Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A mode selecting dial and an indicator are provided on a digital
camera body. Plural symbols corresponding to each mode are printed
on the mode selecting dial. When one of the plural symbols is set
at the indicator, the digital camera is set to the mode corresponding
to the symbol. The indicator has an oblong cover, and a green LED
and a red LED, which were formed inside of the oblong cover. The
green LED and the red LED emit light simultaneously or by choice
according to the condition of the digital camera. The condition
of the digital camera can be known by light emission of the indicator.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital camera having plural modes comprising: a mode selecting
operation member for choosing one mode among said plural modes;
plural symbols formed in said mode selecting operation member, each
symbol corresponding to said modes; an indicator to be set one of
said plural symbols by operating said mode selecting operation member,
a mode corresponding to said symbol being chosen and indicated by
said indicator; and a light source for lighting said indicator,
indicating at least two conditions of said digital camera by lighting
state of said indicator, said conditions of the digital camera being
unrelated with said opted mode.
2. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lighting
state includes a continuous lighting and flashing which indicate
two kinds of condition of said digital camera.
3. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light source
emits a colored light among plural colored lights, said plural color
lights indicating plural condition of said digital camera.
4. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light source
includes plural LEDs that emits different colors.
5. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said indicator
includes a transparent cover that is disposed on the outside of
a camera body.
6. A digital camera as claimed in claim 5, wherein an outer surface
of said cover is satin finished.
7. A digital camera as claimed in claim 6, wherein said light source
is disposed under said cover.
8. A digital camera as claimed in claim 7, wherein said mode selecting
operation member is a dial rotatably attached to a surface of said
digital camera body, said indicator being disposed adjacent to said
dial.
9. A digital camera having plural modes comprising: a mode selecting
operation member for choosing one mode among said plural modes;
plural symbols formed in said mode selecting operation member, each
symbol corresponding to said modes; an indicator to be set to one
of said plural symbols by operating said mode selecting operation
member, a mode corresponding to said symbol being chosen; and a
light source for lighting said indicator, indicating at least a
condition of said digital camera by lighting state of said indicator,
said condition of the digital camera being unrelated with said opted
mode, wherein the condition of said digital camera is at least one
of auto-focus is in operation, camera-shake warning, writing to
a memory card, the memory card is not inserted, the digital camera
is malfunctioning and a flash device is being charged.
10. The digital camera of claim 9, wherein the indicator flashes
a first color for the conditions where the auto-focus is in operation,
where the camera-shake warning is initiated and where the writing
to the memory card is initiated.
11. The digital camera of claim 9, wherein the indicator flashes
a second color for the conditions where the memory card is not inserted
and where the digital camera is malfunctioning.
12. The digital camera of claim 9, wherein the indicator flashes
first and second colors creating a third color for the condition
where the flash device is being charged.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera, more particularly
relates to a digital camera with a mode selecting device having
a function of displaying camera condition.
2. Description of the Prior Arts
Recently, a digital camera has become popular rapidly. The digital
camera has a CCD image sensor which transforms optical image into
electric signal and a A/D converter which transforms the electric
signal into image data of a digital signal. The image data is written
in a built-in memory, a loadable memory card and so on. The digital
camera has various modes comparing with photo cameras using silver
halide photographic film. There are a taking mode and a setting
mode for setting various devices, for example. The taking mode has
an auto-taking mode, a manual-taking mode, a sequence-taking mode
and a movie-taking mode. Likewise, the setting mode has a driving
condition setting mode for a liquid crystal panel used as an electric
viewfinder and a monitor, a power-setting mode for auto power-off,
a sound-setting mode for beeping sound, and a date and time adjusting
mode.
In order to select one of these modes, for example, a rotational
mode selecting dial is used. Characters and marks (the following
is referred to symbol) showing each mode are printed on the surface
of the mode selecting dial. The camera body is provided with an
indicia, such as lines, grooves and convexes, for the mode selecting
dial to target. When the symbol of the mode selecting dial is set
at the indicia, the mode corresponding to the symbol is chosen.
On the other hand, there are some digital cameras having an indicator
that announces to a user the condition of camera by light. A LED
is used for this indicator and disposed near the finder, for example.
When the indicator continuously lights up green (hereinafter it
is just referred to light up), showing the photographic preparation
is ready. When it twinkles with green, showing the auto focus is
in operation, warning of camera-shake, or writing in a memory card.
In the same way, when it twinkles with red, showing the memory card
is not inserted, the camera is in wrong operation, or out of order.
