JP2017049076A - Range finder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that since a power supply voltage is susceptible to fluctuations due to temperature, etc., a battery tends to fall below a threshold even while it has sufficient remaining capacity, making it necessary to replace the battery.SOLUTION: A range finder of the present invention comprises: an optical member disposed in an optical path from a light-sending unit that sends a measurement light to a light-receiving unit that receives the measurement light, for deflecting at least a portion of the optical path from the light-sending unit to the light-receiving unit; a restriction member for joining with the optical member and restricting the motion of the optical member; a drive unit for driving the restriction member between a restricting state and a non-restricting state; a drive power supply unit for supplying electric power to the drive unit; and a control unit, including a detection unit for detecting a voltage supplied from the drive power supply unit to the drive unit, for controlling the drive unit and the drive power supply unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a rangefinder.

Conventionally, when the boosted power supply voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold even once, the operation of the camera is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 JP 2001-296587 A

  Since the power supply voltage fluctuates greatly due to temperature or the like, the battery may be below the threshold even when the remaining battery level is sufficient, and the battery has to be replaced.

  The rangefinder according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged in an optical path from a light transmitting unit that transmits measurement light to a light receiving unit that receives measurement light, and deflects at least a part of the optical path from the light transmitting unit to the light receiving unit. Optical member, a regulating member coupled with the optical member to regulate the movement of the optical member, a drive unit that drives the regulating member between a regulated state and a non-regulated state, and a drive power source that supplies power to the drive unit And a control unit that includes a detection unit that detects a voltage supplied from the drive power supply unit to the drive unit, and controls the drive unit and the drive power supply unit.

  The summary of the invention does not enumerate all the features of the present invention. In addition, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

It is a block diagram of the distance meter in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the control member in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the fluctuation | variation of the output voltage of a 1st pressure | voltage rise part. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in 1st Embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in 1st Embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in 1st Embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the lock release operation | movement of the rangefinder in 1st Embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in 2nd Embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in 2nd Embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in 2nd Embodiment. It is a control flow figure of lock release operation of a rangefinder in a 2nd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a rangefinder according to the first embodiment. The rangefinder 10 includes a light transmitting unit 100, a light receiving unit 200, an observation unit 300, and a control unit 600. The rangefinder 10 includes a correction member 410, a drive unit 500, and a restriction member 510. Further, the distance meter 10 includes a power source 700, a first booster 710, and a second booster 720.

The light transmission unit 100 transmits measurement light forward. The light transmitting unit 100 includes an objective lens 110, an erecting prism 120, and a light emitting unit 130. In addition, the light transmission unit 100 includes a correction member 410 that deflects the optical axis of the light transmission unit 100 in order to correct image blur caused by the hand shake of the user. The correction member 410 is disposed in the optical path of the light transmission unit 100. In the following description, the direction in which the light-sending part 100 emits the measurement light in the distance meter 10, that is called the arrow direction of a light ray B ₃ in FIG forward.

  The light emitting unit 130 emits pulsed measurement light a predetermined number of times per unit time. In this case, the light emitting unit 130 emits, for example, 320 pulsed lights per second as measurement light. An example of the light emitting unit 130 is a semiconductor laser that oscillates infrared rays. Hereinafter, the light emitting unit 130 will be described using an example in which measurement light in the infrared region is emitted.

The erecting prism 120 includes a dichroic reflection surface 122 that reflects the visible light band and transmits the infrared band, and total reflection surfaces 124 and 126 that have a high reflectance in the infrared band in addition to the visible light band. Have. In the erecting prism 120, the measurement light passes through the dichroic reflection surface 122, is reflected by the total reflection surface 124, and propagates forward in the distance meter 10 as a light ray B ₂ . Further, the erecting prism 120 uses the dichroic reflecting surface 122, the total reflecting surfaces 124 and 126, and other reflecting surfaces to invert the inverted mirror image formed by the incident light beam to an erecting image. Examples of the erecting prism 120 are a roof prism, a porro prism, and the like.

  The objective lens 110 is disposed at the front end of the rangefinder 10, and the front end face is opposed to the distance measurement object that is the object of distance measurement. The rear end surface of the objective lens 110 faces the front end surface of the erecting prism 120 with the correction member 410 interposed therebetween. The correction member 410 is also an optical member, and forms the light transmitting unit 100 together with the objective lens 110.

  The observation unit 300 includes an objective lens 110, a correction member 410, an erecting prism 120, a reticle plate 320, and an eyepiece lens 310. The observation unit 300 shares the objective lens 110, the correction member 410, and the erecting prism 120 with the light transmission unit 100. Thereby, in the distance meter 10, the light transmission part 100 and the observation part 300 have the same apparent optical axis. The user observes the front through the observation unit 300 and determines the collimation for the distance measuring object.

