the line-of-sight. , Which performs release by moving a line of sight from a focus point in a predetermined direction (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-42
No. 156526), and further, when the focusing point is watched for a predetermined time, the shutter is released (JP-A-5-100148).
No.) is proposed.

Further, as a device capable of inputting information by blinking other than a camera, a device has been proposed in which 50 sounds are displayed on a CRT and the cursor is sequentially moved by blinking so that characters at a stopped position can be input. .

Further, when the applicant of the present application detects a blink that is conscious of, the predetermined function is started, or the function selected by previously selecting one from a plurality of functions by another member is started. A camera with a blink detection function has been proposed.

In the configuration in which the predetermined function of the camera is activated by detecting the blinking, the function activated by the blinking is singular.
By making it possible to select one of the plurality of functions in advance, it is possible to select a function that is frequently used by the photographer, and it is possible to realize a camera that is easy to handle.

[0007]

Problems to be solved by the present invention in the structure in which the predetermined function of the camera is activated by detecting the blinking described above are as follows.

Since a single function is activated by blinking, it is possible to realize a camera having operability according to the photographer's preference by making it possible to select one of the plurality of functions in advance.

On the other hand, as functions that can be activated by blinking, "camera release operation", "shooting screen size switching", "strobe light emission mode switching", etc. can be considered. These functions differ greatly in the effects of malfunctions.

For example, a "camera release operation" has a great influence. This is because if a malfunction occurs, the film is wasted or it is impossible to capture the original photo opportunity. On the other hand, in "switching of shooting screen size", "switching of stroboscopic light emission mode", etc., it is sufficient to switch again even if it is accidentally switched, and its influence is small.

When the function activated by blinking is selected by another member on the basis of the above-mentioned premise, all selectable functions have the same level of selection operability regardless of the magnitude of the influence of malfunction. As a result, there is a high probability that the photographer forgets the selected function and causes a malfunction due to careless blinking.

When the function activated by blinking can be selected by another member in advance, it is necessary to install a switching member for that purpose on the outer surface of the camera, which not only makes the operability complicated but also A space for installing the members is required, which impairs the compactness of the camera.

(Object of the Invention) A first object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a blink detection function capable of reducing the actual damage to malfunction due to careless blinking without inviting an increase in the size of the camera. That is.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a blink detection function which achieves the above first object and which is easy to use and reflects the will of the photographer.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a blink detection function, which achieves the first object and is capable of taking a picture freely incorporating a photographer's intention and a photographing scene. Is.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a blink detection function which achieves the first object and allows the photographer to visually recognize the function to be activated.

[0017]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention according to claims 1 to 7 selects a mode when the blinking intended by the photographer is detected by the blinking detecting means. If the blinking intended by the photographer is detected, the activation function designating means for designating the function to be activated is provided in accordance with the operation mode selected by the means, and a new operation member is not provided at that time. Depending on the operation mode, the function having a large influence of malfunction or the function having a small influence of malfunction is designated.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention according to claim 2 is specified by a starting function specifying means.
A function selecting means for selecting a function to be activated according to the operation mode from a plurality of functions is provided. For example, the function selecting means is configured as an external operation member, and a plurality of functions that can be activated in a certain operation mode are provided. In some cases, an arbitrary function to be activated is selected from a plurality of external operations.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned third object, the present invention according to claim 6 is provided with a start prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of a predetermined function by blinking, and even if the intended blink is made, the start inhibiting means. When the prohibition of activation is instructed by, the activation by blinking is not performed.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned fourth object, the present invention according to claim 7 has a plurality of display portions for displaying a startable function, and displays the display portion corresponding to the designated function. A display means for performing is provided so that the activated function is displayed in, for example, the finder.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below based on the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a camera with a blink detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a system controller for performing sequence control and calculation, 2 is a ROM for storing programs and data, and 3 is an RA for storing data.
M, 4 are photometric circuits for measuring the light amount of the subject, 5 are distance measuring circuits for measuring the distance to the subject, 6 is a shutter driver for driving the shutter for exposing the film, and 7 is attached to the back cover of the camera. The mode dial 7 is a rotary substrate that rotates coaxially with the mode dial 7, 9, 10 and 11.
Is a brush that detects the pattern of the rotating substrate. 12,
Reference numerals 13 and 14 denote switches for detecting the set position of the mode dial 7 formed by the rotating substrate 8 and the brushes 9 to 11, and DS0, DS1 and DS2 of the system controller 1.
Connected to each port.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a release switch for instructing exposure on the film, which is connected to the RLS port of the system controller 1. Reference numeral 16 denotes a photographing screen size changeover switch, which is connected to the PAN port of the system controller 1. Reference numeral 17 denotes a plunger driver that drives a plunger (not shown) that sets a shading frame for panorama in the shooting screen, and 18 denotes a panorama shading plate (18a or 18a or 18a or 18b), 19 is a film, 20 is a shutter, 21 is a taking lens, 22 is a diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light, and 23 is a diaphragm 22.
Is a stepping motor for driving, and 24 is a diaphragm driver for driving the stepping motor 23.

