JP2011112947A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation system for preventing a camera-shake caused by the operation of a photographer, in an imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A preparation button and an exposure button, which are a new operation part, are added in such a state that a shutter button, which is an existing operation system in the imaging apparatus, is left as it is, to perform control cooperated with the existing operation system, and thereby the camera-shake, applied to the imaging apparatus by the photographer, is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a digital camera having an operation system that reduces camera shake.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing camera shake that prevents image degradation caused by camera shake of a photographer when an image is picked up by an image pickup apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 discloses a technique for reducing blurring of an image projected on an image pickup device by moving a part of an optical system in accordance with camera shake in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby moving the optical axis. Has been. If this technology is used, not only image degradation due to camera shake can be prevented, but also a camera shake prevention device optimized for various lenses can be used.

  Moreover, as an example of the camera shake prevention device, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 2.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique for reducing the blurring of an image projected on an image sensor by moving the image sensor in accordance with camera shake in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. If this technique is used, not only image deterioration due to camera shake is prevented, but also in a single-lens reflex camera designed on the premise of lens replacement, a camera shake prevention device can be used for all lenses.

  A mirror-up function is known as means for preventing image degradation caused by camera shake of a photographer when an image is picked up by an image pickup apparatus, particularly a single-lens reflex camera. The mirror-up function is a function that raises the mirror in advance before the photographer releases the shutter and only drives the shutter by operating the release button.

  By raising the mirror in advance, it is possible to prevent the impact caused by the raising of the mirror from affecting the photographing.

  Furthermore, when taking an image with a single-lens reflex camera, the use of a self-timer is known as a means for preventing image degradation caused by movement given to the camera by a photographer's release button operation. .

JP 2008-3361 A

JP 2004-32289 A

  However, all the above-described methods for preventing camera shake have problems.

  First, a method using a part of an optical system or a mechanism for moving an image pickup device has to incorporate a camera shake prevention device in a conventional image pickup device, and there are problems of design restrictions and cost increase. Furthermore, there is a limit to the performance of the camera shake prevention device, and it only has a correction effect of about 4 steps at the shutter speed.

  Further, in the method using the mirror up, there is a problem that the movement given to the camera when the photographer touches the release button causes the image to deteriorate.

  The release button is generally configured to perform a two-stage operation, and the exposure is fixed and the autofocus is activated at the first stage, and the shutter is released at the second stage. There is a large difference in the pressing weight so that the photographer can easily discriminate between the first and second tiers by touch. In general, the first stage is light and the second stage is heavy. Therefore, when the photographer pushes in the second stage to perform the shutter release, the reaction may cause the camera to move.

  Furthermore, the method using the self-timer has a problem that the release does not follow the photographer's operation and is not suitable for quick photographing.

  Some single-lens reflex cameras with a built-in self-timer to prevent camera shake can be set to be released in a relatively short period of time, such as a few seconds. Inevitable.

  Further, even if a self-timer is used, an impact associated with the rise of the mirror that can be eliminated by mirror-up is unavoidable.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and provides an imaging apparatus that prevents camera shake without using a camera shake prevention apparatus with a simple configuration in which the operation or arrangement of the release button is changed. The purpose is to do.

  The premise of the present invention is the fact that the first stage of the release button that performs the two-stage operation described above is generally light and the second stage is heavy. In the present invention, the function of instructing the shutter release is assigned to the first stage that responds with a light press, thereby aiming to reduce blurring during shooting. It is also proposed to provide a separate switch that responds without causing blurring.

  Further, the premise that the present invention is made considers that the configuration is close to an operation system used for normal photographing. As a result, the convenience of the photographer who is used to the conventional operation system is improved and the cost is prevented from increasing.

