JP2007121846A - Liquid lens apparatus, shake correction apparatus and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology of carrying out a shake correcting operation of a lens apparatus using liquid. <P>SOLUTION: A first liquid optical system 14 composed of insulating liquid and a conductive or polar second liquid optical system 15 are arranged opposite to each other in a cell 13 through a curved interface. Circular arc electrode pieces 20 to 23 having nearly the same radius curvature are adjacently arranged on the same circumference on a plane (the outer wall surface of an insulating film 19) intersecting an optical axis L in a prescribed position in the direction of the optical axis L formed by the first and the second liquid optical systems 14 and 15. Voltage sources 18 are installed according to the electrode pieces 20 to 23 to generate a prescribed voltage between each of the electrode pieces 20 to 23 and the second liquid optical system 15, and a voltage apply operation by each voltage source 18 is individually controlled so as to cancel the shake when the shake is detected by a shake sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid lens device, a shake correction device, and an imaging device that are configured by an optical system made of liquid.

  In order to enable reliable shooting in the case where there is a risk of “shake” such as camera shake during hand-held telephoto shooting or shooting in a dark part (which requires long exposure), the imaging device can be used by a user. Equipped with a so-called camera shake correction function that corrects the optical axis shift by driving the shake correction optical system and image sensor according to the shake when the optical axis is shifted due to camera shake, etc. Such an imaging device is widely known.

On the other hand, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid of an insulating liquid (hereinafter referred to as an insulating liquid) on an inner wall surface of a predetermined wall in a dielectric chamber filled with a conductive liquid (hereinafter referred to as a conductive liquid). Position the droplet and place an annular electrode on the outer surface of the wall, apply a voltage between the conducting liquid and the annular electrode to move the conducting liquid, and change the shape (thickness) of the insulating liquid droplet. A variable focus liquid lens that changes the focal position of the lens by changing the lens has been proposed. Further, this Patent Document 1 also discloses a technique for arranging three concentric annular electrodes.
JP 2001-519539 A

  However, in the lens apparatus using the liquid as described above, a technique for correcting the shake by the action of the conductor liquid and the insulating liquid has not been proposed. Therefore, conventionally, when it is assumed that an image pickup apparatus equipped with such a lens device is equipped with a shake correction function, the shake correction optical system and the image sensor are driven according to the shake separately from the lens device. Therefore, it is necessary to separately install a mechanism for correcting the deviation of the optical axis, which may increase the size and cost of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique that enables a shake correction operation in a lens apparatus using a liquid.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first liquid optical system made of an insulating liquid and the second liquid optical system having a density substantially equal to that of the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system and having conductivity or polarity. The liquid optical system is disposed so as to be opposed to each other via an interface that is curved in a predetermined closed space without being mixed with each other, and the first and second liquid optical systems have different refractive indexes, thereby the interface position. A liquid lens device that refracts and emits incident light, and is disposed on a plane intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction constituted by the first and second liquid optical systems. A plurality of electrodes having a shape; a voltage source capable of applying a voltage between the second liquid optical system and each electrode; and a voltage application operation to each electrode to individually control the interface. By changing the bending state of It is characterized in that a control means for changing the optical properties in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of electrodes having end shapes are arranged on a plane intersecting the optical axis at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction constituted by the first and second liquid optical systems, and The optical characteristics in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction are changed by individually controlling the voltage application operation by the voltage source capable of applying a voltage for each electrode to change the curved state of the interface. Since it comprised, the vertex position of the said boundary surface can be moved on the plane parallel to the said plane.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the liquid lens device according to the first aspect, the shape maintaining means for maintaining the shape of the first liquid optical system and the shape of the first liquid optical system are continuously provided. It is characterized by having shape changing means for changing.

  According to the present invention, since the shape maintaining means for maintaining the shape of the first liquid optical system and the shape variable means for continuously changing the shape of the first liquid optical system are provided, the light The optical characteristics in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction can be maintained or continuously changed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the liquid lens device according to the first or second aspect, the first liquid optical system is located on a predetermined wall surface, and the second liquid optical system is the second liquid. A coating portion having hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the optical system is formed at a predetermined position on the wall surface, and thus is held on the predetermined wall surface in a state of covering the first liquid optical system. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the second liquid optical system is formed in the first liquid optical system by forming the coating portion having hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system at a predetermined position on the wall surface. Since the system is held on the predetermined wall surface so as to cover the system, the first liquid optical system changes in shape by the voltage application by the voltage source (the movement of the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system). It is possible to change the shape of the liquid optical system (movement of the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system), and thus change the shape of the interface.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid lens device according to the first or second aspect, the first liquid optical system is located on a predetermined wall surface, and the second liquid optical system is the second liquid. A coating portion having hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the optical system is formed at a predetermined position on the wall surface, and is held on the predetermined wall surface in a state covered with the first liquid optical system. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, the second liquid optical system is formed in the first liquid optical system by forming the coating portion having hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system at a predetermined position on the wall surface. Since it is held on the predetermined wall surface in a state covered by a system, the shape change of the second liquid optical system due to voltage application by the voltage source (second liquid optical system) The movement of the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system can be changed (the movement of the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system), and thus the shape of the interface can be changed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid lens device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the predetermined wall surface includes a predetermined outer edge region in a contact region with the first liquid optical system. A tapered surface that is inclined outward from the first liquid optical system side to the second liquid optical system side in the optical axis direction is formed in the region, and the electrode is configured on the tapered surface. It is characterized by this.

  According to this invention, the region including the predetermined outer edge region in the contact region of the predetermined wall surface with the first liquid optical system is changed from the first liquid optical system side to the second liquid optical system side in the optical axis direction. By forming a tapered surface inclined outward and forming an electrode on the tapered surface, the shape of the first liquid optical system can be easily controlled.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the liquid lens device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the coating portion radiates on the wall surface with an intersection of the optical axis and the wall surface as a radiating point. Further, the hydrophilicity is increased or the hydrophobicity is decreased.

