JP2013061682A - Camera, camera lens barrel control method, and camera lens barrel control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent damage to a lens barrel by an external force etc. in a collapsible barrel type camera.SOLUTION: A touch detection circuit 30 detects a change in electrostatic capacity when a user's finger contacts a shutter button, and supplies a sensor signal indicating that fact to a control unit 40. The control unit 40 supplies a control signal to extend a lens barrel to a lens barrel drive unit 12 when the sensor signal is supplied from the touch detection circuit 30. Moreover, when the touch detection circuit 30 does not detect the change in the electrostatic capacity when the user's finger contacts the shutter button or when a button other than an imaging mode button is operated, the control unit 40 determines that a camera is in non-imaging state and supplies the control signal to collapse the lens barrel to the lens barrel drive unit 12.

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera and a lens barrel control method for the camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a retractable camera in which a lens barrel is housed in a camera body so as to be as small as possible and portable at the time of non-photographing has been adopted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in such a retractable camera, when the lens barrel is extended, the lens barrel is precisely formed when an object hits the lens or an impact is applied to the lens barrel due to dropping or the like. Therefore, the lens and the lens barrel may be damaged.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, a retractable camera (for example, see Patent Document 2) in which an impact sensor is used to detect an impact and the lens barrel is retracted and stored in the camera body is operated. There is a collapsible camera that retracts the lens barrel when time elapses when it is not received (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 3771932 (page 3-7, FIGS. 1 and 2) JP-A-6-194727 (page 3, FIG. 5) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-24118 (second page, FIGS. 1 and 3)

  However, in the conventional camera described in Patent Document 2, since the lens barrel is retracted after detecting the impact, if the impact is applied to the extended lens and lens barrel, the lens and the lens barrel are damaged. End up.

  Further, in the camera described in Patent Document 3, if the time has not elapsed, the lens barrel remains in the extended state. For this reason, if the digital camera 1 falls in this state and an impact is applied to the extended lens and the lens barrel, the lens and the lens barrel are damaged. As described above, in the cameras described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the protection of the lens and the lens barrel is not sufficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera and a lens barrel control method for the camera that can prevent damage due to external force or the like.

In order to achieve this object, a camera according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A grip detection unit provided in a grip unit for gripping the camera body by the operator, detecting a human body of the operator gripping the grip unit, and outputting a first human body detection signal;
An electrode incorporated in the shutter button, and a contact detection unit that detects contact of the human body of the operator with the electrode and outputs a second human body detection signal, and is in contact with or close to the camera body A human body detection unit that detects the human body of the operator and outputs the second human body detection signal;
Based on the first human body detection signal output from the grip detection unit and the second human body detection signal output from the human body detection unit, the imaging state is a state in which the operator operates the shutter button to perform shooting. A shooting state determination unit that determines whether the camera is in a non-shooting state before operating the shutter button;
A control unit that controls the lens barrel driving unit to retract the lens barrel when the shooting state determination unit determines that it is in the non-shooting state;
With
The imaging state determination unit determines that the operator is in the first non-imaging state when the first human body detection signal indicating that the gripping unit is gripped is not output from the gripping detection unit. And
At this time, the control unit controls the lens barrel driving unit to retract the lens barrel to the storage position in the camera body,
The imaging state determination unit outputs a first human body detection signal indicating that the human body holding the grip unit is detected, and the human body of the operator touches or approaches the shutter button. When the human body detection unit does not output a second human body detection signal indicating that
Determining that the operator is in the second non-photographing state;
At this time, the control unit moves the lens barrel driving unit so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between a drawing position where the lens barrel is extended and a storage position where the lens barrel is stored in the camera body. Control,
It is characterized by that.

A lens barrel control method for a camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A grip detection unit provided in a grip unit for gripping the camera body by the operator, detecting a human body of the operator gripping the grip unit, and outputting a first human body detection signal;
An electrode incorporated in the shutter button, and a contact detection unit that detects contact of the human body of the operator with the electrode and outputs a second human body detection signal, and is in contact with or close to the camera body A human body detection unit that detects the human body of the operator and outputs the second human body detection signal;
A lens barrel control method for a camera equipped with
Based on the first human body detection signal output from the grip detection unit and the second human body detection signal output from the human body detection unit, the imaging state is a state in which the operator operates the shutter button to perform shooting. A shooting state determination step for determining whether the shutter button is in a non-shooting state before operating the shutter button;
A control step of controlling the lens barrel drive unit to retract the lens barrel when the shooting state determination step determines that the non-shooting state;
With
The imaging state determination step determines that the operator is in the first non-imaging state when the grip detection unit does not output a first human body detection signal indicating that the grip unit has been gripped. And
At this time, the control step controls the lens barrel driving unit so that the lens barrel is retracted to the storage position in the camera body.
In the photographing state determination step, the grip detection unit outputs a first human body detection signal indicating that the human body holding the grip unit is detected, and the human body of the operator touches or approaches the shutter button. When the human body detection unit does not output a second human body detection signal indicating that the operator is in the second non-photographing state,
At this time, the control step sets the lens barrel driving unit so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between a drawing position where the lens barrel is extended and a storage position where the lens barrel is stored in the camera body. Control,
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, damage due to external force or the like can be prevented.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure (at the time of lens barrel extension) of the lens mechanism part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure (at the time of lens barrel retracting) of the lens mechanism part shown in FIG. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a positional relationship among the second lens group, the imaging element frame, the retractable lens group support frame, and the retractable lens frame illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in which FIG. Indicates the position at the time of shooting. It is a figure which shows the shape of a retractable lens group support frame, (a) is a top view of a retractable lens group support frame, (b) is A-A 'sectional drawing of (a). It is a figure which shows the shape of a retractable lens frame, (a) is a top view of a retractable lens frame, (b) is B-B 'sectional drawing of Fig.6 (a). It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1, (a), (b), (c) shows the top view, front view, and back view of a digital camera, respectively. It is a figure which shows the detail of the shutter mechanism part with which the operation part shown in FIG. 1 is provided, and a shutter signal detection part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a touch detection circuit illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the camera control process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the shutter button operation process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the menu selection process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration mode selection process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography mode selection process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off operation process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the no-operation process (1) which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structure of the myoelectric potential detection circuit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the digital camera shown in FIG. 18, (a), (b) is the top view and front view of a digital camera, respectively. It is a figure which shows the example of the digital camera shown in FIG. 18, (a), (b) shows the digital camera of the weight of 300g and 900g, respectively. It is a figure which shows the relationship between myoelectric potential, grip force, and load force, (a), (b) shows the relationship between myoelectric potential and force when the digital camera has a weight of 300 g and 900 g, respectively. (C) is a diagram showing grip force and load force. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the pressure-sensitive circuit shown in FIG. 23, (a), (b) shows the detail of a pressure-sensitive circuit, respectively, and the pressure-sensitive sensor used for the pressure-sensitive circuit shown in (a). It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the digital camera shown in FIG. 23, (a), (b), (c), (d) is the top view of a digital camera, a front view, a rear view, and a side view, respectively. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram of a grip detection circuit and a finger hook detection circuit shown in FIG. 26. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the digital camera shown in FIG. 26, (a), (b) is the top view and front view of a digital camera, respectively. It is sectional drawing of the human body detection part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the sensor signal which the holding | grip detection circuit shown in FIG. 26, and the finger catch detection circuit output, and the control content. It is a flowchart which shows the no-operation process (2) which the control part shown in FIG. 26 performs. It is a figure which shows the application example of the shutter mechanism part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the application example (1) of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the application example (2) of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. 34, and (a) and (b) show the equivalent circuit of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. 34 and the relationship between capacitance and voltage, respectively. . It is a figure which shows the application example (3) of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. 10, (a), (b) shows the state when a finger is approaching, respectively, when a finger is not approaching. It is a circuit diagram which shows the application example (3) of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the signal waveform of each part of the touch detection circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram showing an application example of the myoelectric potential detection circuit shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an application example (1) of the pressure-sensitive circuit illustrated in FIG. 24. It is a figure which shows the application example (2) of the pressure-sensitive circuit shown in FIG. 24, (a), (b), (c), (d) is the structure of the decomposed pressure sensor and the pressure sensor, respectively. A state when the user's hand touches the pressure sensor, and a pressure sensitivity value when the user's hand touches the pressure sensor as shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the menu screen for turning on and off a protection function, (a), (b), (c), (d) is a shooting screen, a menu screen in shooting mode, and a setting tab, respectively. The menu screen when the lens protection function is selected and the menu screen when the lens protection function is selected are shown.

Hereinafter, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment.
The digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment includes a lens mechanism unit 11, a lens barrel drive unit 12, a focus lens drive unit 13, an image sensor 14, a CDS / AGC circuit 15, a timing control unit 16, and an A / D conversion circuit (referred to as “A / D circuit” in the figure) 17, AWB circuit (referred to as “AWB” in the figure) 18, and signal processing circuit (referred to as “signal processing” in the figure). 19), aperture drive unit 20, strobe 21, strobe drive unit 22, AF auxiliary light 23, power supply control unit 24, HDD storage device 25, HDD / IF 26, display monitor 27, Display drive unit 28, operation unit 29, touch detection circuit 30, image buffer memory 31, image processing unit 32, compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 33, image memory 34, and external memory interface (interface) Comprises in the figure, and denoted.) 35 as "IF", the LAN connector 36, a LAN communication interface 37, a USB connector 38, a USB communication interface 39, a control unit 40, a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 includes a first lens unit L1, and the lens barrel 51 supports the first lens unit L1.

  Further, a second lens group L2 and a third lens group L3, which will be described later, are provided inside the lens barrel 51, and the lens barrel 51 supports the second lens group L2 and the third lens group L3.

  The lens barrel 51 is extendable, and the digital camera 1 causes the lens barrel 51 to be extended in a shooting state in which an image before shooting is displayed on the display monitor 27 and a user who is an operator performs shooting. In a non-shooting state before shooting, the lens barrel 51 is retracted into the camera body 1a.

  In addition, the digital camera 1 detects the user's hand or finger, determines whether the user is in a shooting state where shooting is performed, or is in a non-shooting state before shooting, and extends and retracts the lens barrel 51. To control.

  Further, the digital camera 1 shifts to a shooting state where the user performs shooting, maintains a non-shooting state before shooting, or predicts a user's operation based on the operation information of the operation unit 29. .

  The digital camera 1 controls the extension and retraction of the lens barrel 51 based on this prediction. In this way, the digital camera 1 prevents damage to the first lens group L1, the second lens group L2, the third lens group L3, and the lens barrel 51 due to impact.

  A lens mechanism unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 is a zoom lens optical system having a variable focal length. For example, the lens mechanism unit 11 disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 177932 is used.

  FIG. 3 shows a state where the lens barrel 51 is extended, and FIG. 4 shows a state where the lens barrel 51 is retracted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens mechanism unit 11 includes the first lens group L1, the second lens group L2, the third lens group L3, the diaphragm S, the low-pass filter F, and the imaging. An element frame 111, a fixed cylinder 112, a rotating ring 114, a pinion 115, an outer rectilinear cylinder 116, an inner rectilinear cylinder 117, a cam ring 118, a rectilinear guide ring 119, a retractable lens group support frame 120, A retractable lens frame 121, a third lens frame 122, and a torsion spring 123 are provided.

  The first lens group L1 and the second lens group L2 are lens groups for zooming, and the third lens group L3 is a lens group for focusing. The diaphragm S is for adjusting the exposure amount.

  The low-pass filter F is for reducing false colors and color moire, and is disposed in front of the image sensor 14.

  The image sensor frame 111 is a fixing member that fixes the low-pass filter F and the image sensor 14.

