IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGE STABILIZING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE STABILIZING METHOD

Abstract

To suppress the misalignment of a photographing optical axis even when an image blurring correction device is mechanically locked.SOLUTION: Provided is an imaging device to / from which an interchangeable lens is attachable / removable, the interchangeable lens including a first image blurring correction unit that includes a first drive part and a first lock mechanism for mechanically locking the position of the first drive part and a second image blurring correction unit that includes a second drive part and a second lock mechanism for mechanically locking the position of the second drive part. When the interchangeable lens is mounted and one of the first drive part and the second drive part is fixed by the first lock mechanism or the second lock mechanism, the position of the other of the first drive part and the second drive part is moved in a direction in which the misalignment of a photographing optical axis caused by fixation of one of the first drive part and the second drive part is canceled out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to image blur correction. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as imaging devices have become more highly pixelated and sensitive, there is a demand for image stabilization devices that can move the optical components, such as the lenses, or the imaging elements of the imaging devices with high precision and over a large stroke. However, there is a problem that the power consumption increases when using devices that have image stabilization devices for both interchangeable lenses and imaging devices.

[0003] On the other hand, there is a demand for imaging devices that consume less power to enable as many images as possible, and therefore there is a demand for imaging systems that achieve both high image stabilization performance and low power consumption.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selectively controlling an image blur correction device of a lens and an image blur correction device of an imaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-107646 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the image stabilization devices that are not selected consume power because they are electromagnetically locked to prevent them from moving.

[0007] In addition, while it is possible to reduce power consumption by mechanically locking the image stabilization device that is not selected, there is the problem that slight misalignment occurs between the optical axis of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device due to the dimensions of the parts and non-uniformity of the locking force.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to suppress deviation of the photographing optical axis even when an image stabilization device is mechanically locked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the imaging device of the present invention is an imaging device to which an interchangeable lens having a first image blur correction unit including a first movable part and a first locking mechanism that mechanically locks the position of the first movable part, and a second image blur correction unit including a second movable part and a second locking mechanism that mechanically locks the position of the second movable part can be attached or detached, and is characterized in that when the interchangeable lens is attached and one of the first movable part and the second movable part is fixed by the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism, the imaging device has a control means that moves the position of the other of the first movable part and the second movable part in a direction that cancels out a shift in the shooting optical axis caused by the fixation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, deviation of the photographing optical axis can be suppressed even if the image stabilization device is mechanically locked. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of a camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing electrical connections of the camera 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a main internal configuration of a camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an image stabilization unit 104 in the camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a lock mechanism 150 of the camera 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the drive control of the lock mechanism 150 of the camera 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shutter button 3 is an operating member for issuing a shooting instruction. The mode change switch 4 is an operating member for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 5 is a cover for protecting an interface connector (not shown). The main electronic dial 6 is a rotating operating member, and the user can turn the main electronic dial 6 to change various shooting parameters such as the shutter speed and aperture. The power dial 7 is an operating member for switching the power of the camera 100 between ON and OFF.

[0014] A photographing lens 200, which will be described later, is attached and detached to the mount 1. The camera communication unit 2 has a terminal provided inside the mount 1, and the terminal of the camera communication unit 2 is electrically connected to a lens communication terminal 214, which will be described later, to perform communication between the camera 100 and the photographing lens 200.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of camera 100. Fig. 2 mainly shows the parts related to the present invention. Taking lens 200, which is an interchangeable lens that is replaceably attached to camera 100, is made up of focus lens 202, image blur correction unit 205 (described later), aperture mechanism 204, and the like.

[0016] In this embodiment, the photographing lens 200 is attached to the camera 100 in an exchangeable manner; however, the photographing lens 200 is not exchangeable, and may be fixed integrally with the camera 100.

