JP2003219237A - Device, method and program for picking up image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device in which stains from an outside, such as rain, spray and dust are hard to stick to a lens surface of a photographic lens, etc., and to provide an image picking up method and an image pickup program. <P>SOLUTION: A camera 100 controls the opening/closing timing of a lens barrier 112, opens the lens barrier 112 only when image pickup light is obtained from a lens unit 1 (when an LCD monitor 10b is turned on or AF and AE processing is performed while S1 is detected in the case that the LCD monitor 10b is turned off), and closes the lens barriers 112 in a case other than the above case. The lens barrier 112 is provided with a wiper 112a, and the wiper 112a can wipe the surface of lens cover glass 116 when the lens barrier 112 is opened or closed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a lens barrier for protecting a lens surface such as an image pickup lens, an image pickup method, and an image pickup program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image pickup devices having a lens barrier (hereinafter referred to as cameras) have become widespread. This lens barrier can prevent rain, water splashes, dust, etc.
This is to prevent dirt from adhering to the outside. In such a conventional camera, when the power of the camera is turned on, the lens barrier automatically opens, and the image pickup light can be taken in through the lens unit.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional camera, the lens barrier automatically opens when the power is turned on, but at this time, the surface of the lens portion is left for a long time regardless of whether or not the image is taken. Since it is exposed to the outside, dirt from the outside such as rain, water droplets, dust, etc. easily adhered to the lens surface. Therefore, when such dirt from the outside adheres to the surface of the lens portion, the dirt is reflected in a captured image, so the photographer wipes the surface of the lens portion before photographing.
Alternatively, the lens cap has to be attached to the lens portion except when photographing, which is troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus, an image pickup method, and an image pickup program in which dirt from the outside such as rain, water droplets, dust, etc. is unlikely to adhere to the lens surface of the image pickup lens or the like.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a lens protection part for covering an incident surface on which imaging light is incident on an imaging lens, and a drive part for driving the lens protection part. In the image pickup apparatus including, when a shooting instruction is input, or when an instruction to perform focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is input, the lens protection unit is moved from the incident surface of the image pickup lens. It is characterized by comprising a control unit for controlling the driving unit so that the imaging light is incident on the imaging lens.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, in an image pickup method for driving a lens protection portion covering an incident surface on which image pickup light is incident on an image pickup lens, a photographing instruction is inputted, or focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is performed. A determination step of determining that an instruction to perform is input, and a control step of controlling the lens protection portion to move from the incident surface of the imaging lens so that imaging light is incident on the imaging lens by the determination step. And are provided.

Further, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in an image pickup program for driving a lens protection portion that covers an incident surface on which image pickup light is incident on an image pickup lens, a photographing instruction is input, or focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is performed. A determination step of determining that an instruction to perform is input, and a control step of controlling the lens protection portion to move from the incident surface of the imaging lens so that imaging light is incident on the imaging lens by the determination step. And are provided.

Therefore, in the case of capturing the image pickup light through the image pickup lens, particularly in the case where an image pickup instruction is input, or in an image pickup apparatus capable of performing the exposure adjustment and the focus adjustment based on the image pickup light, the exposure adjustment or the focus adjustment is performed. When there is an instruction to perform the, since the lens protection unit is moved from the incident surface of the imaging lens, the time for which the imaging lens is exposed to the outside is reduced, and the imaging lens has rain, water splashes, dust, etc. It is possible to realize an imaging device in which dirt from the outside does not easily adhere.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, it is preferable that the lens protection portion has a light-transmitting property. In this case, even if the lens protection unit is on the incident surface of the image pickup lens, the image pickup light can be taken in. Therefore, with the lens protection unit covering the incident surface of the image pickup lens, the exposure adjustment and the adjustment based on the image pickup light are performed. The focus can be adjusted and the captured image can be displayed. Therefore, even with an image pickup apparatus having high functions such as exposure adjustment and focus adjustment, the lens protection unit may be moved from the incident surface of the image pickup lens at the start of shooting after exposure adjustment or focus adjustment. The time for exposing the image pickup lens to the outside can be reduced, and an image pickup apparatus in which dirt from the outside such as rain, water splashes, dust, etc. is even less likely to adhere to the image pickup lens can be realized.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 3, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 and 2, the lens protection portion, when moving on the image pickup lens, makes an incident surface of the image pickup lens. It is more preferable to provide a wiping portion for sweeping off the dirt adhering to. In this case, even if stains from the outside such as rain, water droplets, dust, etc. adhere to the image pickup lens, the dirt is swept away by the sweeping unit every time the lens protection unit moves on the image pickup lens. It is possible to avoid inconveniences such as shooting while the lens remains dirty or the imaging lens is covered by the lens protection portion (that is, the imaging lens is stored).

