JP2010283619A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of efficiently removing dust by precisely specifying the location to which the dust is adhered. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging means having an optical system for condensing light of a prescribed visual field region to form an object image and an imaging element for converting the object image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal to generate image data, based on the electric signal; a display means for displaying the image data generated by the imaging means; a first optical member for dust provided at the preceding stage of the imaging element; a first exciting means for applying vibrations to the first optical member; a second optical member for dust provided at the post stage of a display element; and a second exciting means for applying a signal to the second optical member, wherein the display means displays an image for discrimination for allowing a user to discriminate whether dust is attached to either the first or the second optical member, and controls so as to drive either the first or the second exciting means, on the basis of a signal that receives an input after displaying the image for discrimination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that images a subject and generates image data.

  Conventionally, in an imaging apparatus such as a digital single-lens camera capable of exchanging lenses, a technique for removing dust attached to the surface of the protective glass by vibrating the protective glass that protects the imaging element has been disclosed (for example, (See Patent Document 1). In this technique, a piezoelectric element is used as means for vibrating the protective glass. The piezoelectric element applies vibration to the protective glass by an expansion / contraction operation according to an applied voltage.

  By the way, in recent digital single-lens cameras, what is equipped with the electronic viewfinder (henceforth "EVF") which has display elements, such as LCD and organic EL, is known instead of an optical finder. In the case of a digital single-lens camera equipped with EVF, dust may adhere to the display element. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a protective glass and a piezoelectric element similar to those of the imaging element at the subsequent stage of the display element.

JP 2006-259162 A

  However, when a protective glass and a piezoelectric element are provided after the display element, when the user discovers the presence of dust by looking at the EVF during live view display, the user adheres the dust to the protective glass on the image sensor side. It was not possible to accurately determine whether it was a product attached to the protective glass on the display element side. For this reason, the dust removal operation has to be performed on both the image sensor side and the display element side, which takes time for processing and may consume wasteful power.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can accurately identify a place where dust adheres and can efficiently remove dust.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an optical system that focuses light in a predetermined visual field region to form a subject image, and the optical system forms an image. An imaging device that converts an object image into an electrical signal, an imaging unit that generates image data based on the electrical signal, a display unit that has a display element that displays image data generated by the imaging unit, and the imaging A first dust-proof optical member provided in front of the element, first vibration means for applying vibration to the first optical member, and second dust-proof provided in the rear stage of the display element. An optical member; second vibration means for applying a signal to the second optical member; drive control means for driving and controlling the first and second vibration means; and at least processing to be performed by the drive control means Input means for receiving an input of a signal instructing The display means displays a discrimination image for allowing the user to determine which of the first and second optical members is dust attached, and the drive control means is configured such that the display means One of the first and second vibrating means is driven and controlled based on a signal received by the input means after the discrimination image is displayed.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the discrimination image is an image having a single color and a single gradation.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, the display unit, the second optical member, and the second vibration unit are detachable from the main body of the imaging device including the imaging element. It is characterized by making a simple unit.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display element forms an optical image optically modulated by polarization, and the second optical member polarizes the optical image that has passed through the display element. It includes a member to be eliminated.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an optical system that focuses light in a predetermined visual field region to form a subject image, and an imaging element that converts the subject image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal. An image pickup means for generating image data based on the electric signal; a display means for displaying image data generated by the image pickup means; and a first dust-proof device provided in a preceding stage of the image pickup element. The first optical member, first vibration means for applying vibration to the first optical member, a second optical member for dust prevention provided at the rear stage of the display element, and a signal to the second optical member A second vibration means for adding, a drive control means for driving and controlling the first and second vibration means, an input means for receiving at least an input of a signal for instructing a process to be performed by the drive control means, And the drive control means includes the first and the first. In any of the second optical member to determine dust is attached, wherein the drive control of the one of the first and second vibrator means based on the determination result.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention may further include a shutter that controls exposure of the imaging unit and an illuminating unit that illuminates the first optical member, and the drive control unit includes the shutter. Image data of the first image generated by the imaging unit in a closed state, and a second image generated by the imaging unit in a state where the shutter is closed and the illumination unit illuminates the first optical member. By comparing with image data, it is determined which of the first and second optical members is dust attached.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the light emitted from the illumination unit includes light having a wavelength of 500 to 600 nm.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, the display unit, the second optical member, and the second vibration unit are detachable from the main body of the imaging device including the imaging element. It is characterized by making a simple unit.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the display element forms an optical image optically modulated by polarization, and the second optical member polarizes the optical image that has passed through the display element. It includes a member to be eliminated.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately identify a place where dust is attached and efficiently remove dust.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of control performed by the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the dustproof operation performed by the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the dustproof operation performed by the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the dustproof operation performed by the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The imaging apparatus 1 shown in the figure includes a body unit 2 that is a main body, a lens unit 4 that is detachably attached to the front surface of the body unit 2 via a lens mount 3, and an upper surface of the body unit 2. And an EVF unit 6 that is detachably mounted via the EVF mount 5.