  The reticle plate 320 is disposed at a focal position (reticle position) between the objective lens 110 and the correction member 410 of the light transmitting unit 100. The front end of the eyepiece 310 faces the rear end of the reticle plate 320 inside the rangefinder 10.

  Reticle plate 320 has a collimation index and a display unit. Examples of the shape of the collimation index are a crosshair, a rectangular frame, a circular frame, and the like. The collimation index may be formed on a plate transparent to visible light by printing, etching, or the like, or may be displayed using a transmissive liquid crystal. The display unit uses a transmissive liquid crystal or the like to indicate the measurement result of the distance to the distance measurement object to the user using characters, images, and the like. Instead of providing the display unit directly on the reticle plate 320, a reflective liquid crystal and an optical system for guiding a display image using the liquid crystal to the reticle plate 320 may be used. In addition to the distance measurement result, the display unit may also display a remaining battery level, an alert, a clock, and the like.

Of the light reflected or scattered from the distance measuring object located in front of the rangefinder 10, the light ray A ₁ propagating within the range of the prospective angle of the objective lens 110 is incident on the observation unit 300. The light ray A ₁ is collected as the light ray A ₂ by the objective lens 110 and is emitted as the light ray A ₃ behind the distance meter 10 through the erecting prism 120, the reticle plate 320, and the eyepiece lens 310. Thus, the user observes an erect image of the distance measuring object through the eyepiece lens 310.

  A collimation index placed on the reticle plate 320 is superimposed on the image of the distance measuring object that the user observes through the eyepiece 310. Therefore, the user orients the distance meter 10 so that the collimation index is superimposed on the image observed through the eyepiece 310 and collimates the object to be measured. In this case, since the apparent optical axes of the light transmitting unit 100 and the observation unit 300 coincide with each other as described above, the measurement light is irradiated to the position indicated by the collimation index.

  The light receiving unit 200 receives measurement light incident from the front. Then, the intensity signal of the measurement light is converted into an electric signal and output. The light receiving unit 200 includes a light receiving lens 210, a band transmission filter 220 and a light receiving element 230. As shown in FIG. 1, the light receiving lens 210 of the light receiving unit 200 in the distance meter 10 according to the present embodiment has an optical axis different from that of the objective lens 110 and the observation unit 300 of the light transmitting unit 100.

  A band transmission filter 220 and a light receiving element 230 are sequentially arranged behind the light receiving lens 210. The band transmission filter 220 transmits light in a narrow wavelength band including the wavelength band of measurement light, and blocks or attenuates light in other wavelength bands. An example of the light receiving element 230 is a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like having sensitivity to the wavelength band of the measurement light. Thereby, the light receiving element 230 receives light including measurement light, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it. From the viewpoint of eliminating the influence of background light on the measurement light, the light receiving area of the light receiving element 230 is preferably smaller.

  The control unit 600 comprehensively controls the ranging operation in the rangefinder 10. The control unit 600 calculates the distance to the distance measurement object from the time difference calculated from the timing when the measurement light is emitted from the light transmission unit 100 and the timing when the light receiving unit 200 receives the measurement light.

  Control unit 600 also includes a storage unit 610 and a timer unit 620. The storage unit 610 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores a light reception signal output from the light receiving element 230, a voltage threshold value described later, and the like. The timer unit 620 measures time. In the present embodiment, the timing unit 620 starts timing from the time when the distance measurement command from the user is received.

In the light receiving unit 200, a light beam C ₁ reflected or scattered from a distance measuring object located in front of the distance meter 10 is incident on the light receiving lens 210. The light beam C ₁ is collected by the light receiving lens 210, propagates backward as the light beam C ₂ , passes through the band transmission filter 220, and is received by the light receiving element 230.

  The light receiving element 230 converts the received optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal and outputs it. The electric signal output from the light receiving element 230 is amplified by an amplifier (not shown) and output to the control unit 600.

  The control unit 600 includes a binarization circuit (not shown), a sampling circuit, a counter circuit, an oscillator, and the like. An electric signal amplified from an amplifier (not shown) is converted into a binarized signal by a binarizing circuit according to a predetermined threshold value, and is output to a sampling circuit. A sampling clock having a specific frequency is input from the oscillator to the sampling circuit. The count value is input to the sampling circuit from the counter circuit. The count value is reset by the control unit 600 at the timing when pulsed light is emitted from the light emitting unit 130. The sampling circuit performs digital sampling of the input binarized signal and generates a light reception signal synchronized with the sampling clock. The sampling circuit stores the received light signal in the storage unit 610.

