JP2007079248A - Adjustment device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adjustment device which adjusts luminous intensity distribution simultaneously with such adjustment of a position of an optical axis of auxiliary light that the auxiliary light for focus adjustment can sufficiently demonstrate its function. <P>SOLUTION: CPU 30 receives outputs of four optical sensors 2A to 2D during user's adjusting a position of a LED 110 and lights all of four LEDs 31 to 34 when determining that the outputs of four optical sensors are averaged to get approximately uniform. The user recognizes lighting of four LEDs to terminal adjustment of the LED 119 of an AD unit 10. When the CPU 30 determines that the outputs of four optical sensors are averaged, a position of a center axis of a luminous flux thrown from the LED 110 through a projection lens is adjusted to align with an optical axis of the projection lens and the luminous intensity distribution is adjusted to be symmetrical in almost all directions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source and a light emitted from the light source incorporated in a photographing device that incorporates a photographing optical system having a focus adjustment mechanism and captures subject light incident through the photographing optical system and generates an image signal. Adjusting the relative position of the light source with respect to the projection lens of the auxiliary light projection unit that emits auxiliary light toward the subject for focus adjustment of the imaging device The present invention relates to an adjusting device.

  In a photographic device that incorporates a photographic optical system with a focus adjustment mechanism and captures the subject light that has entered through the photographic optical system to generate an image signal, auxiliary light projection is used to improve the focus adjustment performance. Many units are built in. The auxiliary light projecting unit has a light source and a light projecting lens that projects light emitted from the light source toward the subject, and emits auxiliary light toward the subject for focus adjustment of the photographing apparatus. is there. If the auxiliary light is emitted from the auxiliary light projecting unit toward the subject, the projected auxiliary light is reflected by the subject and guided to the image sensor through the photographing lens. The contrast, which is the luminance ratio between the subject and the background, can be obtained, and the focus adjustment can be performed with high accuracy.

  By the way, when assembling each unit including the auxiliary light projecting unit in the photographing apparatus, the optical axis is adjusted in advance at the unit stage so that a predetermined performance is exhibited when incorporated in the photographing apparatus. There are many cases (see Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example). If the optical axis is adjusted at the unit stage as described above, it is not necessary to make an adjustment after assembling, and assembling becomes easy.

  However, the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 cannot adjust the light distribution even if the adjustment of adjusting the position of the optical axis of the light source provided in the unit to a predetermined position can be performed.

The auxiliary light projecting unit for adjusting the focus is often disposed obliquely above the photographing lens of the photographing apparatus, and the optical axis is adjusted by a predetermined distance, for example, 3 m from the photographing apparatus. By the way, in many cases, the position of the optical axis on the light source side is adjusted so that the optical axis of the projected light and the photographing optical axis cross each other. That is, the auxiliary light is projected obliquely downward with respect to the photographing optical axis from the auxiliary light unit. For this reason, if the light distribution is not adjusted, even if the auxiliary light is projected to the subject with a value equal to or higher than the predetermined brightness when the subject is located at the predetermined distance, a place other than the predetermined distance is used. When the subject is located (for example, at a distance of 2 m or 4 m from the photographing apparatus), the brightness of the auxiliary light may fall below a predetermined value depending on the case, and the function as the auxiliary light for focus adjustment may not be exhibited. Sometimes.
JP 2003-888101 A JP 11-174534 A

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an adjustment device that adjusts the light distribution when the position of the optical axis of auxiliary light is adjusted so that the function as auxiliary light for focus adjustment is sufficiently exhibited. The purpose is to provide.

The photographing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object is incorporated in a photographing apparatus that incorporates a photographing optical system having a focus adjustment mechanism and captures subject light that has entered through the photographing optical system and generates an image signal. The auxiliary light projecting unit includes a light source and a light projecting lens that projects light emitted from the light source toward the subject, and emits auxiliary light toward the subject for focus adjustment of the photographing apparatus. In an adjustment device that adjusts the relative position of the projection field with respect to the optical lens,
An adjusting jig that supports the optical axis of the light projecting lens in a predetermined direction and adjusts the position of the light source relative to the light projecting lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis;
Each equidistant from the optical axis surrounding the optical axis so that the output value is averaged when the central axis of the light beam projected from the light source via the projection lens coincides with the optical axis. And a plurality of photosensors arranged at positions.

  As in the photographing apparatus of the present invention, the position of the light source in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light projecting lens is adjusted by the adjusting jig, and light is projected from the light source via the light projecting lens. If the output of the plurality of photosensors is adjusted so that the center axis of the luminous flux coincides with the optical axis, the light passes through the projection lens. When the center axis of the projected light beam, that is, the optical axis is adjusted, the light distribution is adjusted together.

