JP2002062967A - Information input device and camera - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To selectively use an area selecting means according to a user's preference and a shooting scene. SOLUTION: An area selection mode switching member for switching to a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged in a two-dimensional direction, a first area selecting means including two operation members, and a plurality of pressing members A second region selection unit including a button-type operation member, and when selecting an arbitrary region by the first region selection unit, when selecting an arbitrary region from the one end region of the plurality of regions to the other region. Circulation to the end area is allowed (steps 215 → 218), and when selecting an arbitrary area by the second area selecting means, it is determined whether or not the area selection mode switching member is operated. Determining whether or not to allow circulation from the one end area to the other end area (step 203 → 206 or step 209 → 212) includes a selection area control unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input device provided in a camera or the like and an improvement of the camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an optical device, for example, a camera, a focus detection point (hereinafter, referred to as a region) for obtaining a plurality of pieces of focus detection information in a two-dimensional direction on a screen with respect to a subject image projected on a finder. Cameras having an AF point) are also known. When determining which of the plurality of AF points should be the AF point for detecting information used for focusing the focusing lens, the camera automatically sets the AF point.
There are known one in which an F point is selected, and one in which a photographer can select an arbitrary AF point from a plurality of AF points.

As a method for the photographer to arbitrarily select a plurality of AF points arranged in a one-dimensional (one horizontal row) direction, an AF point selection button is pressed to set an AF point selection mode. There is known one that is selected by an endless rotatable dial or the like. Further, as a method of selecting a plurality of AF points arranged in a two-dimensional direction, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-326750, two endless rotatable dial operating members are used.
Each is to select an arbitrary AF point in the X direction and the Y direction, or is selected by a so-called cross key indicating four directions of up, down, left, and right as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-148751. Things are known.

[0004]

However, the method of selecting an arbitrary AF point by using two dial operating members is suitable for a moving object which often shoots while switching in the same direction, but is stationary such as a landscape. It is hard to say that it is suitable when shooting an object, and conversely, the one that is selected by operating the cross key is more suitable. More specifically, in moving object shooting that can assume a certain specific movement, the dial operation can be operated according to the movement of the subject, but even with the same composition such as landscape and flowers, focus on various points and shoot In this case, it is not appropriate to use two dials to perform the matching operation, but it is more appropriate to perform the selection operation using the cross key.

On the other hand, the photographer has a preference for AF point selection, and there are two such AF points so that the user can select whether to select an AF point using the cross key or to select an AF point using two dial operating members. Is more desirable.

When the AF point is selected with the cross key, the user has to push and move the AF point many times before reaching an arbitrary AF point. Therefore, when the number of AF points increases, the operability decreases. In this case, a method of circulating at the boundary, more specifically, assuming that there are AF points arranged in a line from the right to the left, an area where the current AF point is at the right end (one end) is selected. If the operation to select the area on the right side is performed while the user is in the state, there is a method of moving the selected area to the area at the left end (the other end) (this is called circulation). Depending on the photographer's preference, whether to circulate or not (whether to apply restrictions). In either method, when the number of AF points increases, a problem that it takes time to select the AF points remains.

(Object of the Invention) A first object of the present invention is to provide an information input device and a camera which can use the area selecting means according to the user's preference and the shooting scene.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an information input device and a camera capable of promptly selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an information input device and a camera capable of quickly selecting a frequently used area from a plurality of areas.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged two-dimensionally. An information input device comprising: an area selection mode switching member for switching, first area selection means including two operation members, and second area selection means including a plurality of push button type operation members. When an arbitrary area is selected by the first area selecting means, circulation from one end area to the other end area of the plurality of areas is permitted, and the second area selection is performed. When an arbitrary area is selected by the means, whether or not circulation from the one end area to the other end area is permitted depending on whether or not the area selection mode switching member is operated. Information input device having selection area control means for determining It is an.

