Abstract:
It is an object of this invention to provide a setting operation device which can effectively cope with the tendency toward multiple functions and allows a user to easily change and check functions. In order to achieve this object, the device includes a first rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select at least a first upper operation mode and a second upper operation mode, and a second rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select a lower operation mode belonging to the first upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit and a lower operation mode belonging to the second upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit, the second rotating unit being stacked together with the first rotating unit.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a setting operation device for selecting an operation mode and the like in an electronic device such as an electronic camera and an electronic apparatus. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In a conventional electronic device, e.g., an electronic camera, a dial is pivoted/operated to select an operation mode such as photographing operation of the camera and playback operation for a photographed image. 
   Recently, however, with the tendency toward multiple functions in an electronic camera, it has become difficult to indicate all operation modes of the camera on the dial. For this reason, operation modes that cannot be indicated on the dial are set and displayed on a display means such as an LCD that is used together with the dial. For this reason, a user needs to know in advance what types of functions the camera has. In addition, the user must repeatedly switch indications displayed by the display means or repeatedly operate dial to select a given function, and hence he/she cannot quickly change functions. 
   A general display means such as an LCD consumes a large amount of power. In addition, it is inconvenient for the user to use the display means so as to change and check functions. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to provide a setting operation device which can effectively cope with the tendency toward multiple functions and allows a user to easily change and check functions. 
   It is the second object of the present invention to improve the operability of the setting operation device of an electronic device. 
   In order to solve the above problem and achieve the above objects, a setting operation device according to the present invention is characterized by having the following arrangement. 
   There is provided a setting operation device for setting an operation mode, comprising a first rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select at least a first upper operation mode and a second upper operation mode, and a second rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select a lower operation mode belonging to the first upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit and a lower operation mode belonging to the second upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit, the second rotating unit being stacked together with the first rotating unit. 
   An electronic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by having the following arrangement. 
   There is provided an electronic apparatus for setting an operation mode, comprising a first rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select at least a first upper operation mode and a second upper operation mode, and a second rotating unit which is rotated/operated to select a lower operation mode belonging to the first upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit and a lower operation mode belonging to the second upper operation mode set by the first rotating unit, the second rotating unit being stacked together with the first rotating unit. 
   Other objects and advantages besides those discussed above shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows. In the description, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example, however, is not exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore reference is made to the claims which follow the description for determining the scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are upper and front views of an electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the first and second mode dials of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3A to 3C  are views showing the internal structure of the first mode dial of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention and its function; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the dial portion of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are plan views showing the electrode pattern of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a view showing the schematic arrangement of an electronic recording/playback apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the dial portion of the electronic recording/playback apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a view showing the relationship between the operation modes of the electronic camera and connection among the electrodes; and 
       FIGS. 9A to 9D  are views showing the internal structure of the first mode dial of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention and its function. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   (First Embodiment) 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B  show the front and upper surfaces of an electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , reference numeral  1  denotes a photographic lens;  2 , the casing of the electronic camera; and  3 , a first mode dial that is pivoted to select an operation mode for the electronic camera, e.g., an inactive mode, photographing mode, or playback mode, and has an index  3   a  for indicating the currently selected operation mode. The first mode dial  3  protrudes from the casing  2  in the radial direction to allow the user to pivot the dial with his/her finger tip or the like by putting it on the protruding portion. 
   Reference numeral  4  denotes a second mode dial that is pivoted to select a photograph mode in photograph operation, e.g., an AV priority (aperture priority) mode, TV priority (shutter priority) mode, or programmed mode. The second mode dial  4  is smaller in diameter than the first mode dial  3 , and has a pivot center coinciding with the pivot center of the first mode dial  3 . The second mode dial  4  is stacked on the first mode dial. Reference numeral  5  denotes an index for indicating the photographing mode selected by the second mode dial  4 . 
     FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the first mode dial  3  and second mode dial  4 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , reference numeral  6   a  to  6   d  denote indications of operation modes that can be selected by the first mode dial  3 , which respectively indicate the photographing mode, inactive mode (power OFF), playback mode, and communication mode in different colors. 
   Reference numerals  7   a  to  7   h  denote indications of the contents of photographing modes and playback modes that can be selected by the second mode dial  4 . More specifically, reference numeral  7   a  denotes the programmed photographing mode;  7   b , the TV priority mode;  7   c , the AV priority mode; and  7   d , the manual mode. These modes are displayed in the same color as that of the photographing mode  6   a.    
   Reference numeral.  7   e  denotes a single playback mode;  7   f , a multi-playback mode,  7   g , a moving image playback mode, and  7   h , an erase mode. These modes are displayed in the same color as the display color of the playback mode  6   c.    
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  8  denotes an information display unit for displaying information such as a remaining frame count, aperture value, shutter speed, remaining battery capacity, and the like; and  9 , a release button that is operated to generate a release signal. Assume that in this embodiment, no lower mode to be selected in the communication mode is set. 