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) The camera 100 (imaging device) of the first embodiment is a digital camera,
The appearance of the camera 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b).
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a front surface portion of the camera 100,
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the back surface of the camera 100.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the front surface of the camera 100 is formed by a housing 110a, and a changeover switch 9d, a strobe 12, an optical finder 10a, etc. are arranged therein. Further, a lens barrier 112 (lens protection portion), which will be described later, and the like are arranged behind the opening 111. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the back surface of the camera 100 is formed by a housing 110b, and the optical viewfinders 10a, L are provided.
CD monitor 10b and LCD on / off switch 9c
Etc. are provided. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a shutter button 9a, a power switch 9b, etc., which will be described later, are provided on the upper side surface of the camera 100.

In particular, the opening 1 formed in the housing 110a
The structure around 11 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 2
FIG. 3 is a main part configuration diagram showing a structure around an opening portion 111 of the camera 100 in a perspective manner.

As shown in FIG. 2, a transparent lens cover glass 11 for protecting the lens unit 1 in the housing 110b is provided on the upper surface of the housing 110b facing the housing 110a.
6 is provided, and a light-shielding lens barrier 112 (lens protection portion) is provided above the lens cover glass 116 with a shaft 113.
Is rotatably arranged around the fulcrum.

The lens barrier 112 is driven by a spring 114 and a piston 115 connected to the lens barrier driving section 13 in the direction indicated by reference numeral A in the figure. That is,
The lens barrier 112 is configured to be urged by the elastic force of the spring 114 in the direction indicated by reference numeral B1 in the figure to come to a position facing the lens cover glass 116 (that is, a position where the lens barrier 112 is closed). When the piston 115 is driven by the lens barrier drive unit 13 in the direction indicated by reference numeral B2 in the figure, the lens barrier 112 opens and the opening 111 and the lens cover glass 116 communicate with each other. At this time, the light that has passed through the opening 111 enters the lens cover glass 116.

Further, the lens barrier 112 is provided with a wiper 112a made of fiber, rubber or the like, and the wiper 1 is opened or closed when the lens barrier 112 is opened or closed.
It is possible to remove dirt on the surface of the lens cover glass 116 by 12a.

Next, the internal structure of the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the camera 100 includes a lens unit 1, a CCD 2, an A / D conversion circuit 3, an image processing circuit 4, an image memory 5, a control section 6, a ROM 7 and a RAM.
8, an operation unit 9, a display device 10, a card slot 11, a strobe 12, a lens barrier drive unit 13 (drive unit), and the like.

The lens unit 1 is composed of a plurality of lenses and forms an optical image (imaging light) of a subject. C
A CD (Charge Coupled Device) 2 converts an optical image signal formed on the light receiving surface by the lens unit 1 into an electric image signal (analog signal). A / D conversion circuit 3
Converts the analog signal input from the CCD 2 into a digital signal.

The image processing circuit 4 includes a process circuit and a compression circuit. The process circuit converts the digital image signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 3 into a video signal such as a luminance signal, a color difference signal, and a color signal, and the compression circuit converts the video signal output from the process circuit into JPEG. (Join
t Photographic Experts Group) and other compression formats.

The image memory 5 temporarily stores the digital image signal input from the image processing circuit 4.

