JP6534896B2 - Range finder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a range finder.

Conventionally, the operation of the camera is stopped when the boosted power supply voltage falls below the predetermined voltage threshold even by one degree (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1: JP-A-2001-296587

  Since the power supply voltage has a large fluctuation due to temperature and the like, the battery may fall below the threshold even when the battery remaining amount is sufficiently remaining, and the battery has to be replaced.

  The range finder according to the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in the optical path from the light transmitting portion that transmits the measuring light to the light receiving portion that receives the measuring light, and deflects at least a part of the light path from the light transmitting portion to the light receiving portion An optical member, a restricting member that couples with the optical member to restrict movement of the optical member, a drive unit that drives the restricting member between the restricted state and the non-restricted state, and a drive power supply that supplies power to the drive unit And a detection unit that detects a voltage supplied from the drive power supply unit to the drive unit, and includes a control unit that controls the drive unit and the drive power supply unit.

  The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all of the features of the present invention. In addition, a subcombination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

It is a block diagram of a range finder in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the limitation member in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the fluctuation | variation of the output voltage of a 1st pressure | voltage rise part. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in a 1st embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in a 1st embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in a 1st embodiment. It is a control flow diagram of the unlocking operation of the range finder in the first embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in a 2nd embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in a 2nd embodiment. It is a control flowchart of the distance meter in a 2nd embodiment. It is a control flow diagram of the unlocking operation of the distance meter in the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through the embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Moreover, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the range finder according to the first embodiment. The range finder 10 includes a light transmitting unit 100, a light receiving unit 200, an observation unit 300, and a control unit 600. In addition, the distance meter 10 includes a correction member 410, a drive unit 500, and a restriction member 510. Further, the distance meter 10 has a power supply 700, a first booster 710, and a second booster 720.

The light transmitting unit 100 transmits the measurement light forward. The light transmitting unit 100 has an objective lens 110, an erecting prism 120 and a light emitting unit 130. In addition, the light transmitting unit 100 includes a correction member 410 that deflects the optical axis of the light transmitting unit 100 in order to correct an image blur caused by a camera shake of the user. The correction member 410 is disposed in the light path of the light transmission unit 100. In the following description, the direction in which the light-sending part 100 emits the measurement light in the distance meter 10, that is called the arrow direction of a light ray B ₃ in FIG forward.

  The light emitting unit 130 emits a pulse-shaped measurement light a predetermined number of times per unit time. In this case, the light emitting unit 130 emits, for example, 320 pulse lights per second as measurement light. An example of the light emitting unit 130 is a semiconductor laser that emits infrared light. Hereinafter, the light emitting unit 130 will be described using an example of emitting measurement light in the infrared range.

The erecting prism 120 reflects the visible light band and transmits the infrared band, the dichroic reflecting surface 122, and the total reflection surfaces 124 and 126 having a high reflectance for the infrared band in addition to the visible light band. Have. In erecting prism 120, the measurement light passes through the dichroic reflecting surface 122, is reflected by the total reflection surface 124, propagating distance meter 10 toward the front as light ray B _2. Furthermore, the erecting prism 120 uses the dichroic reflecting surface 122, the total reflecting surfaces 124, 126 and other reflecting surfaces to invert the inverted mirror image formed by the incident light beam into an erect image. Examples of the erecting prism 120 are a roof prism, a porro prism, and the like.

  The objective lens 110 is disposed at the front end of the range finder 10, and the front end face of the objective lens 110 faces the object to be distance-measured. The rear end surface of the objective lens 110 faces the front end surface of the erecting prism 120 with the correction member 410 interposed therebetween. The correction member 410 is also an optical member, and forms the light transmission unit 100 together with the objective lens 110.

  The observation unit 300 includes an objective lens 110, a correction member 410, an erecting prism 120, a reticle plate 320, and an eyepiece lens 310. The observation unit 300 shares the objective lens 110, the correction member 410, and the erecting prism 120 with the light transmitting unit 100. As a result, the apparent light axes of the light transmitting unit 100 and the observation unit 300 in the range finder 10 coincide with each other. The user observes the front through the observation unit 300 to determine the collimation with respect to the distance measurement object.

  The reticle plate 320 is disposed at the focal position (reticle position) of the objective lens 110 of the light transmitting unit 100 and the correction member 410. The front end of the eyepiece lens 310 faces the rear end of the reticle plate 320 inside the range finder 10.

