JPH0495933A - Automatic focusing device for camera provided with image blurring correcting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an image blurring correcting function with good handleability by actuating a delay means in the case of correcting image blurring in response to the operation of an operational switch. CONSTITUTION:The blurring in the direction IOTA of a lens is detected by an angu lar accelerometer 1i and a motor 51 is driven based on a blurring signal. The blurring in a direction J is detected by the accelerometer 1j and a motor 61 is driven to correct the two-dimensional blurring on a photographic image plane. When an image blurring correcting action is started, correction optical system 33 is restored suddenly to a position where the center axis of the system 33 is aligned with a photographic optical axis. Thereafter, the image blurring is corrected in accordance with the blurring signal. Namely, a microcomputer in a camera immediately and simultaneously performs a centering action and an AF action previous to the image blurring correcting action when focusing is not attained at all. When focusing is already attained once, the actions are delayed by a specified time and the next AF action is performed after finishing the centering action and the change of framing. Thus, the handleability is im proved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Application of the Invention) The present invention provides a focus detection means for detecting a focus state of an imaging optical system and outputting a focus signal, and a focus adjustment optical system for driving a focus adjustment optical system based on the focus signal. a driving means for
The present invention relates to an automatic focus adjustment device for a camera having an image blur correction function, and includes an operation switch that issues a start signal for the focus adjustment operation by each of the above-mentioned means.

(Background of the Invention) Conventionally, there have been many applications regarding automatic focus adjustment devices and image blur correction devices for cameras, and cameras that are equipped with both devices at the same time have already been proposed. However, as the automation of various functions such as automatic exposure control (hereinafter referred to as AE), automatic focus adjustment (hereinafter referred to as AF), and image stabilization in cameras progresses, the number of operating members for these functions increases, and operations tend to become cumbersome. be. In particular, if the operation start switch for each function is made to be activated by a different member, the number of complicated operations will increase before photographing, and there is a risk of missing a photo opportunity. Therefore, it is common to start the operations such as AE, AF, image blur correction, etc. by pressing a single operating member, such as a release button, in the first step.

However, if the above three operations are started simultaneously with just one member, the following harm will occur. That is, - When starting the image blur correction operation for boat fishing, in order to effectively use the stroke of the optical axis eccentricity means that performs the image blur correction, the position of the optical axis eccentricity means must be adjusted before starting the image blur correction operation. Initialization is performed at the center of the movable stroke. This is called centering, and during this centering operation, the AF
When an image is accumulated on the sensor, the image becomes blurred during accumulation, making it impossible to accurately detect focus. In order to avoid this, the applicant has
No. 2, an application has been filed to the effect that centering and accumulation in the AF sensor are not performed at the same time.

However, in the device proposed above, the accumulation in the AF sensor is started immediately after the centering is completed, but this configuration has the following problems.

1) Framing is done so that the main subject falls within the focus detection area on the focus glass, and when centering is performed by pressing the first step of the release button, a framing change occurs. Therefore, if the AF sensor starts accumulating immediately after centering, there is a risk that the range will be measured in a different area from the main subject. Therefore, in this case, it is better to correct the framing after the centering is completed, and then store the data in the rear AF sensor, rather than immediately after the centering is completed.

2) In phase difference detection type AF, focus detection is performed using a component with a relatively low spatial frequency of the subject pattern, so even if image blurring occurs during AF sensor accumulation, it may have almost no adverse effect. Further, while the normal centering operation takes several tens of m5ec, the accumulation in the AF sensor only takes several m5ec or less under daylight. Even under the above circumstances, uniformly prohibiting accumulation in the AF sensor during centering will unnecessarily slow down the AP response.

Furthermore, when using an image blur correction device, it cannot be overlooked that the following psychological state occurs in the photographer. That is, 3) it takes a certain amount of time (for example, about 1 second) after the image blur prevention operation starts until the photographer notices its effect. Then, after the image blur prevention effect is recognized, that is, after confirming that the main subject is definitely stationary in the focus detection frame in the viewfinder,
By performing P, the photographer feels more secure about the reliability of the AP. However, the device described above does not have such a configuration.

There is a situation.

(Object of the Invention) An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an image stabilization function that is easy to use in each case, depending on when the image stabilization operation and automatic focus adjustment operation are used together and when they are not used together. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic focusing device for a camera.

(Features of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a delay means for delaying the start of the focus adjustment operation in response to the operation of the operation switch for a predetermined period of time, and image blur correction is performed in response to the operation of the operation switch. In this case, a control means for activating the delay means is provided, and when image blur correction is performed in response to an instruction to start a focus adjustment operation, the image blur correction function may become necessary due to operation of the image blur correction function. The present invention is characterized in that the focus adjustment operation is started after a predetermined time that takes into account the framing correction time and the like.

Further, a repetition number determining means is provided for determining the number of repetitions of the focus adjustment operation depending on whether or not image blur correction is performed in response to the operation of the operation switch. When blur correction is performed, the focus adjustment operation is repeated a predetermined number of times, taking into consideration the framing correction time that may be required due to the operation of the image blur correction function.

(Embodiments of the Invention) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.

1 to 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the main parts according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, CMR represents a camera body, and LNS represents a detachable interchangeable lens.

First, the configuration of the camera body CMR side will be explained.