In order to achieve the second object,
An invention according to claim 3 is a first area selection means comprising an area selection mode switching member for switching to a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged in a two-dimensional direction, and two operation members. An information input device comprising: a plurality of push button-type operation members; and a second area selecting means, wherein the first area selecting means comprises one of a plurality of grouped areas. Two groups are selected, and the second area selecting means is an information input device for selecting an arbitrary area in the selected group.

Further, in order to achieve the third object,
An invention according to claim 6, wherein the first area selecting means comprises an area selecting mode switching member for switching to a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged in a two-dimensional direction, and two operating members. And a second area selecting means comprising a plurality of push button type operation members each indicating a different selection direction, wherein the area selection mode switching member has a function of selecting a predetermined area of the entire area. The first area selecting means is for selecting an arbitrary area from among the entire areas, and
The area selecting means is an information input device that selects only an area in a selection direction indicated by the push button type operation member from a predetermined area selected by the area selection mode switching member. is there.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the first to third objects, an information input device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is selected by the information input device. The camera includes a focus adjustment unit that drives a focus adjustment lens in response to a drive signal based on information detected in the selected area.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back.

In FIG. 1, an upper end of a grip portion of the camera body 1 is provided with a click mechanism which is an endless type having a center of rotation substantially parallel to a photographing optical axis and can be stopped at predetermined angles. A first information input dial 2 is provided which enables the set value to be increased by a predetermined step at each angle in a certain direction, and to be decreased by a predetermined step at every equal-angle rotation in the opposite direction. This first information input dial 2
Is provided at a position where it can be operated with the index finger when the camera body 1 is held. When the shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, etc. are changed, the AF point in the X direction can be selected. Has the role of point selection. The first information input dial 2 is connected to a well-known first pulse generating means 102 described later with reference to FIG. 4 by a connecting mechanism (not shown).

On the right side of the upper surface of the camera, an external information display unit 3 for displaying various information of the camera, such as a shutter speed, an aperture value, and the number of shots, is arranged. Further, an accessory shoe 4, which is a mounting portion for attaching an accessory such as an external strobe device, is provided at a central highest portion. The eyepiece frame 5 is a frame of a finder opening for viewing a subject image. Grooves 5a for holding an eyecup, which is a protection member (not shown), are formed on both sides on the outer periphery.

On the back side of the camera body 1, for example, on the back cover 6, an endless type having a rotation center axis substantially parallel to the photographing optical axis is provided with a click mechanism so that it can be stopped at predetermined angles. A second information input dial 7 is provided which enables the set value to be increased by a predetermined number of steps at each angle in a certain direction, and to be reduced by a predetermined number of steps at every equal-angle rotation in the opposite direction. The second information input dial 7 is provided at a position where the thumb can be operated when the camera body 1 is held. The second information input dial 7 can change an exposure correction amount, an aperture value at the time of manual exposure, and select an AF point. In the state
It has a role of selecting an AF point in the Y direction. The second information input dial 7 is connected to a known second pulse generating means 103 described later with reference to FIG. 4 by a connecting mechanism (not shown).

Inside the second information input dial 7,
An AF point selection button 8 having four operation buttons 8a to 8d which are respectively shifted by 90 degrees so as to be pushed substantially coaxially in the cross direction is arranged. Like the second information input dial 7, the operation buttons 8a to 8d can be operated with the thumb of the hand holding the camera body 1. The operation buttons 8a to 8e are provided inside the AF point selection button 8.
Are provided, four switch members 104 (to be described later with reference to FIG. 4) which are turned on by being pressed.

The AF point selection mode button 9 is for switching to a mode in which the AF point can be arbitrarily selected.
An arbitrary AF point can be selected by pressing the F point selection mode button 9 and operating the first information input dial 2, the second information input dial 7, or the AF point selection button 8. The AE lock button 10 is a button for storing a photometric value at the time of being pressed for a predetermined time. The custom function button 11 is a button for switching a camera function to a custom function mode for changing a function from a default setting by selecting a function of a camera from a plurality of preset change points according to a user's preference. Yes, the operation is performed using the first information input dial 2 or the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a camera system with the interchangeable lens 60 mounted.