On twinkling with orange, showing the flash is charging. In addition,
this orange is a mixed color of green and red. However, as the mode
selecting device and the indicator are set separately in the conventional
digital camera, a number of parts are needed, increasing a cost.
Besides, the mode selecting device and the indicator are not observed
at a time. Recently, it is desired that not only the digital camera
has many functions but also the device for performing the functions
is a good design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, a primary object of the present invention
is to provide a digital camera of simple structure and low cost,
having a mode selecting function and a display function for indicating
camera condition.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital
camera whose selected mode and camera condition can be observed
at a time.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide
a digital camera which is superior in design.
The above objects and other objects are achieved by providing a
movable mode selecting operation member and a luminous indicator.
Plural symbols are providing on the mode selecting operation member,
corresponding one symbol to one mode. Upon selecting a mode, the
mode selecting operation member is moved so as to set a desired
symbol at the indicator, and then the mode corresponding to the
symbol is effective. The indicator is lighted up, showing camera
condition. The camera condition has nothing to do with the selected
mode in the mode selecting operation member.
There are continuous lighting and twinkling of the indicator, by
which two kinds of camera condition can be displayed. And plural
camera conditions can be displayed by means of emitting plural color
lights, each color light corresponding to one camera condition.
Further, it is possible to display a large number of camera conditions
by combining color lights with the state of lighting (continuous
lighting and flashing).
According to the present invention, as the indicator is luminous,
camera condition can be displayed with ease. Besides, since the
luminousable indicator is used as a target of the mode selecting
operation member, a special display apparatus for showing camera
condition is unnecessary. Further, as the indicator emits a light,
giving users a novel and unconventional design image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments when read in association with the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a digital camera of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an indicator and a mode selecting
dial;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating structure of an indicator;
and
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating electric structure of a
digital camera.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In FIG. 1, there is a lens barrel 4 on the left side of a camera
body 2. The lens barrel 4 holds a taking lens 3 (refer to FIG. 4).
The right side of the camera body 2 is provided with a grip portion
5 for holding with right hand, on top of which a shutter button
6 is provided.
The top rear side of the grip portion 5 is inclined so that a user
can easily look at. A mode selecting dial 7, an indicator 8 and
a power switch 9 are provided on the inclining surface. There are
provided an electronic viewfinder 10, a large liquid crystal panel
11 and a multi operation button 12 at the rear surface of the camera
body 2. The large liquid crystal panel 11 is used for replaying
the taken picture and showing the operation message. The multi operation
button 12 is used for zooming of the taking lens 3 and the forth.
As shown in FIG. 2, symbols showing various modes are printed on
the surface of the mode selecting dial 7. For example, character
14 of "AUTO" means auto taking mode. On choosing a desired
mode, the mode selecting dial 7 is rotated so as to set the symbol
corresponding to the desired mode at the indicator 8.
As shown in FIG. 3, the indicator 8 is constituted of a lens cover
16, a green LED 17, a red LED 18, and a case 19. The long cover
16 is made of transparent and colorless resin whose top surface
is semicylindrical. The green LED 17 emits green light and the red
LED 18 emits red light, both of which are disposed under the long
cover 16. The case 19 contains these LEDs 17 and 18 and is closed
by the long cover 16. The case 19 prevents from emitting the light
from the LEDs 17 and 18 excepting for the cover 16. And the surface
of the cover 16 is given a satin finish, taking the property of
the light diffusion into consideration.
The indicator 8 displays various kinds of the condition of the
digital camera when the green LED 17 and the red LED 18 light up
by choice or simultaneously, and by continuous lighting or flashing.
In the present embodiment, for example, when the green LED 17 lights
up, meaning the taking preparation is ready, whereas when the green
LED 17 is flashing, meaning the auto focus and the like are in operation
or warning camera-shake, or writing data in a memory card. In the
same way, when the red LED 18 is flashing, meaning the memory card
is not inserted, the digital camera is in wrong operation or out
of order. Besides, when both of the green LED 17 and the red LED
18 are concurrently flashing to produce orange flash light, meaning
the flash device is being charged. In addition, a smart media (trademark)
and so forth are used as the memory card.
In FIG. 4 illustrating an electric construction of the digital
camera, the green LED 17 and the red LED 18 are respectively controlled
by a system controller 48 through LED drivers 20 and 21. A CCD image
sensor 50 is disposed at the rear of the taking lens 3 and by focusing
the taking lens 3 on an object, an image of the object is formed
on a light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 50. The CCD
image sensor 50, driven by a CCD driver 51, transforms optical object
image into electric image signal to output.