  When the light distribution is adjusted together with the position of the optical axis in this way, when the auxiliary light is projected at a predetermined distance (for example, 3 m away from the photographing apparatus) from the auxiliary light unit. Even if the subject is located at a position other than the predetermined distance, the light distribution can be adjusted so that auxiliary light having a predetermined luminance or higher is projected onto the subject.

  As described above, an adjusting device is realized that adjusts the light distribution when the optical axis of the auxiliary light is adjusted so that the function as auxiliary light for focus adjustment is sufficiently exhibited.

  Here, it is preferable that the plurality of optical sensors are four optical sensors arranged at an equal distance from the optical axis.

  If there are at least four photosensors as described above, the central axis of the light beam projected via the projection lens from the light source by arranging the four sensors so as to surround the optical axis, and the above While aligning with the optical axis of the light projecting lens, it is possible to adjust the light distribution corresponding to the outer shape of the light beam centered on the axis when matching the axes to various shapes.

  Further, the plurality of optical sensors are configured such that the adjusting jig supports the light projecting lens when the optical axis of the light projecting lens is supported at a predetermined first distance in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the photographing optical system. It is preferable to be deployed at a second distance shorter than the first distance.

  If the predetermined distance 3 m is the predetermined first distance, a large space having a length of 3 m is inevitably required for adjustment.

  If the plurality of photosensors can be arranged at the predetermined second distance shorter than the predetermined first distance, for example, within 1 m as described above, the light projecting unit can be installed in a narrower space. Can be adjusted.

  In addition to the plurality of optical sensors, it is preferable that the optical sensor further includes an optical sensor disposed on the optical axis of the light projecting lens.

  Then, the position of the optical axis and the light distribution of the light source can be adjusted, and the luminance on the optical axis can be measured by the optical sensor. If a predetermined luminance cannot be obtained by this measurement, the light source can be treated as a defective product that does not satisfy the predetermined electrical characteristics.

  As described above, an adjustment device is realized that adjusts the light distribution when the optical axis of the auxiliary light is adjusted so that the function as auxiliary light for focus adjustment is sufficiently exhibited.

  Hereinafter, an example of an adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the configuration of the adjusting jig that constitutes a part of the adjusting device will be described.

  1 and 2 are views showing an example of the configuration of the adjusting jig according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the adjustment jig 1 as viewed from diagonally upward on the front, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the adjustment jig 1 as viewed from diagonally upward on the back.

  The adjustment jig 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is incorporated in a photographing apparatus that incorporates a photographing optical system having a focus adjusting mechanism and generates an image signal by capturing subject light incident through the photographing optical system. The light source here has an LED 110 and a light projecting lens 100 that projects light emitted from the LED 110 toward the subject, and emits auxiliary light toward the subject for focus adjustment of the photographing apparatus. This is for adjusting the relative position of the LED 110 with respect to the projection lens 100 (hereinafter referred to as AF unit).

  The adjustment jig 1 includes a holder 10 having a support portion 10A that supports an optical axis of the light projecting lens 100 in a predetermined direction (which will be described below and obliquely below), and a projection supported by the holder 10. The LED flex 11 for adjusting the position of the LED 110 with respect to the optical lens 100 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light projecting lens 100 is provided.

  In this example, a recess 10D that is slightly larger than the outer shape of the LED 110 is provided in the holder 10, and the LED 110 is disposed so as to be fitted in the recess 10D. The LED 110 is moved in the y and z directions shown in FIG. 2 by the LED flexible cable 11 to adjust the position of the LED 110 in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light projecting lens 100. In this example, bosses 10A to 10C are provided on the holder 10 side, and holes 11B and 11C and notches 11A having diameters larger than those of the bosses 10A to 10C corresponding to the bosses 10A to 10C are LED. It is provided on the side of the flexible cable 11 and can be moved in the y- and z-axis directions in FIG. Although not shown, the wiring from the constant current source reaches the LED 110 through the LED flexible cable 11, and the LED 110 is driven by the constant current source to perform stable light projection.

  The central axis of the light beam projected from the LED 110 via the light projecting lens 100 by the flexible cable 11 is adjusted so as to coincide with the optical axis of the light projecting lens 100 and is maintained at that position. After the LED 110 is fixed to the holder 10 by adhesion or the like, the AF flexible unit 11 is removed to assemble the AF unit.

