JP2004241922A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus that completes centering for hand-shake correction in proper timing without letting a photographer feel unpleasant nor uneasy. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera (imaging apparatus) has a hand-shake correcting mechanism which corrects a hand shake by driving a correcting lens about a reference position and a grip switch (Sg) for detecting the photographer gripping a grip. When the grip switch Sg is turned on before photography, centering is carried out to put the center of the correction lens back to the reference position. Consequently, the centering can be started before a picture is taken and before the photographer becomes able to clearly view the finder (LCD). Consequently, the centering can be carried out in proper timing without letting the photographer feel unpleasant nor uneasy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００６０】
表１のように、電源（Ｓ０）オンの場合で、グリップＳＷ１５（Ｓｇ）がオンの場合には、手振れ補正ボタン１２の押下による手振れ補正モードの設定の有無に関わらず、本撮影（Ｓ２オン）前には補正レンズ３１のセンタリングが行われる。
【００６１】
また、電源（Ｓ０）オフの場合においては、グリップＳＷ１５（Ｓｇ）がオフのときに超音波モータ３４の駆動が行われないが、スイッチＳｇがオンのときに補正レンズ３１のセンタリングが行われる。これは、グリップＧＰを撮影者が握っている場合、電源オンした直後に撮影を開始する可能性があり、これに備えるためである。これにより、センタリングの違和感や不快感を低減できる。
【００６２】
なお、電源オフの場合には、スイッチＳｇがオンのときでもセンタリングを行わないようにしても良い。
【００６３】
以上のデジタルカメラ１Ａの動作により、撮影者がグリップＧＰを把持したことを検出して補正レンズ３１のセンタリングを行うため、撮影前であって撮影者がファインダの明瞭な視認が可能となる前にセンタリングを開始できる。すなわち、撮影者に不快感や不安感を与えずに適切なタイミングでセンタリングを行えることとなる。
【００６４】
また、手ぶれ補正モードに移行したままデジタルカメラ１Ａを放置する際、スイッチＳｇのオンを判定（ステップＳＰ３）し、グリップＧＰが把持されていない場合にはセンタリングが行われないため、消費電力の削減にも寄与する。
【００６５】
一般にデジタルカメラは一定の大きさを有するため撮影者が保持しなければ各種の操作が困難であり、また保持中においてはＬＣＤやＥＶＦなどのファインダーをいつ覗くか不明であるため、補正レンズのセンタリング移動量を極力抑制する必要がある。このため、センタリングは常にチェックする必要があるが、撮影者によるグリップＧＰの把持を検出するグリップＳＷ１５は、この要求に適合し、撮影動作の開始を適切に検知できる。
【００６６】
また、しばらく放置した後にデジタルカメラ１Ａを操作する場合には、デジタルカメラ１Ａを把持せずに操作するのは難しく、グリップＧＰを握ってから一定時間は撮影者の目線が安定せずＬＣＤ１０やＥＶＦ２０などのファインダを注視できない。このため、グリップＳＷ１５で撮影動作の開始を検出してセンタリングを行う場合には、センタリングによる補正レンズの移動量が大きくなっても撮影者に不快感を与えることが少なくなる。
【００６７】
＜第２実施形態＞
本発明の第２実施形態に係るデジタルカメラ１Ｂは、図１〜図５に示す第１実施形態のデジタルカメラ１Ａと類似の構成を有しているが、制御部４０が異なっている。
【００６８】
すなわち、デジタルカメラ１Ｂの制御部４０では、次で説明する動作を行うプログラムが格納されている。
【００６９】
＜デジタルカメラ１Ｂの動作＞
図８は、デジタルカメラ１Ｂの基本的な動作を説明するフローチャートである。
【００７０】
ステップＳＰ３１〜ステップＳＰ４３では、図６のフローチャートに示すステップＳＰ１〜ＳＰ１３と同様の動作を行う。
【００７１】
ステップＳＰ４４では、補正レンズ３１の駆動制御をオフにする。これは、ステップＳＰ３３でスイッチＳｇがオフと判定される場合に行われる動作で、手振れ補正モード（ステップＳＰ３６）に移行している場合でも、撮影者によりグリップＧＰが把持されないときには手振れ補正が中断される。換言すれば、手振れ補正動作中において撮影者によるグリップＧＰの接触を検出した場合に、補正レンズ３１の駆動が開始される。すなわち、手振れ補正モードに設定される場合で、グリップＳＷ１５で撮影者の接触を検出する場合にのみ、超音波モータによる補正レンズ３１の駆動を能動化して手振れ補正が行われることとなる。