Micro color filters of R, G and B are arranged in a mosaic pattern
on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 50. After
electric signal of each pixel which is serially output from the
CCD image sensor 50 is amplified at a suitable level in an amplifier
52, it is digitally converted by an A/D converter 53. As known well,
the sampling time between a drive of the CCD driver 51 and the A/D
converter 53 is synchronous.
To make image data, the A/D converter 53 digitally transforms electric
signal of each pixel, inputting into an image data processing circuit
55 as they come in. The image data processing circuit 55 does a
signal processing against the image data such as matrix calculation,
white balance adjusting, gamma correction and the like. Further,
based on the processed image data, the image data processing circuit
55 forms image signal in accordance with composite signal of NTSC
formula and inputs into a liquid crystal display driver (LCD driver)
58 through a D/A converter 56 and an amplifier 57. Since the LCD
driver 58 drives a small liquid crystal panel 60 formed of the electronic
viewfinder 10, the object image is continuously displayed in a small
liquid crystal panel 60.
The system controller 48 exchanges data with an EEPROM 49. A variety
of sequence program, correction data and control data are stored
in the EEPROM 49.
The system controller 48 observes signals from the shutter button
6, the mode selecting dial 7, the power switch 9, the multi operation
button 12 and the forth through an I/O port 64, doing signal processing
according to the inputted signals, as well as writing in and reading
from the memory card 47. The memory card 47 is inserted and rejected
from the slot formed at the side portion of the grip portion 5.
The memory card 47 memorizes the image data outputted from the image
data processing circuit 55 by one frame.
When the play mode is opted by the operation of the mode selecting
dial 7, the system controller 48 reads out the image data from the
memory card 47 and sends it to the image data processing circuit
55. The image data processing circuit 55, based on the input image
data, produces image signal corresponding to the composite signal
of NTSC formula and outputs it to a LCD driver 69 through a D/A
converter 67 and an amplifier 68. The LCD driver 69 actuates the
large liquid crystal panel 11, displaying the image based on the
image data on the large liquid crystal panel 11. The large liquid
crystal panel 11 can also display the shooting image simultaneously
in the same way as the small liquid crystal panel 60.
Next, the operation of the above embodiment is explained. Upon
choosing the mode, the mode selecting dial 7 is rotated to set a
symbol corresponding to the requested mode at the indicator 8. For
normal taking, the character 14 of "AUTO" is set at the
indicator 8. On framing an object to be taken, an image of the object
is simultaneously displayed in the electronic viewfinder 10. When
a user pressed the shutter button 6 at a proper timing while observing,
digital data of the object image is recorded in the memory card
47.
So as to indicate the condition of the digital camera, the system
controller 48 makes the indicator 8 emit a light by lighting up
or flashing the green LED 17 and the red LED 18. For example, as
there is a time after the shutter button 6 is pushed until the image
data is entirely recorded into the memory card 47, the green LED
17 is flashing. This lets a user know that the image data is writing
into the memory card 47. However in case that the indicator 8 is
flashing in green, meaning relatively small amount of data being
written, therefore a user can take a next taking immediately.
When "SET" on the mode selecting dial 7 is set at the
indicator 8, high quality taking mode is set. As a great volume
of data is written in the memory card 47 in the high quality, it
takes a long time for writing. In this case both of the green LED
17 and the red LED 18 light up and the indicator 8 emits a light
in orange. A user waits until the orange light goes off for the
next taking. Similarly the indicator 8 lights up according to numerous
situations, indicating the camera condition.
In this way, as the indicator 8 is used as a target of the mode
selecting dial 7, a user can know the condition of the digital camera
as well as the set mode. Also, since the target is luminous, different
from the printed line and the unevenness, it has a stronger visual
appeal in view of the design.
As a light source of the present invention, in addition to the
green LED and red LED, it is also suitable to add a blue LED which
emits blue light, using them as three LEDs. In this case, a user
can acquire a further large number of information than the above
embodiment. Moreover it is possible to increase indicative information
furthermore because they can emit various kinds of colored lights
by controlling its balance. And as the design of the digital camera
looks bright, it is easy to differentiate it from other products.
In the above embodiment, it is also suitable that the cover 16
is made of semitransparent resin besides transparent and colorless
resin. The cover 16 takes the form of edge-round and oblong as a
whole, but an arrow or a triangle ones is suitable, too. Likewise,
although the mode selecting dial is used as a mode switch operation
member in the above embodiment, a slide system selecting lever,
for instance, is also suitable.
Although the present invention has been fully described by the
way of the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying
drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to
those having skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these
changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention,
there should be construed as included therein.
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