JPH1138461A - Supported state discrimination device and image blurring correction device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately discriminate the supported state of an equipment and a camera by having a counting means updating a counted value when a shake signal becomes equal to or above or equal to or below a discriminating level and discriminating the supported state, based on whether the counted value is equal to or above a given value or not. SOLUTION: An output from an angular velocity sensor 1 for detecting shake is inputted to the A/D converter 6 of a microcomputer 5 by passing through a low-pass filter 2, a high-pass filter 3 and an amplifier 4. Then, the output is changed into an angle displacing signal by passing through the high-pass filter 7 and an integrator 8. Also, it passes a band-pass filter 9 so as to obtain the shake signal which is referred to in the case of simultaneously discriminating the supported state of the camera. Then, the shake signal and the discriminating level are compared, and a counter is incremented when the shake signal reaches the discriminating level, and it is discriminated whether the camera is in a state where it is installed at a tripod or it is held by hands based on whether the counted value exceeds the given value or not.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a support state judging device for judging a support state of a device based on a shake signal from a vibration detecting means for detecting a vibration applied to the device, and an image blur having the device. The present invention relates to improvement of a correction device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, there has been proposed an apparatus for correcting image blur by controlling vibration of an optical system such as a camera, that is, controlling vibration due to hand shake or the like. As a typical one of the shake correction methods used for a camera or the like, a part or all of a photographing optical system is driven based on shake information of a camera detected by a shake detection sensor to form an image plane. Is controlled.

However, in the conventional image blur correction apparatus, in order to generally correct the vibration of the camera shake or the vibration having a frequency distribution similar thereto, it is necessary to select a shake detection sensor and a shake correction optical system corresponding thereto. In addition, a response frequency band of the sensor and the driving mechanism is set. Therefore, when such an image blur correction device is used by being mounted on a tripod or the like, the following disadvantages occur.

(1) Even when little or no shake correction is required, the shake correction mechanism is operating and the power consumption increases.

(2) In a still camera, a high-frequency shock with a small displacement amplitude is generated by the quick return mirror or the shutter mechanism at the time of release, and this may cause an erroneous output of the shake detection sensor. In this case, the shake correction mechanism performs shake correction that is not related to camera shake, and promotes image shake.

(3) The low-frequency drift signal (fluctuation) output from the shake detection sensor causes the shake correction mechanism to perform shake correction irrespective of camera shake, thereby promoting image shake.

In order to eliminate these drawbacks, it has been proposed that if the output of the shake detection sensor is very small, it is determined that the camera is mounted on a tripod or the like, and image shake correction is not performed. In this case, when the amplitude of the shake displacement is small, the shake correction is uniformly prohibited. Therefore, when the camera is released, the shake of the high-frequency minute amplitude caused by the reaction due to the operation of the quick return mirror or the shutter (this is called camera shake). There was a problem that correction was not possible. This camera shake has a worse attenuation characteristic especially when the camera is mounted on a tripod than in a hand-held state. Therefore, it is better to perform shake correction in order to correct the camera shake.

[0008]

In order to solve this problem, the support state of the camera is automatically determined,
It has been proposed that the image blur correction characteristic is made variable according to the support state, and optimum image blur correction is performed for a hand-held state and a state where the apparatus is mounted on a tripod or the like.

The following method has been proposed as an example of the support state determination proposed so far.

(1) The shake signal output from the shake detection sensor is compared with a predetermined value at which camera shake does not occur. If the shake signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that the camera is in a hand-held state. I do.

(2) The shake signal output from the shake detection sensor is compared with a predetermined value at which camera shake does not occur, and if the state below the predetermined value continues to some extent, it is fixed to a tripod or the like. It is determined that it is in a hand-held state.

In general, in a still camera requiring quick shooting, the support state is determined in a relatively short time after the power supply to the shake detection sensor is turned on, that is, after a switch linked to an automatic focus adjustment operation or the like is turned on. It is desired. However, the output from the shake detection sensor usually includes a DC component in many cases, and it is necessary to pass through a DC cut filter in order to obtain a signal of only the original shake from which the DC component is completely removed. However, since the cutoff frequency of the DC cut filter needs to be set to an appropriate value that does not remove the camera shake signal, it takes a relatively long time to completely remove the DC component.

Therefore, in the methods (1) and (2) described above, if a determination is made in a relatively short time, a signal from which the DC component has not been completely removed or an instantaneous noise signal is erroneously determined. There is a possibility that the determination may be inconvenient, and that the determination accuracy may be reduced, for example, there is a possibility that some time may be required until the level falls within a certain level range even in a stationary state.

(Purpose of the Invention) A first object of the present invention is to provide a supporting state determining apparatus capable of accurately determining the supporting state of a device or a camera.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image blur correction device capable of performing optimal image blur correction on a supporting state.