  According to this invention, the coating portion is formed so that the hydrophilicity increases in the direction of radiating on the wall surface with the intersection of the optical axis and the wall surface as the radiating point, or the hydrophobicity decreases. Therefore, the first liquid optical system can be continuously (smoothly) deformed in the radiating direction or in the opposite direction.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the electrodes has an arc shape having substantially the same radius of curvature, and the optical axis, the plane, It has the arrangement structure arranged adjacently on the same circumference centering on the intersection of these.

  According to the present invention, the electrodes having the arc shape having substantially the same radius of curvature are arranged adjacent to each other on the same circumference centered at the intersection of the optical axis and the plane, so that the apex of the boundary surface A configuration for moving the position on a plane parallel to the plane can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid lens device according to the seventh aspect, the array structure is multiply provided on a plurality of circumferences having different diameters around the intersection on the plane. The control means causes the voltage source to perform a voltage application operation so that the applied voltage changes in a direction from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the electrode.

  According to the present invention, the array structure is provided in a multiple manner on a plurality of circumferences having different diameters around the intersection on a plane, and an applied voltage is applied in a direction from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the electrode. Since the voltage source performs a voltage application operation so as to change, the first liquid optical system can be continuously (smoothly) deformed radially outward from the intersection or vice versa.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid lens device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the first and second liquid optical systems are arranged in a cylindrical cell, and the optical axis direction is the axial center of the cylinder. It is accommodated so as to coincide with the direction, and the array structure is provided in a multiple manner on the optical axis.

  According to the present invention, the first and second liquid optical systems are accommodated in the cylindrical cell so that the optical axis direction coincides with the axial direction of the cylinder. Obtainable. In addition, since the arrangement structure is provided in a multiple manner on the optical axis, the first liquid optical system can be continuously (smoothly) deformed in the optical axis direction.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shake correction apparatus for correcting an image blur caused by a shake given to the shake correction apparatus of a subject image guided to the imaging unit. 10. The liquid lens device according to any one of 1 to 9, and a shake detection device that detects the shake, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the shake based on a shake detection signal output from the shake detection device. A shake correction amount for making the optical axis constant is calculated, and in order to perform the correction, a voltage application operation by each voltage source is individually controlled based on the calculated shake correction amount. is there.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to correct image blur caused by the shake given to the shake correction device using the liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention includes the shake correction apparatus according to the tenth aspect and an image pickup unit that picks up an image of a subject whose image shake is corrected by the shake correction apparatus. It is.

  According to the present invention, an imaging apparatus that performs a shake correction operation using a liquid lens device can be obtained.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the control means causes the vertex position of the boundary surface to be set by causing the all voltage sources to perform substantially the same voltage application operation. It is characterized by moving in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

  According to the present invention, the vertex position of the boundary surface is moved in a direction parallel to the optical axis by causing all voltage sources to perform substantially the same voltage application operation. It can move in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the eleventh aspect, one or a plurality of lens groups are arranged on the optical axis of the liquid lens device.

  According to the present invention, since one or a plurality of lens groups are arranged on the optical axis of the liquid lens device, functions such as changing the photographing magnification, focus adjustment, or aberration correction can be mounted on the imaging device.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the position of the subject light image formed by the liquid lens device is kept constant by utilizing the fact that the vertex position of the boundary surface moves on a plane parallel to the plane. It becomes possible.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, desired optical characteristics in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction can be obtained.

  According to the third and fourth aspects of the invention, the refraction mode at the interface can be changed with a relatively simple configuration.

  According to invention of Claim 5, it becomes easy to control the shape of the said interface.

  According to the sixth, eighth, and ninth aspects of the invention, since the first liquid optical system can be continuously (smoothly) deformed, the shape of the first liquid optical system is extended by voltage application from a voltage source. Can prevent or suppress the position of the apex of the interface from shifting or the shape of the first liquid optical system from irreversibly changing due to a sudden and relatively large change in the shape of the interface. . Further, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, a cylindrical liquid lens device can be obtained.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the configuration in which the vertex position of the boundary surface is moved on a plane parallel to the plane can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the liquid lens device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is used, and the shake for correcting the image blur caused by the shake given to the shake correction device is performed. A correction device can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to realize an imaging apparatus that performs a shake correction operation using a liquid lens device.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the imaging point can be moved in a direction parallel to the optical axis, the magnification (size) of the subject optical image guided to the imaging unit is changed and the focus is adjusted. Can do.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the function of performing the shake correction operation using the liquid lens device and the arrangement of one or a plurality of lens groups on the optical axis of the liquid lens device, An imaging apparatus equipped with functions such as change, focus adjustment or aberration correction can be realized.

  An imaging apparatus equipped with the liquid lens mechanism of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the imaging apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 1 includes a liquid lens unit 2, an imaging device 3, a preprocess circuit unit 4, an image memory 5, an image processing unit 6, a display unit 7, a VRAM 8, and an input. An operation unit 9, an external storage unit 10, a shake sensor 11, and a control unit 12 are provided.

  The liquid lens unit 2 includes a plurality of optical systems (first and second liquid optical systems 14 and 15 (see FIG. 2) described later) made of different liquids, and receives incident light from the image sensor 3. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of the liquid lens unit 2, and Fig. 3 is a view as seen from an arrow A in Fig. 2.

  2 and 3, the liquid lens unit 2 includes a cell 13, first and second liquid optical systems 14 and 15, a coating unit 16, an electrode unit 17 (shown only in FIG. 3), a voltage, and the like. And a source 18.

  The cell 13 is, for example, a container having a bottomed substantially cylindrical shape, and the cell 13 is filled with the first and second liquid optical systems 14 and 15. A transparent insulating film 19 is formed on one of the two end faces (bottom face) of the cell 13, and the surface of the insulating film 19 is hydrophobic with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15. Surface treatment is performed so as to have properties.

