Imaging device including an operating member for moving the position of a display object on a screen

Abstract

A camera device capable of quickly moving a displayed object in a screen to a separated position and finely adjusting the position without moving the position where a finger for operation is placed. A camera (1000) displays a distance-finding point frame that can be moved by a user operation in a screen of a viewfinder field display (41) that displays a captured image. The camera (1000) has a composite selector (1), the composite selector (1) including an OTP (60) that moves the position of the distance-finding point frame based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement of a sliding movement of a finger of the user, a button base (61) that holds the OTP (60) and detects shaking by the user, and an AF-ON button (80) that moves the position of the distance-finding point frame in units based on the direction of shaking. When performing autofocus in a shooting scene with a moving subject, the position of the distance-finding point frame is moved by the OTP (60) or the AF-ON button (80) of the composite selector (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus including an operation member for moving the position of a display object in a screen. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an operating member for starting autofocus is provided in an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera. An image pickup apparatus is known that displays a plurality of positions where autofocus can be performed as display objects such as a cursor on a screen, and moves the position of the cursor by an operating member such as a joystick or a dial. The operating member such as a joystick or a dial provides a physical click feeling for each operation, which can accurately move the cursor.

[0003] In recent years, in image pickup apparatuses, the range in which automatic focusing can be performed has widened, and the number of points (positions) on the screen that can be selected for automatic focusing tends to increase. As a result, users can automatically adjust the focus in a more free composition.

[0004] On the other hand, by using the operation of the conventional operation member such as a joystick or a dial, the movement of one point is basically performed by one operation, and therefore, in order to move the cursor to a separate position on the screen, the operation needs to be performed multiple times. Therefore, in a shooting scene where the position to be automatically focused greatly changes, such as shooting of a moving subject, the immediacy of the cursor position movement is deteriorated.

[0005] In order to prevent such deterioration of immediacy, there is a technology in which a user can select a position where automatic focusing can be performed on a touch panel provided on a liquid crystal arranged on the rear surface of the camera device. As a result, the cursor can be moved and the focus position can be selected according to the amount of movement of the finger on the touch panel, which enables the user to quickly move the cursor to multiple points.

[0006] However, since the touch panel also detects a minute amount of movement of the finger, it is difficult to perform an operation of moving the cursor by only one point. Therefore, for example, the above technique is not suitable for a situation where it is desired to move the cursor to focus on a small subject such as an animal pupil. If the sensitivity to the amount of movement of the finger on the touch panel is reduced, the cursor can be easily moved by one point by using the above technique; however, the advantage of the above technique in that multi-point movement is easily performed is weakened.

[0007] As described above, depending on the shooting scene, there are cases where it is desired to quickly move the cursor to a separate position and cases where it is desired to finely adjust the position of the cursor, and therefore, it is difficult to perform cursor movement operations suitable for all scenes using a conventional joystick or touch panel alone.

[0008] Therefore, regarding the field of camera technology in recent years, there have been many cameras on the market on which both an operation member such as a joystick that provides a physical feeling and makes it easy to move one point and an operation member such as a touch panel that can detect the amount of movement of a finger and makes it easy to move multiple points are provided. However, since these operation members are arranged separately from each other, in order to properly use the operation members, the user needs to move the place where the finger for operation is placed. Therefore, for example, when performing an operation such as finely adjusting the position of the cursor after roughly moving the cursor, it is often necessary to move the place where the finger for operation is placed, and operability is deteriorated.

[0009] In order to prevent such deterioration of operability, there is a composite operating member that combines a joystick and a trackball into one body (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, the trackball and the shaking type input device are arranged in one place in a centralized manner, so that the user can perform multiple types of inputs by simply changing the motion pattern of the fingertips of the same fingers without moving the place where the fingers used for operation are placed.

[0010] Reference list

[0011] Patent Literature

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent 6229119 Summary of the invention

[0013] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] However, the trackball needs to have a clearance for sliding between the ball and the ball holder in terms of structure. There is a problem that the trackball is not suitable for portable devices such as cameras that are frequently used outdoors because there is a concern about the entry of dust and dirt or drip resistance.

[0015] The present invention provides an imaging apparatus capable of performing an operation of quickly moving a display object in a screen to a separated position and an operation of finely adjusting the position without moving the place where a finger for operation is placed.

