JP4557563B2 - Optical apparatus control apparatus and photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for an optical device that drives a lens and a photographing device.

  In a conventional digital still camera, an object image is captured (photographed) using an image sensor after a focus lens is moved to a focus position to bring a photographing optical system into a focused state.

  Here, when an impact is applied to the camera body after the photographing optical system is brought into focus, stress due to the impact is applied between the camera body and the focus lens, and the position of the focus lens may be displaced. Moreover, the position of the lens constituting the photographing optical system may be shifted due to the impact, and the photographing field angle in the display of the finder (including the optical finder and the electronic finder) may be changed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a control device and an imaging device for an optical device that can prevent the lens from shifting when the impact or the like is applied to the optical device.

First aspect of the invention includes a lens movable, an actuator, a control device for an optical apparatus and a driving mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the actuator to the lens, there in operation other than the driving of the lens determining means for determining whether to perform the operation with mechanical movement Te, when it is determined that causes the operation by the determination means prior to the operation, the driving mechanism, the driving force transmitting from a first state enabling said a state incapable driving force transmission is, with the optical device body side of the gear portion to which the drive mechanism comprises a said lens side of the gear portion is not in contact with each other and a control means for the lens to control the actuator so that the second state in the floating state with respect to the optical device body. When the control means determines that the operation is to be performed by the determination means by rotating the actuator in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the actuator before the lens stops at the current position, the driving is performed. The mechanism is changed from the first state to the second state.

  A photographing apparatus according to a second invention of the present application includes the above-described control device and an image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a lens.

According to the present invention, an act other than the driving of the lens driving mechanism prior to performing the operation with mechanical movement by the second state, the shifted position of the lens by said operating Can be suppressed.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  A camera that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lens barrel in the wide state provided in the camera of this embodiment as viewed from the lower left front. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cam barrel provided in the lens barrel as seen from the lower left front.

  The lens barrel 500 of the camera of this embodiment has an outer fixed barrel 555 as shown in FIG. The outer fixed cylinder 555 includes a zoom motor 506, a motor cover 508, a slip 511, a last stage gear 512, a potentiometer, a potentiometer 514, a pulse plate, an encoder cover, and a reset which are driving sources of the lens barrel 500. A photo interrupter 518 is attached.

  The lens barrel 500 includes a cam barrel 520, a first barrel 524 that holds the first lens unit L1 constituting the photographing optical system, a second barrel that holds a second lens unit (not shown), A third lens barrel that holds the third lens unit and a fourth lens barrel that holds the fourth lens unit are provided.

  Further, the lens barrel 500 includes an outer fixed tube bayonet button 560, an outer fixed tube bayonet lock member 561, an operation ring 563 for manual operation, an operation ring encoder 564, an outer fixed tube bayonet cover 565, and an outer fixed tube bayonet cover. A cap 566 is provided. The first lens barrel 524 is provided with a first bayonet ring 531 and a first bayonet screw 532.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the cam cylinder 520 is formed with a gear portion 520a that meshes with the final gear 512, a first cam groove 520b, a first auxiliary pin groove 520c, and a first helicoid groove 520d. In addition, the cam cylinder 520 is formed with a second cam groove, a third cam groove, and a fourth cam groove (not shown).

  In the configuration described above, when the cam cylinder 520 receives a driving force from the zoom motor 506 via the slip 511, the final gear 512, or the like described above, it rotates about the optical axis. Here, since the cam cylinder 520 is engaged with the outer fixed cylinder 555 via the first helicoid groove 520d, the cam cylinder 520 moves in the optical axis direction by rotating around the optical axis. Thereby, the lens barrel 500 (the first barrel 524 and the like) moves in the optical axis direction, and the focal length of the photographing optical system is changed.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a camera. Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 denotes an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 to a digital signal. It is an A / D converter. In FIG. 1, one lens is shown as the photographic lens 10, but actually, a plurality of lenses (focus lens and zoom lens) are provided in the camera 100.

  A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data output from the A / D converter 16 or the data output from the memory control circuit 22. Further, in the image processing circuit 20, predetermined calculation processing is performed using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control circuit 40 and the focus control circuit 42 based on the obtained calculation result. . Thereby, AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed.

  The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  A memory control circuit 22 controls driving of the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. . Output data of the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or only through the memory control circuit 22.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, and 28 denotes an image display unit including a TFT_LCD. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 passes through the D / A converter 26. Are output to the image display unit 28 and displayed on the image display unit 28.

  Here, if the image data captured using the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, the electronic finder function can be realized. The image display unit 28 can switch between a display state and a non-display state in response to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the image display unit 28 is in a non-display state, the image display unit 28 is driven. Since no power is required, the power consumption of the camera 100 can be greatly reduced.

  Furthermore, since the image display unit 28 is connected to the camera 100 by a rotatable hinge, the display surface of the image display unit 28 can be directed in various directions. Thereby, the electronic finder function, the reproduction display function, and various display functions can be used in a state where the display surface is oriented in a direction that is easy for the user to see.

  Further, the image display unit 28 can be stored with the display surface facing the camera 100. When the image display unit 28 is in the storage state, the system control circuit 50 detects that the image display unit 28 is in the storage state based on the output of the open / close detection circuit 106, and stops the display operation of the image display unit 28. . Thereby, unnecessary display on the image display unit 28 can be prevented and power saving of the camera 100 can be achieved.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still image data and moving image data, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still image data and moving image data for a predetermined time. This makes it possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses or decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The image data stored in the memory 30 is read and subjected to compression processing or decompression processing. Write to memory 30.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control circuit that controls driving of the shutter 12 having an aperture function. The flash light control operation can be performed by linking the driving of the shutter 12 and the driving of the strobe unit 404. Reference numeral 42 denotes a focus control circuit that controls driving of the focus lens of the photographic lens 10.

  Driving of the exposure control circuit 40 and the focus control circuit 42 is controlled by the system control circuit 50 based on the TTL method. That is, the system control circuit 50 outputs a control signal to the exposure control circuit 40 and the focus control circuit 42 based on the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20 for the captured image data.