[0017] The lens communication terminal 214 is provided inside the lens mount 211, and communicates with the camera 100 and the photographing lens 200 via the camera communication unit 2. Inside the camera 100, an image sensor 103a composed of a CCD, a CMOS, or the like is attached to an image sensor board 103b, and a main board 105 on which a system control circuit 101 that performs various processes is provided is disposed on the rear side of the image sensor board 103b. The image blur correction unit 104 includes an image sensor unit 103 composed of the image sensor 103a and the image sensor board 103b, a blur correction control unit 72 to be described later, and a lock mechanism 150. Note that at least a part of the system control circuit 101 that performs various processes of the camera 100, such as a CPU, an MPU, and an AGTG, may be mounted on the image sensor board 103b, instead of on the main board 105.

[0018] The top of camera 100 is provided with a finder display 106 used to check shooting conditions, composition, and captured images, and an eyepiece 107 for observing the subject image. The rear of camera 100 is provided with a rear display 108 used to check shooting conditions, composition, and captured images, and a recording medium slot (not shown) for holding a removable recording medium for recording generated image data.

[0019] A connection board (not shown) electrically connects the imaging board 103b and the main board 105. A shutter 110 for adjusting exposure time is provided in front of the imaging element 103a (on the subject side).

[0020] A light beam incident on the photographing lens 200 is guided via the aperture 204 and the shutter 110, and is focused as an optical image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 103a.

[0021] The mount 1 is an interface for connecting the camera 100 and the photographic lens 200, and is fixed to the lens mount 211 by bayonet coupling or the like.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the camera 100.

[0023] The recording media 300 and 400 are recording medium slots. Card slots 30 and 40 The recording medium is a memory card or the like stored in the memory.

[0024] The image blur correction unit 104, which is a first image blur correction unit, includes a movable unit 104a, which is a first movable part described later, a fixed unit 104b, and a lock mechanism 150, which is a first lock mechanism. The image blur correction control unit 72 corrects image blur by driving the movable unit 104a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 1000 in accordance with the movement (shake amount) of the camera 100 detected by the gyro sensor 82. The lock mechanism 150 biases the movable unit 104a in a direction parallel to the optical axis 1000 to mechanically lock the position of the movable unit 104a.

[0025] The image blur correction unit 205, which is a second image blur correction unit, includes an image blur correction lens 203, which is a second movable part, an image blur correction control unit 64, and a lock mechanism 210, which is a second lock mechanism. The image blur correction control unit 64 corrects image blur by driving the image blur correction lens 203 in a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis 1000 in accordance with the movement (shake amount) of the camera detected by the gyro sensor 82.

[0026] The locking mechanism 210 may be a mechanism that rotates a locking member (not shown) using a motor or gear train (not shown) to mechanically lock the image blur correction lens 203, or may be any of a variety of mechanisms. However, since these mechanisms are well known, their description will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0027] If the photographing lens 200 has a gyro sensor, the image blur correction lens 203 may be driven in accordance with the results of detection by the gyro sensor of the photographing lens 200 instead of the gyro sensor 82 .

[0028] The first card slot 30 is a card slot for a recording medium 300, and when the recording medium 300 is loaded, it is detected by a loading detection means 32. The second card slot 40 is a card slot for a recording medium 400, and when the recording medium 400 is loaded, it is detected by a loading detection means 42.

[0029] The main board 105 is equipped with a system control circuit 101 that controls the entire camera 100, and the memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control circuit 101. Furthermore, the system control circuit 101 controls the shutter 110 and the aperture 204 of the photographing lens 200 to perform AF processing and AE processing based on the results of calculation performed by the image processing circuit 60 on image data captured by the image sensor 103a.

[0030] The display device 54 is a liquid crystal display that displays the operating status, warning messages, live view images, and captured images, and is included in the rear display unit 108. A timer 56 measures a predetermined time, and a thermometer 58 measures the temperature of the image sensor 103a.

[0031] The image processing circuit 60 performs pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, and predetermined image processing according to preset moving image recording settings (moving image recording quality, moving image recording format, etc.) on the image data captured by the imaging element 103a.

[0032] The operation unit 80 is composed of various buttons, switches, dials, etc., such as a shutter button 3, a mode change switch 4, a main electronic dial 6, and a power dial 7, and is used to select and set various functions when performing shooting, playback, communication, etc., and to give instructions related to shooting and playback.