  The Z1 axis is the central axis of the first lens group L1, the second lens group L2, the third lens group L3, and the image sensor 14. The Z2 axis is the fixed cylinder 112, the rotating ring 114, the outer rectilinear cylinder 116, This is the rotation center axis of the inner rectilinear cylinder 117.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing the positional relationship between the second lens unit L2 and each part during retraction and photographing, and as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, FIG. A position control cam 111 a is formed on the image sensor frame 111.

  The position control cam 111a controls the position of the retractable lens frame 121, has a retracted position holding surface and a transition inclined surface, and is parallel to the rotation center axis Z2 from the base portion 111b of the image sensor frame 111. Protruding.

  The fixed cylinder 112 is a cylindrical fixing member, and a radial protrusion (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a straight guide groove (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface in parallel with the Z1 axis. Is formed.

  The rotating ring 114 is located on the outer periphery of the fixed cylinder 112, and a circumferential groove (not shown) and a rotation transmission groove (not shown) are formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof, and a gear (see FIG. (Not shown) is formed.

  The rotation transmission groove of the rotating ring 114 is formed in parallel with the rotation center axis Z2. Further, the circumferential groove is a groove that engages with the radial protrusion of the fixed cylinder 112, and the rotation ring 114 is obtained by engaging the radial protrusion of the fixed cylinder 112 and the circumferential groove of the rotary ring 114. Movement in the direction of the optical axis is restricted, and the fixed cylinder 112 is rotatably supported.

  The pinion 115 rotates the rotating ring 114 and meshes with a gear formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ring 114. The pinion 115 is rotatable in the forward direction or the reverse direction. When the pinion 115 rotates in the forward direction, the lens barrel 51 is extended, and when the pinion 115 rotates in the reverse direction, the lens barrel 51 is retracted.

  The outer rectilinear cylinder 116 is positioned inside the fixed cylinder 112 and is supported by the fixed cylinder 112. A rectilinear guide protrusion (not shown) projects from the outer peripheral surface of the outer rectilinear cylinder 116, and a circumferential groove (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface.

The rectilinear guide protrusion of the outer rectilinear cylinder 116 is a protrusion that fits into the rectilinear guide groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder 112, and the outer rectilinear cylinder 116 is fixed to the fixed cylinder by fitting the rectilinear guide protrusion into the rectilinear guide groove. While being supported by 112, it is possible to advance and retract in the direction of the rotation center axis Z2.
The inner rectilinear cylinder 117 supports the first lens unit L1, is positioned inside the outer rectilinear cylinder 116, and is supported by the outer rectilinear cylinder 116.

  A rectilinear guide protrusion (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner rectilinear cylinder 117, and a follower pin (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface so as to protrude. The rectilinear guide protrusion on the outer peripheral surface is a protrusion that fits into the rectilinear guide groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer rectilinear cylinder 116, and when the rectilinear guide protrusion fits in the rectilinear guide groove, the inner rectilinear cylinder 117 becomes the outer rectilinear cylinder. It advances straight in the direction of the rotation center axis Z2 with respect to 116.

  The cam ring 118 is an annular member located inside the fixed cylinder 112. A follower pin, a cam groove, and a radial protrusion are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 118 (none of which is shown). The inner peripheral surface is provided with a cam groove and a circumferential groove (both not shown).

  The follower pin is a pin that fits in a rotation transmission groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring 114 and protrudes in the radial direction. As the follower pin fits into the rotation transmission groove and the rotating ring 114 rotates, the cam ring 118 also rotates.

  The radial protrusion is a protrusion that slidably fits in a circumferential groove provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer rectilinear cylinder 116. The radial projections fit into the circumferential grooves of the outer rectilinear cylinder 116 so that the cam ring 118 is rotatable and is coupled to the outer rectilinear cylinder 116 to move in the optical axis direction.

  The cam ring 118 rotates and moves to the maximum protruding position, and when the cam ring 118 reaches the maximum protruding position, the cam ring 118 is regulated at this position.

  The rectilinear guide ring 119 is an annular member located inside the cam ring 118. A rectilinear guide protrusion (not shown) is formed on the outer edge of the rectilinear guide ring 119, and a radial protrusion (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface. The straight guide ring 119 is provided with a plurality of straight guide bars (not shown) extending in parallel with the optical axis Z1.

  The rectilinear guide protrusion on the outer edge of the rectilinear guide ring 119 is a protrusion that fits into the rectilinear guide groove of the fixed cylinder 112. When the rectilinear guide protrusion fits into the rectilinear guide groove of the fixed cylinder 112, the rectilinear guide ring 119 can move only in the optical axis direction.

  The retractable lens group support frame 120 is for supporting the retractable lens frame 121 and is positioned inside the rectilinear guide ring 119. 6A and 6B are a plan view of the retractable lens group support frame 120 and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 6A, respectively. As shown in FIG. On the outer peripheral surface of the group support frame 120, follower protrusions 120a are formed so as to protrude.

  The follower projection 120a is a projection that fits into a cam groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cam ring 118. When the cam ring 118 moves in the direction of the rotation center axis Z2 by fitting into the cam groove of the cam ring 118, the retracting lens The group support frame 120 also advances and retreats in the direction of the rotation center axis Z2.

  The retractable lens group support frame 120 is formed with a rectilinear guide groove 120b. The rectilinear guide groove 120b is a groove that engages with the rectilinear guide bar of the rectilinear guide ring 119, and is formed in parallel with the optical axis Z1 of the outer peripheral surface.

  When the rectilinear guide groove 120b and the rectilinear guide bar of the rectilinear guide ring 119 are engaged, the retractable lens group support frame 120 is linearly guided in the direction of the rotation center axis Z2 by the rectilinear guide ring 119.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, an eccentric shaft 120c and a stopper 120d are formed inside the retractable lens group support frame 120. The eccentric shaft 120c is an axis that becomes the rotation center of the retractable lens frame 121, and the stopper 120d is for stopping the rotation of the retractable lens frame 121.

  The retractable lens frame 121 supports the second lens group L2. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view of the retractable lens frame 121 and a B-B ′ sectional view of FIG. 7A, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the retractable lens frame 121 is formed with a lens cylinder 121a, and the second lens group L2 is supported by the lens cylinder 121a.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the retractable lens frame 121 is formed with a swing center cylinder 121c. The swing center tube 121c is a tube that is rotatably fitted to the eccentric shaft 120c of the retractable lens group support frame 120 that is the center of swing. Are connected through.

  A stopper arm 121d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens cylinder 121a. The stopper arm 121d regulates the position of the protruding end of the lens cylinder 121a.

  A position control protrusion 121f is formed on the swing center tube 121c. The position control protrusion 121f is a protrusion that engages with the position control cam 111a of the imaging element frame 111.

  Returning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the third lens frame 122 supports the third lens unit L3.

  The torsion spring 123 is inserted between the swinging central cylinder 121c of the retractable lens frame 121 and the eccentric shaft 120c, and urges the retractable lens frame 121 so that the lens cylinder 121a is positioned on the optical axis Z1. It is.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the lens barrel drive unit 12 extends or retracts the lens barrel 51, and includes a motor (not shown) for driving the lens barrel 51 in this way.

  The lens barrel driving unit 12 is supplied with a control signal for feeding the lens barrel 51 from the control unit 40 and rotationally drives the pinion 115 of the lens mechanism unit 11 in the forward direction.

  Further, the lens barrel driving unit 12 is supplied with a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 from the control unit 40, and rotationally drives the pinion 115 of the lens mechanism unit 11 in the reverse direction.

  The focus lens driving unit 13 is for adjusting the position of the third lens unit L3 as a focus lens, and includes a motor (not shown) for adjusting the position of the third lens unit L3.

  The imaging device 14 converts an optical signal of received light into an electrical signal and outputs an image signal, and is configured by, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The

  A CDS (Correllated Double Sampling) / AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit 15 samples a difference between a reference level and a signal level included in an image signal output from the image sensor 14, and It controls the gain of the image signal to be output.

  The timing control unit 16 supplies a drive pulse for setting the drive timing, a shutter pulse for setting the shutter timing based on the exposure value, and the like to the image pickup device 14 and the CDS / AGC circuit 15, so that the image pickup device 14, The CDS / AGC circuit 15 is driven.

  The A / D conversion circuit 17 is a circuit that converts the analog image signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 15 into digital image data, and supplies the converted image data to the AWB circuit 18.

  An AWB (Auto White Balance) circuit 18 is a circuit that adjusts the hue of the entire image with respect to the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 17, and uses the adjusted image data as a signal processing circuit. 19 is supplied.

  The signal processing circuit 19 is a circuit that performs signal processing such as interpolation processing, contour enhancement, γ correction, and RGB matrix processing on the image data supplied from the AWB circuit 18. The signal processing circuit 19 supplies the image data that has undergone signal processing to the control unit 40.

  The aperture drive unit 20 is for driving the aperture S of the lens mechanism unit 11.

  The strobe 21 is a light emission source that emits light, and is disposed on the front surface of the camera body 1a as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8B.

  The strobe driving unit 22 applies voltage to the strobe 21 to cause the strobe 21 to emit light.

  The AF (Auto Focus) auxiliary light 23 emits auxiliary light when focusing in a dark place, and is arranged on the front surface of the camera body 1a as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8B. .

  The power control unit 24 controls the supply of power from the battery 71 as a power source of the digital camera 1.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storage device 25 is for storing data.

  The HDD / IF 26 inputs and outputs data between the HDD storage device 25 and the control unit 40.

  The display monitor 27 is an electronic finder display unit that displays an image. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the display monitor 27 is provided under the optical finder 52 on the back surface of the digital camera 1.

  The display driving unit 28 drives the display monitor 27 and includes a display memory 28a. The display memory 28 a is a memory that temporarily stores data supplied from the control unit 40.

  The operation unit 29 includes buttons and keys for the user to operate the digital camera 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8A to 8C, the operation unit 29 has a power switch 53, a shutter button 54, a zoom lever 55, and a shooting mode button 56 as such buttons and keys. A playback mode button 57, a menu button 58, and a control unit 59.

  The power switch 53 is a button that is operated when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on (supply of drive power) and turned off (stop of supply of drive power), as shown in FIGS. 2, 8A, and 8B. As shown, it is disposed on the top surface of the digital camera 1.

  The shutter button 54 is a button that is pressed when the user performs photographing, and is disposed on the upper portion of the camera body 1a as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8A to 8C.

  The shooting mode button 56 and the playback mode button 57 are buttons for switching the mode to the shooting mode and the playback mode, respectively. This shooting mode is a mode in which an image obtained through the first lens group L1, the second lens group L2, and the third lens group L3 is displayed on the display monitor 27 before actual shooting is performed.

  The playback mode is a mode in which an image obtained by shooting is displayed on the display monitor 27. The shooting mode button 56 and the playback mode button 57 are provided on the back of the digital camera 1 as shown in FIG.

  The menu button 58 is a key that is operated when setting shooting conditions or playback conditions to display a menu screen. For example, the menu button 58 is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1 as shown in FIG. The menu displayed on the menu screen includes an EV correction menu and an AE control menu.

  The control unit 59 is for selecting and setting functions of the digital camera 1 and is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1 as shown in FIG. The control unit 59 includes an up key 59U, a down key 59D, a left key 59L, a right key 59R, and a set key 59S.

  The up key 59U, the down key 59D, the left key 59L, and the right key 59R are keys for selecting an image and a menu item by moving the image and menu item displayed on the display monitor 27 up and down and left and right, respectively. The set key 59S is a key for designating the selected image and menu item. The right key 59R is also used to designate the selected image and menu item.

  The zoom lever 55 is a lever key for enlarging and reducing the angle of view. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8A and 8B, the zoom lever 55 is directly connected to a bezel 83.

  The bezel portion 83 is formed around the shutter button 54 so as to prevent the shutter button 54 from being accidentally pressed while holding the shutter button 54 so as to be movable up and down. It is designed to rotate around. When the zoom lever 55 is operated, the bezel portion 83 is also rotated to enlarge or reduce the angle of view.