In the figure, 50 is a main mirror, 51 is a sub-mirror, 52 is a focus detection device, 5
3 is a focus plate, 54 is a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an SI display unit) for superimposing and displaying 11 AF points described later, 55 is a pentaprism, 56a to 56c are eyepiece lenses, and 57 is a photometric device. Reference numerals 58 denote lens control means.

On the interchangeable lens 60 side, 61 is a photographing lens including a focus adjusting lens, and 62 is a lens driving device for driving the focus adjusting lens for performing focus adjustment.

In the above configuration, the light beam 59 that has passed through the photographing lens 61 is transmitted to the main mirror 5 serving as a half mirror.
By 0, the light is divided into the pentaprism side and the submirror side. The light beam 59 guided to the sub-mirror 51 is guided to a focus detection device 52, and focus detection is performed by a phase difference detection method. More specifically, the focus detection device 52 includes 11 in the shooting screen (specifically, in a focus detection area corresponding to the screen).
It has two AF points (comprising a line sensor) in a two-dimensional direction (to be described later with reference to FIG. 3). It is possible. Then, a lens drive signal generated based on the focus detection information (defocus information) detected here is output to the lens control means 58, and the lens drive means 62 in the interchangeable lens 60 is operated to adjust the focus. Is performed.

On the other hand, the light beam 59 guided to the pentaprism side by the main mirror 50 is imaged on the focus plate 53, transmitted through the SI display section 54 for superimposing the AF point, and transmitted through the pentaprism 55. And the light is guided to the eyepiece lens group 56 and the photometric device 57. Then, the photometric device 57 measures the luminance by a known means, and performs an exposure operation based on the measured luminance.

The light beam guided to the eyepiece lens group 56 is observed by a photographer. As described above, the focus plate 53 is disposed at the position where the light flux 59 is formed, that is, at the focal position, where the subject image is displayed. Above this, an SI display unit 54 for displaying the AF point is arranged, and a display segment for displaying the 11 AF points is provided therein, and the focus detection is performed so as to overlap the subject image projected on the focus plate. 11 are displayed in a superimposed manner.

FIG. 3 shows this state.

In FIG. 3, the finder screen corresponds to the display range of the SI display unit 54, and is indicated by reference numeral 54 ', and 11 A's displayed by the display segments are displayed.
Point F (Specifically, it should be called an AF point mark.
The F point mark and the AF point are located at the same position in the screen, so for convenience, these are referred to as AF points).

Also, below the finder screen 54 ',
As shown in FIG. 3, an in-viewfinder information display unit 70 is provided (showing a fully lit display state).
E lock mark 71, shutter speed display section 72, aperture value display section 73, exposure step display section 74, focus mark 75
Is provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part of the camera having the above configuration.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU for controlling various operations of the camera. The CPU 101 has a first pulse generating a pulse in conjunction with a rotation operation of the first information input dial 2 at a predetermined angle. A pulse generating means 102;
A second pulse generating means 103 for generating a pulse in conjunction with a rotation operation of the information input dial 7, an AF point selection button 8
(Specifically, a switch member 104 that turns on and off in conjunction with a pressing operation of the operation buttons 8a to 8d), an AF point selection mode button 9, a focus detection device 52, a photometry device 57, and an external information display unit 3 And an LCD display driving circuit 105 for driving the finder information display unit 70 and the SI display unit 5, respectively.
4 is connected to the SLCD display drive circuit 106 for driving the SLCD 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main part of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, in step 201, it is determined whether or not the release button (not shown) has been operated to start the time measurement of the photometry timer. If the time measurement has not been started, the process waits in this step, and then the time measurement is started. When the confirmation is made, the process proceeds to step 202. And step 202
In, it is determined whether the AF point selection button 8 has been operated,
If it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 203, and if it has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 207.

