JP2005197832A - Switch unit, electric device, and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely carry out an operation for focus change with respect to imaging even when a video camera is downsized. <P>SOLUTION: A control section 13 of the switch unit 10 applied to the video camera respectively stores a voltage when a switch member 11 is located in a central required range 12a within a slide range, a voltage when the switch unit 10 is located at an end 12b at a telescopic end, and a voltage when the switch unit 10 is located at an end 12c at a wide end to a ROM 13a to detect a voltage attended with the movement of the switch member 11. Further, the control section 13 measures a time from the detection at the required range 12a to the detection at the end 12b or 12c, particularizes a kind of a signal in response to the measured time from a table stored in the ROM 13a, and outputs the signal of the particularized kind to be able to output the signal of the required kind even when the sliding range is short. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch unit that outputs a signal in accordance with time relating to movement of a switch member capable of sliding movement or acceleration relating to movement, and an electric apparatus and an imaging apparatus including the switch unit.

  Conventionally, slide type (sliding type) switch units are provided in various electric devices that can be operated in various ways, and the user can change the position by moving the switch member to accept an operation change instruction. Is possible. For example, in a video camera including an imaging lens that can move so that the focal point for imaging can be changed, movement when moving the imaging lens to the long focal side (referred to as the tele end) or the short focal side (referred to as the wide end) In order to receive an instruction to change the speed or movement amount from the user, a slide type switch unit is often provided.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view of the video camera 1, and a switch member 2a of a switch unit 2 for changing the moving speed of the imaging lens is provided on the upper surface portion 1a. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of a switch unit 2 called a resistance type. The switch unit 2 is a switch member along a resistor 3 having a required length with one connected to the high potential Vcc and the other connected to the ground. 2a is slidably arranged. The switch member 2a is provided with a contact portion 5 that contacts the resistor 3. The control portion 4 detects and controls the voltage value at the contact portion 5 of the contact portion 5 that is displaced as the switch member 2a slides. The unit 4 moves the imaging lens by outputting a signal having contents corresponding to the detected voltage value to a motor control unit (not shown).

  That is, the control unit 4 stores in advance an internal memory (not shown) of voltage values corresponding to the ranges N1 to N7 obtained by dividing the sliding range of the switch member 2a, and switches the switch member 2a according to a signal corresponding to the detected voltage value. And a process of outputting a signal corresponding to the position of the switch member 2a to the motor control unit. For example, when the control unit 4 detects a voltage value corresponding to the central range N1 of the sliding range, the control unit 4 outputs no signal, and when the voltage value corresponding to the range N2 is detected, the lowest speed is reached to the tele end side. Outputs a signal for moving the imaging lens, outputs a signal for moving at a medium speed when a voltage value corresponding to the range N3 is detected, and outputs a signal for moving at a maximum speed when a voltage value corresponding to the range N4 is detected. . Further, when detecting the voltage values corresponding to the ranges N5 to N7, the control unit 4 outputs a signal for moving the imaging lens from the lowest speed to the highest speed to the wide end side.

The details of the process of changing the imaging focus by moving the imaging lens according to the operation content received by the switch unit 2a are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-191702 JP-A-8-265613

  In recent years, various types of electric devices to be provided with a switch unit having a slide type switch member have been miniaturized, and the sliding range of the switch member is shortened in the miniaturized electric device. As a result, it is difficult to displace the switch member to the position aimed by the user, and there is a problem that the operability of the slide type switch unit is deteriorated. For example, referring to FIG. 11B, when the sliding range of the switch unit 2 is shortened, the dimensions of the respective ranges N1 to N7 are also shortened, so that the user moves the imaging lens toward the tele end side at a medium speed. Even if it is attempted to move, since the size of the range N3 is short, it becomes difficult to move the switch member 2a so as to be within the range N3, and a situation may occur in which the switch member 2a is excessively moved to the adjacent range N4. Makes it difficult to perform the intended operation.

  In addition to the downsizing of electrical equipment, when the user makes the electrical equipment perform the required operation, an operation that requires the switch member to be held at a certain position is required, and the burden on the user is heavy. There is also. For example, in the video camera 1 of FIG. 11A, in order to move the imaging lens at a constant required speed, the user is forced to maintain the switch member 2a at the required position while the imaging lens is moving. The usability is not good.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem. By outputting a signal from the switch unit according to the time for moving the switch member, the usability is improved and even when the sliding range of the switch member is short. It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch unit, an electric device, and an imaging device that can be reliably operated.
In addition, the present invention switches a method of outputting a signal according to the position of the switch member and a method of outputting a signal according to the time for moving the switch based on the reference time, thereby ensuring good operability. It is an object to provide a unit, an electric device, and an imaging device.

