JP2020101726A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide electronic equipment that makes an operation angle required to change a setting value by one step smaller in a state without a click feeling than in a state with a click feeling in a rotation operation member capable of switching presence/absence of a click feeling during operation.SOLUTION: Electronic equipment having a rotation operation member rotatably fixed to a housing comprises: a click switching mechanism for switching between the two states, a state with rotation regulation of the rotation operation member and a state without rotation regulation of the rotation operation member; switching detection means for detecting presence/absence of rotation regulation of the click switching mechanism; rotation detection means for detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotation operation member; and control means, provided in the housing and configured with a timer for measuring a time, for, when it is detected that the rotation regulation is present, performing processing for changing a setting value by one step for each predetermined rotation angle of the rotation operation member and, when it is detected that the rotation regulation is absent, performing setting value change processing with a cycle according to the operation speed of the rotation operation member in addition to processing for changing the setting value by one step for each predetermined rotation angle of the rotation operation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a digital camera, and particularly to an electronic device having an operation member that can be rotated.

Electronic devices such as digital cameras have various functions. For example, a digital camera has functions such as focus adjustment of a photographing lens, change of zoom magnification, and photographing mode such as aperture-priority or shutter-speed-priority automatic exposure mode. Then, the housing is provided with an operation member for selecting each function and changing various set values included in each function.

In the case of a portable electronic device, there is a portable electronic device in which a plurality of functions can be changed with a single operation member in order to prevent an increase in size. For example, in a digital camera, the function of setting continuous values such as focus adjustment and zoom magnification of a shooting lens and the function of setting discrete values such as aperture value and shutter speed are used as one operation member. , It is possible to reduce the number of operation members required from two to one.

As such an operation member, as in Patent Document 1, a rotatable operation member is provided around the lens barrel on the front surface of the device body, and there are two states: a restricted state with rotation regulation and a non-regulated state without rotation regulation. There is one that can be switched by the switching means.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the count number for driving the focus during manual focus can be switched between the normal mode and the high speed mode according to the rotation direction and speed of the operation member obtained by the PI detection signal of the two-phase pulse method. There is.

JP, 2014-21245, A JP, 2011-257725, A

However, in the form of Patent Document 1, the detection of the operation of the operation member is performed by the same means in both the restricted state with the rotation restriction and the non-regulated state without the rotation restriction. Therefore, the operating angle of the rotary operation member required to change the set value of the assigned function by one step is the same in the regulated state and the non-regulated state, and the continuous regulated value is assigned to the non-regulated state. Even if it happens, it will be a discrete operation feeling. Further, it is difficult to accurately detect the minute rotations required for the manual focus operation or the like by using the optimized rotation detecting means in the state where the rotation is restricted.

The state in which the rotation of the operation member is restricted refers to a state in which the operation resistance changes periodically during the rotation operation of the operation member, that is, a so-called click feeling occurs. Further, the state without rotation restriction refers to a state in which the operation resistance is substantially constant and there is no click feeling when the operation member is rotated. Hereinafter, a state in which a click feeling occurs will be referred to as a click-ON state, and a state in which a click feeling does not occur will be referred to as a click-OFF state.

Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, since the rotation is detected only by the PI detection signal, the resolution with respect to the operation amount is determined by the size of the comb tooth through which the PI is inserted. However, there is a limit to the size of the comb teeth in terms of the mold, and in order to ensure the followability to a minute rotation operation, the diameter of the annular member forming the comb teeth must be increased to increase the number of teeth per rotation. Therefore, it was disadvantageous in miniaturization.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a rotary operation member capable of switching the presence/absence of a click sensation during operation, and when the click sensation is not present, the set value of the function assigned to the rotary operation member is set to be greater than that when the click sensation is present. The purpose is to reduce the operation angle required to change one step.

In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device according to the present invention,
By a click operating mechanism that is rotatably fixed to the housing, and a click switching mechanism that switches between two states: a restricted state in which the rotation operating member has rotation regulation and a non-restricted state in which there is no rotation regulation for the rotation operating member, and a click switching mechanism. Switching detection means for detecting the presence or absence of rotation regulation, the rotation direction of the rotation operation member, rotation detection means for detecting the amount of rotation, and a timer provided in the housing for measuring the time, by the switching detection means, When it is detected that the rotation restriction is present, the process of changing the setting value of the function assigned to the rotation operation member by one step is performed for each predetermined rotation angle of the rotation operation member, and it is detected that the rotation restriction is not present. At the time, in addition to the process of changing the set value of the function assigned to the rotary operation member by one step for each predetermined rotary operation angle of the rotary operation member, the process of changing the set value of the cycle according to the operation speed of the rotary operation member. It is characterized by including a control means for performing.

According to the present invention, in the rotary operation member capable of switching the presence or absence of the click feeling at the time of operation, the operation angle required for changing the set value by one step is more effective when the click feeling is absent than when the click feeling is present. It is possible to realize the provision of an electronic device equipped with a reduction device.

External perspective view of digital camera Internal structure of front cover unit Exploded perspective view of the front cover unit Disassembled perspective view of click generation mechanism Cross section of front cover unit Partially enlarged view of click detection means Partially enlarged view of brush mechanism Illustration of rotation detection means Block diagram showing digital camera configuration Flowchart of setting value change processing by operating the operation ring Flowchart of setting value change processing by operating the operation ring Flowchart of setting value change processing by operating the operation ring Explanatory diagram of detection signals when the operation ring is clicked off

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is an example as a means for realizing the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to a modification or variation of the following embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the main body of the digital camera 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

On the front surface of the housing of the digital camera 1, there is provided a collapsible type optical system taking lens barrel 3 that forms an optical image from subject light and forms an image on an image sensor 113 described later.

