Exposure Operation Mechanism of Camera

This application is based upon application Nos. 10-219267, 10-247279 and 10-247317 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a camera, and particularly relates to an exposure operation mechanism of the camera.

2. Description of the Related Arts

Conventionally, there have been proposed a variety of cameras which are able to perform an operation, or calculation, of exposure (i.e. exposure operation). In order to improve, or to enhance, an accuracy of the operation of exposure, as shown in FIG. 3 for example, there has been proposed a camera, in which a plurality of photometric regions are optically measured by a MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S4; a position of a subject (i.e. an object to be photographed) is detected by an OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT POSITION S2', on the basis of information, output from a FOCUSING DEVICE S6, upon a distance relative to the subject, or on the basis of information, output therefrom, upon a focusing region; a photometric region is selected by a PHOTOMETRIC REGION DETERMINATION DEVICE S3, on the basis of the detected position of the subject; and an optimum exposure value is selected by an EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5 which makes use of the photometric value of the selected photometric region.

If the photometric region is selected according to a predetermined algorithm and then the exposure is operated or calculated by using the photometric value, there is need of increasing the number of photometric regions, there is need of increasing the number of points for focusing, and/or there is need of complicating the algorithm, in order to enhance a precision of the exposure operation. Namely, with such an arrangement, the time, until the exposure is determined, is disadvantageously prolonged.

On the other hand, in order to improve, or to enhance, the accuracy of the operation of exposure, as shown in FIG. 38 for example, there has been proposed a camera, in which a position of a subject (i.e. an object to be photographed) is detected by an OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT POSITION S20a, on the basis of a measuring value which a MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S50 measures by measuring a plurality of photometric regions optically, and on the basis of focusing information output from a FOCUSING DEVICE S60; a DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30 calculates a brightness of a main subject that is a principal subject to be photographed, on the basis of the position of the subject, and on the basis of the measuring value which a MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S50 measures; and an optimum exposure value is calculated by an EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S40.

According to the arrangement, the exposure operation is executed on the basis of a predetermined algorithm. In order to enhance a precision of the exposure operation, however, there is need of increasing the number of photometric points and/or the number of focusing points, and/or there is need of complicating the algorithm. Namely, with such an arrangement, the time, until the exposure is determined, is disadvantageously prolonged.

On the other hand, there have been proposed a variety of cameras which are able to execute an exposure operation by determining one of the scenes, including a landscape, a close-up, a night scene, a portrait, and a sport, to be photographed. In this kind of camera, as shown in FIG. 51 for example, a SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200 determines one of the scenes to be photographed on the basis of photometric values which are derived from optically measuring a plurality of photometric regions by a MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S600 and on the basis of a focusing value which is measured by a FOCUSING DEVICE S500; and an EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S400 calculates an optimum exposure value on the basis of the information upon the scene, to be photographed, which is determined by the SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200, and on the basis of the photometric value which is obtained by the MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S600. For example, a priority is given to its shutter speed if it is a sport scene, and a priority is given to its aperture if it is a landscape scene. According to the arrangement, the scene determination operation is executed on the basis of a predetermined algorithm. In order to enhance a precision of the scene determination, however, there is need of increasing the number of photometric points and/or the number of focusing points, and/or there is need of complicating the algorithm. Namely, with such an arrangement, the time which is required for performing the scene determination, is disadvantageously prolonged.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera in which it is possible to execute an exposure operation, or an exposure calculation, with a high accuracy in a short time.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the camera in which it is possible to execute an operation of scene determination, or of scene discrimination, with a high accuracy in a short time.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera, comprising: an image sensor for sensing an image of a subject, or object, to be photographed, and for outputting subject region information by processing data of the image; a plurality of light measuring sensors for optically measuring a plurality of divided photometric regions, wherein each of the light measuring sensors outputs a photometric value of each of the divided photometric regions; a selector for selecting at least one of the divided photometric regions, on a basis of the subject region information which is output from the image sensor; and a calculator for calculating an exposure control value, on a basis of the photometric value of the at least one, selected by the selector, of the divided photometric regions.

According to the mechanism, the selector can precisely select a photometric region corresponding to a subject region, and the calculator can get, or calculate, accurate photometric data of the subject region. Therefore, the accuracy of exposure operation/calculation is improved (i.e. higher).

In the mechanism, for example, if the image sensor is constituted by a device, such as a C-MOS image taking device, which can take in the image of the subject, and can output the subject region information by processing data of the image, in a short time, the time for performing the optical measurement (i.e. photometry), or the time for performing a photometric algorithm, is shorten. Therefore, it is possible to realize a highly precise exposure operation which is achieved in a short time.

The one aspect of the present invention, for example, can be embodied as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the image sensor may comprise an IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S1 and an OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S2. The IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S1 takes in, or senses, an image of the region to be photographed and outputs image processing information (for example, brightness information, color information, contour detection information, vector detecting information, etc) to the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S2. The OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S2 detects the subject region in which the subject to be photographed exists on the basis of the image processing information, and outputs the subject region information to the selector (i.e. PHOTOMETRIC REGION DETERMINATION DEVICE S3). The PHOTOMETRIC REGION DETERMINATION DEVICE S3 selects the photometric region on the basis of the subject region information, and outputs the photometric value of the selected photometric region to the calculator (i.e. EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5). The EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5 calculates the optimum exposure value on the basis of the photometric value of the selected photometric region.

In the mechanism, the plurality of photometric values, relative to the plurality of photometric regions, optically measured by the light measuring sensor (i.e. MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S4) maybe once input to the PHOTOMETRIC REGION DETERMINATION DEVICE S3, and the photometric value of the selected photometric region may be output from the PHOTOMETRIC REGION DETERMINATION DEVICE S3 to the EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5.

Alternatively, the photometric value of the photometric region selected by the PHOTOMETRIC REGION DETERMINATION DEVICE S3, may be directly output from the MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S4 to the EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5.

In the mechanism, a suitable degree of priority may be put on the photometric regions corresponding to the subject region, and the EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5 may process the photometric value in accordance with the degree of priority so as to calculate the value of exposure.

In the mechanism, there may be further provided a distance detecting sensor (i.e. FOCUSING DEVICE S6), as shown in FIG. 2.

That is, the FOCUSING DEVICE S6, for example, may output focusing information (for example, focusing region information that designates which of the focusing regions is in focus, information upon a distance up to the subject to be photographed, and so on) to the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S2.

According to the mechanism, the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S2 detects the subject region with a higher precision, by making use not only of the image processing information output from the IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S1, but also of the focusing information output from the FOCUSING DEVICE S6. Therefore, the the EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S5 can get the accurate photometric data of the subject region, thus possible to enhance the accuracy of the exposure operation.

In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera, comprising: an image sensor for sensing an image of a subject to be photographed, and for outputting subject region information by processing data of the image; a detector for detecting a brightness of a main subject of the subject, on a basis of the subject region information output by the image sensor; and a calculator for calculating an exposure control value, on a basis of the brightness, detected by the detector, of the main subject.

According to the mechanism, the main subject region is determined precisely on the basis of the subject region information output from the image sensor, and the brightness of the main subject is calculated on the basis of the precise determination of the main subject region. Therefore, the accuracy of optimum exposure calculation is enhanced and/or the time to calculate the photometric algorithm is shortened. Namely, it is possible to realize a highly precise exposure operation which is achieved in a short time.

Another aspect of the present invention, for example, can be embodied as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 36, the image sensor may comprise an IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S10 and an OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S20. The IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S10 takes in, or senses, an image of the region to be photographed and outputs image processing information (for example, brightness information, color information, contour detection information, vector detecting information, etc) to the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S20. The OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S20 detects the subject region in which the subject to be photographed exists on the basis of the image processing information, and outputs the subject region information to the detector (i.e. DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30). The subject region information can include, for example, the brightness information, contour information, vector information, a combination of the contour information and color information, positional information (for example, central position or not), information upon bright mass (or lump) or upon dark mass (or lump) or upon large mass (or lump) or upon mass (or lump) which locates adjacent to a focussing photometric area or upon mass (or lump) which is moving, or upon the like. The detector (i.e. DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30) determines the main subject region in which a main subject, which is a main object to be photographed, exists on the basis of the subject region information, and calculates the brightness of the main subject region. The DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30 outputs the main subject brightness information concerning the brightness of the main subject. The main subject brightness information can also include such pieces of information upon, for example, the position of the main subject, a size thereof, a difference in brightness with respect to the brightness of the background, etc. The calculator (i.e. EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S40) calculates the exposure on the basis of the main subject brightness information.