  The body unit 2 is controlled by a body control microcomputer 7 (hereinafter referred to as “Bucom 7”). The lens unit 4 is controlled by a lens control microcomputer 8 (hereinafter referred to as “Lucom8”). The EVF unit 6 is controlled by an EVF control microcomputer 9 (hereinafter referred to as “Eucom 9”). Bucom 7 and Lucom 8 are communicably connected via the lens communication connector 10 when combined. Further, Bucom 7 and Eucom 9 are communicably connected via the EVF communication connector 11 when combined. Lucom8 and Eucom9 operate in cooperation with Bucom7 in a dependent manner.

  The body unit 2 includes a normally open shutter 16 that is normally open, a shutter charge mechanism 17 that charges a spring force that drives the front and rear curtains of the normally open shutter 16, and the tip of the normally open shutter 16. And a shutter control circuit 18 for controlling the movement of the curtain and the rear curtain.

  Since the normally open shutter 16 is in a normally open state, live view can be performed immediately. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of times the normally open shutter 16 is charged in association with the shutter opening / closing operation performed at the time of shooting a still image, and thus it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  The shutter control circuit 18 once closes the normally open shutter 16 at the release timing, and then opens the normally open shutter 16 for the exposure time. Thereafter, the normally open shutter 16 is closed again, and after the information stored in the image sensor 19 is transferred to the image pickup circuit 23, the normally open shutter 16 is returned to the opened state.

  The body unit 2 is provided on the optical axis of an imaging lens 12 as an optical system included in the lens unit 4, and an imaging element 19 such as a CCD or a CMOS that photoelectrically converts a passed subject image, and the imaging lens 12 and the imaging element 19. A dust-proof glass 20 that is a first optical member for dust prevention that prevents dust (including solid or liquid) from adhering to the image sensor 19 and the periphery of the dust-proof glass 20. And a piezoelectric element 21 that is a first vibration means that is attached to the portion and vibrates the dust-proof glass 20 at a predetermined frequency. The piezoelectric element 21 vibrates based on a drive signal output from the dustproof glass drive circuit 22 and removes dust adhering to the surface of the dustproof glass 20. It is more preferable for dust prevention that the image pickup element 19 and the piezoelectric element 21 are integrally housed in a case having the dust-proof glass 20 as one surface and surrounded by a frame as shown by a broken line. The dust-proof glass drive circuit 22 has a function of switching an element that outputs a drive signal among the piezoelectric elements 21 and the piezoelectric elements 38 (described later) of the EVF unit 6 under the control of the Bucom 7.

  The body unit 2 is connected to an image processing circuit 27 connected to the image sensor 19, an image processing controller 27 that performs image processing using an SDRAM 24, a FlashRom 25, a recording medium 26, and the like provided as a storage area, and an image processing controller 27. And a liquid crystal monitor 28 that displays and outputs the operating state of the imaging apparatus 1 and the like, and is configured to provide an electronic recording display function together with an electronic imaging function. As the other storage area, a nonvolatile memory 29 made of, for example, an EEPROM for storing predetermined control parameters necessary for camera control is provided so as to be accessible from the Bucom 7. The SDRAM 24 is a memory for temporarily storing image data, and is used as a work area when the image data is converted. Image data temporarily stored in the SDRAM 24 is converted into JPEG format data and then recorded on the recording medium 26.

  The body unit 2 includes a switch group such as a release switch, a mode change switch, and a power switch, for example, and includes an operation switch (SW) 30 that is an input unit that receives input of various signals, a battery 31 that forms a power source, and a battery 31. Is further provided with a power supply circuit 32 that converts and supplies the voltage to a voltage required by each circuit unit in the imaging apparatus 1.