An operation ring 201 is provided on the outer circumference of the taking lens barrel 3. By rotating the operation ring 201, it is possible to change a function such as a photographing mode such as an automatic exposure mode in which the aperture is prioritized or the shutter speed is prioritized, and a set value included in each function. A switching operation knob 212 is provided near the operation ring 201. By sliding the switching operation knob 212, it is possible to switch between the click ON state and the click OFF state when operating the operation ring 201. The operation ring 201 and the switching operation knob 212 are arranged on the front cover unit 501 that covers the front surface of the digital camera 1.

On the upper surface of the digital camera 1, a power button 101 for turning on and off the power of the digital camera 1 and a release button 102 for instructing imaging preparation and imaging operation are provided. The release button 102 can be pressed in two steps. When the release button 102 is operated by one step, a shooting preparation operation (a photometry operation, a distance measurement operation, etc.) is started. When the release button 102 is further fully pressed, the subject is photographed and the image data of the subject image is recorded on the recording medium 119. A zoom lever 103 for changing the shooting angle of view by rotating the release button 102 by a predetermined angle is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the release button 102. When the digital camera 1 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the top of the housing, the taking lens barrel 3 zooms toward the tele side (direction in which the angle of view becomes narrower), and when rotated counterclockwise, the image is taken. The lens barrel 3 zooms toward the wide side (direction in which the angle of view widens).

Further, on the upper surface of the digital camera 1, a mode dial 104 for switching various shooting modes such as still image shooting and moving image shooting, an exposure correction dial 105 for setting the correction amount of the brightness of the shot image, and a light emitting unit can be popped up. A strobe unit 106 for illuminating a subject is provided. Icons (pictograms) set in various shooting modes are printed on the mode dial 104, and shooting modes corresponding to the icons are set by matching each icon with an index provided at a predetermined position. be able to. The flash unit 106 pops up a light emitting unit by operating a flash lever 107 on the side surface of the camera 1.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the main body of the digital camera 1.

On the back surface of the digital camera body 1, for displaying a display unit support 108 that is rotatable with respect to a rotation shaft provided on the upper rear surface and an image before shooting, an image after shooting, and various shooting conditions. The liquid crystal display unit 109 is provided. The liquid crystal display unit 109 has a built-in touch sensor and is used when selecting a function such as changing an imaging parameter or changing the display format of the liquid crystal display unit 109. The liquid crystal display unit 109 can be rotated with respect to the housing of the digital camera 1 in the range of 0° to 180° by the display unit support 108, and can be rotated from the top surface side and the front surface side of the housing of the digital camera 1. The visibility of the liquid crystal display unit 109 is improved.

The rear surface of the digital camera body 1 is further provided with a group of various operation buttons 110 used when selecting a function such as changing the shooting condition or changing the display format of the liquid crystal display unit 109. On the side surface of the digital camera body 1, terminals for connecting to various external devices (not shown) and a terminal cover 111 for protecting them are arranged.

Next, the configuration of the front cover unit 501 of FIG. 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

11 is an internal structure diagram of the front cover unit 501, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the front cover unit 501.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front cover unit 501 includes a front cover 502 which is an outer cover of the digital camera 1, an operation ring 201, an operation ring holding member 503, which will be described later, a base member 504, a switching operation member 506, The annular member 505 is attached. Further, the front cover unit 501 includes a click generating mechanism, a click switching mechanism, a rotation detecting means, a click switching detecting means, and a brush mechanism which will be described later.

In FIG. 3, the brush mechanism includes a first brush section 514, a second brush section 515 and an insulating sheet 516. The first brush piece 514 and the second brush piece 515 are separated from each other by an electrically non-conductive insulating sheet 516 and attached to a base member 504 described later.

The base member 504 is formed on the inner surface of the front cover 502 with a double-sided tape or an adhesive material in a state where the cylindrical portion 504b provided on the base member 504 projects from the circular cutout portion 502a formed on the front cover 502. Fixed.

The operation ring holding member 503 and the base member 504 rotatably sandwich a switching operation member 506 described later, and an inner peripheral portion 503a of the operation ring holding member 503 is fitted to a cylindrical portion 504b provided on the base member 504. And is fixed to the base member 504 with screws.

Further, the operation ring 201 has a cylindrical portion 201b provided therein rotatably fitted to an outer peripheral portion 503b formed on the operation ring holding member 503. The annular member 505 has a so-called flange shape having a cylindrical portion and a disc portion, and a non-conductive resin inner member 517 is bonded to the disc portion.

The annular member 505 and the operation ring 201 sandwich the front cover 502, the base member 504, and the operation ring holding member 503 therebetween, and the plurality of engaging arm portions 505a provided in the cylindrical portion of the annular member 505 are attached to the operation ring 201. By engaging with a plurality of engaging claws 201a provided, retention is performed. By this engagement, the operation ring 201 is rotatably attached to the front cover 502 together with the annular member 505.

On the other hand, in the disc portion of the annular member 505, a plurality of openings 505b that are cut out in a predetermined shape on the outermost periphery and a plurality of non-openings 505e that are portions without cutouts are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The opening portion 505b and the non-opening portion 505e are used for a click generating mechanism and a rotation detecting means described later.

Reference numeral 511 denotes a flexible board on which a photo interrupter, which will be described later, serving as rotation detecting means is mounted, and is sandwiched by a base member 504 via a holding member 512 and fixed with a screw. The flexible board 511 is electrically connected to a signal processing board (not shown). Further, reference numeral 513 is a flexible board for click detection in which a brush mechanism and click switching detection means are mounted, and is electrically connected to a signal processing board (not shown).

Next, details of click generation, click switching, rotation detection, and click detection will be described.

A click generation mechanism for generating a click feeling of the operation ring 201 and a click switching mechanism for switching the click ON state and the click OFF state of the operation ring 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the click generating mechanism.