【００７２】
通常、撮影者がグリップＧＰを把持している場合に手振れ補正が必要となるが、把持されない場合に不要な手振れ補正動作をステップＳＰ４４の動作により省略でき、省電力化が図れる。
【００７３】
以上のデジタルカメラ１Ｂの動作によっても、ファインダの視認中には撮影者に移動量の少ないセンタリングを意識させ、ファインダを明瞭に視認できない場合には移動量の大きいセンタリングを行うため、第１実施形態のデジタルカメラと同様に、撮影者に不快感や不安感を与えずに適切なタイミングでセンタリングを行える。
【００７４】
＜変形例＞
◎上記の各実施形態においては、グリップＳＷ１５によって撮影者の接触を検出するのは必須でなく、例えばアイセンサ２５（図４）によって撮影者の接近を検出しても良い。この場合、ＥＶＦ２０（アイセンサ２５）に対して撮影者が所定の距離、例えば２〜５ｃｍまで接近したのを検出するときに、補正レンズのセンタリングを行うのが好ましい。これにより、撮影者がＥＶＦ２０を覗き込む直前にセンタリングが行えるため、適切なタイミングでセンタリングが行えることとなる。
【００７５】
◎上記の各実施形態の手振れ補正については、補正レンズを駆動するのは必須でなく、撮像素子を駆動しても良い。この場合も、手振れ補正を適切に行えることとなる。
【００７６】
◎上記の各実施形態については、デジタルカメラとして構成されるのは必須でなく、銀塩カメラとして構成されても良い。
【００７７】
◎上記の各実施形態における基準位置ＢＰについては、可動範囲の中心であるのは必須でなく、可動範囲の中心を多少ずれた位置であっても良い。
【００７８】
◎上述した具体的実施形態には、以下の構成を有する発明が含まれている。
【００７９】
（１）請求項４に記載の撮像装置において、前記制御手段は、前記接眼検知センサによりファイダーに対して撮影者が所定の距離まで接近したのを検出する場合に、前記基準位置に前記補正素子の中心を移動させる手段を有することを特徴とする撮像装置。
【００８０】
これにより、撮影者がファインダ画面を明瞭に視認する前にセンタリングが開始されるため、撮影者に違和感を与えない。
【００８１】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、請求項１ないし請求項５の発明によれば、撮影者の接触または接近を検出した場合には、所定の可動範囲の中心に相当する基準位置に、手振れ補正で用いられる補正素子の中心を移動させるため、手振れ補正に係るセンタリングを、撮影者に不快感や不安感を与えずに適切なタイミングで行える。
【００８２】
特に、請求項２の発明においては、手振れ補正モードに設定される場合で、撮影者の接触または接近を検出する場合には、駆動手段を能動化して手振れ補正を行う。その結果、撮影動作に入る前には不要な手振れ補正が行われないため、省電力化が図れる。
【００８３】
また、請求項３の発明においては、補正素子が光学レンズまたは撮像素子であるため、手振れ補正を適切に行える。
【００８４】
また、請求項４の発明においては、検出手段では、グリップに対する撮影者の接触を検出するグリップスイッチ、またはファインダに対する撮影者の接近を検知する接眼検知センサにより検出が行われるため、撮影前であって撮影者がファインダの明瞭な視認が可能となる前にセンタリングを適切に行える。
【００８５】
また、請求項５の発明においては、駆動手段が超音波アクチュエータを用いて補正素子を移動させるため、手振れ補正機構を小型化できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態に係るデジタルカメラ１Ａの要部構成を示す図である。
【図２】デジタルカメラ１Ａの要部構成を示す図である。
【図３】デジタルカメラ１Ａの要部構成を示す図である。
【図４】アイセンサ２５を説明するための図である。
【図５】手振れ補正機構を説明するたの図である。
【図６】デジタルカメラ１Ａの基本的な動作を説明するフローチャートである。
【図７】センタリング処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【図８】本発明の第２実施形態に係るデジタルカメラ１Ｂの基本的な動作を説明するフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１Ａ、１Ｂ デジタルカメラ
１０ ＬＣＤ
１１ レリーズボタン
１２ 手振れ補正ボタン
１５ グリップスイッチ（ＳＷ）
２０ ＥＶＦ
２５ アイセンサ
３１ 補正レンズ
３１ａ 補正レンズの中心
３４、３４ａ、３４ｂ 超音波モータ
４０ 制御部
ＢＰ 基準位置
Ｓ０、Ｓ１、Ｓ２、Ｓｔ、Ｓｇ スイッチ
ＴＨ スラスト部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of correcting camera shake.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some imaging devices such as cameras have a camera shake correction function. In this camera shake correction, an operation of driving a correction element (correction optical element) such as a correction lens by an actuator is performed, but the movable range of the correction element by the actuator is finite.