In the mechanism, there may be further provided a plurality of light measuring sensors (i.e. MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S50) and a distance detecting sensor (i.e. FOCUSING DEVICE S60), as shown in FIG. 37.

That is, the MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S50 may output photometric information both to the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S20 and to the DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30, and/or the FOCUSING DEVICE S60 can output focusing information to the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S20. According to the mechanism, the OUTPUT DEVICE FOR INFORMATION UPON SUBJECT REGION S20 may output the subject region information to the DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30, on the basis of the image processing information which is output from the IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S10, and on the basis of the photometric information which is output from the MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S50 and/or the focusing information which is output from the focusing DEVICE S60. On the other hand, the DEVICE FOR CALCULATING BRIGHTNESS OF MAIN SUBJECT S30 determines the main subject region in which a main subject, which is a main object to be photographed, exists on the basis of the subject region information and the photometric information output from the MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S50, and calculates the brightness of the main subject.

In order to achieve the above object, according to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera, comprising: an image sensor for sensing an image of a subject to be photographed, and for outputting image process information by processing photographing data of the image; a discriminator for discriminating a photographing scene on a basis of the image process information which is output from the image sensor; a plurality of light measuring sensors for optically measuring a plurality of divided photometric regions, wherein each of the light measuring sensors outputs a photometric value of each of the divided photometric regions; and a calculator for calculating an exposure control value, on a basis of discrimination data which is output from the discriminator and of the photometric value which is output from each of the light measuring sensors.

According to the mechanism, the discriminator can precisely discriminate the photographing scene, namely can precisely select at least one of photographing scenes, on the basis of the image process information which is output from the image sensor. Therefore, with the mechanism, it is possible to enhance the accuracy of exposure and/or to shorten the time to calculate the exposure (i.e. to perform the exposure operation). Also, it is possible to discriminate a photographing scene (i.e. to perform a scene determination) with a high accuracy in a short time.

The still another aspect of the present invention, for example, can be embodied as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 49, the image sensor (i.e. IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S100) can take, or sense, an image included within a region to be photographed, and the image sensor outputs the image process information (for example, image information upon a photographing image, contour detection information, vector detecting information, color information, and so on) to the discriminator (i.e. SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200). The SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200 discriminates, or determines, a scene to be photographed on the basis of the image process information, and then the SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200 outputs a piece of discrimination data (or a piece of scene determining information) to the calculator (i.e. EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S400). The image process information can include information upon, for example, a main subject region in which a main subject that is a principal subject to be photographed exists, a distance between a camera body and the main subject, the background, and the like. In the arrangement, for example, a night scene can be discriminated by detecting a light source or a color fog. A moving object or a sports scene can be discriminated by vector information. A close-up scene, a portrait scene or a landscape scene can be discriminated by an occupation ratio of the main subject region to the background region. The calculator (i.e. EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S400) calculates an optimum exposure value on the basis of the photometric value output from a plurality of light measuring sensors (i.e. MULTI-DIVISION PHOTOMETRIC DEVICE S300) and on the basis of the discrimination data output from the SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200.

In the mechanism, there may be further provided a distance detecting sensor (i.e. FOCUSING DEVICE S700), as shown in FIG. 50.

That is, the SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200 can discriminate a photographing scene, or execute the operation for the scene determination, on the basis of the image process information output form the IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S100 and on the basis of the focusing information output from the FOCUSING DEVICE S700, and then the SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200 outputs discrimination data to the EXPOSURE OPERATION DEVICE S400.

According to the mechanism, not only the image process information output from the IMAGE TAKING DEVICE S100, but also the focusing information output from the focusing DEVICE S700 are employed for the SCENE DETERMINATION DEVICE S200 to discriminate the photographing scene. Therefore, with the mechanism, it is possible to enhance the accuracy of exposure and/or to shorten the time to calculate the exposure (i.e. to perform the exposure operation). Also, it is possible to discriminate a photographing scene (i.e. to perform a scene determination) with a higher accuracy in a short time.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the camera according to a prior art;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the camera according to a modification of the first embodiment thereof;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the camera of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the camera according to a modification of the first embodiment thereof;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the camera according to a modification of the first embodiment thereof;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view which shows an arrangement of a C-MOS image operation processing sensor, a multi-division photometric element and a multi-point focusing element, of the camera of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view which shows an arrangement of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor, and the multi-point focusing element, of the camera of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view which shows an arrangement of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor, a multi-division light adjusting element and the multi-point focusing element, of the camera of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view which illustrates output information (image information) of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view which illustrates output information (turning-over information) of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view which illustrates output information (edge-detection information) of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view which illustrates output information (color information) of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing image processing information (information upon detection of a center of gravity) which is calculated from the output information of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing image processing information (information upon detection of a vector) which is calculated from the output information of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing image processing information (information upon a region of a subject to be photographed) which is calculated from the output information of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor;

FIGS. 19(A) through 19(C) are an explanatory view showing a calculation of information upon a subject region;

FIGS. 20(A) through 20(D) are an explanatory view showing a calculation of information upon a subject region if a photometric element (or a photometric sensor), which is mounted independently of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor, is employed;

FIGS. 21(A) through 21(C) are an explanatory view showing a selection of photometric region, if the photometric element is not employed, and if an output from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor is used as photometric value for performing an exposure operation;

FIGS. 22(A) through 22(D) are an explanatory view showing a selection of photometric region, if the photometric element, which is mounted independently of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor, is employed, and if an output from the photometric element is used as a photometric value for performing an exposure operation;

FIGS. 23(A) through 23(E) are an explanatory view for selecting a photometric region by also making use of information upon distance, if the photometric element is not employed, and if the output from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor is used as the photometric value for performing an exposure operation;

FIGS. 24(A) through 24(D) are an explanatory view showing a selection of photometric region if there exist a plurality of subject regions;

FIGS. 25(A) through 25(C) are an explanatory view showing a calculation of a main background occupation rate, if the photometric element is not employed, and if the output from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor is used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation;

FIGS. 26(A) through 26(D) are an explanatory view showing a calculation of the main background occupation rate, if the photometric element, which is mounted independently of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor, is employed, and if the output from the photometric element is used as the photometric value for performing an exposure operation;

FIG. 27 is a fundamental flowchart showing a general operation of the camera, if the photometric element is not employed, and if the output from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor is used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation;

FIG. 28 is a fundamental flowchart showing a general operation of the camera, if the photometric element, which is mounted independently of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor, is employed, and if the output from the photometric element is used as the photometric value for performing an exposure operation;

FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of step #22 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart of step #23 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart of steps #16 through #20 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a detailed flowchart of step #54 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart of step #56 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 is a detailed flowchart of step #60 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of step #62 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram of the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to a prior art;

FIG. 39 is a fundamental flowchart showing a general operation of the camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a detailed flowchart of step #1018 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a detailed flowchart of steps #1046 and #1048 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a detailed flowchart of step #1050 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a detailed flowchart of step #1052 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 44 is a detailed flowchart of step #1054 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 45 is a detailed flowchart of step #1060 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 46 is a detailed flowchart of step #1062 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 47 is a detailed flowchart of step #1064 of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a detailed flowchart of step #1066 of FIGS. 40 and 46;

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram of the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram of the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to a prior art.

Before the description of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention proceeds, it is to be noted that like or corresponding parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings.

A detailed description is made below upon a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 4 through 35, and upon the camera according to a second embodiment thereof with reference to FIGS. 4 through 26, and FIGS. 39 through 48, respectively.

First, referring to FIGS. 4 through 35, the description is made upon the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a main internal construction of the camera of the first embodiment.

A camera main body 10 is provided with an auxiliary light emitting section 32, a light adjustment module 34, a photometric module 36, a focusing module 38, a C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, an AF encoder 42 and an AF actuator 44, each of which is connected to a control microcomputer 30.

The control microcomputer 30 includes a CPU and a memory and totally controls an operation of the camera. The auxiliary light emitting section 32 emits an auxiliary light. The light adjustment module 34 controls the light emission of the auxiliary light emitting section 32. The photometric module (photometric sensor) 36 measures a brightness of a subject (i.e. an object to be photographed). The focusing module (focusing sensor) 38 measures a distance between the camera and the subject.

