JP2007094320A - Imaging apparatus with blurring correction function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus with a blurring correction function by which a user can confirm an image just before photographing. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus with a blurring correction function is equipped with: a photographic optical system having an imaging optical axis in a Z-axis direction; a CCD arranged on the imaging optical axis; a driving part for moving the CCD in an X-Y direction orthogonal to a photographing optical axis; and an LCD for displaying the image picked up by the CCD so as to monitor it, wherein blurring is corrected by moving the CCD by the driving part. When a release 2 is depressed after a release 1 is depressed, the LCD is turned off after finishing returning the CCD to a reference position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function having a function of correcting camera shake during shooting.

  Conventionally, when a CCD is provided on a substrate, the amount of shake of the image pickup apparatus main body due to camera shake is detected, and the substrate is displaced by the detected amount of shake, the amount of displacement of the substrate is detected, and the amount of blur is determined by the amount of displacement. There has been proposed an imaging apparatus that performs high-accuracy camera shake correction by correcting the amount and displacing the substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, an imaging apparatus has been proposed in which the lens is moved to the center of its driving range in response to a shooting start operation to perform initial settings for camera shake correction (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2001-66655 A Japanese Patent No. 2752073

  Incidentally, an imaging device such as a digital camera is provided with an LCD (liquid crystal monitor) for displaying an image captured by a CCD. Such an LCD is generally turned off at the time of photographing because of the processing capability of a CPU built in the main body of the imaging apparatus.

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that the user cannot confirm the image immediately before shooting. In other words, in a conventional imaging apparatus, if the release is pressed during shooting, the LCD is immediately turned off even while camera shake correction is being performed, so the user must check the actual captured image after camera shake correction. Has become difficult.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function that allows a user to check an image immediately before shooting.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a photographic optical system having an imaging optical axis in the Z-axis direction, an imaging element disposed on the imaging optical axis, the photographic optical system, and the imaging optical system. A drive unit that moves the image sensor in an XY direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis; and a display unit that monitors and displays an image captured by the image sensor, and the imaging optical system and the image sensor by the drive unit. An image pickup apparatus with a camera shake correction function that performs camera shake correction by moving at least one of the image pickup optical system or the image pickup device at a reference position when a shooting start operation is performed after the shooting preparation operation is completed. A control unit is provided that stops the monitoring display on the display unit after returning.

  According to the above configuration, when a shooting start operation is performed after the shooting preparation operation is completed, the monitoring display on the display unit is stopped after the shooting optical system or the imaging element is returned to the reference position, so the user can You can check the image just before shooting.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the drive unit includes a magnet provided on the image pickup apparatus body side and a coil provided on the image pickup element side, and the image pickup element is positioned at a reference position. When returning to, the coil is energized. If comprised in this way, by energizing a coil, an attractive force or a repulsive force will act between magnets, and an image sensor can be easily returned to a standard position.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, an imaging optical system having an imaging optical axis in the Z-axis direction, an imaging element disposed on the imaging optical axis, the imaging optical system and the imaging element as the imaging optical axis. A drive unit that moves in the orthogonal X-Y direction; and a display unit that monitors and displays an image captured by the image sensor; and at least one of the imaging optical system and the image sensor is moved by the drive unit. An imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function that performs camera shake correction, and before the drive unit starts movement control of the imaging optical system and the imaging element, and the imaging optical system or the imaging element is at a reference position In this state, a control unit is provided that stops monitoring display on the display unit when an operation for starting photographing is performed.

  According to the above configuration, when an operation for starting photographing is performed before the movement control of the photographing optical system and the image sensor by the driving unit is started and in a state where the photographing optical system or the image sensor is at the reference position, Since the monitoring display on the display unit is stopped, the user can check the image immediately before shooting.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the drive unit includes a holding mechanism that holds the imaging element, and the imaging mechanism is used as a reference by the holding mechanism when an operation for starting shooting is performed. It is characterized by being fixed in position. If comprised in this way, an image pick-up element can be easily fixed to a reference position with a holding mechanism.

  The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in claim 1 or 3, stopping the monitoring display on the display unit turns off the display unit. If comprised in this way, the stop of the monitoring display in a display part is easily realizable.

  The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in claim 1 or 3, the reference position is set on the imaging optical axis.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or third aspect, the photographing start operation is a release pressing.

  The invention according to an eighth aspect is that in the first aspect, the control unit stops monitoring display on the display unit after the image sensor has settled at the reference position, and then starts exposure. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, the monitoring display on the display unit is stopped after the image sensor is returned to the reference position or when the image sensor is in the reference position, so that the user can easily view the image immediately before shooting. Can be confirmed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a digital still camera (hereinafter also referred to as a camera) as an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, and (c) is a top view. is there. FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing an outline of the internal system configuration of the digital camera.

  In FIG. 1, a release switch (release shutter) SW1, a mode dial SW2, and a sub liquid crystal display (also referred to as a sub LCD) 1 are disposed on the upper surface of the camera body.

  A lens barrel unit 7 including an imaging lens, an optical viewfinder 4, a strobe light emitting unit 3, a distance measuring unit 5, and a remote control light receiving unit 6 are provided on the front surface of the camera body.