[0016] Solutions for solving problems

[0017] The camera device according to claim 1 of the present invention is a camera device, which is configured to perform automatic focusing at the selected position when a user selects a position for automatic focusing in a screen displaying a captured image, and the camera device includes: a display unit, which is configured to display a display object representing the selected position on the screen; a first operating device, which is configured to detect a sliding movement of the user's finger, and perform a first movement operation to move the position of the display object displayed on the screen based on the movement amount and movement direction of the sliding movement; a holding member, which is configured to hold the first operating device and detect shaking performed by the user; and a second operating device, which is configured to perform a second movement operation to move the position of the display object displayed on the screen by units based on the direction of the shaking when the holding member detects shaking performed by the user, wherein when automatic focusing of a subject is performed in a shooting scene of a moving subject, the first operating device and the second operating device move the position of the display object displayed on the screen.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, an operation of quickly moving a display object in a screen to a separated position and an operation of finely adjusting the position can be performed without moving the place where a finger for operation is placed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1A is an external perspective view of a camera as an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1B is an external perspective view of a camera as an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2A It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a shutter button and a plurality of multi-selectors each having a function of an autofocus-on (AF-ON) button on a camera body, the shutter button and the multi-selector being objects of user operation when the camera is photographing.

[0023] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a shutter button and a multi-selector each having the function of an AF-ON button on a camera body, the shutter button and the multi-selector being objects of user operation when the camera is photographing.

[0024] Figure 2C It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a shutter button and a multi-selector each having the function of an AF-ON button on a camera body, the shutter button and the multi-selector being objects of user operation when the camera is photographing.

[0025] Figure 2D It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a shutter button and a multi-selector each having the function of an AF-ON button on a camera body, the shutter button and the multi-selector being objects of user operation when the camera is photographing.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exploded perspective view of the compound selector in .

[0027] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 A top view of a compound selector.

[0028] Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A cross-section view of a compound selector.

[0029] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of a camera.

[0030] Fig. 6A A term used to describe the use of the multi-selector to adjust the subject when the camera is photographing a moving subject. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Diagram of the movement operation of the ranging point frame displayed on the viewfinder field display in FIG.

[0031] Figure 6B A term used to describe the use of the multi-selector to adjust the subject when the camera is photographing a stationary subject. Figure 1A and Figure 1B FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of moving the distance measurement point frame and the operation of changing the shooting parameters displayed on the display section in FIG.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a diagram for describing a user operation performed on a menu screen displayed on the display unit using the multi-selector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described in detail.

[0034] It should be noted that the embodiments to be described below are examples for implementing the present invention and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the structure and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Some embodiments to be described later can be appropriately combined.

[0035] First, refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The structure and functions of a single-lens reflex digital camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) 1000 as an image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0036] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is an external perspective view of the camera 1000 . Figure 1A is a perspective view of the camera 1000 when viewed from the front side (front surface side), and Figure 1B It is a perspective view of the camera 1000 when viewed from the rear side.

[0037] The camera 1000 includes a camera body 100 and a lens unit 150 on which a photographing lens is mounted and which is detachable from the camera body 100 .

[0038] like Figure 1A As shown, the camera body 100 is provided with a first grip portion 101 and a second grip portion 102 protruding forward.

[0039] When the user shoots while holding the camera 1000 in a normal position posture (a posture in which the horizontal dimension of a substantially rectangular imaging area in the imaging section 22 to be described later is set to be longer than its vertical dimension), the first grip portion 101 enables the user to stably hold and operate the camera body 100. When the user shoots while holding the camera 1000 in a vertical position posture (a posture in which the vertical dimension of a substantially rectangular imaging area in the imaging section 22 is set to be longer than its horizontal dimension), the second grip portion 102 enables the user to stably hold and operate the camera body 100. It should be noted that the second grip portion 102 may be formed integrally with the camera body 100, or may be detachable from the camera body 100.

[0040] like Figure 1A As shown, a shutter button 103 and a shutter button 105 are provided on the camera body 100 .

[0041] Each of the shutter button 103 and the shutter button 105 is a button that is operated when an instruction to start photographing is given. When each of the shutter button 103 and the shutter button 105 is half-pressed (pressed to the first stroke), Figure 5 The switch 7a shown is turned on, and a first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, operations such as auto focus (AF) processing, auto exposure (AE) processing, auto white balance (AWB) processing, and pre-flash (EF) processing are started. It should be noted that the user can stop the AF processing by canceling the first stroke.

[0042] When each of the shutter button 103 and the shutter button 105 is fully pressed (pressed to the second stroke), Figure 5 The switch 7b shown in FIG. 1 is turned on, and a second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. As a result, the image is started from the image pickup section 22 ( Figure 5 ) is read out until the image data is written to the storage medium 200.

[0043] The camera 1000 includes, as AF modes, single AF suitable for imaging a still subject and servo AF (continuous AF) suitable for imaging a moving subject.

[0044] In Single AF, automatic focus detection is performed in the focus detection area arbitrarily selected by the user. When focus is detected, Figure 5 The focus lens included in the photographing lens 155 is moved to the focus position, and the driving of the focus lens is stopped.

