JP2001142127A - Switch device, and equipment and camera utilizing the device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera which can be quickly operated as the camera constituted so that a plurality of conditions can be set, and a switch device for the camera. SOLUTION: This camera is provided with a selection means (photographing mode SW23) including a two-stage switch (1st stage SW23a and 2nd stage SW23b) and selecting one of a plurality of photographing modes, a recovery means (photographing mode switching program) releasing the photographing mode selecting by the selection means and recovering it to the prescribed photographing mode among the plurality of photographing modes and a control means (CPU 20) selecting one out of the photographing modes at 1st stage (1st stroke) of the 2nd-stage switch, releasing the photographing mode selected by the selection means at the 2nd stage (2nd stroke) and recovering it to the prescribed photographing mode. This switch device is constituted so as to be used for this camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch device for setting, changing, erasing or restoring operating conditions of a device and an electronic device to which the device is applied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a prior art relating to an operation switch for setting, changing, erasing or restoring various conditions, for example, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. Sho 61-88121 discloses that a mode is selected cyclically by pressing a mode button. Techniques are taught. As in the camera shown in FIG. 9, for setting, changing, erasing or restoring various photographing conditions, for example, a switch button 2 for spot metering and a release button 7 are provided.
And a rotatable spot light metering information clear switch (hereinafter, referred to as a “clear switch”) 8 provided in an annular shape around the button 7. The clear switch 8 has a projection 8a so that the finger of the hand can be easily hooked. First, the user places the finger 9 of the hand on the spot metering button switch 2 as shown in the figure while looking into the finder, and touches the object to be spot metered. The spot zone in the viewfinder is adjusted, and the spot metering switch button 2 is pressed to perform metering, and the metering information at that time is stored in the camera.

In a camera capable of multi-spot photometry (multi-spot photometry), the operation is continued several times in the same manner. Then, when the spot photometric information becomes unnecessary, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG.
Is turned on the projection 8a, and the clear switch 8 is rotated clockwise in the figure to erase (clear) the spot photometric information.

A so-called "two-stage switch" having a two-step stroke, which has been used as an operation member of a camera up to now, is used only for a release switch. Eye (1st release)
AF lock or AE lock is applied by holding ON
The shutter operation is performed at the second stage (2nd release).

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional camera, a system in which the photographing mode button must be pressed many times to change from one photographing mode to a specific mode is generally used. If the exposure operation is not completed, it is not possible to return to the standard mode (basic mode) which is usually used. In the conventional mode switching operation method, the user selects a character while looking at the characters that are cyclically lit on the display unit of the camera.Since the display is cyclic, it is necessary to select a desired one. Requires a certain amount of time and the number of operations. For example, setting this particular program mode instantly from another mode takes some effort. Due to this problem, a quick mode setting is required for the camera.

In addition, in the conventional spot metering, the user has to operate a plurality of operating members with the finger 9 while looking through the finder. This is not particularly inconvenient when spot metering is performed, but when the spot information that has been measured so far has to be stored and the spot information must be canceled, the spot metering button 2 to the finger 9 are used. Has to be released once, and the finger 9 must be re-applied to the projection 8a shown in FIG. 10, which makes it impossible to perform a quick photographing operation. Therefore, the camera is inconvenient for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a switch device which can be operated quickly to improve operability of a device in which a plurality of conditions can be set, and a device using the same. .

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention takes the following measures. That is, according to the present invention, [1] a two-stage switch, selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of photographing modes, and releasing the photographing mode selected by the selecting means, And return means for returning to a predetermined photographing mode, and selecting the one of the photographing modes by operating the selecting means at the first stage of the two-stage switch, and returning the return means at the second stage of the two-stage switch. To release the photographing mode selected by the selecting means and to return to the predetermined photographing mode. [2] First in the first half of the switch stroke
Two-stage switch means having first switch means for outputting a second signal and second switch means for outputting a second signal in the second half of the switch stroke, a plurality of photographing mode means, and a plurality of photographing modes. A mode selection unit for selecting one of the modes, a mode return unit for returning to a predetermined mode of the shooting mode, and the mode selection unit is operated by an output of the first switch unit to select a shooting mode. There is proposed a camera having control means for controlling the mode return means to be operated by the output of the second switch means to return the photographing mode to the predetermined photographing mode.

