Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To notify a user of completion of imaging by mean of vibration while suppressing an imaging apparatus from increasing in size and weight.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: an actuator; a light shield curtain which is supplied with power generated by the actuator to operate to control exposure to an imaging element; excitation means which is supplied with the power generated by the actuator to vibrate; and switching means which supplies the power of the actuator to the light shield curtain when a mechanical shutter is used, or supplies the power of the actuator to the excitation means when an electronic shutter is used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, imaging devices have been equipped with a mechanical shutter (hereinafter, referred to as a mechanical shutter) including a front curtain and a rear curtain, and the amount of exposure to the imaging element is adjusted by controlling the difference between the time when the front curtain travels and the time when the rear curtain travels. In addition, due to recent technological advances in imaging elements, the speed at which imaging data is read from each pixel has increased, and technology has been put into practical use to replace the function of the mechanical shutter with an electronic shutter (hereinafter, referred to as an electronic shutter). Unlike mechanical shutters, electronic shutters do not generate operating noise when in operation. For this reason, electronic shutters make it possible to capture images without hesitation even in situations where quiet is required, such as when a musical instrument is being played at a concert or when a golfer is swinging.

[0003] However, when an electronic shutter is used, no sound is emitted even when the image capture button is pressed. This makes it difficult for the image capture device to allow the photographer to recognize the timing of the image capture, which may cause the photographer to feel uneasy that the image capture may not have been performed correctly. Patent Documents that disclose techniques for solving such problems include Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0004] The camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 notifies the photographer by generating vibrations using a vibration means at the same time as pressing the image capture button. This allows the camera to notify the photographer of the timing of the image capture while providing the advantage of not making any sound when capturing an image.

[0005] The camera device disclosed in Patent Document 2 realizes generation of vibration and adjustment of the focus of the lens unit with one actuator, and has a configuration that switches between generating vibration and adjusting the focus of the lens unit. This allows the camera device to maintain the vibration function without increasing the size and weight of the main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4649835 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4028510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the camera device according to Patent Document 2, since the focus of the lens unit needs to be adjusted during image capture until the moment the shutter is released, the actuator cannot be used to generate vibrations. In addition, in the case of a camera in which the lens unit can be replaced, the actuator for adjusting the focus of the lens unit is mounted on the lens unit. Therefore, in the case of such a camera, it is difficult to transmit the power generated by the actuator to the camera body, and there is a concern that the grip part of the camera body cannot be effectively vibrated.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is capable of notifying a user that an image has been captured by using vibrations while suppressing an increase in size and weight of the imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the imaging device of the present invention comprises an actuator, a light shielding curtain that operates in response to the power generated by the actuator to control exposure to an imaging element, a vibration means that generates vibrations in response to the power generated by the actuator, and a switching means that supplies the power of the actuator to the light shielding curtain when a mechanical shutter is used, and supplies the power of the actuator to the vibration means when an electronic shutter is used. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify a user that an image has been captured by using vibrations while suppressing an increase in the size and weight of an imaging device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front external perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear external perspective view of the imaging device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of a shutter and a vibration unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the transmission of power to a shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the transmission of power to a shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a cam lever according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the operation of a shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the operation of a shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the operation of a shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the transmission of power to a vibration unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the transmission of power to a vibration unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of a vibration unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an operation for generating vibrations by a vibration applying unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an operation for generating vibrations by a vibration applying unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an operation for generating vibrations by a vibration applying unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an operation for generating vibrations by a vibration applying unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 5A to 5C are schematic sequence diagrams illustrating a case where the imaging device according to the embodiment continuously captures images. [Figure 19] 5 is a schematic sequence diagram when the imaging device according to the embodiment performs long-second exposure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] An imaging device according to an embodiment includes an actuator, a light shielding screen, a vibration means, and a switching means. The light shielding screen controls exposure to an imaging element by receiving power generated by the actuator. The vibration means generates vibrations by receiving power generated by the actuator. The switching means supplies the power of the actuator to the light shielding screen when a mechanical shutter is used, and supplies the power of the actuator to the vibration means when an electronic shutter is used.

