JP4230635B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera. In particular, the present invention relates to a digital camera having a simple operation system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the number of operation buttons has increased as a result of digital cameras becoming more multifunctional. Accordingly, the necessary installation space is increased, and there is a problem that downsizing of the camera is hindered. Therefore, from the viewpoint of sharing buttons, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-308905 discloses a camera equipped with a cross key. In such a conventional technique, it is necessary to instruct the confirmation of the operation content by pressing another button.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the operation of the cross key not only moves the finger in the desired direction, but also requires pressing the button in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the finger, and there is room for improving the operation system more intuitively. is there. The cross key is a button that spreads up, down, left, and right, so it has a large installation area and is difficult to save. The operation content confirmation button is located away from the cross key, and a more intuitive operation system is desired. Since the user operates the camera with only a vacant finger while holding the camera, it is convenient to have an operation key near the mode dial in the case of a camera provided with a mode dial.
[0004]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera that can solve the above-described problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the present invention.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a first aspect of the present invention is provided in a ring of a mode dial that is an annular member that selects any of a plurality of modes by a rotation operation, and in the ring of the mode dial, A movable operation member that receives a mode-corresponding operation corresponding to the mode by moving toward one of the plurality of movable directions on the rotation surface of the mode dial.
[0006]
The movable operation member may be a member that can be installed in an area independent of the number of movable directions of the movable operation member in the ring of the mode dial. The movable operation member may be either a rod-shaped member whose end is movable toward the movable direction, or a rotating member that is rotatable toward the movable direction while being held in position. The content of the mode-compatible operation may be determined by pressing the movable operation member perpendicularly to the rotation surface of the mode dial.
[0007]
An openable / closable cover member that covers the movable operation member may be further provided. The movable operation member may move between a reception position for accepting the mode correspondence operation and a retreat position for restricting the mode correspondence operation in accordance with the mode selection operation by the mode dial. The cover member may be opened and closed according to the mode selection operation by the mode dial. The cover member may be attached to a lower portion of the mode dial and may be opened and closed in conjunction with the rotation of the mode dial. The apparatus further includes a process execution unit that executes a predetermined process instructed by the mode-compatible operation of the movable operation member, and the process execution unit changes a processing speed based on a movement amount of the movable operation member. Also good.
[0008]
Note that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are included. It is not necessarily essential for the solution of the invention.
[0010]
(First embodiment)
The digital camera in this embodiment includes a mode dial and a movable operation member. In this embodiment, a joystick that is a pointing device having a rod-like member whose end is movable in a desired direction is used as the movable operation member.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the digital camera 10. The digital camera 10 mainly includes an imaging unit 20, an imaging control unit 40, a processing unit 60, a display unit 100, and an operation unit 110.
[0012]
The imaging unit 20 includes a mechanism member and an electrical member related to shooting and imaging. First, the imaging unit 20 includes a photographic lens 22 that captures and processes an image, an aperture 24, a shutter 26, an optical LPF (low-pass filter) 28, a CCD 30, and an imaging signal processing unit 32. The photographing lens 22 includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like.
[0013]
With this configuration, a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 30. Charges are accumulated in each sensor element (not shown) of the CCD 30 in accordance with the amount of light of the formed subject image (hereinafter, the charges are referred to as “accumulated charges”). The accumulated charge is read to a shift register (not shown) by a read gate pulse, and sequentially read as a voltage signal by a register transfer pulse.
[0014]
Since the digital camera 10 generally has an electronic shutter function, a mechanical shutter such as the shutter 26 is not essential. In order to realize the electronic shutter function, the CCD 30 is provided with a shutter drain via a shutter gate. When the shutter gate is driven, the accumulated charge is swept out to the shutter drain. By controlling the shutter gate, the time for accumulating charges in each sensor element, that is, the shutter speed can be controlled.
[0015]
A voltage signal output from the CCD 30, that is, an analog signal, is color-separated into R, G, and B components by the imaging signal processing unit 32, and first, white balance is adjusted. Subsequently, the imaging signal processing unit 32 performs gamma correction, sequentially A / D-converts the R, G, and B signals at a necessary timing, and the resulting digital image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “digital image data”). ) To the processing unit 60.
[0016]
The imaging unit 20 further includes a microphone 38 and collects sound from the outside world. The audio data is A / D converted by the imaging signal processing unit 32 and output to the processing unit 60 as digital audio data.
[0017]
The imaging unit 20 further includes a finder 34 and a strobe 36. A white LED or a lamp may be used in place of the strobe 36 in order to turn on the auxiliary light even when shooting a moving image. The finder 34 may be equipped with an LCD (not shown). In this case, various information from the main CPU 62 and the like which will be described later can be displayed in the finder 34. The strobe 36 functions by emitting light when energy stored in a capacitor (not shown) is supplied to the discharge tube 36a.
[0018]
The imaging control unit 40 includes a zoom driving unit 42, a focus driving unit 44, an aperture driving unit 46, a shutter driving unit 48, and an imaging system CPU 50 that controls them. Each of the driving units such as the zoom driving unit 42 has driving means such as a stepping motor.