When the power is turned on by the operation of the power switch 9b, the control section 6 is supplied with power from a battery (not shown), reads the main control program for controlling the operation of the camera 100 from the ROM 7 described later, and executes it. ,
In response to an instruction signal input via the operation unit 9, various shooting mode processes related to this main control program are executed. Further, the control unit 6 stores various data generated when these programs are executed in a predetermined storage area of a built-in memory (not shown).

When the control section 6 detects that the shutter button 9a is in the half-depressed state (this state is referred to as S1), the control section 6 responds to the A by the imaging light taken in through the lens unit 1.
F (Auto Focus) and AE (Auto Exposure) processing is performed.

When the shutter button 9a is completely pressed (the state is called S2) and the photographing instruction is input, the control section 6 outputs the image signal compressed based on the compression format such as JPEG to the card slot 10. It is recorded in the memory card 11a stored in.

When the power is turned on by operating the power switch 9b, the control section 6 executes the opening / closing process of the lens barrier 112 shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a selection input (normal photographing mode) for immediately opening the lens barrier 112 is performed by operating the changeover switch 9d. When the selection input for opening the lens barrier 112 immediately is not made, and when the LCD monitor 10b is off, a signal instructing to open the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 when S1 is detected. Then
AF and AE processes are performed after the lens barrier 112 is opened. When the LCD monitor 10b is on, the control unit 6
Sends a signal instructing the lens barrier 112 to open before detecting S1 to the lens barrier driving unit 13, and when S1 is detected after the lens barrier 112 is opened, A
F and AE processing is performed. Further, the control unit 6 transmits an instruction to close the lens barrier 112 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 after detecting S2 and performing the photographing process. Further, when the selection input for immediately opening the lens barrier 112 is performed by operating the changeover switch 9d, the control unit 6 transmits a signal instructing the opening of the lens barrier 112 to the lens barrier driving unit 13, and thereafter. When there is an instruction to turn off the power, an instruction to close the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (see FIG. 4 above).

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 7 stores in advance various control programs executed by the control unit 6 and various data necessary for executing the programs. In particular, the ROM 7 stores a program for opening / closing the lens barrier 112 shown in the flowchart of FIG. Further, even if the program is stored in the memory card 11a, the same operation can be performed.

A RAM (Random Access Memory) 8 has a program storage area and a data storage area (not shown). When executing the various processing programs, the control unit 6 expands the programs in the program storage area and temporarily stores data generated when the various processing programs are executed in the data storage area.

The operation unit 9 includes a shutter button 9a for instructing photographing, a power switch 9b for turning on / off the power, and L.
An LCD on / off switch 9c for turning on / off the CD monitor 10b, a changeover switch 9d for designating whether or not the lens barrier driving unit 13 is immediately opened when the power is turned on, and the like are provided.

The display device 10 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor 1 for displaying image data such as a captured image.
With 0b. The LCD monitor 10b has a function as a finder that continuously displays captured images captured by the CCD 2.

The card slot 11 is a memory card 11
a can be stored, and the stored memory card 11a and the control unit 6 are electrically connected.

The strobe 12 illuminates a subject during photographing. The lens barrier drive unit 13 includes a motor (not shown), and the piston 115 is driven by the motor.
(See FIG. 2) moves in the direction indicated by reference numeral B2 in the figure. That is, the lens barrier driving unit 13 is
When the instruction to open 2 is received from the control unit 6, the motor is driven to move the piston 115 in the direction indicated by reference sign B2 in the drawing.

Next, the operation of the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the opening / closing process of the lens barrier according to the first embodiment.

When the power is turned on by the operation of the power switch 9b (step S300), the control section 6 determines whether or not the changeover switch 9d is in the side instructing the opening of the lens barrier 112 (normal photographing mode). If it is determined (step S301), and the changeover switch 9d is not on the side instructing to open the lens barrier 112 (step S30).
1; No), it is determined whether or not the LCD monitor 10b is turned on by the key operation of the LCD on / off switch 9c (step S302).

If the LCD monitor 10b is turned off at the step S302 (step S302; Y)
es), the control unit 6 monitors whether or not S1 is detected (step S303). When S1 is detected (step S303; Yes), the lens barrier driving unit 13 is instructed to open the lens barrier 112. Send (step S3
04). As a result, the lens barrier 112 is opened.

