JP2002328407A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of realizing camera shake warning display easy to be recognized by a user without increasing its cost by performing easy-to-recognize display within a finder by using an existing member when camera shake is caused at the time of photographing. SOLUTION: In this camera, the prevention of the camera shake is realized by transmitting or shielding light in a specified pattern at the light shielding part of a panorama displaying LCD provided in the finder and performing the camera shake warning display easily recognized by the user without making the cost rise.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for preventing camera shake, which warns a photographer of a camera shake that occurs during shooting with a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, when taking a picture by holding a camera by hand, when the shutter speed is slow, the camera shakes during the exposure, resulting in a failed photograph, that is, a so-called camera shake may occur. In order to prevent this camera shake, various anti-shake techniques have been studied. This new technology prevents vibration detection,
It can be divided into two technologies: countermeasures against detected vibration. In addition, the vibration countermeasure technology is further classified into a warning technology for allowing the user to recognize the vibration state and a technology for controlling the driving of the photographing lens to prevent image deterioration due to camera shake. Among them, as a warning technique, the present applicant has disclosed, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-201.
No. 845 proposes a camera resistant to camera shake by devising display means.

[0003]

In the above-described conventional camera for performing a camera shake warning, a dedicated display element provided in a viewfinder or a display element such as an LED which is also used as a display indicating another function is provided. There are a large number of technologies that warn by lighting or blinking, and a technology that allows a user to recognize that camera shake will occur when shooting as it is by sound or voice guidance by a sounding element.

[0004] Among them, the display mark and the LED for giving a warning by the dedicated element or the dual-purpose element are provided in the upper, lower, left and right frame areas of the photographing screen. The LED, which also doubles as a function, had a hard-to-understand indication of what happened.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an easy-to-recognize display in the viewfinder using existing members when camera shake occurs during photographing, and displays a camera-shake warning display that is easily recognized by the user without increasing costs. It is intended to provide a camera for performing.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a vibration detecting means for detecting a vibration state of a camera, and is provided so as to divide a field of view of a finder into a plurality of areas. A transmittance changing means for changing and controlling the light transmittance of the camera, and a control means for controlling the transmittance changing means in accordance with the output of the vibration detecting means to sequentially change the transmittance of a part of each area. I will provide a.

In the camera having the above-described configuration, when the vibration state of the camera detected by the vibration detecting means is higher than a certain level, the panorama display L provided in the viewfinder is provided.
By sequentially changing the transmittance of the light-shielding portion and the light-transmitting portion divided by the CD in a predetermined pattern,
Let the user know that camera shake has occurred.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention includes a liquid crystal display means for displaying a photographing range (viewfinder field) in a photographing mode provided in a viewfinder of a camera by a change in light transmittance, a camera including a monolithic accelerometer and the like to detect camera shake and detect camera shake. This technology includes vibration detection means for suggesting occurrence, and when camera shake occurs, the transmittance of the display area of the liquid crystal display means is changed in a pattern so that the user can easily recognize the occurrence of camera shake.

The above monolithic accelerometer is formed on an IC chip and is a device for detecting vibration by utilizing a change in capacitance generated between a movable pattern and a non-movable pattern. Is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-178.
One proposed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 954 can be used. The configuration is such that both patterns are formed by a polysilicon member on a silicon substrate, and one electrode is movable and responds to acceleration, while the other electrode is stationary with respect to acceleration. A pair of capacitors is formed. When acceleration is applied to such a silicon substrate, the capacity of one capacitor increases and the capacity of the other capacitor decreases. A signal processing circuit for converting the differential capacitance into a voltage signal is required, and these movable electrodes, capacitors, and the signal processing circuit are formed monolithically on the same substrate.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-178954 describes an application for operating a safety device such as a vehicle braking system or an airbag. By making the device monolithic, dimensional cost, power consumption, and the like are reduced. Although it is described that it is excellent in reliability and the like, the present invention effectively arranges and controls such elements, while maintaining the above characteristics, taking into account the situation peculiar to the camera, it is highly accurate and effective. Realizing a powerful anti-shake camera.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of the configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a)
Shows the external appearance and the internal structure of a part thereof, and FIG.
FIG. 2C shows an arrangement relationship between a hard printed board and a flexible printed board (hereinafter, referred to as a flexible board) of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2D is a diagram for explaining the effect of camera shake. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electric block configuration of the camera of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a finder objective lens 15, a light receiving lens of a distance measuring unit for auto focus, and the like are arranged on the front surface of the camera 10 in addition to the photographing lens 9 and the strobe 8. . An electronic circuit for moving the camera fully automatically is provided inside the camera.
The electronic circuit also includes the above-described monolithic accelerometer (acceleration IC) 3 mounted on the hard printed board 14, and a part of the internal structure is visible in FIG. And so on.