A third object of the present invention is to further determine what kind of support member is used when it is determined that the device or camera is held by a hand or mounted on a support member, or that the device or camera is mounted on the support member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a support state determination device that can accurately determine whether the state is a.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a supporting state determination device which can more accurately determine the supporting state of a device or a camera.

[0018]

In order to achieve the first object, according to the present invention, there is provided a vibration detecting means for detecting a vibration applied to an apparatus or a camera, and a vibration detecting means for detecting the vibration. A support state determination unit that determines a support state of the device or the camera based on a shake signal from the unit, wherein the support state determination unit determines a shake signal from the vibration detection unit. A counter for updating the count value when the shake signal becomes equal to or greater than or equal to the determination level, and supporting the device or camera based on whether the count value of the counter means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This is a supporting state determination device for determining a state.

In order to achieve the second object,
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a determination is made by the support state determination apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, an image blur correction unit configured to correct image blur caused by vibration applied to the device, and the support state determination apparatus. The image blur correction characteristics suitable for the supported state
The image blur correction device includes an image blur correction control unit that operates the image blur correction unit.

Similarly, in order to achieve the second object,
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supporting state determining apparatus according to the seventh aspect, an image blur correcting unit for correcting an image blur caused by vibration applied to a camera, and a supporting state determined by the supporting state determining apparatus. The image blur correction device includes an image blur correction control unit that operates the image blur correction unit with an image blur correction characteristic suitable for the image blur correction device.

In order to achieve the third object,
According to the present invention as set forth in claims 9 to 11, the support state determining means includes:
And a peak value holding means for holding a maximum value of the first and second shake signals from the vibration detecting means, wherein a comparison result between the count value of the count means and a predetermined value is obtained, and the shake signal in the first direction is provided. And a support state determination device that determines a support state of the device based on a comparison result between the maximum value of the shake signal in the second direction and the maximum value of the shake signal in the second direction.

In order to achieve the second object,
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supporting state determining apparatus according to the tenth aspect, an image blur correcting unit for correcting an image blur caused by vibration applied to a camera, and a supporting state determined by the supporting state determining apparatus. The image blur correction device includes an image blur correction control unit that operates the image blur correction unit with an image blur correction characteristic suitable for the image blur correction device.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The present invention according to Claims 13, 14, and 16, wherein a vibration detecting means for detecting vibration applied to a device or a camera, and a supporting state for determining a supporting state of the device or the camera based on a shake signal from the vibration detecting means. A support state determination device having a determination unit, wherein the support state determination unit compares a shake signal from the vibration detection unit with a determination level, and counts when the shake signal is equal to or greater than the determination level. Counting means for updating the count value, time measuring means for measuring the time from the last update of the count value by the counting means to the current update time, time information and hand shake frequency measured by the time measuring means And updating control means for deciding whether or not to update the count value of the counting means even if the shake signal is equal to or more than the judgment level. The count value of said counter means in which a determining supporting state determination device supporting state of the device or camera based on whether more than a predetermined value.

In order to achieve the second object,
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a determination is made by the support state determination device according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, an image blur correction unit that corrects image blur caused by vibration applied to the device, and the support state determination device. An image blur correction device includes an image blur correction control unit that operates the image blur correction unit based on an image blur correction characteristic suitable for a supporting state.

Similarly, in order to achieve the second object,
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supporting state determining apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, an image blur correcting unit for correcting an image blur caused by vibration applied to a camera, and a supporting state determined by the supporting state determining apparatus. The image blur correction device includes an image blur correction control unit that operates the image blur correction unit with an image blur correction characteristic suitable for the image blur correction device.

[0026]

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an image blur correction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

This image blur correction device corrects image blur by moving a lens for image blur correction in the direction of arrows p (pitch) and y (yaw) in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

In FIG. 1, a lens holding frame 901 for holding a correction lens 900 can slide on a pitch slide shaft 903p via a slide bearing 902p. In addition, the pitch slide shaft 903p is
04. The intermediate arm 904 slides on a yaw slide shaft 903y via a slide bearing 902y. Then, the yaw slide shaft 903y is fixed to the yaw shaft holding base 921, and the holding base 921 is fixed to the fixed frame 906.

With the above mechanism, the lens holding frame 901, that is, the correction lens 900 can slide in the pitch direction with respect to the intermediate arm 904, and the intermediate arm 904 can slide in the yaw direction with respect to the fixed frame 906. Therefore, the lens holding frame 901 can move in both the pitch and yaw directions with respect to the fixed frame 906.

Thereafter, since the configuration is the same in the p and y directions, p
Only the direction will be described, and the description of the y direction will be omitted.