  The first liquid optical system 14 is made of a transparent liquid having insulating properties such as silicon oil and paraffin oil, and is formed into droplets in the cell 13 to perform a normal state (voltage application operation by the voltage source 18 is performed). In a state of not being present, the inner surface of the insulating film 19 is in contact with a circular region having a predetermined diameter from the center of the inner wall surface.

  The second liquid optical system 15 is made of a transparent liquid having conductivity or polarity, such as an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt or an organic liquid, has a density substantially equal to that of the first liquid optical system 14, and the first liquid optical system. 14 has a different refractive index. Further, the first liquid optical system 14 and the second liquid optical system 15 are not mixed with each other.

  The coating portion 16 is formed in a peripheral region of the inner wall surface of the insulating film 19 except for the circular region where the first liquid optical system 14 is in contact with the insulating film 19 and constitutes the second liquid optical system 15. Hydrophilic to liquids. As a result, in the normal state, the first liquid optical system 14 is positioned in the circular region, and the second liquid optical system 15 covers the first liquid optical system 14 so as to cover the first liquid optical system 14. Located around.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode portion 17 includes arc-shaped electrode pieces 20 to 23 having substantially the same radius of curvature adjacent to each other on the same circumference on the outer wall surface of the insulating film 19 with a predetermined gap. It is arranged and configured. In the normal state, one part (a predetermined area inside) of the electrode pieces 20 to 23 overlaps the first liquid optical system 14 (the circular area) in the surface direction of the insulating film 19.

  A plurality of voltage sources 18 are provided corresponding to the electrode pieces 20 to 23, and generate a predetermined voltage between the electrode pieces 20 to 23 and the second liquid optical system 15. The other terminal of the voltage source 18 is connected to an electrode 24 provided in the second liquid optical system 15. The voltage applied by the voltage source 18 is preferably an AC voltage having a frequency of several tens of Hz to several tens of kHz, but may be a DC voltage. The voltage application operation by each voltage source 18 is controlled independently by the control unit 12.

  The liquid lens unit 2 having such a configuration is arranged in a state where an insulating film 19 constituting one end face of the end faces of the cell 13 is directed to the imaging element 3 described later and the other end face is directed to the subject side. The shape of the first liquid optical system 14 is changed by appropriately applying a voltage between the electrode pieces 20 to 23 and the second liquid optical system 15, so that the position of the imaging point P is changed to the light of the liquid lens unit 2. It can be changed on a plane perpendicular to the axis.

  That is, when no voltage is applied between the electrode pieces 20 to 23 and the second liquid optical system 15, the first liquid optical system 14 moves the optical axis L of the liquid lens unit 2 as shown in FIG. 2. Positioned on the insulating film 19 so as to have a rotationally symmetric shape centered on the apex Q of the interface between the first liquid optical system 14 and the second liquid optical system 15, the first liquid optical system 14 and the insulating film A straight line connecting the center of the circular region in contact with 19 is located on the optical axis L of the liquid lens portion 2. Therefore, the light transmitted through the second liquid optical system 15 is refracted by the interface, passes through the first liquid optical system 14 and the insulating film 19, and forms an image at the image point P.

  From this state, when a predetermined voltage is generated between one or more of the electrode pieces 20 to 23 and the second liquid optical system 15, a part of the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15 is obtained. When the voltage is applied to the electrode piece, the first liquid optical system 14 is deformed, and as a result, the position of the image point P moves on the plane.

  In the present embodiment, using such a configuration, in the case where there is a possibility that “shake” such as camera shake may occur during hand-held shooting, telephoto shooting, and shooting in a dark part (which requires long exposure). It is characterized in that shake correction is performed to enable reliable shooting. This point will be described later.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image pickup device 3 performs photoelectric conversion into image signals of R, G, and B components in accordance with the amount of light of the subject light image formed by the liquid lens unit 2. The imaging device 3 has a checkered pattern of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color filters on the surface of each CCD of an area sensor in which a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is two-dimensionally arranged. It is composed of a single-plate type color area sensor that is affixed to a so-called Bayer system. The imaging unit 3 controls the imaging operation such as the start and end of the exposure operation of the imaging device 3 and the reading (horizontal synchronization, vertical synchronization, transfer) of the output signal of each pixel in the imaging device 3.

  As the image sensor 3, a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, a VMIS image sensor, or the like can be employed. In FIG. 1, an arrow represented by a dotted line from the liquid lens unit 2 to the image sensor 3 indicates that a subject light image is guided from the liquid lens unit 2 to the image sensor 3.

  The preprocess circuit unit 4 includes a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit that reduces noise of an analog image signal output from the image sensor 3 and an AGC (auto gain control) circuit that adjusts the level of the image signal. A processing unit, an A / D conversion unit that converts analog R, G, and B pixel signals output from the signal processing unit into digital pixel signals each composed of a plurality of bits (for example, 10 bits) are provided. It will be.

  The image memory 5 temporarily stores the image data output from the image processing unit 6 in the shooting mode, and is used as a work area for performing various processes by the control unit 12 on the image data. In the mode, the image data read from the external storage unit 10 by the control unit 12 is temporarily stored.

  The image processing unit 6 performs processing for correcting the black level to the reference black level for the output data of the preprocess circuit unit 4, and based on the white reference corresponding to the light source, R (red), G (green), White balance processing for converting the level of pixel data of each color component of B (blue), γ correction processing for correcting the γ characteristics of the pixel data of each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are performed. Is.

  The display unit 7 is composed of a color liquid crystal display element, displays a still image and a moving image, and displays a menu screen for setting a mode related to AE control and AF control, a mode related to a shooting scene, shooting conditions, and the like. The captured image recorded in the external storage unit 10 is reproduced and displayed in the reproduction mode.

  The VRAM 8 has a recording capacity of image signals corresponding to the number of pixels of the display unit 7, and is a pixel signal buffer memory constituting an image reproduced and displayed on the display unit 7.

