JP2004242158A - Electronic image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic image pickup device capable of shortening a photographing interval at the time of performing consecutive photographing. <P>SOLUTION: This electronic image pickup device comprises an imaging optical system 12a for forming an optical image of a subject, an image pickup element 27 for converting the optical image formed by the imaging optical system 12a into an electrical signal, a dust-proofing filter 21 arranged between the imaging optical system 12a and the image pickup element 27 and for preventing dirt, dust, etc., from attaching to a photoelectric conversion surface of the image pickup element 27, and a microcomputer 150 for body control which makes the dust-proofing filter 21 perform dirt and dust elimination operation by making the dust-proofing filter 21 vibrate with a prescribed frequency. In a consecutive photographing mode, the microcomputer 150 for body control performs dirt and dust elimination operation by the dust-proofing filter 21 only for a period of time enough to eliminate dirt and dust before the first photographing operation and makes control so as not to perform the dirt and dust elimination operation at the time of performing the second and subsequent photographing operations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic imaging device having an image sensor, and more particularly, to an electronic imaging device having a dustproof function capable of removing dust attached to components such as a camera system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a technique relating to a dustproof function of an optical device, a technique has been proposed in which a protective glass (dustproof glass) for protecting an image sensor is vibrated to remove dust attached to the glass. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-204379 discloses one example, in which a piezoelectric element is used as means for vibrating a glass plate. The piezoelectric element expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage, and vibrates the attached glass plate at one predetermined cycle.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
There are various photographing modes in the electronic imaging device. For example, there is a continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of image data are continuously captured by one operation of the release SW. In this case, it is desirable to perform the photographing operation in a state where dust is completely removed, but for that purpose, it is necessary to vibrate the dust-proof glass for each photographing operation. However, with this vibration operation, the release time lag increases and the continuous shooting speed decreases. The prior art including the above publication does not propose a specific method for solving such a problem.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic imaging apparatus capable of performing a dust removing operation without lowering a continuous shooting speed. Is to do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is an electronic imaging apparatus having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation, wherein the imaging optical system forms an optical image of a subject; A photoelectric conversion unit that converts an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electric signal, and is disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion unit, such as dust on the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit. A dustproof filter for preventing adhesion, and control means for causing the dustproof filter to perform a dust removing operation by vibrating the dustproof filter at a predetermined frequency, the control means in the continuous shooting mode, The dust removing operation by the dust filter is performed prior to the first photographing operation, and control is performed so that the dust removing operation is not performed during the second and subsequent photographing operations.
[0006]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging apparatus having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation, wherein the imaging optical system forms an optical image of a subject and the imaging optical system forms the image. Photoelectric conversion means for converting the optical image into an electric signal, and a dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion means, for preventing adhesion of dust or the like to the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion means. Control means for causing the dustproof filter to perform a dust removing operation by vibrating the dustproof filter at a predetermined frequency, wherein the control means performs the dust removing operation by the dustproof filter in the continuous shooting mode. Is performed for a first time prior to the first photographing operation, and the dust removing operation is performed for a second time shorter than the first time by a predetermined time during the second and subsequent photographing operations. To control to.
[0007]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging apparatus having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation, wherein the imaging optical system forms an optical image of a subject and the imaging optical system forms the image. Photoelectric conversion means for converting the optical image into an electric signal, and a dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion means, for preventing adhesion of dust or the like to the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion means. Control means for causing the dust-proof filter to perform a dust removing operation by vibrating the dust-proof filter at a predetermined frequency, wherein the control means is configured to perform a first operation by the dust-proof filter in the continuous shooting mode. The dust removing operation is performed prior to the first photographing operation, and during the second and subsequent photographing operations, the second dust removing operation is performed at a frequency different from that of the first dust removing operation in parallel with the photographing operation. To control such.
[0008]
According to a fourth aspect, in the electronic imaging device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a piezoelectric element is provided at a peripheral portion of the dust-proof filter, and the dust-proof filter is provided by vibrating the piezoelectric element. Vibrate the filter.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
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 camera body with a part thereof cut away.
[0011]
The camera 1 of the present embodiment includes a camera body 11 and a lens unit 12 which are separately formed, and both the camera body 11 and the lens unit 12 are configured to be detachable from each other. .
[0012]
The lens unit 12 is configured to internally hold a photographing optical system 12a including a plurality of lenses and a driving mechanism thereof.
[0013]
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 constituted by a plurality of optical lenses and the like.
[0014]
The lens unit 12 is disposed so as to protrude toward the front of the camera body 11.
[0015]
Further, the camera body 11 is configured to include various constituent members and the like therein, and is a photographing optical system as a connecting member for detachably disposing the lens unit 12 holding the photographing optical system 12a. This is a so-called single-lens reflex camera having a mounting portion 11a on its front surface.
[0016]
That is, an exposure opening having a predetermined diameter capable of guiding a subject light beam 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.
[0017]
Further, 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 the upper surface portion and the rear surface portion, for example, A release button 17 and the like for generating an instruction signal and the like for starting a photographing operation are provided.
[0018]
The camera body 11 includes various components such as a finder device 13 that forms a so-called observation optical system, a shutter mechanism that controls the irradiation time of the subject light beam to the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor, and the like. Shutter unit 14, an image sensor (not shown) for obtaining 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. In addition to an image pickup unit 15 including a dustproof filter (also referred to as dustproof glass) 21 which is a dustproof member for preventing adhesion, a main circuit board 16 on which various electric members constituting an electric circuit are mounted, and a plurality of circuit boards ( And the like, only the main circuit board 16 is shown at predetermined positions.
