JP4817981B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as an interchangeable-lens digital single-lens reflex camera, for example, and in particular, imaging suitable for removing foreign matters such as dust attached to the surface of an optical member disposed on the subject side of an imaging element. The present invention relates to a device, a vibration control method, a vibration control program and a storage medium.

  In an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera that captures an image by converting an image signal into an electrical signal, an imaging light beam is received by an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a C-MOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). Then, the photoelectric conversion signal output from the image sensor is converted into image data and recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card.

  In such an image pickup apparatus, an optical member such as a cover glass is disposed on the subject side of the image pickup device, and when a foreign substance such as dust adheres to the image pickup device or the optical member, the attached portion becomes a black dot, and a photographed image is taken. There is a problem that the appearance of the image is deteriorated.

  Especially in digital single-lens reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses, mechanical operation parts such as shutters and quick return mirrors are arranged in the vicinity of the image sensor, and foreign matters such as dust generated from these operation parts It may adhere to the optical member.

  Further, when exchanging the lens, foreign matter such as dust may enter the camera body from the opening of the lens mount, and this may adhere to the image sensor or the optical member.

  Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which an optical member disposed on the subject side of the image sensor is vibrated by a piezoelectric element, thereby removing foreign matters such as dust attached to the surface of the optical member (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

There has also been proposed a digital camera that has means for detecting the position of a foreign substance such as dust on the captured image, and that corrects the captured image by reflecting the detected position of the foreign object in the captured image (for example, Patent Documents). 2).
JP 2003-319222 A JP 2004-172820 A

  In Patent Document 1, in order to remove foreign matter attached to the surface of the optical member, a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element attached to the optical member to generate a membrane vibration that displaces the optical member in the optical axis direction. Yes.

  However, even if foreign matter on the optical member falls due to film vibration, the foreign matter may adhere to the optical member again during the fall process. In the case of a miniaturized digital single-lens reflex camera, since the gap between the shutter and the optical member cannot be increased, there is a high possibility that a foreign substance will enter through the small gap and reattach to the optical member.

  In order to avoid this problem, it can be considered that the foreign matter attached to the optical member continues to vibrate for a period of time until the foreign substance drops and moves outside the imaging area of the imaging element, but since the piezoelectric element generally consumes a large amount of power, If the membrane vibration is continued, the battery is consumed quickly, and the number of images that can be shot decreases.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses that the position of a foreign object on the image sensor is detected and the captured image is corrected. However, excessive correction processing is performed on the foreign object that increases in the stage of continuous shooting. Is performed, and the quality of the captured image may be degraded.

Therefore, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus that can effectively remove the reattached foreign matter with less power energy even if the foreign matter dropped from the optical member by the first vibration reattaches to the optical member. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging element that performs photoelectric conversion of a subject image, an optical member that is disposed on the subject side of the imaging element, and a predetermined fixed optical member. Vibration means for controlling vibration of time, vibration control means for controlling driving of the vibration means, and posture determination means for determining whether the imaging device is held in a vertical position or a horizontal position, The vibration control unit stops driving the vibration unit for a predetermined time after driving the vibration unit, drives the vibration unit again, and the posture determination unit moves the imaging apparatus to a vertical position. The predetermined time is made longer when it is determined that the image pickup apparatus is held in a horizontal position .

  According to the present invention, once the vibration is generated in the optical member, the vibration is generated again in the optical member after a predetermined time has elapsed. Even if it reattaches to the optical member, it can be reliably dropped by the second vibration.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from appearing in the captured image, and it is possible to secure a high-quality captured image.

  In addition, once the vibration is generated in the optical member, the vibration is generated again in the optical member after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the vibration is continuously generated until the foreign matter attached to the optical member completely falls. The amount of power consumption can be reduced compared with the case of making it. Thereby, energy saving of electric power can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1A and 1B are diagrams showing an image pickup apparatus as an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a rear view, FIG. 1B is a top view, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a lens interchangeable digital single-lens reflex camera will be illustrated and described as an imaging apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an imaging device as an example of an embodiment of the present invention has a photographing lens 200 detachably attached to a front side (subject side) of a camera body 100 via a body mount 202 (see FIG. 2). It has been.

  On the upper surface of the camera main body 100, an external display device 409 such as a liquid crystal display having a function of externally displaying button switches 117, a release button 114, photographing conditions and the like used for photographing system operations such as a photographing mode selection button, and the like. A main electronic dial 115 for signal input is arranged. The main electronic dial 115 is used in combination with other operation buttons, and is used for inputting numerical values to the camera and switching the photographing mode.