  The correction member 410 functions as a correction unit together with the image stabilization drive unit 400, the position detection unit 420, and the shake detection unit 430.

  The shake detection unit 430 includes a plurality of angular velocity sensors whose detection directions intersect with each other. The plurality of angular velocity sensors are arranged in a direction in which pitching and yawing of the rangefinder 10 are detected, for example. Each of the angular velocity sensors outputs a signal corresponding to a displacement amount including a direction and a size as information to the control unit 600 when the distance meter 10 is displaced.

  The control unit 600 periodically refers to the output of the blur detection unit 430 and corrects the correction amount that is a displacement amount of the correction member 410 for canceling the image blur generated in the observation unit 300 due to the displacement of the rangefinder 10. Is calculated. Corresponding to the displacement amount of the rangefinder 10, the correction amount also includes the direction and the size. Further, the control unit 600 outputs a drive signal for driving with the correction amount to the image stabilization drive unit 400.

  The image stabilization drive unit 400 displaces the correction member 410 in a direction intersecting the optical axis in accordance with the drive signal received from the control unit 600. Thereby, image blurring in the observation unit 300 is suppressed and measurement light is prevented from deviating from the object to be measured. For example, a voice coil motor, a piezoelectric motor, or the like can be used for the anti-vibration driving unit 400.

  The position detection unit 420 periodically detects the position of the correction member 410 and outputs a position signal that is a signal corresponding to the position to the control unit 600. For the position detection unit 420, for example, an optical position detection sensor or the like can be used in addition to a magnetic sensor using a Hall element or an MR element.

  The control unit 600 feedback-controls the driving amount of the correction member 410 according to the position signal of the correction member 410 acquired from the position detection unit 420. As a result, the position of the correction member 410 can be accurately controlled even when a disturbance such as impact or vibration is applied.

  The correction unit may always perform the correction operation, but may perform the correction operation only during a period in which the user is using the rangefinder 10. The fact that the user is using the rangefinder 10 may be, for example, detecting the user's eyes looking into the eyepiece 310 and turning the correction unit on / off. Further, the correction unit may start the operation when the user operates a switch or the like. Furthermore, the operation of the correction unit may be stopped when there is no user operation beyond a predetermined time. In the following description, an operation for deflecting the optical axis of the light receiving unit 200 by the correction unit may be referred to as an image stabilization operation.

The correction member 410 is driven by the image stabilization drive unit 400 in the vicinity of the objective lens 110 to displace the optical paths of the light beams A ₂ and B ₂ . When the distance meter 10 is displaced, the correction member 410 is displaced so as to optically cancel the displacement, whereby blurring of an image observed by the user can be stopped. Since the correction member 410 is shared by the light transmission unit 100, even if the distance meter 10 is displaced, the same distance measurement object can be continuously irradiated with the measurement light.

  The restriction member 510 is mechanically coupled to the correction member 410 and restricts the movement of the correction member 410. As a result, even when a relatively large vibration or impact is applied to the distance meter 10 when not in use, such as during transportation, the correction member 410 interferes with the surrounding mechanism, and the correction member 410 and the surrounding mechanism Etc. can be prevented from being damaged.

  The drive unit 500 mechanically drives the restriction member 510. The drive unit 500 drives the regulating member 510 between the locked position and the unlocked position when the rangefinder 10 is started and stopped.

  The power supply 700 supplies electric power to the electric members constituting the distance meter 10. As the power source 700 in this embodiment, a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a low voltage battery such as a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery can be used. The power source 700 may be detachable from the apparatus main body. Further, the power source 700 may be able to be charged while being attached to the apparatus main body.

  The first booster 710 boosts the voltage from the power supply 700 and supplies it to the image stabilization drive unit 400 and the drive unit 500 when the image stabilization drive unit 400 and the drive unit 500 are driven. In the distance meter 10 according to the present embodiment, the driving member 500 drives the regulating member 510 that locks the correction member 410. In order to drive the correction member 410 and the regulating member 510, it is necessary to supply a relatively large voltage to the image stabilizing drive unit 400 and the drive unit 500. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the first booster 710 is provided to boost the voltage of the power supply 700 to a voltage sufficient to drive the regulating member 510 and supply it to the image stabilization driver 400 and the driver 500. . The power supply 700 and the first booster 710 constitute a drive power supply unit.

  In the present embodiment, a wiring 900 for monitoring the voltage is provided between the control unit 600 and the first boosting unit 710, and the control unit 600 has a predetermined voltage Vup boosted by the first boosting unit 710. In addition, the number of times of being smaller than the first threshold value Vth is measured and stored in the storage unit 610 as the counter value Cv. Then, when the counter value Cv, which is the measured number of times, exceeds a predetermined number of times threshold Cvth, the control unit 600 controls the driving unit 500 different from normal control. Details will be described later.

