Electronic device, control method, computer program product, and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic device, a control method, a computer program product, and a computer readable storage medium. An electronic device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit configured to perform control to display a first operation member capable of receiving a first operation to adjust a focal position of an imaging unit, and a second operation member capable of receiving a second operation to finely adjust the focal position, if the focus position falls within a predetermined range including a target position as a focus position or a registered position, the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operation member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to controlling the focus position of a camera unit. Background Technology

[0002] The application software connects wirelessly to the camera and can remotely control it. The application software runs on a remote terminal (such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer) and is useful when the user wants to remotely control the camera.

[0003] Furthermore, in such applications, the main control component and the fine-tuning control component can be displayed as a focus adjustment control component for adjusting the camera's focus position. In this case, when the user wants to fine-tune the focus position, the user can easily adjust the focus position to the desired location by using the fine-tuning control component.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-019696 discloses a technology that improves the operational sensitivity of an operating component by changing the limit range so that the command value used for drive control of an optical component is included within the limit range when the command value is not included within the limit range.

[0005] However, in the prior art, even if the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during the operation of the main operating component, the user may not notice the operating component for fine adjustment (enough to make the operating component for fine adjustment usable). If the user does not notice the operating component for fine adjustment, it will not be used, and the user cannot easily adjust the focus position to the desired position. Even using the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-019696 cannot solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides techniques for making the operation component for fine-tuning easily noticeable to the user in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during operation of the main operation component.

[0007] The electronic device according to this disclosure includes: a control unit configured to control the display of a first operating member capable of receiving a first operation for adjusting the focus position of a camera unit and a second operating member capable of receiving a second operation for finely adjusting the focus position, wherein, during receiving the first operation, if the focus position falls within a predetermined range including a target position as a focus position or a registration position, the control unit controls the display to emphasize the second operating member.

[0008] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of system configuration.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a block diagram illustrating an example of camera configuration.

[0011] Figure 2B This is a block diagram showing an example of a smartphone configuration.

[0012] Figures 3A to 4B This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera control application.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how a smartphone operates. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below.

[0015] System Configuration

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to this embodiment. Figure 1 In the system, multiple cameras 100 and smartphones 200 can be communicatively connected to each other. Figure 1 Two cameras 100 are shown, but the number of cameras 100 is not particularly limited, and one camera 100 can be connected to a smartphone 200, or three or more cameras 100 can be connected to a smartphone 200. The communication method (standard) is also not particularly limited and can be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a manufacturer-specific wireless communication method. Communication between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 can be wireless or wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication method in wired communication; for example, it can be RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark). Any communication method capable of sending and receiving video and sending and receiving camera settings is applicable.

[0017] Camera configuration

[0018] Figure 2A This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a camera 100 (camera) as an example of a data processing apparatus according to this embodiment. The data processing apparatus is not limited to the camera 100. For example, the data processing apparatus may be an electronic device such as a tablet computer or a personal computer.

[0019] The control unit 101 controls the individual units in the camera 100 according to the input signals or programs described below. Instead of having the control unit 101 control the entire camera 100, the processing can be shared by multiple hardware components to control the entire camera 100.

[0020] The camera unit 102 converts the light of the subject focused by the lens in the camera unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs image data as digital data. The captured image data is accumulated in a buffer memory, processed in a predetermined manner by the control unit 101, and recorded in the recording medium 110.

[0021] The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory, and stores the following program to be executed by the control unit 101, etc.

[0022] The working memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the camera unit 102, an image display memory for the display unit 106, and a working area for the control unit 101.

[0023] The operation unit 105 is used to receive instructions from a user regarding the camera 100. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, user-operated operating components (e.g., a power button to indicate ON / OFF of the camera 100, a release switch to indicate shooting, or a playback button to indicate the reproduction of image data). The operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel formed in the display unit 106. The release switch includes switch SW1 and switch SW2. When the release switch enters a so-called half-pressed state, switch SW1 is turned on. As a result, instructions are received to perform shooting preparation operations (e.g., autofocus (AF) processing, auto exposure (AE) processing, auto white balance (AWB) processing, and electronic flash (EF) pre-flash processing). When the release switch enters a so-called fully pressed state, switch SW2 is turned on. As a result, instructions are received to perform shooting.

