Electronic device, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium. The electronic apparatus includes a rotation operation member (204, 205) and a control unit (101) that controls an angle of rotation at which a click feeling is generated in the rotation operation member. The control unit controls the angle of rotation based on a division of a setting to be changed in accordance with a rotation operation of the rotation operation member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic devices, methods for controlling electronic devices, and storage media storing computer programs. Background Technology

[0002] Rotary operating components, such as dials, are commonly used as operating components for operating and changing settings of electronic devices. Some rotary operating components are provided with mechanisms that allow the user to tactilely sense the response (clicking or detent) from the rotary operating component during rotation by applying mechanical vibration or rotational resistance for each predetermined amount of rotation or for rotation in a predetermined direction (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-83866).

[0003] However, as in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-83866, when a click is provided to the rotating operating member at various predetermined rotation angles, even if, for example, when changing from a first setting value to a second setting value, the amount of rotation of the rotating operating member from the first setting value to the second setting value, and the click sensation experienced by the user, vary depending on the number, position, and interval (segmentation) of the values ​​that can be set between the first setting value and the second setting value, it may cause the user to experience an unnatural feeling when operating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above problems, and the present invention realizes a technique for reducing the unnatural feeling of operation based on the click sensation received by the user from the rotating operating member.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a rotation operation member (204, 205); and a control member (101) configured to control the angle of rotation that generates a clicking sensation in the rotation operation member; wherein the control member controls the angle of rotation based on a segmentation of a setting that is to be changed according to the rotation operation of the rotation operation member.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a control method for an electronic device including a rotational operating member (204, 205), the control method comprising: a control step for controlling the angle of rotation that generates a clicking sensation in the rotational operating member (S527, S528); wherein the control step controls the angle of rotation based on a segmentation of a setting to be changed according to the rotational operation of the rotational operating member.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program that enables a processor to function as the electronic device described in detail above.

[0008] According to the present invention, the unnatural feeling of operation based on the click sensation received by the user from the rotating operating member can be improved.

[0009] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a digital camera according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an external view of a digital camera according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a table storing the shutter speed setting values ​​of this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating a method for setting the click angle according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the click angle based on the shutter speed setting level in the image shooting mode according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the click angle based on the shutter speed setting level in the image shooting mode according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the click angle based on the shutter speed setting level in the image shooting mode according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figures 8A to 8E This is an example of a UI screen showing the process of setting the click angle by setting the shutter speed level in the image shooting mode according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Several features are described in the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to requiring all such features, and multiple such features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given the same or similar configuration, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0019] In the following, embodiments of the electronic device of the present invention applied to imaging devices such as digital cameras will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to imaging devices, but can be applied, for example, to devices such as tablet PCs or smartphones that include an operating member (hereinafter referred to as a rotation operating member) capable of rotation in any manner. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to mice for operating information processing devices such as desktop PCs, and remote control units for remotely operating electronic devices.

[0020] <Device Configuration>

[0021] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration and functions of the digital camera in this embodiment are described.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a digital camera according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is an external view of a digital camera according to this embodiment.

[0023] The image capturing lens 104 is a lens assembly including a zoom lens and a focusing lens. The shutter 105 is a shutter with an aperture function. The image capturing unit 106 includes an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor for converting optical images into electrical signals. The A / D conversion unit 107 converts analog signals into digital signals. The A / D conversion unit 107 is used to convert the analog signals output from the image capturing unit 106 into digital signals. The baffle 103 prevents the image capturing system, including the image capturing lens 104, shutter 105, and image capturing unit 106, from getting dirty or damaged by covering the image capturing system, including the digital camera 100's image capturing lens 104.

[0024] The image processing unit 102 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing (such as downsizing), and color conversion processing on data from the A / D conversion unit 107 or the memory control unit 108. Within the image processing unit 102, predetermined calculations are performed using captured image data, and the system control unit 101 performs exposure control and range control based on the obtained calculation results. Therefore, TTL-type autofocus (AF), auto exposure (AE), and pre-flash (EF) processing are performed. Furthermore, the image processing unit 102 performs predetermined calculations using captured image data and performs TTL-type automatic white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained calculation results.