  Reference numeral 44 denotes a zoom control circuit that controls driving of the zoom lens of the photographic lens 10, and reference numeral 46 denotes a barrier control circuit that controls the operation of the barrier unit 102 that opens and closes the front surface of the photographic lens 10. The drive of these control circuits 44 and 46 is controlled by the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the overall operation of the camera 100, and 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes an information output unit, which is a liquid crystal display unit that displays a camera operation state, a message, or the like using characters and images according to execution of a program in the system control circuit 50, and information on the operation state described above. Is output as sound. The information output unit 54 is composed of, for example, a combination of an LCD, an LED, a sound generating element, and the like. Further, the information output unit 54 is provided in the vicinity of an operation member provided in the camera 100 and is provided in a single or a plurality at a position where the user can easily recognize the information output unit 54.

  A part of the display contents in the information output unit 54 is also displayed in the optical viewfinder 104. Here, the optical viewfinder 104 is connected to the photographing lens 10 via a not-shown interlocking mechanism, and when the photographing lens 10 moves in the optical axis direction, the viewfinder lens in the optical viewfinder 104 also moves in the optical axis direction. Will do. Thereby, zooming by the optical viewfinder 104 is also performed in accordance with zooming of the photographing optical system. Therefore, the photographer can check the change in the shooting angle of view via the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the contents displayed on the information output unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like is a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression rate display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, and a remaining number of images that can be shot. , Shutter speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Clock battery level display, Battery level display, Error display, Multi-digit number information display , Attachment / detachment status display of the recording media 200 and 210, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, and the like.

  Among the display contents of the information output unit 54, the information displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes in-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, etc. There is.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are operation units for inputting various operation instructions to the system control circuit 50, such as switches, dials, touch panels, pointing by line of sight detection or voice recognition units. It may be composed of any combination of these.

  Hereinafter, each operation unit will be described in detail.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which is operated to switch each function mode such as power-off, automatic shooting mode, manual shooting mode, panoramic shooting mode, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, PC connection mode, and the like.

  A shutter switch (SW1) 62 is turned on when a shutter button (not shown) provided in the camera 100 is half-pressed, and AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, An instruction to start an operation such as EF (flash pre-emission) processing is given.

  When AF processing is performed, the focus lens in the lens barrel moves to the in-focus position. If it is determined that the flash unit 404 needs to emit light by EF processing and the flash unit 404 is not popped up (moved to the light emission position), the system control 50 sends the flash control circuit 48 to the flash control circuit 48. A pop-up operation of the flash unit 404 is instructed. As a result, the strobe control circuit 48 drives the pop-up motor 402 to pop up the strobe unit 404.

  Here, since vibration is generated in the camera body 100 due to the pop-up operation of the strobe unit 404, the position of the photographing lens (focus lens) 10 in the optical axis direction may be shifted due to this vibration.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, before the pop-up operation of the strobe unit 404 is performed as described later, the system control circuit 50 controls the driving of the zoom control circuit 44 so that vibration at the time of strobe pop-up is transmitted to the photographing lens 10. I'm trying not to be. That is, by controlling the driving of the lens driving motor that is the driving source of the photographing lens 10, the gear in the power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the lens driving motor to the photographing lens 10 is brought into a non-contact state.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 sends an instruction to pop up the strobe unit 404 to the strobe control circuit 48 after the drive control of the zoom control circuit 44 is completed. As a result, the flash unit 404 housed in the camera body 100 (at the housing position) pops up to the light emitting position.

  The system control circuit 50 returns the power transmission mechanism to the original state by controlling the driving of the zoom control circuit 44 (lens drive motor) after the pop-up operation of the strobe unit 404 is completed.

  By performing such an operation, it is possible to suppress the vibration when the strobe unit 404 is popped up from being transmitted to the photographing lens 10 and to prevent the position of the photographing lens 10 from being displaced due to the vibration. Can do. Details of this operation will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch (SW2) which is turned on when the shutter button is fully pressed, and instructs the start of photographing processing. In the photographing process, an exposure process for writing a signal read from the image sensor 14 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 and an operation in the image processing circuit 20 or the memory control circuit 22 are used. Development processing and recording processing in which the image data read from the memory 30 is compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32 and then written to the recording media 200 and 210 are performed.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch for instructing switching between the display state and the non-display state of the image display unit 28. When taking an image using the optical viewfinder provided in the camera 100, the current supply to the image display unit 28 is cut off to make it non-displayed, so that the power consumption of the camera 100 can be reduced.

  Reference numeral 68 denotes a single-shot / continuous-shot switch, which instructs setting of a single-shot mode or a continuous-shot mode. In the single shooting mode, one shooting is performed when the shutter switch 64 is turned on, and then the camera enters a standby state. In the continuous shooting mode, while the shutter switch 64 is ON, shooting is continuously performed a plurality of times.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons, a touch panel, etc., a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, a menu movement + (plus ) Button, menu movement-(minus) button, reproduction image movement + (plus) button, and reproduction image-(minus) button. Also, a shooting / selection button for setting selection and switching of various functions when shooting and playback such as a shooting image quality selection button, an exposure compensation button, a date / time setting button, a panorama mode, and a panorama mode. A determination / execution button for setting the determination and execution of various functions when executing, and a quick review ON / OFF switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data captured immediately after shooting. Furthermore, a compression mode switch, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, which is a switch for selecting a RAW mode for selecting a compression rate of JPEG compression or digitizing a signal of an image sensor as it is and recording it on a recording medium, Playback mode switch that can set each function mode such as a PC connection mode, and start of a playback operation in which the captured image data is read from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200, 210 and displayed on the image display unit 28 in the shooting mode state. Has a playback switch or the like.

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 80 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and instructions from the system control circuit 50, and requires the necessary voltage. The time is supplied to each circuit in the camera 100 including the recording medium.