  The lens unit 4 includes an imaging lens 12 and a diaphragm 13. The imaging lens 12 is driven by a DC motor (not shown) in the lens driving mechanism 14. The diaphragm 13 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) in the diaphragm drive mechanism 15. The Lucom 8 controls the DC motor and the stepping motor according to the command from the Bucom 7. A lens cap LC can be attached to the surface of the imaging lens 12.

  The EVF unit 6 is composed of a small LCD or the like, and includes a display element 33 that forms at least a part of display means, an eyepiece lens 34 that enlarges an optical image output from the display element 33, and moves the eyepiece lens 34 in the optical axis direction. The diopter adjustment mechanism 35 that adjusts the diopter, the eyepiece window 36 provided on the surface of the EVF unit 6, the display element 33, and the eyepiece lens 34, and dust adheres to the display element 33. A dust-proof glass 37 that is a second optical member for preventing dust, and a piezoelectric element 38 that is attached to the periphery of the dust-proof glass 37 and is a second vibration means for vibrating the dust-proof glass 37 at a predetermined frequency. And a display drive circuit 39 for driving the display element 33. The piezoelectric element 38 vibrates based on the drive signal output from the dust-proof glass drive circuit 22 transmitted via the EVF communication connector 11 and removes dust adhering to the surface of the dust-proof glass 37. It is more preferable for dust prevention that the display element 33 and the piezoelectric element 38 are integrally housed in a case having the dust-proof glass 37 as one surface and surrounded by a frame as shown by a broken line.

  Since the EVF unit 6 can display an image with higher definition than the liquid crystal monitor 28, more detailed focus adjustment is possible, and the EVF unit 6 is used outdoors when the amount of external light such as sunlight is large. Furthermore, good visibility can be ensured even in an environment where the visibility on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is poor. When the user selects the EVF unit 6 as a finder, the user attaches the EVF unit 6 to the body unit 2 via the EVF mount 5.

  When the EVF unit 6 is attached to the body unit 2, the image processing controller 27 outputs the acquired image data to the display drive circuit 39 via the EVF communication connector 11. The display drive circuit 39 displays an image on the display element 33 based on the received image data. On the other hand, when the EVF unit 6 is not attached to the body unit 2, the image processing controller 27 outputs the acquired image data to the liquid crystal monitor 28. The liquid crystal monitor 28 displays and outputs an image based on the image data received from the image processing controller 27. When the EVF unit 6 is attached to the body unit 2, the liquid crystal monitor 28 may perform display simultaneously.

  In the imaging apparatus 1 having the above configuration, the imaging lens 12 and the imaging element 19 constitute imaging means that generates image data based on an electrical signal obtained by converting a subject image. The Bucom 7 and the dust-proof glass drive circuit 22 constitute drive control means for driving and controlling the piezoelectric elements 21 and 38 as the first and second vibration means.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of control performed by the imaging apparatus 1. In the following description, it is assumed that the EVF unit 6 is attached to the body unit 2. First, when a power switch included in the operation switch 30 of the imaging apparatus 1 is turned on, the Bucom 7 starts operation and performs an initial setting operation at the time of system startup (step S101). In this initial setting operation, the Bucom 7 controls the power supply circuit 32 to supply power to each circuit unit constituting the imaging apparatus 1 and perform initial setting of each circuit. Thereafter, the imaging apparatus 1 starts a live view operation with the EVF unit 6 (step S102).

  Thereafter, when the Bucom 7 detects an operation of the dustproof instruction switch (step S103: Yes), the imaging device 1 performs a dustproof operation according to the operation signal (step S104). Details of the dustproof operation will be described later. On the other hand, when the Bucom 7 does not detect the operation of the dustproof instruction switch (step S103: No), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S105.

  When the release switch of the operation switch 30 is operated in step S105 (step S105: Yes), the imaging apparatus 1 performs the focus adjustment operation and the photometry operation (step S106), and stops the live view operation in the EVF unit 6 ( In step S107, a photographing operation is performed (step S108). In parallel with this photographing operation, the shutter charge mechanism 17 may perform the charge operation of the normally open shutter 16.