  When these keys and buttons are operated, the operation unit 29 supplies the operation information to the control unit 40.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 29 includes a shutter mechanism unit 81 and a shutter signal detection unit 82.

  The shutter mechanism unit 81 is for generating a shutter signal by pressing the shutter button 54, and includes a shutter button 54, a bezel unit 83, a spring 84, electrodes 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, a pad 85e, 85f and a shutter signal detector 82.

  The spring 84 is inserted between the shutter button 54 and the camera body 1a, and urges the shutter button 54 in a pushing-up direction.

  The electrodes 85a, 85b, 85c and 85d are conductive electrodes for taking out a shutter signal when the shutter button 54 is pressed, and the electrodes 85a and 85c detect the shutter signal via terminals p1 and p2, respectively. Connected to the unit 82. The electrodes 85b and 85d are connected to the shutter signal detector 82 via the terminal p3.

  The electrodes 85a and 85b are electrodes for detecting half-pressing of the shutter button 54 (half-shutter), and the electrodes 85c and 85d are electrodes for detecting full-pressing of the shutter button 54.

  The pads 85e and 85f are for energizing the electrodes 85a and 85c, respectively.

  The shutter button 54 is formed with a flange portion 54a, and the pad 85e is urged by the flange portion 84a when the shutter button 54 is pressed to urge the electrode 85a.

  When the shutter button 54 is further pressed, the pad 85f is urged by the lower end portion 54b of the shutter button 54 and urges the electrode 85d.

  The shutter signal detector 82 is for detecting a shutter signal. When the electrode 85a is energized by the pad 85e and the electrode 85a and the electrode 85b come into contact with each other, the shutter signal detector 82 detects a short circuit between the terminal p1 and the terminal p3.

  When the shutter signal detection unit 82 detects a short circuit between the terminals p1 and p3, the operation unit 29 supplies operation information indicating that the shutter button 54 has been half-pressed to the control unit 40.

  When the electrode 85c is energized by the pad 85f and the electrode 85c and the electrode 85d come into contact with each other, the shutter signal detection unit 82 detects a short circuit between the terminal p2 and the terminal p3.

  When the shutter signal detection unit 82 detects a short circuit between the terminal p2 and the terminal p3, the operation unit 29 supplies operation information indicating that the shutter button 54 is fully pressed to the control unit 40.

  The touch detection circuit 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a circuit that detects contact of the user's finger with the shutter button 54. As shown in FIG. 9, the touch detection circuit 30 detects a change in capacitance between the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 to detect contact of the user's finger with the shutter button 54.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the touch detection circuit 30 includes a touch electrode 300, a surge protection circuit 301, a constant voltage circuit 302, an oscillation circuit 303, a detection circuit 304, a comparison circuit 305, a transistor Tr1, and a Zener. And a diode D1.

  The touch detection circuit 30 is configured to detect a change in capacitance between the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 as a change in the frequency of the oscillation signal.

  The electrode 300 is an electrode that is incorporated in the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 shown in FIG. 9, and is an exposed electrode.

  The surge protection circuit 301, the constant voltage circuit 302, the transmission circuit 303, the detection circuit 304, the comparison circuit 305, the transistor Tr1, and the Zener diode D1 detect contact with the electrode 300 of the user's finger and output a human body detection signal It is.

  The surge protection circuit 301 is for protecting the touch detection circuit 30 from a surge generated by charged static electricity when a finger of a user (human body) touches the electrode 300.

  The constant voltage circuit 302 is a circuit for operating each circuit by applying a constant voltage to the oscillation circuit 303, the detection circuit 304, the comparison circuit 305, and the transistor Tr1.

  The oscillation circuit 303 generates an oscillation signal oscillated at a frequency based on the combined capacitance Cx.

  The detection circuit 304 detects the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit 303 and generates a detection signal having a voltage corresponding to the combined capacitance Cx.

  The comparison circuit 305 compares the signal level of the detection signal generated by the detection circuit 304 with a preset setting signal level to turn on / off the transistor Tr1.

  The transistor Tr1 is an NPN bipolar transistor, its base terminal is connected to the output terminal of the comparison circuit 305, the emitter is grounded, and the collector terminal is the output terminal.

  The transistor Tr1 is turned on / off based on a signal supplied from the comparison circuit 305 to the base terminal of the transistor Tr1.

  The Zener diode D1 is for limiting the collector-emitter voltage of the transistor Tr1 to the Zener voltage.

  When the electrostatic capacitance between the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 increases, the frequency of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit 303 decreases, and the voltage applied to the base terminal of the transistor Tr1 by the comparison circuit 305 also decreases.

  Each part is configured such that the transistor Tr1 is turned on when the user's finger does not touch the shutter button 54 and is turned off when the user's finger is in contact.

  With this configuration, when the user's finger contacts the shutter button 54, the transistor Tr1 is turned off, and the collector voltage becomes high level. The touch detection circuit 30 supplies a high-level sensor signal to the control unit 40 as a human body detection signal indicating that the user's finger has touched the shutter button 54.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image buffer memory 31 is for temporarily storing image data.

  The image processing unit 32 is for performing image processing on the image data.

  The compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 33 compresses and encodes image data and decompresses and decodes the compressed and encoded image data.

  The image memory 34 is for storing still image data and moving image data.

  The external memory 72 is attached to the digital camera 1 and stores image data and the like, and the external memory interface unit 35 is for inputting / outputting data between the control unit 40 and the external memory 72. is there.

  The LAN connector 36 is for connecting a LAN code, and the LAN communication interface 37 is for transmitting and receiving data via the LAN code and the LAN connector 36.

  The USB connector 38 is for connecting a USB cord and a USB device, and the USB communication interface 39 is for transmitting / receiving data to / from the USB device via the USB connector 38.

  The control unit 40 controls the entire digital camera 1 according to a user operation, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (none of which are shown). . The ROM stores program data, image data used for menu processing, and the like.

  When the operation information indicating that the power switch 53 is pressed is supplied from the operation unit 29 while the power of the digital camera 1 is off, the control unit 40 turns on the power of the digital camera 1 and reads from the ROM. The program data of the camera control process is read and the camera control process is executed.

  In this camera control process, a control signal is supplied to the lens barrel drive unit 12 to control the extension and retraction of the lens barrel 51.

  The control unit 40 stores this control content in the RAM every time a control signal is supplied to the lens barrel driving unit 12 in order to determine whether the lens barrel 51 is extended or retracted.

  In addition, the control unit 40 includes a clock unit (not shown) that measures the time during which the lens barrel 51 is extended, and the built-in ROM stores a preset time that is set in advance for the measurement time. This set time is a time for limiting the time that the lens barrel 51 is extended.

Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
When the power switch 53 or the shooting mode button 56 is pressed, the control unit 40 reads the program data of the camera control process stored in the built-in ROM, and executes this camera control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The control unit 40 supplies the lens barrel drive unit 12 with a control signal for extending the lens barrel 51, and stores this control content in the RAM (step S11).

  The control unit 40 starts measuring time (step S12).

  Based on the sensor signal supplied from the touch detection circuit 30, the control unit 40 determines whether or not a finger has touched the shutter button 54 (step S13).

  When the high level sensor signal is supplied from the touch detection circuit 30, the control unit 40 determines that the finger has touched the shutter button 54 (step S13; Yes). In this case, the control unit 40 executes a shutter button operation process (step S14).

  The controller 40 executes this shutter button operation process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 40 stops measuring time (step S31).
The control unit 40 refers to the control content stored in the RAM and determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 has been extended (step S32).

When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has not been extended (step S32; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for extending the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12, and stores the control contents in the RAM. To remember.
The control unit 40 executes shooting preparation processing (step S34).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has been extended (step S32; Yes), the control unit 40 performs a shooting preparation process without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (step S34). ).

  The control unit 40 sets shooting conditions as shooting preparation processing, and supplies the set shooting conditions to the display memory 28 a of the display driving unit 28.

  The control unit 40 supplies the image data supplied from the signal processing circuit 19 to the display memory 28a of the display driving unit 28 as a through image.

  The control unit 40 performs photometric processing by integrating the luminance value for each pixel of the image data supplied from the signal processing circuit 19.

  Further, the control unit 40 performs the AWB process by controlling the AWB circuit 18 based on the hue of the image data supplied from the signal processing circuit 19.

  Further, when the operation information indicating that the zoom lever 55 has been operated is supplied from the operation unit 29, the control unit 40 supplies the lens barrel drive unit 12 with a control signal for zooming.

  The control unit 40 performs AF (Auto Focus) processing by controlling the focus lens driving unit 13 based on the contrast of the image data supplied from the signal processing circuit 19.

  As described above, when the shooting preparation process is executed, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the finger is released from the shutter button 54 based on the sensor signal supplied from the touch detection circuit 30 (step S35).

  When it is determined that the sensor signal supplied from the touch detection circuit 30 is at a high level and the finger is not removed from the shutter button 54 (step S35; No), the control unit 40 operates the operation information supplied from the operation unit 29. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 54 has been half-pressed (step S36).

  If it is determined that the shutter button 54 has been half-pressed (step S36; Yes), the control unit 40 performs AF lock processing (step S37).

  The control unit 40 determines whether or not the shutter button 54 has been fully pressed based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 29 (step S38).

  When it is determined that the shutter button 54 has been fully pressed (step S38; Yes), the control unit 40 executes a photographing process (step S39).

  The control unit 40 performs a photometric process as a photographing process, sets an exposure value, and supplies the set exposure value to the timing control unit 16. Further, when image data is supplied from the signal processing circuit 19 as a result of the shooting, the control unit 40 supplies the image data to the display memory 28 a of the display driving unit 28.

  Further, the control unit 40 writes the image data to the HDD storage device 25 via the HDD / IF 26 and also writes to the external memory 72 via the external memory IF 35.

  When executing the photographing process in this manner, the control unit 40 resets the measurement time and starts measuring time (step S40). Then, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the shutter button 54 has not been half-pressed (step S36; No), the control unit 40 executes the shooting preparation process again (step S34), and determines whether or not the finger is released from the shutter button 54. Determination is made (step S35).

  Also, when it is determined that the shutter button 54 has not been fully pressed (step S38; No), the control unit 40 executes the shooting preparation process again (step S34), and whether or not the finger has been released from the shutter button 54. Is determined (step S35).

  When the low-level sensor signal is supplied from the touch detection circuit 30, the control unit 40 determines that the finger has moved away from the shutter button 54 (step S35; Yes).

  In this case, the control unit 40 resets the measurement time without performing the photographing process, and starts measuring time (step S40). Then, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  Further, when it is determined that a low level sensor signal is supplied from the touch detection circuit 30 and the finger is not in contact with the shutter button 54 (Step S13; No), the control unit 40 is supplied from the operation unit 29. It is determined whether or not a menu has been selected based on the operated information (step S15).

  When the operation information indicating that the menu button 58 has been pressed is supplied from the operation unit 29, the control unit 40 determines that the menu has been selected (step S15; Yes). Predict in advance. If it determines in this way, the control part 40 will perform a menu selection process (step S16).

  The control unit 40 executes this menu selection process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 40 stops measuring time (step S51).
The control unit 40 determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 has been retracted with reference to the control content stored in the RAM (step S52).

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is not retracted (step S52; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12 based on the prediction. This control content is stored in the RAM (step S53), and menu processing is executed (step S54).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has been retracted (step S52; Yes), the control unit 40 performs menu processing without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (step S54).

  As a menu process, the control unit 40 reads the image data of the menu screen from the built-in ROM, and supplies this image data to the display memory 28 a of the display driving unit 28. When executing the menu process, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  When it is determined that the menu is not selected (step S15; No), the control unit 40 determines whether or not the reproduction mode is selected based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 29 (step S17).

  When operation information indicating that the playback mode button 57 has been pressed is supplied from the operation unit 29, the control unit 40 determines that the playback mode has been selected (step S17; Yes), and maintains the non-photographing state. Predict the operation of. If it determines in this way, the control part 40 will perform reproduction | regeneration mode selection processing (step S18).

