JP2004184508A - Operation button system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation button system used for an electronic camera making operability good. <P>SOLUTION: The operation button system comprises a first operation key part 36a, and a second operation key part 36b arranged so as to surround the first operation key part. The second operation key part comprises menu keys 62a-62d for being transferred to a menu mode regulating a plurality of mutually different menus. The operation button system is composed so as to select and determine the menu regulated in the menu mode selected with the menu key. The first operation key part comprises a disk body 60, arranges a decision key 61 in the center part of the disk body, and arranges selection keys 61a-61d on the peripheral face side of the disk body. The second operation key part is arranged concentrically with the disk body so as to surround the disk body. Then, the menu keys are arranged between the selection keys on an extension line from the center of the disk body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation button device having various function buttons, and more particularly to an operation button device used in an electronic camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an electronic camera is provided with a number of photographing functions such as various operation modes of a flash, a macro mode, a self-timer, and a color liquid crystal display for confirming a photographed image. For this reason, the electronic camera is provided with various buttons for setting shooting conditions and the like at the time of shooting. For example, a camera operation unit including a plurality of buttons is provided on the back side of an electronic camera (digital camera), and settings such as shooting conditions at the time of shooting are performed by the camera operation unit (see Patent Document 1). .
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-313233 (page 2, FIG. 1)
[0004]
However, in the digital camera described in Patent Literature 1, since the camera operation unit has a large number of function buttons, taking into consideration that the digital camera has an extremely large number of photographing functions and the like, the camera operation unit has a large number of function buttons. Not only does the occupied area increase, but also the number of function buttons increases, resulting in poor operability.
[0005]
For this reason, a so-called cross key button is provided on the back surface of the camera body, and various shooting conditions are selected by operating the cross key button, so that the number of function buttons is reduced and operability is improved. .
[0006]
By the way, the conventional electronic camera is provided with a cross key button to reduce the number of other function buttons. For example, in addition to the cross key button, an image quality mode button, a flash photography mode It has buttons, a manual focus mode button, a zoom up button, a zoom down button, a monitor button, and a menu button. Further, on the top side of the camera body, there are a main switch, a release button, an exposure compensation button, and a shooting button. A mode button and the like are provided.
[0007]
Then, for example, when shooting, it is necessary to set and operate other function buttons in addition to the cross key button operation, and when operating the cross key button, operate the menu button and It is necessary to switch the function of the button.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the operation button device used in the conventional electronic camera is provided with a large number of function buttons in addition to the cross key button, and it is difficult to perform photographing or the like with few key operations, and the operability is poor. There are issues.
[0009]
That is, in a conventional electronic camera, for example, it is necessary to operate various function buttons in addition to the key buttons at the time of shooting, and it is difficult to operate with one hand while looking at the viewfinder, and the operability is poor. is there.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide an operation button device having extremely good operability.
[0011]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation button device which is used in an electronic camera and has excellent operability.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, a disc or a cross is provided, and a determination key is arranged at the center of the disc or the cross, and a selection key is arranged on the peripheral surface of the disc or the cross. A first operation key portion, and the disk or the cross body are arranged concentrically with the disk body or the disk body so as to surround the disk body or the cross body, or in a circle around the center of the cross body. And a second operation key unit in which menus defined for each of the menu keys are different from each other. The second operation key unit has a menu mode in which a plurality of different menus are specified. A menu key for shifting, wherein the first operation key section is operated to select and determine a menu specified in the menu mode selected by the menu key. Button device is obtained .
[0013]
In this manner, the first operation key portion and the second operation key portion disposed so as to surround the first operation key portion are provided, and a plurality of different menus are defined in the second operation key portion. A menu key for shifting to the selected menu mode, and by operating the first operation key unit to select and determine a menu specified in the menu mode selected by the menu key, , And an operation of selecting a desired menu item from the selected menu mode can be easily performed with one hand, and as a result, operability is improved.
[0014]
For example, a plurality of the selection keys are provided, the selection keys are arranged along the peripheral surface of the disk, and the menu key is on an extension from the center of the disk and between the selection keys. Are located.
[0015]
With this configuration, the first operation key unit and the second operation key unit are not erroneously operated without directly looking at the operation button device.
[0016]
Preferably, the selection keys are arranged at equal angular intervals along the peripheral surface of the disk, and the menu keys are arranged at equal angles along a circumference located outside the disk.