The C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 is arranged so as to take a finder image which is formed at an image-forming position (on a focusing screen locating below a penta-prism) in a finder optical system. More specifically, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 operates so as to take in the image within a region to be photographed by the camera, so as to process the image at a high speed, and so as to output the image processing information upon a shape (or a contour) of the image, and/or upon a movement of the image (i.e. its direction and amount of movement) and so on, to the control microcomputer 30. The C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 is constituted by a MOS type light-receiving cell able to read image at a higher speed than CCD, and an image calculation operation part for speedily processing the read data and for performing a feature extraction, in which the MOS type light-receiving cell and the image calculation operation part are integrated into one single element. The C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 has an information compressing function and a parallel processing function, both of which the human retina has. The use of this C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 enables the image information input device to be improved in function, to be reduced in size (i.e. to be miniaturized), to be increased in speed of operation, and to be reduced in consumption of power. The control microcomputer 30 can execute its control operation at high speed, because the control microcomputer 30 can only process, or manage, data with a small amount of information after the feature extraction.

The AF encoder 42 detects an amount of movement of the AF actuator 44. The AF actuator 44 drives a focus lens in an optical system 54 of an interchangeable lens 50 via a lens drive system of the interchangeable lens 50.

The interchangeable lens 50 is further provided with a lens microcomputer 52, in addition to the optical system 54. The lens microcomputer 52 is connected to the control microcomputer 30 of the camera main body 10, and it performs communication with the control microcomputer 30.

In more detail, the camera has a construction as shown in a block diagram of FIG. 6.

That is, the camera main body 10 is provided with a DC/DC (DC-to-DC) converter 24, the photometric sensor 36, a focusing sensor 38, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, a pair of motor drivers 41 and 43, an aperture magnet 46, a shutter magnet 48, a body display device 16, an adjustment terminal 14, and various switches S1, S2, SMODE, SUP and SDOWN, each of which is connected to the control microcomputer 30.

The DC/DC converter 24 makes constant a voltage supplied from a battery 22 which is loaded inside the camera main body 10, and it constantly supplies its power to the control microcomputer 30. In the arrangement, when any one of the switches S1, S2, SMODE, SUP and SDOWN is operated, then the DC/DC converter 24 supplies the constant voltage to the various sensors 36, 38 and 40, the motor drivers 41 and 43, the aperture magnet 46, the shutter magnet 48, the body display 16, and the lens microcomputer 52 of the interchangeable lens 50, under the control of the control microcomputer 30.

The motor driver 41 drives the AF motor 44 for moving the focus lens in the interchangeable lens 50, and the motor driver 43 drives the film feeding motor 45 for feeding the film, respectively. The aperture magnet 46 controls, or drives, an aperture for executing the exposure operation. The shutter magnet 48 controls, or drives, the shutter.

The body display device 16 displays a state of the camera, photographing information, and so on. The adjustment terminal 14 is used for adjusting the sensors 36 and 40.

The switch S1 is a switch for executing the photometric measuring, focusing, calculation processing, and AF driving control of the interchangeable lens 50, in order to prepare photographing. The switch S1 is turned on when a shutter button is depressed (i.e. pressed down) halfway. The switch S2 is a switch for executing the exposure operation. The switch S2 is turned on when the shutter button is completely pressed down. The switch SUP and the switch SDOWN are switches for changing a setting value of the shutter speed, and value of the aperture. The switch SMODE is a switch for changing a setting of photographing condition.

The camera of the present invention is not limited to the construction shown in FIG. 4, and it can be embodied in a variety of forms.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 which shows a first modification to the first embodiment, the camera may have a construction in which a driving control mechanism of an interchangeable lens 50a is provided inside the interchangeable lens 50a, where the driving control mechanism has an AF actuator 56 for driving the focus lens in the optical system 54, an AF encoder 57 for detecting the driving amount of the AF actuator 56, a PF encoder 58 for detecting a position of the focus lens, and a termination detecting switch 59 for detecting a limit of movement of the focus lens, and where the focus lens in the optical system 54 is driven by communication between a lens microcomputer 52 of the interchangeable lens 50a and the control microcomputer 30 of the camera main body 10.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7 which shows a second modification to the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG.8 which shows a third modification to the first embodiment, respectively, the photometric module (i.e. photometric sensor) 36 may be cancelled, and the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a may also have a function as a photometric sensor.

In each of the aforementioned cameras, pixels of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, the multi-division photometric element of the photometric sensor 36, and the multi-point focusing element of the focusing sensor 38, have, on a screen, a relative arrangement as shown in FIGS. 9 through 11. That is, FIG. 9 shows an example, corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, the multi-point focusing element 38, and the multi-division photometric element 36 are combined to each other; on the other hand, FIG. 11 shows an example, corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, the multi-point focusing element 38, and the light adjusting element 34 are combined to each other. Meanwhile, FIG. 10 shows an example, corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 8, in which the multi-division photometric element of the photometric sensor 36 is eliminated, and an output of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is also used for photometric measuring. Namely, FIG. 10 shows the example in which the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a and the multi-point focusing element 38 are combined to each other.

In each of the aforementioned cameras, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, 40a can process the image which has been taken, and it can output a variety of pieces of image processing information as shown in FIGS. 12 through 18.

That is, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, 40a can output:

(A) image information (see FIG. 12);

(B) turning-over information (see FIG. 13);

(C) edge-detecting (contour detecting) information (see FIG. 14); and

(D) color information (see FIG. 15).

As shown in FIG. 12, the image information is a direct output of the photoelectric output of each pixel. As shown in FIG. 13, the turning-over information is an inverted output of the photoelectric output of each pixel, where it outputs a reference voltage Vref at time of darkness, and the output comes closer to 0 V as brightness increases. As shown in FIG. 14, the edge-detecting information (contour detection information) is an output corresponding to a difference between adjacent pixels, where only the pixels with the difference which is more than a predetermined value can be detected as an edge. As shown in FIG. 15, the color information is the image information upon each component image of R, G and B which is derived from resolving the taken image through an R filter, a G filter and a B filter. Further, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 can output (A) the image information, (B) the turning-over information, and (C) the edge-detecting information, per each component image R, G and B.

As shown in FIGS. 16 through 18, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40 can further calculate, and output, a variety of pieces of image processing information, such as gravity-center-detecting information (i.e. information upon detecting a center of gravity), vector detecting information, and information upon subject region, on the basis of the image information, turning-over information, edge-detecting information (contour information), and color information.

The gravity-center-detecting information is obtained on the basis of the coordinates (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), . . . , (Xk, Yk) of all the pixels (where the total number is assumed to be k) detected as an edge as shown in (A-1), by calculating the coordinates (Gx, Gy) of the center of gravity G according to an equation

as shown in (A-2). If there are a plurality of pieces of edge-detecting information, then it is possible to calculate the center of gravity for each of a series of edges.

Meanwhile, the vector detecting information is obtained on the basis of the center of gravity G.sub.n-1 (GX.sub.n-1, GY.sub.n-1) of the (n-1)-th frame and on the basis of the center of gravity G.sub.n (GX.sub.n, GY.sub.n) of the n-th frame as shown in (B-1), by calculating the movement vector V of the center of gravity as shown in (B-2). That is, vector starting point coordinates: G.sub.n-1 (GX.sub.n-1, GY.sub.n-1), a direction component: D(GX.sub.n -GX.sub.n-1, GY.sub.n -GY.sub.n-1), and a velocity component:

are calculated. If there are a plurality of edges, it is possible to divide the edges of every region, to obtain the center of gravity of every divided edge, to obtain the vector information for each divided edge, and to determine the edge having an identical vector direction and velocity as the edge of an identical subject to be photographed.