[3] A two-stage having first switch means for outputting a first signal in the first half of a switch stroke and second switch means for outputting a second signal in a second half of the switch stroke Switch means, a plurality of photographing mode means, mode selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of photographing modes by an output of the first switch means, and a predetermined photographing mode by an output of the second switch means. And a mode return unit for returning to the mode of (1). [4] The camera according to [3], further comprising a selection unit that cyclically selects the plurality of shooting modes.

[5] A two-stage switch, selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of photographing modes, and canceling the photographing mode selected by the selecting means, and a predetermined one of the plurality of photographing modes. A return unit for returning to the photographing mode, and the first stage of the two-stage switch operates the selection unit to select one of the photographing modes, and the second stage of the two-stage switch operates the return unit to operate the return unit. There is proposed a camera having control means for canceling the photographing mode selected by the selecting means and returning to the predetermined photographing mode. [6] First in the first half of the switch stroke
Switch means having first switch means for outputting a second signal and second switch means for outputting a second signal in the second half of the switch stroke, a plurality of functional means, and the first switch. Function selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of functions according to the output of the means;
And a clearing means for clearing the above function by the output of the switching means.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The gist of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera according to the present invention that performs exposure by spot photometry. A button member for spot metering with a button head protruding from the button base 2a on the upper surface of the main body of the camera 1.
A spot metering operation unit 2 having (2b), a square self-timer button 3 and a shooting mode selection button 4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The spot metering operation unit 2 incorporates a switch device having a two-stage switch structure shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B described later.

Next, a description will be given of spot metering and clearing (erasing) operations in the camera. While looking through the viewfinder, the user puts a finger 9 on the spot metering button 2b also serving as a spot metering clear button as shown in FIG. 1, and performs spot metering on the subject as many times as necessary.
At this time, if the spot metering button 2b is pressed to the first stroke, spot metering is performed, and the metering value is stored in the storage unit. If the spot metering information becomes unnecessary, if the spot metering button 2b is pushed down from the first stage stroke to the second stage stroke, the stored spot metering information is cleared (erased). You.

The spot metering button 2b can be used for single-spot metering for performing metering at one time or multi-spot metering for metering light at a plurality of locations. In the multi-spot photometry, an average photometry value is obtained by averaging a plurality of spot photometry values, and this value can be used at the time of photographing. The control of such an operation is executed by a program based on flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described in detail later.

2 (a) and 2 (b) show a switch device incorporated in the camera of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (a) shows an assembly of components of the switch device, which is shown in FIG. 2 (b).
Has a cross-sectional structure as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, a photographing mode selection switching unit (spot metering operation unit 2) as one selection unit includes a button base 2a provided on the upper surface of the camera and a part protruding from a hole in the base. Button member 2b for spot metering, a coil spring 2c attached so as to be wound around the axis of the button member 2b, and the tip of the axis of the button member 2b can be inserted. And a two-stage switch portion 2d having a concave portion 2e. The plurality of terminals 2f of the two-stage switch section 2d are assembled so as to be electrically connected to a predetermined board terminal pattern 5a of the flexible electric board 5 in the camera. The button member 2b has a cylindrical head for pressing a two-stage switch and a winding spring 2c fitted on a shaft below the cylindrical head. The winding spring 2c holds the button member 2b against pressing down of the head. It is assembled to preload upward.

