JPH1010620A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera not requiring a reproducing magnetic head, etc., by winding the film of a film cartridge having unexposed photographic frames, up to a photographed frame specified by a user. SOLUTION: The state of use of the film of the film cartridge loaded in the camera is read by a DEP decision (S2) and it is decided whether the use state of the film is a halfway unwinding state or not. When it is decided that the halfway unwinding state is obtained, setting in a mode for inputting the number of frames wound without any load is attained (S7) and the number of the frames wound without any load is inputted by the user (S8). Then, the number of the frames wound without any load is established by an establishing means for the number of the frames wound without any load (S9) and the film of the film cartridge is wound up to the photographed frames specified with the established number of the frames wound without any load (S10). After that, photographing by the user is possible (S4).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for photographing using a film cartridge of a new standard different from a conventional film containing a cartridge compatible with a DX code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), a spool 32 is placed in a substantially cylindrical cartridge case 30 having a light shielding structure.
The light-shielding cover 36 is provided at one end of the cartridge case 30. When the camera is not loaded or taken out of the camera, the light-shielding cover 36 is always closed at the same time that the film 34 is housed in the cartridge case 30, thereby protecting the film 34 from external light. I have.

At the side end of the cartridge case 30, there is provided a data disk 38 which rotates together with the spool 32. On the outer surface of the data disk 38, the type of the film 34, the film sensitivity, the number of frames that can be photographed, and the like are set in advance. A bar code having film information is printed or the like.

On the other side end of the cartridge case 30,
Round, square, cross and half moon holes 40, 42, 44
And 46 are drilled, and a spool 3 is provided on the back side of these holes 40, 42, 44 and 46.
A white tongue (not shown) that rotates together with the tongue 2 is provided, and any one of a circle, a square, a cross, and a half moon is displayed in a so-called outline according to the stop position of the tongue. It is supposed to be. While the white circle is displayed,
The film 34 in the cartridge case 30 is “unused”
When the white square mark is displayed, it indicates that the film 34 is “developed”, and when the white cross mark is displayed, the film 34 is “photographed ( Filmed and undeveloped), and the film 3
Reference numeral 4 indicates that “imaging is in progress” in which unphotographed frames remain. Therefore, the user can confirm the use state of the film by visually observing these displays from the outside. This display is displayed in VEI (Visual
Exposure Index).

The film 34 has a film base surface 3
4 _F silver salt photosensitive layer is applied to the magnetic recording layer is coated on its rear surface 34 _R. In addition, a plurality of perforations 50 that define the range of each shooting piece 48 are formed,
The magnetic recording layers 52 and 54 at the upper and lower ends of each photographing frame 48
Magnetic recording or magnetic reproduction of photographing information such as the type of light source, focal length, and the like at the time of photographing, and information of a user message such as a photograph title are performed.

A bar code 56 indicating cartridge identification information (hereinafter referred to as ID number) unique to the film cartridge is printed on the outer side wall of the cartridge case 30 in advance.

When a film cartridge having such a structure is loaded into a camera, an optical reading section in the camera automatically reads the bar code information of the data disk 38 and automatically detects the position of the tongue piece, thereby obtaining a film. When the film cartridge is "unused" or "in the middle of photographing", the light-shielding cover 36 is opened and the spool 32 is rotated in a predetermined direction, whereby the film 34 is automatically recognized. Automatically feeds up to the first shooting frame. On the other hand, if the loaded film cartridge is a “photographed” or “developed” film cartridge, it is determined that photographing is impossible, and control such as not performing the automatic feeding is performed.

