JP4660575B2 - Electronic imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic image pickup apparatus having an image pickup element, and more particularly to an electronic image pickup apparatus with a dustproof function capable of removing dust attached to components such as a camera system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a technique related to a dustproof function of an optical device, a technique has been proposed in which dust attached to the glass is removed by vibrating a protective glass (dustproof glass) that protects an image sensor. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-204379 discloses an example thereof, in which a piezoelectric element is used as means for vibrating a glass plate. This piezoelectric element expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage, and vibrates the attached glass plate at a predetermined cycle.
JP 2002-204379 A

  There are various shooting modes in the electronic imaging apparatus. For example, there is a continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of image data are continuously acquired by operating the release SW once. In this case, it is desirable to perform the photographing operation in a state where dust is completely removed. For this purpose, it is necessary to vibrate the dustproof glass for each photographing operation. However, with this vibration operation, the release time lag increases and the continuous shooting speed decreases. The conventional techniques including the above publications do not propose a specific method for solving such problems.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic imaging apparatus capable of performing dust removal operation without causing a decrease in continuous shooting speed. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the electronic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has a continuous shooting mode capable of continuously performing a plurality of shooting operations in response to a single release switch operation. An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject, photoelectric conversion means that converts an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal, the imaging optical system, and the photoelectric A filter that is disposed between the converter and prevents dust and the like from adhering to the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric converter, and a dust removing operation that removes dust and the like attached to the filter by vibrating the filter. Control means for performing, when the release switch is operated during the selection of the continuous shooting mode and a plurality of continuous shooting operations are executed, the control unit performs the dust removal operation first. Second shot Performed prior to the work, at the time of the shooting operation the second and subsequent controlled so as not to perform the dust removal operation.

  The electronic imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the electronic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which the control means performs the second and subsequent shooting operations in the continuous shooting mode. In addition, when the exposure time is longer than the predetermined time, the dust removing operation is performed.

  The electronic imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the electronic imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein a piezoelectric element is provided at a peripheral portion of the filter, and the piezoelectric element is vibrated. To vibrate the filter.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electronic imaging device which can shorten the imaging | photography interval at the time of execution of continuous shooting is provided.

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

  FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a digital camera. That is, FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an internal configuration of a part of the camera body cut away.

  The camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes a camera body 11 and a lens unit 12 that are separately configured, and both the camera body 11 and the lens unit 12 are configured to be detachable from each other. .

  The lens unit 12 includes a photographing optical system 12a including a plurality of lenses and their driving mechanisms.

  The photographing optical system 12a transmits a light beam from the subject so that an image of the subject formed by the subject light beam is formed at a predetermined position (on a photoelectric conversion surface of an image sensor described later). For example, it is composed of a plurality of optical lenses.

  The lens unit 12 is disposed so as to protrude toward the front surface of the camera body 11.

  The camera body 11 includes various components and the like, and is a photographic optical system that is a connecting member for detachably mounting the lens unit 12 that holds the photographic optical system 12a. This is a so-called single-lens reflex camera equipped with a mounting portion 11a on the front surface.

  That is, an exposure opening having a predetermined aperture capable of guiding the subject light flux into the camera body 11 is formed at a substantially central portion on the front side of the camera body 11. A photographing optical system mounting portion 11a is formed.

  In addition to the above-described photographing optical system mounting portion 11a being disposed on the front surface of the camera body 11, various operation members for operating the camera body 11 at predetermined positions such as an upper surface portion and a back surface portion, for example, A release button 17 for generating an instruction signal or the like for starting the photographing operation is provided.

  The camera body 11 includes various constituent members, for example, a finder device 13 constituting a so-called observation optical system, and a shutter mechanism for controlling the irradiation time of the subject light flux on the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor. The shutter unit 14, an image sensor (not shown) that obtains an image signal corresponding to the subject image, and a predetermined position on the front side of the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor, such as dust on the photoelectric conversion surface In addition to the imaging unit 15 including a dustproof filter (also referred to as dustproof glass) 21 that is a dustproof member for preventing adhesion, and a main circuit board 16 on which various electrical members constituting the electrical circuit are mounted, a plurality of circuit boards ( Only the main circuit board 16 is illustrated) and the like are arranged at predetermined positions.

  The viewfinder device 13 receives a reflecting mirror 13b configured to bend the optical axis of a subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 12a and guide the light beam to the observation optical system side, and a light beam emitted from the reflecting mirror 13b. A pentaprism 13a that forms an erect image and an eyepiece 13c that forms an image in an optimum form for magnifying and observing the image formed by the pentaprism 13a are formed.

  The reflecting mirror 13b is configured to be movable between a position retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 12a and a predetermined position on the optical axis. In a normal state, the reflecting mirror 13b is arranged on the optical axis of the photographing optical system 12a. They are arranged with a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, for example, an angle of 45 degrees.

  As a result, when the camera 1 is in the normal state, the subject luminous flux that has passed through the photographing optical system 12a is bent by the reflecting mirror 13b, and is reflected by the pentaprism 13a disposed above the reflecting mirror 13b. Reflected to the side.

  On the other hand, while the camera 1 is performing a photographing operation, the reflecting mirror 13b moves to a predetermined position retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 12a. Guided to the side.

  The shutter unit 14 may be the same as that generally used in conventional cameras, such as a focal plane type shutter mechanism and its drive circuit.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, the camera system of this embodiment is mainly composed of a camera body 11 and a lens unit 12 as an interchangeable lens, and a desired lens unit 12 is detachably attached to the front surface of the camera body 11. ing.

  The lens unit 12 is controlled by a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “Lucom”) 205.

  The camera body 11 is controlled by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as Bucom) 150.

  Note that the Lucom 205 and Bucom 150 are electrically connected to each other via the communication connector 206 when they are combined.