In order to realize a smooth operation feeling, the click generating mechanism reduces the frictional resistance by a steel ball 507, a click member 509 described later, a biasing spring 508 that biases the steel ball 507 and the click member 509, and a switching plate described later. 510 and a switching operation member 506. The steel ball 507, the biasing spring 508, and the click member 509 are movably inserted into the through hole 504a provided in the base member 504, and the click member 509 side abuts a switching plate 510 or a switching operation member 506 described later, The steel ball 507 side is in contact with the switching operation member 506. The tip shape of the click member 509 on the switching plate 510 side is hemispherical. The switching plate 510 is fixed to the switching operation member 506. As a result, the steel ball 507, the biasing spring 508, and the click member 509 are held in the through hole 504a.

Further, the switching plate 510 is provided with a first through hole 510a and a second through hole 510b in FIG. 6, and the respective through holes are connected by a slit 510c. Since the first through hole 510a and the second through hole 510b are smaller than the hemispherical shape of the tip of the click member 509, the click member 509 is fixed to the switching operation member 506. Can be held. Further, although the details will be described later, the first through hole 510a is smaller than the second through hole 510b.

The click generating mechanism is for generating a click feeling when the click switching mechanism or the operation ring 201 described later is operated.

5(a) and 5(b) are AA cross sections in FIG.

The click switching mechanism includes a switching plate 510 described below, a switching operation member 506 that holds and fixes the switching plate 510 described below, a steel ball 507, and a biasing spring 508. The switching operation member 506 has an engagement groove 506a and an engagement groove 506b, a shallow sliding groove 506c connecting the engagement groove 506a and the engagement groove 506b, and the switching operation knob 212 described in FIG. The steel ball 507 is urged by the urging spring 508 and comes into contact with the engagement groove 506a or the engagement groove 506b, so that the switching operation member 506 switches the operation ring 201 between the ON state and the OFF state. Hold.

Here, the click OFF state of the operation ring 201 will be described. FIG. 5A shows the position of the switching operation member 506 in the click OFF state, and the clicking member 509 is biased by the biasing spring 508 to the first through hole 510 a of the switching plate 510. At the same time, the steel ball 507 is biased by the biasing spring 508 to the engagement groove 506a of the switching operation member 506. In order to move the steel ball 507 from the state in which it is fitted in the engaging groove 506a to the shallow sliding groove 506c, a force for compressing the biasing spring 508 is necessary, so that the switching operation member 506 easily rotates. It is in a state of being held so as not to.

The first through hole 510a of the switching plate 510 is sufficiently smaller than the hemispherical shape of the tip of the click member 509, and holds the tip of the click member 509 so as not to abut the annular member 505. Therefore, in the click-off state, since the load change due to the rotation does not occur in the annular member 505, the operation ring 201 integrated with the ring member 505 can be smoothly operated without load change. There is.

Next, the click ON state of the operation ring 201 will be described. FIG. 5B shows the position where the switching operation member 506 is in the click ON state. When the user operates the switching operation knob 212 and slides the switching operation member 506 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment from the above-described click OFF state, the steel ball 507 moves from the engagement groove 506a. Ride on the shallow sliding groove 506c. When the switching operation member 506 is further slid, the steel ball 507 is fitted into the fitting groove 506b and the state shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B described later is obtained.

The steel ball 507 is biased by the biasing spring 508 to the fitting groove 506b, so that the position of the switching operation member 506 is held. At the same time, the contact portion between the click member 509 and the switching plate 510 slides along the slit 510c from the first through hole 510a and moves to the second through hole 510b. At that time, the click member 509 passes through the second through hole 510b of the switching plate 510 and urges the annular member 505. The second through hole 510b has a size such that the tip portion of the click member 509 pops out by a certain amount, and the pop-out amount is set to an amount that sufficiently urges the annular member 505 and the opening 505b.

Hereinafter, a state in which the click member 509 is biased by the biasing spring 508 toward the opening 505b is referred to as a click position. When the operation ring 201 is rotated in this state, the annular member 505 integrated with the operation ring 201 is also rotated, and when the click member 509 escapes from the click position, the biasing spring 508 is also compressed, so that a large load is applied. Occurs.

Further, since the biasing spring 508 is not compressed when the click member 509 contacts the non-opening portion 505e and when the non-opening portion 505e moves to the click position, only a small load is applied to the rotation of the annular member 505. Therefore, in the click-on state, when the user rotates the operation ring 201, a large load variation, that is, a feeling of clicking is felt at each click position. It is possible to facilitate the stepwise operation.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 2, and a click detecting means for detecting whether the operation ring 201 is in the click ON state or the click OFF state will be described. Here, the annular member 505 is not shown for the sake of explanation.

FIG. 6A shows the position of the switching operation member 506 in the click OFF state, and FIG. 6B shows the position of the switching operation member 506 in the click ON state.

The click detection means is mainly composed of a detection switch 513a, and the detection switch 513a is mounted on the click detection flexible substrate 513, and the first brush section 514, the second brush section 515, and the second brush section 515 described with reference to FIG. Both the insulating sheets 516 are fixed to the base member 504 with screws.

In FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, 506 d is a projection shape provided on the switching operation member 506. Further, when the detection lever 513b is operated by the detection lever provided on the detection switch 513a, the detection signal output from the detection switch 513a changes. FIG. 6A shows a click OFF state, the protrusion shape 506d is separated from the detection switch 513a, and the detection signal of the detection switch 513a is in the initial state. The switching operation member 506 is rotated from this state to be in the click-on state shown in FIG. 6B. At this time, the projection shape 506d also rotates, interferes with the detection lever 513b of the detection switch 513a, and is operated to change the detection signal from the initial state. The change in the signal is transmitted to the signal processing board (not shown) through the click detection flexible board 513, and the system control unit 115, which will be described later, determines that the click is in the ON state.