  On the back of the camera, the power switch SW13, LCD monitor 10, AFLED 8, strobe LED 9, optical viewfinder 4, wide-angle zoom switch SW3, telephoto zoom switch SW4, self-timer setting / deleting switch SW5, menu switch SW6, upward movement A strobe set switch SW7, a right movement switch SW8, a display switch SW9, a downward movement, a macro switch SW10, a left movement / image confirmation switch SW11, an OK switch SW12, and a camera shake correction switch SW14 are provided. A memory card / battery loading chamber lid 2 is provided on the side of the camera body.

  Since the functions and operations of these members are well known, the description thereof will be omitted, and the system configuration inside the camera will be described next.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 104 denotes a digital still camera processor (hereinafter also referred to as a processor).

  The processor 104 includes an A / D converter 10411, a CCD1 signal processing block 1041, a CCD2 signal processing block 1042, a CPU block 1043, a local SRAM 1044, a USB block 1045, a serial block 1046, and a JPEG / CODEC block (a block for performing JPEG compression / decompression). ) 1047, RESIZE block (block for enlarging / reducing the size of image data by interpolation processing) 1048, TV signal display block (block for converting image data to a video signal for display on an external display device such as a liquid crystal monitor / TV) ) 1049 and a memory card controller block (block for controlling a memory card for recording photographed image data) 10410. Each of these blocks is connected to each other via a bus line.

  Outside the processor 104, RAW-RGB image data (image data in a state in which white balance setting and γ setting are performed), YUV image data (image data in a state in which luminance data and color difference data are converted), a JPEG image An SDRAM 103 for storing data (image data in a JPEG compressed state) is disposed, and the SDRAM 103 is connected to the processor 104 via a memory controller (not shown) and a bus line.

  Outside the processor 104, there are also a RAM 107, a built-in memory (a memory for storing captured image data even when no memory card is mounted on the memory card throttle) 120, and a ROM 108 storing control programs, parameters, and the like. These are also connected to the processor 104 by a bus line.

  When the camera power switch SW13 is turned on, the control program is loaded into the main memory (not shown) of the processor 104. The processor 104 controls the operation of each unit according to the control program, and stores control data, parameters, and the like in the RAM 107. Etc. temporarily.

  The lens barrel unit 7 includes a lens barrel including a zoom optical system 71 having a zoom lens 71a, a focus optical system 72 having a focus lens 72a, a diaphragm unit 73 having a diaphragm 73a, and a mechanical shutter unit 74 having a mechanical shutter 74a. ing. The zoom lens 71a, the focus lens 72a, and the stop 73a constitute a photographing optical system. The optical axis of the photographing optical system is the Z axis, and the plane orthogonal to the Z axis is the XY plane.

  The zoom optical system 71, the focus optical system 72, the aperture unit 73, and the mechanical shutter unit 74 are driven by a zoom motor 71b, a focus motor 72b, an aperture motor 73b, and a mechanical shutter motor 74b, respectively.

  Each of these motors is driven by a motor driver 75, and the motor driver 75 is controlled by a CPU block 1043 of the processor 104.

  A subject image is formed on the CCD 101 by each lens system of the lens barrel unit 7, and the CCD 101 converts the subject image into an image signal and outputs the image signal to the F / E-IC 102. The F / E-IC 102 includes a CDS 1021 that performs correlated double sampling for image noise removal, an AGC 1022 for gain adjustment, and an A / D conversion unit 1023 that performs analog-digital conversion. That is, the F / E-IC 102 performs predetermined processing on the image signal, converts the analog image signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the CCD1 signal processing block 1041 of the processor 104.

  These signal control processes are performed via the TG 1024 by the vertical synchronization signal VD and the horizontal synchronization signal HD output from the CCD1 signal processing block 1041 of the processor 104. The TG 1024 generates a drive timing signal based on the vertical synchronization signal VD and horizontal synchronization signal HD.

  The CPU block 1043 of the processor 104 controls the sound recording operation by the sound recording circuit 1151. The voice recording circuit 1151 records the amplified signal by the microphone amplifier 1152 of the voice recording signal converted by the microphone 1153 according to the command. The CPU block 1043 also controls the operation of the audio reproduction circuit 1161. The audio reproduction circuit 1161 is configured to reproduce an audio signal stored in the memory as appropriate according to a command, output the audio signal to the audio amplifier 1162, and output the audio from the speaker 1163.

  The CPU block 1043 further controls the strobe circuit 114 to emit illumination light from the strobe light emitting unit 3. In addition to this, the CPU block 1043 also controls the distance measuring unit 5.

  The CPU block 1043 is connected to the sub CPU 109 of the processor 104, and the sub CPU 109 performs display control by the sub LCD 1 via the LCD driver 111. The sub CPU 109 is further connected to the buzzer 113, an operation key unit comprising the AF LED 8, the strobe LED 9, the remote control light receiving unit 6, and the operation switches SW1 to SW14.

  The USB block 1045 is connected to the USB connector 122, and the serial block 1046 is connected to the RS-232C connector 1232 via the serial driver circuit 1231. The TV signal display block 1049 is connected to the LCD monitor 10 via the LCD driver 117, and a video amplifier (amplifier for converting the video signal output from the TV signal display block 1049 into 75Ω impedance) 118 is provided. Via a video jack (jack for connecting the camera to an external display device such as a TV) 119. The memory card controller block 10410 is connected to a contact with the card contact of the memory card slot 121.