[0045] On the other hand, in the servo AF, the movement of the main object is detected even after the focus lens is moved to the focus position. When the movement of the main object is detected, the focus lens is continuously driven according to the defocus amount detected in the focus detection area.

[0046] The single AF and the servo AF can be selected by the user. Hereinafter, the single AF is referred to as a first automatic focus detection operation, and the servo AF is referred to as a second automatic focus detection operation.

[0047] It should be noted that the shutter button 103 is mainly used when photographing with the camera 1000 in a normal position posture, and the shutter button 105 is mainly used when photographing with the camera 1000 in a vertical position posture.

[0048] like Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , a power switch 43, a viewfinder display 41, a display unit 28, and a multi-selector 1 and a multi-selector 2 are provided on the camera body 100. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the compound selector 3 and the compound selector 4 are provided on the lens unit 150 .

[0049] The power switch 43 is used to turn on or off the power of the camera 1000 .

[0050] The viewfinder visual field display 41 is a so-called near-eye display that displays on a screen a captured image of the camera 1000 for checking the focus and composition of an optical image incident via the lens unit 150. The viewfinder visual field display 41 displays the image from the viewfinder 16 ( Figure 5 ) and later in Fig. 6AThe information to be described is displayed together.

[0051] The display unit 28 displays images captured by the camera 1000 and various types of information on the screen. A touch panel 72 capable of receiving a touch operation (touch detection) is provided on the display surface of the display unit 28. The touch panel 72 may be provided so as to be superimposed on the display unit 28, or may be provided integrally with the display unit 28.

[0052] The compound selectors 1 to 4 are operated by the user's fingers to perform cursor movement and determination operations. Each of the compound selectors 1 to 4 is a combination of a touch operation member (hereinafter referred to as an optical track pointer (OTP)) 60 and an AF-ON button 80. The OTP 60 optically detects the movement of a pattern such as a fingerprint of a finger as an amount of change in the position of the fingertip. The AF-ON button 80 is a joystick operation member (second operating device) that performs input in the upper, lower, left and right directions (cross directions) through a physical switch (hereinafter referred to as a joystick operation). The compound selectors 1 to 4 are operating members that are capable of inputting information related to movement in two-dimensional directions by detecting a touch operation or detecting a shake caused by pushing in the upper, lower, left and right directions.

[0053] The AF (auto focus) process is started by pressing each AF-ON button 80 of the multi-selector 1 to the multi-selector 4. When the pressing of the AF-ON button 80 is released, the AF process is stopped. It should be noted that the AF-ON button 80 of each of the multi-selectors 1 and 2 is included in the switch section 70 ( Figure 5 ), and the AF-ON button 80 of each of the multi-selectors 3 and 4 is included in a switch section 71 ( Figure 5 )middle.

[0054] System control unit 50 ( Figure 5 ) moves the position of the distance-finding point frame displayed on the screen of the viewfinder field display 41 or the display unit 28 based on the movement information (movement amount and movement direction) of the finger that is relatively moved as the output of the multi-selectors 1 to 4. Here, the distance-finding point frame refers to a frame for setting the position for performing AF. When the distance-finding point frame is determined, the system control unit 50 controls the focus detection unit 11 so that AF is performed in the frame.

[0055] It should be noted that the object to be moved based on the output of the compound selectors 1 to 4 is not limited to the distance measuring point frame and the distance measuring frame, as long as the object is a display object that can be displayed on the viewfinder field display 41 or the display section 28 and whose position can be moved. For example, the system control section 50 can switch the image being reproduced to the next image to be reproduced based on the output of the compound selectors 1 to 4. In addition, the system control section 50 can switch between setting values ​​such as movement of a cursor for selection on a menu screen, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, aperture, and exposure correction of the camera 1000 based on the output of the compound selectors 1 to 4. Each of the compound selectors 1 to 4 also functions as the AF-ON button 80.

[0056] The user who operates the camera 1000 touches one of the multi-selectors 1 to 4 with a finger, and then slidably moves the finger in two-dimensional directions or presses the finger in a desired direction. In response to this operation, the system control section 50 moves the distance-finding point frame 405 displayed on the viewfinder field display 41 and the distance-finding point frame 305 that can be displayed on the display section 28. In addition, when the center portion of one of the multi-selectors 1 to 4 that has been slidably moved or pressed is pressed by the finger without being released or is released, the system control section 50 switches between on and off of AF (auto focus) processing.

[0057] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of two shutter buttons 103 and 105 present on the camera body 100 and four multi-selectors 1 to 4 each having the function of the AF-ON button 80 , which are objects of user operation when the camera 1000 shoots. Figure 2A 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which one hand of a user is pressing one shutter button 103 and one multi-selector 1 of the camera body 100 . Figure 2B 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which one hand of the user is pressing the other shutter button 105 and the other multi-selector 2 of the camera body 100 . Figure 2C 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the user's right hand is pressing one multi-selector 1 of the camera body 100 and the user's left hand is pressing one multi-selector 3 of the lens unit 150 at the same time. Figure 2D This is a perspective view showing a state in which the user's right hand is pressing the other multi-selector 2 of the camera body 100 and the user's left hand is pressing the other multi-selector 4 of the lens unit 150 at the same time.