[0025] Output data from the A / D conversion unit 107 is directly written to the memory 109 via the image processing unit 102 and the memory control unit 108, or via the memory control unit 108. The memory 109 stores image data acquired by the camera unit 106 and then converted into digital data by the A / D conversion unit 107, as well as image data for display on the display unit 111. The memory 109 has sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of moving images, and audio. The memory 109 also functions as a memory for image display (video memory).

[0026] The D / A conversion unit 110 converts the data stored in the memory 109 for image display into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit 111. Therefore, the data written in the memory 109 for image display is displayed by the display unit 111 via the D / A conversion unit 110.

[0027] Display unit 111 displays the analog signal from D / A conversion unit 110 on a display device such as a liquid crystal or organic EL display. By converting the digital signal (D / A) that has undergone one A / D conversion by A / D conversion unit 107 and is stored in memory 109 into an analog signal by D / A conversion unit 110, and continuously transmitting and displaying this analog signal on display unit 111, display unit 111 functions as an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and displays a live view image.

[0028] The non-volatile memory 114 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and is, for example, an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 114 stores constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 101. Here, the programs are used to execute various flowcharts, which will be described later in this embodiment.

[0029] The system control unit 101 includes a processor for controlling the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 101 implements the various processes of this embodiment, which will be described later, by executing programs stored in non-volatile memory 114. RAM is used for system memory 112. In system memory 112, constants, variables, and programs read from non-volatile memory 114, etc., for the operation of system control unit 101 are loaded. The system control unit 101 also performs display control by controlling memory 109, D / A conversion unit 110, and display unit 111, etc.

[0030] System timer 113 is a time measurement unit used to measure the time required for various types of control as well as the time of the built-in clock.

[0031] The shutter button 115, mode selection dial 118, power button 119, and operation unit 120 are operating components used to input various operation instructions to the system control unit 101.

[0032] The mode selection dial 118 is an operating component for inputting operation instructions, which are used to switch the operating mode of the system control unit 101 to still image capture mode, motion image recording mode, playback mode, and detailed modes included in each operating mode.

[0033] The first shutter switch 116 is activated by a so-called half-press (image capture preparation indication) (which is midway through the operation of the shutter button 115 provided in the digital camera 100), generating a first shutter switch signal SW1. Operations such as autofocus (AF) processing, auto exposure (AE) processing, auto white balance (AWB) processing, and pre-flash (EF) processing are initiated by the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0034] The second shutter switch 117 is activated by a so-called full press (image capture indication) (which is the completion of the operation of the shutter button 115), and a second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. Based on the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 101 begins a series of image capture processing operations from reading the signal from the imaging unit 106 to writing the image data to the storage medium 124.

[0035] The power control unit 121 comprises a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switching circuit for switching between blocks to be powered. It detects the state of the power button 119, whether a battery is installed, the battery type, and the remaining battery level. Furthermore, the power control unit 121 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 101, supplying the necessary voltage to the various components, including the storage medium 124, during the required periods.

[0036] The power supply unit 122 can be a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, but it can also be an AC adapter, etc.

[0037] The storage medium interface (I / F) 123 is an interface to a storage medium 124, such as a memory card or a hard disk. The storage medium 124 is a storage medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory or a disk.

[0038] The audio control unit 125 converts audio data input from a microphone, etc., into digital signals, stores these digital signals in a storage medium 124, reads the audio data stored in the storage medium 124, and outputs the audio data from an audio output unit 126 (such as a speaker). The audio control unit 125 can record audio data synchronously with moving image data in moving image recording mode, and record audio data to be attached to still image data in still image capturing mode. The audio control unit 125 can generate audio data for issuing notifications such as warnings, and output the audio data from the audio output unit 126.

[0039] Each operating component of the operation unit 120 is appropriately assigned a function for various situations, for example, through an operation to select from various function icons displayed on the display unit 111, and acts as various function buttons. Function buttons include, for example, an end button, a return button, an image feed button, a jump button, a zoom-out button, and an attribute change button. For example, when pressed... Figure 2 When the menu button 201 is shown, a menu screen for allowing various settings is displayed on the display unit 111. Users can intuitively perform various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 111, the directional buttons 202 with buttons in the four directions of up, down, left, and right, and the setting button 203.