[0003]
Therefore, an imaging apparatus that performs an operation of returning the correction element to the center of the movable range (hereinafter, referred to as “centering”) before photographing or the like in order to effectively perform camera shake correction has been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2). reference).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2752073 [Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-321613 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the centering is performed when the release button is pressed, there is a possibility that an image jumps in the finder while the photographer is looking at the finder, which makes the photographer uncomfortable. And anxiety.
[0006]
Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, centering is performed after the end of the release operation or the like, but the centering is not necessarily performed immediately before shooting, which is an effective timing.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an imaging apparatus that can perform centering related to camera shake correction at an appropriate timing without giving a photographer a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an imaging apparatus capable of performing camera shake correction, comprising: (a) an imaging unit including an imaging optical system and having a correction element used in the camera shake correction; b) driving means for moving the correction element within a predetermined movable range; (c) detecting means for detecting contact or approach of a photographer with the imaging device; and (d) detection of the photographer by the detecting means. A control unit that moves the center of the correction element to a reference position corresponding to the center of the predetermined movable range when contact or approach is detected.
[0009]
Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (e) a setting means for setting a camera shake correction mode for performing the camera shake correction, and (f) a setting means for setting the camera shake correction mode. When the detecting means detects the contact or approach of the photographer, the detecting means further activates the driving means to perform the camera shake correction.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the first or second aspect, the correction element is an optical lens or an imaging element.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the detecting means detects a contact of the photographer with the grip by a grip switch or a photographer with respect to the viewfinder. Detection is performed by an eyepiece detection sensor that detects approach.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the driving means moves the correction element using an ultrasonic actuator.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
<First embodiment>
<Main configuration of digital camera>
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are views showing a main part configuration of a digital camera 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view, FIG. 2 is a top view, and FIG. Equivalent to. These drawings do not always follow the triangular projection, and the main purpose is to conceptually illustrate the main configuration of the digital camera 1A.
[0014]
The digital camera 1A includes an imaging unit 3 including an imaging optical system 30 including a lens group. The photographing unit 3 has a camera shake correction mechanism that corrects camera shake at the time of photographing instead of using an electronic method (to be described later in detail).
[0015]
The subject image formed by the imaging optical system 30 is photoelectrically converted by a CCD (imaging device) in the imaging unit 3 and is obtained as an image signal.
[0016]
The grip GP on the front of the digital camera 1A is provided with a grip switch (SW) 15 for detecting that the photographer has gripped the digital camera 1A. The grip SW15 functions as a detecting unit that detects a photographer, specifically, a contact of the photographer with the digital camera 1.
[0017]
On the upper surface of the digital camera 1A, a release button 11 for a photographer to give an instruction for photographing and a camera shake correction button 12 are provided. The release button 11 is a two-stage switch capable of detecting a half-pressed state and a fully-pressed state. The camera shake correction button 12 is a switch for setting a camera shake correction mode for performing camera shake correction.
