JPH10213834A - Optical equipment provided with image shaking correcting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure a correctable range of an image shaking to the maximum while preventing a correction optical means from colliding with a mechanical by and structurally restricted end. SOLUTION: This equipment is provided with a 1st setting means for setting the correctable range of the image shaking in the 1st direction of the correction optical means and a 2nd setting means for setting the correctable range in the 2nd direction perpendicular to the 1st direction. The correctable ranges set by the 1st and the 2nd setting means are made different from each other. To put it concretely, the correction range in a gravity direction is made narrower than the correction range in a perpendicular direction to the former (steps #20 to #24).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in an optical apparatus having an image blur correction function such as a camera having a function of correcting an image blur caused by a camera shake or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a current camera, all operations important for photographing, such as exposure determination and focusing, are automated, so that even an inexperienced person in camera operation is very unlikely to fail in photographing.

In recent years, a system for preventing a camera shake from being applied to a camera has been studied, and a factor which causes a photographer to fail in photographing has almost disappeared.

Here, a system for preventing camera shake will be briefly described.

[0005] The camera shake at the time of photographing is generally a vibration of 1 to 12 Hz as a frequency. However, even if such camera shake occurs at the time of release of the shutter, it is possible to take a picture without image shake. As a basic idea, it is necessary to detect the camera shake caused by the camera shake and to displace the correction lens according to the detected value. Therefore, in order to achieve a photograph that does not cause image shake even if camera shake occurs, first, it is necessary to accurately detect camera shake, and second, to correct optical axis change due to camera shake. Required.

In principle, this vibration (camera shake) is detected by means of vibration detecting means for detecting angular acceleration, angular velocity, angular displacement, etc., and by integrating the output signal of the sensor electrically or mechanically. The camera shake detecting means for outputting the angular displacement can be mounted on the camera. And
By driving the correction optical device that decenters the photographing optical axis based on this detection information, image blur can be suppressed.

Here, an outline of an anti-vibration system using vibration detection means will be described with reference to FIG.

The example of FIG. 11 is a diagram of a system for suppressing an image blur caused by a camera vertical shake 81p and a horizontal shake 81y in a direction indicated by an arrow 81.

In the figure, reference numeral 82 denotes a lens barrel, 83p, 83
y is a vibration detecting means for detecting a camera vertical vibration and a camera horizontal vibration, respectively.
This is indicated by 84y. 85 is a correction optical device (87p, 8
7y are coils for applying a thrust to the correction optical device 85, 8
Reference numerals 6p and 86y denote position detecting elements for detecting the position of the correcting means 85. The correcting optical device 85 is provided with a position control loop, which will be described later, and is driven by using the outputs of the vibration detecting means 83p and 83y as target values. , The stability on the image plane 88 is ensured.

FIG. 12 shows the structure of an image blur correction device (consisting of the above-described vibration detecting means, correction optical device, coil, position detecting element, and various ICs to be described later) which is preferably used for this purpose. FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view, and this structure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The rear protruding ears 71a (three locations (one location is hidden and invisible)) of the main plate 71 (an enlarged view in FIG. 15) are fitted into a lens barrel (not shown), and a known lens barrel roller or the like is provided with a hole. It is screwed to 71b and fixed to the lens barrel.

The second yoke 72, which is made of a magnetic material and selectively plated, is screwed through the hole 72a into the hole 7 of the base plate 71.
1c. The second yoke 72 has a permanent magnet (shift magnet) 7 such as a neodymium magnet.
3 are magnetically attracted. The magnetization direction of each permanent magnet 73 is the direction of the arrow 73a shown in FIG.

A support frame 75 (an enlarged view in FIG. 16) to which a correction lens 74 is fixed by a C-ring or the like has coils 76p,
76y (coil for shift) is forcibly pushed and joined (hereinafter, this is referred to as "patch-in bonding") (FIG. 1).
6 is not adhered), and light emitting elements 77p, 77
y is also adhered to the back of the support frame 75, and the slits 75ap,
The emitted light is incident on position detection elements 78p and 78y such as PSDs described later through 75ay.

In the holes 75b (three places) of the support frame 75, PO
Support ball 79 with a spherical tip such as M (polyacetal resin)
a, 79b and the charge spring 710 are inserted (FIG. 13).
And FIG. 15), the supporting ball 79a is thermally caulked and fixed to the supporting frame 75 (the supporting ball 79b is a charge spring 71).
(It can slide in the extending direction of the hole 75b against the spring force of 0).

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the image blur correction device after assembly, in which a support ball 79b, a charged charge spring 710, and a support ball 79a are inserted into a hole 75b of a support frame 75 in the direction of arrow 79c in this order. Yuki (support balls 79a, 79b
Finally, the peripheral end portion 75c of the hole 75b is thermally caulked to prevent the support ball 79a from coming off.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the hole 75b in a direction perpendicular to FIG. 13, and FIG. 14B is a plan view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 1B shows the depth of the range indicated by reference numerals A to D in FIG.
This is shown in A to D of 4 (a).

Here, since the rear end of the wing portion 79aa of the supporting ball 79a is received and regulated in the range of the depth A, the supporting ball 79a is thermally caulked at the peripheral end portion 75a so that the supporting ball 79a is supported by the supporting frame 75.
Fixed to

Since the tip of the blade 79ba of the support ball 79b is received in the range of the depth B plane, the support ball 79b comes out of the hole 75b in the direction of the arrow 79c by the charge spring force of the charge spring 710. Nothing.

Of course, when the assembly of the image blur correction device is completed, the support ball 79b is received by the second yoke 72 as shown in FIG. 13, so that it does not fall out of the support frame 75. A range B surface is provided.

The holes 7 in the support frame 75 shown in FIGS.
The shape of 5b does not require a complicated inner diameter slide mold even when the support frame 75 is formed by molding, and can be molded by a simple two-piece mold in which the mold is pulled out on the side opposite to the arrow 79c. Accuracy can be set strictly.

As described above, since the support balls 79a and 79b are the same parts, not only the parts cost is reduced, but also
There is no assembling error, which is advantageous in parts management.

The bearing portion 75d of the support frame 75 is coated with, for example, fluorine-based grease, and an L-shaped shaft 711 is applied thereto.
(Non-magnetic stainless steel) (see FIG. 12).
The other end of the character shaft 711 is a bearing 71 d formed on the main plate 71.
(Grease is applied in the same manner), and three supporting balls 7
9b is placed on the second yoke 72, and the support frame 75 is
Put in one.

Next, the positioning holes 712a (three places) of the first yoke 712 shown in FIG. 12 are fitted to the pins 71f (three places) shown in FIG. At five locations), the first yoke 712 is received and magnetically coupled to the ground plate 71 (by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 73).

As a result, the back surface of the first yoke 712 comes into contact with the support ball 79a, and the support frame 75 is sandwiched between the first yoke 712 and the second yoke 72 as shown in FIG. Done.

The support balls 79a, 79b and the first yoke 71
2. Fluoro-based grease is also applied to the contact surfaces of the second yoke 72 with each other, and the support frame 75 is freely slidable with respect to the base plate 71 in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis.