On the hard printed circuit board 14, in addition to the acceleration IC 3, a one-chip microcomputer (CPU) 1 for controlling an operation relating to photographing of the entire camera, and a mechanical mechanism section by operating an actuator such as a motor. An interface IC (IFIC) 2 for driving the IC is mounted. In the vicinity of the CPU 1, for example, an EEPROM is provided as a memory 4 for storing adjustment data for component variations in the camera assembly process.

FIG. 1B is a view showing the relationship between the rigid printed board 14 and the flexible board 7 when the camera is viewed from the lateral direction. Since the rigid printed circuit board 14 is not bent along the curved surface inside the camera, the flexible printed circuit board 7 is used and is connected by the connector 12.

A display element (LC) is provided on the flexible substrate 7.
D) 6 is mounted, and a communication line with the autofocus (AF) sensor 5 and a switch pattern 13 are formed. The flexible board 7 wraps around to the back of the camera, is mounted with a notification element such as a sound emitting element PCV or an LED in the warning display section 11 as shown in FIG. 1B, and is output from the CPU 1 to the warning display section 11. In addition to transmitting the signal, the signal is also transmitted to and received from the AF IC 5a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), an acceleration IC 3 may be arranged at an extended end of the flexible board 7. In this case, the acceleration IC 3 is placed on the back of the camera. As shown in FIG. 1D, when the acceleration IC 3 is disposed on the front or the back of the camera, when the user 100 holds the camera for photographing, the user sets the camera 10 at the time of exposure.
This is because camera shake that moves in the direction or the Y direction is likely to occur and the effect of blurring the subject on a printed photograph is large, but the effect of camera shake in the Z direction is small.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the acceleration IC3 has an acceleration in only two directions, ie, the X direction or the Y direction of the area of the IC chip, rather than the direction connecting the acceleration IC3 and the hard printed board 14. When added, it outputs an acceleration determination signal. As a result, the acceleration I
Even if C3 is arranged, a change in the Z direction which is not so important will be detected, and either an important change in the X or Y direction cannot be detected. In the present embodiment, an acceleration IC is mounted on the front or back surface of the camera to enhance the shake detection effect during image stabilization.

Here, the acceleration IC 3 will be described with reference to an example of a manufacturing process shown in FIG. First, an oxide film 21 is formed on a silicon substrate (IC chip) 20 (FIG. 3).
(A), (b)), a pattern using a resist mask is formed on the oxide film 21, an exposed portion is removed by etching, and a resist mask is used to form an opening in an arbitrary portion. (FIG. 3C). afterwards,
After depositing the polysilicon layer 22 (FIG. 3D), the oxide film 21 is selectively removed by wet etching, whereby the polysilicon layer 22 is formed on the silicon substrate 20 in a bridge-like structure. (FIG. 3 (e)). This polysilicon layer is diffused with an impurity such as phosphorus to have conductivity. With such a bridge structure, FIG.
A movable electrode 22 having pillar portions at four corners as shown in FIG.
Is formed on the silicon substrate 20.