[0013] The vibration means may include a vibration member that vibrates in a normal direction to the imaging surface of the imaging element, or a vibration member that vibrates within a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction to the imaging surface of the imaging element.

[0014] The vibration means may apply a force to an elastic member that biases the vibration member to elastically deform it, and then release the elastic member to generate vibration.

[0015] Moreover, the imaging device according to the embodiment may further include a cover member that covers at least a part of the vibration means.

[0016] Furthermore, when images are captured continuously, the vibration applying means may generate vibrations at a constant timing relative to the timing at which the image sensor is exposed to light.

[0017] The actuator may also be a motor that rotates a rotor in a first direction when a mechanical shutter is used, and in a second direction opposite the first direction when an electronic shutter is used.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Also, elements common to each embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Note that the embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Also, the present invention may be configured by appropriately combining parts of each embodiment described below.

[0019] <Embodiment> First, the configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a front external perspective view of the imaging device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a rear external perspective view of the imaging device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Digital camera 100 has a detachable lens mount 10, to which a lens unit 1 shown in Fig. 3 described below can be attached. Lens mount 10 has electronic contacts, and can communicate electrically with digital camera 100 to operate the lens in conjunction with digital camera 100. Digital camera 100 can take a photograph by forming an image on image sensor 22 through lens unit 1.

[0021] The digital camera 100 has a front grip part 90 that is held by a user when capturing an image, and a shutter button 61 disposed on the front grip part 90. The shutter button 61 is a switch having two stages of detection timing in the pressing direction, and is a button for instructing the start of image capturing. When the shutter button 61 is pressed, autofocus is started at the first stage detection timing (SW1). When the shutter button 61 is pressed further, image capturing is started at the second stage detection timing (SW2). In addition, the behavior of the shutter button 61 when pressed down to the first stage detection timing (SW1) can be changed by a customization function. For example, the shutter button 61 can be customized to cause the digital camera 10 to execute only autoexposure, not autofocus, by the customization function.

[0022] An electronic viewfinder 29 is provided inside the eyepiece 16, which can display a live view image during image capture. By looking into the eyepiece 16, the user can concentrate on checking the subject and composition while blocking out external light. The electronic viewfinder 29 can also display menu screens and captured images, just like the display unit 28.

[0023] Display unit 28 is provided on the rear surface of digital camera 100 and is capable of displaying images and various types of information. Display unit 28 also has a touch panel function and is capable of detecting a touch operation on the display surface.

[0024] The mode switching dial 73 is operated to switch the imaging mode. For example, the mode switching dial 73 makes it possible to switch the imaging mode to various imaging modes such as a shutter speed priority imaging mode, an aperture value priority imaging mode, and a video imaging mode. The main electronic dial 71 and the sub electronic dial 72 are rotary operation members disposed on the top surface of the digital camera 100, and enable the setting values ​​of the shutter speed, aperture, etc. to be changed by rotating them. The SET button 76 is a push button, and is mainly used to confirm a selection item, etc.

[0025] The multi-directional key 74 is an operating member that can specify eight directions in total, including up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions in between, and by tilting the swingable multi-directional key 74, an operation according to the direction can be performed.

[0026] The above-mentioned buttons, dials, keys, and other operating members are arranged on the assumption that they will be operated while the user is holding the front grip unit 90 with his / her right hand. For example, the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are arranged at positions that can be operated by the index finger of the right hand when the front grip unit 90 is held by the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger. Also, for example, the mode switching dial 73, the sub electronic dial 72, and the multi-directional key 74 are arranged at positions that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand when the front grip unit 90 is held by the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger.

[0027] The menu button 75 is pressed to display a menu screen on the display unit 28 that allows various detailed settings to be made. The user can intuitively make various settings by following the menu screen and operating the multi-directional key 74, the SET button 76, the touch panel function of the display unit 28, and the like.

