JP6849364B2 - Electronic devices and their control methods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a control technique for changing a set value of a function set according to an operation on an operating member.

The operating members include an operating member having a feeling of operation and an operating member having a feeling of less operating. In the operating member having a feeling of operation, the rotation is temporarily stopped every time the operation is performed by a predetermined amount, and the user can recognize that the operation is performed by a predetermined amount by generating an operation sound and returning the feeling to the user. On the other hand, with an operation member having no operation feeling, it is possible to give the user a smooth operation feeling by reducing the operation sound and the feeling. Patent Document 1 describes that there are a rotating member with a click feeling and a rotating member without a click feeling, and a user can select a function to be assigned to each, and when each operation is performed, the assigned function is executed. ing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-126418

There are setting items that can be fine-tuned in fine units (for example, smooth zoom) and setting items that have only some rough settings (for example, step zoom). The former has many candidates for setting values, and the latter has fewer candidates for setting values than the former. In the method of Patent Document 1, the set value is changed when it is determined that the rotating member has been operated regardless of whether the number of set values that can be set in the assigned function is large or small. If the number of is large, the amount of operation required will increase accordingly. Further, when the operation feeling of the rotating member does not have a click feeling, the rotation does not stop temporarily, so that the rotation amount may be larger than the user thinks when there is a click feeling. In the method of Patent Document 1, even if the operation feeling of the rotating member does not have a click feeling, the set value is changed when it is determined that the rotating member has been operated, so that there is no click feeling. There is a possibility that the setting value will be changed more than the user intended.

The present invention solves at least one of the above problems so that the user can easily change the setting value to a desired setting value when changing the setting value of the setting item assigned by the operation on the operating member. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, in the electronic device of the present invention, as a function of changing a set value according to an operation on a predetermined operating member, a first function and a set value candidate that can be set are the first. A setting means capable of setting any function from a plurality of functions including a second function more than the function of the above, and when the first function is set, the predetermined operating member is the first. When the set value of the first function is changed according to the amount of 1 and the operation is performed and the second function is set, the predetermined operating member is more than the first amount. The setting value of the second function is changed according to a large second amount and the operation, and the setting value of the second function is not changed even if an operation smaller than the second amount is performed. The control means for controlling the operation member and the operation member include a first operation feeling with a click feeling each time the predetermined operation member is operated by the second amount, and a second operation feeling without a click feeling. possess a possible switching means switches the sense operation from the control means, said control controls to perform when switched to the second operation feeling, the first operational feeling by the switching means When the predetermined operating member is operated by the second amount, an operation sound is emitted when the operation member is switched to, and when the predetermined operation member is switched to the second operation feeling by the switching means, the predetermined operation is performed. It is characterized in that even if the member is operated by the first amount or the second amount, the operation sound is smaller than the operation sound generated at the time of the first operation feeling .

According to the present invention, when changing the setting value of the setting item assigned by operating the operating member, the user can change the setting to a desired setting value with good operability.

External view of a digital camera as an example of an apparatus to which the configuration of the present embodiment can be applied. A block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera as an example of a device to which the configuration of the present embodiment can be applied. Flowchart showing the setting process related to the operating member The figure which shows the display example in this embodiment

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1A and 1B are external views of a digital camera 100 as an example of the electronic device of the present embodiment, FIG. 1A is a view seen from the back surface (display unit side), and FIG. 1B is a front view (lens side). The figure seen from is shown.