[0033] The gyro sensor 82 detects, as an angular velocity, the movement (shake) of the camera 100. The power switch 84 switches the power of the camera 100 on and off in response to the operation of the power dial 7.

[0034] The battery 88 is a battery that is detachable from the camera 100, and the power supply control circuit 86 can obtain information regarding the remaining battery charge of the battery 88 by communicating with the battery 88. The obtained information regarding the remaining battery charge is transmitted to the system control circuit 101.

[0035] The communication control unit 94 controls wireless communication with an external device (not shown) via an antenna 96, wired communication via a communication connector 98, and the like.

[0036] 4 is an exploded view for explaining the main internal configuration of the camera 100. The image stabilization unit 104 is fixed to a base member 120 together with a shutter 110.

[0037] In the image stabilization unit 104, the lock mechanism 150 is disposed rearward (toward the photographer) of the image sensor 103a, and is movable in the direction of the photographing optical axis 1000 by a drive mechanism such as a motor and a gear train (not shown).

[0038] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the image blur correction unit 104 of the camera 100. The image blur correction unit 104 has a movable unit 104a and a fixed unit 104b that is a fixed portion, and the movable unit 104a includes an image sensor 103a. The fixed unit 104b is fixed to a base member 120. The image blur correction unit 104 is supported by three screws 600a, 600b, and 600c and three coil springs 500a, 500b, and 500c so as to be displaceable in the direction of the photographing optical axis 1000 relative to the base member 120.

[0039] The fixed unit 104b is mainly composed of a front yoke 310, a base plate 350, and a rear yoke 360. The movable unit 104a is mainly composed of a sensor holder 320, a low-pass filter 321, and an imaging element 103a.

[0040] The imaging element 103a and the imaging substrate 103b are adhesively fixed to the sensor holder 320. A low-pass filter 321 is disposed in front of the imaging element 103a in the sensor holder 320. The low-pass filter 321 prevents infrared rays from entering and prevents the occurrence of color moiré and the like.

[0041] Three coils 341a, 341b, and 341c are mounted on sensor holder 320. Three ball receiving portions 322a, 322b, and 322c are formed on sensor holder 320. Front yoke 310 is formed with ball receiving portions 313a, 313b, and 313c at positions facing ball receiving portions 322a, 322b, and 322c.

[0042] Image sensor 103a and image sensor board 103 With the sensor holder 320 and the front yoke 310 in a state where the ball receiving portions 315a, 315b, and 315c are fixed by adhesive, the ball receiving portions 315a, 315b, and 315c are sandwiched between the opposing ball receiving portions of the sensor holder 320 and the front yoke 310. This supports the balls 315a, 315b, and 315c.

[0043] Magnets 311a, 311b, 311c, 312a, 312b, and 312c are attached to the front yoke 310 at positions facing the coils 341a, 341b, and 341c.

[0044] When the front yoke 310 and the sensor holder 320 are brought close to a certain distance, the sensor holder 320 is magnetically attracted to the front yoke 310 and is held in the front yoke 310 via the spheres 315a, 315b, and 315c so as to be displaceable in a planar direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 1000.

[0045] Furthermore, front yoke 310 has pillars extending upright toward base plate 350, and one end of each of the pillars is press-fitted into base plate 350. Front yoke 310 and base plate 350 are joined together so as to sandwich sensor holder 320 therebetween.

[0046] Magnets 351a, 351b, 351c and 361a, 361b, 361c are incorporated into the base plate 350 at different positions when viewed in the direction of the imaging optical axis 1000. When viewed in the direction of the imaging optical axis 1000, the magnets 351a, 351b, 351c and 361a, 361b, 361c are disposed in approximately the same positions as the corresponding coils 341a, 341b, 341c.

[0047] A rear yoke 360 ​​is attached to the magnets 351a, 351b, 351c, 361a, 361b, and 361c from the rear side of the base plate 350. The rear yoke 360 ​​and the base plate 350 are each made of a magnetic material.