On the silicon substrate 20, FIG.
As shown in (a), the other electrodes 24 and 25 are formed and arranged adjacent to the arms 23 a and 23 b of the movable electrode 22, so that the arms 23 a and the electrodes 24 and the arms 23 are formed.
A minute capacitor capacitance is formed between the electrode b and the electrode 25.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, by forming an IC chip on which a large number of movable electrode structures are arranged on the silicon substrate 20, the capacitance of the capacitor becomes a desired capacitance. With the two types, it is possible to detect the X direction and the Y direction.

Therefore, when this IC chip is mounted on a camera, acceleration in two directions can be determined as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4C, a processing circuit unit 29 is formed on the chip together with the monolithically structured movable electrode capacitor on the chip. This is to detect a capacitance component changed by the movable electrode 22 and output a signal corresponding to the acceleration. Due to the movement of the bridge-shaped movable electrode 22, one of the capacitances formed on the two electrodes increases and the other decreases, so that FIG.
The acceleration in the direction of the arrow can be detected.

FIG. 5A shows a configuration example of the processing circuit 29.

As described above, the arms 23a and 23b and the electrodes 24 included in the X and Y sensors 30 and 31 for detecting the movement in the X and Y directions, and the arms 23b and the electrodes 2
5, a capacitance component is formed between each of the arms 23a,
These capacitances are changed by the movement of 23b. This capacitance change is converted into an electric signal by the processing circuit 29.

The processing circuit 29 demodulates a carrier wave generator (oscillation circuit) 32 that oscillates a carrier wave of a pulse waveform, and the respective oscillation waveforms changed by the capacitance change of the X sensor 30 and the Y sensor 31 by full-wave switching rectification. Demodulation circuits 33 and 34, filter circuits 35 and 36 that output an acceleration-dependent analog signal, and a PWM signal generation circuit 37 that performs analog-PWM conversion. FIG.
(B) shows the output waveform. As described above, the pulse duty ratio (the ratio between T1 and T2) changes according to the acceleration.

Therefore, the acceleration IC 3 generates a voltage signal proportional to the acceleration or a pulse width modulation (P
WM) signal. C that can handle only digital signals
The PU 1 can detect acceleration by demodulating the PWM signal using a built-in counter. For the voltage signal proportional to the acceleration, an adjuster having an A / D converter may be used. Further, if a PWM signal is used, it is not necessary to mount an A / D converter in the CPU 1. The acceleration I
The X and Y sensors 30 and 31 of C3 have a large variation in characteristics due to manufacturing conditions due to complicated etching processing at the time of forming a structure with a bridge and a film thickness error and a doping error at the time of bridge formation. This needs to be sufficiently considered, and will be described later.

FIG. 2A shows such an acceleration IC3.
A description will be given with reference to a block circuit diagram of a camera in which is mounted. In this configuration, a CPU that controls the entire camera
1, IFIC2, and a monolithic accelerometer (acceleration I
C) 3 and a memory (EEPRO) for storing adjustment data
M) 4, an auto-focus (AF) unit 5a, a photometric unit 5b, a liquid crystal display element (LCD) 6 for displaying a camera setting state and information on shooting, and information on shooting provided in a viewfinder. L in the viewfinder that displays
A flash unit 8 including a CD 6a, an arc tube for emitting an auxiliary light, etc., a main condenser 8a for charging an electric charge for causing the arc tube to emit light, a photographing lens 9 having a zooming function, and a warning display unit including an LED. 11, a resistor 11a connected in series to the warning display unit 11, switches 13a and 13b including a switch pattern 13 for starting a camera shooting sequence, a shooting lens,
A motor 18 for driving a driving mechanism such as a shutter and a film feed, and a rotating blade 16 which rotates in conjunction with the motor 18
And the rotary blade 1 that rotates for drive control of the motor 18
And a photo interrupter 17 for optically detecting the six holes.

Further, when driving each of the driving mechanisms, the motor 18 may switch the driving destination by a switching mechanism,
Each drive mechanism may be provided with a separate motor.