At step 203, the current A when the AF point selection button 8 is operated is operated without operating the AF point selection mode button 9 for selecting an arbitrary AF point.
It is determined whether or not the point F is an end point. As a result, if it is not an end point, the process proceeds to step 204. For example, if the current AF point is 54f at the center, if the operation button 8d indicating the + X direction of the AF point selection button 8 has been pressed in step 202, In FIG. 3, the -X is added to the AF point 54g in the right direction.
When the operation button 8c indicating the direction is pressed, the AF point 54e in the left direction is set. When the operation button 8a indicating the + Y direction is pressed, the operation button 8b indicating the -Y direction is set. If it is pressed, the AF point 54j in the downward direction
Move a point. Then, in the next step 205, the AF point after the change is
The information is displayed on the IS display 54 via the display drive circuit 106 (specifically, displayed on the finder screen 54 ').

If it is determined in step 203 that the current AF point position when the AF point selection button 8 is operated is an end point, the process proceeds to step 206, and the current AF point is set to the SLCD display driving circuit 106. Is displayed on the IS display 54 via the.

That is, when only the AF point selection button 8 is operated without operating the AF point selection mode button 9, A
The circulation at the point F is not performed (restriction is applied).

If the AF point selection button 8 has not been operated in step 202, the process proceeds to step 207 as described above, where it is determined whether the AF point selection mode button 9 has been operated. If not, the process returns to step 202.

On the other hand, if the AF point selection mode button 9 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 208, where it is determined whether or not the AF point selection button 8 has been operated.
In step 09, it is determined whether the currently selected AF point is an end point. As a result, if the current position is not an end point, the process proceeds to step 210. For example, if the current AF point is the center AF point 54f, the operation button 8d indicating the + X direction of the AF point selection button 8 is set in step 209. If the button is pressed, the AF point 54g in the right direction is pressed. If the operation button 8c indicating the -X direction is pressed, the AF point 54e in the left direction is pressed.
When the operation button 8a indicating the + Y direction is pressed, the AF point is moved to the upward AF point 54b, and when the operation button 8b indicating the -Y direction is pressed, the AF point is moved to the downward AF point 54j. Let it. Then, in the next step 211, AF
The changed AF point is displayed on the IS display 54 via the SLCD display drive circuit 106 in accordance with the change of the point.

If it is determined in step 209 that the currently selected AF point is an end point, step 21 is executed.
Proceeding to 2, the circulated AF point is selected because the current AF point is an end point with respect to the operation direction. For example, in FIG. 3, if the operation button 8d indicating the + X direction of the AF point selection button 8 is pressed while the AF point 54h is selected, the AF point is moved to the leftmost AF point 54d. , AF point 54b
Is selected, if the operation button 8a indicating the + Y direction of the AF point selection button 8 is pressed, the AF is set to the lowest 54j.
Move a point. Then, in the next step 213, the changed AF point is displayed on the IS display 54 via the SLCD display drive circuit 106 in accordance with the change of the AF point.

That is, when the AF point selection button 8 is operated after the AF point selection mode button 9 is operated, if the current AF point is the AF point at one end, the other end AF of
The circulation of the selected AF point to the point is performed.

If it is determined in step 208 that the AF point selection button 8 has not been operated, step 21
Then, the process proceeds to step 4, where it is determined whether the first information input dial 2 or the second information input dial 7 has been operated. As a result, if no operation is performed, the process proceeds to step 220.