[0024] Display unit 106 displays a live view image (LV image) showing the subject in approximately real-time, the captured image (recorded), text for interactive operation, etc. Display unit 106 is not necessarily mounted on camera 100. Camera 100 can be connected to internal or external display unit 106, as long as camera 100 has at least display control functions to control the display on display unit 106.

[0025] Recording medium 110 can store image data output from camera unit 102. Recording medium 110 can be attached to and detached from camera 100, or can be mounted on camera 100. Camera 100 only needs to have at least the function of accessing recording medium 110.

[0026] The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 100 can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 111. The connection unit 111 includes, for example, an interface for communicating with the external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 111.

[0027] Camera 100 can operate as a slave device in a wireless LAN communication infrastructure mode. While operating as a slave device, camera 100 can connect to a peripheral access point (hereinafter referred to as an AP) to participate in a network formed by the AP. Camera 100 is a type of AP, and can also operate as a simple AP with limited functionality (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP). An AP is an example of a relay device. When camera 100 operates as a simple AP, camera 100 itself forms a network. Peripheral devices of camera 100 can recognize camera 100 as an AP and participate in the network formed by camera 100. A program for allowing camera 100 to operate as described above is stored in non-volatile memory 103. Camera 100 is a type of AP, and a simple AP without the gateway function to transmit data received from slave devices to Internet service providers, etc. Therefore, even when camera 100 receives data from another device participating in the network formed by camera 100 itself, camera 100 cannot transmit the received data to a network such as the Internet.

[0028] As described above, there are no particular limitations on the communication method with external devices. The connection unit 111 can be an interface for performing wired communication via methods such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0029] Smartphone Configuration

[0030] Figure 2B This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a smartphone 200, which serves as an example of a control device according to this embodiment. The control device is not limited to the smartphone 200. For example, the control device may be an electronic device such as a digital camera, mobile media player, tablet device, personal computer, or mobile phone.

[0031] Control unit 201 controls the individual units in smartphone 200 according to the input signals or programs described below. Instead of control unit 201 controlling the entire smartphone 200, the processing can be shared by multiple hardware components to control the entire smartphone 200.

[0032] The camera unit 202 converts the light of the subject focused by the lens in the camera unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is accumulated in a buffer memory, processed in a predetermined manner by the control unit 201, and recorded in the recording medium 210.

[0033] The non-volatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory that stores the operating system (OS), which is the basic software to be executed by the control unit 201, as well as various programs. A program for communicating with the camera 100 is also stored in the non-volatile memory 203 and is installed as a camera control application. The smartphone 200 performs processing by reading the program of the camera control application. The camera control application has basic functions using the OS installed in the smartphone 200 (e.g., wireless LAN function, Bluetooth function, and the function of calling another application, etc.). The camera control application has a remote photography function that allows remote operation of the smartphone 200 and enables the camera 100 to take pictures while viewing LV images obtained from the camera 100 using the smartphone 200. The camera control application has a remote reading function that allows remote reading of image data stored in a recording medium installed on the camera 100 or receiving image data. The OS of the smartphone 200 may have the functions of this embodiment (e.g., the functions of the camera control application, etc.).

[0034] The working memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the camera unit 202, an image display memory for the display unit 206, and a working area for the control unit 201.

[0035] The operation unit 205 is used to receive instructions from the user of the smartphone 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation components operated by the user (e.g., a power button for indicating ON / OFF of the power supply of the smartphone 200 or a touch panel formed in the display unit 206).

[0036] Display unit 206 displays images, text for interactive operation, etc. Display unit 206 is not necessarily installed on smartphone 200. Smartphone 200 can connect to internal or external display unit 206, as long as smartphone 200 has at least display control functions to control the display of display unit 206.

[0037] The recording medium 210 can store image data output from the camera unit 202, image data received from the camera 100, etc. The recording medium 210 can be attached to and detached from the smartphone 200, or it can be installed on the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 only needs to have at least the function of accessing the recording medium 210.

[0038] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The smartphone 200 can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 211. The connection unit 211 includes, for example, an interface for communicating with the external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 201 realizes wireless communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 211.