In this configuration, the CPU 1 controls a camera shooting sequence in accordance with the operation states of the switches 13a and 13b. In other words, according to the output of the monolithic accelerometer 3, in addition to the warning display by the in-F LCD 6a for camera shake warning, at the time of shooting, the autofocus distance measuring unit 5a and the photometric circuit 5b for measuring the brightness of the subject for exposure control are driven. , Receives the necessary signal, and controls the motor 18 via the above-mentioned IFIC2. At this time, the rotation of the motor 18 is transmitted to the rotary blade 16, and the signal output from the photointerrupter 17 is shaped by the IFIC 2 in accordance with the position of the adjustment hole, and the CPU 1 monitors the rotation state of the motor 18. Also, if necessary, the flash unit 8
The auxiliary light is emitted.

With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, photographing by a camera having such a configuration will be described. First, it is determined whether or not an operation of a main switch (not shown) has been performed (step S1). If an operation has been performed (YES), strobe charging is started and initialization is performed. In this initial setting, correction data stored in advance is read from the memory 4 and various settings are made (step S2). The memory 4 stores data for correcting an error in electrical control caused by variation in performance of assembled parts in a manufacturing process. For example, ΔX, ΔY, ΔX1, and ΔY1 are monolithic accelerations which are a feature of the present embodiment. It is a constant used when correcting errors on the electrodes of the total 3.

Next, it is determined whether or not the flash charging is completed (step S3). If the charging is not completed in this determination (NO), the charging operation is continued while giving a warning [pattern 1] to that effect (step S4). This warning is made optically by an LED. However, the warning pattern is changed so as not to be mistaken for a camera shake warning described later. In addition, basically, since the power supply voltage becomes unstable during charging, no camera shake warning is issued. In FIG. 14 described later, LC
13 shows an example of a display [pattern 1] of a camera shake warning displayed on D6a. The example of the pattern 1 is a display pattern in which strip-shaped areas are provided above and below the composition to be photographed in the viewfinder, and are alternately turned on.

After the lapse of a predetermined time, it is determined again whether or not the strobe charging has reached the specified voltage, that is, whether or not the charging has been completed (step S5). If the determination has not been completed (NO) and the user has already set up the camera and has started the shooting operation, photometry is performed (step S6). It is determined from the result of the photometry whether or not strobe light emission is necessary (step S7). If the subject brightness is low and strobe light emission is necessary (NO), the process does not shift to the photographing sequence, and strobe charge is performed. Is resumed (step S8), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the main switch has been operated (step S9). In this determination, if the operation has been performed (YES), the process returns to step S4, and if the operation has not been performed (NO), the process returns to step S1, and each operation is repeated.

If it is determined in step S5 that strobe charging has been completed (YES), or if it is determined in step S7 that strobe light emission is not necessary (N
In O), the flash charging operation is stopped (step S1).
0).

Next, a monolithic accelerometer (acceleration IC)
Using 3), the acceleration of the camera in the X and Y directions is determined (step S11). This acceleration determination
Both the X and Y directions are performed. As described above, this is obtained by counting the pulse width, and the results are referred to as acceleration values X1 and Y1. Since the direction in which gravity is received changes depending on how the camera is held, it is impossible to simply issue a warning by comparing the acceleration values X1 and Y1 with predetermined values. Therefore,
After a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S1)
2) A similar acceleration determination is performed again (step S1).
3). The results at this time are set as acceleration values X2 and Y2, and these acceleration values X1: X2 are compared with Y1: Y2 (step S14). As a result of these comparisons, when the values are not substantially equal (NO), the results are replaced with the acceleration values X2 and Y2 with the acceleration values X1 and Y1 (step S15), and it is confirmed that the main switch is operated (ON state). Then (step S16), if the operation has been performed (YES), the process returns to step S12, and the acceleration determination is performed again. On the other hand, if the main switch is not operated (ON state) (N
O), and return to step S1.