  The control unit 40 executes the reproduction mode selection process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 40 stops measuring time (step S61).
The control unit 40 determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 has been retracted with reference to the control content stored in the RAM (step S62).

When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is not retracted (step S62; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12 based on the prediction. Then, this control content is stored in the RAM (step S63).
The control unit 40 executes a reproduction process (step S64).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has been retracted (step S62; Yes), the control unit 40 performs a reproduction process without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (step S64). .

  The control unit 40 reads the image data from the HDD storage device 25 or the external memory 72 and supplies the image data to the display memory 28 a of the display driving unit 28. When executing the reproduction process in this way, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  When it is determined that the reproduction mode is not selected (step S17; No), the control unit 40 determines whether or not the shooting mode is selected based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 29 (step S19). .

  When the operation information indicating that the shooting mode button 56 has been pressed is supplied from the operation unit 29, the control unit 40 determines that the shooting mode has been selected (step S19; Yes). Predict operations. If it determines in this way, the control part 40 will perform imaging | photography mode selection processing (step S20).

  The control unit 40 executes the shooting mode selection process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 40 stops measuring time (step S71).
The control unit 40 refers to the control content stored in the RAM and determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 has been extended (step S72).

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has not been extended (step S72; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for extending the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12 based on the prediction. This control content is stored in the RAM (step S73).

  And the control part 40 resets measurement time, and starts measurement of time (step S74).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has been extended (step S72; Yes), the control unit 40 resets the measurement time without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12, and measures the time. Start (step S74). When starting the time measurement, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  When it is determined that the shooting mode is not selected (step S19; No), the control unit 40 determines whether the power is off based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 29 (step S21).

  When the operation information indicating that the power switch 53 has been pressed is supplied from the operation unit 29, the control unit 40 determines that the power is off (step S21; Yes). If it determines in this way, the control part 40 will perform a power-off operation process (step S23).

The control unit 40 executes this power-off operation process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The control unit 40 determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 has been retracted with reference to the control content stored in the RAM (step S81).

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has not been retracted (step S81; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (step S82). Then, the power is turned off (step S83).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has been retracted (step S81; Yes), the control unit 40 turns off the power without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (step S83). When executing the power-off operation process, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process and ends the camera control process.

  If it is determined that the power is not turned off (step S21; No), the control unit 40 executes no-operation processing (step S22).

The control unit 40 executes this no-operation process (1) according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The control unit 40 compares the measurement time for feeding the lens barrel 51 with the set time stored in the ROM, and determines whether or not the measurement time has exceeded the set time (step S91).

  If it is determined that the measurement time does not exceed the set time (step S91; No), the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  When it is determined that the measurement time has exceeded the set time (step S91; Yes), the control unit 40 refers to the control content stored in the RAM and determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 has been retracted (step S92). .

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has not been retracted (step S92; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel drive unit 12, and this control content Is stored in the RAM (step S93), and the process returns to the camera control process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 has been retracted (step S92; Yes), the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12.

Next, the operation of each unit when the control unit 40 executes such camera control processing will be described.
When the power of the digital camera 1 is turned off, the lens barrel 51 is retracted, and the retractable lens frame 121 rotates around the eccentric shaft 120c of the retractable lens group support frame 120 as shown in FIG. The second lens unit L2 is retracted so that the center thereof corresponds to the retracting optical axis Z1 ′.

  The second lens group L2 overlaps the side of the low-pass filter F and the image sensor 14 at this retracted position, and is housed in the camera body 1a.

  Further, the outer rectilinear barrel 116, the inner rectilinear barrel 117, the cam ring 118, and the rectilinear guide ring 119 are all housed in the camera body 1a, and the length of the lens barrel 51 is shortened.

  When the user presses the power switch 53, the lens barrel drive unit 12 is supplied with a control signal for feeding the lens barrel 51 from the control unit 40 (step S11), and rotationally drives the pinion 115 in the forward direction. .

  When the pinion 115 rotates in the positive direction, the rotating ring 114 rotates in the lens extending direction by a predetermined angle.

  When the rotating ring 114 rotates, the cam ring 118 also rotates, and the cam ring 118 projects to the maximum projecting position.

  As the cam ring 118 projects to the maximum projecting position, the outer rectilinear cylinder 116, the inner rectilinear cylinder 117, the cam ring 118, and the rectilinear guide ring 119 project outward from the camera body 1a.

  The rectilinear guide ring 119 and the outer rectilinear cylinder 116 move forward together with the cam ring 118, and the inner rectilinear cylinder 117 and the retractable lens group support frame 120 move to the W (wide) end position forward in the optical axis direction. To do.

  When the retractable lens group support frame 120 moves forward, the position control projection 121f of the retractable lens frame 121 engages with the transition inclined surface from the retracted position holding surface of the position control cam 111a as shown in FIG. 5B. .

  When the position control projection 121f of the retractable lens frame 121 is engaged with the transition inclined surface, the retractable lens frame 121 is rotated about the eccentric shaft 120c by the force of the torsion spring 123, and the second lens group L2 is moved along the optical axis Z1. Projects on the shaft.

  The position control protrusion 121f moves forward from the transition inclined surface, the protruding end of the stopper arm 121d of the retractable lens frame 121 contacts the stopper 120d of the retractable lens group support frame 120, and the position of the retractable lens frame 121 is regulated. The The lens barrel 51 is extended in this way, and the digital camera 1 is ready for photographing.

  When this position becomes the wide end and the zoom lever 55 is operated, zooming is performed. The lens barrel drive unit 12 drives the pinion 115 to rotate, and the cam ring 118 rotates without moving in the direction of the optical axis Z1.

  The retractable lens group support frame 120 and the inner rectilinear cylinder 117 move along the cam groove of the cam ring 118 in the optical axis Z1 direction along a set locus. Then, the position of the second lens unit L2 is set so as to correspond to the operation amount of the zoom lever 55.

  When the user presses the menu button 58, the operation unit 29 supplies this operation information to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 determines that the menu has been selected (step S15; Yes). In this case, when the user maintains the non-photographing state, the control unit 40 predicts the user's operation in advance and stops the non-time measurement (processing in step S51).

  Since the lens barrel 51 is not retracted, the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12 (processing in step S26). The pinion 115 is rotated in the reverse direction.

  The cam ring 118 moves backward from the wide end. When the cam ring 118 moves rearward, the retractable lens group support frame 120 and the inner rectilinear cylinder 117 also move rearward.

  When the retractable lens group support frame 120 moves rearward, the position control projection 121f of the retractable lens frame 121 engages with the transition inclined surface of the position control cam 111a of the image sensor frame 111.

  The retractable lens frame 121 rotates about the eccentric shaft 120c of the retractable lens group support frame 120 against the urging force of the torsion spring 123, and the second lens group L2 retracts from the optical axis Z1.

  When the position control projection 121f of the retractable lens frame 121 engages with the retracted position holding surface of the position control cam 111a, the second lens group L2 retracts so that the center thereof corresponds to the retracted optical axis Z1 '.

  The cam ring 118 is further retracted, and the inner rectilinear cylinder 117 and the first lens unit L1 are retracted. At the same time, the retractable lens group support frame 120 retracts according to the cam groove, and the position control projection 121f of the retractable lens frame 121 maintains the engaged state with the retracted position holding surface of the position control cam 111a of the image sensor element frame 111. fall back. In this way, the lens barrel 51 is in the retracted state as shown in FIG.

  When the lens barrel 51 is in the retracted state, the control unit 40 executes menu processing (processing in step S54).

  When the user presses the shooting mode button 56 after executing the menu processing, the operation unit 29 supplies this operation information to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 determines that the lens barrel 51 has not been extended. (Step S72; No).

  If it judges in this way, if a user will shift to a photography state, control part 40 will predict a user's operation beforehand, and will supply a control signal which advances lens barrel 51 to lens barrel drive part 12 (Step S73). processing). The lens barrel drive unit 12 drives the pinion 115 to rotate in the forward direction and feeds the lens barrel 51.

  When the user's finger touches the shutter button 54, the touch detection circuit 30 supplies a high level sensor signal to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 is supplied with the high level sensor signal and determines that the user's finger has touched the shutter button 54 (step S13; Yes).

  If the determination is made in this way, the lens barrel 51 has already been extended, and therefore the control preparation processing is performed without supplying a control signal to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (processing in step S34).

  If the user presses the shutter button 54 halfway in this state (step S36; Yes), the control unit 40 performs AF lock processing (step S37).

  When the user fully presses the shutter button 54, the control unit 40 executes the shooting process in the AF locked state (step S39).

  When the photographing is finished, the control unit 40 resets the measurement time and starts measuring time (processing in step S40).

  When the user presses the reproduction mode button 57, the control unit 40 predicts the user's operation in advance when the user maintains the non-photographing state, and stops time measurement (processing in step S61). And the control part 40 supplies the control signal which retracts the lens-barrel 51 to the lens-barrel drive part 12 (step S63). The lens barrel drive unit 12 rotationally drives the pinion 115 in the reverse direction, and the lens barrel 51 is retracted.

  When the user depresses the power switch 53 after the photographing is finished, the control unit 40 determines that the power is off (step S21; Yes). If the lens barrel 51 is retracted, the control unit 40 causes the lens barrel driving unit 12 to Without supplying the control signal, the control unit 40 turns off the power (processing in step S40).

  The lens barrel drive unit 12 rotates the pinion 115 in the reverse direction to retract the lens barrel 51. Then, the control unit 40 executes a power-off process (the process in step S41).

  When no operation is performed after the user presses the power switch 53 and before the measurement time exceeds the set time (step S21; No), the lens barrel 51 is extended (step S92; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12 (processing in step S93). The lens barrel drive unit 12 rotationally drives the pinion 115 in the reverse direction, and the lens barrel 51 is retracted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the user's finger does not touch the shutter button 54, when the menu button 58, the playback mode button 57, and the power switch 53 are pressed, the digital camera 1 The lens barrel 51 is retracted because it is determined that the camera is not in the shooting state.

  Accordingly, the lens barrel 51 is housed in the camera body 1a before an impact is applied due to an unexpected drop or the like, and even if an external force is applied, an external force is applied in a retracted state. Damage to the lens barrel 51 can be prevented.

  When the user's finger touches the shutter button 54, the digital camera 1 immediately extends the lens barrel 51. When the shooting mode button 56 is pressed, the digital camera 1 advances the lens barrel 51 by predicting the user's operation in advance when the user shifts to the shooting state.

  For this reason, an operation of manually extending the lens barrel 51 is not necessary, and when the camera is in a shooting state, shooting can be performed without any problem. And you never miss a photo opportunity.

  On the other hand, when the playback mode button 57 and the menu button 58 are pressed, the digital camera 1 predicts the user's operation in advance when the user maintains the non-photographing state, and retracts the lens barrel 51.

  For this reason, when it is predicted that the camera will not enter the photographing state, the lens barrel 51 is immediately retracted, and damage to the lens barrel 51 such as the first lens unit L1 due to an unexpected situation such as dropping can be prevented. .

  In addition, by detecting the contact of the user's finger to the electrode, it is possible to respond to the drop and impact more quickly than detecting the fall and impact by an acceleration sensor or the like. In addition, the configuration of the touch detection circuit 30 is simple, and the touch detection circuit 30 can be easily incorporated into the digital camera 1.

(Embodiment 2)
In the digital camera according to the second embodiment, the myoelectric potential when a finger touches the camera body is detected to determine the photographing state, and the lens barrel is extended and retracted.

  Muscles contract due to the excitement of the motor nerves that govern them. Nerve excitement is transmitted to the muscle fibers via the neuromuscular junction to generate action potentials. This action potential is myoelectric potential.