The ccpu is an in-camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as microcomputer), which is a one-chip microcomputer that has ROM, RAM, and A/D conversion functions. Camera microcomputer CCPU
performs a series of camera operations such as automatic exposure control, automatic focus adjustment, and film advance according to the camera sequence program stored in the ROM. To this end, the camera microcomputer CCPU communicates with peripheral circuits and lenses within the camera body CMR to control the operations of each circuit and lens.

LCM is a lens communication buffer circuit, and the power line V
L supplies power to the lens LNS and serves as an inter-lens communication buffer for outputting from the camera body CMR to the lens LNS via the signal line DCL and from the lens LNS to the camera body CMR via the signal line DLC.

SNS is a line sensor for focus detection (hereinafter simply referred to as sensor) consisting of COD, etc., and SDR is its drive circuit, and sensor SN is activated by commands from the microcomputer CCPU in the camera.
S is driven, the image signal from the sensor SNS is taken in, amplified, and sent to the microcomputer ccpu in the camera.

The light from the lens LNS passes through the main mirror MM, focusing glass PG, and pentaprism PP to the photometric sensor SPC.
The output signal is input to the in-camera microcomputer CCPU, which performs automatic exposure control (A) according to a predetermined program.
E).

DDR is a switch detection and display circuit that switches the display of the camera's display member DSP based on data sent from the camera's internal microcomputer CCPU, and displays the on/off status of various camera operation members within the camera by communication. Notify the microcomputer ccpu. The switch group connected to the circuit DDR is various external operation switches for the camera body CMR, and one of them, 5WAP, is used to control AF modes such as one-shot AF (single AF) or servo AP (continuous AF). This is a switch for selection/switching. Then, the selected AF mode is displayed on the display member DI.
Displayed on SP.

The LED is a light emitting diode that indicates the focus detection state in the finder, and lights up or otherwise displays when the camera is in focus.

The switches SWI and SW2 are switches linked to a release button (not shown), and when the release button is pressed to the first stage, the switch SW1 is turned on, and when the release button is pressed to the second stage, the switch SW2 is turned on. In-camera microcomputer c
As will be described later, when the switch SW1 is turned on, the CPU generates a start signal for photometry, automatic focusing operation, and image blur correction operation, and when the switch SW2 is turned on, it performs exposure control and film winding. Note that the switch SW2 is connected to the "interrupt input terminal" of the microcomputer CCPU in the camera, and even if the program is being executed when the switch SWI is on, an interrupt is generated by turning on the switch SW2, and the program can immediately proceed to a predetermined interrupt program.

MTRI is for film feeding, MTR2 is for mirror up/
This is a motor for down and shutter spring charging, and forward and reverse rotation is controlled by respective drive circuits MDRI and MDR2.

MGI and MG2 are magnets for starting the movement of the front and rear shutter curtains, respectively, and are amplification transistors TRI.

The TR2 is energized, and the camera's internal microcomputer CCPU performs shutter control.

Next, the configuration on the lens LNS side will be explained.

LCPtl is a microcomputer in the lens, and microcomputer C in the camera.
It is a one-chip microcomputer with the same ROM, RAM, and A/D conversion functions as a CPU. In-lens microcomputer LCPt
1 controls the driving of the focusing lens FLNS and the aperture according to commands sent from the camera body CNR via the signal line DCL.

In addition, various operating conditions of the lens (how much the focus adjustment optical system is driven, how many steps the aperture is stopped, etc.) and parameters (open F number, coefficient of focal length defocus amount vs. extension amount, etc.) are sent to the signal line. Send to the camera side via DLC.

FMTR is a motor for driving the focusing lens FLNS, which rotates a helicoid ring (not shown) via a gear train.
Focus adjustment is performed by moving the lens FLNS back and forth in the optical axis direction.

The FDR is a drive circuit for the motor FMTR, and controls the forward/reverse rotation, braking, etc. of the motor FMTR in accordance with signals from the microcomputer LCPtl in the lens.

This embodiment shows an example of an inner focus type, and when a focus adjustment command is sent from the camera body CMR, the motor FMTR is driven according to the driving amount and direction sent at the same time to adjust the focus. Adjustment lens FLN
Focus adjustment is performed by moving S in the optical axis direction. The amount of movement of the focus adjustment lens FLNS is monitored by the pulse signal of the encoder circuit ENCF, and the in-lens microcomputer LCPII
The motor FMTR is controlled when a predetermined movement is completed.

For this reason, once a focus adjustment command is sent from the camera body CMR, the in-camera microcomputer ccpu does not need to be involved in lens driving at all until the lens driving is completed. Furthermore, the configuration is such that the contents of the counter can be sent to the camera body CMH as necessary.

When an aperture control command is sent from the camera body CMR, a stepping motor DMTR, which is known for driving an aperture, is driven in accordance with the number of aperture stages sent at the same time.

lCPU is a microcomputer for image stabilization, which controls the image stabilization operation and sends a DC signal from the camera body CMR to the lens LNS.
L, signal DLC from lens LNS to camera body CMR
is input, and the output signal from the microcomputer 1CPU is input to the in-lens microcomputer LCPtl. In other words, communication with the camera's internal microcomputer ccpu is carried out by the lens' internal microcomputer LCPI.
The image blur correction microcomputer 1 CPU intercepts communication between the two. Then, from the image stabilization microcomputer lCPU to the in-camera microcomputer ccpu
Communication to is performed via the lens microcomputer LCPtl.

