JPH0980577A - Information setting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set various kinds of information with a simple operation without requiring any complex operations and to reduce operation member costs and to save space. SOLUTION: This information setting device is provided with an operating means 4 having a plurality of operating positions and manually operated in any one of the plurality of operating positions, operating position detecting means 25 and 26 for detecting which one of the plurality of operating positions is used for the operation and manipulated variable detecting means 27 for detecting a direction for the operation of the operating means 4 and the manipulated variable and information is set, based on the outputs of the operating position detecting means 25 and 26 and the manipulated variable detecting means 27.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information setting device most suitable for an operation dial for setting various information of a camera or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent cameras and the like, there is a tendency that a digital dial is frequently used to set a shutter time, an aperture and the like. It is not a pure analog type dedicated dial for setting a single function like the conventional shutter dial.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 5, the setting contents are updated by detecting the direction of the operated dial and its rotation amount.

The operation dial described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-210425 is updated by selecting the function to be changed with the operation button on the rewind side and rotating the dial 15 or 30. At this time, the function being changed and the setting contents thereof can be visually recognized on the winding side LCD. Further, if the operation button is not pressed, the dial 15 can directly set the shutter time, and the dial 30 can directly set the aperture value. Inside the dial 15 or 30, two sets of contacts having different phases can rotate in conjunction with each other, and the structure is such that the rotation direction of the dial and the rotation amount thereof can be detected.

According to this method, a dial can be commonly used for any setting by simply preparing a display segment corresponding to an operation button for a desired function on the LCD, and the operability can be simplified. Become. There is also an effect that the setting itself of the setting contents can be approximated to analog feeling.

[0005]

Since the above-mentioned conventional operation dial requires two dials, it is necessary to prepare two sets of the detection contact, the interlocking member and the board related thereto. This hinders downsizing and cost reduction of the camera, and the problem that the dials are separated from each other makes the camera complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and various information can be set by a simple operation without requiring a complicated operation, and the cost of the operating member and the space saving can be achieved. The purpose is to

[0007]

In order to achieve this object, the information setting device of the present invention has a plurality of operating positions,
The operation means (4, 50) manually operated at any of the plurality of operation positions, and the operation position detection means (25, at which one of the plurality of operation positions is operated).
26, 52) and operation amount detection means (27) for detecting the direction and the amount of operation of the operation means,
Based on the output of the operation position detection means and the operation amount detection means,
It is configured to set information.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In a camera according to the present invention,
With the operation dial capable of detecting the position of the fingertip being operated at at least two places, it becomes possible to select the information of the mode corresponding to the fingertip position and set the information based on the rotation direction and its amount.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first information setting device according to the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing an example.

In FIG. 1, a lens 9 is attached to a camera 1, and an exposure operation is performed by pressing a release button 2 while looking through a finder 7. LC on top of dial 5
D3 is provided, and the dial 4 partially projects in the front-rear direction. Various exposure conditions are L
It can be changed by turning dial 5 with your fingertips while watching CD3. At this time, the exposure condition to be changed differs depending on whether the fingertip is applied from the front portion 5 of the dial 5 or the rear portion 6. In the case of the present embodiment, an example in which the aperture value is changed when a finger is put on the front part 5 and the dial 4 is turned, and conversely, the shutter time is changed when a finger is put on the rear part 6 and the dial 4 is turned. Will be described.

The exposure mode can be changed by turning the dial 5 while pressing the mode button 8. The operation position of the dial 4 at this time may be either the front part 5 or the rear part 6.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the winding side portion of the camera 1. As mentioned above, LC to cover dial 4
D3 is provided, and a part of the dial 4 projects from the front portion 5 and the rear portion 6. These front part 5 or rear part 6 can be rotated with a fingertip. LCD
3 has three types of segments. The segment 10 displays the aperture value, the segment 11 displays the shutter time, and the segment 12 displays the exposure mode.