  The LCD driver 117 serves to drive the LCD monitor 10 and convert the video signal output from the TV signal display block 1049 into a signal to be displayed on the LCD monitor 10. The LCD monitor 10 is used to display the image data recorded in the memory card or the built-in memory 120 in order to monitor the state of the subject before photographing and to confirm the photographed image.

  The main body of the digital camera is provided with a fixed cylinder (described later) that constitutes a part of the lens barrel unit 7. A CCD stage 1251 is provided on the fixed cylinder so as to be movable in the XY direction. The CCD 101 is mounted on a CCD stage 1251 that constitutes a part of a camera shake correction mechanism, and a detailed mechanical structure of the CCD stage 1251 will be described later.

  The CCD stage 1251 is driven by an actuator 1255, and the actuator 1255 is driven and controlled by a driver 1254. The driver 1254 includes a coil drive MD1 and a coil drive MD2. The driver 1254 is connected to the analog-to-digital converter IC1. The analog-to-digital converter IC1 is connected to the ROM 108, and control data is input from the ROM 108 to the analog-to-digital converter IC1.

  The fixed cylinder is provided with an origin position forced holding mechanism 1263 that holds the CCD stage 1251 at the center position when the camera shake correction switch SW14 is off and the power switch SW13 is off. This origin position forced holding mechanism 1263 is controlled by a stepping motor STM1 as an actuator, and the stepping motor STM1 is driven by a driver 1261. Control data is input to the driver 1261 from the ROM 108.

  A position detection element 1252 is attached to the CCD stage 1251. The detection output of the position detection element 1252 is input to the amplifier 1253, amplified, and input to the A / D converter 10411. A gyro sensor 1241 is provided in the camera body so as to be able to detect the rotation in the pitch direction and the yaw direction, and the detection output of the gyro sensor 1241 is input to the A / D converter 10411 via the amplifier 1242 also serving as a low-pass filter. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, this digital camera has at least two modes of a “monitoring process” block and a “playback” block, and transits between these two modes. Within the “monitoring process” block, menu calls can be made and various settings can be changed. Further, inside the “reproduction” block, the captured image can be displayed on the LCD monitor 10.

  That is, in FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the mode dial is set to the shooting mode (step S1). If the mode dial is set to the shooting mode, a monitoring process is executed (step S2). After executing the monitoring process, it is determined whether or not a shooting command has been input (step S3). If it has been input, shooting is performed (step S4), and then the process returns to step S2. If the shooting command is not input, the process proceeds to step S8 described later.

  If the mode dial is not set to the shooting mode in step S1, it is further determined whether or not the mode dial is set to the playback mode (step S5). When the playback mode is set, a playback process for displaying the captured image on the LCD monitor (10) is executed (step S6). When the playback mode is not set, processes other than the shooting / playback are executed (step S6). S7).

  After the processes in steps S3, S6, and S7, it is determined whether or not the power button has been pressed (step S8). If pressed, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S1, and the process continues. Is done.

  The processor 104 shown in FIG. 2 has two types of timer functions. FIG. 4 shows a countdown timer (FIG. 4A) and a free-run timer (FIG. 4B), which are the two types of timer functions. Both types of timers generate an interrupt when the set number of seconds is counted down and the number of seconds becomes zero. The number of seconds during the countdown can be referred to by a register. The countdown timer ends the process with a single countdown. In order to operate, it is necessary to start again. On the other hand, the free-run timer continues to execute interruptions every X seconds unless reset is executed.

  FIG. 5 shows the principle of performing camera shake correction by sliding a CCD. When the imaging surface (CCD surface) is at the position P1, the subject image is projected onto O. However, when the camera rotates by θx and θy due to camera shake, the imaging surface moves to the position P2, and the place where the subject is captured moves to O ′. Therefore, the projection position of the subject on the imaging surface can be restored to the original by moving in parallel by dx and dy so that the imaging surface becomes P1.

  Next, the configuration of the camera shake correction mechanism will be described.

  6 to 8 show a fixed cylinder in which a plurality of lenses are accommodated. FIG. 6 is a front view thereof, FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 8 is a rear view. 6 to 8, reference numeral 10 denotes a fixed cylinder. The fixed cylinder 10 has a box shape, and the inside thereof is a storage space for receiving a lens barrel. A plate-like base member 11 having a substantially rectangular shape as a whole is attached to the back surface of the fixed cylinder 10. Here, a helicoid 12 for extending and retracting the lens barrel is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the fixed cylinder 10. At least two corners of the fixed cylinder 10 are notched, one corner 10a is a mounting portion for a stepping motor STM described later, and the other corner 10b is a bent portion of a flexible printed circuit board 20 described later. .

  The CCD stage 1251 is provided on the base member 11. As shown in an exploded view in FIG. 10, the CCD stage 1251 is generally composed of an annular frame-shaped X-direction stage 13, a rectangular Y-direction stage 14, and a mounting stage 15.