  In this case, the Lucom 205 operates as a camera system in cooperation with the Bucom 150 in a dependent manner.

  In the lens unit 12, a photographing optical system 12a and a diaphragm 203 are provided.

  The photographing optical system 12a is driven by a DC motor (not shown) in the lens driving mechanism 202.

  The diaphragm 203 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) in the diaphragm drive mechanism 204.

  The Lucom 205 controls each of these motors according to a command from the Bucom 150.

  In the camera body 11, the following components are arranged as shown.

  For example, a single-lens reflex system component (penta prism 13a, reflecting mirror 13b, eyepiece 13c, sub mirror 114) as an optical system, a focal plane shutter 115 on the optical axis, and a reflected light beam from the sub mirror 14 And an AF sensor unit 116 for automatically measuring the distance.

  In addition, an AF sensor driving circuit 117 for driving and controlling the AF sensor unit 116, a mirror driving mechanism 118 for driving and controlling the reflecting mirror 13b, and a spring force for driving the front curtain and the rear curtain of the shutter 115 are charged. A shutter charge mechanism 119, a shutter control circuit 120 that controls the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain, and a photometry circuit 121 that performs photometry based on the light flux from the pentaprism 13a.

  On the optical axis, an imaging element (CCD unit) 27 for photoelectrically converting the subject image that has passed through the optical system is provided as a photoelectric conversion element.

  In this case, the imaging element 27 is protected by a dustproof filter 21 made of a transparent glass member as an optical element disposed between the imaging element 27 and the photographing optical system 12a.

  For example, a piezoelectric element 22 is attached to the peripheral portion of the dust filter 21 as a part of the vibration means that vibrates the dust filter 21 at a predetermined frequency.

  The piezoelectric element 22 has two electrodes. The piezoelectric element 22 vibrates the dust filter 21 by the dust filter driving circuit 140 as a part of the vibration means, and the dust adhered to the glass surface. It is comprised so that can be removed.

  Note that a temperature measurement circuit 133 is provided in the vicinity of the dust filter 21 in order to measure the temperature around the image sensor 27.

  This camera system also includes an interface circuit 123 connected to the image sensor 27, a liquid crystal monitor 124, an SDRAM 125 provided as a storage area, a flash ROM 126, a recording medium 127, and the like, and an image processing controller that performs image processing. 128, and an electronic image display function as well as an electronic recording display function can be provided.

  As other storage areas, for example, a nonvolatile memory 129 made of an EEPROM is provided so as to be accessible from the Bucom 150 as nonvolatile storage means for storing predetermined control parameters necessary for camera control.

  In addition, the Bucom 150 is provided with an operation display LCD 151 and a camera operation switch (SW) 152 for notifying the user of the operation state of the camera by display output.

  The camera operation SW 152 is a switch group including operation buttons necessary for operating the camera, such as a release SW, a mode change SW, and a power SW.

  Furthermore, a battery 154 as a power source and a power circuit 153 that converts the voltage of the power source into a voltage required by each circuit unit constituting the camera system are provided.

  Next, the operation of the camera system configured as described above will be described. Each part of the camera system operates as follows.

  First, the image processing controller 128 captures image data from the image sensor 27 by controlling the interface circuit 123 in accordance with an instruction from the Bucom 150.

  This image data is converted into a video signal by the image processing controller 128 and output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 124.

  The user can confirm the captured image from the display image on the liquid crystal monitor 124.

  The SDRAM 125 is a memory for temporarily storing image data, and is used as a work area when image data is converted.

  The image data is set to be stored in the recording medium 127 after being converted into JPEG data.

  The image sensor 27 is protected by the dustproof filter 21 made of a transparent glass member as described above.

  A piezoelectric element 22 for oscillating the glass surface is disposed at the peripheral portion of the dust filter 21, and this piezoelectric element 22 can be used as a driving means for the piezoelectric element 22 as will be described in detail later. It is driven by a working dustproof filter driving circuit 140.

  It is more preferable for dust prevention that the image pickup element 27 and the piezoelectric element 22 are integrally housed in a case having the dust filter 21 as one surface and surrounded by a frame as shown by a broken line.

  Normally, temperature affects the elastic modulus of glass materials and is one of the factors that change its natural frequency. Therefore, the temperature must be measured during operation to take into account the change in natural frequency. Don't be.

  It is better to measure the temperature change of the dust-proof filter 21 provided to protect the front surface of the image sensor 27 where the temperature rises rapidly during operation, and to predict the natural frequency at that time.

  Therefore, in this example, a sensor (not shown) connected to the temperature measurement circuit 133 is provided for measuring the ambient temperature of the image sensor 27.

  The temperature measurement point of the sensor is preferably set in the vicinity of the vibration surface of the dust filter 21.

  The mirror driving mechanism 118 is a mechanism for driving the reflecting mirror 13b to the UP position and the DOWN position. When the reflecting mirror 13b is at the DOWN position, the light beam from the photographing optical system 12a is pentagonal with the AF sensor unit 116 side. The light is divided and guided to the prism 13a side.

  The output from the AF sensor in the AF sensor unit 116 is transmitted to the Bucom 150 via the AF sensor driving circuit 117, and a known distance measurement process is performed.

  The eyepiece 13c adjacent to the pentaprism 13a allows the user to see the subject, while a part of the light beam that has passed through the pentaprism 13a is guided to a photosensor (not shown) in the photometry circuit 121, where it is detected. A well-known photometric process is performed based on the light quantity.

  Next, details of the imaging unit 15 in the camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  3, 4, and 5 are views showing a part of the imaging unit 15 in the camera 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing the imaging unit in an exploded manner. is there. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the imaging unit is assembled in a cut state, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cut surface in FIG.

