JP2002058644A - Visual line detector, optical device, and camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the reliability of the position of a gazing point detected by a gazing point detecting means to be accurately judged. SOLUTION: This visual line detector has a visual line detecting means to image the eyeball image of a user and to detect the gazing point of the user in the observation plane, a visual line correcting means to preliminarily obtain personal difference correcting information of eye ball characteristics of the user, and a reliability judging means (#601-#608) to judge the reliability of the position of the gazing point based on information comparing first information obtained in a process to obtain the personal difference correcting information and second information obtained by the gazing point detecting means in the process to detect the gazing point and third information relating to obtaining personal difference correcting information by the gazing point correcting means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaze detection device having a function of determining the reliability of a detection result of a gaze detection means.
The present invention relates to an improvement in an optical device and a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when one AF point is selected from a plurality of focus detection points (hereinafter referred to as AF points), which are two-dimensionally distributed areas for focus detection, on a shooting screen. In some cases, one AF point is automatically selected based on the amount of defocus obtained at a plurality of AF points regardless of the intention of the user. However, when selecting the AF point, only from the defocus amounts obtained at a plurality of AF points,
A defect that does not reflect the photographer's intention remains.

On the other hand, various devices have been proposed which detect which position on the observation screen the observer (photographer) is observing, that is, detect a gazing point from a so-called photographer's line of sight (visual axis). Various eye-gaze detection cameras have been proposed that use the eye-gaze information to select an AF point that reflects the photographer's intention.

A gaze detection device for detecting the gaze of the observer on which position on the observation screen the eye gaze characteristic of the observer is obtained by detecting the rotation angle of the optical axis of the observer's eyeball. The gaze point position is obtained by correcting two factors, that is, the deviation between the optical axis of the eyeball and the line of sight (the visual axis) and the sensitivity of the eyeball rotation angle.
This eyeball characteristic has individual differences. For this reason, a gaze correction unit for performing an operation (hereinafter, calibration) of acquiring information for correcting individual differences in the eyeball characteristics of the observer in advance is provided. Needless to say, the accuracy of the information on the eyeball characteristics of the observer acquired in advance affects the coincidence between the observer's line of sight and the gazing point position, which is the detection result of the line of sight detection device.

[0005] Here, information on the eyeball characteristics of the two observers, ie, the deviation between the optical axis of the eyeball and the line of sight (the visual axis) and the sensitivity of the eyeball rotation angle, is a linear function of the pupil diameter of the observer's eyeball. Is known (for example, JP-A-6-034874).
Therefore, when there is a difference between the pupil diameter when the individual difference of the eyeball characteristics of the observer is obtained in advance and the pupil diameter when the gaze detection device is used, for example, the brightness at the time of calibration and the gaze detection device is used. Are different, the matching accuracy between the gaze position of the observer's line of sight (hereinafter, the observer's line of sight) and the gazing point position of the detection result of the apparatus is different because the pupil diameter is different. It decreases according to.

[0006] This is because the information on the eyeball characteristics of the observer differs between the time of calibration and the time of using the device, and the line of sight of the observer when using the device is corrected with the information on the eyeball characteristics at the time of calibration. It occurs for a reason. That is, in order to determine the matching accuracy between the gaze of the observer and the gaze point position, which is the detection result of the gaze detection device, information on the eyeball characteristics at the time of calibration of the observer and the eyeball at the time of using the gaze detection device It is necessary to compare the two pieces of property information.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-088936, as learning-type calibration, the number of times of acquisition of the calibration is repeated to make a proposal corresponding to the pupil diameter of the eyeball when the eye-gaze detecting device is used. The accuracy of matching between the gaze of the user and the gaze point, which is the detection result of the gaze detection device, is improved. However, although the matching accuracy is improved, the matching accuracy between the line of sight of the observer and the gazing point position, which is the detection result of the device, is evaluated and determined.
It has not been used to select points.

In order to compensate for the shift between the observer's line of sight and the point of gazing point, a proposal has been made using defocus information obtained from the AF point as observer's line of sight information. Conventionally, the accuracy of matching the line of sight of the observer with the gazing point position, which is the detection result of the device, is also referred to as the reliability of line of sight detection.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-307506, A based on defocus information of a plurality of AF points in the vicinity of a gazing point position.
Point F is selected, and the focus of the focus detection device of the camera is adjusted. In JP-A-6-138377, one AF point is selected as an AF point from AF points adjacent to a gazing point position, and focus adjustment is performed. Also, JP-A-11-0
In No. 14897, since the reliability of gaze detection is low in the vertical posture of the camera, one AF point is selected as an AF point from AF points adjacent above and below the AF point selected by gaze detection, and focus adjustment is performed. .

[0010] These methods do not take into account the deviation between the line of sight of the observer and the gazing point, the degree of coincidence accuracy, and the reliability of line of sight detection. Assuming that the shift between the observer's line of sight and the gazing point position as the detection result is constant or indefinite, the selection range of the AF point near the gazing point position and the AF point adjacent thereto is simply expanded to provide only defocus information. From the AF point.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-168088, the number of AF points to be selected as AF points is switched based on the set AF mode and the reliability of line-of-sight detection. The reliability of the gaze detection here is determined by the output at the time of gaze detection and the output of the eyeball image of the observer, and does not take into account the eyeball characteristic information at the time of calibration. Further, simply switching the number of targets of the AF points does not take into account the deviation between the observer's line of sight and the gazing point position and the degree of coincidence accuracy, as in the above-described proposal. Point is AF
The disadvantage was that they could not be chosen.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-152552, weighting is performed for each AF point from the point of gaze from the line of sight detection and the reliability of the line of sight detection, and further from the focus detection information.
The AF point with the highest score is selected as the AF point from each sum, and focus adjustment is performed. However, since the reliability of the gaze detection is determined only from the information obtained at the time of calibration, the reliability of the gaze detection of the observer when used in a state different from the state where the calibration is performed is not evaluated. . That is, the degree of accuracy of the displacement coincidence between the gaze of the observer and the gaze point of the gaze detection result when the gaze detection device is used is not considered.

In the AF point selection, the reliability evaluation at the time of calibration is reflected as weighting on the visual line detection information for each AF point, and the calculation with the weighting of the defocus information is performed. The disadvantage that it takes a calculation time to select one AF point, and that it is difficult to appropriately give the weighting that reflects the intention of the photographer,
It had two disadvantages. This is not for switching the AF point selection means but for performing weighting and mutual comparison. Therefore, although it takes a long calculation time to select the AF point, it is not possible to obtain the AF point reflecting the intention of the observer.