  82 is a connector on the power supply control unit 80 side, and 84 is a connector on the power supply unit 86 side. A power supply unit 86 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  90 and 94 are interfaces with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and 92 and 96 are connectors for connecting to the recording medium. A recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit 98 detects whether or not the recording mediums 200 and 210 are attached to the connectors 92 and 96.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of system configurations. Further, a configuration in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are combined may be used.

  The interface and the connector may be configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like that conforms to a standard. When the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card or the like, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, IEEE1394 Image data and management information attached to image data are transferred to and from peripheral devices such as other computers and printers by connecting various communication cards such as cards, P1284 cards, SCSI cards, and PHS communication cards. I can meet each other.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a barrier unit that can open and close the front surface of the photographic lens 10, and covers the front surface of the photographic lens 10 to suppress contamination and damage to the front surface. Reference numeral 106 denotes an open / close detection circuit for detecting whether or not the image display unit 28 is in the housed state.

  A communication circuit 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the camera 100 to another device, or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

  Reference numerals 200 and 210 denote recording media such as a memory card and a hard disk. The recording media 200 and 210 are connectors 206 and 216 that are connected to recording units 202 and 212 constituted by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, etc., interfaces 204 and 214 with the camera 100, and connectors 92 and 96 on the camera 100 side, respectively. And have.

  Reference numeral 400 denotes a strobe device. The strobe device 400 includes a strobe control circuit 48, a strobe position sensor 403, a pop-up motor 402, and a strobe unit 404. The strobe unit 404 is movable between the light emission position and a storage position stored in the camera 100.

  When the strobe control circuit 48 receives an instruction from the system control circuit 50 to transmit information regarding the pop-up state of the strobe unit 404, the strobe unit 404 is in a pop-up state (in the light emission position) based on the output of the strobe position sensor 403. Or the storage position, and the determination result is transmitted to the system control 50.

  Further, when receiving an instruction for popping up the strobe unit 404 from the system control circuit 50, the strobe control circuit 48 drives the pop-up motor 402 to move the strobe unit 404 to the light emission position. The strobe unit 404 also has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function.

  The operation of the camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 show flowcharts of the main routine of the camera of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the system control circuit 50 initializes a flag, a control variable, etc. by power-on such as battery replacement (S101), and initializes the image display unit 28 to a non-display state (S102).

  Then, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60 (S103). If the setting on the mode dial 60 is “Power OFF”, the camera operation end process is performed (S105). Specifically, each display unit in the camera 100 is changed to a non-display state, the barrier unit 102 is driven to cover the front surface of the photographing lens 10, and necessary parameters and setting values including flags, control variables, etc. The setting mode is recorded in the non-volatile memory 56, or unnecessary power supply to the image display unit 28 or the like is cut off under the control of the power control unit 80. Thereafter, the process returns to step S103.

  On the other hand, when the setting on the mode dial 60 is “shooting mode” (S103), the process proceeds to step S106. If the mode dial 60 is set to another mode (S103), the system control circuit 50 executes a process according to the selected mode (S104). When the process is completed, the process returns to S103. .

  In step S <b> 106, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the remaining capacity of the power source 86 configured by a battery or the like via the power source control unit 80 or the operation status of the power source 86 has a problem in the operation of the camera 100. . If there is the above problem, a predetermined warning is given by image or sound using the information output unit 54 (S108), and the process returns to step S103.

  On the other hand, if there is no such problem (S106), the system control circuit 50 has a problem in the operation state of the recording medium 200, 210, the operation of the camera 100, particularly the recording / reproducing operation of the image data with respect to the recording medium 200, 210. It is determined whether or not (S107). If there is the above problem with respect to the recording media 200 and 210, the information output unit 54 is used to give a predetermined warning by an image or sound (S108), and the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if there is no problem with the recording media 200 and 210 (S107), the process proceeds to step S109.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the setting state of the single shooting / continuous shooting switch 68 for setting the single shooting mode / continuous shooting mode (S109). If the single shooting mode is set, the single shooting / continuous shooting flag is set to single shooting (S110). If the continuous shooting mode is selected, the single shooting / continuous shooting flag is set to continuous shooting. (S111), and when the setting of each flag is completed, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In the single shooting mode, a single shooting is performed when the shutter switch 64 (SW2) is pressed, and then a standby state is entered. Further, in the continuous shooting mode, shooting is continuously performed a plurality of times while the shutter switch 64 (SW2) is being pressed. On the other hand, the state of the single / continuous shooting flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

  The system control circuit 50 outputs information related to various setting states of the camera 100 using images and sounds using the information output unit 54 (S112). When the image display unit 28 is in the display state, various setting states of the camera 100 are displayed using the image display unit 28 as well.

  Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting state of the image display ON / OFF switch 66 (S113), and proceeds to S114 if it is set to the image display state (ON state).

  Furthermore, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the image display unit 28 is in the retracted state or the display state (the state in which the image display unit 28 protrudes from the camera) based on the output of the open / close detection circuit 106 (S114). . If it is determined that the image is in the display state, the image display flag is set (S115), and the image display unit 28 is set to the ON state (display state) (S116). And it sets to the through display state which displays the imaged image data sequentially (S117), and progresses to step S131 (FIG. 3).

In the through display state, data sequentially written in the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14 , the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 is converted into the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A conversion. The image is output to the image display unit 28 via the device 26. Accordingly, images are sequentially displayed on the image display unit 28 and function as an electronic viewfinder.

  When the image display ON / OFF switch 66 is set to the image display OFF (non-display state) (S113), or when it is determined that the image display unit 28 is in the storage state by the output of the open / close detection circuit 106 (S114). ), The image display flag is canceled (S118). Then, the image display on the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state (non-display state) (S119), and the process proceeds to step S131.

  When the image display is OFF, since the electronic viewfinder function by the image display unit 28 is not operating, photographing is performed using the optical viewfinder 104. In this case, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the image display unit 28, the D / A converter 26, and the like that consume a large amount of power. The setting state of the image display flag is stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.

  In step S131 in FIG. 3, the ON / OFF state of the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is determined. If it is in the OFF state, the process returns to step S103. If the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is in the ON state (S131), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S132).