In FIG. 1, the display unit 28 is a display unit that displays images and various information. The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for giving a shooting instruction (when pressed, a shooting instruction is received in the first stage and shooting is executed in the second stage). The mode changeover switch 60 is an operation unit for switching various modes. The operation unit 70 is an operation unit including various switches, buttons, a touch panel, a rotating member, and other operation members that receive various operations from the user. The controller wheel 73 is a rotation-operable operating member included in the operating unit 70. The power switch 72 is a push button for switching between power on and power off. The ring 78 shown in FIG. 1B is a rotating member around the lens portion 80 (along the periphery of the lens), and can be operated with a feeling of operation similar to that when operating an optical zoom. It is an operating member that can be used. Since the ring 78 can be rotated even when the shutter button 61 is held by the right thumb of the digital camera 100 and the lens portion 80 is held by the left hand, the user does not need to change the posture from the state in which the ring 78 is held for operation. Further, the switching member 79 arranged next to the ring 78 is a member for clicking or smoothly switching the operation feeling of the ring 78. When the operation feeling is switched to click, each time the ring 78 is rotated by a predetermined amount, the members in the ring 78 come into contact with each other to produce a click feeling (feel) and a sound. Then, every time the rotation is performed by a predetermined amount, the rotation is temporarily stopped, which gives an operation feeling with a click feeling. When the operation feeling is clicked, the user can strictly change the rotation angle by changing the set value for each rotation angle (for each rotation angle, for each predetermined operation amount) at which the rotation of the ring 78 is temporarily stopped. It is easy to change the set value because the rotation temporarily stops even with a rough rotation operation without adjusting.

When the operation feeling is smoothly switched, the click feeling when the ring 78 is rotated is reduced, and the sound corresponding to the operation is also reduced. The switching member 79 can switch the operation feeling of the ring 78 by moving the knob along the rotation direction of the ring 78. When the switching member 79 is rotated, the member is arranged so that a click feeling is physically generated or not corresponding to the rotation of the ring 78. The ring 78 may be a dial operating member that generates a pulse signal in response to rotation, or may be a member that can detect a rotated angle or rotation speed in response to rotation. The system control unit 50 can acquire information on whether the operation feeling of the ring 78 is switched to a click or is smoothly switched. In addition, the system control unit 50 can also acquire information on how much the ring 78 has been rotated.

The recording medium 200 is a non-volatile recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium slot 201 is a slot for storing the recording medium 200. The recording medium 200 stored in the recording medium slot 201 can communicate with the digital camera 100 and can record and play back. The lid 202 is the lid of the recording medium slot 201. The figure shows a state in which the lid 202 is opened and a part of the recording medium 200 is taken out from the slot 201 to be exposed.

The microphone 77 is arranged on the upper surface of the digital camera 100 near the lens portion 80 and the ring 78. The microphone 77 starts recording the sound at the same time when the recording of the moving image is started, and the sound is recorded on the recording medium 200 together with the moving image. The speaker 75 reproduces and pronounces the recorded voice.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera 100 as an example of the electronic device of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the photographing lens 103 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 101 is a shutter having an aperture function. The image pickup unit 22 is an image pickup device composed of a CCD, a CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electric signal. The A / D converter 23 is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal. The barrier 102 covers the imaging system including the photographing lens 103 of the digital camera 100 to prevent the imaging system including the photographing lens 103, the shutter 101, and the imaging unit 22 from being soiled or damaged.

The image processing unit 24 performs resizing processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. Further, in the image processing unit 24, a predetermined calculation process is performed using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. As a result, TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing are performed. Further, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data, and also performs a TTL-type AWB (auto white balance) process based on the obtained calculation result.

The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written directly to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, or not via the image processing unit 24 but via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, and image data to be displayed on the display unit 28. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, moving images for a predetermined time, and audio.

Further, the memory 32 also serves as a memory (video memory) for displaying an image. The D / A converter 13 converts the image display data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28. In this way, the display image data written in the memory 32 is displayed by the display unit 28 via the D / A converter 13. The display unit 28 displays on a display such as an LCD according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 13. The digital signal once A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 is analog-converted by the D / A converter 13 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 28 for display as an electronic viewfinder. It functions and can display through images (live view display).

The non-volatile memory 56 is a memory as a recording medium that can be electrically erased, recorded, and read by the system control unit 50, and for example, EEPROM or the like is used. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control unit 50. The program referred to here is a computer program for executing various flowcharts described later in the present embodiment.

The system control unit 50 incorporates at least one processor and controls the entire digital camera 100. By executing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 described above, each process of the present embodiment described later is realized. RAM is used as the system memory 52. In the system memory 52, constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, a program read from the non-volatile memory 56, and the like are expanded. The system control unit 50 also controls the display by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 13, the display unit 28, and the like.