  The X direction stage 13 is fixed to the base member 11. The X-direction stage 13 is provided with a pair of guide shafts 13a and 13b extending in the X direction with a gap in the Y direction. On the X-direction stage 13, four rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnets 16a to 16d are arranged. The four permanent magnets 16a to 16d form a pair, and the pair of permanent magnets 16a and 16b are arranged in parallel in the XY plane with a space in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the pair of guide shafts 13a and 13b are configured to penetrate the pair of permanent magnets 16a and 16b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide shafts 13a and 13b are provided side by side with the pair of guide shafts 13a and 13b. May be. The pair of permanent magnets 16c and 16d are arranged at an interval in the X direction within the XY plane.

  In the Y-direction stage 14, a pair of guide shafts 14a and 14b extending in the Y direction are provided with a gap in the X direction. Two pairs of supported parts 17a, 17a ', 17b, 17b' facing each other with a gap in the X direction are formed on the Y direction stage 14 with a gap in the Y direction. Each pair of supported parts (17a, 17a ′), (17b, 17b ′) is movably supported by a pair of guide shafts 13a, 13b of the X direction stage 13, whereby the Y direction stage 14 is moved in the X direction. It is supposed to be movable.

  The CCD 101 is fixed to the mounting stage 15. The mounting stage 15 has a pair of coil mounting plate portions 15a and 15b protruding in the X direction and a pair of coil mounting plate portions 15c and 15d protruding in the Y direction. The CCD 101 is fixed at the center of the mounting stage 15. On the mounting stage 15, two pairs of supported portions (reference numerals are abbreviated) facing each other on the same side as the imaging surface of the CCD 101 with an interval in the Y direction are formed with an interval in the X direction. The support portion is movably supported by the pair of guide shafts 14a and 14b of the Y-direction stage 14, so that the mounting stage 15 is movable in the XY direction as a whole.

  A protective plate 19 is attached to the CCD 101 on the surface opposite to the imaging surface. A taper-shaped recess 19a is formed at the center of the protective plate 19. The function of the recess 19a will be described later.

  Flat and spiral coil bodies COL1 and COL1 'are attached to the pair of coil attachment plate portions 15a and 15b, respectively. The coil bodies COL1 and COL1 'are connected in series. Flat and spiral coil bodies COL2 and COL2 'are attached to the pair of mounting plate portions 15c and 15d, respectively. Similarly, the coil bodies COL2 and COL2 'are connected in series.

  The coil bodies COL1 and COL1 'face the permanent magnets 16c and 16d, respectively. The coil bodies COL2 and COL2 'face the permanent magnets 16a and 16b, respectively. The pair of coil bodies COL1 and COL1 'are used to move the CCD 101 in the Y direction, and the pair of coil bodies COL2 and COL2' are used to move the CCD 101 in the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the coil bodies COL1 and COL1 'are provided with suction bars 35 made of a magnetic material in a direction crossing the coil bodies COL1 and COL1' in the X direction.

  Here, a hall element is used as the position detection element 1252, and a hall element 1252a as the position detection element 1252 is provided on one of the pair of coil attachment plate portions 15a and 15b. One coil mounting plate portion 15d of the coil mounting plate portions 15c and 15d is provided with a hall element 1252b.

  The CCD 101 is electrically connected to the F / E-IC 102 via the flexible printed circuit board 20 (see FIG. 10), and the Hall elements 1252a and 1252b are electrically connected to the operation amplifier 1253 via the flexible printed circuit board 20. The coil bodies COL1, COL1 ′, COL2, and COL2 ′ are electrically connected to the coil driver 1254.

  The origin position forced holding mechanism 1263 has a stepping motor STM1 as shown in an enlarged manner in FIGS. The drive control of the stepping motor STM1 will be described later, and the mechanical configuration of the origin position forced holding mechanism 1263 will be described in detail first.

  The stepping motor STM1 is provided at the corner 10a of the fixed cylinder 10 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, an output gear 21 is provided on the output shaft 20 of the stepping motor STM1. A conversion mechanism 22 that converts rotational motion into linear motion is provided at the corner portion 10a of the fixed cylinder 10.

  The conversion mechanism 22 is generally composed of a rotation transmission gear 23, a reciprocating shaft 24, an urging coil spring 25, a forced pressing plate 26, and a spring receiving member 27. A pair of support portions 28 and 29 are formed in the corner portion 10a of the fixed cylinder 10 with an interval in the Z-axis direction. The support portion 28 is composed of a motor mounting plate. The reciprocating shaft 24 is supported by being supported between the support portion 29 and the motor mounting plate 28. The rotation transmission gear 23 is positioned between the pair of support portions 28 and 29, is rotatably supported by the reciprocating shaft 24, and is meshed with the output gear 21.

  A portion on one end side of the reciprocating shaft 24 passes through the support portion 29 and faces the back side of the base member 11. The urging coil spring 25 is provided between the spring receiving member 27 and the support portion 29, and the reciprocating shaft 24 is urged toward the support portion 28 by the urging coil spring 25. The reciprocating shaft 24 has a step portion 24 a that engages with the end face of the shaft hole of the rotation transmission gear 23.

  The rotation transmission gear 23 is formed with a cam groove 31 on one end surface thereof as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (e). The cam groove 31 extends in the circumferential direction of the rotation transmission gear 23, and includes a valley bottom flat portion 31a, a top flat portion 31b, and an inclined surface portion 31c that continuously inclines from the valley bottom flat portion 31a toward the top flat portion 31b. Has been. Between the flat bottom portion 31a and the flat top portion 31b, there is a precipice 31d as an abutting wall where a cam pin, which will be described later, abuts from the rotation direction.