This switch device is a switch element (switch means, two-stage switch means) having a two-stage stroke. As shown in FIG. 2B, after arranging the switch device on a required pattern on the flexible electric board 5, a plurality of terminals 2f are soldered to the board terminal pattern 5a. The base 6 is a pedestal of a flexible electric board, and is fixed to a camera exterior member serving as the button base 2a or a camera internal body. The spot metering operation unit 2 specifically exemplified here employs a two-stage switch, and functions as a button for spot metering and also serves as a clear button depending on how the switch is pressed.

Here, the mechanical specifications of the two-stage switch will be described with reference to a graph showing the relationship between the pressing force F and the stroke displacement δ as shown in FIG. In a two-stage switch having two strokes of a first stage and a second stage, for example, when such a two-stage switch is pushed through the button 2b, the first stage (first stage) (points (a, a '))
, The touch of stopping slightly is obtained, and the first-stage switch is turned ON. Then, when you press it further, you will feel a slight buckling feeling on your finger.
When the switch is further pressed, the next stage (second stage) (point (b, b ')) is reached and the second stage switch is turned ON. After that, the button does not advance any further when pressed. Thus, at each point, the switch function (ON or OF)
It can be seen that F) has specifications that work. In all of the embodiments described below, it is assumed that the ON state of the first-stage switch is continued between the above-mentioned two points (a, a ′) and (b, b ′).

FIG. 4 shows an electric circuit diagram of a camera having a switch device according to the present invention. This camera has a CP as a control unit which is turned on / off by a main switch 11 also serving as a power supply SW based on a power supply 12 such as a battery.
It is appropriately controlled by U20. This CPU executes programs of various flowcharts described below. The CPU 20 is connected by a bus 13 to an EEPROM 30 as storage means, and is connected so that data can be transmitted bidirectionally during storage and reading.

Various switch elements are connected to the CPU 20. For example, a release switch 21 as a conventional two-stage switch, a self-timer SW22 including a first-stage SW 22a and a second-stage SW 22b, and a first-stage switch The photographing mode SW23 including the SW23a and the second-stage SW23b is connected, and a predetermined signal is transmitted.

As the second-stage switch according to the present invention, a spot metering SW 24 including a first-stage SW 24a and a second-stage SW 24b is provided. This spot metering SW
Reference numeral 24 denotes a two-stage switch, which is configured to switch the setting or change of the photometric function according to a control program incorporated in the CPU 20 which will be described in detail later.

Similarly, the self-timer SW22 functions as one selecting means for selecting and setting a desired timed time and starting the timed time. Further, the shooting mode switch 23 functions as one selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of shooting modes. Each of these SWs 22 and 23 is also constituted by a two-stage switch.

Next, the control of the switch device of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. These flowcharts are included in a camera sequence (main routine) that controls the camera as a whole. Each function will be described in detail below.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control procedure at the time of the single spot photometry described above. In step S1 in the main routine, the first-stage SW 24a (SW1) of the spot metering SW 24 is turned off.
It is determined whether or not N has been performed (S1). If not, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is ON, the spot photometric value (information) at that time is stored (stored) in a memory (EEPROM) ( S2). Step S2 functions as information storage means.

In step S3, the spot metering S
It is determined whether or not the second-stage SW 24b (SW2) of W24 is turned on (S3). If not, the routine shifts from this routine to the main routine. If it is on, the stored spot metering value is stored from the memory. Erase (clear) (S
4). Step S4 functions as clearing means.

Next, a control procedure in the case of multi-spot photometry will be described as another embodiment with reference to the flowchart of the control means of FIG. First, in step S11 in the main routine, various flags such as a first flag and a second flag described later are initialized (turned off) (S11).
11). In step S12, spot metering SW2
4 First stage SW24a (SW1) is turned on or off
(S12), and if it is OFF, step S22
Move to On the other hand, in step S12, SW24
If a is ON, it is determined in step S13 whether the first flag is OFF or ON (S13). If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S17. If the first flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S14. The spot metering value at that time is stored in the first area of the memory of the EEPROM 30 (S1).
4) In step S15, the first flag is turned on, and in step S16, the second flag is turned off. Then, control goes to a step S22.