Meanwhile, the information upon subject region is obtained on the basis of the edge-detecting information and on the basis of the gravity-center-detecting information as shown in (C-1), by calculating the coordinates of the upper, lower, left-hand and right-hand edges, and by calculating the magnitudes in the X- and Y-directions as shown in (C-2) . That is, the left-hand edge coordinates X.sub.L (HX.sub.L, Gy) which are located nearest to the center of gravity G and which are located on the left-hand side relative to the center of gravity G where the Y-coordinate of the left-hand edge coordinates X.sub.L is the same as Gy of the center of gravity G(Gx, Gy), the right-hand edge coordinates X.sub.R (HX.sub.R, Gy) which are located nearest to the center of gravity G and which are located on the right-hand side relative to the center of gravity G where the Y-coordinate of right-hand edge coordinates X.sub.R is the same as Gy of the center of gravity G(Gx, Gy), the upper edge coordinates Y.sub.U (Gx, VY.sub.U) which are located nearest to the center of gravity G and which are located on the upper side relative to the center of gravity G where the X-coordinate of the upper edge coordinates Y.sub.U, is the same as Gx of the center of gravity G(Gx, Gy), and the lower edge coordinates Y.sub.D (GX, VY.sub.D) which are located nearest to the center of gravity G and which are located on the lower side relative to the center of gravity where the X-coordinate of the lower edge coordinates Y.sub.D is the same as Gx of the center of gravity G(Gx, Gy), are calculated, respectively. On the other hand, the magnitude Lx in the X-direction is calculated by

and the magnitude Ly in the Y-direction is calculated by

If there are a plurality of pieces of edge-detecting information and gravity-center-detecting information, then the information upon subject region may be calculated per each center of gravity.

Next, an algorithm for selecting the photometric region by making use of the information upon subject region, will be described below.

Firstly, an algorithm for selecting the photometric region with respect to a main subject region As, will be described.

For example, if the image data (photometric output) from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is directly used as the photometric value for the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, then a rectangular region surrounded by the left-hand edge coordinate X.sub.L, the right-hand edge coordinate X.sub.R, the upper edge coordinate Y.sub.U, and the lower edge coordinate Y.sub.D shown in FIG. 19(A), is selected as the main subject region As, as shown in FIG. 19(B). Then, the photometric output of the pixels included in the main subject region As, among the pixels of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, is directly used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation. In this case, the weight of the pixels located near the center of gravity G(Gx, Gy) of the subject region As may be increased, as shown in FIG. 19(C).

Meanwhile, for example, if the photometric value which is obtained by the photometric element of the photometric sensor 36 provided separately, or independently, from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, is used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, then the main subject region As is sought, similarly to the aforementioned manner, from the information upon subject region, and the output from the photometric elements S2, S3 and S7 locating within the main subject region as is used as a photometric value for executing the exposure operation, as shown in FIGS. 20(A) through 20(D). In this case, it is possible to obtain the brightness of the main subject by simply averaging the photometric outputs of the selected photometric devices S2, S3 and S7, or to obtain the brightness of the main subject by weighting similarly to the arrangement shown in FIG. 19(C), for example.

Next, an algorithm for selecting the photometric region with respect to a background region Aa, will be described below.

For example, if the image data (photometric output) from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is directly used as the photometric value for the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, then a region outside a rectangular region (see FIG. 21(B) or FIG. 21(C)) that includes the edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D, is selected as a background region Aa by making use of the edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D of the subject region as shown in FIG. 21(A). In the arrangement, it is possible to treat all the pixels included in the background region Aa with the same weight as shown in FIG. 21(B), or to treat the pixels included therein with different weights in accordance with the positions of the pixels or with the outputs of pixels as shown in FIG. 21(C).

Meanwhile, for example, if the photometric value which is obtained by the photometric element of the photometric sensor 36 provided separately, or independently, from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, is used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, then, photometric elements S0, S1, S4 through S6, and S8 through S13, locating within the region Aa that is outside a rectangular region, which includes a plurality of edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D and is surrounded by the plurality of edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D of the subject region, are selected as the photometric elements in the background region Aa, as shown in FIGS. 22 (A) through 22 (D). It is possible to determine the background brightness by processing the photometric output of the photometric element selected as the photometric region with the same weight, or to change the weight of each photometric element, similarly to the arrangement as shown in FIG. 21(C).

Next, an algorithm for selecting the photometric region by making use of focusing information, will be described below.

For example, if the image data (photometric output) from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is directly used as the photometric value for the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, then, a main subject region As is determined on the basis of a mutual positional relation between information upon a subject region and a focusing region (i.e. focal islands I1 through I3), as shown in FIGS. 23(A) through 23(C).

That is, a focal island that the focusing value is equal to the focal distance, or a subject region having a center of gravity which is closest to the nearest island with the smallest focusing value, is selected as the main subject region As. For example, assuming that the focal island I2 is the nearest island as shown in FIG. 23(D), then the edge region having a center of gravity G2 is determined as the main subject region As. Also, the main subject region As may be selected and determined by incorporating brightness information to this. For example, if a periphery of the center of gravity G2 has an excessively low or high brightness, then the edge region having the center of gravity G2 is not selected as the main subject region.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23(E), a region which includes the islands I1 and I3 except the nearest island I2 and which is located outside the main subject region As, is selected as a background photometric region Aa. Subsequently, the exposure operation is executed on the basis of the photometric output of the pixels which are included in the main subject photometric region As and in the background region Aa, similarly to the aforementioned procedure.

Meanwhile, for example, if the photometric value which is obtained by the photometric element of the photometric sensor 36 provided separately, or independently, from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, is used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the same procedure, or operation, is carried out.

An algorithm for calculating a main subject brightness, when a plurality of main subject regions exist, by setting a degree of priority to the regions, will be described below.

If the image data (photometric output) from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is directly used as the photometric value for the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, if the information upon subject regions of FIG. 24(A) and the focal islands I1 through I3 of FIG. 24(B) have a mutual relation as shown in FIG. 24(C), namely if there are a plurality of candidate regions one of which can be a main subject, then, photometric regions AS1, AS2 and AS3 of the candidate regions are set, as shown in FIG. 24(D), similarly to the above. Then, the degrees of priority P1, P2 and P3 of the photometric regions AS1, AS2 and AS3 are specifically set.

For example, the focal island, or the region having a center of gravity closest to the nearest island, is selected as the main subject region of the first priority as the highest priority. More specifically, for example, if the focal island I2 is the nearest island, the edge region having the center of gravity G2 is regarded as the main subject, and the degree of priority P2 of the photometric region AS2 is set to five, for example. Relative to the photometric regions AS1 and AS3 having the other centers of gravity G1 and G3 are set degrees of priority in the order of increasing distance up to the subject, on the basis of the focusing values of the islands I1 and I3. For example, if the distance up to the subject decreases in the order of the photometric regions AS2, AS3 and AS1, then the degree of priority P3 of the photometric region AS3 is set to three, and the degree of priority P1 of the photometric region AS1 is set to one. In this relation, the degree of priority P1 through P3 is assumed to have a higher order (i.e. a higher degree of priority) as the number of the degree of priority P1 through P3 increases.

Alternatively, the degree of priority may be determined according to another method of determination. For example, the degree of priority of each region may be set to be higher in the order of increasing the distance up to the nearest region AS2.

A brightness BVS of the main subject is calculated in accordance to the following equation on the basis of the photometric output of the pixels included in the photometric regions AS1 through AS3 and on the basis of the degrees of priority P1 through P3 of the photometric regions.

Equation 1 ##EQU1## where n1 is the number of pixels included in the region AS1,

n2 is the number of pixels included in the region AS2,

n3 is the number of pixels included in the region AS3,

BV.sub.AS1 k is the photometric output of the k-th pixel in the region AS1,

BV.sub.AS2 i is the photometric output of the i-th pixel in the region AS2, and

BV.sub.AS3 j is the photometric output of the j-th pixel in the region AS3.

By the way, if the degrees of priority of all the subject regions are made equal to one another (for example, if P1=P2=P3=1), then the calculation is to be executed with the weights of the regions being equalized. Through this calculation, the operation is simplified.

Next, a case where the degrees of priority other than the highest degree of priority are determined by incorporating a variety of factors will be described below.

First of all, the photometric region about the subject region including a focused, focusing region, is determined as a highest-priority region A.sub.SM. In this case, the degree of priority PM of the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is set to five. Further, the focal distance of the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is assumed to be DV.sub.M, the coordinates of the center of gravity of the highest-priority region A.sub.SM are assumed to be G.sub.M (GX.sub.M, Gy.sub.M) and the intra-regional average brightness of the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is assumed to be BV.sub.SM-- ave.