[0018]
On the upper surface of the digital camera 1A, a mode switching dial 13 for switching between “power off” and camera modes, that is, “photographing mode”, “playback mode”, and “setting mode” is provided. When power-off is selected with the mode switching dial 13, the power supply to each section of the digital camera 1A is turned off, and when each camera mode is selected, the mode shifts to each mode. The photographing mode is a mode for photographing, and the reproducing mode is a mode for reproducing and displaying photographed image data recorded on the memory card 8 on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 10 or the like. The setting mode is a mode for setting the digital camera 1A.
[0019]
A memory slot 81 into which the memory card 8 can be inserted and mounted is provided on a side surface of the digital camera 1A.
[0020]
On the rear left side of the digital camera 1A, an LCD 10, which is a liquid crystal display for performing live view display of a subject, reproduction display of a recorded image, and the like, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) 20 are provided. The LCD 10 and the EVF 20 function as a finder.
[0021]
The EVF 20 has a display screen smaller than the LCD 10 and includes an eye sensor 25 for detecting an eyepiece. The eye sensor 25 is a part that detects whether the photographer looks into the EVF 20 and comes into contact with (approaches to) the EVF 20, and functions as an eyepiece detection sensor (eyepiece detection switch). As shown in FIG. 4, the eye sensor 25 has a pair of light-emitting elements and a light-receiving element. Outgoing light LS emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by the photographer's eyes, and the reflected light LR is detected by the light-receiving element. In this case, the eyepiece is detected.
[0022]
<About camera shake correction mechanism>
The camera shake correction mechanism in the imaging unit 3 is configured as an active camera shake correction mechanism that swings the correction element by feeding back the output of the angular velocity sensor that detects the shake.
[0023]
Examples of an actuator used for the active camera shake correction include a swing coil, a DC motor, and an ultrasonic motor. These features are described below.
[0024]
(1) Rocking coil:
Since no driving force transmitting member is required, a response delay due to backlash can be prevented, but the torque generated per volume (mass) is relatively small because of the coil and the magnet. In addition, since there is no support when power is not supplied, a holding mechanism for holding the correction element near the center is required.
[0025]
(2) DC motor:
If the starting torque is large, the above-described holding mechanism is not necessary in principle, but the backlash of the transmission member is large and is not suitable for precise camera shake correction.
[0026]
(3) Ultrasonic motor:
Among the ultrasonic motors, the rotary type has the same characteristics as the DC motor described above. However, the linear (linear) type can omit a driving force transmitting member, generates a large amount of torque per volume, and uses friction coupling. Therefore, a holding mechanism is unnecessary in principle (however, a displacement may occur due to an impact). It is also suitable for reducing the size of the camera shake correction mechanism.
[0027]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a camera shake correction is performed using a linear type ultrasonic motor.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the camera shake correction mechanism.
[0029]
A correction lens (optical lens) 31 serving as a correction element in the imaging unit 3 is held by an XY table 32.
[0030]
The XY table 32 includes a frame 33 supporting the periphery of the correction lens 31, two ultrasonic motors 34 (34a, 34b), rods 35 (35a, 35b) coupled to the ultrasonic motors 34, and two And a connecting member 36 connected to the rods 35a and 35b.
[0031]
The ultrasonic motor 34 is an ultrasonic actuator driven by a driver 37 (37a, 37b), and has a piezoelectric (piezo) element. As the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, the rod 35a vibrates in the direction Va and the rod 35b vibrates in the direction Vb.
[0032]
The connecting member 36 has a configuration in which the rods 35a and 35b are inserted at the thrust portion TH. In the thrust portion TH, the rod 35 and the connecting portion 36 are frictionally coupled, but the frictional force is set to be larger than the total weight of the swinging portion (XY table). As a result, when the ultrasonic motor 34 is not driven, the correction lens 31 is held stationary.
[0033]
Also, by driving the ultrasonic motor 34 by inputting a triangular wave to the driver 37, a so-called worm action is performed in the thrust portion TH, so that the relative position of the connecting member 36 with respect to the rods 35a and 35b can be changed. That is, when the rod 35 moves at a high speed, a slip occurs at the thrust portion TH and the relative position of the rod 35 with respect to the connecting member 36 changes, while when the rod 35 moves at a low speed, the thrust portion TH The relative position of the rod 35 with respect to the connecting member 36 does not change due to the frictional force. Accordingly, the correction lens 31 can be moved on the XY plane around the reference position BP, which is the center (drive center) of the movable range of the correction lens 31. Note that the reference position BP preferably coincides with the optical axis of the imaging optical system 30. Then, in the centering relating to the camera shake correction, the correction lens 31 is moved so that the center 31a of the correction lens 31 coincides with the reference position BP.