[0017]
Further, the menu key is provided with a protrusion protruding from the surface of the menu key, and the height of the protrusion is sequentially set along the circumference from the reference menu key using a predetermined menu key as a reference menu key. You may make it low.
[0018]
In this way, the menu key is provided with a projection projecting from the surface of the menu key, and the predetermined menu key is used as a reference menu key, and the height of the projection is sequentially set along the circumference from the reference menu key. If is set low, it is possible to easily determine which menu key is the reference (first) by simply operating the finger.
[0019]
Further, when the menu keys positioned on a straight line passing through the center and facing the center of the first operation key unit are first and second menu keys, respectively, When the first menu key is far from a predetermined position located outside and the second menu key is close, the first menu key, the disc or the cross, and the second menu It is desirable to reduce the height in the order of the keys. Further, the menu key may correspond to a menu mode corresponding to a shooting operation sequence of the electronic camera, and the first menu mode of the shooting operation sequence may be defined by the reference menu key. The operation button device is arranged on the back of the housing of the electronic camera.
[0020]
In this way, if the menu keys are made to correspond to the menu modes corresponding to the shooting operation sequence of the electronic camera, and the reference menu key is set to the first menu mode in the shooting operation sequence, It is sufficient to operate the menu key, and the operation can be easily performed according to the shooting operation sequence. In addition, if the operation button device as described above is arranged on the back of the housing of the electronic camera, it is possible to easily operate menu selection and setting with a finger while shooting.
[0021]
The operation button device includes a power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera, and the power switch is disposed outside the second operation key unit and on an extension of the selection key.
[0022]
In this way, if the power switch is arranged on the extension of the selection key outside the second operation key portion, not only menu selection and setting but also power on / off can be easily performed with a finger. become.
[0023]
Further, the reference menu key is made to correspond to the most frequently operated menu mode at the time of the photographing operation of the electronic camera, and from the reference menu key to the less frequently operated menu mode sequentially along the circumference. It may be.
[0024]
In this way, the reference menu key is made to correspond to the most frequently operated menu mode at the time of shooting operation of the electronic camera, and from the reference menu key to the less frequently operated menu mode sequentially along the circumference. By doing so, it is possible to easily determine with the finger which menu key is the most frequently used menu key, and as a result, the operability is improved.
[0025]
Further, a menu key arranged at the last position along the circumference with the reference menu key as a starting point is a key for displaying an image captured by the electronic camera on a display unit provided in the electronic camera. It may be used.
[0026]
In this way, the menu key arranged at the last position along the circumference, starting from the reference menu key, is a key for displaying an image captured by the electronic camera on a display unit provided in the electronic camera. If it is used, not only can the menu selection setting be easily performed at the time of shooting, but also the image can be continuously confirmed by a simple operation. The height of the reference menu key is the highest, and the menu keys are sequentially arranged counterclockwise from the reference menu key.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, unless otherwise specified. It is only an example.
[0028]
An example of the operation button device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This operation button device is used, for example, in an electronic camera (digital camera). Here, as described later, the operation button device may be a single operation switch unit or a plurality of operation switch units.
[0029]
First, an electronic camera using the operation button device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a view of the electronic camera as viewed from the front. A lens unit 12 is mounted at a substantially central portion of a camera housing 11, and a strobe 13 and an optical finder 14 and the like are provided diagonally above and to the right of the lens unit 12. Are located.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a view of the electronic camera as viewed from above. On the upper surface of the camera housing 11, a shutter button 21, a focus lock button (AFL button) 22, a mode dial 23, a microphone 24, and a display panel 25 are arranged. ing. When the AFL button 22 is pressed, the focus lock state is set. When the AFL button 22 is pressed again, the focus lock state is released.
[0031]
The mode dial 23 is a dial for setting various modes, and includes, for example, a moving image shooting mode, an aperture priority auto shooting mode, a program auto shooting mode, a playback mode, and a setup mode. The electronic camera will operate. The display panel 25 displays the various modes described above, as well as the number of images that can be taken and the battery capacity.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a view of the electronic camera as viewed from the rear. A viewfinder 31 is disposed on the upper center of the rear of the camera housing 11, and a liquid crystal panel 32 is disposed on the left side of the center of the camera housing 11. On the lower side of the liquid crystal panel 32, a strobe / microphone button 33, an MF / macro button 34, and a display button 35 are arranged in this order from the left. An operation switch section 36, a power switch (POWER switch) 37, and a zoom button section 38 are disposed on the right side of the center of the camera housing 11, and a diopter adjustment dial 39 is provided on the right side of the finder 31. Is arranged. Reference numeral 40 denotes a slide lever for opening the card cover 41.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch 37 is disposed immediately above the operation switch section 36, and a zoom button section 38 is disposed diagonally above and to the right of the power switch 37. The zoom button section 38 has a wide (W) zoom button 38a and a tele (T) zoom button 38b, and these W zoom button 38a and T zoom button 38b are arranged in a line.