[0028] The delete button 77 is a push button for deleting recorded captured images and video files. The enlarge button 78 is an operation button for turning the enlargement mode ON and OFF during image capture or playback of captured images. The user can also change the enlargement ratio by turning the enlargement mode ON and then operating the main electronic dial 71. The playback button 79 is pressed to play back an image that has already been captured. The display unit 28 can display the most recent image among the images recorded in the recording media 18.

[0029] The media slot cover 19 is a cover member for a slot that stores the recording medium 18. The user can open the media slot cover 19 to insert and remove the recording medium 18, such as an SD card or a CF card.

[0030] A power switch 60 is located on the rear side and can be used to turn the power of the digital camera 100 on and off.

[0031] Next, the electrical configuration and operation of the imaging device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device according to the embodiment.

[0032] The lens unit 1 represents a lens that can be attached to the digital camera 100. The optical lens 7 is an optical member provided in the lens unit 1, and is usually composed of a group of multiple lenses. However, for simplification, the optical lens 7 is illustrated as a single lens in FIG. 3. The lens communication terminal 6 is an electronic contact, and can supply power and perform communication from the digital camera 100 to the lens unit 1 via the lens mount 10. The lens unit 1 includes a lens system control circuit 4, and can control the aperture 5 by the aperture drive circuit 2 and move a part of the optical lens 7 by the AF drive circuit 3 to adjust the focus.

[0033] The shutter 150 is a mechanical focal plane shutter consisting of two sets of light-shielding curtains, a front curtain and a rear curtain, and is disposed in front of the image sensor 22. The shutter 150 can control the exposure time of the image sensor 22 by controlling the travel timing of the light-shielding curtains by the system control unit 50.

[0034] The image sensor 22 is a semiconductor component that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and may be a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), or the like. The image sensor 22 also has an electronic shutter function, and can electronically control the exposure time by controlling the light accumulation time and readout timing of each pixel, without using the mechanical shutter 150 described above. The digital camera 100 can perform silent imaging without generating any sound by using the electronic shutter function. Therefore, the digital camera 100 can capture images without hesitation even in situations where silence is required, such as when a musical instrument is being played at a concert or when a golfer is swinging.

[0035] The AE sensor 17 can measure the brightness of the subject through the lens unit 1. The focus detection unit 11 outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. Note that the image sensor 22 may have a function that performs the role of the AE sensor 17 or the focus detection unit 11. Based on this information, the system control unit 50 performs exposure control such as auto focus (AF) processing, auto exposure (AE) processing, and flash pre-ignition.

[0036] The A / D converter 23 is a circuit for converting an analog signal output from the imaging element 22 into a digital signal. The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing, color conversion, and the like on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15.

[0037] The output data from the A / D converter 23 is recorded in a memory 32 by the image processing unit 24 or the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores captured image data, display data to be displayed on the display unit 28 and the electronic viewfinder 29, and the like.

[0038] The display control unit 21 converts data stored in the memory 32 and displays the converted data on the display unit 28, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) constituting the electronic viewfinder 29, an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescent Display), or the like.

[0039] As described above, SW1 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 provided on the digital camera 100 is pressed halfway (instruction to prepare for imaging). When SW1 is turned ON, imaging preparation operations such as autofocus processing, auto exposure processing, auto white balance (AWB) processing, and flash pre-emission processing are started. SW2 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 is pressed all the way down (instruction to prepare for imaging). When SW2 is turned ON, a series of imaging processing operations is started, from reading out a signal from the image sensor 22 to writing it to the recording media 18 as an image file.

[0040] The motor driver 25 is responsible for controlling the motor 160. The motor 160 can drive the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170. The mechanical configurations and driving means of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170 will be described later.

[0041] The system control unit 50 is a control unit made up of at least one processor or circuit, and is responsible for overall control of the digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 receives signals from various operating members, and performs output and setting changes according to operations, display instructions, and the like.

