JP4940002B2 - Imaging lens drive control device, drive control method, and imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing lens drive control device, a drive control method, and an imaging device having a detachable lens cap that covers a front surface of a photographing lens.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for the purpose of protecting a photographing lens included in an image pickup apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a camera) and preventing contamination, a lens cap is attached to the front surface of the photographing lens when the camera is not used.

  Further, in order to reduce the thickness and size of the camera, a retractable lens barrel that moves from a retracted state in which photographing cannot be performed to a standby state in which photographing is possible is the mainstream.

  Then, when trying to move the lens barrel from the retracted state to the standby state with the lens cap attached, the front of the lens barrel interferes with the lens cap attached, and the lens barrel cannot move to the standby state, further affecting shooting. There is a problem of doing.

  In order to prevent such a problem, it is necessary to detect the presence or absence of a lens cap attached. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a lens cap with a switch. When a lens cap is detected by this switch, it cannot be detected unless the lens cap has a specific shape so that the switch can be reliably switched by mounting the lens cap. In addition, it is necessary to secure a space for arranging the switch, which causes a space problem.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for detecting brightness by a photometric sensor and detecting a lens cap. However, in a dark environment such as at night, it cannot be determined whether the lens cap is dark or the outside light is dark, which may cause malfunction. Further, it is necessary to secure a space for arranging the photometric sensor, which causes a space problem.

  In addition, it is conceivable to incorporate a lens cap (optical system barrier blade) that opens in response to an operation of turning on the power switch as in Patent Document 3, but such a lens cap is incorporated depending on the structure of the photographing lens. In many cases, this is difficult.

In addition, when detecting whether the lens cap is attached by pressing the lens barrel itself against the lens cap, if the power is turned off with the lens barrel tip pressed against the lens cap, the lens cap will be removed. The lens barrel is in a slightly extended state, so that it does not look good, and if the lens cap is remounted in this state, it may not be mounted.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-98973 JP-A-11-231374 JP 2003-195393 A

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and has a function of detecting whether or not the lens cap is mounted with sufficient accuracy without depending on the shape of the lens cap, and further provides the user with a lens cap. An object of the present invention is to provide a photographing lens drive control device, a drive control method, and an imaging device that can warn of the presence or absence of the image pickup.

  In order to achieve the above object, a photographing lens drive control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a retractable mirror that moves from a non-photographable storage position with a built-in photographing lens to a standby position where photographing is possible. In a photographing lens drive control device having a barrel, a barrel drive means for driving the barrel, and a barrel movement amount detection means for detecting the movement amount of the barrel, the lens barrel is waited from the storage position by the barrel drive means When moving to the position, if the amount of movement cannot be detected by the lens barrel movement amount detection means, the cap detection means for determining that the lens cap is mounted, and the lens barrel driving means to move the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position, And a cap detection control means for performing a series of controls for stopping the driving of the lens barrel when it is determined by the cap detection means that the lens cap is mounted, and the lens barrel is moved from the storage position to the standby position. In the area, the movement area within the specified movement amount from the storage position where the drive is started is set as the cap detection area, so that the lens cap is moved and the lens cap is detected, and therefore, it depends on the shape of the lens cap. It is possible to detect the lens cap.

  According to a second and third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic lens drive control device having a cap detection region as a drive voltage for moving the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position by the lens barrel drive means in the photographic lens drive control device according to claim 1. The drive voltage in the lens is set lower than the drive voltage in the moving region other than the cap detection region, and the movement amount is detected within a specified time by the lens barrel movement amount detection means in the movement of the lens barrel in the cap detection region. When it is not possible to determine whether or not the lens cap is mounted by the cap detection means, it is possible to reduce interference with the lens cap by suppressing the detection time and the driving voltage of the lens barrel when detecting whether or not the lens cap is mounted.

  According to a fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing lens drive control device according to the fifth aspect, a notification means for notifying a user of a warning while the cap detection means determines that the lens cap is mounted. It is possible to warn the user when the lens cap is mounted by performing a first warning notification through the camera and, further, by providing a warning that prompts the user to remove the lens cap. Further, it is possible to give a warning prompting the user to remove the lens cap.

  The photographing lens drive control device described in claims 6 to 11 performs a series of controls by the cap detection control means while the cap detection means in the photographing lens drive control device according to the claims determines that the lens cap is mounted. A series of cap detection control means when it is repeated a specified number of times and when an end instruction is received from the user via an operation means for accepting an external operation instruction while the cap detection means determines that the lens cap is mounted. The lens barrel is moved by a specified amount in the direction of the storage position, and a series of control by the cap detection control means is repeated a specified number of times, and then the lens detection cap is determined by the cap detection means. Move the barrel in the direction of the storage position or move the lens barrel in the direction of the storage position after the specified time. Furthermore, the specified amount for moving the lens barrel toward the storage position is the number of pulses for detecting the amount of movement of the lens barrel cap detection region, or from the lens barrel storage position to the position for detecting the lens cap. The actual movement amount or the amount obtained by adding the specified value to the actual movement amount makes the lens cap detection control the specified number of times, thereby reducing the load on the lens barrel and reducing the effect on the current consumption. Since the lens barrel is returned to the retracted position after the specified time has elapsed, or after a specified time has elapsed, or when the user instructs an end, the lens cap can be easily reattached, and repeated detection control can be repeated. The impact with the lens cap can be reduced.