[0034]
In the following description, the operation switch unit 36 and the power switch 37 will be described. The operation switch unit 36 constitutes an operation button device, and further, the operation switch unit 36 and the power switch 37 constitute an operation button device. There is also.
[0035]
Here, referring to FIG. 4, the electronic camera shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 has the control device shown in FIG. 4, and has the above-described operation switch unit 36, power switch 37, shutter button 21, and other components. Are connected to the control device shown in FIG. 4 (only the operation switch unit 36 and the power switch 37 are shown in FIG. 4).
[0036]
The illustrated control device includes a control unit 51, an image processing unit 52, a storage unit (memory) 53, and a switch detection unit 54. The operation switch unit 36 and the power switch 37 are connected to the switch detection unit 54. Further, the above-described liquid crystal panel and display panel are connected to the control unit 51 as a display unit 56, and the control unit 51 is connected to the imaging unit 55 including the above-described lens unit. In addition, various sensors such as a sensor for performing photometry are connected to the control unit 51, and a memory card connection terminal is connected via an interface (I / F) connector.
[0037]
Now, when the power switch 37 is pressed, the switch detection unit 54 detects the pressing, whereby the control unit 51 turns on the power of the electronic camera to be in a photographable state (note that the power of the electronic camera is turned on). When the power switch 37 is pressed in this state, the switch detection unit 54 detects the press, and the control unit 51 turns off the power of the electronic camera. At the time of photographing, an optical image of a subject that has passed through the lens unit 12 is converted into an electric signal (analog image signal) by, for example, a CCD (not shown) built in the imaging unit, and then converted into a digital signal by the imaging unit. The image signal is converted into an image signal and supplied to the control unit 51. Then, the control unit 51 temporarily stores the digital image signal in the storage unit 53 as image information. The image processing section 52 performs processing such as conversion processing of color information of image information stored in the storage section 53 and conversion of the number of pixels. Then, the image information that has been subjected to various types of image processing by the image processing unit 52 is, for example, JPEG-compressed and recorded on a memory card. Further, as described later, the captured image (image information after image processing) is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 32 by operating the operation switch unit 36.
[0038]
Referring again to FIG. 3, the operation switch unit 36 has a first operation key unit 36a and a second operation key unit 36b arranged so as to surround the first operation key unit 36a. The first and second operation keys 36a and 36b are assembled as described later.
[0039]
Here, paying attention to the first operation key portion 36a, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first operation key portion 36a is a so-called cross operation key portion. The enter key 61 is positioned, and the select keys 61a to 61d are positioned at an angular interval of 90 ° from each other at the circumferential end of the disk body around the enter key 61. In the illustrated disk body, for example, the center portion is thinner than the circumferential end. That is, the center portion is recessed from the circumferential end.
[0040]
On the other hand, in the second operation key section 36b, for example, four switch key sections (menu keys) 62a to 62d are defined (here, the switch key section 62a is a reference switch key section). Each of the switch key portions 62a to 62d is a circular arc that is concentric with the disk 60, and is disposed slightly away from the circumference of the disk with the center of the disk 60 being concentric. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the switch key portions 62a to 62d are arranged at equal angular intervals with the center of the disk body 60 concentric.