  If the image display flag has been set, the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the freeze display state (S133), and the process proceeds to step S134.

In the freeze display state, rewriting of image data in the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14 , the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 is prohibited. Then, the image data last written in the image display memory 24 is output to the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26 and displayed on the image display unit 28. As a result, the frozen video is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  On the other hand, if the image display flag has been canceled in step S132, the process proceeds to step S134.

  The system control circuit 50 moves the photographing lens 10 (focus lens) to the in-focus position by performing a focus adjustment operation, and determines an aperture value and a shutter speed by performing a photometric operation (S134). If it is determined that the flash unit 404 is to be used based on the photometric result of the photometric operation, the flash is set. Detailed processing in the above-described focus adjustment operation and photometry operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the focus adjustment operation and the photometry operation (S134) are completed, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of charge in the strobe unit 404 via the strobe control circuit 48 (S135). Here, if charging with the flash unit 404 is not completed, the charging state is confirmed again (S135), and the completion of charging is awaited. If charging with the flash unit 404 is completed, the process proceeds to a process of popping up the flash unit 404 (S136). The details of the pop-up process (S136) of the flash unit 404 will be described later with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, it is assumed that it is determined that the strobe unit 404 needs to emit light in the photometric operation.

  In step S137, the shutter speed determined based on the shooting mode set by operating the mode dial 60 and the exposure result obtained in the photometric operation (S134) is the shutter on the fastest side of the shutter 12 (mechanical shutter). Determine if the speed is exceeded.

  Here, if the shutter speed on the fastest side is not exceeded, the shutter time setting of the shutter 12 is performed (S139), and the process proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, if the shutter speed on the fastest side is exceeded, the shutter time setting using both the driving of the shutter 12 and the electronic shutter (driving of the image sensor 14) is set (S139), and the process proceeds to step S140.

  As described above, when the shutter speed at the time of shooting exceeds the shutter speed on the fastest side of the shutter 12 (mechanical shutter), by using the electronic shutter together, the mechanical shutter prevents the occurrence of smear and the electronic shutter speed is increased. The shutter can enable a high shutter speed.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S140). If the image display flag is set, the display state of the image display unit 28 is changed to the through display state. After setting (S141), the process proceeds to step S142.

  In step S142, it is determined whether the shutter switch 64 (SW2) is on or off. If the shutter switch 64 is in the OFF state, the ON / OFF state of the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is determined again. If SW1 is also in the OFF state, the process returns to step 103. If SW1 is ON, the process returns to step S142 again.

  When determining that the shutter switch 64 (SW2) is in the ON state (S142), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S143). If the image display flag has been set, the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the fixed color display state (S145), and the process proceeds to step S161. If the image display flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S161.

In the fixed color display state, instead of the image data written in the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14 , the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, the fixed color image replaced. Data is output to the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. As a result, fixed-color image data (video) is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  In step S161 (FIG. 4), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the single / continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52, and if the single shooting flag is set, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S162. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to step S181.

In step S162, the system control circuit 50 executes shooting processing. Specifically, the image is taken in the memory 30 via the image sensor 14 , the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. An exposure process for writing the image data is performed. Further, using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20, a development process is performed in which the image data written in the memory 30 is read and various processes are performed. Details of this photographing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S163). If the image display flag is set here, the first quick review display is performed. Specifically, the image data that has been processed in accordance with the display format of the image display unit 28 is read from the memory 30, the display image data is transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22, and the image display is performed. The display image data read from the memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  Since the first quick review display process is performed before the dark capture process (S165) described later is performed, display image data is created using the image data before the dark correction calculation is performed, and the display image data is used as the display image data. Based on this, a first quick review display is performed.

  As described above, in the single shooting mode, the shooting process is performed before the dark capturing process, and the image data before dark correction is used as an image for quick review display, thereby shortening the shutter release time lag, It is possible to display a quick review immediately after shooting.

  In the first quick review display (S164), since the dark capturing process (S165) is not completed, a character display such as busy is displayed on the quick review display on the image display unit 28. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 163 that the image display flag has been canceled, the process proceeds to step S165 while the image display unit 28 remains in the OFF state. In this case, the image display unit 28 remains in the non-display state even after shooting, and no quick review display is performed. When shooting is continued using the optical viewfinder 104, and it is not necessary to confirm the shot image immediately after shooting with the image display unit 28, the above state is obtained.

  The system control circuit 50 closes the shutter 12, accumulates noise components such as dark current of the image sensor 14 for the same time as the actual photographing, and reads the noise image signal after accumulation (dark capturing process) (S165), and the process proceeds to step S166.

Using the dark image data captured in this dark capture process, by performing the correction processing with respect to actual image data obtained by exposing, dark current noise and the image pickup device 14 inherent flaws generated by the image sensor 14 Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration in image quality such as pixel deficiency. Details of the dark capturing process (S165) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads out part of the image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 and performs WB (white balance) integration calculation processing OB ( (Optical black) Performs integral calculation processing. Then, the calculation result is stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S166).

  Further, the system control circuit 50 reads out the captured image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 by using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20, and stores it in the internal memory or the memory 52. Various development processes including an AWB (auto white balance) process, a gamma conversion process, and a color conversion process are performed using the calculation result (S166).

  In the development processing, dark correction calculation processing for canceling dark current noise and the like of the image sensor 14 is also performed by performing subtraction processing using the dark image data captured in the dark capturing processing. Details of the development processing (S166) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30 and performs image compression processing according to a preset mode by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (S167). Then, the image data that has been subjected to the above-described series of processing is written into an empty area in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and the recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a compact flash (registered trademark) card via the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96. , 210 is written (recording process) (S168).

  Note that while the image data is being written to the recording media 200 and 210, in order to clearly indicate that the writing operation is being performed, the information output unit 54 is driven, and the recording medium writing operation is performed by blinking the LED, for example. Let the user know what is happening.

  In step S169, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52. If the image display flag is set, the image data processed in accordance with the display format of the image display unit 28 is read from the memory 30 and transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. The display image data read from the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28 (second quick review display, S170).