In step S17, the second flag is set to O
It is determined whether it is FF or ON (S17). If it is OFF, in step S18, the spot metering value at that time is set to EE
It is stored in the second area of the memory of the PROM 30 (S18),
In step S19, the second flag is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the second flag is not set in step S17, that is, if the flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S20, and the spot metering value at that time is stored in the third area of the EEPROM 30 (S20). The flag is turned off, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S22.

In step S22, it is determined whether the second-stage SW 24b (SW2) of the spot metering SW 24 is turned on or off (S22). If it is off, the routine shifts from this routine to the main routine. All (plural) stored spot photometric values (information) are erased from the memory of the EEPROM 30 (S23).
Steps S14, S18, S20 function as information storage means, and step S23 functions as clear means.

As described above, the multi-spot photometry of the present invention cyclically stores and deletes the photometry value. In other words, three points of the object scene are sequentially measured, and the first point, the second point, and the third point are spot-metered, and the fourth point is spot-metered. Overwrites and clears the photometric value and stores it. Further, when the spot photometry at the fifth point is performed, the photometry value at the second point is overwritten and cleared and stored.

Next, a case where the present invention is applied to a self-timer will be described. The mechanical configuration following the self-timer button 3 is a two-stage switch equivalent to that described above, but the specification of a program for controlling this is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The basic specification outline is as follows. Only the first stroke of the two-stage switch selects the time of the self-timer. If the user wants to cancel (cancel) the timer of the self-timer in the middle, the timer is stopped by pushing down to the second stroke.

If the second-stage stroke is turned on while the first-stage stroke is ON, the shutter is released by setting the self-timer to 10 seconds or 2 seconds, and the self-timer is started. Previously, if only the first stroke was turned ON, the self-timer would be 2 seconds if the setting was 10 seconds. If the button is pressed many times with only the first stroke,
The 0 second and 2 second self-timer settings change cyclically.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for setting the self-timer. When the first-stage SW 22a is turned on in the main routine, a sub-routine for setting a self-timer is entered. Then, in step S31, it is determined whether the first-stage SW22a (SW1) of the self-timer SW22 is turned off or on (S31). If it is off, the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, the first-stage SW22
If the ON state of the self-timer SW22 is maintained in step S32, the second-stage SW22b (S
W2) is turned on or off (S32), and O
In the case of FF, the process returns to step S31 and is repeated.

In step S33, it is determined whether or not 10 seconds have been set. If not, 10 seconds is set (S
35) If it has been set to 10 seconds, reset it to 2 seconds (S34) and return to the main routine. Steps S31 and S33 serve as function selection means. Further, steps S36, S37, and S40 serve as functional units based on steps S34 and S35. If the second-stage SW 22b is ON, the timer starts in step S36 (S36).

Then, in step S37, it is determined whether the time has reached a predetermined time and the time has ended or not (S37). If the time has ended, exposure is performed under predetermined conditions (S38). After the film is wound up (S39), the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the time measurement has not been completed, it is determined in step S40 whether the first-stage SW 22a is ON or OFF (S40).
In the case of F, the process returns to step S37 again to continue time measurement.

If the first-stage SW 22a is ON, then in step S41, the second-stage SW 22b is turned ON or OFF.
Is determined (S41), and if it is OFF, the process returns to the step S36, and the counting is restarted from 0. On the other hand, if the second-stage SW 22b is turned on, the self-timer function is released (S42), that is, the camera returns to the normal shooting state and returns to the main routine. Step S42 functions as a clearing means (return means).

As described above, with respect to the self-timer SW22, the time (second) to be measured is set to two set values (2 seconds / 1
0 seconds). Also, the first stage S
When the second-stage SW 22b is turned on after the W22a is turned on, the self-timer function starts (time counting start function).
And, while waiting for the end of the timing, the second stage SW2
When 2b is turned on, the timing is controlled to restart from 0 (timekeeping restart function).