  Note that the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1 of the present embodiment is a unit configured by a plurality of members including the shutter unit 14 as described above, but the main part is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. The illustration of the shutter portion 14 is omitted.

  3 to 5, in order to show the positional relationship between the constituent members, the image pickup device 27 is mounted in the vicinity of the image pickup unit 15, and includes an image signal processing circuit and a work memory. A main circuit board 16 on which an electric circuit of the imaging system is mounted is also illustrated.

  Note that the details of the main circuit board 16 itself are assumed to be those commonly used in conventional cameras and the like, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The image pickup unit 15 is composed of a CCD or the like, and has an image pickup element 27 that obtains an image signal corresponding to the light that is transmitted through the shooting optical system 12a and irradiated on its own photoelectric conversion surface, and a thin plate-like member that fixes and supports the image pickup element 27. An image sensor fixing plate 28 made of a member and an optical element disposed on the photoelectric conversion surface side of the image sensor 27 and formed to remove a high frequency component from a subject luminous flux that is irradiated through the photographing optical system 12a. An optical low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as an optical LPF) 25 and a low-pass filter receiving member which is disposed at a peripheral portion between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 and is formed by a substantially frame-shaped elastic member or the like. 26 and the image pickup device 27 are housed and fixedly held, and the optical LPF 25 (optical device) is closely attached to and supported by the peripheral portion or the vicinity thereof. An image sensor housing case member 24 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD case 24) disposed so as to be in close contact with a dustproof filter receiving member 23, which will be described later, at a predetermined portion, and disposed on the front side of the CCD case 24 A dust-proof filter receiving member 23 that supports the dust-proof filter 21 in close contact with the peripheral portion or the vicinity thereof, and a photoelectric conversion surface side of the image sensor 27 that is supported by the dust-proof filter receiving member 23 and on the front side of the optical LPF 25 On the side, a dustproof filter 21 that is a dustproof member disposed opposite to a predetermined position having a predetermined interval between the optical LPF 25, and a predetermined distance with respect to the dustproof filter 21 that is disposed on the periphery of the dustproof filter 21. A vibrating member for applying vibration, for example, a piezoelectric element 22 made of an electromechanical transducer or the like and a dustproof filter 21 are connected to a dustproof filter. Is constituted by the pressing member 20 or the like made of an elastic body for fixing and holding are joined hermetically with respect to filter receiving member 23.

  The image sensor 27 receives an object light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 12a on its own photoelectric conversion surface and performs a photoelectric conversion process to obtain an image signal corresponding to the object image formed on the photoelectric conversion surface. For example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) is used.

  The image sensor 27 is mounted at a predetermined position on the main circuit board 16 via the image sensor fixing plate 28.

  As described above, the image signal processing circuit, the work memory, and the like are mounted on the main circuit board 16, and signals output from the image sensor 27 are processed by these circuits.

  An optical LPF 25 is disposed on the front side of the image sensor 27 with a low-pass filter receiving member 26 interposed therebetween.

  A CCD case 24 is disposed so as to cover the image sensor 27, the low-pass filter receiving member 26, and the optical LPF 25.

  In other words, the CCD case 24 is provided with a rectangular opening 24c in a substantially central portion, and the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 are disposed in the opening 24c from the rear side. .

  A step portion 24a having a substantially L-shaped cross section is formed on the inner peripheral edge portion on the rear side of the opening 24c as shown in FIGS.

  As described above, the low-pass filter receiving member 26 made of an elastic member or the like is disposed between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27.

  The low-pass filter receiving member 26 is disposed at a position that avoids the effective range of the photoelectric conversion surface in the peripheral portion on the front surface side of the image sensor 27 and comes into contact with the vicinity of the peripheral portion on the back surface side of the optical LPF 25. Yes.

  In addition, substantially airtightness is maintained between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27.

  Thereby, an elastic force in the optical axis direction by the low-pass filter receiving member 26 acts on the optical LPF 25.

  Therefore, a low-pass filter that displaces the optical LPF 25 in the optical axis direction by disposing the peripheral portion on the front side of the optical LPF 25 so as to be in substantially airtight contact with the stepped portion 24a of the CCD case 24. The position of the optical LPF 25 in the optical axis direction is regulated against the elastic force of the receiving member 26.

  In other words, the position of the optical LPF 25 inserted from the back side into the opening 24 c of the CCD case 24 is regulated in the optical axis direction by the step portion 24 a of the CCD case 24.

  Thus, the optical LPF 25 is prevented from coming out from the inside of the CCD case 24 toward the front side.

  Thus, after the optical LPF 25 is inserted into the opening 24c of the CCD case 24 from the back side, the image sensor 27 is disposed on the back side of the optical LPF 25.

  In this case, a low-pass filter receiving member 26 is sandwiched between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 at the periphery.

  Further, as described above, the image sensor 27 is mounted on the main circuit board 16 with the image sensor fixing plate 28 interposed therebetween.

  The imaging element fixing plate 28 is fixed to the screw hole 24e from the back side of the CCD case 24 with a screw 28b via a spacer 28a.

  Further, the main circuit board 16 is fixed to the image sensor fixing plate 28 with screws 16d through spacers 16c.

  On the front side of the CCD case 24, a dustproof filter receiving member 23 is fixed to the screw hole 24b of the CCD case 24 by screws 23b.

  In this case, a circumferential groove 24d is formed in a substantially annular shape at a predetermined position on the peripheral side of the CCD case 24 and on the front side as shown in detail in FIGS.

  On the other hand, annular projections 23d (not shown in FIG. 3) corresponding to the circumferential grooves 24d of the CCD case 24 are all provided at predetermined positions on the peripheral side of the dustproof filter receiving member 23 and on the back side. It is formed in a substantially annular shape over the circumference.