  The photographic lens drive control device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, in the photographic lens drive control device according to the above claim, prohibits the series of controls after repeating the series of controls by the cap detection control means a prescribed number of times. The second warning notification is performed via a notification means for notifying the user of a warning, and the second warning notification is to perform a warning to turn off the apparatus power, or the second warning notification is There is a period in which a warning is given to prompt removal of the lens cap, a restart instruction to move the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position, and to move to a photographing state. When the specified time has elapsed, the third warning notification is performed. Further, the third warning notification is a warning that the apparatus power is turned off, and the apparatus power is turned off by the notification means. When the lens cap is mounted on the imaging device, the user can be warned by the means for controlling the power supply of the device after the warning is issued, and the user is notified that the power is turned off. Furthermore, it is possible to notify the user that the lens cap is to be removed and to prompt the user to start an operation for restarting the lens barrel drive.

  The photographic lens drive control method described in claims 18 to 34 is a photographic lens drive control device according to claims 1 to 17 described as a drive control method by dividing the process into steps. This is the same as the photographing lens drive control device according to the first to seventeenth aspects.

  An imaging apparatus according to a thirty-fifth aspect includes a casing in which a lens cap that covers the front surface of the photographing lens is detachable, an imaging means in the casing, and the photographing lens drive control according to any one of claims 1 to 17. By providing the apparatus, it is possible to obtain an imaging apparatus that can detect the presence or absence of mounting without requiring a new external mechanism or the like and without depending on the shape of the lens cap.

  According to the present invention, the presence / absence of the lens cap can be detected without depending on the shape of the lens cap by detecting the presence / absence of the lens cap by moving the lens barrel itself against the lens cap mounted. By providing a cap detection area, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the lens cap with sufficient accuracy. Further, in the cap detection area, the drive voltage is suppressed to reduce the impact caused by the interference with the lens cap. There is an effect that it is possible to warn the user of cap attachment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a photographic lens drive control device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing lens 1 includes three lens groups each having a plurality of lenses, and is arranged in the order of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group from the objective side. Here, the first lens group and the second lens group are integrated to constitute a 1-2 lens group. Hereinafter, the 1-2 lens group will be described as 1-2 group 1A (objective lens group), and the third lens group will be described as 3 group 1B.

  The first-second lens group 1A and the third lens group 1B are arranged in the lens barrel 4 with the same optical axis. Here, behind the first-second lens group 1A, a first diaphragm 2A and a second diaphragm 2B for controlling the amount of light passing from the subject into the photographing lens 1, and a shutter 3 for controlling the exposure time during photographing are installed. Has been.

  The first-second lens group 1A is a zoom lens group that moves together with the lens barrel 4 to change the photographing magnification. The third lens group 1B has an exposure surface (not shown) positioned behind the third lens group 1B. This is a focusing lens group for focusing the image. The first-second lens group 1A and the third lens group 1B are each driven by a motor in the lens barrel 4, and move parallel to the optical axis to form a target optical system.

  Here, the first-second group motor 5A that drives the first-second group 1A is a direct current (DC) motor, and the third-group motor 5B that drives the third group 1B is a pulse motor (a driving mechanism is not shown). .

  The DC motor is a lens driving device in which the driving speed changes according to the applied driving voltage, and the driving speed of the first-second lens group 1A can be adjusted with a simple operation by simply changing the applied voltage. .

  In general, a DC motor can be rotated at a higher speed than a pulse motor if the supplied power is the same, and the drive current changes according to a change in load. Since the drive current increases and, as a result, the drive torque increases, a smooth operation that is resistant to load fluctuations can be obtained.

  Therefore, it is suitable for driving a cam cylinder, for example, in which the cam inclination changes (load torque changes) according to the zoom position.

  The DC motor is also a lens driving device in which the driving speed changes according to the duty ratio (ratio of the on-state time in the cycle), and can be simply changed by changing the ratio of the drive energization time input to the lens driving device. With a simple operation, the driving speed of the first-second lens group 1A can be adjusted.

  On the other hand, when the DC motor is stopped, due to inertia, a shift from the stop control to the actual stop, so-called overrun occurs, and it is difficult to stop at the desired position. In this respect, since the pulse motor is driven by giving a pulse, it is easy to stop at an arbitrary target position, but it is not strong against torque fluctuation, and is suitable for control when torque fluctuation is small. Yes.

  Further, the first diaphragm 2A, the second diaphragm 2B, and the shutter 3 are provided with a shutter motor 5C, a first diaphragm motor 5D, and a second diaphragm motor 5E for driving each of the first diaphragm 2A, the second diaphragm 2B, and the shutter 3, respectively. The corresponding first diaphragm 2A, second diaphragm 2B, and shutter 3 are driven by the operations of 5D and 5E (the drive mechanism is not shown). Each of the motors 5A to 5E is electrically connected to the motor driver 6 and subjected to intensive control.

  The motor driver 6 obtains information necessary for driving and controlling each of the motors 5A to 5E, for example, driving voltage, driving timing, driving amount, driving direction, etc. from the electrically connected CPU 7, and based on these information Then, drive control of each of the motors 5A to 5E is performed.

  Here, in the first-second lens group motor 5A, a number of pulses corresponding to the number of rotations is generated along with the rotation, for example, a disk with a large number of slits provided on the rotation shaft, and the slits. A 1-2 group moving amount detection device 8 made of a detectable photo interrupter or the like is provided. The first-second group movement amount detection device 8 is driven by an electrically connected first-second group movement amount detection device drive circuit 9. The pulse output from the first-second group movement amount detection device 8 is captured by the CPU 7.

  The first-second group movement amount detection device 8 outputs a predetermined number of pulses such as 1280 between when the photographing lens 1 is in the most telephoto state and when it is in the most wide-angle state. Is set.

  Then, the entire interval between the most telephoto state and the most wide-angle state is divided into a prescribed number (for example, 16 equal divisions and one equal division every 80 pulses). .., Zp17 are set as position indicators, so-called zoom positions Zp1, Zp2,.

