Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A user interface for selecting a function for a device, such as
a digital camera, to perform. The interface comprises a five position
switch, such as a four-way rocker switch, a three position switch,
such as a two-way rocker switch, and a visual display comprising
a menu displaying a list of functions which the camera can perform.
The camera user can easily and conveniently make his selection using
one thumb on the five position switch and his other thumb on the
three position switch while maintaining a grasp on the camera with
his hands. Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A user interface for a camera, comprising: a four-way rocker
switch comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth switch
positions; a two-way rocker switch comprising a fifth and a sixth
switch positions; and a visual display comprising at least one menu,
wherein the four-way rocker switch, the two-way rocker switch, and
the visual display are mounted on the same side of the camera, wherein
images to be photographed are located on opposite side of the camera
from which the four-way rocker switch, the two-way rocker switch,
and the visual display are mounted, wherein the first, second, third,
and fourth switch positions can be individually activated by a thumb
on a first hand of an operator and simultaneously the fifth and
sixth switch positions can be individually activated by a thumb
on a second hand of the operator when the operator holds the camera
with the first hand on one end of the camera and the second hand
on the opposite end thereof, wherein each menu comprises at least
one function label, wherein activations of the first and second
switch positions select successive menus, wherein activations of
the third and fourth switch positions select successive function
labels on the selected menu, wherein activation of the fifth switch
position activates the function identified by the selected function
label, wherein the identified function controls an action of the
camera, and wherein activation of the sixth switch position deactivates
the function.
2. The user interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the camera
is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera and a
video camera.
3. The user interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the visual
display is a display selected from the group consisting of an LCD
display and an LED display.
4. The user interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the visual
display is viewable by a user when the user grasps the camera with
the first and the second hands with the first thumb on the four-way
rocker switch and the second thumb on the two-way rocker switch.
5. The user interface as recited in claim 1, wherein the visual
display is viewable by the user when the user looks through a view
finder mounted onto the device.
6. A user interface for a camera, comprising: a four-way rocker
switch comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth switch
positions; a two-way rocker switch comprising a fifth and a sixth
switch positions; and a visual display comprising at least one menu,
wherein the four-way rocker switch, the two-way rocker switch, and
the visual display are mounted on the same side of the camera, wherein
images to be photographed are located on opposite side of the camera
from which the four-way rocker switch, the two-way rocker switch,
and the visual display are mounted, wherein the first, second, third,
and fourth switch positions can be individually activated by a thumb
on a first hand of an operator and simultaneously the fifth and
sixth switch positions can be individually activated by a thumb
on a second hand of the operator when the operator holds the camera
with the first hand on one end of the camera and the second hand
on the opposite end thereof, wherein each menu comprises at least
one function label, wherein activations of the first and second
switch positions select successive menus, wherein activations of
the fifth and sixth switch positions select successive function
labels on the selected menu, wherein activation of the third switch
position activates the function identified by the selected function
label, wherein the identified function controls an action of the
camera, and wherein activation of the fourth switch position deactivates
the function.
7. The user interface as recited in claim 6, wherein the camera
is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera and a
video camera.
8. The user interface as recited in claim 6, wherein the visual
display is a display selected from the group consisting of an LCD
display and an LED display.
9. The user interface as recited in claim 6, wherein the visual
display is viewable by a user when the user grasps the camera with
the first and the second hands with the first thumb on the four-way
rocker switch and the second thumb on the two-way rocker switch.
10. The user interface as recited in claim 6, wherein the visual
display is viewable by the user when the user looks through a view
finder mounted onto the device.
11. A user interface for a camera, comprising: a four-way rocker
switch comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth switch
positions; a two-way rocker switch comprising a fifth and a sixth
switch positions; and a visual display comprising at least one menu,
wherein the four-way rocker switch, the two-way rocker switch, and
the visual display are mounted on the same side of the camera, wherein
images to be photographed are located on opposite side of the camera
from which the four-way rocker switch, the two-way rocker switch,
and the visual display are mounted, wherein the first, second, third,
and fourth switch positions can be individually activated by a thumb
on a first hand of an operator and simultaneously the fifth and
sixth switch positions can be individually activated by a thumb
on a second hand of the operator when the operator holds the camera
with the first hand on one end of the camera and the second hand
on the opposite end thereof, wherein each menu comprises at least
one function label, wherein activations of the fifth and sixth switch
positions select successive menus, wherein activations of the third
and fourth switch positions select successive function labels on
the selected menu, wherein activation of the first switch position
activates the function identified by the selected function label,
wherein the identified function controls an action of the camera,
and wherein activation of the second switch position deactivates
the function.