ACC is an accelerometer (more precisely, an angular accelerometer) that detects lens shake, and sends an (angular) acceleration signal a to the integrator lNTl. The integrator lNTl integrates the (angular) acceleration signal a and outputs the (angular) velocity signal V to the image blur correction microcomputer lCPU.
and is sent to the integrator INT2. Integrator INT2 is (angle)
The speed signal ■ is integrated and the (angular) displacement signal d is sent to the image blur correction microcomputer ICPt1, and the operational amplifier AM
Send it to the positive input terminal of P. On the other hand, the outputs of the integrators 1NT1 and INT2 can be reset to "0" as required by reset signals R3I and R32 from the image blur correction microcomputer 1CPU.

ILNS is a correction optical system which is an optical axis decentering means.
It is supported by a link mechanism, which will be described later, and can move approximately parallel to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

IMTR is a motor for image stabilization, which rotates the cam fixed on the motor shaft forward and reverse, and controls the correction optical system ILNS.
to displace it.

IDR is a drive circuit for the image blur correction motor IMTR.
The motor IM is controlled by the output signal from the operational amplifier AMP.
Drives TR in forward and reverse directions.

PSD is the position detection sensor of the correction optical system ILNS,
Light from the infrared light emitting diode IRED is used in the correction optical system IL
By passing through the slit SLT that moves together with the NS and entering the light receiving surface of the position detection sensor PSD, the position detection sensor PSD determines the position of the incident light, that is, the correction optical system ILN.
A position signal dL of S is generated.

This output signal (dL) is then output by the image blur correction microcomputer l.
It is input to the minus side input terminal of the CPU and operational amplifier AMP.

5WIS is the main switch of the image stabilization operation circuit, and when the switch 5WIS is turned on, the image stabilization microcomputer l
Power is applied to the CPU and its peripheral circuits, and then integrators lNTl and IN are activated by reset signals R5I and RS2.
T2 is reset and the blur signal is initialized. Then, when the switch SWl of the camera body CMH is turned on, this signal is communicated to the image stabilization microcomputer IC and PU via the microcomputer LCPU in the lens, and the motor IMTR
is driven and the image blur correction operation starts.

In addition, although it was previously assumed that dL is the position signal of the correction optical system ILNS, since the displacement of the correction optical system ILNS and the amount of optical axis eccentricity caused by this are proportional, even if dL is regarded as the amount of optical axis eccentricity, No problem. The origin of this signal is the position where the central axis of the correction optical system ILNS and the photographing optical axis coincide.

In Figure 1, the image stabilization mechanism only shows one axis, but since camera shake occurs in two-dimensional directions (up, down, left and right), an actual lens detects blur in two axes, and the correction optical system IL
NS must also be operated two-dimensionally.

FIG. 2 shows the support mechanism of the correction optical system ILNS in detail, and is a perspective view viewed diagonally from the front on a horizontal plane including the optical axis. Normally, shake is detected and corrected by dividing it into two axes: vertical direction (pitch) and horizontal direction (yaw), but in this example, the above two directions are 45 degrees tilted in the machine and J directions. The reference axis for image stabilization is set.

In Figure 2, arrow G is the direction of gravity, 1i, 1j
is an angular accelerometer that detects angular shake in one direction of the photographing optical axis C and in the J direction, which corresponds to ACC in Fig. 1. The vibration, that is, the angular acceleration aj is detected by the angular accelerometer 1j. 3
1 is a fixed frame fixed to the photographic lens body, and 37 is a movable frame which is connected to the fixed frame 31 by plates 35, 36 and flexible tongues 37 to 40, and is movable in the direction of arrow di. 32 is a lens holding frame that holds the correction optical system 33 (this corresponds to the ILNS in FIG. 1) and holds the plate 41.4.
2 and flexible tongues 43 to 46 to the movable frame 37, and is movable relative to the movable frame 37 in the direction of the arrow dj force.

Reference numeral 51 denotes a di-direction driving motor, which corresponds to the IMTR in FIG. A cam 52 (
This corresponds to CAM in FIG. The frame 37 is moved in the di force direction. Note that one end of a spring 56 is connected to the tip of the wire 55 wound around the pulley 53, and the other end is hung on a spring hook 57 implanted in the fixed frame 37, so that the cam 52
A contact force F acts between the cam follower 54 and the cam follower 54. The reason why the pulley 53 and wire 55 are used to generate this contact force is to prevent torque from being generated on the cam 52 due to the contact force. I will omit it here.

58 is a slit plate fixed to the moving frame 37, as shown in FIG.
It corresponds to LT and is an infrared light emitting diode (IRED in Figure 1).
The position of the movable frame 37 in the di force direction is detected by a known method using a position detection sensor (corresponding to the PSD in FIG. 1) 59, a position detection sensor (corresponding to the PSD in FIG. 1) 60, and a slit 58a of the slit plate 58.