[0014]

Here, to summarize the above-mentioned problems of the conventional proposal, the AF point is selected without considering the reliability of the observer's gaze detection. In some cases, the reliability of the observer's gaze detection is considered in some way, but the degree of accuracy in matching the shift between the observer's gaze and the gaze point of the gaze detection result during use is not considered. was there.

That is, in an eye-gaze detecting device or an optical device such as a camera having the eye-gaze detecting device, even under various use conditions, an area such as a plurality of AF points distributed on an observation screen (if there are only AF points). It is necessary to select an area intended by the observer from the area including photometry.
Specifically, when selecting one area from a plurality of areas distributed on the observation screen, the reliability of the gaze detection information (gazing point position) reflecting the intention of the observer is accurately evaluated, and the reliability is determined. Accordingly, it is necessary to select an area intended by the observer. Furthermore, they need to be done quickly. However, there is no device that satisfies these conditions, and the present applicant is considering a new device that takes these points into consideration.

(Object of the Invention) A first object of the present invention is to provide a gaze detecting apparatus capable of accurately determining the reliability of a gazing point position detected by a gaze detecting means.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus and a camera capable of accurately determining the reliability of a gazing point position detected by a sight line detecting means and selecting an area reflecting the intention of a user. It is intended to provide.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an optical device and a camera which can quickly select an area reflecting the user's intention.

[0019]

In order to achieve the first object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image of a user's eyeball is taken to determine a position of a gazing point of the user in an observation plane. In a gaze detecting device having a gaze detecting means for detecting and a gaze correcting means for acquiring personal difference correction information of the user's eyeball characteristics in advance, the gaze detecting means obtains the personal difference correction information in a step of acquiring the personal difference correction information. The information obtained by comparing the obtained first information with the second information obtained in the process of detecting the gazing point position by the line-of-sight detection means, and the second information related to the acquisition of the personal difference correction information by the line-of-sight correction means 3 is a gaze detection apparatus having reliability determination means for determining the reliability of the gaze point position detected by the gaze detection means based on the information of No. 3.

In order to achieve the second object,
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eye-gaze detecting unit that captures an eyeball image of a user and detects a gazing point position of the user in an observation plane, and preliminarily obtains personal difference correction information of the eyeball characteristics of the user. An optical system comprising: a gaze correction unit to be acquired; and a selection unit for selecting one region from a plurality of regions arranged in the observation screen based on a gaze point position of the user detected by the gaze detection unit. In the device, the first information obtained in the step of acquiring the individual difference correction information in the line of sight correction means and the second information obtained in the step of detecting the gazing point position in the line of sight detection means Compared information,
Reliability determining means for determining the reliability of the gazing point position detected by the visual axis detecting means based on third information related to the acquisition of the personal difference correction information by the visual axis correcting means; An optical apparatus comprising: a selection condition changing unit that changes a condition when the selection unit selects one region from the plurality of regions based on a determination result by the determination unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
The invention according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of conditions for selecting one region from the plurality of regions are prepared in advance for each result of reliability determination, and the selection condition changing means includes a plurality of conditions for selecting the reliability determination. 9. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein a condition to be used for region selection is selected from the plurality of prepared regions based on a determination result by means, and one region is selected from the plurality of regions. Things.

Similarly, in order to achieve the third object,
The invention according to claim 10 has posture detecting means for detecting the posture of the optical device, and a condition for selecting one region from the plurality of regions is a combination of a result of reliability determination and a result of posture detection. A plurality of selection condition changing means are used for selecting an area from among the plurality prepared based on a determination result by the reliability determination means and a posture detection result by the posture detection means. The optical device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a condition is selected and one area is selected from the plurality of areas.

In order to achieve the second and third objects, the invention according to claim 13 is a camera provided with the optical device according to any one of claims 5 to 12. .

[0024]

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

FIG. 1 is an optical layout diagram showing a main part of a single-lens reflex camera having a line-of-sight detecting function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a photographing lens, which is shown by two lenses 1a and 1b for convenience in FIG. 1, but is actually composed of a large number of lenses. Reference numeral 2 denotes a main mirror which is inclined or retreated to an imaging optical path according to an observation state and an imaging state, 3 denotes a sub-mirror which reflects a light beam transmitted through the main mirror 2 downward of the camera body, and 4 denotes a shutter. Reference numeral 5 denotes a photosensitive member, which is a silver halide film or a CCD.
And a solid-state imaging device such as a MOS type.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a field lens 6a, reflection mirrors 6b and 6c, a secondary imaging lens 6d, an aperture 6e, and a line sensor 6 composed of a plurality of CCDs arranged in the vicinity of the image plane.
This is a focus detection device composed of f and the like, and employs a well-known phase difference method. And this focus detection device 6
Viewfinder observation screen 30 formed as described later
7 AF point marks 301 'to 30 displayed in 0
There are seven AF points in the field of view, from which defocus information can be obtained at positions corresponding to each of 7 ′ (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, the AF point marks 301 'to 30'
Since the 7 ′ and the AF point coincide with each other when viewed through the viewfinder observation screen 300, these AF points are set in the viewfinder observation screen 300 as shown in FIG.
Description will be made with reference to 301 to 307.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a focusing plate arranged on a predetermined image forming plane of the photographing lens 1, and 8 denotes a pentaprism for changing a finder optical path. Reference numerals 9 and 10 denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of the subject in the observation screen. The imaging lens associates the focusing plate 7 and the photometric sensor via the reflected optical path in the pentaprism 8 in a conjugate manner. I have.

Reference numeral 11 denotes an eyepiece 11 provided behind the exit surface of the pentaprism 8 and having a light splitter 11a, which is used for observing the focus plate 7 with the eye 15 of the photographer. The light splitter 11a includes, for example, a dichroic mirror that transmits visible light and reflects infrared light and visible light (red light) closer to infrared light. Reference numeral 14 denotes a photoelectric element array such as a CCD arranged so as to be conjugate with the vicinity of the pupil of the photographer's eye 15 at a predetermined position with respect to the light receiving lens 12.
The image sensor is a dimensionally arranged image sensor, and the image sensor 14 and the light receiving lens 12 constitute one element of light receiving means. Reference numerals 13a to 13d and 13e to 13h denote eight infrared light emitting diodes (only two are shown in FIG. 1) which are illumination light sources for the eye 15 of the photographer.
1 are arranged around.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a high-brightness superimposing LED that can be visually recognized even in a bright subject. The light emitted here is reflected by the main mirror 2 via a light projecting prism 22 and is displayed on the display section of the focus plate 7. Is bent in the vertical direction by the micro prism array 7a provided to the photographer, and reaches the photographer's eye 15 through the pentaprism 8 and the eyepiece 11.