Next, the case where the present invention is applied to switching of the photographing mode (operation mode, photographing mode means) will be described. The mechanical configuration following the photographing mode selection button 4 is a two-stage switch similar to that described above, and the specification of a program for controlling the switch is programmed as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

The basic outline of the specification is as follows. That is, the shooting mode (exposure mode, operation mode, function means) includes, for example, an aperture priority mode, a shutter speed priority mode, a manual mode, and a program mode, and can be selected by pressing a two-stage switch. In the first stroke of the photographing mode switch 23, which is a two-stage switch, normally, it is possible to cyclically select from these four modes in a predetermined order. In addition, the second-stage stroke enables instantaneous setting to a basic mode (for example, a program mode).

The flowchart of FIG. 8 as a control means in the main routine of the camera exemplifies a control procedure for switching the photographing mode. Camera main switch 11 is O
If the answer is N, the CPU 20 wakes up and, in its initial state, sets the program mode in step S51 (S51). Then, when it comes to the sequence of monitoring the photographing mode switch 23 from the ordinary main routine process, in step S52, the first-stage SW2 of the photographing mode switch 23 is determined.
It is determined whether or not 3a (SW1) is turned on (S5).
2) If no, the process moves to step S63.

On the other hand, when the first-stage SW 23a is ON,
In step S53, the second-stage SW of the photographing mode SW23
It is determined whether or not 23b (SW2) is ON (S53). If NO, the process proceeds to step S56.
In step S54 as a return unit (mode return unit) for returning to the predetermined shooting mode, program mode setting (return to the program mode) is performed (S5).
4) After waiting for the second-stage SW 23b to be turned off (S55), the second-stage SW 23b is turned off and the process proceeds to step S63.
If the second-stage SW 23b is OFF, it is determined in step S56 whether or not the current shooting mode is the aperture priority mode (S56). If so, the shutter speed priority mode is set (S58). Move to step S63.

If the current shooting mode is not the aperture priority mode in step S56, it is determined in step S57 whether or not the current shooting mode is the shutter priority mode (S5).
7) If so, set to manual mode (S
59), and proceed to step S63.

If the current photographing mode is not the shutter priority mode in step S57, it is determined in step S60 whether or not the manual mode is set (S60). If so, the program mode is set (S62), and step S6 is performed.
Move to 3. On the other hand, if not, the mode is set to the aperture priority mode. In the step S63, the photographing mode SW23
Until the first stage SW 23a is turned off, that is, the button 4
And waits until the finger is released (S63). When the finger is released and turned off, the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, according to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the shooting mode (exposure mode) including the aperture priority mode, the shutter speed priority mode, the manual mode, and the program mode is the shooting mode S of the two-stage switch.
In the first stroke of W23, the mode can be normally selected cyclically from the four modes in a predetermined order. Steps S52, S56, S57, and S60 serve as selection means (mode selection means).

The mode selection can be performed only by the first stroke of the two-stage switch without using the electronic dial provided in the conventional camera. Further, in the second stroke, the basic mode (for example, a specific operation mode such as a program mode) can be instantaneously set, so that it is troublesome to switch to the frequently used basic mode cyclically. In addition to the simplicity, the operation can be quickly switched to the basic mode.

(Operation and Effect) The switch device of the present invention uses a two-stage switch having a two-stage stroke, and sets the operating condition or mode by changing the first-stage switch according to the control of the program of the control means. The function of changing the switch in the second stage changes the setting and returns to the specific condition or mode, or erases the set condition or mode. This switch device is incorporated in a camera having a control means including a predetermined program. For example, as described above, in spot metering or the like, photometry at a desired point is performed by a first-stage switch, and the photometric data is stored. It is controlled so that the photometric data can be erased by the second-stage switch.