[0058] like Figure 2AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the shutter button 103 is arranged at a position where the shutter button 103 can be operated by the index finger 301a of the right hand 301 holding the first grip portion 101, and the multi-selector 1 is arranged at a position where the multi-selector 1 can be operated by the thumb 301b of the right hand 301. That is, when the camera 1000 is viewed from above, the shutter button 103 is arranged at a position overlapping with the protruding portion of the first grip portion 101.

[0059] Similarly, if Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , the shutter button 105 is arranged at a position where the shutter button 105 can be operated by the index finger 301a of the right hand 301 holding the second grip portion 102, and the multi-selector 2 is arranged at a position where the multi-selector 2 can be operated by the thumb 301b of the right hand 301. That is, the shutter button 105 is arranged at a position overlapping with the protruding portion of the second grip portion 102 when the camera 1000 is viewed from the rear side.

[0060] like Figure 2C As shown, the composite selector 3 of the lens unit 150 is arranged when Figure 2A The right hand 301 is shown in a position where the multi-selector 3 can be operated by the thumb 302a of the left hand 302 while the camera 1000 is being held.

[0061] like Figure 2D As shown, the composite selector 4 of the lens unit 150 is arranged when Figure 2B The right hand 301 is shown in a position where the multi-selector 4 can be operated by the thumb 302a of the left hand 302 while the camera 1000 is being held.

[0062] Will refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The structures of the compound selectors 1 to 4 are described below. It should be noted that since the structures of all the compound selectors 1 to 4 are the same, only the compound selector 1 will be described here.

[0063] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the compound selector 1. Figure 4A is a top view of compound selector 1, and Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the composite selector 1 taken along line AA.

[0064] The AF-ON button 80 for operation with a finger is arranged on the uppermost surface of the composite selector 1. A flange portion 80e is provided on the outer periphery of the AF-ON button 80, and serves as a proper finger hook when the joystick operation is performed with a finger. A window portion 80g that transmits infrared light is provided at the center portion of the AF-ON button 80.

[0065] The OTP 60 (first operating device) as an optical track indicator is arranged directly below the window portion 80g. That is, the window portion 80g serves as a cover member covering the OTP 60. A light emitting portion and an optical position detecting element (both not shown) are mounted on the OTP 60, and the light emitting portion illuminates a finger placed on the surface of the AF-ON button 80 with infrared light. The OTP 60 measures the amount of movement of the sliding movement of the user's finger through the optical position detecting element based on the reflected light from the finger of the irradiated infrared light or a pattern such as a fingerprint of the finger. The optical position detecting element can be implemented, for example, by a light receiving element such as an image sensor.

[0066] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the OTP 60 is an infrared light type touch sensor, but may be a resistive film type, surface acoustic wave type, capacitive type, electromagnetic induction type, image recognition type, optical sensor type, etc., or other types of touch sensors.

[0067] The AF-ON button 80 and the OTP 60 are held by a button base 61 (holding member). A hole portion 61a is provided on the button base 61, and thus, a hole portion 61a is provided for connecting the OTP 60 to the system control unit 50 ( Figure 5 ) can pass through the flexible plate. One or more protruding leg-shaped portions 61b are provided on the lower surface of the button base 61, and each presses a dome switch 62a to be described later that is paired with each leg-shaped portion 61b.

[0068] The AF-ON plate 62 is arranged below the composite selector 1. On the AF-ON plate 62, one or more dome switches 62a are arranged at positions facing the above-mentioned leg-shaped portion 61b provided on the button base 61. Whenever a shaking by a user is detected by pressing or laying down the composite selector 1 by a fingertip, the leg-shaped portion 61b presses the dome switch 62a to generate a physical click feeling (generating unit). At the same time, the contact between the leg-shaped portion 61b and the dome switch 62a conducts the conductive pattern on the AF-ON plate 62, and thus, the pressing of the AF-ON button 80 and the direction of the shaking by the user are detected. In the present embodiment, the leg-shaped portion 61b and the dome switch 62a are arranged at five places, namely, the center of the AF-ON plate 62 and the positions in the upper, lower, left and right directions (cross directions) relative to the center, but the number and arrangement are not limited thereto. For example, the leg-shaped portion 61b and the dome switch 62a may be arranged at nine places obtained by further adding four tilting directions to the center of the AF-ON plate 62. In the present embodiment, the dome switch 62a is used as a detection unit for detecting the pressing of the AF-ON button 80, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a tact switch using a conductive rubber switch or a reversing spring may be used as the detection unit.