  The myoelectric potential of the finger changes when the user tries to press the shutter button 54 with his / her finger, or when the user tries to release the finger from the shutter button 54. By detecting this change in myoelectric potential, the user's operation can be determined before the shutter button 54 is turned on and off.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment includes a myoelectric potential detection circuit 41 instead of the touch detection circuit 30 of the first embodiment, and detects a change in myoelectric potential of the finger.

  In order to detect the myoelectric potential, the myoelectric potential on the surface is generally detected using a surface electrode fixed on the skin surface. However, unlike the case where the needle electrode is used, the skin surface is separated from the muscle that is the source of the myoelectric potential, so the alternating signals of various potentials, frequencies, and phases are added while changing with time, The (surface) myoelectric potential is observed as a potential like continuous noise.

  This (surface) myoelectric potential is as low as several μV to several mV. Since an electromyograph for detecting myoelectric potential detects a myoelectric potential signal from a signal on which such noise is superimposed, a bipolar induction method is used for the electromyograph.

  The bipolar induction method is a method of measuring surface myoelectric potential by providing a total of three electrodes, two measurement electrodes and one reference electrode. This reference electrode is also called a dead electrode or a ground electrode.

  This myoelectric potential detection circuit 41 is also configured to detect a sensor signal (myoelectric potential signal) using a bipolar induction method in the same manner as the electromyograph, and as shown in FIG. 19, electrodes 411A and 411B and a reference electrode 411C and a differential amplifier circuit 412.

  The electrodes 411A and 411B are surface electrodes similar to the electromyograph, and correspond to the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 as shown in FIG. The reference electrode 411C is a reference electrode similar to the electromyograph, and is disposed in the vicinity of the grip portion 60 as a grip portion for the user to grip the digital camera 1, as shown in FIG.

  For surface electrodes such as the electrodes 411A and 411B and the reference electrode 411C, a silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) electrode having silver (Ag) as a base material and silver chloride (AgCl) attached to the surface as an electrode material, etc. Is used.

  With such an electrode material, even if a polarization potential is generated between the electrodes 411A and 411B and the metal of the reference electrode 411C due to sweat, the polarization potential becomes as small as several hundred μV, so that the myogenic potential can be detected stably. Is done.

  When measuring myoelectric potential, the electrodes 411A and 411B and the reference electrode 411C are provided with a number of fine holes so as not to be affected by the wetness of the skin surface, the thickness of the skin keratinized layer, etc. A metal or the like containing an electrolyte is used.

  Further, the electrodes 411A and 411B having substantially the same resistance value, area, etc. are used.

  This is because if the two electrodes 411A and 411B of the bipolar induction have different resistance values, areas, etc. between the skin, the common-mode signal is not canceled well, the common-mode noise leaks, and the common-mode signal rejection ratio CMRR decreases. It is.

  The differential amplifier circuit 412 amplifies the myoelectric potential detected by the electrodes 411A and 411B, detects the myoelectric potential of the user's finger that is in contact with the electrodes 411A and 411B, and outputs a human body detection signal.

  The differential amplifier circuit 412 includes three 412a, 412b, and 412c, and resistors Ra, Rb, Rg, and R11 to R14. The differential amplifier circuit 412 is biased with voltages + V and −V with respect to the potential of the reference electrode 411C.

  The operational amplifier 412a amplifies the myoelectric potential of the electrode 411A, the + (non-inverting) input terminal is connected to the electrode 411A, and the-(inverting) input terminal is output via a resistor Ra as a negative feedback resistor. Connected to the terminal.

  The operational amplifier 412b amplifies the myopotential of the electrode 411B, the + input terminal is connected to the electrode 411B, and the − (inverted) input terminal is connected to the output terminal via the resistor Rb.

  The resistor Rg is a resistor for adjusting the gain (gain), and is connected between the resistor Ra and the resistor Rb.

  The operational amplifier 412c differentially amplifies the output signals of the operational amplifiers 412a and 412b. The negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 412c is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier 412a through the resistor R11, and is connected to the output terminal through the resistor R12. The

  The + input terminal of the operational amplifier 412c is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier 412b via the resistor R13. The + input terminal of the operational amplifier 412c is connected to the reference electrode 411C through the resistor R14, and the operational amplifier 412c refers to the reference voltage Vref of the reference electrode 411C.

  The myoelectric potential detection circuit 41 outputs the voltage output from the operational amplifier 412c as the output voltage Vout.

  In order to amplify a signal of several μV to several mV, a differential amplifier used for surface myoelectric potential measurement requires a sufficient dynamic range and a gain of 100 to 10,000 times, and a minimum sensitivity of about 10 μV is required. The phase signal rejection ratio CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) is required to be 60 to 80 dB or more. Further, the frequency band is about several Hz to several tens kHz, and it is required that the phase displacement is small.

  The differential amplifying circuit 412 used for the myoelectric potential detecting circuit 41 is also one having such performance.

The potential difference eo of the signal output from the differential amplifier circuit 412 is expressed by the following equation (1).
eo = − (r12 / r11) {1+ (ra + rb) / rg} × ei
However, r12 / r1 = r14 / r13
r11, r12, r13, r14, ra, rb, rg;
Resistors R11, R12, R13, R14,
Resistance values of Ra, Rb, Rg ei; input potential difference between electrodes 411A-411B (1)

At this time, assuming that the error of the resistance values r11 to r14 is ± Δ, a common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) is expressed by the following equation (2).
CMRR≈ {1+ (ra + rb) / rg} × {1+ (r12 / r11)} / (4 × Δ)
... (2)

  The phase difference between the signal levels e1 and e2 of the output signals of the operational amplifiers 412a and 412b due to the (surface) myoelectric potential generated between the electrode 411A and the reference electrode 411C and the myoelectric potential generated between the electrode 411B and the reference electrode 411C. Becomes 180 degrees, and the phases of the signal levels e1 and e2 are opposite to each other. On the other hand, when noise is superimposed on the myoelectric potential signal, the noise is in phase.

  Therefore, when the differential amplifier circuit 412 amplifies the difference between the signal level e1 and the signal level e2, the in-phase noise is canceled out, and the myoelectric potential detection circuit 41 acquires only the opposite-phase myoelectric potential. .

  FIGS. 21A and 21B show a digital camera 1x having a weight of 300 g and a digital camera 1y having a weight of 900 g, respectively. FIG. 22A shows changes in myoelectric potential, gripping force Fg, and loading force Fr when the user holds and lifts the digital camera 1x, and FIG. Changes in myoelectric potential, grip force Fg, and load force Fr when the camera 1y is grasped and lifted are shown. Note that the grip force Fg and the load force Fg indicate a force for gripping an object and a force for lifting an object, respectively, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the myoelectric potential changes because the finger 2 is moved when the digital cameras 1x and 1y are gripped or when the digital cameras 1x and 1y are released.

  Further, in the digital camera 1y having a weight of 900 g, the grip force Fg and the load force Fg are large and the myoelectric potential is greatly changed compared to the digital camera 1x having a weight of 300 g.

  When the finger is away from the shutter button 54, the user moves the finger and presses the shutter button 54. Therefore, the timing of pressing the shutter button 54 is after the myoelectric potential changes.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with a sensor signal of the potential difference eo due to the myoelectric potential from the myoelectric potential detection circuit 41. The control unit 40 acquires the amount of change in the potential difference eo of the supplied sensor signal, and compares the amount of change with a threshold set in advance for the amount of change. The threshold value is set based on the weight of the digital camera 1 and the like, and is stored in the ROM.

  When the amount of change is equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 40 determines that the user's finger is not touching the camera body 1a. When the amount of change exceeds the threshold, the user's finger is on the camera body 1a. Is determined to have touched. The control unit 40 controls the lens barrel driving unit 12 by making such determination.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the digital camera 1 detects the myoelectric potential when the user touches the camera main body 1a with the finger or when the finger leaves the shutter button 54. The shooting state was determined.

  Accordingly, before the shutter button 54 is actually turned on / off, it can be determined whether or not the photographing state or the photographing operation is in progress, and the lens barrel 51 can be advanced or retracted early. For this reason, the lens barrel 51 can be protected more reliably.

(Embodiment 3)
The digital camera according to Embodiment 3 detects the pressure when the user grips the camera body, determines the shooting state, and controls the extension and retraction of the lens barrel.

  FIG. 23 shows a configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the third embodiment. The digital camera 1 includes a pressure sensitive circuit 42. The pressure-sensitive circuit 42 is a circuit that detects a pressure when a person grips the camera body 1a. As shown in FIG. 24A, the pressure-sensitive sheet unit 421 (a to e) and a resistance value detection unit. 422.

  The pressure-sensitive sheet portion 421 (a to e) includes a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 421s as shown in FIG.

  The pressure sensor 421s detects pressure and has a characteristic that electric resistance decreases when pressure is applied. Each pressure-sensitive sensor 421 s is connected to the resistance value detection unit 422.

  The pressure-sensitive sheet portions 421a to 421e can be pasted by applying an adhesive or the like on the back surface (digital camera 1 side), and any of them is attached to a place where pressure is applied when the user grips the camera body 1a. Is done.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25A, the pressure-sensitive sheet portion 421 a is affixed in the vicinity of the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 on the upper surface of the digital camera 1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25B, the pressure-sensitive sheet portion 421b is affixed in the vicinity of the grip portion 60 on the front surface of the digital camera 1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25C, the pressure-sensitive sheet portion 421c is affixed in the vicinity of the menu button 58 and the control portion 59 on the back surface of the digital camera 1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25 (d), the pressure sensitive sheet portions 421 d and e are both attached to the side surface of the digital camera 1.

  The resistance value detector 422 detects the resistance value of each pressure sensor 421s. The pressure sensing circuit 42 supplies a sensor signal indicating a change in the resistance value detected by the resistance value detection unit 422 to the control unit 40.

  The control unit 40 determines whether or not the photographing state is based on the sensor signal supplied from the pressure sensitive circuit 42, and supplies a control signal to the lens barrel driving unit 12 based on the determination result.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the pressure sensitive sheet portions 421a to 421e are attached to the respective portions of the camera body 1a, and the digital camera 1 detects the pressure when the user grips the camera body 1a. The shooting state was determined.

  Therefore, only by sticking the pressure sensitive sheet portions 421a to 421e to each part of the camera body 1a, without changing the structure of the shutter button 54 or the like or the basic structure of the camera body 1a, or increasing the design constraints, A lens protection function can be easily added.

(Embodiment 4)
The digital camera according to the fourth embodiment is configured to detect gripping and finger catching of the camera body and adjust the retracted position based on the detection result.

  Even if the user's finger is not touching the shutter button 54, if it is predicted to shift to the shooting state, if the lens barrel 51 is placed between the retracted state and the extended state, non-shooting is performed. When shifting from the state to the photographing state, the lens barrel 51 can be immediately extended.

  On the other hand, in the case where it is not predicted that the camera will be in a shooting state at all, the lens barrel 51 can be more reliably protected if the lens barrel 51 is placed in the retracted state.

  From such a viewpoint, the digital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to detect the contact position of the user's finger to the camera body 1a and adjust the retracted position based on the result.

FIG. 26 shows the configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment.
The digital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a grip detection circuit 43 and a finger hook detection circuit 44.

  The grip detection circuit 43 is a circuit that is provided in the vicinity of the grip unit 60 and detects a user's hand gripping the camera body 1a. The finger catching detection circuit 44 is a circuit that is provided in the vicinity of the shutter button 54 and detects the finger catching of the user's finger near the shutter button 54.

  As shown in FIG. 27, both the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44 include a human body detection unit 431, resistors R11, R12, R13, and a switch Sw1.

  The switch SW1 is a switch for setting the operation of the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44 or the stop of the operation, and one end thereof is connected to a power source.

  The resistors R11 to R13 are current limiting resistors. One end of the resistor R11 is connected to one end of the switch SW1, one end of the resistor R12 is connected to the other end of the resistor R11, and the other end of the resistor R12 is grounded. . One end of the resistor R13 is connected to a power source.