[0048] A magnetic field is formed by magnets 311a, 311b, 311c, 312a, 312b, and 312c installed in front yoke 310 and magnets 351a, 351b, 351c, 361a, 361b, and 361c installed in rear yoke 360. Coils 341a, 341b, and 341c are arranged in the formed magnetic field environment.

[0049] By passing a current through these coils, a Lorentz force is generated in each coil, and this force can be used as a thrust to displace the sensor holder 320 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 1000.

[0050] Furthermore, a change in magnetic force caused by the movement of the sensor holder 320 relative to the magnets 312a, 312b, and 312c is detected by a Hall element (not shown) which is a position detection sensor mounted inside the coils 341a, 341b, and 341c, respectively.

[0051] Based on the detection result, the position of the movable unit 104a relative to the fixed unit 104b in a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis 1000 (the amount of displacement relative to a reference position) can be detected.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the lock mechanism 150 of the camera 100. As shown in FIG.

[0053] The locking mechanism 150 is movable in a direction parallel to the photographing optical axis 1000, and when the locking mechanism 150 moves forward, the elastic members 150a-150c come into contact with the sensor holder 320 of the movable unit 104a. When the locking mechanism 150 moves further forward after the contact, the elastic members 150a-150c are charged (elastically deformed) by the propulsive force of the locking mechanism 150 and the sensor holder 320.

[0054] Due to the above charging, frictional forces are generated on the contact surfaces between sensor holder 320 and elastic members 150a to 150c and sensor holder 320, and locking mechanism 150 becomes able to lock the position of movable unit 104a.

[0055] (First embodiment) Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The configuration of this embodiment has been described above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operation of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0056] The camera 100 in the first embodiment has two energy saving modes. Energy saving mode 1 is a mode in which the image stabilization function of either the image stabilization unit 104 or the image stabilization unit 205 is enabled, and the image stabilization unit that is disabled is mechanically locked, thereby achieving both the image stabilization function and energy saving.

[0057] Energy saving mode 2 is a mode that minimizes power consumption of camera 100 by mechanically locking both image stabilization unit 104 and image stabilization unit 205. Setting of energy saving mode 1 or energy saving mode 2 is performed by system control circuit 101 in response to operation of mode selector switch 4, for example.

[0058] In step S101, the system control circuit 101 turns on the power of the camera 100 in response to the operation of the power dial 7, and starts preparation for shooting.

[0059] In step S102, the system control circuit 101 checks whether or not energy saving mode 1 has been selected by operating the mode changeover switch 4. If energy saving mode 1 has been selected, the system control circuit 101 sets energy saving mode 1 and proceeds to step S103.

[0060] In step S103, the system control circuit 101 checks the focal length of the attached photographing lens 200. Information regarding the focal length of the photographing lens 200 is obtained from the photographing lens 200 via the camera communication unit 2, for example, after preparation for photographing is started. By checking the focal length of the photographing lens 200, the system control circuit 101 determines whether the image stabilization unit 104 or the image stabilization unit 205 is enabled to be more effective for image stabilization during photographing. Therefore, the system control circuit 101 determines whether the information regarding the focal length of the photographing lens 200 indicates that the focal length is equal to or greater than a predetermined focal length.

[0061] In this embodiment, when the focal length is shorter than 100 mm (indicating that the focal length is less than or equal to a predetermined focal length), the image stabilization unit 104 is enabled. On the other hand, when the focal length is 100 mm or more (indicating that the focal length is greater than or equal to a predetermined focal length), the image stabilization unit 205 is enabled. Note that, in this embodiment, a focal length of 100 mm is set as a threshold value as an example of the discrimination condition, but a different focal length value may be used, or information on image stabilization characteristics other than the focal length may be used as the discrimination condition.