Reference numeral 61 denotes a motor that drives the lens holding frame 32 in the dj force direction, and is fixed to the flat support portion 31j of the fixed frame 31 via the motor stand 48. Similarly, the motor shaft 61a has a cam 62.
A pulley 63 is fixed and a wire 65. The cam 62 and the cam follower 64 are brought into contact with each other by a spring 66 and a spring hook 67. Here, the cam follower 64 is provided not on the lens holding frame 32 but on the intermediate lever 71. The intermediate lever 71 is connected to the fixed frame 31 via a flexible tongue 72, and is capable of swinging in the force direction of arrow θj. is in contact with the flat portion 32j of the lens holding frame 32. Therefore, the rotation of the cam 62 causes the cam follower 64. The intermediate lever 71 and the intermediate bearings 73 and 74 are integrally displaced in the θj force direction, which causes the lens holding frame 3
2 is moved in the direction of the dj force. The displacement of the movable frame 37 in the di force direction is determined by the flat portion 32 of the lens holding frame 32.
j and the intermediate bearings 73, 74, interference between the di force direction dj force direction movements is avoided. Further, a slit plate 68 is fixed to the lens holding frame 32, and the displacement of the lens holding frame 32 in the dj force direction is detected by an infrared light emitting diode 69 and a position detection sensor PSD70.

With the above configuration, the blurring of the lens in one direction is measured using the angular accelerometer 1.
1, and by driving the motor 51 based on this shake signal, the fixed frame 37 and the lens holding frame 32 are
The intermediate lever 71 is driven in the force direction, and the vibration in the J direction is detected by the angular accelerometer 1j to drive the motor 61.
The lens holding frame 32 is driven in the direction of the dj force. By performing blur correction operations in these two axial directions, it is possible to correct two-dimensional blur on the photographic screen.

Next, the position of the correction optical system 33 before starting image blur correction will be explained.

The weight W of the correction optical system 33 is always applied to the cams 52 and 62, and the force thereof is rW/72J. This force is cam 52
．． 62, and acts on the cam surfaces 52a, 62a of the cam 52.62.
62 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the pulleys 53 and 63, respectively. Therefore, the motor 51,
When the cam 61 is not energized, the cam 52.62 is stabilized at the position where the point of action with the cam follower 54.64 is the bottom dead center (the minimum point of the cam radius), and the position of the correction optical system 33 is d.
Both the i and dj directions are located at the lowest point of the movable range.

When the image blur correction operation is started in such a state, the correction optical system 33 returns to the origin position by the centering operation described later.
That is, the camera suddenly returns to the position where the central axis of the correction optical system 33 and the photographing optical axis coincide, and thereafter image blur correction is performed in accordance with the camera shake signal.

The operation of the camera and lens with the above configuration will be explained according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and subsequent figures.

When a camera-side power switch (not shown) is turned on, power supply to the camera microcomputer ccpu starts, and the camera microcomputer ccpu starts executing the sequence program stored in the ROM.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the program on the camera side. When the program execution starts with the above operation, it passes through step (001) and then goes to step (002).
, the state of the switch SWI, which is turned on by pressing the first step of the release button, is detected, and when SW1 is off, the process moves to step (003), and the control flag set in the RAM in the microcomputer CCPU in the camera,
All variables are cleared and initialized, and in step (004) a counter JFCNT for counting the number of times of focusing is cleared. In step (005), a command to stop the image blur correction operation is sent to the lens side.

The above steps (002) to (005) are performed by the switch SWI.
It is executed repeatedly until the power switch is turned on or the power switch is turned off.

Step (002) by turning on the switch SWI
Then, the process moves to step (010).

In step (oio), lens communication l is performed. This communication is for obtaining the information necessary to perform exposure control (AE) and focus adjustment control (AP).
PU connects to the lens microcomputer LCPI via line DCL
When a communication command is sent to I, the microcomputer LCPt inside the lens
l transmits the focal length, AF sensitivity, open F-number, etc. stored in the ROM via the line DLC.

In step (011), a command to start image blur correction operation is transmitted to the lens side.

In step (Oi2), a "photometering" subroutine for exposure control is executed. The in-camera microcomputer CCPU is the first
The output of the photometric sensor SPC shown in the figure is input manually to an analog input terminal, A/D conversion is performed, and the digital photometric value Bv is obtained.

In step (013), an "exposure calculation" subroutine is executed to obtain an exposure control value. In this subroutine, the shutter value Tv and the aperture value Av are determined according to the apex calculation formula (Av+Tv=Bv+Sv) and a predetermined program diagram, and these are stored at a predetermined address in the RAM.

In step (014), the main switch 5WIS for image blur correction is determined, and if 5WIS is off, the process moves to step (015).

In step (015), the AF mode is one-shot AF.
If it is one-shot AF, step (
If it is not one-shot AF (that is, if it is servo AF), the process moves to step (021) to perform the AF operation after the "image signal input" subroutine.

In step (016), the number of times the focus is focused, that is, the focus history is determined. If JFCNT≧1, that is, the focus has been focused once or more, the process returns to step (002), and if the focus has not been focused even once, the process returns to step (002). 021). In other words, if image blur correction is not performed, in steps (015) and (016), the process returns to (002) only when the one-shot AF has already been focused once or more, and in other cases, the process returns to step (021) and onward. Perform AF operation.

If the switch 5WIS is on in step (014) above, it is determined in step (017) whether or not it is one-shot AF, and if No, the process goes to step (019).
If it is s, the process moves to (O18).

In step (018), the focusing history is determined in the same way as in steps (01, 6), and when the number of focusing JFCNT is 2 or more, the process returns to step (002), and when rOJ or "1", the process returns to step (019). Move to. That is, if image blur correction is being performed, steps (017) and (018
), the process returns to step (002) only when the one-shot AP has already focused twice or more, and in other cases, the process moves to step (019).

