JP2003186100A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a camera able to carry out the selection of a desired menu or a range speedily and freely without any inadvertent operation. <P>SOLUTION: In the camera, two 2-dimensional touch pads outputting a touch signal generating when touched by a finger and a coordinate signal of the position where it is touched are provided in at least 2 spots in the abutted position of the finger or in its vicinity when a grip part is held in order to hold a main body and a selecting means S401 to S406 to which the touch signal is outputted from the two 2-dimensional touch pads and selecting a specified menu or a specified range from a plurality of them according to the coordinate signal outputted from one of the 2-dimensional touch pads, are provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a camera provided with a grip portion for holding a camera body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many film cameras, digital cameras, and video cameras have advanced functions such as menus that can be selected by the photographer, and the types of them have become widespread. , It has become possible to meet the detailed needs of photographers. Therefore, in the conventional device, it is necessary to operate the electronic dial, the operation button, or the stick-shaped operation member while looking at the TFT monitor device built in the camera, and select from a complicated and diverse menu. The shooting mode and custom functions are set.

In addition, due to the recent multifunctionalization and high performance of AF (autofocus), many devices are provided with a plurality of distance measuring or focus detection areas (hereinafter, distance measuring areas are taken as an example), , High-performance cameras for professionals and high-end amateurs have already been commercialized with a large number of distance measurement areas. Superimpose display in a viewfinder is widely known as a method for displaying a distance measuring area to be used from a plurality of distance measuring areas. In a conventional camera, while observing the superimpose display in the finder, an electronic dial, an operation button, or a stick-shaped operation member is operated to select a necessary distance measuring area.

9 and 10 are a front view and a rear view of a conventional digital camera.

In these figures, 1000 is a digital camera body. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1001 denotes a grip portion for holding the camera body. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a body mount, and a taking lens (not shown) is attached to the camera body via the body mount 1002. Reference numeral 1003 is a lens removal button, and 1004 is a release button for a shooting operation. An electronic dial 1005 is used in combination with other operation buttons to input a numerical value into the camera or switch a shooting mode, for inputting a multifunctional signal. An external display device 1006 is a liquid crystal display device having an external display function for displaying shooting conditions and the like. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a selection button group for setting single shooting, continuous shooting, self shooting, photometric mode, AF mode, and the like. 1
Reference numeral 008 denotes a mode dial for selecting a shooting mode.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1009 is a main switch for prohibiting all operations of the camera body, 1010 is an eyepiece window for finder observation, 1011 is an AE (automatic exposure) lock button, and 1012 is AF (autofocus) distance measurement. It is a point selection button. Reference numeral 1013 is a sub electronic dial having the same function as the input electronic dial 1005 (FIG. 9) for selecting shooting conditions and various menus. Reference numeral 1014 is a set button for confirming a menu or the like selected by the sub electronic dial 1013, and 1015 is a dial lock switch for locking the input function of the sub electronic dial 1013. The dial lock switch 1015 is an important switch that prevents the sub electronic dial 1013 from inadvertently operating and inadvertently changing the exposure correction and the like. Reference numeral 1016 is a menu button for selecting a menu mode, and 1017 is a TFT monitor device for displaying a menu screen and a photographing screen. 1018
Is a function button group for selecting reproduction of a captured image, image display format, display of captured data, and the like. Reference numeral 1019 denotes an image delete button for deleting an unnecessary image during reproduction of a captured image, and 1020 denotes a CF (small flash) storage lid which is an external storage device. The CF lid 1020 is opened / closed when the CF is attached / detached or exchanged.