The L-shaped shaft 711 is supported by the support frame 75 and the base plate 71.
Is supported so as to be slidable only in the directions of arrows 713p and 713y.
Relative rotation (rolling) around the optical axis with respect to 1 is regulated.

The L-shaped shaft 711 and the bearings 71d, 7d
The fitting play of 5d is set large in the optical axis direction, and the supporting balls 79a, 79b, the first yoke 712, and the second yoke 7
This prevents overlapping with the optical axis direction regulation due to the clamping of 2.

An insulating sheet 714 is covered on the surface of the first yoke 712, and a hard substrate 715 having a plurality of ICs (position detecting elements 78p, 78y, output amplifying ICs, coils 76p, 76y) is provided thereon. ICs, etc.) are fitted into the positioning holes 715a (two places) with the pins 71h (two places) shown in FIG. 11 of the base plate 71, and screwed together with the holes 715b and the holes 712b of the first yoke 712 to the holes 71g of the base plate 71. You.

Here, the position detecting elements 78p and 78y are positioned on the hard substrate 715 by a tool and soldered, and the flexible substrate 716 for signal transmission is also provided on the surface 716.
a is a range 715c surrounded by a broken line on the back surface of the hard substrate 715
(See FIG. 12).

A pair of arms 716 bp and 716 by extend from the flexible substrate 716 in a plane direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and hook portions 75 ep and 7 ep of the support frame 75 respectively.
5ey (see FIG. 16), and the light emitting element 77
The terminals p and 77y and the terminals of the coils 76p and 76y are soldered.

Thus, the light emitting element 77 such as an IRED
The driving of p, 77y and the coils 76p, 76y is performed from the hard substrate 715 via the flexible substrate 716.

The arm 716 of the flexible substrate 716
bp and 716 by (see FIG. 12) respectively
cp, 716 cy, and the elasticity of the refraction reduces the load on the arms 716 bp, 716 by for the support frame 75 moving around in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

The first yoke 712 has a projecting surface 712c formed by die cutting, and the projecting surface 712c is
4 and directly contacts the hard substrate 715 through the hole 714a. A ground (GND: ground) pattern is formed on the hard board 715 side of this contact surface, and the first yoke 71 is screwed to the ground board to connect the hard board 715 to the ground plate.
Numeral 2 is grounded to prevent an antenna from giving noise to the hard substrate 715.

The mask 717 shown in FIG. 12 is positioned on the pins 71h of the base plate 71 and is fixed on the hard substrate 715 with a double-sided tape.

The base plate 71 has a permanent magnet through hole 71i.
(See FIGS. 12 and 15), from which the back surface of the second yoke 72 is exposed. A permanent magnet 718 (locking magnet) is incorporated in the through hole 71i, and is magnetically coupled to the second yoke 72 (FIG. 13).
reference).

A coil 720 (locking coil) is bonded to the lock ring 719 (see FIGS. 12, 13, and 17), and a bearing 719b (see FIG. 18) is provided on the back surface of the ear 719a of the lock ring 719. The armature pin 721 (see FIGS. 12 and 18) has an armature rubber 72.
After passing the armature pin 721 through the bearing 719b, the armature pin 721 is passed through the armature spring 723, and is fitted into the armature 724 and fixed by caulking.

Accordingly, the armature 724 causes the lock ring 71 to move against the charging force of the armature spring 723.
9 can slide in the direction of arrow 725.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the shake correcting device after the assembly is completed, as viewed from the rear side in FIG.
The lock ring 719 is pushed into the base plate 71 by aligning the outer diameter cutout portions 719c (three positions) of the lock ring 719 with the inner diameter protrusions 71j (three positions) of the base plate 71, and then turning the lock ring clockwise to prevent the lock ring from falling out. The lock ring 719 is attached to the main plate 71 by a known bayonet connection.

Accordingly, the lock ring 719 is rotatable around the optical axis with respect to the main plate 71. However, the lock ring 719 rotates, and the notch 719 c again
The lock rubber 726 (see FIGS. 12 and 18) is pressed into the base plate 71 to prevent the bayonet connection from coming off in phase with the j, and the lock ring 719 is restricted by the lock rubber 726. The angle θ of the notch 719d (FIG. 1
8)).

A permanent magnet 718 (locking magnet) is also attached to the magnetic yoke 727 (see FIG. 12), and its holes 727a (two locations) are fitted to pins 71k (see FIG. 18) of the main plate 71. And fit into the hole 727b
(2 places) and 71n (2 places).

The permanent magnet 718 on the base plate 71 side, the permanent magnet 718 on the locking yoke 727 side, and the second yoke 7
2. A known closed magnetic path is formed by the locking yoke 727.

The lock rubber 726 is prevented from coming off by the screw connection of the locking yoke 727. In FIG. 18, the lock yoke 727 is omitted for the above description.

The hook 719e of the lock ring 719
A lock spring 728 is hung between the hook 71m of the main plate 71 and the hook 71m (see FIG. 18), and urges the lock ring 719 clockwise. The suction yoke 729 (FIG. 12,
The suction coil 730 is inserted into the base plate 71 (see FIG. 18), and is screwed to the bottom plate 71 with a hole 729a.

Terminal of Coil 720 and Adsorption Coil 730
The terminal of the flexible substrate 716 has a twisted pair configuration of, for example, a four-stranded tetron covered wire.
d.

The IC 731p on the hard substrate 715,
731y (see FIG. 12) are position detection terminals 78p and 7p, respectively.
8y output amplifying IC, the internal configuration of which is shown in FIG.
9 (the ICs 731p and 731y have the same configuration, and only 731p is shown here).

In FIG. 19, the current-voltage conversion amplifier 7
31 ap and 731 bp convert light currents 78 i 1 p and 78 i 2 p generated in the position detection element 78 p (consisting of resistors R 1 and R 2) by the light projection element 77 p into voltages, and
31cp is each current-voltage conversion amplifier 731ap, 731
The difference output of bp is obtained and amplified.

The light emitted from the light projecting elements 77p and 77y is incident on the position detecting elements 78p and 78y via the slits 75ap and 75ay as described above, but the support frame 75 is in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. When moved, the position detecting element 78p,
The position of incidence on 78y changes.

The position detecting element 78p has sensitivity in the direction of the arrow 78ap (see FIG. 12).
ap is a direction orthogonal to the arrow 78ap (78ay direction).
Spread is the light beam in the arrow 78ap direction because of the shape which the light beam is squeezed in, the photocurrent 78i ₁ p of viewing the position detecting elements 78p when the support frame 75 is moved in the arrow 713p direction,
The balance of 78i ₂ p changes and the differential amplifier 731 cp
Outputs an output according to the direction of the arrow 713p of the support frame 75.

The position detecting element 78y has detection sensitivity in the direction of the arrow 78ay (see FIG. 12), and the slit 75ay extends in the direction perpendicular to the arrow 78ay (78ap direction). Only when it moves in the direction of arrow 713y, the position detecting element 78y changes its output.

The addition amplifier 731dp obtains the sum of the outputs of the current-voltage conversion amplifiers 731ap and 731bp (total light receiving amount of the position detecting element 78p), and the driving amplifier 731ep receiving this signal drives the light projecting element 77p accordingly.