  Subsequently, the image data acquired by photographing is recorded on the recording medium 26 (step S109), and the live view operation in the EVF unit 6 is restarted (step S110). Thereafter, the imaging apparatus 1 proceeds to step S103 again.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the dustproof operation in step S104. First, on the display element 33, a determination image for allowing the user to determine the location where dust is attached is displayed (step S201). The discrimination image displayed here is an image stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 29, and is a single color and single gradation image. As such a discrimination image, for example, a white single gradation image can be used. The discrimination image may be any color as long as dust is easily confirmed, and may be a gray tone intermediate color.

  Thereafter, the EVF unit 6 performs a display prompting the user to select a location where the dust-proof operation is performed on the display element 33 (step S202). The process following step S202 is performed according to a selection input by the user.

  First, a case where the display element 33 side is selected will be described (step S203: display element side). In this case, the EVF unit 6 performs display indicating the necessity of the dustproof operation (step S204). In this display, a display indicating that the dust on the display element 33 does not directly affect the captured image and that a dustproof operation can be performed later is also performed.

  Thereafter, when the Bucom 7 detects an operation for instructing the dust-proof operation on the display element 33 side (step S205: Yes), the discrimination image is displayed again on the display element 33 (step S206), and the dust on the dust-proof glass 37 is removed. An operation is performed (step S207). On the other hand, when the Bucom 7 does not detect an operation for instructing the dustproof operation (step S205), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S210 to be described later.

  After the dust removal operation of the dust-proof glass 37 in step S207 is completed, the display element 33 performs a display prompting input of a result (effect confirmation result) confirming the effect of the dust removal operation (step S208).

  When the signal of the effect confirmation result input from the operation switch 30 in response to the display in step S208 corresponds to “effective” (step S209: Yes), the imaging device 1 resumes the live view operation in the EVF unit 6. (Step S210), the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the signal of the effect confirmation result input from the operation switch 30 in response to the display in step S208 corresponds to “no effect” (step S209: No), the imaging device 1 uses the display element 33 as a countermeasure. Is displayed (step S211), and the process proceeds to step S210. The coping method displayed here is a content that displays a contact information such as a service center and prompts contact to the service center.

  Next, a case where the image sensor 19 side is selected in step S203 (step S203: image sensor side) will be described. In this case, the imaging apparatus 1 cancels the display of the discrimination image on the display element 33 (step S212), and performs the dust removal operation of the dustproof glass 20 (step S213). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S208. In addition, after canceling the display of the discrimination image in step S212, live view display may be performed, or display prompting the dust removal operation of the dustproof glass 20 may be performed.

  If the effect confirmation result signal corresponds to “no effect” in step S209, the dust removal operation (step S207 or S213) may be performed again. In this case, it is more preferable to change the conditions of the intensity and frequency of vibration applied to the piezoelectric element 21 or 38.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the dust-proof glass 20 and the piezoelectric element 21 that applies vibration to the dust-proof glass 20 are provided on the imaging element 19 side, and the dust-proof glass 37 and the piezoelectric element 38 are provided on the display element 33 side. Provided, and the display element 33 displays the discrimination screen so that the user can discriminate the location where the dust is attached. Therefore, the location where the dust is attached is accurately identified and the dust is removed. It can be done efficiently.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. An imaging apparatus 41 shown in the figure includes a body unit 42, a lens unit 4, and an EVF unit 6. The imaging device 41 has a function of automatically detecting a dust generation location.

  The body unit 42 has a function of automatically detecting dust attached to the dustproof glass 20 in addition to the configuration of the body unit 2 of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the body unit 42 drives the LED 43 under the control of the Bucom 7 and the LED 43 disposed outside the optically effective range at the time of imaging between the normally open shutter 16 and the dust-proof glass 20. LED drive circuit 44. The LED 43 has a light distribution characteristic capable of irradiating the dust-proof glass 20 without irradiating the imaging surface of the imaging device 19. The illumination color of the LED 43 is optimally white with a wide wavelength band, but desirably contains at least green light (light having a wavelength of about 500 to 600 nm). This is because the RGB array in the image sensor 19 is generally a Bayer array in which the green (G) component is larger than the red (R) component and the blue (B) component.