11 and 12 show menu screens of a TFT monitor device (1017 in FIG. 10) in a conventional digital camera. Hereinafter, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG.
The process of changing the shooting menu in the conventional digital camera will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the menu button 1016 in FIG. 10 is pressed, T
The menu screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the FT monitor device 1017. At this time, when the sub electronic dial 1013 (FIG. 10) is rotated, the frame display 1 of the menu screen of FIG. 11 is displayed.
When 301 is moved up and down and the set button 1014 (FIG. 10) is pressed at the desired item to be changed, the contents of the selected menu item are displayed in a frame as shown in FIG. Further, when the sub electronic dial 1013 (FIG. 10) is rotated, the selection mark 1401 (FIG. 12) is moved up and down, and the set button 1014 is displayed at the desired change content.
Pressing (FIG. 10) sets the selected contents and returns to the screen of FIG.

That is, by pressing the menu button and then repeating the operation of the sub electronic dial and the set button twice,
Desired contents are input to the camera side.

FIG. 13 shows a display in a viewfinder of a conventional digital camera.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1501 indicates a distance measuring area, and S1 to S45 indicate individual distance measuring points. There are 45 distance measuring points, and the photographer can select a desired distance measuring point from the 45 distance measuring points and shoot. In the method of selecting the 45 focus detection points, when the focus detection point selection button 1012 shown in FIG. 10 is pressed, the focus detection point currently selected is lit in red.

Suppose now that the distance measuring point S1 is selected in FIG. Next, when the electronic dial 1005 (FIG. 9) is rotated, the distance measuring point moves in the range from S1 to S7, and the desired distance measuring point can be selected. To move to the lower row, rotate the sub electronic dial 1013 (FIG. 10) to move S1 → S8 → S18 → S29 → S39,
A focus detection point in a desired row can be selected. For example, when it is desired to move from the distance measuring point S1 to the distance measuring point S45, the sub electronic dial 1013 (FIG. 10) is first rotated to measure the distance measuring point S39.
When the electronic dial 1005 (FIG. 9) is rotated, the distance can be moved to the distance measuring point S45.
That is, the electronic dial 1005 and the sub electronic dial 10
By operating two operation members 13 to select a desired distance measuring point.

[0013]

However, in the above-described conventional method of selecting and changing the shooting menu, it is necessary to repeat the operation of the sub electronic dial and the set button twice after pressing the menu button. Not only is it complicated, but there is the inconvenience that the shooting menu cannot be selected and changed quickly and freely.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional method of selecting 45 distance measuring points, it is necessary to operate the two operating members of the electronic dial and the sub electronic dial to select a desired distance measuring point, which is an operation. Not only is it complicated, but there is also the inconvenience that the distance measuring points cannot be moved quickly and freely.

Further, in the case where one two-dimensional touch pad is provided, since a coordinate signal is output when a finger is touched, it may be operated inadvertently, raindrops when photographing outdoors, or
There was a possibility of malfunction due to sweat on the hands.

(Object of the Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of speedily and freely selecting a desired menu or area without operating carelessly.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a camera having a grip part for holding the main body in a part of the main body, when the grip part is held. Two two-dimensional touch pads that output a contact signal generated when the finger comes into contact and a coordinate signal of the position where the finger comes into contact with at least two positions, which are at or near the position of the abutting finger, Touch signals are output from the two two-dimensional touch pads, and
According to the coordinate signal output from any one of the two-dimensional touchpads, the camera has a selecting unit that selects a specific menu or a specific area from a plurality of units.

More specifically, for example, of the two two-dimensional touch pads, one of the two-dimensional touch pads can be operated at a position on the back surface of the main body and when the grip portion is held,
Alternatively, it is arranged on the upper surface of the grip portion and at a position operable when the grip portion is held, and the other two-dimensional touch pad is held on the front optical axis side surface of the grip portion and the grip portion. A touch signal is output from the two two-dimensional touch pads, and a plurality of touch signals are output according to the coordinate signal output from the two-dimensional touch pad where the touch signal is generated later. A specific menu or a specific area is selected from the inside.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in detail based on the illustrated embodiments.

