JP2006033597A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus, in which the trash of a photographing system is removed at a low cost with simplified structure. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus is provided with: an imaging unit including an imaging device for photoelectrically converting a subject image; a holding means for holding the imaging unit to be movable in a prescribed direction; a driving means for driving the imaging unit in the prescribed direction; and a control means for starting a photographing preparing operation according to the input of a first signal. The control means drives the imaging unit via the driving means in a state where the first signal has not yet been inputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to cleaning of a photographing optical system such as an image pickup apparatus.

  Conventionally, there has been pointed out a problem that dust adheres to a photographing optical system in an imaging apparatus. In an analog imaging device using a silver salt film, for example, even if dust adheres to the film surface, the film is wound up after photographing, so that the influence of the adhered dust on photographing is not so noticeable.

  However, in an imaging device such as a digital camera that includes an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and handles a subject image as digital information, the dust attached to the low-pass filter or the image sensor surface is an analog image that uses a silver salt film. Since it is not wound up like an apparatus, it has an adverse effect on the entire photographing, which is a more serious problem.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a technique for removing dust adhering to the image sensor forcibly or dust adhering to an optical member such as a low-pass filter configured in a unit on the image sensor with a wiper driven by a motor. Has been proposed.

Further, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique in which when dust adheres to an optical member exposed to the outside, the dust is detected by a sensor and removed using vibration means (ultrasonic waves).
JP 2001-298640 A (paragraphs 0032, 0033, FIG. 3 etc.) JP 07-151946 A (paragraphs 0013, 0014, FIG. 1, etc.)

  However, in Patent Document 1, a wiper, a motor for driving the wiper, and the like must be provided, which causes a problem of increasing the size of the imaging apparatus and increasing the cost.

  Further, Patent Document 2 has the same problem as Patent Document 1 because the vibration means using ultrasonic waves is provided separately from the drive system of the imaging apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to realize an imaging apparatus that has a simplified configuration and can easily remove dust.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes an image pickup unit including an image pickup element that photoelectrically converts a subject image, a holding unit that holds the image pickup element movably in a predetermined direction, a drive unit that drives the image pickup unit in a predetermined direction, Control means for starting an imaging preparation operation in response to the input of the first signal, and the control means drives the imaging unit via the drive means in a state in which the first signal is not input. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to remove the dust attached to the imaging unit by driving the imaging unit before the shooting preparation operation, and it is not necessary to provide a dedicated dust removal configuration separately from the shooting system. , Low cost and downsizing can be realized.

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

  1 to 4 are diagrams showing a digital camera (imaging device) in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the digital camera.

  401 is a digital camera body, 402 is a finder optical system, 403 is a liquid crystal display unit for confirming a reproduced image, 404 is a backlight unit, and 405 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The obtained subject image is photoelectrically converted. Reference numeral 406 denotes a low-pass filter, reference numeral 407 denotes a voice coil motor unit that holds the image sensor 405, and reference numeral 408 denotes a shutter unit.

  Reference numeral 409 denotes a focus detection unit, and 410 denotes a quick return mirror, which reflects a light beam incident from a photographing lens system, which will be described later, and guides it to the finder optical system 402 via a pentaprism 415. A part of the light beam passes through the half mirror at the center of the mirror, is reflected by the mirror 411, and is guided to the focus detection unit 409 through the lens 412 and the mirror 413. Reference numeral 414 denotes a strobe light emitting unit.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the voice coil motor unit 407. The yokes 501 and 503 are bonded to the magnet 502. Similarly, the yokes 505 and 507 are also bonded to the magnet 506, and these are fixed to the base 504. 508a and 508b are the same coils, and are wound around the outer circumferences of bobbins 509a and 509b formed integrally with a holding member 513 on which the low-pass filter 406 and the image sensor 405 are provided.

  The yokes 501 and 503 and the yokes 505 and 507 are magnetized by the magnetic force of the magnets 502 and 506, and a magnetic flux is generated between the opposing yokes. When the coils 508a and 508b are energized, a current flows and is driven in a direction determined by Fleming's left-hand rule. Therefore, in this embodiment, the coils 508a and 508b are prevented from moving in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis A by the guide pins 510 and 511, and the optical axis A of the photographing lens system perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 405 is used. Driven along the guide pins 510, 511 in the direction.