Control is performed so that a plurality of photographing modes can be cyclically switched and a basic mode can be instantaneously switched. Similarly, setting, changing, starting, and restarting of the self-timer are appropriately controlled by the switch device and the program as illustrated.

As described above, in the camera in which the switch device having the two-stage switch of this embodiment is incorporated, not only the spot metering button but also the self-timer button 3 and the shooting mode selection button 4 are depressed. By adopting a two-stage switch that switches in each of the above, a plurality of functions can be quickly and easily selected by pressing these buttons without newly providing other dedicated knobs or levers. Therefore, in an electronic device such as a camera capable of setting a plurality of conditions, operation locations can be integrated, and it is not necessary to transfer a finger at the time of operation, and the operability at the time of shooting is improved. A camera having a switch device that can be operated quickly can be realized.

(Modification) The above embodiment may be modified as follows. For example, the electronic device has been described by taking a camera as an embodiment, but the switch device and the control program can be similarly applied to an electronic device requiring multi-function and high operability. As a result, the same or higher effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be expected. (Other Modifications) In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention includes the following inventions. (1) Using a two-stage switch having a two-stage stroke, operating conditions or modes are set by the first-stage switches, and the settings are changed by the second-stage switches to return to the specific conditions or the specific mode. Or a camera having a switch device characterized in that it is configured and controlled to erase the set condition or mode.

(2) In spot photometry, photometry of a desired spot is performed by the first-stage switch, the corresponding photometry data is stored in a predetermined memory area, and the stored data is stored by the second-stage switch. The camera according to (1), wherein the camera is deleted. (3) In a camera having a plurality of shooting modes, a desired shooting mode is selected by the first-stage switch, and the shooting mode is erased by the second-stage switch. Can be provided. (4) In a camera having a self-timer, a desired timekeeping time is selectively selected from a plurality of timekeeping times by the first-stage switch, and the timekeeping time is changed to another timekeeping time by the second-stage switch. The camera described in (1), which is a feature, can be provided.

(5) first switch means for outputting a first signal in the first half stroke of the switch stroke;
A two-stage switch having a second switch for outputting a second signal in a second half of a switch stroke; an information storage for storing information by an output of the first switch; It is possible to provide a switch device characterized by having clear means for clearing the information stored by the information storage means by the output of the second switch means.

(6) A two-stage switch, selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of operation modes, and canceling the operation mode selected by the selecting means, and selecting a predetermined one of the plurality of operation modes. Return means for returning to the operation mode, operating the selection means at the first stage of the two-stage switch, selecting one of the operation modes, operating the return means at the second stage of the two-stage switch, Control means for canceling the operation mode selected by the selection means and returning to the predetermined operation mode.

(7) Two-stage switch having first switch means for outputting a first signal in the first half of the switch stroke and second switch means for outputting the second signal in the second half of the switch stroke Switch means, a plurality of operation mode means, mode selection means for selecting one of the plurality of operation modes, mode return means for returning to a predetermined one of the operation modes, and an output of the first switch means Control means for activating the mode selection means, selecting an operation mode, operating the mode return means by an output of the second switch means, and returning the operation mode to the predetermined operation mode; A switch device having:

(8) Two-stage switch having first switch means for outputting a first signal in the first half of the switch stroke and second switch means for outputting the second signal in the second half of the switch stroke Switch means, a plurality of operation mode means, mode selection means for selecting one of the plurality of operation modes by an output of the first switch means, and a predetermined operation mode by an output of the second switch means And a mode return means for returning to the mode of (i). (9) The switch device according to (8), further including a selection unit that cyclically selects the plurality of operation modes.

(10) A two-stage switch, selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of operation modes, and canceling the operation mode selected by the selecting means, and selecting a predetermined one of the plurality of operation modes. Return means for returning to the operation mode, operating the selection means at the first stage of the two-stage switch, selecting one of the operation modes, operating the return means at the second stage of the two-stage switch, Control means for canceling the operation mode selected by the selection means and returning to the predetermined operation mode.