[0019]
In response to depression of a release switch 114 (to be described later), the imaging system CPU 50 measures the distance to the subject and the luminance of the subject based on the data obtained from the accumulated charge of the CCD 30. A distance measuring sensor and a photometric sensor may be provided as separate members. The distance data and subject luminance data measured in this way are hereinafter simply referred to as “distance measurement data” and “photometry data”.
[0020]
The imaging system CPU 50 adjusts the zoom magnification and focus of the photographing lens 22 by controlling the zoom drive unit 42 and the focus drive unit 44 based on the photographing conditions such as the zoom magnification designated by the user. Further, the imaging system CPU 50 controls the light emission of the strobe 36 by the strobe control unit 41 based on photometric data or an instruction from the user.
[0021]
The imaging system CPU 50 determines the aperture value and the shutter speed based on the RGB digital signal integrated value of one image frame, that is, the AE information. According to the determined value, the aperture driving unit 46 and the shutter driving unit 48 adjust the aperture amount and open / close the shutter 26, respectively.
[0022]
The imaging system CPU 50 also adjusts the aperture amount of the aperture 24 based on the photometric data. When the user instructs to capture an image, the CCD 30 starts to accumulate charges, and the accumulated charges are output to the imaging signal processing unit 32 after the shutter time calculated from the photometric data has elapsed.
[0023]
The processing unit 60 includes a main CPU 62 that controls the entire digital camera 10, particularly the processing unit 60 itself, a memory control unit 64, a YC processing unit 70, an optional device control unit 74, a compression / decompression processing unit 78, and communication that are controlled thereby. An I / F unit 80 is included. The main CPU 62 exchanges necessary information with the imaging CPU 50 by serial communication or the like. The operation clock of the main CPU 62 is given from the clock generator 88. The clock generator 88 also provides clocks with different frequencies to the imaging system CPU 50 and the display unit 100, respectively.
[0024]
The main CPU 62 is provided with a character generation unit 84 and a timer 86. The timer 86 is backed up by a battery and always counts the date and time. From this count value, information on the shooting date and time information and other time information are given to the main CPU 62. The character generation unit 84 generates character information such as a shooting date and time and a title, and the character information is appropriately combined with the shot image.
[0025]
The memory control unit 64 controls the nonvolatile memory 66 and the main memory 68. The non-volatile memory 66 includes an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), a FLASH memory, and the like, and should be retained even when the power of the digital camera 10 is turned off, such as user setting information and factory adjustment values. Data is stored. In some cases, the non-volatile memory 66 may store a boot program or a system program for the main CPU 62.
[0026]
On the other hand, the main memory 68 is generally composed of a relatively inexpensive memory having a large capacity, such as a DRAM. The main memory 68 has a function as a frame memory for storing data output from the imaging unit 20, a function as a system memory for loading various programs, and other functions as a work area. The nonvolatile memory 66 and the main memory 68 exchange data with each part inside and outside the processing unit 60 via the main bus 82.
[0027]
The YC processing unit 70 performs YC conversion on the digital image data, and generates a luminance signal Y and color difference (chroma) signals BY and RY. The luminance signal and the color difference signal are temporarily stored in the main memory 68 by the memory control unit 64. The compression / decompression processor 78 sequentially reads out the luminance signal and the color difference signal from the main memory 68 and compresses them. The data thus compressed (hereinafter simply referred to as “compressed data”) is written to a memory card which is a type of option device 76 via the option device control unit 74.
[0028]
The processing unit 60 further has an encoder 72. The encoder 72 receives the luminance signal and the color difference signal, converts them into a video signal (NTSC or PAL signal), and outputs the video signal from the video output terminal 90. When a video signal is generated from data recorded in the option device 76, the data is first supplied to the compression / decompression processing unit 78 via the option device control unit 74. Subsequently, the data that has undergone the necessary expansion processing in the compression / expansion processing unit 78 is converted into a video signal by the encoder 72.
[0029]
The option device control unit 74 performs necessary signal generation, logic conversion, voltage conversion, etc. between the main bus 82 and the option device 76 in accordance with the signal specifications recognized by the option device 76 and the bus specifications of the main bus 82. . The digital camera 10 may support a standard I / O card conforming to PCMCIA, for example, in addition to the memory card described above as the optional device 76. In this case, the option device control unit 74 may be configured by a PCMCIA bus control LSI or the like.
[0030]
The communication I / F unit 80 performs control such as protocol conversion according to communication specifications supported by the digital camera 10, such as USB, RS-232C, Ethernet, and the like. The communication I / F unit 80 includes a driver IC as necessary, and communicates with an external device including a network via the connector 92. In addition to such standard specifications, for example, data may be exchanged with an external device such as a printer or a game machine using a unique I / F.
[0031]
The display unit 100 includes an LCD monitor 102 and a speaker 104. They are respectively controlled by a monitor driver 106 and a speaker driver 108 which are LCD drivers. The LCD monitor 102 is provided on the back of the camera with a size of about 2 inches, for example, and the current shooting / playback mode, zoom magnification for shooting / playback, battery level, date / time, mode setting screen, subject image, etc. Is displayed. Further, the LCD monitor 102 displays information such as image quality (FINE / NORMAL / BASIC, etc.), strobe emission / emission prohibition, standard number of shootable images, number of pixels, battery capacity, and the like according to instructions from the user.