  In addition, since the yokes 501 and 503 and the magnet 502, and the yokes 505 and 507 and the magnet 506 are fixed to the digital camera body 401 via the base 504, the image sensor 405 and the low-pass filter 406 side are driven. It has become.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera of this embodiment. Reference numeral 401 denotes a digital camera body. Reference numeral 2 denotes a photographing lens system including a zoom lens 3, a focus lens 4, and a diaphragm 7. The zoom lens 2 and the focus lens 3 may be composed of one or a plurality of lenses, or may be configured to be provided with a fixed lens group or the like.

  A zoom lens driving circuit 5 drives a motor for driving the zoom lens 3 in the direction of the optical axis A, and a focus lens driving circuit 6 drives a motor for driving the focus lens 4 in the direction of the optical axis A. is there. The zoom lens drive circuit 5 and the focus lens drive circuit 6 have a position encoder (not shown) that indicates the relative positional relationship between the zoom lens 3 and the focus lens 4.

  A zoom lens control circuit 21 acquires lens position information of the zoom lens 2 from a position encoder, calculates a drive amount to a desired lens position, and outputs a drive signal to the zoom lens drive circuit 5 of the photographing lens system 2. Then, zoom operation control is performed.

  A focus lens control circuit 20 calculates a drive amount to a desired lens position based on the defocus amount output from the focus detection unit 409, and outputs a drive signal to the focus lens drive circuit 5 to perform focus control. Do. 7 is an aperture unit, and 19 is an aperture control circuit. Reference numeral 17 denotes a shutter control circuit for controlling the driving of the shutter unit 408, which is controlled by a later-described camera control MCU 24.

  An imaging unit 12 includes an infrared cut filter, a low-pass filter 406, and an imaging element 405. Reference numeral 15 denotes an autofocus (AF) phase difference AF sensor constituting the focus detection unit 409, and 18 denotes an AF control circuit that calculates a defocus amount (defocus amount) from the output of the phase difference AF sensor 15.

  Reference numeral 22 denotes a voice coil motor capable of minute vibration or minute drive of the image pickup unit 12 (that is, the image pickup element 405), and is configured as the voice coil motor unit 407 described above. Reference numeral 16 denotes a motor control circuit that controls the drive of the voice coil motor 22.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a position detection circuit that detects the position of the imaging unit 12, and reference numeral 24 denotes a system control circuit (MCU) as a camera control microcontroller. The MCU 24 controls a mode dial 42 that changes modes, a switch detection circuit 43 that detects switches such as a release button, a strobe control circuit 31 that controls the strobe light emitting unit 414, and a photometry circuit 32 that performs photometry.

  Further, in the camera control MCU 24, a ROM for storing a program for executing a camera system operation, a RAM for storing variables, an EEPROM for storing correction data and other parameters (electrically erasable / writable) Memory). The camera control MCU 24 is connected to an imaging control MCU 29, and the imaging control MCU 29 controls a digital image imaging operation in accordance with an instruction from the camera control MCU 24.

  The imaging control MCU 29 controls various devices related to imaging according to a program stored in the flash memory 30 in advance. Reference numeral 26 denotes an A / D conversion circuit that converts analog image data output by subjecting a subject image formed on the image sensor 405 to photoelectric conversion into digital image data. An image signal processing circuit 27 performs color interpolation processing and filtering processing, and then temporarily stores digital image data in the DRAM 36 via the bus 33. The digital image data stored in the DRAM 36 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 403 having the backlight unit 404 via the monitor circuit 25 as necessary.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes JPEGIC, and the digital image data is compressed here and stored in a memory card 41 that can be attached and detached via a memory card interface (I / F) 39 and an external connector 40. The digital image data can also be transmitted over a network via the serial I / F 37 and the external connector 38. Reference numeral 44 denotes an external display circuit such as an LCD, which is configured to be able to display warnings and information as necessary from the camera control MCU 24.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the focus adjustment control operation from turning on the power of the camera control MCU 24 mainly in this embodiment.

  First, the photographing lens system 2 is mounted on the digital camera body 401. When the power is turned on, the camera control MCU 24 initializes flags, control variables, and the like (S1). Then, the camera control MCU 24 determines the setting mode of the mode dial 42, and if the mode dial 42 is set to the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 3, and if the other mode is set, the process proceeds to step 15 ( S2).