  Therefore, in the present invention described in claim 1, in addition to the operation system used in a general image pickup apparatus, an instruction to be performed at the first stage of a normal release button is sent to the back of the image pickup apparatus (when the image pickup apparatus is picked up). This is done with the preparatory action button provided on the thumb operated surface. Subsequently, an imaging apparatus is provided, wherein an instruction given at the second stage of a normal release button, that is, an instruction for an exposure operation is given at the first stage of a normal release button. Here, the preparation operation button may serve both for the operation of the autofocus function and the fixation of the exposure.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to an operation system used in a general imaging device, an instruction to be performed at the first stage of a normal release button is sent to the back of the imaging device (when the imaging device is held). This is done with the preparatory action button provided on the thumb operated surface. Subsequently, an imaging apparatus is provided in which an instruction given at the second stage of a normal release button, that is, an instruction for an exposure operation is given by a switch or sensor newly provided near the release button. Here, the preparation operation button may serve both for the operation of the autofocus function and the fixation of the exposure.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation system used in a general image pickup apparatus, the instruction given at the first stage of the normal release button is left as it is, and then at the second stage of the normal release button. There is provided an imaging apparatus characterized in that an instruction to be performed, that is, an instruction of an exposure operation is performed by a switch or sensor newly provided in the vicinity of a release button. Here, the preparation operation button may serve both for the operation of the autofocus function and the fixation of the exposure.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a first input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction and an exposure operation execution instruction is provided on the imaging apparatus main body. The second input means that can input an execution instruction for the exposure operation, the third input means that is provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body and that can input the execution instruction for the preparation operation, and the first input means When an input is detected, a preparatory operation is executed, and when an input by the second input means is detected, an exposure operation is executed. An input by a normal photographing execution means and a third input means is detected. And a camera shake prevention photographing execution unit that executes a preparatory operation when the input is performed, and further performs an exposure operation when an input by the first input unit is detected.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction, and provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body to execute the exposure operation. Second input means capable of inputting an instruction, third input means provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction, and provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body to execute an exposure operation A fourth input means capable of inputting an instruction, and a preparatory operation when an input by the first input means is detected, and an exposure operation when an input by the second input means is detected. When the input from the normal photographing execution means and the third input means is detected, the preparatory operation is executed, and when the input from the fourth input means is detected, the exposure operation is executed. , Anti-shake Characterized by comprising an imaging execution unit.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction and the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body for executing the exposure operation Second input means capable of inputting an instruction, third input means provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction, and provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body to execute an exposure operation A fourth input means capable of inputting an instruction, and a preparatory operation when an input by the first input means is detected, and an exposure operation when an input by the second input means is detected. When the input by the normal photographing execution means and the first input means is detected, the preparatory operation is executed, and when the input by the fourth input means is detected, the exposure operation is executed. , Anti-shake Characterized by comprising an imaging execution unit.

  Thus, a preparation button (third input unit) and an exposure button (fourth input unit) that are new operation units are left while the shutter buttons (first input unit and second input unit) that are existing operation systems in the imaging apparatus remain. Since an input means) is added and control in cooperation with an existing operation system can be performed, it is possible to reduce camera shake that the photographer gives to the imaging apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fourth input means is an electrostatic touch sensor, and the second input means It is provided adjacently.

  According to another aspect of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the fourth input means is a pressure-sensitive touch sensor and is adjacent to the second input means. It is characterized by being provided.

  By using such an exposure button (fourth input means), camera shake during the exposure operation can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that prevents camera shake without using the camera shake prevention apparatus with a simple configuration in which the operation or arrangement of the release button is changed.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the first input means capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction and an exposure operation execution instruction and the second input means capable of inputting an exposure operation execution instruction are pushed in two stages. The release button 1 is configured on the upper part of the image pickup apparatus main body.

  In addition, a fourth input means (exposure button) 2 capable of inputting an instruction to perform an exposure operation is provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body.

  The fourth input means (exposure button) 2 is a button that can give an electrical instruction by touching or pushing the photographer. However, in light of the object of the present invention, namely, suppression of camera shake, it is desirable that the instruction can be issued with a lighter touch than the release button used for normal photographing. Therefore, it is preferable to use a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic touch sensor.

  The fourth input means (exposure button) 2 is arranged separately from the release button used for normal photographing. However, considering the convenience of the photographer, it is preferable that the arrangement is not significantly different from the conventional arrangement. Therefore, the fourth input means (exposure button) 2 is preferably disposed adjacent to the release buttons (first input means and second input means) used for normal photographing. In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the shutter button is disposed adjacent to the front of a release button (first input means and second input means) 1 used for normal photographing.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the third input means capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction is provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body as a preparation button A 3 or a preparation button B 4 that can be pressed while taking a photographing posture. . The position where the preparation button A 3 and the preparation button B 4 are arranged is a position where it is easy to operate with the photographing posture, and any position may be provided on the rear surface of the image pickup apparatus main body, and a plurality of them may be provided. Moreover, you may arrange | position by assigning a function to the existing button.

  (Embodiment 1) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an exposure operation in an image pickup apparatus having normal photographing execution means and camera shake prevention photographing execution means shown in claims 1, 2, and 3.

  This flowchart is started by turning on the power to the image pickup apparatus or starting a standby state for a photographer's operation. First, it is determined whether or not the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute a preparation operation by the third input means (preparation button) (step # 301). As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute the preparation operation by the third input means, the preparation operation is performed in step # 302. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not an instruction to execute the preparation operation by the third input means, the process proceeds to step # 303, and whether or not the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means. Judgment is made.