Since the light emitting quantity of the light emitting element 77p changes extremely unstable with temperature or the like, the absolute amount (78i) of the photocurrents 78i ₁ p and 78i ₁ p of the position detecting element 78p is accordingly changed.
i ₁ p + 78i ₂ p) changes. Therefore, the support frame 75
The output of the differential amplifier 731cp a showing the position _{(78i 1 p-78i 2 p} ) also changes.

However, if the light emitting element 77p is controlled by the aforementioned driving circuit so that the total amount of received light is constant as described above, the output of the differential amplifier 731cp does not change.

The coils 76p and 76y shown in FIG. 12 are located in a closed magnetic path formed by the permanent magnet 73, the first yoke 712, and the second yoke 72. The support frame 75 is driven in the direction of the arrow 713y by being driven in the direction of the arrow 713p (known Fleming's left-hand rule) and flowing current through the coil 76y.

Generally, when the outputs of the position detecting elements 78p and 78y are amplified by the ICs 731p and 731y and the coils 76p and 76y are driven by the outputs, the support frame 75 is driven and the outputs of the position detecting elements 78p and 78y change. Becomes

Here, when the driving direction (polarity) of the coils 76p and 76y is set so that the output of the position detecting elements 78p and 78y becomes smaller (negative feedback), the coils 76p and 76y are turned off.
The support frame 75 is stabilized at a position where the outputs of the position detecting elements 78p and 78y become substantially zero by the driving force of 6y.

The method of performing driving by negatively feeding back the position detection output in this manner is called a position control method. For example, when a target value (for example, a shake angle signal) is externally mixed with the ICs 731p and 731y, the support frame 75 moves to the target position. It is driven very faithfully according to the value.

Actually, the differential amplifiers 731cp and 731c
The output of y is sent to a main board (not shown) via a flexible board 716, where analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) is performed and taken into a microcomputer.

In the microcomputer, the signal is appropriately compared with and amplified with a target value (camera shake angle signal), compensated for the phase lead by a known digital filter technique (to make the position control more stable), and then passed through the flexible substrate 716 again. IC73
2 (for driving the coils 76p and 76y). IC7
32 indicates the coils 76p and 76y based on the input signal.
Is driven by a known PWM (pulse width modulation), and the support frame 7 is driven.
5 is driven.

As described above, the support frame 75 has the arrow 713p,
713y can be slid, and the position is stabilized by the above-described position control method. However, in a consumer optical device such as a camera, the support frame 75 is always controlled from the viewpoint of preventing power consumption. I can't keep it. However, in the non-control state, the support frame 75 can freely move around in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis in the non-control state. Hereafter, it is necessary to take measures against the sound generation and damage of the collision at the mechanical stroke end.

As a countermeasure, a lock mechanism for locking the support frame 75 is provided as described below.

As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG.
On the rear surface of the lock ring 719, three radially protruding protrusions 75f are provided, and the tips of the protrusions 75f are fitted to the inner peripheral surface 719g of the lock ring 719 as shown in FIG. Therefore,
The support frame 75 is restrained in all directions with respect to the base plate 71.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show the lock ring 71.
9 is a plan view showing the relationship between the operation of the support frame 9 and the support frame 75.
8 is a diagram in which only essential parts are extracted from the plan view of FIG. Note that the layout is slightly changed from the actual assembled state to make the description easy to understand. Also, the cam portion 719f shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, the (three locations) are not provided over the entire area of the cylinder of the lock ring 719 in the generatrix direction, so they are not actually seen from the direction of FIG. It is shown for the sake of illustration.

As shown in FIG. 13, the coil 720 (FIG.
A reference numeral 720a denotes a flexible board or the like (not shown) which passes through the outer periphery of the lock ring 719. When the current flows through the coil 720, a torque is generated to rotate the lock ring 719 around the optical axis.

The driving of this coil 720 is also performed by a microcomputer (not shown) via a flexible substrate 716 to a hard substrate 71.
5 is controlled by a command signal input to the driving IC 733 on the IC 5, and the IC 733 performs PWM driving of the coil 720.

In FIG. 20A, the winding direction of the coil 720 is set so that when the coil 720 is energized, a counterclockwise torque is generated in the lock ring 719.
Accordingly, the lock ring 719 rotates counterclockwise against the spring force of the lock spring 728.

The lock ring 719 has a coil 720
Before power is supplied to the lock rubber 72, the force of the lock spring 728 is used.
6 and stable.

When the lock ring 719 rotates, the armature 724 comes into contact with the suction yoke 729 to contract the armature spring 723 and equalize the positional relationship between the suction yoke 729 and the armature 724 to lock the lock ring 719.
Stops the rotation as shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart of the lock ring drive.

At the same time as energizing the coil 720 (PWM drive indicated by 720b) by the arrow 719i in FIG. 21, the energizing (730a) is also applied to the attracting magnet 730. Therefore, the armature 724 comes into contact with the suction yoke 729 and, when equalized, the armature 724 is moved to the suction yoke 729.
Is adsorbed.

Next, when the energization of the coil 720 is stopped at the time indicated by 720c in FIG. 21, the lock ring 719 tries to rotate clockwise by the force of the lock spring 728.
Since the armature 724 is adsorbed by the adsorption yoke 729 as described above, the rotation is restricted. At this time, since the protrusion 75f of the support frame 75 is located at a position facing the cam portion 719f (the cam portion 719f rotates), the support frame 75 can be moved by the clearance between the protrusion 75f and the cam portion 719f. become.

As a result, the support frame 75 falls in the direction of gravity G (see FIG. 20B).
Since the support frame 75 is also in the control state at the time of 19i, it does not fall.

When the support frame 75 is not controlled, the lock ring 71
9, but actually has a play corresponding to the fitting play between the projection 75f and the inner peripheral wall 719g. That is, the support frame 75 has dropped in the direction of gravity G by this play, and the center of the support frame 75 and the center of the main plate 71 are shifted. For this reason, control is performed such that, for example, one second is spent from the time of the arrow 719i to slowly move to the center of the main plate 71 (the center of the optical axis).

This is because if the photographer suddenly moves to the center, the photographer feels shaking of the image through the correction lens 74 and feels uncomfortable. This is to prevent it from occurring. (Eg 1
Specifically, the outputs of the position detection elements 78p and 78y at the time point indicated by an arrow 719i in FIG. 21 are stored, and the control of the support frame 75 is started using the values as target values. It spends seconds and moves to the preset target value at the time of the center of the optical axis (see 75g in FIG. 21).

After the lock ring 719 is rotated (unlocked), based on the target value from the vibration detecting means (overlapping with the above-described center position moving operation of the support frame 75).
The support frame 75 is driven, and the image stabilization starts.

Here, if the image stabilization is turned off at the time of arrow 719j to end the image stabilization, the target value from the vibration detecting means is not inputted to the correction driving means for driving the correction means,
The support frame 75 stops at the center position. At this time, the power supply to the attraction coil 730 is stopped (730b). Then, the attraction force of the armature 724 by the attraction yoke 729 is lost, and the lock ring 719 becomes a lock spring 728.
To rotate clockwise to return to the state of FIG. At this time, the lock ring 719 is in contact with the lock rubber 726 and its rotation is restricted, so that the collision sound of the lock ring 719 at the end of the rotation can be suppressed small.