  The reticle plate 320 has a collimation index and a display unit. Examples of the shape of the collimation index are a cross hair, a rectangular frame, a circular frame and the like. The collimation index may be formed on a plate transparent to visible light by printing, etching, or the like, or may be displayed using a transmissive liquid crystal. The display unit uses a transmissive liquid crystal or the like to indicate the measurement result of the distance to the distance measurement object to the user with characters, images, and the like. Instead of providing the display unit directly on the reticle plate 320, a reflective liquid crystal and an optical system for guiding a display image using the liquid crystal to the reticle plate 320 may be used. The display unit may display the remaining amount of the battery, an alert, a clock, and the like in addition to the distance measurement result.

The observation unit 300, the reflected or scattered light from the measuring object located in front of the distance meter 10, light rays A ₁ propagating within the viewing angle of the objective lens 110 is incident. Ray _{A 1} is condensed by the light _{A 2} by the objective lens 110, an erecting prism 120 through the reticle plate 320 and an eyepiece lens 310, and is emitted as light _{A 3} behind the range finder 10. Thus, the user observes the erected image of the distance measurement object through the eyepiece lens 310.

  A collimation index arranged on the reticle plate 320 is superimposed on the image of the distance measurement object observed by the user through the eyepiece lens 310. Therefore, the user orients the range finder 10 so that the collimation index is superimposed on the image observed through the eyepiece lens 310, and collimates the distance measurement object. In this case, since the apparent light axes of the light transmitting unit 100 and the observation unit 300 coincide with each other as described above, the measurement light is irradiated to the position indicated by the collimation index.

  The light receiving unit 200 receives measurement light incident from the front. Then, the intensity signal of the measurement light is converted into an electrical signal and output. The light receiving unit 200 includes a light receiving lens 210, a band pass filter 220, and a light receiving element 230. As shown in FIG. 1, in the range finder 10 according to the present embodiment, the light receiving lens 210 of the light receiving unit 200 has an optical axis different from that of the objective lens 110 of the light transmitting unit 100 and the observation unit 300.

  Behind the light receiving lens 210, a band pass filter 220 and a light receiving element 230 are sequentially disposed. The band pass filter 220 transmits light in a narrow wavelength band including the wavelength band of measurement light, and blocks or attenuates light in other wavelength bands. The light receiving element 230 is, for example, a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like having sensitivity to the wavelength band of the measurement light. Thus, the light receiving element 230 receives the light including the measurement light, converts the light into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal. The light receiving area of the light receiving element 230 is preferably smaller from the viewpoint of eliminating the influence of the background light on the measurement light.

  The control unit 600 comprehensively controls the distance measuring operation in the distance meter 10. The control unit 600 calculates the distance to the object to be measured from the time difference calculated from the timing when the measurement light is emitted from the light transmission unit 100 and the timing when the light reception unit 200 receives the measurement light.

  Control unit 600 also includes a storage unit 610 and a clock unit 620. The storage unit 610 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores a light receiving signal output from the light receiving element 230, a threshold of a voltage to be described later, and the like. The timer unit 620 measures time. In the present embodiment, the clock unit 620 starts clocking from the time when the distance measurement command from the user is received.

In the light receiving portion 200, the light receiving lens 210, light C _1, which is reflected or scattered from the measuring object located in front of the distance meter 10 is incident. The light ray C ₁ is condensed by the light receiving lens 210 and propagates as the light ray C ₂ toward the rear, passes through the band-pass filter 220, and is received by the light receiving element 230.

  The light receiving element 230 converts the received light signal into a corresponding electric signal and outputs it. The electric signal output from the light receiving element 230 is amplified by an amplifier (not shown) and output to the control unit 600.

  The control unit 600 includes a binarization circuit (not shown), a sampling circuit, a counter circuit, an oscillator, and the like. The electric signal amplified by an amplifier (not shown) is converted into a binarized signal in accordance with a predetermined threshold value by a binarization circuit, and is output to a sampling circuit. A sampling clock of a specific frequency is input to the sampling circuit from an oscillator. Further, the count value is input to the sampling circuit from the counter circuit. The count value is reset by the control unit 600 at timing when the light emitting unit 130 emits pulse light. The sampling circuit performs digital sampling of the input binarized signal to generate a light reception signal synchronized with the sampling clock. The sampling circuit stores the light reception signal in the storage unit 610.

  The correction member 410 functions as a correction unit together with the anti-vibration drive unit 400, the position detection unit 420, and the shake detection unit 430.

  The shake detection unit 430 includes a plurality of angular velocity sensors and the like whose detection directions cross each other. The plurality of angular velocity sensors are arranged, for example, in a direction to detect pitching and yawing of the range finder 10. Each of the angular velocity sensors outputs a signal corresponding to a displacement amount including a direction and a size as information to the control unit 600 when the range finder 10 is displaced.