[0041]
In each of the switch key portions 62a to 62d, projections 63a to 63d projecting from the back side of the paper surface to the front side in FIG. 3 are formed (see FIG. 5B), and these projections 63a to 63d are also disc bodies. An arc body concentric with 60 is formed so as to gradually increase in height from the inner peripheral end to the outer peripheral end. The heights of the protrusions 63a to 63d are sequentially reduced (in this order). Note that the first operation key portion 36a does not have to be a disk, and may be, for example, a cross. Further, the switch key portions (for example, the switch key portions 62a and 62c, the switch key portions 62b and 62d) located at positions facing each other on a straight line passing through the center of the disc body 60, When operating the operation key portion 36b, the height of the protrusion may be changed according to the distance from a predetermined position outside the second operation key portion 36b. The switch keys 62a and 62c will be described. When taking a picture with an electronic camera, the right thumb is positioned diagonally below and to the right of the second operation key switch in FIG. This position is the above-mentioned predetermined position. The distance from the predetermined position is farthest for the switch key portion 62a and closest for the switch key portion 62c. Then, when the height is reduced in the order of the projection 63a, the disc 60, and the switch key portion 62c, that is, assuming that the height of the projection 63a> the height of the disc 60> the height of the projection 63c, When operating the key switch section 62a, the first operation key section 36a and the key switch section 62c are not accidentally operated.
[0042]
In the illustrated example, the projections 63a to 63d are positioned so as to be located on extensions between the selection keys 61a to 61d, respectively. That is, the protrusion 63a is positioned on the extension between the selection keys 61a and 61b, and the protrusion 63b is positioned on the extension between the selection keys 61b and 61c. Similarly, the projection 63c is located on the extension between the selection keys 61c and 61d, and the projection 63d is located on the extension between the selection keys 61d and 61a.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 5B, the switch key portions 62a to 62d are formed integrally with a pedestal 64 on which the disk body 60 is placed, and the pedestal 64 has a cross cutout as shown. A portion 64a is formed. The pedestal 64 is supported by a rhombus-shaped frame 65. Supporting portions extending upward and downward in the drawing are continuous from two vertices (vertices facing each other) of the vertices of the frame 65. Arc-shaped portions 65a and 65b concentric with the center of the pedestal 64 are continuous with each support portion. The above-described switch key portions 62a and 62d are integrally formed at both ends of the arc-shaped portion 65a so as to be concentric with the center of the pedestal 64. Similarly, the above-mentioned switch key portions 62b and 62c are integrally formed at both ends of the arc-shaped portion 65b so as to be concentric with the center of the pedestal 64. Hereinafter, the structure shown in FIG. 5B is referred to as a switch structure.
[0044]
Although not shown, a pin-shaped protrusion is formed on the back side of the switch key portions 62a to 62d, and a switch pattern described later is pressed by the protrusion, whereby the switch detection shown in FIG. The unit 54 detects the pressed switch mode. Also, a pin-shaped protrusion is formed at the center (that is, the enter key) and at a position corresponding to the selection key also on the cross operation key portion, that is, on the back side of the disk body 60. When the switch pattern is pressed, the switch detection unit 54 shown in FIG. 4 detects the selected or determined switch mode. At the time of determination, when the center of the first operation key portion 36a is pressed, the switch pattern is pressed by all of the protrusions.
[0045]
The first and second operation keys 36a and 36b described above are inserted into a holding frame 66 shown in FIG. 5C. The holding frame 66 has a circular first window 66a into which the disc 60 is inserted, and a second window 66b arranged outside the first window. The four window portions 66b are formed corresponding to the above-mentioned switch key portions 62a to 62d, and the second window portion 66b has an arc shape.
[0046]
Here, referring to FIG. 6, when assembling the operation switch section 36, the switch structure 80 described with reference to FIG. 5B is arranged on the substrate 68 on which the switch pattern 67 is formed. The switch pattern 67 has a cross-shaped first pattern portion 67a corresponding to the enter key and the selection key of the first operation key portion (that is, the cross operation key portion) 36a. And a second pattern portion 67b disposed outside. In the illustrated example, four second pattern portions 67b are arranged, and these second pattern portions 67b are equiangularly spaced apart from each other by a circle around the center of the first pattern portion 67a. At intervals) and correspond to the above-described switch key portions 62a to 62d.
[0047]
Therefore, when the switch structure is positioned on the switch pattern 67, the switch key portions 62a to 62d respectively correspond to any one of the four second pattern portions 67b, and the notch portion 64a is This corresponds to the first pattern portion 67a.
[0048]
Next, after the coil spring 69 is mounted on the outer periphery of the pedestal 64, the first operation key portion 36 a is arranged on the pedestal 64. At this time, the protrusion corresponding to the enter key and the selection key reaches the back side of the pedestal 64 through the notch 64a.
[0049]
Thereafter, when the holding frame 66 is covered, the first operation key portion 36a is inserted into the first window portion 66a, and the switch key portions 62a to 62d are inserted into any one of the second window portions 66b. You. Then, the peripheral surface of the holding frame 66 is fixed to a camera housing (not shown in FIG. 6).