Thereafter (for example, after 20 msec), the control to the correction driving means is stopped, and the timing chart of FIG. 21 ends.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of only a portion related to an image blur correction function of a camera provided with such an image blur correction device.

The output of the shake detecting means 2 is amplified by the amplifying means 3 and is output by a microcomputer.
1 A / D conversion terminal. The output of the position detecting means 4 for detecting the position of the correction lens is amplified by the amplifying means 5 and input to the A / D conversion terminal of the microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 performs signal processing of these two data,
The correction lens driving data is output to the correction lens driving means 6, and the correction lens is driven to perform image blur correction. The lock / unlock drive unit 7 drives the above-described unlock coil, maintains the unlocked state, and the like.

Here, an example of a specific operation of a portion relating to the image blur correction device of the microcomputer 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

The image blur correction is performed, for example, by an interrupt process at regular intervals. Note that the lock / unlock control described above is performed in the main flow of the camera.

When an interrupt occurs, the microcomputer 1 starts operation from step # 81. [Step # 81] A / D conversion is performed on the output of, for example, an angular velocity sensor, which is the shake detection means 2. [Step # 82] It is determined whether an image blur correction start command has been received, and if no image blur correction start command has been received, the process proceeds to step # 83.

Steps # 83 to # 84 are operations when image blur correction is not performed. [Step # 83] Since image blur correction is not performed, DC
Initializes offset and integration calculations. [Step # 84] The timer for measuring the time from receiving the image blur correction opening start command is cleared.

If it is determined in step # 82 that an image blur correction start command has been received, the process proceeds to step # 85. [Step # 85] It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the image blur correction start command. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 86.

Steps # 86 to # 87 are operations for a predetermined time after receiving the image blur correction start command, and the image blur correction operation has not been performed yet. [Step # 86] The DC offset is calculated. This is to prevent the initial input of the high-pass filter from changing abruptly for DC components (to prevent a step input). [Step # 87] The high-pass filter operation is initialized, and the integration result is set to “0”. This is because the correction lens is electrically held at the center.

If it is determined in step # 85 that a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the image blur correction start command, the image blur correction operation starting from step # 88 is started. [Step # 88] In order to start image blur correction, a component below a predetermined frequency (a cutoff frequency determined by a capacitor and a resistor) is cut from an A / D conversion output of the angular velocity sensor, and only a signal component of an actual blur is removed. A high-pass filter operation is performed to allow the signal to pass. [Step # 89] A known integration operation is performed to calculate angular displacement data. [Step # 90] The amount of eccentricity (sensitivity) of the correction lens with respect to the shake angle displacement changes depending on the zoom or focus position. [Step # 91] The above calculation result (image blur correction drive data) is stored in the RAM set by SFTDRV in the microcomputer 1.
Store in area. [Step # 92] Correction system drive data SFTDRV is electrically movable limit end (stroke limit position) DRVLMT
Is determined to be within the stroke limit position DR
If it is within the VLMT, the process proceeds to step # 94; otherwise, the process proceeds to step # 93. [Step # 93] Since the correction system drive data SFTDRV exceeds the stroke limit position DRVLMT, the value of the stroke limit position DRVLMT is changed to the correction system drive data SFTDRV.
Write to. [Step # 94] The output of the position detecting means 4 for detecting the position of the correction lens is A / D converted, and the result is stored in the RAM.
Store in SFTPST. [Step # 95] Feedback calculation (SFTDRV-SF
TPST). [Step # 96] The loop gain is multiplied by the above-described feedback calculation result. [Step # 97] A phase compensation operation is performed to make a stable control system. [Step # 98] The phase compensation calculation result is output to the port of the microcomputer 1 as a PWM signal, and the interruption ends.

The above output is input to the correction lens driving means 6, which drives the correction lens and corrects the image blur.

Image blur correction is performed by the above configuration.

[0088]

In a camera equipped with the above-described image blur correction device, when actually photographing, not only a stationary subject but also a moving subject can be tracked and photographed while changing the subject. In some cases, a panning operation is performed frequently.

Further, the photographer may intentionally give a vibration larger than the camera shake to confirm on the finder that the image blur correction function is operating.

When such a panning operation is performed,
A large-amplitude signal is input to the angular velocity sensor, and when the shake is corrected in accordance with the signal, the correction lens hits a mechanical stroke end (a movable limit end on a mechanical structure), generating sound and correcting the lens. May cause damage. In order to prevent this, the characteristic of the integral calculation is changed when the amplitude swings large, and the steps # 92 and # 93 in the above flowchart are changed.
Measures are taken, such as providing an electrical stroke limit position as described above.

However, when the lens is shaken intentionally largely in the direction of gravity, the gravity of the correction lens and the inertia force of the correction lens work, and the motor cannot stop at the electric stroke limit position.
In some cases, the vehicle breaks through the limit position and hits a mechanical stroke end. In such a case, sound is generated and the correction lens is damaged. In particular, as the weight of the correction lens increases, its gravitational force and inertia force also increase, and such a phenomenon becomes more noticeable.

As a measure to prevent the above situation, it is conceivable to further reduce the electric stroke limit position. However, in this case, the electric stroke limit position is conventionally set to the same value in the vertical (gravity) direction and the horizontal direction, so that the stroke is reduced as a whole. In the horizontal direction, the possibility of breaching the limit position and colliding with the mechanical stroke end is low because gravity is not applied, so the correctable range should be able to be increased, but for the above reasons, an effective stroke cannot be set. Met.

The image blur correction is performed by performing optimal control according to various situations, such as when photographing a still object, photographing a moving object, or attaching to a tripod. The accuracy of image blur correction can be further improved.

Therefore, it has already been proposed to make it possible to set a plurality of image blur correction modes, to perform optimal control of the image blur correction in accordance with the mode, and to improve the accuracy of the image blur correction.

However, regarding the image blur correction possible range,
There should be an optimal range according to each mode, but until now, the correctable range has not been considered so much, and the same range has been used in all modes.

(Object of the Invention) A first object of the present invention is to prevent the correcting optical means from colliding with a mechanical structural limit end and to secure the maximum possible image blur correction range. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical device with an image blur correction function.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function that can set an optimum image blur correction range for each operation state of the optical apparatus.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function that can set an optimum image blur correction characteristic and an image blur correction range for each operation state of the optical apparatus. Things.

[0099]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention detects a shake state applied to the apparatus and detects an image shake caused by a shake applied to an imaging optical system. An image blur correction function comprising: a correction optical unit that corrects in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the system; and an image blur correction unit that detects the shake state and controls the position of the correction optical unit based on the detection signal. A first setting unit for setting an image blur correction range of the correction optical unit in a first direction, and an image blur correction range of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. An optical device with an image blur correction function in which the correctable ranges set by the first and second setting devices are different from each other.

More specifically, when the direction of gravity applied to the optical device is the first direction, the image blur correction range in the first direction is narrower than the image blur correction range in the second direction. I am trying to do it.