In the present invention, the initial state is the click-off state and the changed state is the click-on state, but the configuration may be reversed.

Next, the brush mechanism will be described.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion C in FIG. 11, and FIG. 7A shows a state in which the annular member 505 is stationary at the click position. Further, FIG. 7B shows a state in which the annular member 505 is not regulated to rotate and the second brush section 515 is fitted in the opening 505b in the click OFF state.

One end 514a which is one end of the first brush section 514 contacts an electrode 513c which is a contact section of the click detection flexible substrate 513 with an electronic component, and the second brush section 515 is also not shown. The first brush section 514 and the second brush section 515 have an end portion, and the end portion comes into contact with an electrode (not shown) provided on the flexible substrate 513 for click detection. It is connected to a signal processing board (not shown) via the system and is used by the system control unit 115 described later for determination of the brush detection signal.

Further, the second brush segment 515 is provided with a flexible arm 515a, which is biased in the circumferential normal direction at the end portion 505d of the annular member 505, and at the contact point 515b provided at the tip of the arm 515a. The second brush segment 515 and the annular member 505 are electrically connected by being in constant contact with the annular member 505.

The first brush segment 514 is provided with a flexible arm 514b extending inward from the opening 505b in the disc portion of the annular member 505, and at the contact point 514c provided at the tip of the arm 514b. It contacts the annular member 505 and urges the annular member 505.

On the other hand, a plurality of opening holes 505c are formed in the annular member 505 on the inner peripheral side of the annular member 505b at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, a ring-shaped non-conductive resin inner member 517 is adhesively fixed at a position facing the annular member 505, and a plurality of protrusions 517a formed from the inner member 517 are inserted so as to close the respective opening holes 505c. To do. When the annular member 505 and the inner member 517 are mounted, the protrusion 517a extends to a position substantially flush with the contact surface of the first brush segment 514 of the annular member 505 with the contact 514c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the contact point 514c and the annular member 505 are in contact with each other, the first brush segment 514 and the annular member 505 are in conduction, and when not in contact with each other, they are out of conduction.

Due to the above configuration, when the operation ring 201 is operated to rotate from the state where the annular member 505 and the contact point 514c are in contact with each other, the contact point 514c is projected on the non-conductive resin inner member 517 as shown in FIG. 7B. When the operation ring 201 is further rotated, it returns to the conductive state. By repeating such an operation, the first brush segment 514 and the second brush segment 515 repeat conduction and non-conduction through the annular member 505, and a brush detection signal can be obtained.

A vibration sensor 513d is mounted on the click detection flexible substrate 513 at a position where it abuts on the facing surface 514d of the first brush section 514, and the contact points 514c and 515b of the first and second brush sections are connected to the annular member 505. The vibration generated by sliding is detected. The vibration sensor 513d outputs an L signal when no vibration is detected and an H signal when a vibration is detected.

In this embodiment, in FIG. 7A, the second brush piece 515 contacts the outer periphery 505d of the disc portion of the annular member 505, and the rotation of the annular member 505 causes the tip of the second brush segment 515 to move as shown in FIG. When the contact 515b reaches the position of the opening 505b, the contact 515b is displaced. However, since the tip R portion of the contact 515b is sufficiently larger than the opening 505b, the displacement of the contact 515b is sufficiently small and the generation of the click force by the second brush section 515 is suppressed, and the operation ring 201 is not operated at the original stop position. Are prevented from stopping.

Next, the rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation amount of the operation ring 201 will be described.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the E portion of FIG. An arrow B in the drawing indicates the rotation direction of the annular member 505 and the operation ring 201, and the clockwise direction is C and the counterclockwise direction is CC with respect to the paper surface.

The rotation detecting means is composed of first and second photo interrupters PI1 and PI2 (hereinafter, abbreviated as PI1 and PI2) mounted on the holding member 512 and the flexible substrate 511. The photo interrupter has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and converts the amount of light received by the light receiving unit into a magnitude of an electric signal and outputs the electric signal.

PI1 and PI2 are positioned so that the opening 505b or the non-opening 505e of the annular member 505 passes between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of PI1 and PI2, respectively, so that the rotation amount of the annular member 505 can be detected. It is fixed to the base member 504 at different phases.

In FIG. 8B, the annular member 505 rotates between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion in PI1 and PI2, and the opening 505b and the non-opening portion 505e pass, whereby signals output from PI1 and PI2 are output. It is the figure which showed change.

When the light receiving parts of PI1 and PI2 are not shielded from light, the outputs of PI1 and PI2 are high, and this state is expressed as an H signal. When the light receiving portions of PI1 and PI2 are shielded from light, the outputs of PI1 and PI2 become small, and this state is expressed as an L signal. At the click position, PI1 and PI2 are arranged so that the output signals of PI1 and PI2 are L and L, respectively. Then, as described above, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of PI1 and PI2 are arranged so as to be shifted from each other with respect to the opening portion 505b, so that the H signal and the L signal of PI1 and PI2 are shifted by half a phase. It will be output in the closed state.

FIG. 8C is a table showing the signals that PI1 and PI2 detect the opening 505b and the non-opening 505e of the annular member 505 when the operation ring 201 is rotated, and the determination of the rotation direction. .. For example, in FIG. 8B, when the operation ring 201 is rotated in the C direction from the click position, the output waveforms of PI1 and PI2 move to the left in the figure, and the output signal of PI1 becomes H first. Then, as shown in the table of FIG. 8C, it is determined that the rotation is in the C direction. When rotated in the CC direction, the output signal of PI2 first becomes H, which indicates that it is determined that the PI2 has rotated in the CC direction as shown in the table of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1. The functions described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 are indicated by the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The image pickup element 113 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or a CMOS image sensor that photoelectrically converts an optical image to generate an analog image signal, and is attached to the taking lens barrel 3. The A/D converter 120 is mounted on a signal processing board (not shown) mounted inside the digital camera 1, and converts the analog video signal generated by the image sensor 113 into a digital video signal.