[0069] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the camera 1000. Figure 5 In, with Figures 1A to 4B Components that are identical to those shown are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] As described above, the lens unit 150 is detachable from the camera body 100. The lens unit 150 includes a photographing lens 155. The photographing lens 155 includes, for example, a plurality of lenses including a focus lens, but for simplicity, only one lens is shown here.

[0071] The communication terminal 66 is a terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the camera body 100, and the communication terminal 10 is a terminal for the camera body 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150. That is, the lens unit 150 communicates with the system control section 50 via the communication terminal 66 and the communication terminal 10.

[0072] The lens unit 150 includes a lens control circuit 201, and the lens control circuit 201 drives and controls the aperture 204 through the aperture drive circuit 203. The lens control circuit 201 causes the AF drive circuit 202 to shift the position of the photographing lens 155 along the optical axis 900 for focusing. The composite selector 3 and the composite selector 4 are connected to the lens control circuit 201.

[0073] Note that the lens unit 150 can be attached to the camera body 100 via an attachment portion to which the lens unit 150 can be attached. As the lens unit 150, a lens unit including various types of lenses such as a single focus lens or a zoom lens as a photographing lens 155 can be attached to the camera body 100.

[0074] The photometry circuit 106 measures the brightness of the subject formed on the focusing screen 13 via the quick return mirror 12 using the photometry sensor 17. The photometry circuit 106 sends the photometry result to the system control section 50.

[0075] The focus detection section 11 is driven by a focus driving circuit 115 controlled by the system control section 50. The focus detection section 11 obtains a defocus amount by a phase difference detection method from an optical image incident via the quick return mirror 12, and outputs the defocus amount to the system control section 50.

[0076] The system control section 50 controls the lens unit 150 based on the defocus amount to perform phase difference AF. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, phase difference AF based on the defocus amount obtained by the focus detection section 11 is performed, but phase difference AF may not be performed as long as AF can be performed. For example, contrast AF may be used. When performing phase difference AF, so-called imaging plane phase difference AF for performing phase difference AF on the imaging plane based on the defocus amount detected by the imaging section 22 may be performed without using the focus detection section 11.

[0077] The system control section 50 controls the mirror driving circuit 114 to move the quick return mirror 12 upward and downward during exposure, live view shooting, and moving image shooting. The quick return mirror 12 is a mirror for sending an optical image incident via the photographing lens 155 to either the viewfinder 16 or the imaging section 22.

[0078] The quick return mirror 12 is usually located at a position where an optical image is reflected and guided to the viewfinder 16. That is, the quick return mirror 12 is usually located on the optical path (mirror down). On the other hand, when shooting or live view display is performed, the quick return mirror 12 is located at a position where an optical image is guided to the imaging unit 22. That is, the quick return mirror 12 is flipped up and retracted from the optical path (mirror up).

[0079] Note that the quick return mirror 12 is a half mirror, part of the light can be transmitted in the center portion of the quick return mirror 12, and part of the light is transmitted through the quick return mirror 12 when the mirror is down. The transmitted light is reflected by the sub-mirror 30 and incident on the focus detection section 11.

[0080] The user observes the optical image formed on the focusing screen 13 through the pentaprism 14 and the viewfinder 16. As a result, the user can check the focus state and composition in the subject image obtained through the lens unit 150.

[0081] It should be noted that the camera 1000 may have a so-called mirrorless camera structure in which a focus state and a composition in a subject image are checked by using only a live view.

[0082] The imaging section 22 is an imaging device including a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and an imaging region in the imaging section 22 has a substantially rectangular shape. A shutter 91 is arranged in front of the imaging section 22, and the system control section 50 drives the shutter 91 through a shutter drive circuit 92.

[0083] The analog image signal as the output of the imaging unit 22 is sent to the A / D converter 23 via the clamp / CDS circuit 34 and the AGC 35. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal.

[0084] The image processing section 24 performs resizing processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on the digital image signal sent from the A / D converter 23 or the image data sent from the memory control section 15. The image processing section 24 performs predetermined calculation processing by using the image data obtained by image pickup. The system control section 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation result. As a result, auto focus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, and pre-flash (EF) processing in a through-the-lens (TTL) method are performed.

[0085] The image processing section 24 performs predetermined calculation processing by using image data obtained by image pickup, and performs automatic white balance (AWB) processing in the TTL method based on the calculation result.

[0086] The memory 32 stores the digital image signal (image data) captured by the image capturing section 22 and A / D converted by the A / D converter 23, and the display image data to be displayed on the display section 28. The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined time of moving images, and sound. It should be noted that the memory 32 may be a removable recording medium such as a memory card, or may be a built-in memory.