  The control unit 600 periodically refers to the output of the shake detection unit 430, and a correction amount that is a displacement amount of the correction member 410 for canceling out an image blur generated in the observation unit 300 due to the displacement of the distance meter 10. Calculate Corresponding to the displacement amount of the range finder 10, the correction amount also includes the direction and the magnitude. Further, the control unit 600 outputs a drive signal to be driven by the correction amount to the anti-vibration drive unit 400.

  The anti-vibration drive unit 400 displaces the correction member 410 in the direction crossing the optical axis according to the drive signal received from the control unit 600. This suppresses image blurring in the observation unit 300 and prevents the measurement light from being deviated from the distance measurement target. For example, a voice coil motor, a piezoelectric motor, or the like can be used for the anti-vibration drive unit 400.

  The position detection unit 420 periodically detects the position of the correction member 410 and outputs a position signal, which is a signal corresponding to the position, to the control unit 600. For example, an optical position detection sensor or the like can be used for the position detection unit 420 in addition to a magnetic sensor using a Hall element or an MR element.

  The control unit 600 performs feedback control of the drive amount of the correction member 410 according to the position signal of the correction member 410 acquired from the position detection unit 420. Thus, even when a disturbance such as impact or vibration is applied, the position of the correction member 410 can be controlled with high accuracy.

  The correction unit may always perform the correction operation, but may perform the correction operation only during a period in which the user is using the range finder 10. The fact that the user is using the range finder 10 may, for example, detect the eyes of the user looking through the eyepiece 310 and turn the correction unit on / off. Also, the correction unit may start the operation when the user operates a switch or the like. Furthermore, the operation of the correction unit may be stopped when there is no user operation beyond a predetermined time. In the following description, an operation for deflecting the optical axis of the light receiving unit 200 by the correction unit may be referred to as a vibration reduction operation.

The correction member 410 is driven by the anti-vibration driving unit 400 in the vicinity of the objective lens 110 to displace the optical paths of the light beams A ₂ and B ₂ . By displacing the correction member 410 so as to optically cancel the displacement when the distance meter 10 is displaced, it is possible to stop blurring of the image observed by the user. Since the correction member 410 is also shared by the light transmitting unit 100, the measurement object can continue to be irradiated with the measurement object even if the distance measurement device 10 is displaced.

  The restricting member 510 is mechanically coupled to the correcting member 410 to restrict the movement of the correcting member 410. As a result, even when relatively large vibration or impact is applied to the distance measuring device 10 when not in use, for example, during transportation, the correction member 410 interferes with the surrounding mechanism, and the correction member 410 and the surrounding mechanism Etc. can be prevented from being damaged.

  The driving unit 500 mechanically drives the regulating member 510. The drive unit 500 drives the regulating member 510 between the lock position and the unlock position when the range finder 10 is activated and stopped.

  The power supply 700 supplies power to the electrical members that constitute the range finder 10. As the power supply 700 in the present embodiment, a low voltage battery such as a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a secondary battery such as a nickel hydrogen battery can be used. The power source 700 may be removable from the device body. Further, the power supply 700 may be chargeable in a state of being attached to the device body.

  The first boosting unit 710 boosts the voltage from the power supply 700 and supplies it to the anti-vibration driving unit 400 and the driving unit 500 when the anti-vibration driving unit 400 and the driving unit 500 are driven. In the range finder 10 according to the present embodiment, the drive unit 500 drives the restriction member 510 that locks the correction member 410. In order to drive the correction member 410 and the regulation member 510, it is necessary to supply a relatively large voltage to the anti-vibration drive unit 400 and the drive unit 500. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first boosting unit 710 is provided to boost the voltage of the power supply 700 to a voltage sufficient to drive the regulating member 510 and to supply it to the anti-vibration drive unit 400 and the drive unit 500. . The power supply 700 and the first booster 710 constitute a drive power supply unit.

  In the present embodiment, a wiring 900 for monitoring a voltage is provided between the control unit 600 and the first booster 710, and the controller 600 determines in advance the voltage Vup boosted by the first booster 710. The number of times smaller than the first threshold value Vth is measured and stored in the storage unit 610 as the counter value Cv. Then, the control unit 600 performs control different from normal control on the drive unit 500 when the counter value Cv, which is the measured number of times, exceeds a predetermined number of times threshold Cvth. Details will be described later.