  The second booster 720 is arranged in parallel with the first booster 710, boosts the voltage from the power supply 700, and supplies power to the controller 600 via the wiring 910 provided between the second booster 720 and the controller 600. Supply. The second boosting unit 720 includes a plurality of boosting circuits, and each of the boosting circuits generates a constant voltage, and the vibration-proof driving unit 400 such as the light emitting unit 130 and the light receiving element 230 is connected via the control unit 600. Electric power is supplied to some of the electronic components constituting the distance meter 10 other than the drive unit 500.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the restricting member in the first embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2A shows a state in which the correction member 410 is locked by the restriction member 510. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the correction member 410 is unlocked by the restriction member 510.

  FIG. 2 shows a correction member 410, a holding portion 412, a regulating member 510, a vibration isolation driving portion 400, a driving portion 500, and limiting members 514a and 514b. In FIG. 2, the correction member 410 is held by the holding unit 412. In addition, the holding portion 412 has a plurality of protrusions 414 on the outer periphery. The restricting member 510 has a plurality of locking portions 512 on the inner periphery.

  In FIG. 2A, one end portion of the regulating member 510 is in contact with the limiting member 514a at the contact portion A. In this state, the protrusion 414 provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 412 and the locking portion 512 provided on the inner periphery of the regulating member 510 are opposed to each other. As a result, the movable range of the holding part 412 in the vertical and horizontal directions is limited. Therefore, even when the rangefinder 10 is not in operation, that is, when the correction member 410 is not driven and controlled by the image stabilization drive unit 400, even if a sudden vibration or impact is applied to the rangefinder 10, the holding unit 412. It is possible to avoid damage to the correction member 410 and the like due to interference between the peripheral member and the surrounding mechanism.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 2B, the other end of the regulating member 510 is in contact with the limiting member 514b at the contact portion B. In this state, the projecting portion 414 provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 412 and the locking portion 512 provided on the inner periphery of the regulating member 510 are not opposed to each other. Therefore, a large movable range can be secured in the holding portion 412 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, the rangefinder 10 can correct the shake of the optical axis caused by the hand shake of the user by driving the correction member 410 in a large movable range.

  Next, the transition from the locked state to the unlocked state of the regulating member 510 by the drive unit 500 will be described. The driving by the driving unit 500 includes a first driving that mechanically separates the regulating member 510 from the correction member 410 and a second driving that presses the regulating member 510 against the contact portion B of the limiting member 514b after the first driving. Includes two drive states. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the first drive, the drive unit 500 drives the regulating member 510 in the direction of the arrow indicated by the broken line, and the holding unit 412 transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state. Let As shown in FIG. 2B, in the second drive, the drive unit 500 drives the restriction member 510 so as to press the restriction member 510 against the contact portion B with the restriction member 514b in the direction of the white arrow. .

  In the two driving operations of the regulating member 510, a large load is applied to the driving unit 500, and a large current flows. For this reason, the voltage supplied from the first booster 710 drops. In the present embodiment, the change in the boosted voltage is monitored, and the number of times that the voltage falls below a predetermined threshold is measured.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining fluctuations in the output voltage of the first booster. In particular, the case where the regulating member 510 transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described.

  FIG. 3A shows a time change of the drive signal transmitted from the control unit 600 to the drive unit 500. In FIG. 3A, the horizontal axis represents time T, and the vertical axis represents the voltage level of the signal. When control unit 600 accepts an activation command from the user via operation button 800 (T = T1), control unit 600 raises the voltage level of the drive signal transmitted to drive unit 500 from low level (L) to high level (H). . Then, a high level (H) drive signal is continuously transmitted to the drive unit 500 for a predetermined time (T1 to T3).

  The drive unit 500 drives the regulating member 510 in a certain direction while receiving a high level (H) drive signal. When the drive signal is received from the control unit 600 at time T1, the drive unit 500 starts the first drive for separating the regulating member 510 from the holding unit 412 that holds the correction member 410. Due to the driving of the regulating member 510, a load is applied to the drive unit 500, and a large current flows through the drive unit 500. In this case, although the first booster 710 outputs a constant voltage, the output voltage of the first booster 710 decreases when the remaining amount of the power source 700 is small. Further, at time T2, the end surface of the regulating member 510 comes into contact with the limiting member 514. At this time, an impact load is applied to the driving unit 500, and a larger current flows through the driving unit 500. Then, during the period from T2 to T3, the drive unit 500 performs the second drive so as to press the restriction member 510 against the restriction member 514b. Since the restricting member 510 is pressed against the fixed restricting member 514b, a load is applied to the driving unit 500, and a large current flows through the driving unit 500. Also in this case, although the first booster 710 outputs a constant voltage, the output voltage of the first booster 710 decreases when the remaining amount of the power supply 700 is low.