  In the imaging device 41 having the above configuration, when dust or the like adheres to the dust-proof glass 20, when the LED 43 illuminates the dust-proof glass 20, the illumination light is scattered by the dust in the illumination range of the LED 43. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a situation where the illumination light of the LED 43 is scattered by dust. Under this situation, when the normally open shutter 16 is closed as shown in FIG. 5, the light scattered by the dust D enters the image sensor 19. Therefore, the image sensor 19 can form an image of the dust D. In order to eliminate the influence of the bright spot defect, the normally open shutter 16 may be closed and the image data captured in the dark state where the LED 43 is not illuminated may be compared.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the dust-proof operation (step S104 in FIG. 2) performed by the imaging device 41. In the following description, it is assumed that the EVF unit 6 is attached to the body unit 42 in the imaging device 41.

  First, Bucom 7 closes the normally open shutter 16 (step S301).

  Subsequently, the Bucom 7 acquires image data of an image (first image) captured by the image sensor 19 with the normally open shutter 16 closed, and records it in the SDRAM 24 (step S302). The first image recorded here is a dark image.

  Thereafter, the Bucom 7 turns on the LED 43 (step S303), acquires image data of an image (second image) taken by the image pickup device 19 after turning on the LED 43, and records it in the SDRAM 24 (step S304).

  Subsequently, the Bucom 7 turns off the LED 43 (step S305) and opens the normally open shutter 16 (step S306).

  Thereafter, Bucom 7 determines the presence or absence of dust in the dustproof glass 20 by calculating the difference between the image data of the first and second images acquired in steps S302 and S304, respectively (step S307). First, when the difference between the two image data is out of the predetermined range and Bucom 7 determines that there is dust in the dust-proof glass 20 (step S308: Yes), the imaging device 41 performs the dust removal operation of the dust-proof glass 20. This is performed (step S309). On the other hand, if the difference between the two image data is within a predetermined range and Bucom 7 determines that there is no dust in the dust-proof glass 20 (step S308: No), the dust removal operation of the dust-proof glass 37 is performed (step S310). .

  After step S309 or S310, the imaging device 41 performs a display prompting the display element 33 to input an effect confirmation result of the dust removal operation (step S311).

  When the signal of the effect confirmation result input from the operation switch 30 in response to the display in step S311 corresponds to “effective” (step S312: Yes), the imaging device 41 resumes the live view operation in the EVF unit 6. (Step S313), the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the signal of the effect confirmation result input from the operation switch 30 according to the display in step S311 corresponds to “no effect” (step S312: No), the imaging device 41 uses the display element 33 as a countermeasure. Is displayed (step S314), and the process proceeds to step S313. The contents of the coping method displayed here are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the dust-proof glass 20 and the piezoelectric element 21 that applies vibration to the dust-proof glass 20 are provided on the imaging element 19 side, and the dust-proof glass 37 and the piezoelectric element 38 are provided on the display element 33 side. In addition to providing the LED 43 that irradiates the dust-proof glass 20, it is detected whether dust has adhered to the surface of the dust-proof glass 20, and the dust removal operation is performed based on the detection result. It is possible to accurately identify the place of attachment and efficiently remove dust.

  In Embodiment 2 described above, the normally open shutter 16 is used as the light shielding member when the presence of dust on the surface of the dust-proof glass 20 is detected by irradiating the LED 43. However, the light shielding member is not limited to this. However, for example, the lens cap LC can be used as a light shielding member. In this case, instead of performing the operation of closing the normally open shutter 16 in step S301, the imaging device 41 performs a display prompting the user to attach the lens cap, and performs the processes in and after step S302 when the attachment of the lens cap LC is detected. . Further, in step S306, instead of performing the operation of opening the normally open shutter 16, control is performed to instruct removal of the lens cap LC, and when it is detected that the lens cap LC has been removed, the processing from step S307 is performed.

  The detection of the attachment / detachment of the lens cap LC with respect to the lens unit 4 may be realized by monitoring the luminance change of the image information from the image sensor 19, or a sensor for detecting the mechanical attachment of the lens cap LC is used as the lens unit. 4 may be realized.

  In addition, it is also possible to use the dustproof function member described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2004-96162 instead of using LED43.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. An imaging apparatus 51 shown in the figure includes a body unit 52, a lens unit 4, and an EVF unit 6.