[0019]
The finder device 13 receives a light beam emitted from the reflecting mirror 13b, and a reflecting mirror 13b configured to bend the optical axis of the object light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 12a and guide the light beam toward the observation optical system. It is composed of a pentaprism 13a for forming an erect image and an eyepiece 13c for forming an image in an optimal form for magnifying and observing the image formed by the pentaprism 13a.
[0020]
The reflecting mirror 13b is configured to be movable between a position retracted from the optical axis of the imaging optical system 12a and a predetermined position on the optical axis. In a normal state, the reflecting mirror 13b is positioned on the optical axis of the imaging optical system 12a. They are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, for example, at an angle of 45 degrees.
[0021]
Thus, when the camera 1 is in a normal state, the optical axis of the subject light flux transmitted through the imaging optical system 12a is bent by the reflecting mirror 13b, and the luminous flux of the pentaprism 13a disposed above the reflecting mirror 13b is increased. It is reflected to the side.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
Further, as the shutter unit 14, for example, a shutter mechanism of a focal plane system, a driving circuit thereof, and the like similar to those generally used in a conventional camera or the like are applied.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]
That is, the camera system of this embodiment mainly includes a camera body 11 and a lens unit 12 as an interchangeable lens, and a desired lens unit 12 is detachably mounted on the front surface of the camera body 11. ing.
[0026]
The lens unit 12 is controlled by a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “Lucom”) 205.
[0027]
The control of the camera body 11 is performed by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as Bucom) 150.
[0028]
The Lucom 205 and the Bucom 150 are electrically connected via the communication connector 206 so that they can communicate with each other at the time of combination.
[0029]
In this case, the Lucom 205 operates as a camera system while subordinately cooperating with the Bucom 150.
[0030]
In the lens unit 12, a photographic optical system 12a and an aperture 203 are provided.
[0031]
The photographing optical system 12a is driven by a DC motor (not shown) in the lens driving mechanism 202.
[0032]
The aperture 203 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) in the aperture drive mechanism 204.
[0033]
The Lucom 205 controls each of these motors according to a command from the Bucom 150.
[0034]
The following components are arranged in the camera body 11 as shown in the figure.
[0035]
For example, single-lens reflex type components (pentaprism 13a, reflecting mirror 13b, eyepiece 13c, sub-mirror 114) as an optical system, focal-plane shutter 115 on the optical axis, and reflected light from sub-mirror 14 And an AF sensor unit 116 for automatic distance measurement in response to the received signal.
[0036]
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 rear curtain of the shutter 115 are charged. A shutter charging mechanism 119, a shutter control circuit 120 for controlling the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain, and a photometry circuit 121 for performing photometry processing based on the light beam from the pentaprism 13a.
[0037]
On the optical axis, an image pickup device (CCD unit) 27 for photoelectrically converting a subject image passing through the optical system is provided as a photoelectric conversion device.
[0038]
In this case, the image sensor 27 is protected by a dust filter 21 made of a transparent glass member as an optical element disposed between the image sensor 27 and the photographing optical system 12a.
[0039]
For example, a piezoelectric element 22 is attached to the periphery of the dustproof filter 21 as a part of a vibration unit that vibrates the dustproof filter 21 at a predetermined frequency.
[0040]
Further, the piezoelectric element 22 has two electrodes, and the piezoelectric element 22 vibrates the dustproof filter 21 by a dustproof filter driving circuit 140 as a part of the vibrating means, and the dust adhering to the glass surface thereof. Is configured to be able to be removed.
[0041]
Note that a temperature measurement circuit 133 is provided near the dustproof filter 21 to measure the temperature around the image sensor 27.
[0042]
The camera system also includes an image processing controller that performs image processing using an interface circuit 123 connected to the image sensor 27, a liquid crystal monitor 124, an SDRAM 125 provided as a storage area, a FlashROM 126, a recording medium 127, and the like. 128 are provided so as to provide an electronic record display function together with an electronic imaging function.
[0043]
As another storage area, a non-volatile memory 129 made of, for example, an EEPROM is provided as a non-volatile storage unit for storing predetermined control parameters required for camera control, and is accessible from the Bucom 150.
[0044]
Further, the Bucom 150 is provided with an operation display LCD 151 for notifying the user of the operation state of the camera by a display output, and a camera operation switch (SW) 152.
[0045]
The camera operation SW 152 is a group of switches including operation buttons required to operate the camera, such as a release SW, a mode change SW, and a power switch.
[0046]
Further, a battery 154 as a power supply and a power supply circuit 153 for converting the voltage of the power supply to a voltage required by each circuit unit constituting the camera system and supplying the converted voltage are provided.
[0047]
Next, the operation of the camera system configured as described above will be described. Each section of the camera system operates as follows.
[0048]
First, the image processing controller 128 controls the interface circuit 123 in accordance with a command from the Bucom 150 to capture image data from the image sensor 27.
[0049]
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.
[0050]
The user can check the captured image from the display image on the liquid crystal monitor 124.
[0051]
The SDRAM 125 is a memory for temporarily storing image data, and is used as a work area when the image data is converted.
[0052]
The image data is set to be stored in the recording medium 127 after being converted into JPEG data.
[0053]
The image sensor 27 is protected by the dustproof filter 21 made of a transparent glass member as described above.