  Therefore, the CCD case 24 and the dustproof filter receiving member 23 are fitted in the annular convex portion 23d and the circumferential groove 24d so that the annular region, that is, the region where the circumferential groove 24d and the annular convex portion 23d are formed. They are adapted to fit in a substantially airtight manner.

  The dust filter 21 has a circular or polygonal plate shape as a whole, and at least a region having a predetermined spread in the radial direction from its own center forms a transparent portion, and this transparent portion is a predetermined portion on the front side of the optical LPF 25. Are arranged to face each other with an interval of.

  Further, a peripheral portion of one surface of the dustproof filter 21 (the back side in the present embodiment) is a predetermined vibration member for applying vibration to the dustproof filter 21, and is provided by an electromechanical conversion element or the like. For example, the piezoelectric elements 22 to be formed are arranged by means such as adhesive bonding.

  The piezoelectric element 22 is configured such that a predetermined vibration can be generated in the dustproof filter 21 by applying a predetermined driving voltage from the outside.

  The dustproof filter 21 is fixed and held by a pressing member 20 made of an elastic body such as a leaf spring so as to be airtightly joined to the dustproof filter receiving member 23.

  In the vicinity of the substantially central portion of the dustproof filter receiving member 23, an opening 23f having a circular shape or a polygonal shape is provided.

  The opening 23f is set so that the subject light flux that has passed through the photographing optical system 12a can pass therethrough and the light flux is sufficiently large to irradiate the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 27 disposed behind the subject light flux. ing.

  A wall portion 23e (see FIGS. 4 and 5) protruding to the front surface side is formed in a substantially annular shape at the peripheral edge of the opening 23f, and further toward the front surface side at the distal end side of the wall portion 23e. A receiving portion 23c is formed so as to protrude.

  On the other hand, in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge portion on the front surface side of the dustproof filter receiving member 23, a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) protruding portions 23a are formed so as to protrude toward the front surface side. .

  The protruding portion 23a is a portion formed to fix the pressing member 20 that fixes and holds the dustproof filter 21, and the pressing member 20 is a screw 20a or the like with respect to the distal end portion of the protruding portion 23a. It is fixed by the fastening means.

  The pressing member 20 is a member formed of an elastic body such as a leaf spring as described above, and has a base end fixed to the protruding portion 23a and a free end abutting against the outer peripheral edge of the dustproof filter 21. By contacting, the dustproof filter 21 is pressed toward the dustproof filter receiving member 23, that is, in the optical axis direction.

  In this case, the positions of the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 in the optical axis direction are brought into contact with the receiving portion 23c by a predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element 22 disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the dustproof filter 21 on the back side. Are now regulated.

  As a result, the dust filter 21 is fixed and held so as to be airtightly bonded to the dust filter receiving member 23 via the piezoelectric element 22.

  In other words, the dustproof filter receiving member 23 is configured to be airtightly bonded via the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 by the urging force of the pressing member 20.

  Incidentally, as described above, the dustproof filter receiving member 23 and the CCD case 24 are configured such that the circumferential groove 24d and the annular convex portion 23d (see FIGS. 4 and 5) are fitted in a substantially airtight manner. At the same time, the dustproof filter receiving member 23 and the dustproof filter 21 are joined airtightly via the piezoelectric element 22 by the urging force of the pressing member 20.

  Further, the optical LPF 25 disposed in the CCD case 24 is disposed so as to be substantially airtight between the front peripheral side peripheral portion of the optical LPF 25 and the step portion 24 a of the CCD case 24.

  Furthermore, an image sensor 27 is disposed on the back side of the optical LPF 25 via a low-pass filter receiving member 26, so that substantially airtightness is maintained between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27. ing.

  Thus, a predetermined gap 51a is formed in the space between the optical LPF 25 and the dustproof filter 21 facing each other.

  A space 51 b is formed by the peripheral side of the optical LPF 25, that is, by the CCD case 24, the dustproof filter receiving member 23, and the dustproof filter 21.

  This space portion 51b is a sealed space formed so as to protrude outside the optical LPF 25 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  The space 51b is set so as to be a wider space than the gap 51a.

  The space formed by the gap 51a and the space 51b is a sealed space 51 that is sealed almost airtight by the CCD case 24, the dustproof filter receiving member 23, the dustproof filter 21, and the optical LPF 25 as described above. ing.

  As described above, in the imaging unit 15 in the camera of the present embodiment, the sealing structure portion that is formed on the periphery of the optical LPF 25 and the dustproof filter 21 and forms the substantially sealed space 51 including the gap 51a is configured. Yes.

  And this sealing structure part is provided in the outer position from the periphery of optical LPF25 thru | or its vicinity.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the dustproof filter receiving member 23 which is a first member that supports the dustproof filter 21 in close contact with the peripheral portion or the vicinity thereof, and the optical LPF 25 is closely attached to the peripheral portion or the vicinity thereof. The sealing structure portion is constituted by the CCD case 24, which is a second member disposed so as to be in close contact with the dustproof filter receiving member 23 at its own predetermined portion.

  In the camera of the present embodiment configured as described above, the dust filter 21 is disposed opposite to a predetermined position on the front surface side of the image sensor 27, and formed on the periphery of the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 27 and the dust filter 21. The sealing space 51 to be sealed is configured to prevent dust and the like from adhering to the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 27.

  In this case, with respect to dust adhering to the exposed surface on the front side of the dustproof filter 21, a periodic voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22 disposed so as to be integrated with the peripheral portion of the dustproof filter 21. The dust filter 21 can be removed by applying a predetermined vibration.

  FIG. 6 is a front view showing only the dust filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 provided integrally therewith in the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1.

  7 and 8 show changes in the state of the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 when a driving voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22 in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 is along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

  Here, for example, when a negative (minus ;−) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22, the dustproof filter 21 is deformed as indicated by a solid line in FIGS. 7 and 8, while the piezoelectric element 22 is positive (plus). ;) When a voltage is applied, the dustproof filter 21 is deformed as indicated by a dotted line in FIG.