Furthermore, the present invention improves the usability by outputting a signal from the switch unit in accordance with the acceleration when the switch member is slid, and enables the switch to be operated reliably even when the switch member slide range is short. It is an object to provide a unit, an electric device, and an imaging device.
In addition, the present invention switches between a method of outputting a signal according to the position of the switch member and a method of outputting a signal according to the acceleration related to the sliding of the switch member based on the reference acceleration, thereby improving the operability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a secured switch unit, electrical device, and imaging device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a switch unit according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects the switch member at a plurality of locations in a sliding range of the sliding switch member, and the detection unit detects the switch member. And a signal output means for outputting a signal to the outside according to the time measured by the measurement means. .

  In the present invention, since the switch member that slides outputs a signal according to the time detected at each location, various instructions can be obtained by changing the time required for displacement of the switch member even when the sliding range is short. Can be given by the user. For example, when the switch member is displaced from one end to the other end in 0.1 seconds or less, a signal having a content different from that in a case where the switch member is displaced longer than 0.1 seconds and 0.3 seconds or less is used. By outputting, a required instruction can be given regardless of the position where the switch member is moved.

The switch unit of the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores a reference time, and a comparison unit that compares the reference time and the time measured by the measurement unit, and the signal output unit includes the comparison unit. When the time measured by the measuring means is smaller than the reference time by comparison, the apparatus has a means for outputting a signal to the outside according to the time measured by the measuring means.
In the present invention, when the measured time is smaller than the reference time, a signal is output to the outside in accordance with the measured time, so that the method of the switch unit itself can be switched by the time for displacing the switch member. .

Furthermore, the switch unit of the present invention outputs a signal to the outside according to the location where the detection means detects the switch member when the time measured by the measurement means is larger than the reference time by comparison of the comparison means. Output means is further provided.
In the present invention, when the time related to the displacement of the switch member is larger than the reference time, a signal is output according to the position of the switch member. By slowly sliding the member, it is possible to switch to a method of outputting a signal according to the position of the switch member.

  Furthermore, the switch unit of the present invention further includes a table that defines the type of signal corresponding to each time, and a specifying unit that specifies from the table the type of signal corresponding to the time measured by the measuring unit. The signal output means outputs the type of signal specified by the specifying means.

  In the present invention, since the type of signal corresponding to each time is defined by the table, various types of signals can be reliably output from the switch unit by changing the displacement time of the switch member. . Note that the types of signals defined in the table are preferably determined according to the operation target in the electric device to which the switch unit is applied. For example, when the switch unit is applied to change the imaging focus of the video camera, the type of signal is 0. .Instructions to move the imaging lens at the maximum speed if it is 1 second or less, instructions to move the imaging lens at a medium speed if it is longer than 0.1 seconds and 0.3 seconds or less, and slowness if it is longer than 0.3 seconds An instruction to move the imaging lens is specified on the table.

  The switch unit of the present invention includes a detecting means for detecting the switch member at a plurality of locations in the sliding range of the sliding type switch member, and then detecting the switch member after the detecting means detects the switch member. Measuring means for measuring time until detection at another location, acceleration calculating means for calculating acceleration related to sliding of the switch member based on the time measured by the measuring means, and acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculating means And a signal output means for outputting a signal to the outside according to the above.

  In the present invention, since a signal is output according to the acceleration of the switch member to be displaced, even when the sliding range is short, the user can give various instructions by changing the sliding speed of the switch member. become. For example, when sliding the switch from one end to the other end of the sliding range, when sliding from end to end at the same speed, sliding from one end to the middle at a low speed and from the middle to the other Even if the entire time is the same as when sliding at high speed, the sliding method, ie, the acceleration is different, so in such a case a different type of signal is output. It will be possible to perform the required operation.

  The switch unit of the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores a reference acceleration, and a comparison unit that compares the reference acceleration and the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculation unit, and the signal output unit includes the comparison unit. When the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculating means is larger than a reference acceleration by comparing the two, a means for outputting a signal to the outside according to the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculating means is provided.

  In the present invention, when the measured acceleration is larger than the reference acceleration, that is, when the switch member is slid to be larger than the reference acceleration, a signal is output to the outside according to the acceleration at that time. The method of the switch unit itself can be switched according to how the switch member slides.