  A cam pin 32 is fixed to the support portion 28, and the tip of the cam pin 32 is in sliding contact with the cam groove 31. The length in the rotation direction of the valley bottom flat portion 31a from the steep wall 31d to the inclination start position 31e of the inclined surface portion 31c corresponds to two pulses in terms of the rotation control signal of the stepping motor STM1.

  The rotation direction length of the inclined surface portion 31c from the inclination start position 31e of the inclined surface portion to the inclination end position 31f leading to the top flat portion 31b corresponds to 30 pulses in terms of the rotation control signal of the stepping motor STM1.

  The rotation direction length of the top flat portion 31b between the inclined end position 31f and the precipice 31d is equivalent to 3 pulses in terms of the rotation control signal of the stepping motor STM1, and 35 pulses of the stepping motor STM1 are transmitted for rotation. Corresponding to one rotation of the gear 23, the reciprocating shaft 24 is reciprocated once in the Z-axis direction by one rotation of the rotation transmission gear 23.

  The forced pressing plate 26 is provided on the back side of the base member 11. As shown in FIG. 8A, the forced presser plate 26 extends long toward the center of the CCD 101, and the base end portion 26 a of the forced presser plate 26 is fixed to one end portion of the reciprocating shaft 24. (See FIG. 10). A taper-shaped pressing pin 33 is fixed to the free end portion 26 b of the forced pressing plate 26. A guide shaft 26c is formed to protrude in the middle of the direction in which the forced pressing plate 26 extends.

  The base member 11 is formed with positioning protrusions 11a and 11b, a coil attachment protrusion 11c, and an engagement protrusion 11d. A winding portion 34a of a torsion coil spring 34 is attached to the coil attachment projection 11c, one end portion 34b of the torsion coil spring 34 is engaged with the engagement projection 11d, and the other end portion 34c of the torsion coil spring 34 is engaged with the guide shaft 26c. Has been. The base member 11 has a guide hole (not shown) for guiding the guide shaft 26c.

  The forced pressing plate 26 is reciprocated in the direction of moving away from the base member 11 (Z-axis direction) with the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating shaft 24 while being in contact with the positioning projection 11 a by the torsion coil spring 34. The guide shaft 26c plays a role of causing the forced presser plate 26 to reciprocate in a stable posture.

  The holding pin (fitting protrusion) 33 plays a role of mechanically holding the mounting stage 15 at the origin position by fitting with the recess (fitting hole) 19a, and is shown in an enlarged view in FIG. Thus, the state in which the peripheral wall 33a of the pressing pin 33 and the recess peripheral wall 19b of the protective plate 19 are closely fitted corresponds to the hold standby position of the cam pin 32, and as shown in FIG. The state in which the peripheral wall 33a of 33 and the recess peripheral wall 19b of the protective plate 19 are maximally separated corresponds to the release standby position of the cam pin 33, and the hold standby position of the cam pin 32 is also the forced origin position of the mounting stage 15.

  The target movement point of the CCD is determined based on the input from the gyro sensor 1241. The gyro sensor 1241 is arranged to capture the rotation of the camera in the pitch direction and the rotation in the yaw direction. The A / D converter 10411 takes in the output from the gyro sensor 1241 at intervals of T [s] and performs AD conversion.

here,
ωyaw (t) ・ ・ ・ Instant angular velocity in the Yaw direction ωpitch (t) ・ ・ ・ Instant angular velocity in the Pitch direction θyaw (t) ・ ・ ・ Change angle in the Yaw direction θpitch (t) ・ ・ ・ Change angle in the Pitch direction
Dyaw (t) ・ ・ ・ Image movement amount that moves in response to rotation in the Yaw direction
Dpitch (t) ・ ・ ・ Assuming the amount of image movement that moves in response to the rotation in the Pitch direction,
θyaw (t) = Σωyaw (i) · T (i is from 0 to t) ・ ・ ・ i
θpitch (t) = Σωpitch (i) · T (i is from 0 to t) ・ ・ ・ ii
Is required.

On the other hand, the focal length f is determined from the zoom point zp and the focus point fp.
Dyaw (t) = f * tan (θyaw (t)) ・ ・ ・ iii
Dpitch (t) = f * tan (θpitch (t)) ・ ・ ・ iv
This is the amount that the CCD should move. FIG. 14 shows the CCD movement amount according to the focal length, and FIG. 15 and Table 1 show the relationship between the blur angle and the CCD correction movement amount.

  FIG. 16 shows a control cycle of servo control for moving the CCD. In the present embodiment, the flow of FIG. 17 is executed every cycle T = 0.00025s. As a result, the CCD moves with respect to the target position as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 17, it is first determined whether or not the flag is 1 (step S10). If the flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S11. If the flag is not 1, the process proceeds to step S20. Here, the time taken to process the flow of FIG. 17 is 0.0001 s when the flag is 1 (FIG. 16A), and 0.000005 s when the flag is not 1 (FIG. 16B). ).