[0034]
The camera shake correction is controlled by a control unit 40 having a CPU and a memory. This control system will be described below.
[0035]
The controller 40 is connected with a gyro 41 for detecting the shaking of the digital camera 1A and a position sensor 42 for detecting the position of the correction lens 31 in the X and Y directions. The display unit 5 including the LCD 10 and the EVF 20 and the timer 6 are connected to the control unit 40.
[0036]
The gyro unit 41 includes two gyro sensors that detect the angular velocity of the digital camera 1A in each of the X direction and the Y direction.
[0037]
With such a configuration of the control system, it is possible to feed back the vibration of the digital camera 1A detected by the gyro unit 41 to the ultrasonic motor 34 via the control unit 40, so that the correction lens 31 performs camera shake correction. It can be driven.
[0038]
The control unit 40 includes a switch S0 that is turned on when the power is turned on by the mode switching dial 13, a switch S1 that is turned on when the release button 11 is half-pressed, and a switch that is turned on when the release button 11 is fully pressed. S2 is connected. The control unit 40 is connected to a switch St that is turned on when the camera shake correction button 12 is pressed and a switch Sg that is turned on when gripping is detected by the grip SW15.
[0039]
<Operation of Digital Camera 1A>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the digital camera 1A. This operation is executed by the control unit 40.
[0040]
When the digital camera 1A is activated by operating the mode switching dial 13 of the digital camera 1A, a captured image is displayed on the LCD 10 (or the EVF 20) (step SP1).
[0041]
In step SP2, it is determined whether the switch S0 is on. That is, it is determined whether or not “power off” is selected by the mode switching dial 13. Here, if the switch S0 is on, the process proceeds to step SP3, and if it is off, the process returns to step SP2.
[0042]
In step SP3, it is determined whether the switch Sg is on. That is, the grip SW 15 determines whether or not the photographer has gripped the grip GP. Here, if the switch Sg is on, the process proceeds to step SP4, and if it is off, the process returns to step SP5.
[0043]
In step SP4, a centering process of the correction lens 31 is performed (described later). As described above, the centering process of the correction lens 31 when the switch Sg is on is generally performed when the photographing operation of the digital camera 1A is started, because the photographer often first grips the grip GP first. It is.
[0044]
In step SP5, it is determined whether the switch St is on. That is, it is determined whether or not the camera shake correction button 12 has been pressed to shift to the camera shake correction mode. Here, when the switch St is on, the process proceeds to step SP6, and when the switch St is off, the process returns to step SP7.
[0045]
In step SP6, the drive control of the correction lens 31 is turned on. As a result, an active camera shake correction operation is performed in which the shake of the digital camera 1A is detected and fed back to the drive of the ultrasonic motor 34.
[0046]
In step SP7, the drive control of the correction lens 31 is turned off. As a result, the camera shake correction operation is not performed.
[0047]
In step SP8, it is determined whether the switch S1 is on. That is, it is determined whether or not the release button 11 is half-pressed. Here, when the switch S1 is on, the process proceeds to step SP9, and when it is off, the process returns to step SP2.
[0048]
In step SP9, a centering process of the correction lens 31 is performed (described later). In this case, centering is performed when the switch S1 is on regardless of whether or not the camera shake correction operation is performed in steps SP6 and SP7. Further, in this centering, since the centering processing is performed in advance in step SP4, the correction lens 31 is not largely moved.
[0049]
In step SP10, preparation for photographing is performed. Specifically, photometry, distance measurement, and the like are performed in the digital camera 1A.
[0050]
In step SP11, it is determined whether the switch S2 is on. That is, it is determined whether or not the release button 11 is fully pressed. Here, if the switch S2 is on, the process proceeds to step SP12, and if it is off, the process returns to step SP8.
[0051]
In step SP12, the shooting screen on the LCD 10 (or the EVF 20) is once turned off.