The system timer 53 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

The mode changeover switch 60, the shutter button 61, and the operation unit 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50.

The mode changeover switch 60 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to any one of a still image recording mode, a moving image shooting mode, a playback mode, and the like. The modes included in the still image recording mode include an auto shooting mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a manual mode, an Av mode, a TV mode, various scene modes for shooting settings for each shooting scene, a program AE mode, a custom mode, and the like. The mode changeover switch 60 directly switches to any of these modes included in the menu screen. Alternatively, after switching to the menu screen once with the mode changeover switch 60, the mode may be switched to any of these modes included in the menu screen by using another operation member. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode may include a plurality of modes.

The first shutter switch 62 is turned on by a so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction) during the operation of the shutter button 61 provided on the digital camera 100, and the first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. The first shutter switch signal SW1 starts operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing.

The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed, so-called full pressing (shooting instruction), and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. The system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processing operations from the still image imaging operation by the imaging unit 22 and the signal reading from the imaging unit 22 to the writing of the image data to the recording medium 200 by the second shutter switch signal SW2. ..

Each operation member of the operation unit 70 is assigned a function as appropriate for each scene by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit 28, and acts as various function buttons. The function buttons include, for example, an end button, a back button, an image feed button, a jump button, a narrowing down button, an attribute change button, and the like. For example, when the menu button is pressed, various settable menu screens are displayed on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings by using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28 and the up / down / left / right four-direction buttons and the SET button.

The controller wheel 73 is a rotation-operable operation member included in the operation unit 70, and is used when instructing a selection item together with a direction button.

The power supply control unit 74 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power supply control unit 74 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control unit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 200 for a necessary period.

The power supply unit 30 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like. The recording medium I / F18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a non-volatile recording medium such as a memory card for recording an image at the time of shooting, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or the like.

A user can assign a function to the ring 78. By the operation of rotating the ring 78, the setting value of the item of the function assigned by the user is changed (changeable). Functions that can be assigned to the ring 78 include functions such as ISO sensitivity, MF (manual focus), WB correction (white balance correction), step zoom, and seamless zoom. Further, without assigning a specific function, it is possible to perform automatic setting in which a function suitable for the mode is assigned, such as Tv in the Tv mode and Av in the Av mode. Seamless zoom is a zoom function that allows finer adjustment of the angle of view than step zoom. In the step zoom, the zoom can be adjusted at intervals of, for example, 28 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm, but in the seamless zoom, the zoom can be adjusted in 1 mm increments. The user can quickly set the desired angle of view by fine-tuning with the seamless zoom after adjusting the angle of view to some extent with the step zoom.

Further, for ISO sensitivity, WB correction, etc. (items different from MF), set values are selected from a plurality of set value candidates that are determined stepwise in advance (settings related to exposure change in steps). As a method of selecting a set value, for example, a set value that is set in advance for each scale is assigned, and the set value is changed by moving the scale one by one. Examples of set values include 200, 250, 320, 400 for ISO sensitivity, and plus or minus 1, 2, and 3 for WB correction. On the other hand, the MF is used when making fine adjustments, and instead of changing the set value at certain intervals among the set value candidates, the lens position is physically moved by rotation around the lens to focus. Change the setting values finely (many setting values can be set) so as to adjust the position. When changing the set value according to the rotation of the ring 78, if ISO sensitivity other than MF or WB correction is assigned to the function of the ring 78, the set value related to exposure is stepped every time a predetermined amount of rotation is performed. It is changed to the next set value in increments. When the MF is assigned, the focus position is changed by a predetermined amount (the amount of change in the set value is small) every time a predetermined amount of rotation is performed. In this way, the functions assigned to the ring 78 include the functions of items with a small number of settable values (setting value candidates of a predetermined number or more) and the number of setable values that can be set close to the conventional manual operation. There is a function of a small number of items (setting value candidates less than a predetermined number).