[0062] In step S104, the system control circuit 101 checks the remaining battery power of the camera 100 using the power supply control circuit 86. The system control circuit 101 then determines whether or not the information relating to the remaining battery power indicates that the remaining battery power is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining battery power.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the remaining battery level is less than 50% (when the information on the remaining battery level indicates that the remaining battery level is less than a predetermined level), the image stabilization unit 104 is enabled and the image stabilization unit 205 is mechanically locked so that shooting can be continued for a long time. This is because the image stabilization unit 104 in the camera is generally arranged closer to the battery 88 than the image stabilization unit 205 in the lens, and therefore is considered to have better power efficiency. Note that in this embodiment, a remaining battery level of 50% is set as a threshold value as an example of the discrimination condition, but a different remaining battery level value may be used. On the other hand, when the remaining battery level is 50% or more (when the information on the remaining battery level indicates that the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than a predetermined level), the discrimination result based on the focal length is prioritized and the image stabilization unit 205 is enabled.

[0064] In step S105, the system control circuit 101 activates the locking mechanism 150 of the image stabilization unit 104, and mechanically locks the image stabilization unit 104. In step S106, the system control circuit 101 determines whether or not the imaging optical axis 1000 has shifted when the image stabilization unit 104 is mechanically locked by the locking mechanism 150. Whether or not the imaging optical axis 1000 has shifted is determined by checking whether the image sensor 103a has moved in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 1000 before and after mechanical locking, using the detection result of a Hall element that is a position detection sensor. Note that if the image sensor 103a is moved to a reference position that is the center of the driving range and then mechanically locked, the difference between the reference position and the position after locking may be checked.

[0065] If it is determined that the photographing optical axis 1000 has not shifted, preparation for photographing is completed. If it is determined that the photographing optical axis 1000 has shifted, in step S107, the system control circuit 101 corrects the photographing optical axis 1000 by moving the image blur correction lens 203 by the image blur correction unit 205 in a direction that cancels the shift of the photographing optical axis 1000.

[0066] In step S108, the system control circuit 101 determines whether or not the photographing optical axis 1000 is misaligned in the same manner as in step S106. If the photographing optical axis 1000 is still misaligned, the process returns to step S107 and the photographing optical axis 1000 is corrected.

[0067] If it is determined that the photographing optical axis 1000 is not misaligned, the process proceeds to step S115, and preparation for photographing is completed.

[0068] If the result of checking the remaining battery power in step S104 is that the remaining battery power is less than 50%, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the system control circuit 101 activates the locking mechanism 210 of the image stabilization unit 205 to mechanically lock the image stabilization unit 205.

[0069] In step S110, the system control circuit 101 determines whether or not the imaging optical axis 1000 has shifted when the image stabilization unit 205 is mechanically locked by the lock mechanism 210. Whether or not the imaging optical axis 1000 has shifted is determined by checking whether or not the image stabilization lens 203 has moved in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 1000 before and after mechanical locking, using the detection result of a Hall element, which is a position detection sensor. Note that a known configuration may be used for detecting the position of the image stabilization lens 203 using the Hall element, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined that the imaging optical axis 1000 has not shifted, the process proceeds to step S115, and preparation for imaging is completed.

[0070] If it is determined that the photographing optical axis 1000 has shifted, then in step S111 the system control circuit 101 corrects the photographing optical axis 1000 by moving the image sensor 103a with the image stabilization unit 104 in a direction that cancels the shift of the photographing optical axis 1000. In step S112, the system control circuit 101 determines whether the photographing optical axis 1000 has shifted in the same manner as in step S110. If the photographing optical axis 1000 is still shifted, the process returns to step S111 and the photographing optical axis 1000 is corrected.

[0071] If it is determined that the photographing optical axis 1000 is not misaligned, preparation for photographing is completed.

[0072] If it is determined in step S102 that energy saving mode 1 is not selected, then in step S113 system control circuit 101 determines whether or not energy saving mode 2 is selected. If energy saving mode 2 is selected, system control circuit 101 sets energy saving mode 2 and proceeds to step S114.

[0073] If the energy saving mode 2 is not selected, it is determined that the user has not selected either the energy saving mode 1 or the energy saving mode 2, and preparation for photographing is completed with both the image stabilization unit 104 and the image stabilization unit 205 enabled.