[0039] The smartphone 200 can operate as a slave device in a wireless LAN communication infrastructure mode and can participate in a network formed by peripheral access points (APs). The camera 100 can operate as a simple AP, enabling the smartphone 200 to participate in the network formed by the camera 100.

[0040] The public network connection unit 212 is an interface for public wireless communication. The smartphone 200 connects to another device via the public network connection unit 212 and can perform data communication with the other device or make calls to the user of the other device. During a call, the control unit 201 acquires voice signals via microphone 213 or outputs voice signals via speaker 214. The public network connection unit 212 includes interfaces for performing communication using, for example, 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communication method is not particularly limited and can be, for example, LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, or FTTH. The connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not need to be configured as separate hardware; for example, an antenna can be used for both the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212.

[0041] In the following description, the smartphone 200 is the primary processing device. However, in practice, the control unit 201 performs various types of processing by reading and executing programs stored in the non-volatile memory 203. Similarly, the camera 100 can be described as the primary processing device, but in practice, the control unit 101 performs various types of processing by reading and executing programs stored in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0042] Example of a smartphone screen

[0043] Figures 3A to 4BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a camera control application screen displayed on display unit 206 by a smartphone 200. The camera control application is connected to multiple cameras simultaneously and can operate each camera. The camera control application receives LV images or various types of data from the cameras via communication with them and displays the LV images or data on display unit 206. Display unit 206 is a display unit capable of receiving touch operations, such as a display unit with a touch panel.

[0044] Figure 3A An example of an LV display screen is shown. Figure 3A In the process, the control unit 201 is connected to the camera via a camera control application, receives LV images and various current camera settings from the camera, and displays the LV images and settings on the LV display screen 301.

[0045] The control unit 201 displays a header 310 for changing various settings in the upper part of the LV display screen 301. For example, the control unit 201 displays a camera connection setting button 311 and an LV display switch 312 in the header 310.

[0046] The camera connection setting button 311 is a setting button for connecting or disconnecting the camera. When the user touches the camera connection setting button 311, the control unit 201 causes the display screen (the screen to be displayed) to switch to the setting screen for connecting or disconnecting the camera.

[0047] The LV display switch 312 is a selector switch used to toggle between enabling and disabling the LV display. When the user touches the LV display switch 312, the control unit 201 toggles between enabling and disabling the LV display. Figure 3A In the diagram, LV display switch 312 is enabled. The enabled state of LV display switch 312 is the state in which LV display is enabled, and the disabled state of LV display switch 312 is the state in which LV display is disabled.

[0048] The control unit 201 also displays LV region 320 and sub-LV region 330 on LV display screen 301. The control unit 201 displays the LV image (main image) acquired from the camera to be operated in LV region 320. Figure 3AIn the image, the LV image 321, serving as the main image, is displayed in the LV region 320. The control unit 201 displays a focus guide 322 and a focus position guide 323 to be superimposed on the LV image 321. The focus guide 322 is displayed at the focus adjustment target position (target region) for adjusting the focus position, and is an item indicating the positional relationship (focus degree) between the focus position (target position) as the focus position for focusing at the target position and the current focus position. The focus position guide 323 is an item indicating the registered position 324 (target position) and the current focus position 325 and indicating their positional relationship, wherein the registered position 324 is the focus position registered by the user or automatically registered. The focus position described here is the focus position of the camera to be operated.

[0049] The control unit 201 displays all LV images acquired from the connected camera in the LV area 330. Figure 3A In this system, four cameras (Camera1 to Camera4) are connected to control unit 201, and four LV images 331 to 334, acquired from the four cameras respectively, are arranged and displayed in sub-LV area 330. When a user touches any LV image among LV images 331 to 334, control unit 201 selects the touched LV image as the main image and selects the camera corresponding to the touched LV image as the camera to be operated. Figure 3A In the process, LV image 331 (camera 1) is selected. Control unit 201 displays a cursor around LV image 331 as a cursor indicating that LV image 331 has been selected. Control unit 201 displays LV image 321 in LV area 320 in the same manner as LV image 331.