  Here, the relationship between the output pulse of the first-second group movement amount detection device 8 and the zoom positions Zp1, Zp2,..., Zp17 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows the positional relationship among the reference position, zoom position, and storage position.

  The number of pulses shown in FIG. 2 is counted assuming that the reference position is “0”. When going from the reference position to the storage position, it is counted as a negative value.

  On the other hand, the third group motor 5 </ b> B is driven at a driving speed according to the number of pulses input from the motor driver 6 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 7.

  The first-second lens group 1A and the third lens group 1B are provided with a first-second lens group reference position detection device 10A and a third lens group reference position detection device 10B for detecting the respective reference positions. Is detected at the reference position.

  The 1-2 group reference position detection device 10A and the 3 group reference position detection device 10B are driven by a 1-2 group reference position detection device drive circuit 11A and a 3 group reference position detection device drive circuit 11B, respectively. Further, the positions detected by the respective group reference position detection device driving circuits 11A and 11B are taken into the CPU 7.

  The CPU 7 includes a telephoto switch (indicated as telephoto SW in FIG. 1) 7A that is operated to increase the magnification of the photographing lens 1 when performing telephoto shooting provided in the operation unit 13, and when performing wide-angle shooting. A wide-angle switch (shown as wide-angle SW in FIG. 1) 7B that is operated to reduce the magnification of the photographic lens 1 is electrically connected, and the CPU 7 responds to the operation of the telephoto switch 7A and wide-angle switch 7B. The group motors 5A and 5B are controlled. The operation unit 13 is provided with switches (for example, a power switch 7D and the like) for performing other operation instructions from the outside.

  The motor driver 6 and the CPU 7 constitute a control device 12.

  The first lens group and the second lens group constituting the first-second lens group 1A have cam barrels (not shown) in the lens barrel 4 in which the distance between the two lens groups is mechanically adjusted by a cam mechanism. When the first-second lens group 1A is driven together with the lens barrel 4 by the first-second lens group motor 5A, the distance between the first lens lens group and the second lens lens group becomes a specified distance. Driven mechanically.

  The CPU 7 is connected to a temperature sensor 7C. The temperature sensor 7C outputs a different voltage value for each temperature, and the CPU 7 acquires the voltage value by A / D conversion. Thereby, for example, it is possible to reduce the influence of the temperature by performing a process of correcting the positional deviation of the lens barrel 4 and the like. Since the temperature sensor in the first embodiment has a characteristic of changing 10 mV per 1 ° C., the current temperature can be grasped by storing the voltage value at an arbitrary temperature.

  Next, a drive control method for driving from the lens barrel storage position (collapsed state) shown in FIG. 4B to a standby position (see FIG. 4C) where photographing can be performed will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to the flowchart and the timing chart of FIG.

  First, reference position determination is performed by the first-second lens group reference position detection apparatus 10A (S1). When the first-second lens group reference position signal is “H”, the lens barrel position is set to the non-retracted state, and reset processing is performed (S2). The contents of the reset process are that the third group 1B is temporarily retracted to the storage position, and then the first-second group motor 5A is driven in the direction in which the first-second group reference position signal changes from “H” to “L”. Return group 1A to the stowed position. After that, the 1-2 group reference position determination of process S1 is performed again. Details are omitted because they are not directly related to the purpose of the first embodiment.

  In process S1, when the first-second lens group reference position signal is “L”, the lens barrel position is stored and the activation process is performed (S3). Specifically, the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is driven in the wide-angle direction of the standby position.

  After that, the reference position detection determination by the first-second lens group reference position detection apparatus 10A waits for detection of a reference position (position where “L” is switched to “H”) (S4).

  While the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is being driven, the movement amount is detected by counting the edge portion of the pulse-like signal (PI signal) by the first-second lens group movement amount detection device 8. When a signal is detected in the first-second group movement amount (presence / absence of PI signal) detection (S5), the movement amount is counted (S6).

  In the drive voltage switching determination, the drive voltage is switched according to the movement amount count number (S7). In the start-up period immediately after the start of start-up of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A, the drive voltage is set lower than the steady voltage in order to prevent inrush current from the DC motor. Therefore, after the start-up period (8 pulses) is counted, the drive voltage is increased from 2.0V to the cap detection region drive voltage of 2.8V. Further, after completion of the cap detection region (100 pulses or more), the drive voltage is raised to 3.3V, which is a steady voltage. By lowering the drive voltage in the cap detection area below the steady voltage, the impact with the lens barrel 4 when the lens cap is attached can be reduced (see FIG. 6).

  If the detection of the first-second group moving amount (presence / absence of PI signal) of process S5 is not detected (no PI signal), time determination (timeout determination) of the PI signal non-detection period is performed (S8). If it is not determined that the timeout has occurred (No in S8), the process returns to the determination of the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection in process S5.

  The timeout time is set to be shorter in the cap detection area than in the other timeout periods. By doing so, the energization time to the first-second lens group driving motor 5A in the drive lock state when the lens cap is mounted can be shortened, and the load on the drive gear system can be reduced.

  In the timeout determination of the process S8, it is determined that a timeout has occurred (Yes in S8), and the movement amount is further determined (S9). If the movement amount is after the cap detection area, error processing is performed (S10). In the error process, the driving of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is stopped.

  When the movement amount is determined to be within the cap detection area in the determination of the movement amount in the process S9 after the time-out is determined in the process S8, a recap detection process is performed (S11). The recap detection process will be described in detail after the description of the first embodiment.

  When the reference position (position where “L” is switched to “H”) is detected by the reference position detection determination by the first-second lens group reference position detection apparatus 10A in process S4, the count value of the movement amount (PI signal) is set. Reset is “0” and the detection waits for the 200th pulse, which is the amount of movement to the wide-angle stop position (1-2 group stop position detection determination) (S12).