In order to achieve the second object,
The present invention is directed to a correction optical unit that corrects an image blur caused by a shake applied to an image forming optical system in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image forming optical system, and detects the shake state. An optical apparatus with an image blur correction function having an image blur correction means for controlling the position of the correction optical means based on the image blur correction means, wherein an external operation means for selecting an arbitrary image blur correction range from a plurality of image blur correction ranges is provided. For example, as one image blur correction range that can be selected from a plurality of image blur correction ranges, an image blur correction range in a first direction and an image blur correction range in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are set. And an optical device with an image blur correction function in which the correctable ranges in the first direction and the second direction are different from each other.

In order to achieve the third object,
The present invention is directed to a correction optical unit that corrects an image blur caused by a shake applied to an image forming optical system in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image forming optical system, and detects the shake state. In an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function having an image blur correction means for controlling the position of the correction optical means based on the image blur correction characteristic, an image blur correction range of the correction optical means is selected from a plurality of each. For example, the combination of the image blur correction characteristic and the image blur correction range is an optical device with a predetermined image blur correction function.

More specifically, one of the plurality of image blur correction characteristics is obtained by deteriorating the characteristics in the low frequency band from the other image blur correction characteristics, and when this image blur correction characteristic is selected. In this case, as the image blur correction range at this time, a range smaller than the other image blur correction ranges is selected.

[0104]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the optical apparatus having an image blur correction function is applied to an interchangeable lens of a single-lens reflex camera.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a lens microcomputer, which receives communication from the camera main body through communication lines 109c (for clock signal) and 109d (for main body → lens signal transmission). The operation of the shake correction system 102, the focus drive system 104, and the aperture drive system 105 having the configuration shown in FIG.

The shake correction system 102 includes a shake sensor 106 such as an angular displacement sensor for detecting shake, a position sensor 107 for detecting the position of a correction lens, and the shake sensor 1.
06 and the output of the position sensor 107, the lens microcomputer 1
A vibration correction drive system 108 drives the correction lens in accordance with the drive signal calculated in step S01 and performs image blur correction.

Reference numeral 124 (also referred to as SWIS) is an image blur correction start switch for performing an image blur correction operation. When the image blur correction operation is selected, the switch SWIS is turned ON.

The focus drive system 104 drives a focus adjusting lens according to a command value from the lens microcomputer 101 to perform focusing. The aperture drive system 10
Reference numeral 5 denotes an operation of reducing the aperture to a set position or returning the aperture to an open state according to a command value from the lens microcomputer 101.

The lens microcomputer 101 controls the state inside the lens (zoom position, focus position, aperture value, etc.) and information on the lens (open aperture value, focal length, data necessary for distance measurement calculation, etc.). The communication line 1
The signal is also transmitted to the camera main body from 09e (for transmitting a signal from the lens to the camera main body).

The lens microcomputer 101, the shake correction system 102, the focus drive system 104, and the aperture drive system 105 constitute a lens electric system 110. A communication line 109 is connected to the lens electrical system 110.
a, power supply 1 in camera through ground line 109b
Power is supplied from 18.

In the camera main body, a distance measuring unit 112, a photometric unit 113, a shutter unit 114, a display unit 115, other control units 116, an operation start / stop of these units, etc., as an electric system 111 in the camera main body. A camera microcomputer 117 for managing the exposure, exposure calculation, distance measurement calculation and the like is built in. The power of the electric system 111 is also supplied from the power supply 118 in the camera.

Reference numeral 121 (also referred to as SW1) is a switch for starting photometry and distance measurement.
Reference numeral 2) is a release switch for starting a release operation, which is generally a two-stage stroke switch, in which a switch SW1 is turned on by a first stroke of a release button and released by a second stroke. The switch SW2 is turned on.

Reference numeral 123 (also referred to as SWM) is an exposure mode selection switch.
N, OFF, or by simultaneous operation of the switch 123 and another operation member.

Next, the operation of the above-configured camera on the interchangeable lens side will be described.

The lens microcomputer 101 operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 and performs the above-described lens control. Hereinafter, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

When any operation such as turning on the switch SW1 of the camera is performed, communication from the camera body (hereinafter simply referred to as camera) to the interchangeable lens (hereinafter simply referred to as lens) is performed, and the lens microcomputer 101 executes step #. Operation starts from 1. [Step # 1] Initial settings for lens control and image blur correction control are performed. [Step # 2] Focus driving is performed based on a command from the camera. [Step # 3] Zoom and focus positions are detected. [Step # 4] Communication from camera and switch SWI
In accordance with the state of S, lock / unlock control of the support frame (correction lens), which is the correction optical means as described above with reference to FIG. [Step # 5] It is determined whether or not a HALT (stop all driving of the actuator in the lens) command has been received from the camera. If the HALT command has not been received, the operation from step # 2 is repeated.

If a HALT command has been received in step # 5, the process proceeds to step # 6. [Step # 6] HALT control is performed. Here, all driving is stopped, and the lens microcomputer 101 sleeps (stops).
State.

During these operations, if there is a request for a serial communication interrupt or an image blur correction control interrupt due to communication from the camera, these interrupt processes are performed.

In the serial communication interrupt processing, lens processing such as decoding of communication data and aperture driving is performed. Then, by decoding the communication data, the ON of the switch SW1, the ON of the switch SW2, the shutter time, the model of the camera, and the like can be determined.

Next, the lock control executed in step # 4, that is, the lock / unlock operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the image blur correction apparatus according to this embodiment has the structure described with reference to FIG. The image blur correction operation is performed by a camera main switch, switches SW1 and SWI.
It is assumed that the system starts when all of S are turned on. [Step # 31] It is determined whether or not the main switch of the camera is ON. If the main switch is ON, the process proceeds to Step # 32. [Step # 32] It is determined whether or not the switch SW1 of the camera is turned on. If the switch SW1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step # 33. [Step # 33] It is determined whether the switch SWIS is turned on. If the switch SWIS is turned on, the process proceeds to step # 34.
Proceed to.

That is, if all of the main switch and switches SW1 and SWIS of the camera are ON, step # 3
4 starts the image blur correction operation. If any one of them is OFF, an image blur correction ending operation from step # 40 described later is performed. [Step # 34] Image blur correction start flag IS_ST
Set ART. [Step # 35] Energize the unlock attraction magnet. This is to maintain the state in which the lock ring rotates against the lock spring (unlocked state), as described in FIG. 16 and the like. [Step # 36] Energize the coil for shake correction drive. [Step # 37] The lock ring drive coil is energized to rotate the lock ring. [Step # 38] It is determined whether the lock ring drive time has elapsed. This lock ring drive time is
Even if the rotation of the lock ring is stopped in the following step # 39, the time during which the unlocked state can be maintained by the unlocking magnet is preset. Here, if the lock ring drive time has not elapsed, this subroutine is terminated, and the same operation is repeated thereafter until the lock ring drive time has elapsed. Thereafter, when it is determined that the lock ring drive time has elapsed, step # 3 is performed.
Go to 9. [Step # 39] The energization of the lock ring drive coil is stopped. This results in an unlocked state.