[0042] The power supply control unit 30 is composed of a power supply detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between blocks to which electricity is applied, etc., and detects whether a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power supply control unit 30 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each unit including the recording medium 18. The power supply 31 is used to drive the digital camera 100, and is, for example, a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, etc.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the shutter and the vibration unit according to the embodiment. The shutter 150 includes a light shielding curtain 151, and the exposure time to the image sensor 22 can be adjusted by opening and closing the light shielding curtain 151. The light shielding curtain 151 opens by applying force to a spring (not shown) to cause elastic deformation, and exposes the imaging surface of the image sensor 22. In the following, the operation of applying force to the spring to cause elastic deformation is expressed as "charging". Furthermore, the light shielding curtain 151 is deployed by releasing the force to release the spring, and light rays incident on the image sensor 22 are blocked. Furthermore, the motor 160, the charging mechanism of the shutter 150, and the vibration unit 170 are arranged on the base member 166. The base member 166 forms the front grip portion 90 of the digital camera 100, and is fastened to an exterior member (not shown).

[0044] The above-mentioned spring can be charged by rotating the charge lever 152. The charge lever 152 has a cylindrical contact portion 152a, and the charge lever 152 rotates when the contact portion 152a is pressed. The cam lever 153 swings due to the rotation of the cam gear 154 and presses the contact portion 152a. The cam gear 154 rotates due to the driving force of the motor 160.

[0045] The vibration applying section 170 is provided together with a drive mechanism for the shutter 150. The vibration applying section 170 generates vibrations by the drive force of the motor 160, and can notify the photographer. The vibration applying section 170 is covered by a cover member 172.

[0046] The pinion gear 161 is attached to the drive shaft of the motor 160 and meshes with the sun gear 162. The planetary carrier 163 is provided rotatably around the sun gear 162, and a planetary gear 163a provided on the planetary carrier 163 meshes with the sun gear 162. The planetary gear 163a moves in accordance with the rotation direction of the motor 160, thereby making it possible to switch between transmission of driving force to the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170.

[0047] Next, the transmission of power from the motor 160 to the shutter 150 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are diagrams for explaining the transmission of power to the shutter according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170. Meanwhile, Fig. 6 is an AA cross-sectional view of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170.

[0048] 6, when the pinion gear 161 attached to the drive shaft of the motor 160 rotates clockwise (hereinafter referred to as CW), the sun gear 162 rotates counterclockwise (hereinafter referred to as CCW). The rotation of the sun gear 162 moves the planetary gear 163a, which meshes with the gear portion 154a provided on the cam gear 154, causing the cam gear 154 to rotate in the CCW direction.

[0049] Next, the operation of charging the spring to move the light shielding screen 151 of the shutter 150 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Fig. 7 is an external perspective view of a cam lever according to an embodiment. A pusher 153a for pushing a contact portion 152a of the charge lever 152 is rotatably attached to the tip of the cam lever 153. A cam follower 153b is rotatably attached near the center of the cam lever 153. A sleeve portion 153c is attached to the rear end of the cam lever 153. The cam lever 153 swings around the sleeve portion 153c.

[0050] 8 to 10 are top views of the shutter 150 in a state where power is transmitted from the motor 160 to the cam gear 154. This state has been described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The pinion gear 161, the sun gear 162, the planetary gear 163a, and the gear portion 154a of the cam gear 154 are meshed with the adjacent gears, and are supplied with power from the motor 160 to rotate in the CCW direction.

[0051] 8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the shutter according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the state after the light shielding screen 151 of the shutter 150 has traveled, i.e., after imaging. In the state shown in FIG. 8, in order to capture an image again using the shutter 150, it is necessary to move the charge lever 152 to the left in the figure and charge the spring. Here, the cam follower 153b provided on the cam lever 153 is along the side surface of the cam portion 154b provided on the cam gear 154a, and is located near the center of the cam gear 154.

