Electronic apparatus
The electronic device uses non-contact sensors and controlled driving methods to address conductive wear debris issues, ensuring reliable detection with reduced power consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024029948
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-10
AI Technical Summary
Conductive wear debris generated by rotating contact members in electronic devices causes short circuits and reduces detection reliability, while existing systems consume excessive power for angular position detection.
An electronic device with a rotating member featuring reflective and non-reflective patterns on concentric circles, detected by non-contact sensors, and controlled by a system that selectively drives sensors based on rotational phase changes to reduce power consumption.
Maintains detection reliability while reducing power consumption by half through selective sensor driving.
Smart Images
Figure 2025132409000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, electronic devices such as imaging devices are provided with dial-type operating members for adjusting shooting modes and other settings. For example, some operating members are configured to rotate a phase contact by rotating it, thereby sliding the brush contact of the phase contact against the conductive pattern on the flexible wiring board. Some such operating members employ a so-called absolute system that detects the absolute angular position.
[0003] The dial device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an operating member that is rotated, a contact member that has multiple contact points and rotates in response to the rotation of the operating member, and a substrate that has multiple signal patterns arranged in concentric circles centered on the rotation center of the operating member. A binary code is output when the multiple contact points come into contact with the signal patterns. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-101096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, a rotating contact member is brought into contact with the substrate, and conductive wear debris is generated due to wear of the contact member. The conductive wear debris may cause short circuits in the signal patterns on the substrate, reducing the reliability of contact between the contact member and the substrate and raising concerns about false detection. Furthermore, it is preferable to consume less power for angular position detection.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption while maintaining detection reliability. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device of the present invention comprises an operating member that is rotated around a rotation center, a rotating member on which multiple phase patterns consisting of reflective and non-reflective portions are formed on concentric circles centered on the rotation center and that rotates when the operating member is rotated, a plurality of non-contact sensors that are positioned opposite the phase patterns during the rotational course of the rotating member and output detection results of the opposing phase patterns, an acquisition means that acquires the rotational phase of the operating member based on a combination of the detection results of each of the plurality of non-contact sensors, and a control means that controls the driving of the plurality of non-contact sensors, wherein the control means has, as a driving method for the plurality of non-contact sensors, a first drive that drives all of the plurality of non-contact sensors and a second drive that drives some of the non-contact sensors, and the control means drives the non-contact sensors with the first drive in response to a change in the rotational phase of the operating member, and drives the non-contact sensors with the second drive in response to the rotational phase of the operating member no longer changing. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining the reliability of detection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are front and rear perspective views of the camera. [Figure 3] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a phase detection mechanism, and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. FIG. [Figure 4] This is a view of the dial and click plate from the -Y side, and a view of the flexible board from the +Y side. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a logic table for detecting dial rotation and a conceptual diagram of power-saving driving. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of peripheral circuits for four non-contact sensors. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a sensor driving process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the peripheral circuit configuration of the non-contact sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011] 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is exemplified by a camera 100, an imaging device, and is an interchangeable lens camera with a detachable lens unit 200.
[0012] The lens unit 200 is fixed to the camera 100 by engagement between a lens mount 201 provided on the lens unit 200 and a lens mount 101 provided on the camera 100 .
[0013] The lens unit 200 and the camera 100 can communicate with each other via a connector 202 provided on the lens unit 200 and a connector 102 provided on the camera 100. Specifically, the system control unit 307 and the lens drive control unit 203 communicate with each other, and the lens drive control unit 203 controls the lens drive unit 204 based on a signal from the system control unit 307, and the lens drive unit 204 drives the aperture 211 and the lens 210.
[0014] The lens 210 forms an optical image from a subject on the image sensor 302. The shutter 301 is composed of a focal plane shutter and is disposed between the image sensor 302 and the lens 210. When not photographing, the shutter 301 blocks light from the lens 210 to the image sensor 302. When photographing or when displaying a through image (live view display), the shutter 301 opens shutter blades 301a (FIG. 2(a)) under the control of the system control unit 307, allowing the optical image formed by the lens 210 to be formed on the image sensor 302.
[0015] The image sensor 302 is configured with a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and has an electronic shutter function. The image sensor driver 303 drives the image sensor 302 under the control of the system controller 307.
[0016] The A / D converter 304 is used to convert the analog signal output from the image sensor 302 into a digital signal. The image processing unit 305 performs resizing processing, such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 304 or data from the memory control unit 306. The image processing unit 305 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 307 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained arithmetic results. This allows TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing to be performed. The image processing unit 305 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL type AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic results.
[0017] The output data from the A / D converter 304 is written directly to memory 308 via image processing unit 305 and memory control unit 306, or via memory control unit 306. Memory 308 stores image data converted into digital data by the A / D converter 304, for display on display unit 105 or 106. Memory 308 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory). D / A converter 309 converts the image display data stored in memory 308 into an analog signal and supplies it to display unit 105 or 106. In this way, the display image data written to memory 308 is displayed on display unit 105 or 106 via D / A converter 309.