[0032]
The operation unit 110 includes a mechanism and electrical members necessary for the user to set or instruct the operation of the digital camera 10 and its mode. The function setting unit 116 designates on / off of the power source of the digital camera 10 and the distinction between the moving image mode and the still image mode based on the set position. The release switch 114 has a two-step pushing structure of half-pressing and full-pressing. As an example, AF and AE are locked when pressed halfway, and a captured image is captured when pressed fully, and is recorded in the main memory 68, optional device 76, etc. after necessary signal processing, data compression, and the like.
[0033]
The main operation of the above configuration is as follows. First, the power switch included in the function setting unit 116 of the digital camera 10 is turned on, and power is supplied to each part of the camera. The main CPU 62 reads the state of the function setting unit 116 to determine whether the digital camera 10 is in the shooting mode or the playback mode.
[0034]
When the digital camera 10 is in the shooting mode, the main CPU 62 monitors the half-pressed state of the release switch 114. When the half-pressed state is detected, the main CPU 62 instructs the imaging system CPU 50 to obtain photometry data and distance measurement data from the accumulated charges of the CCD 30, respectively. The imaging control unit 40 operates based on the obtained data, and adjustments such as focus and aperture of the taking lens 22 are performed.
[0035]
When the adjustment is completed, characters such as “Standby” are displayed on the LCD monitor 102 to notify the user of that, and then the release switch 114 is fully pressed. When the release switch 114 is fully pressed, the shutter 26 is closed after a predetermined shutter time, and the accumulated charge in the CCD 30 is swept out to the imaging signal processing unit 32. Further, the audio data collected by the microphone 38 in the moving image mode is input to the imaging signal processing unit 32.
[0036]
Digital image data generated as a result of processing by the imaging signal processing unit 32 is output to the main bus 82. The digital image data is temporarily stored in the main memory 68, then processed by the YC processing unit 70 and the compression / decompression processing unit 78, and recorded in the option device 76 via the option device control unit 74. The recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor 102 in a frozen state for a while, and the user can know the captured image.
[0037]
In the moving image mode, the digital audio data generated as a result of processing by the imaging signal processing unit 32 is temporarily stored in the main memory 68 via the main bus 82 and then processed by the compression / decompression processing unit 78. Thereafter, it is recorded in the option device 76. This completes a series of shooting operations.
[0038]
On the other hand, when the digital camera 10 is in the playback mode, the main CPU 62 reads the last shot video from the main memory 68 via the memory control unit 64 and plays it back on the LCD monitor 102 of the display unit 100. In this state, when the user instructs “forward” and “reverse” on the function setting unit 116, the video shot before and after the currently displayed video is read and played back.
[0039]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the function setting unit 116. The function setting unit 116 includes a mode dial 120, a joystick 122, and a shift button 124. Details of the mode dial 120, the joystick 122, and the shift button 124 will be described later.
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the front side of the digital camera 10. A lens 22, a microphone 38, a strobe 36, and an optical viewfinder 34 are provided in front of the housing of the digital camera 10. An optional device 76 is inserted on the side surface of the casing of the digital camera 10. A release switch 114 is disposed on the top surface of the housing of the digital camera 10.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the back side of the digital camera 10. On the rear face of the digital camera 10, an LCD monitor 102, a speaker 104, a display button 126 for switching the LCD monitor 102 on and off, a shift button 124, a mode dial 120, and a joystick 122 are provided. The mode dial 120 is an annular member that selects one of a plurality of modes by a rotating operation. Joystick 122 is provided in the ring of mode dial 120. The joystick 122 is a movable operation member that is moved toward one of a plurality of movable directions on the rotation surface of the mode dial 120. The joystick 122 is moved to accept an operation corresponding to the mode selected by the mode dial 120 (mode-compatible operation). The joystick 122 includes a rod-like member whose end is movable toward the movable direction.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, a joystick 122 that can move in a desired direction is used as an operation member. Therefore, a more intuitive operation can be expected as compared with a cross key or the like that needs to move a finger in a desired direction and press it further vertically.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the mode dial 120 and the joystick 122 in FIG. On the surface of the mode dial 120, symbol marks indicating a plurality of modes are drawn in a circular pattern. The user selects the mode by rotating the mode dial 120 and aligning one of the plurality of symbol marks with the mark 128. Examples of the plurality of modes include a self-timer shooting mode, a setup mode, a manual shooting mode, an auto shooting mode, and a playback mode.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mode dial 120 and the joystick 122. The joystick 122 in this embodiment is formed by attaching a substantially wide disk-like member in parallel with the mode dial 120 to the upper end of a rod-like member that can move in a desired direction of movement. The user moves the entire joystick 122 in a desired direction while pressing the upper surface of the disk-shaped member with a finger. The lower end of the rod-shaped member of the joystick 122 is attached within the ring of the mode dial 120. The joystick 122 is a member that can be installed in the ring of the mode dial 120 with an area independent of the number of movable directions of the joystick 122. Although the joystick 122 in this embodiment is located below the upper surface level of the mode dial 120 as shown in the drawing, the joystick 122 may protrude from the upper surface level of the mode dial 120.