  The second booster unit 720 is disposed in parallel with the first booster unit 710, boosts the voltage from the power supply 700, and supplies electric power to the control unit 600 through the wiring 910 provided between the control unit 600 and the control unit 600. Supply. In addition, the second booster unit 720 has a plurality of booster circuits, and the constant voltage is generated by each booster circuit, and the vibration control unit 400 such as the light emitting unit 130 and the light receiving element 230 and the like via the control unit 600 Electric power is supplied to a part of the electronic components constituting the distance meter 10 other than the drive unit 500.

  FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of the regulating member in the first embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2A shows a state in which the correction member 410 is locked by the restriction member 510. 2B shows a state in which the lock of the correction member 410 by the restriction member 510 is released.

  FIG. 2 shows the correction member 410, the holding portion 412, the restriction member 510, the anti-vibration driving portion 400, the driving portion 500, and the restriction members 514a and 514b. In FIG. 2, the correction member 410 is held by the holding unit 412. In addition, the holding portion 412 has a plurality of protrusions 414 on the outer periphery. The restriction member 510 has a plurality of locking portions 512 on the inner circumference.

  In FIG. 2A, one end of the restricting member 510 is in contact with the restricting member 514a at the contact portion A. In this state, the protruding portion 414 provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 412 and the locking portion 512 provided on the inner periphery of the regulating member 510 are opposed to each other. Thus, the upper, lower, left, and right movable ranges of the holding portion 412 are limited. Therefore, in a state in which the distance meter 10 is not in operation, that is, in a state in which the correction member 410 is not driven and controlled by the anti-vibration drive unit 400, the holding unit 412 is It is possible to avoid damage to the correction member 410 and the like due to the interference between and the peripheral mechanism.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 2B, the other end of the restricting member 510 is in contact with the restricting member 514 b at the contact portion B. In this state, the protrusion 414 provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 412 and the locking portion 512 provided on the inner periphery of the restriction member 510 do not face each other. Therefore, a large movable range can be secured in the top, bottom, left, and right in the holding portion 412. Therefore, the range finder 10 can drive the correction member 410 in a large movable range to correct the shake of the optical axis caused by the hand shake of the user.

  Next, the transition from the locked state of the restricting member 510 to the unlocked state by the drive unit 500 will be described. The drive by the drive unit 500 includes a first drive that mechanically disconnects the restricting member 510 from the correction member 410 and a second drive that presses the restricting member 510 against the contact portion B of the restricting member 514 b after the first drive. It includes two drive states. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the first drive, the drive unit 500 drives the restricting member 510 in the direction of the arrow indicated by the broken line to shift the holding unit 412 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Let Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the second drive, the drive unit 500 drives the restriction member 510 so as to press the contact portion B with the restriction member 514b in the direction of the outlined arrow. .

  In the above two driving of the regulating member 510, a large load is applied to the driving unit 500, and a large current flows. Therefore, the voltage supplied from the first booster 710 drops. In the present embodiment, the change in the boosted voltage is monitored, and the number of times the voltage falls below a predetermined threshold is measured.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation of the output voltage of the first booster. In particular, the case where the regulating member 510 transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described.

  FIG. 3A shows the time change of the drive signal transmitted from the control unit 600 to the drive unit 500. In FIG. 3A, the horizontal axis represents time T, and the vertical axis represents the voltage level of the signal. When control unit 600 receives a start command from the user via operation button 800 (T = T1), control unit 600 raises the voltage level of the drive signal transmitted to drive unit 500 from low level (L) to high level (H). . Then, the drive signal of high level (H) is continuously transmitted to the drive unit 500 for a predetermined time (from T1 to T3).

  The driving unit 500 drives the restricting member 510 in a predetermined direction while receiving the high level (H) driving signal. When receiving the drive signal from the control unit 600 at time T1, the drive unit 500 starts the first drive for separating the restriction member 510 from the holding unit 412 holding the correction member 410. A load is applied to the drive unit 500 by the drive of the regulating member 510, and a large current flows in the drive unit 500. In this case, although the first booster 710 outputs a constant voltage, the output voltage of the first booster 710 is reduced if the remaining amount of the power supply 700 is small. Further, at time T2, the end face of the regulating member 510 abuts on the limiting member 514. At this time, an impact load is applied to the drive unit 500, and a larger current flows in the drive unit 500. Then, from T2 to T3, the drive unit 500 performs the second drive so as to press the restricting member 510 against the restricting member 514b. In order to press the restricting member 510 against the fixed restricting member 514 b, a load is applied to the drive unit 500, and a large current flows in the drive unit 500. Also in this case, although the first booster 710 outputs a constant voltage, the output voltage of the first booster 710 is reduced if the remaining amount of the power supply 700 is small.