The number of set values (zoom magnification) that can be set is different between step zoom and smooth zoom. For example, there are 10 steps for step zoom and 40 steps for smooth zoom. When a certain amount (one click) of operation is performed when the imaging magnification is a predetermined magnification, the change in the imaging magnification is larger in the case of step zoom than in the case of smooth zoom. Further, for example, when changing from 1x to 10x, the rotation angle of the ring 78 required to change the setting differs between the step zoom and the smooth zoom. When the operation feeling is click, for example, in the case of step zoom, it is sufficient to perform a predetermined amount of rotation (rotation to a position where a clicking sound is generated), which temporarily stops the rotation, three times. In that case, rotation corresponding to the number of times such as 10 times or 20 times is required. The same applies when the operation feeling is smooth, and the required rotation angle is smaller in the case of step zoom than in the case of smooth zoom.

In addition, the number of set values that can be set for items such as ISO sensitivity and WB correction is a limited number such as 20 or 30, and the number of set values that can be set even when comparing items such as smooth zoom and MF is , 40, 50, etc., which is larger than the ISO sensitivity and WB correction set values. Since the angle of the ring 78 that can be rotated by the user in one operation is limited, the larger the set value, the larger the required rotation angle. Further, if the desired set value cannot be set by one rotation operation, the rotation operation must be performed again. On the other hand, in the case of a limited number of setting values such as when the setting related to exposure changes in steps, the setting value changes greatly with one operation, so it is quickly desired to perform a slight rotation operation. There is a high possibility that it can be set to the set value.

Next, the process relating to the rotating member in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is realized by expanding the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the program by the system control unit 50. This process starts when the digital camera 100 is turned on and the ring 78 can be operated (the rotation of the ring 78 can be detected).

In S301, the system control unit 50 acquires the current shooting mode and the function assigned to the ring 78. In the present embodiment, when the current shooting mode is the moving image mode, only the functions of the MF and seamless zoom setting items can be changed. Further, in the case of automatic setting in which the function assigned to the ring 78 is different for each shooting mode, the function assigned to the ring 78 is changed according to the current mode.

In S302, the system control unit 50 sets the amount until the ring 78 changes the set value, the number of pulse notifications N = 0 for determining whether or not the ring 78 has been rotated, and records it in the system memory 52. When the number of pulse notifications N reaches a predetermined number, the set value of the function assigned to the ring 78 is changed.

In S303, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not one pulse to be notified each time the ring 78 is rotated by a predetermined angle is notified. The predetermined angle is, for example, an angle such as 2 degrees or 3 degrees. If it is determined that one pulse has been notified, the process proceeds to S304, and if not, the process proceeds to S314.

In S304, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the operation feeling of the ring 78 is currently smooth. If it is determined that the smoothness is smooth, the process proceeds to S305, and if not (click), the process proceeds to S311.

The processing of S305 to S310 is a processing when the operation feeling of the ring 78 is smoothly set.

In S305, the system control unit 50 determines whether the function assigned to the ring 78 is either MF or smooth zoom, or neither. If it is determined that the function assigned to the ring 78 is either MF or smooth zoom, the process proceeds to S306, and if not (ISO sensitivity, WB correction, step zoom), the process proceeds to S307.

In S306, the system control unit 50 changes the currently set MF or smooth zoom setting value by a predetermined amount. When MF is assigned, the focusing position is moved, and when smooth zoom is assigned, the imaging magnification is changed. Specifically, if the focus position is, the focus position is moved by a distance of 10 cm or 20 cm, and if the focus position is far, the focus position is moved by a distance of 1 m. For smooth zoom, the imaging magnification is changed so that the magnification increases or decreases by 0.2 times. In this way, the operation feeling of the ring 78 is smooth, and when the MF or smooth zoom function is assigned to the ring 78, the set value is changed by the rotation amount for one pulse. That is, when the operation feeling is smooth, the set value of a predetermined amount can be changed with a smaller amount of rotation than in the case of clicking.

In S307, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the number of pulse notifications N is 4 or more. If it is determined that the number of pulse notifications N is 4 or more, the process proceeds to S308, and if not (N = 1, 2, 3), the process proceeds to S310. In S307, it may be determined whether or not N = 2.

