JP4066293B2 - Electronic device operation dial - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation dial of an electronic device, and more particularly to an operation dial provided in an electronic device such as a camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Digital cameras and digital video cameras have a problem that the number of operation switches is large, the operation is troublesome, and the operation is easy to be mistaken. In view of this, there has been proposed a video camera in which switches that are not required according to the operation mode are shielded by a shielding member so that only necessary switches are exposed so as to be operable (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-96180). Gazette, JP-A-1-116987).
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional video camera, the blocks of the switches arranged in different areas are alternatively shielded by the shielding member, so that only the necessary switches are exposed so as to be operable. However, it is difficult to apply this technology to digital cameras and digital video cameras that have been miniaturized in recent years, and it cannot be said to be beautiful.
[0004]
Also, for example, when there are three or more operation modes, all switches are exposed in a certain operation mode, all switches are shielded in a certain operation mode, and only some switches are operated in a certain operation mode. It is impossible to expose / shield the switch such as exposing it.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by exposing only necessary switches, it is possible to improve the operability for a plurality of switches, and the degree of freedom of selection of exposure / shielding of switches is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation dial for an electronic device that is high and can be downsized.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an operation dial of an electronic device according to claim 1 of the present application is rotatably provided in an electronic device having at least three operation modes, and a plurality of dials are arranged on the circumference of the same radius from the rotation center. A rotating plate in which an opening is formed, the rotating plate being rotated to a rotating position corresponding to each of the operating modes; means for switching at least three operating modes according to the rotating position of the rotating plate; and the rotating plate A plurality of switches arranged so as to be operatively exposed from the opening of the rotating plate or shielded from being inoperable by the rotating plate according to the rotational position of the rotating plate. a plurality of switches, so that only switches used operation mode has been switched according to the rotational position of the rotary plate is exposed operable, spacing and a plurality of said plurality of apertures And that each of the switch intervals are provided in the first interval, to those provided by 2 times the second spacing of the first gap is characterized in that a mixture.
[0007]
That is, according to the present invention, by rotating the rotating plate to an appropriate position, only necessary switches can be exposed from the opening formed in the rotating plate (operating unnecessary switches). The operation can be easily understood and the operability is improved. In addition, since the switches to be exposed / shielded are distinguished by the position and number of openings formed in the rotating plate and the arrangement of a plurality of switches, the switches are exposed / shielded as compared with the case of exposing / shielding the switches for each conventional block. Since the degree of freedom of selection of the switch is large and the switch can be accommodated in the rotating plate, the size can be reduced.
[0008]
The switch shielded inoperable by the rotating plate is electrically turned off by means for switching the operation mode as shown in claim 2 of the present application.
[0009]
The plurality of switches are characterized in that a backlight for illuminating a key top of the switch is turned on / off in accordance with ON / OFF of the switch as shown in claim 3 of the present application. Thereby, the ON / OFF state of the switch can be easily confirmed.
[0010]
The rotating plate has a donut shape as shown in claim 4 of the present application, and another switch is arranged at the center of the rotating plate. The other switch is a cross key as shown in claim 5 of the present application.
[0011]
The electronic device is an electronic camera having at least two operation modes of a shooting mode, a playback mode, and a PC mode for transmitting and receiving image data to and from an external device as shown in claim 6 of the present invention, Each operation mode is switched according to the rotational position of the rotating plate.
[0012]
As described in claim 7, the electronic device has a recording mode having at least two operation modes of a playback mode, a recording mode, transmission / reception of audio data with an external device, and a PC / OFF mode for turning off the power. In the reproduction apparatus, each operation mode is switched according to a rotation position of the rotating plate.
[0013]
When the photographing mode is switched according to the rotation position of the rotating plate as shown in claim 8, only the switch used in the photographing mode among the plurality of switches is operably exposed from the opening of the rotating plate. It is characterized by that. The switches used in the photographing mode are, as shown in claim 9, a forced flash mode, a macro photographing mode, a self-timer photographing mode, a manual photographing mode, a protect mode for prohibiting deletion of a photographed image, and photographing. It is a switch for setting one or more modes among the erasing modes for erasing an image.
[0014]
When switching to the reproduction mode according to the rotation position of the rotating plate as shown in claim 10, only the switch used in the reproducing mode among the plurality of switches is operably exposed from the opening of the rotating plate. It is characterized by that. The switch used in the reproduction mode is a switch for setting at least one of a protect mode for prohibiting erasure of data and an erase mode for erasing data, as shown in claim 11 of the present application. .
