JP2010068141A - Unit for preventing camera-shake during imaging, and image capturing apparatus applying the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a unit for preventing camera-shake during imaging that allows a photographer to easily comprehend the occurrence state of a camera-shake phenomenon during image capturing operation and prevents acquisition of failure images by inhibiting shutter-release operation when a detected camera-shake amount is large, and to provide an image capturing apparatus applying the same. <P>SOLUTION: The unit for preventing camera-shake during imaging includes: a shutter button 38; a biasing part 37a for generating biasing force in a direction opposite to a depression direction of the shutter button; a camera-shake amount detecting part 36 for detecting a camera-shake amount; and a control part 37b for controlling the biasing force, generated by the biasing part, on the basis of the camera-shake amount detected by the camera-shake amount detecting part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a blur imaging prevention unit and an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit is applied, and more specifically, to a blur imaging prevention unit having a function of detecting a blur occurring during shooting and notifying the photographer that the blur has occurred. The present invention relates to an imaging device to which the above is applied.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is subjected to photoelectric conversion processing by a photoelectric conversion element such as an image pickup element to obtain an optical image of a desired subject as an electrical image signal, and this image signal is converted into digital data. An image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera configured to be able to store converted image data and related information data thereof as an image data file in a storage medium is widely spread.

  In general, when performing a shooting operation to acquire an image data file such as a still image or a moving image using an imaging device such as a digital camera, a photographer usually holds the imaging device by hand. . If the photographer's hand shakes during this shooting operation, the imaging device itself will move, and as a result, the subject image of the image displayed by the obtained image data will be blurred (that is, image blurring will occur). Phenomenon), a so-called camera shake phenomenon may occur.

  Therefore, an imaging apparatus having a function of detecting such a camera shake phenomenon and preventing the camera shake or notifying the photographer of the occurrence of the camera shake by a warning sound or a warning display is conventionally known. Various proposals have been made.

  In addition, in the imaging apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-166396, the state of camera shake detected by the camera shake detection unit is displayed as a graph using the end of the display monitor, and time-series camera shake is detected. And means for visually informing the photographer of the state of the blur and the state of the blur amount in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

Furthermore, the imaging apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-313241 discloses means for displaying a line segment of the state of camera shake using an LED display device based on a signal detected by the camera shake detection means. Yes.
JP 2006-166396 A JP-A-5-313241

  However, in a conventional imaging device, when a camera shake occurs during a shooting operation, a warning sound is generated, or characters, marks, etc. are superimposed on the image being displayed on the screen of the display device. Therefore, it is difficult to grasp the direction and amount of camera shake occurring.

  In addition, a device that generates a warning sound may be annoying to the surroundings, for example, in a quiet shooting situation.

  Furthermore, with a warning display, the photographer tends to stare at the display, and the gaze of the imaging device is neglected by staring away from the subject or staring at the warning display during shooting. There are problems such as increasing blurring.

  On the other hand, the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-166396 merely displays the amount of camera shake in time series and the amount of shake in the horizontal and vertical directions. It is difficult to know the correction direction for suppressing camera shake.

  On the other hand, the means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-313241 has an LED display device separately from the viewfinder for observing the subject image. It can be said that it is a difficult structure.

  Further, in the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-166396 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-313241, the information on the camera shake status detected by the camera shake detection means is only displayed in real time. Yes, the photographer can always perform a photographing operation by operating the shutter button. Therefore, it is impossible to avoid the problem that if the shutter release is performed while the camera shake warning is displayed, there is a high possibility that the photograph will be a failed photo.

  Note that the means disclosed in the above publications do not disclose a configuration that records the detected camera shake situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to easily grasp the occurrence state of a camera shake phenomenon that occurs when a photographing operation is performed using an imaging device. In addition, when a detected amount of camera shake is large, a shutter release operation is disabled, thereby providing a blur imaging prevention unit that can prevent acquisition of a failed image with blur and an imaging apparatus to which this is applied. It is to be.

  In addition, a camera shake prevention unit capable of contributing to improvement of a holding technique that does not cause camera shake by recording data on the amount of camera shake detected together with an image and displaying a camera shake situation later. An imaging apparatus to which this is applied is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, a blur imaging prevention unit according to the present invention includes a shutter button, an urging unit that generates an urging force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the shutter button, and a blur amount detection that detects a blur amount. And a control unit that controls the urging force of the urging unit based on the amount of blur detected by the blur amount detecting unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the state of occurrence of a camera shake phenomenon that occurs when a photographing operation is performed using an imaging apparatus, and to perform a shutter release operation when the detected amount of camera shake is large. By disabling it, it is possible to provide a blur imaging prevention unit that can prevent acquisition of a failed image in which a blur has occurred, and an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit is applied.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the holding technique that does not cause the camera shake by recording the data of the detected camera shake amount together with the image and displaying the camera shake situation at a later date. It is possible to provide a blur imaging prevention unit that can be used, and an imaging apparatus to which this unit is applied.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

(First embodiment)
An imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram schematically showing the main configuration of an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of a main configuration of a blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 and constituent members related to the main configuration. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating control according to the amount of shutter suppression blur performed by the shutter suppression control unit of the camera shake prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an imaging apparatus 1 to which the blur imaging prevention unit 2 of the present embodiment is applied includes a photographing optical system 21, a shutter unit 22, an imaging element 23 (CCD in FIG. 1), and a preprocessing unit 24. An AD conversion unit 25 (AD unit in FIG. 1), an image processing unit 26, a bus 27, a memory control unit 28, a temporary memory 29 (SDRAM in FIG. 1), a video encoder 30, and a compression / decompression unit. 31 (JPEG portion in FIG. 1), control circuit portion 32 (CPU in FIG. 1), memory card 33, display portion 34, operation switch 35 (operation SW in FIG. 1), shutter release button 38, It is mainly configured by the blur imaging prevention unit 2 and the like.