In S308, the system control unit 50 changes the set value for one scale. That is, among the setting values of ISO sensitivity, WB correction, etc. assigned to the ring 78 in step increments, the next setting value candidate and the magnification of the next stage of the step zoom for roughly changing the magnification are obtained. Change the setting value. When a function other than MF or smooth zoom is assigned to the ring 78, the set value is not changed when the number of pulse notifications N = 1, and the set value is not changed until N = 4. When it is determined in S307 whether or not N = 2, the set value is changed for each rotation angle at which the rotation is temporarily stopped when the operation feeling is a click. When the operation feeling is a click, when N = 2, there is an operation sound and feedback (click feeling) of the operation feeling to the user. That is, the set value is changed by rotating the ring 78 and clicking. If the operation feeling is smooth, there is no operation sound or click feeling, but for a user who is accustomed to the operation feeling at the time of clicking, it is easy to intuitively grasp how much operation should be performed to change the set value.

In S309, the system control unit 50 sets the number of pulse notifications N = 0 and records the pulse in the system memory 52. Even when the rotation operation is continuously performed, the setting value is reset to N = 0 in S309 every time N = 4, and the set value is changed when N = 4 again.

In S310, the system control unit 50 sets the number of pulse notifications N = N + 1. That is, the number of pulse notifications is increased to N = 1 and recorded in the system memory 52.

The processes of S311 to S314 are processes when the operation feeling of the ring 78 is clicked. When the operation feeling is set to click, regardless of the assigned function, the pulse notification number N = 2, that is, the ring 78 is rotated to generate a click and an operation sound, and the feedback of the operation feeling is generated. The setting value is not changed until it is returned to the user.

In S311 the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the number of pulse notifications N is 2 or more. If it is determined that the number of pulse notifications N is 2 or more, the process proceeds to S312, and if not, the process proceeds to S313.

In S312, the system control unit 50 changes the setting value of the currently assigned function. The change of the set value is the same as that of S306 or S308. When MF or smooth zoom is assigned, the amount of operation differs even if the same amount of setting value is changed depending on whether the operation feeling of the ring is click or smooth. That is, when the operation feeling of the ring 78 is smooth, the set value can be changed with a smaller amount of rotation than when the ring 78 is clicked. Since the set value is changed even with a slight amount of rotation, the user can change the set value with a smoother operation feeling.

Further, from S312 and S308, in the present embodiment, when changing the set value of an item such as ISO sensitivity, the rotation angle required for changing the set value is changed by the operation feeling of the ring 78. In both S312 and S308, when the function is assigned from ISO sensitivity, WB correction, and step zoom, the set value is changed by one scale. If the operation feeling is smooth, the set value is changed by one scale when the pulse notification number N = 4, and if the operation feeling is click, the set value is changed by one scale with the pulse notification number N = 2. When the operation feeling is smooth, unlike the case of clicking, there is no position where the rotation temporarily stops at each predetermined rotation angle, so if the rotation operation is performed in the same way as when clicking, it will rotate too much. Sometimes. Therefore, the ring 78 may rotate more than the user expected, and may deviate from the desired set value, but the rotation until the set value is changed (until the set value indicated by the scale changes). Increasing the amount makes it easier to set the desired set value. This is because if the amount of rotation required to change the set value is increased, it becomes easier for the user to make fine adjustments when rotating a predetermined amount. FIG. 4 shows a display example of the scale (displayed at regular intervals) for each operation feeling of ISO sensitivity. FIG. 4A is a display example when the operation feeling is a click, and FIG. 4B is a display example when the operation feeling is smooth. Since the amount of operation until the set value is changed depending on the operation feeling, it is easy for the user to change the width of the scale displayed on the display unit 28 according to the operation feeling. The scale width when the operation feeling shown in FIG. 4B is smooth is wider than the scale width when the operation feeling shown in FIG. 4A is a click, and the user sets it more carefully while looking at the scale. You can change the value.

The process of S313 is the same process as the process of S310.

In S314, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the number of pulse notifications N = 1. The predetermined time is a value such as 1 second or 2 seconds, and when the predetermined time elapses without performing the operation for the second pulse after the operation for one pulse, the user tries to interrupt the change of the set value in the middle. Probability is high. Therefore, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since N = 1, the process proceeds to S315, and if not, the process waits for N = 2 in S303.