On the other hand, if the first information input dial 2 or the second information input dial 7 is operated, step 21 is executed.
5 to determine whether or not the currently selected AF point is an end point. If not, the flow proceeds to step 216. For example, if the current AF point is the central AF point 54f, If the first information input dial 2 is rotated clockwise at 214, the AF point is moved to the right AF point 54g, and if the first information input dial 2 is rotated counterclockwise, the AF point is moved to the left AF point 54e. Is moved, and if the second information input dial 7 is rotated clockwise, the AF point is moved to the lower AF point 54j. If the second information input dial 7 is rotated counterclockwise, the upper AF point 54b is moved. Is moved to the AF point. Then, in the next step 217, the AF point after the change is changed according to the change in the AF point.
6 is displayed on the IS display 54.

If it is determined in step 215 that the currently selected AF point is an end point, the flow advances to step 218. Since the current AF point is an end point in the operation direction, the circulated AF point is determined. SLCD display drive circuit 1
06 on the IS display 54. For example, AF
When the first information input dial 2 is rotated clockwise while the point 54h is selected, the AF point 54d is selected. Similarly, when the second information input dial 7 is rotated counterclockwise while the AF point 54a is selected, the AF point 54i is selected. And
In the next step 219, the AF point after the change is changed via the SLCD display drive circuit 106 according to the change in the AF point.
It is displayed on the S display 54.

Upon completion of each of the above operations, the process proceeds to step 220, in which a release button (not shown)
AF point selection mode button 9, AF point selection button 8, first information input dial 2, second information input dial 7
If within a predetermined period of time (6 seconds in this embodiment) from the last signal input of any of the above, it is determined that the AF point is selectable, and the process returns to step 202;
The F point selection operation ends.

In the first embodiment, when the AF point is selected by the AF point selection button 8, the AF point selection mode button 9
The user can select whether to circulate or limit at the end of the AF point by operating or not, and move in the X and Y directions with the first and second information input dials 2 and 7. When an arbitrary AF point is selected, no restriction is always imposed. Therefore, when the AF point is selected with the first and second information input dials 2 and 7, since the information input dial is used as an input member of another function, it is used in combination with the AF point selection mode button 9. There is no. Also, AF point selection button 8
When the AF point is selected, by using the AF point selection mode button 9 together, it is possible to selectively use the AF point selection method according to the photographer's preference and the shooting scene.

More specifically, when photographing a subject which can assume a certain specific movement, an AF point is selected by the information input dials 2 and 7 in accordance with the movement of the subject, and when photographing landscapes and flowers, the AF point is selected. According to the diversified photographer's preference and shooting scene, the user can operate the information input dials 2, 7 or select the AF point selection button 8 corresponding to the cross key. You can select whether to operate with. At this time, it is possible to set whether or not to restrict according to the characteristics of the operation member. Therefore, an operation environment suitable for each operation member can be provided.

In the case where it is inadvertently changed by any one of the means, the function such as a custom function is used to select whether to change the AF point only by one of the means according to the photographer's preference. You may be able to. In other words, in a case where either operation method is intentionally not performed, a custom function may be used so that only one operation method can be used.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a main part of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention (the first embodiment).
5 (operation corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment). Since the electrical and mechanical configuration of the camera is the same as that of the first embodiment, its description and illustration are omitted.

In the second embodiment, the three horizontal AF points 54e, 54f, and 54g in the center of FIG. 7 are called group representative AF points, and these three points are centered as shown in FIG. The upper, lower, left, and right are regarded as one group, and the 11 AF points can be divided into three groups. Specifically, for example, the AF point 54e is the AF point 54a, 54d, 5
4f and 54i are group representative AF points.
f is a group representative AF point of the AF points 54b, 54e, 54g, 54j, and the AF point 54g is the AF point 54c,
Group representative AF points of 54f, 54h and 54k,
As shown by a solid line, a dashed line, and a dotted circle, each of the five points forms a group. Then, by selecting the group representative AF points 54e, 54f, 54g with the first information input dial 2, it is possible to select any one of the five groups described above.
At this time, the group representative AF points 54e, 54f and 54g can be circulated and selected by the first information input dial 2.