Next, in regard to a photometric region A.sub.Sk other than the highest-priority region A.sub.SM, various priority ratios E.sub.D, E.sub.DL, E.sub.G, E.sub.DB, E.sub.B and E.sub.S are calculated by comparison with the highest-priority region A.sub.SM or the like, and the degree of priority Pk of the region A.sub.Sk other than the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is sought for according to the following equation.

The priority ratio E.sub.D is a distance priority ratio representing whether each region is near or far from the highest-priority region A.sub.SM in the direction of optical axis, and the priority ratio E.sub.D is sought for by comparing the focal distance DV.sub.Sk of the region A.sub.Sk with the focal distance D.sub.VM of the highest-priority region A.sub.SM. That is, the absolute value:

of the focal distance between the region A.sub.SK and the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is first obtained, and the priority ratio E.sub.D is obtained from the following TABLE.

The priority ratio E.sub.DL is the gravity center position priority ratio representing whether each region is near or far from the highest-priority region A.sub.SM in the X- and Y-directions. A distance:

between the center of gravity Gk (Gxk, Gyk) of the region A.sub.Sk and the coordinates GM (GxM, GyM) of center of gravity of the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is first obtained, and then the gravity center position priority ratio E.sub.DL is sought for from the following TABLE.

The priority ratio E.sub.G is an absolute gravity center position ratio for reducing the degree of priority when the gravity center position of the region A.sub.Sk is located at an extreme upper end position of the screen. On the basis of a relation of magnitude between a gravity center coordinates Gk (Gxk, Gyk) of the region A.sub.Sk, an X-coordinate Xmin at a left-hand end of the screen, an X-coordinate Xmax at a right-hand end of the screen, a Y-coordinate Ymax at an upper end of the screen, and a Y-coordinate Ymin at a lower end of the screen, the absolute gravity center position priority ratio E.sub.G is obtained from the following TABLE.

The priority ratio E.sub.DB is a brightness priority ratio representing whether a difference in brightness relative to the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is great or small. The absolute value:

of a difference between intra-regional average brightness BV.sub.SK-- ave in the region A.sub.Sk and the intra-regional average brightness BV.sub.SM-- ave in the highest-priority region A.sub.SM is calculated and obtained with reference to the following TABLE.

The priority ratio E.sub.B is an absolute brightness priority ratio for reducing the degree of priority when the intra-regional average brightness BV.sub.SK-- ave in the region A.sub.SK has an excessively high brightness, and the priority ratio E.sub.B is sought for with reference to the following TABLE.

The priority ratio E.sub.S is a magnitude priority ratio for reducing the degree of priority when the magnitude of the region A.sub.SK is excessively small. From the magnitude information upon the region A.sub.SK, namely from the number S.sub.K of pixels (the number of pixels in the C-MOS image calculating operation sensor) included in the region, the magnitude priority ratio is sought for with reference to the following TABLE.

By the way, P.sub.K can be equal to P.sub.M. If P.sub.K =P.sub.M, then all the subject regions are to be processed with the same weight, allowing the operation to be simplified.

Next, a calculation of a ratio (hereinafter, referred to as main background occupation rate) between the main subject region and the background region, relative to a photographing region, will be described below.

If the image data (photometric output) from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is directly used as the photometric value for the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the main background occupation rate is calculated on a basis of selecting an inside of the rectangle including the edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D as the main subject region As as shown in FIG. 25(B), with reference to the information upon the main subject region shown in FIG. 25(A), namely with reference to the edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D, and on a basis of selecting an outside of the rectangle including the edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D as the background region Aa as shown in FIG. 25(C). Then, the number of pixels Ns of the main subject region As, and the number of pixels Na of the background region Aa, are sought for, and the main background occupation rate Osa is calculated in accordance to the equation:

In the example shown in FIGS. 25(A) through 25(C),

therefore,

Meanwhile, for example, if the photometric value which is obtained by the photometric element of the photometric sensor 36 provided separately, or independently, from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, is used as the photometric value for performing the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the same procedure, or operation, is carried out. That is, as shown in FIGS. 26(A) through 26(D), an inside of the rectangle including the edge coordinates X.sub.L, X.sub.R, Y.sub.U and Y.sub.D in the subject region is selected as a main subject region As, and an outside of the rectangle is selected as a background region Aa. Then, the number of pixels Ns where the centers of gravity are included in the main subject region As, and the number of pixels Na where the centers of gravity are included in the background region Aa, are sought for, and the main background occupation rate Osa is calculated in accordance to the equation:

In the example shown in FIGS. 26(A) through 26(D),

Next, an operation of the camera will be described below, with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 27 through FIG. 35.

First, the operation in the case in which the image data (photometric output) from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a is directly used as the photometric value for the exposure operation as performed in the camera shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, is explained with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 27.

That is, in step #12, it is determined whether the switch S1 is turned on or not, as a result of whether the switch S1 is pressed down halfway or not. If the switch S1 is turned on, then the focusing operation is executed by the focusing sensor 38, and the data is stored into a memory, in step #14. Next, in step #16, the image of the region to be photographed is taken by the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a, and the image processing information is inputted to the control microcomputer 30. Next, in step #18, the control microcomputer 30 determines the photometric region on the basis of the image processing information gotten in step #16, and then the image information (photometric output) of the pixels of the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a with regard to the determined photometric region is read and stored into the memory, in step #20. Next, an AE operation is executed, in step #22. The aforementioned steps #12 through #22 is repeated until the shutter button is completely pressed down so that the switch S2 is switched on (see step #24).

If the switch S2 is turned on instep #24, then a release routine subsequent to step #26 is executed.

That is, a release preparatory operation, including a mirror up, a shutter charge and so on, is executed in step #28, and then a diaphragm (or an aperture) is driven in step #30 so as to achieve the aperture AV determined by the AE operation in step #22. Next, in step #32, the shutter is opened to start the exposure. Then, in steps #34 and #36, a flash gun is made to emit its flash if necessary. Next, in step #38, the shutter speed is counted, and in step #40, the shutter is closed when the shutter speed TV determined by the AE operation in step #22 is reached, and then the exposure comes to an end. And then in step #42, a next frame preparation process, including a mirror down, a film feeding by one frame, and so on, is executed.

The steps #16 through #20 in FIG. 27 will be explained below in more detail, with reference to a detail ed flowchart of FIG. 31.

That is, in step #70, the control microcomputer 30 receives an input of the image processing information, including the edge-detecting information, the image information and the color information, from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a. Next, in step #72, the control microcomputer 30 receives an input of the vector detecting information calculated by the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a. Then, the control microcomputer 30 determines a photometric area. That is, in step #76, the gravity-center information is calculated, and in step #78, the coordinates within the subject region are calculated. Next, in step #80, the subject region is determined, and in step #82, the photometric region is selected. Next, in step #84, the photometric measuring is executed, and then in step #86, the photometric data is read and the program proceeds to the next step.

An AE operation of step #22 of FIG. 27 will be described below, with reference to a pair of detailed flowcharts of FIG. 29 and FIG. 32.

That is, in step #50, the control microcomputer 30 reads the focusing data obtained in step #14 from the memory, and, in step #52, the control microcomputer 30 reads the image information stored in the step #20 (see FIG. 27).

Next, the brightness data is calculated in step #54. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 32, in step #90, an average value of the photometric value BV.sub.As i of n photometric elements which are included in the main subject region is sought for as a main subject brightness BVS. Then, in step #92, an average value of the photometric value BV.sub.Aa j of m photometric elements which are included in the background region is sought for as a background brightness BVA.

Next, it is decided in step #56 whether or not a flash light is necessary to be emitted, on the basis of the brightness data and so on.

Next, it is decided in step #58 whether or not a flash light control of the flash light is necessary. If an emission of the flash light is not necessary, then an aperture AV for a stationary light, and a shutter speed TV therefor, are calculated in step #60. On the other hand, if the flash light emission is necessary, then the aperture AV for the flash light, and the shutter speed TV therefor, are calculated in step #62.

The determination of emission/nonemission of the flash gun in the aforementioned step #56 (in FIG. 29) will be described below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 33.

That is, in step #102, it is determined whether or not the flash gun is switched off. If the flash gun is switched off, then a stationary light control routine, subsequent to step #104, is executed. Namely, in step #106, a brightness data BVT for controlling the exposure is set as a main subject brightness reference data BVS, and in step #108 a flash light emission demanding flag is set to zero. Next, in step #126, SV is added to BVT, and the program is returned.