[0045]
Thus, the joystick 122 is provided in the ring of the mode dial 120. Therefore, the space near the rotation axis of the mode dial 120 can be used effectively, and there is no need to provide a separate space for arranging the joystick 122.
[0046]
The joystick 122 is a member that can be installed in the ring of the mode dial 120 with an area independent of the number of moving directions of the joystick 122. That is, the installation area is narrower than a member such as a cross key that requires an installation area corresponding to the number of movable directions. Therefore, the diameter of the mode dial 120 can be made smaller than when the cross key is installed in the ring of the mode dial 120.
[0047]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of the mode dial 120 and the joystick 122. A support base 130 that supports the mode dial 120 is provided below the mode dial 120. The support pedestal 130 is formed of a substantially disk-shaped annular member, and the upper surface thereof contacts the lower surface of the mode dial 120 to support the mode dial 120. A direction piezoelectric element 132, a support board 134, and a fixing screw 136 are provided in the ring of the support base 130. The direction piezoelectric element 132 is electrically connected to each part via the transmission member 140. The transmission member 140 protrudes from the inside of the support pedestal 130 to the outside. The transmission member 140 may be a flexible substrate, for example. A pedestal arm 130 a is provided below the support pedestal 130.
[0048]
A cover member 152 is provided below the support base 130. The cover member 152 is attached to the lower end portion of the base arm 130a. The cover member 152 is an openable / closable member that covers the joystick 122.
[0049]
(A) shows the state in which the cover member 152 was opened. (B) shows a state in which the cover member 152 is closed. The cover member 152 covers the joystick 122 when the mode is set so that the operation of the joystick 122 is unnecessary, thereby preventing an erroneous operation or damage by the user. The cover member 152 may have a symmetrical shape around the point, for example, a spherical shape. The cover member 152 may have a symmetric shape, for example, a cylindrical shape with the line as the central axis. The cover member 152 has a cover arm 152 a at the lower part thereof, and opens and closes by rotation about the rotation shaft 154. The cover arm 152 a is attached to the lower end portion of the pedestal side arm 130 a of the support pedestal 130. When the support base 130 is pushed vertically, the cover member 152 in (a) is in the closed state (b) while rotating around the rotation shaft 154. The upper surface of the support base 130 is separated from the lower surface of the mode dial 120 to form a gap, and the cover member 152 enters the gap.
[0050]
The joystick 122 may be configured to descend with the supporting base 130 that descends. The joystick 122 accepts a mode corresponding operation in the raised state (accepting position). The joystick 122 regulates the mode corresponding operation in the lowered state (retracted position). The joystick 122 may be configured to move between the reception position and the retracted position in accordance with the mode selection operation by the 1-mode dial 120. The cover member 152 may be opened and closed according to the mode selection operation by the mode dial 120. The support pedestal 130 may move up and down according to the mode selection operation by the mode dial 120.
[0051]
As described above, the cover member 152 covers the joystick 122. Therefore, when the use of the joystick 122 is unnecessary, the exposure of the joystick 122 can be eliminated to prevent an erroneous operation or damage by the user.
[0052]
Further, the cover member 152 enters a gap formed between the mode dial 120 and the support base 130. Therefore, the cover member 152 can cover the joystick 122 without covering the mode dial 120.
[0053]
Also, the joystick 122 is lowered when its use is unnecessary. Therefore, the collision between the joystick 122 and the cover member 152 can be prevented without disturbing the opening / closing operation by the cover member 152.
[0054]
The cover member 152 opens and closes according to the mode selection operation by the mode dial 120. Therefore, the cover member 152 can be automatically closed when a mode that does not require the use of the joystick 122 is selected.
[0055]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an attachment structure of the joystick 122. Below the joystick 122, a direction piezoelectric element 132, a support board 134, a fixing screw 136, and a confirmation switch 138 are provided. The direction piezoelectric elements 132 are attached to the four sides of the lower end of the rod-shaped member of the joystick 122 (direction piezoelectric elements 132a to 132d). The support board 134 is provided with a hole in the substantially center, and the lower end portion of the rod-shaped member of the joystick 122 is inserted through this hole. The fixing screw 136 is attached on the confirmation switch 138. The lower end portion of the rod-shaped member of the joystick 122 is fixed to the fixing screw 136 from above. On the upper surface of the confirmation switch 138, a confirmation piezoelectric element 138a is provided.
[0056]
When the joystick 122 is operated in all directions, a pressing force is applied to the direction piezoelectric element 132. The direction piezoelectric element 132 detects a pressing force and detects a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. In which direction the joystick 122 is moved is detected according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the direction piezoelectric elements 132a to 132d.
[0057]
Joystick 122 can be pressed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface of mode dial 120. The pressing operation of the joystick 122 may be an operation for determining the content of the user-corresponding operation. When the joystick 122 is pressed vertically, a pressing force is applied to the determining piezoelectric element 138a through the fixing screw 136. The content of the user-corresponding operation may be determined only when a pressing force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied. In order to distinguish from the operation to the movable direction, a threshold value different from the threshold value of the pressing force to the direction piezoelectric element 132 may be set.