Furthermore, when the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculating means is smaller than a reference acceleration by comparison of the comparing means, the switch unit of the present invention sends a signal to the outside according to the location where the detecting means detects the switch member. It further comprises output means for outputting.
In the present invention, when the acceleration related to the sliding of the switch member is smaller than the reference acceleration, a signal corresponding to the position of the switch member is output. Therefore, when changing the moving speed of the switch member slowly, By switching to a method of outputting a signal according to the position, it is possible to provide operability that can output detailed operation instructions with certainty.

Furthermore, the switch unit of the present invention further includes a table that defines a type of signal corresponding to each acceleration, and a specifying unit that specifies the type of signal corresponding to the time calculated by the acceleration calculating unit from the table. The signal output means outputs the type of signal specified by the specifying means.
In the present invention, since the types of signals corresponding to each acceleration are defined by the table, various types of signals can be reliably output by changing the acceleration related to the sliding of the switch. .

The switch unit according to the present invention is characterized in that the switch member is positioned at an intermediate portion of the sliding range when not operated.
In the present invention, since the switch member can move from the middle part of the sliding range to any end side, the voice operation in the electric device that outputs voice and the driving direction of the motor are opposite to the clockwise direction. It is preferable to use the switch unit according to the present invention for a motor driving operation or the like in an electric device that switches to a clockwise direction.

The electrical device of the present invention can change the operation, and the electrical device having a switch unit that accepts an instruction related to the operation change is characterized in that the switch unit is the above-described switch unit.
In the present invention, since the electric device includes the above-described switch unit, an operation interface that can reliably reflect the user's operation intention even when the electric device is downsized and the sliding range of the switch member is shortened is secured. In addition, it is possible to provide an operation interface that reduces the operation burden on the user.

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention is capable of changing a focus relating to imaging, and having an switch unit that receives an instruction relating to a focus change, wherein the switch unit is the above-described switch unit. To do.
In the present invention, since the switch unit described above is applied to the change of the imaging focus, it is possible to accept an operation instruction to change the focus reliably even when the imaging device is downsized, and the user's operation The burden can be reduced.

In the present invention, since a signal is output in accordance with the time at which the sliding switch member is detected at each location or the acceleration related to the sliding, the time required for the displacement of the switch member even when the sliding range is short or By changing the sliding method, it is possible to provide operability that allows the user to reliably give various instructions.
Further, in the present invention, when the measured time is smaller than the reference time, or when the calculated acceleration is larger than the reference acceleration, the switch member outputs a signal to the outside according to the measured time or the calculated acceleration. It is possible to provide two types of user interfaces by switching the signal output method of the switch unit according to the displacement time of the switch or the acceleration associated with the sliding of the switch member.

Further, in the present invention, when the time related to the displacement of the switch member is larger than the reference time, or when the calculated acceleration is smaller than the reference acceleration, the switch member according to the position of the switch member is equivalent to the conventional switch unit. A signal can be output.
Furthermore, in the present invention, since the table defines the type of signal corresponding to each time or the type of signal corresponding to each acceleration, the displacement time of the switch member can be changed or the switch member can be changed. By changing the acceleration related to sliding, various types of signals can be reliably output from the switch unit.

  In the present invention, since the switch member can move from the middle part of the sliding range to any end side, the voice operation in the electric device that outputs voice and the driving direction of the motor are opposite to the clockwise direction. The switch unit according to the present invention can be applied to various uses such as a motor drive operation in an electrical device that switches to a clockwise direction.

Further, in the present invention, since the electric device includes the switch unit, even if the electric device is downsized and the sliding range of the switch member is shortened, the user's operation intention can be reliably reflected, and the user The operation burden can be reduced.
Furthermore, in the present invention, since the switch unit is applied to the focus change related to imaging, an operation instruction for reliably changing the imaging focus can be received even when the imaging device is downsized, The operation burden on the user can also be reduced.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a switch unit 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The switch unit 10 according to the present embodiment is provided in an imaging apparatus capable of changing a focus related to imaging like the video camera 1 illustrated in FIG. 11A, and an instruction related to a focus change from a user. As an example, an instruction of the moving speed of the imaging lens 16 when the focus is changed is received.