[0050]
As described above, since the switch key portions 62a to 62d are integrally attached to the arc portions 65a and 65b, respectively, the arc portions 65a and 65b act as elastic bodies, and the switch key portions 62a to 62d It can be pressed.
[0051]
Referring again to FIG. 3, in the illustrated example, the switch key portions 62 a to 62 d are respectively provided with predetermined functions, and when the switch key portions 62 a to 62 d are pressed, the switch key portions 62 a to 62 d The operation is detected by the switch detection unit 54 shown in the figure, and the control unit 51 operates with a function corresponding to the detection result.
[0052]
In the illustrated example, the switch key units 62a to 62d are provided with functions according to the shooting order or the frequency of use, respectively. For example, the switch key unit 62a includes the frequently used exposure correction (±) and white balance ( WB) and a menu key (hereinafter referred to as ± WBISO key) for setting a photographing sensitivity (ISO), and a switch key unit 62b is a photographing setting menu (C-MENU) key which is used next most frequently. The switch key unit 62c is a digital setting menu (D-MENU) key, and the switch key unit 62d is a rec review (REC) that is not used during shooting.
REVIEW) key.
[0053]
As described above, after the power switch 37 is pressed to turn on the camera power, the shooting mode is set with the mode dial. Thereafter, when the switch key portion 62a is pressed on the second operation key portion 36b, the mode shifts to a mode for setting exposure correction (±), white balance (WB), and photographing sensitivity (ISO). Thereafter, exposure correction (±), white balance (WB), and photographing sensitivity (ISO) are set using the cross operation key unit 36a.
[0054]
For example, when performing the exposure correction, the selection key 61b or 61d of the cross operation key portion 36a is pressed to select the exposure correction. After pressing the enter key 61, the selection key 61a (キ ー) or 61c (▽) is pressed to select a value to be corrected, and the enter key 61 is pressed (in this case, the switch key portion 62a is pressed. May be done). Thus, the set (selected and determined) exposure correction value is displayed on the liquid crystal panel.
[0055]
When the white balance or the ISO is set, similarly, after pressing the switch key portion 62a, the white balance or the ISO may be selected and determined by the cross operation key portion 36a.
[0056]
Next, when the switch key portion 62b is pressed, the mode shifts to the shooting setting mode. The shooting setting modes include, for example, timer / remote control shooting, spot focus shooting (focusing on a specific part), and automatic exposure change shooting (ABC shooting: exposure is automatically set to standard, over, under, and three levels). Exposure variation), long time shooting, strobe light amount correction, etc. When setting these various shooting modes, the switch key portion 62b is pressed to shift to the shooting setting mode, and as described above, one of the various shooting modes is selected by using the cross operation key portion 36a. After the selection, a desired value or the like may be selected and determined from the selected shooting mode.
[0057]
When the switch key 62c is pressed, the mode shifts to the digital setting mode. The digital setting mode includes, for example, shooting for changing colors (setting color shooting to sepia tone, monochrome tone, etc.), setting of the number of pixels and image quality, and automatically changing white balance shooting (WB / BKT shooting: automatically adjusting white balance) There are three types of shooting: standard, over (slightly blue), under (slightly red), sharpness (outline emphasis), saturation adjustment, and the like. When setting these various digital modes, the switch key portion 62c is pressed to shift to the digital mode, and as described above, one of the various digital modes is selected using the cross operation key portion 36a. Then, a desired value or the like may be selected and determined from the selected digital mode.
[0058]
After performing various settings using the switch key portions 62a to 62c as described above (the above-described settings need not be performed), when the shutter is pressed, the subject is imaged as described above. Will be done. When the switch key section 62d is operated after the image is captured, the mode shifts to the rec review mode, and the last captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 32.
[0059]
In this way, when taking a picture, by sequentially pressing the switch key sections 62a to 62c, it is possible to shift to various setting modes in accordance with the picture taking order, and after the picture taking is completed, the switch key section 62d is set. By pressing, the photographed image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel, and the image can be confirmed.
[0060]
As described above, in the operation button device shown in FIG. 3, various switch key portions (menu keys) are arranged along the outer periphery of the cross operation key portion, and these menu keys are operated to determine the menu keys. After shifting to the menu mode, a desired menu item is selected and determined from the menu modes selected with the cross operation key unit. The operation of selecting and selecting a desired menu item from the selected menu mode can be easily performed with one hand, and as a result, operability is improved.