Further, as described above, any one of the camera main switch and the switches SW1 and SWIS is turned off.
In the case of, the operation of ending the image blur correction from step # 40 is performed. [Step # 40] Image blur correction start flag IS_ST
Clear ART. [Step # 41] The energization of the unlock attraction magnet is stopped. As a result, the lock ring is rotated in the lock direction by the lock spring to be in a locked state. [Step # 42] The power supply to the lock ring drive coil is also stopped because it may be turned off during the lock ring drive. [Step # 43] It is determined whether or not the centering operation of bringing the correction lens to the movable center position has been completed. If not completed, this subroutine is completed, and the same operation is repeated until the centering operation is completed.
Thereafter, when it is determined that the centering operation has been completed, the process proceeds to step # 39. [Step # 44] Since the correction lens is located at the movable center position, the power supply to the vibration correction drive coil is stopped.

The lock / unlock operation is performed as described above.

The image blur correction interrupt is a timer interrupt generated at regular intervals (for example, 500 msec) as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the control in the pitch direction (vertical direction) and the control in the yaw direction (horizontal direction) are performed alternately, so that the sampling cycle in one direction in this case is 1 msec. Even though the control method (operation coefficient and the like) is the same, the result of the operation and the like is naturally different data in the pitch direction and the yaw direction. And the reference address is switched between pitch control and yaw control.

When an image blur correction interrupt occurs during the main operation of the camera, the lens microcomputer 101 starts control of image blur correction from step # 11 in FIG. [Step # 11] It is determined whether the current control direction is pitch or yaw. If the control direction is yaw, the process proceeds to step # 12. [Step # 12] As described above, the reference address of the portion specified by the indirect address is set for yaw control.
Then, the process proceeds to step # 14.

If the current control direction is the pitch direction, the process proceeds to step # 13. [Step # 13] As described above, the reference address of the portion specified by the indirect address is set for pitch control. [Step # 14] The output of the angular velocity sensor, which is the shake sensor 106, is taken in, and A / D conversion is performed. [Step # 15] It is determined whether or not “IS_START = 1”, that is, whether or not image blur correction has been started. If image blur correction is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step # 16. [Step # 16] Since the image blur correction is not performed, the high-pass / integral operation is initialized. And step #
Proceed to 19.

If image blur correction is to be performed in step # 15, the flow advances to step # 17. [Step # 17] In order to activate the image blur correction, a high-pass filter operation is performed. [Step # 18] Perform an integral operation. The result is angular displacement data. [Step # 19] Since the amount of eccentricity (sensitivity) of the correction lens with respect to the shake angle displacement changes depending on the zoom and focus positions, the adjustment is performed. The result is
Data equivalent to the amount to drive the correction lens (SFTDRVY
, SFTDRVP). [Step # 20] This control determines whether the pitch is yaw or yaw. If it is yaw, the process proceeds to step # 21. [Step # 21] Compare SFTDRVY with the stroke limit position DRVLMTY for yaw control. If SFTDRVY is within the limit position, the process immediately proceeds to step # 25, but if it is larger than the limit position, the process proceeds to step # 22. [Step # 22] Write DRVLMTY to SFTDRVY.

If it is determined in step # 20 that the current control is a pitch, the control proceeds to step # 20.
Proceed to 23. [Step # 23] Compare SFTDRVP with the stroke limit position DRVLMTP for pitch control. If SFTDRVP is within the limit position, the process immediately proceeds to step # 25, but if it is larger than the limit position, the process proceeds to step # 24. [Step # 24] Write DRVLMTP to SFTDRVP. [Step # 25] The output of the position sensor 107 for detecting the position of the correction lens is A / D converted, and the A / D result is stored in the RAM area set by SFTPST in the microcomputer. [Step # 26] Feedback calculation (SFTDRV-SF
TPST). [Step # 27] Multiply the feedback calculation result by the loop gain. [Step # 28] A phase compensation calculation is performed to make a stable control system. [Step # 29] The phase compensation calculation result is output to the port of the microcomputer as PWM.

The above output is input to the shake correction drive system 108, and the correction lens is driven to perform image shake correction.

As described above, the timer interrupt ends.

As described above, in steps # 21 to # 24, the stroke limit positions are separately set for the pitch and the yaw. Therefore, when the camera is held at the normal position (lateral position), the pitch direction is the direction of gravity, and the correction is performed. "DRVLMTY>DRVLMTP" even if the stroke limit position in the pitch direction is reduced to prevent the lens from hitting the mechanical stroke end
In this case, the correction range can be increased in the yaw direction where gravity is not applied, and the stroke can be used effectively.

Here, since the camera is generally used in the normal position, the limit position in the pitch direction is set smaller than that in the yaw direction as described above.
Since it is possible that the camera is shot vertically,
A known tilt switch or the like is used to determine the direction of gravity. If the position is the correct position, the stroke mit position in the pitch direction is reduced. If the position is the vertical position, the stroke limit position in the yaw direction is reduced. Can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the lens microcomputer 101 and the shake correcting system 110 correspond to the image shake correcting means according to the first aspect. A step for setting a stroke limit position in the yaw and pitch directions to DRVLMTY and DRVLMTP in steps # 23 and # 23 in the lens microcomputer 101 is a first step for setting an image blur correction range according to claim 1.
And second setting means, and can be set to different values.

Further, DRVLMTY and DRVLMTP correspond to the driving data for "electrically restricting driving" according to the second aspect of the present invention. Further, as described above, the direction of gravity applied to the camera is set to the pitch or yaw direction, and the image blur correction range in the direction of gravity is narrowed to prevent the correction lens as the correction optical unit from hitting the mechanical stroke end. At the same time, the image blur correction in the direction perpendicular to this is intended to be maximized, which corresponds to the contents of claims 3 and 4.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment exemplifies a case having a plurality of image blur correction modes.

The circuit configuration is shown in FIG. 6, which corresponds to FIG.
Is provided with a switch 124 (also referred to as SWISMODE) for newly switching the image blur correction mode.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the flowchart of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the operation part unique to the second embodiment, that is, steps # 51 to # 55 will be described. [Step # 51] The state of the switch SWISMODE for switching the image blur correction mode is checked to determine whether the mode is mode 1 or mode 2. If the mode is 1, the process proceeds to step # 52. If the mode is 2, the process proceeds to step # 54.
Proceed to.

Here, the image blur correction mode will be described. Since there is an image blur correction characteristic suitable for various photographing conditions, the photographer switches the mode according to the photographing conditions and obtains a good photographing result. It is to be. In this embodiment, mode 1 is a characteristic suitable for photographing a still subject, specifically, a characteristic in which the cutoff frequency of the high-pass / integration is reduced (for example, 0.1H
z), and the mode 2 is a characteristic suitable for photographing an object with a lot of movement, specifically, a characteristic in which the cutoff frequency of the high-pass / integral is increased (for example, 0.3 Hz). [Step # 52] Since the mode is the mode 1, comparison with the stroke limit position DRVLMT1 is performed. If it is within DRVLMT1, the process proceeds to step # 25. If it is larger than DRVLMT1, the process proceeds to step # 53. [Step # 53] Write DRVLMT1 to SFTDRV.

If it is determined in step # 51 that the mode is the mode 2 as described above, the flow advances to step # 54. [Step # 54] Since the mode is the mode 2, comparison with the stroke limit position DRVLMT2 is performed. If it is within DRVLMT2, the process proceeds to step # 26. If it is larger than DRVLMT2, the process proceeds to step # 55. [Step # 55] Write DRVLMT2 to SFTDRV.