In S315, the system control unit 50 sets the number of pulse notifications N = 0 and records the pulse in the system memory 52. Since it is determined in S314 that a predetermined time has elapsed since N = 1, the number of pulse notifications N = 0 is set so that processing is not performed even if one pulse is subsequently notified in S303. Also, when the operation feeling is click, the ring 78 stops at every rotation angle for 2 pulses, so in order to make the stop of the ring 78 the start position for changing the set value, 1 pulse is next. Even if the notification is given, the notification is ignored.

In S316, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not to end the processing related to the rotating member. The end of the processing related to the rotating member is turning off the power supply, switching to the playback mode, or the like. Note that the process of FIG. 3 is temporary when the moving image shooting starts when the function assigned to the ring 78 is a function whose setting cannot be changed during movie recording such as ISO sensitivity, WB correction, and step zoom. Do not process in a targeted manner.

According to the embodiment described above, when the operation feeling of the ring is smooth, until the set value is changed depending on the function assigned to the ring (whether the number of set values that can be set is large or small). Since the operation amount of is changed, the operation feeling is improved. That is, when the number of set values that can be set such as smooth zoom and MF is large, the set values can be changed quickly with a small amount of operation. In the case of smooth zoom and MF, the set value is changed little by little according to the rotation operation, and the set value is changed in one pulse rather than the set value in 4 (2) pulses. The setting value can be changed more smoothly. The set values of ISO sensitivity, WB correction, etc. are changed in step increments, and if the set values are changed in one pulse, the set values will be significantly changed with a slight operation. Therefore, the set value is changed when the 4 (2) pulse is notified so that the set value can be changed more reliably.

Further, when the function assigned to the ring 78 is a function such as smooth zoom or MF, the same amount of setting value is set when the operation feeling is smooth with a smaller operation amount than when the operation feeling is click. Can be changed. When the operation feeling is a click, a click and an operation sound are generated, and it is easier for the user to understand and adjust if the set value changes every time the rotation reaches a position where the rotation temporarily stops. On the other hand, when the operation feeling is smooth, there is no position where the rotation temporarily stops like when clicking, and the operation sound is small, so that the set value can be changed more quickly and with less operation.

Furthermore, when the function of the setting value item whose exposure setting value is changed in steps is assigned to the ring 78, the amount of operation until the setting value is changed depending on whether the ring operation feeling is smooth or click. The operability is improved because it changes. When the setting value of the setting item whose setting is changed step by step or roughly is changed by the rotation operation, the setting value is changed for each predetermined rotation angle. In other words, if the operation feeling is a click and the rotation stops temporarily even if the user applies some rough force to the rotation operation, the setting value is changed at the point where the rotation stops. Is easy to operate. On the other hand, when the user has to rotate the accurate rotation angle ring, if the operation feeling is smooth, it is difficult to make fine adjustments if the amount of operation required before the set value is changed is small, and it rotates. It can be too much. Therefore, when the operation feeling is smooth as described above, by changing the set value with 4 pulses, it becomes easier for the user to operate the required operation amount more accurately, and the set value can be changed. It will be easier.

At the time of smooth ring, the rotation angle (amount of multiples of the pulse) required to change the set value, even if the rotation is not accurate, change the set value if the rotation angle is within a certain width. You may try to do it.

In addition to the above-mentioned functions, when the shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation setting values are changed according to the rotation operation of the ring 78, the following is performed. When the shutter speed and exposure compensation are set, the setting is changed by the number of pulse notifications N = 4 (or 2), and when the aperture is set, the setting is changed by N = 1. The number of shutter speeds and exposure compensation that can be set is larger than that of the aperture, and the aperture is a value that is changed in an analog manner for the user, and the number that can be set is large.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been explained that when the operation feeling is smooth, the amount of rotation required for changing the set value is changed between the case of MF or smooth zoom and the case of other cases, but the operation feeling is clicked. You may go at that time. Even in the case of clicking, the setting can be changed with a smaller amount of operation during MF or smooth zoom, so that the user's operability is improved.