At step S304, the lens barrier 1
After 12 is opened, the control unit 6 performs AF and AE processing (step S305).

After step S305, the control unit 6 returns to S2.
Is detected (step S306), S2
Is not detected (step S306; No), the process proceeds to step S303.

The control unit 6 executes S in step S306.
When 2 is detected (step S306; Yes), a photographing process is performed (step S307), and after this photographing process,
An instruction to close the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S308). As a result, the lens barrier 112 is closed.

Then, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the power switch 9b is operated to input the instruction to turn off the power (step S309), and if the instruction to turn off the power is not input. (Step S309; No),
When the process proceeds to step S302 and the instruction to turn off the power is input (step S309; Yes), the power is turned off.

Returning to step S302, description will be made. When the LCD monitor 10b is turned on (step S302; No), the control unit 6 controls the lens barrier drive unit 13.
An instruction to open the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to (step S310). As a result, the lens barrier 112 is opened.

After step S310, the control section 6 sets S1
Is detected (step S311), and S1 is detected.
If it is detected (step S311; Yes), AF,
AE processing is performed (step S312).

After the AF and AE processing in step S312,
The control unit 6 determines whether S2 is detected (step S313), and when S2 is not detected (step S313).
313; No), the process proceeds to step S311, and when S2 is detected (step S313; Yes), step S3
The process proceeds to 307 and the photographing process is performed.

Returning to step S301, description will be made. When the changeover switch 9d is in the side instructing to open the lens barrier 112 (normal shooting mode) (step S30)
1; Yes), the control unit 6 transmits an instruction to open the lens barrier 112 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S314). As a result, the lens barrier 112 is opened.

After step S314, the control unit 6 sets S1
Is detected (step S315), S1
If it is detected (step S315; Yes), AF,
AE processing is performed (step S316).

After step S316, the control unit 6 returns to S2.
Is detected (step S317), S2
Is not detected (step S317; No), the process proceeds to step S315.

When S2 is detected (step S317;
Yes), the control unit 6 performs a photographing process (step S3).
18), it is determined whether or not the power switch 9b has been operated after the photographing process to output an instruction to turn off the power (step S319).

When the instruction to turn off the power is not input (step S319; No), step S315.
When the instruction to turn off the power is input (step S319; Yes), the instruction to close the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S320), and the lens barrier 112 is closed. Power off.

As described above, the camera 100 according to the first embodiment controls the opening / closing timing of the lens barrier 112 and takes in the image pickup light from the lens unit 1 in a mode other than the normal photographing mode (the LCD monitor 10b is When it is on, or when the LCD monitor 10b is off, S
The lens barrier 112 is opened only when 1 is detected and AF and AE processing is performed), and in other cases, the lens barrier 112 is closed. Further, the lens barrier 112 includes a wiper 112a, and the surface of the lens cover glass 116 can be swept by the wiper 112a when the lens barrier 112 is opened or closed.

Therefore, when the lens unit 1 is not used, since the lens barrier 112 is closed, the time for exposing the lens cover glass 116 to the outside is reduced, and the lens cover glass 116 is exposed to rain, water splashes, dust. etc,
It is possible to realize the camera 100 in which dirt from the outside does not easily adhere. Further, even if dirt from the outside adheres to the surface of the lens cover glass 116, the lens cover glass 116 is opened or closed when the lens barrier 112 is opened.
Since the surface is swept by the wiper 112a, it is possible to avoid that the image is taken while the dirt from the outside remains on the lens cover glass 116 or the lens barrier 112 is closed.

The description in the first embodiment shows one example of the camera according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the lens barrier 112 is attached to the housing 110.
b The structure may be provided inside, or the lens barrier 112 may be manually moved when the dirt on the surface of the lens cover glass 116 is wiped using the wiper 112a. good.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a camera 200 (imaging device) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The camera 200 includes the lens barrier 112, the control unit 6, and the lens barrier 112 of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment.
Instead of the ROM 7, a lens barrier 120 (lens protection unit), a control unit 62, and a ROM 72 are provided, and the other components are the same as those of the camera 100. Therefore, in the following, for simplification of description, a lens barrier 120 different from the camera 100,
Only the control unit 62 and the ROM 72 will be described in detail, and illustration and description of other components will be omitted.