(First Embodiment) First, a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 is a digital camera main body, and 101 is a grip portion for holding the camera main body. Reference numeral 102 denotes a body mount, and a taking lens (not shown) is attached to the camera body via the body mount 102. 103 is a lens removal button. Reference numeral 104 is a release button for performing a shooting operation.
Reference numeral 105 is an electronic dial for inputting a numerical value to the camera or switching a shooting mode, in combination with other operation buttons, for inputting a multifunction signal. Reference numeral 106 denotes an external display device including a liquid crystal display device having an external display function for displaying shooting conditions and the like. Reference numeral 107 denotes a selection button group for setting single shooting, continuous shooting, self shooting, photometric mode, AF mode, and the like. Reference numeral 108 denotes a mode dial for selecting a shooting mode.

Reference numeral 121, which is one of the constituent parts of the present invention, provides two electric signals (contact signal) generated when a finger comes into contact and coordinate signals of the position where the finger comes into contact. One of the two-dimensional touch pads, which is the two-dimensional touch pad B. This is the electronic dial for input 10
5 is a multifunctional operation member having the same function as that of FIG. 5 (FIG. 1). The two-dimensional touch pad B121 is characterized mainly in that it is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion 101 for holding the camera body. When the grip portion 101 is held, the two-dimensional touch pad B121 is placed at or near the position of the finger to be in contact. There is. In this embodiment, the grip portion 101 is arranged at a position where it can be operated when held.

In FIG. 2, 109 is a main switch for prohibiting all operations of the camera body, 110 is an eyepiece window for finder observation, 111 is an AE (automatic exposure) lock button, and 112 is AF (autofocus) distance measurement. It is a point selection button. Reference numeral 113 is one of the characteristic parts of the present invention, and is a two-dimensional touch pad that outputs an electric signal (contact signal) generated when a finger touches and a coordinate signal of the position where the finger touches. It is one of the two-dimensional touch pad A. This is the electronic dial for input 10
5 is a multifunctional operation member having the same function as that of FIG. 5 (FIG. 1). The two-dimensional touch pad A113 is characterized mainly in that it is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion 101 for holding the camera body. When the grip portion 101 is held, the two-dimensional touch pad A113 is placed at or near the position of the finger to be in contact. There is. In the first embodiment, the grip portion 101
It is placed in a position where it can be operated when is held.

The two-dimensional touch pad A113 and the two
The dimensional touch pad B121 functions as an operation member in a pair. Details of the operating method will be described later.

114 is a two-dimensional touch pad A113,
A set button for confirming a menu or the like selected on the two-dimensional touch pad B121, and 115 for the two-dimensional touch pad A
113, two-dimensional touch pad B121 and set button 114
This is a cancel button for canceling the information set in. Reference numeral 116 is a menu button for selecting a menu mode. 117 is a TF that displays a menu screen and a shooting screen
It is a T monitor device. Reference numeral 118 is a function button group for selecting reproduction of a captured image, image display format, display of captured data, and the like. Reference numeral 119 is an image delete button for deleting an unnecessary image during reproduction of a captured image, and 120 is a storage lid for a CF (small flash) which is an external storage device. C
When attaching / detaching or replacing F, the CF lid 12
Open and close 0.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a single-lens reflex type digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a printed circuit board, which controls image data output from the microcomputer 302 and CCD 318 for controlling all camera operations, and image display control for displaying an image on the TFT monitor 316. A circuit 303 and the like are mounted.

Reference numerals 304a and 304b, which are one of the constituent parts of the present invention, output an electric signal (contact signal) generated when a finger touches and a coordinate signal of a position where the finger touches. Two two-dimensional touchpad. The two-dimensional touch pad A (304a) and the two-dimensional touch pad B (304b) are two-dimensional touch pads that have exactly the same functions and operate independently. Since the two-dimensional touch pad is widely used in portable electronic devices such as notebook computers of recent years, the explanation of the operation principle thereof will be omitted here. As a typical publicly known example, published patent publication No. 4-507316 can be mentioned.