  If the stop position is not reached in the stop position detection determination in process S12, the first-second group movement amount (presence / absence of PI signal) is detected and determined (S13). When the PI signal is detected in the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination, the movement amount is counted (S14). Further, the driving voltage is switched according to the movement amount count number by the driving voltage switching determination (S15). When the remaining number up to the target value (200 pulses) reaches 50 pulses in this movement amount count, the drive voltage is lowered to 2.0V. Further, when the remaining number reaches 10 pulses, the drive voltage is lowered to 1.5V. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the overrun amount at the time of stopping and improve the stopping accuracy (see FIG. 6).

  If the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination in process S13 is not detected, time determination (timeout determination) of the PI signal non-detection period is performed (S16). If it is not determined that the time-out has occurred (No in S16), the process returns to the determination of the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection in process 13. If it is determined that a timeout has occurred (Yes in S16), error processing is performed (S17). In the error process, the driving of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is stopped.

  If the stop position is reached in the first-second group stop position detection determination in step S12, the first-second group motor 5A is braked (S18). The amount of overrun during the braking operation is also counted to determine the final position of the first-second lens group. This completes the startup process of the first-second lens group (lens barrel). The activation process of the third group is omitted.

  Next, the recap detection process of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the timing chart of FIG.

  When the activation process is performed in the state of FIG. 4A, the front surface of the lens barrel 4 interferes with the lens cap 15, and in the detection determination of the first-second lens group movement amount (PI signal) in the process S5 of FIG. When the detection becomes impossible and the time-out determination in the process S8 results in a time-out, since the movement amount is within the cap detection area in the process S9, the recap detection process in the process S11 is performed.

  In this recap detection process, first, the number of times of recap detection is determined (S21). If the number of re-cap detection is within the specified number (5 in the first embodiment), cap detection and activation processing is performed (S23). Specifically, the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is driven in the wide-angle direction of the standby position.

  After that, the reference position detection determination by the first-second lens group reference position detection apparatus 10A waits for detection of a reference position (position where “L” is switched to “H”) (S24).

  While the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is being driven, the movement amount is detected by counting the edge portion of the pulse-like signal (PI signal) by the first-second lens group movement amount detection device 8. When a signal is detected in the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination (S25), the movement amount is counted (S26).

  In the drive voltage switching determination, the drive voltage is switched according to the movement amount count number (S27). In the start-up period immediately after the start of start-up of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A, the drive voltage is set lower than the steady voltage in order to prevent inrush current from the DC motor. Therefore, after the start-up period (8 pulses) is counted, the drive voltage is increased from 2.0V to the cap detection region drive voltage of 2.8V. Further, after completion of the cap detection region, the drive voltage is increased to 3.3V, which is a steady voltage. By lowering the drive voltage in the cap detection region below the steady voltage, the impact when the lens cap is attached can be mitigated (see FIG. 8).

  If the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination in process S25 is not detected, time determination (time-out determination) of the PI signal non-detection period is performed (S28). If it is not determined that the timeout has occurred (No in S28), the process returns to the determination of the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection in process S25.

  The timeout time is set to be shorter in the cap detection area than the other timeout times, and the energization time to the first-second lens group driving motor 5A in the drive lock state when the lens cap is attached is shortened. , Reduce the load on the drive gear system.

  In the time-out determination of the process S28, it is determined that a time-out has occurred (Yes in S28). Further, in the movement amount determination (S29), if the movement amount is after the cap detection area, error processing is performed (S30). In the error process, the driving of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is stopped.

  After the time-out is determined in the process S28, if the movement amount in the process S29 is within the cap detection area, the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is braked (S31). After the completion of the brake process, the recap detection number determination in step S21 is performed again after 500 ms.

  When the lens cap is attached, a time-out occurs when the movement amount (PI signal) from the start of the activation of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is counted within the cap detection area, and the above processing is performed. It will be repeated.

  If the lens cap is removed halfway through this repeated process, the time-out does not occur, so that the movement amount is normally counted and the reference position can be reached.

  When the reference position (position where “L” is switched to “H”) is detected by the reference position detection determination by the first-second lens group reference position detection apparatus 10A in process S24, the movement amount count number is reset to “0”, and the wide angle Is waiting for detection of the 200th pulse, which is the amount of movement to the stop position (1-2 group stop position detection determination) (S32).

  If the stop position is not reached in the stop position detection determination in process S32, the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination is performed (S33). If it is detected in the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination, the movement amount is counted (S34). Further, the driving voltage is switched according to the movement amount count number by the driving voltage switching determination (S35). When the remaining number up to the target value reaches 50 pulses in the movement amount count, the drive voltage is lowered to 2.0V. Further, when the remaining number reaches 10 pulses, the drive voltage is lowered to 1.5V. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the amount of overrun at the time of stop and improve the stop accuracy (see FIG. 8).

  If it is not detected in the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination in process S33, a time determination (timeout determination) of the PI signal non-detection period is performed (S36). When it is not determined to be time-out (No in S36), the process returns to the determination of the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection in process S33. If it is determined that a timeout has occurred (Yes in S36), error processing is performed (S37). In the error process, the driving of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is stopped.

  If the stop position is reached in the first-second group stop position detection determination in step S32, the brake operation of the first-second group motor 5A is performed (S38). The amount of overrun during the braking operation is also counted to determine the final position of the first-second lens group. This completes the startup process after the recap detection of the first-second lens group (lens barrel).

  If the number of times of determination in the determination of the number of recap detections in step S21 is equal to or greater than the specified number (5 in the first embodiment), cap detection end processing (1-2 group return processing) is performed (S22). Specifically, the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is driven in the storage position direction (see FIG. 9).