[0052]
In step SP13, a shooting operation is performed. That is, image data of a subject is acquired by the CCD, and image processing such as γ correction is performed on the image data.
[0053]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the centering process corresponding to steps SP4 and SP9 described above.
[0054]
First, the center position 31a of the correction lens 31 with respect to the reference position BP is detected by the position sensor 42 (step SP21).
[0055]
In step SP22, it is determined whether centering is necessary. That is, it is determined whether the center position 31a of the correction lens 31 is shifted from the reference position BP. If centering is necessary, the process proceeds to step SP23.
[0056]
In step SP23, the ultrasonic motor 34 is driven to center the correction lens 31. That is, the center 31a of the correction lens 31 is moved to the reference position BP.
[0057]
By such centering processing, only when it is determined that the center of the correction lens 31 is deviated, the correction lens 31 is swung and moved to the reference position BP, so that unnecessary centering can be prevented.
[0058]
The centering processing and the correction lens drive control (camera shake correction) described above are summarized in Table 1 below.
[0059]
[Table 1]

[0060]
As shown in Table 1, when the power (S0) is turned on and the grip SW15 (Sg) is turned on, regardless of whether or not the camera shake correction mode is set by pressing the camera shake correction button 12, the actual shooting (S2 on) is performed. Before), the centering of the correction lens 31 is performed.
[0061]
When the power supply (S0) is off, the ultrasonic motor 34 is not driven when the grip SW15 (Sg) is off, but the correction lens 31 is centered when the switch Sg is on. This is because, when the photographer is gripping the grip GP, photographing may be started immediately after the power is turned on, so as to prepare for this. This can reduce discomfort and discomfort in centering.
[0062]
When the power is off, centering may not be performed even when the switch Sg is on.
[0063]
The above operation of the digital camera 1A detects that the photographer has gripped the grip GP and performs centering of the correction lens 31. Therefore, before photographing and before the photographer can clearly view the viewfinder. Centering can be started. That is, centering can be performed at an appropriate timing without giving the photographer a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.
[0064]
Further, when the digital camera 1A is left in the camera shake correction mode, the switch Sg is determined to be on (step SP3). If the grip GP is not gripped, the centering is not performed, thereby reducing power consumption. Also contributes.
[0065]
In general, a digital camera has a certain size, so it is difficult to perform various operations unless the photographer holds the digital camera. In addition, it is unknown when a photographer looks into a finder such as an LCD or an EVF while the digital camera is being held. It is necessary to minimize the amount of movement. For this reason, it is necessary to always check the centering, but the grip SW15 that detects the gripping of the grip GP by the photographer can meet this request and appropriately detect the start of the photographing operation.
[0066]
Further, when the digital camera 1A is operated after being left for a while, it is difficult to operate the digital camera 1A without holding the digital camera 1A. Can't watch the viewfinder. For this reason, when centering is performed by detecting the start of the photographing operation with the grip SW15, the photographer is less likely to feel uncomfortable even if the amount of movement of the correction lens due to the centering increases.
[0067]
<Second embodiment>
The digital camera 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the digital camera 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, but a control unit 40 is different.
[0068]
That is, the control unit 40 of the digital camera 1B stores a program for performing an operation described below.
[0069]
<Operation of Digital Camera 1B>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the digital camera 1B.
[0070]
In steps SP31 to SP43, operations similar to those in steps SP1 to SP13 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 are performed.
[0071]
In step SP44, the drive control of the correction lens 31 is turned off. This is an operation performed when the switch Sg is determined to be OFF in step SP33. Even when the camera shifts to the camera shake correction mode (step SP36), the camera shake correction is interrupted when the grip GP is not gripped by the photographer. You. In other words, when the contact of the grip GP by the photographer is detected during the camera shake correction operation, the driving of the correction lens 31 is started. That is, only when the camera shake correction mode is set and the contact of the photographer is detected by the grip SW15, the drive of the correction lens 31 by the ultrasonic motor is activated to perform the camera shake correction.
[0072]
Normally, camera shake correction is required when the photographer is gripping the grip GP. However, when the photographer is not gripped, unnecessary camera shake correction operation can be omitted by the operation of step SP44, and power can be saved.