[0058]
In this way, the mode-corresponding operation can be confirmed by pressing the joystick 122 vertically. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a mode-compatible operation confirmation button on the camera, and the space on the back of the camera can be saved. Moreover, since the attachment position of the confirmation button is not separated from the joystick 122, operability can be improved.
[0059]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the joystick 122 and the support base 130. A hole is provided in the side surface of the support base 130, and the transmission member 140 protrudes to the outside through this hole. The transmission member 140 is mainly formed of a deformable member such as a resin film. The transmission member 140 has a margin in its length. Therefore, the support base 130 or the joystick 122 can be moved according to the vertical movement, and the electrical connection state can be maintained.
[0060]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the process execution unit 300. The process execution unit 300 executes a process according to the operation of the mode dial 120 and the like included in the function setting unit 116. Various functions of the processing execution unit 300 are realized by the imaging CPU 50, the main CPU 62, and the like.
[0061]
The process execution unit 300 includes a mode determination unit 302, a direction determination unit 304, a confirmation operation determination unit 306, a shift operation determination unit 307, a mode-compatible operation determination unit 308, an image processing unit 310, a cursor position determination unit 312, and an imaging condition determination unit. 314 and a reproduction control unit 316 are included.
[0062]
The mode determination unit 302 determines a mode according to mode selection by the mode dial 120. The direction determining unit 304 determines which direction is indicated by the joystick 122. The confirmation operation determination unit 306 monitors whether the joystick 122 has been pressed vertically. The shift operation determination unit 307 monitors whether the shift button 124 has been pressed.
[0063]
The mode corresponding operation determination unit 308 determines the processing content to be executed according to the direction determined by the direction determination unit 304. The processing content is determined according to the mode determined by the mode determination unit 302. The mode-corresponding operation determination unit 308 may change the processing content depending on whether the shift button 124 is pressed. The confirmation operation determination unit 306 confirms the processing content determined by the mode corresponding operation determination unit 308.
[0064]
The image processing unit 310 processes the captured image according to the processing content determined by the mode corresponding operation determination unit 308. The image processing unit 310 may change the speed of image processing based on the movement amount of the joystick 122.
[0065]
The cursor position determination unit 312 determines the display or non-display of the cursor on the screen of the LCD monitor 102, the coordinate position of the cursor, and the like according to the processing content determined by the mode corresponding operation determination unit 308. The cursor position determination unit 312 may change the speed of cursor movement based on the amount of movement of the joystick 122.
[0066]
The shooting condition determination unit 314 determines the shooting condition based on the processing content determined by the mode corresponding operation determination unit 308. The shooting condition determination unit 314 may change the speed of the shooting condition change process based on the movement amount of the joystick 122. For example, the shooting condition determination unit 314 may change the zoom movement speed based on the movement amount of the joystick 122. In the case of moving image shooting or voice recording, the shooting condition determination unit 314 may change the left / right balance of stereo recording based on an operation with the joystick 122.
[0067]
The playback control unit 316 controls the playback of information such as images and sounds based on the processing content determined by the mode corresponding operation determination unit 308. The playback control unit 316 may control processes such as forward playback, reverse playback, fast forward, rewind, and stop according to the direction of the joystick 122 and the like. The playback control unit 316 may change the speed of information playback based on the amount of movement of the joystick 122. For example, the playback control unit 316 may change the speed of video playback based on the amount of movement of the joystick 122. The playback control unit 316 may change the speed of music playback based on the amount of movement of the joystick 122.
[0068]
The playback control unit 316 may change the left / right balance of the stereo sound, the pitch of the sound, and the like according to the direction of the joystick 122.
[0069]
FIG. 11 is a diagram exemplifying a setup screen displayed on the LCD monitor 102. For example, when the setup mode is selected by the mode dial 120, the screen of FIG. 11 is displayed. The LCD monitor 102 displays setup condition options in a matrix. Examples of setup conditions include quality, pixel, sharpness, and auto power off. The user selects each option on the setup screen by operating the joystick 122 and moving the cursor 190. The selected option is displayed in a shaded or inverted manner to notify the user of the selected state.
[0070]
The cursor position determination unit 312 changes the position coordinates of the cursor 190 on the screen according to the direction determined by the direction determination unit 304. The cursor position determination unit 312 may determine a process for selecting and displaying options existing at the coordinate position of the cursor.
[0071]
In this way, the user freely moves the cursor 190 up and down, left and right, and diagonally with the joystick 122. Therefore, each option can be selected promptly.
[0072]
Image quality setting will be described as an example of mode-compatible operation. The user operates the joystick 122 to move the cursor 190 to select “FINE”, “NORMAL”, or “BASIC”. The image processing unit 310 determines a compression rate according to the user's selection.
[0073]
As another example of the mode-compatible operation, image resolution setting will be described. The user selects either “1280 × 1024” or “640 × 480” by moving the cursor 190 by operating the joystick 122. The shooting condition determination unit 314 determines the resolution according to the user's selection.