[0074] In step S114, the system control circuit 101 mechanically locks both the image stabilization unit 104 and the image stabilization unit 205, and then proceeds to step S115 to complete preparations for shooting.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, by selecting energy saving mode 1, it is possible to realize a shooting mode that realizes both an image stabilization effect and energy saving.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if one of the image stabilization unit 104 and the image stabilization unit 205 is mechanically locked, the other of the image stabilization unit 104 and the image stabilization unit 205 can be moved to suppress deviation of the shooting optical axis 1000.

[0077] In this embodiment, in addition to the result of selecting an operating mode, the focal length and the remaining battery level are also used as discrimination conditions to determine whether the image stabilization unit 104 or the image stabilization unit 205 is to be mechanically locked, but a configuration may be adopted in which only the result of selecting a mode is used as a discrimination condition. Also, in addition to switching according to the energy saving mode, a configuration may be adopted in which the user can select a mode in which the image stabilization unit 104 is mechanically locked to perform image stabilization, or a mode in which the image stabilization unit 205 is mechanically locked to perform image stabilization.

[0078] Furthermore, when performing image blur correction using the image blur correction unit used to correct the deviation of the photographing optical axis 1000, the position to which the image blur correction unit is moved in order to correct the deviation of the photographing optical axis 1000 is set as the drive center position, and the drive range is set based on that drive center position.

[0079] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The configuration of this embodiment has been described above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the drive control of the lock mechanism 150 of the image stabilization unit 104.

[0080] In the first embodiment, a technique has been described in which, when the photographing optical axis 1000 is shifted by the locking mechanism 150 or the locking mechanism 210, the photographing optical axis 1000 is corrected by driving an unlocked image blur correction unit.

[0081] In this embodiment, a technique will be described in which a shift in the photographing optical axis 1000 that occurs due to mechanical locking of the image stabilization unit 104 by the locking mechanism 150 is corrected by moving the image stabilization unit 104. The process following step S201 described below may be started when proceeding to step S105 in FIG.

[0082] The locking mechanism 150 can move in a direction parallel to the photographing optical axis 1000 by a motor and a gear train (not shown). When the locking mechanism 150 moves forward, the position of the movable unit 104a is mechanically locked by frictional force caused by contact between the elastic members 150a to 150c and the sensor holder 320 of the movable unit 104a. The locking mechanism 150 can also move further forward from the position where the elastic members 150a to 150c come into contact with the sensor holder 320 to a locking completion position where the elastic members 150a to 150c are elastically deformed. Therefore, the biasing force of the elastic members 150a to 150c on the sensor holder 320 when the elastic members 150a to 150c come into contact with the sensor holder 320 can be changed. From the position where the elastic members 150a to 150c come into contact with the sensor holder 320 to the locking completion position, the driving force of the movable unit 104a is greater than the frictional force caused by the contact between the elastic members 150a to 150c and the sensor holder 320. Therefore, the movable unit 104a can be driven even while being subjected to the frictional force.

[0083] In step S201, the system control circuit 101 initializes a variable i to 0. In step S202, the system control circuit 101 sets the position of the image sensor 103a before mechanical locking as the initial position, and stores the horizontal axis coordinate of the plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 1000 as x0 and the vertical axis coordinate as y0. In the following, the direction parallel to the imaging optical axis 1000 is the z direction, the horizontal axis direction of the plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 1000 is the x direction, and the vertical axis is the y direction.

[0084] In step S203, the system control circuit 101 moves the locking mechanism 150 in the z direction from the initial position z0 to the locking completion position ze. In step S204, the system control circuit 101 acquires the position xe in the x direction and the position ye in the y direction of the image sensor 103a immediately after the locking mechanism 150 moves to the locking completion position ze.