12. The user interface as recited in claim 11, wherein the camera
is selected from the group consisting of a digital camera and a
video camera.
13. The user interface as recited in claim 11, wherein the visual
display is a display selected from the group consisting of an LCD
display and an LED display.
14. The user interface as recited in claim 11, wherein the visual
display is viewable by a user when the user grasps the camera with
the first and the second hands with the first thumb on the four-way
rocker switch and the second thumb on the two-way rocker switch.
15. The user interface as recited in claim 11, wherein the visual
display is viewable by the user when the user looks through a view
finder mounted onto the device.
Digital Camera Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to digital cameras and
more particularly to user interfaces for digital cameras and even
more particularly to the use of switches on digital cameras used
to control the camera function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Existing digital cameras use a wide range of user interfaces to
set and control their function. Existing camera user interfaces
are typically a point of confusion to users, often because of their
non-intuitive controls and a lack of similarity with other device
user interfaces. Such user interfaces often require a careful reading
of the manual prior to first use of the camera and for less often
used features repeated manual reading may be necessary.
These user interfaces typically consist of numerous switches that
are often difficult to actuate while also holding and/or using the
camera. This quantity and arrangement of switches also complicates
package design and adds to overall product cost.
Thus, there is a need for a simplified, improved user interface
for digital cameras and similar devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In preferred embodiments, the present patent document discloses
user interfaces that provide the ability to select a function for
a device to perform. In a preferred embodiment, switches operated
by each of a user's thumbs provide the means for the user to select
a function for a digital camera to perform. The user of the digital
camera can easily and conveniently make his selection and activate
a desired menu listed function while holding the camera. Embodiments
of user interfaces described herein can be used with various devices,
in particular with image recording devices such as digital cameras
and video cameras. The user interfaces disclosed herein, however,
are not limited to use with only these devices. It has general applicability
to all devices controlled by a user.
The user interface comprises a five position switch, a three position
switch, and a visual display. In preferred embodiments, the five
position switch, the three position switch, and the visual display
are mounted onto the digital camera. Typically the five position
switch is a four-way rocker switch, the three position switch is
a two-way rocker switch, and the visual display is a liquid crystal
display (LCD display) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) display. Other
types of displays are also possible.
Activations of the four-way rocker switch and the two-way rocker
switch permit selection, activation, and deactivation of various
functions which are indicated on the visual display. These switch
activations might include navigating through a menu structure and
selecting a function setting or navigating through a file structure
of photographs.
In a preferred embodiment, the user interface is mounted onto the
back of the digital camera and is viewable by a user when the user
grasps the camera with his first hand and his second hand while
keeping his first thumb in proximity to the four-way rocker switch
and his second thumb in proximity to the two-way rocker switch.
In another preferred embodiment, the visual display is viewable
by the user when the user looks through a view finder mounted onto
the camera.
A primary advantage of the embodiments as described in the present
patent document over prior user interfaces is that they are simple
and intuitive to use, thereby reducing user confusion and the need
for extensive reading and re-reading of the user's manual for the
device. Also, only two combination switches having a total of six
switch positions are needed further reducing confusion. Most currently
available digital cameras employ ten or more switches.
An additional advantage of the user interfaces is the ability of
the user to maintain his grasp of the device, such as the digital
camera, while navigating through and observing the various menus
displayed on the visual display and while selecting the functions
to be performed by the device by using a four-way rocker switch
and a two-way rocker switch. A further advantage in another embodiment
is the displaying of the visual display in the view finder permitting
function selection while viewing the image to photographed through
the view finder. In either case, the user never has to remove his
thumbs from the rocker switches and never has to look away from
the visual display to find the appropriate switch.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings provide visual representations which
will be used to more fully describe the invention and can be used
by those skilled in the art to better understand it and its inherent
advantages. In these drawings, like reference numerals identify
corresponding elements and:
FIG. 1 is a drawing of a user interface for selecting a function
for a device to perform in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. Introduction
As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present
patent document discloses in preferred embodiments means for selecting
a function for a device to perform. In a preferred embodiment, a
user of a digital camera can easily and conveniently select and
activate a desired menu listed function using only his two thumbs
while at the same time holding the camera. In the following detailed
description and in the several figures of the drawings, like elements
are identified with like reference numerals.
2. Discussion
In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus described in the present
patent document, switches operated by each of a user's thumbs provide
the means for the user to select a function for a digital camera
to perform.
FIG. 1 is a drawing of a user interface 100 for selecting a function
for a device 110 to perform in accordance with the invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the device 110 is an image recording device
110 such as a digital camera 110. However, it is also possible to
use the user interface 100 with other devices 110 such as a video
camera 110. The user interfaces disclosed herein, however, are not
limited to use with only these devices. It has general applicability
to all devices controlled by a user.
