Segmented Touch Bar with Variable Protrusion for Viewfinder Operation
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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 display devices in the viewfinder and upper surface cover.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a touch operation member that includes a touch detection surface divided into multiple detection surfaces, a gripping portion, and distinct operation surfaces for touch detection, allowing operation while viewing multiple display monitors, including the viewfinder, by utilizing a touch bar with different protrusion, texture, and color cues to facilitate accurate input recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch operation member is placed on the back surface of the imaging apparatus for easy operation, then the operability is improved, but the user cannot view the touch operation member while looking into the viewfinder, leading to erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The touch operation member is segmented into multiple detection surfaces (first detection surface, second detection surface, etc.) with different functions. The first detection surface is positioned to be operable while viewing the viewfinder, while the second detection surface is positioned for operation when viewing the back surface display, allowing reliable operation in multiple viewing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The touch operation member extends in the thickness direction (Z-axis) with multiple detection surfaces at different positions. This vertical arrangement allows users to operate different surfaces depending on their viewing angle, solving the contradiction between ease of operation and operational accuracy
2Device complexity
If the touch operation member is placed in the periphery of the display screen on the back surface, then the device can be downsized and thinned, but the user cannot recognize the touch operation member when viewing the viewfinder
Solution Approach 1:
The touch operation member is divided into multiple detection surfaces with different protrusion heights. The first detection surface has a first protrusion height visible from the viewfinder direction, while the second detection surface has a second protrusion height visible from the back surface direction, enabling recognition in both viewing conditions without increasing device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the touch operation member have different local qualities (protrusion heights, textures, colors) optimized for specific viewing angles. The first detection surface has properties optimized for viewfinder viewing, while the second detection surface has properties optimized for back surface viewing, allowing the compact design to maintain operability
3Ease of manufacture
If the touch operation member uses uniform detection surfaces, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the user cannot accurately operate functions while viewing the viewfinder without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
Different detection surfaces are assigned different local qualities including different protrusion heights, textures, and colors. The first detection surface has properties optimized for viewfinder viewing (higher protrusion for visibility), while the second detection surface has properties optimized for back surface viewing, enabling accurate operation without compromising manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different detection surfaces are provided with different colors or color patterns to enhance visibility and recognizability from different viewing angles. The first detection surface has color properties optimized for viewfinder viewing, while the second detection surface has color properties optimized for back surface viewing, improving operation accuracy without significantly complicating manufacturing
Data Source
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.