Next, a driving force generating mechanism of the lens holding frame 901 will be described.

A coil 905p is attached to the lens holding frame 901, and a magnetic circuit composed of a yoke 907p and a permanent magnet 908p is fixed to the fixed frame 906. Accordingly, by energizing the coil 905p, the lens holding frame 901 is driven in the pitch direction.

Next, the mechanism for detecting the displacement of the lens holding frame will be described.

Hole 909 provided in lens holding frame 901
P is provided with a slit 910p, a condenser lens 911p, and an infrared light emitting diode (IRED) 912p. A light receiver (PSD) 913p is provided on the fixed frame 906 facing the IRED 912p.

The near-infrared light projected from the IRED 912p passes through the slit 910p and is projected on the PSD 913p, and the PSD 913p outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the light, thereby reducing the displacement of the lens holding frame 901. Can be detected. Here, when the output of the PSD 913p is amplified by the amplifier 914p and input to the coil 905p through the drive circuit 915p, the lens holding frame 901 is driven and the output of the PSD 913p changes. This becomes a closed system indicated by a solid line, and is stabilized at the point where the output of PSD 913p becomes zero (neutral point). When the output of the shake sensor 916p corresponding to the shake amount is added to such a system, the lens holding frame 901 follows the movement with extremely high accuracy using the shake amount as a neutral point, and corrects the image shake.
(Correction lens 900) is driven.

Image blur correction is performed using such a system. When image blur correction is not performed, the image blur correction system such as the lens holding frame 901 is fixed at a predetermined position electrically or mechanically. (Locked). For example, considering that the camera is carried around, if it is not locked, there is no power to control the movement of the image blur correction system in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and the image blur compensation system is inadvertently shaken by the vibration caused by carrying. This is because the image blur correction system may move and generate sound due to collision with other surrounding members, and furthermore, damage or destruction of the image blur correction system due to impact may occur.

Conventionally, a method of electrically or mechanically performing such a lock mechanism has been proposed. The method of electrically performing, for example, is to input a constant signal and drive it to a fixed position, but from the viewpoint of power saving,
A mechanical locking method as shown in FIG. 1 is more prevalent than such an electrical method. That is, in FIG.
Reference numeral 21 corresponds to a lock means, and the protrusion 918 is sucked in the direction of the arrow to fit into the recess 917 formed in the lens holding frame 910, and a locked state is established. on the other hand,
By releasing the above suction state, the convex portion 918 is released.
Is released from the concave portion 917 to be in an unlocked state (a state in which anti-vibration control is possible).

Although the signal processing system of the shake sensor 916p has been simplified in FIG. 1, an example of a specific signal processing system is shown in FIG.

The output from the angular velocity sensor 951 corresponding to the shake sensor 916p is input to the signal processing circuit 952. In this signal processing circuit 952, first, noise is removed by a low-pass filter LPF, then DC is cut by a high-pass filter HPF, and further, amplification and processing of the low-pass filter AMP & LPF are performed twice. Then, it is taken into the microcomputer 953, and A /
D conversion is performed.

When the image blur correction operation is not performed, the angular velocity sensor 951 and the signal processing circuit 952 are used to save power.
The power supply of the amplifier inside is turned off, and the control is performed by controlling the switching circuit 954 with the output port of the microcomputer 953.

Further, the PSD 955 (PSD 913 in FIG. 1)
(corresponding to p) is also taken into the microcomputer 953 via the low-pass filter 956, and is similarly A / D converted. Then, the microcomputer 953 performs the field-back operation based on the shake output and the PSD output, outputs a PWM output to the coil driver 957 (corresponding to the drive circuit 915p in FIG. 1), and outputs the coil 958 (the coil 90 in FIG. 1).
5p), the correction lens is driven, and image blur correction is performed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the image blur correction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

An output from the angular velocity sensor 1 for detecting shake is input to an A / D converter 6 of a microcomputer 5 through a low-pass filter 2 for removing noise, a high-pass filter 3 for cutting DC components, and an amplifier 4. You. After that, it becomes an angular displacement signal through a high-pass filter 7 and an integrator 8. At the same time, the signal is passed through the band-pass filter 9 to obtain a shake signal to be referred to when determining the support state of the camera. The band of the band-pass filter may be set to a frequency at which the camera shake frequency (usually, the camera shake frequency is about 1 to 15 Hz) is not removed, and the high-frequency camera shake (about 100 Hz) is supported before the release. Need not be considered here.