In step (019), the number of times of focusing JFCNT is determined, and if JFCNT is rOJ or "2" or more, step (
021), and if JFCNT is “1”, step (020
) after running a delay timer for a certain period of time, for example 1 second,
The process moves to step (021). That is, step (019
), If in (020) the focus has not yet been achieved, the process immediately moves to step (021) to perform the centering operation and AF operation in parallel prior to the image blur correction operation.

On the other hand, if the focus has already been achieved once, a timer for a predetermined time is set, and the next AF operation is performed after waiting for the centering operation and subsequent framing changes to be completed. If the focus has been focused twice or more, the third and subsequent A
P immediately continues.

Next, in step (021), an "image signal input" subroutine is executed. Here, the in-camera microcomputer ccpu inputs an image signal from the focus detection sensor device SNS.

Subsequently, in step (022), the defocus amount of the photographing lens is calculated based on the manually generated image signal.

The subroutine flow of the above steps (021) and (022) has been disclosed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 160824/1983, and therefore detailed explanation will be omitted.

In the next step (023), focus determination is performed. If the lens is not in focus, the focus display LED is turned off in step (024), and the "lens drive" subroutine is executed in step (025). In this subroutine, the camera side uses the focusing lens FLNS calculated in step (008).
The number of driving pulses is transmitted to the lens microcomputer LCPU, and thereafter the lens microcomputer LCPU drives and controls the motor FMTR according to a predetermined acceleration/deceleration curve. After the drive is finished, the end signal is sent to the camera's microcontroller CCPU.
This subroutine ends and the process returns to step (002).

Furthermore, if it is determined in step (023) that the image is in focus, the process moves to step (026). Step (026
), it is determined whether one-shot AF is being used, and if it is not one-shot AF, the light emitting diode LED is turned on in step (029) to display focus. Also step (02
For one-shot AF in step 6), step (027)
The number of times of focusing JFCNT is determined. And JFCN
If T = O, perform focus display in step (029), and if JFCNT = 1, turn off the -repulsion photodiode LED in step (028), then step (029)
Then, the light emitting diode LED is turned on again.

That is, steps (023), (026) to (029)
In the display flow when focusing in , one shot A
Light emitting diode L temporarily only when focusing for the second time in F
Turn off the ED light and then turn it on again to notify that one-shot AP has been performed twice. On the other hand, when focusing for the first time, immediately turn on the light emitting diode LED, and use the servo AF.
If the in-focus state continues, this in-focus display LED continues to be lit.

In step (030), since one focusing flow has been completed, "1" is added to the focusing number counter JFCNT, and the process returns to step (002).

Next, the above steps (014) to (030) surrounded by broken lines
) A case will be described in which a release interrupt is generated by turning on the switch SW2 while executing each operation in the focus adjustment cycle shown in FIG.

Switch SW2 is the microcomputer C in the camera as explained earlier.
It is connected to the interrupt input terminal of CPυ, and the switch S
When W2 is turned on, the interrupt function is used to immediately proceed to step (031) even if any step is being executed.

Step (031) while executing the step surrounded by a broken line
When the switch SW2 interrupt occurs, step (032)
It is determined whether or not one-shot AF is used. If it is not one-shot AF, the process moves to the ``release control subroutine'' in step (034) and immediately performs the release operation.

When one-shot AP is determined in step (032), the number of times of focusing JFCNT is determined in step (033). JFCNT=O1, that is, if the focus is not yet in focus, an interrupt return is made in step (036), and the AF operation is continued at least once until the focus is achieved. On the other hand, JFCN
If T≧1, a release operation is performed in step (034).

The flow of this "release" subroutine will be explained with reference to FIG.

In step (035), the film is wound.

With the above steps, shooting for one frame is completed, and step (0
Return to 02).

Once again, to outline the flow shown in Figure 3, if the image blur correction operation is not performed, that is, when the switch 5WIS is off, the AF operation starts when the switch SWI is turned on, and in the one-shot AP mode, after one focusing AF is prohibited, and AP is performed continuously in servo AF mode.

When performing an image blur correction operation, that is, when the switch 5WIS is on, the switch SWI is turned on to perform a centering operation, which will be described later, and also start an AP operation. After the camera is in focus once, the timer means prohibits AF for a predetermined period of time in order to wait for the completion of the centering operation and the completion of the framing change operation, and then the second and subsequent AF operations are started. And in the case of one-shot AP mode,
After focusing twice, AF is prohibited, and in the case of servo AF mode, AF is performed continuously.

On the other hand, when the release switch SW2 is turned on during the above-mentioned AF operation, if the one-shot AF has never been in focus, the AF is continued, and in other cases, the release operation is immediately performed.

To summarize the features of this flow: (1) When performing both the image blur correction operation and AF, the first AF is performed immediately when the SWI is turned on, so the AF response does not deteriorate.

■The second AF is performed after a predetermined time, so more accurate AF can be achieved.
F is possible.

■With one-shot AF, AP is performed twice with a predetermined timer in between as described above, but if the focus is achieved once when the release interrupt is triggered by SW2 on, the release is permitted, so the release response is not reduced. It's over.

becomes. Here, it is also possible to set JFCNT≧2 as a determination routine in step (033), and in this case, the feature (2) above changes from prioritizing release response to prioritizing AP accuracy.

Next, the above-mentioned "release" subroutine will be described with reference to FIG.

The main mirror MM is mirror-uped in step (102) via step (101). This is executed by controlling the motor MTR2 via the drive circuit MDR2 shown in FIG.