  The first-second lens group driving motor 5A is driven in the storage direction by the number of pulses of the cap detection region at a low voltage of 2.0V. By driving at a low voltage, even if it interferes with the storage end, it is possible to mitigate the impact. In addition, as the lens cap mounting detection process that is repeatedly performed, the first-second lens group motor 5A starts from the state where the front surface of the lens barrel 4 does not interfere when the first lens group motor 5A is driven while the front lens barrel is in interference with the lens cap. There is less impact than driving and causing interference, and the load on the drive gear system can be reduced. Therefore, the return process is performed at the end of the recap detection process.

  The prescribed amount (return amount) for moving the first-second lens group (lens barrel) in the return process toward the storage position is the number of cap detection area pulses, but the actual movement amount from the storage position to the lens cap abutment Or the actual movement amount from the storage position to the lens cap butting + the specified value (margin amount).

  Next, the warning notification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, when the apparatus power supply is turned on, a lens barrel drive activation process is performed. The contents of the startup process for driving the lens barrel have been described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the timing chart of FIG.

  After the activation process (S101) is completed, it is determined whether the lens barrel has been normally activated or abnormally terminated (S102). If it is not determined as timeout in the timeout determination in the startup process, the process ends normally and the process ends.

  If it is determined in the time-out determination in step S102 that a time-out has occurred, the process ends abnormally and cap detection area determination is performed (S103). In this cap detection area determination (see step S9 in FIG. 5), it is determined whether or not the movement amount at the time when it is determined that a time-out has occurred is a cap detection area. S104), an error warning is notified by the notification means, and the process is terminated (S105).

  Further, in the process S103, in the case of the cap detection area, the first warning notification is performed by the notification means (S106), and the recap detection process (process S11 in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7) is performed (S107). As the first warning notification, for example, “Please remove the lens cap” is displayed on the display means of a display such as an LCD or CRT. In addition to the display, the user may be warned by sound through a speaker or the like, or by lighting or blinking of an LED or the like.

  Further, the contents of the recap detection processing in step S107 are omitted because they have been described in the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the timing chart of FIG.

  After the recap detection process in step S107, cap detection determination is performed (S108). Here, when the cap is not detected, the first warning notification is terminated (S109), the process returns to step S101, and the lens barrel drive activation process is performed again.

  When the cap is detected in step S108, a warning “Power is turned off.” Is notified to the user as the second warning notification by the same notification means as the first warning notification (S110). Further, a power-off process is executed by the apparatus power control means (for example, the process by the CPU 7 and the control program shown in FIG. 1) (S111). In addition, before performing the 2nd warning alert | report in process S110, although not shown in figure, the return process by process S22 of FIG. 7 mentioned above is performed, and the 1st-2 group (lens barrel) is moved to an accommodation position.

  Further, during the recap detection process, a power-off end instruction is given by a user operation. Even when the instruction is confirmed, the power-off process is performed after the execution of the 1-2 group return process in the process S22. .

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the recap detection process according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the timing chart of FIG.

  When the start-up process is performed in the state of FIG. 4A, the front surface of the lens barrel 4 interferes with the lens cap 15, and detection is impossible in the first-second lens group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination. When the time-out occurs, the recap detection process is performed because the movement amount is within the cap detection area.

  In the recap detection process of the second embodiment, first, the recap detection number determination is performed (S41). If the number of re-cap detection is within the specified number (5 in the second embodiment), cap detection and activation processing is performed (S43). Specifically, the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is started to drive the cap detection region pulse (100 pulses) in the wide-angle direction of the standby position.

  Thereafter, the detection of the 100th pulse, which is the region end position of the cap detection region, is awaited by the first-second group stop position detection determination (S44). That is, it waits for the amount of movement to detect the number of cap detection region pulses. While the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is being driven, the first-second lens group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination is performed (S45). The movement amount is detected by counting the edge portion of the PI signal) (S46).

  In the drive voltage switching determination, the drive voltage is switched according to the movement amount count number (S47). In the start-up period immediately after the start of start-up of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A, the drive voltage is set lower than the steady voltage in order to prevent inrush current from the DC motor. Therefore, after the start-up period (8 pulses) is counted, the drive voltage is increased from 2.0V to the cap detection region drive voltage of 2.8V. By reducing the drive voltage in the cap detection region below the steady voltage, the impact when the lens cap is attached can be mitigated.

  If the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection determination in process S45 is not detected, time determination (time-out determination) of the PI signal non-detection period is performed (S48). If it is not determined to be time-out (No in S48), the process returns to the determination of the first-second group movement amount (PI signal) detection in process S45.

  The timeout time is set to be shorter in the cap detection area than the other timeout times, and the energization time to the first-second lens group driving motor 5A in the drive lock state when the lens cap is attached is shortened. , Reduce the load on the drive gear system.

  If it is determined in the time-out determination in step S48 that a time-out has occurred (Yes in S48), the brake processing for the first-second lens group motor 5A is performed (S49). After the completion of the brake process, the recap detection number determination in step S41 is performed again after 500 ms.

  When the lens cap is mounted, the amount of movement (PI signal) from the start of the activation of the first-second lens group driving motor 5A will time out with a count number within the cap detection area, and the above processing is repeated. Will be done.

  If the lens cap is removed halfway through this repeated process, the time-out does not occur. Therefore, the movement amount is normally counted and the target stop position can be reached.

  In the first-second group stop position detection determination in step S44, when the stop position (region end position) of the 100th pulse is reached, the brake operation of the first-second group motor 5A is performed (S50).