[0054]
A piezoelectric element 22 for vibrating the glass surface is arranged on the periphery of the dustproof filter 21. The piezoelectric element 22 is also used as a driving unit of the piezoelectric element 22 as described later in detail. It is driven by the working dust filter drive circuit 140.
[0055]
It is more preferable that the imaging element 27 and the piezoelectric element 22 are integrally housed in a case surrounded by a frame as shown by a broken line, with the dustproof filter 21 as one surface.
[0056]
Normally, temperature affects the elastic modulus of a glass material and is one of the factors that change its natural frequency. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the temperature during operation and consider the change in its natural frequency. No.
[0057]
It is better to measure the temperature change of the dustproof filter 21 provided to protect the front surface of the image sensor 27 whose temperature rises sharply during operation, and to estimate the natural frequency at that time.
[0058]
Therefore, in the case of this example, a sensor (not shown) connected to the temperature measuring circuit 133 is provided to measure the ambient temperature of the image sensor 27.
[0059]
It is preferable that the temperature measurement point of the sensor is set very close to the vibration surface of the dustproof filter 21.
[0060]
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 transmitted to the AF sensor unit 116 The light is divided and guided to the prism 13a side.
[0061]
The output from the AF sensor in the AF sensor unit 116 is transmitted to the Bucom 150 via the AF sensor drive circuit 117, and a known distance measurement process is performed.
[0062]
Further, while the user can view the subject from the eyepiece 13c adjacent to the pentaprism 13a, a part of the light beam passing through the pentaprism 13a is guided to a photosensor (not shown) in the photometric circuit 121, where it is detected. A well-known photometric process is performed based on the light amount thus obtained.
[0063]
Next, details of the imaging unit 15 in the camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
[0064]
FIGS. 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 of the imaging unit in an exploded manner. is there. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the assembled imaging unit in a cutaway view, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cut surface of FIG.
[0065]
Note that the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1 according to the present embodiment is a unit including a plurality of members including the shutter unit 14 as described above. However, in FIGS. The illustration of the shutter section 14 is omitted.
[0066]
In addition, in order to show the positional relationship between the constituent members, in FIGS. 3 to 5, it is provided in the vicinity of the image pickup unit 15 and the image pickup device 27 is mounted. The image pickup device 27 includes an image signal processing circuit and a work memory. FIG. 2 also shows a main circuit board 16 on which an electric circuit of an imaging system is mounted.
[0067]
Note that the details of the main circuit board 16 itself are applied to those generally used in conventional cameras and the like, and description thereof is omitted.
[0068]
The imaging unit 15 is composed of a CCD or the like, and transmits an image signal corresponding to the light irradiated on its own photoelectric conversion surface through the imaging optical system 12a, and a thin plate-shaped fixedly supporting the imaging element 27. An image sensor fixing plate 28 made of a member and an optical element arranged on the side of the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 27 and formed to remove high frequency components from a subject light beam transmitted through the imaging optical system 12a and irradiated. An optical low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as an optical LPF) 25, and a low-pass filter receiving member that is disposed at a peripheral portion between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 and that is formed by a substantially frame-shaped elastic member or the like. The optical LPF 25 (optical element) is held in close contact with the peripheral portion or a portion in the vicinity thereof, and the image pickup device 27 is housed and fixedly held therein. An imaging element housing case member 24 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD case 24) disposed so that a predetermined portion is in close contact with a dust-proof filter receiving member 23 to be described later; A dust-proof filter receiving member 23 that supports the filter 21 in close contact with its peripheral portion or a portion in the vicinity thereof; and a photoelectric conversion surface side of the image sensor 27 supported by the dust-proof filter receiving member 23 and a front side of the optical LPF 25. , A dust-proof filter 21 which is a dust-proof member opposed to a predetermined position having a predetermined interval between the optical LPFs 25, and a predetermined vibration which is provided on a peripheral portion of the dust-proof filter 21 and which has a predetermined vibration. And a piezoelectric element 22 composed of an electromechanical transducer or the like and a dustproof filter 21 It is constituted by a pressing member 20 made of an elastic body and the like for airtightly joining and fixing and holding the filter receiving member 23.
[0069]
The imaging element 27 receives the subject luminous flux transmitted through the imaging optical system 12a on its own photoelectric conversion surface and performs a photoelectric conversion process to obtain an image signal corresponding to the subject image formed on the photoelectric conversion surface. For example, a charge coupled device (CCD; Charge Coupled Device) is used.
[0070]
The image sensor 27 is mounted at a predetermined position on the main circuit board 16 via an image sensor fixing plate 28.
[0071]
The image signal processing circuit, the work memory, and the like are mounted on the main circuit board 16 as described above, and the signal output from the image sensor 27 is processed by these circuits.
[0072]
On the front side of the image pickup device 27, an optical LPF 25 is provided with a low-pass filter receiving member 26 interposed therebetween.
[0073]
A CCD case 24 is provided so as to cover the image sensor 27, the low-pass filter receiving member 26, and the optical LPF 25.
[0074]
That is, the CCD case 24 is provided with an opening 24c having a rectangular shape at a substantially central portion, and the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 are arranged in the opening 24c from the rear side. .
[0075]
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.
[0076]
As described above, the low-pass filter receiving member 26 made of an elastic member or the like is provided between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27.
[0077]
The low-pass filter receiving member 26 is arranged at a position on the front edge of the imaging device 27 that avoids the effective range of the photoelectric conversion surface, and comes into contact with the vicinity of the rear edge of the optical LPF 25. I have.