[0018] The display units 105 and 106 each display on a display device such as an LCD in accordance with the analog signal from the D / A converter 309. The display unit 105 also has a built-in capacitance or pressure-sensitive touch panel, and has a touch panel function that allows the user to perform various operations by touching it with a finger or the like. The digital signal that has been A / D converted once by the A / D converter 304 and stored in the memory 308 is converted to analog by the D / A converter 309, and the analog signal is sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 105 or the display unit 106, thereby enabling through-image display (live view display).
[0019] The nonvolatile memory 310 is a memory serving as an electrically erasable and recordable recording medium, and may be, for example, an EEPROM, etc. Constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 307 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 310.
[0020] The system control unit 307 is a control unit having at least one processor, and controls the entire camera 100 and the lens unit 200. RAM is used for the system memory 311. Constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 307, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 310, and the like are loaded into the system memory 311. The system control unit 307 also performs display control by controlling the memory 308, D / A converter 309, display unit 105, display unit 106, and the like.
[0021] The system timer 312 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock. In addition, the camera 100 is equipped with a shutter button 104, a power switch 103, a power control unit 313, a power supply unit 314, a shake detection unit 320, a communication unit 316, an operation unit 108, a dial 109, and an I / F 315. The power control unit 313 controls the power supply unit 314, and the power supply unit 314 supplies power to each unit. The I / F 315 controls access to the recording medium 330.
[0022] 2(a) and 2(b) are front and rear perspective views of the camera 100, respectively.
[0023] Hereinafter, the directions of each part will be referred to based on the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in Figure 2 and elsewhere. For convenience, the subject side will be referred to as the front in the direction parallel to the center of the optical axis when the lens unit 200 is attached. Therefore, for example, in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the +Y direction is upward and the +Z direction is forward. The +X direction is to the right when viewed from the subject side.
[0024] The mechanism of the camera 100 and the external operation members will be described with reference to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).
[0025] The first shutter switch 104a (FIG. 1) is turned ON when the shutter button 104 is pressed halfway (instruction to prepare for shooting) during operation, and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The first shutter switch signal SW1 starts operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing.
[0026] The second shutter switch 104b (FIG. 1) is turned ON when the shutter button 104 is fully pressed (photographing instruction) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The system control unit 307 drives the shutter blades 301a of the shutter 301 using the second shutter switch signal SW2, and starts a series of photographing processing operations from reading out the signal from the image sensor 302 to writing image data to the recording medium 330.
[0027] The shutter blade 301a travels at high speed inside the shutter 301 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 210, and stops moving instantly when it collides with a stopper member (not shown) inside the shutter 301.
[0028] Each operating member included in operating unit 108 is assigned a function appropriate for each situation by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on display unit 105, 106, and functions as various function buttons. Examples of these function buttons include an end button, a back button, an image forward button, a jump button, a filter button, and an attribute change button. For example, when the menu button is pressed, a menu screen in which various settings can be made is displayed on display unit 105 or 106. A sub-dial 112 and a recording start button 113 are arranged at the end on the +Y side of camera 100.
[0029] Dial 109, which serves as an operating member that is rotated, is configured to generate a locking force and a click torque at predetermined angular intervals in the rotational direction, and can switch the shooting mode of camera 100 depending on the locked phase. The detailed configuration of dial 109 will be described later.
[0030] Next, the configuration of a phase detection mechanism 300 including the dial 109 and its peripheral components will be described with reference to FIG.
[0031] Fig. 3(a) is an exploded perspective view of the phase detection mechanism 300. Fig. 3(b) is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the dial 109 in the phase detection mechanism 300. Fig. 3(c) is a cross-sectional view of the phase detection mechanism 300 taken along line AA in Fig. 2(a).
[0032] The flexible substrate 115 is mounted with various detection units, including a mounted switch 103a used to detect the power switch 103, and detection units (not shown) that detect the operation of the sub-dial 112 and the recording start button 113. The flexible substrate 115 also has a plurality of non-contact sensors 130 used to detect the rotation of the dial 109. The flexible substrate 115 is provided with an electric circuit that communicates with the system control unit 307 to exchange various electric signals output from these detection units. The flexible substrate 115 is electrically connected to the system control unit 307 by a connector 116.
[0033] The dial 109 is rotated and rotates around the rotation center C1 of the rotation shaft 118. A convex portion provided at the tip of the -Y side of the rotation shaft 118 of the dial 109 fits into a concave portion provided at the center of the click plate 10, allowing the dial 109 and click plate 10 to rotate together without slippage. Therefore, the click plate 10 is a rotating member that rotates when the dial 109 is rotated. A reflector 117 is attached to the click plate 10, and the reflector 117 rotates together with the dial 109 around the rotation center C1.
[0034] A base member 114 is fastened to the top cover 111 (FIG. 3(c)) from the -Y side with screws (not shown). The +Y side surface of the base member 114 is parallel to the reflector 117, and the flexible substrate 115 is fixed to this surface with high precision using bosses and positioning holes (not shown). A plurality of non-contact sensors 130 are surface-mounted on the flexible substrate 115.
[0035] 2(a) is a plane passing through the rotation center C1 of the dial 109. The rotation axis 118 (FIG. 3(c)) of the dial 109 is fitted into a hole provided in the top cover 111, so that the dial 109 can rotate relative to the top cover 111.