  The switch unit 10 has basically the same configuration as that of the switch unit 2 in FIG. 11B, and a switch member 11 is arranged so that it can slide along the resistor 12 having a required length. A contact portion 11 a that contacts the resistor 12 is provided, and the control unit 13 detects a voltage value at a location where the contact portion 11 a contacts the resistor 12. In addition, a motor control unit 14 not included in the switch unit 10 is connected to the control unit 12, and the motor control unit 14 detects the imaging lens 16 according to a document of a signal output from the control unit 12 based on detection of a voltage value. The lens moving motor 15 that performs the movement is driven to change the focal point for imaging. The light collected by the imaging lens 16 is converted into an electric signal by the CCD 17, and thereafter, processing for the electric signal is performed by a processing unit (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the switch member 11 is attached to the housing 18 of the imaging device. The switch member 11 is provided with projections 11 b and 11 c spaced from the lower surface. The projection 11 b and 11 c are fitted into the slide holes 19 formed on the upper surface of the housing 18 so that the switch member 11 It can slide from one end 19a to the other end 19b. Therefore, the length of the sliding hole 19 corresponds to the sliding range of the switch member 11.

  The switch member 11 accommodates the compression coil spring 20 between the protrusions 11b and 11c, while the housing 18 has ribs 18a and 18b in contact with both ends of the compression coil spring 20, respectively. Each of the ribs 18a and 18b is provided at a position where the switch member 11 is in contact with the compression coil spring 20 with no load when the switch member 11 is located at an intermediate point of the sliding range. Therefore, the switch member 11 is not operated by the user. It is located at an intermediate point during operation, and can slide from that state to the one end 19a side or the other end 19b side. One end 19a corresponds to the operation direction for moving the imaging lens 16 to the telephoto end, and the other end 19b corresponds to the operation direction for moving the imaging lens 16 to the wide end.

  On the other hand, the control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 has a voltage value (referred to as V1) at the contact point between the contact part 11a and the resistor 12 when the switch member 11 is located in the required range 12a near the intermediate point. The voltage value (V2) when the resistor 12 is located at the end (tele end) 12b on the ground (GND) side of the resistor 12, and the end (wide end) on the high potential (Vcc) side of the resistor 12 of the switch 12 The voltage value (V3) when located at 12c is stored in the built-in ROM 13a. Therefore, the control unit 13 detects the voltage value of the part where the contact part 11a of the switch member 11 contacts the resistor 12, so that the switch member 11 is positioned in the required range 12a of the intermediate point or the tele end side end part. It functions as a detecting means for detecting whether it is positioned at 12b or the end 12c on the wide end side.

  Further, the control unit 13 according to the present embodiment switches the switch member 11 from the time required until the switch member 11 is detected at the telephoto end 12b after the switch member 11 is detected at the required range 12a at the intermediate point, or the switch within the required range 12a. It functions as a measuring means for measuring the time from when the member 11 is detected until the switch member 11 is detected at the wide end 12c.

  Further, the control unit 13 stores the first table 21a and the second table 21b shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in the ROM 13a. The first table 21a detects the voltage value (V2) after detecting the time when the switch member 11 is moved from the required range 12a at the intermediate point to the end 12b on the tele end side, that is, the voltage value (V1). The type of signal to be output to the motor control unit 14 is defined in accordance with the time until the operation is performed. Specifically, when the movement to the end 12b on the tele end side is 0.1 second or less, it is specified to output a signal indicating that the imaging lens 16 is moved to the tele end side at the highest speed. In the following, when the movement time is longer than 0.1 seconds and not longer than 0.3 seconds, a signal for moving the imaging lens 16 to the telephoto end side at a medium speed is specified, and the movement time is set to 0. A signal indicating that the imaging lens 16 is moved to the telephoto end side at a low speed when 3 seconds are exceeded is defined.

  The second table 21b in FIG. 3B detects the time when the switch member 11 is moved from the required range 12a at the intermediate point to the end 12c on the wide end side, that is, the voltage value (V1). The type of signal corresponding to the time from when the voltage value (V3) is detected until the voltage is detected. Specifically, when the movement to the end portion 12c is 0.1 second or less, a signal for moving the imaging lens 16 to the wide end side at the highest speed is specified, and the movement time is 0.1 second. If longer than 0.3 seconds, specify a signal to move to the wide end side at medium speed, and if the movement time exceeds 0.3 seconds, move to the wide end side at low speed The signal is defined.

  Furthermore, the control unit 13 functions as a specifying unit that specifies the type of signal corresponding to the measured time from the first table 21 a or the second table 21 b described above, and also specifies the specified type of signal of the switch unit 10. It also functions as signal output means for outputting to the external motor control unit 14. As described above, the processing when the control unit 13 functions as each means is programmed by a program stored in advance in the ROM 13a.