  In this case, since the amplitude is substantially zero at the position of the vibration node as indicated by reference numeral 21a in FIGS. 6 to 8, the receiving portion of the dustproof filter receiving member 23 is located at a portion corresponding to this node 21a. 23c is set to contact.

  Thereby, the dustproof filter 21 can be efficiently supported without inhibiting the vibration of the dustproof filter 21.

  In this state, the dustproof filter driving unit 48 is controlled at a predetermined time and a periodic voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22, so that the dustproof filter 21 vibrates and the surface of the dustproof filter 21 is vibrated. Adhered dust and the like are removed.

  Note that the resonance frequency at this time is determined by the shape, plate thickness, material, and the like of the dust filter 21.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 described above, the case where the primary vibration is generated is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and higher-order vibration may be generated.

  Next, based on the circuit diagram of the dustproof filter driving circuit 140 as shown in FIG. 9 and the time chart shown in FIG. 10, the driving method of the dustproof filter 21 of the camera with the dustproof function in this embodiment will be described.

  The dust filter driving circuit 48 illustrated here has a circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 9, and in each part thereof, signals having waveforms (Sig1 to Sig4) shown in the time chart of FIG. 10 are generated and based on these signals. Is controlled as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the dust filter driving circuit 48 includes an N-ary counter 241, a 1/2 frequency divider 242, an inverter 243, a plurality of MOS transistors (Q00, Q01, Q02) 244a, 244b, 244c, A transformer 245 and a resistor (R00) 246 are included.

  It is configured such that a signal (Sig4) having a predetermined cycle is generated on the secondary side of the transformer 245 by the ON / OFF switching operation of the transistor (Q01) 244b and the transistor (Q02) 244c connected to the primary side of the transformer 245. The piezoelectric element 22 is driven based on the signal of this predetermined cycle, and the dustproof filter 21 is caused to resonate.

  The Bucom 150 controls the dustproof filter driving circuit 140 through the two IO ports P_PwCont and D_NCnt provided as control ports and the clock generator 255 present in the Bucom 150 as follows. The clock generator 255 outputs a pulse signal (basic clock signal) to the N-ary counter 241 at a frequency sufficiently faster than the signal frequency applied to the piezoelectric element 22.

This output signal is a signal Sig1 having a waveform represented by the time chart in FIG. The basic clock signal is input to the N-ary counter 241.

  The N-ary counter 241 counts the pulse signal and outputs a count end pulse signal every time it reaches a predetermined value “N”. That is, the basic clock signal is divided by 1 / N. This output signal is a signal Sig2 having a waveform represented by the time chart in FIG.

  In this divided pulse signal, the duty ratio between High and Low is not 1: 1. Therefore, the duty ratio is converted to 1: 1 through the 1/2 frequency divider 242. The converted pulse signal corresponds to the signal Sig3 having a waveform represented by the time chart in FIG.

  In the High state of the converted pulse signal, the MOS transistor (Q01) 244b to which this signal is input is turned on. On the other hand, this pulse signal is applied to the transistor (Q02) 244c via the inverter 243. Therefore, in the low state of the pulse signal, the transistor (Q02) 244c to which this signal is input is turned on. When the transistor (Q01) 244b and the transistor (Q02) 244c connected to the primary side of the transformer 245 are alternately turned on, a signal having a cycle such as the signal Sig4 in FIG. 10 is generated on the secondary side.

  The winding ratio of the transformer 245 is determined from the output voltage of the unit of the power supply circuit 153 and the voltage necessary for driving the piezoelectric element 22. The resistor (R00) 246 is provided to restrict an excessive current from flowing through the transformer 245.

  When driving the piezoelectric element 22, the transistor (Q 00) 244 a is in an ON state, and a voltage must be applied from the power supply circuit 153 to the center tap of the transformer 245. In the figure, ON / O control of the transistor (Q00) 244a is performed via P_PwCont of the IO port. The set value “N” of the N-ary counter 241 can be set from the IO port D_NCnt. Therefore, the Bucom 150 can arbitrarily change the drive frequency of the piezoelectric element 22 by appropriately controlling the set value “N”.

  Here, the drive frequency can be calculated by the following equation.

fdrv = fpls / 2N (Formula 1)
Here, N: set value to the counter,
fpls: frequency of the output pulse of the clock generator,
fdrv: frequency of a signal applied to the piezoelectric element,
Note that the calculation based on Equation 1 is performed by the CPU (control means) of the Bucom 150.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the Bucom 150 in the camera system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The Bucom 150 starts its operation when the camera power SW is turned on. In step S100, processing for starting the camera system is executed. The power supply circuit 153 is controlled to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the camera system. Also, initial setting of each circuit is performed.

  Step S101 is a step for detecting attachment / detachment of the lens unit 12 as an interchangeable lens with respect to the camera body 11. In the attachment / detachment detection operation for detecting that the lens unit 12 is attached to the camera body 11, the Bucom 150 periodically communicates with the Lucom 205 to check the attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 12.

  If it is detected in step S101 that the lens unit 12 is attached to the camera body 11, the determination in step S102 is YES, the process proceeds from step S102 to step S103, and a dustproof operation (dust removal operation) is performed. The A value set in the N-ary counter 241 for exciting the dust filter 21 at the resonance frequency (f0) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. It is assumed that the time (T0) for exciting the dust filter 21 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. In the present embodiment, a dustproof operation is performed based on these data.