Thereafter, based on the determination signal, the support state determination circuit 10 determines whether the camera is in a hand-held state or a state in which the camera is mounted on a tripod or the like. It changes to the shake correction characteristic. For example, the setting of the cut-off frequency of the high-pass filter 7 and the setting of the integration band can be considered. Then, the output of the position sensor 14 for detecting the position of the correction lens (the amplifier 13
And via the A / D converter 11) are added in the opposite polarity to perform a feedback operation, and the signal is output as PWM from the output port of the microcomputer 5, and is output to the
Accordingly, the correction lens is driven, and the image blur is canceled.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation in the microcomputer 5 of FIG.

Here, the image blur correction operation is performed by an interrupt process which is generated at regular intervals (for example, 500 μsec). Then, the control in the first direction, for example, the pitch direction (vertical direction) and the control in the second direction, for example, the yaw direction (horizontal direction) are performed alternately, so that the sampling cycle in one direction in this case is 1 msec. When an interrupt occurs, the mine 5 starts the operation from step # 1 in FIG. [Step # 1] It is determined whether the current control direction is pitch or yaw. Step # 2 if pitch
If yes, go to step # 3. [Step # 2] A data address is set so that various flags, coefficients, calculation results, and the like can be read and written as pitch data. [Step # 3] A data address is set so that various flags, coefficients, calculation results, and the like can be read and written as yaw data. [Step # 4] The output of the angular velocity sensor 1 is A / D-converted, and the result is stored in a predefined AD_DATA of the RAM. [Step # 5] It is determined whether or not an instruction to start image blur correction has been issued. If the instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to step # 6, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 30.

Here, an instruction to start image blur correction has been issued, and the process proceeds to step # 6. [Step # 6] Unlock the correction lens. This is performed, for example, as described with reference to FIG. [Step # 7] Power is supplied to the angular velocity sensor 1 and the analog signal processing system. [Step # 8] A high-pass filter operation for image stabilization control is performed. [Step # 9] Perform integral calculation for anti-vibration control,
The angular displacement output of the image blur is obtained (BURE_DATA). [Step # 10] A flag indicating whether or not the time for determining the support state of the camera has elapsed is determined.

Here, it is assumed that the predetermined time has not elapsed, that is, the time elapsed flag is at the Lo level (meaning low level), and the flow proceeds to step # 11. [Step # 11] A high-pass filter operation (DC component is quickly removed) for supporting state determination is performed. However, the signal on which the operation is performed is AD_DATA in step # 4. The cutoff frequency is set to such an extent that camera shake is not removed. [Step # 12] Perform low-pass filter operation (high-frequency noise removal) for support state determination (HANTEI_DATA)
). [Step # 13] It is determined whether the determination level to be compared with HANTEI_DATA is positive or negative.

[0050] Since the time of the first decision not determined the judgment level, it may be set in advance either level. The level value may be set to be slightly larger than the value output from the sensor when the camera is mounted on a tripod or the like. When the judgment level is positive, the process proceeds to step # 14, and when the judgment level is negative, the process proceeds to step # 17.

Here, it is assumed that the comparison determination level is positive, and the routine proceeds to step # 14. [Step # 14] The plus determination level is compared with the shake signal value (HANTEI_DATA). Runout signal value (HANTEI_D
ATA) is equal to or higher than the positive judgment level, step # 1
The process proceeds to step # 5, and if less than the plus determination level, the process proceeds to step # 20 in FIG. [Step # 15] Since the shake signal value (HANTEI_DATA) is equal to or higher than the plus determination level, the counter is incremented. The count value measured here is referred to when the support state is determined. [Step # 16] Set the judgment level to minus,
Go to step # 20 in FIG.

When the comparison judgment level is negative, the process proceeds from step # 13 to step # 17. [Step # 17] The minus judgment level is compared with the shake signal value (HANTEI_DATA). Runout signal value (HANTEI_D
ATA) is less than or equal to the negative judgment level, step #
The program proceeds to step # 18, and if it is larger than the minus judgment level, the program proceeds to step # 20 in FIG. [Step # 18] Since the shake signal value (HANTEI_DATA) is equal to or less than the negative judgment level, the counter is incremented. The count value measured here is referred to when the support state is determined. [Step # 19] The judgment level is set to plus, and the process proceeds to step # 20 in FIG.

By performing the processing of steps # 13 to # 19, a hysteresis effect can be added to the judgment level, so that a signal from which the DC component cannot be completely removed or an instantaneous noise signal is erroneously obtained. The possibility of determination can be reduced. [Step # 20] It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of power supply, that is, whether or not the time for determining the support state of the camera has elapsed. If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 21. Proceed to 26. [Step # 21] Since a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply, the time elapsed flag is set to Hi level (meaning high level).