Next, a processing procedure when the control unit 13 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation when the above-described switch unit 10 is operated by the user will be described based on the first flowchart of FIG. 4.
First, the control unit 13 determines whether or not there is a change in the detected voltage value (V1) (S1). When there is no change in the voltage value (S1: NO), the user has not yet started the operation, and thus the operation is waited for. If there is a change in voltage value (S1: YES), time measurement is started (S2).

  Next, the control unit 13 determines whether the detected voltage value is V2 or V3 (S3). When the voltage value does not reach either V2 or V3 (S3: NO), it is considered that the switch member 11 is moving to the tele end or the wide end, so that the process waits. If the detected voltage value is either V2 or V3 (S3: YES), the time measurement is terminated (S4). At this time, when the control unit 13 detects the voltage value V2, the control unit 13 determines that the switch member 11 is located at the end 12b on the tele end side, and determines to use the first table 21a of FIG. When the voltage value V3 is detected, it is determined that the switch member 11 is located at the end 12c on the wide end side, and it is determined that the second table 21b of FIG.

  Then, the control unit 13 specifies the type of signal corresponding to the measured time from the determined first table 21a or second table 21b (S5), and outputs the specified type of signal to the motor control unit 14 ( S6). As described above, since the switch unit 10 of the present invention changes the type of signal to be output according to the time required for the movement of the switch member 11, sufficient sliding of the switch member 11 can be achieved by downsizing the imaging device such as a video camera. Even when the moving range cannot be secured, various types of signals can be output. Further, after the switch member 11 is moved, a necessary signal is output without maintaining the switch member 11 so as not to return to the intermediate point, so that the operation burden on the user is reduced.

  Note that the application of the switch unit 10 according to the first embodiment is not limited to accepting an instruction relating to a change of focus in an imaging apparatus such as a video camera, and can be used as an operation unit in various electrical devices. It is. For example, the switch unit 10 may be applied to accepting an instruction for adjusting an increase or decrease in volume in an operation called sound output in a television device, an audio device, and a portable audio output device, and an optical disc, magnetic In a reproducing apparatus using a tape or the like as a recording medium, the switch unit 10 can also be applied to accepting instructions relating to increase / decrease in reproduction speed, increase / decrease in tape fast-forward / rewind speed, and the like. Furthermore, the switch unit 10 can also be applied to a channel change of the television apparatus.

  Moreover, the switch unit 10 of 1st Embodiment is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1, The application of a various modification is possible. For example, the position where the switch member 11 is detected is not limited to the tele-end side end 12b and the wide-end side end 12c, but in the middle of the range from the intermediate point to the tele-end side end 12b. You may make it detect the switch member 11 in the location in the middle of the range from a location and an intermediate point to the edge part 12c by the side of a wide end. In this case, the time until the switch member 11 reaches or passes through a location on the tele end side or a location on the wide end side is measured, and the control unit 13 outputs a signal of a type corresponding to the measured time. To do. As a result, the user can give various instructions without moving the switch member 11 to the end of the sliding range.

  Further, as another modification, the switch member 11 is detected at a place in the middle of the end portions 12b and 12c from the required range 12a in addition to the required range 12a and the end portions 12b and 12c in FIG. It is also possible to detect and measure the time between each part. In this way, the sliding state of the switch member 11 can be detected in more detail, and the contents of the table also output more types of signals by defining the types of signals according to the measurement time between each location. become able to. The contents defined by the tables 21a and 21b are an example, and other contents can be defined. Further, the control unit 13 may specify the type of signal by calculation using a required calculation formula in addition to specifying the type of signal based on the tables 21a and 21b.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a switch unit 30 of a modification example according to the first embodiment. The switch unit 30 does not use the resistor 12 as in the switch unit 10 of FIG. 1, but has a configuration in which the first sensor 34 a to the third sensor 34 c that detect the position of the switch member 31 are connected to the control unit 33. . That is, the switch member 31 is slidable along the sliding hole 32 to the tele-end side end portion 32a and the wide-end side end portion 32b, as shown in FIG. 2, and also shown in FIG. Thus, the switch member 31 has a detected portion 31a protruding from the lower surface. The sensors 34a to 34c are arranged with respect to the wide end side end portion 32b, the intermediate point and the tele end side end portion 32a in the sliding range, and detect the detected portion 31a of the switch member 31, respectively. If detected, a detection signal is output to the control unit 33.