Reference numeral 25 is an SP for detecting the reflected light from the eyeball.
D and 26 are light-shielding masks that define the detection area on the eyeball,
Reference numeral 27 is a light receiving lens, 28 is a detection area of the SPD 15 on the eye, 29 is an operational amplifier, and 30 is a resistor. 31 is A
This is a D converter, and the AD-converted (analog / digital-converted) data is input to the system controller 1. Reference numeral 32 is an iRED for eyeball illumination, and 33 is a constant current driver thereof. Reference numeral 34 is a timer for generating an interrupt of a predetermined cycle, and the count enable signal of the timer 34 is inputted from the TEN terminal of the system controller 1,
When the predetermined count ends, the carry causes an interrupt (INTT) of a predetermined cycle in the system controller 1.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera having the above-mentioned structure as seen from above the front surface. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera of FIG. 2 as seen from below the rear surface thereof. In FIG. 3, 35 is the back cover of the camera and 36a to 36f are the back cover 33 on which the mode dial 7 is installed. It is a dial mode display printed on the outer periphery of the mode dial 7. 36a is a main switch off mode (OFF mode) of the camera, 36b is an automatic exposure program mode (P mode), 36c is a shutter speed priority automatic exposure mode (Tv mode), 36d is an aperture value priority automatic exposure mode (Av mode), 36e shows the state of the manual exposure mode (M mode), and 36f shows the state of the blink release mode (RL mode). Reference numeral 37 is a finder eyepiece lens.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the viewfinder eyepiece of the camera. In FIG. 4, an iRED 32 which is an eyeball illuminating element for blink detection and a light receiving lens 27 for reflected light detection are shown.
Is installed below the finder eyepiece lens 37 and detects reflected light of the eyeball at a slightly elevated angle with respect to the eyeball to which the eye is attached.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of the amount of light received by the SPD 25, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the detection area on the eye when blinking is not performed, and FIG. 7 is blinking and the eyelids are closed. It is a figure which shows the state at the time. In addition, in FIG. 7, 38 is an upper eyelid.

Here, a method of detecting the mode set by the mode dial 7 will be briefly described.

The mode dial 7 rotates coaxially with the rotating substrate 8. A conductive pattern is formed on the rotating substrate 8 at a predetermined angle, and a 3-bit switch is formed by the brushes 9, 10, 11 fixed to a predetermined portion of the back cover 35 at the stopped position, and the system controller is formed. Read in 1.

In FIG. 8, DS0 (12), DS1 (1
3) and DS2 (14) shows the correspondence between the state of each switch and the mode in that state. Here, each mode except the OFF mode indicates the automatic exposure mode of the camera.
Since the details of each mode are not the main points here, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the system controller 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9 and the timing chart of FIG.

When the mode dial 7 provided on the back cover 35 is turned and set to a state other than the OFF mode, an interruption occurs in the system controller 1 and step # in FIG.
The operation starts from 1. [Step # 1] The iRED 32 for eyeball illumination is turned on. [Step # 2] The external timer (TEX) 34 starts counting.

The operation of the external timer (TEX) 25 will be described.