[0078]
The airtightness between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 is maintained.
[0079]
As a result, an elastic force in the optical axis direction by the low-pass filter receiving member 26 acts on the optical LPF 25.
[0080]
Therefore, a low-pass filter that displaces the optical LPF 25 in the optical axis direction by arranging the peripheral portion on the front side of the optical LPF 25 so as to be substantially airtightly contacted with the step 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.
[0081]
In other words, the position of the optical LPF 25 inserted from the rear 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.
[0082]
Thus, the optical LPF 25 does not escape from the inside of the CCD case 24 toward the front side.
[0083]
After the optical LPF 25 is inserted into the opening 24c of the CCD case 24 from the rear side in this way, the imaging element 27 is disposed on the rear side of the optical LPF 25.
[0084]
In this case, a low-pass filter receiving member 26 is sandwiched between the optical LPF 25 and the image sensor 27 at the peripheral edge.
[0085]
The image sensor 27 is mounted on the main circuit board 16 with the image sensor fixing plate 28 interposed therebetween as described above.
[0086]
The image sensor fixing plate 28 is fixed to the screw hole 24e from the rear side of the CCD case 24 by a screw 28b via a spacer 28a.
[0087]
The main circuit board 16 is fixed to the image sensor fixing plate 28 by screws 16d via spacers 16c.
[0088]
On the front side of the CCD case 24, a dust filter receiving member 23 is fixed to a screw hole 24b of the CCD case 24 by a screw 23b.
[0089]
In this case, a peripheral 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.
[0090]
On the other hand, an annular convex portion 23d (not shown in FIG. 3) corresponding to the peripheral groove 24d of the CCD case 24 is entirely provided at a predetermined position on the peripheral side and the rear side of the dustproof filter receiving member 23. It is formed in a substantially annular shape over the circumference.
[0091]
Therefore, the CCD case 24 and the dust-proof filter receiving member 23 are formed in an annular region, that is, in a region where the peripheral groove 24d and the annular convex portion 23d are formed by fitting the annular convex portion 23d and the peripheral groove 24d. They are fitted with each other substantially airtightly.
[0092]
The dustproof filter 21 has a circular or polygonal plate shape as a whole, and at least an area having a predetermined spread in a radial direction from its own center forms a transparent portion, and this transparent portion is provided on a front side of the optical LPF 25. Are arranged facing each other with an interval of.
[0093]
A predetermined vibrating member for applying vibration to the dustproof filter 21 is provided on a peripheral portion of one surface (the rear side in the present embodiment) of the dustproof filter 21. The piezoelectric elements 22 to be formed are arranged so as to be integrated, for example, by means such as sticking with an adhesive.
[0094]
The piezoelectric element 22 is configured so that a predetermined vibration can be generated in the dustproof filter 21 by applying a predetermined driving voltage from the outside.
[0095]
The dust 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 dust filter receiving member 23.
[0096]
An opening 23f having a circular or polygonal shape is provided in the vicinity of a substantially central portion of the dustproof filter receiving member 23.
[0097]
The opening 23f is set to be large enough to allow the light beam of the subject transmitted through the imaging optical system 12a to pass therethrough and to irradiate the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 27 disposed behind the light beam. ing.
[0098]
A wall portion 23e (see FIGS. 4 and 5) protruding toward the front side is formed in a substantially annular shape at a peripheral portion of the opening 23f, and the front end side of the wall portion 23e further faces the front side. A receiving portion 23c is formed so as to protrude.
[0099]
On the other hand, in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the front side of the dust-proof filter receiving member 23, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) projections 23a are formed at predetermined positions so as to project toward the front side. .
[0100]
The protruding portion 23a is a portion formed for fixing the pressing member 20 for fixing and holding the dustproof filter 21, and the pressing member 20 is formed with a screw 20a or the like with respect to the tip of the protruding portion 23a. Are fixed by the fastening means.
[0101]
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 23 a and a free end contacting the outer peripheral edge of the dustproof filter 21. By being in contact, the dustproof filter 21 is pressed toward the dustproof filter receiving member 23, that is, in the optical axis direction.
[0102]
In this case, when a predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element 22 disposed on the outer peripheral edge on the back side of the dustproof filter 21 contacts the receiving portion 23c, the position of the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 in the optical axis direction is adjusted. Are being regulated.
[0103]
Thus, the dustproof filter 21 is fixedly held so as to be airtightly joined to the dustproof filter receiving member 23 via the piezoelectric element 22.
[0104]
In other words, the dust-proof filter receiving member 23 is configured to be airtightly joined to the dust-proof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 by the urging force of the pressing member 20.
[0105]
As described above, the dust-proof 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 substantially airtightly fitted to each other. At the same time, the dust filter receiving member 23 and the dust filter 21 are hermetically joined via the piezoelectric element 22 by the urging force of the pressing member 20.
[0106]
The optical LPF 25 disposed in the CCD case 24 is disposed so as to be substantially airtight between the peripheral edge on the front side of the optical LPF 25 and the step 24a of the CCD case 24.
[0107]
Further, on the rear side of the optical LPF 25, an image sensor 27 is disposed 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.
[0108]
Thus, a predetermined gap 51a is formed in a space between the optical LPF 25 and the dustproof filter 21.
[0109]
A space 51 b is formed by the peripheral side of the optical LPF 25, that is, the CCD case 24, the dust filter receiving member 23, and the dust filter 21.