The above-mentioned pulse notification number N is an example, and the amount of rotation until the rotation is temporarily stopped when the operation feeling is clicked is N even if the rotation angle is not such that the pulse notification number N = 4. = 2, 5 mag may be used. Further, the number of pulse notifications N until the set value is changed does not have to be the above-mentioned number of times. However, the relationship of the rotation angle required to change the set value should not change. That is, when the operation feeling is a click, the set value is changed every time the number of pulse notifications N = α regardless of the assigned function. When the operation feeling is smooth, N = β if the function of the item with the set value less than the predetermined number is assigned in step increments, and N = if the function of the item with the set value more than the predetermined number is assigned. Change the set value with γ (<β). It should be noted that α and β may have the same value or different values, but it is better that γ <α.

When controlling to change the operation amount until the set value is changed according to the assigned function, the operation feeling may be smooth even if the operation feeling of the ring 78 cannot be switched.

Although the ring 78 described in the above-described embodiment is a rotating member, the present embodiment can also be applied to an operating member such as a lever or a slider bar in which the user gradually operates to change the set value. is there.

Further, in the present embodiment, as an item for which the number of set value candidates is less than a predetermined number, a case where one is selected from a plurality of candidates displayed side by side in a menu or the like, or a rough example of all the displayed objects. It can also be applied when it is possible to set from a distinguished target. Smooth zoom and MF have been explained as items with a predetermined number or more of setting values, but the cursor is displayed on the time setting, date setting, and the target being displayed, and the cursor position can be set by moving the cursor. It can also be applied in such cases.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned various controls described as being performed by the system control unit 50 may be performed by one hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by sharing the processing among a plurality of hardware. ..

Further, although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the digital camera 100 has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this example. In the above-described embodiment, the function of changing the set value according to the operation of the operating member can be set from the function of the item having a predetermined number of set value candidates or more and the function of the item having less than the predetermined number. It can be applied to any electronic device that can control the device. Further, it can be applied to any electronic device that can control a device that allows the user to switch between an operation feeling with a click feeling and an operation feeling without a click feeling. That is, the present invention relates to a personal computer (PC), a mobile phone terminal, a portable image viewer, a digital photo frame, a music player, a game machine, an electronic book reader, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a projection device, a home appliance device, an IC recorder, etc. Applicable to. It is also applicable to devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and desktop PCs, which can control shooting with a digital camera or the like whose operation feeling can be switched via wired or wireless communication.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or device via a network or various recording media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program code. This is the process to be executed. In this case, the program and the recording medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims (16)