If it is determined in step S14 that the acceleration values are substantially equal (YES), the next acceleration determination is performed based on this assuming that the user has held the camera in a stable manner (step S17). The X-direction and Y-direction acceleration values X3 and Y3 obtained here are compared with the acceleration value X previously referred to.
2 and Y2. First, the acceleration value X3 in the X direction and the acceleration value X2 previously referred to are referred to as [X2-Δ
X <X3 <X2 + ΔX] (Step S1
8). If X3 is within the range including the predetermined amount ΔX (the value ΔX stored in the memory 4) in this comparison (YES),
The comparison of [Y2-ΔY <Y3 <Y2 + ΔY] is also performed in the Y direction (step S19). In these comparisons, when the amount exceeds the range including the predetermined amount ΔX (both are NO),
A warning display [pattern 2] is performed (step S20).
This display gives a warning to the LCD 6a in the finder with a display pattern [pattern 2] described later, which is different from a normal display pattern.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the user who has picked up can know from the warning display in the viewfinder that camera shake has occurred, can correct the holding state, and prevent a camera shake photograph beforehand. Can be. Note that this warning is displayed when the user presses the release button (switch 13).
Repeat until b) is operated.

Next, the results are replaced with acceleration values X3 and Y3 with acceleration values X1 and Y1 (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not the release button has been operated (ON state) (step S22). If it is not turned on (NO), it is determined whether or not the main switch has been operated (step S23), and if it has been operated (YE).
S), the process returns to step S12, and if no operation has been performed (NO), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is turned on (YES), distance measurement and photometry are performed (steps S24 and S24).
25), the photographing lens is extended for focusing (step S26), and exposure shutter control is performed by IFIC2.
(Step S27).

Thereafter, the acceleration is determined again (step S28) to obtain acceleration values X4 and Y4. Then, in the same manner as in steps 18 and 19 described above, the correction values ΔX1 and ΔY1 stored in the memory 4 are compared with the levels before release to determine whether or not each is within the range. X
In the direction, [X1−ΔX1 <X3 <X1 + ΔX1]
(Step S29). If X4 is within the range including the predetermined amount ΔX1 in this comparison (YES), Y
In the direction [Y1-ΔY1 <Y4 <Y1 + ΔY1]
Are compared (step S30). In these comparisons, when the correction value ΔX1, Y1 exceeds the range of the amount (both are NO), the liquid crystal display element (LCD) 6a in the finder
Warning display [Pattern 3] is performed (step S3).
1).

The warning of the camera shake at the time of the release is different from the warning pattern at the time of charging or at the time of holding so as not to give the user any confusingness.

However, if the correction value ΔX1, Y1 is not in the range of the added amount (YES), the process waits for a predetermined time (t1) (step S32), and then returns to step S3. This is a measure to be performed so that it is difficult to determine whether there is a problem at the time of the previous release or a problem at the time of the holding after the release if the display of the shaking of the holding is performed immediately after the release.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the camera shake determination display is incorporated into the camera shooting sequence without difficulty, it is possible to provide a camera shake preventing camera which is easy to understand and does not malfunction. In other words, when a warning is issued, the user only has to re-hold the camera or repeat shooting.

Next, the memory (EE) described above with reference to FIGS.
A method of storing the correction value in the PROM 4 will be described. FIG. 7A is used in a process of measuring a sensitivity error caused by variation in characteristics of an acceleration IC 3 assembled in a camera in a camera manufacturing process, and writing a correction value according to the measured error into a memory 4 in the camera. Shows the system.

In this system, the output of the acceleration IC 3 mounted on the manufactured camera 10 is taken into the personal computer (personal computer) 45 via the cable 39 and the interface circuit 44.

The vibration generator 50 on which the camera 10 is mounted
Is composed of a camera base 40, a guide rod 43 and a pedestal 42, and is attached in a state where a spring 41 pushes up the camera base 40. When the operator sets the camera 10 on the camera base 40 and presses it against the pedestal 42 to compress the spring 41, the switch 46 is turned on as shown in FIG. 7B. After that, when the hand holding down the camera 10 is released, as shown in FIG. 7C, the spring 41 is extended, the switch 46 is turned off, and the camera 10 vibrates up and down due to the balance between the spring 41 and gravity. Acceleration IC3 at that time
Is monitored by the personal computer 45 to obtain data on the characteristic variation of the acceleration IC 3. Based on the result of this determination, the personal computer 45 writes the correction value ΔY corresponding to the IC characteristics into the memory 4 of the camera 10.