[0073]
According to the operation of the digital camera 1B, the photographer is conscious of the centering with a small moving amount during the viewing of the finder, and the centering with a large moving amount is performed when the finder cannot be clearly seen. As with the digital camera described above, centering can be performed at appropriate timing without giving the photographer any discomfort or anxiety.
[0074]
<Modification>
In each of the above embodiments, it is not essential to detect the contact of the photographer by the grip SW15. For example, the approach of the photographer may be detected by the eye sensor 25 (FIG. 4). In this case, it is preferable to perform the centering of the correction lens when detecting that the photographer has approached the EVF 20 (eye sensor 25) to a predetermined distance, for example, 2 to 5 cm. Thus, centering can be performed immediately before the photographer looks into the EVF 20, so that centering can be performed at appropriate timing.
[0075]
Regarding the camera shake correction in each of the above embodiments, it is not essential to drive the correction lens, and the image pickup device may be driven. Also in this case, the camera shake correction can be appropriately performed.
[0076]
In each of the above embodiments, it is not essential that the present invention is configured as a digital camera, and it may be configured as a silver halide camera.
[0077]
The reference position BP in each of the above embodiments is not necessarily at the center of the movable range, and may be a position slightly shifted from the center of the movable range.
[0078]
The specific embodiments described above include inventions having the following configurations.
[0079]
(1) In the imaging device according to (4), when the control means detects that a photographer has approached a finder by a predetermined distance by the eyepiece detection sensor, the correction element is located at the reference position. An imaging apparatus comprising means for moving the center of the image.
[0080]
Thus, the centering is started before the photographer clearly recognizes the finder screen, so that the photographer does not feel uncomfortable.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, when the contact or approach of the photographer is detected, the reference position corresponding to the center of the predetermined movable range is used for camera shake correction. Since the center of the correction element is moved, centering relating to camera shake correction can be performed at an appropriate timing without giving the photographer a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.
[0082]
In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the camera shake correction mode is set and the contact or approach of the photographer is detected, the drive unit is activated to perform the camera shake correction. As a result, unnecessary camera shake correction is not performed before the photographing operation is started, so that power saving can be achieved.
[0083]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the correction element is an optical lens or an image pickup element, camera shake correction can be appropriately performed.
[0084]
Further, in the invention according to claim 4, since the detection is performed by the grip switch for detecting the contact of the photographer with the grip or the eye detection sensor for detecting the approach of the photographer to the finder, the detection is performed before the photographing. Therefore, centering can be appropriately performed before the photographer can clearly view the viewfinder.
[0085]
In the invention according to claim 5, since the driving means moves the correction element using the ultrasonic actuator, the camera shake correction mechanism can be downsized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a digital camera 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of a digital camera 1A.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of a digital camera 1A.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an eye sensor 25;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a camera shake correction mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the digital camera 1A.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a centering process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of a digital camera 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1A, 1B Digital camera 10 LCD
11 Release button 12 Camera shake correction button 15 Grip switch (SW)
20 EVF
25 Eye sensor 31 Correction lens 31a Center of correction lens 34, 34a, 34b Ultrasonic motor 40 Control unit BP Reference position S0, S1, S2, St, Sg Switch TH Thrust unit

Claims (5)

An imaging device capable of correcting camera shake,
(A) an imaging unit including an imaging optical system and having a correction element used in the camera shake correction;
(B) driving means for moving the correction element within a predetermined movable range;
(C) detection means for detecting a contact or approach of a photographer to the imaging device;
(D) control means for moving the center of the correction element to a reference position corresponding to the center of the predetermined movable range when the contact or approach of the photographer is detected by the detection means;
An imaging device comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1,
(E) setting means for setting a camera shake correction mode for performing the camera shake correction;
(F) when the camera shake correction mode is set, and when the detection unit detects the contact or approach of the photographer, the drive unit is activated to perform the camera shake correction;
An imaging device, further comprising: In the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the correction element is an optical lens or an image pickup element. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the detection is performed by a grip switch that detects a contact of the photographer with the grip or an eyepiece detection sensor that detects an approach of the photographer with the finder. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit moves the correction element using an ultrasonic actuator.

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