[0040] The controller wheel 204 and electronic dial 205 are rotational operating components included in the operation unit 120, and together with the directional buttons, are used, for example, to indicate the selection of items.

[0041] The electronic dial 205 includes a torque control unit 128, which variably controls the vibration or rotational resistance (torque) applied to the electronic dial 205 for various predetermined directions and angular positions, so that the user can tactilely sense the response (click or stop sensation) from the electronic dial 205 when it is rotated. The predetermined directions and angular positions correspond to, for example, the direction in which setting values ​​are increased or decreased for each predetermined angular position, the number and position of the settable values, and the intervals (segments) between the values. The torque control unit 128 includes a small motor and an encoder, and changes the click sensation to be produced when the electronic dial 205 is rotated by changing the magnitude of the motor's torque according to the angle of rotation of the electronic dial 205. The small motor is connected to the rotation shaft of the electronic dial 205, and the encoder is used to detect the angle of rotation of the rotation shaft of the electronic dial 205. For example, when the electronic dial 205 is turned away from a predetermined position, the user will feel a heavy response from the electronic dial 205 because the motor torque is applied in the opposite direction to the rotation direction. Conversely, when the electronic dial 205 is turned closer to a predetermined position, the user will feel an attraction towards the predetermined position because the motor torque is applied in the same direction as the rotation direction. With predetermined positions provided at each predetermined angle, if torque control during motor rotation is performed smoothly and continuously, the user can tactilely sense a click as a response at each predetermined angle during the rotation of the electronic dial 205. Furthermore, the intensity (strength) of the click can be changed by altering the motor torque. In this case, when a predetermined angle or predetermined position is defined as a click angle, the click angle of the electronic dial 205 can be variably controlled electrically. The method for providing a click sensation to the electronic dial 205 in this embodiment is not limited to the method described above, and may be, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-83866 or other methods.

[0042] The bottom surface of the digital camera 100 is provided with a housing unit for the power supply unit 122 and the storage medium 124, which can be opened and closed by a cover 209. The power supply unit 122 and the storage medium 124 can be attached to or removed from the digital camera 100 by opening and closing the cover.

[0043] The playback button 206 can switch between the camera's image capture mode and playback mode. In playback mode, when the zoom-in button 207 is pressed while an image is displayed on the display unit 111, the image displayed on the display unit 111 can be displayed in a magnified manner, and the magnification increases with each press of the zoom-in button 207. The magnification range displayed on the display unit 111 can be moved by operating the direction button 202, the control wheel 204, and the electronic dial 205 in the zoom-in state. Furthermore, the magnification of the magnified image can be reduced by pressing the zoom-out button 208 while the image is magnified. When the zoom-out button 208 is pressed while an image is displayed on the display unit 111, a so-called index playback is performed, displaying multiple reduced images on the display unit 111 at once. The number of images to be displayed at once increases with each press of the zoom-out button 208. Furthermore, in index playback mode, the currently selected image is indicated by a cursor displayed around the reduced image. At this time, the current image can be changed by operating the direction button 202, the controller wheel 204, and the electronic dial 205. Furthermore, the number of images changed from the current image due to a single rotation operation can be adjusted according to settings. When the zoom button 207 is pressed in index playback mode, the number of images to be displayed on the display unit 111 can be reduced.