When the camera is loaded into the camera and all frames of the film 34 have been photographed, the rewinding mechanism in the camera winds the film 34 into the cartridge case 30, closes the light shielding cover 36, and further integrates the film 34 with the spool 32. By stopping the fixed tongue piece in opposition to the cross-shaped hole 44, an outline display of "photographed" is performed. When the user forcibly performs a rewinding operation in a state where an unphotographed photographed frame remains in the middle of photographing, the rewinding mechanism in the camera winds the film 34 into the cartridge case 30 and closes the light shielding cover 36. Further, by stopping the tongue piece integrally fixed to the spool 32 in opposition to the hole 46 of the half moon mark, an outline display of "in the middle of shooting" indicating that a shooting frame that has not been shot remains is displayed. Let

As described above, the new film cartridge can record and reproduce various magnetic information in addition to photographing in the same manner as the conventional silver halide film, and stores the film 34 in the cartridge case 30. The conventional DX-code compatible patrone roll film, such as storing, easily recognizing the use state by the above outlined display, and reusing a film cartridge in which unphotographed frames remain, can be used. There are new features that did not exist.

[0010]

In a conventional camera to which such a new film cartridge is applied, the forcedly rewinding film cartridge is reloaded into the camera while unphotographed frames remain. When this is done, the information on the magnetic recording layer is read by the reproducing magnetic head in the camera, and the film is fed to a portion where no magnetic information is recorded, thereby re-photographing from the unphotographed frames. .

However, in order to read information recorded on the magnetic recording layer, it is necessary to provide a high-sensitivity and high-accuracy reproducing magnetic head in the camera. Such a reproducing magnetic head is generally large in size. In addition, the driving / reproducing circuit and the operation buttons associated therewith become complicated, which causes a problem that the camera itself becomes large and complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and is intended to replace a film of a film cartridge in which an unphotographed frame remains without using a reproducing magnetic head. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera which can be fed to a camera.

[0013]

A camera according to the present invention comprises:
(1) a use state determining means for reading the film use state of the loaded film cartridge and determining whether or not the film use state is a halfway rewind state; and When it is determined that the apparatus is in the rewinding state, the idle-feeding-frame-number input mode setting means sets the idle-feeding-number-of-frames input mode. (4) The number of empty frames to be input for inputting the number of frames; (4) The number of empty frames to determine the number of empty frames that have been input; And an empty feeder for feeding up to the photographing frame designated by (1).

According to this camera, the use state judging means reads the film use state of the film cartridge loaded in the camera, and judges whether the film use state is a halfway rewind state. When it is determined that the film cartridge is in the middle rewinding state, the mode is set by the idle feed frame number input mode setting means to input the idle feed frame number.
The user inputs the number of empty feed frames. When the number of idle feed frames is determined by the idle feed frame number determining unit, the film of the film cartridge is fed by the idle feed unit to the photographic frame specified by the determined idle feed frame number. You.

When the zoom lever for instructing the zoom operation of the lens is used in the idle feed frame number input mode as the idle feed frame number input means, the user can input the idle feed frame number by a simple operation. can do.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control function of a camera according to the present invention. This camera uses CPU2
The operation is controlled by the program control by the program. The CPU 2 has a main switch for instructing power supply to the entire camera, a shutter release switch for instructing photographing, and a rewinding operation of a film cartridge on the assumption that photographing is completed and developed. An operation switch group 4 including a rewind switch, an idle feed switch for instructing an intermediate rewind operation or the like on the assumption that filming is interrupted and the film cartridge is reloaded, and a switch for inputting date / time, shooting conditions, and the like. Is connected. The CPU 2 also includes an automatic focus detection unit 6, a photometry unit 8, a lens barrel driving unit 10, a film feeding unit 12, an optical reading unit 14, an LED display unit 16, an LCD display unit 18, a cartridge attachment / detachment detection unit 20, a zoom Lever 22, EEPROM
24 are connected, and the CPU 2 drives and controls these based on an input from the operation switch group 4.