Here, the stroke limit position DRVLMT1
The relationship between and DRVLMT2 will be described.

As described above, the mode 2 is a mode suitable for a subject having a lot of movement, and it is also important to reduce the swingback feeling peculiar to the image shake correction at the time of panning in order to improve the photographing result. If the stroke limit position is reduced, the absolute amount of swing-back will decrease, so if the stroke limit position DRVLMT2 in mode 2 is set smaller than the stroke limit position DRVLMT1 in mode 1, more appropriate image shake correction can be performed. it can.

The operations after step # 56 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

As described above, in steps # 51 to # 55, the stroke limit position is switched for each mode, so that the optimum stroke limit position can be set in any photographing state.

In this embodiment, mode 1 is for photographing a still subject, and mode 2 is for photographing a moving subject. However, the number of modes can be increased to add modes such as tripod mounting photography and walking photography. Mode 1 or mode 2 may be replaced. For example, in the walking shooting mode,
Since the run-out is large, the stroke limit position may be increased.

In the second embodiment, the switch SWISMODE corresponds to the external operation means according to claim 5, and the plurality of image blur correction ranges are defined as steps # 52 and # 5.
Stroke limit positions DRVLMT1 and DRVLMT2 in 4
Is equivalent to Further, even in the same mode, the pitch and yaw stroke limit positions may be different from each other as in the first embodiment. This corresponds to the contents of claim 6.

Further, the stroke limit position DRVLMT1 in mode 1 for photographing a still subject is set so as not to hit a mechanical stroke end, and may not be particularly set. #
52 and # 53 are deleted, and the correctable range is expanded up to the point where it collides with the mechanical stroke end. This corresponds to the contents of claim 8. Also, in the same mode, for example, an electric stroke limit position is provided in the pitch direction (gravity direction), and no electric stroke limit position is provided in the yaw direction. The correction range may be expanded until the correction is performed. This corresponds to the contents of claim 7.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case where the stroke limit position is changed according to the lens position on the opposite axis (actually, lens driving data corresponding to the lens position) will be described. I do.

The circuit configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

The operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the flowchart of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the operation part unique to the third embodiment will be described. Steps after step # 25 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, and therefore are not shown. [Step # 61] This control determines whether the pitch is yaw or yaw. If it is pitch, the process proceeds to step # 62. [Step # 62] Yaw image blur correction drive data SFTD
Read RVY and read the value of stroke limit position DRVLMTP at the pitch corresponding to the value of SFTDRVY from the data table. The higher the value of SFTDRVY, the lower the value of DRVLMTP. [Step # 63] Compare SFTDRVP with DRVLMTP,
If the value of VLMTP is larger, proceed to step # 25,
If the value of SFTDRVP is larger, the process proceeds to step # 64. [Step # 64] Write the value of DRVLMTP to SFTDRVP.

If it is determined in step # 61 that the current control is yaw, the flow advances to step # 65. [Step # 65] Pitch image blur correction drive data SF
Read TDRVP and read the value of the yaw stroke limit position DRVLMTY according to the value of SFTDRVP from the data table. The higher the value of SFTDRVP, the lower the value of DRVLMTY. [Step # 63] Compare SFTDRVY with DRVLMTY,
If the value of VLMTY is larger, go to step # 25,
If the value of SFTDRVY is larger, the process proceeds to step # 67. [Step # 67] Write the value of DRVLMTY to SFTDRVY.

The subsequent operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Here, the operations in steps # 62 and # 65 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The horizontal axis in FIG. 9 is the yaw direction drive data SFTDRVY.
If the horizontal axis is the pitch direction drive data SFTDRVP, for example, when the value of SFTDRVY is within DRVY1, the limit position of SFTDRVP is set to be LMTP1, and when the value is within DRVY2, the pitch of the table data is set to be LMTP2. Set the limit position. If the limit position in the yaw direction is set in the same manner, the limit position has the shape shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, that is, the image blur correction range. The shape shown by the dotted line is a mechanical stroke end (image blur correction range when an electrical stroke limit position is not set).

As described above, by changing the value of the table data, the pitch and yaw can be separately set and the stroke limit position, that is, the image blur correction range can be changed in various shapes (not only a substantially circular shape, but also a square or a polygon as shown in FIG. 9). ), And image blur correction control suitable for each shooting state can be performed. This corresponds to the contents of claim 9.

In the third embodiment, the stroke limit position is set based on the table data. However, the stroke limit position may be calculated.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the switch SWIS for switching the image blur correction mode is used.
This shows an example in which both the image blur correction characteristic and the image blur correction range are switched by MODE.

The circuit configuration is the same as that of FIG. 6 in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition,
The description of the same parts as those in the flowchart of FIG. 7 in the second embodiment is omitted, and only the operation part unique to the fourth embodiment, that is, steps # 68 to # 76 will be described. Steps after step # 25 are the same as those shown in FIG. [Step # 68] The state of the switch SWISMODE is checked to determine whether the mode is mode 1 or mode 2. If the mode is mode 1, the process proceeds to step # 69. [Step # 69] Perform an integral operation at an integral cutoff frequency of 0.1 Hz. Since the mode 1 is a mode suitable for photographing a still subject, the cutoff frequency of the integration is set low. [Step # 70] Since the amount of eccentricity (sensitivity) of the correction lens with respect to the shake angle displacement changes depending on the zoom and focus positions, the adjustment is performed. The result is
Data equivalent to the amount to drive the correction lens (SFTDRVY
, SFTDRVP). [Step # 71] Since the mode is the mode 1, comparison with the stroke limit position DRVLMT1 is performed. If it is within DRVLMT1, the process proceeds to step # 25. If it is larger than DRVLMT1, the process proceeds to step # 53. [Step # 53] Write DRVLMT1 to SFTDRV.

If it is determined in step # 68 that the mode is the mode 2 as described above, the flow advances to step # 73. [Step # 73] Perform an integration operation at an integration cutoff frequency of 0.3 Hz. Since the mode 2 is a mode suitable for photographing a moving subject, the cutoff frequency of integration is set higher than that of the mode 1. [Step # 74] Since the amount of eccentricity (sensitivity) of the correction lens with respect to the shake angle displacement changes depending on the zoom and focus positions, the adjustment is performed. The result is
Data equivalent to the amount to drive the correction lens (SFTDRVY
, SFTDRVP). [Step # 75] Since the mode is the mode 2, comparison with the stroke limit position DRVLMT2 is performed. If it is within DRVLMT2, the process proceeds to step # 25. If it is larger than DRVLMT2, the process proceeds to step # 76. [Step # 76] Write DRVLMT2 to SFTDRV.

As described above, according to the mode selected by the switch SWISMODE, both the image blur correction characteristic and the image blur correction range suitable for the mode are selected. Can be performed.

In the fourth embodiment, the switch SWISMODE corresponds to the external operation means according to the tenth aspect, and when the mode 1 is selected by this switch,
When the processes of steps # 69 and # 70 are performed and mode 2 is selected, the processes of steps # 73 and # 74 are performed, and optimal image blur correction control can be performed. This corresponds to the contents of claims 10, 11, and 13.