  Therefore, the control part 33 detects the position of the switch member 31 by the detection signal from each sensor 34a-34c, and measures time. In the switch unit 30 of this modification, since no resistor is used, a circuit related to the resistor can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the switch unit 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The switch unit 40 of the second embodiment is provided in a television device, and is applied as an operation unit that receives an instruction relating to adjustment of an output volume from a user. The basic configuration of the switch unit 40 is the same as that of the switch unit 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but the control unit 43 detects the switch member 41 at a total of seven locations in the sliding range of the switch member 41. In this way, a signal for instructing an increase or decrease in volume is output to a sound output control unit (not shown) in accordance with the acceleration associated with the sliding of the switch member 41. It is assumed that the television apparatus to which the switch unit 40 is applied regulates the volume output by the audio output control unit from 0 to 100 levels.

  The resistor 42 of the switch unit 40 has an end connected to GND on the volume increasing side and an end connected to the high potential Vcc on the volume decreasing side. Further, the control unit 43 sets the voltage value (V10) at the position where the contact portion 41a contacts the resistor 42 when the switch member 41 is located in the required range 42a near the middle point, and the end on the volume increasing side from the required range 42a. Voltage values (V11, V12, V13) at the required locations U1, U2, U3 up to the portion and voltage values (V14, V15, V3) at the required locations L1, L2, L3 from the required range 42a to the end on the volume decreasing side. V16) is stored in the ROM 43a. Therefore, the control unit 43 functions as a detection unit that detects the position of the switch member 41 by detecting the voltage value at the location where the contact portion 41 a of the switch member 41 contacts the resistor 42.

  Moreover, the control part 43 is the dimension from the end of the required range 42a to the location U1, the size between each location (U1-U2, U2-U3), the size from the end of the required range 42a to the location L1, and between each location. The dimensions of (L1 to L2, L2 to L3) are also stored in advance in the ROM 43a. In the second embodiment as well, the control unit 43 functions as a measuring unit that measures the time from when the switch member 41 is detected at a certain location until the switch member 41 is detected at another location. .

  Furthermore, when the control unit 43 of the second embodiment detects the voltage value (V13 or V16) related to the end of the resistor 42, the switch member 41 increases from the measured time and the stored dimensions. Alternatively, it functions as an acceleration calculating means for calculating the acceleration when sliding toward the decreasing side.

7A and 7B show a volume increasing table 45a and a volume decreasing table 45b that the control unit 43 stores in the ROM 43a. The volume increasing table 45a defines the types of signals output to the audio output control unit according to the acceleration when the switch member 41 slides from the center to the end on the increasing side. Specifically, when the acceleration of sliding toward the increasing side is 0.3 m / s ² or more, it is defined that a signal indicating that the volume level is increased by “30” is output. when There is less 0.1 m / s ² or more than 0.3 m / s ^2, the volume level defines a signal indicating that increasing "10", when the acceleration is less than 0.3 m / s ^2, the volume It defines a signal to increase the level by “5”.

The volume reduction table 45b in FIG. 7 (b) defines the type of signal output to the audio output control unit according to the acceleration when the switch member 41 slides from the center to the end on the reduction side, and decreases. When the acceleration of sliding to the side is 0.3 m / s ² or more, a signal to reduce the volume level by “30” is specified, and hereinafter, the acceleration is smaller than 0.3 m / s ² and 0.1 m. / S ² or more defines a signal to decrease the volume level by “10”, and when acceleration is less than 0.3 m / s ² , defines a signal to decrease the volume level by “5” doing.

  Further, the control unit 43 functions as a specifying unit that specifies the type of signal corresponding to the calculated acceleration from the above-described tables 45a and 45b, and also outputs a signal of the specified type to the audio output control unit. It is functioning as well. In addition, since the structure of the other part in the switch unit 40 is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

Next, a processing procedure in the case where the control unit 43 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation when the switch unit 40 according to the second embodiment is operated by the user will be described based on the second flowchart of FIG.
First, the control unit 43 determines whether or not there is a change in the detected voltage value (V10) (S10). When there is no change in the voltage value (S10: NO), since the user has not yet started the operation, the operation waits and when the voltage value has changed (S10: YES). Time measurement is started (S11).

  Next, the control unit 43 determines whether the detected voltage value is any of V11 to V16 (S12). When the voltage value does not reach V11 to V16 (S12: NO), it is considered that the switch member 41 is moving, so that the process waits. When the detected voltage value is any of V11 to V16 (S12: YES), the time measurement is ended (S13), and it is determined whether the detected voltage value is V13 or V16 at the end. (S14). When the voltage value is neither V13 nor V16 (S14: NO), since the switch member 41 has not moved to the end portion, from the time measurement (S11) to the determination of the voltage value (S14) until it moves to the end portion. Will be repeated.