  This completes the re-cap detection process for the first-second lens group 1A, and determines that the lens cap is not attached. Subsequently, a normal start-up process is performed after 250 ms (S51). The contents of the startup process are the same except for the recap detection process S24 to S38 and the processes S29 and S31 shown in FIG.

  In the re-cap detection process, the amount of movement of the first-second lens group motor 5A is set to the number of cap detection region pulses (100 pulses), thereby suppressing the amount of extension of the lens barrel 4 so that the user can move the lens cap during the detection process. Even if it is removed, it does not suddenly go out to the wide-angle position, so that it is possible to prevent problems such as dropping by surprise.

  If the number of times of determination in the determination of the number of recap detections in step S41 is equal to or greater than the specified number (5 in the second embodiment), cap detection end processing (1-2 group return processing) is performed (S42). Specifically, the first-second lens group driving motor 5A is driven in the storage position direction (see FIG. 12).

  The first-second lens group driving motor 5A is driven by the number of pulses of the cap detection region at a low voltage of 2.0 V toward the storage position. By driving at a low voltage, even if it interferes with the storage end, it is possible to mitigate the impact. In addition, as the lens cap mounting detection process that is repeatedly performed, the first-second lens group motor 5A starts from the state where the front surface of the lens barrel 4 does not interfere when the first lens group motor 5A is driven while the front lens barrel is in interference with the lens cap. There is less impact than driving and causing interference, and the load on the drive gear system can be reduced. Therefore, the return process is performed at the end of the recap detection process.

(Embodiment 3)
The warning notification process in Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG. Processes similar to those in FIG. 10 showing the warning notification process of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  When the apparatus power supply is turned on, the lens barrel drive activation process is performed. The details of the activation process are also omitted because they have been described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the timing chart of FIG.

  After the activation process (S101) is completed, it is determined whether the lens barrel has been normally activated or abnormally terminated (S102). When it is not determined as timeout in the timeout determination in the startup process, the process ends normally and the process ends.

  If it is determined in the time-out determination in step S102 that a time-out has occurred, the process ends abnormally and cap detection area determination is performed (S103). In this cap detection area determination, it is determined whether or not the movement amount at the time point when it is determined as a timeout is the cap detection area. If it is outside the cap detection area, error processing is performed (S104), an error warning is notified by the notification means, and the processing is terminated (S105).

  In the process S103, in the case of a cap detection area, a first warning is notified by the notification means (S106), and a recap detection process is performed (S107). The content of the first warning notification is “Please remove the lens cap”. Further, the contents of the recap detection processing in step S107 are omitted because they have been described in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 10 and the timing charts of FIGS.

  After the recap detection process in step S107, the cap detection determination is performed (S108). When the cap is not detected, the first warning notification is terminated (S109), the process returns to step S101 and the lens barrel drive activation process is performed again. .

  Further, when the cap is detected in step S108, a second warning notification is further performed (S112). The content of the second warning notification is “Please remove the lens cap and press the power button”. In the first embodiment, the process of turning off the apparatus power is performed. However, in the third embodiment, before performing the process of turning off the power, the user is asked whether the restart process is performed again. Therefore, confirmation determination is performed by operating the power switch (S113).

  After the second warning notification, it is determined whether or not the power switch has been operated within a specified time (S115). The notification period by the second warning notification is up to 10 seconds. Within the specified time, the process returns to step S113, and the operation confirmation of the power switch is repeated. If the power switch is pressed within 10 seconds of the specified time, the second warning notification is terminated (S114), the process returns to step S101, and the lens barrel drive activation process is performed again.

  In step S115, when 10 seconds have elapsed, a third warning notification is performed (S116). A warning “Turn off the power.” Is notified to the user by a notification means similar to the first warning notification described above. Further, a power-off process is executed by the apparatus power control means (S117).

  In the third embodiment, the restart process is performed by pressing the power switch. However, other switches may be used as long as the user can perform the operation.

(Embodiment 4)
Processing after recap detection in the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The fourth embodiment performs processing after the second warning notification in the flowchart of FIG. 13 showing the warning notification processing of the third embodiment described above.

  In FIG. 14 as well, the lens barrel drive activation process is performed by turning on the apparatus power as in FIG. The contents of this activation process have been described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the timing chart of FIG. 6 described above, and are the same up to the cap detection determination process S108 in FIG. To do.

  When the cap is detected in step S108 in FIG. 14, the second warning is notified (S122). The content of the second warning notification is “Please remove the lens cap and press the telephoto switch”.

  In the fourth embodiment, before performing the process of turning off the power, it is confirmed whether or not the user restarts again or whether or not the power is turned off according to a user instruction. Confirmation is performed by operating the telephoto switch (S123), and it is confirmed whether an instruction to turn off the power has been issued (S125).

  After the second warning notification, a determination is made as to whether or not an operation of the telephoto switch and a power-off instruction have been made within a specified time (S126). The notification period by the second warning notification is up to 10 seconds. Within the specified time (the process S126 has not yet elapsed), as the determinations of the processes S123 and S125, the operation of the telephoto switch and the confirmation of the power-off instruction are repeated. For example, if the telephoto switch is pressed within 10 seconds of the specified time, the second warning notification is terminated (S124), the process returns to step S101, and the lens barrel drive activation process is performed again.

  Further, when 10 seconds have elapsed in the process S126, the above-described process S22 of FIG. 7 and the process S42 of FIG. 11 are performed as the 1-2 group return process, and moved to the storage position by the 1-2 group motor (S127). ). Similarly, when the power-off instruction is issued in the process S125, the process proceeds to the process S127. Thereafter, as a third warning notification, a warning “Power is turned off.” By the notification means is notified to the user (S128). Further, a power-off process is executed by the device power supply control means (S129).