  The body unit 52 is different from the body unit 2 described above in the configuration of the imaging means. Specifically, the body unit 52 includes a phase difference AF unit 53, a thin film film that separates light to the phase difference AF unit 53 and the image pickup device 19 with a predetermined light amount, etc. in front of the dust-proof glass 20. A transmissive mirror 54, a mirror LED 55 for irradiating dust detecting light to the AF semi-transmissive mirror 54, a mirror LED drive circuit 56 for driving the mirror LED 55, a mechanically openable shutter 57, Is provided. The AF transflective mirror 54 has a function of reflecting, for example, 20% of the total amount of light toward the phase difference AF unit 53 and transmitting 80% of the total amount of light toward the image sensor 19. It is also possible to provide an optical low-pass filter instead of the AF transflective mirror 54.

  The mirror LED 55 is installed in such a manner that the illumination light does not directly enter the image sensor 19 and can irradiate the optically effective range of the AF translucent mirror 54. Therefore, when dust or the like adheres to the AF translucent mirror 54, the dust or the like is illuminated by the mirror LED 55, and the imaging device captures the illumination light scattered by the dust or the like, and grasps the presence or absence of dust or the like. It becomes possible to do.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the dustproof operation in the imaging device 51. In the following description, it is assumed that the EVF unit 6 is attached to the body unit 52 in the imaging device 51.

  First, Bucom 7 closes the shutter 57 (step S401).

  Subsequently, the Bucom 7 acquires the image data of the image (first image) captured by the image sensor 19 with the shutter 57 closed, and records it in the SDRAM 24 (step S402). The first image recorded here is a dark image.

  After that, the Bucom 7 turns on the LED 43 (step S403), acquires image data of an image (second image) taken by the image sensor 19 after turning on the LED 43, and records it in the SDRAM 24 (step S404).

  Subsequently, Bucom 7 turns off the LED 43 (step S405).

  Thereafter, Bucom 7 determines the presence / absence of dust in the dustproof glass 20 by calculating the difference between the image data of the first and second images acquired in steps S402 and S404, respectively (step S406). First, when the difference between the two image data deviates from a predetermined range and Bucom 7 determines that there is dust in the dust-proof glass 20 (step S407: Yes), the imaging device 51 performs the dust removal operation of the dust-proof glass 20. (Step S408), and in order to shield the AF translucent mirror 54, the display element 33 displays an instruction to attach the lens cap LC (step S409). On the other hand, if the difference between the two image data is within a predetermined range and Bucom 7 determines that there is no dust in the dust-proof glass 20 (step S407: No), the imaging device 51 proceeds to step S409.

  After displaying the instruction to attach the lens cap LC in step S409, if the attachment of the lens cap LC is detected (step S410: Yes), the Bucom 7 opens the shutter 57 (step S411). Note that if it is not detected in step S410 that the lens cap is attached (step S410: No), the imaging device 51 repeats step S410.

  After step S411, the Bucom 7 turns on the mirror LED 55 (step S412), acquires image data of an image (third image) captured by the image sensor 19 after the lighting, and records it in the SDRAM 24 (step S413). Thereafter, Bucom 7 turns off the mirror LED 55 (step S414).

  Subsequently, Bucom 7 determines the presence or absence of dust in the AF translucent mirror 54 by calculating the difference between the image data of the first and third images acquired in steps S402 and S413, respectively (step S415). First, when the difference between the two image data is out of the predetermined range and Bucom 7 determines that there is dust in the AF transflective mirror 54 (step S416: Yes), the imaging device 51 takes measures in the display element 33. A display indicating the method is performed (step S417). The contents of the coping method displayed here are the same as those described above. Subsequently, display for instructing to remove the lens cap is performed on the display element 33 (step S418). When it is detected that the lens cap LC has been removed (step S419: Yes), the imaging device 51 resumes the live view operation in the EVF unit 6 (step S420) and returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S415, if the Bucom 7 determines that there is no dust in the AF translucent mirror 54 (step S416: No), the imaging device 51 proceeds to step S418.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to accurately identify the place where the dust adheres and efficiently remove the dust. In particular, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of dust in an optical element other than the imaging element 19 and the display element 33.

  In the third embodiment, the case where the AF translucent mirror 54 is added in addition to the imaging element 19 and the display element 33 has been described. However, the same applies to the imaging apparatus having another optical element. The dustproof operation can be performed.