On the other hand, if the flash gun is switched on in step #102, then a manually caused blur limitation brightness is set as BVH in step #110, and then it is determined in step #112 whether or not a rear light flashing condition is established.

If the rear light flashing condition is established, then a rear light flashing control routine, subsequent to step #150, is executed. That is, .alpha. is added to the background brightness reference data BVA in order to obtain BVT in step #152, and then the flash emission demanding flag is set to 1 (one) in step #124. Thereafter, the aforementioned step #126 is executed, and then the program is returned.

If the rear light flashing condition is not established in step #112, then the program proceeds to step #114 where it is determined whether or not a slow synchronization condition is established.

If the slow synchronization condition is established in step #114, then a slow synchronization control routine subsequent to #140 is executed. That is, in step #142, BVA is made to be equal to BVT, the aforementioned steps #124 and #126 are executed, and then the program is returned.

On the other hand, if the slow synchronization condition is not established in step #114, then it is determined in step #116 whether or not BVS is smaller than BVH.

If it is determined in step #116 that BVS is smaller than BVH, then a routine, subsequent to step #130, of a light emission control in darkness is executed. That is, in step #132, BVH is made to be equal to BVT, the aforementioned steps #124 and #126 are executed, and then the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #116 that BVS is not smaller than BVH, then it is determined in step #118 whether or not the flash gun is automatic. If the flash gun is automatic, then the aforementioned stationary light control routine performed after step #104, is executed.

On the other hand, if the flash gun is not automatic, then a compulsory light emission control routine in step #120 and its subsequent steps is executed. That is, in step #122, .gamma. is added to BVS in order to gain BVT, the aforementioned steps #124 and #126 are executed, and then the program is returned.

Next, a calculation of the aperture and the shutter speed, at time of controlling the stationary light in step #60 in FIG. 29, will be described below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 34.

That is, a photographing mode process is executed in step #160, and it is determined in step #162 whether or not EVT is greater than a sum of a reference aperture AVO and a manually caused blur limitation shutter speed TVH.

If EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and TVH, then the program proceeds to step #170 in which an aperture value (diaphragm value) AV is set to a value which is obtained by adding one half a result of subtracting AVO and TVH from EVT to the reference aperture AVO.

Next, in step #172, the shutter speed TV is set as a value which is calculated by subtracting the aperture AV from EVT.

And, finally, a limiting process is executed in step #174, and the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #162 that EVT is not greater than the sum of AVO and TVH, then the aperture AV is set to the reference aperture AVO in step #164. Then, in step #166, the shutter speed TV is set to a value which is calculated by subtracting AV from EVT, and in step #168 a limiting process is executed, and then the program is returned.

Below, a calculation of the aperture AV during the flash light control and a calculation of the shutter speed TV in the aforementioned step #62 (see FIG. 29), will be described, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 35.

That is, a photographing mode process is executed in step #180, and it is determined in step #182 whether or not EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and a flash synchronization shutter speed TVX.

If EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and TVX, then the program proceeds to step #190 in which the shutter speed TV is set to TVX, and it proceeds to step #192 in which the aperture AV is set to a value which is calculated by subtracting TV from EVT. Then, a limiting process is executed in step #194, and the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #182 that EVT is not greater than the sum of AVO and TVX, then the program proceeds to step #184 in which the aperture AV is set to the reference aperture AVO. Then, the shutter speed TV is set to a value which is obtained by subtracting AV from EVT in step #186, a limiting process is executed in step #188, and then the program is returned.

Next, it is explained below about a flow in the case of the arrangement, corresponding to FIG. 4 or 5, in which the photometric element for performing the exposure operation is provided separately from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40. In this case, its operation is generally the same as above; therefore, it is not explained about same operation, and it is explained about only the difference(s) therebetween.

Firstly, a fundamental flow is explained, with reference to a general flowchart of FIG. 28.

That is, the shutter bottom is pressed down halfway, and "on" of the switch S1 is waited for in step #12.

If the switch S1 is turned on, then a focusing operation is executed in step #14, and then a photometry (i.e. photometric measuring) is executed by the photometric element 36 in step #15. Next, an AE operation is executed in step #23, and then, the aforementioned steps #12 through #23 are repeated until the shutter button is completely depressed (i.e. pressed down) to switch on the switch S2.

If the switch S2 is turned on, then a release routine is executed in accordance with the steps #26 through #42 which are the same as the steps #26 through #42 (see FIG. 27) which are executed in the aforementioned arrangement in which no independent photometric element (or no independent photometric sensor) is employed separately from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a.

An AE operation in step #23 in FIG. 28 will be described below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 30.

That is, the control microcomputer 30 reads in step #50 the focusing data obtained in step #14 from the memory. Then, in step #51a, the control microcomputer 30 receives the input of the image processing information, the operation of which is approximately the same as the operation that is executed by the aforementioned arrangement in which no independent photometric element is employed separately from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a.

Next, the control microcomputer 30 selects the photometric area in step #51b, reads the photometric data of the photometric elements included in the photometric area in step #51c, and calculates the brightness data in step #54.

Next, exactly like the aforementioned arrangement in which no independent photometric element is employed separately from the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40a, it is determined in step #56 whether or not the emission/nonemission of the flash gun is necessary.

Next, it is determined at step #58 whether or not the light emission of the flash gun is necessary. If the light emission is not necessary, then the program proceeds to step #60 in which the aperture AV for the stationary light control and the shutter speed TV therefor are calculated. On the other hand, if the light emission is necessary, then the program proceeds to step #62 in which the aperture AV for the light emission of the flash gun and the shutter speed TV are calculated.

According to the mechanism of the camera described above, the image taken by the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, 40a is made use of, and it is possible to execute the exposure operation with a high accuracy in a short time.

In the embodiment, the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, 40a is employed. Alternatively, an image taking element and an image processing circuit may be separately provided, instead of employing the C-MOS image operation processing sensor 40, 40a. Alternatively, an image processing circuit may be incorporated into the control microcomputer 30.

Secondly, referring to FIGS. 4 through 26 and FIGS. 39 through 48, the description is made upon the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The camera according to the second embodiment thereof has a basic construction (or mechanism) which is similar to the construction (or mechanism) of the camera according to the first embodiment, or to the construction (or mechanism) of the camera according to each of the modifications of the first embodiment.

Namely, for example, the camera according to the second embodiment has an internal construction which is similar to the internal construction, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7 or 8, of the camera according to the first embodiment; and a block diagram of the camera according to the second embodiment is similar to the block diagram, as shown in FIG. 6, of the camera according to the first embodiment.

Also, the camera according to the second embodiment is similar to the camera of the first embodiment, in a function which corresponds to the function, as shown in FIGS. 9 through 26(D), of the first embodiment. Therefore, FIGS. 4 through 26(D) are used as common figures which are common to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, for convenience' sake.

On the other hand, the camera according to the second embodiment is different from the camera according to the first embodiment, in steps of operation of the camera. Therefore, mainly focusing upon the steps of operation, the description is made below upon the camera according to the second embodiment.

First, a fundamental operation of the camera will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 39.

That is, it is determined in step #1012 whether or not the switch S1 is turned on, in which the switch S1 is turned on when the shutter button is pressed down halfway. If the switch S1 is turned on, then a focusing operation is executed in step #1014, and a photometry (i.e. photometric measuring) is executed in step #1016. Each piece of data, output in each of steps #1014 and #1016, is stored into the memory.

Next, an AE operation (described in more detail, later) is executed in step #1018, in which an exposure condition (a presence or an absence of flash light, an aperture AV, a shutter speed TV), and so on, is determined. Next, the aforementioned steps #1012 through #1018 are repeated until the shutter button is completely depressed to turn on the switch S2.

If the switch S2 is turned on, then a release routine in steps #1022 through step #1038 is executed.

That is, in step #1024, a release preparatory operation, such as a mirror up, a shutter charge, and so on, is executed, and then in step #1026, a diaphragm (an aperture) is driven so as to achieve an aperture AV which has been determined in step #1018. Then, in step #1028, the shutter is opened, and the exposure is started. In this stage, a light is emitted from the flash gun if necessary, through steps #1030 and #1032.