The acquisition and adjustment of the correction value will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, Y
The vibration determination correction in the direction will be described as an example. First, it is determined whether it is a switch-off timing (step S5).
0), if it is off timing (YES), acceleration IC
3 is monitored by the personal computer 45 (Step S).
51). The maximum output during the monitoring is selected (step S52). It is determined whether the selected output a is greater than a predetermined value a0 (step S53). If the output a is not larger than the predetermined value a0 in this determination (NO),
A correction value ΔY obtained by multiplying the preset initial correction value ΔY by 0.7 is generated (step S57). On the other hand, when the output a is larger than the predetermined value a0 (YE
S), it is determined whether the output a is greater than a predetermined value a1 (step S54).

In this determination, if the output a is larger than the predetermined value a1 (YES), a correction value ΔY obtained by multiplying the initial correction value ΔY by 1.5 (step S56). On the other hand, if the output a is less than the predetermined value a1 (NO), the initial correction value ΔY is set to the correction value ΔY (step S55). Then, these generated correction values ΔY
Is written into the memory 4 (step S58).

In this description, the vibration determination correction in the Y direction has been described in an easy-to-understand manner, but the determination in the X direction is also necessary. Therefore, two measurements are required. However, actually, a vibration generating device as shown in FIG.
The X-direction and the Y-direction are simultaneously detected by each vibration, and a correction value is calculated. In this configuration example, the camera is set at an angle of, for example, 45 degrees,
It is devised that vibrations in both X and Y directions occur simultaneously.

As described above, with such an inspection and manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to stably supply a camera capable of correcting a variation in manufacturing of an acceleration IC in lot units and a variation in individual characteristics and accurately detecting camera shake. it can. As described above, the acceleration IC can also output an analog output, and in a regulator equipped with a high-speed and high-precision A / D converter, use an analog output instead of a PWM output to achieve higher accuracy. Can be.

Next, as a second embodiment, FIG.
An example in which the present invention is applied to a camera equipped with a photographing lens 9 having a long focal length as shown in FIG. Generally, a release button of a camera is usually provided in front of the upper surface of a camera body. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, when holding a camera with a long lens in a hand, a bow which the camera turns in the vertical direction when the release switch is depressed with the corner 10a at which the thumb of the thumb hits as a fulcrum. It is easy to exercise, and that movement tends to cause camera shake photos.

In order to detect such a movement by the acceleration IC3, as shown in FIG. 11B, the acceleration IC3 may be arranged on the upper surface of the camera to detect the movement in the Z direction.

As described above in the first embodiment, the flexible board 7 for connecting the AFIC 5a and the main board 14 on which the CPU 1 and the like are mounted is disposed on the upper surface of the camera, and the acceleration IC is also mounted thereon. I just need. As a result, the two ICs can be mounted on the same substrate, so that the soldering process and the like can be shared, and there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. When a camera is changed to another model, an AFIC of a different type is often used depending on the focal length of the camera.

For this reason, when the substrate is changed according to the difference in AFIC, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b),
If a component on which the acceleration IC 3 can be mounted and a component on which the acceleration IC 3 is unnecessary are prepared in advance, the main substrate 14 on which the CPU 1 and the IFIC 2 are mounted can be mounted on the flexible substrate 7 without any additional modification.
By changing only the camera, a camera with a long focal length lens that requires image stabilization and a camera with a short focal length that does not need image stabilization can be easily formed.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the correction value of the acceleration has been described in the X direction and the Y direction by ΔX and ΔY, but the correction value in the Z direction can of course be obtained. FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a system for detecting the acceleration output in the Z direction.

In these systems, the camera is set with the photographing lens side facing upward, and vibration is applied in the optical axis direction. The variation in output at the time of predetermined vibration is detected for each acceleration IC 3, a correction value is obtained in the same manner as in the X and Y directions described above, and stored in the memory 4 in the camera.