305 (SW1) is a release button 104
This is a switch that is turned on when the switch is pressed halfway (see FIG. 1). When this switch SW1 is turned on, the digital camera is ready for shooting. Reference numeral 306 (SW2) is a release switch that is turned on (ON) when the release button 104 (see FIG. 1) is pressed to the end, and when this release switch 2 is turned on, this digital camera starts a photographing operation.

Reference numeral 307 denotes a lens control circuit, and since this embodiment is a single-lens reflex type digital camera,
The lens control circuit 307 takes charge of communication with the photographing lens and control of driving of the photographing lens and driving of diaphragm blades during AF (autofocus). An external display control circuit 308 controls the external display device 309 and a display device (not shown) in the finder. Reference numeral 310 denotes a switch sense circuit, which is an electronic dial 31 provided in the camera.
It serves to transmit signals of a large number of switches including 1 to the microcomputer 302.

Reference numeral 312 denotes a strobe light emission control circuit, which is grounded via an X contact 312a and controls an external strobe and a built-in strobe. A distance measuring circuit 313 has a function of detecting a defocus amount for an object for AF (autofocus). 314
Is a photometric circuit, which has a function of measuring the brightness of a subject. Reference numeral 315 is a drive system control circuit for controlling the drive of the shutter and the mirror, which is opened by appropriately opening the shutter.
8 is properly exposed, and control driving for mirror up and mirror down is performed. Reference numeral 319 is an external storage device (small flash).

Next, based on FIG. 4, an electric signal (contact signal) generated when a finger comes into contact and a coordinate signal at a position where the finger comes into contact, which is one of the characteristic parts of the present invention, A method of operating the two two-dimensional touchpads that output will be described.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart showing the functions in the operation of the two two-dimensional touch pads.

When the microcomputer becomes ready to input signals from the two two-dimensional touch pads, FIG.
The routine of the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

When the routine shown in FIG. 4 is entered, first, at step S401, it is determined whether or not a contact signal is output from the two-dimensional touch pad A (113 shown in FIG. 2, 304a shown in FIG. 3). To do. This means a determination as to whether or not a finger is touching the two-dimensional touch pad A.
If the two-dimensional touch pad A is touched with a finger and the contact signal is output, the process proceeds from step S401 to step S405, but if the contact signal is not output, the process proceeds to step S402.

At step S402, it is determined whether or not a contact signal is output from the two-dimensional touch pad B (121 shown in FIG. 1, 304b shown in FIG. 3). if,
If the finger is touching the two-dimensional touch pad B and the contact signal is output, the process proceeds to step S403. If the contact signal is not output, the process returns from step S402 to start. In other words, if neither the two-dimensional touch pad A nor the two-dimensional touch pad B is touched by the finger, step S401 and step S402 are repeatedly executed,
It will wait until a finger is touched on any of the two-dimensional touch pads.

On the other hand, assuming that the finger is touching the two-dimensional touch pad B, steps S402 to 403 are performed.
When proceeding to, it is determined here whether the two-dimensional touch pad A is touched with a finger again and a contact signal is output. If both the two-dimensional touch pad A and the two-dimensional touch pad B are touched with fingers, the process proceeds to step S404, and the coordinate signal of the two-dimensional touch pad A that is touched later is sent to the microcomputer 302 (FIG. 4). In this flow, it is output to MPU). In addition, the above step S
If the contact signal of the two-dimensional touch pad A is not output in 403, the process returns from step S403 to start.

When it is determined in step S401 that the finger is touching the two-dimensional touch pad A and the contact signal is output, the process proceeds to step S405 as described above, and the two-dimensional touch pad B is also used here. It is determined whether the finger is touched and the contact signal is output. Two
If both the two-dimensional touch pad A and the two-dimensional touch pad B are touched with fingers, the process proceeds to step S406, and the coordinate signal of the two-dimensional touch pad B that is touched later is output to the microcomputer 302. On the other hand, if the contact signal of the two-dimensional touch pad B is not output, the process returns from step S405 to start.