In FIG. 3, the thumb 15 is attached to the rear portion 6 of the dial 4.
Shows the situation where you apply and rotate. By recognizing the thumb 15 (recognizing that a finger is placed on the rear part 6), L
On CD3, segments 10 and 12 are erased,
Only the shutter time by segment 11 is displayed. In this state, turning dial 4 can change the set value of the shutter time.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the index finger 16 is put on the front portion 5 of the dial 4 and rotated. Forefinger 16
Is recognized (recognizing that a finger is placed on the front portion 5), the segments 11 and 12 are erased on the LCD 3, and only the aperture value of the segment 10 is displayed.
In this state, turning the dial 4 can change the set value of the aperture value.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the thumb 15 is put on the rear portion 6 of the dial 4 and rotated while pushing the mode button 8 with the left hand. By recognizing that the mode button 8 is pressed, the segments 10 and 11 are erased on the LCD 3 and only the exposure mode by the segment 12 is displayed. In this state, turning dial 4 can change the setting value of the exposure mode. At this time, the exposure mode can be changed by rotating the front portion 5 using the index finger 16. That is, when the dial 4 is operated while pressing the mode button 8 with the left hand, the mode is not discriminated by whether the finger is placed on the front portion 5 or the rear portion 6, but the mode is not determined. It is also possible to make a determination.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the first embodiment in which the present invention is mechanically realized and the structure therebelow including the dial 4 is shown. This mechanism includes members (25, 26) that detect whether the rotating operation of the dial 4 is performed in the front portion 5 or the rear portion 6, and a member (25, 26) that detects the rotating direction and the rotating amount of the dial 4 ( 27) and.

The board 20 is provided with a sliding pattern, a wiring pattern, a soldering pattern, etc. on its upper surface.
A dial 4 is rotatably supported at its center. Three brushes 27A and 27 are provided on the back surface of the dial 4.
B and 27C are fixed and move on a sliding pattern (not shown) on the substrate 20 in association with the rotation of the dial 4. The relationship between the brushes 27A, 27B, and 27C and the sliding pattern, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-210425, is such that two signals with different phases are output so that the direction of rotation of the dial 4 is You can get both the amount and the amount. Brush 27A, 27
A signal obtained from the positional relationship between B and 27C and the sliding pattern is transmitted to a control circuit (not shown) via soldering patterns 29A, 29B, and 29C. One of these three patterns is the ground potential.

The substrate 20 is displaceable in the front-rear direction (vertical direction in FIG. 6) about the shaft 21. In the normal state, it is sandwiched between the two springs 22A and 22B to maintain a neutral state. Here, the springs 22A and 22B exert downward and upward biasing forces on the substrate 20, respectively, but the displacements of the springs 22A and 22B are limited by the pins 23A and 23B, respectively.

When the dial 4 is operated with a finger as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the substrate 20 rotates downward or upward about the shaft 21 against the spring 22A or 22B. Regarding the rotation angle, the pin 24A or 24
Limited by B. The rotation direction of the substrate 20 is detected by the brush 25A or 25B and the sliding pattern 26A or 2
It can be detected by the contact relationship with 6B. Brush 25A here
And 25B are fixed to the camera 1 and are at ground potential. For example, when the dial 4 is operated downward with the index finger 15 as shown in FIG. 4, the substrate 20 also moves downward and the brush 2
5B and the sliding pattern 26B come into contact, and the sliding pattern 26
B is set to the ground potential. The sliding patterns 26A and 26B are transmitted to a control circuit (not shown) via wiring patterns (not shown) and soldering patterns 28A and 28B.

FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. The dial 4 is fixed to the upper portion of the substrate 20 by a member (not shown). The brush 27 that is interlocked with the rotation of the dial 4 and the fixed brush 25 come into contact with the sliding patterns facing each other on the substrate 20. A biasing force of the substrate 20 in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface) is applied by a spring 22, and its movement is restricted by pins 23 and 24.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an electric circuit used in the camera 1. Power is supplied to this circuit from a battery (not shown). The entire camera 1 is controlled by the CPU 44, and the CPU 44 has the following input signals.

A photometric signal relating to the brightness of the subject is input from the light receiving element 40, and a sensitivity signal of the loaded film is input from the film sensitivity detection circuit 41. From the switch group 42, commands or status signals from the shutter button 2 (FIG. 3), the mode button 8, a sequence switch (not shown), etc. are input.

Further, a signal related to the brushes 25A and 25B, that is, a signal indicating the direction in which the dial 4 is pressed is input. In addition, brushes 27A, 27B, and 2
A signal involving 7C, that is, a signal indicating the rotating direction of the dial 4 and its amount is input. Furthermore, various data including the setting conditions stored in the storage circuit 43 is also fetched.

On the other hand, the output from the CPU 44 includes the following.

Various data including setting conditions are directly output to the storage circuit 43. In addition, the LCD 3 is driven via the interface circuit 45 to notify the photographer of setting conditions, warnings, and the like. Further, the shutter 46 is opened and closed to control the exposure time. The diaphragm 47 in the lens 9 is driven to control the amount of passing light. The motor 48 is turned on and off to control film winding and rewinding.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a processing program executed by the circuit shown in FIG. It is repeatedly executed by power supply from a battery (not shown).