The plurality of AF points 3 are provided on the focus plate 7.
As described above, the micro prism array 7a is formed on the frame at a position corresponding to each of the LEDs 01 to 307, and the micro prism array 7a is connected to seven LEDs 21 (each LED-L).
1, LED-L2, LED-C, LED-R1, LED
-R2, LED-T, and LED-B, which are shown in FIG. 7 which will be described later), and as shown in FIG. 2, the AF point marks 301 ', 302', 30
3 ′, 304 ′, 305 ′, 306 ′, and 307 ′ shine in the viewfinder observation screen 300, and AF points 301 to 30 at which defocus information can be obtained in the shooting screen.
7 and the subject can be observed.

Returning to FIG. 1, reference numeral 23 denotes a field mask for forming a finder observation field. Reference numeral 24 denotes an LCD in a finder for displaying photographing information outside the finder field of view. The LCD is illuminated by an illumination LED (F-LED) 25, and light transmitted through the LCD 24 is guided into the finder by a triangular prism 26. Is displayed on the display unit 308 outside the viewfinder, and the photographer can observe the photographing information. Reference numeral 27 denotes a posture detection device that detects the posture of the camera.

Reference numeral 31 denotes an aperture provided in the taking lens 1;
Reference numeral 32 denotes an aperture driving device including an aperture driving circuit 111 described later, 33 denotes a lens driving motor, and 34 denotes a lens driving member including a driving gear and the like. Reference numeral 35 denotes a photocoupler, which detects rotation of a pulse plate 36 interlocked with a lens driving member 34 and transmits the rotation to a lens focus adjustment circuit 37. The lens focus adjustment circuit 37 drives the lens drive motor 33 by a predetermined amount based on this information and the information on the lens drive amount from the camera side, and the focus adjustment lens 1 in the photographing lens 1.
a is moved to the in-focus position. Reference numeral 38 denotes a mounting contact serving as an interface between the known camera body and the interchangeable photographing lens 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are external views showing a camera body having the above configuration (the interchangeable taking lens 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not shown). Specifically, FIG. 3 is a top view, and FIG. It is a rear view.

In these figures, reference numeral 200 denotes a camera body, and 201 denotes a release button. Reference numeral 202 denotes a monitor LCD as an external monitor display device.
As shown in (a), a fixed-segment display unit 202a for displaying a predetermined pattern and a seven-segment display unit 202b for displaying a variable numerical value are provided (details will be described later).
Reference numeral 203 denotes an AE lock button for holding a photometric value;
Numerals 04b and 204c are mode buttons for selecting a shooting mode and the like. More specifically, when the mode buttons 204b and 204c are simultaneously pressed, a calibration mode for performing the above-described calibration is set.

Here, AF point marks 301 ', 305', 306 ', and 307' at the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the screen shown in FIG.
Is also used (flashing) in the calibration mode set by simultaneously pressing the mode buttons 204b and 204c, and the individual difference correction information of the photographer is calculated. To explain in more detail, as is well known, the photographer blinks AF point marks 301 ', 305', 306 ', 30
The individual difference correction information of the eyeball such as the difference between the optical axis of the eyeball and the visual axis, the sensitivity of the rotation of the eyeball, etc. (the gaze correction coefficient) ) Can be obtained. In the camera according to the present embodiment, every time the photographer repeats the calibration, the data is accumulated, and the individual difference correction information is calculated by a predetermined averaging operation.

Returning to FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numeral 205 denotes an electronic dial, which is rotated to generate a click pulse, so that the mode buttons 204a, 204b, 204c
It becomes possible to select a mode that can be further selected from among the modes selected in and the set value. For example, the mode button 204a
When the shutter-preferred shooting mode is selected by pressing the electronic dial 205 with the electronic dial 205, the currently set mode and shutter speed are displayed on the LCD 24 in the finder and the monitor LCD 202. Furthermore, the photographer sets the mode button 2
When the electronic dial 205 is rotated after releasing the button 04a, the shutter speed is sequentially changed from the currently set shutter speed in accordance with the rotation direction. In this way, the photographer
E, shutter priority AE, aperture priority AE, depth of field priority AE, manual exposure, and each exposure mode and the content of photography can be set.

Reference numeral 206 denotes an AF point selection mode button, and reference numeral 207 denotes a power switch of the camera. When the power switch is turned on, the camera is activated. When the power switch is turned off, the lock position is set to disable the camera. 208 shown by dotted line
Is the right hand of the photographer holding the camera.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a monitor LCD.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of all display segments of a viewfinder out-of-view display unit 308 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5A, the monitor LCD 2
02 has a fixed segment display unit 202a for displaying a predetermined pattern and a 7-segment display unit 202b for displaying a variable numerical value, as described above. In addition to the mode display, a portion for displaying a photographing operation such as AF operation of the camera and selection of a photographing mode is provided. The 7-segment display unit 202b for displaying a variable numerical value includes a 4-digit 7-segment 802 for displaying shutter time, a 2-digit 7-segment 803 for displaying an aperture value, and a decimal point display unit 804.
Limited numerical value display segment 805 for displaying the number of films
And one-digit seven-segment 806.

In FIG. 5B, reference numeral 811 denotes a camera shake warning mark, 812 denotes an AE lock mark, 813 and 814 denote a segment 802 for displaying the shutter time, a segment for displaying the aperture value, and a decimal point display section 803 and 804.
815, an exposure compensation setting mark, 816
Is a flash charging completion mark. Reference numeral 817 denotes a line-of-sight input mark indicating a line-of-sight input state, which is the same as the part that indicates that the line of sight is in the line-of-sight detection mode (display unit 801 in FIG. 5A), and 818, a photographing lens. 1
Is a focus mark indicating the in-focus state.

Here, the camera in this embodiment is
As an AF point selection mode for selecting at least one of the seven AF points 301 to 307 shown in FIG. 2, 1) the rotation angle of the optical axis of the eyeball of the photographer is detected and the rotation angle is detected. "Gaze input mode" for selecting an AF point by using a gaze detection device that calculates the gaze of the photographer from 2) "AF point arbitrary selection mode" for the photographer to select an arbitrary AF point 3) Camera The user himself / herself automatically extracts the selected AF point from the defocus information, which is the focus detection result of the seven AF points 301 to 307, using a predetermined algorithm (in this embodiment, closest point priority) and selects the “AF point”. It has three modes of "automatic selection mode". As will be described later, even when the line-of-sight input mode is selected, A
If the F point cannot be selected, the mode is shifted to the AF point automatic selection mode.