  The human body detection unit 431 detects a user's hand or finger and includes a light emitting diode D2 and a phototransistor Tr2.

  The light-emitting diode D2 is a light-emitting element that emits infrared rays as a light-emitting source, and has an anode connected to a connection point between the resistor R11 and the resistor R12, and a cathode grounded.

  The phototransistor Tr2 is a phototransistor that receives reflected infrared light and amplifies the photocurrent generated by the received infrared light. The collector of the phototransistor Tr2 is connected to the other end of the resistor R13, and the emitter is grounded.

  As shown in FIG. 28B, the human body detection unit 431 of the grip detection circuit 43 is provided in the vicinity of the grip unit 60 of the camera body 1a, and the human body detection unit 431 of the finger catching detection circuit 44 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 are provided near the upper surface of the camera body 1a.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the light emitting diode D2 and the phototransistor Tr2 of each of the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44 are placed in the concave portion of the infrared light impervious resin 432 and transmit infrared light. It is covered with a functional resin 433.

  The concave portion of the resin 432 has a mortar-like shape, so that the infrared light of the light emitting diode D2 is applied to the finger 2 or hand of the user nearby, and the phototransistor Tr2 is reflected by the finger 2 or hand. Receives infrared light.

  When the user's finger 2 or hand approaches the human body detection unit 431, the phototransistor Tr2 receives the infrared light reflected by the finger 2 or hand, and the collector voltage of the phototransistor Tr2 becomes low level. Therefore, when the finger 2 or the hand approaches, the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger hook detection circuit 44 supply low-level sensor signals to the control unit 40, respectively.

  The controller 40 executes the camera control process in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and executes the no-operation process (2) when it is determined that no operation has been performed.

  In this process, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the user's finger 2 or hand has touched the camera body 1a based on the sensor signals supplied from the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44. 40 performs control as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 30, when a high level sensor signal is supplied from the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44, or when a high level sensor signal and a low level sensor signal are supplied, respectively, The control unit 40 determines that at least the user does not hold the camera body 1a.

  In this case, the control unit 40 determines that it is not in the photographing state, supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12, and the center of the second lens unit L2 is the retracting optical axis Z1 ′. The second lens unit L2 is retracted until it corresponds to. A position where the center of the second lens unit L2 corresponds to the retracting optical axis Z1 'is defined as a storage position.

  When low level and high level sensor signals are supplied from the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44, respectively, the control unit 40 determines that the user has gripped the camera body 1a.

  In this case, the control unit 40 determines that there is a possibility that the photographing state will be entered immediately, although it is not yet in the photographing state, and supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12. The second lens unit L2 is retracted to the W end position forward in the optical axis direction as an intermediate position between the extended position where the lens barrel is extended and the storage position stored in the camera body 1a. The W end position in the optical axis direction where the second lens unit L2 is retracted is defined as a retracted position.

  When both high-level sensor signals are supplied from the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44, the control unit 40 determines that the shooting state has been reached or that the shooting state has continued.

  In this case, the control unit 40 places the lens barrel 51 in the extended state. That is, the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for feeding the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel drive unit 12 when the lens barrel 51 is retracted, and when the lens barrel 51 is fed, Maintain state.

Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.
When the power switch 53 or the shooting mode button 56 is pressed, the control unit 40 reads the program data of the camera control process stored in the built-in ROM, and executes this camera control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the control unit 40 determines that the power is not turned off based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 29 (step S21; No), the control unit 40 performs this no-operation process (in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 31). 2) is executed.

  The control unit 40 refers to the control content stored in the RAM and determines whether or not the lens barrel 51 is in the extended state (step S101).

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is in the extended state (step S101; Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether or not the finger is released from the upper part of the camera body 1a based on the sensor signal supplied from the finger catching detection circuit 44. Determination is made (step S102).

  When it determines with the finger | toe not having separated from the upper part of the camera main body 1a (step S102; No), the control part 40 returns a process to a camera control process.

  When it is determined that the finger is separated from the upper part of the camera body 1a (step S102; Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether the camera body 1a is gripped based on the sensor signal supplied from the grip detection circuit 43. Determination is made (step S103).

  When it determines with the camera main body 1a being hold | gripped (step S103; Yes), the control part 40 supplies the control signal which retracts the lens-barrel 51 to a retracted position to the lens-barrel drive part 12, This control is performed. The contents are stored in the RAM (step S104). Then, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  When it is determined that the camera body 1a is not gripped (step S103; No), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the storage position to the lens barrel driving unit 12 to supply power. The control content is turned off and the control content is stored in the RAM (step S105).

  The control unit 40 stops measuring time (step S106), turns off the power, and returns the process to the camera control process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is not in the extended state (step S101; No), that is, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is retracted, the control unit 40 is supplied from the grip detection circuit 43. Based on the detected sensor signal, it is determined whether or not the camera body 1a is gripped (step S107).

  When it determines with the camera main body 1a not being hold | gripped (step S107; No), the control part 40 returns a process to a camera control process.

  If it is determined that the camera body 1a is being held (step S107; Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether or not a finger is placed on the upper part of the camera body 1a based on the sensor signal supplied from the finger catching detection circuit 44. Is determined (step S108).

  When it is determined that a finger is hung on the upper part of the camera body 1a (step S108; Yes), the control unit 40 supplies a control signal for extending the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12, and the control contents Is stored in the RAM (step S109).

  The control unit 40 resets the measurement time and starts measuring time (step S110). Then, the control unit 40 returns the process to the camera control process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that no finger is placed on the upper portion of the camera body 1a (step S108; No), the control unit 40 refers to the control content stored in the RAM and the lens barrel 51 is retracted to the retracted position. It is determined whether or not there is (step S111).

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is not retracted to the retracted position (step S111; No), that is, when it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is retracted to the retracted position, the control unit 40 performs the process on the camera. Return to control processing.

  When it is determined that the lens barrel 51 is retracted to the retracted position (step S111; Yes), the control unit 40 determines whether or not the measurement time exceeds the set time (step S112).

  When it determines with measurement time not exceeding setting time (step S112; No), the control part 40 returns a process to a camera control process.

  When it is determined that the measurement time exceeds the set time (step S112; Yes), the control unit 40 supplies the control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the storage position to the lens barrel driving unit 12 to turn off the power. Then, this control content is stored in the RAM (step S113), and the process returns to the camera control process.

  As described above, when the control unit 40 executes the no-operation process (2), the lens barrel 51 is retracted stepwise in accordance with the situation.

  For example, when the user turns on the power switch 53 of the digital camera 1 and selects the shooting mode, the lens barrel driving unit 12 extends the lens barrel 51.

  When the user lifts his / her finger from the upper part of the camera body 1a, the finger catching detection circuit 44 supplies a low-level sensor signal to the control unit 40.

  If the user holds the camera body 1a, the grip detection circuit 43 supplies a low-level sensor signal to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 causes the lens barrel drive unit 12 to attach the lens barrel 51. A control signal for retracting to the retracted position is supplied (step S104).

  The lens barrel drive unit 12 is supplied with this control signal and retracts the lens barrel 51 to the retracted position.

  When the measurement time exceeds the set time with the user removing the finger from the upper part of the camera body 1a, the control unit 40 sends a control signal to the lens barrel driving unit 12 to retract the lens barrel 51 to the storage position. Then, the lens barrel drive unit 12 retracts the lens barrel 51 to the storage position. Also, the power is turned off.

  When the user releases the digital camera 1 with the shooting mode selected and places the digital camera 1 on a desk or puts the digital camera 1 on the neck, the finger catching detection circuit 44 and the grip detection circuit 43 are detected. Both supply high level sensor signals to the controller 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with such a sensor signal, and supplies a control signal for retracting the lens barrel 51 to the storage position to the lens barrel drive unit 12 (processing in step S105). The lens barrel drive unit 12 is supplied with this control signal and rotates the pinion 115 in the reverse direction to retract the lens barrel 51 to the storage position.

  As described above, when the user releases the hand from the digital camera 1 even though the photographing mode is selected, the lens barrel 51 is retracted to the storage position. Damage to the lens barrel 51 is prevented.

  Next, when the user picks up the digital camera 1 from the desk and grips the grip unit 60 of the camera body 1a, the grip detection circuit 43 supplies a low-level sensor signal to the control unit 40.

  When the user puts his / her finger on the upper part of the camera body 1a, the finger catching detection circuit 44 detects this finger catching and supplies a low level sensor signal to the control unit 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with the sensor signal, and supplies a control signal for feeding the lens barrel 51 to the lens barrel driving unit 12 (processing in step S109). The lens barrel driving unit 12 sets the pinion 115. The lens barrel 51 is fed out by being rotationally driven in the positive direction. Accordingly, the lens barrel 51 is extended before the user touches the shutter button 54, and can quickly shift to the photographing state.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the digital camera 1 detects gripping and finger catching of the camera body 1a, and when the user's finger is separated from the upper part of the camera body 1a, the lens barrel 51 is used. Was retracted to the retracted position.

  Therefore, even when the user's finger is not touching the shutter button 54, it can be detected at an early stage that the user's finger touches the shutter button 54, and immediately after the user's finger touches the upper part of the camera body 1a. It is possible to take a picture in a short time and to shorten the start-up time.

  In addition, the digital camera 1 retracts the lens barrel 51 to the retracted position, and when the measurement time exceeds the set time, the lens barrel 51 is retracted to the storage position and the power is turned off. You can also.

  In carrying out the present invention, various forms are conceivable and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, the lens mechanism unit 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, and may be any retractable type.

Further, the shutter mechanism portion 81 is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 9, and may be, for example, the shutter mechanism portion 81 as shown in FIG.
The shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83 of the shutter mechanism portion 81 include an electrode 54e and an electrode 84e, respectively. The electrodes 54e and 84e are connected to the touch detection circuit 30.

  Next, the touch detection circuit 30 of the first embodiment is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 10, and is between the shutter button 54, the bezel portion 83, and the ground side terminal of the touch detection circuit 30 a. It may be configured to detect contact of the user's finger with the camera body 1a by detecting a change in capacitance.

FIG. 33 shows such a touch detection circuit 30a. The capacitance between the touch electrode 300 (the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83) and the ground side terminal of the touch detection circuit 30a is Cx1, the capacitance between the touch detection circuit 30a and the ground is C11, When the capacitance between the ground and the ground is C12, and the capacitance between the user's finger and the touch electrode 300 is C13, the relationship between the capacitances is expressed by the following equation (3).
1 / Cx1 = (1 / C11) + (1 / C12) + 1 / C13) (3)

  In general, the capacitance C11 is several hundred pF and the capacitance C12 is about 100 to 300 pF, whereas the capacitance C13 is several pF, and the change of the capacitance C13 when the user's finger touches the touch electrode 300 is very small. It is slight. Further, the capacitors C11 to C13 are not stable, and greatly fluctuate due to changes in humidity, environment, and the like.

  However, since the capacitance C13 is sufficiently smaller than the capacitance C11 and the capacitance C12, when the capacitances C11 to C13 change at the same rate, the change in the capacitance C13 is dominant over the capacitance Cx1. Therefore, the touch detection circuit 30a can detect that the finger has touched the touch electrode 300 by measuring the change in the capacitance Cx1.

  The touch detection circuit 30 may be a touch detection circuit 30b configured as shown in FIG. The touch detection circuit 30b includes a voltage measurement unit 306, a resistor Rc, a capacitor Cc, and a capacitor Cr.

  The voltage measurement unit 306 measures the voltage of the touch electrode 300. The voltage measurement unit 306 includes a terminal A and a terminal B, and the terminal B is connected to the touch electrode 300.

  Capacitor Cc is connected between terminals A and B of voltage measuring unit 306. The resistor Rc and the capacitor Cc are for applying a voltage to the capacitor Cr, and one end of the resistor Rc is connected to the terminal A of the voltage measuring unit 306. One end of the capacitor Cc is connected to the other end of the resistor Rc, and the other end of the capacitor Cc is grounded.