[0015]
As shown in claims 12 and 13, when the PC is switched to the PC mode or the PC / OFF mode according to the rotational position of the rotating plate, all the plurality of switches are shielded by the rotating plate so as not to be operated. It is said.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an operation dial of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0017]
1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view, respectively, showing the appearance of a camera to which an operation dial according to the present invention is applied.
[0018]
As shown in these drawings, this camera is a digital camera 1 capable of recording moving images / still images. On the front side of the camera is a photographing lens 10, a finder window 12, and an auxiliary light emitting unit as shown in FIG. 14 is provided. As the auxiliary light emitting unit 14, a strobe device is used in the case of a camera dedicated to still images, and a white light emitting diode or lamp is used in the case of a camera that is also used as a moving image still image.
[0019]
On the other hand, on the rear side of the camera, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation dial (mode dial) 20 according to the present invention, the multifunction cross key 30, the viewfinder eyepiece 32, the menu key, the display key, the enter key, shift / cancel A switch group 34 such as a key and an image monitor 36 are provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a power switch / mode switch 40 and a shutter button / recording start / end button 42 are provided on the upper surface of the camera, and an earphone jack is provided on the right side of the camera in FIG. 44 and a recording medium insertion section 46 are provided.
[0021]
The power switch / mode switch 40 switches between a neutral position where the power is turned off, a position where the power is turned on and in the moving image mode, and a position where the power is turned on and in the still image mode. In place of the power switch / mode switch 40, the power ON / OFF switch may be used, and the moving image mode and the still image mode may be switched using another switch or a mode dial.
[0022]
Next, details of the mode dial 20 provided on the back of the camera will be described.
[0023]
3A is a plan view of the mode dial 20, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3A.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the mode dial 20 mainly includes a rotating plate 22, six operation switches 24A to 24F, and a reproduction mode, a shooting mode, a personal computer (PC) according to the rotational position of the rotating plate 22. And a means (not shown) for selectively switching each operation mode of the PC mode.
[0025]
The rotating plate 22 has a donut shape, eight openings 22A to 22H are formed on the circumference of the same radius from the center of rotation, and icons 26A and 26B indicating a reproduction mode, a shooting mode, and a PC mode. 26C is printed on the surface.
[0026]
The rotating plate 22 is rotated, and any one of the icons 26A, 26B, and 26C is aligned with the marker 27 on the camera body side, so that the operation mode can be switched to one of the reproduction mode, the shooting mode, and the PC mode. . The means for switching between the reproduction mode, the photographing mode, and the PC mode generally includes a brush that rotates integrally with the rotating plate 22 and a code plate (not shown) on which the brush slides. A mode selection signal corresponding to the rotational position is obtained from the code plate.
[0027]
The six operation switches 24A to 24F are respectively a strobe forced flash mode, a macro shooting mode, a self-timer shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a protect mode for prohibiting deletion of a shot image, and an erase mode for deleting a shot image. This switch is set at a predetermined position on the camera body. These operation switches 24 </ b> A to 24 </ b> F are configured by, for example, non-locking push button switches or touch switches, and are repeatedly turned ON / OFF every time one push (one touch) is performed.
[0028]
In addition, icons or characters indicating modes set by the operation of the operation switches are printed on the key tops of the operation switches 24A to 24F. When the operation switch is further turned on, the operation switch corresponds to the operation switch. The backlight lights up and the key top emits light.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the mode dial 20 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
4A to 4C are plan views of the mode dial 20 when the playback mode, the shooting mode, and the PC mode are set, respectively, and FIGS. 5A to 5C are the playback mode and the shooting mode. , And a diagram schematically showing a positional relationship between the openings 22A to 22H of the rotating plate 22 and the operation switches 24A to 24F in the PC mode (that is, the rotating plate 22 is developed linearly and the operation switches 24A to 24F are operated). Are arranged in a straight line).
[0031]
4A and 5A show a case where the rotation plate 22 is rotated so that the icon 26A indicating the reproduction mode coincides with the marker 27, and the reproduction mode is selected.
[0032]
In this reproduction mode, only the operation switches 24E and 24F for setting the protect mode and the erasing mode are exposed to be operable by the openings 22F and 22H of the rotating plate 22, and other operation switches 24A to 24D that are not used in the reproduction mode. Is blocked by the rotating plate 22 so as not to be operated.
[0033]
FIGS. 4B and 5B show a case where the rotating plate 22 is rotated so that the icon 26B indicating the shooting mode matches the marker 27 and the shooting mode is selected.