The lens barrier 120 included in the camera 200 of the second embodiment has a light-transmitting property. Therefore, even when the lens barrier 120 is closed, AF and AE processing can be performed based on the imaging light captured via the lens barrier 120 and the lens unit 1, and the LCD monitor 10b can also be used as a finder.

Further, the lens barrier 120 is the wiper 1
12a, the surface of the lens cover glass 116 can be swept by the wiper 112a when the lens barrier 120 is opened or closed.

When the power is turned on by operating the power switch 9b, the control section 62 is supplied with power from a battery (not shown), reads out a main control program for controlling the operation of the camera 200 from the ROM 72, which will be described later, and executes the main control program. Further, in accordance with an instruction signal input via the operation unit 9, various shooting mode processes related to this main control program are executed. Further, the control unit 62 stores various data generated when these programs are executed in a predetermined storage area of a built-in memory (not shown).

When S1 is detected, the control unit 62 uses the imaging light captured through the lens unit 1 to perform AF,
Perform AE processing.

Upon detecting S2, the control unit 62 detects the JPE
A memory card 10 in which an image signal compressed based on a compression format such as G is stored in a card slot 10.
Record in a.

When the power supply is turned on, the control unit 62 is operated as shown in FIG.
The opening / closing process of the lens barrier 120 shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a selection input (normal photographing mode) for immediately opening the lens barrier 120 is performed by operating the changeover switch 9d. Lens barrier 12
If no selection is made to open 0 immediately, A
After performing the F and AE processes, a signal instructing to open the lens barrier 120 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 when S2 is detected. After the image capturing process, the control unit 6 issues an instruction to close the lens barrier 120 to the lens barrier driving unit 1.
Send to 3. In addition, when the selection input to open the lens barrier 120 immediately is performed by operating the changeover switch 9d, the control unit 62 transmits a signal instructing the lens barrier 120 to be opened to the lens barrier driving unit 13, and thereafter,
The lens barrier 120 is activated when the power is turned off.
To the lens barrier drive unit 13 (see above, FIG. 5).

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 stores in advance various control programs executed by the control unit 62, various data necessary for executing the programs, and the like. In particular, the ROM 72 stores a program for performing the opening / closing process of the lens barrier 120 shown in the flowchart of FIG. Also, the program is a memory card 11a
The same operation can be performed even when stored in.

Next, the operation of the camera 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the opening / closing process of the lens barrier in the second embodiment.

When the power is turned on by operating the power switch 9b (step S400), the control section 62 determines whether or not the changeover switch 9d is in the side instructing the opening of the lens barrier 120 (normal photographing mode). It is determined (step S401), and the changeover switch 9d causes the lens barrier 12
If it is not on the side instructing to open 0 (step S
401; No), and it is monitored whether S1 is detected (step S402).

When S1 is detected (step S402;
Yes), the controller 62 performs AF and AE processing (step S403), and then determines whether or not S2 is detected (step S404).

When S2 is detected (step S40)
4; Yes), the control unit 62 transmits an instruction to open the lens barrier 120 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S405). As a result, the lens barrier 120 is opened. When S2 does not detect (step S40
4; No) moves to step S402.

At the stage of step S405, the lens barrier 1
After 20 is opened, the control unit 62 performs a photographing process (step S406), and after the photographing process, transmits an instruction to close the lens barrier 120 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S407). As a result, the lens barrier 120 is closed.

Then, the control unit 62 determines whether or not the power switch 9b is operated to input the instruction to turn off the power (step S408), and if the instruction to turn off the power is not input. (Step S408; N
o), the process proceeds to step S402, and if an instruction to turn off the power is input (step S408; Yes),
Turn off the power.