  An LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor 120 for displaying a photographed image is disposed on the back of the camera body 100, and an eyepiece window 111 for finder observation is disposed above the LCD monitor 120.

  Further, on one side of the LCD monitor 120 (on the right side of FIG. 1A), there are a main switch 118 for prohibiting all operations of the camera, a set button 112 used for various setting operations of the camera, and a sub-electronic dial button 116. Has been placed. The sub electronic dial button 116 has the same function as that of the main electronic dial 115 and is used to select a camera shooting condition and the like. The display of the LCD monitor 120 and the set button 112 are used together to set various camera settings. Perform the operation.

  On the other side of the LCD monitor 120 (left side in FIG. 1A), there are a menu button 121, a playback button 122 for displaying a captured image on the LCD monitor 120, and an erase button 123 for erasing the reproduced image. Has been placed.

  The menu button 121 is used to select various camera modes on the LCD monitor 120. When selecting various modes, the menu button 121 is pressed to display a menu screen on the LCD monitor 120, and the sub-electronic dial 116 is rotated to select a desired mode. Then, the selection is completed by selecting a desired mode and pressing the set button 112.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a quick return mirror 203 is disposed in the camera body 100 so as to be inclined in the photographing optical path of the photographing optical axis 201. The quick return mirror 203 is movable between a position for guiding the subject light from the photographing lens 200 to the finder optical system (an oblique position) and a position for retracting it outside the photographing optical path (a retraction position). Then, they are arranged at oblique positions.

  On the side of the quick return mirror 203, a focus plate 204 for forming an image of the subject light guided to the finder optical system is disposed. Subject light that has passed through the focusing screen 204 is guided to an eyepiece lens 208 for viewfinder observation and a photometric sensor 207 via a pentagonal roof prism 206.

  A rear curtain 209 and a front curtain 210 constituting a shutter are arranged behind the quick return mirror 203 (on the side away from the subject), and imaging is arranged rearward by opening the rear curtain 209 and the front curtain 210. The element 212 is provided with the necessary exposure.

  A cover glass (optical member) 205 is disposed in front of the imaging element 212 (subject side), and a vibration element (vibration means) 215 such as a piezoelectric element is attached to the cover glass 205. By driving the vibration element 215, the cover glass 205 vibrates in front of the imaging element 212, and foreign matters such as dust attached to the surface of the cover glass 205 fall.

  The image sensor 212 is held on the printed circuit board 211, and an electrical signal stored in the image sensor 212 is converted into image data by an image processing circuit 403 (see FIG. 3) described later. The image data is recorded on a memory card 216 such as a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card disposed on the side of the quick return mirror 203 that is separated from the focusing plate 204.

  A battery 217 is disposed on the side of the memory card 216 away from the quick return mirror 203, and the memory card 216 and the battery 217 are detachably attached to the camera body 100.

  A backlight illumination device 214 for the LCD monitor 120 is disposed behind the printed circuit board 211 on which the image sensor 212 is held. The printed circuit board 211 is mounted with a plurality of circuits such as an excitation control circuit (vibration control means, vibration means) 420 described later in addition to the image sensor 212.

  FIG. 3 shows an electrical circuit configuration of an imaging apparatus which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a microcomputer 402 (control means, vibration control means, time measurement means) that controls all operations of the imaging apparatus is mounted on a printed circuit board 401. Connected to the microcomputer 402 is a timer (time measuring means) 402a for measuring a predetermined set time in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 402.

  Here, the microcomputer 402 and the timer 402a constitute time measuring means of the present invention.

  The printed circuit board 401 includes an image processing circuit 403 that generates image data from the electrical signals stored in the image sensor 212 and processes a signal for displaying a captured image on the LCD monitor 120. .

  Further, the printed circuit board 401 includes a first switch 405 that is turned on when the release button 114 is half-pressed, and a second that is turned on when the release button 114 is pushed to the end. The switch 406 is connected. When the first switch 405 is turned on, the imaging apparatus enters a shooting preparation state, and when the second switch 406 is turned on, the imaging apparatus starts a shooting operation.

  Further, the printed circuit board 401 includes a lens control circuit 407, an external display control circuit 408, a switch sense circuit 410, a distance measurement circuit 413, a photometry circuit, a drive system control circuit 415, an excitation control circuit 420, an attitude control circuit 422, and A power supply circuit 421 is connected.