  The photographic optical system 21 includes a plurality of optical lenses that transmit a light beam from a subject to form an optical image, a lens barrel that holds the plurality of optical lenses, and an arbitrary optical of the plurality of optical lenses. It includes a drive mechanism that realizes a focus adjustment operation and a zooming operation by moving the lens in a direction along the optical axis O according to a predetermined operation instruction.

  The shutter unit 22 is a mechanism that controls the exposure time of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 23 by performing control to allow or block the light beam that passes through the imaging optical system 21 and enters the imaging apparatus 1. .

  The image sensor 23 receives a light image of a subject formed by a light beam from a subject irradiated on the light receiving surface via the photographing optical system 21 and the shutter unit 22, and performs photoelectric conversion processing to form an image signal. It is an image sensor formed using a solid-state imaging device such as a device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Seamos; Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). In FIG. 1, the image sensor 23 is simply abbreviated as CCD. Hereinafter, it will be referred to as CCD 23.

  The pre-processing unit 24 is an analog signal processing circuit that receives an image signal generated and output after being subjected to photoelectric conversion processing by the image sensor 23 and performs preprocessing such as amplification, waveform shaping, and noise removal.

  The AD conversion unit 25 is an analog-digital conversion circuit that receives a signal-processed analog image signal output from the preprocessing unit 24 and converts it into a digital image signal. In FIG. 1, the AD conversion unit 25 is abbreviated as an AD unit. Hereinafter, it is referred to as an AD unit 25.

  The image processing unit 26 is a digital signal processing circuit that receives the digital image signal output from the AD unit 25 and performs various types of image signal processing.

  The pre-process unit 24, the AD unit 25, and the image processing unit 26 are electrically connected in order by signal lines from the CCD 23, and image signals are sequentially transmitted through the signal lines. ing.

  A bus 27 is a signal line that electrically connects the constituent circuits of the imaging apparatus 1 and forms a path for exchanging data between the circuits.

  The memory control unit 28 is a control circuit that controls the temporary memory 29 and controls signals temporarily written therein.

  The temporary memory 29 is a storage area for temporarily storing a digital image signal subjected to signal processing output from the image processing unit 26. As the temporary memory 29, for example, SDRAM (Esdrum: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like is applied. In FIG. 1, the temporary memory 29 is simply abbreviated as SDRAM. Hereinafter, it is referred to as SDRAM 29.

  The video encoder 30 receives a signal temporarily stored in the SDRAM 29 and displays a predetermined video format such as an image signal for display, for example, NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) standard or PAL (Phase Alternating Line) standard. The signal processing circuit converts the image signal for display according to the above.

  The compression / decompression unit 31 receives a signal temporarily stored in the SDRAM 29 and performs image compression for recording, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) data compression processing, or compression already recorded in the memory card 33. It is a signal processing circuit for decompressing data. In FIG. 1, the compression / decompression unit 31 is simply abbreviated as a JPEG unit. Hereinafter, the JPEG portion 31 is described.

  The control circuit unit 32 is a circuit unit that comprehensively controls each component circuit of the imaging apparatus 1. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is applied as the control circuit unit 32. In FIG. 1, the control circuit unit 32 is simply abbreviated as CPU. Hereinafter, the CPU 32 is described.

  The memory card 33 is an auxiliary storage device that stores the image signal acquired by the imaging device 1 as image data. The memory card 33 is a thin card-shaped storage device configured to include a storage medium such as a flash memory (nonvolatile semiconductor memory) or a micro hard disk and an interface. The memory card 33 may be in various forms such as a form that is detachably provided to the image pickup apparatus 1 and a form that is configured integrally with an internal circuit of the image pickup apparatus 1.

  The display unit 34 is a display device that receives a display image signal output from the video encoder 30 and displays it as an image. As the display unit 34, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) is applied.

  The operation switch 35 is a switch group that outputs a predetermined instruction signal to the CPU 32 in conjunction with operations of various operation members provided in the imaging apparatus 1, such as the shutter release button 38. In FIG. 1, the operation switch 35 is simply abbreviated as operation SW. Hereinafter, it is described as operation SW35. In FIG. 1, only the shutter release button 38 is shown as an operation member. In the present embodiment, the other operation members are not directly related to the present invention and are not shown.

  The blur imaging prevention unit 2 is a unit mainly configured by a blur detection unit 36 that is a blur amount detection unit and a shutter suppression control unit 37.

  The blur detection unit 36 includes a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), for example, and is a blur amount detection circuit that detects the blur amount of the imaging apparatus 1.