[0050] The control unit 201 also displays an operation area 340 on the LV display screen 301. The control unit 201 displays a wheel 341 and a fine adjustment button 342 in the operation area 340. The wheel 341 is an operating component for adjusting the focus position of the camera to be operated, and can receive sliding operations (touch-move) for touching the wheel 341 to move the touch position, causing the wheel 341 to rotate to the right or left. In this embodiment, the control unit 201 moves the focus position to the far side according to a sliding operation that rotates the wheel 341 to the right, and moves the focus position to the near side according to a sliding operation that rotates the wheel 341 to the left. Furthermore, the control unit 201 moves the focus position at a speed corresponding to the movement speed of the touch position in the sliding operation, so that as the wheel rotates faster, the focus position moves at a faster speed. Instead of the wheel 341, another operating component can be displayed, such as a slider that can receive horizontal or vertical sliding operations.

[0051] The fine adjustment button 342 is an operating component for adjusting the focus position of the camera to be operated, and can receive operations for touching the fine adjustment button 342. The control unit 201 responds to a single touch on the fine adjustment button 342 (a tap operation involving touching and releasing within a predetermined time) by moving the focus position at a predetermined speed (e.g., minimum speed) for a predetermined time or a predetermined amount. Additionally, when a long touch operation is performed on the fine adjustment button 342 for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 201 continuously moves the focus position at a predetermined speed while maintaining the touch. In this embodiment, there are two fine adjustment buttons 342, left and right, and the control unit 201 moves the focus position further away based on a touch operation on the right fine adjustment button 342, and moves the focus position closer to the camera based on a touch operation on the left fine adjustment button 342. Instead of two fine adjustment buttons 342, another operating component can be displayed, such as an operating component integrating the two fine adjustment buttons.

[0052] Figure 3B This shows an example of a non-display screen in LV. For example, when the user is displaying... Figure 3A When the LV display switch 312 is touched during the LV display screen 301, the control unit 201 causes the display screen to switch from... Figure 3A The LV display screen 301 changes to Figure 3B The LV non-display screen 302 is the screen where the LV area 320 is not displayed. When the LV area 320 is not displayed, the LV image 321, the focus guide 322, and the focus position guide 323 are also not displayed. Figure 3B In the middle, LV display switch 312 is disabled.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the focus position falls within a predetermined range including the target position, the control unit 201 emphasizes the fine adjustment button 342, where the target position is the focus position or registration position during a touch operation on the receiving wheel 341. The predetermined range is, for example, a range centered on the target position. The predetermined range can also be a range centered on a position offset from the target position.

[0054] Figure 4A An example of an LV display screen highlighting the fine adjustment button 342 is shown. The control unit 201 adjusts the size and color of the fine adjustment button 342 from... Figure 3AThe fine adjustment button 342 is emphasized by changing its normal size and color. In this embodiment, the control unit 201 also emphasizes the focus guide 322 and focus position guide 323 by changing their colors from normal. The colors of the emphasized fine adjustment button 342, the emphasized focus guide 322, and the emphasized focus position guide 323 are the same. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 201 displays an item representing the fine adjustment button 342. Figure 4A In the middle, a message 401 prompting the use of the fine adjustment button 342 is displayed as an item representing the fine adjustment button 342.

[0055] Note that in Figure 4A In this configuration, since the focus position is near both the focusing position and the registration position, the focusing guide 322 and the focusing position guide 323 are emphasized. When the focus position is near the focusing position but not near the registration position, the focusing position guide 323 is not emphasized, but the focusing guide 322 is emphasized. Similarly, when the focus position is near the registration position but not near the focusing position, the focusing guide 322 is not emphasized, but the focusing position guide 323 is emphasized.

[0056] Figure 4B An example of an LV non-display screen highlighting the fine adjustment button 342 is shown. Similar to... Figure 4B The control unit 201 adjusts the size and color of the fine adjustment button 342 from... Figure 3A The normal size and color change are used to emphasize the fine adjustment button 342. Similar to... Figure 4A The control unit 201 displays a message 401 indicating the fine adjustment button 342.

[0057] Operating a smartphone

[0058] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of a smartphone 200. Figure 5 The operation is achieved by the control unit 201 loading and executing a program (e.g., a program for a camera control application) recorded in the non-volatile memory 203 on the working memory 204. For example, when instructed to start the camera control application, Figure 5 The operation begins. Note that in the following description, camera 100 is the camera to be operated.

[0059] In S501, the control unit 201 communicates with the camera 100 via the connection unit 211.