As described above, the second embodiment is applied to a camera with a long focal length lens or a zoom lens, and detects, by the acceleration IC, a situation in which bowing is likely to occur depending on the weight of the lens and the position of the release switch. Since a camera shake warning is issued, it is possible to provide a camera capable of preventing a failed photograph due to camera shake.

A display pattern for warning the occurrence of camera shake in each of the above embodiments will be described.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a warning pattern displayed on the LCD 6a in the finder. This pattern uses a light-shielding pattern displayed when panorama shooting is set. First, only the upper region is shielded from light as shown in screen A, and then the center is shown in screen B, which indicates the shooting range during panorama shooting. Only the area is shaded, and finally screen C
In this pattern, only the lower region of the panorama light-shielding portion is shaded sequentially as shown in FIG. By repeatedly performing this display mode, it is possible to make the user who is looking through the viewfinder recognize that camera shake has occurred.

Since the finder screen can express the feeling of shaking, if the user re-holds the camera and camera shake does not occur, FIG. 1 is displayed according to the normal or panoramic mode.
Returning to the screen D of FIG. 4A or the screen E of FIG. 14B, the subject can be monitored.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a display [pattern 1] of a camera shake warning displayed on the LCD 6a. The pattern 1 uses a light-shielding portion displayed at the time of setting panorama shooting, similarly to the pattern described with reference to FIG. This is a pattern in which the upper and lower light shielding portions are alternately displayed as a screen A and a screen C. This pattern is different from the pattern in FIG. 13, and the center part of the screen is always visible, so that the panoramic photographing mode and the expression of the subject do not become difficult to see. Further, in order to perform blinking, FIG.
Unlike the normal display in (a) and (b), the user does not misunderstand.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16A, in [Pattern 2] described above, it is determined whether or not the panorama mode is set.
A switch SW13c for inputting to the PU1 is separately provided, and as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
When vibration is detected (step S60), it is determined whether or not the panorama shooting mode is set (step S61). When the panorama shooting mode is set (YES), a display [Pattern 2] as shown in FIG. Step S62),
When the mode is not the panorama shooting mode (NO), a display [Pattern 1] as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed (step S).
63). Thus, when setting the panorama shooting mode,
When the display is performed in [Pattern 2] and a warning is issued in [Pattern 1] when the normal shooting mode is set, the user can determine whether the currently set shooting mode is panorama or normal, and also recognizes the warning display. be able to.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing the internal state of a negative type polymer dispersed LCD used in the finder LCD 6a in the present embodiment.
The LCD 6a has a pair of light distribution films 62a and 62b and a pair of electrodes 63a and 63b with polymer particles 61 interposed therebetween.
And a pair of glass substrates 64a and 64b in a sandwich structure.

In this structure, FIG. 18A shows a non-transmission state when no pulse voltage is applied.
The incident light 65 is output as scattered light 66. FIG. 18B shows a transmission state when a pulse voltage 67 is applied to the above-described structure, and the incident light 65 is output as non-scattered emission light 68.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the drive pulse voltage of the LCD 6a and the transmittance. As shown
There is a relationship that the transmittance increases as the applied voltage increases. In the present embodiment, a non-transmission state having a first transmittance, a transmission state having a third transmittance, and a second transmittance which is an intermediate transmittance between them is used.

In this embodiment, a negative type LCD is employed. However, a positive polymer dispersed LCD as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-165017 may be used.

FIG. 20A shows the lower glass substrate 6.
4B shows a segment pattern on 4b, and is composed of a pattern 71 related to the SEG1 electrode, a pattern 72 related to the SEG2 electrode, and a pattern 73 related to the COM electrode. The pattern 71 is further provided with three openings 71a, 71b, 71c. Further, a connection portion 74 is provided. FIG. 20B shows a common pattern 75 on the upper glass substrate 64a, and has a connection portion 74a connected to the connection portion 74 described above.