The image processing unit 121 is mounted on the signal processing board (not shown) and converts the digital video signal obtained by the A/D conversion unit 120 into predetermined image data. The converted image data is finally stored in the recording medium 119 which is detachable from the recording medium slot including the card I/F 114 mounted on the signal processing board (not shown).

Further, on the signal processing board (not shown), a system controller 115 for controlling the entire digital camera 1 and executing a program, and a non-volatile memory 116 capable of electrically erasing/recording the program etc. are mounted. Here, the program is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment. Further, on the signal processing board (not shown), a system memory 117 for developing a program read from the non-volatile memory 116, a system timer 118 for measuring the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock are mounted. ing.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, an operation flow of change control of set values of functions assigned to the operation ring 201 of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment FIG. 9 will be described.

FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing an operation flow of change control of the set value of the function assigned to the operation ring 201. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the operations in FIGS. 10 to 12 are assumed to be such that the program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 116 is read into the system memory 117 and executed by the system control unit 115.

First, when the user presses the power button 101, the digital camera 1 is activated, and a shooting standby state is detected in which it is detected that each operation unit such as the power button 101, the release button 102, and the operation ring 201 is operated. It is assumed that the operation flow of FIG. 10 is started.

In the shooting standby state, first, in step S600, it is determined whether or not an operation member other than the operation ring 201 has been operated. When it is determined that the operation member other than the operation ring 201 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S700, the process for the operation member is performed, and the process returns to step S600. If it is determined in S600 that the operation ring 201 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S601.

In step S601, it is determined from the output of the vibration sensor 513d whether or not the operation ring 201 has been operated. When the vibration is not detected, it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not operated, the process returns to S600, and when the vibration is detected and is operated in S601, the process proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, processing for starting detection of PI1 and PI2 is performed.

Next, in step S603, it is determined whether the detection signal output by the detection switch 513a is in the initial state, that is, whether the operation ring 201 is in the click OFF state or the ON state. If it is determined in step S603 that the click-on state is set, the process proceeds to steps S604 to S608, which is a setting value changing process in the click-on state. When it is determined in S603 that the click-off state is set, the process proceeds to steps S609 to S647, which is a setting value changing process in the click-off state.

First, the setting value changing process when the operation ring 201 is in the click ON state will be described.

In step S604, it is determined whether or not the output signal of either PI1 or PI2 is inverted from the L signal to the H signal by operating the operation ring 201. When neither the output signal of PI1 nor the output signal of PI2 is inverted, the process proceeds to S605, and if the vibration is not detected in S605, it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not operated, and the process returns to step S600.

If the vibration is detected in S605, the process returns to S604. When the output signal of either PI1 or PI2 is inverted from the L signal to the H signal in S604, the process proceeds to step S606.

In step S606, the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 is determined based on the output signals of PI1 and PI2 before inversion and the inversion detection information in step S604 based on the condition described in FIG. To decide.

Next, in step S607, by further operating the operation ring 201, it is detected whether or not the output signals of PI1 and PI2 sequentially change in the rotation direction determined in S606 and both return to the L signal. As shown in the table of FIG. 8C, when the PI output inversion order does not change sequentially in the rotation direction and both become L signals, the process returns to S604, and the PI output inversion order sequentially changes in the rotation direction and both L signals. When it returns to the signal, the process proceeds to S608.

In step S608, the setting value of the function assigned to the operation ring 201 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a setting value) is changed by one step in the changing direction determined in step S606, and the process returns to step S604.

After that, by repeating the processing of S604 to S608, the setting value changing processing in the click ON state of the operation ring 201 is performed.

Next, the setting value changing process when the operation ring 201 is in the click-off state will be described.

In step S609, the output signals of PI1 and PI2 are confirmed, stored in the system memory 117, and used to determine the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 in step S612 described later. In the click-off state, as described above, the combination of the output signals of PI1 and PI2 is stopped at four arbitrary positions in which one is an H signal, the other is an L signal, both are H signals, and both are L signals. Therefore, it is necessary to always check the output signals of PI1 and PI2.

In step S610, similarly to step S601, the operation of the operation ring 201 is determined again by the output of the vibration sensor 513d. When the vibration is detected, the process proceeds to step S611, and when it is not detected, it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not operated, and the process returns to S600. This is because the stop of the operation ring 201 cannot be finely detected by the signal change of the photo interrupter or the brush segment alone, and therefore it is determined by the output of the vibration sensor whether the photographer continues to operate the operation ring 201.

In step S611, it is determined whether the output signal of either PI1 or PI2 is inverted from the L signal to the H signal or from the H signal to the L signal by operating the operation ring 201. If the inversion of the output signal is not detected, the process returns to step S610. When the inversion of the output signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S612.

In step S612, the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 is determined based on the detected output signal information of PI1 and PI2 and the condition described in FIG. 8C, and the set value of the function assigned to the operation ring 201 is changed. Determine the direction.

At the same time, in step S613, the measurement of the timer value T ₁ is started. The timer value T _X indicates the time from the start of detection of PI1 and PI2 in S602 to the inversion of the output signal of PI1 or PI2 at the Xth time to the inversion of the output signal of PI1 or PI2 at the X+1th time, with X being a variable. , Measured by the system timer 118.

In step S614, the presence or absence of the operation of the operation ring 201 is determined again by the output of the vibration sensor 513d. When the vibration is detected, the process proceeds to step S617, and when it is not detected, it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not operated, the measurement of the timer value T ₁ is ended in S615, and the set value is determined in S611. After changing the change direction by one step and stopping energization of PI in step 616, the process returns to step S600.