[0087] A buffer memory 37 for temporarily recording image data is connected to the image processing section 24. A storage medium 200 is connected to the memory control section 15 via an interface 40.

[0088] The display section 28 is a rear monitor for displaying images, and Figure 1B As shown, the display section 28 is arranged on the rear surface of the camera body 100. The image processing section 24 performs D / A conversion on the image data through the D / A converter 19 under the control of the system control section 50, and displays the image data as an image on the display section 28. It should be noted that the display section is not limited to a liquid crystal display as long as the display section displays an image, and may be other displays such as an organic EL display.

[0089] The nonvolatile memory 56 is a memory that can be electrically erased and recorded by the system control section 50, and employs, for example, an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory 56 stores constants and programs and the like used for the operation of the system control section 50.

[0090] The time measurement circuit 109 measures the time required when the system control section 50 performs various kinds of control, and transmits the measured time to the system control section 50 .

[0091] The attitude detection circuit 82 includes, for example, a gyro sensor, detects the attitude of the camera 1000 , and notifies the system control unit 50 of the detected attitude.

[0092] The system control section 50 includes at least one processor and controls the entire camera 1000. As shown in the figure, the shutter buttons 103 and 105, the switch section 70, and the power switch 43 are connected to the system control section 50 via the switch sensing circuit 93. The multi-selectors 1 to 4 are connected to the system control section 50. It should be noted that the multi-selectors 3 and 4 in the lens unit 150 are connected to the system control section 50 via the lens control circuit 201.

[0093] The system control section 50 can link various functions based on the outputs of the multi selectors 1 to 4 by receiving the movement direction of the slide operation or the tilt operation of the joystick as input.

[0094] For example, the system control unit 50 obtains the distance-measuring point frame 305 ( Figure 6B ) or ranging point frame 405 ( Fig. 6A The system control unit 50 displays the position after the movement on the display unit 28, or displays the position on the viewfinder field display 41 through the in-viewfinder liquid crystal drive circuit 111.

[0095] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 1 is a diagram for describing an example of photographing using the camera 1000. Specifically, Fig. 6A 1 is a diagram for describing an operation of moving a distance-measuring point frame using the multi-selector 1 in a photographing scene in which the camera 1000 photographs a moving subject. Figure 6B 1 is a diagram for describing a moving operation of a distance-measuring point frame and a changing operation of a shooting parameter using the multi-selector 1 in a shooting scene in which the camera 1000 shoots a still subject.

[0096] Hereinafter, a case where the user holds the first grip 101 with the right hand 301 and operates the multi selector 1 with the thumb 301 b of the right hand 301 will be described as an example.

[0097] exist Fig. 6A , the distance measuring point frame 405a is the distance measuring point frame before the movement displayed on the viewfinder field display 41. The distance measuring point frame 405a is the distance measuring point frame after the movement.

[0098] exist Fig. 6AIn order to enhance the immediacy with respect to the moving subject, the user first slidably moves the fingertip of the thumb 301b on the multi-selector 1 to perform the distance measurement point frame movement through the OTP 60. That is, in Fig. 6A , arrow 601 indicates the movement amount of the ranging point frame calculated by the system control section 50 based on the amount of change in the fingertip position detected by the OTP 60, and the ranging point frame 405b indicates the position where the ranging point frame 405a is moved by arrow 601. By one sliding operation using the thumb 301b, the ranging point frame can be largely moved from the ranging point frame 405a to the ranging point frame 405b, which makes it possible to quickly bring the ranging point frame close to the target position (subject).

[0099] Then, in order to more accurately set the distance-finding point frame to the subject, the user tilts the multi-selector 1 and moves the distance-finding point frame by operating the joystick. Fig. 6A , arrow 602 indicates the trajectory of the ranging point frame moving from the ranging point frame 405b to the ranging point frame 405 by the joystick operation. The movement of the ranging point frame by the joystick operation is the movement of one frame in the direction in which the joystick operation is performed for one operation (movement by unit), and a click feeling is given by each operation, whereby the user can accurately move the ranging point frame by a small distance. It should be noted that in the state where the user tilts the composite selector 1 and performs the joystick operation in this shooting scene, the OTP 60 becomes an unresponsive state in which the OTP 60 is disabled, that is, the OTP 60 does not detect the amount of change in the fingertip position. As a result, the problem that the OTP 60 detects a small movement of the user's fingertip at the time of the joystick operation and performs the ranging point frame movement that the user does not intend can be avoided. It should be noted that the state of the OTP 60 is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment as long as such a problem can be avoided. For example, a specific detection threshold can be set for OTP 60, and the sensitivity of OTP 60 can be reduced so that regardless of whether a joystick operation is performed, even if the user's fingertip moves slightly on the compound selector 1, OTP 60 does not detect the change when the change in the fingertip position is equal to or less than the detection threshold.