[0036] With the click ball 8 and click spring 9 housed in a space formed on the inner surface of the top cover 111, the dial 109 and click plate 10 are fastened together using screws 80 so as to sandwich the top cover 111. The click ball 8 is urged against a plurality of concave and convex portions provided on the click plate 10, thereby applying a click torque and a locking force to the dial 109.
[0037] Furthermore, by biasing the click plate 10 integrated with the dial 109 toward the inside of the camera 100 (-Y direction) relative to the top cover 111, the dial 109 can be constantly pulled toward the inside of the camera 100 (-Y direction). This reduces rattling when the user operates the dial 109, improving operability.
[0038] The number of concave and convex shapes provided on the click plate 10 corresponds to the number of modes of the dial 109. The number of modes of the dial 109 is a number that can be understood as the rotational angle position of the dial 109. In this embodiment, the number of modes of the dial 109 is 12. Therefore, the number of concave and convex shapes is 6 each, for a total of 12.
[0039] Depending on the function of the dial 109, it may be possible to use the dial without a click. Therefore, it is not essential to provide the click ball 8 and click spring 9.
[0040] Next, the configuration of the dial 109 and the detection method by the non-contact sensor 130 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041] Fig. 4(a) is a view of the dial 109 and the click plate 10 as seen from the -Y side, and Fig. 4(b) is a view of the mounting surface of the flexible substrate 115 on which the non-contact sensor 130 is mounted as seen from the +Y side.
[0042] Hereinafter, when the four non-contact sensors 130 are to be individually distinguished, they will be referred to as non-contact sensors 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d, as shown in FIG. 4(b).
[0043] A plurality of phase patterns including reflective portions 117a and non-reflective portions 117b are printed on the reflector 117. The reflective portions 117a are formed in an arc shape and are silver in color. The rest of the area is the non-reflective portions 117b, which are black in color. In this embodiment, the phase pattern including the reflective portions 117a and non-reflective portions 117b is formed by printing silver and black on a PET sheet material.
[0044] The configuration and method of forming the phase pattern are not important. Another configuration example is to insert a metal member into a black resin member, using the metal member as the reflective portion and the resin member as the non-reflective portion. In this way, it is possible to appropriately select a method for achieving reflective / non-reflective properties, including color and material, depending on the optical characteristics of the non-contact sensor 130.
[0045] The reflective portion 117a and the non-reflective portion 117b may be formed by varying the surface properties of the reflector 117. For example, the glossy surface of the reflector 117 may be the reflective portion 117a, and the matte surface may be the non-reflective portion 117b, of the reflector 117 integrally molded from resin members of the same color. In this case, by giving the click plate 10 a flat surface and changing its surface properties, it is possible to more simply provide the function of the reflector without using a material for the reflector 117.
[0046] A plurality of the phase patterns are formed on concentric circles centered on the rotation center C1 (two in this embodiment). First, the reflecting portion 117a is formed on two circumferences, the inner circumference 140 and the outer circumference 150. The reflecting portion 117a is formed in two opposing regions of angle α (for example, 90 degrees) on the outer circumference 150, and in the inner circumference 140, one 180-degree region including the region of angle α is formed in one 360-degree circumference.
[0047] The non-reflective portions 117b are present in angular regions where the reflective portions 117a are not arranged in the inner circumferential portion 140 and the outer circumferential portion 150. Focusing on the inner circumferential portion 140 and the outer circumferential portion 150, it can be said that a plurality of (two) of the phase patterns are formed on concentric circles centered on the rotation center C1.
[0048] The range of the inner circumferential portion 140 and the outer circumferential portion 150 in the radial direction may include a range that faces the non-contact sensor 130. Therefore, it is not essential to provide the reflective portion 117a or the non-reflective portion 117b in the area of the reflector 117 that does not face the non-contact sensor 130. For example, the phase pattern may be formed separately on the inner circumferential portion 140 and the outer circumferential portion 150.
[0049] The four non-contact sensors 130 are arranged in pairs around the inner circumference 140 and the outer circumference 150. That is, the non-contact sensors 130 are arranged in positions facing the multiple phase patterns during the rotational process of the click plate 10, and output the detection results of the facing phase patterns.
[0050] Specifically, non-contact sensors 130a and 130b are arranged on inner peripheral portion 140 with a phase difference of angle β (e.g., 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction. Non-contact sensors 130c and 130d are arranged on outer peripheral portion 150 with a phase difference of angle γ (e.g., 60 degrees) in the circumferential direction.
[0051] As shown in the rotation detection logic table (FIG. 5(a)) described later, the dial 109 performs absolute detection that can distinguish between multiple mode phases. In this embodiment, the dial 109 has 12 modes, so the acquisition of 12 mode phases is achieved by using four non-contact sensors 130. If the number of modes is 8, the mode phases can be acquired with three non-contact sensors 130. In this way, the number of phase patterns and the number of non-contact sensors 130 can be set according to the number of modes.
[0052] Non-contact sensors 130a and 130b arranged on inner circumferential portion 140 detect reflective portions 117a and non-reflective portions 117b of the phase pattern arranged on inner circumferential portion 140 and output the detection results. Non-contact sensors 130a and 130b arranged on outer circumferential portion 150 detect reflective portions 117a and non-reflective portions 117b of the phase pattern arranged on inner circumferential portion 140 and output the detection results.
[0053] The detection results of each non-contact sensor 130 are sent to the system control unit 307. Note that the type of value (signal) does not matter as long as the system control unit 307 can distinguish between the value output when each non-contact sensor 130 detects the reflective portion 117a and the value output when it detects the non-reflective portion 117b.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3( c), the non-contact sensor 130 and the phase pattern are spaced apart in the thrust direction (Y direction) (so as not to come into contact with each other). Therefore, the radial width of the reflecting portion 117a is determined taking into consideration the amount of fit play between the dial 109 and the top cover 111, the thrust distance between the non-contact sensor 130 and the reflector 117, the amount of misalignment of the non-contact sensor 130 relative to the top cover 111, and the like. In this embodiment, since the non-contact sensor 130 is an optical sensor, the irradiation angle of the non-contact sensor 130 is also taken into consideration. Note that the layout of the non-contact sensor 130 and the phase pattern may be appropriately switched between the inner peripheral portion 140 and the outer peripheral portion 150 depending on the placement constraints of the non-contact sensor 130, etc. Note that the non-contact sensor 130 does not necessarily have to be an optical sensor.
[0055] Next, the rotation detection logic of the dial 109 and the power-saving driving method of the non-contact sensor 130 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0056] Fig. 5(a) is a conceptual diagram of a rotation detection logic table for the dial 109. The dial 109 performs absolute detection with 12 modes. For convenience, in Figs. 5(a) to 5(f), the non-contact sensor 130a is defined as SW1, the non-contact sensor 130b as SW2, the non-contact sensor 130c as SW3, and the non-contact sensor 130d as SW4.
[0057] 5(a), the detection results of the non-contact sensors 130a to 130d (SW1 to SW4) are shown in black or white. The white parts in the rotation detection logic table indicate the state in which the non-contact sensor 130 detects the reflective portion 117a of the reflector 117. The black parts in the rotation detection logic table indicate the state in which the non-contact sensor 130 detects the non-reflective portion 117b of the reflector 117.
[0058] An icon is printed on the top surface of the dial 109 for each function assigned to each of the 12 modes. The user can confirm the mode phase and switch the function of the camera 100 by aligning the icon with an indicator (not shown) marked on the top cover 111.
[0059] To perform absolute detection, the combinations of the detection states of SW1 to SW4 are different for all modes. That is, there are 12 possible combinations of detection results, which appear in order as the click plate 10 rotates, returning to the original state after a complete cycle. For example, the mode phase changes from mode 1 to mode 2 to...mode 12 to mode 1. If the rotation direction of the click plate 10 is reversed, the transition occurs in the reverse order. Moreover, when transitioning from one mode phase to the next mode phase, only one of the detection states of SW1 to SW4 changes.
[0060] 4(b), the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) and the non-contact sensor 130b (SW2) are arranged on the inner circumferential portion 140, and are arranged with a phase difference of 90 degrees from each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, as shown in the table, the results of detecting the same reflecting portion 117a are shifted by 90 degrees (i.e., three phases in terms of the number of modes).
[0061] FIG. 5(b) is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method for driving the non-contact sensor 130 based on the rotation detection logic table of FIG. 5(a).
[0062] As mentioned above, since the absolute method is adopted, when transitioning to an adjacent mode, only one of the values of SW1 to SW4 changes. Therefore, when transitioning from one mode to either of the adjacent modes, there is a sensor for which the detection state of the reflector 117 does not change, and this sensor is known from the theoretical table. This will be explained using the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1).
[0063] The non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) detects the non-reflective portion 117b in mode 1. When the dial 109 is rotated in ascending order from mode 2 to mode 3, the non-reflective portion 117b continues to be detected up to mode 6. In modes 2 to 5, the non-reflective portion 117b is detected regardless of whether the transition is to the adjacent mode on either side, so the detection state does not change.
[0064] Therefore, when transitioning from modes 2 to 5 to an adjacent mode, it is not necessary to use the output of the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) to determine the mode phase from a change in the combination of the detection states of SW1 to SW4.
[0065] Similarly, in modes 8 to 11, the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) detects the reflective portion 117a, and the detection state of the reflective portion 117a continues regardless of whether a transition is made to either of the adjacent modes. Therefore, when a transition is made from modes 8 to 11 to an adjacent mode, the output of the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) is not required to determine the mode phase from the change in the combination of the detection states of SW1 to SW4.
[0066] Therefore, even if the operation of the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) is stopped in modes 2 to 5 and 8 to 11, it is possible to determine the mode transition from the change in the sensors other than the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1). For example, when transitioning from mode 2 to mode 3, only the non-contact sensor 130d (SW4) changes from the detection state of the reflective portion 117a to the detection state of the non-reflective portion 117b.
[0067] The system control unit 307 as an acquisition unit acquires the rotation phase (mode phase) of the dial 109 based on a combination of the detection results from each of the multiple non-contact sensors 130. The system control unit 307 as a control unit controls the driving of the multiple non-contact sensors 130.
[0068] The system control unit 307 can control the driving methods of the multiple non-contact sensors 130, including "all-point driving" (first driving) and "power-saving driving" (second driving). The all-point driving is a method of driving all of the multiple non-contact sensors 130. The power-saving driving is a method of driving only some of the non-contact sensors 130.
[0069] For each SW, the phase in which the detection state does not change regardless of whether the switch transitions to either of the adjacent modes is indicated by a ★ (black star) or ☆ (white star). When the SW is in this phase, the operation of the SW can be stopped. This operation corresponds to power-saving operation.
[0070] In other words, the power-saving drive is a drive method in which, if the combination of detection results by each of the non-contact sensors 130 changes to an adjacent combination, the non-contact sensors 130 whose detection results change are driven. Furthermore, the power-saving drive is a drive method in which, if the combination of detection results by each of the non-contact sensors 130 changes to an adjacent combination, the non-contact sensors 130 whose detection results do not change are not driven.
[0071] In this embodiment, in power-saving driving, it is possible to stop the operation of two of the four switches in each mode. This allows power consumption to be reduced by 50% compared to driving all switches. If the non-contact sensor 130 is an optical sensor, stopping the operation of the non-contact sensor 130 can be achieved by stopping the driving of at least one of the light-emitting unit or light-receiving unit (not shown).
[0072] Next, power-saving driving for different numbers of modes will be explained using Figures 5(c) to (f). Figures 5(c), (d), (e), and (f) are conceptual diagrams of the rotation detection logic table and power-saving driving for 8, 10, 14, and 16 modes, respectively.
[0073] When the number of modes is 8 (FIG. 5(c)), the non-contact sensor 130d (SW4) is not required. As described above, the non-contact sensor 130a (SW1) and the non-contact sensor 130b (SW2) are arranged on the inner circumferential portion 140 with a phase difference of 90 degrees, and the non-contact sensor 130c (SW3) is arranged on the outer circumferential portion 150.
[0074] For SW1 and SW2, there are mode phases in which the detection state does not change regardless of whether the transition is to the adjacent mode on either side. For SW1, modes 2, 3, 6, and 7 correspond to these mode phases, and for SW2, modes 1, 4, 5, and 8 correspond to these mode phases. On the other hand, for non-contact sensor 130c (SW3), there is no mode phase in which the detection state does not change regardless of whether the transition is to the adjacent mode on either side.
[0075] Therefore, while power consumption can be halved for SW1 and SW2 by using power-saving drive, power consumption cannot be reduced for SW3. Therefore, when the number of modes is 8, power consumption can be reduced by approximately 33% compared to when all points are driven.
[0076] When the number of modes is 10, 14, or 16 (FIGS. 5(d) to (f)), power-saving drive can stop the operation of two of the four switches, reducing power consumption by 50%. Using the same theory, power-saving drive can be achieved even for modes not shown here, since there are switches that stop operating at certain mode phases. However, to achieve power-saving drive, three or more non-contact sensors 130 are required.
[0077] In order to realize rotation logic with mode numbers of 14 and 16 (FIGS. 5(e) and 5(f)), it is necessary to add one more circumference (not shown) to the inner circumference 140 and outer circumference 150 of the reflector 117, thus providing a phase pattern of three circumferences in total.
[0078] 6 is a circuit diagram showing the peripheral circuit configuration of the four non-contact sensors 130. Transistors 400 (400a to 400d) are provided corresponding to the respective non-contact sensors 130 (130a to 130d) and control the driving on / off of the corresponding non-contact sensor 130a. The transistors 400 are connected to an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the system control unit 307. The transistors 400 are controlled by the MPU or CPU. For example, the transistors 400a control the driving on / off of the non-contact sensor 130a under the control of the system control unit 307 during power saving operation or when the power is off.
[0079] By providing one transistor 400 for each of the four non-contact sensors 130, it is possible to appropriately turn on / off the non-contact sensors 130 individually during power saving operation.
[0080] Next, the time series drive sequence of the non-contact sensor 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the sensor drive process. This process is realized by the MPU or CPU included in the system control unit 307 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 310 into the system memory 311 and executing it.
[0081] This process is started, for example, by turning on the power of the camera 100. The power can be turned on by, for example, operating the power switch 103, inserting a battery (not shown), returning from an auto power-off state, or releasing the locked state of an operating member, but is not limited to these.
[0082] First, in step S101, the system control unit 307 drives the multiple non-contact sensors 130 by all-point driving. The reason for performing all-point driving in the first step S101 is to take into consideration the case where the user rotates the dial 109 while the power is off or during auto power off, and rotation of the dial 109 is not being detected. This allows the system control unit 307 to correctly recognize the mode of the dial 109 immediately after the power is turned on, for example.
[0083] In step S102, the system control unit 307 executes mode setting. That is, as described in FIG. 5A, the system control unit 307 acquires a mode phase according to a combination of the detection states of the multiple non-contact sensors 130, and sets or switches the mode of the camera 100 according to the acquired mode phase.
[0084] Next, in step S103, the system control unit 307 starts counting the timer. This is done in consideration of the fact that it takes time for a user to confirm a mode. That is, when a user operates the dial 109, the user usually wants to change the mode of the camera 100. At this time, the mode cannot always be confirmed in one operation, and the user may repeatedly change the mode while agonizing over the mode or after performing a shooting operation in a certain mode. Therefore, steps S103 to S106 are repeated, and in principle, all points are continuously driven for the period expected to be required for the user to confirm the mode, thereby enabling a quick response to mode switching. The period expected to be required for mode confirmation is, for example, 30 to 60 seconds, but may be changed depending on the specifications of the camera 100 and the user demographic.
[0085] In step S104, the system control unit 307 determines whether the dial 109 is rotating. Here, the system control unit 307 acquires a mode phase based on a combination of detection results from each of the multiple non-contact sensors 130, and determines that the dial 109 is rotating if the mode phase has changed from the previous time. If the system control unit 307 determines that the dial 109 is rotating, the process returns to step S101. Therefore, the count time of the timer is initialized while the dial 109 is rotating. If the system control unit 307 does not determine that the dial 109 is rotating (the dial rotation has stopped), the process proceeds to step S105.
[0086] In step S105, the system control unit 307 determines whether a specific operation member has been operated. The specific operation member is a predetermined operation member separate from the dial 109. The specific operation member is an operation member that is presumed not to rotate the dial 109 when the specific operation member is being operated. Examples of the specific operation member include the shutter button 104, the sub-dial 112, the recording start button 113, and an image playback button (not shown), but at least one of these may be used. If the system control unit 307 determines that the specific operation member has been operated, the system control unit 307 proceeds to step S107, and if it does not determine that the specific operation member has been operated, the system control unit 307 proceeds to step S106.
[0087] In step S106, the system control unit 307 determines whether the count value of the timer has exceeded a predetermined timer time (first predetermined time). If the system control unit 307 determines that the count value of the timer has not exceeded the timer time, it returns to step S103, and if it determines that the count value of the timer has exceeded the timer time, it proceeds to step S107.
[0088] Therefore, from when the dial 109 stops rotating until the timer time has elapsed, the processes of steps S103 to S106 are repeated as long as no specific operating member is operated, and driving of all parts continues. Also, if the timer time has elapsed without the dial 109 being rotated or if a specific operating member is operated, the process proceeds to step S107.
[0089] In step S107, the system control unit 307 starts power-saving driving (power-saving driving ON) of the plurality of non-contact sensors 130. This reduces power consumption.
[0090] In step S108, the system control unit 307 executes the same process as in step S105. If it is determined that the specific operation member has been operated, the system control unit 307 returns to step S107, and if it is determined that the specific operation member has not been operated, the system control unit 307 proceeds to step S109. Therefore, after the power-saving drive is started, the power-saving drive continues as long as the specific operation member is being operated.
[0091] In step S109, the system control unit 307 executes the same process as in step S104. If the system control unit 307 does not determine that the dial 109 is rotating (for example, if the dial rotation remains stopped), the system control unit 307 returns to step S107. Therefore, even if the specific operating member is not operated, the power-saving drive continues as long as the dial 109 is not operated. On the other hand, if the system control unit 307 determines that the dial 109 is rotating, the system control unit 307 proceeds to step S110.
[0092] In step S110, the system control unit 307 stops the power-saving drive (power-saving drive OFF) and returns to step S101. Returning to step S101 restarts the all-point drive. As a result, when the dial 109 is rotated, the mode phase is quickly acquired by the all-point drive, and the function of the camera 100 is switched.
[0093] By using such a sequence, it is possible to apply power-saving driving for as long as possible, taking into consideration whether or not the dial 109 will be rotated and the possibility of rotating it, among various operations of the camera 100 by the user.
[0094] If the camera 100 is turned off, auto-powered off, or locked during the sensor drive process (FIG. 7), the system control unit 307 may stop driving all of the non-contact sensors 130.
[0095] The main operations of the sensor drive process (Fig. 7) can be summarized as follows:
[0096] First, step S101 is executed immediately after the start of this process, and driving of all locations is started in response to, for example, turning on the power, recovering from auto power off, or recovering from a locked state.
[0097] Also, since the process returns from step S110 to step S101, the non-contact sensor 130 is driven in the all-point drive mode in response to the change in the rotational phase of the dial 109. The all-point drive mode started in step S101 is switched to the power-saving drive mode in step S107. Therefore, the non-contact sensor 130 is driven in the power-saving drive mode in response to the no longer changing rotational phase of the dial 109.
[0098] However, in step S106, if the count value of the timer does not exceed the timer time, the process returns to step S103, and if it does exceed the timer time, the process proceeds to step S107. Therefore, in principle, after the rotation phase of the dial 109 stops changing, the non-contact sensor 130 is driven in full-point drive mode until the timer time has elapsed, and after the timer time has elapsed, the non-contact sensor 130 is driven in power-saving drive mode.
[0099] Furthermore, if the specific operation member is operated in step S105, the process proceeds to step S107. Therefore, even if the rotation phase of the dial 109 stops changing and the timer time has not yet elapsed, if the specific operation member is operated, the non-contact sensor 130 is driven in the power-saving mode.
[0100] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining the reliability of detection of the rotation phase of the dial 109.
[0101] In this embodiment, to further reduce power consumption, the non-contact sensors 130 may be driven intermittently (intermittent drive). The intermittent drive here refers to a drive method in which the non-contact sensors 130 are driven only for a portion of the normal operation period (e.g., 1 / 10 of the period). For example, stopping the drive of the non-contact sensors 130 during a period in which the dial 109 is not rotated during power-saving operation does not delay the mode transition, so some of the non-contact sensors 130 may be driven intermittently. In this case, the system control unit 307 reads the output values of only the non-contact sensors 130 that are in operation. When there are multiple non-contact sensors 130 in operation, such as in the case of 12 modes, these multiple non-contact sensors 130 may be driven one by one in sequence.
[0102] The intermittent drive may be applied to either or both of the all-location drive and the power-saving drive. Here, in the case of the intermittent drive, after the rotation phase of the dial 109 changes, the operation time of the intermittent operation may be longer before the second predetermined time has elapsed than after the second predetermined time has elapsed. This is applicable, for example, to the case of a transition from S110 to S101.
[0103] Alternatively, in the case of intermittent driving, the operation interval of the intermittent operation may be changed before the third predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on, after recovery from auto power off, or after recovery from a locked state, compared to after the third predetermined time has elapsed. This can be applied, for example, immediately after the start of the sensor drive process (FIG. 7).
[0104] The relationship between the lengths of the timer time, the second predetermined time, and the third predetermined time does not matter.
[0105] Note that when the operation of the dial 109 is locked, the system control unit 307 may not drive any of the non-contact sensors 130. For example, the dial 109 may be provided with a physical mechanical locking mechanism or a configuration that allows the system control unit 307 to lock the electrical detection operation. When the mechanical lock or electrical lock is engaged, it is no longer necessary for the non-contact sensors 130 to detect the rotation of the dial 109, so the operation of all the non-contact sensors 130 may be stopped.
[0106] It should be noted that it is not essential to provide step S105 in the sensor driving process (FIG. 7), and it is also not essential to provide step S106.
[0107] The peripheral circuit configuration of the four non-contact sensors 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and a modified example shown in FIG. 8 can also be used.
[0108] 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the peripheral circuit configuration of the non-contact sensor 130. This is an example in which the peripheral circuit configuration is reduced, and four non-contact sensors 130 are controlled by two transistors 400.
[0109] A transistor 400e is provided corresponding to the series-connected non-contact sensors 130a and 130d, and a transistor 400f is provided corresponding to the series-connected non-contact sensors 130b and 130c. Under the control of the system control unit 307, the transistor 400e controls the on / off driving of the non-contact sensors 130a and 130d, and the transistor 400f controls the on / off driving of the non-contact sensors 130b and 130c. Compared to the configuration in FIG. 6, the number of transistors 400 can be reduced to reduce the size of the peripheral circuitry and suppress costs.
[0110] 8, the two non-contact sensors 130 are simultaneously turned on / off, and therefore power-saving driving is applicable to four of the twelve modes shown in FIG.
[0111] It is possible to arbitrarily design a combination of the number of transistors 400 and the number of non-contact sensors 130 according to the number of modes and the rotation logic table. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an appropriate rotation phase of the dial 109 while suppressing costs and reducing power consumption.
[0112] The phase detection mechanism 300 is not limited to being applied to the dial 109, but may also be applied to the sub-dial 112 or other dials.
[0113] When the phase detection mechanism 300 is applied to an imaging device, the imaging device may be an integrated lens type. The present invention is not limited to imaging devices and can be applied to various electronic devices.
[0114] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the invention that do not deviate from the gist of the invention are also included in the present invention.