  The voltage applied to the terminal A of the touch detection circuit 30b is Va, and the voltage applied to the terminal B is Vb. Capacitance Cx2 indicates the capacitance between the touch electrode 300 (the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83) and the ground.

The circuit configured as described above is equivalent to the circuit shown in FIG. This voltage Vb is expressed by the following equation (4).
Vb = Va × (cr / (cr + cx2))
Where cr: capacitance value of capacitance Cr
cx2: Capacitance value of capacitance Cx2 (4)

  As the capacitance value cx2 of the capacitance Cx2 changes, the voltage Vb also changes as shown in FIG. 35B, and when cx2 = cr, the voltage Vb becomes 1/2 of the voltage Va.

When Expression (4) is transformed, the capacitance cx2 is expressed by the following Expression (5).
cx2 = cr × ((Va-Vb) / Vb) (5)

  Therefore, the touch detection circuit 30b can acquire the capacitance value cx2 of the electrostatic capacitance Cx2 by measuring the voltages Va and Vb according to the equation (5).

  The touch detection circuit 30b supplies the acquired capacitance value cx2 of the capacitance Cx2 to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 compares the supplied capacitance value cx2 with a preset threshold value to determine the capacitance. When cx2 exceeds this threshold, it is determined that the user's finger has touched the touch electrode 300.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B, the touch detection circuit 30 measures the time for charging the capacitance between the two touch electrodes 300a and 300b, so that the user's finger 2 touches. The touch detection circuit 30c may be configured to detect touching the electrodes 300a and 300b.

  The touch electrodes 300a and 300b correspond to the shutter button 54 and the bezel portion 83, and are formed of a conductive member such as metal. It is assumed that the touch electrodes 300a and 300b are covered with a cover layer 315 formed of a dielectric material such as resin.

  As shown in FIG. 36B, when the user's finger 2 touches the cover layer 315, the capacitance C31 between the user's finger 2 and the touch electrode 300a, and between the user's finger 2 and the touch electrode 300b. The capacitance C32 increases.

  The touch detection circuit 30c shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B includes a constant current source 311, a comparator 312, a discharge switch SW2, a pulse width modulator 313, a timer 314, as shown in FIG. And measuring the charging time of the capacitance between the two touch electrodes 300a and 300b.

  The capacitance Cs shown in FIG. 37 includes the capacitances C31 and C32 between the touch electrodes 300a and 300b. The touch electrode 300b is grounded.

  The constant current source 311 is connected to a power source having a voltage Vdd, and supplies a constant current to the capacitance Cs. The touch electrode 300a is connected between the constant current source 311 and the electrostatic capacitance Cs.

  The discharge switch SW2 is a switch for discharging the capacitance Cs, one end of which is connected to one end of the comparator 312 and the other end is grounded.

  The comparator 312 compares the voltage Vc between the constant current source 311 and the capacitance Cs with a preset reference voltage Vbg, and controls the discharge switch SW2 on and off based on the comparison result. . One end of the comparator 312 is connected to the touch electrode 300a, and the reference voltage Vbg is applied to the other end.

  The pulse width modulator 313 performs pulse width modulation by counting the number of pulses of the pulse signal Sc output from the comparator 312. The pulse width modulator 313 is supplied with an upper limit value i that sets the upper limit of the count value.

  The timer 314 counts the time when the output signal Sp output from the pulse width modulator 313 is rising. The count value counted by the timer 314 is set as Count, and the timer 314 supplies the count value Count to the control unit 40.

  A system clock CLK as shown in FIG. 38A is supplied to the timer 314.

  38 (b1) to (f1) show signal waveforms of respective parts when the user's finger 2 is not touching the touch electrodes 300a and 300b, and FIGS. 38 (b2) to (f2) are the user's fingers. 2 shows signal waveforms of respective parts when the touch electrodes 300a and 300b are touched.

  As shown in FIGS. 38B1 and 38B2, the comparator 312 turns on the discharge switch SW2 when the voltage Vc of the electrode 300a exceeds the reference voltage Vbg, and when the voltage Vc becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage Vbg, The discharge switch SW2 is turned off.

  The electrostatic capacitance Cs is discharged via the discharge switch Sw2 when the discharge switch SW2 is turned on, and is charged by the constant power source 311 when the discharge switch SW2 is turned off.

  The comparator 312 outputs a pulse signal Sc as shown in FIGS. 38C1 and 38C2 by turning on and off the discharge switch SW2. There is a time lag between the time when the comparator 312 turns the discharge switch 2 on and off and the time when the capacitance Cs is charged and discharged.

  As shown in FIGS. 38 (d1) and (d2), the pulse width modulator 313 is reset to raise the output signal Sp, count the number of pulses of the pulse signal Sc, and when the count value reaches the upper limit value i. The output signal Sp falls.

  As shown in FIGS. 38 (f1) and (f2), the timer 314 counts the number of system clocks CLK while the output signal Sp rises.

  As shown in FIG. 36 (b), when the user's finger 2 touches the touch electrodes 300a and 300b, as shown in FIGS. The period of the signal Sc is larger than that when the user's finger 2 is not touching the touch electrodes 300a and 300b, respectively.

  Therefore, the count value Count = n2 when the user's finger 2 touches the touch electrodes 300a and 300b is, as shown in FIG. 38 (f2), when the user's finger 2 does not touch the touch electrodes 300a and 300b. Count value Count = n1.

  The ROM built in the control unit 40 stores a count threshold set in advance for the count value Count, and the control unit 40 compares the count value Count with the count threshold. Then, when the count value Count exceeds the count threshold, the control unit 40 determines that the user's finger 2 has approached the touch electrodes 300a and 300b.

  Next, the myoelectric potential detection circuit 41 shown in Embodiment 2 does not necessarily use the bipolar induction method, and may omit the reference electrode.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the myoelectric potential detection circuit 41a includes a voltage follower circuit 414, a differential amplifier circuit 415, an HPF (high pass filter) 416, an LPF (low pass filter) 417, and a notch filter 418. Composed.

  The voltage follower circuit 414 is a gain-one impedance conversion circuit and includes operational amplifiers 414a and 414b.

  The negative terminal (inverting input terminal) of the operational amplifier 414a is connected to the output terminal, and the positive terminal is connected to the electrode 411A. The negative terminal of the operational amplifier 414a is connected to the output terminal, and the positive terminal is connected to the electrode 411B.

  The differential amplifier circuit 415 amplifies the difference between the voltage of the electrode 411A and the voltage of the electrode 411B, and includes an operational amplifier 415a and resistors R21 to R24. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 414a of the voltage follower circuit 414 is connected to the negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 415a via the resistor R21. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 414b of the voltage follower circuit 414 is connected to the + input terminal of the operational amplifier 415a via the resistor R22.

  The resistor R23 is a negative feedback resistor, one end of which is connected to the negative terminal of the operational amplifier 415a and the other end is connected to the positive terminal of the operational amplifier 415a. One end of the resistor R24 is connected to the + input terminal of the operational amplifier 415a, and the other end is grounded.

  The HPF 416, the LPF 417, and the notch filter 418 are filters that remove noise caused by changes in the positions of the electrodes 411A and 411B or lead wires (not shown) used for wiring.

  The HPF 416 removes low frequency noise of several Hz or less, and the LPF 417 removes high frequency noise of several kHz or more. The notch filter 418 removes AC noise of 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

The output voltage eo of the differential amplifier circuit 415 is expressed by the following equation (6).
eo = − (r22 / r21) × ei
However, (r24 / r21) = (r24 / r23)
r21, r22, r23, r24: Resistance values of resistors R21, R22, R23, R24, respectively (6)
CMRR is expressed by the following equation (7).
CMRR≈ (r22 / r21) {1+ (r24 / r23)} / ((r24 / r23)-(r22 / r21))
However, ((r24 / r23)-(r22 / r21)) is an absolute value (7)

  Thus, the myoelectric potential detection circuit 41a does not require a reference electrode as a single power supply system, and the provision of the voltage follower circuit 414 increases the input impedance, thus eliminating the need for electrolytic paste or the like.

  For this reason, it is not necessary to use a special electrode such as an Ag / AgCl electrode for the electrodes 411A and 411B, and the presence or absence of generation of myoelectric potential can be detected stably even if other metal electrodes are used.

  Further, the electrodes 411A, 411B, and 411C of the myoelectric potential detection circuit 41 in the second embodiment do not necessarily need to be concentric double electrodes as long as they are arranged at adjacent positions so as to be touched equally. The shape may be adapted to the configuration of the camera 1, the design design, or the like. For example, it may be a square or a different shape. However, even in this case, the two electrodes have substantially the same electrical resistance, area, and the like.

  Further, the electrodes 411A and 411B may be provided on the upper side of the camera body 1a near the base of the finger when the shutter button 54 is pressed, instead of being provided on the surface or the periphery of the shutter button 54.

Next, the pressure sensitive circuit 42 in the third embodiment is not limited to the one having the configuration as shown in FIG. 24, and may be a pressure sensitive circuit 42a as shown in FIG. 40, for example.
The pressure sensitive circuit 42 a includes a pressure sensitive sensor 423 and a voltage detection circuit 424.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor 423 detects pressure in the same manner as the pressure-sensitive sensor 151 s illustrated in FIG. 24, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 423 are disposed on the pressure-sensitive sheet portion 421.

  As shown in FIG. 40, the pressure-sensitive sensor 423 includes piezoelectric elements 423a and 423b and electrode layers 423c, 423d, and 423e.

  The piezoelectric elements 423a and 423b generate electric charges when pressure is applied from both sides, and are formed of, for example, a polymer piezoelectric material such as polyvinylidene fluoride, an aluminum nitride thin film, or the like. The piezoelectric elements 423a and 423b are interposed between the electrode layer 423c and the electrode layer 423d, and between the electrode layer 423d and the electrode layer 423e, respectively.

  The electrode layers 423c, 423d, and 423e are for obtaining a potential generated by the charges generated in the piezoelectric elements 423a and 423b, and are formed of a conductor.

  The electrode layers 423c and 423e are both grounded, and the electrode layer 423d is connected to the voltage detection circuit 424.

  The voltage detection circuit 424 detects a voltage between the potential of the electrode layer 423d of the pressure sensor 423 and the ground potential. The voltage detection circuit 424 supplies the detection voltage to the control unit 40.

  Further, instead of such a pressure-sensitive sensor 423, a pressure-sensitive sensor 425 as shown in FIG. 41 may be used. As shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B, the pressure sensor 425 includes a sheet material 425a, a front electrode 425b, and a back electrode 425c.

  The sheet material 425a is formed of a dielectric material having elasticity such as rubber.

Both the front electrode 425b and the back electrode 425c are electrodes formed of a conductive member and extending in a certain direction.
As shown in FIG. 41B, a plurality of surface electrodes 425b are in close contact with the surface of the sheet material 425a, and the surface electrodes 425b are arranged in parallel at regular intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 41B, a plurality of back surface electrodes 425c are in close contact with the back surface of the sheet material 425a, and the back surface electrodes 425c are arranged in parallel at regular intervals so as to extend in a different direction from the front surface electrode 425b. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 41 (c), when the pressure sensor 425 is pressed by the user's finger, the capacity of the sheet material 425a at the pressed point changes.

  The capacity of the sheet material 425a is changed by being pressed, and the capacity at each position where the front electrode 425b and the back electrode 425c overlap is obtained as a pressure sensitive value as a two-dimensional pattern as shown in FIG. It is done. The pressure sensitive circuit 42 supplies the pressure sensitive value of the two-dimensional pattern to the control unit 40.

  Next, the digital camera 1 may be configured to turn off the collapsing process because the lens barrel 51 is less likely to be damaged when fixedly supported on a tripod.