In the next step (103), the step shown in FIG.
The aperture control value already stored in the "exposure calculation" subroutine of 013) is sent to the lens LNS side to perform aperture control.

In step (104), the previous step (102), (
It is determined whether the mirror up and aperture control in step 103) have already been completed. Mirror up is main mirror MM
This can be confirmed using a detection switch (not shown) attached to the lens, and for aperture control, it is confirmed via communication whether the lens has been driven to a predetermined aperture value. If any of them is not completed, the process waits at this step and continues to detect the status. When both controls are confirmed, the process moves to step (105). At this point, preparations for exposure are complete.

In step (105), the shutter is controlled using the shutter control value already stored in the "exposure calculation" subroutine of the previous step (013), and the film is exposed.

When the shutter control is completed, in the next step (106), a command is sent to the lens LNS to open the aperture, and then in step (107), the mirror is lowered. Similar to mirror up, mirror down is executed by controlling motor MTR2 via drive circuit MDR2.

In the next step (10B), similarly to step (104), the process waits for mirror down and aperture opening control to be completed. When both mirror down and aperture opening control are completed, the process moves to step (109) and returns.

FIG. 5 shows the control flow of image blur correction operation.

In step (201), the main switch 5 for image stabilization
When the WIS is turned on, power is turned on to the image blur correction microcomputer 1CPU and its peripheral circuits.

In step (202), two integrators INTL INT
2 and initialize its outputs v and d to rOJ.

In step (203), it is determined whether there is an IS start command, and if no IS start command has been received from the camera body CMR, the process remains at step <203). In this state, image blur correction is not performed, but the accelerometer ACC and two integrators l
NTl and INT2 are operating, and their output signals a,
v and d continue to be output.

When an IS start command is communicated from the camera body CMR, the process moves from step (203) to (204).

In step (204), only the integrator INT2 is reset. This means that when starting image blur correction in the next step, the correction optical system ILNS is driven from its origin (the center of the movable range, that is, the position where the central axis of the correction optical system ILNS and the optical axis C in Figure 1 coincide). This is to enable you to start using your strokes effectively.

In step (205), the drive circuit ID of the motor IMTR is
Run R. When this circuit becomes operational, the signal from the operational amplifier AMP is input, and the motor IM is activated according to this signal.
TR is driven and controlled, but at the beginning of operation, the displacement signal d, which is the positive input signal of the operational amplifier AMP, is set to "0" due to initialization, so the amplifier AMP, drive circuit IDR, and motor IMTR perform position detection. sensor PS
Drive control is performed so that the output of D is "0", that is, the correction optical system ILNS comes to the origin (center position). As mentioned above, this is called the centering operation. After that, integrator I
Since the displacement signal d corresponding to the blur starts to be output from the NT2, the displacement dL of the correction optical system ILNS is drive-controlled so that dL=d, and as a result, the image on the imaging plane, that is, on the focusing glass PG. It appears to stop.

In the next step (206), an IS stop command is detected through communication, and if no IS stop command has been sent,
The process remains at step (206) and continues the image blur correction operation. When the IS stop command is received, step (207)
At step (203), the drive circuit IDR is stopped, image blur correction is stopped, and the process returns to step (203).

Next, the operation of the in-lens microcomputer LCPII will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the camera body CMR side is powered on, power is supplied from the camera body CMR side to the lens LNS side via the mount contact between the lens and camera body, and the microcomputer LCPU inside the lens starts executing a predetermined sequence program. .

In step (302), while the SWI ON signal is not received from the camera body CMR side, in step (303) all flag variables for control set in the RAM in the microcomputer LCPU inside the lens are cleared and initialized. do.

When the SWI ON signal is transmitted from the camera body CMR side, the process moves to step (304), where "communication 1" is executed. This corresponds to "lens communication 1" in step (010) in Fig. 3, and the microcomputer LCP inside the lens
Sends various information stored in U's ROM to the camera's microcomputer ccpt+.

When the in-camera microcomputer ccpu performs focus detection calculations and sends a lens drive command, this is received in step (305), and in the next step (306), the focus adjustment lens F
Performs drive control of LNS.

When the lens drive is completed, a drive completion signal is sent to the in-camera microcomputer CCPU in step (307), and the process returns to step (302).

During the execution of step (306) above, when a SW2-on communication, that is, a release start permission signal is received from the camera body CMR side, an interrupt is permitted, and the process moves to step (312) via step (311).

In step (312), a narrowing down command is received, and in step (313), the stepping motor DMTR for narrowing down is driven to perform a narrowing down operation.

In step (314), driving of the focusing lens FLNS is prohibited.

In step (315), it is recognized that the narrowing down has been completed, and this is sent to the microcomputer CCPU in the camera. Then, the CMR side of the camera body receives this, performs shutter control, and performs film exposure.

When the aperture opening command is received from the camera microcomputer CCPU in step (3161), the aperture opening operation is performed in the next step (317).

When the above aperture opening operation is completed, step (318)
A completion signal is sent to the microcomputer ccpu in the camera, and the process returns to step (302).

In the first embodiment, one-shot AP and servo AF
However, in the second embodiment described below, the start timings of both AF modes are made to be different, so that the characteristics of each AF mode can be better exhibited.

That is, one-shot AF is a mode in which AF is prohibited after focusing, and is used when shooting portraits, snapshots, etc.