The external timer (TEX) 34 is a freelance counter which counts up at a predetermined time interval when it is set in an operable state (enable state) by the system controller 1. The count-up signal is input to the external interrupt terminal of the system controller 1 and operates so as to generate an external interrupt every predetermined time. [Step # 3] N array variables SIG are defined. [Step # 4] The value of the count value (C) of the average calculation number counter is reset to 1. [Step # 5] The system controller 1 enters a HALT state in which it does not operate.

In this state, when the external timer (TEX) 34 counts up in a predetermined cycle, a timer interrupt is generated in the system controller 1 and the stem controller 1 starts the operations after step # 6. [Step # 6] AD the amount of light received by the SPD 25
Convert.

The operation here will be briefly described.
The light-receiving current received by is converted into current / voltage by the operational amplifier 29 and the resistor 30, and is input to the AD converter 31. The voltage value quantized with a predetermined resolution by the AD converter is input to the system controller 1. It goes without saying that the AD converter 31 is hardware-controlled in timing by the system controller 1. [Step # 7] The AD conversion result is stored in the array variable SIG (C). [Step # 8] The average value (SUMA
The rate of change of the stored array variable SIG (C) with respect to V) is obtained and compared with a predetermined value (R). As a result, if the change rate is larger than the predetermined rate (R), the process proceeds to step # 9,
If it is smaller, proceed to step # 25.

Here, it is assumed that the change rate is larger than the predetermined rate (R). [Step # 9] The CHINH flag is checked to see if it is the blink input prohibition period. [Step # 10] The operating state of the internal timer (TIX) of the system controller 1 is confirmed. If it is in operation, the process proceeds to step # 11, and if it is stopped, the process proceeds to step # 20. [Step # 11] The count value of the internal timer (TIX) is checked. If the count value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (A), the process proceeds to step # 12, and if it is less than the predetermined value (A), the process proceeds to step # 19. [Step # 12] The setting state of the mode dial 7 for setting the function triggered by blinking is determined. If it is set to "RL mode", step # 14
Proceed to step # if other than RL mode is set
Proceed to 13.

First, the case where the screen size switching is set will be described.

The screen size can be switched by a plunger (not shown).
The full-size screen and the panoramic screen covering a part thereof are alternately switched by energizing the plunger.

More specifically, when a plunger driver (not shown) is driven by the plunger driver 17, the panoramic shading plates 18a and 18b move in and out of the photographing screen, the screen frame is switched, and the screen size is set. Needless to say, the screen state before size switching is stored, and when blinking is detected, the process of switching to the other screen is performed. The details of the screen switching mechanism will not be described here because it is not the main point here.

After the above screen size switching, step # 1
Proceed to 7.

On the other hand, in step # 12, the release by blinking with the mode dial 7 (RL mode)
If is set, the release process after step # 14 is performed. [Step # 14] The photometric circuit 4 measures the brightness of the subject. [Step # 15] The distance measuring circuit 5 measures the distance from the camera to the subject. [Step # 16] The opening time of the shutter 20 and the aperture amount of the aperture 22 are determined based on the exposure amount calculated by the subject brightness measured by the photometric circuit 4 and the sensitivity of the film 19 loaded.

Here, depending on the setting position of the mode dial 7, the shutter speed and the aperture value are changed at the same time in the "P mode", the shutter speed is designated by the photographer in advance, and the aperture value is set according to the required exposure amount calculated. Shutter speed priority “Tv mode” to be determined, conversely Aperture priority “Av mode” to determine the aperture value in advance and to determine the shutter speed according to the exposure amount, and the photographer can arbitrarily set the shutter speed and aperture value. It goes without saying that one of the "M modes" is discriminated and exposure control is performed on the film corresponding to the detected mode position.

Further, a detailed description of a method in which the photographer arbitrarily sets the shutter speed or the aperture value is omitted.

After the exposure, the film feeding means (not shown)
To feed one frame of film. After driving the shutter 20 or the diaphragm 22, the process proceeds to step # 17. [Step # 17] Blink detection inhibition flag (CHI
NH) is set. [Step # 18] Reset the internal timer (TIX). [Step # 19] The value of the average calculation sampling counter (C) is incremented by 1. [Step # 21] The mode setting state of the mode dial 7 is determined. Steps other than OFF mode # 24
If it is the OFF mode, the process proceeds to step # 22.