The relationship between these units and the CPU 2 is as follows. When the shutter release switch is pressed, the automatic focus detection unit 6 measures the distance to the subject according to an instruction from the CPU 2 and sends the result to the CPU 2. The photometric unit 8 measures the illuminance of the subject according to an instruction from the CPU 2 when the shutter release switch is pressed, and sends the result to the CPU 2. The lens barrel driving unit 10 performs zooming of the lens according to an instruction from the CPU 2. The film feeding unit 12 feeds the film of the loaded film cartridge to a predetermined photographic frame in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 2. The optical reading unit 14 reads the data disk information of the loaded film cartridge according to an instruction from the CPU 2 and sends the information to the CPU 2. The LED display section 16
The end of the photographing operation and the like are displayed, and the LCD display section 18 displays the camera operation mode, time, photographing state, and the like on a liquid crystal display. When the cartridge lid of the camera is closed, the cartridge attachment / detachment detection unit 20 detects whether or not a film cartridge is loaded according to an instruction from the CPU 2 and sends the result to the CPU 2. The zoom lever 22 is a lever for instructing zooming of a lens and the like, and sends an input signal to the CPU 2. The EEPROM 24 stores film information such as film sensitivity, various flag data necessary for camera operation, and the like, and is written and read by the CPU 2.

Next, the film feeding operation of such a camera will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition,
This camera is to be loaded with the film cartridge shown in FIG.

In step S1, a film cartridge is loaded while the main switch of the camera is ON. Alternatively, the main switch of the camera may be turned on after loading the film cartridge. Then, the cartridge attachment / detachment detecting section 20 detects that the film cartridge is loaded, and notifies the CPU 2 of the fact.

When it is detected that the film cartridge has been loaded, the use state of the cartridge is determined in step S2 (hereinafter referred to as DEP determination). That is, the CPU 2 reads the film information (the number of frames that can be taken, film sensitivity, and film type) of the loaded film cartridge and the use state of the film (unused / during shooting / shooting / developed) to the optical reading unit 14. To instruct. The optical reading section 14 reads the film information and the film use state of the loaded film cartridge according to the instruction, and sends the information to the CPU 2. Then, the CPU 2 stores the film information and the film use state sent from the optical reading unit 14 into the EEPROM 24.
And determines the film use state, and proceeds to a different step according to the result.

If the loaded film cartridge is determined to be "unused (U)" in the DEP determination in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the CPU 2 instructs the film feeding unit 12,
The film is fed (FFS: First Frame Set) up to the first photographing frame of the film cartridge. Then, in step S4, the user shoots from the first shooting frame.

If the loaded film cartridge is determined to be "photographed (E)" or "developed (PR)" in the DEP determination in step S2,
Proceed to step S5. In step S5, the VEI of the film cartridge is set to "photographed (E)" or "developed (PR)", and the process ends in step S6. At this time, the CPU 2 may instruct the LED display unit 16 or the LCD display unit 18 to display the indication.

If it is determined in step S2 that the loaded film cartridge is "in the middle of photographing (P)", that is, in the state of being rewound, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the CP
U2 sets the camera to the idle feed frame number input mode, displays the fact on the LED display unit 16 or the LCD display unit 18, and requests the user to input the idle feed frame number.

In step S8, in this idle feed frame number input mode, the user inputs the idle feed frame number using predetermined input means. Here, a dedicated switch or button may be provided as input means for inputting the number of empty feed frames,
Other switches and buttons may also be used. In the latter case, the number of switches and buttons is small, which is convenient for making the whole camera compact. It is preferable to use a zoom lever 22 for instructing a zoom operation of the lens as an input unit for inputting the number of idle feed frames. That is, the zoom lever 22 performs the original function of instructing the zooming operation of the lens when the mode is not the idle feed frame number input mode. It may be used. As described above, the information on increase / decrease of the number of idle feed frames input by the predetermined switch of the operation switch group 4 or the zoom lever 22 is sent to the CPU 2.

The CPU 2 receives the information on the increase / decrease of the number of idle feed frames input by the user via the zoom lever 22, and, based on the information on the increase / decrease of the number of idle feed frames, adds 1 to the previous number of idle feed frames.
Is added or subtracted to calculate a new number of idle feed frames. Then, the CPU 2 reads the new number of idle feed frames and reads the EEPROM 2 in the DEP determination (step S3).
4 is compared with the number of recordable frames of the film cartridge. If the number of skipped frames exceeds the number of recordable frames, the received skipped frame number increase / decrease information is invalidated, and the previous skipped frame count is invalidated. The number of sending frames (= the number of frames that can be photographed) is held. Further, when the new number of idle feed frames becomes 0 or less, the CPU 2 also invalidates the received increase / decrease information of idle feed frames and retains the previous idle feed frame number (= 0). Further, the CPU 2 causes the LCD display section 18 to display the number of idle feed frames.