On the other hand, since servo AF always performs AF and is used when photographing moving subjects such as sports or cars, the opportunity to take a photo is important.

Therefore, the second embodiment is intended to be implemented in accordance with the above circumstances, and its flow is shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a partially modified flow of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and only the modified parts will be explained.

The changes to Figure 3 are steps (017) (01
8), (019) to step (041), (042
), steps (026), (027)
, (028) has been deleted. Therefore, this change section will be explained.

If the switch 5WIS is on in step (014), the process moves to step (041).

In step (041), it is determined whether or not one-shot AF is used, and if it is not one-shot AF, that is, servo AF is used.
If so, the AF operation is immediately started from step (021).

Also, if it is one-shot AF in step (041), the process moves to step (042), and the number of times of focusing JFCN is
Make a determination of T. If JFCNT≧1, the process returns to step (002), prohibits AF from this point on, and JFCNT
If NT = O, move to step ((020),
After the predetermined time by the delay timer has elapsed, step (021
) to start AF operation.

In step (021), "image signal input" is performed, and in step (022), "focus detection calculation" is performed. Then, in step (023), a focus determination is performed, and if the focus is in focus, the light emitting diode LED is turned on in step (029).

To summarize the above flow, during servo AF, the AF operation is repeated continuously as soon as the SWI is turned on, regardless of whether or not image blur correction is performed. On the other hand, when performing image blur correction in one-shot AF mode, the AF operation is started after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the SWI is turned on. Therefore, even when correcting image blur, if the servo AF mode is used, the AF response is good, and when SW2 is turned on, the release operation can be started immediately.

On the other hand, in the one-shot AF mode, the AF operation starts after the estimated time for centering and framing corrections has elapsed after the SWI is turned on.
This flow is compatible with the nature of One-Shot AF, which is ``to reliably focus with AF.''

In the first and second embodiments, since the correction optical system ILNS, which is the optical axis decentering means, is centered prior to the image blur correction operation, the movement of the image due to centering moves the main subject into the focus detection frame. It takes some time to get it inside. Therefore, in the third embodiment described below, instead of rapid centering, slow centering is performed and an AF sequence suitable for this is provided.

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the main parts for realizing this third embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a bypass filter and a sample hold circuit are added after the second integrator INT2. The parts are different.

First, an addition point P is provided after the integrator INT2,
Next, a known bypass filter HPF is provided.

Further, the capacitor in the bypass filter HPF has a switch means 5WHP for discharging charges, and is controlled to be turned on and off at a predetermined timing by the image blur correction microcomputer ICPt1. In this configuration, the displacement output d of the integrator INT2 passes through the bypass filter HPF and is output as d', and d' is input to the image blur correction microcomputer 1CPU and the operational amplifier AMP.

On the other hand, the output dL of the position detection sensor PSD of the correction optical system ILNS is input to the sample and hold circuit SH, and the sampled and held signal dLSH is input to the addition point P. The operation of the sample hold circuit SH is controlled by the image blur correction microcomputer rcpu.

Next, the image blur correction operation will be explained with reference to the flow shown in FIG. 9 and the timing chart shown in FIG. 10.

Time 1. Main switch for image stabilization swrs
When turned on, the image blur correction microcomputer ICPt1 and its peripheral circuits are powered on in step (211).

In step (212) two integrators lNTl, IN
Reset T2 and initialize its outputs v, d to rOJ.

In step (213), an IS start command is determined, and if no IS start command has been received from the camera body CMR, the process moves to step (214).

In step (214), the switch 5WHP of the bypass filter HPF is turned on (closed) to prevent charging of the capacitor. Then, steps (213) and (214) are repeatedly executed until the IS start command is received. In this state, image blur correction is not performed, but the accelerometer ACC and the two integrators lNTl.

TNT2 is operating and its output signals a, v, and d continue to be output.

At time t1, the switch SWI is turned on and an IS start command is communicated from the camera body CMR, and step (
The process moves from 213) to (215).

In step (215), the output d of the position detection sensor PSD is
Sample and hold L. At this time, since the image blur correction motor IMTR is not yet energized, the correction optical system I
The LNS is located at the lowest end of its movable stroke due to gravity. The position of the correction optical system ILNS at this time is dLmin
Then, the sample bold value dLSH of dL becomes d L SH = d Lmin. Therefore, the sample and hold circuit SH is dLmi
Output n and input it to addition point P.

In step (216), the integrator INT2 is reset. As a result, the output of the integrator INT2 becomes d=o.

By turning off (opening) the switch 5WHP of the bypass filter HPF in step (217), the bypass filter begins to function.

In step (218), the drive circuit ID of the motor lVTR is
Run R. When the circuit becomes operational, the signal from the operational amplifier AMP is input, and the motor IMT is activated according to this signal.
However, at the initial stage of operation, the displacement signal d', which is the positive input signal of the operational amplifier AMP, is d
(=O) and dLSH (=dLmin), that is, d'=
dLmin. On the other hand, dL, which is the negative input signal of the operational amplifier AMP, is dLmin. Therefore, at the beginning of motor IMTR drive, the correction optical system r
As shown by dL in FIG. 10, the LNS starts from the initial position dLmin without performing rapid centering, and performs image blur correction while slowly centering due to the effect of the bypass filter HPF.

Therefore, sudden image movement does not occur due to SWI ON, and SWI
Image blur correction can be performed immediately after WI is turned on.

