Rotary Dial Mode Switching Before Click-Zero Instability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic dial devices in electronic apparatuses, such as digital cameras, fail to stabilize the operation mode when the dial rotation stops mid-operation, leading to unintended mode changes due to conductive state variations at the vertex of the mountain part.
Innovation Solution
A rotational operation device with a rotatable member, a click force application mechanism, and a detection unit that sets an operation mode based on the rotational operation before the click force becomes zero, ensuring the mode corresponds to the user's intention even when the dial stops during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conductive state is detected to determine operation mode, then the operation mode can be selected, but the determination result varies when the ball passes the vertex of the mountain part causing unstable mode selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by switching the operation mode before the ball reaches the vertex of the mountain part. The control unit determines the operation mode based on the rotational position detected before the click force becomes zero, preventing the instability that would occur if detection happened at or after the vertex where the conductive state fluctuates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring the rotational position of the dial through the conductive pattern and phase contact piece, and using this information to dynamically adjust the operation mode selection. The control unit receives feedback on ball position relative to the mountain part vertex and adjusts mode determination timing accordingly.
2Ease of operation
If the dial rotation is allowed to stop freely, then the user can stop at any position, but the operation mode changes against user's intention when stopping at the mountain part vertex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the operation mode switching action in advance, before the dial naturally stops at the mountain part vertex. By detecting rotation before the click force becomes zero and switching modes at that predetermined timing, the system ensures the mode reflects user intention rather than the unstable state at the vertex.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the mechanical dial rotation and the operation mode selection. It mediates the relationship by interpreting the rotational position and determining the appropriate mode, filtering out the instability that would directly transmit from mechanical position to mode selection.
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
This solution allows for stable operation mode selection corresponding to the user's intention, preventing unintended mode changes when the dial stops during rotation, by switching the mode before the click force reaches zero, thus enhancing user control and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that energizes the ball to the click plate
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational operation device that is capable of setting an operation mode corresponding to a user's intention even when rotation of a rotational operation member stops on the way during a rotational operation. A rotational operation member is rotatable around a rotation axis. A click force application mechanism applies click force to the rotational operation member according to its rotational operation. A detection unit detects rotation of the rotational operation member. A setting unit sets one operation mode from among a plurality of predetermined operation modes in response to a detection output of the detection unit. The setting unit switches the operation mode according to a rotational operation of the rotational operation member before a position where the click force applied to the rotational operation member by the click force application mechanism becomes zero in a case where the rotational operation member is rotated in a first direction.