  On the other hand, when the voltage value is either V13 or V16 (S14: YES), the control unit 43 calculates the acceleration when the switch member 41 slides to the end based on each measured time and each dimension. (S15). At this time, when the detected voltage value is V13, the control unit 43 determines that the switch member 41 has moved to the increase side and determines to use the volume increase table 45a of FIG. When the detected voltage value is V16, it is determined that the switch member 41 has moved to the decrease side, and it is determined to use the decrease table 45b of FIG.

  Then, the control unit 43 specifies the type of signal corresponding to the calculated acceleration from one of the determined tables 45a and 45b (S16), and outputs the specified type of signal to the audio output control unit (S17). ). As described above, the switch unit 40 according to the second embodiment changes the type of signal to be output in accordance with the movement state (acceleration) of the switch member 41. Even if the television apparatus is downsized, a required signal can be output reliably, and the user's burden related to the operation can be reduced.

  Note that the switch unit 40 according to the second embodiment can also be used for various electrical devices including the imaging device, similarly to the first embodiment. In addition, the switch unit 40 is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 6 where the switch member 41 is detected, and the position to be detected can be increased or decreased by changing the position of the detected part. Furthermore, a modification similar to that of the first embodiment can be applied to the switch unit 40 of the second embodiment, and a configuration in which no resistor is used as in the switch unit 30 of FIG. 5 can be applied.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the switch unit 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The switch unit 50 of the third embodiment is provided in the television apparatus as in the second embodiment, and is applied as an operation unit that receives an instruction relating to volume adjustment. The basic configuration of the switch unit 50 is the same as that of the switch unit 40 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, but the processing of the control unit 53 is different from that of the second embodiment. That is, the control unit 53 switches the method of outputting a signal according to the acceleration related to the movement of the switch member 51 to the location U2 or L2.

The control unit 53 stores a numerical value of 0.6 m / s ² as a reference acceleration in the ROM 53a. When the switch member 51 moves to the location U2 or L2, the control unit 53 calculates an acceleration related to the movement, and calculates the calculated acceleration. And the reference acceleration (0.6 m / s ² ). Further, when the calculated acceleration is equal to or higher than the reference acceleration (0.6 m / s ² ), the control unit 53 outputs a signal by the same processing as that of the second embodiment.

On the other hand, when the calculated acceleration is smaller than the reference acceleration (0.6 m / s ² ), the control unit 53 outputs a signal according to the position of the switch member 51 as output means. Therefore, the control part 53 has memorize | stored the voltage value according to each range (The required range 52a-U1, U1-U2, U2-U3, the required range 52a-L1, L1-L2, L2-L3) in ROM53a, respectively. Then, a process of outputting a signal corresponding to the detected voltage value is performed. In the present embodiment, when the switch member 51 is located in each range (required ranges 52a to U1, U1 to U2, or U2 to U3), the sound volume level is increased by “5”, “10”, or “30”. When the switch member 51 is located in each range (required ranges 52a to L1, L1 to L2, or L2 to L3), the volume level is set to “5”, “10”, or “ The control unit 53 outputs a signal indicating that “30” is to be decreased.

  In addition, the control unit 53 is a case where the calculated acceleration is smaller than the reference acceleration even when it is predicted that the time satisfying the reference acceleration or more cannot be measured in a state where the switch member 51 is not moved to reach the location U2 or L2. And the processing that is considered. Note that, in the switch unit 50, the configuration of the other parts other than those described above is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a processing procedure when the control unit 53 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation when the switch unit 50 according to the third embodiment is operated by the user will be described based on the third flowchart of FIG.
First, the control unit 53 determines whether or not there is a change in the detected voltage value (V10) (S20). If there is no change in the voltage value (S20: NO), the control unit 53 enters a state of waiting for an operation, and the voltage value. When there is a change (S20: YES), time measurement is started (S21).

  Next, the control unit 53 determines whether the detected voltage value is V12 or V15 (S22), and if the voltage value does not reach either V12 or V15 (S22: NO), the switch member The process waits until 51 moves to location U2 or L2. Moreover, when the voltage value to detect becomes either V12 or V15 (S22: YES), time measurement is complete | finished (S23) and an acceleration is calculated (S24).

  Then, the control unit 53 determines whether or not the calculated acceleration is equal to or higher than the reference acceleration (S25). If the calculated acceleration is equal to or higher than the reference acceleration (S25: YES), the control unit 53 determines a required value according to the detected voltage value. A table is determined, the type of signal is specified from the table and the calculated acceleration (S26), and the specified type of signal is output (S28). On the other hand, when the calculated acceleration is smaller than the reference acceleration (S25: NO), the type of signal corresponding to the position of the switch member corresponding to the detected voltage value is specified (S27), and the specified type of signal is output. (S28).