  If it is determined in step S10 that the flag is 1, whether or not all countdown timer values exceed twice the period T, that is, whether or not “all countdown timer values> 2 * T”. Determination is made (step S11). If the determination in step S10 is yes, the process proceeds to step S13 as it is. If the determination is no, the flag is set to 0 (step S12), and then the process proceeds to step S13.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the counter is a multiple of 4 + 3 (step S13). If yes, the servo control is performed to move the CCD (step S19), and then the process proceeds to step S20. If the determination in step S13 is No, the process proceeds to step S14.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the counter is a multiple of 4 + 2 (step S14). If yes, angular velocity detection / angle calculation in the pitch direction is performed to set a target value, and servo control is performed to detect the CCD. Move (step S18), and then proceed to step S20. If the determination in step S14 is No, the process proceeds to step S15.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the counter is a multiple of 4 + 1 (step S15). If yes, the servo control is performed to move the CCD (step S17), and then the process proceeds to step S20.

  If the determination in step S15 is No, angular velocity detection / angle calculation in the Yaw direction is performed to set a target value, servo control is performed to move the CCD (step S16), and then the process proceeds to step S20.

  Finally, in step S20, after the process of adding 1 to the counter is executed, the entire process is terminated.

  The servo control is characterized in that the shorter the cycle T [s], the better the control value can be converged to the vicinity of the target value. However, for example, when T = 0.0001 s, the interval of camera shake correction processing becomes the shortest. However, in this case, since the CPU is also used for processing other than camera shake correction, the CPU occupation rate of camera shake correction cannot be set to 100%. On the other hand, if the occupancy rate is too high, interrupt processing other than image stabilization will be hindered, and the image stabilization interrupt will be shifted, or the image stabilization interrupt processing may be dropped, affecting the functions other than the image stabilization implemented. Effect. In order to avoid these problems, the CPU occupation ratio is set to a period T = 0.00025 [s] of 40%. Both the centering for keeping the CCD at the center by servo control and the camera shake correction at the time of exposure are set to a period T = 0.00025 [s].

  FIG. 19 shows a timing chart at the time of still image shooting by two-stage pressing (pressing release 2 and then pressing release 2 after a while). The central holding of the CCD control is a process that continues to follow the servo control with the central point of the movable range as a target. That is, this process is centering. Completing the centering means that the CCD moves from a certain position to the center position, and the transient state of the servo control becomes stable and becomes a steady state. Specifically, the centering is completed when both the vertical and horizontal axes remain in the range of the center position ± 4 μm for 5 ms at the same time.

  When centering from the extreme end of the movable range, it takes about 40 ms to complete centering. If 80 ms has passed since the start of waiting for centering, it is assumed that centering has been forcibly completed, and the process proceeds to the next. The CCD control correction 1 is a correction that follows only the high-frequency component in the calculated transition of the angle. CCD control correction 1 is a correction that follows the calculated angle as it is. Release / fixing of the holding mechanism takes about 60 ms. The centering reference position is set at the time of assembling the camera at the factory with the moving mechanism fixed by the holding mechanism. Specifically, the voltage of the Hall element is read by AD conversion and held in a state where the holding mechanism is fixed.

  The release 1 and release 2 processes are controlled by the CPU block 1043 via the SUB-CPU 109.

  Before the release 1 is pressed, the CCD driving mechanism is fixed by the holding mechanism, and the CCD driving mechanism is not controlled. The focusing operation is performed when release 1 is pressed. When the holding mechanism starts to be released after the focusing operation is completed, control of the CCD driving mechanism is started at the same time, and correction 1 is executed. Since the holding pin has a conical shape, it can move simultaneously with the start of releasing the holding mechanism. When release 2 is pressed while release 1 is being pressed, correction 1 is stopped in response to this, and centering is started. In this embodiment, the LCD is turned off after the centering is completed.

  Switch from centering to correction 2 at the start of exposure. In this case, the exposure is set not to start until the CCD settles at the reference position. At the same time as the exposure / transfer is completed, the centering / CCD driving mechanism holding mechanism is started.

  FIG. 20 is a timing chart at the time of still image shooting by pressing at once (pressing release 1 and release 2 at a stroke). Before the release 1 is pressed, the CCD driving mechanism is fixed by the holding mechanism, and the CCD driving mechanism is not controlled. The focusing operation is performed when release 1 is pressed. When release 2 is pressed during the focusing operation, the LCD is turned off and the release of the holding mechanism is started.

  After the focusing operation is completed, control of the CCD drive mechanism is started. From the start of releasing the holding mechanism to the start of control of the CCD drive mechanism, the CCD drive mechanism moves by gravity and inertia, but there is no problem in U / I because the LCD is turned off. In response to the start of exposure, the control of the CCD driving mechanism is changed from centering to correction 2. Also in this case, the exposure is set not to start until the CCD settles at the reference position. When the exposure / transfer is completed, the holding mechanism is fixed and the centering is started.

  FIG. 21 is a timing chart when release 1 is released with release 1 pressed, that is, when shooting is attempted but shooting is not actually performed. The process up to the point where the focusing operation is completed and correction 1 is performed is the same as in FIG. When the release 1 is released, the control of the CCD drive mechanism is switched to centering and the holding mechanism is fixed. The next release 1 process is awaited until the holding mechanism is fixed.