Next, the above-described AF point selection modes, how to set them, and the display at that time will be described.

1) To set the "line of sight input mode", press the mode button 204b to rotate the electronic dial 205, and stop the rotation when the display unit 801 and the line of sight mark 817 shown in FIG. 5 are displayed. It is possible by doing.

2) The "AF point selection mode" can be set by pressing the AF point selection mode button 206 in FIG. 4, and the electronic dial 205 is turned on by rotating the electronic dial 205 in this state. It can be moved from the AF point to an arbitrary AF point.

For further details regarding the selection of an arbitrary AF point,
For example, the AF point mark 303 'shown in FIG.
When the display is lit like
Is rotated, the AF is synchronized with the rotation direction.
Further rotation operation from the point mark 303 'to the AF point mark 304' as shown in FIG.
The display moves to the F point mark 305 ', and the AF point mark after the movement is lit and displayed, so that the photographer can recognize the AF point selected by himself. By rotating the electronic dial 205 in the opposite direction, the AF point marks 302 ′ and 30
1 'can be selected. Further, for example, FIG.
When the button (not shown) is pressed in a state where the AF point mark 304 'is displayed as shown in FIG.
When the button (not shown) is pressed again, the AF point mark 307 '
Each can be selected.

3) When the electronic dial 205 is further turned in the same direction from the state shown in FIG.
All of the F point marks 301 ′ to 307 ′ are simultaneously turned on for a predetermined time, and the AF point selection mode automatically sets the nearest AF point based on the defocus information obtained at each of the AF points 301 to 307. The "AF point automatic selection mode" is selected. Therefore, the AF point marks 301 'to
307 'are turned on at the same time, so that the photographer
It can be recognized that the point selection mode has been switched to the “AF point automatic selection mode”.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an electric circuit built in the camera having the above-described configuration, and the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in the above-described respective drawings.

A central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 100 of a microcomputer built in the camera body includes a gaze detection circuit 101, a photometry circuit 102, an automatic focus detection circuit 103, a signal input control circuit 104, an LCD drive circuit. 105, backlight LED drive circuit 106, IRED1 to IRED8 corresponding to 13a to 13g in FIG.
, An IRED drive circuit 107, a shutter control circuit 108, and a motor control circuit 109 for driving the eight. Also, a focus adjustment circuit 3 disposed in the taking lens 1
7. Signals are transmitted to the aperture drive circuit 111 via the mount contacts 38 shown in FIG.

The CPU 100 has a built-in RAM (not shown), and has a function of storing personal difference correction information obtained by calibration in the RAM. When the camera mode is set to the above-described calibration mode, it becomes possible to acquire individual difference correction information (hereinafter, also referred to as calibration data) for correcting individual differences in line of sight. "OFF" is possible with the electronic dial 205.

The line-of-sight detection circuit 101 converts the output of the eyeball image from the image sensor 14 (CCD-EYE) into an A / D signal.
The image information is converted and transmitted to the CPU 100. Then, as described later, the CPU 100 extracts each feature point of the eyeball image necessary for known gaze detection according to a predetermined algorithm, and further calculates the gaze of the photographer from the position of each feature point. The CPU 100, the line-of-sight detection circuit 101, and the image sensor 14 constitute one element of the line-of-sight detection device.

The photometric circuit 102 amplifies the output from the photometric sensor 10, performs logarithmic compression and A / D conversion, and transmits the result to the CPU 100 as luminance information of each sensor. The photometric sensor 10 has the AF point marks 301 'to 301 shown in FIG.
7 '(that is, seven photodiodes SPC-A to SPC-G) for measuring the area corresponding to each of the AF points 301 to 307.

The line sensor 116 (corresponding to the line sensor 6f) provided in the focus detection device 6 has the above-mentioned seven A
Seven sets of line sensors CCD-C, CCD-R1, C arranged at positions corresponding to F point marks 301 'to 307'
CD-R2, CCD-L1, CCD-L2, CCD-
T, a known CCD line sensor composed of CCD-B, which is also the AF points 301 to 3 shown in FIG.
07. Similarly, the automatic focus detection circuit 103 included in the focus detection device 6 performs A / D conversion of the voltage obtained from the line sensor 116 and sends the voltage to the CPU 100.

SW1 is a photometric switch that is turned on by the first stroke of the release button 201 to start photometry, AF, and line-of-sight detection operation. SW2 is a release switch that is turned on by the second stroke of the release button 201. ANG-SW1, ANG
SW2 is an attitude detection switch constituting the attitude detection device 27; SW-AEL is an AE lock switch that is turned on by pressing an AE lock button 203; SW-AFS is AF
AF that is turned on by pressing the point selection mode button 206
A point selection mode switch. SW-DIAL1 and SW
-DIAL2 is a dial switch provided in the electronic dial 205 described above. The signal generated here is input to the up / down counter 118 of the signal input control circuit 104, and counts the amount of quick rotation of the electronic dial 205. The mode buttons 204a, 204b, 204
c is not shown in FIG.

When a signal indicating the state of each switch described above is input to the signal input control circuit 104, it is transmitted to the CPU 100 via the data bus.

The LCD drive circuit 105 is a well-known circuit for driving the LCD 23 in the viewfinder and the LCD LCD 202 for monitoring, and displays an aperture value, a shutter time, a set photographing mode, and the like in accordance with a signal from the CPU 100. Both are displayed at the same time. The LED drive circuit 106 includes an LED 21 (LED-L1, LED-L
2, LED-C, LED-R1, LED-R2, LED
-T, LED-B). Further, at the time of lighting, the lighting brightness is changed in accordance with the signal calculated by the CPU 100 based on the signal from the photometry circuit 102, and the display of the AF point mark is easily recognized according to the brightness in the viewfinder. .

The shutter control circuit 108 controls the magnet MG-1 for running the front curtain and the magnet MG-2 for running the rear curtain by energizing the photosensitive member 5,
The motor control circuit 109 controls the motor M1 for winding up the film and the motor M2 for charging and rewinding the main mirror 2 and the shutter 4, and controls the shutter control. A series of shutter release operations are executed by the circuit 108 and the motor control circuit 109.

