Switch apparatus
AssigneeAsahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorMasayuki Misawa
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A switch apparatus for use with a device. The switch apparatus includes a letter ring, associated with an operation member, that rotates together with a selection dial. The letter ring contains inscriptions, such as marks or figures thereon. A decorative plate includes a pointer to indicate the selected function. A rotation of the rotatable operation member causes a plurality of electrical conductors to change their ON/OFF electrical state. The plurality of electrical conductors form a code pattern representing a code that is interpreted by a control circuit to determine an operation mode selected by the rotational operation member. The switch apparatus further includes a push button that is depressed to, for example, activate a modification of the operation mode based upon the data of the code pattern of the code.
Claims20
A switch apparatus useable with a camera, comprising:
- an indicating member affixed to an external surface of the camera, said indicating member being rotatably mounted to an external member which is shaped to conform to a contour of the camera;
- a rotatable operation member located below said external surface of the camera and having an operating portion that is exposed from a side surface of the camera, said rotatable operation member being operated to rotate said indicating member;
- means for producing a first signal representing a rotational position of said rotatable operation member;
- and
- a push button movable through an opening in said indicating member for producing a second signal.
A switch apparatus, comprising:
- an indicating member;
- a decorative plate having a recess for receiving said indicating member, such that said indicating member is substantially flush with said decorative plate;
- a rotatable operation member positioned proximate a bottom portion of said decorative plate and engaging said indicating member, an operating portion of said rotatable operation member protruding from a side surface of said decorative plate, a rotation of said rotatable operation member rotating said indicating member;
- means for generating a code representing a rotational position of said rotatable operation member;
- and
- means for selectively producing a signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.