  The input operation unit 9 includes a mode setting dial, a shutter button, a power switch, a camera shake correction switch, and the like, and these pieces of operation information are output to the control unit 12. The imaging apparatus 1 includes an automatic exposure (AE) control mode, an autofocus (AF) control mode, a still image shooting mode for shooting a still image, a moving image shooting mode for shooting a movie (continuous shooting mode), a flash mode, and the like. The mode setting dial is for setting these modes.

  The shutter button is for instructing the start of the shooting preparation operation and the shooting operation. When the shutter button is pressed halfway in still image shooting mode, preparation operations (preparation operations such as exposure control value setting and focus adjustment) for taking a still image of the subject are executed, and the shutter button is fully pressed. Then, a photographing operation (a series of operations for exposing the image sensor 3 and performing predetermined image processing on the image signal obtained by the exposure and recording the image signal in the external storage unit 10) is executed. Further, when the shutter button is fully pressed in the moving image shooting mode, a continuous shooting operation with a predetermined cycle is started, and when the shutter button is fully pressed again, the shooting operation is ended.

  The power switch is for turning on / off the supply of power to each unit provided in the imaging apparatus 1. The camera shake correction switch enables reliable shooting in cases where camera shake or other “shake” may occur during hand-held shooting, telephoto shooting, or shooting in the dark (which requires long exposure). This is for setting the shake correction mode.

  The external storage unit 10 is composed of a memory card or a hard disk made up of semiconductor storage elements, and stores images and the like generated by the control unit 12.

  The shake sensor 11 is for detecting shake information such as a shake direction and a shake amount of the imaging apparatus 1. The shake information detected by the shake sensor 11 is used for shake correction control by the control unit 12. The shake sensor 11 detects a shake amount based on the yaw direction gyro that detects the shake amount based on the angular velocity of the imaging device 1 in the yaw direction, and the shake amount based on the shake angular velocity of the imaging device 1 in the pitch direction. And a pitch direction gyro. As such a gyro, for example, a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element to be in a vibrating state, and distortion caused by Coriolis force generated when an angular speed due to rotational motion is applied to the piezoelectric element is taken out as an electrical signal to obtain an angular speed. The detection type can be used. The shake sensor 11 is not limited to such an angular velocity sensor that detects such an angular velocity, and an acceleration sensor or an angle sensor can also be employed.

  The control unit 12 reads a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores each control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data such as arithmetic processing and control processing, and the above-described control program from the ROM. It comprises a CPU (central processing unit) to be executed, receives various signals from the shake sensor 11, the input operation unit 9 and the like, and relates to driving of each member in the image pickup apparatus 1 shown in FIG. It controls the operation.

  In addition, the control unit 12 functionally includes a shake correction control unit 121 and a table storage unit 122 in order to control the shake correction operation.

  The shake correction control unit 121 controls the operation of the liquid lens unit 2 based on the detection signal from the shake sensor 11. 4A shows a state at a certain moment when shake is applied to the imaging apparatus 1 from the state shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4B shows the shake with respect to the shake shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of correction | amendment operation | movement.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the shake correction control unit 121 obtains from the detection signal of the shake sensor 11 that camera shake has occurred in the direction of the arrow B and the imaging point has changed from the point P to the point P ′. 4B, the voltage source 18 applies a predetermined voltage V1 between the electrode 24 and the electrode piece 20, and a predetermined voltage V2 (<V1) between the electrode 24 and the electrode piece 21. To be applied.

  Accordingly, in FIG. 4B, the second liquid optical system 15 located in the vicinity of the electrode piece 21 due to the portion of the electrode piece 21 that protrudes from the coating portion 16 in the surface direction (the portion indicated by the arrow X). A part of the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15 moves to the left. Accordingly, the first liquid optical system 14 receives a pressing force from the second liquid optical system 15 from the left side to the right side. At this time, the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 14 does not diffuse into the region of the coating part 16, and the first liquid optical system 14 has a shape such that the boundary part with the left coating part 16 is raised, As shown in FIG. 4B, the vertex of the interface moves from the point Q to the point Q ′. As a result, the imaging point returns from the point P ′ to the point P.

  In FIG. 4B, shake correction in the X-axis direction is performed when a two-dimensional coordinate system in which the left-right direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B is set as the X-axis is set on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis L. Although the operation has been described, the same shake correction operation can be performed also in the Y-axis direction. That is, by applying a voltage to one or a plurality of electrode pieces among the electrode pieces 20 to 23, the position of the imaging point can be corrected two-dimensionally (on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis L).

  As a result, even if camera shake occurs, the imaging point can be kept at the point P. Therefore, the relative position of the subject optical image guided to the image sensor 3 with respect to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3 is kept constant, and shake correction is performed. It can be performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a voltage is applied to each of the electrode pieces 20 to 23, the first attractive force is applied between the electrode pieces 20 to 23 and the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15. Since the shape of the first liquid optical system 14 and the shape of the interface between the first liquid optical system 14 and the second liquid optical system 15 are changed, if the gap between adjacent electrode pieces increases, A combination of shake correction amount and shake correction direction in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction (combined shake correction vector on the XY plane) that can be realized when it is assumed that an electrode piece exists at the position of the gap cannot be realized. Therefore, the gap between adjacent electrode pieces is preferably as small as possible.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the table storage unit 122 stores the relationship between the detection signal of the shake sensor 11, the voltage source 18 to which the voltage is applied, and the applied voltage in a table format. That is, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the shake amount (including the shake direction) obtained from the detection signal of the shake sensor 11, the voltage source 18 to which voltage is to be applied to this shake amount, and the applied voltage is previously determined. Since the relationship is defined in the table format, this relationship is stored in the table format in the table storage unit 122. When the shake correction control unit 121 obtains the detection signal from the shake sensor 11, the shake amount indicated by the detection signal is determined. Are read from the table storage unit 122, and the shake correction control is performed according to the read contents. In addition to shake correction control using such a table, open control using a predetermined arithmetic expression or other control (closed control or the like) may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the shooting process of the imaging apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the main power source is turned on by the power switch (step # 1). When the main power source is turned on (YES in step # 1), the camera shake correction function is performed. Is turned on, that is, whether or not the camera shake correction switch is turned on (step # 2). If not (NO in step # 2), normal photographing processing is executed (step # 2). # 3).