First, the case where it is determined that the mode is the OFF mode will be described. [Step # 22] External interrupt timer (TEX) 34
Stop counting. [Step # 23] The iRED 32 for eyeball illumination is turned off, and the process ends.

Next, if the dial mode 7 is set to a mode other than the OFF mode in step # 21, the process proceeds to step # 24 as described above. [Step # 24] The value of the average calculation sampling counter (C) is determined. As a result, if the number of arrays (N) defined in step # 3 is less than H in step # 5.
When the number of arrays (N) is exceeded, the process proceeds to step # 4 and the sampling counter (C) is reset.

On the other hand, in step # 8, the array variable SIG with respect to the average value (SUMAV) of the past predetermined period is
When it is determined that the change rate of (C) is smaller than the predetermined value (R), the process proceeds to step # 25 as described above. [Step # 25] Reset the internal timer (TIX). [Step # 26] Blink detection inhibition flag (CHI
NH) is reset. [Step # 27] Average value of the past predetermined period (SUMA
V) is calculated.

This calculation is based on the number of past samples (N)
The number of samples is divided by the number of samples (N) to obtain the total number of samples. Then, it progresses to step # 19.

The description has been given above according to the flow chart.
Here, the blink detection method will be described more specifically.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, the detection area on the eyeball of the SPD 25 is defined by the light receiving lens 27 and the field mask 26 as indicated by 28 in the figure. When the eyelids are open, the detection area 28 corresponds to the pupil part, the iris part, or the white eye (sclera part) of the eyeball. On the other hand, when the eyelids are closed, the upper eyelids 38 are detected as shown in FIG.

Since the upper eyelid 38 is closer to the detection system than the eyeball, and since this detection system illuminates with infrared light, the reflectance variation due to the skin is small and the reflectance is higher than on the eyeball. As a result, the amount of reflected light increases when the eyelids are closed. Further, the opening and closing of the eyelids when blinking is characterized by a momentary vertical movement like a shutter. Since there is little difference in the vertical movement speed depending on the person, the change in the reflected light amount is a change including a predetermined frequency component.

Therefore, as a method of catching the light amount change characteristic during blinking, the detected light amount value and a predetermined number of past samplings are stored (step # 7), and the average (SUMAV) of them is always calculated (step # 27). ) Do. Then, the change rate of the detected light intensity value with respect to the past average is calculated (step # 8), and the calculated change rate is compared with a predetermined rate (R) (step # 8). When the blinking is determined and the changed state thereafter continues for a predetermined period [internal timer (TIX) count value], a predetermined function is triggered by the setting state of the mode dial 7.

In the RL mode (the position of the mode dial 7 in FIG. 3 is 36f), the release is performed (step # 14).
~ # 16), the photographing screen size is changed in other modes (step # 13).

Further, once the conscious blink is detected, the blink detection prohibition flag (CHIN) is set so that the next trigger is not performed unless the received light amount thereafter becomes a predetermined value or less.
H) is set (step # 17) and controlled.

The light amount change characteristic associated with blinking is determined by the interrupt period by the external timer (TEX) 34, the past average calculation count (N) of the light amount value, and the change ratio (R) with respect to the past average value. The blink maintaining time is determined by an internal timer (TIX).

The light amount change detection characteristic is determined by the size of the blink detection area 28 with respect to the eyeball, the distance between the eyeball and the detection system, the moving speed of the eyelid when the eye blinks. In addition, the detection and maintenance time is about 1 for unconscious blinks.
It is known that the opening and closing of the eyelid is completed in 00 to 150 msec, and it is considered preferable to set the eyelid to be longer than this, for example, to be about 200 to 300 msec, in order to discriminate between this and blinking.

In the timing chart of FIG.
(A) and (B) show the case of unintentional blinking, and (C) shows the change in reflected light amount when the photographer consciously blinks.