Next, the support state of the camera is determined through steps # 22 and # 23 described below. There are two types of count values counted in step # 15 or step # 18, those for pitch direction control and those for yaw direction control. Usually, when taking a picture with the camera in a hand-held state, camera shake is present at least in one of the axes at least. Therefore, in the hand-held state, the count value increases because the number of times exceeding the determination level increases, and conversely, when the camera is mounted on a tripod, the count value hardly reaches the determination level, and the counter value decreases. In other words, since it is determined whether the handheld device is in the hand-held state based on whether the shake signal exceeds the determination level a plurality of times, there is a possibility that a false determination may be made for the shake signal or the instantaneous noise signal from which the DC component could not be completely removed. Can be reduced.

Here, if the counter value in either the pitch direction or the yaw direction exceeds a predetermined number, it is determined that the hand is held. Conversely, if the counter values in both the pitch direction and the yaw direction are less than a predetermined number, it is determined that the camera is mounted on a tripod. [Step # 22] If the counter value in the pitch direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the state is determined to be a hand-held state, and the flow proceeds to Step # 24. If less than the predetermined number, the flow proceeds to Step # 23 to determine in the other axis direction. [Step # 23] If the counter value in the yaw direction is equal to or more than the predetermined number, it is determined that the hand is held, and the process proceeds to Step # 24. If less than the predetermined number, it is determined that the device is mounted on a tripod, and the process proceeds to Step # 25. [Step # 24] Since the camera is in a hand-held state, the image blur correction characteristic is determined to favorably correct the camera shake. [Step # 25] Since the camera is mounted on a tripod, the image blur correction characteristic is determined so as to reduce the adverse effect (erroneous signal from the sensor) generated when the tripod is used. For example, the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter 7 is raised to the high frequency side to cut a low frequency signal, or the integration band of the integrator 8 is raised to the high frequency side to reduce the time constant. It is conceivable to reduce the influence of an erroneous signal.

Step # 1 in the process of determining the support state of the camera
Steps 3 to # 20 are performed every interruption until the predetermined time is reached, and steps # 21 to # 25 are performed only once after the predetermined time elapses to determine the support state. [Step # 26] The output of the position sensor 14 for detecting the position of the correction lens is captured and A / D converted (PSD_DA
TA). [Step # 27] The feedback calculation “(BURE_DAT
A)-(PSD_DATA) ". [Step # 28] A phase compensation calculation is performed to make a stable control system. [Step # 29] Perform PWM output to the coil driver 14. As a result, image stabilization control is performed, and image shake is corrected.

If the instruction to start image blur correction has not been issued in step # 5, the process proceeds to step # 30 as described above. [Step # 30] The correcting lens is locked.
This is performed, for example, as described with reference to FIG. [Step # 31] Power supply to the angular velocity sensor 1 and the analog signal processing system is stopped.

According to the above-described first embodiment, the shake signal is compared with the judgment level, and when the shake signal reaches the judgment level, the counter is incremented, and whether the count value exceeds a predetermined value is determined. Since it is determined whether the camera is mounted on a tripod or in a hand-held state, the determination can be made accurately. Then, since the image blur correction is performed using the image blur correction characteristic according to the support state, it is possible to perform the optimal image blur correction.

(Second Embodiment) Second embodiment of the present invention
The image blur correction device according to the embodiment will be described.

Although the block diagram showing the circuit configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, in this embodiment, a peak value holding unit is added to the support state determination circuit 10 shown in FIG. It is intended to more reliably determine the state of being mounted on a monopod in addition to a tripod.

Here, a brief description will be given of a shake signal when the camera is mounted on a monopod.

When a monopod is used, the monopod itself becomes the axis in the yaw direction, so that the yaw direction shake cannot be completely suppressed, but the pitch direction shake can be considerably suppressed. That is, in the present embodiment, it is considered that a feature of "pitch direction swing speed <yaw direction shake speed" appears, and further, a feature of "pitch direction counter value <yaw direction counter value" also appears.

In the present embodiment, since the outline is substantially the same as the flowchart showing the specific processing operation in the main 5 of FIG. 3 shown in the first embodiment, only the changed points will be described. .

First, step # 12 and step # in FIG.
13, the peak value holding unit (step # 12-1)
To # 12-10). FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of this part. [Step # 12-1] HA after step # 12 in FIG.
Determine whether NT_DATA is positive or negative. If it is positive, the process proceeds to step # 12-2, and if it is negative, the process proceeds to step # 12-5.