  FIGS. 22 and 23 are particularly focused during exposure and show timing charts during exposure. Here, FIG. 23 shows the main part of FIG. 22 in detail. FIG. 24 shows how to use two types of timers.

  The camera shake correction process A in FIGS. 22 and 23 shows a process when the determination block “Flag is 1?” In Step S10 in FIG. 17 is Yes. This process is a process of repeatedly recalculating the angle, resetting the target point, and following the target point by servo control. When the processing is repeated in this way, the period of occupying the CPU becomes longer accordingly.

  The camera shake correction process B indicates a process when the determination block “flag is 1?” In step S10 in FIG. This process is a process that does not follow the target point by recalculation of the angle, resetting of the target point, or servo control. Since tracking is not performed, the period of occupying the CPU is extremely short compared to the camera shake correction process A.

  Both the camera shake correction process A and the camera shake correction process B are processes included in the correction 2 which is the control of the CCD driving mechanism in FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are viewed in order of time from the left before exposure. Using the brightness level of the monitoring image, the exposure time C = 0.5 seconds, the light emission start time B = 0.067 seconds, and the light emission end time A = 0.068 seconds are determined. The initial value of the flag is 1. The flow of FIG. 17 continues to be executed at the T [s] period.

  Simultaneously with the start of exposure, the countdown timers 1, 2 and 3 in FIG. 24 are started (see FIG. 23).

  Immediately before the flash emission start process is executed, the determination in the determination block “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” in FIG. 17 changes from Yes to No, and the flag becomes 0. Since the determination in the determination block “flag is 1?” In FIG. 17 is No from the next interrupt, the flow in FIG. 17 is exited without executing almost anything.

  The countdown timer 1 becomes 0, and the flash emission start processing interrupt is entered. Even if the flash light emission start process happens to coincide with the camera shake correction process, the camera shake correction process is 0.000005 s at this time, so the deviation of the flash light emission timing can be ignored.

  The flag is set to 1 at the end of the flash emission start process. In the subsequent camera shake correction interruption, the determination in the determination block “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” becomes Yes, and the camera shake correction process continues to be executed.

  Immediately before the flash emission end processing, the determination in the determination block “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” in FIG. 17 changes from Yes to No, and the flag becomes 0. Since the determination in the determination block “Flag is 1?” In FIG. 17 is No from the next interrupt, the flow in FIG. 17 is exited without performing almost anything.

  The countdown timer 2 is set to 0, and the flash emission end process interrupt is entered. Even if the flash light emission end process happens to coincide with the camera shake correction process, the camera shake correction process is almost nothing at this time, so it can be said that there is virtually no deviation in the flash light emission end timing.

  The flag is set to 1 at the end of the flash emission end process. In the subsequent camera shake correction interruption, the determination in the determination block “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” becomes Yes, and the camera shake correction process continues to be executed.

  Immediately before the mechanical shutter closing process, the determination in the determination block “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” in FIG. 17 changes from Yes to No, and the flag becomes 0. Since the determination in the determination block “flag is 1?” In FIG. 17 is No from the next interrupt, the flow in FIG. 17 is exited without executing almost anything.

  The countdown timer 3 becomes 0, and the mechanical shutter closing process interrupt is entered. Even if the mechanical shutter closing process happens to coincide with the camera shake correction process, there is virtually no shift in the mechanical shutter closing timing because the camera shake correction process is almost nothing at this time.

  The flag is set to 1 at the end of the mechanical shutter closing process. In the subsequent camera shake correction interruption, the determination in the determination block “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” becomes Yes, and the camera shake correction process continues to be executed.

  Since control is not performed in the camera shake correction process B, the current flowing through the coil remains the latest current value setting until returning to the camera shake correction process A, and the CCD continues to advance in the latest traveling direction. Although the exposure is performed away from the target point, since the period during which the control is stopped is very small, the distance / exposure amount away from the target point is also small and does not affect the image.

  If the interval between the end of the flash emission start process and the start of the flash emission end process is shorter than 2 * T, the flash emission end process may overlap with the camera shake correction process (0.0001 seconds). Instead of FIG. 22, it becomes as shown in FIG. Further, the usage method of the countdown timer is as shown in FIG. 26 instead of FIG.

  The flag is not returned to 1 at the end of the flash emission start process. The flag is returned to 1 at the end of the flash emission end process. As a result, the determination block “flag is 1?” In FIG.

  FIG. 27 shows the reason why the determination block “value of all countdown timers> 2 * T” is based on 2 * T. Case 1 is the latest when “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” is No, and Case 2 is the earliest case where “all countdown timer values> 2 * T” is No. In any case, the flow of FIG. 17 is 0.000005s for executing the flash start process. The multiplier “2” of T is the minimum multiplier for executing the flash start process with the flow of FIG. 17 being 0.000005 s.

  The “all countdown timers” in the determination block indicates that there are three countdown timers as described above, but at least one of the countdown timers is in operation.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the CCD 101 is moved in the XY direction is shown. However, the photographing optical system (the zoom lens 71a, the focus lens 72a, and the aperture 73a) may be moved in the XY direction. The CCD 101 and the photographing optical system may be relatively moved in the XY direction.