When the input of the number of idle feed frames is completed in step S8 in this way, in step S9, the user determines the number of idle feed frames using predetermined input means. Again,
A dedicated switch or button may be provided as an input means for determining the number of empty feed frames, but may also be used as another switch or button. In the latter case, the number of switches and buttons may be reduced. This is convenient for making the whole camera compact. Then, the CPU 2 recognizes that a switch or a button for determining the number of empty feed frames is pressed, stores the determined number of empty feed frames in the EEPROM 24, and
Cancel the idle feed frame number input mode.

Subsequently, in step S10, the CPU 2 instructs the film feeding unit 12 to feed the film of the film cartridge up to the determined number of idle frames. During the idle feeding, no information is written on the magnetic recording layer of the film cartridge, and the information written on the magnetic recording layer is not erased.
Also, during the idle feeding, even if the shutter release switch is pressed, it is not accepted.

After completion of the idle feeding, step S4 is performed.
Thus, the user can shoot images in the order of shooting frames. Then, when the photographing is completed and development is performed, the film cartridge is rewound. At this time, the CPU 2 receives an instruction to rewind from a predetermined switch of the operation switch group 4, instructs the film feeding unit 12 to rewind the film of the film cartridge, and sets the VEI of the film cartridge to " (E) ”.

On the other hand, it is also possible to perform rewinding in the middle of photographing and presupposing reloading. At this time, CP
U2 receives an instruction to rewind halfway from a predetermined switch of the operation switch group 4, and
Instruct 2 to rewind the film in the film cartridge, and set the VEI of the film cartridge to "under photographing (P)". When the film cartridge that has been rewound halfway is reloaded into the camera, the process starts again from step S1.

Next, operation switches and the like of the camera according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the camera according to the present invention. In the camera shown in this figure, a cartridge cover 60 on the bottom of the camera is opened and closed when a film cartridge is loaded from the bottom of the camera.
Detects whether a film cartridge has been loaded (step S1) and makes a DEP determination (step S2). The main switch 4a is a power switch of the camera. When the main switch 4a is in an ON state, the above-described and later-described processes are performed.

The switches 4b to 4g are used for various operations (for example, designation of information to be stored in the magnetic recording layer of the film cartridge, adjustment of the date and time, setting of a self-timer, rewinding, etc.). It is provided on the date lid 62 on the left side. In particular, the rewind switch 4f
This switch is pressed to end shooting and develop even if there are still unphotographed frames.When this switch is pressed, the film cartridge is rewound,
The VEI of the film cartridge is set to "during shooting". However, in the idle feed frame number input mode, some of the switches 4b to 4g are used for inputting or confirming the increase / decrease of the idle feed frame number, as described later.

A zoom lever 22 provided at the upper right portion on the back of the camera is usually used to input a drive amount of the lens barrel drive unit 10 for zooming a lens (not shown) provided on the front of the camera. Things. This zoom lever 2
In No. 2, the lens barrel drive unit 10 is not driven when no force is applied in any of the upward and downward directions. However, while the zoom lever 22 is applying a force upward, the lens barrel drive unit 10 zooms in the lens to a certain limit, and conversely, while the zoom lever 22 is applying a downward force, The torso drive unit 10 zooms out the lens to a certain limit. However, in the idle feed frame number input mode, the zoom lever 22 is used to input an increase or decrease in the idle feed frame number, as described later.