  The lens control circuit 407 controls the communication with the photographic lens 200 and the driving of the photographic lens 200 and the driving of the diaphragm blades during AF (autofocus), and the external display control circuit 408 the display in the external display device 409 and the finder. A device (not shown) is controlled.

  The switch sense circuit 410 transmits signals of a large number of switches including the main electronic dial 115 and the sub electronic dial 116 to the microcomputer 402. The distance measuring circuit 413 detects the defocus amount for the subject for AF (autofocus), and the photometric circuit 414 measures the luminance of the subject from the signal of the photometric sensor 207.

  The drive system control circuit 415 controls driving of the shutter and the mirror, appropriately opens the shutter, performs appropriate exposure on the image sensor 212, and performs mirror up / mirror down.

  The vibration control circuit (vibration means, vibration control means) 420 drives the vibration element (vibration means) 215 to vibrate the cover glass 205.

  Here, the vibration element 215 and the vibration control circuit 420 constitute the vibration means of the present invention, and the vibration control circuit 420 and the microcomputer 402 constitute the vibration control means of the present invention.

  The posture detection circuit (posture determination means) detects the posture of the imaging device and determines whether the camera body 100 is held in the horizontal position or the vertical position. The power supply circuit 421 converts the voltage of the battery 217 into a voltage required for each circuit unit and supplies it.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation of the imaging apparatus which is an example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main routine, and the processing of each step is executed by the microcomputer 402.

  First, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the first switch 405 is turned on. The first switch 405 is a switch that is turned on when the release button 114 is half-pressed. When the first switch 405 is turned on, the imaging apparatus is in a shooting preparation state.

  If the first switch 405 is ON, the process proceeds to step S102, and if the first switch 405 is OFF, the state of the first switch 405 is continuously checked until it is turned ON.

  In step S102, a cleaning routine (see FIG. 5) described later is executed. When the execution of the cleaning routine is completed in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103, and the state of the first switch 405 is determined again.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the first switch 405 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S104. If it is determined that the first switch 405 is not turned on, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S104, the photometry circuit 414 is driven to perform photometry (AE) operation, and the distance measurement circuit 413 is driven to perform distance measurement (AF) operation. This distance measurement (AF) operation is performed when the lens control circuit 407 drives the photographing lens 200 based on distance measurement information from the distance measurement circuit 413.

  Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the second switch 406 is turned on. When the second switch 406 is turned on in step S105, the process proceeds to step S106, and an imaging process routine (see FIG. 6) described later is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the second switch 406 is OFF, the process returns to step S103, and the operation already described is repeated.

  In step S107, the photographed subject image is displayed on the LCD monitor 120, and the series of operations is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning routine in step S102 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing of each step in FIG. 5 is executed by the microcomputer 402.

  First, in step S201, the vibration control circuit 420 is controlled to drive the vibration element 215. By driving the vibration element 215, the cover glass 205 attached to the vibration element 215 is vibrated for a predetermined time to remove foreign matters such as dust adhering to the glass surface.

  Next, in step S202, the posture detection circuit 422 is instructed to determine whether or not the imaging device is held in the horizontal position.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the imaging apparatus is held in the horizontal position, the process proceeds to step S203, a timer T1 preset in the timer 402a is started, and the process proceeds to step S205.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the imaging apparatus is not set in the horizontal position (vertical position), the process proceeds to step S204, where a T2 timer preset in the timer 402a is started, and in step S205. Transition.

  Here, a relationship of T1 timer <T2 timer is established. In general, since the image sensor is horizontally long, the time it takes for a falling foreign object to completely fall outside the area of the image sensor depends on whether it is held horizontally or vertically. If you hold it, it ’s longer. Therefore, the relationship of T1 timer <T2 timer is established.

  A relationship of T1 timer (horizontal position) <T2 timer (vertical position) and a method of calculating the time of the T1 timer in step S203 and the time of the T2 timer in step S204 will be described later.

  Next, in step S205, the timer 402a determines whether or not the timer set in step S203 or step S204 has expired. If it is determined in step S205 that the timer 402a has not yet timed up, the process proceeds to step S207 to determine whether or not the second switch 406 is turned on.

  If it is determined in step S207 that the second switch 406 is turned on, the time measurement by the timer is stopped, and the process returns to step S103 in FIG. 4 to perform the operation already described. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the second switch 406 is not turned on, the process returns to step S205.

  By performing such control, it is possible to avoid the vibration element 215 from being driven when the image pickup element 212 is picking up an image, and photographing until the next vibration (vibration in step S206) is completed. No need to wait.