  In step 15, it is determined whether or not the mode dial 42 is set to the cleaning mode. If the cleaning mode is set, the process proceeds to step 16. If the other mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 19. Then, the camera control MCU 24 determines whether or not a cleaning start switch (not shown) has been pressed from the switch detection circuit 43. If the cleaning start switch has not been pressed, the process returns to step 2; If the cleaning mode is not canceled, the process of step 2 → step 15 → step S16 is repeated (looped).

  If it is determined in step 16 that the cleaning start switch has been pressed, the second drive condition different from the first drive condition (mode) in the focus adjustment operation described later is controlled by the voice coil motor 22 via the motor control circuit 16. Then, the imaging unit 12 is driven for a predetermined time, and the process returns to Step 2 (S17, S18). If it is determined in step 15 that the mode is not the cleaning mode but the other mode, the camera control MCU 24 executes a process corresponding to the selected mode (S19).

  If the mode set by the mode dial 42 is the shooting mode or the like in the determination process in step 2, the process waits until a SW1 signal is detected when a release switch (not shown) is pressed halfway (S3). . When the signal of the release switch SW1 is input, the camera control MCU 24 outputs a signal to the photometry circuit 32 and captures the detected photometry result in order to perform photometry on the subject. Further, the exposure conditions are determined, and the shutter control and shooting sensitivity are set via the aperture control circuit 19 through the aperture 7 and the shutter control circuit 17 (S4).

  Next, the camera control MCU 24 calculates the defocus amount using the detection results from the phase difference detection type phase difference AF sensor 15 and the AF control circuit 18 (S5). Next, the camera control MCU 24 controls and drives the focus lens 4 by the focus lens drive circuit 6 via the focus control circuit 20 (S6).

  Then, the camera control MCU 24 outputs a control signal to the motor control circuit 16, detects the position signal from the position detection circuit 23, drives the voice coil motor 22 to the initial position, and stops it (S7). Further, the actuator (not shown) is driven to raise the half mirrors 410 and 411, and the shutter control circuit 17 opens the shutter of the shutter unit 408 (S8).

  Thereafter, the camera control MCU 24 outputs a control signal to the motor control circuit 16 to drive the voice coil motor 22 in order to cause the imaging unit 12 to be finely driven (wobbled) for the focus adjustment operation. The minute driving here is driven under a first driving condition different from the second driving condition of step 17 (S9).

  The imaging unit 12 is finely driven by the wobbling operation of the voice coil motor 22 and the AF evaluation value of the contrast AF is detected from the imaging signal to determine whether the focus is currently in focus or not in focus. If it is determined that the subject is in focus (out of focus), it is further determined whether the front pin or the rear pin (S10).

  If it is determined in step 10 that the in-focus state is obtained, the position of the image pickup unit 12 is detected by the position detection circuit 16, and the voice coil motor 22 is stopped at a predetermined position by the motor control circuit 16, and the steps after step 20 are performed. The process proceeds to the restart process of the contrast AF operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 10 that the in-focus state is not achieved, the camera control MCU 24 moves the focus lens via the focus control circuit 20 in the blur determination direction based on the determination result of the front pin or the rear pin. The focus lens 4 is controlled by the drive circuit 6 and driven in the determined direction (S11).

  Next, in step 12, during the wobbling operation of the imaging unit 12 by the camera control MCU 24, the focus lens drive circuit 6 controls and drives the focus lens 4 via the focus control circuit 20 to drive the determination direction. It is determined whether or not the focus, that is, the vertex of the AF evaluation signal has been exceeded (S12). If the result of the determination does not exceed the vertex of the AF evaluation value, the control returns to step 11 to continue the control of the hill climbing operation again. Do.

  When the AF evaluation signal exceeds the apex according to the determination result of step 12, the focus lens drive circuit 6 controls the focus lens 4 via the focus control circuit 20 so that the AF evaluation signal returns to the apex. (S13).

  And it is discriminate | determined whether AF evaluation signal reached | attained the vertex, and the process of step 13 will be continued if it has not reached by the discrimination | determination result (S14).