     FIGS. 3A to 3C  are views showing the internal structure of the first mode dial  3 . Referring to  FIGS. 3A to 3C , reference numeral  10  denotes a fixing portion which is part of the casing  2  and supports the first mode dial  3 ; and  11 , a leaf spring which is supported by the fixing portion  10  and in contact with a serrated portion  3   b  formed inside the first mode dial  3 . 
   With the above structure of the first mode dial  3 , when the first mode dial  3  is pivoted from the state shown in  FIG. 3A  in the direction indicated by the arrow, the leaf spring  11  is charged by a projection of the serrated portion  3   b , as shown in  FIG. 3B . When the first mode dial  3  is further pivoted, the leaf spring  11  comes into contact with the next recess owing to the charging force of the leaf spring  11 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . As the leaf spring  11  sequentially passes through recesses and projections in this manner, the user can feel clicks when he/she pivots the first mode dial  3 . The second mode dial  4  has substantially the same structure as that of the first mode dial  3 . 
     FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view showing the structures of the first mode dial  3  and second mode dial  4  in more detail. Referring to  FIG. 4 , reference numeral  12  denotes a flexible printed board on which a concentric electrode pattern is drawn around the pivot center of the first mode dial  3  and second mode dial  4 ; and  13  and  14 , contact pieces which are in contact with the electrode pattern on the flexible printed board  12  and fixed on contact piece bases  15  and  16  that pivot about the center of the concentric pattern. 
   Reference numeral  17  denotes a base plate on which the flexible printed board  12  and contact piece bases  15  and  16  are mounted. The base plate  17  has a pivot shaft  17   a  on which the contact base  16  is pivoted. The center axis of this pivot shaft  17   a  coincides with the pivot centers of the first mode dial  3 , second mode dial  4 , and contact piece bases  15  and  16 . The contact piece bases  15  and  16  are respectively engaged with the first mode dial  3  and second mode dial  4 , so that as the first and second mode dials  3  and  4  pivot, the bases also pivot in the same manner. 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views for explaining the operation of the electrode pattern on the flexible printed board  12  and contact pieces  13  and  14 . Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , reference numeral  18  denotes an electrode, and reference symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, and G denote electrodes. The system controller (not shown) of the electronic camera detects connection between the electrode  18  and the electrodes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Assume that the contact piece  13  pivots from the state shown in  FIG. 5A  to the state shown in  FIG. 5B  as the first mode dial  3  pivots, and connection between the electrodes A, B, and C and the electrode  18  changes. In this case, the system controller changes the inactive mode to the photographing mode. 
     FIG. 8  shows the relationship between the operation modes of the electronic camera and connection between the electrodes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G and the electrode  18 . The system controller (not shown) switches the operation modes in accordance with connection between the electrodes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G and the electrode  18 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   As described above, in this embodiment, the operation modes are displayed in different colors such that lower photographing modes and playback modes are displayed in colors corresponding to the colors of the corresponding upper operation modes. This allows the user to easily switch the operation modes of the electronic camera and check the current operation mode of the camera. 
   In this embodiment, the two dials are coaxially stacked on each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, three or more dials can be coaxially stacked on each other. In this case, more lower operation modes can be set. This allows the user to set operation modes more elaborately. 
     FIG. 6  is an external view of an electronic image recording/playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , reference numeral  101  denotes an electronic image recording/playback apparatus body including a personal computer and the like; and  102 , a first dial for selecting one of operation modes of the electronic image recording/playback apparatus, i.e., the inactive mode, playback mode, record mode, and print mode. Note that the operation mode selected by the first dial  102  will be referred to as a first operation mode. Reference numeral  103  denotes a second dial for selecting one of a standard mode, monotone mode, sharpness change mode, brightness change mode, contrast change mode, and color tone change mode as lower modes in the playback mode, record mode, and print mode which are the first operation modes (to be described later). 
   Reference numeral  104  denotes a third dial for setting a degree of change when one of the sharpness change mode, brightness change mode, contrast change mode, and saturation change mode is selected by the second dial  103 . 
   Reference numeral  105  denotes a display means for displaying image data and the like;  106 , an interface for inputting/outputting image data and the like;  107  and  108 , operation units for changing the image data and the like displayed on the display means  105 ;  109 , a decision button for starting to record or print in the record mode or print mode; and  110 , a printer for printing information such as an image. 
     FIG. 7  is a view showing the first dial  102 , second dial  103 , and third dial  104  in detail. Referring to  FIG. 7 , reference numerals  111  to  114  denote the indications of operation modes selected by the first dial  102 . More specifically, reference numeral  111  denotes the playback mode of displaying an image or the like;  112 , the record mode of recording an image or the like;  113 , the print mode of printing an image or the like; and  114 , a power OFF indication. In this case, the operation mode in the direction of an index  102   a  formed on the first dial  102  is selected. For example, in the case shown in  FIG. 7 , the playback mode is selected. 