  If such control is not performed, the vibration element 215 is driven when the image pickup device 212 is picking up images, noise is added to the picked-up image, and the image quality is significantly deteriorated. In addition, it is necessary to wait for shooting until the next vibration (vibration in step S206) is completed, and a shooting opportunity is missed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the time is up, the process proceeds to step S206, and the same operation as already described step S201 is performed.

  That is, the vibration element 215 is driven, and the cover glass 205 attached to the vibration element 215 is vibrated again for a predetermined time to remove foreign matters such as dust reattached to the glass surface. Return to step S103 of step 4.

  Next, the operation of the photographing processing routine in step S106 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing of each step in FIG. 6 is executed by the microcomputer 402.

  First, in step S301, the shutter / mirror drive system control circuit 415 is instructed to drive the quick return mirror 203, and the quick return mirror 203 is retracted out of the photographing optical path (mirror up).

  Next, in step S302, charge accumulation by the image sensor 212 is started, and in step S303, the shutter / mirror drive system control circuit 415 is instructed to run the front curtain to perform exposure (step S304).

  Next, in step S305, the shutter / mirror drive system control circuit 415 is instructed to run the rear curtain of the shutter, and in step S306, the accumulation of the image sensor 212 is terminated.

  In the next step S307, an image signal is read from the image sensor 212 and temporarily stored in an internal memory (not shown) built in the image processing circuit 403. Then, after all the image signals have been read, the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the quick return mirror 203 is driven (mirror down) to a position where the subject light is guided to the finder optical system (an oblique position) (mirror down), and in step S309, the shutter / mirror drive system control circuit 415 is instructed. Return the trailing curtain to the original standby position. As a result, the series of imaging operations is completed, and the process returns to step S107 in FIG.

  Next, the relationship between T1 timer (horizontal position) <T2 timer (vertical position) in FIG. 5 and a method of calculating the time of the T1 timer in step S203 and the time of the T2 timer in step S204 will be described in detail.

  First, the relationship of T1 timer (horizontal position) <T2 timer (vertical position) in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9A schematically shows a state in which the image sensor 212 and the cover glass 205 are viewed from the front side (mount side) of the apparatus in a state where the image pickup apparatus is held in the horizontal position. FIG. 9B is a right side view of FIG.

  If the cover glass 205 is vibrated with foreign matter adhering to the position A, the foreign matter moves away from the cover glass 205 and moves to the position A ′. Thereafter, the foreign substance moves by gravity from B (in the imaging region of the imaging device 212) to C (outside the imaging region of the imaging device 212). If the foreign matter moves to the position C, the foreign matter is not reflected in the captured image because it is outside the imaging region of the image sensor 212.

  Here, if the set time of the T1 timer is set to a time when the foreign object is predicted to fall to the position B, the vibration of the cover glass 205 performed after the T1 timer expires causes the foreign object to move from the position B to C. Then you need to continue for the expected time.

  This is because, for example, if the vibration is for a short time (time when the foreign object moves from B to B ′), the foreign substance floating in the air at the time of vibration can be reattached to the cover glass 205 (B ′ position) after the vibration ends. Because there is sex.

  However, such a long-time vibration (a time during which a foreign object moves from B to C (outside the imaging region of the imaging device 212)) is a waste of power energy.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the set time of the T1 timer is changed from the position where the foreign object is A (the position where the foreign object adheres to the uppermost end of the cover glass 202) to C (the position where the foreign object moves out of the imaging area of the image sensor 212). It is set to the time predicted to move to the position.

  Thus, the second vibration of the cover glass 205 is not performed in a state where the foreign matter is floating in the imaging region of the imaging device 212.

  In addition, since the foreign matter dropped from the cover glass 205 due to the first vibration moves outside the imaging area of the image sensor 212, the second vibration is started. Can be greatly reduced.

  FIG. 10A schematically shows a state in which the image sensor 212 and the cover glass 205 are viewed from the front (mount side) of the apparatus in a state where the image pickup apparatus is held in the vertical position. FIG.10 (b) is a right side surface of Fig.10 (a).

  If the cover glass 205 is vibrated with foreign matter attached to the position D, the foreign matter moves away from the cover glass 205 and moves to the position D ′. After that, the foreign substance moves by gravity as E (in the imaging region of the imaging device 212) → F (outside the imaging region of the imaging device 212). If the foreign object moves to the position F, it is out of the imaging area of the image sensor 212, so that the foreign object does not appear in the captured image.