[0085] In step S205, the system control circuit 101 calculates the amount of shift xs in the x direction and the amount of shift ys in the y direction of the image sensor 103a caused by the movement of the lock mechanism 150 from the initial position z0 to the locking completion position ze using the following equations (1) and (2). xs=xe-x0 (1) ys=ye-y0 (2)

[0086] Then, the system control circuit 101 determines whether the absolute value of the amount of displacement xs in the x direction, which is the difference between the positions before and after mechanical locking, is smaller than a predetermined threshold value X, and whether the absolute value of the amount of displacement ys in the y direction is smaller than a predetermined threshold value Y. If both absolute values ​​are smaller than the threshold value, the system control circuit 101 determines that the image sensor 103a is in the same position (not displaced) before and after locking, and completes preparation for shooting.

[0087] If either one of the absolute values ​​is equal to or greater than the threshold value, in step S206, the system control circuit 101 moves the locking mechanism 150 in the z direction from the locking completion position ze to z(i).

[0088] Here, the position of the lock mechanism 150 in the z direction is the forwardmost position at the lock completion position ze, and z(i) is a position behind ze, with the larger the value of i, the closer the position is to ze. In other words, the biasing force applied to the sensor holder 320 is weakened by moving the lock mechanism 150 in the z direction from the lock completion position ze to z(i).

[0089] In step S207, the system control circuit 101 moves the position of the image sensor 103a to (x(i), y(i)) by the image stabilization unit 104. x(i) and y(i) are expressed by the following equations (3) and (4). x(i)=x0-xs (3) y(i)=y0-ys (4)

[0090] In step S208, the system control circuit 101 moves the locking mechanism 150 in the z direction from z(i) to the locking completion position ze. That is, the system control circuit 101 again strengthens the biasing force on the sensor holder 320. In step S209, similar to step S204, the system control circuit 101 acquires the position xe in the x direction and the position ye in the y direction of the image sensor 103a immediately after the locking mechanism 150 moves to the locking completion position ze.

[0091] In step S210, the system control circuit 101 determines whether the absolute value of the newly calculated amount of shift xs in the x direction is smaller than a predetermined threshold value X and whether the absolute value of the amount of shift ys in the y direction is smaller than a predetermined threshold value Y, as in step S205. If both absolute values ​​are smaller than the threshold value, the system control circuit 101 determines that the image sensor 103a is in the same position (not shifted) before and after locking, and completes preparation for shooting. If either absolute value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S211, where the system control circuit 101 checks whether the numerical value of the variable i is greater than 10.

[0092] If the value of the variable i is equal to or less than 10, in step S212, the system control circuit 101 adds 1 to the variable i, and then proceeds to step S206.

[0093] The value of variable i is 10 Greater than In this case, even if the processing of steps S206 to S212 is repeated a prescribed number of times, the image sensor 103a still deviates from the state before locking.

[0094] Therefore, in step S213, the system control circuit 101 determines whether or not the photographing lens 200 has an image blur correction unit 205 (whether or not the photographing lens 200 is a lens capable of image blur correction). Information regarding the presence or absence of the image blur correction unit 205 in the photographing lens 200 is obtained from the photographing lens 200 via the camera communication unit 2 after starting preparations for photographing, for example.

[0095] If the photographing lens 200 has the image blur correction unit 205, the image sensor lock process ends and the process proceeds to step S107 in FIG.

[0096] If the photographing lens 200 does not have an image blur correction unit 205, in step S214, the system control circuit 101 displays a warning on the display device 54 to inform the user that the photographing optical axis 1000 is misaligned, and then completes preparations for photographing.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress deviation of the photographing optical axis 1000 when the image blur correction unit 104 is mechanically locked by the locking mechanism 150. Even if deviation of the photographing optical axis 1000 occurs when the image blur correction unit 104 is mechanically locked by the locking mechanism 150, deviation of the photographing optical axis 1000 can be suppressed by using the image blur correction unit 205.

[0098] In this embodiment, an example in which the embodiment is combined with the first embodiment has been described; however, the image sensor locking process of this embodiment can be applied regardless of other conditions as long as the image sensor is mechanically locked.

[0099] 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.

[0100] For example, the processing executed by the system control circuit 101 of the camera 100 in the above two embodiments may be executed by a control circuit included in the photographing lens 200.