In step S617, it is determined whether or not the output signal of PI1 or PI2 has been inverted the second time by operating the operation ring 201. When the second inversion of the output signals of PI1 and PI2 is not detected in S617, the process returns to step S614. When the second inversion of the output signal of PI1 or PI2 is detected in S617, the process proceeds to step S618.

In step S618, the output signal of PI1 or PI2 is inverted for the second time, so the measurement of the timer value T ₁ is ended, and in step S619, X is set to 2. In step S620, the measurement of the second timer value T ₂ or the second and subsequent timer values T _X is started.

Next, in step S621, the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 is determined based on the detected output signal information of PI1 and PI2 and the condition described in FIG. 8C, and the operation ring 201 is rotated in the same direction as the previous confirmation. Whether or not it is determined. When it is determined in S621 that the rotation direction is different from that in the previous confirmation, it is determined that the user has changed the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 midway, the process proceeds to S622, and the measurement of the timer value T _X is finished, The setting value is changed by one step in the changing direction determined in S621 (S622), and the process returns to step S613. If it is determined in S621 that the operation ring 201 is rotating in the same direction as the previous confirmation, it is determined that the user continues to operate without changing the rotation direction of the operation ring 201, and the process proceeds to step S623.

In step S623, the setting value is changed by one step in the direction determined in step S621 by detecting the signal inversion of PI1 or PI2 immediately before, and the process proceeds to step S624 (FIG. 11).

In step S624, it is determined whether Tx _-1 is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value Ta. The threshold value Ta is used as a criterion for determining whether the operation ring 201 is being operated quickly or slowly. The processing for changing the set value is changed depending on whether the operation is performed quickly or slowly. Hereinafter, the case where the operation ring 201 is lately operated is referred to as a slow operation.

If _Sx-1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Ta in S624, it is determined that the operation is slow, and the process proceeds to step S625. If it is equal to or less than the threshold value Ta, it is determined that the operation is performed quickly, and the process proceeds to S628. First, the process in the case where it is determined that T _x-1 is equal to or larger than the threshold value Ta, that is, the operation ring 201 is slowly operated including the later-described fine speed rotation operation will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 shows detection signals of PI1, PI2, etc. when the operation ring 201 is operated in the click-off state along the time axis. FIG. 13A shows a case where the rotational speed is sequentially changed from the low speed rotation to the high speed rotation from the operation start, which is shown by the arrow F, the arrow G, and the arrow H, and FIG. The state after the arrow H of and such as a detection signal until the operation ring is stopped during the fine speed rotation operation is shown.

13A and 13B, from left to right, PI1, PI2, brush output, vibration sensor output, operation count indicating a one-step change in set value, and signal state of a periodic pulse described later. The change is shown by the passage of time on the horizontal axis, and t1 to t28 show predetermined time divisions.

In FIG. 13A, the left end of the arrow F is a position where the operation of the operation ring 201 is started, and vibration is generated in the first and second brush sections 514 and 515 by the operation start of the operation ring 201 by the photographer. To do. Then, the output of the vibration sensor 513d first changes from the L signal indicating that the vibration is not detected to the H signal indicating that the vibration is detected.

In response to the rotation of the operation ring 201, the output signal of the brush detection signal is output at t1, the detection signal of PI1 is inverted at the start point of t2, and the detection signal of PI2 is also inverted at the start point of t3. Further, after t4, the operation ring 201 continues to rotate in the same direction, and these signals are continuously output.

When operating the operation ring 201, white circles, black circles and Δ shown at the bottom of the figure indicate that the set value is changed, and x indicates that the operation count is invalidated and the set value is not changed. There is.

Here, the rotation direction detection means shown in S662 of FIG. 10 needs to detect both PI1 and PI2 inversion. At t1 and t2, the rotation direction cannot be determined, so the operation count is invalid. ..

Further, the smaller the interval between the inverted signals of PI1 and PI2 in the figure, the faster the rotation speed of the operating ring.

Returning to FIG. 11, in the slow operation, first, in step S625, it is determined whether T _x-1 is larger or smaller than the threshold Tb. When Tx _-1 is equal to or greater than the preset threshold value Tb, the operation ring 201 determines that it is the slow speed rotation operation having the slowest rotation speed, and proceeds to steps S639 to 647 (FIG. 12). If it is less than or equal to the threshold value Tb, it is determined that the operation is performed at a normal speed, which is an operation speed intermediate between the time of the high speed operation and the time of the low speed rotation operation, and the process proceeds to S626.

First, the process when T _x-1 is equal to or less than the threshold value Tb, that is, when it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not a slow-speed rotation operation but an operation is performed at a normal speed will be described.

The operation at the normal speed shows t8 to t10 and t16 and t17 in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S626, the value of the predetermined value n is first set to 3. The predetermined value n is a constant for determining the period of the periodic pulse described later. Next, in step S627, the periodic pulse defined by T _X-1 /n is set according to the timer value T _X-1 measured in S618, and the process proceeds to S630.

Further, as described above, when T _x-1 is equal to or less than the threshold value Ta in step S624, it is determined that the operation is performed quickly, the process proceeds to step S628, and the value of the predetermined value n described above is set to 5. To do. Succeedingly, in a step S629, the interval of similarly set periodic pulses is set to T _X-1 /n, and the process proceeds to a step S630. As described above, in the present embodiment, if the operating ring is rotated quickly, more periodic pulses will be generated per unit time.

In step S630, the operation of the operation ring 201 is determined again by the output of the vibration sensor 513d. When the vibration is detected, the process proceeds to step S632, and when it is not detected, it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not operated, the power supply to the PI is stopped in step S631, and the process returns to step S600.