  Since the second quick review display process is after the dark capture process (S165) is performed, display image data is created using the image data after the dark correction calculation is performed in the development process (S166). The quick review display is performed based on the image data.

  As described above, in the single shooting mode, the shooting process is first performed before the dark capturing process, and the first quick review display is performed using the image data before dark correction. Then, after performing the dark capturing process, the second quick review display is performed using the image data after dark correction. As a result, the shutter release time lag can be shortened, and quick review display (first quick review display) can be performed immediately after shooting.

  In the second quick review display process (S170), since the dark capture process (S165) has already been completed, the quick review display in the image display unit 28 is performed in the first quick review display (S164). Erases the display of characters such as busy displayed in a superimposed manner.

  If the image display flag is canceled in step S169, the image display unit 28 remains in the OFF state, and the process proceeds to step S171. In this case, the image display unit 28 remains off even after shooting, and no quick review display is performed. This is a case where confirmation of a photographed image immediately after photographing is unnecessary and power saving is emphasized without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28 as in the case where photographing is continued using the optical finder 104.

  In step S171, the process waits until the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is turned off. When the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is turned on, the process proceeds to step S172. When the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is in the OFF state, the second quick review display remains on.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S161 that the single / continuous shooting flag has been set, if the continuous shooting flag is set, the process proceeds to step S181. In step S181, after the shutter 12 is closed, a noise component such as a dark current of the image sensor 14 is accumulated for the same time as in the main photographing, and a dark capturing process is performed to read out the noise image signal after the accumulation (S181). Proceed to step S182.

By performing the correction processing by using the dark image data captured in this dark capture process, with respect to image quality deterioration of the pixel defects such as caused by dark current noise or the imaging device 14 inherent flaws generated by the image pickup element 14, captured image data Can be corrected. Details of the dark capturing process (S181) will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S182, shooting processing is executed. Specifically, the image was taken in the memory 30 via the image sensor 14 , the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter via the memory control circuit 22. An exposure process for writing image data is performed. Further, the image data written in the memory 30 is read out and various processes are performed using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20. Details of the photographing process (S182) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads out part of the image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 and performs WB (white balance) integration calculation processing OB ( (Optical Black) Integration calculation processing is performed, and the calculation result is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (S183).

  Then, the system control circuit 50 uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to read out the captured image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and store it in the internal memory or the memory 52. Various development processes including an AWB (auto white balance) process, a gamma conversion process, and a color conversion process are performed using the calculation result (S183).

  In the development processing, dark correction calculation processing for canceling dark current noise and the like of the image sensor 14 is also performed by performing subtraction processing using the dark image data captured in the dark capturing processing. Details of this development processing (S183) will be described later with reference to FIG.

The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S184). If the image display flag is set, a third quick review display is performed (S185) . Specifically, the image data processed in accordance with the display format of the image display unit 28 is read from the memory 30, the display image data is transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22, and the image display memory The display image data read from 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  Since the third quick review display process is after the dark capture process (S181) is performed, display image data is created using the image data after the dark correction calculation is performed in the development process (S183). This display image data is displayed as a quick review.

  As described above, in the continuous shooting mode, the third quick review display is performed using the image data after the dark correction, and the interval between the continuous shooting frames of the first image and the second image is made substantially constant. Quick review display can be performed immediately after shooting.

  If it is determined in step S184 that the image display flag has been released, the process proceeds to step S186 with the image display unit 28 kept in the OFF state. In this case, even after shooting, the display on the image display unit 28 remains off and no quick review display is performed. This is a case where confirmation of a photographed image immediately after photographing is unnecessary and power saving is emphasized without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28 as in the case where photographing is continued using the optical finder 104.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data written in the predetermined area of the memory 30 and starts the image compression process according to the preset mode by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (S186).

  In step S187, it is determined whether or not there is an empty area in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 (S187). If there is an empty area, writing of the compressed image data is sequentially performed, and the process proceeds to step S189. On the other hand, if there is no free space in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 (S187), the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connector 92, A recording process for writing data to the recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card or a CompactFlash (registered trademark) card is performed through the process 96 (S188), and the process proceeds to step S189.

  As a result, when the continuous shooting is performed for a predetermined number or more and the image recording buffer area is insufficient, the continuous shooting can be resumed by performing recording processing to create an empty area in the image recording buffer area. Become. In the case where the recording process is performed in step S188, there is no problem even if the image display unit 28 or the information output unit 54 is used to issue a predetermined warning by an image or sound when there is no free space.

  In step S189, the ON / OFF state of the shutter switch 64 (SW2) is determined (S189). If it is in the ON state, the system control circuit 50 returns to step S182 and repeats a series of continuous shooting. On the other hand, if the shutter switch 64 (SW2) is in the OFF state (S189), the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the shutter switch 62 (SW1) (S190).

  If the shutter switch 62 (SW1) is on (S190), the process returns to step S189. On the other hand, if it is in the OFF state, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, and via the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96, the memory card or compact flash ( A recording process for writing to the recording media 200 and 210 such as a registered trademark card is performed (S191).

  In order to clearly indicate that the writing operation is being performed while the image data is being written to the recording media 200 and 210, the information output unit 54 is driven, for example, the LED is blinking and the recording medium is being written. Display something. When the recording process (S191) is completed, the process proceeds to step S172.

  In step S172, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52. If the image display flag is set (S172), the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the through display state (S173), the series of photographing operations are finished, and the process returns to step S103. In this case, after confirming the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, it is possible to enter a through display state in which image data captured for the next imaging is sequentially displayed.

  On the other hand, if the image display flag has been canceled (S172), the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state (S173), the series of photographing operations are finished, and the process returns to step S103.

  FIG. 5 shows a detailed flowchart of the focus adjustment / photometry process in step S134 of FIG.

  In step S <b> 201, a charge accumulation signal (image data) is read from the image sensor 14, and image data is sequentially read into the image processing circuit 20 via the A / D converter 16. Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 is a predetermined used for TTL (through-the-lens) AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and AF (autofocus) processing. The operation is performed.