  With this process, when the apparatus power is turned off, the power is turned off with the first-second lens group (lens barrel) returned to the storage position, and the lens cap can be remounted without any trouble. it can.

  In the fourth embodiment, an example is given in which processing is performed by pressing the telephoto switch in the same manner as in the third embodiment described above, but other switches may be used as long as the user can perform the operation. Needless to say.

  As another example of the fourth embodiment, FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of processing after recap detection. The difference from the process described in FIG. 14 is that the process S127 (1-2 group return process) performed before the process S128 (third warning notification) is performed after the cap is detected in the process S108 (cap detection determination). This is performed as (1-2 group return processing). Other processes are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. 13, and the description thereof is omitted.

  By performing such processing, when it is detected that the lens cap is attached and removal is not performed, the first-second lens group (lens barrel) is automatically returned to the storage position, and in response to an instruction by a subsequent user operation In addition, the system waits for a predetermined time that the restart process, the power-off process by the user instruction, or the power-off process is automatically performed. After the specified number of re-cap detection processes, the lens barrel returns to the storage position, so that the lens cap can be remounted without any trouble.

  As described in the above embodiments, the lens barrel itself is moved and pressed against the attached lens cap to detect the presence of the lens cap, so that the retractable lens barrel can be used without using any other external mechanism. Detection is possible depending on the configuration, and it is possible to detect whether or not the lens cap is mounted without depending on the shape of the lens cap. It is possible to detect whether or not a lens cap is attached, and in the cap detection area, by suppressing the drive voltage, it is possible to reduce the impact caused by interference with the lens cap. Warning notification and re-mounting of the lens cap are facilitated.

  The photographic lens drive control device and the imaging device according to the present invention detect whether or not the lens cap is mounted without depending on the shape of the lens cap in order to detect whether or not the lens cap is moved and pressed against the mounted lens cap. By providing a cap detection area, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a lens cap with sufficient accuracy, and in the cap detection area, by suppressing the drive voltage, impact due to interference with the lens cap can be detected. This can be reduced, and is useful as a detection process for a removable lens cap that covers the front surface of the taking lens.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographing lens drive control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the relationship between the output pulse of the 1-2 group movement amount detection apparatus, and the zoom position Zp. Diagram showing the positional relationship between the reference position, zoom position, and storage position (A) of a lens barrel is a storage position and a lens cap, (b) is a storage position, (c) is a figure explaining a standby position. Flowchart of lens barrel drive control in the first embodiment Timing chart of lens barrel drive control in embodiment 1 Flowchart of recap detection processing in the first embodiment Timing chart of recap detection processing in the first embodiment Timing chart of control for driving lens barrel toward storage position in embodiment 1 The flowchart which shows the warning alerting | reporting process in Embodiment 1. Flowchart of recap detection processing in the second embodiment Timing chart of recap detection processing in the second embodiment The flowchart which shows the warning alerting | reporting process in Embodiment 3. The flowchart which shows the process after the recap detection in Embodiment 4. The flowchart which shows another process after the recap detection in Embodiment 4.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shooting lens 1A 1-2 group 1B 3 group 2A 1st aperture 2B 2nd aperture 3 Shutter 4 Lens barrel 5A 1-2 group motor 5B 3rd group motor 5C Shutter motor 5D 1st aperture motor 5E 2nd aperture Motor 6 Motor driver 7 CPU
7A Telephoto switch 7B Wide-angle switch 7C Temperature sensor 8 First-second group movement amount detection device 9 First-second group movement amount detection device drive circuit 10A First-second group reference position detection device 10B Third-group reference position detection device 11A First-second group Reference position detection device drive circuit 11B Group 3 reference position detection device drive circuit 12 Control device 15 Lens cap

Claims (35)