  FIG. 3B shows a change in the output voltage of the first booster 710 when the power supply 700 is in a certain remaining amount. In FIG. 3B, the horizontal axis represents time T, and the vertical axis represents voltage V. In the state of FIG. 3B, the output voltage Vup of the first booster 710 has a predetermined voltage threshold Vth between T1 and T2, that is, until the regulating member 510 contacts the limiting member 514. It is below. Here, the predetermined voltage threshold Vth is, for example, 2.8V. In the following description, when the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 drops and falls below the threshold Vth may be referred to as regulation cracking.

  FIG. 3C shows the time variation of the output voltage of the first booster 710 when the power supply 700 is in another remaining state. In FIG. 3C, the horizontal axis represents time T, and the vertical axis represents voltage V. In the state of FIG. 3C, the output voltage Vup of the first booster 710 has a regulation crack between T2 and T3, that is, after the restricting member 510 comes into contact with the restricting member 514.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 600 separately measures the number of times the regulation crack has occurred during the first drive and the second drive. Then, the control unit 600 compares the number of times of regulation cracking in the first drive and the number of times of regulation cracking in the second drive with a predetermined number threshold. Although details will be described later, the control of the rangefinder 10 is changed according to the result of the comparison.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined number threshold for the first driving is set to be smaller than the predetermined number threshold for the second driving. For example, the predetermined number threshold for the first driving is 1, and the predetermined number threshold for the second driving is 50.

  Note that the predetermined number of times threshold for the first driving may be larger than one. Further, the predetermined number of times threshold for the second driving may be less than 50 or may be larger than 50.

  Note that the predetermined number threshold for the first driving may be set to be larger than the predetermined number threshold for the second driving. The predetermined number threshold for the first driving and the predetermined number threshold for the second driving may be set to the same number.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, a control flow of the rangefinder 10 in the first embodiment will be described.

  This flow starts when an activation command is issued from the user via the operation button 800. The second booster 720 is activated by receiving an activation command from the user (S101). Then, the second booster 720 activates the controller 600 (S102). The controller 600 transmits a self-latch signal to the second booster 720 (S103). As a result, the second booster 720 boosts the output voltage from the power supply 700. The second booster 720 boosts and outputs the output voltage of the power supply 700 while receiving the self-latch signal from the controller 600.

  The controller 600 monitors the voltage Vs of the power source 700. The controller 600 determines whether or not the voltage Vs is greater than a predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth (S104). A predetermined power supply voltage threshold value Vsth is stored in the storage unit 610. In the present embodiment, the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 and the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2 are determined as the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth. The magnitude relationship between the threshold values is set so as to satisfy the relationship of Vsth1 <Vsth2. For example, the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 is 1.0V, and the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2 is 1.3V.

  When it is determined that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is smaller than the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth (S104: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S118 of FIG. On the other hand, when the control unit 600 determines that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth (S104: YES), the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth is the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth. It is determined whether or not the power supply voltage threshold Vsth1. If it is determined that the predetermined power supply voltage threshold value Vsth is the first power supply voltage threshold value Vsth1, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S108 in FIG. Note that the initial value of the predetermined threshold value of the power supply voltage is, for example, Vsth1.

  When it is determined that the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth is not the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S105: NO), the control unit 600 resets the counter value Cv (S106). Next, the controller 600 changes the predetermined power supply voltage threshold value Vsth to the first power supply voltage threshold value Vsth1 (S107). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  The controller 600 outputs a boost activation signal to the first booster 710 to activate the first booster 710 (S108). The controller 600 determines whether or not the correction member 410 is in a predetermined range (S109). Here, the predetermined range is a movable range of the correction member 410 in a state where the correction member 410 is locked by the restriction member 510. That is, when the correction member 410 is in the predetermined range, it can be determined that the correction member 410 is locked by the restriction member 510. On the other hand, when the correction member 410 is not within the predetermined range, it can be determined that the correction member 410 is not locked by the restriction member 510.

  When it is determined that the correction member 410 is within the predetermined range (S109: YES), the control unit 600 starts the unlocking operation (S110). Details of the unlocking operation will be described later. On the other hand, when determining that the correction member 410 is not within the predetermined range (S109: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S111.

  The control unit 600 outputs an image stabilization drive signal to the motor drive circuit of the image stabilization drive unit 400, and starts the image stabilization operation as part of the distance measurement operation (S111). Simultaneously with the start of the image stabilization operation, the control unit 600 starts measuring the elapsed time in the timer unit 620 (S112). Then, the control unit 600 determines whether or not there has been a ranging command from the user within a predetermined time (S113).