[0100] As above reference Fig. 6A As described above, the OTP 60 and the AF-ON button 80 as a physical switch are arranged in the composite selector 1. As a result, the user can selectively perform a slide operation for seamlessly and largely moving the range-finding frame and a click operation for finely adjusting the position of the range-finding frame without moving the finger to a different operation member. The composite selector 1 combining the OTP 60 with the AF-ON button 80 as a physical switch is used for range-finding point frame movement, and therefore, the user can cause the camera 1000 to quickly and accurately perform AF on a desired subject.

[0101] exist Figure 6B , the distance measuring point frame 305a is the distance measuring point frame before the movement displayed on the display unit 28. The distance measuring point frame 305a is the distance measuring point frame after the movement.

[0102] Due to Fig. 6A The subjects in the shooting scenes shown are different. Figure 6B The subject in the shooting scene shown is stationary, so there is no need to immediately (quickly) move the ranging point frame 305a to the ranging point frame 305. In order to reliably move the ranging point frame 305a to the ranging point frame 305 as the desired position, it is desirable to move the ranging point by a joystick operation that gives a click feeling. Figure 6B 6 , an arrow 604 indicates the trajectory of the ranging point frame moving from the ranging point frame 305 to the ranging point frame 305a by the joystick operation.

[0103] In this shooting scene, Fig. 6A , that is, instead of the distance measurement point moving, the change of the shooting parameter is assigned to the operation performed using the OTP 60. Figure 6B , an arrow 603 indicates a photographing parameter that can be changed through the OTP 60. Specifically, when the thumb 301b is slidably moved upward and downward on the OTP 60, the user can change the shutter speed (Tv) which is one of the photographing parameters. In addition, when the thumb 301b is slidably moved leftward and rightward on the OTP 60, the user can change the aperture value (Av) which is one of the photographing parameters.

[0104] As above reference Figure 6B As described, in a shooting scene assuming a still subject, the operation object of the OTP 60 of the composite selector 1 is changed to a shooting parameter that is an operation object different from the ranging point frame, which is an operation object in the case of a shooting scene assuming the shooting of a moving subject. As a result, the user can move the ranging point frame 305a and change the shooting parameters without moving the place where the finger is placed to a separate operating member, and the operability when shooting is improved. It should be noted that the operation object of the OTP 60 of the composite selector 1 may be other operation objects as long as the operation object is changed to an operation object different from the ranging point frame, and the specific operation object is not limited to the implementation method of the present embodiment. For example, the operation object of the OTP 60 of the composite selector 1 may be the pan / tilt direction of the camera 1000. In the present embodiment, the functions of the operations assigned to the OTP 60 for each assumed shooting scene have been described, but the assignment of functions is not limited to this. For example, even when shooting a still subject, it can be expected that Fig. 6A As shown, the distance-measuring point frame movement is assigned to the operation performed using the OTP 60. Therefore, specifically, in response to the user instruction, switching between functions to be assigned to the operation performed using the OTP 60 is performed.

[0105] It should be noted that reference has been made to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The moving operation of the distance-finding point frame and the changing operation of the shooting parameters using the compound selector 1 in the shooting scene are described, but the user operation using the compound selector 1 is also performed in the operation scene other than the shooting scene. For example, the compound selector 1 can also be used in the mode setting scene. Here, the mode setting scene refers to a scene indicating the selection of one of a plurality of operation modes for performing shooting, reproduction, and various settings in the camera 1000, the start of the selected operation mode, and the selection of various setting items in the started operation mode.

[0106] Below, we will refer to Figure 7 An example of a user operation using the compound selector 1 in a mode setting scene will be described.

[0107] Figure 7 1 is a diagram for describing a moving operation of a moving selection frame 505 for selecting one of various setting items on a menu screen displayed on the display section 28 by using the multi-selector 1. It should be noted that this menu screen is displayed on the display section 28 when a setting mode for setting various setting items among a plurality of operation modes of the camera 1000 is selected and started.

[0108] On the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the user can select various setting items of the camera 1000 using the selection box 505, and can change the setting of the selected setting item or perform ON / OFF setting. Figure 7 The user operation on the menu screen shown is a discrete operation, so the joystick operation is desirable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 28, only the joystick operation for the multi-selector 1 is enabled. That is, the user can move the selection frame 505 in the direction of the arrow 701 by tilting the multi-selector 1 in the upward or downward direction.