Returning to step S401, description will be made. When the changeover switch 9d is in the side instructing to open the lens barrier 120 (normal shooting mode) (step S40)
1; Yes), the control unit 62 transmits an instruction to open the lens barrier 120 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S409). As a result, the lens barrier 120 is opened.

After step S409, the control section 62 sets the S
1 is detected (step S410), S
When 1 is detected (step S410; Yes), A
F and AE processing is performed (step S411).

After step S411, the control section 62 sets the S
It is determined whether 2 is detected (step S412), and S
When 2 is not detected (step S412; No),
Then, the process proceeds to step S410.

When S2 is detected (step S412;
Yes), the control unit 62 performs a photographing process (step S
413), it is determined whether or not the power switch 9b is operated after the photographing process to output an instruction to turn off the power (step S414).

If the instruction to turn off the power is not input (step S414; No), step S410.
When the instruction to turn off the power is input (step S414; Yes), the instruction to close the lens barrier 120 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S415), and the lens barrier 120 is closed. Power off.

As described above, the camera 200 according to the second embodiment controls the opening / closing timing of the transparent lens barrier 120 so that the lens barrier 120 is opened only when the image is taken in a mode other than the normal photographing mode. Open, otherwise close lens barrier 120. Further, the lens barrier 120 includes a wiper 112a, which allows the wiper 11 to be opened or closed when the lens barrier 120 is opened or closed.
2a enables the surface of the lens cover glass 116 to be swept.

Therefore, since the lens barrier 120 has a light-transmitting property, it is possible to take in image pickup light from the lens unit 1 in a state where the lens barrier 120 is closed. Therefore, when the LCD monitor 10b is on, or when the LCD
In any case where S1 is detected and AF and AE processing is performed when the monitor 10b is off, the finder display on the LCD monitor 10b and AF and AE processing are possible with the lens barrier 120 closed. When not shooting
The lens barrier 120 can be closed, the time for exposing the lens cover glass 116 to the outside is further reduced, and the lens cover glass 116 can be protected from rain, water droplets, dust, etc.
It is possible to realize the camera 200 in which dirt from the outside is less likely to adhere. Further, even if dirt from the outside adheres to the surface of the lens cover glass 116, when the lens barrier 120 is opened or closed, the lens cover glass 1
Since the 16 surface is swept by the wiper 112a, it is possible to avoid taking a picture or closing the lens barrier 120 while the dirt from the outside remains attached to the lens cover glass 116.

The description in the second embodiment shows an example of the camera according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of the digital camera 200 according to the second embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the lens barrier 120 is attached to the housing 110.
b The structure may be provided inside, or the lens barrier 120 may be manually moved when the dirt on the surface of the lens cover glass 116 is wiped using the wiper 112a. good.

Further, the camera 200 of the second embodiment
The digital camera has been described, but it may be a camera that records a captured image on a photographic film. in this case,
AF and AE sensors (not shown) are provided in the camera body, and AF and AE processing is performed based on the detection result of the sensor. Therefore, the lens barrier 120 does not have to be translucent.

Further, the camera 200 of the second embodiment
In the above description, the AF and AE functions are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that focusing and exposure correction are performed manually.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a camera 300 (imaging device) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The camera 300 is replaced with the control unit 6 and the ROM 7 of the camera 100 of the first embodiment,
The controller 63 and the ROM 73 are provided. Furthermore, the camera 300
Does not have AF and AE functions. Also, the camera 300
Other components than the control unit 63 and the ROM 73 are the same as those of the camera 100. Therefore, for the sake of simplification of description, the control unit 63 and the ROM 7 different from those of the camera 100 will be described below.
3 will be described in detail, and illustration and description of other components will be omitted.

When the power is turned on by the operation of the power switch 9b, the control unit 63 is supplied with power from a battery (not shown), reads the main control program for controlling the operation of the camera 300 from the ROM 73 described later, and executes it. In response to an instruction signal input via the operation unit 9, various shooting mode processes related to the main control program are executed. Further, the control unit 63 stores various data generated when these programs are executed in a predetermined storage area of a built-in memory (not shown).