An LCD display section 18 arranged substantially at the center of the back of the camera displays the date, the current mode, and the like. When the mode requires the user to input some data, the LCD display section 18 displays the date and current mode. To the effect. For example, when setting a date, a predetermined digit of digits indicating each of the year, month, day, hour, and minute flashes to notify the user that the digit is settable. When the mode is the idle feed frame number input mode, the user is notified of the mode and the current value of the idle feed frame number set by the user is displayed.

The above switches and the like are used in the operation described with reference to FIG. First, when a film cartridge is loaded and the cartridge lid 60 is closed, the loading / unloading detection unit 20 detects that the film cartridge is loaded (step S).
1), a DEP determination is made by the CPU 2 (step S2). If it is determined in the DEP determination that the loaded film cartridge is “in the middle of shooting”,
The mode is set to the idle feed frame number input mode by PU2 (step S7).

In the idle feed frame number input mode, for example,
The LCD display unit 18 informs the user of the empty feed frame number input mode by flashing the digit at which the number of empty feed frames is to be displayed or displaying a mark of a predetermined shape. Prompts for the number of empty feed frames. Then, the user operates the zoom lever 22 to input an increase or decrease in the number of idle feed frames (step S8). That is, in the idle feed frame number input mode, the zoom lever 22 is not used as an input unit for instructing zooming of the lens, but is used as an input unit for instructing an increase or decrease in the number of idle feed frames.

For example, while the user is pushing the zoom lever 22 upward, the number of idle feed frames increases, and while the user is pushing the zoom lever 22 downward, the number of idle feed frames decreases. With this configuration, the operation of the normal zoom lever 22 for instructing zoom-in / zoom-out of the lens and the operation of the zoom lever 22 for inputting the increase / decrease of the number of empty feed frames can be intuitively sensed by the user. There is no discomfort and the operation can be performed easily. Further, in response to the operation of the zoom lever 22, the LCD display unit 18 displays the number of idle feed frames at each time.

It should be noted that the user does not input the increase / decrease of the number of idle feed frames, not through the zoom lever 22, but through the switch 4.
Any of switches b to 4g may be used. In this case, in the idle feed frame number input mode, the switches 4b to 4b
When any one of the switches g (e.g., the switch 4b) is pressed, an input to increase the number of idle feed frames is input, and when any one of the switches 4b to 4g (e.g., the switch 4c) is pressed. , The number of empty feed frames is reduced.

When the setting of the number of skipped frames desired by the user is completed, the user determines the number of skipped frames (step S9). When determining the number of empty feed frames,
This is performed by pressing any one of the switches 4b to 4g (for example, the idle feed switch 4g). And
The film feeding unit 12 feeds the film cartridge up to the determined number of empty feed frames (step S10), and thereafter, the user can shoot (step S10).
4).

Next, the display of the camera according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the LCD display of the camera according to the present invention, and shows the display of the number of idle feed frames corresponding to the increase / decrease input of the number of idle feed frames.

The film cartridge is loaded into the camera (step S1), and a DEP determination is made (step S1).
2) If it is determined that the film cartridge is "in the middle of photographing", the mode is set to the number-of-frames-feeding-frame input mode (step S3), and as shown in FIG.
The digit at which the number of skipped frames is to be displayed flashes on the display unit 18 to notify the user of the skipped frame number input mode and request the user to input the skipped frame number.
Then, the user operates the zoom lever 22 to increase or decrease the number of idle feed frames (step S8).

Immediately after entering the idle feed frame number input mode, L
“0” is blinking displayed on the CD display section 18 (FIG. 4).
(A)). In this state, when the user presses the zoom lever 22 upward once (FIG. 4B), the number of idle feed frames increases by one and "1" is displayed on the LCD display unit 18 (FIG. 4). 4 (c)). When the user further pushes the zoom lever 22 upward once more (FIG. 4D), the number of idle feed frames is further increased by one, and "2" is displayed on the LCD display unit 18 (FIG. 4). (E)).

For example, at some point, the number of idle feed frames is one.
6, when “16” is displayed on the LCD display unit 18 (FIG. 4F), when the user presses the zoom lever 22 downward once (FIG. 4G), the empty feed frame The number is reduced by 1, and “15” is displayed on the LCD display unit 18 (FIG. 4H).

When the user keeps pushing the zoom lever 22 upward or downward, the number of idle feed frames may continue to increase or decrease at a constant speed.

As described above, when the number of empty feed frames set by the user by operating the zoom lever 22 becomes a user-desired value, and the desired value is displayed on the LCD display section 18, the user becomes empty. A predetermined switch for determining the number of feed frames, for example, an idle feed switch 4g is pressed (FIG. 4 (i)).
As a result, the number of idle feed frames at that time is determined (step S9), and the determined idle feed frame number is displayed on the LCD display unit 18.

Then, the film cartridge is fed by the idle feed up to the determined number of idle feed frames (step S1).
0), and after that, it is ready for shooting (step S4),
The number of remaining frames is displayed on the LCD display section 18 (FIG. 4).
(J)). The number of remaining frames "2" shown in FIG.
"5" is the number of photographable frames (for example, 40) read from the film cartridge in the DEP determination (step S2).
), The value obtained by subtracting the number of empty feed frames (in this case, 15) determined in the determination of the number of empty feed frames (step S9).

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4H, in the idle feed frame number input mode, a half-moon shape indicating that the film cartridge is "in the middle of photographing" and a triangle indicating that the film is to be pulled out. Is displayed. Also, in the vicinity of the idle feed switch 4g for determining the number of idle feed frames,
The half moon is marked with a triangle. Therefore, when the user reloads the film cartridge "in the middle of photographing", the user can clearly recognize that the idle feed frame number input mode has been set, and the idle feed switch 4g can be used to determine the idle feed frame number. Is recognized to be operated.

[0048]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the use state judging means (DEP judgment) reads the film use state of the film cartridge loaded in the camera, and rewinds the film use state halfway. It is determined whether it is in the state. If it is determined that the film cartridge is in the halfway rewinding state, the mode is set by the idle feed frame number input mode setting means to input the idle feed frame number. The number of frames to be sent is input. When the number of idle feed frames is determined by the idle feed frame number determining unit, the film of the film cartridge is fed by the idle feed unit to the photographic frame specified by the determined idle feed frame number. You.

With such a configuration, there is no need to provide a reproducing magnetic head and a driving / reproducing circuit associated therewith.
Even if the camera is a small camera, when a film cartridge in which unphotographed frames remain remains, the film can be fed to the unphotographed frames. When the halfway rewinding film cartridge is loaded, the mode is automatically set to the input mode for the number of empty feed frames, so that the user can use the halfway rewinding film cartridge without mistakenly operating the camera. In addition, since the user can carry out an arbitrary number of frames by skipping, a multi-exposure photograph can be taken if the user desires.

In particular, if a zoom lever for instructing the zoom operation of the lens is normally used as the number-of-frames inputting means in the number-of-frames input mode, it is not necessary to provide a new operation switch or button. The user can input the number of empty feed frames by an easy operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control function of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of feeding a film of the camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an LCD display of the camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a structure of a new standard film cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 CPU, 4 operation switches, 6 automatic focus detection unit,
Reference numeral 8: photometric unit, 10: lens barrel driving unit, 12: film feeding unit, 14: optical reading unit, 16: LED display unit, 18: L
CD display unit, 20: cartridge attachment / detachment detection unit, 22: zoom lever, 24: EEPROM.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A use state determining means for reading a film use state of a loaded film cartridge and determining whether or not the film use state is a halfway rewind state. An empty-feeding-frame-number input mode setting means for setting the empty-feeding-frame-number input mode when it is determined to be in the middle rewinding state; An empty feed frame number inputting means for inputting the number, an empty feed frame number determining means for determining the input empty feed frame number, and a photographing frame designated by the determined empty feed frame number for the film of the film cartridge. And an idle feeding means for feeding the sheet to the camera. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a zoom lever for instructing a zoom operation of a lens is used in said idle feed frame number input mode as said idle feed frame number input means.