  FIG. 3B shows the change of the output voltage of the first booster 710 when the power supply 700 is in the state of a certain remaining amount. In FIG. 3B, the horizontal axis represents time T, and the vertical axis represents voltage V. In the state of FIG. 3B, the output voltage Vup of the first booster 710 is set to a predetermined voltage threshold Vth between T1 and T2, that is, until the restriction member 510 abuts on the restriction member 514. It is less than. Here, the predetermined voltage threshold Vth is, for example, 2.8V. In the following description, the fact that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 falls and falls below the threshold value Vth may be referred to as a regulation crack.

  FIG. 3C shows temporal fluctuation of the output voltage of the first booster 710 when the power supply 700 is in the state of the remaining amount. In FIG. 3C, the horizontal axis represents time T, and the vertical axis represents voltage V. In the state of FIG. 3C, the output voltage Vup of the first booster 710 has a regulation crack between T2 and T3, that is, after the regulating member 510 abuts on the limiting member 514.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 600 separately measures the number of occurrences of the regulation break during the first drive and the second drive. Then, the control unit 600 compares each of the number of regulation cracks in the first drive and the number of regulation cracks in the second drive with a predetermined number threshold. Although the details will be described later, the control of the range finder 10 is changed according to the result of the comparison.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times threshold for the first driving is set to be smaller than the predetermined number of times threshold for the second driving. For example, the predetermined number of times threshold for the first driving is 1 and the predetermined number of times threshold for the second driving is 50.

  The predetermined frequency threshold for the first drive may be larger than one. Also, the predetermined frequency threshold for the second driving may be less than 50 or greater than 50.

  The predetermined number of times threshold for the first driving may be set to be larger than the predetermined number of times threshold for the second driving. The predetermined number threshold for the first driving and the predetermined number threshold for the second driving may be set to the same number.

  Next, the control flow of the range finder 10 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

  This flow starts when a user issues an activation command via the operation button 800. The second booster 720 is activated by receiving an activation command from the user (S101). Then, the second booster unit 720 activates the control unit 600 (S102). The controller 600 transmits a self latch signal to the second booster 720 (S103). Thereby, the second booster unit 720 boosts the output voltage from the power supply 700. While receiving the self latch signal from control unit 600, second boosting unit 720 boosts the output voltage of power supply 700 and outputs the boosted voltage.

  The control unit 600 monitors the voltage Vs of the power supply 700. The control unit 600 determines whether the voltage Vs is larger than a predetermined threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage (S104). The threshold value Vsth of the power supply voltage determined in advance is stored in the storage unit 610. In the present embodiment, a first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 and a second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2 are defined as the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth. The magnitude relationship between the respective threshold values is set so as to have a relationship of Vsth1 <Vsth2. For example, the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 is 1.0V, and the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2 is 1.3V.

  If it is determined that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is smaller than a predetermined threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage (S104: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S118 of FIG. On the other hand, when control unit 600 determines that voltage Vs of power supply 700 is larger than a predetermined threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage (S104: YES), predetermined threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage is the first. It is determined whether or not it is the power supply voltage threshold Vsth1. If it is determined that the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth is the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S108 in FIG. The initial value of the threshold of the power supply voltage determined in advance is, for example, Vsth1.

  If it is determined that the predetermined threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage is not the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S105: NO), the control unit 600 resets the counter value Cv (S106). Next, the control unit 600 changes the predetermined threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage to the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S107). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S108 in FIG.

  The control unit 600 outputs a boost activation signal to the first booster 710 to activate the first booster 710 (S108). The control unit 600 determines whether the correction member 410 is in a predetermined range (S109). Here, the predetermined range is a movable range of the correction member 410 in a state where the correction member 410 is locked by the restriction member 510. That is, when the correction member 410 is in the predetermined range, it can be determined that the correction member 410 is locked by the restriction member 510. On the other hand, when the correction member 410 is not within the predetermined range, it can be determined that the correction member 410 is not locked by the restriction member 510.

  If it is determined that the correction member 410 is in the predetermined range (S109: YES), the control unit 600 starts the unlocking operation (S110). Details of the unlocking operation will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the correction member 410 is not within the predetermined range (S109: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S111.

  The control unit 600 outputs the image stabilization drive signal to the motor drive circuit of the image stabilization drive unit 400, and starts the image stabilization operation as a part of the distance measurement operation (S111). At the same time as the vibration isolation operation is started, the control unit 600 causes the timer unit 620 to start counting the elapsed time (S112). Then, the control unit 600 determines whether or not there is a distance measurement command from the user within a predetermined time (S113).

  If there is a distance measurement command from the user within a predetermined time (S113: YES), the control unit 600 resets the clock (S114). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step 111 and continues the control thereafter. On the other hand, if there is no ranging command from the user within a predetermined time (S113: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S115 of FIG.