  In each processing here, a specific portion of the total number of photographed pixels is extracted by extracting a necessary portion according to necessity and used for calculation. This makes it possible to perform optimum calculations for different modes such as the center-weighted mode, the average mode, and the evaluation mode in each of the TTL method AE, EF, AWB, and AF processes.

  Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 (determination means) uses the shutter control circuit 40 to perform AE control (aperture drive control) until the exposure (AE) is determined to be appropriate (S202). (S203). Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the flash unit 404 needs to emit light (S204).

  Here, if the flash unit 404 needs to emit light, a flash flag is set, and an instruction is issued to the flash control circuit 48 to charge the flash unit 404 (S205). As a result, the flash unit 404 is charged for light emission.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the exposure (AE) is appropriate, the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. The system control circuit 50 uses the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control until the white balance (AWB) is determined to be appropriate (S206). The color processing parameters are adjusted to perform AWB control (S207).

  If it is determined that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (S206), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. Then, the system control circuit 50 uses the focus control circuit 42 to perform AF control until it is determined that the photographing optical system is in focus using the measurement data obtained by the AE control and the AWB control (S208). (Focus lens drive control) is performed (S209).

  If it is determined in step S208 that the imaging optical system is in focus, the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and the focus adjustment / photometry processing routine (FIG. 3 S134) is ended.

  FIG. 6 shows a detailed flowchart of the photographing process in steps S162 and S182 of FIG.

  After performing the charge clear operation of the image sensor 14 (S301), the system control circuit 50 starts the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (S302). By driving the shutter 12 via the shutter control circuit 40, the shutter 12 is opened (S303). Then, exposure to the image sensor 14 is started (S304).

  Here, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the flash unit 404 is caused to emit light based on the setting state of the flash flag (S305). If it is determined that the flash unit 404 needs to emit light, the process proceeds to step S306. If it is determined that the flash unit 404 does not need to emit light, the process proceeds to step 307.

  In step S 306, the flash unit 404 is caused to emit light via the flash control circuit 48.

  Then, the system control circuit 50 waits for the end of exposure of the image sensor 14 based on the photometric data in the photometric process (at the time of shutter speed) (S307), and drives the shutter 12 to the closed state via the shutter control circuit 40 (S307). S308). Thereby, the exposure of the image sensor 14 is terminated.

  Then, it waits until the set charge accumulation time elapses (S309), and when the charge accumulation time elapses, the system control circuit 50 ends the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (S310). Then, a charge signal is read out from the image sensor 14, and the memory 30 is connected via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. The photographed image data is written to the predetermined area (S311).

  When the series of processes is finished, the photographing process routine (S162 or S182) is finished.

  FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of the dark capturing process in steps S165 and S181 of FIG.

  After performing the charge clear operation of the image sensor 14 (S401), the system control circuit 50 starts the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 with the shutter 12 closed (S402).

  If the predetermined charge accumulation time has elapsed (S403), the system control circuit 50 ends the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (S404). Then, a charge signal is read out from the image sensor 14, and the memory 30 is connected via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. The image data (dark image data) is written to the predetermined area (S405).

  As described above, by performing development processing using dark image data, the captured image data is corrected with respect to image quality degradation such as dark current noise generated in the image sensor 14 and pixel defects due to scratches inherent to the image sensor 14. Can do.

  The dark image data is held in a predetermined area of the memory 30 until a new dark capturing process is performed or the power of the camera 100 is turned off. In addition, when a part or all of the memory 30 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a hard disk, and dark image data is written in the nonvolatile memory, the dark image data is processed until a new dark capturing process is performed. The image data is held in a predetermined area of the nonvolatile memory.

  The dark image data stored in the memory 30 is used when developing the image data read from the image sensor 14. When the series of processes described above is completed, the dark capturing process routine (S165 or S181) is terminated.

  FIG. 8 shows a detailed flowchart of the development processing in steps S166 and S183 in FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 reads the captured image data and dark image data written in the memory 30 and sequentially performs known luminance signal processing (S501), color processing (S502), and thumbnail image processing (S503). The processed image data is written in the memory 30.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the strobe pop-up process in step S136 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of a power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the lens driving motor to the photographing lens 10. That is, FIG. 14 is an enlarged view between the slip 511 and the final gear 512 in FIG. 13 and between the final gear 512 and the gear portion 520a of the cam barrel 520. Here, the gear 1001 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the camera main body side of the two gears described above, that is, the slip 511 and the final gear 512. The gear 1002 corresponds to the lens barrel side gear of the two gears described above, that is, the gear portion 520a of the final stage gear 512 or the cam barrel 520.

  Here, the photographic lens 10 of this embodiment receives the driving force of a lens driving motor (actuator) provided in the camera body 100 via a power transmission mechanism (driving mechanism) composed of a plurality of gears. Therefore, it can move in the optical axis direction.

  In step S901 in FIG. 9, the system control circuit 50 (control means) determines whether or not the strobe unit 404 (light emitting unit) pops up to the light emitting position based on the output of the strobe position sensor 403. If the strobe unit 404 has already popped up, the strobe pop-up process ends.

  On the other hand, if the flash unit 404 is not popped up, the process proceeds to step S911 to freeze the finder display. That is, the display state on the image display unit 28 is set to the freeze display state as described above.

  In step S902, the direction in which the taking lens 10 has moved before stopping at the current position is determined. If the photographic lens 10 has moved in the wide direction (one direction in the optical axis direction) before stopping at the current position, the process proceeds to step S903, and moves in the tele direction (the other direction in the optical axis direction). If so, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S903, the system control circuit 50 controls the driving of the lens driving motor to rotate the lens driving motor in a direction for driving the photographing lens 10 to the telephoto side. That is, the lens drive motor is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the lens drive motor that has driven the photographing lens 10 before stopping at the current position.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, by driving the lens driving motor, the gear 1001 on the lens driving motor side in the power transmission mechanism is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and the gear 1002 on the photographing lens side is moved in the direction of arrow A. When the photographing lens 10 is moved in the wide direction by rotating in the direction, the gear 1001 is rotated in the arrow B direction by changing the rotation direction of the lens driving motor.