Here, it is assumed that HANT_DATA is positive and the process proceeds to step # 12-2. [Step # 12-2] The maximum value in the plus direction (PMAX_DATA) stored at the previous sampling is read. [Step # 12-3] PMAX_DATA is compared with HANT_DATA. If HANT_DATA is larger, step # 12 is performed.
The process proceeds to -4, and the maximum value is updated. If PMAX_DATA is larger, the maximum value is not updated, and the process proceeds to step # 12-8. [Step # 12-4] The maximum value in the plus direction is updated as PMAX_DATA = HANT_DATA, and the process proceeds to step # 12-8. In step # 12-1, if HANT_DATA is minus, the process proceeds to step # 12-5. [Step # 12-5] The maximum value in the minus direction (MMAX_DATA) stored at the time of the previous sampling is read. [Step # 12-6] MMAX_DATA is compared with HANT_DATA. If HANT_DATA is smaller, step # 12 is performed.
Proceed to -6 to update the maximum value. If MMAX_DATA is smaller, the maximum value is not updated, and the process proceeds to step # 12-8. [Step # 12-7] The maximum value in the negative direction is updated as MMAX_DATA = HANT_DATA, and step # 12-8 is performed.
Proceed to. [Step # 12-8] The maximum value in the plus direction (PMAX_D
ATA) and the absolute value of the maximum value in the negative direction (| MMAX_DATA
|), And if PMAX_DATA is greater, proceed to step # 12-9; otherwise, proceed to step # 1.
Proceed to 2-10. [Step # 12-9] The maximum value MAX = PMAX_DATA is set, and the process proceeds to step # 13 in FIG. [Step # 12-10] Maximum value MAX = | MMAX_DATA
And the process proceeds to step # 13 in FIG.

The above steps # 12-1 to # 12-10
By the above processing, the maximum value in the absolute value comparison of the shake signal for determination is held.

Further, the part for finally determining the support state of the camera with reference to the counter values and the like in steps # 22 to # 25 in FIG. 5 is replaced with a flowchart as shown in FIG. [Step # 22-1] If the counter value in the pitch direction is equal to or more than a predetermined number, it is determined that the hand is being held, and step # 22
The process proceeds to -8, and if less than the predetermined number, proceeds to step # 22-2. [Step # 22-2] The counter value in the pitch direction is compared with the counter value in the yaw direction. If the counter value in the yaw direction is larger, there is a possibility that the monopod is used.
Proceed to 22-3. If the counter value in the pitch direction is larger, there is no possibility of a monopod, and the process proceeds to step # 22-7. [Step # 22-3] Further, the maximum shake signal value in the pitch direction (MAX_DATA in the pitch direction) is compared with the maximum shake signal value in the yaw direction (MAX_DATA in the yaw direction) to determine the maximum shake signal value in the yaw direction. If is larger, there is a possibility of a monopod, so the process proceeds to step # 22-4. If the maximum shake signal value in the pitch direction is larger, there is no possibility of a single leg, and the process proceeds to step # 22-7. [Step # 22-4] Further, in order to enhance the accuracy of the monopod determination, it is determined whether or not the maximum shake signal value in the yaw direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined value corresponding to the use of the monopod.
If the value is equal to or more than the predetermined value, there is a possibility of a monopod.
Proceed to 2-5. If it is less than the predetermined value, there is no possibility of a monopod,
Proceed to step # 22-7. [Step # 22-5] Further, it is determined whether or not the maximum shake signal value in the pitch direction is less than a predetermined value. If it is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the condition when the camera is mounted on a monopod is satisfied, the camera is determined to be in a state mounted on a monopod, and the process proceeds to step # 22-6. If the value is equal to or more than the predetermined value, it is determined that the device is in a hand-held state, and the process proceeds to step # 22-8. [Step # 22-6] Since the camera is mounted on a monopod, image blur correction characteristics optimal for the monopod are determined.

If there is no possibility of monopod installation in step # 22-2, # 22-3 or # 22-4, the process proceeds to step # 22-7. [Step # 22-7] If the counter value in the yaw direction is equal to or more than the predetermined number, it is determined that the hand is being held, and step # 22-
If the number of times is less than the predetermined number, it is determined that the camera is mounted on a tripod, and the flow proceeds to step # 22-9. [Step # 22-8] Since the camera is in the hand-held state, the image blur correction characteristic is determined to favorably correct the camera shake. [Step # 22-9] Since the camera is mounted on a tripod, the image blur correction characteristic is determined so as to reduce an erroneous signal from the sensor that becomes conspicuous when the camera is mounted on a tripod. For example, the cut-off frequency of the high-pass filter 7 is raised to the high frequency side to cut low frequency signals and DC components, and the lower limit of the integration band of the integrator 8 is raised to the high frequency side to lower the frequency. For a signal in a frequency range, it may be possible to make it more difficult to perform image blur correction.