When the photographing instruction is input, the control unit 63 receives
An image signal compressed based on a compression format such as JPEG is recorded in the memory card 10a stored in the card slot 10.

When the power supply is turned on, the control unit 63 is operated as shown in FIG.
The opening / closing process of the lens barrier 112 shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a selection input (normal photographing mode) for immediately opening the lens barrier 112 is performed by operating the changeover switch 9d. Lens barrier 11
If the selection input for immediately opening 2 is not performed, a signal instructing to open the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 at the time when the shooting instruction is input by pressing the shutter button 9a, and the shooting processing is performed. After that, an instruction to close the lens barrier 112 is given to the lens barrier driving unit 13
Send to. Further, when the selection input for immediately opening the lens barrier 112 is performed by operating the changeover switch 9d, the control unit 63 transmits a signal instructing the opening of the lens barrier 112 to the lens barrier driving unit 13, and thereafter, When there is an instruction to turn off the power, an instruction to close the lens barrier 112 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (see FIG. 6 above).

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 73 stores in advance various control programs executed by the control unit 63, various data necessary for executing the programs, and the like. In particular, the ROM 73 stores a program for opening / closing the lens barrier 112 shown in the flowchart of FIG. Also, the program is a memory card 11a
The same operation can be performed even when stored in.

Next, the operation of the camera 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the opening / closing process of the lens barrier according to the third embodiment.

When the power is turned on by operating the power switch 9b (step S500), the control section 63 determines whether or not the changeover switch 9d is in the side instructing to open the lens barrier 112 (normal photographing mode). (Step S501), and the changeover switch 9d moves to the lens barrier 11
If the person instructing to release 2 is not on the side (step S
501; No), and it is monitored whether or not a shooting instruction is input by pressing the shutter button 9a (step S50).
2).

When the photographing instruction is input by pressing the shutter button 9a (step S502; Yes), the control section 63 sends a signal instructing the lens barrier 112 to be opened to the lens barrier driving section 13 (step S50).
3). As a result, the lens barrier 112 is opened.

After step S503, the control section 63 performs a photographing process (step S504), and the lens barrier 11
An instruction to close 2 is transmitted to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S505). This allows the lens barrier 1
12 is closed.

Next, the control unit 63 determines whether or not the power switch 9b is operated to input the instruction to turn off the power (step S506), and if the instruction to turn off the power is not input. (Step S506; N
o), if the instruction to turn off the power is input in step S502 (step S506; Yes),
Turn off the power.

Returning to step S501, description will be made. When the changeover switch 9d is in the side instructing to open the lens barrier 112 (normal shooting mode) (step S50)
1; Yes), the control unit 63 transmits an instruction to open the lens barrier 112 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S507). As a result, the lens barrier 112 is opened.

After step S507, the control unit 63 monitors whether or not a shooting instruction is input by pressing the shutter button 9a (step S508). If the shooting instruction is input (step S508; Yes), the shooting is performed. Processing is performed (step S509).

After step S509, the control unit 63 determines whether the power switch 9b is operated to input an instruction to turn off the power (step S510), and the instruction to turn off the power is input. If not (step S510; No), the process proceeds to step S508, and if an instruction to turn off the power is input (step S50).
8; Yes), and transmits an instruction to close the lens barrier 112 to the lens barrier driving unit 13 (step S51).
1) The power is turned off after the lens barrier 112 is closed.

As described above, the camera 300 according to the third embodiment, which does not have the AF and AE functions, controls the opening / closing timing of the lens barrier 112, and in the modes other than the normal photographing mode, photographing is performed by pressing the shutter button 9a. The lens barrier 112 is opened only when an instruction is input,
In other cases, the lens barrier 112 is closed.

Therefore, even in the camera 300 that does not have the AF and AE functions, the lens barrier 112 can be used only during photographing.
Since the lens cover glass 116 is opened, the time for exposing the lens cover glass 116 to the outside is shortened, and the lens cover glass 116
In addition, it is possible to realize the camera 300 in which dirt from the outside, such as rain, water splashes, dust, etc., is unlikely to adhere.