  On the other hand, when the camera shake correction function is on (YES in step # 2), the control unit 12 starts detecting the shake given to the imaging device 1 using the shake sensor 11 (step # 4).

  Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not a half-press operation of the shutter button has been performed (step # 5), and if the half-press operation of the shutter button has not been performed, the process returns to step # 2. . When the shutter button is half-pressed (YES in step # 5), focus adjustment operation (AF) using a focus detection unit (not shown) and exposure control using a photometry sensor (not shown) are executed ( Step # 6), it is determined whether or not the shutter button has been fully pressed (step # 7).

  As a result, when the shutter button is not fully pressed (NO in step # 7), the control unit 12 returns to the process of step # 2, and when the shutter button is fully pressed (step # 7). (Yes in # 7), a shake correction operation is executed (step # 8), the focus lens group is positioned at the position set in step # 6, and the exposure control value set in step # 6. The imaging device 3 is caused to perform an imaging operation (exposure operation) (step # 9).

  Thereafter, the control unit 12 stops the shake correction operation (step # 10), displays the image obtained by the exposure operation performed in step # 9 on the display unit 7, and stores it in the external storage unit 10 (step #). 11). Then, control unit 12 determines whether or not the main power supply is turned off by the power switch (step # 12). If the main power supply is not turned off (NO in step # 12), the process of step # 2 is performed. If the main power supply is turned off (YES in step # 12), the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a subroutine showing the shake correction operation of step # 8 in the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 12 causes the shake sensor 11 to detect shake given to the imaging device 1 (step # 21), and a voltage corresponding to the shake amount indicated by the detection signal of the shake sensor 11 The source 18 and the applied voltage are read from the table storage unit 122 (step # 22), and the voltage source 18 that should perform the voltage application operation is made to apply the voltage read from the table storage unit 122 (step # 23).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the vertex Q of the interface can be arbitrarily moved on a plane parallel to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis L of the liquid lens unit 2, so that it is composed of a liquid. It is possible to realize an apparatus that performs a shake correction operation using an optical system.

  This case includes modifications described in the following [1] to [8] in addition to or in place of the embodiment.

  [1] The position of the apex Q of the interface in the normal state is shifted due to a sudden and relatively large change in the shape of the first liquid optical system 14 and the shape of the interface due to voltage application by the voltage source 18. It is also conceivable that the shape of the first liquid optical system 14 (interface) changes unrecoverably.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, arc-shaped electrode pieces 20a to 23a having substantially the same radius of curvature are arranged on the same circumference, and the curvature is the same as that of the electrode pieces 20a to 23a and longer than that. The electrode pieces 20b to 23b are arranged adjacent to each other on the same circumference, the electrode piece 20a and the electrode piece 20b, the electrode piece 21a and the electrode piece 21b, the electrode piece 22a and the electrode piece 22b, The pieces 23a and the electrode pieces 23b may be arranged so as to be parallel to each other in the same fan-shaped region.

  According to this, the first liquid is applied to the electrode pieces (for example, the electrode piece 20a and the electrode piece 20b) arranged in the radial direction by continuously applying a voltage from the radially inner side to the outer side or from the radially outer side to the inner side. Since the optical system 14 can be continuously (smoothly) deformed, the above-described problems can be eliminated or suppressed.

  In addition to or in combination with this, as shown in FIG. 8, the coating area of the coating portion 16 is divided into an inner ring-shaped area and an outer ring-shaped area to constitute the second liquid optical system 15. The surface treatment in the inner ring-shaped region and the surface treatment in the outer ring-shaped region are made different so that the degree of hydrophilicity with respect to the liquid decreases from the outside toward the inside. The interface with the liquid optical system 15 may pass through the coating region.

  This also provides the same effect as the configuration shown in FIG. Further, as in the first embodiment, the coating portion 16 is not formed so as to be hydrophilic with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15, but is made hydrophobic with respect to the liquid. In order to deform the first liquid optical system 14 continuously (smoothly), it is divided into an inner ring-shaped region and an outer ring-shaped region, and the degree of hydrophobicity is changed from the outside to the inside. It is better to make it bigger toward In FIG. 8, the degree of hydrophilicity of the coating unit 16 is set to two levels. However, the first liquid optical system 14 can be continuously (smoothly) deformed as the number of stages is increased.

  [2] In the first embodiment, the bottom surface of the cell 13 that is in contact with the first liquid optical system 14 (where the insulating film 19 is formed) is a fixed plane, but as shown in FIG. A plurality of arc-shaped electrode pieces having tapered surfaces and substantially the same radius of curvature are arranged adjacent to each other on the same circumference with a predetermined gap in a predetermined region on the outer diameter side of the bottom surface. Form may be sufficient. In addition, the coating portion 27 is provided on the tapered surface, and the first liquid optical system 14 may be positioned in the concave portion formed on the bottom surface side of the cell 13 by providing the tapered surface. In FIG. 9, the same members as those in the first embodiment are given the same numbers.

  In this configuration, the shake correction operation when camera shake occurs is substantially the same as in FIGS. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, when attention is paid to the moment of movement in the direction of the arrow B among the shakes generated in the imaging apparatus 1, the imaging point changes from the point P to the point P ′. As a shake correction operation for this, as shown in FIG. 10B, a predetermined voltage V1 is applied between the electrode 24 and the electrode piece 25, and a predetermined voltage V2 (<V1) is applied between the electrode 24 and the electrode piece 26. ) Is applied to the voltage source 18.

  Accordingly, in FIG. 10B, the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15 is attracted to the electrode piece 25, whereby the first liquid optical system 14 is moved from the left side to the right side from the second liquid optical system 15. The first liquid optical system 14 is raised so that the height of the right interface is increased by receiving the pressing force toward the right side, and the imaging point is located from the point P ′ to the point P.