Further, in this structure, since the release switch 15 and the photographing screen size switching switch 16 are separately provided, it goes without saying that the switches can be switched without blinking.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, SPD is used to measure the change in the amount of reflected light on the eyeball and the surrounding area of the eyeball due to blinking.
Although it is configured to detect with a (photo sensor), an eye gaze detecting unit (a special feature) that detects the gaze position of the eye by illuminating the eye with infrared light and imaging the illuminated eye with an image sensor such as a CCD Kaihei No. 2-80026) is known, but it is also possible to detect the blink of the photographer by using this means. Hereinafter, this is the second aspect of the present invention.
Will be described as an example.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a camera with blink detection function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 10, 39 is a system controller for performing sequence control and calculation, 40 is a ROM for storing programs and data, 41 is a RAM for storing data, 42 is a photometric circuit for measuring the amount of light of an object, 4
3 is a distance measuring circuit for measuring the distance to the subject, 44 is a shutter driver for driving a shutter for exposing the film, 45 is a mode dial mounted on the upper surface of the camera, and 46 is coaxial with the mode dial 45. Rotating substrates 47, 48 and 49 are brushes for detecting the pattern of the rotating substrate 46. Reference numerals 50, 51 and 52 are mode dials 45 composed of a rotating substrate 46 and brushes 47 to 49.
Is a switch for detecting the set position, and is connected to the DS0, DS1, and DS2 ports of the system controller 39, respectively.

Reference numeral 53 is a release switch for instructing the exposure of the film, and the RLS of the system controller 39.
Connected to a port. Reference numeral 54 denotes a photographing screen size changeover switch, which is connected to the PAN port of the system controller 39. Reference numeral 55 is a plunger driver that drives a plunger (not shown) that sets a panorama shading frame in the shooting screen, 56 is a panorama shading plate (46a to 46b) that shields the shooting screen from above and below, 57 is a film, 58
Is a shutter and 54 is a taking lens. Reference numeral 60 is a diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light, 61 is a stepping motor for driving the diaphragm 60, 62 is a motor driver for driving the stepping motor, 63 is an image pickup device for picking up an image of the eyeball and its periphery, 64 is an image pickup circuit, and 65 is an image pickup device. It is an arithmetic circuit that calculates image data from the circuit according to an instruction from the system controller 39. Reference numeral 66 is an iRED for eyeball illumination, 67 is a constant current driver thereof, and 82 is a transmissive LCD described later with reference to FIG.
Is an LCD driver for driving the.

FIG. 11 is an optical system layout diagram of the camera (assuming a single-lens reflex camera) having the above-described configuration, and the same components as those in FIG. 10 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 11, 68 is an imaging lens and 69
Is a finder eyepiece lens, 70 is a dichroic mirror that reflects and guides only the infrared wavelength light formed in the eyepiece toward the image pickup device 63, 71 is a pentaprism, 72 is a projection lens for illumination iRED, and 73 is a quick return mirror, 74 is an eyeball.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the camera as seen from above and on the front side. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the camera as seen from below the rear surface thereof. In FIG. 13, 75a to 75f are dial mode displays printed on the mode dial 45. 75a is the main switch-off mode (O
FF mode), 75b is automatic exposure program mode (P
Mode), 75c is shutter speed priority automatic exposure mode (Tv mode), 75d is aperture value priority automatic exposure mode (Av mode), 75e is manual exposure mode (M mode), and 75f is blink release mode (RL mode).
The respective states are shown. 80 is a focusing plate, 81 is the LCD
It is a transmissive LCD driven by a driver 82.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the display contents of the transmissive LCD 81.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 81a is a mark indicating that the mode activated by blink input is set to "release", and 81b is a mark indicating that it is also set to "shooting screen size switch". is there.