[0061]
Further, when the operation button device shown in FIG. 3 is used for an electronic camera, various menu keys are set counterclockwise in a position where the right thumb can be positioned according to the shooting order. It is sufficient to operate the menu key, and the menu key can be easily operated with the right thumb.
[0062]
In the device switch device shown in FIG. 3, the second operation key portion is arranged concentrically with the cross key portion so as to surround the circular cross operation key portion, and the second operation key portion is cross-shaped. Since it is arranged on the extension line from the center of the operation key section and between the selection keys, the cross operation key section and the second operation key section are erroneously operated without directly looking at the operation button device. Nothing.
[0063]
In addition, the switch key portion (menu key) of the second operation key portion is provided with a protrusion protruding from the surface thereof so as to extend from the menu key assigned to the first operation in the shooting operation sequence to the circumference. Since the heights of the projections are sequentially reduced along the direction, it is easy to determine which menu key is the reference (first) by simply operating the thumb.
[0064]
Further, since the operation button device as described above is arranged on the back of the electronic camera housing, it is possible to easily operate the menu selection and setting with the thumb while shooting.
[0065]
In addition, since the operation button device has a power switch disposed outside the second operation key portion and on an extension of the selection key, not only the selection and setting of the menu but also the power on / off operation can be performed with the thumb. Can be easily performed.
[0066]
Then, the menu key arranged at the last position along the circumference starting from the reference switch key portion (menu key) is displayed on a display portion provided in the electronic camera with an image taken by the electronic camera. Since the keys are used as keys for selecting a menu, not only the menu can be selected and set easily at the time of shooting, but also the image can be continuously confirmed by a simple operation.
[0067]
In the above description, the switch key portion (menu key) of the second operation key portion is made to correspond to the menu mode corresponding to the shooting operation order of the electronic camera, and the reference menu key is set at the first position in the shooting operation order. Although the menu mode is specified, the reference menu key is made to correspond to the most frequently used menu mode at the time of shooting operation of the electronic camera, and the operation is sequentially performed along the circumference from the reference menu key. You may make it correspond to the infrequent menu mode. When using the electronic camera, the switch key portion 63a is located at a position where it is most easily operated with the right thumb, and it is desirable that this switch key portion be used as a reference menu key. When operating the second operation key portion 63b with the right thumb, it is preferable to position each switch key portion in the order in which the right thumb is easy to move, that is, counterclockwise with reference to the reference menu key. Further, since the reference menu key is the key that is used most frequently, the height of the reference menu key is made higher than that of other keys, thereby preventing erroneous operation (erroneous pressing) during operation. .
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the second operation key unit includes the first operation key unit and the second operation key unit arranged so as to surround the first operation key unit. A menu key for shifting to a menu mode in which a plurality of different menus are defined, and selecting and determining a menu defined in the menu mode selected by the menu key by operating the first operation key unit Thus, the operation of selecting a menu mode and selecting a desired menu item from the selected menu mode can be easily performed with one hand, and as a result, the operability is improved.
[0069]
According to the present invention, the first operation key section includes a disc body, the determination key is arranged at the center of the disc body, and the selection key is arranged on the peripheral surface side of the disc body. Are arranged concentrically with the disk so as to surround the disk, so that the first operation key and the second operation key are not erroneously operated, and operability is improved. There is an effect of improving.
[0070]
In the present invention, the selection keys are arranged along the peripheral surface of the disk, and the menu keys are arranged on an extension of the center of the disk and between the selection keys. There is an effect that the first operation key unit and the second operation key unit are not erroneously operated without being visually checked.
[0071]
In the present invention, the menu key is provided with a projection protruding from the surface of the menu key, and the height of the projection is sequentially set along the circumference from the reference menu key using the predetermined menu key as the reference menu key. Since the menu key is lowered, it is possible to easily determine which menu key is the reference (first) simply by operating the finger.
[0072]
In the present invention, since the switch device as described above is arranged on the back of the housing of the electronic camera, there is an effect that the menu selection and setting can be easily operated with a finger while taking a picture.
[0073]
According to the present invention, the power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera is provided, and the power switch is arranged on the extension of the selection key outside the second operation key unit. There is an effect that the power can be easily turned on / off with a finger.