  If the lens unit 12 is not attached to the camera body 11 in step S101, the determination in step S102 is NO, and the process proceeds from step S102 to step S104. Step S104 is an operation step for periodically monitoring the state of the camera operation SW 152. In step S105, it is determined whether or not a shooting mode selection SW that is one of the camera operation SWs 152 has been operated. If it is determined that the shooting mode selection SW has been operated, the process proceeds from step S105 to step S106.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is selected. If the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode is already set, the continuous shooting mode is set. The shooting mode is canceled. In the continuous shooting mode, the shooting operation is continuously performed while the release SW is ON. The shooting operation is continued until the user turns off the release SW or the memory for recording the image data is filled with data. When the continuous shooting mode is not set, the shooting operation is executed only once even if the release SW is turned on, and the shooting operation is not continuously executed. In order to execute the photographing operation again, the release SW must be turned off and then turned on.

  If the shooting mode selection SW is not operated in step S105, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the operation state of the 1st release SW which is one of the camera operation SWs 152 is determined. When the first release SW is operated, the process proceeds to step S108, and when there is no such operation, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S108, the luminance information of the subject is obtained from the photometry circuit 121. From this information, the exposure time (Tv value) of the image sensor 27 and the aperture setting value (Av value) of the lens unit 12 are calculated.

  In step S109, detection data of the AF sensor unit 116 is obtained via the AF sensor drive circuit 117. The Bucom 150 calculates the amount of focus shift based on this data.

  In step S110, it is determined whether or not the calculated amount of deviation is within the permitted range. If NO, the photographing lens drive control in the photographing optical system 12a is performed in step S111, and the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, if the amount of deviation is within the permitted range, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the operation state of the 2nd release SW which is one of the camera operation SWs 152 is determined. When the 2nd release SW is operated, the process proceeds to step S113, and when there is no operation, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S113, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is set to the continuous shooting mode. When the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S115 in order to execute a dustproof operation prior to the shooting operation. The operation in step S115 is the same as that in step S103 already described. When the continuous shooting mode is not set, since the interval between the shooting operation and the next shooting operation is long, the probability that dust or the like adheres to the dustproof filter 21 increases. Therefore, the dustproof operation is always executed before the photographing operation.

  If the continuous shooting mode is set in step S113, the process proceeds from step S113 to step S114. In step S114, it is determined whether or not the release SW is operated in the continuous shooting mode to determine the first shooting operation. If it is the first photographing operation, it is necessary to execute a dustproof operation prior to the photographing operation. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, when it is the second and subsequent shooting operations, the process proceeds from step S114 to step S116.

  In step S116, it is determined whether the exposure time is longer than a predetermined time. Here, the determination is made based on the exposure time (Tv value) already calculated in step S108. When the exposure time is longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S115 to execute the dustproof operation. If it is shorter than the predetermined time, the dustproof operation is prohibited and the process proceeds to step S117.

  In the continuous shooting mode, it is desired that the shooting operation is continuously executed at short intervals. Therefore, it is not desirable to perform a dustproof operation for each photographing operation. The continuous shooting operation places a heavy load on the battery that supplies power to the system. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the battery as much as possible, the dustproof operation after the second continuous shooting is stopped. However, this does not apply when the exposure time is long and the shooting interval is long. Therefore, an operation step of step S116 is provided.

  In step S117, the aperture of the taking lens is controlled based on the previously calculated Av value. Further, the shutter 14 is controlled based on the Tv value, and the image sensor 27 is exposed to capture image data.

  In step S118, the captured image data is converted into a predetermined format and stored in a recording medium. Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  Some recent electronic still cameras have a simple video shooting function (MJPEG). It is also possible to apply this embodiment to such a camera. In the still image shooting mode, a dustproof operation is executed for each shooting operation. In the moving image shooting mode, the dustproof operation may be executed only at the start of shooting.

  According to the first embodiment described above, in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof operation by the dust filter 21 is performed prior to the first shooting operation, and the dustproof operation is not performed during the second and subsequent shooting operations. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the shooting interval when performing continuous shooting.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the Bucom 150 in the camera system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The Bucom 150 starts its operation when the camera power SW is turned on. In step S200, processing for starting the camera system is executed. The power supply circuit is controlled to supply electric power to each circuit unit constituting the camera system. Also, initial setting of each circuit is performed.

  Step S201 is a step for detecting attachment / detachment of the lens unit 12 to / from the camera body 11. The attachment / detachment detection operation for detecting that the lens unit 12 is attached to the camera body 11 checks the attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 12 by periodically communicating with the Lucom 205.

  If it is detected in step S201 that the lens unit 12 is attached to the camera body 11, the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds from step S202 to step S203, and a dustproof operation (dust removal operation) is performed. The A value set in the N-ary counter for exciting the dust filter 21 at the resonance frequency (f0) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. The non-volatile memory 129 also stores the time (T0) for exciting the dust filter 21. In the present embodiment, a dustproof operation is performed based on these data.

  If the lens unit 12 is not attached to the camera body 11 in step S201, the determination in step S202 is NO, and the process proceeds from step S202 to step S204. Step S204 is an operation step for periodically monitoring the state of the camera operation SW 152. In step S205, it is determined whether or not a shooting mode selection SW that is one of the camera operation SWs 152 has been operated. If it is determined that the shooting mode selection SW has been operated, the process proceeds from step S205 to step S206.

  In step S206, when the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the continuous shooting mode is set. When the continuous shooting mode is already set, the continuous shooting mode is canceled.

  If the shooting mode selection SW is not operated in step S205, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the operation state of the 1st release SW which is one of the camera operation SWs 152 is determined. When the first release SW is operated, the process proceeds to step S208, and when there is no operation, the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S208, the luminance information of the subject is obtained from the photometry circuit 121. From this information, the exposure time (Tv value) of the image sensor 27 and the aperture setting value (Av value) of the lens unit 12 are calculated.

  In step S209, the detection data of the AF sensor unit 116 is obtained via the AF sensor drive circuit 117. The Bucom 150 calculates the amount of focus shift based on this data.