Next, a method of detecting blinking of the eyeball with the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the mode dial 45 is turned and set to a state other than the "OFF mode", an interruption occurs in the system controller 39, and the system controller 39 starts operation from step # 28. The method of detecting the mode set by the mode dial 45 is as described in the first embodiment. [Step # 28a] The mode of the mode dial 45 is discriminated. If the "RL mode" is selected, the process proceeds to step # 28c, and if not "RL mode", the process proceeds to step # 28d. [Step # 28b] Mark 81 of transmissive LCD 81
b (see FIG. 14) is turned on. [Step # 28c] Mark 81 of transmissive LCD 81
a (see FIG. 14) is turned on. [Step # 28d] The eyeball illumination iRED 66 is turned on. [Step # 29] The image obtained by driving the image sensor 63 is stored in the RAM 41. [Step # 30] The image stored in the RAM 41 is calculated by the calculation unit 65, and the position of the corneal regular reflection image (P image) of the illumination iRED 66 is detected. As a result, if it can be detected, the process proceeds to step # 31. If it cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step # 3.
Go to 3.

First, the case where the P image can be detected will be described. [Step # 31] Similarly, the pupil position is detected. If this is detected, the process proceeds to step # 32, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 33.

Here, it is assumed that the pupil position can be detected. [Step # 32] A process corresponding to the line-of-sight gaze position calculated from the relative position between the P image position and the pupil detected in steps # 30 to # 31 is performed.

The description of the method of detecting the P image and the position of the pupil and the method of calculating the eye gaze position, which is performed by the calculating means 65, is not the main subject of the present case, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, a case in which the P image or the pupil cannot be detected in steps # 30 to # 31 will be described. [Step # 33] The reflected light level of the image sensor 63 is compared with a predetermined value (Pth). As a result, if the reflected light level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (Pth), the process proceeds to step # 34, and if it is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step # 38. Here, if the eyelids are closed, reflected light of a predetermined level or higher is detected.

First, the case where the value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value will be described. [Step # 34] Check CHINH flag,
Check if it is in the blink input prohibition period. [Step # 35] The operating state of the internal timer (TIX) of the system controller 39 is confirmed. If it is in operation, the process proceeds to step # 36, and if it is stopped, the process proceeds to step # 40. [Step # 36] The count value of the internal timer (TIX) is checked. If the count value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (A), the process proceeds to step # 37, and if it is less than the predetermined value (A), the process proceeds to step # 41. [Step # 37] The setting state of the mode dial 45 is determined to determine the function triggered by blinking.

Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

On the other hand, a case where it is determined in step # 33 that the reflected light level received by the image sensor 63 is smaller than the predetermined value (Pth) will be described. [Step # 38] The internal timer (TIX) is reset. [Step # 39] Blink detection inhibition flag (CHI
NH) is reset and the process proceeds to step # 41. [Step # 41] The state of the mode dial 45 is determined. If the mode dial 45 is on, the process returns to step # 29, and the image sensor 63 captures an image again. If it is off, the process proceeds to step # 42, the iRED 66 is turned off, and the process ends.

As described above, in the camera provided with the line-of-sight detecting means for picking up the image of the eyeball and the periphery of the eyeball by the image pickup element 63 and detecting the gaze position of the eyeball by the relative position of the pupil and the P image,
Blinking is detected by measuring the disappearance time of the image and the pupil image.

It goes without saying that it is necessary to determine in advance the image having eyeball characteristics such as the P image and the pupil in the reflected light from the object which is brought into contact with the viewfinder. In this configuration, since the presence of the P image or the pupil has been detected in advance by calculating the image data of the image sensor 63, the blink detection based on only the reflected light change characteristic in the first embodiment is
It is possible to prevent erroneous detection when an object other than the eyeball moves near the finder eyepiece lens 69.

Furthermore, a transmissive LCD 81 is provided in the viewfinder.
Thus, since the function to be activated is displayed in the viewfinder by superimposing, the photographer can confirm the function to be activated before blinking, and can prevent an erroneous operation.

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, when the blinking of the eyeball is detected, the function set by the setting means is unconditionally triggered, but that is prohibited. What has a suitable configuration will be described below as a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of a camera with blink detection function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 76 is a blink trigger inhibition switch, which is connected to the system controller 1.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The operation from step # 43 to step # 52 is the same as step # 1 to step # 10 in the first embodiment (FIG. 9), so the description thereof will be omitted. [Step # 53] The count value of the internal timer (TIX) is checked. If the count value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (A), the process proceeds to step # 54, and if it is less than the predetermined value (A), the process proceeds to step # 62. [Step # 54] The state of the blinking prohibiting switch 65 is determined, and if it is on, it is determined that the trigger is accepted by blinking, and the process proceeds to step # 55. If it is in the off state, it is determined that the trigger reception is prohibited by blinking, and the process proceeds to step # 62.