Next, in step #1034, the shutter speed is counted, and in step #1036, the shutter is closed when the shutter speed TV reaches a speed which has been determined in step #1018, and then the exposure is terminated. Then, the program proceeds to step #1038 in which a next frame preparation processing, such as a mirror down, a film feeding by one frame, and so on, is executed.

The AE operation in step #1018 in FIG. 39 will be described below in more detail, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 40.

That is, in step #1042, the control microcomputer 30 reads the focusing data, which has been measured in step #1014, from the memory, and, in step #1044, the control microcomputer 30 reads the photometric data, which has been measured in step #1016, from the memory.

Next, in step #1046, the control microcomputer 30 receives an input of the image processing information from the image operation processing sensor 40, calculates the information upon subject region in step #1048 on the basis of the image processing information, and calculates the main subject brightness and the background brightness in step #1050.

Next, a process of scene determination 1 ("SCENE DETERMINATION 1") is executed in step #1052 as described in detail later, and it is determined in step #1054 whether or not light emission from the flash gun is necessary. Then, it is determined in step #1056 whether or not the flash light emission control is necessary.

If the flash light emission control is not executed, then a process of scene determination 2 ("SCENE DETERMINATION 2") is executed in step #1058 as described later. Next, the aperture AV for the stationary light control and the shutter speed TV are calculated in step #1060, and the process for performing the AE operation comes to an end.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1056 that the flash light emission control of the flash gun is performed, a flash emission demanding flag is set to one, and then the aperture AV for the flash light control and the shutter speed TV are calculated in step #1062. Next, as described in detail later, a light adjustment contribution rate is calculated in step #1064, a light adjustment compensation value is calculated in step #1066, and the process for performing the AE operation comes to an end.

The aforementioned steps #1046 and #1048 will be described in more detail below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 41.

First, an image processing information input routine in step #1072 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, in step #1072, the control microcomputer 30 receives an input of the image processing information, such as the edge-detecting information, image information and color information, from the image operation processing sensor 40, and it stores the information into the memory. The control microcomputer 30 further receives, in step #1074, an input of a vector Vn which is obtained by calculating a difference between frames by the image operation processing sensor 40.

Next, the control microcomputer 30 executes a routine for calculating the information upon subject region, in step #1076 and its subsequent steps.

That is, in step #1078, centers of gravity G.sub.1, G.sub.2, . . . , G.sub.k are obtained for each series of edges. Next, in step #1080, edge coordinates XL.sub.j, XR.sub.j, YU.sub.j and YD.sub.j in which the X-coordinate or the Y-coordinate is equal to that of the center of gravity G.sub.j, are obtained for each series of edges (j=1, 2, . . . , k).

Next, the information upon subject region is calculated in step #1082. That is, each region surrounded by a series of edges is, respectively, set as the main subject region As.sub.j (j32 1, 2, . . . , k), and other regions are set as the background region Aa. Then, the average brightness within the region, size information and the degree of priority, are obtained per each region.

More specifically, the average brightness BVs.sub.j-- ave (j=1, 2, . . . , k) within the region of the main subject region As.sub.j is the average value of photometric outputs BVAs.sub.j 1, BVAs.sub.j 2, . . . , BVAs.sub.j n.sub.j of the pixels located inside the main subject regions As.sub.j (assuming that there are n.sub.j pixels in total). The average brightness BVa.sub.-- ave within the region of the background region Aa is the average value of photometric outputs BVAa1, BVAa2, . . . , BVAam of the pixels in the region that is included in neither one of the main subject regions As.sub.j (assuming that there are m pixels in total) . Size information S.sub.j of the main subject region As.sub.j is the number of pixels n.sub.j (j=1, 2, . . . , k) included in the main subject region As.sub.j.

BY the way, the size information S.sub.j may be obtained from the sizes Lx.sub.j and Ly.sub.j in the X- and Y-directions of each main subject region As.sub.j, according to the equation: S.sub.j =Lx.sub.j .times.Ly.sub.j (j=1, 2, . . . , k). The degree of priority P.sub.j of each main subject region As.sub.j is sought, on a basis of information upon distance (information upon the most proximity), information upon size (number of pixels), a region located around the center, a region having the highest brightness (contra-rear light), a region having the lowest brightness (rear light), or the like. It is also acceptable to set all the degrees of priority equal to one another, with the arrangement of which an equivalent average photometric state is realized to allow the operation to be simplified.

Next, a main background occupation rate Osa is calculated in step #1084. The main background occupation rate Osa is calculated according to the equation:

from the total Nk=n.sub.1 +n.sub.2 + . . . +n.sub.k of the number of pixels n.sub.j of each main subject region As.sub.j and from the number of pixels m of the background region Aa.

By the way, in the aforementioned steps #1078 through #1084, a series of edges may be grouped, or classified, by using the color information (i.e. information upon color) and the vector information (information upon vector), and then it may be processed in the manner similar to the manner as aformentioned.

Next, the calculation of the brightness data in the aforementioned step #1050 of FIG. 40 will be described in more detail below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 42.

That is, in step #1090, a weighted average of the intra-regional average brightness values BVs.sub.j.sbsb.-- ave (i.e. average brightness values BVs.sub.j.sbsb.-- ave within the region) of each main subject regions As.sub.j is obtained by making use of the degree of priority P.sub.j, and the main subject brightness reference data BVS is calculated. That is, the calculation is executed according to the equation:

Next, in step #1092, the intra-regional average brightness BVa.sub.-- ave of the background region Aa obtained in step #1082 is set as the background brightness reference data BVA within the background region.

Next, the scene determination 1 in the aforementioned step #1052 of FIG. 40 will be described in more detail below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 43.

First, a rear light scene determination routine in step #1102 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, a main background brightness difference

is calculated in step #1104. Next, in step #1106 a degree of rear light D.sub.BL is calculated using the following TABLE (TABLE 7) from the main background brightness difference .DELTA.BAsa and the main background occupation rate Osa.

Next, a rear light flash flag BLFL.sub.-- F is set in step #1108. Specifically, if there is a relation: BVA>BV7.5 and D.sub.BL >65, then an equation

is set; on the other hand, if there is not the above relation, then an equation

is set. Into this arrangement, may be incorporated image magnification information (i.e. information upon image magnification).

Next, a slow synchronization scene determination routine in step #1110 and its subsequent steps is executed.

First, in step #1112, edge-detecting information is inputted again. Next, light source information is detected in step #1114. Specifically, the information of which the edge brightness difference is not smaller than a specified value (BV8, for example) among the edge-detecting information is extracted. If the size information S.sub.K is used, then the number S.sub.K of pixels, satisfying a relation of S.sub.K >10 pixels (provisional), out of the regions surrounded by the detected edges, is set as an indoor light source number: n.sub.in, and the number S.sub.K of pixels, satisfying a relation of SK.ltoreq.10 pixels (provisional), is set as an outdoor light source number: n.sub.out.

If the color information is used, then the number S.sub.K of pixels, that satisfies a relation of SK>10 pixels and that satisfies a condition in which the ratio of G is not smaller than a specified value (0.5, for example) in terms of the ratios of R, G and B (1.0 in total), out of the regions surrounded by the detected edges, is set as an indoor light source number: n.sub.in (corresponding to the number of detected fluorescent lamps), and the number of pixels other than the above number S.sub.K of pixels is set as an outdoor light source number: n.sub.out.

Next, in step #1116, a degree of outdoor photographing Dout is calculated from the indoor light source number n.sub.in and the outdoor light source number n.sub.out with reference to the following TABLE.

Next, in step #1118, an outdoor slow synchronization flag SLOWOUT.sub.-- F and an indoor slow synchronization flag SLOWIN.sub.-- F are set. It is assumed that SLOWOUT.sub.-- F=1 if both BVA<BV2 and Dout>65 are satisfied; meawhile, it is assumed that SLOWOUT.sub.-- F=0 if BVA<BV2 and Dout>65 are not satisfied. Also, it is assumed that SLOWIN.sub.-- F=1 if both BV2<BVA<BV6 and Dout>35 are satisfied; meawhile, it is assumed that SLOWIN.sub.-- F=0 if BV2.ltoreq.BVA<BV6 and Dout>35 are not satisfied.

Next, a determination of light emission/nonemission of flash gun in the aforementioned step #1054 of FIG. 40 will be described in more detail below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 44.