  The control unit 600 outputs a signal for moving the correction member to the motor drive circuit of the anti-vibration drive unit 400, and moves the correction member 410 to a predetermined position C (S115). The predetermined position C is a position at which the projection 414 of the holding portion 412 holding the correction member 410 and the locking portion 512 of the regulating member 510 described in FIG. 2 do not physically contact. This is to reduce the load due to frictional resistance between the protrusion 414 and the locking portion 512 when moving the restricting member 510.

  Next, the control unit 600 drives the drive unit 500 by outputting a drive signal to the motor drive circuit of the drive unit 500 to move the regulating member 510 to the lock position (S116). Thereby, the correction member 410 is locked and the movable range is limited.

  The control unit 600 outputs a boost stop signal to the first booster 710 to stop the first booster 710 (S117). Then, the control unit 600 stops the self latch signal to the second booster unit 720 (S118). Next, the control unit 600 stops all control operations (S119). When the control operation of the control unit 600 is stopped, the second booster unit 720 is stopped (S120), and all the operations of the range finder 10 end.

  FIG. 7 is a control flow diagram of the unlocking operation of the distance meter in the first embodiment.

  At the same time as control unit 600 starts the unlocking operation by outputting a drive signal to the motor drive circuit of drive unit 500, control unit 600 starts a predetermined time (from T1 to T3 as described in FIG. 3). ), Transmits a drive signal to the motor drive circuit of the drive unit 500 (S1101). Then, while transmitting the drive signal, the control unit 600 monitors the supply voltage from the first booster 710 (S1102).

  During the first driving, control unit 600 starts voltage threshold V th at which output voltage Vup from first booster 710 is predetermined, until restriction member 510 starts moving and abuts against restriction member 514b. It is determined whether it is less than (S1103). Here, the predetermined voltage threshold Vth is, for example, 2.8V. If it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first drive (S1103: YES), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S1107. The threshold Vsth of the power supply voltage determined in advance is changed to the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2 (S1107). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S115 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1103 that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 does not fall below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first driving (S1103: NO), the controller 600 The output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is set to a predetermined voltage threshold during the period from the contact of the restricting member 510 with the restricting member 514 b to the end of transmission of the drive signal, ie, during the second driving. It is determined whether it is less than Vth (S1104).

  If it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 does not fall below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second driving (S1104: NO), the controller 600 proceeds to step S1108. Do. On the other hand, when it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second driving (S1104: YES), the controller 600 controls the memory 610 The counter value Cv stored in is incremented (S1105).

  The control unit 600 determines whether the counter value Cv has exceeded a predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S1106). Here, the predetermined counter threshold Cvth is, for example, 100. If it is determined that the counter value Cv exceeds the predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S1106: YES), the control unit 600 changes the predetermined power supply voltage threshold Vsth to the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2. (S1107). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S115 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1106 that the counter value Cv does not exceed the predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S1106: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S1108. After shifting to step 1108, the control unit 600 drives the drive unit 500 until lock release is completed, that is, until T3 (S1108), and ends the flow of the lock release operation.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, whether to stop the operation of the entire range finder 10 by monitoring the output voltage of the first booster 710 less susceptible to fluctuations due to the environment or the like than the power supply voltage itself Is judged. Thereby, the remaining amount of the power source 700 can be used more effectively. Furthermore, when the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 becomes smaller than the first threshold Vsth1 of the predetermined power supply voltage, the entire distance meter 10 regardless of the value of the count value Cv which is the accumulated number of times of regulation cracking measured. Stop the operation of This makes it possible to more reliably prevent a state in which the operation is stopped without being locked. When the threshold Vsth is set to the second threshold Vsth2 and the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 becomes larger than the second power supply threshold Vsth2, the value of the count value Cv is reset. , Return to normal control. As a result, when the power supply 700 is replaced with a sufficient remaining amount after the operation is stopped, or when the power supply 700 is sufficiently charged, the normal control can be resumed.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the control flow of the distance meter 10 in the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the description which overlaps with the description of FIGS. 4 to 7 is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 600 resets the count value Cv, which is the cumulative number of regulation cracks, when the voltage of the power supply 700 is larger than a predetermined potential difference than in the previous measurement. Control unit 600 stores voltage Vsr of power supply 700 in storage unit 610 each time a regulation break occurs. Then, at startup after the occurrence of the regulation crack, control unit 600 compares the potential difference dVs between voltage Vs of power supply 700 and voltage Vsr stored in storage unit 610 with a predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth. When the voltage of the previous power supply 700 is larger than a predetermined potential difference than in the previous measurement, the measurement of the number of times is reset. By performing control as in the present embodiment, the control unit 600 can recognize that the battery has been replaced and control the operation. Moreover, the threshold value setting which considered the individual difference in a battery or a mechanical element can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, in step S204 shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 600 determines whether the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S204). If it is determined that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is smaller than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S204: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S217 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 (S204: YES), the control unit 600 generates a regulation break immediately before being stored in the storage unit 610. It is determined whether the potential difference dVs between the voltage Vsr and the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 at the time is larger than a predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth (S205). Note that, for example, a value smaller than the first power supply voltage threshold Vsth1 is set as the predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth. In this case, the initial value of Vsr stored in storage unit 610 is, for example, 0V.