Step # 55 and subsequent steps to step # 62
For the subsequent operation, step # 12 of the first embodiment.
The description is omitted because it is the same as the operation from the subsequent step to step # 19.

With the above configuration, whether or not to trigger a predetermined function when blinking is detected can be selected by the blinking trigger prohibition switch 65, so that the photographer's will and the shooting scene can be changed. It is possible to switch the input means.

Further, in this case, the same operation as when blinking is performed by the release switch 15 or the photographing screen size changeover switch 16, and it is possible to realize a camera more suited to the will of the photographer.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the above first to third embodiments, the function to be activated is designated by the operation mode of the selected camera. An example in which the photographer can select one will be described below as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the overall construction of a camera with blink detection function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 77 is a start function selection switch, which is connected to the FUNC port of the system controller 1. Reference numeral 78 is a strobe circuit, and 79 is a Xe arc tube.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the mode dial 7 is turned and set to a state other than "OFF mode", an interrupt occurs in the system controller 1 and the system controller 1 starts operation from step # 70.

Since the operation of steps # 70 to # 81 is the same as that of steps # 1 to # 12 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined in step # 81 that the setting position of the mode dial 7 is other than the blink release ((RL mode), the process proceeds to step # 82. [Step # 82] The state of the activation function changeover switch 77 is determined. If it is on, the process proceeds to step # 84 to change the shooting screen size, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step # 83 to start charging the main capacitor (not shown) of the flash circuit 78.

Details of the strobe charging circuit will not be described here since it is not the main point here. Further, since the other processings in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment,
The description is omitted.

As described above, when the blink is detected in any mode other than the blink release (RL mode), the function to be activated is switched by the state of the activation function changeover switch 77, so that the photographer can change the function frequently according to his or her preference. Since it is possible to specify in advance that the function to be used for can be activated, a camera that is easier to use can be realized.

According to each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the start function is switched (release operation) by conscious blinking depending on whether the photographing operation mode of the camera is the RL mode or another mode (Tv mode, Av mode, M mode, etc.). Or, for example, because the screen size is switched), in other words, for the function (release operation) that is greatly affected by malfunction, a separate operation mode (RL mode) is installed and started in the normal shooting mode. By assigning shooting modes (Tv mode, Av mode, M mode) that are less likely to be affected by malfunctions to the functions (screen size switching, flash activation, and shooting lens switching), the functions are activated by unintended blinking. Even if it is done, it is possible to provide a camera with less actual damage such as unnecessary shooting and unnecessary power consumption. It made. Further, since this switching is performed according to the operation mode, it is not necessary to newly provide a function switching member, which is advantageous in terms of space.

Since the function activated in the normal photographing mode can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of functions (Tv mode, Av mode, M mode), the function frequently used by the photographer can be easily selected. It is possible to do

Further, in the normal photographing mode, by activating the predetermined function by blinking as required, photographing can be performed according to the photographer's intention or photographing scene.

(Correspondence between Invention and Embodiment) In the present embodiment, the SPD 25, the mask 26, the iRED 32, the system controller 1, or the image pickup element 63, the image pickup circuit 64,
The arithmetic circuit 65 corresponds to the blink detection means of the present invention, the mode dials 7 and 45 correspond to the mode selection means of the present invention, the transmissive LCD 82 corresponds to the display means of the present invention, and the system controllers 1 and 39 are activated. This corresponds to the function designating means, the starting function changing switch 77 corresponds to the function selecting means of the present invention, and the blinking trigger prohibiting switch 76 corresponds to the starting prohibiting means of the present invention.

The above is the correspondence relationship between each configuration of the embodiments and each configuration of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions or embodiments shown in the claims or the embodiments It goes without saying that any structure may be used as long as it can achieve the function of.