[0044] A touch panel 127 capable of detecting contact with the display unit 111 is configured as part of the operation unit 120. The touch panel 127 and the display unit 111 can be integrally formed. For example, the touch panel 127 is configured such that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 111, and is mounted on the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 111. Furthermore, the input coordinates on the touch panel 127 are associated with the display coordinates on the display unit 111. This allows for the configuration of a graphical user interface (GUI), in which it appears as if the user can directly manipulate the screen displayed on the display unit 111. The system control unit 101 can detect the following operations on the touch panel: touching the touch panel with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as touch-down), the state of touching the touch panel with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as touch-on), moving a finger or pen while touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as movement), lifting a finger or pen that has touched the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as touch-up), and the state of no touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as touch-off). These operations and the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel are notified to the system control unit 101 via an internal bus, and the system control unit 101 determines the type of operation performed on the touch panel based on the notified information. Regarding movement, the direction of movement of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel can also be determined based on changes in position coordinates, specifically for each of the vertical and horizontal components on the touch panel. Furthermore, it is assumed that a travel distance has been drawn when a touch and a specific movement are performed on the touch panel, followed by touch-stop. Operations that quickly draw a travel distance are called swiping. A swipe is an operation where a finger is quickly moved a specific distance while touching the touch panel, and then simply lifted. In other words, a swipe is an operation that quickly tracks the touch panel as if the finger were brushing across it. A swipe is determined when a movement of a predetermined distance at or above a predetermined speed is detected, followed by a stop of the touch. Similarly, a drag is determined when a movement of a predetermined distance at or below a predetermined speed is detected. The operation of moving a finger or stylus into a specific area (hereinafter referred to as touch entry) and moving a finger or stylus away from a specific area (hereinafter referred to as touch exit) can also be detected. Any type of touch panel, such as resistive film, surface acoustic wave, capacitive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, or optical sensor touch panels, can be used as a touch panel.

[0045] <Method for setting the click angle>

[0046] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4A and Figure 4B This embodiment describes a method for setting the click angle.

[0047] In this embodiment, a method will be described in which the amount of rotation of the electronic dial 205 required to change the setting value of each setting level is equal, regardless of the setting level, when the shutter speed setting level is different.

[0048] Figure 3 This shows a portion of a table that stores the setting values ​​for each shutter speed setting level.

[0049] To set the horizontal level for shutter speed, you can choose 1 / 3 or 1 / 2 of the horizontal distance. (As a representative value...) Figure 3 The example values ​​for level 1 (1 / 1000, 1 / 500, 1 / 250, and 1 / 125 seconds) are common values ​​between levels 1 / 3 and 1 / 2. Figure 3 As shown, the values ​​between the level 1 settings vary depending on the setting level, and the number of values, the intervals between values, and the positions of the values ​​also change.

[0050] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating a method for setting the click angle according to this embodiment.

[0051] In this embodiment, a click angle is set for the electronic dial 205, and each time the user rotates the electronic dial 205 by the click angle, the electronic dial 205 assumes a mechanically stable position, thereby stopping the rotation of the electronic dial 205. In this case, the setting value changes one step each time the electronic dial 205 moves to a stop position of the click angle.

[0052] Here, a method for setting the click angle when rotating the electronic dial 205 to change the shutter speed setting (Tv value) from 1 / 125 second to 1 / 500 second will be described as an example. Figure 4A As shown, when the click angle is set to 20 degrees and the shutter speed setting is at 1 / 3 of the horizontal setting, six steps are required to change the setting towards a faster shutter speed. In this case, six steps can be achieved by rotating the electronic dial 205 120 degrees. Conversely, when the shutter speed setting is at 1 / 2 of the horizontal setting, four steps are required to change the shutter speed setting from 1 / 125 second to 1 / 500 second, and the electronic dial 205 will rotate 80 degrees. Since the amount of rotation of the electronic dial 205 required to change the shutter speed setting to the same value varies depending on the shutter speed setting level, the user's operating experience may be negatively affected.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the electronic dial 205 required to change the shutter speed setting is controlled to be the same, regardless of the setting level (setting division). Specifically, when the shutter speed setting level is 1 / 3 of the horizontal (first division), the rotation angle is set to a first angle, and when the shutter speed setting level is 1 / 2 of the horizontal (second division), the rotation angle is changed such that the product of the first angle and the number of setting values ​​that can be set in the first division, and the product of the second angle and the number of setting values ​​that can be set in the second division, are equal.