[0052] 9 shows the state in which the motor 160 is rotated CW and charging of the shutter 150 is started. The rotation of the motor 160 rotates the cam gear 154 CCW, and the cam follower 153b is pushed by the side surface of the cam portion 154a, causing the cam lever 153 to swing. The pusher 153a provided on the cam lever 153 pushes the contact portion 152a of the charge lever 152 in the -X direction, thereby performing charging.

[0053] Fig. 10 shows the state when charging of the shutter 150 is completed. The cam follower 153b is located on the side farthest from the center of the cam portion 154a, and the cam lever 153 is swung all the way to the left. After passing through the states shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the cam gear 154 rotates by the driving force of the motor 160, and the charge lever 152 rotates in the charge direction. The rotation of the charge lever 152 charges a spring that is built into the shutter 150 and is not shown in Figs. 8 to 10, making it possible to move the light shielding curtain 151 again.

[0054] Next, the transmission of driving force from the motor 160 to the vibration unit 170 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are diagrams for explaining the transmission of power to the vibration unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a front view of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170. Fig. 12 is a BB cross-sectional view of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170.

[0055] 12, when the pinion gear 161 attached to the drive shaft of the motor 160 rotates in the CCW direction, the sun gear 162 rotates in the CW direction. The planetary gear 163a moves due to the rotation of the sun gear 162 and meshes with the charge gear 171, causing the charge gear 171 to rotate in the CW direction.

[0056] Next, the operation of the vibration generating unit 170 generating vibration by the rotation of the motor 160 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the vibration unit according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170 as viewed from diagonally below to the left. Also, FIG. 13 shows a state in which the cover member 172 covering the vibration unit 170 shown in FIG. 4 is removed. The charge gear 171 extends downward and has an eccentric shaft 171a. The slider 173 has an opening of a charge groove 173a and a slider groove 173b. Also, the eccentric shaft 171a is engaged with the charge groove 173a. The slider groove 173b is engaged with two support shafts 165. The slider 173 is held so as to be slidable in the direction of the slider groove 173b. A charge spring 175 is pressed against the slider 173, and the slider 173 is charged in the direction of the arrow shown by the dashed line in FIG. 13. Also, a weight 174 is attached to the slider 173. The weight 174 is made of a metal or the like having a relatively large specific gravity, and generates vibrations that the photographer can feel in his or her hand when the weight 174 reciprocates at high speed.

[0058] Figures 14 to 17 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the vibration unit according to the embodiment to generate vibration. Also, Figures 14 to 17 are views of the vibration unit 170 seen from below, and show a state in which the cover member 172 has been removed, as in Figure 13. More specifically, Figures 14 to 17 show how the slider 173 reciprocates with the rotation of the charge gear 171.

[0059] As explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12, when the motor 160 rotates in the CCW direction, power is transmitted to the charge gear 171, and the eccentric shaft 171a starts to rotate in the CCW direction as viewed from below. The following explanation will start from Figure 14. Figure 14 shows the state in which the slider 173 has moved to the bottom end in the figure. At this time, as the charge gear 171 rotates in the CCW direction, the eccentric shaft 171a starts to engage with the charge groove 173a.

[0060] Figure 15 shows the next stage change from the state shown in Figure 14. As shown in Figure 15, the eccentric shaft 171a engaged with the charge groove 173a rotates in the CCW direction, so that the slider 173 moves in the +Z direction as shown by the arrow in Figure 15, and the charge spring 175 is compressed.

[0061] 16, the slider 173 stops moving. At this time, the charge spring 175 is in the most compressed state.

[0062] 14 to 17 is a normal to the imaging surface of the image sensor 22. The slider 173 vibrates in the same direction as the optical axis 1000. By vibrating in the normal direction of the image sensor 22 in this way, it is possible to transmit vibrations to the hand of the photographer while suppressing movement of the image sensor 22 in the planar direction, thereby obtaining the effect of reducing the risk of camera shake.