  Next, the structure of the some optical sensor 2 which comprises an adjustment apparatus with the said adjustment jig 1 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an adjustment device including the adjustment jig 1 and a plurality of optical sensors 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how the adjustment unit shown in FIG. 3 is used for adjustment so that the adjustment is not required when the AF unit is incorporated in the photographing apparatus 4.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which four optical sensors 2A to 2D are arranged at a position 700 mm from the lens front end as shown in FIG. In this example, four optical sensors 2A to 2D are arranged so as to surround the optical axis of the light projected from the LED 110, and another optical sensor 2E is arranged on the optical axis. In this way, adjustment is performed so as to make the light distribution symmetrical by adjusting the position of the optical axis so that the outputs of the four optical sensors 2A to 2D are averaged, and at the same time, the central optical sensor. The brightness on the optical axis can be measured by 2E.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the central axis AXIS1 (see FIG. 4) of the light beam projected from the LED 110 on the adjustment jig 1 side through the projection lens so far intersects with the photographing optical axis AXIS2. Since the optical sensor 2 had to be provided at the cross point CP (3 m in FIG. 4), a large space was required for adjustment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. By arranging the optical sensor 2 at a position TP that is similar to the triangle formed by the optical axis AXIS1 of the light, the photographic optical axis AXIS2, and the line L1 connecting the photographic lens and the light projecting portion, the adjustment space can be reduced. We are trying to reduce it.

  In this way, the optical sensor 2 is arranged at a pseudo cross point (at 700 mm from the front end of the photographing lens) in which the adjustment result at the actual cross point CP (at 3 m from the front end of the photographing lens) is reflected as it is. As a result, the position adjustment of the central axis of the light beam projected via the light projection lens from the LED 110 which is the light source of the AF unit can be performed more easily than before. The light projecting lens 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is supported by the holder 10 so as to face the direction along the optical axis AXIS1 shown in FIG.

  The distance 3 m to the cross point CP shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the predetermined first distance according to the present invention, and the distance 700 mm to the pseudo cross point TP corresponds to the second distance shorter than the predetermined first distance.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an adjustment unit 3 having light emitting diodes 31 to 34 for receiving the output on the optical sensor 2 side and notifying the adjuster of the adjustment direction and notifying the end of the adjustment. To make adjustment easier.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the adjustment unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the adjustment unit 3 is comprehensively controlled by the CPU 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the four optical sensors 2A to 2D are connected to the input side, and four LEDs 31 to 34 are provided to correspond to the outputs of the sensors 2A to 2D, respectively. For example, if any one of the four LEDs 31 to 34 is turned on when the LED flexible cable 11 is moved, the adjuster checks the lighting state of any one of the LEDs 31 to 34. The position of the optical axis can be adjusted with high accuracy. In this example, the central axis of the light beam projected from the LED 110 via the light projection lens 100 is adjusted by adjusting the position of the LED 110 so that the same output can be obtained by the four optical sensors 2A to 2D. The light distribution of the light projected from the LED 110 through the light projecting lens 100 when the optical axis of the light projecting lens 100 coincides can be adjusted at the same time.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which another sensor 2E is provided at the center of the four photosensors 2A to 2D arranged so as to surround light. In this way, the light emitted from the LED 110 when the optical axis position and light distribution are adjusted by adjusting the outputs of the four sensors 2A to 2D to be averaged. It is simultaneously measured whether the brightness level on the axis is above a predetermined value. If the CPU 30 detects by measurement that the luminance level measured by the center optical sensor 2E is lower than a predetermined value, the LED 110 incorporated in the AF unit is selected as a defective product at this stage. Can do.

  As described above, if the selection of the LEDs 110 can be performed at the adjustment stage of the AF unit, the AF unit can be adjusted by combining the projection lens 100 again after replacing the LEDs 110.

  The adjustment unit 3 also controls the lighting of the LED 110 in the AF light projecting unit, and the LED 110 is driven by the constant current source I described above so that the LED 110 can perform stable light projecting.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of adjustment processing performed by the CPU 30 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the projection lens 100 is supported by the holder 10 and the LED 110 is mounted in the recess of the holder 10, the process of this flow is started.

  In step S601, the constant current source I (see FIG. 5) is instructed to cause the LED 110 to start projecting light. In the next step S602, the position of the LED 110 is adjusted by operating the LED flexible cable 11. As described above, in the process in step S602, the direction in which the LED flexible cable 11 should be moved is notified to the adjuster by lighting one of the four LEDs 31 to 34. When the position is adjusted in this way, the outputs of the four sensors 2A to 2D are acquired in step S603. If it is determined in the next step S603 that the outputs of all the sensors 2A to 2D have been averaged and become equal, the operation proceeds to the OK side, and the LEDs 31 to 35 are turned on or turned off to notify the adjuster of the end of the adjustment. To do. If it is determined in step S604 that the values are not equal, the process proceeds to the NG side, returns to step S602, and repeats the processing from step S602 to step S604.

  In this way, an adjusting device that realizes both the adjustment of the optical axis of the auxiliary light of the AF unit and the adjustment of the light distribution is realized.