2A and 2B show the appearance of a digital camera that is an image pickup apparatus with a camera shake correction function according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a top view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a digital camera. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of two modes in a digital camera. (A) is a figure explaining the function of a countdown timer, (b) is a figure explaining the function of a free-run timer, respectively. It is a figure explaining the principle of camera-shake correction of a digital camera, (a) shows the inclination of a digital camera, (b) is the elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the imaging lens of the digital camera, and the imaging surface of CCD. is there. It is a front view which shows the fixed cylinder of the lens barrel of a digital camera. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fixed cylinder shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the fixed cylinder shown in FIG. 6, (a) is a figure which shows the state which has not attached the flexible printed circuit board, (b) is a figure which shows the state which attached the flexible printed circuit board. It is a disassembled perspective view of a CCD stage. It is a partial expanded sectional view which follows the II-II line of FIG.8 (b). It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of an origin position forced holding mechanism, Comprising: (a) is a perspective view which shows the connection relationship between a CCD stage, a stepping motor, and a conversion mechanism, (b) is an enlarged view of the part of the conversion mechanism. It is a perspective view shown. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cam groove of a rotation transmission gear, Comprising: (a) is a bottom view of a rotation transmission gear, (b) is the cross section obtained along the cyclic | annular dashed-dotted line V as described in (a). (C) shows a state in which the cam pin slides on the inclined surface portion of the cam groove and the rotation transmission gear is pushed up toward the base member, and (d) shows the cam pin at the top flat portion of the cam groove. (E) shows a state where the cam pin passes through the precipice and abuts against the flat bottom of the valley bottom, and the rotation transmission gear is pushed down most. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the fitting state of the pressing pin and recess shown to Fig.11 (a), Comprising: (a) is the elements on larger scale which show the close_contact | adherence state of a pressing pin and a recess peripheral wall, ( b) is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a separated state between the pressing pin and the recess peripheral wall. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the focal distance of a lens, and deviation | shift amount. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a blur angle and CCD correction | amendment movement amount. The servo control cycle for moving the CCD is shown, (a) is a diagram showing a case where the control cycle is 0.0001 s, and (b) is a diagram showing a case where the control cycle is 0.000005 s. It is a flowchart of camera shake correction processing. It is a figure which shows a mode that CCD moves with respect to a target position. It is a timing chart at the time of still image photography by two-step pushing. It is a timing chart at the time of still image photography by a quick push. FIG. 6 is a timing chart when release 1 is pressed for shooting, but the actual release is not performed and release 1 is released. It is a figure which shows the timing chart during exposure. It is a figure which shows the principal part of FIG. 22 in detail. The usage method of two types of timers is shown, (a) shows the case of a countdown timer, and (b) shows the case of a free-run timer. It is a figure which shows the timing chart during exposure by a modification. The usage method of two types of timers by a modification is shown, (a) is a figure which shows the case of a countdown timer, (b) shows the case of a free-run timer, respectively. It is a figure explaining the basis on the basis of 2 * T in "the value of all countdown timers> 2 * T".

Explanation of symbols

3 Strobe flash unit 7 Lens barrel unit 10 LCD monitor (display unit)
101 CCD (imaging device)
104 Processor (control unit)
1252 Position detecting element 1252a, 1252b Hall element 1255 Actuator

Claims (8)

An imaging optical system having an imaging optical axis in the Z-axis direction, an imaging element disposed on the imaging optical axis, and the imaging optical system and the imaging element are moved in an XY direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis. An imaging with a camera shake correction function, comprising: a drive unit; and a display unit for monitoring and displaying an image captured by the image sensor, wherein the drive unit moves at least one of the imaging optical system and the image sensor. A device,
A control unit that stops monitoring display on the display unit after the imaging optical system or the image sensor has been returned to a reference position when an operation to start shooting is performed after completion of the shooting preparation operation; An imaging device with a camera shake correction function as a feature.   The drive unit includes a magnet provided on the image pickup apparatus body side and a coil provided on the image pickup element side, and energizes the coil when returning the image pickup element to a reference position. The imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function according to claim 1. An imaging optical system having an imaging optical axis in the Z-axis direction, an imaging element disposed on the imaging optical axis, and the imaging optical system and the imaging element are moved in an XY direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis. An imaging with a camera shake correction function, comprising: a drive unit; and a display unit for monitoring and displaying an image captured by the image sensor, wherein the drive unit moves at least one of the imaging optical system and the image sensor. A device,
When an operation for starting photographing is performed before movement control of the photographing optical system and the image sensor by the driving unit is started and in a state where the photographing optical system or the image sensor is in a reference position, An imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function, comprising a control unit that stops monitoring display on the display unit.   The said drive part has a holding mechanism which hold | maintains the said image pick-up element, and when operation of a photography start is performed, the said image pick-up element is fixed to a reference position by the said holding mechanism. An imaging device with image stabilization function.   4. The imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function according to claim 1, wherein stopping the monitoring display on the display unit turns off the display unit.   4. The imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function according to claim 1, wherein the reference position is set on the imaging optical axis.   4. The image pickup apparatus with a camera shake correction function according to claim 1, wherein the photographing start operation is a release pressing. 2. The imaging apparatus with a camera shake correction function according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops monitoring display on the display unit after the image sensor has settled at the reference position, and then starts exposure. .

Images