The other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

According to the second embodiment, the peak value holding section for holding the maximum value in the pitch and yaw directions is provided, and the counter value by the counter and the peak value by the peak value holding section are respectively compared with the predetermined values. By doing so, the camera's support state is determined, so it is necessary to determine not only whether the camera is in a hand-held state or a state mounted on a tripod, but also whether it is mounted on a monopod. Becomes possible. Therefore, image blur correction suitable for each support state can be performed.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention.
The image blur correction device according to the embodiment will be described.

The block diagram showing the circuit configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, a time measurement unit is added to the support state determination circuit 10 to detect only the shake frequency. In this manner, the accuracy of the determination is further improved.

In the first and second embodiments, the counter is incremented unconditionally when the judgment level is reached. Therefore, an erroneous judgment is made for any high-frequency noise signal which is not limited to camera shake. Could be.

In the third embodiment, the second embodiment
Since the outline is the same as that of the flowchart showing the specific processing operation in the main 5 shown in the embodiment, only the changed points will be described.

Step # 15 (when the judgment level is plus) and step # 18 (when the judgment level is minus) in FIG. 4 are replaced with steps # 101 to # 105 described below, respectively. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of this part. [Step # 101] Current time from power supply start (SW1_
TIME). [Step # 102] The time (INC_TIME) from the start of power supply in which the counter was incremented last time is read.

In the next step, it is determined whether the shake signal is a signal corresponding to the shake frequency. As a determination method, the frequency is roughly detected by measuring the time between increments of the counter. Here, this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a shake signal.
However, it is assumed that the DC component of this shake signal is substantially cut, and that only the shake component exists. In the figure, the cycle of the shake signal is represented by T, and the time (cycle) of the increment of the counter and the next increment is represented by T '. Therefore, it can be considered that “T = 2T ′” from FIG. Thus, the time T between the counter increments
′ Can be expressed as T ′ ≒ (１ ／) × T = (１ ／) × (1 / f) where f is the shake frequency. Here, the frequency band due to camera shake is about 1 to 1
Since it is known that the frequency is 5 Hz, if this frequency is converted to time, it becomes "0.025 to 0.5 sec". Therefore, if the time between counter increments is in this range,
It can be regarded as a signal corresponding to camera shake. [Step # 103] Time ((SW1_TIME)-(INC_TIME)) between increments of the counter is 0.025 sec or more.
It is determined whether it exists within 0.5 sec. If it is within the time, it is regarded as a shake signal due to hand shake, and step #
Proceed to 104. If it is out of time, it is regarded as a low-frequency or high-frequency signal that is not due to camera shake, and the process proceeds to step # 16 or step # 19 in FIG. [Step # 104] The counter is incremented. [Step # 105] The time from the start of power supply in which the counter is incremented this time is written to INC_TIME. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step # 16 (when the judgment level is plus) or step # 19 (when the judgment level is minus) in FIG.

The other steps are the same as those in the second embodiment, and will not be described here.

According to the third embodiment, the counter is not incremented for a shake signal other than the shake frequency, even if the determination level is exceeded, and only the shake frequency is detected. Because it was
Further, the support state of the camera can be reliably determined. That is, the possibility of erroneous determination of some high-frequency noise signal other than camera shake is drastically reduced.

(Modification) The present invention shows an example in which an angular velocity sensor is used as the vibration detecting means. However, the angular acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor, the velocity sensor, the angular displacement sensor,
Any means may be used as long as it can detect a displacement sensor and a shake.

According to the present invention, a shift optical system for moving an optical member in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, a light flux changing means such as a variable apex angle, and a photographing screen in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis are used as image blur correction means. Any device, such as a moving device, can be used as long as the image blur can be corrected.

The present invention has been described as applied to a camera such as a single-lens reflex camera, a lens shutter camera, and a video camera. However, the present invention can be applied to other optical devices and other devices, and furthermore, to a constituent unit. .

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a support state determination device that can accurately determine a support state of a device or a camera.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image blur correction apparatus capable of performing an optimum image blur correction on a supporting state.

Further, according to the present invention, since the peak value holding means is provided in the supporting state determining means, the apparatus or the camera is held by the hand, mounted on the supporting member, or mounted on the supporting member. If it is determined that the support member is provided, it is possible to provide a support state determination device that can further accurately determine what kind of support member is.