[0110]
The space 51b is a sealed space formed so as to protrude outside the optical LPF 25 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0111]
The space 51b is set to be a space wider than the space 51a.
[0112]
The space formed by the gap 51a and the space 51b is a sealed space 51 which is substantially airtightly sealed by the CCD case 24, the dust filter receiving member 23, the dust filter 21, and the optical LPF 25 as described above. ing.
[0113]
As described above, in the imaging unit 15 of the camera according to the present embodiment, the sealing structure that forms the substantially sealed space 51 that is formed around the optical LPF 25 and the dustproof filter 21 and that includes the gap 51 a is configured. I have.
[0114]
The sealing structure is provided at a position outside the periphery of the optical LPF 25 or its vicinity.
[0115]
Further, in the present embodiment, the dustproof filter receiving member 23 which is the first member for supporting the dustproof filter 21 in close contact with the peripheral portion or in the vicinity thereof, and the optical LPF 25 in close contact with the peripheral portion or in the vicinity thereof. The sealing structure is constituted by the CCD case 24 and the like, which is a second member disposed so as to be in close contact with the dust-proof filter receiving member 23 at a predetermined position of the self.
[0116]
In the camera according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the dustproof filter 21 is disposed at a predetermined position on the front side of the image pickup device 27 so as to be formed on the periphery of the photoelectric conversion surface of the image pickup device 27 and the dustproof filter 21. By sealing the sealing space 51 to be sealed, dust and the like are prevented from adhering to the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 27.
[0117]
In this case, a periodic voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22 disposed integrally with the periphery of the dust-proof filter 21 for dust and the like adhering to the exposed surface on the front side of the dust-proof filter 21. Then, by applying a predetermined vibration to the dustproof filter 21, the dustproof filter 21 can be removed.
[0118]
FIG. 6 is a front view showing only the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 provided integrally with the dustproof filter 21 of the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1.
[0119]
7 and 8 show the state change of the dust filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 is along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.
[0120]
Here, for example, when a negative (minus;-) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22, the dustproof filter 21 is deformed as shown by a solid line in FIGS. ; +) When a voltage is applied, the dustproof filter 21 is deformed as shown by a dotted line in FIG.
[0121]
In this case, the amplitude is substantially zero at the position of the node of the vibration as indicated by the reference numeral 21a in FIGS. 6 to 8, so that the receiving portion of the dustproof filter receiving member 23 is provided at a portion corresponding to the node 21a. 23c is set to abut.
[0122]
Thereby, the dust filter 21 can be efficiently supported without hindering the vibration of the dust filter 21.
[0123]
In this state, by controlling the dust filter driving unit 48 at a predetermined time and applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element 22, the dust filter 21 vibrates, and the surface of the dust filter 21 The attached dust is removed.
[0124]
The resonance frequency at this time is determined by the shape, plate thickness, material and the like of the dustproof filter 21.
[0125]
In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 described above, the case where the primary vibration is generated is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and higher-order vibration may be generated.
[0126]
Next, a method for driving the dustproof filter 21 of the camera with the dustproof function according to the present embodiment will be described based on a circuit diagram of the dustproof filter driving circuit 140 as shown in FIG. 9 and a time chart shown in FIG.
[0127]
The dust filter driving circuit 48 exemplified here has a circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 9, and signals (Sig1 to Sig4) having waveforms shown in the time chart of FIG. Is controlled as follows.
[0128]
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the dustproof 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. It comprises a transformer 245 and a resistor (R00) 246.
[0129]
The transistor (Q01) 244b and the transistor (Q02) 244c connected to the primary side of the transformer 245 are turned on / off to generate a signal (Sig4) having a predetermined period on the secondary side of the transformer 245. The piezoelectric element 22 is driven based on the signal of the predetermined period, and the dustproof filter 21 resonates.
[0130]
The Bucom 150 controls the dust filter drive circuit 140 via two IO ports P_PwCont and D_NCnt provided as control ports and a clock generator 255 existing inside 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.
[0131]
This output signal is signal Sig1 having a waveform represented by the time chart in FIG. This basic clock signal is input to the N-ary counter 241.
[0132]
The N-ary counter 241 counts the pulse signal and outputs a count end pulse signal each time the pulse signal reaches a predetermined value “N”. That is, the basic clock signal is divided by 1 / N. This output signal is signal Sig2 having a waveform shown in the time chart of FIG.
[0133]
In the frequency-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 dividing circuit 242. The converted pulse signal corresponds to the signal Sig3 having the waveform shown in the time chart of FIG.
[0134]
In the High state of the converted pulse signal, the MOS transistor (Q01) 244b to which this signal has been input is turned on. On the other hand, the pulse signal is applied to the transistor (Q02) 244c via the inverter 243. Therefore, in a low state of the pulse signal, the transistor (Q02) 244c to which the 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 turned on alternately, a signal having a cycle like the signal Sig4 in FIG. 10 is generated on the secondary side.
[0135]
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 required for driving the piezoelectric element 22. Note that the resistor (R00) 246 is provided to restrict an excessive current from flowing through the transformer 245.
[0136]
When driving the piezoelectric element 22, the transistor (Q00) 244a must be in the 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”.
[0137]
Here, the drive frequency can be calculated by the following equation.
[0138]
fdrv = fpls / 2N (Expression 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,
The calculation based on the equation 1 is performed by the CPU (control means) of the Bucom 150.
[0139]
(1st 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.