  The shutter suppression control unit 37 includes an urging unit 37a that generates an urging force in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shutter release button 38 is pressed, and an urging unit 37a that applies an urging unit 37a based on a blur amount detected by the blur detection unit 36. It is comprised by the control part 37b which controls a power.

  In addition, about the structure of the part which is not related to this invention, the detailed illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted as what is normally comprised similarly to a general digital camera.

  Next, an operation during an imaging operation in the imaging apparatus 1 to which the blur imaging prevention unit 2 of the present embodiment is applied will be briefly described below.

  First, when the power of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on and the operation mode is set to the photographing mode, the light flux from the subject enters the imaging apparatus 1 through the photographing optical system 21. To do.

  In this case, the drive control of the shutter unit 22 by the CPU 32 differs depending on the type of the imaging apparatus 1, for example, a single-lens reflex system or a so-called compact type.

  For example, in a single-lens reflex imaging apparatus, the shutter unit 22 is controlled to be in a closed state when the power is on and the shooting mode is set.

  In this state, when the photographer performs a half-press operation of the shutter release button 38 among the operation members, an AE instruction and an AF instruction signal are generated from the operation SW 35 by this half-press operation. Upon receiving these instruction signals, the CPU 32 drives and controls the photographing optical system 21, a photometric device (not shown) and the like to perform an automatic focus adjustment operation (AF operation) and an automatic exposure adjustment operation (AE operation).

  Subsequently, when the shutter release button 38 is fully pressed, the CPU 32 receives the release instruction signal from the operation SW 35 generated by the full press operation, and the CPU 32 is based on the exposure value calculated by the immediately preceding automatic exposure adjustment operation. Then, the shutter unit 22 is driven and controlled so that the shutter unit 22 is opened for a predetermined time, and then exposure control is performed to close it again. As a result, a light image of the subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 32 with a proper exposure for a predetermined time.

  On the other hand, in a so-called compact type imaging apparatus, the shutter unit 22 is controlled to be in an open state when the power is on and the photographing mode is set. Therefore, the light beam from the subject that has passed through the photographic optical system 21 is in a state where it always irradiates the light receiving surface of the CCD 23 through the shutter unit 22 in the open state.

  In this state, the CPU 32 controls the exposure of the CCD 23 so as to obtain a proper exposure by performing a photometric operation on the light beam received by the CCD 23.

  When the photographer performs a half-press operation of the shutter release button 38 among the operation members, an AF instruction signal is generated from the operation SW 35 by this half-press operation. Upon receiving this instruction signal, the CPU 32 drives and controls the photographing optical system 21 to perform an automatic focus adjustment operation (AF operation).

  Subsequently, when the shutter release button 38 is fully pressed, upon receiving a release instruction signal from the operation SW 35 generated by this full press operation, the CPU 32 controls the drive of the shutter unit 22 to adjust the automatic exposure immediately before. Exposure control based on the exposure value calculated by the photometric operation accompanying the operation is executed. Thereby, the CCD 32 acquires an image signal corresponding to the release operation executed at a predetermined timing.

  In this way, the incident light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 21 is exposed and controlled by the shutter unit 22 controlled by the CPU 32 and is irradiated onto the light receiving surface of the CCD 23.

  The CCD 23 receives the light image of the subject imaged on the light receiving surface and performs a photoelectric conversion process to generate an image signal. The image signal generated by the CCD 23 is output to the preprocessing unit 24.

  The pre-process unit 24 receives an output signal from the CCD 23, performs predetermined analog image signal processing such as amplification, waveform shaping, noise removal, and the like, and outputs it to the AD unit 25.

  In response to this, the AD unit 25 performs analog-digital signal conversion processing to generate a digital image signal, and outputs the digital image signal to the image processing unit 26.

  In response to this, the image processing unit 26 executes various image signal processes. The image signal subjected to the signal processing by the image processing unit 26 is transmitted to the SDRAM 29 via the bus 27 under the control of the CPU 32, and temporarily stored in the SDRAM 29.

  At the same time, the image signal processed by the image processing unit 26 and temporarily stored in the SDRAM 29 is transmitted to the video encoder 30 via the bus 27 under the control of the CPU 32 and in accordance with an instruction from the memory control unit 28.

  In response to this, the video encoder 30 performs conversion processing into an image signal for display according to a predetermined video format based on the input image signal. The image signal generated by the video encoder 30 is output to the display unit 34. In response to this, the display unit 34 executes an image display operation. As a result, a monitor image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 34.

  On the other hand, the image signal processed by the image processing unit 26 and temporarily stored in the SDRAM 29 is output to the JPEG unit 31 via the bus 27 in accordance with an instruction from the memory control unit 28 under the control of the CPU 32.

  In response to this, the JPEG unit 31 executes signal compression processing in accordance with recording conditions such as a compression rate instructed by the CPU 32 to generate compressed data of the image signal. This compressed data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory card 33 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 32.

  The operation of the blur imaging prevention unit 2 during execution of the series of shooting operations described above in the imaging apparatus 1 will be described below.