Further, according to the present invention, the time measurement means is provided in the support state determination means so that the count value can be updated only by the camera shake frequency, so that the support state of the device or the camera can be more accurately determined. It is possible to provide a supporting state determination device capable of performing the above-mentioned operations.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mechanical configuration of a general image blur correction device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a signal processing system of the image blur correction device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the image blur correction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the image blur correction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the operation in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the second embodiment of the present invention, which is different from step # 12 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the second embodiment of the present invention, which is different from step # 21 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a portion of the third embodiment of the present invention, which is changed from step # 7 or # 14 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a time between increments of a counter according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Angular velocity sensor 2 Low-pass filter 3, 7 High-pass filter 4 Amplifier 5 Microcomputer 8 Integrator 9 Band-pass filter 10 Support state judgment circuit 12 Coil driver 14 Correction lens position sensor

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A support state determination device comprising: vibration detection means for detecting vibration applied to a device; and support state determination means for determining a support state of the device based on a shake signal from the vibration detection means. The support state determination unit includes a count unit that compares a shake signal from the vibration detection unit with a determination level and updates a count value when the shake signal is equal to or greater than or equal to a determination level; A support state determination device for determining a support state of the device based on whether a count value of the device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. 2. The judgment level has a certain level width, and the count value of the counting means is updated when the shake signal is equal to or higher than the judgment level and when the count value is equal to or lower than the judgment level. 2. The support state judging device according to claim 1, wherein the judgment level is set to a different level value within the certain level width. 3. The supporting state determination device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detecting means detects vibration applied to the device in first and second directions different from each other. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the counting means performs a counting operation by comparing the shake signals in the first and second directions from the vibration detecting means with a determination level. Support state determination device. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support state determination unit determines whether the device is held by a hand or mounted on a support member based on the count value of the count unit. Or the support state determination device according to 4. 6. A support state determination device according to claim 1, 4 or 5, an image shake correction means for correcting image shake caused by vibration applied to the device, and a support state determined by said support state determination device. An image blur correction device, comprising: an image blur correction control unit that activates the image blur correction unit with an image blur correction characteristic suitable for the image blur correction device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device is a camera, and the support state determination unit is configured to perform a determination based on a count value of the count unit.
The supporting state determination device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the camera is held by a hand or mounted on a tripod. 8. A support state determination device according to claim 7, an image shake correction unit for correcting image shake caused by vibration applied to a camera, and an image suitable for a support state determined by the support state determination device. An image shake correction apparatus, comprising: an image shake correction control unit that operates the image shake correction unit based on a shake correction characteristic. 9. The support state determining means includes a peak value holding means for holding a maximum value of the first and second shake signals from the vibration detecting means. 5. The support state of the device is determined based on a comparison result between the value and a maximum value of the shake signal in the first direction and a maximum value of the shake signal in the second direction. Support state determination device. 10. The device is a camera, and the support state determination unit compares the count value of the counting unit with a predetermined value, and determines whether the camera is held by hand or mounted on a support member. Is determined, and further, by comparing the count value of the counting means with a predetermined value, and comparing the maximum value of the shake signal in the first direction with the maximum value in the second direction, the support member can be mounted on a tripod. 10. The support state determination device according to claim 9, wherein it is determined whether the object is a monopod or a monopod. 11. The first direction is a vertical direction when the camera is held at a normal position, the second direction is a horizontal direction, and the support state determination unit determines a maximum of a horizontal shake signal. 11. The support state determination device according to claim 10, wherein when the value is larger than the maximum value of the vertical shake signal, it is determined that the camera is mounted on a monopod. . 12. A support state determination device according to claim 10, image shake correction means for correcting image shake caused by vibration applied to a camera, and an image suitable for a support state determined by said support state determination device. An image shake correction apparatus, comprising: an image shake correction control unit that operates the image shake correction unit based on shake correction characteristics. 13. A support state determination device comprising: vibration detection means for detecting vibration applied to a device; and support state determination means for determining a support state of the device based on a shake signal from the vibration detection means. The support state determination means compares a shake signal from the vibration detection means with a determination level, and updates the count value when the shake signal is equal to or greater than the determination level; and A time measurement unit that measures the time from the previous update of the count value to the current update, and the relationship between the time information and the shake frequency measured by the time measurement unit, the shake signal is equal to or greater than the determination level or Update control means for deciding whether or not to update the count value in the count means, wherein the count value of the counter means is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Supporting state determination apparatus characterized by determining a supporting state of the device based on whether or not. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the support state determination unit determines whether the device is held by a hand or mounted on a support member based on the count value of the count unit. The support state determination device according to any one of the preceding claims. 15. A support state determining apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, an image shake correcting means for correcting image shake caused by vibration applied to a device, and suitable for a support state determined by said support state determining apparatus. An image blur correction control means for operating the image blur correction means based on the image blur correction characteristics. 16. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the device is a camera, and the support state determination unit determines whether the camera is held by a hand or mounted on a tripod, based on a count value of the count unit. Claim 1.
4. The support state determination device according to 3. 17. A support state determining apparatus according to claim 16, an image shake correcting means for correcting image shake caused by vibration applied to a camera, and an image suitable for a support state determined by said support state determining apparatus. An image shake correction apparatus, comprising: an image shake correction control unit that operates the image shake correction unit based on a shake correction characteristic.