A battery 113 is incorporated in a grip / battery compartment 112 located on the right hand side of the photographer holding the camera as indicated by a dotted line 208 in FIG.
4 is mechanically and electrically connected to the terminals of P-GND and VBAT, and supplies power to the main body power supply system 115.

P-GND, VB of the connector 114
The terminals other than the AT and the terminal of the connector 117 are terminals used when mounting accessories,
Is attached to the camera, the grip and battery compartment 1
12 does not have a corresponding terminal connected to these terminals, and thus is not in a connected state. The switch 119 is for recognizing the mounting of the grip / battery chamber 112 and accessories, and is separated from D-GND in the mounted state, that is, O.
It becomes FF.

Next, a series of operations of the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the power switch 207 shown in FIG. 4 is turned to the ON position, power is supplied to the inactive camera and the camera is activated. This is step # 10
0 state. When power is supplied in this manner, CP
U100 proceeds from step # 100 to step # 101, and resets variables so as to attain a predetermined camera state. Then, in the next step # 102, it is determined whether or not the release button 201 is pressed and the switch SW1 is turned on.

After that, the release button 201 is depressed,
When it is detected through the signal input control circuit 104 that the switch SW1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step # 103, where C
The PU 100 activates each unit, detects and confirms the state. At this time, the line sensor 1 in the focus detection device 6
16 sets of line sensors CCD-C, CCD constituting 16
-R1, CCD-R2, CCD-L1, CCD-L2
CCD-T, CCD-B, that is, AF points 301 to 307
Focus detection is performed.

In the next step # 104, the CPU
100 confirms the posture of the camera via the posture detection device 27. Specifically, the switch ANG-SW shown in FIG.
1 and the output of each switch ANG-SW2,
4, a vertical position in which the photographer's right hand is up (grip up), or a vertical position in which the photographer's right hand is down (grip down), as indicated by the dotted line 208 in FIG. Is detected. Then, in the next step # 105, it is confirmed whether the current AF point selection mode is the eye-gaze input mode. If not in the line-of-sight input mode, it is determined that line-of-sight input is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step # 106a. Here, it is determined whether the mode is the AF point arbitrary selection mode.
Proceeds to 106b to set the AF preset by the photographer.
Select a point. If the mode is not the AF point arbitrary selection mode, the flow advances to step # 106c to execute the AF point automatic selection mode. That is, without using the line-of-sight information, the seven A
From the focus detection results obtained at each of the seven AF points 301 to 107 corresponding to the F point marks 301 ′ to 307 ′, the camera itself performs AF by a predetermined algorithm (nearest point priority).
Execute a subroutine to select points. When the AF point automatic selection mode or the AF point arbitrary selection mode is selected, the LCD in the finder is transmitted via the LCD driving circuit 105.
The gaze input mark 817 is turned off so that the photographer can confirm on the display unit 308 outside the finder screen that the camera does not perform gaze detection. Further, the set shutter time is displayed on the seven segment 817.

If the line-of-sight input mode has been selected in step # 105, the process proceeds to step # 107, where the CPU 1
00 is the eye-gaze detection circuit 101 or the image sensor 14 (C
CD-EYE) is driven to detect the gaze of the photographer. At this time, the lighting LED 2 is connected via the LED driving circuit 106.
5 is turned on, and the line-of-sight input mark 817 (see FIG.
(B)) is turned on, so that the photographer can confirm on the finder outside screen display unit 308 that the camera is performing line-of-sight detection.

In the next step # 108, the detected line of sight of the photographer is determined by comparing the difference between the optical axis of the eyeball and the line of sight (axis of sight) taking into account the pupil diameter in the calibration and the sensitivity of the eyeball rotation angle. Correction is performed using correction information (calibration data), and the focus plate 7
Convert to the coordinates of the gazing point above. In the following step # 109, based on the pupil diameter information and the calibration data in the calculation process in steps # 107 and # 108, the reliability of the gazing point position indicating how much the gazing point coordinate matches the sight line of the photographer is determined. Is 2 as the gaze detection reliability judgment.
Divide into stages.

The line of sight detection reliability is determined by determining whether the number of times of calibration of the photographer and the pupil diameter obtained during line of sight detection are within the range of the maximum and minimum detected pupil diameters obtained by calibration. If it is out of the range, how far apart is determined from the sum of the line-of-sight gaze reliability.

The details of the operation at the time of gaze detection reliability determination will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The calibration in step # 601 is different from the photographing operation in YE in step # 102 in FIG.
This is executed before S is detected, that is, before the switch SW1 is turned on. Similarly, step # 60 in FIG.
Also in 2, the calibration number constant, which is the number of times the calibration is repeated, is calculated from the data obtained during the calibration (# 601). Specifically, if the number of calibrations performed so far is one, “1” is used, if it is two, “2” is used,
It is given as a calibration count constant. Each time the photographer repeats calibration, the calibration data in the present embodiment is accumulated up to a predetermined number of times, and is calculated by a predetermined averaging operation. Until the number of repetitions of the calibration exceeds a predetermined number (two in this embodiment, it goes without saying that the more the number is, the more accurate data is obtained). Reliability has been improving. Step # 60
The calculation of the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected pupil diameter at the time of the calibration in 3 has already been performed.

Therefore, here, step # 60 in FIG.
The operation starts from Step 4. First, in Step # 604, the pupil diameter Rpp of the photographer obtained at the time of detecting the line of sight performed in Step # 107 of FIG.
Then, in the next step # 605, a pupil diameter comparison constant is obtained. Specifically, if the pupil diameter Rpp of the photographer obtained in step # 604 is within the range of the maximum and minimum values of the detected pupil diameter obtained at the time of calibration, "3" is set. The pupil diameter R at the time of gaze detection
If pp is within 0.5 mm of the range between the maximum value and the minimum value, "2" is given as a pupil diameter comparison constant if it is 1.0 mm or more, and "1" is given.

Then, in the next step # 606,
The sum of the calibration number constant obtained in step # 602 and the pupil diameter comparison constant obtained in step # 605 is determined as the line-of-sight detection reliability. If the sum is equal to or more than "3", step # 607 is performed. Then, it is determined that the line-of-sight detection reliability is high. If the sum is equal to or less than "2", the process proceeds to step # 608, and it is determined that the reliability of the line-of-sight detection is low.

Returning to step # 110 in FIG. 8, here, the CPU 100 uses the correspondence shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 and FIGS. The selected seven AF points 301 to 307 are selected.