  First, when the image pickup apparatus 1 is in the power-on state and the operation mode is set to the shooting mode, the shake detection unit 36 performs a shake detection operation for detecting the shake amount of the image pickup apparatus 1 under the control of the CPU 32. Execute. This blur detection operation may be performed whenever the imaging apparatus 1 is in a power-on state, or may be operated only while a predetermined operation button of the operation member is operated by the photographer. Good. In the present embodiment, the operation of the blur detection unit 36 is started by pressing the shutter release button 38 by the photographer, and the operation of the blur detection unit 36 is performed while the shutter release button 38 is pressed. The case of continuing is described as an example.

  That is, when the photographer performs a predetermined operation of the shutter release button 38, for example, a half-press operation, a shutter half-press operation instruction signal is generated from the operation SW 35. Upon receiving this instruction signal, the CPU 32 starts drive control of the shake detection unit 36. Thereby, the blur detection unit 36 continuously performs the blur detection operation while the half-pressing operation of the shutter release button 38 is continuously performed. A data signal of a blur amount (hereinafter referred to as a detected blur amount) detected by the blur detection unit 36 during the blur detection operation is transmitted to the shutter suppression control unit 37.

  Upon receiving this data signal, the shutter suppression control unit 37 performs signal processing for comparing a preset threshold value relating to the blur amount that is set in advance and instructed by the CPU 32 with the data signal of the detected blur amount under the control of the CPU 32. Do.

  Here, the shutter suppression control unit 37 controls the urging force of the urging unit 37a under the control of the control unit 37b, and the pressing force (shutter suppression) of the shutter release button 38 is increased according to the detected blur amount. Control to be.

  That is, the urging force is controlled by the urging unit 37a of the shutter suppression control unit 37 so that the urging force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the shutter release button 38 gradually increases as the detected blur amount increases. . Accordingly, the amount of force for depressing the shutter release button 38 is controlled to increase as the shutter pressure increases.

  In this case, the shutter suppression by the shutter suppression control unit 37 is controlled as shown in the diagram of FIG. 3, for example, according to the detected blur amount.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the urging unit 37 a is controlled so that the shutter suppression increases as the detected blur amount increases.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, two setting thresholds A and B relating to the shake amount are set. Then, a period from when the amount of shake detected by the shake detection unit 36 is 0 (zero) to when the detected amount of shake becomes the set threshold A, and until when the amount of detected shake becomes the set threshold B from the state of the set threshold A In the period P, control is performed such that the shutter pressure gradually increases as the detected blur amount increases.

  It should be noted that during the period from when the detected blur amount becomes 0 (zero) to the set threshold value B, the shutter release operation by fully pressing the shutter release button 38 is permitted.

  In other words, as the amount of shake detected by the shake detection unit 36 increases, the shutter suppression by the shutter suppression control unit 37 increases, so that the operator can determine the amount of force applied to the fingertip that presses the shutter release button 38. It is possible to grasp the blur situation.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, when a blur amount exceeding the set threshold B is detected (when the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold B. Period N in FIG. 3), the shutter suppression control unit 37 The shutter is controlled to have a predetermined shutter pressure. The shutter suppression set in this case is set to a force that makes it impossible to fully press the shutter release button 38.

  That is, when a blur amount exceeding the set threshold B is detected, control is performed such that the full press operation of the shutter release button 38 is not possible. Therefore, as the setting threshold value B, for example, a blur amount value is set to such a degree that it is certain that a failed photo due to blurring will occur when a shooting operation is performed. As a result, a release instruction is not generated from the operation SW 35, so that the shutter unit 22 is not driven and a release operation is not performed.

  The control for disabling the full release operation of the shutter release button 38 includes, for example, controlling the urging force of the urging unit 37a that generates the urging force in the direction opposite to the pressing-down direction of the shutter release button 38, and This is a control that mechanically disables the pressing operation of the release button 38.

  Alternatively, electrical control may be performed so that a release instruction signal from the operation SW 35 is not generated when the shutter release button 38 is fully pressed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the blur detection unit 36 of the blur imaging prevention unit 2 continuously detects the blur amount of the imaging device 1 during the half-pressing operation of the shutter release button 38, The detected blur amount data is output to the shutter suppression control unit 37.

  Then, the shutter suppression control unit 37 controls the urging force by the urging unit 37a according to the detected blur amount based on the data output from the blur detection unit 36, and gradually releases the shutter as the detected blur amount increases. It is trying to increase oppression.

  As a result, the photographer can easily recognize the occurrence of blurring by feeling the suppression force during the half-press operation of the shutter release button 38 with the fingertip. Therefore, since the photographer can know the blur situation without causing trouble to the surroundings by the warning sound and without being distracted by the warning display, the imaging device 1 can be used according to the recognized blur situation. It is possible to take measures such as paying attention to holdings. Thereby, there is a high possibility that a photographing result (captured image) with reduced image blur can be obtained.

  Further, when the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold B, the shutter suppression control unit 37 performs control to disable the full press operation of the shutter release button 38. That is, when a blur amount exceeding the set threshold B is detected, the shutter unit 22 is not driven, and thus the release operation is disabled.

  As a result, when the detected blur amount is large (when the set threshold value B is exceeded), the photographing operation is disabled, so that an image with image blurring is not photographed unnecessarily.