As is apparent from the flow chart of FIG. 4, the two-dimensional touch pad A and the two-dimensional touch pad B are
If both are touched with the finger, the coordinate signal from the two-dimensional touch pad touched later is output to the microcomputer 302. Therefore, unless the two two-dimensional touchpads are touched with a finger, the coordinate signal is not output. Therefore, it does not operate carelessly, and when shooting outdoors, raindrops or sweat adhering to the hand may occur. The possibility of malfunction due to such factors is extremely low.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show menu screens of the TFT monitor device (FIGS. 2 and 117) in the single-lens reflex type digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the ISO
The process of changing the shooting menu according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking the change of sensitivity as an example.

When the menu button 116 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the TFT
The menu screen 501 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the monitor device 117 (FIG. 2), and the menu that has already been set is displayed in a box character. At this time, if the finger is first touched on the two-dimensional touch pad B121 shown in FIG. 1, and then the finger is moved to the two-dimensional touch pad A113 shown in FIG. 2, the two-dimensional touch pad A113 outputs. The pointer display 502 on the menu screen of FIG. 5 moves according to the coordinate signal thus generated, that is, according to the moving direction and the moving amount of the touched finger. At this time, no coordinate signal is output from the two-dimensional touch pad B121 touched earlier, and no reaction is shown even if the finger is moved.

The two-dimensional touch pad A1 shown in FIG.
When the finger 13 is first touched, and then the finger is moved to the two-dimensional touch pad B121 shown in FIG. 1, the finger is moved, that is, the two-dimensional touch pad B121 is touched in accordance with the coordinate signal output from the two-dimensional touch pad B121. Depending on the moving direction and the moving amount of the finger, FIG.
The pointer display 502 on the menu screen is moved. At this time, no coordinate signal is output from the two-dimensional touch pad A113 that has been touched previously, and no reaction is shown even if the finger is moved.

As described above, of the two two-dimensional touch pads, the coordinate signal is output only from the two-dimensional touch pad that is touched later. Further, even if only one of the two-dimensional touch pads is touched with a finger, no coordinate signal is output from any of the two-dimensional touch pads. Absent.

Further, since the coordinate signal is output only when the two two-dimensional touchpads are touched by a finger, the possibility of malfunction due to raindrops, sweat adhering to the hands, etc. is extremely low when photographing outdoors.

As described above, when the pointer display 502 and the menu item coincide with each other by operating the two-dimensional touch pad to which the finger is touched later, the display of the menu item is reversed in black and white. In FIG. 5, as indicated by 503, the ISO sensitivity “1” is set.
The display area of "00" is inverted in black and white. The desired menu item (in this description, ISO sensitivity "10
By pressing the set button 114 (FIG. 2) when 0 ") is reversed, the setting of the ISO sensitivity" 100 "is completed.
Similarly, to set the ISO sensitivity to "200", the two-dimensional touch pad to which the finger is touched later is operated, and the set button 114 is pressed when the ISO sensitivity "200" is reversed in black and white.

The menu set in this way is shown in FIG.
It is displayed in a surrounding character like 504 in (b). If you want to change other menus, use the two 2
2 of those who touched the 3D touchpad with their fingers and touched them later
Move the finger of the 3D touch pad to invert the display of the menu item you want to change, and press the set button 114 (Fig. 2).
It can be changed by pressing. This operation is
You can repeat as many times as you like. When the change operation is completed, by pressing the menu button 116 of FIG. 2 again,
The menu screen is ended.

As described above, according to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to quickly change the menu by operating the two two-dimensional touch pads without requiring a complicated operation. Further, the two two-dimensional touchpads correspond to the moving direction of the finger and the moving direction of the pointer being displayed, and therefore the operability at the time of change is extremely good.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining display in the viewfinder in the single-lens reflex type digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 indicates a distance measuring area, and S1 to S45 indicate individual distance measuring points. In the first embodiment, there are 45 distance measuring points, and the photographer can select a desired distance measuring point from the 45 distance measuring points and photograph it. In the method of selecting the 45 focus detection points, when the focus detection point selection button 112 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the focus detection point currently selected is lit in red.