When the program starts, step S
In 1, the subject brightness signal from the light receiving element 40 is obtained. In step S2, the sensitivity signal of the film loaded in the camera 1 is obtained from the film sensitivity detection circuit 41. In step S3, various conditions necessary for the exposure calculation such as the previously set exposure mode stored in the storage circuit 43 are read. In step S4, various kinds of information obtained above are calculated to calculate a proper exposure condition.
In step S5, the LCD 3 displays the exposure conditions and the exposure mode that have been obtained. As described above, when the power is turned on, the display based on the exposure mode set before the power is turned on is once displayed.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the mode button 8 is pressed, that is, whether or not it is in the operation state shown in FIG. If it is pressed (step S), the process jumps to step 11. In step S7, it is determined whether only the signal related to the brush 25A is obtained in the state where the mode button 8 is not pressed, that is, whether the operation state is as shown in FIG. If pressed, jump to S10. In step S8, it is determined whether only the signal related to the brush 25B is obtained in the state where the mode button 8 is not pressed, that is, whether the operation state is as shown in FIG. If pressed, jump to S9.

In step S9, only the segment 12 is displayed as shown in FIG. 4 to notify that the exposure mode is changed. In step S10, only the segment 11 is displayed as shown in FIG. 3 to notify that the shutter time is being changed. In step S11, only the segment 12 is displayed as shown in FIG. 5 to notify that the aperture value is being changed.

After passing through (step S) 9 to (step S) 11, it is determined in step S12 whether the dial 4 has been rotated to output any pulse.
If no pulse is output, that is, if the mode button 8 is pressed or the dial 4 is moved, the process jumps to step S21.

In step S13, since the dial 4 is rotated and the pulse is generated, the rotation direction of the dial 4 is judged by judging the phase condition thereof. For example, when the rotation direction is to the right, a process of increasing the shutter time is selected, and conversely, when the rotation direction is to the left, a process of delaying the shutter time is selected. In step S14, the rotation amount of the dial 4 is determined. If the amount of rotation is small, for example, the amount of change in shutter time is set to 1/3 step, and conversely, if it is large, to 3 steps is selected.

In step S15, (step S)
13 or (step S) 14 is the brush 25A.
To determine what was done only in relation to. This corresponds to FIG. In step S16, (step S) 13
Alternatively, (step S) it is determined whether the process in 14 is performed only for the brush 25B. This corresponds to FIG.

At step S17, the shutter time is updated by the segment 11 because it corresponds to FIG. In step S18, it is determined that neither (step S) 15 nor (step S) 16, that is, the brush 2
Since it is determined that each of 5A and 25B has not been processed alone, that is, the processing using the mode button 8 together, the exposure mode is updated by the segment 12, which corresponds to FIG. In step S19,
Since this corresponds to FIG. 4, the aperture value is updated by the segment 10. In step S20, (step S) 1
The latest value updated by any one of 7 to 19 is stored in the storage circuit 4.
Write to 3. This value is read out again and used in the next processing of (step S) 3.

In step S21, it is determined whether or not the release button 2 has been pressed. If it has not been pressed (step S), the process returns to 1 and the above process is repeated. In step S22, since the release button 2 has been pressed, the exposure operation is executed. Although the exposure operation is publicly known, detailed description thereof will be omitted, but the diaphragm 47 in FIG. 8 is set to a predetermined value, the shutter 46 is opened for a predetermined time to expose the film, and then the motor 48 is rotated to move the film one frame. It is an operation to wind up by a minute. After that, the process returns to (step S) 1 and the above process is repeated.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the camera 1 according to the second embodiment, which electrically detects whether the fingertip is applied from the front or the rear of the dial. The same reference numerals are given to those having the same functions as those in FIGS.

In the first embodiment, the pressure applied to rotate the dial 4 with the thumb 15 or the like is detected by converting it into a mechanical displacement. In the present embodiment, the contact with the dial 50 is electrically detected. It is detected. The principle is as follows.

Below the dial 50, convex portions slightly larger than the outer shape of the dial 50, that is, a rear convex portion 51A and a front convex portion 51B are provided at two positions as shown in the figure. The electrode 52A is provided on the rear convex portion 51A, and the electrode 52 is provided on the front convex portion 51B.
It is provided so that B is exposed. As will be described later, the electrodes 52A and 52B are arranged so that when the dial 50 is rotated by the index finger 16 or the thumb 15, respectively.
It is provided at a position where one of the fingers comes into contact with the surface of the electrode, and the state of the electrode can be discriminated by an internal circuit.