  Note that, in such a shooting situation where the amount of blurring becomes large in this way, it is common to shoot using a tripod or the like. In other words, in the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the release operation is disabled in a situation where the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold value B, so a guideline for determining whether to use a tripod is presented to the photographer. can do. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a reliable photographing result (photographed image) without image blur.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the second embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the main configuration of an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main part of a main configuration of a blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG. 4 and components related to the main configuration. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the control in the “normal shooting mode-II” by the shutter suppression control unit of the image pickup prevention unit applied to the image pickup apparatus of FIG. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the control in the “training mode” of the blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG.

  The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment described above.

  The imaging apparatus 1A of the present embodiment is different in that it includes a plurality of shutter suppression control modes by the shutter suppression control unit 37, and further includes a mode selection button 39 for selecting and specifying the control mode. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In addition to the configuration of the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, the imaging apparatus 1A of the present embodiment includes a mode selection button 39 that is linked to the operation SW 35 as an operation member.

  Therefore, when the photographer operates the mode selection button 39, the operation SW 35 outputs a predetermined control mode signal instructed to be selected to the CPU 32.

  Examples of the control mode of the shutter suppression control unit 37 that can be set in the camera shake prevention unit 2 of the imaging apparatus 1A include “normal shooting mode-I”, “normal shooting mode-II”, and “training mode”.

  Among these control modes, “normal photographing mode-I” (see FIG. 3) and “normal photographing mode-II” (see FIG. 6) are control modes at the time of photographing operation, and the shutter suppression controller 37 controls the shutter. It is an example of two types of control modes when the shutter release operation is permitted while the suppression pressure is being controlled so that an actual photographing operation can be executed.

  In the “training mode” (see FIG. 7), the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> A is operated in the imaging mode, and when the amount of blur exceeds the set threshold A, the release operation cannot be performed by pressing the shutter release button 38 fully. Mode. Further, in this training mode, control of shutter suppression according to the amount of blur is not performed. This training mode is a control mode that is mainly used when holding exercises for the amount of blurring.

  Note that the control modes that can be selected by the mode selection button 39 are not limited to the above-described three control modes, and other different control modes can be considered, and these other control modes can be selected. You may be able to do it.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 1A of the present embodiment configured as described above is basically the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above.

  In the imaging apparatus 1A of the present embodiment, when the power is turned on and the operation mode is set to the shooting mode, the photographer uses the mode selection button 39 to perform a desired operation prior to the shooting operation. The operation to select the control mode is performed.

  When the mode selection button 39 is operated, an instruction signal for instructing the operation in the control mode selected from the operation SW 35 is sent to the CPU 32. In response to this, the CPU 32 starts driving control in the selected control mode of the shutter suppression control unit 37 of the imaging apparatus 1A.

  In this case, when the selected control mode is “normal shooting mode-I”, the same control as the drive control described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is performed. (See FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, when “normal photographing mode-II” (see FIG. 6) is selected, the following drive control is performed.

  That is, in this control mode, as shown in FIG. 6, first, control is performed so that a certain amount of shutter suppression is applied to the shutter release button 38 from the beginning regardless of the amount of blur detected by the blur detector 36. .

  Control is performed so that the amount of detected blur increases and the shutter suppression increases. In this case, the degree of increase of the shutter suppression with respect to the increase of the blur amount is controlled to be slightly gentler than that in the above-described “normal photographing mode-I”. This is also apparent from the inclination of the graph lines in FIGS.

  When the detected blur amount reaches the set threshold A, control is performed to rapidly increase the shutter suppression amount by a predetermined amount.

  Subsequently, in the period P from when the detected blur amount becomes the set threshold value B to the set threshold value B, control is performed so that the shutter suppression gradually increases as the detected blur amount increases.

  During the period up to this point, the shutter release operation by fully pressing the shutter release button 38 is permitted.

  Then, when the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold value B, control is performed to disable the shutter release operation by fully pressing the shutter release button 38.

  In other words, in the control mode in the “normal shooting mode-II”, the shutter suppression is clearly different between the period until the detected blur amount reaches the setting threshold A and the period P from the setting threshold A to the setting threshold B. Thus, the photographer can easily know the blurring situation with the sense of the fingertip.

  When the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold B (period N in FIG. 6), the shutter release button 38 cannot be fully pressed to prevent a failed photo due to blur. ing.

  On the other hand, in the “training mode”, as shown in FIG. 7, a certain amount of shutter suppression is applied to the shutter release button 38 from the beginning regardless of the amount of blur detected by the blur detector 36. Then, control is performed so as to maintain the initial shutter suppression regardless of the increase in the detected blur amount. During the period N after the time when the set threshold A is reached, the shutter release button 38 is controlled by the shutter suppression control. Control is performed to disable full-press operation.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and a mode selection button 39 is provided, and a plurality of control modes by the shutter suppression control unit 37 are provided. Since the photographer can select in advance, the control of the shutter suppression during the photographing operation can be made different. In addition to this, by providing a “training mode” that always disables the shutter release button 38 to be fully pressed when the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold, the imaging apparatus 1A of the present embodiment It can also function as a training device that improves holding technology for preventing camera shake.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the third embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 to 12.

  FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram schematically showing the main configuration of an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the third embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a main part of a main configuration of a blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG. 8 and components related to the main configuration. 10 to 11 are diagrams illustrating display examples showing camera shake states displayed by the shutter suppression control unit of the camera shake prevention unit applied to the imaging device of FIG. Among these, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen when blurring locus information is superimposed on the monitor image. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display screen when the allowable range display of the blur amount is superimposed on the display screen of FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen when a shutter-on timing mark is superimposed on the display screen of FIG.

  The configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the configuration of the second embodiment described above. However, in the imaging apparatus 1B of the present embodiment, the blur imaging prevention unit 2B is used. The configuration is slightly different.

  In other words, the camera shake prevention unit 2B according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the camera shake prevention unit 2 in the first and second embodiments, and further generates camera shake locus data as shown in FIGS. The track information storage part 40 which is a part is provided. Therefore, the same components as those in the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The trajectory information storage unit 40 generates and stores blur trajectory information (trajectory data) by predetermined signal processing based on signal information corresponding to the blur amount detected by the blur detection unit 36. It is a circuit part comprised as follows.

  The blurring trajectory information generated by the trajectory information storage unit 40 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided therein and is simultaneously sent to the display unit 34 via the video encoder 30. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the image pickup apparatus 1 </ b> B is superimposed and displayed as an index for visually displaying the camera shake state on the monitor image continuously displayed on the display unit 34 while operating in the shooting mode. It is like that.

  Here, the imaging apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above has a “training mode” as a control mode by the shutter suppression control unit 37 of the blur imaging prevention unit 2, and is based on the “training mode”. When the control is performed, the shutter suppression is controlled when the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold value, and only the control for disabling the full release operation of the shutter release button 38 is performed.

  On the other hand, in the imaging apparatus 1B of the present embodiment, by further including the trajectory information storage unit 40 in the blur imaging prevention unit 2, in addition to the control in the second embodiment described above, the display unit 34 is further provided. The camera shake state can be visually displayed using the display unit 34 in real time. At the same time, when a photographed image is recorded, blur locus information indicating a camera shake situation corresponding to the photographed image is recorded in association with the photographed image.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 1B of the present embodiment configured as described above is basically the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1A of the second embodiment described above.

  In the imaging apparatus 1B of the present embodiment, the power is turned on, the operation mode is set to the shooting mode, and the photographer uses the mode selection button 39 to select the “training mode” among the desired control modes. When the shutter release button 38 is half-pressed when the button is selected, control according to the “training mode” of the blur detection operation and shutter suppression by the blur imaging prevention unit 2B is executed under the control of the CPU 32. The

  In this case, the blur detection unit 36 performs a blur amount detection operation while the half-pressing operation of the shutter release button 38 is continued, and outputs the blur detection signal to the shutter suppression control unit 37. Also output to the trajectory information storage unit 40.

  In response to the blur detection signal, the shutter suppression control unit 37 controls the shutter suppression according to the detected blur amount according to the control in the “training mode” that is the set control mode.

  At the same time, the trajectory information storage unit 40 performs predetermined signal processing using the blur detection signal from the blur detection unit 36 and sends this to the video encoder 30 as trajectory information. In response to this, the video encoder 30 superimposes it on the monitor image being displayed on the display unit 34 and displays it as an indicator 51 in the form of a display line representing a blurring locus.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the monitor image 34 a and the index 51 representing the blur locus information are displayed on the display unit 34. For example, the index 51 is displayed in an area including a focus point near the substantially central portion of the monitor image 34a.

  In this way, by using the display unit 34 to superimpose the blur trajectory information index 51 on the monitor image 34a, the photographer confirms the camera shake state on the monitor image 34a of the display unit 34 to be normally stopped. Can be done.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, an index frame 52 indicating an allowable range of camera shake may be displayed in a predetermined area on the monitor image 34 a of the display unit 34, for example, a substantially central portion of the screen. The photographer can obtain a shooting result with reduced blur by paying attention to the holding of the imaging apparatus 1B so that the index 51 representing the blur locus information of the camera shake situation is within the index frame 52. .

  On the other hand, the trajectory information that has undergone predetermined signal processing in the trajectory information storage unit 40 is also sent to the SDRAM 29 via the memory control unit 28. Thereby, the SDRAM 29 temporarily stores the image signal of the photographed image obtained by the photographing operation and the corresponding trajectory information.

  Therefore, when a recording operation by the photographer, that is, when the shutter release button 38 is fully pressed and a release signal is generated, the CPU 32 receives and controls the JPEG unit 31. As a result, the JPEG unit 31 reads out various signals temporarily stored in the SDRAM 29 and executes a signal compression process that associates them with each other to form a series of image data. The compressed data thus generated is sent from the JPEG unit 31 to the memory card 33 and recorded in a predetermined area of the memory card 33.

  In the present embodiment, information related to the timing at which the above-described recording operation is executed, that is, the timing at which a release signal is generated by a full press operation of the shutter release button 38 is recorded.

  Thus, the image data recorded on the memory card 33 can be reproduced and displayed using the display unit 34 by operating the imaging device 1B in the reproduction mode. It is the same.

  When performing this reproduction operation, the imaging apparatus 1B of the present embodiment displays a blur locus information index 51 and a shutter timing index 53 representing a camera shake situation superimposed on the monitor image 34a as shown in FIG. It can be made to.