  Here, if the vibration of the cover glass 205 is started after the time-up of the same T1 timer as the lateral position, the foreign matter is still present in the imaging region (position E) of the imaging device 212 at the start of the vibration. Therefore, the vibration after the time-up of the T1 timer needs to continue for the time that the foreign object is predicted to move to the position E → F.

  This is because, for example, if the vibration is for a short time, that is, the vibration for the time when the foreign matter moves from E to E ′, the foreign matter floating in the air at the time of vibration is reattached to the cover glass 205 after the vibration is finished (E ′ This is because there is a possibility of 'position'.

  However, such a long-time vibration (a time during which a foreign object moves from E → F (outside the imaging region of the imaging device 212)) is a waste of electric energy.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the imaging apparatus is held in the vertical position, the T2 timer is set. That is, the T2 timer is set at a time when the foreign object is predicted to move from the position D (the position where the foreign object adheres to the uppermost end of the cover glass 205) to the position F (the position where the foreign object has moved outside the imaging area of the image sensor 212). Is set.

  Thus, the second vibration of the cover glass 205 is not performed in a state where the foreign matter is floating in the imaging region of the imaging device 212.

  In addition, since the foreign matter dropped from the cover glass 205 due to the first vibration moves outside the imaging area of the image sensor 212, the second vibration is started. Can be greatly reduced.

  Next, a method for calculating the set times of the T1 timer in step S203 and the T2 timer in step S204 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The Reynolds number Rep relating to the particle motion in the fluid (in the air) is defined by the following equation (1) in which the relative velocity ur of the fluid and the particle is a representative velocity and the particle diameter Dp is a representative length. Note that μ is a viscosity coefficient.

  When an object in the fluid (in the air) moves relative to the fluid, the object receives a resistance force Rf [N] (drag drag force) in the flow direction due to the viscosity of the fluid. A spherical particle having a diameter Dp fixed in a flow having a fluid density ρf and a flow velocity u can be expressed by the following equation (2).

(ΠDp ^2/4) represents the projected area of a sphere, (ρf u ^2/2) is representative of the kinetic energy of the fluid. CR is a dimensionless number called a drag coefficient, which is a function of the Re number (see FIG. 7).

When spherical particles of mass m [kg] in a static fluid move (sediment) at a velocity v due to gravity (gravity acceleration g = 9.807 m / s ² ), the equation of motion of the particles ((mass) × (acceleration) = (Force)) is expressed by the following equation (3).

  Here, the term of force on the right side represents gravity, buoyancy, and resistance, respectively. This becomes the following formula (5) from the following formula (4) and the definition formula of the resistance force.

Here, v = dx / dt and the left side is replaced with dv / dt = d ² x / dt ² .

Then, the fluid density of air ρf = 1.2 kg / m ³ (air), the density of particles ρp = 1056 kg / m ³ (this time, a foreign substance equivalent to PS), the viscosity coefficient of fluid μ = 0.000018 (air FIG. 8 is a graph obtained by applying 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, and 60 μm to the particle diameter Dp and solving by x (distance).

  In FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the distance, and the horizontal axis represents the time for the foreign object to fall to a predetermined distance. The φ1 line indicates the particle size of the foreign material is 30 μm, the φ2 line indicates the particle size of the foreign material is 40 μm, the φ3 line indicates the particle size of the foreign material is 50 μm, and the line · indicates the particle size of the foreign material is 60 μm.

  From FIG. 8, it can be seen that, for example, the time for a foreign matter having a particle size of 30 μm to fall to a position of 15 mm is 0.55 s.

  The size of an image sensor of a digital single-lens reflex camera currently on the market is almost 16.7 mm × about 25 mm because it is almost the same as the APS-C size of a silver salt film. When the image pickup apparatus provided with the image sensor equivalent to the APS-C size is held in the horizontal position, it can be understood from FIG. 8 that the set time of the T1 timer in step S203 in FIG. 5 may be 0.61 s or more. . In addition, when the imaging apparatus is held in the vertical position, it can be seen that the setting time of the T2 timer in step S204 of FIG. 5 may be set to 0.9 s or more from FIG.

  Here, the particle size of the foreign matter is obtained as 30 μm, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the size of the image sensor is not limited to the APS-C size.

  As is apparent from the above description, in this embodiment, after the cover glass 205 is vibrated once, the cover glass 205 is vibrated again after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, even if the foreign matter dropped from the cover glass 205 by the first vibration is reattached to the cover glass 205 in the middle of the fall, it can be surely dropped by the second vibration. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from appearing in the captured image, and it is possible to secure a high-quality captured image.