  Up to this point, the mode for carrying out the present invention has been described. However, the present invention should not be limited only by the three modes described above. For example, when the display element 33 is an LCD, an optical image modulated by polarized light is formed. Therefore, if the dust-proof glass 37 in the EVF unit 6 is realized by a λ / 4 plate, this polarized light is eliminated. . As a result, for example, even when the user wears polarized sunglasses, the optical image output from the display element 33 can be visually recognized regardless of the holding mode of the imaging device 1.

  The optical member having the depolarizing function is not limited to the λ / 4 plate, and dust is prevented by using an optical member disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-352068 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-83307. It is also possible to constitute the glass 37.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 41, 51 Imaging device 2, 42, 52 Body unit 3 Lens mount 4 Lens unit 5 EVF mount 6 EVF unit 7 Microcomputer for body control (Bucom)
8 Lens control microcomputer (Lucom)
9 Microcomputer for EVF control (Eucom)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Lens communication connector 11 EVF communication connector 12 Imaging lens 13 Aperture 14 Lens drive mechanism 15 Aperture drive mechanism 16 Normally open shutter 17 Shutter charge mechanism 18 Shutter control circuit 19 Image sensor 20, 37 Dust-proof glass 21, 38 Piezoelectric element 22 Dust-proof glass drive circuit 23 Imaging circuit 27 Image processing controller 33 Display element 34 Eyepiece lens 35 Diopter adjustment mechanism 36 Eyepiece window 39 Display drive circuit 43 LED
44 LED drive circuit 53 Phase difference AF unit 54 AF transflective mirror 55 Mirror LED
56 LED drive circuit for mirror 57 Shutter LC Lens cap

Claims (9)

Image data based on the electrical signal, comprising: an optical system that focuses a light in a predetermined field of view to form a subject image; and an image sensor that converts the subject image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal. Imaging means for generating
Display means having a display element for displaying image data generated by the imaging means;
A first optical member for dust prevention provided in a front stage of the image sensor;
First vibration means for applying vibration to the first optical member;
A second optical member for dust prevention provided at a subsequent stage of the display element;
Second excitation means for applying a signal to the second optical member;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the first and second vibration means;
Input means for receiving at least input of a signal instructing processing to be performed by the drive control means;
With
The display means includes
Displaying a discrimination image for allowing the user to discriminate which of the first and second optical members has dust attached thereto;
The drive control means includes
An image pickup apparatus, wherein after the display means displays the image for determination, either one of the first and second vibration means is driven and controlled based on a signal received by the input means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image for determination is an image having a single color and a single gradation. The display means, the second optical member, and the second vibration means are:
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus includes a unit that is detachable from a main body of the imaging apparatus including the imaging element. The display element is
Forming an optical image that is light-modulated by polarized light;
The second optical member is
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a member that cancels polarization of the optical image that has passed through the display element. Image data based on the electrical signal, comprising: an optical system that focuses a light in a predetermined field of view to form a subject image; and an image sensor that converts the subject image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal. Imaging means for generating
Display means having a display element for displaying image data generated by the imaging means;
A first optical member for dust prevention provided in a front stage of the image sensor;
First vibration means for applying vibration to the first optical member;
A second optical member for dust prevention provided at a subsequent stage of the display element;
Second excitation means for applying a signal to the second optical member;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the first and second vibration means;
Input means for receiving at least input of a signal instructing processing to be performed by the drive control means;
With
The drive control means includes
It is determined which of the first and second optical members dust is attached, and one of the first and second vibrating means is driven and controlled based on the determination result. An imaging device. A shutter for controlling exposure of the imaging means;
Illumination means for illuminating the first optical member;
Further comprising
The drive control means includes
Image data of the first image generated by the imaging unit with the shutter closed, and second data generated by the imaging unit with the shutter closed and the illumination unit illuminating the first optical member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein it is determined which of the first and second optical members is dust by comparing with image data of an image. The light irradiated by the illumination means is
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging apparatus includes light having a wavelength of 500 to 600 nm. The display means, the second optical member, and the second vibration means are:
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging apparatus includes a unit that is detachable from a main body of the imaging apparatus including the imaging element. The display element is
Forming an optical image that is light-modulated by polarized light;
The second optical member is
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a member that cancels polarization of an optical image that has passed through the display element.

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