[0140]
The Bucom 150 starts operating when the power switch of the camera is turned on. In step S100, a process for activating the camera system is executed. The power supply circuit 153 is controlled to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the camera system. In addition, initialization of each circuit is performed.
[0141]
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.
[0142]
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, and the process proceeds from step S102 to step S103, where a dustproof operation (dust removing operation) is performed. You. The value set in the N-ary counter 241 to vibrate the dustproof filter 21 at the resonance frequency (f0) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. It is assumed that the time (T0) for exciting the dustproof filter 21 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. In the present embodiment, a dustproof operation is performed based on these data.
[0143]
If the lens unit 12 is not mounted on 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 of periodically monitoring the state of the camera operation SW 152. In step S105, it is determined whether or not the photographing mode selection SW, which is one of the camera operation SWs 152, has been operated. If it is determined that the photographing mode selection SW has been operated, the process proceeds from step S105 to step S106.
[0144]
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 photographing operation is continuously performed until the user turns off the release SW or the memory for recording the image data is filled with the data. When the continuous shooting mode is not set, the shooting operation is performed only once even if the release SW is turned on, and the shooting operation is not performed continuously. In order to execute the photographing operation again, the release SW must be turned off once and then turned on.
[0145]
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 first release SW, which is one of the camera operation switches 152, is determined. If the first release SW has been operated, the process proceeds to step S108, and if not, the process proceeds to step S101.
[0146]
In step S108, 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.
[0147]
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.
[0148]
In step S110, it is determined whether or not the calculated shift amount is within the permitted range. If NO, drive control of the photographing lens in the photographing optical system 12a is performed in step S111, and the process returns to step S101.
[0149]
On the other hand, if the shift amount is within the permitted range, the process proceeds to step S112.
[0150]
In step S112, the operation state of the second release switch, which is one of the camera operation switches 152, is determined. If the second release SW has been operated, the process proceeds to step S113, and if not, the process proceeds to step S101.
[0151]
In step S113, it is determined whether the shooting mode is set to the continuous shooting mode. If the camera is not in the continuous shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S115 to execute a dustproof operation prior to the shooting operation. The operation in step S115 is the same operation as step S103 described above. When the continuous shooting mode is not set, the interval between the shooting operation and the next shooting operation is long, so that the probability that dust and the like adhere to the dustproof filter 21 increases. Therefore, the configuration is such that the dustproof operation is always performed before the photographing operation.
[0152]
If the continuous shooting mode is set in step S113, the process proceeds from step S113 to step S114. In step S114, the release SW is operated in the continuous shooting mode, and it is determined whether or not it is the first shooting operation. If it is the first photographing operation, it is necessary to execute a dustproof operation prior to the photographing operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if it is the second or subsequent shooting operation, the process proceeds from step S114 to step S116.
[0153]
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. If the exposure time is longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S115 to execute the dustproof operation. If the time is shorter than the predetermined time, the dust-proof operation is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step S117.
[0154]
In the continuous shooting mode, it is desired that the shooting operation is continuously performed at short intervals. Therefore, it is not desirable to execute the dustproof operation for each photographing operation. In addition, the operation of continuously photographing places a large load on the battery that supplies power to the system. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the battery even a little, the dust-proof operation of the second and subsequent consecutive shootings 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.
[0155]
In step S117, the aperture of the taking lens is controlled based on the Av value already calculated. Further, the shutter 14 is controlled based on the Tv value, the image sensor 27 is exposed, and image data is captured.
[0156]
In step S118, the captured image data is converted into a predetermined format and stored in a recording medium. Then, control goes to a step S101.
[0157]
Some recent electronic still cameras have a simple moving image photographing function (MJPEG). The present embodiment can be applied to such a camera. In the still image shooting mode, a dustproof operation is performed for each shooting operation. In the moving image shooting mode, the dustproof operation may be performed only at the start of shooting.
[0158]
According to the first embodiment described above, in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof operation by the dustproof 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, the photographing interval at the time of performing the continuous photographing can be shortened.
[0159]
(2nd 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.
[0160]
The Bucom 150 starts operating when the power switch of the camera is turned on. In step S200, processing for activating the camera system is performed. The power supply circuit is controlled to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the camera system. In addition, initialization of each circuit is performed.
[0161]
Step S201 is a step for detecting attachment / detachment of the lens unit 12 to / from 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 attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 12 is checked by periodically communicating with the Lucom 205.
[0162]
If it is detected in step S201 that the lens unit 12 has been 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 removing operation) is performed. You. The value set in the N-ary counter to vibrate the dustproof filter 21 at the resonance frequency (f0) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. The time (T0) for exciting the dustproof filter 21 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. In the present embodiment, a dustproof operation is performed based on these data.
[0163]
If the lens unit 12 is not mounted on 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 of periodically monitoring the state of the camera operation SW 152. In step S205, it is determined whether or not a shooting mode selection SW, which 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.
[0164]
In step S206, when the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode has already been set, the continuous shooting mode is released.
[0165]
If the shooting mode selection switch is not operated in step S205, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the operation state of the first release SW, which is one of the camera operation SWs 152, is determined. If the first release SW has been operated, the flow shifts to step S208; otherwise, the flow shifts to step S201.
[0166]
In step S208, 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.
[0167]
In step S209, 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.
[0168]
In step S210, it is determined whether or not the calculated shift amount is within the permitted range. If NO, drive control of the photographing lens in the photographing optical system 12a is performed in step S211 and the process returns to step S201.
[0169]
On the other hand, if the shift amount is within the permitted range, the process proceeds to step S212.
[0170]
In step S212, the operation state of the second release switch, which is one of the camera operation switches 152, is determined. If the second release SW has been operated, the process proceeds to step S213, and if not, the process proceeds to step S201.
[0171]
In step S213, it is determined whether the shooting mode is set to the continuous shooting mode. If the shooting mode is not the continuous shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S215 to execute the dustproof operation. The conditions of the dustproof operation performed in step S215 are the same as the operations in step S203 described above.
[0172]
If 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 this is the first photographing operation, it is necessary to surely remove dust adhering to the dustproof filter 21 prior to the photographing operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S215 to execute the dustproof operation under the same conditions as in step S203. The dustproof operation in step S203 is an operation executed when the lens unit 12 is mounted. Before mounting the lens unit 12, 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, a time is set in the dustproof operation performed in step S203 so that dust can be reliably removed. After step S215, control proceeds to step S217.
[0173]
On the other hand, if it is the second or subsequent shooting operation in step S214, the process proceeds from step S214 to step S216.
[0174]
The execution time T1 of the dustproof operation performed 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 performed at short intervals. Therefore, it is not desirable to execute a reliable dustproof operation for each photographing operation. In addition, if the dust is reliably removed in the first photographing operation during the continuous photographing operation, there is little problem even if the time of the dustproofing operation is shortened in the second and subsequent times. This is because there is little possibility that dust which is difficult to remove adheres in a short time between photographing. After step S216, the process moves to step S217.
[0175]
In step S217, the aperture of the photographing lens is controlled based on the Av value already calculated. Further, the shutter 14 is controlled based on the Tv value, the image sensor 27 is exposed, and image data is captured.
[0176]
In step S218, the image data is converted into a predetermined format and stored in the recording medium 127. Then, control goes to a step S201.
[0177]
According to the above-described second embodiment, in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof operation by the dustproof filter 21 is performed for a predetermined time (T0) before the first shooting operation, and during the second and subsequent shooting operations. Since the dustproof operation is performed only for a time (T1) shorter than the predetermined time (T0), the photographing interval at the time of performing the continuous photographing can be shortened.
[0178]
In addition, the vibration time of the dustproof filter 21 may be appropriately changed according to the number of continuous shootings.
[0179]
(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.
[0180]
The Bucom 150 starts operating when the power switch of the camera is turned on. In step S300, a process for activating the camera system is performed. The power supply circuit 153 is controlled to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the camera system. In addition, initialization of each circuit is performed.
[0181]
Step S301 is a step for detecting attachment / detachment of the lens unit 12 to / from 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 attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 12 is checked by periodically communicating with the Lucom 205.
[0182]
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, and the process proceeds from step S302 to step S303, where a dustproof operation (dust removing operation) is performed. You. The value set in the N-ary counter 24 to vibrate the dustproof filter 21 at the resonance frequency (f0) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. The time (T0) for exciting the dustproof filter 21 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 129. A dustproof operation is performed based on these data.
[0183]
If the lens unit 12 is not mounted on 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 of periodically monitoring the state of the camera operation SW 152. In step S305, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode selection SW, which 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.
[0184]
In step S306, when the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode has already been set, the continuous shooting mode is released.
[0185]
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 first release SW, which is one of the camera operation SWs 152, is determined. If the first release SW has been operated, the flow shifts to step S308. If the first release SW has not been operated, the flow shifts to step S301.
[0186]
In step S308, the luminance information of the subject is obtained from the photometric 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.
[0187]
In step S309, detection data of the AF sensor unit 116 is obtained via the AF sensor drive circuit 117. The amount of defocus is calculated based on this data.
[0188]
In step S310, it is determined whether or not the calculated shift amount is within the permitted range. If NO, drive control of the photographing lens in the photographing optical system 12a is performed in step S311 and the process returns to step S301.
[0189]
On the other hand, if the shift amount is within the permitted range, the process moves to step S312. In step S312, the operation state of the second release switch, which is one of the camera operation switches 152, is determined. If the second release SW has been operated, the flow proceeds to step S313, and if not, the flow proceeds to step S301.
[0190]
In step S313, it is determined whether the shooting mode is set to the continuous shooting mode. If the continuous shooting mode has not been 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.
[0191]
If the continuous shooting mode is selected in step S313, the process moves 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 performed. If this is the first photographing operation, it is necessary to surely remove dust adhering to the dustproof filter 21 prior to the photographing operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S315 to execute the dustproof operation under the same conditions as in step S303.
[0192]
On the other hand, if the photographing operation is the second or later photographing operation in step S314, the process proceeds to step S316 to set a drive flag as a control flag. When this flag is set, the dustproof operation is performed during the photographing operation. In the continuous shooting mode, it is desirable that the interval of the shooting operation is short. If the dustproof operation is performed between photographing operations, the interval increases, which is not desirable.
[0193]
Therefore, a dustproof operation is performed in parallel with the second and subsequent photographing operations. However, if the dustproof filter 21 is greatly deformed by the dustproof operation, the aberration of the photographing lens increases and the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, when the dustproof filter 21 is vibrated during the exposure of the image sensor 27, it is necessary to drive the dustproof filter 21 while suppressing the amount of deformation. The operation of the photographing operation in step S317 changes 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.
[0194]
In step S3170, the aperture of the photographing lens is controlled based on the Av value already calculated. Further, the shutter 14 is controlled based on the Tv value, and the image sensor 27 is exposed. Then, the image data is read.
[0195]
On the other hand, when the drive flag is set, the dustproof operation of step S3172 is performed in parallel with the operation of step S3170. The driving 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 deviating from f0, the amount of deformation of the dustproof filter 21 can be reduced. Δf indicates the amount of deviation from the resonance point. As long as the amount of deformation of the dustproof filter 21 is small, another vibration method may be adopted. Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-183269 filed by the present applicant discloses a method of vibrating a filter with a bending traveling wave. One means is to use this vibration method.
[0196]
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.
[0197]
According to the above-described third embodiment, in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof operation by the dustproof filter 21 is performed prior to the first shooting operation, and during the second and subsequent shooting operations, the dustproof operation is performed in parallel with the shooting operation. Since the dustproof operation is performed at a driving frequency (f0 + Δf) different from that of the dustproof operation, the photographing interval when performing the continuous photographing can be shortened.
[0198]
(Note)
The invention having the following configuration can be extracted from the specific embodiment described above.
[0199]
1. In a camera having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting the optical image into an electric signal,
A dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion unit and capable of vibrating at a set cycle;
Has,
A camera characterized in that when the continuous shooting operation is performed in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof filter is vibrated for a predetermined time prior to the start of the continuous shooting operation.
[0200]
2. Whether to execute the vibration operation of the dustproof filter is determined according to the exposure control time. Camera according to.
[0201]
3. In a camera having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting the optical image into an electric signal,
A dustproof filter that is disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion unit and vibrates for a predetermined time before a shooting operation;
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 continuous shootings.
[0202]
4. 2. The time of the dustproof operation prior to the first time of the continuous shooting is set longer than the time of the second and subsequent times. Camera according to.
[0203]
5. In a camera having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation,
Imaging means for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal;
An imaging optical system for guiding a subject light beam to the imaging means;
A dustproof filter arranged on the front of the imaging means,
Vibrating means for vibrating the dustproof filter;
Control means for controlling the driving of the vibrating means to remove dust adhering on the dustproof filter during execution of the imaging operation by the imaging means;
With
A camera characterized in that when the continuous shooting operation is performed in the continuous shooting mode, the dustproof filter is vibrated for a predetermined time prior to the start of the continuous shooting operation.
[0204]
6. 4. During the first photographing operation, the dust filter was not vibrated. Camera according to.
[0205]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging apparatus capable of shortening a shooting interval when performing continuous shooting.
[Brief description of 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.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1 according to the embodiment in an exploded manner.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the imaging unit 15 of the camera 1 according to the present embodiment in an assembled state.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section plane of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a front view showing only a dustproof filter 21 and a piezoelectric element 22 provided integrally with the dustproof filter 21 of the image pickup unit 15 of the camera 1;
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 6, showing a change in state of the dustproof filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22 of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 6, showing a state change of the dust filter 21 and the piezoelectric element 22 when a driving voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 22 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the dustproof filter driving circuit 140.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of driving a dustproof filter 21 of the camera with a dustproof function according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the Bucom 50 in the camera system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a Bucom 50 in a camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a Bucom 50 in a camera system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera, 11 ... Camera main body, 11a ... Photographing optical system mounting part, 12 ... Lens unit, 12a ... Photographing optical system, 13 ... Finder apparatus, 13a ... Penta prism, 13b ... Reflecting mirror, 13c ... Eyepiece, 14 ... Shutter unit, 15: imaging unit, 16: main circuit board, 17: release button, 21: dustproof filter, 28: image processing controller, 140: dustproof filter drive circuit, 150: microcomputer for controlling body (Bucom), 205 ... Microcomputer for lens control (Lucom).

Claims (4)

An electronic imaging device having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electric signal,
A dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion unit, for preventing adhesion of dust and the like to a photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit,
Control means for causing the dustproof filter to perform a dust removing operation by vibrating the dustproof filter at a predetermined frequency;
With
In the continuous shooting mode, the control unit performs a dust removing operation using the dust filter before the first shooting operation, and performs control so that the dust removing operation is not performed during the second and subsequent shooting operations. An electronic imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. An electronic imaging device having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electric signal,
A dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion unit, for preventing adhesion of dust and the like to a photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit,
Control means for causing the dustproof filter to perform a dust removing operation by vibrating the dustproof filter at a predetermined frequency;
With
In the continuous shooting mode, the control means performs a dust removing operation by the dust-proof filter for a first time prior to a first shooting operation, and performs the first time during a second or subsequent shooting operation. An electronic imaging apparatus, wherein control is performed such that the dust removing operation is performed for a second time shorter than a predetermined time. An electronic imaging device having a continuous shooting mode for continuously performing a shooting operation,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electric signal,
A dustproof filter disposed between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion unit, for preventing adhesion of dust and the like to a photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit,
Control means for causing the dustproof filter to perform a dust removing operation by vibrating the dustproof filter at a predetermined frequency;
With
In the continuous shooting mode, the control unit performs a first dust removal operation using the dustproof filter prior to a first shooting operation, and performs a second dust removal operation in parallel with the shooting operation during a second or subsequent shooting operation. An electronic imaging apparatus, wherein control is performed such that a second dust removing operation is performed at a frequency different from that of the first dust removing operation. 4. The electronic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a piezoelectric element is provided at a peripheral portion of the dust filter, and the dust filter is vibrated by vibrating the piezoelectric element. 5.

Images