[0101] In addition, in the above two embodiments, the image blur correction process can be performed using a known method, so a detailed description is omitted. However, the image blur correction may be performed using a method other than the image blur correction unit 104 or the image blur correction unit 205. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100 Cameras 104 Image stabilization unit 150 Locking mechanism 200 Photographic Lenses 205 Image stabilization unit 210 Locking mechanism

Claims

1. a first image blur correction unit including a first movable portion and a first locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the first movable portion; An imaging device to which an interchangeable lens is detachably attached, the interchangeable lens including a second image blur correction unit including a second movable portion and a second locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the second movable portion, An imaging device characterized in that, when the interchangeable lens is attached and one of the first movable part and the second movable part is fixed by the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism, a control means moves the position of the other of the first movable part and the second movable part in a direction to cancel out a shift in the imaging optical axis caused by the fixing of one of the first movable part and the second movable part.

2. a determination means for determining whether or not to mechanically lock the first movable portion and the second movable portion, 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means makes the determination based on an operation mode of the image pickup apparatus.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the determining unit determines to mechanically lock at least one of the first movable portion and the second movable portion when the operation mode of the imaging device is an energy saving mode.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the determining means determines to mechanically lock either the first movable portion or the second movable portion based on information relating to a focal length of the interchangeable lens.

5. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the determination means determines to mechanically lock the second movable part when the information regarding the focal length of the interchangeable lens indicates that the focal length is not equal to or greater than a predetermined focal length.

6. 4. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the determining means determines to mechanically lock either the first movable part or the second movable part based on information relating to a remaining battery level of the imaging device.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the determination means decides to mechanically lock the second movable part when information regarding a remaining battery level of the imaging device indicates that the remaining battery level is not equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining battery level.

8. a detection means for detecting a position of the first movable portion; The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means moves the position of the first movable part when the difference in the position detected by the detection means before and after the first movable part is mechanically locked exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

9. the first locking mechanism applies a biasing force to the first movable part in a direction parallel to the photographing optical axis to mechanically lock the movable part; The imaging device described in claim 8, characterized in that when a difference in position detected by the detection means before and after the first movable part is mechanically locked exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control means weakens the biasing force before moving the position of the first movable part, and strengthens the biasing force after moving the first movable part.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means displays a warning on a display device when a deviation of the photographing optical axis occurs when an interchangeable lens not equipped with the second image blur correction unit is attached and the first movable part is mechanically locked.

11. a first image blur correction unit including a first movable part and a first locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the first movable part; a second image blur correction unit including a second movable portion and a second locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the second movable portion, an imaging apparatus that corrects image blur of an optical image formed on an imaging element by using the first image blur correction unit and the second image blur correction unit, An imaging device characterized in having a control means for, when one of the first movable part and the second movable part is fixed by the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism, moving the position of the other of the first movable part and the second movable part in a direction that cancels out a shift in the imaging optical axis caused by the fixing of one of the first movable part and the second movable part.

12. a first image blur correction unit including a first movable portion and a first locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the first movable portion; a second image blur correction device including a second image blur correction unit including a second movable part and a second locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the second movable part, the second image blur correction device being a detachable image blur correction device, an image stabilization device comprising: a control unit that, when the second image stabilization device is attached and one of the first movable part and the second movable part is fixed by the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism, moves a position of the other of the first movable part and the second movable part in a direction that cancels out a misalignment of the optical axis caused by fixing one of the first movable part and the second movable part.

13. An image stabilization method for correcting image blur of an optical image formed on an image sensor by using a first image stabilization unit including a first movable part and a first locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the first movable part, and a second image stabilization unit including a second movable part and a second locking mechanism that mechanically locks a position of the second movable part, the method comprising: an image blur correction method, characterized in that, when one of the first movable part and the second movable part is fixed by the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism, a position of the other of the first movable part and the second movable part is moved in a direction to cancel out a shift in an imaging optical axis caused by the fixing of one of the first movable part and the second movable part.

Images