[0034]
In the case of this shooting mode, all of the six operation switches 24A to 24F are exposed to be operable through the openings 22A to 22E and 22G of the rotating plate 22. When the shooting mode is selected by rotating the rotating plate 22, the normal (auto) shooting mode is set. When the operation switch 24D is turned on, manual settings such as white balance adjustment, exposure correction, and strobe correction are possible. Manual shooting mode.
[0035]
FIGS. 4C and 5C show a case where the rotating plate 22 is rotated so that the icon 26C indicating the PC mode coincides with the marker 27 and the PC mode is selected.
[0036]
In the case of this PC mode, all the six operation switches 24A to 24F are shielded by the rotating plate 22 so as not to be operated. This is because in the PC mode, remote control such as transmission / reception of image data and photographing instructions can be performed by the PC, and no operation switches are required.
[0037]
Note that the operation switch that is blocked by the rotating plate 22 so as not to be operated is automatically turned off. In addition, when a plurality of modes cannot be set at the same time even when a plurality of operation switches are pressed (for example, in the protect mode and the erase mode), only the operation switch based on the latest operation is turned on, and other operation switches Is automatically turned off.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 3, a multifunction cross key (up / down key and left / right key) 30 is provided at the center of the rotating plate 22. In FIG. 3B, 30A is a left key, 30B is a right key, and 31 is a support of the cross key 30. In addition, you may make it provide not only the cross key 30 but other switches (for example, release switch etc.) in the center part of the rotating plate 22. FIG.
[0039]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. The digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 10, an auxiliary light emitting unit 14, a mode dial 20, an image monitor 36, a shutter button / recording start / end button 42, a shutter / aperture 50, an imaging device 52 such as a CCD, and an analog signal processing circuit 54. , An A / D converter 56, a digital signal processing circuit 58, a memory 60, a compression / decompression circuit 62, a built-in memory or memory card 64, a driving circuit 66, a CPU (central processing unit) 68, and the like.
[0040]
The CPU 68 comprehensively controls each circuit of the entire camera based on input signals from the shutter button / recording start / end button 42, the mode dial 20, and the like. Now, when the power is turned on by the power switch / mode change switch to set the moving image mode or the still image mode and the shooting mode is set by the mode dial 20, the moving image or the recording start / end button is operated based on the operation of the shutter button / recording start / end button. A still image is shot. On the other hand, when the playback mode is set by the mode dial 20, a moving image or a still image is played back.
[0041]
Now, the light passing through the photographing lens 10 and the shutter / aperture 50 in the photographing mode is focused on the imaging device 52. Here, the shutter prevents light from entering the imaging device 52 and generating smear when reading a signal from the imaging device, but is not necessarily required depending on the configuration of the imaging device 52. In addition, the diaphragm can be a single diaphragm or a plurality of diaphragms that can be switched. The auxiliary light emitting unit 14 emits auxiliary light at low illuminance or forcibly to illuminate the subject. The auxiliary light emitting unit 14 may be auxiliary light other than the strobe light, or may be omitted if the sensitivity of the imaging device is high.
[0042]
The imaging device 52 is driven at a timing generated by a timing generation circuit (not shown) in the driving circuit 66 and outputs an image signal. The drive circuit 66 also includes drive circuits such as the photographing lens 10, the shutter / aperture 50, and the auxiliary light emitting unit 14.
[0043]
The image signal output from the imaging device 52 is subjected to analog signal processing by the analog signal processing circuit 54, then converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 56, and added to the digital signal processing circuit 58, where digital processing is performed. Is given. The digitally processed image data is temporarily recorded in the memory 60. Here, by reading out the image data in the memory 60 and outputting it to the image monitor 36, a moving image or a still image can be displayed on the image monitor 36. The image data after photographing is compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 62 and recorded in the built-in memory or the memory card 64. Depending on the shooting mode, recording may be performed without the compression process. In the reproduction mode, the image data recorded in the built-in memory or the memory card 64 is decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 62 and then output to the image monitor 36 via the memory 60 so that the reproduced image is displayed on the image monitor 36. It has come to be.
[0044]
Next, a mode dial for switching modes such as a reproduction mode and a recording mode in an MD (mini disc) player and a recording / reproducing apparatus using a semiconductor memory such as a memory card will be described.
[0045]
FIGS. 7A to 7C are plan views of the mode dial in each mode of the digital audio player.
[0046]
The mode dial 100 mainly includes a rotary plate 102, six operation switches 104A to 104F, and means for selectively switching each operation mode of the reproduction mode, the recording mode, and the PC / OFF mode according to the rotational position of the rotary plate 102. It is composed of
[0047]
The rotating plate 102 has a donut shape, nine openings 102A to 102I are formed on the circumference of the same radius from the center of rotation, and an icon 106A indicating a playback mode, a recording mode, and a PC / OFF mode. 106B and 106C are printed on the surface.