If the distance measuring point S1 is selected in FIG. 6 and the distance measuring point S45 is changed, two two-dimensional touch pads (121 and 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are used.
It is possible to make the change promptly by touching 3) with a finger, moving the finger of the two-dimensional touch pad that touches the finger later in the direction in which the finger is desired to move, and then releasing the finger. That is, it is possible to promptly select a desired distance measuring point without performing a complicated operation such as the conventional combination of the electronic dial and the sub electronic dial.

Further, since the coordinate signal is not output unless the two two-dimensional touchpads are touched with a finger, it does not operate carelessly. The possibility of malfunction due to adhered sweat is extremely low.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the second embodiment, description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is the positions of the two two-dimensional touch pads 113 and 121 in FIGS. 1 and 2, and only this point will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a rear view of the digital camera of FIG.

In these figures, 700 is a camera body, and 701 is a grip portion for holding the body. Reference numeral 702 is one of the constituent parts of the present invention, which is a coordinate signal of a position pressed by a finger.
The electronic dial 105 for input, which is the three-dimensional touch pad B
It is a multifunctional operation member having the same function as that of (FIG. 1). This two-dimensional touch pad B702 is characterized in that it is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion 701 for holding the camera body. When the grip portion 701 is held, the two-dimensional touch pad B702 is placed at or near the position of the finger to be in contact. There is. In the second embodiment, the grip portion 701 is arranged at a position where it can be operated with the index finger when the grip portion 701 is held.

Reference numeral 703 denotes a two-dimensional touch pad A, which is one of the constituent parts of the feature of the present invention, from which a coordinate signal of a position pressed by a finger can be obtained. The input electronic dial 105 (FIG. 1). It is a multifunctional operation member having the same function as. This two-dimensional touch pad A703 is
A major feature is that it is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion 701 for holding the camera body, and when the grip portion 701 is held, it is arranged at or near the position of the finger that abuts. In the second embodiment, the position is almost the same as that of the two-dimensional touch pad A113 of FIG. 2, but when the grip part 701 is held, the grip part 701 is placed at a position where it can be operated by the thumb.

Similar to the first embodiment described above, two two-dimensional touch pads (702 and 70 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) are used.
It is possible to make a quick change by simply touching 3) and moving the finger of the two-dimensional touch pad that touches the finger later in the desired direction and releasing the finger. That is, it is possible to promptly select a desired menu or a distance measuring point without performing a complicated operation by a combination of an electronic dial and a sub electronic dial as in the related art.

Further, since the coordinate signal is not output unless the two two-dimensional touchpads are touched with a finger, the coordinate signal is not inadvertently operated, and raindrops or hands may be touched during outdoor shooting. The possibility of malfunction due to adhered sweat is extremely low.

Hereinafter, the operation method and operation are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In addition, two two-dimensional touch pads are shown in FIG.
It is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained by arranging the parts 121 and 702 shown in FIG. 7 and 702 shown in FIG.

According to the first and second embodiments, when the grip portion for holding the camera body is held, at least two positions, that is, the position of the contacting finger or the vicinity thereof, are provided. Two two-dimensional touchpads are provided, which output a contact signal generated when the user touches and a coordinate signal of the position where the finger touches. When the touch signals are output from both two-dimensional touchpads, one of the two A specific menu or a specific area can be selected according to the coordinate signal output from the three-dimensional touch pad.
Specifically, when changing the shooting menu, touch the two 2D touchpads with your fingers, move the fingers to the intended menu on the 2D touchpad that you touched, and then move to the intended position. When the time reaches, the menu can be changed promptly by simply releasing the finger, and the desired menu can be promptly selected without performing the complicated operation of the conventional combination of the electronic dial and the sub electronic dial.