[0074]
FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying a shooting condition setting screen displayed on the LCD monitor 102. For example, when the manual shooting mode is selected with the mode dial 120, the screen of FIG. 12 is displayed. The user operates the joystick 122 to move the cursor 190, thereby setting white balance (WB), exposure correction (sun mark), strobe 36 brightness correction (lightning bolt mark), and continuous shooting (overlapping). Each of the photo marks) can be set.
[0075]
For example, in the case of setting the exposure correction, the user can move the joystick 122 with the cursor 190 and change the exposure value every 0.3 EV value. The shooting condition determination unit 314 determines the aperture value and the shutter speed according to the user's selection.
[0076]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a zoom operation guide 180 displayed on the LCD monitor 102. When changing the zoom magnification, the zoom operation guide 180 is displayed on the screen. The zoom operation guide 180 informs the user of the direction assignment of the joystick 122 in the zoom magnification changing operation. For example, when the joystick 122 is moved upward, a zoom-in operation is performed, and when the joystick 122 is moved downward, a zoom-out operation is performed. The shooting condition determination unit 314 determines the zoom magnification according to the operation by the user.
[0077]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a playback screen displayed on the LCD monitor 102. The user can move the cursor 190 to select a rectangle in the screen. For example, a part of the image may be selected as a rectangle and trimmed. The image processing unit 310 trims the captured image according to the user's selection. The cursor position determination unit 312 may change the moving speed of the cursor 190 according to the movement amount of the joystick 122.
[0078]
(Second Embodiment)
The basic configuration and functions of the digital camera 10 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cover member 152 in this embodiment can be opened and closed in conjunction with the mode dial 120.
[0079]
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 in the second embodiment. The cover member 152 is attached to the lower part of the mode dial 120 and opens and closes in conjunction with the rotation of the mode dial 120. The mode dial 120 has a dial arm 120a at the lower part thereof. A protrusion 120b is provided at the lower end of the dial arm 120a.
[0080]
A slit 152b is provided at the end of the cover arm 152a of the cover member 152. The protrusion 120b of the dial arm 120a is slidably engaged with the slit 152b of the cover arm 152a. As a result, the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 are connected to each other with their arms engaged with each other. When the mode dial 120 rotates, the cover member 152 opens and closes. When the mode dial 120 moves in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (from the left side to the right), the cover member 152 moves in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (from the lower side to the upper side) around the rotation shaft 154.
[0081]
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 in the second embodiment. When the mode dial 120 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure (counterclockwise), the cover member 152 is centered on the rotation shaft 154 through the engagement of the protrusion 120b and the slit 152b (downward in the figure). Move from side to top). The cover member 152 may cover the joystick 122 when the characters “OFF” on the mode dial 120 are aligned with the mark 128.
[0082]
As described above, in this embodiment, the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 are mechanically engaged with each other, and no electrical configuration is used. Therefore, the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 can be interlocked with a simple configuration.
[0083]
(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a cross key 400 is provided around the joystick 122.
[0084]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the mode dial 120, the joystick 122, and the cross key 400 according to the present embodiment. The function of the cross key 400 may be the same as the function of the joystick 122. The user may operate the joystick 122 and the cross key 400 separately. For example, when the cursor 190 is moved on the screen, the joystick 122 may be operated when a large movement or continuous movement is desired. Conversely, for example, when the user wants to make a fine movement, the cross key 400 may be used. In another form, a function different from the function of the joystick 122 may be assigned to the cross key 400.
[0085]
Thus, by providing the cross key 400, a complicated operation can be performed.
[0086]
(Fourth embodiment)
The joystick 122 in this embodiment has a confirmation button 123 on its upper surface. In the first embodiment, the entire joystick 122 can be pressed, but in the present embodiment, the entire joystick 122 is not pressed. Confirmation of the user-corresponding operation is realized by pressing the confirm button 123.
[0087]
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the joystick 122. A hole is provided in the approximate center of the upper surface of the disk-shaped member of the joystick 122. A confirmation button 123 is provided inside the hole. The pressing operation of the confirmation button 123 performs the same function as the pressing operation of the entire joystick 122 in the first embodiment.
[0088]
According to the present embodiment, since the presence of the confirmation button 123 is apparent in appearance, a more intuitive operation can be expected.
[0089]
(Fifth embodiment)
In this embodiment, a trackball is used as an example of the movable operation member. The trackball is one of rotating members that can rotate toward a movable direction while maintaining a position.
[0090]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the digital camera 10 provided with the trackball 402. The trackball 402 is provided in the ring of the mode dial 120. When the trackball 402 is rotated by a user operation, the process execution unit 300 executes a process according to the direction of rotation and the amount of rotation.
[0091]
Similar to the joystick 122, the trackball 402 is a member that can be installed in the ring of the mode dial 120 with an area independent of the number of moving directions of the trackball 402. That is, the installation area is narrower than a member such as a cross key that requires an installation area corresponding to the number of movable directions. Therefore, the diameter of the mode dial 120 can be made smaller than when the cross key is installed in the ring of the mode dial 120.