  As described above, the switch unit 50 according to the third embodiment switches the method of specifying the type of signal according to the reference acceleration. Therefore, when the switch member 51 is moved faster than the reference acceleration, the same as in the second embodiment. When the switch member 51 is moved slower than the reference acceleration, a signal corresponding to the position of the switch member 51 can be output, and a signal output form corresponding to the user's preference and operation status can be provided. .

  The switch unit 50 according to the third embodiment can be applied to the same modification as that of the second embodiment. Moreover, in the switch unit 50 of 3rd Embodiment, you may make it switch the system which outputs a signal based on the measured time instead of calculating an acceleration. In this case, the control unit 53 stores not the reference acceleration but a reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in the ROM 53a, and when the measured time is equal to or less than the reference time, the control unit 53 sets the measured time as in the first embodiment. It is preferable to perform a process of outputting a signal of a corresponding type and outputting a signal corresponding to the position of the switch member 51 when the measured time exceeds the reference time.

It is the schematic of the switch unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the sliding mechanism of a switch member. (A) is a chart of the 1st table concerning movement to the tele end side, (b) is a chart of the 2nd table concerning movement to the wide end side. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the process sequence of the switch unit of 1st Embodiment. (A) is the schematic of the switch unit which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment, (b) is the schematic which shows the arrangement structure of a switch member and each sensor. It is the schematic of the switch unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a chart of the volume increase table, and (b) is a chart of the volume decrease table. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the process sequence of the switch unit of 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic of the switch unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the process sequence of the switch unit of 3rd Embodiment. (A) is a perspective view of a video camera to which the switch unit is applied, and (b) is a schematic view of a conventional switch unit.

Explanation of symbols

10, 40, 50 Switch unit 11, 41, 51 Switch member 11a, 41a, 51a Contact part 12, 42, 52 Resistance 12a, 42a, 52a Required range 13, 43, 53 Control part 13a, 43a, 53a ROM

Claims (11)

Detecting means for detecting the switch member at a plurality of locations in the sliding range of the sliding switch member;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when the detecting means detects the switch member to when the switch member is next detected at another location;
A switch unit comprising: signal output means for outputting a signal to the outside according to the time measured by the measuring means. A storage unit for storing a reference time;
Comparing means for comparing the reference time and the time measured by the measuring means,
The signal output means includes means for outputting a signal to the outside in accordance with the time measured by the measuring means when the time measured by the measuring means is smaller than a reference time by comparison of the comparing means. Switch unit as described in   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an output unit that outputs a signal to the outside in accordance with a location where the detection unit detects the switch member when a time measured by the measurement unit by comparison of the comparison unit is larger than a reference time. Switch unit as described in A table defining the type of signal corresponding to each time;
A specifying means for specifying the type of signal corresponding to the time measured by the measuring means from the table;
The switch unit according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit outputs the type of signal specified by the specifying unit. Detecting means for detecting the switch member at a plurality of locations in the sliding range of the sliding switch member;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when the detecting means detects the switch member to when the switch member is next detected at another location;
Acceleration calculating means for calculating acceleration related to sliding of the switch member based on the time measured by the measuring means;
And a signal output means for outputting a signal to the outside in accordance with the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculating means. A storage unit for storing a reference acceleration;
Comparing means for comparing the reference acceleration and the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculating means, and
The signal output means includes means for outputting a signal to the outside in accordance with the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculation means when the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculation means by comparison of the comparison means is larger than a reference acceleration. Item 6. The switch unit according to item 5.   An output means for outputting a signal to the outside according to the location where the detection means detects the switch member when the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculation means by the comparison of the comparison means is smaller than a reference acceleration. 6. The switch unit according to 6. A table defining the type of signal corresponding to each acceleration;
A specifying means for specifying the type of signal corresponding to the time calculated by the acceleration calculating means from the table;
The switch unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the signal output means outputs a signal of a type specified by the specifying means.   The switch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the switch member is configured to be positioned in an intermediate portion of a sliding range when not operated. In an electrical device having a switch unit that can change the operation and accepts an instruction related to the operation change,
10. The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the switch unit is the switch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9. In an imaging apparatus having a switch unit that can change a focus related to imaging and receives an instruction related to the focus change,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the switch unit is the switch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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