  When the four sensors 2A to 2D are averaged and adjusted so as to obtain a substantially uniform output as in the process of step S604 shown in FIG. 6, the light distribution has a substantially conical expansion with the optical axis as the apex. The light distribution is adjusted. However, when the AF unit is incorporated in the photographing apparatus, the AF unit is often incorporated above the photographing lens as shown in the conventional example and FIG. Considering this, it is not always necessary to adjust the light distribution characteristics of the AF unit for light distribution having a conical spread with the optical axis of light projection as a vertex.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG.

  In step S604 of FIG. 6, the adjustment is terminated when it is determined that the outputs of the four sensors 2A to 2D are averaged and equalized. However, in the example of FIG. 7, the opposing sensors S1, S3, S2 and The change is made so that the adjustment is finished when it is confirmed that the output of S4 is almost the same. Even in this way, the light distribution of the AF unit can be adjusted according to the positional relationship between the photographing lens and the AF unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the light distribution of the AF unit can be adjusted according to the mounting position relationship between the photographing lens and the AF unit.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the modification of FIG.

  When it is determined in step S804 in FIG. 6 that each of the outputs of the four sensors 2A to 2D has a predetermined ratio, the adjustment is finished.

  In this way, the light distribution of the auxiliary light can be appropriately adjusted so as not to be affected by the parallax caused by the mounting position of the photographing lens and the AF unit.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which adjustment is performed so that the output of the sensor arranged on the optical axis is maximized. Further, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification in the case where the quality of the LED 110 which is a light source is changed so as to be judged in addition to the adjustment of the position of the optical axis and the light distribution.

  When the process of step S904 in FIG. 9 is executed, the position of the optical axis of the light projected from the LED 110 is adjusted and the light distribution is adjusted so that the luminance on the optical axis becomes the brightest. . Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 10, when it is determined in step S905 that the output level of the central sensor at that time is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the LED 110 is modified to be selected as a defective product.

  In this way, it is possible to determine at the time of unit assembly whether the LED 110 is incorporated in the AF unit and the LED 110 exhibits a predetermined performance when combined with a light projecting lens or the like.

  As described above, an adjusting device is realized that adjusts the light distribution when the optical axis of the auxiliary light is adjusted so that the function as the auxiliary light for focus adjustment is fully exhibited. In addition, it is possible to determine whether the LED in combination with the AF unit is good or bad by determining whether the LED meets the requirements of the AF unit during the assembly of the AF unit.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the adjustment jig said to this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure by the side of the back surface of the adjustment jig shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of the adjustment jig | tool 1 and the some optical sensor 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating how to adjust using the adjustment apparatus shown in FIG. 3 so that it may not need to adjust when an AF unit is integrated in the imaging device 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an adjustment unit 3. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the adjustment process which CPU30 shown in FIG. 5 performs. It is a figure which shows the modification of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification in the case of adjusting light distribution to a desired shape. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of adjusting light distribution so that the brightness | luminance on an optical axis may become the brightest. It is a figure which shows the modification at the time of changing so that the quality determination of the light source arrange | positioned at AF unit may be performed.

Explanation of symbols

1 Adjustment jig 10 Holder (AF unit)
10A 10B 10C Adjustment boss 100 Projection lens 11 Flexible LED 11A Adjustment notch 11B 11C Adjustment hole 110 LED (light source)
2 plural optical sensors 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E optical sensors 3 adjustment unit 30 CPU
31 32 33 34 35 LED
4 Imaging device I Constant current source

Claims (4)

An imaging optical system having a focus adjustment mechanism is incorporated, and a light source incorporated in an imaging apparatus that captures subject light incident through the imaging optical system and generates an image signal, and light emitted from the light source are applied to the subject An auxiliary light projecting unit that emits auxiliary light toward a subject for adjusting the focus of the photographing apparatus and adjusting the relative position of the light source with respect to the light projecting lens In the device
An adjustment jig that supports the optical axis of the light projecting lens in a predetermined direction and adjusts the position of the light source relative to the light projecting lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis;
Each equidistant from the optical axis surrounding the optical axis so that the output value is averaged when the central axis of the light beam projected from the light source via the projection lens coincides with the optical axis. And a plurality of photosensors arranged at positions.   The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical sensors are four optical sensors arranged at an equal distance from the optical axis.   The plurality of optical sensors include the first when the adjusting jig supports the light projecting lens in a direction in which the optical axis of the light projecting lens intersects the optical axis of the photographing optical system at a predetermined first distance. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting device is disposed at a second distance shorter than the distance.   The adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising an optical sensor disposed on an optical axis of the light projecting lens in addition to the plurality of optical sensors.

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