Here, this correspondence will be described with reference to FIG.

The image sensor 14, which is a part of the line-of-sight detecting means, corresponds to the position on the focus plate 7 and the position of the finder observation screen 300 for observing the focus plate 7 shown in FIG. On the viewfinder observation screen 300, as shown in FIG. 17, L3, L2, L, C, R
1, R2, R3, T, U, C, D, B
It is composed of a plurality of fixation areas divided into lines.
Each gazing point area is described by a column name and a row name. For example, the upper left area is L3 · T, and the lower right area is R3.
-It is B.

After determining in which of the gazing points the gazing point calculated in the above step # 108, based on the attitude information of the camera and the result of the gaze detection reliability,
As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, the corresponding AF point is selected.

FIGS. 16 to 19 show the relationship of FIGS. 12 to 15 on the viewfinder observation screen 300 of FIG. 2. The hatched portions correspond to FIGS.
If a point of interest exists in a region surrounded by a bold line in the outline of the point of interest in the point of interest area corresponding to the 5 AF points, one AF point in that area is selected.

In FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, when a gazing point exists in the gazing point area where the corresponding AF point is “absent”, the AF point cannot be selected by the sight line even in the sight line input mode. Shift to automatic selection mode,
The CPU 100 automatically selects the AF point based on the defocus information at the point. In FIG. 16 and the like, the gazing point area not hatched corresponds to this.

FIGS. 12 and 13 and FIGS. 16 and 17 show the relationship between the gazing point, the gazing point area and the corresponding AF point, and the viewfinder observation screen 300 when the camera is in the normal position as shown in FIG. The relationship is illustrated.

More specifically, FIGS. 12 and 16 show the case where the posture of the camera is the correct position and the result of the line-of-sight detection reliability is determined to be “high”. In this case, there is little variation between the AF point intended by the photographer and the gazing point position, and therefore, one gazing point area and one AF point included therein
The points correspond.

FIGS. 13 and 17 show that the posture of the camera is the normal position and the result of the line-of-sight detection reliability is “low”.
FIG. 12 shows the relationship when it is determined that
16 and AF points other than AF point 303 at the center of the screen.
For points 302, 304, 306, and 307, FIG.
In the figure, the gazing point area corresponding to the vertical direction is enlarged. Further, for the left and right outer AF points 301 and 305, the gazing point areas corresponding to not only the vertical direction but also the horizontal direction are enlarged.

This is because the up-down direction is inferior to the left-right direction, which is the characteristic of the intention of the photographer and the characteristics of the eyeball rotational movement, in the up-down direction. Both take into account the two points of poor followability. In the part where the eyeball rotation angle of the photographer is small,
The variation between the AF point and the point of gaze point intended by the photographer increases in the vertical direction, and the part where the photographer's eyeball rotation angle is large and increases vertically and horizontally corresponds to the AF point taking into account the gaze detection reliability. This is reflected in the expansion of the point of interest area.

FIGS. 14 and 15 and FIGS. 18 and 19 show the relationship between the gazing point, the gazing point area, and the corresponding AF point when the camera is in the vertical position in which the grip of the camera is held upward. The relationship is shown in the viewfinder observation screen 300.

More specifically, FIGS. 14 and 18 show the relationship when the posture of the camera is in the vertical position and the result of the line-of-sight detection reliability is determined to be “high”. 16 and the normal position in FIG. 16, one gazing point area and one AF point included therein correspond to each other, whereas in this state, the AF points 301, 305, 306,
With regard to 307, the area of gazing point corresponding to the vertical direction is enlarged. This is because, when the camera is in the vertical position, the eyeball rotation angle of the photographer is large in the vertical direction, the eyelids are obstructed, and the entire photographer's pupil necessary for gaze detection cannot be seen,
This reflects that a decrease in the detection accuracy of the center of the pupil in the vertical direction with respect to the horizontal direction appears in a decrease in the accuracy of the gazing point position in the gaze detection.

FIGS. 15 and 19 show the relationship when the posture of the camera is in the vertical position and the result of the line-of-sight detection reliability is determined to be "low".
8, the AF points 301, 305, 306,
Regarding 307, the point of interest area corresponding to the left and right direction is enlarged. This is because the lowering of the detection accuracy of the center of the pupil in the vertical direction with respect to the left-right direction appears in the lowering of the accuracy of the gazing point position of the sight line detection. This reflects the increase in variation.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the CPU 100 proceeds to step # 111 to determine whether the AF point is directly selected from the point of interest based on FIGS. AF because there is no AF point in the area
Check whether the mode has changed to the point automatic selection mode. As a result, AF
If it is in the point automatic selection mode, step # 106c '
Proceed to (perform the same processing as in step # 106c), and automatically select an AF point from all the defocus results of the seven AF points 301 to 307 in FIG. 2 using a predetermined algorithm (most recent point priority). A subroutine is executed to select one AF point. Then, the next step # shown in FIG.
At 113, the AF point mark corresponding to the selected AF point is lit. In this case, since the AF point automatic selection mode is selected while in the line-of-sight input mode in which the AF point is selected only by the gazing point, the line-of-sight input mark 817 in FIG. 5B blinks and a warning is displayed.

If the mode is not the AF point automatic selection mode, the process proceeds to step # 112, where the AF point is directly selected from the point of gaze. In the next step # 113, the AF point mark corresponding to the directly selected AF point is selected. Is lit.
In this case, the line-of-sight input mark 817 in FIG.

When the selection of the AF point is completed as described above, the CPU 100 proceeds to step # 114, and the photographer looks at the display of the AF point mark, recognizes that the AF point is not correct, and releases the AF point. When it is detected that the button 201 has been released and the switch SW1 has been turned off, the process returns to step # 102 in FIG.

On the other hand, after the photographer sees the AF point mark selected and displayed, the release button 201 is kept pressed, and if the switch SW1 remains ON, the process proceeds to step # 115, where the selected AF point is selected. A focus detection operation is performed for a point. Then, in the next step # 116, it is determined whether or not focus detection is possible.
At step 117, it is determined whether or not the focus adjustment lens 1a in the taking lens 1 is in focus. If not, the process proceeds to step # 118, and the CPU 100 sends a signal to the lens focus adjustment circuit 110. To drive the lens 1a by a predetermined amount. After that, return to step # 115,
Focus detection is performed again through the automatic focus detection circuit 103,
After step # 116, the process proceeds to step # 117, where it is determined again whether or not the photographing lens 1 is in focus.