[0048]
The rotating plate 102 is rotated, and any one of the icons 106A, 106B, 106C is aligned with the marker 107 on the digital audio player main body or the operation remote control main body side of the digital audio player, so that the playback mode, recording mode, PC / OFF The operation mode is switched to one of the modes.
[0049]
The six operation switches 104A to 104F are switches for setting an index, balance, recording level, edit, protect, and erase mode, respectively, and are arranged at predetermined positions on the player main body or the remote control main body. On the key tops of the operation switches 104A to 104F, icons or characters indicating modes set by the operation of the operation switches are printed. When the operation switch is further turned on, the backlight corresponding to the operation switch is displayed. Lights up and the key top emits light.
[0050]
A multi-function cross key (up / down key and left / right key) 108 is provided at the center of the rotating plate 102. In the playback mode, the up key, left / right key, and down key of the cross key 108 command play / pause, fast reverse / fast forward search, and stop, respectively.
[0051]
Next, the operation of the mode dial 100 configured as described above will be described.
[0052]
8A to 8C are diagrams schematically showing the positional relationship between the openings 102A to 102I of the rotating plate 102 and the operation switches 104A to 104F in the reproduction mode, the recording mode, and the PC / OFF mode. .
[0053]
FIGS. 7A and 8A show the case where the rotation plate 102 is rotated so that the icon 106A indicating the reproduction mode matches the marker 107, and the reproduction mode is selected.
[0054]
In this playback mode, only the operation switches 104D, 104E, and 104F for setting the edit, protect, and erase modes are operably exposed through the openings 102E, 102G, and 102I of the rotating plate 102, and are not used in the playback mode. The operation switches 104 </ b> A to 104 </ b> C are shielded by the rotating plate 102 so as not to be operated.
[0055]
FIGS. 7B and 8B show a case where the rotating plate 102 is rotated so that the icon 106B indicating the recording mode coincides with the marker 107 and the recording mode is selected.
[0056]
In this recording mode, all of the six operation switches 104A to 104F are operably exposed through the openings 102A to 102D, 102F and 102H of the rotating plate 102.
[0057]
FIGS. 7C and 8C show the case where the rotating plate 102 is rotated so that the icon 106C indicating the PC / OFF mode coincides with the marker 107 and the PC / OFF mode is selected. Yes.
[0058]
In the PC / OFF mode, all of the six operation switches 104A to 104F are shielded by the rotating plate 102 so as not to be operated. This is because no operation switch is required when remote control is performed by the PC in the PC mode or when the power is turned off. In the PC / OFF mode, the PC mode is set when connected to the PC, and the power is turned off when not connected to the PC.
[0059]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital audio player, and shows a portable MD player. This portable MD player mainly includes an audio input terminal 110, an audio output terminal 112, an ATRAC processing unit 114, a head 116, a display unit 120, a CPU 122, a mode dial 100, a driving unit 124, a motor 126, and the like. The audio output terminal 112 is connected to stereo headphones (not shown).
[0060]
The CPU 122 performs overall control of each circuit of the entire player based on the input signal from the mode dial 100. When the playback mode is set by the mode dial 100, the audio data recorded on the MD 118 can be played back, and when the recording mode is set, the audio data can be recorded on the MD 118.
[0061]
The ATRAC processing unit 114 compresses and expands the audio signal. The ATRAC processing unit 114 compresses the audio signal input via the audio input terminal 110 in the recording mode, compresses and records the audio signal in the MD 118 via the head 116, and from the MD 118 to the head in the reproduction mode. The compressed data read through 116 is decompressed and output to the audio output terminal 112.
[0062]
The display unit 120 can perform various displays necessary for editing or the like related to the operation of the mode dial 100. The driving unit 124 drives the head 116 and drives the motor 126 that rotates the MD 118.
[0063]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital audio player, and shows a solid state audio player. This audio player mainly includes an audio input terminal 130, an audio output terminal 132, a digital signal processing 134, a solid state memory 136 such as a built-in memory or a memory card, a display unit 138, a CPU 140, a mode dial 100, and the like.
[0064]
The MD player described above is different in that the recording medium is an MD, whereas this solid state audio player is different in that the recording medium is a solid state memory 136, and the other configurations are common, so that description of each part is omitted.