In the next step (219), the IS stop command is detected by communication, and while the IS stop command does not come, step (219)
19) and continues the image blur correction operation.

When the switch SWI is turned off at time t2 and an IS stop command is transmitted, the drive circuit IDR is stopped in step (220), the image blur correction operation is stopped, and the process returns to step (213).

FIG. 11 shows the microcomputer c in the camera in the third embodiment.
This shows the flow of the CPU, and is different from the flow of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The only difference is that steps (020) are changed to steps (051) and (052).

That is, in this third embodiment, since the image stabilization operation starts without centering when SW1 is turned on, if it is determined in step (051) that it is not one-shot AF, that is, servo AF, the in-focus Regardless of the number of times
The process moves to step (021) to start the AF operation. On the other hand, in step (051), in the case of one-shot AF, the process moves to step (018), and JFCNT =
1, that is, in the second AP after focusing once, the process moves to step (052) via step (019). Step (052) is step (02) of the first embodiment.
0), but in this embodiment the delay time is shorter than that in the first embodiment, for example 0
．． It is set to 5 seconds. This is because in this embodiment there is no need for centering and subsequent framing correction;
This is because the photographer can capture the main subject within the focus detection frame in a relatively short time.

As described above, in this third embodiment, the correction optical system ILNS
Since no centering is performed, the response when starting image stabilization is good, and the response when starting AF can be improved accordingly.

In each of the above embodiments, the image shake correction switch 5WI
When S is on, in the first embodiment, one-shot AF becomes two-shot AF.
In this case, the second AP is started after a predetermined time delay considering the centering and framing correction time, and in the second embodiment, the one-shot AF is started for a predetermined time taking into account the centering and framing correction time. In the third embodiment, the one-shot AF becomes two-shot AF, but in this embodiment, the AF
In order to improve response, slow centering was performed instead of rapid centering, and the time to start the second AP was made earlier than in the first example, and in both cases, the image stabilization effect was thoroughly confirmed in the viewfinder. By making it possible to perform AF after the AP has been used, it is possible to provide an automatic focusing device that increases the sense of security with respect to the AP, that is, is more user-friendly.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, the delay means delays the start of the focus adjustment operation in response to the operation of the operation switch for a predetermined period of time, and image blur correction is performed in response to the operation of the operation switch. In this case, a control means for activating the delay means is provided, and when image blur correction is performed in response to an instruction to start a focus adjustment operation, the image blur correction function may become necessary due to operation of the image blur correction function. The number of repetitions determines the number of repetitions of the focus adjustment operation depending on whether the focus adjustment operation is started after a predetermined time that takes into account the framing correction time, etc., and whether image blur correction is performed in response to the operation of the operation switch. A determining means is provided, and when image blur correction is performed in response to an instruction to start a focus adjustment operation, a predetermined number of times is determined, taking into consideration the framing correction time that may be required due to the operation of the image blur correction function. Since the focus adjustment operation is performed repeatedly, it is possible to provide an automatic focus adjustment device that is easy to use in each case, depending on whether the image blur correction operation and the focus adjustment operation are used together or not.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view similarly showing a correction optical mechanism, FIGS. 3 to 6A are flow charts showing the operation thereof, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the present invention. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main parts in the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the third embodiment of the present invention,
9 and 11 are flowcharts showing the operations of the main parts, and FIG. 10 is a timing chart during image blur correction. ACC, li, lj... Accelerometer, lNT1.
lNT2...Integrator, ILNS...
Correction optical system, CCPU...in-camera microcomputer,
LCPU・・・・・・Microcomputer inside the lens, lCPU・
...Microcomputer for image blur correction, PSD/old position detection sensor, SNS...Sensor for focus detection, L
ED... Light emitting diode, IMTR...
・Motor, IDR...drive circuit.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A focus detection means that detects the focus state of the imaging optical system and outputs a focus signal, a drive means that drives the focus adjustment optical system based on the focus signal, and a focus adjustment operation by each of the above means. and an operation switch that issues a start signal, and has an image blur correction function that detects a blur state of the imaging optical system, decenters the optical axis of the imaging optical system using a correction optical system, and performs image blur correction. In an automatic focus adjustment device for a camera, a delay means delays the start of the focus adjustment operation in response to the operation of the operation switch for a predetermined period of time, and when image blur correction is performed in response to the operation of the operation switch, the delay means What is claimed is: 1. An automatic focus adjustment device for a camera having an image stabilization function, characterized in that it is provided with a control means for operating the camera. (2) a focus detection means that detects the focus state of the imaging optical system and outputs a focus signal; a drive means that drives the focus adjustment optical system based on the focus signal; and a focus adjustment operation performed by each of the above means. and an operation switch that issues a start signal, and has an image blur correction function that detects a blur state of the imaging optical system, decenters the optical axis of the imaging optical system using a correction optical system, and performs image blur correction. The automatic focus adjustment device for a camera is characterized by being provided with a repetition number determining means for determining the number of repetitions of the focus adjustment operation depending on whether or not image blur correction is performed in response to the operation of the operation switch. Automatic focus adjustment device for cameras with image stabilization function. (3) In the one-shot AF mode, when image blur correction is not performed, the repetition number determining means prohibits focus adjustment operation after focusing once, and when image blur correction is performed, 3. The automatic focus adjustment device for a camera having an image blur correction function according to claim 2, wherein the device is a means for permitting focus adjustment operations a predetermined number of times even after the camera is brought into focus.