  Also in this embodiment, when operating under the control in the “training mode”, as described above, when the amount of shake detected by the shake detector 36 exceeds the set threshold A (see FIG. 7), the shutter The full pressing operation of the release button 38 is disabled. In this case, the above-described recording operation cannot be performed.

  Therefore, as another form of control, when the detected blur amount exceeds the set threshold A, the shutter release button 38 is controlled so as to be allowed to be fully pressed, and when the recording operation is performed, the detected blur is detected. Regardless of the amount, the captured image acquisition operation (release operation) and the camera shake recording operation may be controlled together. According to such control, the camera shake situation when the detected blur amount is large is recorded together with the photographed image, and then the imaging device is operated in the playback mode when desired, so that the photographed image at that time is recorded as the camera shake situation. In addition, the photographer can grasp the status of holding habits and the like, and thus can be used for training for improving the holding technique.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition to this, according to the present embodiment, as the control of the shutter suppression control unit 37 in the “training mode”, the camera shake situation is superimposed on the monitor image displayed on the display unit 34 during the photographing operation. Control is performed to display the index 51 (see FIG. 10) of the blur locus information to be represented. Further, at the time of recording a photographed image, control is performed so as to record the photographed image signal and incidental information such as blur locus information and shutter timing information indicating a camera shake situation corresponding to the photographed image signal in association with the photographed image. Therefore, the photographer can simultaneously observe the captured image and the camera shake situation on the display unit 34 during the photographing operation, and when the recorded photographed image is reproduced and displayed, the photographed image is displayed on the display unit 34. At the same time, the camera shake status can be displayed at the same time, so that it is possible to grasp the holding habits and the like, which can be useful for training to improve the holding technique.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a block configuration diagram schematically showing the main configuration of an imaging apparatus to which the blur imaging prevention unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  In the above-described first to third embodiments, an embodiment in which a blur imaging prevention unit is applied as the internal configuration of the imaging apparatus is shown. On the other hand, this embodiment has a simple anti-shake function by combining a general image pickup apparatus that does not have the anti-shake function with a shake anti-shake unit that is detachably provided separately. It is an example at the time of comprising so that it may function as an imaging device.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> C employs a general form of imaging apparatus that does not have a blur prevention function. The internal configuration is the same as that of a conventional general imaging device.

  For example, the imaging apparatus 1C of the present embodiment can be considered to be substantially the same as that of the configuration in which the shake imaging prevention unit 2 of the imaging apparatus 1 in the first embodiment is removed. Therefore, the same components as those in the imaging device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 13 and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the blur imaging prevention unit 2C is configured separately from the imaging device 1C.

  The image capturing prevention unit 2C includes an image blur detection unit 46, a shutter suppression control unit 47, and a CPU 50 for controlling them.

  In addition, the image capturing prevention unit 2C is provided with a shutter release button 48 that is electrically or mechanically connected to the shutter suppression control unit 47.

  The shutter suppression control unit 47 is mechanically connected to the shutter release button 38 of the imaging apparatus 1C, and generates an urging force in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shutter release button 38 is pressed. An urging unit 47aa that is electrically connected to the button 48 or mechanically connected to the shutter release button 48 and generates an urging force in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shutter release button 48 is pushed down; And a control unit 47b for controlling both urging forces of the urging units 47a and 47aa based on the blur amount detected by the blur detection unit 46 under the control of the above.

  The blur imaging prevention unit 2 </ b> C configured as described above can be detachably disposed with respect to the imaging apparatus 1 </ b> C. In this case, in a state in which the camera shake prevention unit 2C is attached to the image pickup apparatus 1C, the shutter suppression control unit 47 of the camera shake prevention unit 2C is in contact with the shutter release button 38 of the image pickup apparatus 1C. It is arranged mechanically via 47a.

  The operation when the image blur prevention unit 2C of the present embodiment configured as described above is mounted on the image capturing apparatus 1C and used is basically the same as that of the first embodiment.

  First, the blur imaging prevention unit 2C is attached to the imaging device 1C. At this time, the urging unit 47a of the shutter suppression control unit 47 of the camera shake prevention unit 2C is connected to the shutter release button 38 of the imaging device 1C. Thereby, both are mechanically connected.

  As described above, in the state in which the image pickup prevention unit 2C and the image pickup apparatus 1C are combined, both function as an integrated image pickup apparatus.

  When the photographer performs a half-pressing operation on the shutter release button 48 when the power is on and the operation mode is set to the photographing mode in the imaging apparatus 1C, the instruction signal is sent to the CPU 50. Is output.

  In response to this, the CPU 50 starts driving control of the blur detection unit 46. At the same time, the CPU 50 controls the shutter suppression control unit 47.

  Accordingly, the blur detection unit 46 performs a blur detection operation and transmits a data signal of the detected blur amount to the shutter suppression control unit 47. At the same time, the control unit 47b of the shutter suppression control unit 47 controls the urging force of the urging unit 47a and performs control to press the shutter release button 38 on the imaging device 1C side with a predetermined shutter suppression. As a result, the shutter release button 38 of the image pickup apparatus 1C is in the same state as when the half-press operation is performed, and a predetermined shutter half-press instruction signal is output to the CPU 32 from the operation SW 35. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 1C executes a preliminary shooting operation, that is, an operation when the shutter release button 38 is half-pressed in the shooting operation sequence.