[0065]
In the above embodiment, the mode dial for switching the mode in the digital camera or the digital audio player has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the mode dial, and the rotating plate is rotated so that a specific switch can be operated. However, any operation dial may be used as long as it is shielded so that it cannot be operated. Therefore, the present invention can be applied not only to operation dials applied to digital cameras, digital video cameras, and digital audio players, but also to operation dials for silver halide cameras and other electronic devices.
[0066]
In this embodiment, the rotating plate has three rotating positions, but the number of rotating positions of the rotating plate is not limited to this embodiment. Further, the shape, number, position, and number and position of the opening formed in the rotating plate are not limited to this embodiment.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, only necessary switches are exposed in an operable manner in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating plate, and unnecessary switches are shielded from being inoperable. The operability for the switch is improved. In addition, since the switches to be exposed / shielded are distinguished by the position and number of openings formed in the rotating plate and the arrangement of a plurality of switches, the switches are exposed / shielded as compared with the case of exposing / shielding the switches for each conventional block. Since the degree of freedom of selection of the switch is large and the switch can be accommodated in the rotating plate, the switch can be miniaturized and is suitable for application to a relatively small electronic device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a digital camera to which an operation dial according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mode dial shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mode dial when the playback mode, the shooting mode, and the PC mode are set. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the mode dial when the playback mode, the shooting mode, and the PC mode are set. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a mode dial when the playback mode, recording mode, and PC / OFF mode are set. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the mode dial when the playback mode, the recording mode, and the PC / OFF mode are set. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital audio player. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital audio player EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 20, 100 ... Mode dial, 22, 102 ... Rotary plate, 22A-22H, 102A-102I ... Opening, 24A-24F, 104A-104F ... Operation switch, 26A-26C, 106A-106C ... Icon, 27, 107 ... marker, 30, 108 ... cross key

Claims (13)

A rotating plate that is rotatably provided in an electronic device having at least three operation modes and has a plurality of openings formed on a circumference having the same radius from the center of rotation. With a rotating plate rotated,
Means for switching at least three operation modes according to the rotational position of the rotating plate;
A plurality of switches arranged so as to be operably exposed from the opening of the rotating plate or shielded inoperably by the rotating plate according to the rotational position of the rotating plate,
The plurality of openings and the plurality of switches formed in the rotating plate are operatively exposed so that only the switch used in the operation mode switched according to the rotation position of the rotating plate is operably exposed . Each of the intervals and the intervals of the plurality of switches are mixed at a first interval and those provided at a second interval twice the first interval. Electronic device operation dial.   2. The operation dial of the electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch shielded from operation by the rotating plate is electrically turned off by the means for switching the operation mode.   The operation dial of the electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of switches are configured such that a backlight for illuminating a key top of the switch is turned on / off according to ON / OFF of the switch.   The operation dial of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating plate has a donut shape, and another switch is disposed at a central portion of the rotating plate.   The operation dial of the electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the other switch is a cross key.   The electronic device is an electronic camera having at least two operation modes among a photographing mode, a reproduction mode, and a PC mode for transmitting and receiving image data to and from an external device, and each operation mode of the rotating plate 6. The operation dial for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the operation dial is switched according to a rotational position.   The electronic device is a recording / playback device having at least two operation modes of a playback mode, a recording mode, transmission / reception of audio data with an external device, and a PC / OFF mode for turning off the power. 6. The operation dial for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the mode is switched according to the rotational position of the rotating plate.   7. When the photographing mode is switched in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating plate, only the switch used in the photographing mode among the plurality of switches is operably exposed from the opening of the rotating plate. Electronic device operation dial.   The switches used in the shooting mode include a forced flash mode, a macro shooting mode, a self-timer shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a protect mode for prohibiting deletion of a shot image, and an erase mode for deleting a shot image. The operation dial for an electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the operation dial is a switch for setting one or more modes.   7. When the reproduction mode is switched according to the rotation position of the rotating plate, only the switch used in the reproducing mode among the plurality of switches is exposed to be operable from the opening of the rotating plate. Or the operation dial of 7 electronic devices.   The operation of the electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the switch used in the reproduction mode is a switch for setting one or more modes among a protect mode for prohibiting data erasure and an erase mode for erasing data. Dial.   7. The operation dial for an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein when the PC mode is switched according to the rotational position of the rotating plate, all of the plurality of switches are shielded from being operated by the rotating plate.   8. The operation dial of the electronic device according to claim 7, wherein when the PC / OFF mode is switched according to the rotation position of the rotating plate, all of the plurality of switches are shielded by the rotating plate so as not to be operated.

Images