[0054] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example, the click angle is set such that the number of steps the electronic dial 205 rotates is the same as the product of the click angle (i.e., the total angle of rotation). This ensures that the amount of rotation of the electronic dial 205 required to change the shutter speed setting to the same value (changing the Tv value from 1 / 125 second to 1 / 500 second) can be equal, regardless of the shutter speed setting level. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4B As shown, by changing the click angle to 30 degrees in the case of horizontal 1 / 2 setting, the total rotation angle of the four steps (which is the setting value when the Tv value is changed from 1 / 125 seconds to 1 / 500 seconds) can be 120 degrees, which is the same as the case of horizontal 1 / 3 setting.

[0055] Therefore, when the range of settable values ​​is the same for both horizontal 1 / 3 and 1 / 2 shutter speed settings, the amount of rotation of the electronic dial 205 can be set to be equal regardless of the setting level, by making the value obtained by multiplying the number of settable values ​​in the horizontal 1 / 3 setting by the click angle equal to the value obtained by multiplying the number of settable values ​​in the horizontal 1 / 2 setting by the click angle. Furthermore, by setting the click angle such that the value obtained by multiplying the number of settable values ​​in each setting level by the click angle is 360, the amount of rotation used to change within the range of settable values ​​will be 360 ​​degrees (i.e., within a single complete rotation operation), thus allowing the setting to be changed without performing multiple complete rotation operations.

[0056] As with the shutter speed setting levels described above, when the number of setting values ​​for each setting level is predetermined, the click angle of the rotating operating member, such as the electronic dial 205, only needs to be stored as a predetermined constant for each setting level. Furthermore, if the level of the setting value or the interval between setting values ​​changes dynamically, the click angle can be calculated based on this change.

[0057] <Processing for setting the click angle>

[0058] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 8E This describes the process used to set the click angle based on the horizontal setting of the shutter speed.

[0059] Figures 5 to 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the click angle according to the shutter speed setting level in the image shooting mode according to this embodiment. Figures 8A to 8E This is an example of a UI screen showing the process of setting the click angle according to the shutter speed setting level in the image shooting mode according to this embodiment.

[0060] Figures 5 to 7 The processing is achieved by the system control unit 101 controlling the various components of the digital camera 100 by executing the program stored in the non-volatile memory 114. Furthermore, when the digital camera 100 is powered on and the operating mode of the system control unit 101 is set to still image shooting mode, the process begins... Figures 5 to 7 The processing.

[0061] In step S501, the system control unit 101 executes a process for starting the still image capturing mode. During this process, the parameters required for image capturing are initialized, and the setting values ​​stored in the non-volatile memory 114 are read.

[0062] In step S502, the system control unit 101 displays the image capture standby screen on the display unit 111. Figure 8A This displays the image capture standby screen in still image shooting mode. The still image shooting standby screen shows the live view image and image shooting parameters such as shutter speed.

[0063] In step S503, the system control unit 101 determines whether the menu button 201 has been operated. When the system control unit 101 determines that the menu button 201 has been operated, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S509. When the system control unit 101 determines that the menu button 201 has not been operated, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S504.

[0064] In step S504, the system control unit 101 determines whether the electronic dial 205 has been operated. When the system control unit 101 determines that the electronic dial 205 has been operated, the system control unit 101 advances the processing to... Figure 7 Step S541. When the system control unit 101 determines that the electronic dial 205 has not been operated, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S505.

[0065] In step S505, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button 115 has been operated. If the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter button 115 has been operated, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S508. If the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter button 115 has not been operated, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S506.

[0066] In step S506, the system control unit 101 determines whether the playback button 206 has been activated. When the system control unit 101 determines that the playback button 206 has been activated, the system control unit 101 terminates the process to switch to playback mode. When the system control unit 101 determines that the playback button 206 has not been activated, the system control unit 101 proceeds the process to step S507.

[0067] In step S507, the system control unit 101 determines whether the power button 119 has been activated. When the system control unit 101 determines that the power button 119 has been activated, the system control unit 101 terminates the process to perform a power-off operation. When the system control unit 101 determines that the power button 119 has not been activated, the system control unit 101 returns the process to step S503.

[0068] The processes from step S503 to step S507 are processes for monitoring user operations and are repeatedly executed during image capture standby in image capture mode.