[0063] 14 after the charge spring 175 is released and the slider 173 moves to the lower end, and vibration is generated repeatedly by continuing to rotate the charge gear 171. It is also possible to control the timing of vibration by attaching a phase detection means such as an encoder (not shown) to the shaft of the motor 160 or the charge gear 171 and controlling the rotation.

[0064] So far, we have described the means for driving the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170 by the motor 160. By changing the rotation direction of the motor 160, the planetary gear 163a moves, causing the shutter 150 to operate and the vibration unit 170 to be driven.

[0065] Normally, when imaging is performed using a mechanical shutter 150, the driving operation of the light shielding curtain 151 generates vibrations and sounds, allowing the photographer to capture images while measuring the timing. On the other hand, when imaging is performed using the electronic shutter function of the image sensor 22 without using the mechanical shutter 150, no sound or vibrations are generated. Some models have a function that emits a pseudo shutter sound from a speaker, but there is a concern that this will reduce the benefit of quietness. In addition, there is also a means of generating vibrations by installing a vibration device that contains a separate actuator, but this may increase the size and weight of the main body.

[0066] Therefore, by using the configuration of the present invention, when an electronic shutter is used, vibration notification is possible while minimizing increases in size and weight of digital camera 100 by driving vibration unit 170 using motor 160, which is the drive actuator of shutter 150. Also, by covering vibration unit 170 with cover member 172, the generation of drive noise is minimized, allowing the photographer to measure the timing of image capture by vibration while enjoying the benefit of the quietness of the electronic shutter.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the vibration unit 170 vibrates by releasing the compression spring, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and other means may be adopted, such as generating vibration by rotating an eccentric weight instead of the charge gear 171. Also, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the transmission of driving force to the shutter 150 and the vibration unit 170 is switched depending on the rotation direction of the motor 160, but the drive destination may be switched using a different means.

[0068] Next, a sequence when imaging according to the embodiment is performed will be described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19. Fig. 18 is a schematic sequence diagram when the imaging device according to the embodiment continuously captures images. Specifically, Fig. 18 shows a sequence diagram when the shutter button 61 is pressed and continuous imaging is performed when an electronic shutter is used. When the imaging mode of the digital camera 100 is set to continuous shooting, continuous imaging can be performed as shown in Fig. 18 by continuing to press the shutter button 61 (SW2). As long as the shutter button 61 is continued to be pressed, exposure to the image sensor 22 and reading of the imaging results are repeated at a fixed imaging interval T1. Fig. 18 assumes a continuous shooting sequence using an electronic shutter, and as described with reference to Figs. 11 to 17, the vibration unit 170 notifies the photographer of the imaging operation by vibration.

[0069] Here, it is considered that the vibration peak P, at which the vibration is felt most strongly, occurs at the moment when the charge spring 175 shown in FIG. 17 is released and the end of the slider groove 173b of the slider 173 hits the support shaft 165. In the sequence shown in FIG. 18, the number of revolutions of the motor 160 is controlled so that the timing at which the vibration peak P occurs is repeated at the same interval as the imaging interval T1. If the motor 160 is stopped every time an image is captured, the digital camera 100 takes a long time to restart, and there is a risk that it will not be able to handle very high-speed continuous shooting. However, the digital camera 100 can vibrate according to the imaging timing without stopping the motor 160 by controlling the number of revolutions of the motor 160 in this way to synchronize the continuous shooting timing with the vibration peak P, thereby allowing the motor 160 to be vibrated according to the imaging timing.

[0070] Furthermore, the rotation of the motor 160 is controlled so that the vibration peak P occurs during readout of the imaging result, not during exposure of the imaging element 22. In this way, the risk of blurring of the image can be reduced by preventing the vibration of the vibration unit 170 from increasing during exposure.