  If there is a ranging command from the user within a predetermined time (S113: YES), the control unit 600 resets the time measurement (S114). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step 111 and continues the subsequent control. On the other hand, when there is no ranging command from the user within a predetermined time (S113: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

  The control unit 600 outputs a signal for moving the correction member to the motor drive circuit of the image stabilization drive unit 400, and moves the correction member 410 to a predetermined position C (S115). The predetermined position C is a position where the protruding portion 414 of the holding portion 412 that holds the correction member 410 and the locking portion 512 of the regulating member 510 do not physically contact as described in FIG. This is because the load due to the frictional resistance is reduced between the protruding portion 414 and the locking portion 512 when the restricting member 510 is moved.

  Next, the control unit 600 drives the drive unit 500 by outputting a drive signal to the motor drive circuit of the drive unit 500, and moves the regulating member 510 to the lock position (S116). Thereby, the correction member 410 is locked and the movable range is limited.

  The controller 600 outputs a boost stop signal to the first booster 710 to stop the first booster 710 (S117). Then, the controller 600 stops the self-latch signal to the second booster 720 (S118). Next, the control unit 600 stops all control operations (S119). With the stop of the control operation of the control unit 600, the second boosting unit 720 stops (S120), and all the operations of the rangefinder 10 are completed.

  FIG. 7 is a control flow diagram of the unlocking operation of the rangefinder in the first embodiment.

  The control unit 600 starts the unlocking operation by outputting a driving signal to the motor driving circuit of the driving unit 500, and at the same time, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the control unit 600 performs a predetermined time (from T1 to T3). In the meantime, a drive signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit of the drive unit 500 (S1101). Then, the control unit 600 monitors the supply voltage from the first boosting unit 710 while transmitting the drive signal (S1102).

  The controller 600 determines that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has a predetermined voltage threshold value Vth until the restricting member 510 starts moving and contacts the restricting member 514b, that is, during the first drive. It is determined whether or not it is lower (S1103). Here, the predetermined voltage threshold Vth is, for example, 2.8V. When it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is lower than the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first drive (S1103: YES), the controller 600 proceeds to step S1107. Then, the predetermined power supply voltage threshold value Vsth is changed to the second power supply voltage threshold value Vsth2 (S1107). And the control part 600 transfers to step S115 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1103 that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has not fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first drive (S1103: NO), the controller 600 The output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is a predetermined voltage threshold from when the restricting member 510 comes into contact with the restricting member 514b to when the transmission of the drive signal ends, that is, during the second drive. It is determined whether or not it is lower than Vth (S1104).

  When it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has not fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second drive (S1104: NO), the controller 600 proceeds to step S1108. To do. On the other hand, when it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has fallen below a predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second drive (S1104: YES), the controller 600 causes the storage 610 to Is incremented (S1105).

  The controller 600 determines whether or not the counter value Cv exceeds a predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S1106). Here, the predetermined counter threshold Cvth is, for example, 100. When it is determined that the counter value Cv exceeds the predetermined counter threshold value Cvth (S1106: YES), the control unit 600 changes the predetermined power supply voltage threshold value Vsth to the second power supply voltage threshold value Vsth2. (S1107). And the control part 600 transfers to step S115 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1106 that the counter value Cv does not exceed the predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S1106: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S1108. In step 1108, the control unit 600 drives the drive unit 500 until unlocking is completed, that is, until T3 (S1108), and ends the flow of the unlocking operation.

  As described above, in this embodiment, whether or not to stop the operation of the entire distance meter 10 by monitoring the output voltage of the first booster 710 that is less susceptible to fluctuations due to the environment than the power supply voltage itself. Is judged. Thereby, the remaining amount of the power supply 700 can be used more effectively. Further, when the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 becomes smaller than the first threshold value Vsth1 of the predetermined power supply voltage, the entire rangefinder 10 regardless of the count value Cv which is the cumulative number of times of the measured regulation cracks. Stop the operation. Thereby, the state where operation | movement is stopped in the state which is not locked can be prevented more reliably. In addition, when the threshold value Vsth is set to the second threshold value Vsth2, and the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 becomes larger than the second power supply voltage threshold value Vsth2, the count value Cv is reset. Return to normal control. Thereby, after the operation is stopped, when the power source 700 is replaced with a sufficient remaining power source or when the power source 700 is sufficiently charged, the normal control can be restored.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, a control flow of the rangefinder 10 in the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the description which overlaps with description of FIGS. 4-7 is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 600 resets the count value Cv, which is the cumulative number of regulation cracks, when the voltage of the power source 700 is greater than a predetermined potential difference as compared with the previous measurement. The control unit 600 stores the voltage Vsr of the power supply 700 in the storage unit 610 every time the regulation crack occurs. In the start-up after the occurrence of the regulation crack, the control unit 600 compares the potential difference dVs between the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 and the voltage Vsr stored in the storage unit 610 with a predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth. When the voltage of the previous power source 700 is larger than a predetermined potential difference from the previous measurement, the measurement of the number of times is reset. By controlling as in this embodiment, the control unit 600 can recognize that the battery has been replaced and control the operation. Further, a threshold value can be set in consideration of individual differences in batteries and mechanical elements.