The selection of an arbitrary AF point in the selected group is performed by selecting an AF point selection button 8 corresponding to a cross key.
The operation can be selected by the operation. Specifically, for example, when the AF point 54e is selected as the group representative AF point, the AF point 54a,
An arbitrary AF point can be selected from among 54d, 54f, and 54i.

In the above configuration, the operation at the time of selecting an arbitrary AF point will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step 251, it is determined whether or not the AF point selection mode button 9 has been operated, and if it has not been operated, the process stands by at this step. After that, the AF
If it is determined that the point selection mode button 9 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 252. Here, it is determined whether or not the first information input dial 2 has been operated. If it has been determined that the first information input dial 2 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 253, and the operation is not performed. If so, step 2
Proceed to 60.

At step 253, it is determined whether or not the end (end point) of the currently selected group (Gr) representative AF point has been reached. As a result, if the current position is not at the end, the process proceeds to step 254. Here, for example, if the current AF point is the group representative AF point 54f, the first information input dial 2
When the is rotated clockwise, the group representative AF point is moved to the right group representative AF point 54g, and when the is rotated counterclockwise, the group representative AF point is moved to the left group representative AF point 54e. . Step # 2
If it is determined in 53 that the position is the end (54e or 54g) of the group representative AF point with respect to the operation direction, the process proceeds to step 255, where, for example, the current group representative A
If the point F is 54 g, the above step 252
When the first information input dial 2 is rotated clockwise, the group representative AF point is moved to the circulated AF point 54e. Then, in the next step 256,
The AF point after the change is displayed on the IS display 54 according to the change of the AF point via the SLCD display drive circuit 106.

In the next step 257, it is determined whether or not the AF point selection button 8 has been operated. If the AF point selection button 8 has not been operated, the process immediately proceeds to step 263. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 258, for example, the current Group representative AF
Assuming that the point is 54 g, an operation button indicating the + X direction of the AF point selection button 8 in step 257 in the group (group indicated by the dotted circle in FIG. 7) centered on the group representative AF point 54 g If 8d is pressed, the right AF point 54h is pressed. If the operation button 8c indicating the -X direction is pressed, the left AF point 54f is pressed. The operation button 8a indicating the + Y direction is pressed. At the upward AF point 54c,-
If the operation button 8b indicating the Y direction is pressed, the AF
The AF point is moved to the point 54k. Then, in the next step 259, the AF point after the change is changed via the SLCD display drive circuit 106 into the IS
It is displayed on the display 54.

If the first information input dial 2 has not been operated in step 252, the process proceeds to step 260 as described above, where it is determined whether or not the AF point selection button 8 has been operated. If not, the process proceeds to step 263. On the other hand, if it has been operated, step 261
Then, in the currently set group (for example, the group indicated by the solid circle in FIG. 7) centered on the group representative AF point 54e, the AF point selection at the up, down, left, and right positions according to the operation of the AF point selection button 8 I do. Then, in the next step 262, the AF point changed in the group is set to SL
The information is displayed on the IS display 54 via the CD display drive circuit 106.

When the above operations are completed, the process proceeds to step 263, and after the AF point selection mode button 9 is pressed once, the AF point selection button 8, the first information input dial 2, and the second information input dial 7 are depressed. If within a predetermined time (6 seconds in the present embodiment) from any of the last signal inputs, it is determined that the AF point is selectable, and the process returns to step 252. If the predetermined time has passed, the AF point selection operation ends. I do.

The representative points of the grouped AF points are selected and displayed by the first information input dial 2, but all the AF points of the selected group are selected and displayed. After the camera automatically selects an arbitrary AF point, correction can be made with the AF point selection button 8.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of (11 in this example) AF points are grouped (three groups in this example), and the first information input dial 2 sets the group representative AF point. By selecting, a group consisting of five AF point groups including up, down, left and right around the AF point is selected, and an AF point selection button 8 is used to select an arbitrary AF in each group.
Since the points can be selected, it is possible to compensate for the difficulty in selecting the AF points as the number of AF points increases.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a main part of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention (first embodiment of the present invention).
5 (operation corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment). Since the electrical and mechanical configuration of the camera is the same as that of the first embodiment, its description and illustration are omitted.

In the third embodiment, the AF point selection AF point selection mode button 9 not only switches the AF point selection mode, but also the center AF point (54) in FIG.
It is also assumed that a function for selecting f) is also provided.

In FIG. 8, first, in step 301, it is determined whether or not the AF point selection mode button 9 has been operated, and if it has not been operated, the process stands by at this step. Thereafter, when it is determined that the AF point selection mode button 9 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 302, and the AF point is forcibly moved to a predetermined AF point (the center AF point 54f in this embodiment).
Then, in the next step 303, a predetermined AF point (54f) is set via the SLCD display drive circuit 106 to the IS point.
It is displayed on the display 54.

In the next step 304, it is determined whether or not one of the first and second information input dials 2 and 17 has been operated.
If no operation is performed, the process proceeds to step 309.

In step 305, it is determined whether or not the currently selected AF point is at the end (end point). If the current position is not the end, the flow proceeds to step 306.
For example, if the current AF point is the center AF point 54f, the first information input dial 2
If the is rotated clockwise, the AF point 54g in the right direction
If it is rotated counterclockwise, the leftward AF point 54
e, the AF point is moved, and if the second information input dial 7 is rotated clockwise, the AF point
j, if the AF point 5 is rotated counterclockwise, the upward AF point 5
4b, the AF point is moved. If it is determined in step 305 that the current position is at the end, the process proceeds to step 307. Since the current AF point is at the end with respect to the operation direction, the circulated AF point is selected. Specifically, when the first information input dial 2 is rotated clockwise while the AF point 54h is selected, the AF point 54
d will be selected. Similarly, when the second information input dial 7 is rotated counterclockwise while the AF point 54a is selected, the AF point 54i is selected. Then, in the next step 308, the AF point after the change is changed according to the change of the AF point.
6 is displayed on the IS display 54.

In step 304, the first and second
If neither of the information input dials 2 and 7 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 309 as described above, and here A
It is determined whether or not the F point selection button 8 has been operated, and if it has not been operated, the process immediately proceeds to step 312.

On the other hand, if the AF point selection button 8 has been operated, the routine proceeds to step 310, where the peripheral AF points (54
54 excluding b, 54e, 54f, 54g, 54j
a, 54c, 54d, 54h, 54i or 54k), the AF corresponding to the pressed operation button
Force it to move to a point. For example, a predetermined AF point 54f
On the other hand, if the operation button 8d indicating the + X direction of the AF point selection button 8 is pressed, the AF point 54g in the right direction is selected, and if the operation button 8c indicating the -X direction is pressed, the AF point in the left direction is selected. Point 5
4e is selected, and if the operation button 8a indicating the + Y direction is pressed, the upward AF point 54b is selected, and if the operation button 8b indicating the -Y direction is pressed, the downward AF point 54j is selected. I do. Then, in the next step 311, the AF point after the change is changed according to the change of the AF point.
06 on the IS display 54. That is, the AF point is moved only at the central AF point.

When each of the above operations is completed, the process proceeds to step 312, and after the AF point selection mode button 9 is pressed once, the AF point selection button 8, the first information input dial 2, and the second information input dial 7 are depressed. If within a predetermined time (6 seconds in this embodiment) from any of the last signal inputs, the process returns to step 304 assuming that the AF point is selectable, and ends the AF point selection operation after the predetermined time. I do.

In the third embodiment described above, when selecting AF points with the first information input dial 2 and the second information input dial 7, all AF points can be selected.
When the point selection mode button 9 is operated, the center AF point 54
When f is selected and then the AF point selection button 8 is operated,
Since the AF points corresponding to the respective operation buttons can be forcibly selected in the up, down, left, and right directions with the center at 54f, it is possible to easily select the frequently selected AF points. That is, even if there are a plurality of AF points, operability is not degraded.

[0068]

As described above, according to the first or twelfth aspect,
According to the invention described in (1), it is possible to provide an information input device or a camera capable of selectively using the area selecting means according to the user's preference and the shooting scene.

According to the third or twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information input device or a camera capable of promptly selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 6 or 12, it is an object to provide an information input device or a camera capable of quickly selecting a frequently used area from a plurality of areas.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera according to each embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back.

FIG. 2 is an optical system layout diagram of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a viewfinder view of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of a finder for assisting explanation of an operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera main body 2 1st information input dial 3 External information display part 7 2nd information input dial 8 AF point selection button 9 AF point selection mode button 52 Focus detection device 57 Photometry device 58 Lens drive means 70 Information display part in finder 101 CPU 105 LCD display drive circuit 106 SLCD display drive circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 17/20 G06F 3/033 380A 5B087 G06F 3/023 340 G02B 7/11 Z 3/033 380 G03B 3 / 00 A F term (reference) 2H011 AA01 DA05 2H051 DA03 GA02 GA09 GA17 GB20 2H100 AA18 2H102 AA44 CA11 5B020 AA17 BB10 CC12 DD02 DD05 FF56 GG05 GG13 HH22 5B087 AA09 AB02 AE00 BC08 BC13 BC16 DD03 DD10 DE02

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An area selection mode switching member for switching to a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged in a two-dimensional direction, a first area selection means including two operation members, An information input device having a second area selecting means including a push button type operation member, wherein when the first area selecting means selects an arbitrary area, When allowing the circulation from one end area to the other end area and selecting an arbitrary area by the second area selection means, is the area selection mode switching member operated? An information input apparatus, comprising: a selection area control unit that determines whether or not circulation from the one end area to the other end area is permitted based on the determination. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection area control means is configured to select the area from the one end part to the other end part when the area selection mode switching member is operated at the time of area selection by the second area selection means. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein circulation to an area is permitted. 3. An area selection mode switching member for switching to a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged in a two-dimensional direction, a first area selection means including two operation members, An information input device comprising: a second area selection unit including a push button type operation member, wherein the first area selection unit selects one group of the plurality of areas into a plurality of groups. The information input device, wherein the second area selecting means selects an arbitrary area in the selected group. 4. The information according to claim 3, wherein when a group is selected by the first area selection means, only an area located at the center of the group is displayed on the display means. Input device. 5. The information input device according to claim 3, wherein when a group is selected by the first area selection means, all areas in the group are displayed on a display means. 6. An area selection mode switching member for switching to a mode for selecting an arbitrary area from a plurality of areas arranged in a two-dimensional direction, a first area selection means including two operation members, and a different selection. A second area selection means comprising a plurality of push button type operation members each indicating a direction,
The area selection mode switching member is an information input device that also has a function of selecting a predetermined area of the entire area, wherein the first area selection unit selects an arbitrary area from the entire area. The second area selection means selects only an area in a selection direction indicated by the push button type operation member from a predetermined area selected by the area selection mode switching member. An information input device, characterized in that: 7. The predetermined area is an area in the center of the screen, and the area in the selection direction indicated by the push button type operation member is an area around the predetermined area. The information input device according to claim 6, wherein 8. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein said first area selecting means is an electronic dial rotatable endlessly. 9. The method according to claim 9, wherein the second area selection means includes a left, right,
The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information input device comprises four push button-type operation members for respectively selecting the upper and lower regions. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of areas are areas for detecting defocus information.
The information input device according to any one of claims 9 to 10. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of areas are areas for detecting a distance to an object.
The information input device according to any one of claims 9 to 10. 12. A focus adjusting lens is driven by the information input device according to claim 1 and a drive signal based on information detected in an area selected by the information input device. A camera comprising: focus adjusting means.