[0071] Fig. 19 is a schematic sequence diagram when the imaging device according to the embodiment performs long-exposure imaging. Specifically, Fig. 19 shows a schematic sequence diagram when imaging with long-exposure imaging is performed in an electronic shutter state. In a mechanical shutter, two light-shielding curtains called a front curtain and a rear curtain run, and the exposure time to the imaging element 22 is controlled by controlling the difference in their running time. Therefore, for example, when performing a long-exposure exposure of more than one second, vibrations caused by the running of the front curtain and the running of the rear curtain are transmitted twice separately, so that the photographer can know that the exposure has started and ended.

[0072] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 19, when an electronic shutter is used and long-second exposure is performed, digital camera 100 can obtain a similar notification effect by vibrating (vibration PS) before exposure begins and vibrating again (vibration PE) after exposure ends. Also, when the exposure time is short, digital camera 100 cannot make the user feel multiple vibrations. For this reason, digital camera 100 can provide a notification function suitable for shooting by switching between a sequence in which vibration is applied once for each shooting as shown in Fig. 19 and a sequence in which vibration is applied before and after exposure as shown in Fig. 19, depending on the exposure time setting.

[0073] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The vibration unit 170 can be driven even when shooting is not performed using the electronic shutter, and may be used to provide various notifications to the photographer, such as providing a feeling of operation of various operating members or warning the camera about the remaining battery power.

[0074] The present invention includes the following inventions that appropriately combine the above-mentioned features.

[0075] (Configuration 1) An imaging device comprising: an actuator; a light shielding curtain that operates in response to the power generated by the actuator to control exposure to an imaging element; vibration means that generates vibrations in response to the power generated by the actuator; and switching means that supplies the power of the actuator to the light shielding curtain when a mechanical shutter is used, and supplies the power of the actuator to the vibration means when an electronic shutter is used.

[0076] (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the vibration means includes a vibration member that vibrates in a normal direction of the imaging surface of the imaging element or a vibration member that vibrates within a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the imaging surface of the imaging element.

[0077] (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the vibration means applies a force to an elastic member that biases the vibrating member to elastically deform it, and generates vibrations by releasing the elastic member.

[0078] (Configuration 4) 4. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a cover member that covers at least a part of the vibration means.

[0079] (Configuration 5) 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the vibration means generates vibrations at a constant timing relative to the timing of exposure of the imaging element when continuous imaging is performed.

[0080] (Configuration 6) The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuator is a motor that rotates a rotor in a first direction when a mechanical shutter is used, and rotates the rotor in a second direction opposite to the first direction when an electronic shutter is used.

[0081] The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the present invention includes embodiments in which various modifications have been made based on the gist of the present invention, and these embodiments are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 22 Imaging element 100 ··· Digital Camera 150 ··· Shutter 151 · · · Blackout curtain 152 Charge lever 153 Cam lever 154 Cam gear 160 ··· Motor 161 Pinion gear 162 ···· Sun Gear 163 Planet carrier 165... Support shaft 170 ···· Vibration section 171 Charge Gear 172 Cover member 173 ··· Slider 174 Weight 175 ···· Charge spring

Claims

1. An actuator; a light shielding curtain that is operated by receiving power generated by the actuator to control exposure to an image sensor; a vibration applying means for applying vibrations by receiving power generated by the actuator; a switching means for supplying the power of the actuator to the light shielding curtain when a mechanical shutter is used, and for supplying the power of the actuator to the vibration means when an electronic shutter is used; An imaging device comprising:

2. the vibration means includes a vibration member that vibrates in a normal direction of the imaging surface of the imaging element or a vibration member that vibrates within a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the imaging surface of the imaging element, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. The vibration means applies a force to an elastic member that biases the vibration member to elastically deform the elastic member, and generates vibration by releasing the elastic member.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising a cover member that covers at least a part of the vibration means.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When images are continuously captured, the vibration applying means applies vibration at a constant timing relative to the timing of exposure of the image sensor.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the actuator is a motor, which rotates a rotor in a first direction when a mechanical shutter is used, and rotates the rotor in a second direction opposite to the first direction when an electronic shutter is used; 3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images