  In the present embodiment, in step S204 shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 600 determines whether or not the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S204). When it is determined that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is smaller than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S204: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S217 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S204: YES), the control unit 600 has a regulation crack just before being stored in the storage unit 610. It is determined whether or not the potential difference dVs between the voltage Vsr and the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than a predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth (S205). For example, a value smaller than the first power supply voltage threshold value Vsth1 is set as the predetermined potential difference threshold value dVsth. In this case, the initial value of Vsr stored in the storage unit 610 is, for example, 0V.

  When it is determined that the potential difference dVs is larger than the predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth (S205: YES), the control unit 600 resets the count value Cv (S206), and proceeds to step S207 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the potential difference dVs is smaller than a predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth (S205: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S207 in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a control flow diagram of the unlocking operation of the rangefinder in the second embodiment. In particular, FIG. 11 shows another control mode of the unlocking operation control described in FIG.

  In step S2093 of FIG. 11, the control unit 600 determines whether or not the output voltage Vup from the first boosting unit 710 is lower than a predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first drive (S2093). When it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is lower than the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first driving (S2093: YES), the controller 600 supplies the power supply 700 to the storage unit 610. Is stored (S2094). And the control part 600 transfers to step S214 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has not fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first drive (S2093: NO), the controller 600 During driving, it is determined whether or not the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has fallen below a predetermined voltage threshold Vth (S2095).

  If it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has not fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second drive (S2095: NO), the controller 600 proceeds to step S2099. To do. On the other hand, when it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is lower than a predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second driving (S2095: YES), the controller 600 causes the storage 610 to Is stored with the voltage Vsr of the power source 700 (S2096).

  Then, the control unit 600 increments the counter value Cv stored in the storage unit 610 (S2097). Next, the control unit 600 determines whether or not the counter value Cv exceeds a predetermined counter threshold value Cvth (S2098). When it is determined that the counter value Cv exceeds the predetermined counter threshold value Cvth (S2098: YES), the control unit 600 proceeds to Step S214 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value Cv has not exceeded the predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S2098: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S2099 and executes the unlocking operation.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 8, instead of step S205, a third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3, which is a threshold higher than the first power supply voltage Vsth1, is provided, and the control unit 600 sets the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 to the third power supply. It may be determined whether or not it is greater than the voltage threshold Vsth3. In this case, steps S2094 and S2096 in the flowchart of FIG. Similarly, instead of step S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the control unit 600 may determine whether or not the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is greater than the third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3.

  The third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3 is, for example, 1.5V. Note that the third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3 may be the same value as the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2.

  In the above description, the range finder having the correction member in the light transmission unit has been described as an embodiment. However, the light reception unit has the correction member, and the correction member prevents the optical axis shift of the light reception unit due to the hand shake of the user. It may be corrected.

  In the above description, the rangefinder having only one CPU is described as an embodiment, but the rangefinder according to the present invention may have two or more CPUs.

  In the above description, control for stopping the operation of the entire rangefinder is described as control different from normal control by the control unit 600. However, the regulating member by the drive unit 500 is not stopped without stopping the operation of the entire rangefinder. You may perform control which stops the drive of 510. FIG. In this case, although the image stabilization operation is not performed, distance measurement may be performed.

  In the above description, the rangefinder having two booster circuits is described as an embodiment, but the rangefinder according to the present invention may have three or more booster circuits.

  In the above description, the light transmitting unit 100 includes the correction member 410 as an example of the distance meter. However, the light transmitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 have the correction member and the image stabilization driving unit, respectively. Then, the image stabilization drive units may be configured to be driven synchronously, or may be configured to include a common image stabilization drive unit for each correction member.

  In the above description, as an example of a distance meter, a distance meter having a so-called binocular configuration in which the light transmitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 have different optical paths has been described, but the light transmitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 May have a so-called monocular configuration having a common optical path.