  As a result, even if camera shake occurs, the imaging point can be kept at the point P. Therefore, the relative position of the subject optical image guided to the image sensor 3 with respect to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3 is kept constant, and shake correction is performed. It can be performed.

  According to this, compared with the said 1st Embodiment, the shape of the 1st liquid optical system 14 can be set more highly accurately.

  [3] For example, in the first embodiment, the position of the vertex Q of the interface between the first liquid optical system 14 and the second liquid optical system 15 is determined by individually applying a voltage to each of the electrode pieces 20 to 23. The camera shake correction operation is performed by moving the liquid lens unit 2 on a plane parallel to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the liquid lens unit 2. In addition to this function, for example, an arrow W in FIG. As described above, by applying substantially the same voltage to each of the electrode pieces 20 to 23 substantially simultaneously, the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 15 is attracted to the electrode pieces 20 to 23 substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction. The position of the vertex Q can be moved on the optical axis or a line parallel to the optical axis (in FIG. 4A, the position of the vertex is moved from the point Q to the point Q ″).

  Also, with the following configuration, a camera shake correction function and a function of moving the position of the vertex Q on the optical axis or a line parallel to the optical axis can be realized. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the configuration of the liquid lens unit according to this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a view as seen from the arrow B in FIG.

  11 and 12 includes a cylindrical member 31, first and second liquid optical systems 32 and 33, a coating unit 34, an electrode unit 35, and a voltage source 36. ing.

  The cylindrical member 31 is a bottomed container having, for example, a relatively long and substantially columnar shape, and the cylindrical member 31 is filled with the first and second liquid optical systems 14 and 15.

  The first liquid optical system 32 is made of the same liquid as the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 14 in the first embodiment. The first liquid optical system 32 is located on one end side of the cylindrical member 31. The second liquid optical system 33 is made of the same liquid as that constituting the first liquid optical system 15 in the first embodiment, and is located on the other end side of the cylindrical member 31. The first and second liquid optical systems 32 and 33 face each other through an interface that is curved without being mixed with each other, and in a normal state (a state in which no voltage is applied by the voltage source 36), the vertex R of the interface. Passes through the axis of the cylindrical member 31 (the straight dotted line in the figure).

  The coating portion 34 is formed in a predetermined region (the predetermined region on the upper side in FIG. 11) on the side where the second liquid optical system 33 is located on the inner wall surface of the cylindrical member 31, and constitutes the second liquid optical system 33. Hydrophilic to liquids.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the electrode portion 35 has arc-shaped electrode pieces 37 to 40 having substantially the same radius of curvature arranged adjacent to each other on the same circumference on the outer wall surface of the cylindrical member 31. A plurality of arrangement structures of the electrode pieces 37 to 40 are provided in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 31. In addition, in FIG. 11, it has shown that the electrode piece which attached | subjected the same number is arrange | positioned in the same position in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 31. FIG.

  The voltage source 36 applies a predetermined voltage between the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 33 and the electrode pieces 37 to 40. A plurality of electrode pieces arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 31 are connected in parallel to one electrode of each voltage source 36, and each voltage source 36 includes these electrode pieces and the second liquid. A predetermined voltage is applied between the liquid constituting the optical system 33 (the electrode 41 disposed in the second liquid optical system 33).

  In the above configuration, for example, a predetermined voltage V1 is applied between each electrode piece 37 and the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 33 by the voltage source 36, and each electrode piece 38 and the second liquid optical system 33 are applied. When a predetermined voltage V2 (V2> V1) is applied to the liquid constituting the liquid, the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 33 is attracted to the electrode piece 38, and the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 33 is absorbed. A part moves downward in the axial direction. Accordingly, the first liquid optical system 32 receives a pressing force from the second liquid optical system 33 from the right side to the left side, and the vertex of the first liquid optical system 32 is on the plane orthogonal to the optical axis, for example, from the point R. The shape moves to the left side to R ′.

  Thus, as in the first embodiment, the imaging point can be kept constant even when camera shake occurs, so the relative position of the subject light image guided to the image sensor 3 with respect to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3 Is kept constant and shake correction can be performed.

  Further, when substantially the same voltage is applied between all the electrode pieces 37 to 40 and the electrode 41 at the same time, the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 33 is attracted to the electrode pieces 37 to 40 substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction. It is done. As a result, the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 32 receives a pressing force from the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 33 toward the axial center side from the wall surface side of the cylindrical member 31. In a state where the apex is located on the axial center of the cylindrical member 31, for example, the point moves from the point R to the point R ″, and the interface becomes a sharper shape.

  As a result, the imaging point moves on the optical axis or on a line parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, using this, it is possible to change the photographing magnification and perform automatic focus adjustment.

  [4] In addition to the configuration in which the liquid lens unit 2 itself performs the camera shake correction operation and the change of the photographing magnification or the automatic focus adjustment as in the modified embodiment [3], as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a lens group 42 such as a zoom lens and a focus lens may be provided and arranged on the same optical axis. As a result, functions such as a change in photographing magnification, focus adjustment, or aberration correction can be mounted on the imaging apparatus.

  [5] The number of electrode pieces arranged on the same circumference is not limited to four but may be plural. However, as the number of electrode pieces increases, a larger number of combinations of shake correction amounts and shake correction directions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (combined shake correction vectors on the XY plane) can be provided. Can be performed with high accuracy. In the first embodiment, the number of electrode pieces is set to four in consideration of the accuracy of the shake correction operation and the complexity of the table stored in the table storage unit 122.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the shape of each electrode piece is an arc shape. However, the shape is not limited to this. For example, an end shape such as a rectangular shape or a ring shape is used. Anything other than an endless shape that does not have) may be used. Moreover, about the arrangement | positioning aspect, it is not restricted to the aspect arrange | positioned on the circumference, For example, the aspect arrange | positioned in polygonal cyclic | annular form may be sufficient.

  [6] This case also includes an embodiment as shown in FIG. Note that members substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same numbers.