[0109] On the other hand, in this embodiment, Figure 7In the case where there are only limited setting items in the menu screen shown, the OTP 60 is in an unresponsive state in which the OTP 60 is disabled, that is, the OTP 60 does not detect the amount of change in the fingertip position. As a result, the problem that the OTP 60 also detects a slight movement of the user's fingertip and causes an erroneous operation can be avoided. It should be noted that the state of the OTP 60 is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment as long as such a problem can be avoided. For example, a specific detection threshold may be set for the OTP 60, and the sensitivity of the OTP 60 may be reduced so that even if the user's fingertip moves slightly on the compound selector 1, when the amount of change in the fingertip position is equal to or less than the detection threshold, the OTP 60 does not detect the change amount. In this case, the joystick operation on the compound selector 1 is disabled.

[0110] As reference Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7 As described above, the operation to be assigned to the OTP 60 and the operation object of the joystick operation of the composite selector 1, the sensitivity of the OTP 60, and the validity / invalidity of the OTP 60 are changed according to various operation scenes including shooting scenes. As a result, the user's erroneous operation of the composite selector 1 can be reduced, and the user can use the composite selector 1 to quickly achieve the desired purpose.

[0111] As described above, although in the present embodiment, user operations on the multi-selector 1 and the multi-selector 2 arranged in the camera body 100 have been described, the arrangement of the multi-selector 1 and the multi-selector 2 may be different from that in the present embodiment, or may be arranged in an external device. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The user operates the composite selector 3 and the composite selector 4 in the lens unit 150 to perform Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The movement of the ranging point frame in the shooting scene and the change of shooting parameters, and Figure 7 Movement of the selection box 505 in the menu screen.

[0112] The present invention is also implemented by executing the following processing. That is, the processing is to supply the software (program) for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU or MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0113] It goes without saying that the following case is included: the OS (basic system or operating system) or the like running on the device performs part or all of the processing based on the instructions of the above-mentioned program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized through this processing.

[0114] It goes without saying that the following cases are included: the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the device or a function expansion unit connected to the computer to implement the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. At this time, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code.

[0115] [Other embodiments]

[0116] The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention known to the public, the following claims are attached.

[0118] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-199568 filed on November 1, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0119] Reference numerals

[0120] 1 Compound selector

[0121] 28 Display

[0122] 41 Viewfinder field of view display

[0123] 60 OTP

[0124] 61 Button Base

[0125] 61a Hole

[0126] 61b Leg

[0127] 62 AF-ON board

[0128] 62a Spring switch

[0129] 80 AF-ON button

[0130] 80e flange

[0131] 80g Window

[0132] 100 Camera body

[0133] 301 Right Hand

[0134] 301a Index Finger

[0135] 301b Thumb

[0136] 302 Left Hand

[0137] 302a Thumb

[0138] 305, 305a, 405, 405a, 405b Distance measurement point frame

[0139] 505 Select Box

[0140] 1000 Camera

Claims

1. An imaging device, configured to perform automatic focusing at a selected position in a screen displaying a captured image when a user selects a position for automatic focusing, the imaging device comprising: a first operating device; a second operating device configured to hold the first operating device; at least one memory storing a set of instructions; as well as at least one processor that executes the instructions, which when executed cause the camera device to: displaying a display object indicating the selected position on the screen; detecting a sliding movement of the user's finger by the first operating device, and performing a first moving operation to move the position of the display object displayed on the screen based on the movement amount and movement direction of the sliding movement; When the second operating device is shaken by the user, the second operating device performs a second movement operation of moving the position of the display object displayed on the screen in units based on the shaking direction of the second operating device; as well as When performing automatic focusing in a shooting scene of a moving subject, the position of the display object displayed on the screen is moved by the first operating device and the second operating device. wherein the second operating device is a joystick operating member, The first operating device is formed on the top surface of the second operating device, and The second movement operation is performed by the user shaking the top surface of the second operation device while touching the first operation device with the user's finger.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a holding member configured to hold the second operating device for holding the first operating device, The second operating device further includes a generating unit configured to generate a click feeling whenever the holding member detects shaking of the second operating device by the user.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The first operating device is a touch sensor, and is configured to detect a movement amount of a sliding movement of a finger of the user placed on the first operating device.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein: The touch sensor is any type of touch sensor among infrared light type, resistance film type, surface acoustic wave type, capacitance type, electromagnetic induction type, image recognition type, and optical sensor type.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: When the movement amount of the slide movement is equal to or smaller than a threshold value, the first movement operation is not performed.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: When the second operating device is shaken by the user, the first moving operation is not performed.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: In a mode setting scene in which one of a plurality of operation modes for performing imaging, reproduction, and setting is to be set, at least one of the first movement operation and the second movement operation is disabled.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: When automatic focusing is to be performed, movement of an operation object different from the first movement operation based on the movement amount and movement direction of the slide movement is performed according to a user instruction.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein: The operation object is a photographing parameter that can be changed based on a movement amount and a movement direction of the slide movement.

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