[0060] In S502, the control unit 201 receives data from the camera 100 via the connection unit 211. The data includes the camera 100's status, capabilities, settings, LV images, etc.

[0061] In S503, the control unit 201 retrieves screen information from the working memory 204, indicating the type of screen to be displayed on the display unit 206. When the smartphone 200 (camera control application) is activated, the control unit 201 stores screen information indicating an LV display screen in the working memory 204. When the screen changes according to user operation, the control unit 201 updates the screen information stored in the working memory 204. The screen information indicates, for example, an LV display screen or an LV non-display screen.

[0062] In S504, the control unit 201 determines whether the screen to be displayed on the display unit 206 is an LV display screen (whether the screen information obtained in S503 indicates an LV display screen). If the screen is an LV display screen, the process proceeds to S505; otherwise, the process proceeds to S506.

[0063] In S505, the control unit 201 displays the LV display screen on the display unit 206. For example, the display... Figure 3A The LV display screen shown is 301.

[0064] In S506, the control unit 201 displays a non-display screen on the display unit 206. For example, the display... Figure 3B The LV non-display screen 302 shown is shown.

[0065] In S507, control unit 201 determines whether wheel 341 is being operated. If wheel 341 is being operated, the process proceeds to S508; otherwise, the process proceeds to S520.

[0066] In S508, the control unit 201 determines whether the focal position of the camera 100 is near the focal position. If the focal position is near the focal position, the process proceeds to S509; otherwise, the process proceeds to S511. Determining whether the focal position of the camera 100 is near the focal position involves determining whether the focal position is within a predetermined range that includes the focal position. The predetermined range is, for example, a range of focal depth or a range narrower than the range of focal depth.

[0067] In S509, the control unit 201 determines whether the focusing guide 322 is being displayed. If the focusing guide 322 is being displayed, the process proceeds to S510; otherwise, the process proceeds to S515. Cases where the focusing guide 322 is not being displayed include situations where the displayed screen is an LV (Low Level) non-display screen, or situations where the focusing guide 322 is not displayed on the LV display screen.

[0068] In S510, control unit 201, as follows Figure 4A The focus guide 322 is shown in the diagram.

[0069] In S511, the control unit 201 determines whether the focus position of the camera 100 is near the registered position. If the focus position is near the registered position, the process proceeds to S512; otherwise, the process proceeds to S514. Determining whether the focus position of the camera 100 is near the registered position means determining whether the focus position is within a predetermined range including the registered position.

[0070] In S512, the control unit 201 determines whether the focus position guide 323 is being displayed. If the focus position guide 323 is being displayed, the process proceeds to S513; otherwise, the process proceeds to S514. Cases where the focus position guide 323 is not being displayed include situations where the display screen is an LV (Low Level) non-display screen, or situations where the focus position guide 323 is not displayed on the LV display screen.

[0071] In S513, control unit 201, as follows Figure 4A The focus position guide 323 is shown in the diagram.

[0072] In S514, the control unit 201 determines whether the wheel 341 is rotating at a low speed. If the wheel 341 is rotating at a low speed, the process proceeds to S515; otherwise, the process proceeds to S520. Determining whether the wheel 341 is rotating at a low speed can be interpreted as determining whether the focus position is moving at a low speed (below a threshold speed) based on the operation of the wheel 341. Determining whether the wheel 341 is rotating at a low speed can also be interpreted as determining whether the operation of rotating the wheel 341 at a low speed (moving the touch position at a low speed to cause the wheel 341 to rotate at a low speed) continues for a predetermined time or longer. For example, the control unit 201 records and manages the duration of the low-speed rotation of the wheel 341 in the working memory 204.

[0073] In S515, the control unit 201 reduces the operating sensitivity of wheel 341 by decreasing the amount of movement of the focal position relative to the rotation of wheel 341. After the operating sensitivity of wheel 341 is reduced, when the process proceeds to S515 again, the control unit 201 maintains the reduced operating sensitivity of wheel 341. When the focal position separates from the focusing position and the registration position, and the low-speed rotation of wheel 341 is no longer performed, the control unit 201 increases (returns) the operating sensitivity of wheel 341 to the original operating sensitivity.