  As in the first embodiment, the liquid lens unit 50 shown in FIG. 14 includes first and second liquid optical systems 51 and 52 made of different liquids. The liquid lens unit 50 includes a cell 53. The first and second liquid optical systems 51 and 52, the coating portion 54, the electrode portion 55, and the voltage source 56.

  The cell 53 is a container having, for example, a bottomed substantially cylindrical shape, and the cell 53 is filled with the first and second liquid optical systems 51 and 52. The first liquid optical system 51 is made of the same liquid as in the first embodiment, and is in contact with one of the two end surfaces (bottom surface) of the cell 53 (the upper end surface in FIG. 14).

  On the other hand, the second liquid optical system 52 is made of the same liquid as that of the first embodiment, has a density substantially equal to that of the first liquid optical system 51, and has a refractive index different from that of the first liquid optical system 51. . The second liquid optical system 52 is disposed in contact with the other end face of the two end faces of the cell 53 without being mixed with the first liquid optical system 51, and faces the first liquid optical system 51.

  The coating portion 54 is formed on the inner wall surface of the cell 53 excluding the bottom surface on the second liquid optical system 52 side, and has hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 52.

  The electrode section 55 is configured by arranging a plurality of arc-shaped electrode pieces having substantially the same radius of curvature on the outer circumference of the cell 53 adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap on the same circumference. In this state, one part (inside predetermined region) of each electrode piece overlaps with the second liquid optical system 52.

  A plurality of voltage sources 56 are provided corresponding to each electrode piece, and generate a predetermined voltage between each electrode piece of the electrode portion 55 and the second liquid optical system 52. Note that the other terminal of the voltage source 56 is connected to an electrode 57 provided in the second liquid optical system 15. The voltage applied by the voltage source 56 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the liquid lens unit 50 having such a configuration has the coating unit 54 in the second liquid optical system in a normal state (a state where no voltage is applied by the voltage source 56). 52 has hydrophobicity, the end of the first liquid optical system 51 in contact with the coating portion 54 protrudes toward the other end surface, and the first liquid optical system 51 covers the second liquid optical system 52. In this way (such as forming a recess at the center of the cell 53 in the height direction), the interface shape is formed, and parallel light from the subject incident from one end face diffuses through the interface.

  From this state, when substantially the same voltage V3 is applied by each voltage source 56 so that the electrode portion 55 has a higher potential than the electrode 57, the second liquid optical system 52 is configured as shown in FIG. When a part of the liquid is attracted to the electrode portion 55, the interface between the first and second liquid optical systems 51 and 52 is curved to the opposite side to the state shown in FIG. The parallel light from the subject to be imaged is imaged at the imaging point S.

  Further, the cell 53 is arranged with one end face of the end faces of the cell 53 facing the image sensor 3 and the other end face facing the subject, and the voltage applied by each electrode piece is made different. The one liquid optical system 51 is deformed, and as a result, the position of the imaging point S can be moved on the plane.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the camera shake occurs in the direction of the arrow C and the imaging point is changed from the point S to the point S ′ from the detection signal of the shake sensor 11, FIG. As shown in d), a predetermined voltage V4 is applied between the electrode 57 and the electrode piece 55 located on the left side while the voltage applied between the electrode 57 and the electrode piece 55 located on the right side is maintained at V3. (> V3) is applied by the voltage source 56.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14D, a part of the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 52 is further attracted to the electrode piece located on the left side, whereby the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 52 is obtained. A part of moves to the left. Accordingly, the first liquid optical system 51 receives a pressing force from the second liquid optical system 52 from the left side to the right side. At this time, as for the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 51, a part of the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 51 moves to the right side, and the vertex of the interface starts from the point T as shown in FIG. Move to point T ′. As a result, the imaging point returns from the point S ′ to the point S.

  By similarly performing such an operation in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface, the position of the imaging point can be corrected two-dimensionally (on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis L).

  As a result, even if camera shake occurs, the imaging point can be kept at the point S, so that the relative position of the subject optical image guided to the image sensor 3 with respect to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3 is kept constant and shake correction is performed. It can be performed.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 15 is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 14 in the shape of the cell, the shape of each electrode piece, and the installation position. Therefore, in the following, only portions different from the configuration shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 15A is a configuration diagram showing another modified example of the liquid lens portion of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is an external view of the cell as viewed from the arrow D in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 15A and 16, the cell 61 in the liquid lens portion 60 of the present embodiment has a concave portion 61 a having a tapered surface inclined toward the optical axis L when viewed from the direction of the arrow D. An electrode piece 62 having a shape corresponding to the recess 61a is provided in the recess 61a. A plurality of voltage sources 56 are provided corresponding to each electrode piece 62, and a predetermined voltage is generated between each electrode piece 62 and the second liquid optical system 52.

  In a normal state (a state in which no voltage is applied by the voltage source 56), the liquid lens unit 60 from a subject incident from one end face is substantially the same as the liquid lens unit 50 shown in FIG. The parallel light is diffused through the interfaces of the first and second liquid optical systems 51 and 52, and from this state, the voltage sources 56 are substantially the same so that the electrode piece 62 is at a higher potential than the electrode 57. When the voltage V3 is applied, as shown in FIG. 15B, a part of the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 52 is attracted to the electrode piece, so that the first and second liquid optical systems 51 and 52 The interface is curved to the side opposite to the state shown in FIG. 14A, and parallel light from the subject incident from one end face forms an image at the image point S. At this time, the peripheral edge of the interface is located on the tapered surface.

  Similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the cell 61 is arranged with one end face of the end faces of the cell 61 facing the image sensor and the other end face facing the subject, and applied by each electrode piece. By changing the voltage to be changed, the first liquid optical system 51 is deformed, and as a result, the position of the imaging point S can be moved on the plane.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the camera shake occurs in the direction of the arrow C and the imaging point is changed from the point S to the point S ′ from the detection signal of the shake sensor 11, FIG. As shown in d), a predetermined voltage V4 is applied between the electrode 57 and the electrode piece 62 positioned on the left side in a state where the voltage applied between the electrode 57 and the electrode piece 62 positioned on the right side is maintained at V3. (> V3) is applied by the voltage source 56.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 15D, a part of the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system 52 is further attracted to the electrode piece 62 located on the left side, thereby constituting the second liquid optical system 52. Part of the liquid moves to the left. Accordingly, the first liquid optical system 51 receives a pressing force from the second liquid optical system 52 from the left side to the right side. At this time, as for the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 51, a part of the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system 51 moves to the right side, and the vertex of the interface starts from the point Z as shown in FIG. Move to point Z ′. As a result, the imaging point returns from the point S ′ to the point S.

  By similarly performing such an operation in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface, the position of the imaging point can be corrected two-dimensionally (on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis L). As a result, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the image formation point can be kept at the point S even if camera shake occurs, so that the object light image guided to the image sensor 3 relative to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3 The position is kept constant and shake correction can be performed.

  [7] The voltage source may not be provided corresponding to each electrode. For example, each electrode may be connected in parallel to one voltage source, and voltage control may be performed for each electrode.

  [8] The liquid lens unit is not limited to the imaging device, and can be mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It is a block diagram of a liquid lens part. It is the arrow view seen from the arrow A in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a liquid lens part. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging process of an imaging device. 6 is a subroutine showing a shake correction operation in step # 8 in the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the deformation | transformation form of a liquid lens part, especially an electrode part. It is a figure which shows the deformation | transformation form of a liquid lens part, especially a coating part. It is a figure which shows the deformation | transformation form of a liquid lens part. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the liquid lens part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other modification of a liquid lens. It is an arrow view seen from the arrow B in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device which has arrange | positioned a liquid lens device and lens groups, such as a zoom lens and a focus lens, on the same optical axis. It is a figure which shows the deformation | transformation form of a liquid lens part. It is a figure which similarly shows the other modification of a liquid lens part. It is an external view of the cell seen from the arrow D of the arrow (a) of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 2, 30, 50, 60 Liquid lens part 3 Imaging element 11 Shake sensor 12 Control part 121 Correction control part 122 Table memory | storage part 13,53,61 Cell 14,32,51 1st liquid optical system 15,33, 52 Second liquid optical system 16, 27, 34, 54 Coating part 17, 35, 55 Electrode part 18, 36, 56 Voltage source 19 Insulating film 20, 20a, 20b, 21, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 25, 26, 37, 38, 62 Electrode pieces 24, 41, 57 Electrode 31 Cylindrical member 42 Lens group

Claims (13)

A first liquid optical system made of an insulating liquid and a second liquid optical system having a density substantially the same as the liquid constituting the first liquid optical system and having conductivity or polarity are mixed with each other. The first liquid optical system and the second liquid optical system have different refractive indexes so that the incident light is refracted and emitted at the interface position. A liquid lens device,
A plurality of electrodes having end shapes arranged on a plane intersecting the optical axis at predetermined positions in the optical axis direction constituted by the first and second liquid optical systems;
A voltage source capable of applying a voltage between the second liquid optical system and the electrodes;
A liquid lens comprising: control means for changing optical characteristics in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction by individually controlling voltage application operations to the electrodes to change the curved state of the interface. apparatus.   The shape maintaining means for maintaining the shape of the first liquid optical system and the shape changing means for continuously changing the shape of the first liquid optical system are provided. Liquid lens device. The first liquid optical system is located on a predetermined wall surface,
In the second liquid optical system, the coating portion having hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system is formed at a predetermined position on the wall surface, whereby the first liquid optical system is 3. The liquid lens device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid lens device is held on the predetermined wall surface in a covered state. The first liquid optical system is located on a predetermined wall surface,
In the second liquid optical system, a coating portion having hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity with respect to the liquid constituting the second liquid optical system is formed at a predetermined position on the wall surface, thereby the first liquid optical system. The liquid lens device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid lens device is held on the predetermined wall surface in a covered state.   On the predetermined wall surface, a region including a predetermined outer edge region in a contact region with the first liquid optical system is directed from the first liquid optical system side to the second liquid optical system side in the optical axis direction. 5. A liquid lens device according to claim 2, wherein a tapered surface inclined outward is formed, and the electrode is formed on the tapered surface.   The coating portion is formed such that the hydrophilicity increases or the hydrophobicity decreases in a direction of radiating on the wall surface with an intersection of the optical axis and the wall surface as a radiating point. 6. The liquid lens device according to claim 3, wherein the liquid lens device is a liquid lens device.   Each of the electrodes has an arc shape having substantially the same radius of curvature, and has an array structure arranged adjacent to each other on the same circumference centered at the intersection of the optical axis and the plane. The liquid lens device according to claim 1. A plurality of the array structures are provided on a plurality of circumferences having different diameters around the intersection on the plane,
8. The liquid lens device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit causes the voltage source to perform a voltage application operation so that an applied voltage changes in a direction from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side of the electrode.   The first and second liquid optical systems are housed in cylindrical cells so that the optical axis direction coincides with the axial direction of the cylinder, and the array structure is multiplexed on the optical axis. The liquid lens device according to claim 7, wherein the liquid lens device is provided on the liquid lens device. A shake correction device for correcting image shake caused by shake given to the shake correction device of a subject image guided to an imaging means,
A liquid lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A shake detection device for detecting the shake,
The control means calculates a shake correction amount for making the optical axis of the liquid lens device constant based on a shake detection signal output from the shake detection device, and calculates the shake correction to perform the correction. A shake correction apparatus that individually controls the voltage application operation of each voltage source based on the amount. The shake correction apparatus according to claim 10,
An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup unit that picks up a subject image that has been subjected to image shake correction by the shake correction apparatus.   12. The control unit according to claim 11, wherein the control unit moves the vertex position of the boundary surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis by causing all the voltage sources to perform substantially the same voltage application operation. Imaging device.   The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein one or a plurality of lens groups are arranged on an optical axis of the liquid lens device.

Images