Since the two two-dimensional touch pads correspond to the moving direction of the finger and the moving direction of the pointer being displayed, the operability at the time of change is extremely good.

Similarly, when changing the distance measuring point, the two two-dimensional touch pads are touched with a finger, and the finger on the two-dimensional touch pad touching the finger afterwards touches the target distance measuring point. Direction, and then when you reach the intended position, simply release your finger to quickly change the AF point, without the complicated operation of the conventional combination of electronic dial and sub electronic dial. A desired distance measuring point can be selected promptly.

As described above, since the coordinate signal is output from the two-dimensional touch pad that is touched later among the two two-dimensional touch pads, even if only one of the two-dimensional touch pads is touched with a finger, any one of them is touched. Since the coordinate signal is not output from the two-dimensional touch pad, even if a finger carelessly touches the two-dimensional touch pad, no malfunction occurs.

Also, since the two two-dimensional touch pads do not output coordinate signals unless touched with a finger,
It does not operate inadvertently, and the possibility of malfunction due to raindrops, sweat adhering to the hand, etc. is extremely low when shooting outdoors.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Speedily and freely, without careless operation
It is possible to provide a camera capable of selecting a desired menu or area.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart showing functions in operating two two-dimensional touch pads of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a menu screen of the TFT monitor device (117 shown in FIG. 2) of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating display in a viewfinder of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a conventional digital camera.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a conventional digital camera.

FIG. 11 is a menu screen of a conventional TFT monitor device of a digital camera.

FIG. 12 is a menu screen of a conventional TFT monitor device of a digital camera.

FIG. 13 is a view in a viewfinder of a conventional digital camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 camera body 113 Two-dimensional touch pad A 114 set button 117 TFT monitor device 121 Two-dimensional touch pad B

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 3/033 310 H04N 5/228 Z 5C022 H04N 5/228 101: 00 5E501 // H04N 101: 00 G02B 7 / 11 ZF term (reference) 2H051 DA03 DA07 GA02 GA09 GA17 GB20 2H100 AA12 AA18 CC07 2H105 AA37 5B068 AA05 AA25 AA32 BB01 CD02 5B087 AA09 AB01 BC06 DD05 DE03 5C022 AC32 AC05 AC03 AC501 AC13 AC501 A13 AC501 AC12 AC05 AC31 AC12 AC03 AC12 AC31 AC501 AC12 AC03 AC12 AC31 AC01 AC32 AC31 AC12 AC03 AC12 AC31 AC01 AC12 AC05 AC31 AC12 AC31 AC01 AC12 AC05 AC31 AC13 CB06 CC14 EB05 FA05 FA42

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A camera having a grip part for holding the main body in a part of the main body, wherein at least two positions, which are at or near a position of a finger that abuts when the grip part is held. Two two-dimensional touch pads that output a contact signal generated when a finger touches the position and a coordinate signal of the position where the finger touches, and a contact signal is output from the two two-dimensional touch pads, and A camera comprising: a selection unit that selects a specific menu or a specific region from a plurality of units according to a coordinate signal output from one of the two-dimensional touch pads. 2. Of the two two-dimensional touchpads,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein one of the two-dimensional touch pads is arranged on a back surface of the main body and at a position where the grip portion can be operated when the grip portion is held. 3. One of the two two-dimensional touchpads is arranged so that one of the two-dimensional touchpads is located on the upper surface of the grip portion and at a position operable when the grip portion is held. The camera according to Item 1. 4. Of the two two-dimensional touchpads,
The camera according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the other two-dimensional touch pad is arranged on a front optical axis side surface of the grip portion and at a position operable when the grip portion is held. 5. The selection means outputs a plurality of contact signals from the two two-dimensional touch pads and a plurality of selection signals according to a coordinate signal output from a two-dimensional touch pad having a contact signal generated later. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a specific menu or a specific area is selected from among the above.