A retractable lens barrel that moves from a non-photographable storage position with a built-in photographing lens to a standby position where photographing is possible, a lens barrel driving means that drives the lens barrel, and a lens barrel that detects the amount of movement of the lens barrel In the photographing lens drive control device having the movement amount detection means,
A cap detecting means for determining that the lens cap is mounted when the lens barrel moving amount cannot be detected by the lens barrel moving amount detecting means when the lens barrel is moved from the storage position to the standby position by the lens barrel driving means;
Cap detection control means for moving the lens barrel from the stowed position to the standby position by the lens barrel driving means and performing a series of controls to stop driving the lens barrel when the cap detection means determines that the lens cap is mounted. And
An imaging lens drive control device characterized in that, in the movement region from the storage position of the lens barrel to the standby position, a movement region within a specified movement amount from the storage position where driving is started is defined as a cap detection region.   The driving voltage in the cap detection region is set lower than the driving voltage in the moving region other than the cap detection region as a driving voltage for moving the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position by the lens barrel driving means. The photographic lens drive control device according to claim 1.   In the movement of the lens barrel in the cap detection area, when the movement amount cannot be detected within a predetermined time by the lens barrel movement amount detection unit, the cap detection unit determines that the lens cap is mounted. Item 4. The photographing lens drive control device according to Item 1.   4. The photographic lens drive control device according to claim 3, wherein the first warning notification is performed via notification means for notifying a user of a warning while the cap detection means determines that the lens cap is mounted.   5. The photographing lens drive control device according to claim 4, wherein the first warning notification issues a warning to urge removal of the lens cap.   6. The photographing lens drive control according to claim 1, wherein a series of control by the cap detection control unit is repeated a predetermined number of times while the cap detection unit determines that the lens cap is mounted. apparatus.   While determining that the lens cap is mounted by the cap detection means, when receiving an end instruction from the user via the operation means for receiving an operation instruction from the outside, a series of control of the cap detection control means is prohibited, 7. The photographing lens drive control device according to claim 3, wherein the lens barrel is moved by a specified amount in the storage position direction.   The lens barrel is moved by a specified amount in the direction of the storage position when it is determined that a lens cap is mounted by the cap detection unit after repeating a series of controls by the cap detection control unit a specified number of times. The photographing lens drive control device according to any one of claims 6 to 6.   After repeating a series of controls by the cap detection control means a predetermined number of times, when it is determined by the cap detection means that a lens cap is mounted, the lens barrel is moved in the storage position direction by a predetermined amount after a predetermined time has elapsed. The photographing lens drive control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The taking lens according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the prescribed amount for moving the lens barrel in the storage position direction is the number of pulses for detecting the amount of movement of the cap detection region of the lens barrel. Drive control device.   The specified amount for moving the lens barrel in the storage position direction is an actual movement amount from the storage position of the lens barrel to a position for detecting the lens cap, or an amount obtained by adding a specified value to the actual movement amount. The photographing lens drive control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.   9. The second warning notification is performed through notification means for prohibiting the series of control and notifying a user of a warning after repeating the series of control by the cap detection control means a prescribed number of times. Or the photographing lens drive control device according to 9.   13. The photographing lens drive control device according to claim 12, wherein the second warning notification issues a warning that the apparatus power is turned off.   The second warning notification urges the user to remove the lens cap, and issues a warning that prompts a restart instruction to move the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position and move to a photographing state. The photographing lens drive control device according to claim 12.   The photographic lens drive control device according to claim 12 or 14, wherein the third warning notification is performed when a predetermined time elapses during a period in which the second warning notification is performed.   16. The photographing lens drive control device according to claim 15, wherein the third warning notification issues a warning that the apparatus power is turned off.   17. The photographing lens drive control device according to claim 13, wherein after the warning means that the apparatus power supply is turned off by the notification means, the means for controlling the apparatus power supply performs a power-off process. A retractable lens barrel that moves from a non-photographable storage position with a built-in photographing lens to a standby position where photographing is possible, a lens barrel driving means that drives the lens barrel, and a lens barrel that detects the amount of movement of the lens barrel In the driving control method of the photographing lens driving device having the movement amount detecting means,
A cap detection step of determining that the lens cap is mounted when the lens barrel is moved from the storage position to the standby position by the lens barrel driving means and the movement amount cannot be detected by the lens barrel movement amount detection means;
A cap detection control step of moving the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position by the lens barrel driving means and performing a series of controls for stopping the driving of the lens barrel when the cap detection step determines that the lens cap is mounted. And
An imaging lens drive control method characterized in that, in the movement region from the storage position of the lens barrel to the standby position, a movement region within a specified movement amount from the storage position where driving is started is defined as a cap detection region.   The driving voltage in the cap detection region is set lower than the driving voltage in the moving region other than the cap detection region as a driving voltage for moving the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position by the lens barrel driving means. The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 18.   In the movement of the lens barrel in the cap detection region, when the movement amount cannot be detected within a predetermined time by the lens barrel movement amount detection means, it is determined that the lens cap is mounted by the cap detection step. Item 19. A photographic lens drive control method according to Item 18.   21. The photographing lens drive control method according to claim 20, wherein a first warning notification is performed via a notification means for notifying a user of a warning while determining that the lens cap is mounted in the cap detection step.   The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 21, wherein the first warning notification issues a warning to urge removal of the lens cap.   23. The photographing lens drive control according to claim 18, wherein a series of control by the cap detection control step is repeated a predetermined number of times while it is determined that the lens cap is mounted by the cap detection step. Method.   While determining that the lens cap is mounted in the cap detection process, when receiving an end instruction from the user via an operation means for receiving an operation instruction from the outside, a series of controls in the cap detection control process is prohibited, The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 20 or 23, wherein the lens barrel is moved by a specified amount in the direction of the storage position.   The lens barrel is moved by a specified amount in the storage position direction when it is determined that the lens cap is mounted by the cap detection step after repeating a series of controls by the cap detection control step a specified number of times. 24. The photographing lens drive control method according to any one of 23.   After repeating a series of controls by the cap detection control process a specified number of times, when it is determined that the lens cap is mounted by the cap detection process, the lens barrel is moved in the storage position direction by a specified amount after a specified time has elapsed. The photographic lens drive control method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.   27. The photographic lens according to claim 24, wherein the prescribed amount for moving the lens barrel in the storage position direction is the number of pulses for detecting the amount of movement of the cap detection area of the lens barrel. Drive control method.   The specified amount for moving the lens barrel in the storage position direction is an actual movement amount from the storage position of the lens barrel to a position for detecting the lens cap, or an amount obtained by adding a specified value to the actual movement amount. The photographic lens drive control method according to any one of claims 24 to 26.   26. After the series of controls by the cap detection control step is repeated a specified number of times, the series of controls is prohibited, and a second warning notification is performed via notification means for notifying a user of a warning. 27. A photographing lens drive control method according to 26.   30. The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 29, wherein the second warning notification issues a warning that the apparatus power is turned off.   The second warning notification urges the user to remove the lens cap, and issues a warning that prompts a restart instruction to move the lens barrel from the storage position to the standby position and move to a photographing state. 30. A photographing lens drive control method according to claim 29.   32. The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 29 or 31, wherein the third warning notification is performed when a predetermined time elapses during the second warning notification period.   The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 32, wherein the third warning notification issues a warning to turn off the apparatus power.   The photographic lens drive control method according to claim 30 or 33, wherein after the warning means that the apparatus power supply is turned off by the notification means, the means for controlling the apparatus power supply performs a power-off process.   An image pickup comprising: a housing in which a lens cap covering a front surface of the photographing lens is detachable; and an imaging unit and the photographing lens drive control device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in the housing. apparatus.

Images