  Here, the above-described preparation operation will be described. The preparation operation refers to an operation performed by half-pressing in a general still camera. More specifically, the operation is an autofocus mechanism and an automatic exposure mechanism (photometry and exposure fixation). The digital still camera also includes an auto white balance operation. Furthermore, in a still camera equipped with a camera shake prevention device, the operation start of the camera shake prevention device is included.

  When the preparatory operation is performed in step # 302, whether or not the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute the exposure operation by the first input means (first release) or the fourth input means (exposure button) in step # 304. Judgment is made. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is an instruction to perform an exposure operation by the first input means (first release) or the fourth input means (exposure button), the exposure operation is performed in step # 307. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not an instruction to execute the exposure operation by the first input means (first release) or the fourth input means (exposure button), step # 304 is repeated.

  Here, the above-described exposure operation will be described. The exposure operation refers to an operation performed by full pressing in a general still camera. More specifically, mirror driving in a single-lens reflex camera and shutter driving (including a focal plane method, an electronic shutter method, and a lens shutter method) are performed. The digital still camera includes reading of image data output from the image sensor, image processing, and image storage.

  Proceeding from step # 301 to step # 303, in step # 303, it is determined whether or not the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means, a preparatory operation is performed in step # 305. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not the first release (half press) by the first input means, step # 303 is repeated.

  If a preparatory operation is performed in step # 305, then in step # 306, whether or not the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute an exposure operation by the second input means (second release) or the fourth input means (exposure button). Judgment is made. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute the exposure operation by the second input means (second release) or the fourth input means (exposure button), the exposure operation is performed in step # 307. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not an instruction to execute the exposure operation by the second input means (second release) or the fourth input means (exposure button), step # 306 is repeated.

  In step # 307, an exposure operation is performed, and this flowchart ends. When returning to the standby state for the photographer's operation, this flowchart is restarted from the beginning.

  In this flowchart, since the exposure operation can be performed by operating the first release (first input means) and the exposure button (fourth input means) with a small pressure, it is possible to reduce camera shake that the photographer gives to the imaging apparatus. Become.

  (Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 shows an exposure assumed when the normal photographing execution means and the camera shake prevention photographing execution means shown in claims 1, 2 and 3 are applied to an actual single-lens reflex camera. It is a flowchart of operation | movement.

  This flowchart is started by turning on the power to the image pickup apparatus or starting a standby state for a photographer's operation.

  First, it is determined whether or not the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute a preparation operation by the third input means (preparation button) (step # 401). If the result of determination in step # 401 is that the operation by the photographer is an execution instruction for preparation operation by the third input means, preparation operation is performed in step # 402. If the result of determination in step # 401 is that the operation by the photographer is not an instruction for execution of the preparatory operation by the third input means, processing proceeds to step # 412 and the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means. It is determined whether or not.

  When the preparatory operation is performed in step # 402, it is subsequently determined in step # 403 whether or not it is in focus. If the result of determination is that it is in focus, processing proceeds to step # 405. If the result of determination is that the subject is not in focus, the process proceeds to step # 404 to notify the photographer that the subject is not in focus and the process proceeds to step # 405.

  Here, an operation for notifying that the above-described in-focus state is not achieved will be described. This is an operation for notifying the photographer that the subject for which the autofocus has been operated has not been brought into focus. The notification is based on a change in display in the finder in a single-lens reflex camera, and in a display in the liquid crystal screen in an imaging apparatus that can observe a subject on the liquid crystal screen. The change in display is due to the blinking of the lamp that originally indicates in-focus, the change in color, and the like, as well as the change in the color of the focus point display, the display of a dedicated icon that indicates out-of-focus.

  In step # 405, it is determined whether or not the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute the preparation operation by the third input means (preparation button). As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is an instruction to execute the preparation operation by the third input means, the preparation operation is performed in step # 402. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not an instruction to execute the preparation operation by the third input means, the process proceeds to step # 406, where the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) or the fourth input by the first input means. It is determined whether it is a means (exposure button).

  As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means or the execution instruction of the exposure operation by the fourth input means (exposure button), the process proceeds to step # 407.

  Proceeding from step # 401 to step # 412, it is determined in step # 412 whether or not the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is the first release (half press) by the first input means, a preparatory operation is performed in step # 413. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not the first release (half press) by the first input means, step # 412 is repeated.

  When the preparatory operation is performed in step # 413, it is subsequently determined in step # 414 whether or not it is in focus. If the result of determination is that it is in focus, processing proceeds to step # 416. If the result of determination is that the subject is not in focus, the process proceeds to step # 415 to notify the photographer that the subject is not in focus and the process proceeds to step # 416.