[0069] Next, the processing based on the user operation from step S503 to step S507 will be described.

[0070] In step S508, the system control unit 101 performs processing for capturing still images. This processing includes generating an image of a predetermined format based on the captured video signal and recording the image as a file on the storage medium 124.

[0071] In step S509, the system control unit 101 displays a menu screen on the display unit 111. Figure 8B The menu screen is displayed.

[0072] In step S510, the system control unit 101 determines whether... Figure 8B The shutter speed level setting has already been selected in the menu screen. When the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed level setting has been selected, the system control unit 101 will proceed to the next step. Figure 6 Step S521. When the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed level setting has not been selected, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S511.

[0073] In step S511, the system control unit 101 determines whether another settings menu has been selected. If the system control unit 101 determines that another settings menu has been selected, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S512. If the system control unit 101 determines that another settings menu has not been selected, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S513.

[0074] In step S512, the system control unit 101 performs according to Figure 8B The processing of the menu items selected in the menu screen.

[0075] In step S513, the system control unit 101 again determines that it is currently displaying... Figure 8B The system control unit 101 checks whether the menu button 201 has been operated while the menu screen is displayed. If the system control unit 101 determines that the menu button 201 has been operated, the system control unit 101 returns to step S501, ends the display of the menu screen, and returns to the image capture standby state. If the system control unit 101 determines that the menu button 201 has not been operated, the system control unit 101 returns to step S510 and repeats the process for monitoring user operations on the menu screen from step S510 onwards.

[0076] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 Description in Figure 5 In step S510 Figure 8B The shutter speed horizontal setting has already been selected in the menu screen.

[0077] In step S521, the system control unit 101 displays a screen on the display unit 111 for setting the shutter speed setting level. Figure 8C The screen shown displays the level for setting the shutter speed. Figure 8C In the settings screen, you can change the setting to 1 / 3 or 1 / 2 horizontally as the shutter speed setting.

[0078] In step S522, the system control unit 101 determines whether it has already... Figure 8C The setting level has been changed in the screen used to set the shutter speed setting level. When the system control unit 101 determines that the setting level has been changed, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S523, and when the system control unit 101 determines that the setting level has not been changed, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S524.

[0079] In step S523, the system control unit 101 in Figure 8C In the screen used to set the shutter speed level, move the cursor to the level that has been changed.

[0080] In step S524, the system control unit 101 determines whether it has already... Figure 8C The system control unit 101 determines that the setting button has been operated on the screen used to set the shutter speed level. When the system control unit 101 determines that the setting button has been operated, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S525. When the system control unit 101 determines that the setting button has not been operated, the system control unit 101 returns to step S522 and repeats the process for monitoring the settings from step S522 onwards. Figure 8C The processing of user operations for setting shutter speed and setting the horizontal plane.

[0081] In step S525, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter speed setting level has been changed. If the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed setting level has been changed, it proceeds to step S526. If the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed setting level has not been changed, it returns to step S509 and repeats the process for monitoring user operations on the menu screen from step S509 onwards.

[0082] In step S526, the system control unit 101 determines the setting level that has been changed; when the system control unit 101 determines that the setting level is level 1 / 3, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S527, and when the system control unit 101 determines that the setting level is level 1 / 2, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S528.

[0083] In step S527, since the horizontal level is set to 1 / 3, therefore... Figure 4A The system control unit 101 sets the click angle of the electronic dial 205 to 20 degrees, returns the processing to step S509, and repeats the processing for monitoring user operations on the menu screen from step S509 onwards.

[0084] In step S528, since the horizontal level is set to 1 / 2, therefore... Figure 4B The system control unit 101 sets the click angle of the electronic dial 205 to 30 degrees, returns the processing to step S509, and repeats the processing for monitoring user operations on the menu screen from step S509 onwards.

[0085] Next, we will refer to Figure 7 Description used in Figure 5 The process of changing the shutter speed setting when operating the electronic dial 205 in step S504.

[0086] In step S541, the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed setting is horizontal; when the system control unit 101 determines that the setting is horizontal 1 / 3, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S542, and when the system control unit 101 determines that the setting is horizontal 1 / 2, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S543.

