Rotational Operation Member with Electrostatic Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses with rotational operation members, such as digital cameras, face the challenge of recording click noise during moving image shooting when changing settings like diaphragm value, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity due to the click mechanism in the electronic dial.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mechanism that allows both turning and touch operations for the rotational operation member using a simple construction without increasing the device's size, employing nonconductive materials for the rotational operation member and rotation support, and electrostatic capacity-type detection electrodes to detect touch and turning operations separately, preventing click noise during moving image shooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a click mechanism is provided in the electronic dial, then the user can feel click feedback when turning the dial part, but click noise is recorded during moving image shooting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclick feedbackVSAvoidclick noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The click mechanism is extracted and relocated to a separate component (click plate) that is independent of the rotational operation member. This allows the click feedback function to be maintained while the rotational member itself remains smooth and click-free during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic dial is segmented into functionally independent components: the rotational operation member for smooth rotation, the click plate for providing click feedback, and the detection electrodes for sensing operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, eliminating click noise while preserving click feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If both turning operation and touch operation are implemented, then the rotational operation member can serve multiple functions, but the device construction becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function operationVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational operation member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be rotated for setting changes and touched for other operations. The detection electrodes are configured to distinguish between rotational movements and touch contacts, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The turning operation detection and touch operation detection are merged into a single integrated system using the same rotational operation member and detection electrodes. The detection circuit distinguishes between the two operation types based on the nature of the interaction, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If contact pieces are used for detection, then the turning operation can be detected reliably, but the durability is reduced due to mechanical contact wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical contact piece detection system is replaced with an electrostatic capacity-type detection system. The detection electrodes sense changes in electrostatic capacity caused by the rotation of the rotational operation member, eliminating the need for physical contact between detection components and thus preventing wear while maintaining reliable detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 setting changes during moving image shooting without generating click noise, improving durability by eliminating contact pieces and maintaining a compact device size, while allowing both touch and turning operations for setting adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

when a change in electrostatic capacity is detected, the system control circuit 200 determines that a touch operation has been performed on the rotational operation member 301

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacity: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2463712B1Electronic apparatus that detects different kinds of operations on rotational operation member

Publication Date: 2015.03.25 CANON KK

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A mechanism enabling an electronic dial (110) to operate without generating a click noise. The dial (110) includes a rotational operation member (301) that is turnable. A rotary plate (304) is rigidly secured to the operation member. The rotary plate is formed of a conductive material and has a plurality of detecting portions (309) circumferentially formed thereon. A printed circuit board (303) is disposed between the operation member and the rotary plate. The printed circuit board has a first detection electrode group (400) formed on a surface thereof opposed to the operation member (301) and a second detection electrode group (401) formed on a surface thereof opposed to the rotary plate (304). A detection circuit (206) detects a touch operation onto the operation member based on an output from the first detection electrode group and detects a turning operation of the operation member based on an output from the second detection electrode group.