(Modification) In the present embodiment, the predetermined function of the camera which can be activated by conscious blinking is exemplified by the release operation and the screen size switching operation, but the present invention is not limited to these operations. It goes without saying that it may be the lens angle of view switching operation, the presence / absence of the date imprinting operation, or the presence / absence of strobe light emission.

Further, in the second embodiment, the dial mode is discriminated and the selected function is displayed in the finder according to the result, but this is done in the fourth embodiment. When it is applied to the above, it is possible to easily realize the same display by determining the determination result of the dial mode and the state of the activation function changeover switch 77.

In the fourth embodiment, the function to be activated is selected by the switch capable of external switching (starting function switching switch 77). However, the present invention is not limited to this and other The same object can be realized by a method, for example, a configuration in which an electrically rewritable EEPROM or the like is built in the camera, the selected content of the activation function is stored therein, and the stored content is read out.

The present invention can be applied not only to a single-lens reflex camera and a lens shutter camera, but also to a video camera and the like, and can also be applied to other optical devices and other devices, and also as a constituent unit. Is something that can be done.

Furthermore, the present invention may be constructed by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments or their techniques.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the blinking intended by the photographer is detected, the function having a large influence of the malfunction or the function having a small influence of the malfunction is designated according to the operation mode at that time.

Therefore, without increasing the size of the camera,
It is possible to reduce the actual damage to the malfunction caused by blinking (useless photographing, wasteful power consumption, etc.).

Further, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of functions that can be activated in a certain operation mode, an arbitrary function to be activated by an external operation is selected from the plurality of functions.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use camera that reflects the will of the photographer.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the intended blinking is performed, the activation by the blinking is not performed when the activation inhibiting means instructs the activation inhibition.

Therefore, it becomes possible to carry out shooting in which the will of the photographer and the shooting scene are freely incorporated.

Further, according to the present invention, the function to be activated is provided by having a plurality of display units for displaying the functions which can be activated, and comprising display means for displaying the display unit corresponding to the designated function. For example, it is displayed in the finder.

Therefore, it becomes possible for the photographer to visually recognize the function to be activated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera with a blink detection function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from above the front surface thereof.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below the rear surface of the camera.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a viewfinder eyepiece of the camera of the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a light reception amount timing chart of the SPD 25 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of a detection area on an eyeball when blinking is not performed in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state when the eyelids are closed by blinking in the first embodiment of the present invention.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing a state of each switch formed by the mode switch of FIG. 1 and a rotating substrate, and a correspondence relationship between modes in that state.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a camera with blink detection function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an optical system layout diagram of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention as seen from above the front surface thereof.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below the rear surface of the camera.

14 is a diagram showing display contents of the transmissive LCD 81 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of the camera of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera with blink detection function according to a third example of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main part of the camera of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera with blink detection function according to a fourth example of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,39 System controller 7,45 Mode dial 15,53 Release switch 16,54 Shooting screen size selector switch 18a, 18b Panorama light shield 25 SPD 26 Light shield mask 32 Eye illumination iRED 34 External timer (TEX) 56a, 56b Panorama light shield Board 63 Image sensor 76 Blinking trigger prohibition switch 77 Startup function changeover switch

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A camera with a blink detection function, comprising: a blink detection means for detecting blinking of an eyeball; and a mode selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes of the camera. When the blinking intended by the person is detected, a blinking detection function is provided, which is provided with a startup function designating means for designating a function to be activated according to the operation mode selected by the mode selecting means. camera. 2. Designated by the activation function designating means,
2. The camera with blink detection function according to claim 1, further comprising a function selection unit that selects a function to be activated according to the operation mode from a plurality of functions. 3. The camera with blink detection function according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation modes of the camera include at least a plurality of exposure control modes. 4. The camera with blink detection function according to claim 1, wherein one of the activated functions is an exposure start operation of the camera. 5. The camera with a blink detection function according to claim 1, wherein one of the activated functions is a photographing screen size switching operation. 6. The camera with a blink detection function according to claim 1, further comprising a start prohibiting unit that prohibits start of a predetermined function by blinking. 7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that has a plurality of display units for displaying the functions that can be activated, and that displays a display unit corresponding to the designated function. Camera with blink detection function.