[0092]
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the trackball 402 and the mode dial 120. The trackball 402 is provided in the ring of the support base 130. A part of the spherical surface of the trackball 402 is exposed to the outside from the annular portion of the support base 130. The configuration may be such that the content of the user-corresponding operation is confirmed by pressing the trackball 402 perpendicularly to the rotation surface of the mode dial 120. The process execution unit 300 may change the speed of process execution according to the amount of movement of the trackball 402 per unit time.
[0093]
(Sixth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a substantially wide cylindrical wheel 620 is used as an example of the movable operation member. The wheel 620 is one of the rotating members that can rotate toward the movable direction while maintaining the position.
[0094]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the mode dial 120 and the wheel 620. The wheel 620 is provided in the ring of the mode dial 120. The wheel 620 has a substantially long cylindrical shape. While the trackball can rotate in all directions, the wheel 620 can only rotate in two directions. The wheel 620 can indicate at least two directions by rotating in two directions.
[0095]
The wheel 620 can press both ends of the cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction in a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface of the mode dial 120. Each of both ends may be independently pressed with the vicinity of the center of the wheel 620 as a fulcrum. The wheel 620 can further indicate two directions different from the rotation direction by pressing both ends. That is, the wheel 620 can indicate four directions by rotation and pressing.
[0096]
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the wheel 620. On the circular end surface of the wheel 620, the reflection plate 626 may be attached radially around the rotation axis 624. The encoder 650 detects the reflected light of the reflection plate 626 and detects the rotation direction of the wheel 620 and the rotation amount per unit time.
[0097]
FIG. 23 is a view showing a mounting structure of the wheel 620. The wheel 620 is housed in a wheel housing portion 640 provided at the lower part of the mode dial 120. An end portion of the rotation shaft 624 is attached to the inner wall surface of the wheel housing portion 640. A wheel piezoelectric element 660 is provided below the wheel housing portion 640. The wheel piezoelectric element 660 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting plate 630. When the user presses the wheel 620 perpendicularly to the rotation surface of the mode dial 120, the wheel housing portion 640 presses the wheel piezoelectric element 660.
[0098]
FIG. 24 is a side view of the wheel 620. Wheel piezoelectric elements 660 and 662 are disposed below both longitudinal ends of the wheel 620. The wheel accommodating portion 640 is supported on the upper surface of the mounting plate 630 via a spring 670. When one of the longitudinal ends of the wheel 620 is pressed vertically, a pressing force is applied to either the wheel piezoelectric element 660 or 662 with the spring 670 as a fulcrum. The process execution unit 300 executes a predetermined process according to the pressing force applied to the wheel piezoelectric element 660 or 662.
[0099]
(Seventh embodiment)
The wheel 620 in the present embodiment has a flat disk shape that is shorter in the direction perpendicular to the rotation surface than the wheel 620 in the sixth embodiment. The wheel 620 is one of the rotating members that can rotate toward the movable direction while maintaining the position.
[0100]
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a wheel 620 in the seventh embodiment. The wheel 620 in the present embodiment can indicate not only two directions by rotating, but can also indicate two directions by moving the end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface. For example, the wheel 620 may rotate in the up / down direction and can be instructed in all directions by tilting in the left / right direction.
[0101]
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the inclination of the wheel 620. The wheel 620 is rotatably supported on the inner wall surface of the wheel housing portion 640 via the rotation shaft 624. The wheel 620 is supported such that an end portion thereof is movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface. The end portion of the wheel 620 is moved in the left-right direction to press the inner wall piezoelectric elements 760 and 762 installed on the inner wall surface of the wheel housing portion 640. The direction determining unit 304 may determine the left and right directions according to the pressing force.
[0102]
(Eighth embodiment)
The wheel 620 in this embodiment is different from the seventh embodiment in its mounting structure.
[0103]
27 and 28 are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, illustrating the mounting structure of the wheel 620. A support shaft 724 is attached to the frame body 780. The wheel 620 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 624.
[0104]
The frame body 780 is made of an elastic member, and when the user tilts the wheel 720, the frame body 780 is also deformed and tilted. The tilted frame body 780 applies a pressing force to one of the switches 760 and 762 in FIG. 27 to indicate the direction.
[0105]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the joystick 122 that can move in a desired direction is used as the operation member. Therefore, a more intuitive operation can be expected as compared with a cross key or the like that needs to move a finger in a desired direction and press it further vertically.
[0106]
A joystick 122 is provided in the ring of the mode dial 120. Therefore, the space near the rotation axis of the mode dial 120 can be used effectively, and there is no need to provide a separate space for arranging the joystick 122.
[0107]
The joystick 122 is a member that can be installed in the ring of the mode dial 120 with an area independent of the number of moving directions of the joystick 122. That is, the installation area is narrower than a member such as a cross key that requires an installation area corresponding to the number of movable directions. Therefore, the diameter of the mode dial 120 can be made smaller than when the cross key is installed in the ring of the mode dial 120.
[0108]
The cover member 152 covers the joystick 122. Therefore, when the use of the joystick 122 is unnecessary, the exposure of the joystick 122 can be eliminated to prevent an erroneous operation or damage by the user.