  On the other hand, if the AF evaluation signal has reached the apex according to the determination result of step 14, the process returns to step 9. This is because the subject position may change during the operation of returning the AF evaluation signal to the vertex, so if the AF evaluation signal reaches the vertex, the current AF evaluation signal reliably reaches the vertex. This is for returning to the process of step 9 and performing the wobbling operation of the image pickup unit 12 again in order to determine whether or not the current focus lens 4 is in focus. .

  In the restart process, first, the signal level of the AF evaluation signal at the time of focusing is stored (S20). Next, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the current AF evaluation signal has changed compared to the signal level of the AF evaluation signal stored in step 20 at the time of focusing (S21). For example, when the variation rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold with respect to the stored signal level, it is recognized that the subject has changed (moved), and the contrast AF operation is restarted (S22). If it is less than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that there is no change (movement) of the subject, and the process proceeds to step 23 without performing the restart process.

  If it is not necessary to restart the focus control based on the determination result in step 22, the driving process of the photographing unit 12 under the first driving condition is terminated and control is performed to stop at a predetermined position (S23). If the restart is necessary, the process returns to step 9, and the process after step 9, that is, the wobbling operation of the photographing unit 12 under the first driving condition is performed again, and the direction in which the focus lens 4 is moved is changed. Processing for discrimination is performed.

  Next, at step 24, the release switch SW2 is pressed to shift to shooting control, and the processing routine ends. Here, this process is repeated so that the in-focus state is always maintained by repeating the processes of steps 9 to 24 until the release switch SW2 is pressed.

  Here, driving conditions of the voice coil motor 22 (voice coil motor unit 407) will be described.

  As described above, the voice coil motor 22 performs the wobbling operation by driving the imaging unit 12 under the first driving condition in the focus adjustment operation, and drives the imaging unit 12 under the second driving condition in the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode. Let In this embodiment, driving is performed with different driving frequencies as driving conditions. For example, the first drive frequency is set to several tens Hz, the second drive frequency is set to several hundred Hz (about 100 Hz to about 1 kHz) higher than the first drive frequency, and the second drive frequency is set to the first drive frequency. The dust attached to the imaging unit 12, actually the low-pass filter 406 is vibrated and driven at a high frequency to efficiently remove the attached dust.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the voice coil motor unit 406 that performs the focus adjustment operation is operated before the imaging preparation operation, and the imaging unit 12 is directly driven by vibration.

  Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to provide a configuration dedicated to dust removal, and thus a small and low-cost imaging device can be realized.

  In addition, the release switch SW1 is not input, that is, before the photographing preparation operation for performing the focus adjustment operation by driving the image sensor 405 in the optical axis direction via the voice coil motor unit 407, via the voice coil motor unit 407. Since the image pickup unit 12 is driven to vibrate to remove dust, it is possible to maintain a good shooting state during shooting.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive frequency of the image pickup unit 12 is different between the focus adjustment operation and the cleaning operation as drive conditions. For example, the image pickup unit 12 is configured to be movable in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and the focus The image pickup unit 12 may be driven in the optical axis direction in the adjustment operation, and may be driven to vibrate in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis in the cleaning operation, and the drive direction may be varied as a drive condition.

  As a specific configuration for driving the imaging unit 12 to vibrate in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis in this way, an imaging apparatus having an image stabilization function for optically correcting image blur by driving the imaging element 405 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis is given. It is done. For example, as a driving condition in this case, the image stabilization operation is performed at several Hz to 20 Hz, the vibration frequency is several tens Hz in the focus adjustment operation, the driving direction is the optical axis direction, and the vibration frequency is several hundred Hz in the cleaning operation. With the drive direction as the optical axis orthogonal direction, the vibration frequency and the drive direction can be set to different drive conditions.

  It is also possible to drive the imaging unit 12 by vibration by alternately switching the driving direction during the cleaning operation, that is, the optical axis direction and the optical axis orthogonal direction, and arbitrarily set the driving conditions such as the driving frequency and the driving direction. Combinations may be performed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image pickup unit 12 is automatically driven to vibrate during the system initialization process when the image pickup apparatus is turned on to remove dust adhering to the low-pass filter 406 and the like. Note that the configuration of the imaging apparatus and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the power is turned on, the camera control MCU 24 initializes flags, control variables, and the like (S101). Next, the camera control MCU 24 drives the voice coil motor 22 via the motor control circuit 16 for a predetermined time under a second driving condition different from the first driving condition in the focus adjustment operation, and drives the imaging unit 12 to vibrate. Then, a cleaning operation is performed (S102, S103). This cleaning operation is performed at a driving frequency different from the driving frequency in the focus adjustment operation, as in the first embodiment. Note that other driving conditions can be applied in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  Then, the mode setting of the mode dial 42 is determined. If the mode dial 42 is set to the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 106, and if it is set to any other mode, the process proceeds to step 105 (S104). In other modes, the camera control MCU 24 executes processing according to the selected mode (S105).