(11) A two-stage switch having first switch means for outputting a first signal in the first half of the switch stroke and second switch means for outputting a second signal in the second half of the switch stroke A switch unit, a plurality of function units, a function selection unit for selecting one of the plurality of functions by an output of the first switch unit, and a specification of the functions by an output of the second switch unit A switch unit for returning to one of (predetermined) functions. The switch device can be used for various devices and cameras.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch device which can be operated quickly, and a device and a camera using the switch device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera according to the present invention.

2 (a) and 2 (b) show a switch device of the present invention, FIG. 2 (a) is an assembled perspective view showing the configuration of the switch device, and FIG. 2 (b) is this switch device. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic graph showing a relationship between a force applied to the switch device and a displacement.

FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram of the camera and the switch device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure at the time of single spot photometry.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure at the time of multi-spot photometry.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for setting a self-timer;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for switching a shooting mode;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional camera.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of a conventional camera switch device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera (body), 2: Spot metering operation part, 2a ... Button base, 2b ... Button member (Spot metering button), 2c ... Winding spring, 2d ... Two-stage switch part (Two-stage switch, Two-stage switch means) , 2e: recess, 2f: terminal, 3: self-timer button, 4: shooting mode selection button, 5: printed circuit board, 5a: board terminal pattern, 6: base, 7: release button, 8: other switch buttons Mode switch button, etc.) 11: main switch (power switch), 12: power supply (battery), 13: bus, 20: CPU (control means), 21: release SW, 22: self-timer SW, 22a: first stage SW, 22b: Second-stage SW, 23: Shooting mode SW, 23a: First-stage SW, 23b: Second-stage SW, 24: Spot metering SW, 24a: First-stage SW, 24b: Second-stage S W, 30... EEPROM (storage means, information storage means).

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A two-stage switch, selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of photographing modes, canceling a photographing mode selected by the selecting means, and a predetermined photographing of the plurality of photographing modes A return means for returning to the mode, and the first step of the two-stage switch operating the selection means to select one of the photographing modes, and the second step of the two-stage switch activates the return means to perform the selection. Control means for canceling the shooting mode selected by the means and returning to the predetermined shooting mode. 2. A two-stage switch having first switch means for outputting a first signal in a first half of a switch stroke and second switch means for outputting a second signal in a second half of a switch stroke. Means, a plurality of photographing mode means, mode selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of photographing modes, mode returning means for returning to a predetermined mode of the photographing mode, and an output of the first switch means Control means for activating the mode selection means, selecting a photographing mode, activating the mode return means by an output of the second switch means, and returning the photographing mode to the predetermined photographing mode; A camera characterized by having. 3. A two-stage switch having first switch means for outputting a first signal in a first half of a switch stroke and second switch means for outputting a second signal in a second half of a switch stroke. Means, a plurality of photographing mode means, mode selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of photographing modes by an output of the first switch means, and a predetermined photographing mode by an output of the second switch means. And a mode returning unit for returning to the mode. 4. The camera according to claim 3, further comprising a selecting means for cyclically selecting said plurality of photographing modes. 5. A two-stage switch, selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of photographing modes, canceling a photographing mode selected by the selecting means, and performing a predetermined photographing operation among the plurality of photographing modes. A return means for returning to the mode, and the first step of the two-stage switch operating the selection means to select one of the photographing modes, and the second step of the two-stage switch activates the return means to perform the selection. Control means for canceling the shooting mode selected by the means and returning to the predetermined shooting mode. 6. A two-stage switch having first switch means for outputting a first signal in a first half of a switch stroke and second switch means for outputting a second signal in a second half of a switch stroke. Means, a plurality of function means, a function selection means for selecting one of the plurality of functions by an output of the first switch means, and a clear means for clearing the function by an output of the second switch means A device having a switch function, comprising: