Camera Dial Electronic Locking via Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary operation dial settings in cameras are prone to erroneous operations due to complex structures and reduced operability when mechanical locking mechanisms are used, and separate locking mechanisms can complicate the mechanism and decrease digitization benefits.
Innovation Solution
A setting device with a rotatable operation dial featuring a display unit, contact detection unit, rotation detection unit, and display control unit that only allows setting changes when contact with the dial is detected, providing electronic locking and simplifying the structure while preventing erroneous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking mechanism is added to prevent erroneous operations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking mechanism with an electronic control system. The contact detection unit detects whether the operation dial is being held, and the setting switching unit uses this detection signal to control whether rotation operations can change settings. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical locking structures while achieving the same reliability goal of preventing erroneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contact detection unit as an intermediary between the operation dial and the setting switching unit. This intermediary detects the user's holding action and transmits this information to control the setting switching behavior, creating a simple yet effective mechanism for preventing erroneous operations without adding mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is provided to prohibit setting changes, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the normal operation of the dial by detecting contact on its upper surface. Instead of requiring users to learn and operate a separate locking mechanism, the system automatically detects when the user is holding the dial and enables setting changes during that contact period. This integration maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation dial itself provides the locking function through its own contact detection capability. The contact detection unit monitors the dial's upper surface directly, and the setting switching unit responds to this self-detected information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate locking controls, maintaining simplicity and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking structures with electronic detection and control systems. The contact detection unit and setting switching unit use electrical signals to control setting changes, eliminating the need for mechanical locks, springs, and moving parts. This substitution significantly simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces production costs while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a setting device, a setting method, a setting program, and a camera that are capable of preventing erroneous operations with compact configurations. A display unit is provided on an upper surface of a shutter speed dial. The display unit displays a dial plate image. The dial plate image includes an image picture of a lock release button. A rotation detection unit detects that the shutter speed dial is rotationally operated. A touch sensor detects that the lock release button is pressed. In a case where the shutter speed dial is rotationally operated while the lock release button is pressed, a shutter speed is switched.