  Here, the driving of the lens driving motor is controlled so that the rotation amount of the gear 1001 is within the range of the backlash of the gear 1001 and the gear 1002 (mechanically insensitive state). Thereby, the relationship between the gear 1001 and the gear 1002 becomes the state (second state) shown in FIG.

  In the state shown in FIG. 10B, the gear 1001 and the gear 1002 are not in contact with each other, and the photographing lens 10 is substantially in a floating state with respect to the camera body 100. Here, since the rotation operation of the gear 1001 is performed within the range of play of the gears 1001 and 1002 as described above, even if the gear 1001 is rotated, the gear 1002 does not rotate, and the photographic lens 10 also Never move.

  As a result, even if vibration is applied to the camera body 100 side, only the gear 1001 rotates, and the gear 1002 can be prevented from rotating. Therefore, vibration is not transmitted to the photographing lens 10 via the gear 1001 and the gear 1002, and the photographing lens 10 can be prevented from being displaced in the optical axis direction.

  On the other hand, in step S904, the system control circuit 50 controls the driving of the lens driving motor to rotate the lens driving motor in the direction of driving the photographing lens 10 to the wide side. That is, the lens drive motor is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the lens drive motor that was driven before the photographing lens 10 was stopped at the current position.

  As a result, the relationship between the gear 1001 and the gear 1002 becomes the state shown in FIG. 10B, and the vibration generated in the camera body 100 is prevented from being transmitted to the photographing lens 10 via the gear 1001 and the gear 1002. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the position of the photographing lens 10 from being shifted due to vibration in the camera body 100.

  Further, by suppressing the positional deviation of the photographic lens 10, the state of the optical finder 104 that interlocks (mechanically interlocks) with the movement of the photographic lens 10 in the optical axis direction does not change, and the optical finder 104 does not change. It is possible to suppress a change in the angle of view. Furthermore, when the image display unit 28 is in the display state, it is possible to suppress the display (view angle) on the image display unit 28 from being changed due to the displacement of the photographing lens 10.

  In step S905 of FIG. 9, the system control circuit 50 (control means) instructs the strobe control circuit 48 to pop up the strobe unit 404 to the light emission position. Accordingly, the strobe control circuit 48 drives the pop-up motor 402 to pop up the strobe unit 404 in the storage position to the light emission position (S905).

  In step S906, the strobe control circuit 48 determines whether or not the strobe unit 404 has moved to the light emitting position based on the output of the strobe position sensor 403, and if it has moved to the light emitting position, the pop-up motor 402. Stop driving. On the other hand, when the strobe unit 404 has not moved to the light emitting position, the pop-up motor 402 is continuously driven until the strobe unit 404 moves to the light emitting position.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, since the strobe unit 404 is popped up with the gear 1001 and the gear 1002 being in non-contact state, vibration generated in the camera body 100 at the time of pop-up is applied to the photographing lens 10. It is possible to suppress the transmission. Thereby, it can suppress that the position of the photographic lens 10 shifts | deviates.

  In step S908 in FIG. 9, the direction in which the gear 1001 is rotated before the strobe unit 404 pops up, that is, the rotation direction of the lens driving motor is determined. Here, when the lens driving motor is rotated in the direction in which the photographing lens 10 is moved in the wide direction, the lens driving motor is rotated in the direction in which the photographing lens 10 is moved in the tele direction (S909). Accordingly, the gear 1001 in the state of FIG. 10B can be returned to the state of FIG. 10C (first state), that is, the state before only the gear 1001 is rotated with respect to the gear 1002. it can. The driving amount of the lens driving motor here is set to be approximately equal to the driving amount in step S903 described above. As a result, the photographing lens 10 receives a driving force from the lens driving motor via the power transmission mechanism and is movable in the optical axis direction.

  On the other hand, when the lens driving motor is rotated in the direction in which the photographing lens 10 is moved in the tele direction, the lens driving motor is rotated in the direction in which the photographing lens 10 is moved in the wide direction (S910). Even in this case, the driving amount of the lens driving motor is set to be approximately equal to the driving amount in step S904, and the state before rotating only the gear 1001 with respect to the gear 1002 can be restored.

  Then, the freeze display state in the image display unit 28 is canceled (S912), and the strobe pop-up process is terminated.

  By the series of processes described above, it is possible to avoid the photographing lens 10 (focus lens) at the in-focus position from being displaced from the in-focus position due to vibration caused by the pop-up operation of the strobe unit 404. In addition, as described above, it is possible to suppress a change in the angle of view in the display in the optical viewfinder 104 and the image display unit 28 by suppressing the photographing lens 10 (zoom lens) from being displaced in the optical axis direction. Can do.

  Hereinafter, a camera that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 shows a sequence for popping up the strobe unit by operating the pop-up button after the power is turned on in the camera of this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a top view of the camera of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes a camera body. A release button 1202 starts a shooting preparation operation by a half-press operation, and starts a shooting operation by a full-press operation. Reference numeral 1203 denotes a pop-up button. By operating this button, the strobe unit at the storage position can be moved (pop-up) to the light emission position.

1204 is a flash unit for illumination light to the object and is movable between a light emitting position projecting from the housing position to be housed in the camera body 1201 and the camera body 1201. A mode dial 1205 is operated to set a shooting mode and the like, and 1206 is a camera power button. In addition, about the other structure in the camera of a present Example, it is the same as that of the camera of Example 1, and demonstrates the same circuit etc. using the same code | symbol.

  In step S1101 of FIG. 11, the system control circuit 50 stands by until the pop-up button 1203 is operated. When the pop-up button 1203 is operated, the process proceeds to step S1102, and whether or not the strobe unit 1204 has been popped up. Make a decision.

  That is, the system control circuit 50 receives the output of the strobe position sensor 403 via the strobe control circuit 48, and determines whether or not the strobe unit 1204 has been popped up based on this output. If the strobe unit 1204 has already been popped up, the process returns to step S1101.