[0087] In step S542, since the horizontal setting is 1 / 3, the system control unit 101 displays the 1 / 3 horizontal setting screen on the display unit 111. Figure 8D The image shown is for setting a horizontal shutter speed of 1 / 3. In Figure 8D In the settings screen, a clicking sensation can be generated at a clicking angle corresponding to the horizontal 1 / 3 setting division, and the Tv value can be changed according to the rotation operation of the electronic dial 205.

[0088] In step S543, since the horizontal setting is 1 / 2, the system control unit 101 displays the 1 / 2 setting screen on the display unit 111. Figure 8E The image shown is for setting a horizontal half-speed shutter. Figure 8E In the settings screen, a clicking sensation can be generated at a clicking angle corresponding to the horizontal 1 / 2 setting division, and the Tv value can be changed according to the rotation operation of the electronic dial 205.

[0089] In step S544, the system control unit 101 determines whether the torque control unit 128 has detected an operation to rotate the electronic dial 205 by a currently set click angle. If the system control unit 101 determines that the torque control unit 128 has detected an operation to rotate the electronic dial 205 by a currently set click angle, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S546. If the system control unit 101 determines that the torque control unit 128 has not detected an operation to rotate the electronic dial 205 by a currently set click angle, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S545.

[0090] In step S546, the system control unit 101 determines the direction of rotation of the electronic dial 205. When the system control unit 101 determines that the direction of rotation of the electronic dial 205 is a first direction (clockwise), the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S547. When the system control unit 101 determines that the direction of rotation of the electronic dial 205 is a second direction opposite to the first direction (counterclockwise), the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S548.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the shutter speed setting is horizontal at 1 / 3 of its maximum, the click angle is set to 20 degrees, and when the shutter speed setting is horizontal at 1 / 2 of its maximum, the click angle is set to 30 degrees. When the electronic dial 205 rotates clockwise, in step S547, the system control unit 101 will... Figure 3 The shutter speed value of the currently set setting level in the table is increased one step towards the high-speed side. When the electronic dial 205 is rotated counter-clockwise, in step S548, the system control unit 101 will... Figure 3 The shutter speed value for the current setting level in the table is reduced one step towards the low-speed side.

[0092] In step S549, the system control unit 101 updates the shutter speed changed in step S547 or S548 as a parameter for image capture.

[0093] In step S550, the system control unit 101 updates Figure 8A The current shutter speed setting and meter value are displayed on the image capture standby screen.

[0094] In step S551, the system control unit 101 determines whether the shutter speed updated in step S549 is a value common to the horizontal 1 setting (in... Figure 3 (The examples are 1 / 1000, 1 / 500, 1 / 250, or 1 / 125 second). When the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed updated in step S549 is a value common to the horizontal 1 setting, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S552. When the system control unit 101 determines that the shutter speed updated in step S549 is not a value common to the horizontal 1 setting but an intermediate value, the system control unit 101 will proceed to step S553.

[0095] In step S552, the system control unit 101 sets the torque of the electronic dial 205 controlled by the torque control unit 128 to a first value, wherein the first value is greater than the second value under standard conditions (first value > second value).

[0096] In step S553, the system control unit 101 sets the torque of the electronic dial 205 controlled by the torque control unit 128 to a second value under the standard condition, which is less than the first value.

[0097] In step S554, the system control unit 101 uses the value set in step S552 or S553 to control the torque of the electronic dial 205 through the torque control unit 128 to generate a click sensation during the operation of the electronic dial 205.

[0098] In step S555, the system control unit 101 is reset and starts a no-operation determination timer.

[0099] By repeatedly performing the process from step S546 to step S555 while the electronic dial 205 is being operated, a clicking sensation during the rotation of the electronic dial can be generated intermittently.

[0100] On the other hand, in step S545, when the inactive state of the electronic dial 205 continues for a predetermined amount of time during the processing for changing the shutter speed (i.e., when the inactive determination timer expires), the system control unit 101 ends the processing and returns to the image capture standby state.