In step S632, the periodic pulse TX _-1 /n is virtually set, the counting is started, and when the periodic pulse is counted by 1, the process proceeds to step S633. It should be noted that the system timer 211 virtually oscillates one pulse of the periodic pulse at every T _X-1 /n interval described above. In step S633, the setting value of the function assigned to the operation ring 201 is changed by one step in the changing direction set in step S621.

In step S634, it is determined whether or not the output signal of PI1 or PI2 has been inverted by the operation of the operation ring 201, the previous output signal of PI1 or PI2 has been inverted. If the output signal is not inverted, the process returns to step S630. When the inversion of the output signal is detected in S634, the counting of the periodic pulse is also ended, and the process proceeds to step S635.

Operation operation count in the state of FIG. 13 from t8 in (a) t10 and t16 and t17 from the step S626 to S634 represents the upper, the value of _{T X} in example t7, is determined to be smaller than the threshold value Tb In this case, a periodic pulse of TX _-1 /3 is oscillated during the section t8. Since the output of the vibration sensor 513d is an H signal indicating that vibration is detected, the periodic pulse oscillated at the period of T _X-1 /3 is also counted as an operation count and the set value is changed.

Further, when the state in operation count of the step operation from S628 to S634 is t15 from t11 in FIG. 13 (a) shows the lower, the value of _{T X} in example t10, is determined to be smaller than the threshold value Ta, During the period t11, a periodic pulse of T _X-1 /5 is oscillated, and the output of the vibration sensor 513d is an H signal indicating that vibration is detected. Therefore, in S632, the periodic pulse is oscillated at the period of T _X-1 /5. The generated periodic pulse is also counted as the operation count, and the setting value is changed in S633.

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S635, the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 is determined based on the detected output signal information of PI1 and PI2 and the condition described in FIG. Determine if it is rotating. If it is determined that the operation ring 201 is rotating in the direction different from that at the time of the previous confirmation, it is determined that the user has changed the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 midway, and the measurement of the timer value T _X is ended in S636, and the set value is set. The change direction determined in S635 is changed by one step, and the process returns to step S613. When it is determined in S635 that the operation ring 201 is rotating in the same direction as the previous confirmation, it is determined that the user continues to operate without changing the rotation direction of the operation ring 201, and the process proceeds to step S637.

In step S637, it terminates the measurement of the timer value _{T X,} is one step change in the change direction determined setting value in S635. Further, after the variable X is incremented by 1 in step 638, the process returns to step S620 to continue the setting value changing process in the click-OFF state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of times the set value is changed with respect to the unit rotation angle is increased when the magnitude of T _x−1 , that is, the rotation speed of the operation ring 201 is high, so that a desired operation can be performed with a small operation angle. ..

Next, the processing when T _x-1 is smaller than the threshold value Tb, that is, when it is determined that the operation ring 201 is operated to rotate at a slow speed will be described with reference to FIG. 12. 12, in step S639, the operation of the operation ring 201 is determined by detecting the output of the vibration sensor 513d again. When the vibration is detected, the process proceeds to step S641, and when it is not detected, it is determined that the operation ring 201 is not operated, the power supply to the PI is stopped at step 640, and then the process returns to step S600.

In step S641, it is detected whether or not the first brush detection signal inversion is performed. When the first inversion of the brush detection signal is not detected, or when the second and subsequent brush detection signals are detected, the process proceeds to step S643, and when the first inversion of the brush detection signal is detected, step S642. Proceed to.

When the first inversion of the brush detection signal is detected in S641, the setting value is changed by one step in step S642, and then the process proceeds to S643. Similarly, in step S643, whether or not the detection signal is inverted is detected from the inversion of one of the detection signals of PI1 and PI2.

In step S643, when one of the detection signals of PI1 and PI2 is not inverted, the process returns to step 639.

When the detection signal of either PI1 or PI2 is inverted in step S643, the process proceeds to S644. Then, based on the information of the output signals of PI1 and PI2 detected in step S643 and the condition described in FIG. 8C, the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 is determined, and whether the operation ring 201 is rotating in the same direction as the previous confirmation. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the operation ring 201 is rotating in a direction different from that at the time of the previous confirmation, it is determined that the user has changed the rotation direction of the operation ring 201 midway, the measurement of the timer value T _X is ended in S645, and the set value is changed. The change direction is changed by one step in the change direction determined in S644, and the process returns to step S613. When it is determined in S644 that the operation ring 201 is rotating in the same direction as the previous confirmation, it is determined that the user continues to operate without changing the rotation direction of the operation ring 201, and the process proceeds to step S646.

In step S646, the measurement of T _x is ended, and one set value is changed as the inversion of the detection signal of PI1 or PI2 detected in S644. Further, in step S647, the variable X is incremented by 1, and the process returns to step S620 to continue the subsequent processing.

As described above, by repeating the processing of S609 to S647, the setting value changing processing in the click OFF state of the operation ring 201 is performed.

Here, the relationship between PI1, PI2, the brush detection signal, and the operation count will be described with reference to FIG.

The above-described fine speed rotation operation shows the state from t4 to t7 and t18 and thereafter in FIG. 13A. For example, when it is determined that the value of T _x at t3 is slower than the threshold value Tb, the brush after the section t4. The inversion of the detection signal is also added to the operation count by the detection signals of PI1 and PI2. First, since the output of the vibration sensor 513d is an H signal indicating that vibration is detected, the brush inversion signal detected in the t5 section is added to the operation count to change the set value.

Since the rotation direction cannot be determined only by the brush detection signal, if the second brush inversion signal is detected before the next inversion of the detection signals of PI1 and PI2, the operation ring 201 does not have the same rotation direction. Not counted in the count. In the section from t3 to t6, the brush reversal signal is only once in the section from t5, and in the other sections, the rotation direction is determined according to the detection of the reversal of PI1 and PI2, and the set value is changed in S646.