FIG. 11 is an external view when the dial 50 is about to be rotated by the thumb 15. Since the thumb 15 touches the edge of the dial 50 and touches the electrode 52B at the same time, its potential becomes the same as that of the thumb 15, that is, the body of the photographer. The photographer holds the camera 1 to determine the potential on the outer periphery of the camera 1. If the outer circumference of the camera 1, that is, the cover or the chassis is set to the ground potential of the internal circuit, the potential of the electrode 52B touched by the thumb 15 as described above also becomes the ground potential. Therefore, by discriminating the potentials of the electrodes 52A and 52B, it is possible to discriminate whether the thumb 15 or the forefinger 16 touched, or neither touched. The above operation is equivalent to that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

The display example on the LCD 3 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the first embodiment in that the changed portion is blinked. In FIG. 11, the mode in which the shutter time is changed because the thumb 15 touches the dial 50 is set, and the corresponding segment 11 blinks to notify that fact. This time,
The other segments 10 and 12 that are not related to the change display the previous state in the lit state.

FIG. 12 is a block connection diagram showing an electric circuit corresponding to the second embodiment. The same symbols are given to those having the same functions as those in FIG. Power is supplied to this circuit from a battery (not shown). The CPU 44 controls the entire camera 1. The CPU 44 has the following input signals.

First, the photometric signal relating to the brightness of the subject is input from the light receiving element 40, and the sensitivity signal of the loaded film is input from the film sensitivity detection circuit 41. Further, from the switch group 42, commands or status signals from the shutter button 2, the mode button 8, the sequence switch (not shown), etc. are input. In addition, electrodes 52A and 52
A signal related to B, that is, a signal indicating the position touched by the dial 50 is input. Furthermore, the brushes 27A, 27
Signals involving B and 27C, namely dial 4
A signal indicating the direction of rotation and the amount of rotation is input.
Further, various data including the setting conditions stored in the storage circuit 43 is fetched.

On the other hand, the output from the CPU 44 includes the following.

Various data including setting conditions are directly output to the memory circuit 43. The LCD 3 is driven via the interface circuit 45 to notify the photographer of setting conditions, warnings and the like. The shutter 46 is opened and closed to control the exposure time. The diaphragm 47 in the lens 9 is driven to control the amount of passing light. The motor 48 is turned on and off to control film winding and rewinding.

In the processing program corresponding to this figure, the brushes 25A and 25B in FIG.
And 52B are the same except that they are replaced by 52B, and thus will not be described in detail.

In this embodiment, dial 4 or 5
Although 0 is rotated at two places, the number of protrusions may be increased so that the dial can be rotated from more directions, or the entire dials 4 and 50 may be exposed without being covered. For example, when it is necessary to set a plurality of types of information by operation from four directions, it can be easily realized by increasing the number of display segments on the LCD 3 accordingly. For example, FIG. 13 or FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to detect whether or not the fingertip is applied at four places. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the first embodiment is modified so as to detect whether or not a fingertip is applied at four places, and FIG. 14 shows the second embodiment in which whether or not a fingertip is applied at four places is detected. The modified example is shown.

[0047]

As described above, according to the information setting device of the present invention, various information can be set by a simple operation without requiring a complicated operation, and the cost of the operating member and the space saving can be achieved. It is possible to plan.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block connection diagram showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view showing a second embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view showing a second embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block connection diagram showing a second embodiment of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view showing a modified example of the information setting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view showing a modified example of the information setting device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Camera 3 LCD 4, 50 Dial 8 Exposure Mode Button 10, 11, 12 Segment 25, 27 Brush 52 Electrode

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An operation unit having a plurality of operation positions, which is manually operated at any one of the plurality of operation positions, and an operation position detection unit for detecting at which one of the plurality of operation positions an operation is performed. And an operation amount detection unit that detects an operation direction and an operation amount of the operation unit, wherein information is set based on outputs of the operation position detection unit and the operation amount detection unit. Information setting device. 2. The operation position detecting means detects at which of the plurality of operation positions the operation is performed by a mechanical displacement of the operation means when manually operated. 1. The information setting device described in 1. 3. The operation position detecting means includes an electrode at each of the plurality of operation positions, and detects an electrode touched by a finger when manually operated, so that the operation position detection means can be operated at any of the plurality of operation positions. The information setting device according to claim 1, wherein it is detected whether an operation is performed. 4. The information setting device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is a dial that is rotated. 5. The information setting device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is a knob that is slidably operated. 6. The operating means includes a plurality of independent operating members, and the operating position detecting means detects which of the plurality of operating members has been operated. Information setting device.