  In the above description, as an example of the locking mechanism, the locking member 512 provided on the inner periphery of the restricting member 510 and the protrusion 414 provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 412 are opposed to each other, thereby correcting the correction member. The description has been given using the lock mechanism that holds 410. However, the lock mechanism is not limited to this, and a type in which a pin is inserted into a lock hole provided in the holding portion 412 and the correction member 410 is locked may be used. Further, a so-called electromagnetic lock type in which the correction member 410 is locked by an electromagnetic force generated between the holding portion 412 and the regulating member 510 may be used. In this case, for example, when a magnet is arranged in the holding portion 412 and an electromagnetic coil is arranged in the regulating member 510 and a current is passed through the electromagnetic coil, a magnetic force is generated between the magnet and the electromagnetic coil, so that the correction member 410 is engaged. Configure to stop.

  In the above description, as an example of the monitoring process during the unlocking operation of the lock mechanism, the output from the first booster 710 during the first drive in which the regulating member 510 is mechanically separated from the correction member 410 by the drive unit 500. Although the voltage Vup is monitored and the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is monitored during the second driving of pressing the regulating member 510 against the limiting member 514b, the lock mechanism is unlocked. This monitoring process is not limited to this, and the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 may not be monitored during the second driving.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The order of execution of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior to”. It should be noted that the output can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Distance meter, 100 Light transmission part, 110 Objective lens, 120 Erecting prism, 122, 124, 126, 130, 200 Light receiving part, 210 Light receiving lens, 220, 230 Light receiving element, 300 Observation part, 310 Eyepiece, 320 Reticle plate, 400 Anti-vibration drive unit, 410 Correction member, 412 Holding unit, 414 Projection unit, 420 Position detection unit, 430 Shake detection unit, 500 Drive unit, 510 Restriction member, 512 Locking unit, 514a, 514b Restriction member, 600 control unit, 610 storage unit, 620 timing unit, 700 power supply, 710 first boosting unit, 720 second boosting unit, 800 operation button, 900 wiring, 910 wiring

Claims (14)

An optical member that is arranged in an optical path from a light transmitting unit that transmits measurement light to a light receiving unit that receives the measurement light, and deflects at least a part of the optical path from the light transmitting unit to the light receiving unit;
A regulating member that couples with the optical member and regulates the movement of the optical member;
A drive unit for driving the regulating member between a regulated state and a non-regulated state;
A drive power supply for supplying power to the drive;
A rangefinder comprising: a detection unit that detects a voltage supplied from the drive power supply unit to the drive unit; and a control unit that controls the drive unit and the drive power supply unit.   The rangefinder according to claim 1, wherein the drive power supply unit includes a power supply and a first booster unit that boosts an output voltage of the power supply and supplies the boosted voltage to the drive unit.   The rangefinder according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls at least the drive unit different from normal control according to a value of the voltage detected by the detection unit.   The drive by the drive unit includes a first drive that mechanically separates the regulating member from the optical member, and the detection unit detects a voltage while the first drive is performed. The rangefinder according to any one of 3 above.   The drive by the drive unit includes a first drive that mechanically separates the restriction member from the optical member and a second drive that presses the restriction member against the contact part after the first drive, The rangefinder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of a voltage during the first drive and a voltage during the second drive is detected. .   The rangefinder according to claim 3, wherein the different control includes stopping driving of the driving unit.   The rangefinder according to claim 3, wherein the different control includes stopping the operation of the entire rangefinder.   The control unit measures the number of times the voltage boosted by the first boosting unit is smaller than a predetermined first threshold, and when the number exceeds the predetermined number, at least the The rangefinder according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit is controlled differently from normal control.   The rangefinder according to claim 8, wherein the control unit stops the operation of the entire rangefinder regardless of the number of times when the voltage of the power supply becomes smaller than a predetermined second threshold value.   In the different control, the different control is continued when the voltage of the power source is smaller than a third threshold value that is larger than the second threshold value, and when the voltage is larger, the measured number of times is reset and the normal number of times is reset. The rangefinder according to claim 9, comprising returning to control.   The rangefinder according to claim 9, wherein the control unit resets the measured number of times when the voltage of the power source becomes larger than a fourth threshold value that is larger than the second threshold value.   The rangefinder according to claim 8, wherein the control unit resets the measured number of times when the voltage of the power source is larger than a predetermined potential difference from the previous measurement. The drive by the drive unit includes a first drive that mechanically separates the restriction member from the optical member, and a second drive that presses the restriction member against the contact portion after the first drive,
The control unit separately measures the number of times during the first driving and during the second driving, and the predetermined number of times during the first driving is the second driving. 9. A rangefinder according to claim 8, wherein the rangefinder is smaller than the predetermined number of times.   3. A case dependent on claim 2 and claim 2, further comprising a second boosting unit arranged in parallel with the first boosting unit and boosting a voltage from the power source to supply electric power to the control unit. Item 14. The rangefinder according to any one of Items 3 to 13.

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