  In step S210, it is determined whether or not the calculated amount of deviation is within the permitted range. If NO, in step S211, the photographing lens drive control in the photographing optical system 12a is performed, and the process returns to step S201.

  On the other hand, if the amount of deviation is within the permitted range, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S212, the operation state of the 2nd release SW which is one of the camera operation SWs 152 is determined. When the 2nd release SW is operated, the process proceeds to step S213, and when there is no operation, the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S213, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is set to the continuous shooting mode. If it is not the continuous shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S215, and a dustproof operation is executed. The conditions for the dustproof operation executed in step S215 are the same as those in step S203 already described.

  When the continuous shooting mode is selected in step S213, the process proceeds from step S213 to step S214. In step S214, it is determined whether or not the release SW is operated in the continuous shooting mode and the first shooting operation is to be executed. If it is the first photographing operation, it is necessary to reliably remove dust attached to the dustproof filter 21 prior to the photographing operation. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S215, and the dustproof operation is executed under the same conditions as in step S203. The dustproof operation in step S203 is an operation executed when the lens unit 12 is attached. Before the lens unit 12 is mounted, the dust filter 21 is exposed to the outside of the camera and comes into contact with the outside air. Therefore, there is a high possibility that large dust or dust that is difficult to remove adheres. Therefore, the dust-proof operation executed in step S203 is set so that dust can be reliably removed. After step S215, the process proceeds to step S217.

  On the other hand, when it is the second and subsequent photographing operations in step S214, the process proceeds from step S214 to step S216.

  The execution time T1 of the dustproof operation executed in step S216 is set shorter than the execution time T0 of step S215. In the continuous shooting mode, it is desired that the shooting operation is continuously executed at short intervals. Therefore, it is not desirable to perform a reliable dustproof operation for each photographing operation. In addition, if dust is reliably removed in the first shooting in the continuous shooting operation, there is little problem even if the dustproof operation time is shortened for the second and subsequent times. This is because there is little possibility of dust that is difficult to remove in a short time between photographing. After step S216, the process proceeds to step S217.

  In step S217, the aperture of the taking lens is controlled based on the previously calculated Av value. Further, the shutter 14 is controlled based on the Tv value, and the image sensor 27 is exposed to capture image data.

  In step S218, the image data is converted into a predetermined format and stored in the recording medium 127. Then, the process proceeds to step S201.

  According to the second embodiment described above, in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof operation by the dust filter 21 is performed for a predetermined time (T0) prior to the first shooting operation, and during the second and subsequent shooting operations. Since the dustproof operation is performed for a time (T1) shorter than the predetermined time (T0), the shooting interval at the time of continuous shooting can be shortened.

  Note that the vibration time of the dustproof filter 21 may be appropriately changed according to the number of continuous photographing.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the Bucom 150 in the camera system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The Bucom 150 starts its operation when the camera power SW is turned on. In step S300, a process for starting the camera system is executed. The power supply circuit 153 is controlled to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the camera system. Also, initial setting of each circuit is performed.

  Step S301 is a step for detecting attachment / detachment of the lens unit 12 to / from the camera body 11. The attachment / detachment detection operation for detecting that the lens unit 12 is attached to the camera body 11 checks the attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 12 by periodically communicating with the Lucom 205.

  If it is detected in step S301 that the lens unit 12 is attached to the camera body 11, the determination in step S302 is YES, the process proceeds from step S302 to step S303, and a dustproof operation (dust removal operation) is performed. The A value set in the N-ary counter 24 for exciting the dust filter 21 at the resonance frequency (f0) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. The non-volatile memory 129 also stores the time (T0) for exciting the dust filter 21. A dustproof operation is performed based on these data.

  If the lens unit 12 is not attached to the camera body 11 in step S301, the determination in step S302 is NO, and the process proceeds from step S302 to step S304. Step S304 is an operation step for periodically monitoring the state of the camera operation SW 152. In step S305, it is determined whether or not a shooting mode selection SW that is one of the camera operation SWs 152 has been operated. If it is determined that the shooting mode selection SW has been operated, the process proceeds from step S305 to step S306.

  In step S306, when the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the continuous shooting mode is set. When the continuous shooting mode is already set, the continuous shooting mode is canceled.

  If the shooting mode selection SW is not operated in step S305, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the operation state of the 1st release SW, which is one of the camera operation SWs 152, is determined. When the first release SW is operated, the process proceeds to step S308, and when there is no first release operation, the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S308, the luminance information of the subject is obtained from the photometry circuit 121. From this information, the exposure time (Tv value) of the image sensor 27 and the aperture setting value (Av value) of the lens unit 12 are calculated.

  In step S309, detection data of the AF sensor unit 116 is obtained via the AF sensor drive circuit 117. Based on this data, the amount of focus shift is calculated.

  In step S310, it is determined whether or not the calculated shift amount is within the permitted range. If NO, in step S311, the driving control of the taking lens in the taking optical system 12a is performed, and the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if the amount of deviation is within the permitted range, the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, the operation state of the 2nd release SW, which is one of the camera operation SWs 152, is determined. When the 2nd release SW is operated, the process proceeds to step S313, and when there is no operation, the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S313, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is set to the continuous shooting mode. When the continuous shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S315 to execute a dustproof operation prior to the shooting operation. The operating conditions in this case are the same as in step S303.

  When the continuous shooting mode is selected in step S313, the process proceeds from step S313 to step S314. In step S314, it is determined whether or not the release SW is operated in the continuous shooting mode and the first shooting operation is to be executed. If it is the first photographing operation, it is necessary to reliably remove the dust adhering to the dustproof filter 21 prior to the photographing operation. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S315, and the dustproof operation is executed under the same conditions as in step S303.