  In the photographing mode, the signal of the release switch SW1 is detected. When the signal of the release switch SW1 is detected, the camera control MCU 24 causes the photometry circuit 32 to perform photometry, fetches the photometry result, determines the exposure conditions, and uses the aperture control circuit 19 to detect the aperture at the time of shooting. 7 and the shutter unit 11 are controlled via the shutter control circuit 17, and the photographing sensitivity is set (S107). When the signal of the release switch SW1 is not detected, the process returns to the detection process of whether or not the mode dial setting has been changed in step 104.

  As in the first embodiment, the camera control MCU 24 captures an image with a first drive condition different from the second drive condition during the cleaning operation, that is, with a first drive frequency lower than the second drive frequency. AF control for driving the unit 12 is performed (S108), and the process proceeds to the next exposure control process (S109). Other AF control and restart processing are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the digital camera is turned on, and the cleaning operation is automatically performed by driving the imaging unit 12 through the voice coil motor unit 407 at the time of initialization for performing the photographing operation. Therefore, a good shooting state is always obtained during shooting. Other actions and effects are exhibited in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image pickup unit 12 is automatically driven to vibrate during the system initialization process when the image pickup apparatus is turned on to remove dust attached to the low-pass filter 406 and the vibration drive control of the image pickup unit 12 is changed. This is an example. Note that the configuration of the imaging apparatus and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on, the camera control MCU 24 initializes flags, control variables, and the like (S201). Next, the camera control MCU 24 drives the voice coil motor 22 through the motor control circuit 16 for a predetermined time under a second drive condition different from the first drive condition of the focus adjustment operation (S202), and further performs motor control. The voice coil motor 22 is stopped via the circuit 16 (S203). The cleaning operation is performed by repeating the vibration driving of the imaging unit 12 for a predetermined time and the vibration driving stop for a predetermined number of times (S204).

  Then, the mode setting of the mode dial 42 is determined (S205). If the mode dial 42 is set to the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 207, and if the other mode is set, the process proceeds to step 206. In other modes, the camera control MCU 24 executes processing according to the selected mode (S206).

  In the photographing mode, the signal of the release switch SW1 is detected. When the signal of the release switch SW1 is detected, the camera control MCU 24 causes the photometry circuit 32 to perform photometry, fetches the photometry result, determines the exposure conditions, and uses the aperture control circuit 19 to detect the aperture at the time of shooting. 7 and the shutter unit 11 are controlled via the shutter control circuit 17, and the photographing sensitivity is set (S208). When the signal of the release switch SW1 is not detected, the process returns to the detection process of whether or not the mode dial setting has been changed in step 205.

  As in the first embodiment, the camera control MCU 24 uses a first driving condition different from the second driving condition for the cleaning operation, that is, the first driving frequency lower than the second driving frequency. 12 is driven to perform AF control (S209), and the process proceeds to the next exposure control process (S210). Other AF control and restart determination processing are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the power of the digital camera is turned on, and the cleaning operation is automatically performed by driving the imaging unit 12 through the voice coil motor unit 407 during the initialization for performing the photographing operation. In the vibration drive control of the imaging unit 12, the cleaning operation is intermittently performed by repeating the vibration and the vibration stop for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times, and the cleaning operation using the continuous drive and the intermittent drive as driving conditions becomes possible. Therefore, dust removal can be performed efficiently and a good shooting state can be maintained during shooting. Other actions and effects are exhibited in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the release switch SW1 is input, the image pickup unit 12 is automatically driven to vibrate to remove dust adhering to the low-pass filter 406 and the like, and thereafter, a photographing preparation operation such as a focus adjustment operation is performed. Note that the configuration of the imaging apparatus and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the power is turned on, the camera control MCU 24 initializes flags, control variables, and the like (S301). Next, the setting mode of the mode dial 42 is determined. If the mode dial 42 is set to the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step 304, and it is determined whether or not the release switch SW1 is turned on (S304). If the mode dial 42 is set to another mode, the process proceeds to step 303, where the camera control MCU 24 executes processing corresponding to the selected mode.