  In addition, after the cover glass 205 is vibrated once, the vibration of the governor glass 205 is stopped for a period of time when the foreign matter dropped from the cover glass 205 is assumed to move out of the imaging region of the image sensor 212. Therefore, the amount of power consumption can be reduced as compared with the case where vibration is continuously generated for the time until the foreign matter attached to the cover glass 205 completely falls. Thereby, energy saving of electric power can be achieved.

  Furthermore, since the distance that the foreign object moves to the outside of the area of the image sensor 212 is different between when the imaging device is held in the vertical position and when it is held in the horizontal position, the first time according to the position where the imaging device is held. The pause time between the first vibration and the second vibration is changed. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the generation of wasted time in the time for vibrating the cover glass 205, and further energy saving of power consumption can be achieved.

  Further, when a photographing operation request due to the ON of the second switch 406 is detected while measuring the time until the second cover glass 205 is vibrated after the first vibration of the cover glass 205 is finished, Measurement is stopped and processing according to the operation request is executed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the vibration element 215 from being driven and noise on the captured image when the image sensor 212 is capturing an image, and a high-quality image can be obtained. In addition, since it is not necessary to wait for shooting until the next vibration (vibration in step S206) is completed, a problem of missing a shooting opportunity can be avoided.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to what was illustrated to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

  For example, in the above embodiment, only the cover glass 205 is vibrated to remove foreign matter, but a further configuration for dust prevention may be added to the image sensor 212.

  In the above embodiment, the cleaning routine is started after detecting the ON state of the first switch 405. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main switch for starting the imaging apparatus is turned ON. A cleaning routine may be executed later.

  Next, consider a case where a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus.

  Here, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like can be used. Alternatively, optical disks such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  In addition, the function of the above embodiment is not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. This includes the case where an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above embodiments are realized by the processing. .

  Further, consider a case where the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function extension board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. In this case, based on the instruction of the program code, a CPU or the like provided with the extension function in the extension board or the extension unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included in the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the imaging device which is an example of embodiment of this invention, (a) is a rear view, (b) is a top view. It is sectional drawing of the imaging device shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the imaging device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure of the main routine for demonstrating operation | movement of the imaging device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a cleaning routine in S102 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a photographing process routine in S106 of FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the method to calculate the setting time of the timer in S203 of FIG. 5, and S204. It is a graph for demonstrating the method to calculate the setting time of the timer in S203 of FIG. 5, and S204. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the set time of the timer when an imaging device is held in a horizontal position, (a) is the figure which looked at the part of an imaging device and a cover glass from the apparatus front (mount side), (b ) Is a right side view of (a). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the setting time of the timer when an imaging device is held in the vertical position, (a) is the figure which looked at the part of the image pick-up element and the cover glass from the apparatus front (mount side), (b ) Is a right side view of (a).

Explanation of symbols

114 Release button 205 Cover glass (optical member)
212 Image sensor 215 Vibration element (vibration means)
402 Microcomputer (control means, vibration control means, time measurement means)
402a Timer (time measuring means)
420 Excitation control circuit (vibration control means, vibration means)
422 Posture detection circuit (posture discrimination means)

Claims (3)

An image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image;
An optical member disposed on the subject side of the image sensor;
Vibrating means for vibrating the optical member for a predetermined time;
Vibration control means for controlling driving of the vibration means;
Posture determination means for determining whether the imaging device is held in a vertical position or a horizontal position;
It said vibration control means, after driving the vibrating means, for a predetermined time, stops driving of said oscillating means, again, to drive the vibrating means, and the image pickup device is vertical by the attitude determination means An image pickup apparatus characterized in that, when it is determined that the image pickup apparatus is held at a position, the predetermined time is made longer than when it is determined that the image pickup apparatus is held at a horizontal position. It has an operation member that can be operated by the user,
The vibration control means drives the vibration means by one operation of the operation member, stops driving the vibration means for the predetermined time, and drives the vibration means again . The imaging device according to claim 1 . The operation member includes a first switch that sets the imaging device in a shooting preparation state, and a second switch that causes the imaging device to start an imaging operation of a subject image,
The vibration control means detects the operation of the second switch during the measurement of the predetermined time for stopping the driving of the vibration means after detecting the operation of the first switch and driving the vibration means. Sometimes the measurement of the predetermined time is stopped, the imaging device starts the imaging operation of the subject image, and the predetermined time for stopping the driving of the vibration means without detecting the operation of the second switch has elapsed. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the vibration unit is driven again.

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