The description in the third embodiment shows one example of the camera according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of the digital camera 300 according to the third embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the lens barrier 112 is attached to the housing 110.
b The structure may be provided inside, or the lens barrier 112 may be manually moved when the dirt on the surface of the lens cover glass 116 is wiped using the wiper 112a. good.

Further, the camera 300 according to the third embodiment.
The digital camera has been described, but it may be a camera that records a captured image on a photographic film.

[0095]

According to the inventions of claims 1, 4, and 5,
When capturing imaging light through the imaging lens, particularly when a shooting instruction is input, or in an imaging device that can perform exposure adjustment and focus adjustment based on the imaging light, an instruction to perform exposure adjustment or focus adjustment If there is, the lens protection unit is moved from the incident surface of the image pickup lens, so that the time for which the image pickup lens is exposed to the outside is reduced, and the image pickup lens is not contaminated by rain, water droplets, dust, or the like. It is possible to realize an imaging device that is hard to adhere.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the imaging light can be taken in even if the lens protection portion is on the incident surface of the image pickup lens, the lens protection portion covers the incident surface of the image pickup lens. The exposure adjustment and focus adjustment based on the imaging light can be performed, and the captured image can be displayed. Therefore, even with an image pickup apparatus having high functions such as exposure adjustment and focus adjustment, the lens protection unit may be moved from the incident surface of the image pickup lens at the start of shooting after exposure adjustment or focus adjustment. The time for exposing the image pickup lens to the outside can be reduced, and an image pickup apparatus in which dirt from the outside such as rain, water splashes, dust, etc. is even less likely to adhere to the image pickup lens can be realized.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when the image pickup lens is contaminated by rain, water droplets, dust or the like from the outside, it is swept every time the lens protection unit moves on the image pickup lens. Since the dirt is wiped off by the section, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as shooting while the dirt is still attached to the imaging lens or covering the imaging lens with the lens protection unit (that is, the imaging lens is stored). .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a camera 1 according to a first embodiment.
00 is a view showing a front portion of the camera 100, and FIG.
It is a figure which shows the back surface part.

FIG. 2 is a main part configuration diagram perspectively showing a structure around an opening 111 of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an opening / closing process of a lens barrier according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an opening / closing process of a lens barrier according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an opening / closing process of a lens barrier according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 200, 300 cameras 110a, 110b housing 10a Optical viewfinder 111 opening 112, 120 lens barrier 112a wiper 113 axes 114 spring 115 piston 116 lens cover glass 1 lens unit 2 CCD 3 A / D conversion circuit 4 Image processing circuit 6, 62, 63 Control unit 7, 72, 73 ROM 8 RAM 9 Operation part 9a Shutter button 9b power switch 9c LCD on / off switch 9d changeover switch 10 Display 10b LCD monitor 11 card slots 11a memory card 12 strobes 13 Lens barrier drive

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a lens protection section that covers an incident surface on which image pickup light is incident on an image pickup lens; and a drive section that drives the lens protection section, when a shooting instruction is input or when focusing is performed. A control unit that controls the drive unit so that the lens protection unit is moved from the incident surface of the imaging lens and the imaging light is incident on the imaging lens when an instruction to perform adjustment or exposure adjustment is input. An image pickup apparatus comprising: 2. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the lens protection portion has a light-transmitting property. 3. The lens protection unit includes a wiping unit that wipes off dirt adhering to an incident surface of the image pickup lens when moving on the image pickup lens. The imaging device according to any one of claims. 4. In an image pickup method for driving a lens protection unit that covers an incident surface on which image pickup light is incident on an image pickup lens, an image pickup instruction is input, or an instruction to perform focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is input. And a control step of controlling the lens protection unit to move from the incident surface of the image pickup lens so that the image pickup light is incident on the image pickup lens. And the imaging method. 5. An image pickup program for driving a lens protection unit that covers an incident surface on which image pickup light is incident on an image pickup lens, or an instruction for performing focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is input. And a control step of controlling the lens protection unit to move from the incident surface of the image pickup lens so that the image pickup light is incident on the image pickup lens. An imaging program operable on the imaging device.