First, it is determined in step #1122 whether or not the flash gun is off.

If the flash gun is off, then a stationary light control routine in step #1124 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, BVT is made to be the main subject brightness reference data BVS obtained in the aforementioned step #1090 of FIG. 42, and a flash emission demanding flag is set to zero in step #1128. Then, SV is added to BVT to gain EVT (i.e. EVT=BVT+SV) in step #1146, and the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1122 that the flash gun is on, then the value of BVH is set to a manually caused blur limitation brightness in step #1130, and it is determined in step #1132 whether or not a rear light flashing condition is established.

If the rear light flashing condition is established, namely if BLFL.sub.-- F=1, then a rear light flashing control routine in step #1158 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, in step #1160, .alpha. is added to the background brightness reference data BVA obtained in the aforementioned step #1092 of FIG. 42 to gain BVT (i.e. BVT=BVA+.alpha.), and the flash emission demanding flag is set to 1 in step #1144. Thereafter, the aforementioned step #1146 is executed, and the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1132 that the rear light flashing condition is not established, then the program proceeds to step #1134 in which it is determined whether or not the slow synchronization condition is established.

If the slow synchronization condition is established, namely if SLOWOUT.sub.-- F=1 or SLOWIN.sub.-- F=1, then a slow synchronization control routine in step #1154 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, in step #1156, BVT is made to be equal to BVA, the aforementioned steps #1144 and #1146 are executed, and then the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1134 that the slow synchronization condition is not established, then the program proceeds to step #1136 in which it is determined whether or not BVS is smaller than BVH.

If BVS is smaller than BVH, then a routine of a light emission control in darkness in step #1150 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, BVT is made to be equal to BVH in step #1152, the aforementioned steps #1144 and #1146 are excuted, and then the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1136 that BVS is not smaller than BVH, the program proceeds to step #1138 in which it is determined whether or not the flash gun is automatically operated. If the flash gun is automatic, then the stationary light control routine in the aforementioned step #1124 and its subsequent steps is executed.

On the other hand, if the flash gun is not automatic, then a compulsory light emission control routine in step #1140 and its subsequent steps is executed. That is, .gamma. is added to BVS to make BVT in step #1142, the aforementioned steps #1144 and #1146 are performed, and then the program is returned.

Next, a calculation of the aperture AV and a calculation of the shutter speed TV, at time of the stationary light control as shown in step #1160 of FIG. 40, will be described in more detail below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 45.

That is, in step #1202, a photographing mode process is executed and then a routine of a scene determination 2 ("SCENE DETERMINATION 2") in step #1204 and its subsequent steps is executed.

That is, an inclination .delta. is calculated in step #1206. The inclination .delta. can be any value which is equal to or more than zero (0) and which is equal to or less than one (1). When .delta. is greater, the aperture is made narrower, and the shutter speed is set to be slower (lower). Meanwhile, when .delta. is smaller, the aperture is made wider, and the shutter speed is set to be higher.

The inclination .delta. is obtained from a focal length f1 and the main background occupation rate Osa, according to the following .delta. calculation TABLE (TABLE 9).

Alternatively, the inclination .delta. may be obtained from an image magnification ratio .beta. and the main background occupation rate Osa, according to the following .delta. calculation TABLE (TABLE 10).

By the way, focal length information (information upon the focal distance) may be incorporated into this TABLE.

Next, in step #1208, the inclination .delta. is corrected, or compensated, on the basis of vector detecting information Vn. That is, if Vn>Cv, then the value of .delta. is made to be one half. In this case, Cv is a constant, and Cv=1 mm/cm on the screen, for example. With this setting, if the vector detecting information Vn is higher than a specified value Cn, then it is assumed that the subject is a moving object or a sports scene, and .delta. is shifted to the high-speed side.

Next, it is determined in step #1210 whether or not EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and TVH. In this case, AVO is a reference aperture, and TVH is a manually caused blur limitation shutter speed.

If EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and TVH, then the aperture:

is calculated in step #1218. Then, in step #1220, AV is subtracted from EVT to set the shutter speed TV. Then, finally, a limitation process is executed in step #1222, and the program is returned.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1210 that EVT is not greater than the sum of AVO and TVH, then the program proceeds to step #1212 in which the reference aperture AVO is made to be equal to AV in step #1212, and then AV is subtracted from EVT to determine the shutter speed TV. Then, finally, a limitation process is executed in step #1216, and then the program is returned.

Next, a calculation of the aperture AV and a calculation of the shutter speed TV, at time of the flash light control as shown in the aforementioned step #1062 of FIG. 40, will be described below in more detail, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 46.

That is, in step #1302, a photographing mode process is executed, and it is determined in step #1304 whether or not EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and TVX (flash synchronization shutter speed).

If EVT is greater than the sum of AVO and TVX, then TVX is made to be equal to the shutter speed TV in step #1316, TV is subtracted from EVT to determine the aperture AV in step #1318, and a limitation process is executed in step #1320.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step #1304 that EVT is not greater than the sum of AVO and TVX, then the program proceeds to step #1306 in which the reference aperture AVO is made to be equal to the aperture AV, a value obtained by subtracting AV from EVT is set as the shutter speed TV in step #1308, and a limitation process is executed in step #1310.

After the limitation process in step #1310 or #1320 is performed, the light adjustment contribution rate is calculated in step #1064 as described above, and the light adjustment compensation value is calculated in step #1066.

Next, these steps #1064 and #1066 will be further described in more detail below.

First, a calculation of the light adjustment contribution rate in the aforementioned step #1064 of FIG. 46, will be described, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 47.

That is, in step #1402, a weight (contribution rate) wt (wt0, wt1, . . . , wtn) of each light adjustment cell C0, C1, . . . , Cn is set to zero as an initial value.

Next, in step #1404, the light adjustment contribution rate of each cell is calculated in step #1404. The information upon region (i.e. coordinates) of each light adjustment cell is of a predetermined value that is known beforehand. In this step, it is determined whether or not there exist(s) a center of gravity Gk of the main subject region A.sub.SK, and/or the number j of intra-regional coordinates X.sub.LK, X.sub.RK, Y.sub.UK and Y.sub.DK in the main subject region A.sub.SK, within the region per each light adjustment cell Cn. And, in this step, if there exist(s), each of the numbers is checked (or sought for). Further, if the center of gravity G.sub.K of the region A.sub.SK exists, then the information S.sub.K upon size of the region A.sub.SK, and the degree of priority Pk of the region A.sub.SK, are checked. Then, the contribution rate wtn" of each cell is sought for, in accordance with the following equation:

where R1 and R2 are constants (R1=R2=1, for example).

Next, a light adjustment contribution rate wtn' is standardized in step #1406, according to the following equation:

With this standardization, the maximum contribution rate (weight) can be standardized as 8, and this contribution rate (weight) becomes the final control weight in the multi-division light adjustment.

Next, an average degree of light adjustment Dave is calculated in step #1408, from a distance D (unit: meter) up to the subject, and from the main background occupation rate Osa, on a basis of the following TABLE (TABLE 11).

This average degree of light adjustment Dave is for the purpose of setting to an average contribution rate when the main background occupation rate Osa is low.

Next, in step #1410, the final light adjustment contribution rate wtn is calculated according to the following equation:

The final light adjustment contribution rate wtn can be any value which is equal to or more than zero, and which is equal to or less than 8.

Next, a routine of a light adjustment compensation value calculation in the aforementioned step #1066 of FIG. 40 and FIG. 46, will be described in more detail below, with reference to a detailed flowchart of FIG. 48.

In step #1502, a light adjustment compensation value .DELTA.EV.sub.FL is calculated from the distance D up to the subject and from the main background occupation rate Osa, in accordance with the following TABLE (TABLE 12).

Next, in step #1504, a color compensation .DELTA.EVc is calculated from the ratios of R, G and B, in accordance with the following TABLE (TABLE 13). It is to be noted that .DELTA.EVc is calculated, only when color information can be obtained.

Next, in step #1506, a speed value SV of a setting film is calculated. Next, a control film speed value SVc is calculated in step #1508 in accordance with the following equation, and then the program is returned.

where (+/-) represents an exposure compensation value which is set by the user, and (+/-).sub.FL represents a light adjustment compensation value which is set by the user.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various other changes and other modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.