[0109]
Further, the cover member 152 enters a gap formed between the mode dial 120 and the support base 130. Therefore, the cover member 152 can cover the joystick 122 without covering the mode dial 120.
[0110]
Also, the joystick 122 is lowered when its use is unnecessary. Therefore, the collision between the joystick 122 and the cover member 152 can be prevented without disturbing the opening / closing operation by the cover member 152.
[0111]
The cover member 152 opens and closes according to the mode selection operation by the mode dial 120. Therefore, the cover member 152 can be automatically closed when a mode that does not require the use of the joystick 122 is selected.
[0112]
Further, the mode corresponding operation can be confirmed by pressing the joystick 122 vertically. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a mode-compatible operation confirmation button on the camera, and the space on the back of the camera can be saved. Moreover, since the attachment position of the confirmation button is not separated from the joystick 122, operability can be improved.
[0113]
The display of the currently selected condition or option is freely moved up and down, left and right and diagonally by the joystick 122. Therefore, each option can be selected promptly.
[0114]
In the second embodiment, the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 are mechanically engaged and no electrical configuration is used. Therefore, the mode dial 120 and the cover member 152 can be interlocked with a simple configuration.
[0115]
In the third embodiment, since the cross key 400 is further provided, a complicated operation is also possible.
[0116]
In the fourth embodiment, a confirmation button 123 is provided on the upper surface of the joystick 122. Therefore, since the presence of the confirmation button 123 is apparent in appearance, a more intuitive operation can be expected.
[0117]
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the scope of claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0118]
As such a modification, for example, in the first embodiment, a total of four directional piezoelectric elements 132a to 132d are provided, but the number of piezoelectric elements may be further increased. As the number of piezoelectric elements increases, the indicated direction can be easily detected.
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a digital camera having a simple operation system can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital camera 10;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a function setting unit 116 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the front side of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the back side of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment.
5 is an enlarged view of a mode dial 120 and a joystick 122 in FIG.
6 is a perspective view of a mode dial 120 and a joystick 122. FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a mode dial 120 and a joystick 122. FIG.
8 is a perspective view illustrating an attachment structure of a joystick 122. FIG.
9 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a joystick 122 and a support base 130. FIG.
10 is a functional block diagram showing a process execution unit 300. FIG.
11 is a diagram exemplifying a setup screen displayed on the LCD monitor 102. FIG.
12 is a diagram exemplifying a shooting condition setting screen displayed on the LCD monitor 102. FIG.
13 is a diagram illustrating a zoom operation guide 180 displayed on the LCD monitor 102. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a playback screen displayed on the LCD monitor.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a mode dial 120 and a cover member 152 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a mode dial 120 and a cover member 152 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a mode dial 120, a joystick 122, and a cross key 400 according to the present embodiment.
18 is a perspective view showing a joystick 122. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the digital camera 10 provided with a trackball 402. FIG.
20 is a perspective view showing a trackball 402 and a mode dial 120. FIG.
21 is a perspective view of a mode dial 120 and a wheel 620. FIG.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a wheel 620. FIG.
23 is a view showing a mounting structure of a wheel 620. FIG.
24 is a side view of the wheel 620. FIG.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a wheel 620 according to the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the inclination of a wheel 620. FIG.
27 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting structure of a wheel 620. FIG.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of a wheel 620. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital camera
20 Shooting unit
40 Shooting control unit
50 Shooting CPU
60 processing units
62 Main CPU
68 Main memory
100 playback unit
110 Operation unit
116 Function setting section
120 Mode dial
122 Joystick
130 Support base
132 Piezoelectric element for direction
134 Support stand
136 Fixed screw
138 Confirmation switch
140 Transmission member
152 Cover member
190 cursor
300 Process execution unit
402 trackball
620 wheel

Claims (2)

A mode dial that is an annular member that selects one of a plurality of modes by a rotation operation;
A wheel provided in the ring of the mode dial and having a flat disk shape;
A wheel housing portion for housing the wheel;
Two inner wall piezoelectric elements installed on the inner wall surface of the wheel housing portion;
A frame made of an elastic member and deformed and tilted by tilting the wheel;
With
The wheel is provided so as to be able to indicate two directions by rotating, and further provided to be capable of indicating two directions by being tilted in a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface of the wheel,
A digital camera in which a pressing force is applied from the frame to one of the two inner wall piezoelectric elements by tilting the wheel. A mode dial that is an annular member that selects one of a plurality of modes by a rotation operation;
A wheel provided in the ring of the mode dial and having a flat disk shape;
A wheel housing portion for housing the wheel;
Two inner wall piezoelectric elements installed on the inner wall surface of the wheel housing portion;
A frame made of an elastic member and deformed and tilted by tilting the wheel;
With
The wheel is provided so as to be able to indicate two directions by rotating, and further provided to be capable of indicating two directions by being tilted in a direction perpendicular to the rotation surface of the wheel,
An operation unit in which a pressing force is applied from the frame to one of the two inner wall piezoelectric elements by tilting the wheel.

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