[0074]
In the present invention, the reference menu key is made to correspond to the most frequently operated menu mode at the time of shooting operation of the electronic camera, and from the reference menu key to the less frequently operated menu mode sequentially along the circumference. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine with a finger which menu key is the most frequently used menu key, and as a result, the operability is improved.
[0075]
In the present invention, with the reference menu key as a starting point, the menu key arranged at the last position along the circumference is used as a key for displaying an image captured by the electronic camera on a display unit provided in the electronic camera. Since it is used, there is an effect that not only the menu can be easily selected and set at the time of shooting, but also the image can be continuously confirmed by a simple operation.
[0076]
In the present invention, the menu key is associated with a menu mode corresponding to the shooting operation sequence of the electronic camera, and the reference menu key defines the first menu mode in the shooting operation sequence. The key can be operated, and there is an effect that the key can be easily operated according to the shooting operation sequence.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of an electronic camera using an example of an operation button device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view showing an electronic camera using an example of the operation button device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of an electronic camera using an example of the operation button device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device used in the electronic camera shown in FIGS.
5A and 5B are configuration diagrams for explaining the operation button device shown in FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 5A is a configuration diagram illustrating a cross operation key portion as a first operation key portion, and FIG. FIG. 3C is a configuration diagram illustrating a switch structure including a key portion, and FIG. 3C is a configuration diagram illustrating a holding frame into which first and second operation key portions are inserted.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the assembly of the operation button device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Camera housing
12 Lens section
13 Strobe
14 Optical viewfinder
21 Shutter button
22 Focus lock button (AFL button)
23 Mode dial
24 microphone
25 Display panel
31 Finder
32 LCD panel
33 Strobe / Microphone Button
34 MF / Macro button
35 Display Button
36 Operation switch section
37 Power switch
38 Zoom button

Claims (10)

A first operation key including a disc or a cross body, wherein an enter key is arranged at a center portion of the disc or the cross body and a selection key is arranged on a peripheral surface side of the disc or the cross body Department and
A plurality of menu keys are arranged concentrically with the disc or the disc so as to surround the disc or the cross, or in a circle around the center of the cross, and the menu is provided. A second operation key unit in which menus defined for each key are different from each other;
The second operation key unit includes a menu key for shifting to a menu mode in which a plurality of different menus are defined,
An operation button device, wherein the first operation key section is operated to select and determine a menu specified in a menu mode selected by the menu key. A plurality of the selection keys are provided, and the selection keys are arranged along a peripheral surface of the disk body or a protruding surface of a cross body,
The operation button device according to claim 2, wherein the menu key is arranged on an extension of the center of the disk or the cross body and between the selection keys. The selection keys are arranged at equal angular intervals along the peripheral surface of the disc or the protruding surface of the cross, and the menu keys are arranged along the circumference located outside the disc or the cross. The operation button device according to claim 2, wherein the operation button device is arranged at an angle. The menu key is provided with a protrusion protruding from the surface of the menu key,
4. The operation button device according to claim 3, wherein a height of the projection is sequentially reduced along the circumference from the reference menu key using a predetermined menu key as a reference menu key. When the menu keys positioned on a straight line passing through the center and opposed to each other with the center of the first operation key portion interposed therebetween are respectively the first and second menu keys, the menu keys are located outside the second operation key portion. When the first menu key is far from the predetermined position and the second menu key is close, when the first menu key, the disc or the cross, and the second menu key are The operation button device according to claim 3, wherein the height is reduced in order. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the menu key corresponds to a menu mode corresponding to a shooting operation sequence of the electronic camera, and the reference menu key defines a first menu mode in the shooting operation sequence. Operation button device as described. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 3, further comprising a power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera, wherein the power switch is disposed outside the second operation key unit and on an extension of the selection key. 5. Operation button device. The reference menu key corresponds to the most frequently operated menu mode at the time of shooting operation of the electronic camera,
5. The operation button device according to claim 4, wherein the operation button device is adapted to sequentially correspond to a menu mode having a low operation frequency along the circumference from the reference menu key. A menu key arranged at the last position along the circumference from the reference menu key is used as a key for displaying an image captured by the electronic camera on a display unit provided in the electronic camera. 9. The operation button device according to claim 6, wherein the operation button device is operated. 9. The operation button device according to claim 6, wherein the reference menu key has the highest height, and the menu keys are sequentially arranged counterclockwise from the reference menu key.

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