[0115] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An operating member that is rotated and rotates around a rotation center; a rotating member on which a plurality of phase patterns each consisting of a reflective portion and a non-reflective portion are formed on concentric circles centered on the rotation center, the rotating member rotating in response to a rotation operation of the operating member; a plurality of non-contact sensors that are arranged at positions facing the phase patterns during a rotational stroke of the rotating member and output detection results of the facing phase patterns; an acquisition means for acquiring a rotation phase of the operation member based on a combination of detection results from the plurality of non-contact sensors; a control means for controlling the driving of the plurality of non-contact sensors; the control means has, as a driving method for the plurality of non-contact sensors, a first driving method for driving all of the plurality of non-contact sensors and a second driving method for driving some of the non-contact sensors; The electronic device is characterized in that the control means drives the non-contact sensor with the first drive in response to a change in the rotational phase of the operating member, and drives the non-contact sensor with the second drive in response to the rotational phase of the operating member no longer changing. (Configuration 2) The electronic device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that the control means drives the non-contact sensor with the first drive until a first predetermined time has elapsed after the rotational phase of the operating member no longer changes, and drives the non-contact sensor with the second drive after the first predetermined time has elapsed. (Configuration 3) The electronic device described in Configuration 2 is characterized in that the control means drives the non-contact sensor with the second drive when a predetermined operating member other than the operating member is operated even before the first predetermined time has elapsed after the rotational phase of the operating member has stopped changing. (Configuration 4) The combinations of the detection results appear in order during the rotation of the rotating member, The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the second drive is a drive method in which, if the combination of detection results by each of the non-contact sensors changes to an adjacent combination, the non-contact sensors whose detection results change are driven, and if the combination of detection results by each of the non-contact sensors changes to an adjacent combination, the non-contact sensors whose detection results do not change are not driven. (Configuration 5) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that after starting the second drive, the control means continues the second drive while operation of a predetermined operating member other than the operating member continues. (Configuration 6) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the number of the non-contact sensors is three or more. (Configuration 7) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the control means is capable of individually driving each of the plurality of non-contact sensors. (Configuration 8) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the non-contact sensor is an optical sensor. (Configuration 9) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means starts the first drive in response to the electronic device being powered on, recovering from auto power off, or recovering from a locked state. (Configuration 10) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the control means does not drive any of the non-contact sensors when the operation of the operating member is locked. (Configuration 11) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the control means is capable of driving each of the plurality of non-contact sensors individually, and during the second driving, drives some of the non-contact sensors one by one in sequence. (Configuration 12) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the control means drives the part of the non-contact sensors intermittently during the second driving. (Configuration 13) The electronic device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that when the control means drives the non-contact sensor intermittently, after the rotational phase of the operating member changes and before a second predetermined time has elapsed, the control means extends the operating time of the intermittent operation of the non-contact sensor compared to after the second predetermined time has elapsed. (Configuration 14) The electronic device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that when the control means drives the non-contact sensor intermittently, after the electronic device is powered on, after recovery from auto power off, or after recovery from a locked state, and before a third predetermined time has elapsed, the control means changes the operating interval of the intermittent operation of the non-contact sensor compared to after the third predetermined time has elapsed. (Configuration 15) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the electronic device is an imaging device. [Explanation of symbols]
[0116] 10 Click Board Dial 109 117 Reflector 117a Reflector 117b Non-reflective part 130 Non-contact sensor 307 System Control Unit
Claims
1. an operating member that is rotated and rotates around a rotation center; a rotating member on which a plurality of phase patterns each consisting of a reflective portion and a non-reflective portion are formed on concentric circles centered on the rotation center, the rotating member rotating in response to a rotation operation of the operating member; a plurality of non-contact sensors that are arranged at positions facing the phase patterns during a rotational stroke of the rotating member and output detection results of the facing phase patterns; an acquisition means for acquiring a rotation phase of the operation member based on a combination of detection results from the plurality of non-contact sensors; a control means for controlling the driving of the plurality of non-contact sensors; the control means has, as a driving method for the plurality of non-contact sensors, a first driving method for driving all of the plurality of non-contact sensors and a second driving method for driving some of the non-contact sensors; The electronic device is characterized in that the control means drives the non-contact sensor with the first drive in response to a change in the rotational phase of the operating member, and drives the non-contact sensor with the second drive in response to the rotational phase of the operating member no longer changing.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means drives the non-contact sensor with the first drive until a first predetermined time has elapsed after the rotational phase of the operating member no longer changes, and drives the non-contact sensor with the second drive after the first predetermined time has elapsed.
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means drives the non-contact sensor with the second drive when a predetermined operating member other than the operating member is operated even before the first predetermined time has elapsed after the rotational phase of the operating member has stopped changing.
4. the combinations of detection results appear in order during the rotational stroke of the rotating member; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second drive is a drive method in which, if the combination of detection results by each of the non-contact sensors changes to an adjacent combination, the non-contact sensors whose detection results change are driven, and if the combination of detection results by each of the non-contact sensors changes to an adjacent combination, the non-contact sensors whose detection results do not change are not driven.
5. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit continues the second driving after starting the second driving while a predetermined operating member other than the operating member is being operated.
6. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the non-contact sensors is three or more.
7. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of individually driving each of the plurality of non-contact sensors.
8. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact sensor is an optical sensor.
9. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means starts the first driving in response to the electronic device being powered on, recovering from an auto power off state, or recovering from a locked state.
10. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means does not drive any of the non-contact sensors when the operation of the operation member is locked.
11. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of driving each of the plurality of non-contact sensors individually, and during the second driving, drives the part of the non-contact sensors one by one in sequence.
12. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means drives the part of the non-contact sensors intermittently during the second driving.
13. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control means intermittently drives the non-contact sensor, after the rotation phase of the operating member changes and before a second predetermined time has elapsed, the control means extends the operating time of the intermittent operation of the non-contact sensor compared to after the second predetermined time has elapsed.
14. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control means intermittently drives the non-contact sensor, the control means changes the operating interval of the intermittent operation of the non-contact sensor after the electronic device is powered on, after recovery from auto power off, after recovery from a locked state, and before a third predetermined time has elapsed, compared to after the third predetermined time has elapsed.
15. 15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an imaging device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Dial device and imaging device
JP2019101096A