A plurality of functions including a first function and a second function having more settable set value candidates than the first function as a function in which a set value is changed according to an operation on a predetermined operating member. Setting means that can set any function from the function,
When it is set to the first function, the set value of the first function is changed according to the first amount and the operation of the predetermined operating member, and the second function is set. If it is set, the second amount of the predetermined operating member is larger than that of the first amount, and the set value of the second function is changed according to the operation of the second amount. A control means for controlling the setting value of the second function so as not to be changed even if an operation smaller than the amount is performed, and
The operation member can switch the operation feeling from the first operation feeling with a click feeling and the second operation feeling without a click feeling each time the predetermined operation member is operated by the second amount. Has a switching means,
The control means controls to perform the control when the second operation feeling is switched to.
When the switching means is switched to the first operation feeling, when the predetermined operating member is operated by the second amount, an operation sound is emitted, and the switching means gives the second operation feeling. When the predetermined operation member is switched, the operation sound becomes smaller than the operation sound generated at the time of the first operation feeling even if the predetermined operation member is operated by the first amount or the second amount. An electronic device characterized by being. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second function is a function in which a set value related to exposure for imaging is changed in steps. The second function is at least one of a shutter speed or exposure compensation setting item related to imaging, and the first function is a diaphragm setting item related to imaging according to claim 1 or 2. Electronic equipment. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first function includes any one of MF and smooth zoom. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second function includes any one of ISO sensitivity, WB correction, and step zoom. When the control means was switched to the first operation feeling by the switching means, the predetermined operating member was operated by the second amount in both the first function and the second function. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the set value is controlled to be changed accordingly. It is a switching means for switching the operation feeling to a predetermined operation member, and is composed of a first operation feeling with a click feeling and a second operation feeling without a click feeling for each predetermined operation amount on the predetermined operation member. Switching means that can switch the feeling of operation and
It is a control means for controlling to change the set value of the set first function in response to a predetermined operation on the predetermined operating member.
When the operation feeling is switched to the first operation feeling by the switching means, the setting value of the first function is changed according to the operation of the predetermined operation member by a third amount. However, even if an amount smaller than the third amount is operated, the set value of the first function is not changed.
When the operation feeling is switched to the second operation feeling by the switching means, the predetermined operation member is operated by a fourth amount smaller than the third amount, and the second operation member is operated. It has a control means for controlling to change the set value of the function of 1.
The first function is a function capable of setting a set value from a set value candidate in which the setting related to the exposure of imaging is set in steps.
On the display unit, each scale displayed at regular intervals and each setting value candidate are shown correspondingly.
When the control means switches the interval between the scales when the operation feeling is switched to the second operation feeling by the switching means, and the operation feeling is switched to the first operation feeling by the switching means. An electronic device characterized in that it is controlled so as to be wider than the interval of the scales of the above. In the case of the first operation feeling, when the third amount of operation is performed on the predetermined operation member, a click feeling is generated, and the fourth amount is the case of the first operation feeling. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the amount is larger than the operation amount in which a click feeling is generated in response to the operation on the predetermined operation member. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an imaging means, wherein the first function is a function related to imaging by the imaging means. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the predetermined operating member is a rotating member. The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising an acquisition means for acquiring information on the amount of operation of the rotating member in response to the rotation angle of the rotating member becoming a predetermined angle. The display control device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the rotating member is a rotating member provided around the lens. A plurality of functions including a first function and a second function having more settable set value candidates than the first function as a function in which a set value is changed according to an operation on a predetermined operating member. Setting steps that can set any function from the function,
When it is set to the first function, the set value of the first function is changed according to the first amount and the operation of the predetermined operating member, and the second function is set. If it is set, the second amount of the predetermined operating member is larger than that of the first amount, and the set value of the second function is changed according to the operation of the second amount. A control step that controls so that the set value of the second function is not changed even if an operation smaller than the amount is performed,
The operation member can switch the operation feeling from the first operation feeling with a click feeling and the second operation feeling without a click feeling each time the predetermined operation member is operated by the second amount. Has a switching step and
In the control step, control is performed so that the control is performed when the second operation feeling is switched to.
When the predetermined operation member is operated by the second amount when the first operation feeling is switched in the switching step, an operation sound is produced, and the second operation feeling is obtained in the switching step. When the predetermined operation member is switched, the operation sound becomes smaller than the operation sound generated at the time of the first operation feeling even if the predetermined operation member is operated by the first amount or the second amount. A method for controlling an electronic device. It is a switching step of switching the operation feeling to a predetermined operation member, and is composed of a first operation feeling with a click feeling and a second operation feeling without a click feeling for each predetermined operation amount on the predetermined operation member. Switching steps that can switch the feeling of operation and
It is a control step which controls to change the set value of the set first function in response to a predetermined operation on the predetermined operation member.
When the operation feeling is switched to the first operation feeling in the switching step, the set value of the first function is changed according to the operation of the predetermined operation member by a third amount. However, even if an amount smaller than the third amount is operated, the set value of the first function is not changed.
When the operation feeling is switched to the second operation feeling in the switching step, the predetermined operation member is operated by a fourth amount smaller than the third amount, and the second operation member is operated. It has a control step that controls to change the set value of the function of 1.
The first function is a function capable of setting a set value from a set value candidate in which the setting related to the exposure of imaging is set in steps.
On the display unit, each scale displayed at regular intervals and each setting value candidate are shown correspondingly.
In the control step, the interval between the scales when the operation feeling is switched to the second operation feeling in the switching step is switched to the first operation feeling in the switching step. A method for controlling an electronic device, which comprises controlling the scale so as to be wider than the interval of the scale in the case. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A computer-readable recording medium containing a program for causing the computer to function as each means of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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