  If it is determined in step 304 that the release switch SW1 is turned on, the camera control MCU 24 causes the voice coil motor 22 to be connected via the motor control circuit 16 to be different from the first drive condition for the focus adjustment operation. The cleaning operation is performed by driving the imaging unit 12 by vibration for a predetermined time under the driving condition 2 (S306). When the signal of the release switch SW1 is not detected, the process returns to the detection process in step 302 as to whether or not the mode dial setting has been changed.

  Thereafter, the camera control MCU 24 performs photometry on the photometry circuit 32. Then, the photometric result is taken in, exposure conditions are determined, the aperture 7 at the time of shooting is controlled via the aperture control circuit 19, and the shutter unit 11 is controlled via the shutter control circuit 17, and the shooting sensitivity is set. (S307).

  As in the first embodiment, the camera control MCU 24 uses a first drive condition different from the second drive condition for the cleaning operation, that is, a first drive frequency lower than the second drive frequency. Is driven to perform AF control (S308), and the process proceeds to the next exposure control process (S309). Other AF control and restart processing are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the voice coil is turned on after the release switch SW1 is turned on rather than when the digital camera is turned on and initialized for performing the shooting operation. Since the cleaning operation is automatically performed by oscillating and driving the imaging unit 12 via the motor unit 407, dust attached immediately before the imaging operation can be removed, so that a good imaging state can be ensured. .

  As described above, in the above embodiment, the timing at which the cleaning operation is performed is limited to the above contents. For example, a cleaning operation switch is provided, and the cleaning operation is performed for a period during which the switch is pressed or for a predetermined time. Also good.

  Further, although the voice coil motor 22 is employed in the above embodiment, the drive unit can be configured by a piezoelectric element or the like. Further, in the cleaning operation, the cleaning operation may be performed by continuously driving the imaging unit 12 with different frequencies.

  The driving frequency in the above embodiment can be set to a frequency suitable for the cleaning operation in the mass of the imaging unit 12, the configuration / function of the imaging apparatus, and the like, and is not limited to the driving frequency.

It is sectional drawing of the imaging device in Example 1 of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the imaging device in Example 1 of this invention. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an imaging apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure of the imaging device in Example 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure of the imaging device in Example 2 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure of the imaging device in Example 3 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure of the imaging device in Example 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

12 imaging unit 24 control means 405 imaging device 407 driving means 513 holding means (holding member)

Claims (10)

An imaging unit including an imaging element for photoelectrically converting a subject image;
Holding means for holding the imaging unit movably in a predetermined direction;
Driving means for driving the imaging unit in the predetermined direction;
Control means for starting a shooting preparation operation in response to the input of the first signal,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the control means drives the image pickup unit via the drive means when the first signal is not input.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing preparation operation includes a focus adjustment operation by driving the imaging unit in an optical axis direction via the driving unit.   The control unit drives the imaging unit via the driving unit under a second driving condition different from the first driving condition in the focus adjustment operation in a state where the first signal is not input. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The imaging unit is driven to vibrate by the driving means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second driving condition is such that a vibration frequency of the imaging unit is different from the first driving condition.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the vibration frequency in the second driving condition is higher than the vibration frequency in the first driving condition. An imaging unit including an imaging element for photoelectrically converting a subject image;
Holding means for holding the imaging unit movably in a predetermined direction;
Driving means for driving the imaging unit in the predetermined direction;
Control means for controlling the drive means,
The control means drives the imaging unit under a first driving condition that drives the imaging unit under a first driving condition and a second driving condition different from the first driving condition via the driving means. An image pickup apparatus that performs second control. The imaging unit is driven to vibrate by the driving means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein vibration frequencies of the imaging units in the first and second driving conditions are different from each other.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the vibration frequency in the second driving condition is higher than the vibration frequency in the first driving condition.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first control is performed for focus adjustment. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit includes an optical filter.

Images