When the operation ring 201 is inverted at t26 in FIG. 13A, the inversion signal of PI2 is detected before the inversion signal of PI1. Showing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation angle required for changing the set value by one step can be made smaller when the operation ring 201 is in the click OFF state than in the click ON state. Further, since the operation count number per unit time is changed according to the rotation speed of the operation ring 201, the optimum operation angle can be obtained.

Further, in actual photography, when the photographer operates the operation ring 201 to perform, for example, manual focus, when moving the focus from the defocused state toward the subject, first, the operation ring 201 is quickly rotated in the normal and reverse directions to obtain the desired focus. You may want to check if the focus is in the direction of. In addition, when the subject is in focus to some extent, the photographer often slows down the rotation speed and performs an operation of searching for a more optimal focus.

In the latter case, the camera is required to narrow the detectable angular pitch so that it is possible to reliably detect a minute rotational operation. However, narrowing the set angular pitch of the opening 505b of the annular member 505 has a mechanical limit. is there. Also, a method of increasing the number of PIs can be considered, but there arises a problem that power consumption and cost increase. Therefore, the operation necessary for changing the set value by one step by adding the process of changing the set value by the brush output to the count of the set value change by the PI detection in addition to the PI open/close detection signal only during the fine speed rotation operation. The angle can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the vibration sensor 513d detects the presence or absence of rotation of the operation ring 201 to detect the vibration of the first and second brush sections 514 and 515 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not something.

For example, the vibration sensor may detect a tonal signal in a specific frequency range generated by the operation of the operation ring 201 out of the microphone output for video recording housed in the camera body. A vibration source other than the segment, for example, a sliding sound generated when the operation ring 201 rotates may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the threshold values Ta, Tb, and n of the count timer based on PI inversion are compared with a preset predetermined value has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, when the LCD display is enlarged in the manual focus mode, the threshold is changed according to the enlargement ratio, and Ta, Tb, and n are changed according to the function+condition assigned to the operation ring 201. You may do so.

Further, in the present embodiment, only the open state to the closed state among the detection signals by the brush segment are counted as the operation count, but the opening hole 505c of the annular member 505 is widened and the detection of the PI inversion signal is interposed therebetween. A signal from the closed state to the open state of the detection signal due to the brush segment may be counted in the operation count. Thereby, the operation angle required to change the set value by one step can be made smaller.

Further, in the present embodiment, the angular pitch of the opening holes 505c of the annular member 505 is the same as the angular pitch of the opening portions 505b, but the opening holes 505c may be made smaller and the number may be increased. The open/closed detection of the brush segment can be detected finely, and the operation angle required to change the set value by one step can be made smaller.

1 digital camera, 501 front cover unit, 115 system control unit,
116 non-volatile memory, 117 system memory, 118 system timer,
201 operation ring, 502 front cover, 503 operation ring holding member,
504 base member, 505 annular member, 506 switching operation member, 507 steel ball,
508 urging spring, 509 click member, 510 switching plate,
511 flexible substrate, 512 holding member, 513 flexible substrate for click detection,
513a detection switch, 514 brush section, 515 brush section,
PI1 first photo interrupter, PI2 second photo interrupter

Claims (6)

A rotary operation member rotatably fixed to the housing, a click switching mechanism for switching between two states of a restricted state in which the rotation operation member has a rotation restriction and a non-restricted state in which the rotation operation member does not have a rotation restriction, and the click A switching detection unit that detects the presence or absence of rotation restriction by the switching mechanism, a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation direction and rotation amount of the rotation operation member, and a timer that is provided inside the housing and measures time, When it is detected by the switching detection means that there is rotation restriction, processing for changing the setting value by one step is performed for each predetermined rotation angle of the rotation operation member, and when it is detected that there is no rotation restriction, In addition to the process of changing the set value by one step for each predetermined rotation operation angle of the rotary operation member, a control means is provided for performing a process of changing the set value of the cycle according to the operation speed of the rotary operation member. Electronics. By a rotation operating member rotatably fixed to the housing, a click switching mechanism that switches between two states, a state in which the rotation regulation of the rotation operating member is strong and a state in which the rotation regulation of the rotation operation member is weak, and the click switching mechanism. The switching detection unit includes a switching detection unit that detects the strength of rotation regulation, a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation direction and rotation amount of the rotation operation member, and a timer that is provided inside the housing and measures time. Thus, when it is detected that the rotation restriction is strong, a process of changing the setting value by one step is performed for each predetermined rotation angle of the rotation operation member, and when it is detected that the rotation restriction is weak, the rotation operation member is detected. In addition to the processing for changing the setting value by one step for each predetermined rotation operation angle, a control means is provided for performing processing for adding the setting value with a constant period when the operation speed of the rotation operation member is faster than the predetermined value. An electronic device characterized by that. When the switching detection means detects that the rotation restriction by the click switching mechanism is absent, and if the rotation speed of the rotation operation member is slower than a predetermined value, the process of changing the set value to a constant cycle value is not performed. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. A brush segment for detecting the rotation amount is further provided, and when the operation speed of the rotation operation member is slower than a predetermined value, in addition to the process of changing the set value by one step for each predetermined rotation operation angle of the rotation operation member, The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs a process of changing the setting value by one step each time the brush segment is opened and closed. A vibration detecting means for detecting vibration due to rotation is further provided, and when the vibration detecting means detects the stop of the rotation operation member, the process of changing the set value to a value of a constant cycle is stopped. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The vibration detecting means for detecting vibration due to rotation is further provided, and when the vibration detecting means detects the stop of the rotation operation member, the detection by the rotation detecting means is stopped. The electronic device according to any one of 1.