  At the same time, the shutter suppression control unit 47 receives the data signal of the detected blur amount, and performs signal processing for comparing the preset threshold value related to the blur amount and the detected blur amount data signal under the control of the CPU 50. Do.

  Then, the shutter suppression control unit 47 controls the urging force of the urging units 47a and 47aa by the control of the control unit 47b, and the pressing force (shutter suppression) of the shutter release buttons 48 and 38 according to the detected blur amount. Control.

  In this case, the shutter suppression control is performed, for example, the same control (see FIGS. 3 and 6) as the control in the shooting mode shown in the first and second embodiments described above.

  That is, as the amount of blur detected by the blur detection unit 46 increases, the shutter is controlled by the shutter suppression control unit 47 so as to increase the shutter suppression. Can be grasped.

  When a blur amount exceeding a predetermined set threshold is detected, the shutter suppression control unit 47 controls the urging force so that the shutter release buttons 48 and 38 cannot be fully pressed. As a result, when the detected blur amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the shooting operation is disabled, thereby preventing a failed photograph due to blurring.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by attaching the anti-blur imaging unit 2C as a separate configuration to the imaging device 1C that does not have the anti-blur function, It can be used as a simple imaging device with an anti-shake function.

  In this embodiment, the mode selection button 39 shown in the imaging device of the second and third embodiments is further provided to the blur imaging prevention unit 2C of the fourth embodiment. It is possible to easily adopt a configuration in which an imaging device in a combination of the imaging device 1C and the anti-blur unit 2C is configured to correspond to the “training mode”.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the connection between the imaging device 1C and the blur imaging prevention unit 2C is performed via the shutter release button 38 of the imaging device 1C. Although illustrated, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the blur imaging prevention unit may be formed by another form, for example, a box-shaped casing covering the entire imaging apparatus.

  A specific example of this case is, for example, an underwater housing. In the case of the configuration example of this embodiment, an underwater housing equipped with an anti-blur unit is equipped with an image pickup apparatus that does not have an anti-blur function, so that underwater shooting with an anti-blur function can be easily performed. It can be a device.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can of course be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.

1 is a block configuration diagram schematically illustrating a main configuration of an imaging apparatus to which a blur imaging prevention unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a main block configuration diagram illustrating main components of a blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging device of FIG. 1 and constituent members related thereto; The graph which shows the control according to the blurring amount of the shutter suppression by the shutter suppression control part of the blurring imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging device of FIG. The block block diagram which shows roughly the main structures of the imaging device to which the blurring imaging prevention unit of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is applied. FIG. 5 is a main block configuration diagram illustrating main components of a blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG. 4 and constituent members related thereto; The graph which shows the control at the time of "normal imaging | photography mode-II" by the shutter suppression control part of the blurring imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging device of FIG. The graph which shows control at the time of "training mode" of the blurring imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging device of FIG. The block block diagram which shows roughly the main structures of the imaging device to which the blurring imaging prevention unit of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a principal part of a main configuration of a blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging apparatus of FIG. 8 and constituent members related to the main configuration. The figure which shows the example of a display which shows the camera-shake condition displayed by the shutter suppression control part of the blur imaging prevention unit applied to the imaging device of FIG. 8, and shows a display screen at the time of superimposing the blur locus information on a monitor image . The figure which shows the display screen at the time of carrying out the superimposition display of the allowable range display of blurring amount on the display screen of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen when a shutter-on timing mark is superimposed on the display screen of FIG. 10. The block block diagram which shows roughly the main structures of the imaging device to which the blurring imaging prevention unit of the 4th Embodiment of this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 1C... Imaging device 2, 2B, 2C... Anti-blur unit 21 .. Shooting optical system 22... Shutter unit 23.
24 …… Pre-processing section 25 …… AD conversion section (AD section)
26... Image processing unit 27... Bus 28... Memory control unit 29... Temporary memory 30... Video encoder 31.
32 …… Control circuit (CPU)
33 …… Memory card 34 …… Display 34a …… Monitor image 35 …… Operation switch (operation SW)
36, 46... Shake detection unit 37, 47... Shutter suppression control unit 37a, 47a, 47aa... Energizing unit 37b, 47b .. Control unit 38, 48. ... Track information storage unit 50 ... CPU (blur imaging prevention unit side)
51 …… Indicator 52 …… Indicator frame 53 …… Shutter timing indicator

Claims (5)

Shutter button,
An urging unit that generates an urging force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the shutter button;
A blur amount detection unit for detecting the blur amount;
A control unit for controlling a biasing force by the biasing unit based on a blur amount detected by the blur amount detection unit;
A blur imaging prevention unit comprising:   2. The anti-blurring prevention according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to depress the shutter button when a blur amount detected by the blur amount detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. unit. A blur trajectory data generation unit that generates blur trajectory data based on the blur amount detected by the blur amount detection unit;
A display unit that superimposes and displays a blur locus on a monitor image being shot based on the blur locus data generated by the blur locus data generation unit;
The camera shake prevention unit according to claim 1, further comprising:   The blur imaging prevention unit according to claim 3, wherein the display unit further displays a region including a focus point.   An image pickup apparatus to which the blur image pickup prevention unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is applied.

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