  On the other hand, if the strobe unit 1204 is not popped up, the process advances to step S1112 to set the display state on the image display unit 28 to a freeze display state.

  Next, in step S1103, the moving direction before the photographing lens 10 stops at the current position is determined. If the taking lens 10 has moved in the wide direction, the process proceeds to step S1104. If the taking lens 10 has moved in the tele direction, the process proceeds to step S1105.

  In step S1104, the lens driving motor is driven in a direction to move the photographing lens 10 to the telephoto side. In step S1105, the lens driving motor is driven in a direction to move the photographing lens 10 to the wide side.

  The driving amount of the lens driving motor at this time is the same as in the first embodiment. Of the two gears in the power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the lens driving motor to the photographing lens 10, the gear on the lens driving motor side is the photographing lens. The two gears are brought into a non-contact state by rotating by the amount of play of the gear with respect to the side gear. By setting these two gears in a non-contact state, even if vibration is applied to the lens drive motor, that is, the camera body, this vibration is not transmitted to the photographing lens 10.

  Even if the gear on the lens driving motor side is rotated as described above, the gear does not contact the gear on the photographing lens 10 side, and the gear on the photographing lens side does not rotate. 10 never moves.

  For this reason, it can suppress that the photographic lens 10 (focus lens) shifts | deviates from a focus position. In addition, since the position of the photographing lens 10 (zoom lens) is not shifted, it is possible to suppress the change in the angle of view in the display on the optical viewfinder 104 and the image display unit 28.

  In step S <b> 1106, the system control circuit 50 sends an instruction for popping up the strobe unit 1204 to the strobe control circuit 48. Thus, the strobe control circuit 48 drives the pop-up motor 402 to pop up the strobe unit 1204.

  In step S <b> 1107, the strobe control circuit 48 determines whether or not the strobe unit 1204 is in the light emission position based on the output of the strobe position sensor 403. When the strobe unit 1204 is at the light emission position, the drive of the pop-up motor 402 is stopped, and when it is not at the light emission position, the pop-up motor 402 is driven until it moves to the light emission position (1108).

  In step S1109, the system control circuit 50 determines the driving direction of the lens driving motor immediately before the strobe unit 1204 is popped up. Here, if the lens driving motor is driven in the direction for driving the photographing lens 10 to the wide side, the process proceeds to step S1110. If the lens driving motor is driven in the direction for driving the photographing lens 10 to the tele side, step S1111 is performed. Proceed to

  In step S1110, the lens driving motor is driven in a direction to move the photographing lens 10 to the tele side, and in step S1111, the lens driving motor is driven in a direction to move the photographing lens 10 to the wide side. The driving amount of the lens driving motor at this time is approximately equal to the driving amount in step S1104 or step S1105. Thereby, the gear on the lens driving motor side abuts on the gear on the photographing lens side, and it is possible to return to the state before rotating only the gear on the lens driving motor side.

  Then, the freeze display state on the image display unit 28 is canceled (S1113).

Through the series of operations described above, the photographing lens 10 (focus lens) is less likely to be affected by the impact of the pop-up operation of the strobe unit 1204 and can be prevented from shifting from the in-focus position. Further, since the photographing lens 10 (zoom lens) does not deviate from a predetermined zoom position, it is possible to suppress a change in the angle of view in the display on the optical viewfinder 104 or the image display unit 28 that is linked to the photographing lens 10. Can do.

  In the above-described embodiments, the lens-integrated camera has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a camera system including a camera and a lens device that is detachably attached to the camera. Further, the present invention can be applied to an optical apparatus other than a camera and for driving a lens.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera which is Example 1 of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the camera according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the camera according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the camera according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for focus adjustment / photometry processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting processing subroutine according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of dark capturing processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a development processing subroutine according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of strobe pop-up processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a power transmission mechanism in the camera of Embodiment 1. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of strobe pop-up processing in the camera that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of the camera according to the second embodiment. 1 is an external perspective view of a lens barrel. The external appearance perspective view of a cam cylinder.

Explanation of symbols

10: photographing lens 14: imaging device 28: image display unit 48: strobe control circuit 50: system control circuit 104: optical viewfinder 404: strobe unit

Claims (11)

A control apparatus for an optical apparatus, which includes a movable lens, an actuator, and a drive mechanism that transmits a driving force of the actuator to the lens,
Determination means for determining whether to perform an operation other than driving of the lens and accompanied by a mechanical movement;
When it is determined that causes the operation by the determination means prior to said operating, said drive mechanism from a first state capable of driving force transmission, a state impossible the driving force transmission, The gear portion on the optical device main body side and the gear portion on the lens side included in the drive mechanism are not in contact with each other so that the lens enters a second state in which the lens is in a floating state with respect to the optical device main body. and control means for controlling said actuator possess in,
When the control means determines that the operation is to be performed by the determination means by rotating the actuator in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the actuator before the lens stops at the current position, the driving is performed. An apparatus for controlling an optical apparatus, wherein the mechanism is changed from the first state to the second state .   2. The control of the optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the actuator so that the driving mechanism is changed from the second state to the first state after the operation is finished. apparatus.   The second state is between a state in which the driving force can be transmitted in the first direction in the driving mechanism and a state in which the driving force can be transmitted in the second direction opposite to the first direction. 3. The control apparatus for an optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control apparatus is in a mechanical insensitive state.   The optical device control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation is a pop-up operation of a light emitting unit.   5. The control apparatus for an optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a focus lens.   5. The control apparatus for an optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a lens constituting an optical system capable of changing a focal length.   The control device for an optical apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the lens is a lens constituting a finder optical system. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the lens. A control device according to claim 7;
The actuator;
A photographic lens capable of zooming,
An image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the photographing lens;
A finder optical system capable of zooming,
An imaging apparatus comprising: the driving mechanism that transmits a driving force of the actuator to a lens constituting the finder optical system via the imaging lens. Display means for displaying image data obtained using the image sensor;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit changes a display state on the display unit according to whether or not to perform the operation.   11. The photographing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the control unit performs the operation, specific image data is displayed on the display unit.