If the focus cannot be detected in step # 116, the process proceeds to step # 120, in which the focus mark 818 shown in FIG. At 121, the switch S
It is determined whether W1 is ON. As a result, if it is ON, the process returns to step # 117, and the focus mark 818 continues blinking. If it is OFF, step # 1 in FIG.
02, and waits until the switch SW1 is turned on again.

If the photographing lens 1 is in focus at the AF point selected as described above, the above-described step # 1
17 to step # 119, and the CPU 100
A signal is sent to the D drive circuit 105, and the LCD 2 in the finder is
In addition to turning on the focus mark 818, a signal is also sent to the IRED drive circuit 107 to focus and display the AF point mark corresponding to the focused AF point. Then, the photographer looks at the AF point mark display, recognizes that the AF point is incorrect, and releases the release button 201 to release the switch S.
When W1 is turned off, the process returns from step # 122 to step # 102 in FIG. On the other hand, A
After seeing the F point mark, keep pressing the release button 201,
If the switch SW1 remains ON, step #
Proceeding to 123, the CPU 100 sends a signal to the photometric circuit 102 to cause photometry. At this time, the photometric area including the focused AF point (photodiodes SPC-A to SPC-G
Is selected from the seven regions, and the weighted exposure value is calculated. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, a known weighted photometric calculation is performed centering on the photometric region including the selected AF point. Then, an aperture value (for example, F5.6) is displayed as a result of the calculation by using the seven segments 803 of the monitor LCD 202, the decimal point display unit 804, and the segment 814 of the finder out-of-field display unit 308.

In the next step # 124, it is determined whether or not the release button 201 has been pressed to turn on the switch SW2. If not, the process returns to step # 122 where the state of the switch SW1 is determined.
If the switch SW2 is ON, the process proceeds to step # 125, and the CPU 100 transmits a signal to each of the shutter control circuit 108, the motor control circuit 109, and the aperture driving circuit 111 to execute a shutter release operation.

Specifically, first, the magnet MG-2 is energized, the main mirror 2 is raised, the aperture 31 is stopped down, and then the magnet MG-1 is energized to open the front curtain of the shutter 4. The aperture value of the aperture 31 and the shutter speed of the shutter 4 are determined from the exposure value detected by the photometry circuit 102 and the sensitivity of the photosensitive member 5 if the photosensitive member 5 is a film. After a lapse of a predetermined shutter time (for example, 1/250 second), the magnet MG-2 is energized, and the rear curtain of the shutter 4 is closed. When the exposure of the film is completed, the magnet MG-2 is energized again, the mirror is lowered, the shutter is charged, and the magnet MG-1 is energized.
The film is fed, and a series of shutter release operations ends. Thereafter, the flow returns to step # 102 in FIG.
It waits until the switch SW1 is turned on.

Finally, the effect of the above embodiment is as follows.
These are summarized below.

The range of the maximum and minimum values of the pupil diameter obtained in the process of obtaining the individual difference correction information by the calibration includes the pupil diameter obtained in the gaze detection process, out of the range, and further out of the range. In the case of (1), the degree of reliability of gaze detection is obtained as a pupil diameter constant according to how far away the eye is (step # 605 in FIG. 10), and the degree of reliability of gaze detection is determined as a number constant by the number of calibrations. (Step # 602), the final sight line detection reliability is determined by adding the pupil diameter constant and the number-of-times constant. Can be determined.

Further, based on the result of the reliability judgment, A
Since the F point is selected, it is possible to select the AF point reflecting the user's intention.

Further, FIGS. 12 to 15 and FIGS. 16 to 19
As shown in the table, the conditions for selecting the AF point based on the reliability determination result are prepared in advance as a table, so that the optimum AF can be determined regardless of the reliability of the line-of-sight detection at that time or the posture of the camera at that time. The point can be selected quickly (because the above conditions are prepared in advance as a table).

The above conditions, that is, FIGS.
5 and FIGS. 16 to 19 are prepared in advance based on the following idea.

A plurality of AF points 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 3
When one AF point is selected from 06, 307, the follower, which is the characteristic of the intention of the photographer and the eyeball rotational movement, is inferior to the lateral direction in the vertical direction and the eyeball rotational angle of the photographer. When the line-of-sight detection accuracy is low, these points are taken into account, taking into account the points that the follow-up performance is inferior in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

Specifically, when the camera is in the vertical position,
Reflects the fact that the eyelid obstruction prevents the entire pupil of the photographer required for eye gaze detection from being seen, so that a decrease in the accuracy of detection of the center of the pupil in the vertical direction with respect to the horizontal direction appears in a decrease in the accuracy of the gaze point at the gaze point AF points 301 and 3 other than the center
For 05, 306, and 307, the area of the point of interest area corresponding to the AF point from the point of interest is enlarged in the vertical direction. If the reliability of gaze detection is low, AF points 301, 302, 304, and 30 other than the central portion are not used.
For 5,306,307, the area of the gazing point area corresponding to the AF point from the gazing point is enlarged in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, it is possible to easily prevent the mode from shifting to the AF point automatic selection mode, and one A
Point F can be selected, and focus adjustment reflecting the photographer's intention has also become possible.

(Modification) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the present invention is applied to a single-lens reflex camera. However, other cameras, optical devices that enable focus detection at a plurality of AF points, and photometric information are detected. The present invention can also be applied to an optical device that performs the following.

[0100]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaze detection apparatus capable of accurately determining the reliability of the gazing point position detected by the gaze detection means. It is.

According to the fifth or thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the reliability of the gazing point position detected by the line-of-sight detecting means is accurately determined, and a region reflecting the intention of the user is selected. It is possible to provide an optical device or a camera capable of performing the following.