[0101] In this embodiment, a method for changing the shutter speed setting on a dedicated settings screen is described; however, a configuration that allows the shutter speed to be changed directly by rotating the electronic dial 205 in the image capture standby screen instead of through the dedicated screen can be adopted.

[0102] According to this embodiment, for example, by setting the amount of rotation of the electronic dial 205 required to change the shutter speed setting to be equal regardless of the setting division, the unnatural feeling of operation caused by the click sensation received by the user from the electronic dial 205 when rotating the electronic dial 205 can be improved.

[0103] Other embodiments

[0104] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0105] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: Rotation operating components; The first setting component is configured to set a predetermined setting level; A control unit is configured to control the clicking angle and clicking intensity generated in the rotational operating member according to a setting level set by the first setting unit. as well as A second setting component is configured to change a predetermined setting value for each rotation operation of the click angle of the rotating operating member, wherein the second setting component changes the setting value to a setting value corresponding to the setting level set by the first setting component. The first setting component is capable of setting a first setting level and a second setting level, and the first setting level and the second setting level include a common setting value that can be set for either setting level. The control component controls the click angle according to the setting level, such that the click intensity for changing the setting value to the common setting value is stronger than the click intensity for changing the setting value to a setting value other than the common setting value.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The second setting component can set the first setting level to level 1 / 3 and the second setting level to level 1 / 2.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control component controls the click angle so that the required rotation angle of the rotating operating component is the same when the setting changes from the first common setting value to the second common setting value.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, When the click angle is set to a first angle in the first setting level and the click angle is set to a second angle in the second setting level, the control unit changes the click angle such that the value obtained by multiplying the first angle by the number of setting values ​​that can be set in the first setting level and the value obtained by multiplying the second angle by the number of setting values ​​that can be set in the second setting level are equal.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control component controls the click intensity by controlling the rotational resistance to be applied to the rotating operating member for each rotation angle.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is a camera. The preset setting is the shutter speed. The click angle corresponds to the setting value for each setting level of the shutter speed.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The preset setting is the shutter speed. The click angle corresponds to the setting value for each setting level of the shutter speed. The shutter speed settings include horizontal 1 / 3 and horizontal 1 / 2, and The common setting value corresponds to the common value between level 1 / 3 and level 1 / 2.

8. A control method for an electronic device including a rotational operating member, the control method comprising: The first setup step is used to set the predetermined setting level; A control step is used to control the click angle and click intensity generated in the rotation operation member according to the setting level set in the first setting step. as well as The second setting step is used to change the predetermined setting value for each rotation operation of the click angle of the rotating operating member, wherein the second setting step changes the setting value to a setting value corresponding to the setting level set in the first setting step. The first setting step can set a first setting level and a second setting level, and the first setting level and the second setting level include a common setting value that can be set for either setting level. Specifically, according to the set level, the control step controls the click angle and makes the click intensity for changing the set value to the common set value stronger than the click intensity for changing the set value to a set value other than the common set value.

9. The control method according to claim 8, in, The second setting step can set the first setting level to level 1 / 3 and the second setting level to level 1 / 2.

10. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, The control step is used to control the click angle so that the required rotation angle of the rotating operating component is the same when the setting changes from the first common setting value to the second common setting value.

11. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, When the click angle is set to a first angle in the first setting level and the click angle is set to a second angle in the second setting level, the control step changes the click angle such that the value obtained by multiplying the first angle by the number of setting values ​​that can be set in the first setting level and the value obtained by multiplying the second angle by the number of setting values ​​that can be set in the second setting level are equal.

12. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, The control step is used to control the click intensity by controlling the rotational resistance to be applied to the rotating operating member for each rotation angle.

13. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, The electronic device is a camera. The preset setting is the shutter speed. The click angle corresponds to the setting value for each setting level of the shutter speed.

14. The control method according to claim 8, wherein, The preset setting is the shutter speed. The click angle corresponds to the setting value for each setting level of the shutter speed. The shutter speed settings include horizontal 1 / 3 and horizontal 1 / 2, and The common setting value corresponds to the common value between level 1 / 3 and level 1 / 2.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. A computer program product comprising a program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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