If the stroke limit position (image blur correction range) is set in a data table corresponding to the drive data of the opposite axis as in the third embodiment, the pitch,
The yaw can be set separately and can be of various shapes. This corresponds to the contents of claim 14.

Further, the stroke limit position DRVLMT1 of mode 1 for photographing a still subject is set so as to abut a mechanical stroke end, that is, without providing an electric limit position, until the mechanical stroke end is hit. The correctable range may be expanded. This corresponds to the contents of claim 13. Also, in the same mode, for example, an electric stroke limit position is provided in the pitch direction (gravity direction), and no electric stroke limit position is provided in the yaw direction. The correction range may be expanded until the correction is performed. This corresponds to the contents described in claim 12.

Also in this embodiment, mode 1 is for photographing a still subject and mode 2 is for photographing a moving subject. However, the number of modes is further increased, and modes such as tripod mounting photography and walking photography are added. Or replaced with mode 1 or mode 2.

(Modification) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the pitch and yaw programs are shared, but they may be provided separately. Further, although an example in which the control is performed by digital control has been described, the control may be performed by analog control.

Also, an example in which the image stabilizing device is incorporated in an interchangeable lens has been described. However, the image stabilizing device is not provided in the interchangeable lens, and an adapter which is provided between the camera and the lens, such as an extender, or an interchangeable lens. It may take the form of an accessory that fits into any of the front-mounted conversion lenses.

Further, the present invention may be applied to cameras such as a lens shutter camera and a video camera, and further may be applied to other optical devices such as binoculars, other devices, and constituent units.

In the above embodiment, the angular velocity sensor is used as an example of the shake sensor.
Any sensor can be used as long as the shake can be detected, such as an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, an angular displacement sensor, a displacement sensor, and a method of detecting the image shake itself.

[0170]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function capable of preventing the correction optical unit from colliding with a movable limit end on a mechanical structure and ensuring the maximum image blur correction possible range.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function that can set an optimum image blur correction range for each operation state of the optical apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical apparatus having an image blur correction function capable of setting an optimum image blur correction characteristic and an image blur correction range for each operation state of the optical apparatus. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a single-lens reflex camera and an interchangeable lens according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a main operation in the lens microcomputer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a lock / unlock operation performed by the lens microcomputer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a timing of occurrence of an image blur correction interrupt performed by the lens microcomputer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image blur correction interruption operation performed by the lens microcomputer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a single-lens reflex camera and an interchangeable lens according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an image blur correction interrupt operation performed by a microcomputer in the interchangeable lens according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image blur correction interrupt operation performed by a microcomputer in the interchangeable lens according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image blur correction range according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image blur correction interrupt operation performed by a microcomputer in an interchangeable lens according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional vibration damping system.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the shake correction apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the shape of a hole in a support frame into which the holding means of FIG. 12 is inserted.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a support frame is incorporated into the main plate of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the main plate shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the support frame shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the lock ring shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a support frame and the like in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is an IC for amplifying the output of the position detecting element of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a state when the lock ring of FIG. 12 is driven.

21 is a diagram showing signal waveforms at the time of lock ring driving in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an image blur correction system of a general camera equipped with the image blur correction device.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a conventional image blur correction operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Lens microcomputer 102 Shake correction system 106 Shake sensor 107 Position sensor 108 Shake correction driving system 124 Image shake correction start switch 125 Image shake correction mode switching switch

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A correcting optical means for correcting an image blur caused by a shake applied to an image forming optical system in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image forming optical system; An image blur correction function having an image blur correction means for controlling the position of the correction optical means based on the first setting, wherein a first setting for setting an image blur correction possible range of the correction optical means in a first direction. Means, and second setting means for setting an image blur correction possible range in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the correction possible range is set by the first and second setting means. Optical equipment with an image blur correction function, wherein 2. The image blur correction means electrically restricts driving of the correction optical means in a first direction within an image blur correction range set by the first setting means. 2. The optical apparatus with an image blur correction function according to claim 1, wherein the driving of the correction optical unit in the second direction is electrically restricted within an image blur correction range set by the second setting unit. 3. The optical device with an image blur correction function according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a direction of gravity applied to the optical device. 4. The optical apparatus with an image blur correction function according to claim 3, wherein the range in which the image blur can be corrected in the first direction is smaller than the range in which the image blur can be corrected in the second direction. 5. A correcting optical means for correcting an image blur caused by a shake applied to an image forming optical system in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image forming optical system, and detecting the shake state, In an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function having image blur correction means for performing position control of the correction optical means on the basis of an external operation means for selecting an arbitrary image blur correction range from a plurality of image blur correction ranges. An optical device with an image blur correction function, comprising: 6. An image blur correction range that can be selected from among the plurality of image blur correction ranges is set to an image blur correction range in a first direction and an image blur correction range in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 6. The optical apparatus with an image blur correction function according to claim 5, wherein the correction ranges of the first direction and the second direction are different from each other. 7. An image blur correction range of one of the image blur correction range in the first direction and an image blur correction range in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the one of the image blur correction ranges is driven by the correction optical unit. 7. The optical apparatus with an image blur correction function according to claim 6, wherein the limit is determined by electrically limiting the limit, and the other one of the image blur correction ranges is determined by a mechanical structural limit. 8. An image blur correction range of one of the plurality of selectable ones is determined by electrically limiting a drive limit of the correction optical unit, and the other image blur correction range is:
6. The optical apparatus with an image blur correction function according to claim 5, wherein the optical apparatus is determined based on restrictions on a mechanical structure. 9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein one of the plurality of selectable image shake correction ranges is substantially circular, and the other image shake correction range is a polygon. Optical equipment with image blur correction function. 10. A correction optical means for correcting an image blur caused by a shake applied to an image forming optical system in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the image forming optical system; In an optical apparatus with an image blur correction function having an image blur correction function for performing position control of the correction optical means based on the image blur correction characteristic, and an image blur correction range of the correction optical means, each of a plurality of An optical apparatus having an image blur correction function, comprising an external operation means for selecting. 11. The optical apparatus with an image blur correction function according to claim 10, wherein a combination of the image blur correction characteristic and the image blur correction range is predetermined. 12. An image blur correction range when a certain one of a plurality of image blur correction characteristics is selected includes an image blur correction range in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 12. The image blur correction according to claim 11, wherein the image blur correction range is determined by setting an image blur correction range, and the correctable ranges in the first direction and the second direction are different from each other. Optical equipment with functions. 13. An image blur correction range of one of a plurality of image blur correction ranges,
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the drive limit of the correction optical unit is determined by electrically limiting the drive limit, and another one of the image blur correction ranges is determined based on a mechanical structure limit.
Or an optical device with an image blur correction function according to 11. 14. The image according to claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of image blur correction ranges is substantially circular, and the other image blur correction range is a polygon. Optical equipment with shake correction function. 15. An image blur correction characteristic of one of the plurality of image blur correction characteristics,
12. The image blur correction characteristic obtained by deteriorating characteristics in a low frequency band from other image blur correction characteristics, wherein the selected image blur correction range is narrower than the other image blur correction ranges.
An optical device with an image blur correction function as described.