  On the other hand, if it is the second and subsequent photographing operations in step S314, the process proceeds to step S316, and a drive flag that is a control flag is set. When this flag is set, a dustproof operation is performed during the photographing operation. In the continuous shooting mode, it is desirable that the interval between shooting operations is short. If the dustproof operation is performed between the shooting operation, the interval increases, which is not desirable.

  Therefore, a dustproof operation is executed in parallel with the second and subsequent photographing operations. However, if the dust filter 21 is greatly deformed by the dust prevention operation, the aberration of the photographing lens increases and the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, when the dust filter 21 is vibrated during the exposure of the image sensor 27, it is necessary to drive while suppressing the deformation amount. The shooting operation in step S317 varies depending on the presence or absence of the drive flag. When the drive flag is not set, only the operation of step S3170 is executed.

  In step S3170, the aperture of the taking lens is controlled based on the previously calculated Av value. Further, the shutter 14 is controlled based on the Tv value, and the image sensor 27 is exposed. Then, image data is read out.

  On the other hand, when the drive flag is set, the dustproof operation in step S3172 is executed in parallel with the operation in step S3170. The drive frequency in the dustproof operation in step S3172 needs to be shifted from the resonance frequency (f0) determined by the shape of the dustproof filter 21. By shifting from f0, the amount of deformation of the dustproof filter 21 can be reduced. Δf indicates the amount of deviation from the resonance point. Other vibration methods may be adopted as long as the vibration method has a small deformation amount of the dust filter 21. Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-183269 by the present applicant discloses a method of vibrating a filter with a bending traveling wave. Using this vibration method is one means.

  When the imaging operation ends, the drive flag is cleared in step S318. In step S319, the image data is converted into a predetermined format and stored in a recording medium. Then, control goes to a step S3201.

  According to the third embodiment described above, in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof operation by the dust filter 21 is performed prior to the first shooting operation, and the second and subsequent shooting operations are performed in parallel with the shooting operation. Since the dust-proof operation is performed at a drive frequency (f0 + Δf) different from the dust-proof operation, the shooting interval at the time of continuous shooting can be shortened.

(Appendix)
Inventions having the following configurations can be extracted from the specific embodiments described above.

1. In a camera with a continuous shooting mode that continuously performs shooting operations,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of the subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting the optical image into an electrical signal;
A dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion means and capable of vibrating at a set period;
It has
A camera characterized in that when the continuous shooting operation is performed in the continuous shooting mode, the dust filter is vibrated for a predetermined time prior to the start of the continuous shooting operation.

2. Whether to perform the vibration operation of the dustproof filter is determined according to the exposure control time. Camera described in.

3. In a camera with a continuous shooting mode that continuously performs shooting operations,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of the subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting the optical image into an electrical signal;
A dust-proof filter that is disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion means and vibrates for a predetermined time prior to a photographing operation;
It has
A camera characterized in that, when a continuous shooting operation is performed in the continuous shooting mode, the vibration time of the dustproof filter is changed according to the number of times of continuous shooting.

4). 2. The dustproof operation time prior to the first continuous shooting is longer than the second and subsequent times. Camera described in.

5. In a camera with a continuous shooting mode that continuously performs shooting operations,
Imaging means for converting an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal;
An imaging optical system for guiding a subject luminous flux to the imaging means;
A dust filter disposed in front of the imaging means;
Vibration means for vibrating the dustproof filter;
Control means for driving the vibration excitation means to remove dust adhering to the dustproof filter during execution of the imaging operation by the imaging means;
Comprising
A camera characterized in that when the continuous shooting operation is performed in the continuous shooting mode, the dust filter is vibrated for a predetermined time prior to the start of the continuous shooting operation.

6). 4. The fact that the dustproof filter is not vibrated during the first photographing operation. Camera described in.

1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which cuts and shows a part of imaging unit 15 in the assembled state of camera 1 concerning this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the cut surface of FIG. 4 is a front view showing only the dust filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 provided integrally therewith in the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state change of the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 at the time of applying a drive voltage with respect to the piezoelectric element 22 of FIG. 6, and follows the AA line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state change of the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 at the time of applying a drive voltage with respect to the piezoelectric element 22 of FIG. 6, and follows the BB line of FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a dustproof filter driving circuit 140. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive method of the dustproof filter 21 of the camera with a dustproof function in this embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of Bucom50 in the camera system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of Bucom50 in the camera system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of Bucom50 in the camera system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 11 Camera main body 11a Image pick-up optical system mounting part 12 Lens unit 12a Image pick-up optical system 13 Finder apparatus 13a Penta prism 13b Reflector 13c Eyepiece 14 Shutter part 15 Image pickup unit 16 Main circuit board 17 Release button 21 Dust-proof filter 28 Image processing controller 140 Dust-proof filter drive circuit 150 Body control microcomputer (Bucom)
205 Lens control microcomputer (Lucom).

Claims (3)

An electronic imaging device having a continuous shooting mode capable of continuously performing a plurality of shooting operations in response to a single release switch operation,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of the subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
A filter that is disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion means and prevents adhesion of dust and the like to the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion means;
Control means for performing a dust removal operation for removing dust and the like attached to the filter by vibrating the filter;
Comprising
The control means includes
When the release switch is operated during the continuous shooting mode selection and a plurality of continuous shooting operations are performed, the dust removal operation is performed prior to the first shooting operation, and the second and subsequent shooting operations are performed. An electronic imaging apparatus, wherein the dust removing operation is controlled not to be performed during a photographing operation.   2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the dust removal operation when an exposure time is longer than a predetermined time during the second and subsequent shooting operations in the continuous shooting mode. Imaging device.   The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a piezoelectric element is provided at a peripheral portion of the filter, and the filter is vibrated by vibrating the piezoelectric element.

Images