FIG. 20C is a diagram showing a normal finder display, in which the three segment patterns 71 to 73 and the openings 71a to 71c shown in FIG. 20A are displayed. FIG. 20D shows a panoramic display, in which the patterns 72 and 73 are in a non-transmissive (light-shielded) state, and the pattern 71 is in a transmissive (light-transmissive) state. FIG. 20E shows a blackout display, in which all patterns are in a non-transmissive (light-shielded) state, and nothing can be seen even when looking through the viewfinder.

According to the embodiment as described above, the camera for preventing camera shake is realized by an easy-to-understand display while effectively using the panorama display LCD provided in the viewfinder to achieve space saving and cost reduction. .

Although the above embodiments have been described, the present invention includes the following inventions.

(1) Vibration detecting means including a monolithic accelerometer for detecting the vibration state in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction) when the camera is held, and a normal photographing mode or panorama in the finder field A display hand in a finder having a light-shielded area by changing a transmittance according to a shooting mode, and determining that camera shake occurs when a vibration state detected by the vibration detection means exceeds a predetermined level. A camera characterized in that the light transmittance of each of the regions is changed in a repetitive pattern, and the occurrence of camera shake is notified by a transmitting portion and a light shielding portion.

(2) The monolithic accelerometer is provided on a surface of the camera parallel to the surface on which the taking lens is mounted, and detects the vibration state in the X direction and the Y direction. The camera according to the above (1).

(3) The monolithic accelerometer is provided on a surface of the camera orthogonal to the surface on which the photographing lens is mounted, and detects a vibration state of the photographing lens in the optical axis direction (Z direction). The camera according to the above (1), which is characterized in that:

[0070]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when camera shake occurs at the time of photographing, an easily recognizable display is made in the viewfinder using the existing members, without increasing the cost. It is possible to provide a camera that performs a camera shake warning display that is easily recognized by the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a camera according to a first embodiment and an internal configuration of a part thereof.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical block configuration of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing process of an acceleration IC in a monolithic accelerometer mounted on a camera of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a structure of an acceleration IC3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a processing circuit in a monolithic accelerometer.

FIG. 6 is a main flowchart for describing shooting by a camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system for obtaining a correction value of an acceleration IC3 in a camera manufacturing process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining acquisition and adjustment of a correction value.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the vibration generator of the system for obtaining the correction value of the acceleration IC in the camera manufacturing process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a substrate and an acceleration IC according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system for detecting acceleration output in the Z direction.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a display pattern of a warning displayed on the LCD in the viewfinder of the camera, and will be described.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a display bar pattern in the shooting mode displayed on the LCD in the finder of the camera without camera shake.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a warning display [Pattern 1] displayed on the LCD in the viewfinder of the camera.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a changeover switch for a panorama shooting mode is provided.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a warning display [Pattern 2] displayed on the LCD in the viewfinder of the camera.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing an internal state of the LCD in the finder.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a relationship between a drive pulse voltage of the LCD in the finder and transmittance.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the structure of the LCD in the finder.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... One-chip microcomputer (CPU) 2 ... Interface IC (IFIC) 3 ... Monolithic accelerometer (acceleration IC) 4 ... Memory (EEPROM) 5 ... Sensor for auto focus (AF) 6 ... Display element (LCD) 6a ... In viewfinder LCD 7 ... Flexible board 8 ... Strobe 9 ... Shooting lens 10 ... Camera 11 ... Warning display part 12 ... Connector 13 ... Switch pattern 14 ... Hard printed board 15 ... Finder objective lens

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tatsuya Sato 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H018 AA02 AA06 BE02 2H102 AA41 AB08 BA01 BA03 BA12 BA27 BB09 BB22 CA11

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A vibration detecting means for detecting a vibration state of a camera, a transmittance changing means provided so as to divide a field of view of a finder into a plurality of areas, and changing and controlling a light transmittance of each of the areas. Control means for controlling the transmittance changing means in accordance with the output of the vibration detecting means to sequentially change the transmittance of a part of each of the regions. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the control means stops the change by the control means sequentially when the vibration is not detected.