The user interface 100 in FIG. 1 comprises a five position switch
120, a three position switch 130, and a visual display 145. The
five position switch 120, the three position switch 130, and the
visual display 145 are typically mounted onto the digital camera
110.
The five position switch 120, which in the preferred embodiment
is a four-way rocker switch 120, comprises a first switch position
122, a second switch position 124, a third switch position 126,
a fourth switch position 128, and a neutral or "off "
switch position. The first, second, third, and fourth switch positions
122,124,126,128 can be individually activated by a first thumb 160
attached to a first hand 162 of a user of the digital camera 110.
The three position switch 130, which in the preferred embodiment
is a two-way rocker switch 130, comprises a fifth switch position
132, a sixth switch position 134, and a neutral or "off"
switch position. The fifth and sixth switch positions 132,134 can
be individually activated by a second thumb 170 attached to a second
hand 172 of a user of the digital camera 110. The placement of the
five position switch 120 on the left hand side of the device 110
and the three position switch 130 on the right hand side of the
device 110 as shown in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only,
as is the choice of the first thumb 160 as the left thumb of the
user, the first hand 162 as the left hand, the second thumb 170
as the right thumb, and the second hand 172 as the right hand. The
placement of the five position switch 120 and the three position
switch 130, selection of thumbs, and selection of hands could all
be interchanged. Further, placement of the five position switch
120 and the three position switch 130 is limited only to the extent
that they are operable while the camera is grasp by the first and
second hands 162,172.
In preferred embodiments, the visual display 145 is a liquid crystal
display (LCD display) 145 or a light emitting diode (LED) display
145. However, other display technologies are also possible. The
visual display 145 comprises at least one menu 150, but typically
several menus 150. Each menu 150 comprises at least one function
label 152, but typically several function labels.
In the preferred embodiment, activations of the first and second
switch positions 122,124 select successive menus 150, activations
of the third and fourth switch positions 126,128 select successive
function labels 152 on the selected menu 150, activation of the
fifth switch position 132 activates the function identified by the
selected function label 152, and activation of the sixth switch
position 134 deactivates the function. Other uses for these switches
120,130 are also possible, for example navigating through a tree
structure of picture files or other data.
In another preferred embodiment, activations of the first and second
switch positions 122,124 select successive menus 150, activations
of the fifth and sixth switch positions 132,134 select successive
function labels 152 on the selected menu 150, activation of the
third switch position 126 activates the function identified by the
selected function label 152, and activation of the fourth switch
position 128 deactivates the function.
In yet another preferred embodiment, activations of the fifth and
sixth switch positions 132,134 select successive menus 150, activations
of the third and fourth switch positions 126,128 select successive
function labels 152 on the selected menu 150, activation of the
first switch position 122 activates the function identified by the
selected function label 152, and activation of the second switch
position 124 deactivates the function.
In a preferred embodiment, the user interface 100 is mounted onto
the back of the digital camera 110 and is viewable by a user when
the user grasps the camera 110 with his first hand 162 and his second
hand 172 while keeping his first thumb 160 in proximity to the four-way
rocker switch 120 and his second thumb 170 in proximity to the two-way
rocker switch 130.
In another preferred embodiment, the visual display 145 is viewable
by the user when the user looks through a view finder 140 mounted
onto the camera 110.
3. Concluding Remarks
A primary advantage of the embodiments as described in the present
patent document over prior user interfaces 100 is that the user
interfaces 100 are simple and intuitive to use, thereby reducing
user confusion and the need for extensive reading and re-reading
of the user's manual for the device 110. Also, only two switches
120,130 having a total of six switch positions 122,124,126,128,132,134
are needed, further reducing confusion. Most currently available
digital cameras 110 employ ten or more switches.
An additional advantage is the ability of the user to maintain
his grasp of the device 110, such as the digital camera 110, while
navigating through and observing the various menus 145 displayed
on the visual display 145 and while selecting the functions to be
performed by the device 110 by using two switches, which in the
preferred embodiment are the four-way rocker switch 120 and the
two-way rocker switch 130. A further advantage is manifest by displaying
the visual display 145 in the view finder 140 permitting function
selection while viewing the image to be photographed through the
view finder 140. In either case, the user never has to remove his
thumbs from the two switches 120,130 and never has to look away
from the visual display to find the appropriate switch 120,130.
While the present invention has been described in detail in relation
to preferred embodiments thereof, the described embodiments have
been presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. It
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
may be made in the form and details of the described embodiments
resulting in equivalent embodiments that remain within the scope
of the appended claims.
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