  In step # 416, it is determined whether or not the operation by the photographer is a first release (half press) by the first input means or an instruction to execute a preparation operation by the third input means (preparation button). As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is the first release (half-press) by the first input means or the execution instruction for the preparation operation by the third input means, the preparation operation is performed in step # 413. As a result of the determination, if the operation by the photographer is not the first release (half-press) by the first input means or the execution instruction for the preparation operation by the third input means, the process proceeds to step # 417, and the operation by the photographer is the second input. It is determined whether the second release (full press) or the fourth input means (exposure button) by the means.

  If the result of the determination is that the operation by the photographer is a second release (full press) by the second input means or an exposure operation execution instruction by the fourth input means (exposure button), the process proceeds to step # 407.

  In step # 407, it is determined whether or not the setting for giving priority to the shutter release is made in the imaging apparatus even in the out-of-focus state. If the result of determination in step # 407 is that the imaging device is not set to give priority to shutter release even in out-of-focus state in step # 407, processing proceeds to step # 408, where it is determined whether or not it is in focus. . If the result of determination in step # 408 is that it is in focus, processing proceeds to step # 409, and if it is not in focus, processing proceeds to step # 401.

  As a result of the determination in step # 407, if the imaging device is set to give priority to the shutter release even in the out-of-focus state, the process proceeds to step # 409.

  In step # 409, it is determined whether or not the imaging device is set to give priority to the shutter release even though the recording medium is not inserted in the imaging device. If the result of determination in step # 409 is that the image sensor has been set to give priority to shutter release even though the recording medium has not been inserted into the image sensor, processing proceeds to step # 411 and exposure operation is performed.

  If the result of determination in step # 409 is that the recording device (memory card or the like) is not inserted into the imaging device but the shutter release priority is not set in the imaging device, the process proceeds to step # 410 and the recording medium is stored. Check for presence. If the result of determination in step # 410 is that a recording medium has been inserted, processing proceeds to step # 411, and processing proceeds to step # 401 if no recording medium has been inserted.

  Here, the recording medium described above will be described. The recording medium is a rewritable recording medium such as an xD picture card (registered trademark), a compact flash (registered trademark), an SD memory card (registered trademark), or a memory stick (registered trademark) in a digital camera. In a film camera, it refers to a film to be loaded. An external recording medium connected regardless of wired wireless communication is also included in the recording medium.

  In step # 411, an exposure operation is performed, and this flowchart ends. When returning to the standby state for the photographer's operation, this flowchart is restarted from the beginning.

  In this flowchart, since the exposure operation can be performed by operating the first release (first input means) and the exposure button (fourth input means) with a small pressure, it is possible to reduce camera shake that the photographer gives to the imaging apparatus. Become.

It is a front view of the single-lens reflex camera in an Example. It is a rear view of the single-lens reflex camera in an Example. 3 is a flowchart used in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart used in the second embodiment.

1 Release button 2 Exposure button 3 Preparation button A
4 Preparation button B

Claims (5)

A first input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction and an exposure operation execution instruction;
A second input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus body and capable of inputting an instruction to execute an exposure operation;
A third input means provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction;
Normal imaging execution means for executing a preparatory operation when an input by the first input means is detected, and further performing an exposure operation when an input by the second input means is detected;
A camera shake prevention photographing execution unit that executes a preparation operation when an input by the third input unit is detected, and further performs an exposure operation when an input by the first input unit is detected;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A first input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction;
A second input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus body and capable of inputting an instruction to execute an exposure operation;
A third input means provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction;
A fourth input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus body and capable of inputting an instruction to perform an exposure operation;
Normal imaging execution means for executing a preparatory operation when an input by the first input means is detected, and further performing an exposure operation when an input by the second input means is detected;
An anti-shake photographing execution unit that executes a preparation operation when an input by the third input unit is detected, and further executes an exposure operation when an input by the fourth input unit is detected;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A first input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction;
A second input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus body and capable of inputting an instruction to execute an exposure operation;
A third input means provided on the back of the imaging apparatus main body and capable of inputting a preparatory operation execution instruction;
A fourth input means provided on the upper part of the imaging apparatus body and capable of inputting an instruction to perform an exposure operation;
Normal imaging execution means for executing a preparatory operation when an input by the first input means is detected, and further performing an exposure operation when an input by the second input means is detected;
An anti-shake photographing execution unit that executes a preparation operation when an input by the first input unit is detected, and further executes an exposure operation when an input by the fourth input unit is detected;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fourth input unit is an electrostatic touch sensor and is provided adjacent to the second input unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fourth input means is a pressure-sensitive touch sensor and is provided adjacent to the second input means.

Images