  If it is determined that the potential difference dVs is larger than the predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth (S205: YES), the control unit 600 resets the count value Cv (S206), and proceeds to step S207 of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the potential difference dVs is smaller than the predetermined potential difference threshold dVsth (S205: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S207 of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a control flow diagram of the unlocking operation of the distance meter according to the second embodiment. In particular, FIG. 11 shows another control form of the lock release operation control described in FIG.

  In step S2093 of FIG. 11, the control unit 600 determines whether or not the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 falls below a predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first driving (S2093). If it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first boosting unit 710 has fallen below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first driving (S 2093: YES), the control unit 600 causes the storage unit 610 to supply the power 700. The voltage Vsr of the voltage V.sub.sr is stored (S2094). Then, the control unit 600 proceeds to step S214 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 does not fall below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the first driving (S 2093: NO), the controller 600 performs the second operation. During driving, it is determined whether the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 has fallen below a predetermined voltage threshold Vth (S2095).

  If it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 does not fall below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second driving (S2095: NO), the controller 600 proceeds to step S2099. Do. On the other hand, when it is determined that the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 falls below the predetermined voltage threshold Vth during the second driving (S2095: YES), the controller 600 controls the memory 610 The voltage Vsr of the power supply 700 is stored in (S2096).

  Then, the control unit 600 increments the counter value Cv stored in the storage unit 610 (S2097). Next, the control unit 600 determines whether the counter value Cv has exceeded a predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S2098). If it is determined that the counter value Cv has exceeded the predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S2098: YES), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S214 in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value Cv has not exceeded the predetermined counter threshold Cvth (S2098: NO), the control unit 600 proceeds to step S2099 and executes the unlocking operation.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 8, a third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3 which is a higher threshold than the first power supply voltage Vsth1 is provided instead of step S205, and the control unit 600 determines that the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is a third power supply. It may be determined whether or not it is larger than the voltage threshold Vsth3. In this case, steps S2094 and S2096 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 may not be employed. Similarly, instead of step S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the control unit 600 may determine whether or not the voltage Vs of the power supply 700 is larger than the third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3.

  The third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3 is, for example, 1.5V. The third power supply voltage threshold Vsth3 may have the same value as the second power supply voltage threshold Vsth2.

  In the above description, although the range finder having the correction member in the light transmitting portion is described as the embodiment, the light receiving portion has the correction member, and the correction member causes the optical axis deviation of the light receiving portion due to the user's hand shake. It may be corrected.

  In the above description, although the range finder equipped with only one CPU is described as the embodiment, the range finder according to the present invention may have more than two CPUs.

  In the above description, the control for stopping the operation of the entire range finder has been described as control different from the normal control by the control unit 600, but the restriction member by the drive unit 500 without stopping the operation of the entire range finder Control to stop the drive of 510 may be performed. In this case, although the image stabilization operation is not performed, distance measurement may be performed.

  In the above description, a range finder having two step-up circuits is described as an embodiment, but the range finder according to the present invention may have three or more step-up circuits.

  In the above description, although the light transmitting unit 100 has been described using an example in which the light transmitting unit 100 includes the correction member 410 as an example of the distance meter, the light transmitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 have the correction member and the antivibration driving unit respectively. Thus, the respective anti-vibration drive units may be configured to be synchronously driven, or the anti-vibration drive units may be configured to be common to the respective correction members.

  In the above description, as an example of the range finder, the description has been made using a so-called two-lens range finder in which the light transmitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 have different optical paths. May have a so-called monocular configuration having a common optical path.