  In this case, the digital camera 1 includes a switch (not shown) that detects that the tripod is attached to the screw hole of the tripod and outputs a tripod detection signal, and the control unit 40 has the tripod attached. When this switch is turned on and a signal indicating this is output, the control of the lens barrel drive unit 12 is stopped.

  Further, the digital camera 1 may be configured to accept the control of the lens barrel driving unit 12 or the selection of the control stop and turn the protection function on and off. In this case, the ROM built in the control unit 40 stores menu image data as shown in FIGS. 42A to 42D in advance.

  When the shooting mode is set and the display monitor 27 displays an image as shown in FIG. 42A, when the menu button 58 is pressed, the operation unit 29 displays the operation information on the control unit 40. To supply.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with the operation information, reads image data as shown in FIG. 42A from the ROM, and supplies the read image data to the display memory 28a of the display drive unit 28.

  The display monitor 27 reads this image data from the display memory 28a and displays this menu. This menu includes a shooting setting tab, an image quality setting tab, and a setting tab. Each menu is specified by specifying each tab.

  When the user operates the right key 59R or the left key 59L of the control unit 59 to select a setting tab and the set key 59S or the right key 59R is pressed to specify this item, the operation unit 29 displays the operation information. Is supplied to the control unit 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with this operation information, reads the setting menu image data as shown in FIG. 42C from the ROM, and supplies the read image data to the display memory 28 a of the display driving unit 28.

  The display monitor 27 reads this image data from the display memory 28a and displays this setting menu.

  This setting menu is composed of three pages. When the user presses the up key 59U or the down key 59D of the control unit 59 to select 2/3 page, the operation unit 29 displays this operation information in the control unit. 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with the operation information, reads out the image data of the setting menu on the 2/3 page as shown in FIG. 42D from the ROM, and reads the read image data in the display memory 28a of the display drive unit 28. To supply.

  The display monitor 27 reads this image data from the display memory 28a and displays a setting menu for 2/3 pages. This setting menu includes a lens protection function item.

  When the user operates the up key 59U or the down key 59D of the control unit 59 to select the lens protection function and the set key 59S or the right key 59R is pressed to designate this item, the operation unit 29 Operation information is supplied to the control unit 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with the operation information, reads the image data of each item of the lens protection function from the ROM, and supplies the read image data to the display memory 28a of the display drive unit 28.

  The display monitor 27 reads this image data from the display memory 28a, and displays an image in which the items “auto”, “custom 1”, “custom setting”, and “off” of the lens protection function are opened.

  When the user operates the up key 59U or the down key 59D of the control unit 59 to select “auto” or “custom 1” and the set key 59S or the right key 59R is pressed to designate this item, the operation unit 29 supplies the operation information to the control unit 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with this operation information, accepts this selection, turns on the lens protection function, and performs the feeding and retracting control of the lens barrel 51.

  On the other hand, when the user operates the up key 59U or the down key 59D of the control unit 59 to select “OFF” and the set key 59S or the right key 59R is pressed to specify this item, the operation unit 29 This operation information is supplied to the control unit 40.

  The control unit 40 is supplied with this operation information, accepts this selection, turns off the lens protection function, stops the control of the lens barrel drive unit 12, and stops the feeding and retracting control of the lens barrel 51.

  In the fourth embodiment, the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catch detection circuit 44 are provided with the circuit shown in FIG. However, the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catching detection circuit 44 are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the touch detection circuits 30, 30a, and 30b shown in FIGS. 10, 33, 34, and 37, respectively. 30c, myoelectric potential detection circuits 41 and 41a shown in FIGS. 19 and 39, and pressure sensitive circuits 42 and 42a shown in FIGS. 24 and 40, respectively. Further, the grip detection circuit 43 and the finger catching detection circuit 44 may be a combination of these.

  In addition to the detection circuits shown in the first to fourth embodiments, a pyroelectric (heat ray) sensor, a gaze detection sensor, or the like may be used as long as it can detect a human body.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Lens mechanism part, 30 ... Touch detection circuit, 40 ... Control part, 41 ... Myoelectric potential detection circuit, 42 ... Pressure-sensitive circuit, 43 ... -Grasping detection circuit, 44 ... Finger catching detection circuit, 51 ... Lens barrel, 54 ... Shutter button

The present invention relates to a camera , a camera lens barrel control method, and a camera lens barrel control program .

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and provides a camera , a camera lens barrel control method, and a camera lens barrel control program capable of preventing damage due to external force or the like. For the purpose.

In order to achieve this object, a camera according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body that can be gripped by an operator and that houses the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A finger hook detection unit for detecting that an operator's finger is hooked on the shutter button;
A grip detection unit for detecting that an operator is gripping the camera body;
When the power supply is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel that is retracted and retracted to the retracted position is extended to the extended position, and the lens barrel is extended. In the extended state, the finger catching detection unit does not detect that the operator's finger is hooked on the shutter button, and the operator grasps the camera body by the gripping detection unit. When it is detected that the lens barrel is retracted, the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between the extended position and the retracted position, and the power supply is turned on. when switched controls the feeding position or the retreat the lens barrel driving unit so as to collapsed to the stored position shortens the lens barrel in the position And a control unit,
Characterized by comprising a.
A camera according to a second aspect of the present invention is:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A state detection unit for detecting the state of the user's hand;
When the power supply is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel that is retracted and retracted to the retracted position is extended to the extended position, and the lens barrel is extended. When the state detecting unit detects that the user's hand is in the first state in the extended state, the lens barrel is retracted between the extended position and the retracted position. In the state where the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is retracted and the lens barrel is extended to the extended position, the state of the user's hand is different from the first state by the state detection unit. 2 is detected, the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is contracted and retracted to the storage position. When it is switched to the state, and the feed-out position or said retracted to said lens barrel is in the retracted position to control the housing the lens barrel driving unit so as to collapsed to the position control unit,
It is provided with.

A lens barrel control method for a camera according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body that can be gripped by an operator and that houses the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A camera lens barrel control method having a
A finger hook detection step for detecting that an operator's finger is hooked on the shutter button;
A grip detection step for detecting that an operator is gripping the camera body;
When the power supply is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel that is retracted and retracted to the retracted position is extended to the extended position, and the lens barrel is extended. In the extended state, it is not detected that the operator's finger is hooked on the shutter button in the finger catch detection step, and the operator holds the camera body in the grip detection step. When it is detected that the lens barrel is retracted, the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between the extended position and the retracted position, and the power supply is turned on. when it is switched, the feed-out position or the retracted position the lens barrel to shorten the lens barrel so as to collapsed to the stored position by driving in And a control step of controlling,
It is characterized by including .
A camera lens barrel control method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A lens barrel control method for a camera equipped with
A state detection step for detecting the state of the user's hand;
When the power supply is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel that is retracted and retracted to the retracted position is extended to the extended position, and the lens barrel is extended. In the extended state, when the state of the user's hand is detected to be the first state by the state detection step, the lens barrel is retracted between the extended position and the retracted position. In the state where the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is contracted to the extended position, the state of the user's hand is different from the first state by the state detection step. 2 is detected, the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is contracted and retracted to the storage position, and the power is turned on. When it is switched to the power off state from a control step of controlling the lens barrel driving unit so as to collapsed to the stored position shortens the lens barrel is in said extended position or the retracted position,
It is characterized by including.
A lens barrel control program for a camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body that can be gripped by an operator and that houses the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A computer with a camera,
Finger catch detection means for detecting that an operator's finger is hanging on the shutter button;
Grip detection means for detecting that an operator is gripping the camera body;
When the power supply is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel that is retracted and retracted to the retracted position is extended to the extended position, and the lens barrel is extended. In the extended state, the finger catching detection means does not detect that the operator's finger is hooked on the shutter button, and the operator grasps the camera body by the grip detection means. When it is detected that the lens barrel is retracted, the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between the extended position and the retracted position, and the power supply is turned on. When switched, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel at the extended position or the retracted position is contracted and retracted to the retracted position. Control means that,
It is made to function as.
The lens barrel control program for a camera according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is:
A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A computer with a camera,
State detecting means for detecting the state of the user's hand;
When the power supply is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the lens barrel drive unit is controlled so that the lens barrel that is retracted and retracted to the retracted position is extended to the extended position, and the lens barrel is extended. When the state detecting means detects that the user's hand is in the first state in the extended state, the lens barrel is retracted between the extended position and the retracted position. In the state where the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is contracted to the extended position, the state of the user's hand is different from the first state by the state detecting means. 2 is detected, the lens barrel driving unit is controlled so that the lens barrel is contracted and retracted to the retracted position. When it is switched to the off state, control means for controlling the feeding position or the retreat the lens barrel driving unit so as to collapsed to the stored position shortens the lens barrel in position,
It is made to function as.

Claims (2)

A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A grip detection unit provided in a grip unit for gripping the camera body by the operator, detecting a human body of the operator gripping the grip unit, and outputting a first human body detection signal;
An electrode incorporated in the shutter button, and a contact detection unit that detects contact of the human body of the operator with the electrode and outputs a second human body detection signal, and is in contact with or close to the camera body A human body detection unit that detects the human body of the operator and outputs the second human body detection signal;
Based on the first human body detection signal output from the grip detection unit and the second human body detection signal output from the human body detection unit, the imaging state is a state in which the operator operates the shutter button to perform shooting. A shooting state determination unit that determines whether the camera is in a non-shooting state before operating the shutter button;
A control unit that controls the lens barrel driving unit to retract the lens barrel when the shooting state determination unit determines that it is in the non-shooting state;
With
The imaging state determination unit determines that the operator is in the first non-imaging state when the first human body detection signal indicating that the gripping unit is gripped is not output from the gripping detection unit. And
At this time, the control unit controls the lens barrel driving unit to retract the lens barrel to the storage position in the camera body,
The imaging state determination unit outputs a first human body detection signal indicating that the human body holding the grip unit is detected, and the human body of the operator touches or approaches the shutter button. When the human body detection unit does not output a second human body detection signal indicating that
Determining that the operator is in the second non-photographing state;
At this time, the control unit moves the lens barrel driving unit so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between a drawing position where the lens barrel is extended and a storage position where the lens barrel is stored in the camera body. Control,
A camera characterized by that. A telescopic lens barrel that supports the taking lens;
A camera body for storing the contracted lens barrel;
A lens barrel driving unit that extends the lens barrel and feeds it out of the camera body, shrinks the lens barrel and retracts toward the camera body;
A shutter button provided in the camera body and operated when an operator performs shooting;
A grip detection unit provided in a grip unit for gripping the camera body by the operator, detecting a human body of the operator gripping the grip unit, and outputting a first human body detection signal;
An electrode incorporated in the shutter button, and a contact detection unit that detects contact of the human body of the operator with the electrode and outputs a second human body detection signal, and is in contact with or close to the camera body A human body detection unit that detects the human body of the operator and outputs the second human body detection signal;
A lens barrel control method for a camera equipped with
Based on the first human body detection signal output from the grip detection unit and the second human body detection signal output from the human body detection unit, the imaging state is a state in which the operator operates the shutter button to perform shooting. A shooting state determination step for determining whether the shutter button is in a non-shooting state before operating the shutter button;
A control step of controlling the lens barrel drive unit to retract the lens barrel when the shooting state determination step determines that the non-shooting state;
With
The imaging state determination step determines that the operator is in the first non-imaging state when the grip detection unit does not output a first human body detection signal indicating that the grip unit has been gripped. And
At this time, the control step controls the lens barrel driving unit so that the lens barrel is retracted to the storage position in the camera body.
In the photographing state determination step, the grip detection unit outputs a first human body detection signal indicating that the human body holding the grip unit is detected, and the human body of the operator touches or approaches the shutter button. When the human body detection unit does not output a second human body detection signal indicating that the operator is in the second non-photographing state,
At this time, the control step sets the lens barrel driving unit so that the lens barrel is retracted to a retracted position between a drawing position where the lens barrel is extended and a storage position where the lens barrel is stored in the camera body. Control,
A lens barrel control method for a camera.

Images