   Reference numerals  115  to  120  denote the indications of the operation modes set by the second dial  103 . More specifically, reference numeral  115  denotes the standard mode of playing back, recording, and printing an image or the like with predetermined set values;  116 , the monotone mode of playing back, recording, and printing an image or the like by converting it into a monochrome image;  117 , the sharpness change mode of playing back, recording, and printing an image or the like upon changing sharpness;  118 , the brightness change mode of playing back, recording, and printing an image or the like upon changing brightness;  119 , the contrast change mode of playing back, recording, and printing an image or the like upon changing contrast; and  120 , the saturation change mode of playing back, recording, and printing an image or the like upon changing saturation. 
   The third dial  104  becomes effective when one of the sharpness, brightness, contrast, and saturation modes is selected by the second dial  103 . Each degree of change is represented by a positive/negative numerical value. 
   The third dial  104  is located above the second dial  103  and smaller in outer diameter than the second dial  103 . 
   Reference numeral  121  denotes a second index for the second dial  103 . The second mode represented by the indication facing the second index  121  (sharpness in  FIG. 7 ) is selected. Reference numeral  122  denotes a third index for the third dial  104 . The degree of change in sharpness, brightness, contrast, or saturation is determined in accordance with a numerical value displayed on the third dial  104  which faces this third index  122 . In the case shown in  FIG. 7 , the sharpness of the currently played image or the like is increased by two steps, and the resultant image is displayed on the display means  105 . 
   As described above, according to this embodiment, in the operation mechanism of an electronic device of this type, the operation unit itself indicates an operation mode, and hence the user can easily know the current operation mode. In addition, even if the electronic device is inactive, lower modes can be set in advance. Therefore, when the electronic device is activated, a desired operation state can be quickly set. 
   Furthermore, since the first operation unit protrudes from the casing of the electronic device and the outer diameter of the second operation units is smaller than that of the first operation unit, the operation of the first operation unit is facilitated. This prevents the user from erroneously operating the second operation unit. 
   (Second Embodiment) 
   In the second embodiment, operation pivot angles are set for the first to third operation dials in the first embodiment in such a manner that a larger pivot angle is set for a dial located at a higher level. Since the other arrangements of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, only the difference between the first and second embodiments will be described. 
   In the second embodiment, referring to  FIG. 2 , the minimum operation angle of a second mode dial  4  is larger than that of a first mode dial  3 , and hence the above indications  7   a  to  7   h  can be displayed on the dial in proper sizes. 
     FIGS. 9A to 9C  are views showing the internal structure eof the first mode dial  3 . Referring to  FIGS. 9A to 9C , reference numeral  10  denotes a fixing portion which is part of a casing  2  and supports the first mode dial  3 ; and  11 , a leaf spring which is supported by the fixing portion  10  and in contact with a serrated portion  3   b , formed inside the first mode dial  3 . 
   With the above structure of the first mode dial  3 , when the first mode dial  3  is pivoted from the state shown in  FIG. 9A  in the direction indicated by the arrow, the leaf spring  11  is charged by a projection of the serrated portion  3   b , as shown in  FIG. 9B . When the first mode dial  3  is further pivoted, the leaf spring  11  comes into contact with the next recess owing to the charging force of the leaf spring  11 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . As the leaf spring  11  sequentially passes through recesses and projections in this manner, the user can feel clicks when he/she pivots the first mode dial  3 . 
   The second mode dial  4  also has substantially the same structure as the first mode dial  3 . However, as shown in  FIG. 9D , the period of a serrated portion  4   a  formed on the second mode dial  4  is longer than that of the serrated portion  3   b  of the first mode dial  3 . The pivot angle at which the leaf spring  11  pivots upon climbing over one projection of the serrated portion is larger than that in the case of the first mode dial  3 . 
   By setting the pitch of the serrated engaging portion of the second mode dial  4  to be smaller than that of the serrated engaging portion of the first mode dial  3 , the pivot angle required for the operation of the second mode dial  4  can be set to be larger than that for the first mode dial  3 . This makes it possible to ensure a large mode display portion on the second mode dial  4  and improve its visibility. 
   According to the second embodiment, in the electronic image recording/playback apparatus shown in  FIG. 6  as well, the minimum operation angle of a first dial  102  is set to be smaller than that of a second dial  103 , and the minimum operation angle of the second dial  103  is set to be smaller than that of a third dial  104 . 
   As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the operation mechanism of an electronic device of this type, the operation unit itself indicates an operation mode, and hence the user can easily know the current operation mode. In addition, even if the electronic device is inactive, lower modes can be set in advance. Therefore, when the electronic device is activated, a desired operation state can be quickly set. In addition, since a larger operation angle is set for a operation dial located at a higher level, a sufficiently large size can be ensured for an indication indicating the operation mode to be changed on the upper side. 
   Furthermore, since the first operation unit protrudes from the casing of the electronic device and the outer diameter of the second operation units is smaller than that of the first operation unit, the operation of the first operation unit is facilitated. This prevents the user from erroneously operating the second operation unit. 
   The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.