Touch Sensor for Camera with Segmented Detection Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch operation members in imaging apparatuses are difficult to operate while viewing the viewfinder or upper surface cover, leading to potential erroneous operations due to the placement assumption that the user views the display screen on the back surface, which is not feasible in high-performance devices with viewfinders and upper surface displays.
Innovation Solution
A touch operation member, such as a touch bar, is placed adjacent to the eyepiece portion on the back surface, allowing operation with the thumb while gripping the camera, and is designed with distinct detection regions and non-detection regions to facilitate accurate touch detection and reduce erroneous inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch operation member is placed on the back surface display screen area, then the user can operate functions while viewing the display screen, but the user cannot accurately operate while viewing the viewfinder or upper surface cover due to lack of visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The touch operation member is segmented into multiple detection regions with different conductor densities arranged in the longitudinal direction. This segmentation allows the user to operate functions while viewing the viewfinder, as each region can be independently detected and associated with specific functions, providing tactile feedback without requiring visual confirmation from the display screen.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the touch operation member are assigned different conductor densities to create distinct tactile sensations. The first detection region has a different conductor density than the second detection region, allowing users to identify and accurately operate specific functions through tactile feedback alone, improving operation accuracy when viewing the viewfinder.
2Illumination intensity
If the touch operation member is placed away from the viewfinder area, then the user can view the viewfinder without obstruction, but the user cannot easily operate the touch member while looking into the viewfinder
Solution Approach 1:
The touch operation member is positioned in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the viewfinder, utilizing the side space rather than blocking the viewfinder area. This dimensional arrangement allows the user to operate the touch member with their finger while maintaining an unobstructed view through the viewfinder, solving both visibility and operability requirements simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the touch operation member uses uniform conductor density, then the manufacturing is simple, but the user cannot accurately identify different operation regions when operating without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The touch operation member employs non-uniform conductor density distribution where the first detection region has a different conductor density than the second detection region. This local quality variation creates distinct tactile sensations that enable users to accurately identify and operate different regions without visual feedback, improving touch detection accuracy while remaining manufacturable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables intuitive and accurate operation of touch functions while viewing the viewfinder or upper surface display, improving user interaction and reducing errors by providing a dedicated touch interface that aligns with the user's natural grip and viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
A touch sensor 802 is used. The touch sensor 802 detects a touch operation by detecting capacitance changes in an electrode 302 when a finger 500 contacts an operation surface 303
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In the present invention, first and second operation surfaces are different from each other in any one of amount of protrusion to a back surface side, texture, and color, and a first detection surface is provided over the first operation surface and the second operation surface provided adjacent to an outer edge of the first operation surface on a protruding portion side in a direction of a slide operation.