  In the above description, as an example of the lock mechanism, the correction member is provided by opposing the locking portion 512 provided on the inner periphery of the regulating member 510 and the projection 414 provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 412. It demonstrated using the locking mechanism which locks 410. FIG. However, the locking mechanism is not limited to this, and may be of a type in which a pin is inserted into the locking hole provided in the holding portion 412 to lock the correction member 410. Further, it may be a so-called electromagnetic lock type in which the correction member 410 is locked by the electromagnetic force generated between the holding portion 412 and the restriction member 510. In this case, for example, when a magnet is disposed in the holding portion 412 and an electromagnetic coil is disposed in the regulating member 510 and a current is supplied to the electromagnetic coil, a magnetic force is generated between the magnet and the electromagnetic coil to engage the correction member 410. Configure to stop.

  In the above description, as an example of the monitoring process at the time of unlocking operation of the lock mechanism, the output from the first booster 710 during the first driving that mechanically disconnects the restricting member 510 from the correcting member 410 by the driving unit 500. Although the voltage Vup is monitored and the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 is monitored during the second driving in which the regulating member 510 is pressed against the limiting member 514b, the locking release operation is performed. The monitoring process is not limited to this, and it may be configured not to monitor the output voltage Vup from the first booster 710 during the second driving.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be added to the above embodiment. It is also apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The execution order of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and steps in the apparatuses, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, the specification, and the drawings is particularly “before”, “preceding” It is to be noted that “it is not explicitly stated as“ etc. ”and can be realized in any order as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the later process. With regard to the flow of operations in the claims, the specification and the drawings, even if it is described using “first,” “next,” etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

Reference Signs List 10 range finder, 100 light transmitting unit, 110 objective lens, 120 erecting prism, 122, 124, 126, 130, 200 light receiving unit, 210 light receiving lens, 220, 230 light receiving element, 300 observation unit, 310 eyepiece, 320 Reticle plate 400 anti-vibration drive unit 410 correction member 412 holding unit 414 projection unit 420 position detection unit 430 shake detection unit 500 drive unit 510 restriction member 512 locking unit 514 a, 514 b restriction member 600 control unit, 610 storage unit, 620 timer unit, 700 power supply, 710 first booster unit, 720 second booster unit, 800 operation button, 900 wiring, 910 wiring

Claims (12)

An optical member disposed in an optical path from a light transmitting portion that sends measurement light to a light receiving portion that receives the measurement light, and deflecting at least a part of the optical path from the light transmitting portion to the light receiving portion;
A restricting member coupled to the optical member to restrict movement of the optical member;
A drive unit for driving the restricting member between a restricting state and a non-restricting state;
A drive power supply unit for supplying power to the drive unit;
A detection unit that detects a voltage supplied from the drive power supply unit to the drive unit, and a control unit that controls the drive unit and the drive power supply unit ;
The drive by the drive unit is a first drive mechanically disconnecting the restricting member from the optical member to bring the restricting member from the restricting state to the non-restricting state, and the restricting member after the first drive. A second drive for pressing the regulating member against the abutment to maintain the non-regulating state of
The range finder according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a voltage supplied to the drive unit in each of the first drive and the second drive .   The range finder according to claim 1, wherein the drive power supply unit includes a power supply, and a first boost unit that boosts the output voltage of the power supply and supplies the boosted voltage to the drive unit. Wherein the control unit is configured in accordance with the value of the detected voltage by the detection unit, at least the distance measuring meter according to claim 1 or 2, the different control and normal control on the drive unit.   The rangefinder according to claim 3, wherein the different control includes stopping driving of the drive unit.   The rangefinder according to claim 3, wherein the different control includes stopping operation of the entire rangefinder.   The control unit measures the number of times the voltage boosted by the first booster is smaller than a predetermined first threshold, and at least the number of times exceeds a predetermined number. The range finder according to claim 2, wherein control different from normal control is performed on the drive unit. The number of times is measured based on the voltage supplied to the drive unit detected in each of the first drive and the second drive, and the predetermined number of times for the first drive is measured. The range finder according to claim 6, wherein is smaller than the predetermined number of times during the second driving. The range finder according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit stops the operation of the entire range finder regardless of the number of times when the voltage of the power supply becomes smaller than a predetermined second threshold. For the different control, when the voltage of the power supply is smaller than a third threshold larger than the second threshold, the different control is continued, and when it is larger, the number of times of measurement is reset to perform the normal operation. 9. A range finder according to claim 8 , including returning to control. The range finder according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit resets the number of times of measurement when the voltage of the power supply becomes larger than a fourth threshold larger than the second threshold. The range finder according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit resets the number of times of measurement when the voltage of the power supply is larger than a predetermined potential difference than that of the previous measurement. The second booster according to claim 2 and claim 2, further comprising a second booster arranged in parallel with the first booster and boosting a voltage from the power supply to supply power to the control unit. Item 13. A range finder according to any one of Items 3 to 11 .

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