According to the ninth, tenth, or thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical device or a camera capable of promptly selecting an area reflecting a user's intention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an optical system layout of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an AF point mark and an AF point shown in the viewfinder observation of the camera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the appearance of the camera body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the appearance of the camera body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fully lit state of the monitor LCD and the LCD arranged outside the viewfinder of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the camera of FIG.
It is a figure for explaining switching of a point selection mode.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of shooting operations of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the operation in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of processing in step # 109 of FIG. 8;

11 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between an AF point provided in the camera of FIG. 1 and a gazing point area including the AF point.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a gazing point area and a corresponding AF point in a case where the line-of-sight reliability is high at a normal position, which is prepared in advance in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a gazing point area and a corresponding AF point prepared in advance when the line-of-sight reliability is low at a normal position in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a gazing point area and a corresponding AF point prepared in advance when the line-of-sight reliability is high in a vertical position according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a gazing point area and a corresponding AF point prepared in advance when the line-of-sight reliability is low in a vertical position in the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the relationship of FIG. 12 on a finder observation screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the relationship of FIG. 13 on a finder observation screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship of FIG. 14 on a finder observation screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the relationship of FIG. 15 on a finder observation screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 Focusing Board 14 Image Sensor 37 Focus Adjustment Circuit 100 CPU 101 Eye Line Detection Circuit 103 Automatic Focus Detection Circuit 116 Line Sensor 300 Viewfinder Observation Screen 301-307 AF Point 301'-307 'AF Point Mark L3T-R3-B area

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G03B 7/28 G02B 7/11 N 17/18 G03B 3/00 A

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A gaze detecting means for capturing an eyeball image of a user and detecting a gaze point position of the user in an observation plane, and a gaze correction for acquiring in advance individual difference correction information of the eyeball characteristics of the user. A first information obtained in the step of acquiring the individual difference correction information in the line of sight correction means and a step of detecting the gazing point position in the line of sight detection means. Based on the information obtained by comparing the second information and the third information relating to the acquisition of the personal difference correction information by the gaze correction unit, the reliability of the gaze point position detected by the gaze detection unit is determined. A gaze detection device comprising a reliability determination unit for determining. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first information is information on a pupil diameter of the user at the time of acquiring the individual difference correction information, and the second information is a pupil diameter of the user at the time of detecting the line of sight. The reliability determination means, information obtained by comparing the information on the pupil diameter at the time of acquisition of the individual difference correction information and the information on the pupil diameter at the time of the point of gaze position detection, and an individual by the gaze correction means The eye gaze detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein reliability of the gaze point detected by the eye gaze detecting means is determined based on third information related to acquisition of difference correction information. 3. The first information is information indicating a minimum value and a maximum value of a pupil diameter of the user at the time of acquiring the personal difference correction information, and the second information is information at the time of detecting the line of sight. Is information indicating a pupil diameter of the user, and the third information is:
The sight line correction means is information indicating the number of times the acquisition operation of the personal difference correction information is performed, the reliability determination means, the minimum value of the pupil diameter at the time of acquisition of the personal difference correction information, the maximum value and the The pupil diameter comparison constant is obtained by comparing the pupil diameter at the time of detecting the gazing point position, and the pupil diameter comparison constant and the number constant obtained based on the number of times the individual difference correction information acquisition operation is performed are calculated. The gaze detection device according to claim 1, wherein the reliability of the gaze point position is determined. 4. The pupil diameter constant is highly reliable if the pupil diameter at the time of detecting the gazing point position is within the range between the minimum value and the maximum value of the pupil diameter at the time of acquiring the individual difference correction information. If a large numerical value is given and the pupil diameter is out of the range between the minimum value and the maximum value, the further away from the range, the smaller the numerical value indicating low reliability is given. The gaze detecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a larger numerical value indicating that the reliability is higher is given as the number of times of obtaining the correction information increases. 5. A sight line detecting means for capturing an eyeball image of a user to detect a gazing point position of the user in an observation plane, and a sightline correction for acquiring in advance individual difference correction information of the eyeball characteristics of the user. Means, and an optical device comprising: a selection unit that selects one region from a plurality of regions arranged in the observation screen based on a gaze point position of the user detected by the line-of-sight detection unit. Information obtained by comparing the first information obtained in the process of acquiring the individual difference correction information with the gaze correction unit and the second information obtained in the process of detecting the gazing point position with the gaze detection unit; A reliability determining unit that determines the reliability of the gazing point position detected by the line-of-sight detection unit based on third information related to the acquisition of the personal difference correction information by the line-of-sight correction unit; Sex determination means That determination based on the result, the optical apparatus characterized by having a selection condition changing means for changing the conditions under which the selection means selects one region from the plurality of regions. 6. The first information is information on a pupil diameter of the user at the time of acquiring the individual difference correction information, and the second information is a pupil diameter of the user at the time of detecting the line of sight. The reliability determination means, information obtained by comparing the information on the pupil diameter at the time of acquisition of the individual difference correction information and the information on the pupil diameter at the time of the point of gaze position detection, and an individual by the gaze correction means 6. The optical apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reliability of the gazing point position detected by the sight line detecting unit is determined based on third information related to acquisition of the difference correction information. 7. The first information is information indicating a minimum value and a maximum value of a pupil diameter of the user at the time of acquiring the individual difference correction information, and the second information is information at the time of detecting the line of sight. Is information indicating the pupil diameter of the user, and the third information is
The sight line correction means is information indicating the number of times the acquisition operation of the personal difference correction information is performed, the reliability determination means, the minimum value of the pupil diameter at the time of acquisition of the personal difference correction information, the maximum value and the The pupil diameter comparison constant is obtained by comparing the pupil diameter at the time of detecting the gazing point position, and the pupil diameter comparison constant and the number constant obtained based on the number of times the individual difference correction information acquisition operation is performed are calculated. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein the reliability of the gazing point position is determined. 8. The pupil diameter constant is highly reliable if the pupil diameter at the time of detecting the gazing point position is within the range between the minimum value and the maximum value of the pupil diameter at the time of acquiring the individual difference correction information. If a large numerical value is given and the pupil diameter is out of the range between the minimum value and the maximum value, the further away from the range, the smaller the numerical value indicating low reliability is given. The optical device according to claim 7, wherein a larger numerical value indicating that the reliability is higher is given as the number of times of acquiring the correction information increases. 9. A plurality of conditions for selecting one region from the plurality of regions are prepared in advance for each reliability determination result, and the selection condition changing unit determines the determination result by the reliability determination unit. 9. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein a condition to be used for region selection is selected from the plurality of prepared regions on the basis of the plurality of regions, and one region is selected from the plurality of regions. 10. An attitude detecting means for detecting an attitude of an optical device, wherein a condition for selecting one area from the plurality of areas is determined in advance for each combination of a result of reliability determination and an attitude detection result. The selection condition variable means selects a condition to be used for area selection from the plurality of prepared based on the determination result by the reliability determination means and the posture detection result by the posture detection means. 9. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein one area is selected from the plurality of areas. 11. The region according to claim 5, wherein the region is a region for detecting a focus state of a focusing lens.
The optical device according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein the area is an area for detecting photometric information. 13. A camera comprising the optical device according to claim 5.