[0074] In S516, the control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the operating sensitivity of wheel 341 decreased. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S517; otherwise, the process proceeds to S520. For example, if the state of the focus position near the focus position continues for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to S517. For example, the control unit 201 records and manages the elapsed time since the operating sensitivity of wheel 341 decreased in the working memory 204.

[0075] In S517, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of times the fine adjustment button 342 has been operated since the emphasis fine adjustment button 342 is less than a threshold. If the number of operations of the fine adjustment button 342 is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to S518; otherwise (when the number of operations reaches the threshold), the process proceeds to S520. For example, the control unit 201 records and manages the number of operations of the fine adjustment button 342 since the emphasis fine adjustment button 342 in the working memory 204.

[0076] In S518, control unit 201, as follows Figure 4A or Figure 4B The fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted as shown. As described above, in this embodiment, the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted by changing its size and color. However, the method of highlighting the fine adjustment button 342 is not limited to this, and the fine adjustment button 342 can be highlighted, for example, by flashing or deforming the fine adjustment button 342. Similarly, there are no particular limitations on the method of highlighting the focus guide 322 and the focus position guide 323.

[0077] In S519, control unit 201, as follows Figure 4A or Figure 4B The message 401 shown is an item representing the fine adjustment button 342. Note that the item representing the fine adjustment button 342 is not limited to message 401, and can be, for example, an icon representing the fine adjustment button 342.

[0078] In S520, the control unit 201 determines whether a user operation has been received. If a user operation has been received, the process proceeds to S521; otherwise, the process proceeds to S522. The user operation is, for example, a touch operation on the touch panel provided in the display unit 206.

[0079] In S521, control unit 201 determines whether the user operation received in S520 is an application termination operation. If the user operation is an application termination operation, control unit 201 terminates. Figure 5 Otherwise, the process proceeds to S522.

[0080] In S522, the control unit 201 performs processing based on the user operation received in S520. For example, the control unit 201 changes the display screen or changes the setting parameters of the camera 100.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the fine adjustment button 342 is emphasized in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during operation of the wheel 341. For example, during operation of the wheel 341 or when the wheel 341 is rotating at a low speed, the fine adjustment button 342 is emphasized when the focus position falls within a predetermined range including the focus position or the registration position. In this way, the user can easily notice the fine adjustment button 342 in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during operation of the wheel 341.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, message 401 is displayed in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during operation of wheel 341. In this way, the user is more likely to notice the fine-tuning button 342 in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during operation of wheel 341.

[0083] In this embodiment, during the operation of wheel 341, when the focus position falls within a predetermined range including the focus position, the focus guide 322 is also emphasized. In this way, the user can easily grasp that the focus position is near the focus position. Furthermore, in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during the operation of wheel 341 to adjust the focus position to the focus position, the user is more likely to notice the fine adjustment button 342.

[0084] Similarly, in this embodiment, during the operation of wheel 341, when the focus position falls within a predetermined range including the registered position, the focus position guide 323 is also emphasized. In this way, the user can easily grasp that the focus position is near the registered position. Furthermore, in scenarios where the user wants to finely adjust the focus position during the operation of wheel 341 to adjust the focus position to the registered position, the user is more likely to notice the fine adjustment button 342.

[0085] In this embodiment, the focus guide 322, the focus position guide 323, and the fine adjustment button 342 are emphasized in the same color. In this way, the user can easily grasp the correlation between the emphasis on the focus guide 322 and the focus position guide 323 and the emphasis on the fine adjustment button 342, and the above-mentioned effects can be enhanced.

[0086] In this embodiment, after reducing the operational sensitivity of the wheel 341, the fine-tuning button 342 and message 401 are not emphasized until a predetermined time has elapsed. However, once the predetermined time has elapsed after reducing the operational sensitivity of the wheel 341, the fine-tuning button 342 and message 401 are emphasized. In this way, the fine-tuning button 342 and message 401 can be emphasized only in scenarios where the user is likely to fine-tune the focus position using the wheel 341 (scenarios where the user is highly likely to fine-tune the focus position). Therefore, unnecessary emphasis on the fine-tuning button 342 and message 401 can be suppressed. By suppressing unnecessary emphasis on the fine-tuning button 342 and message 401, user discomfort caused by unnecessary emphasis can also be suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the number of times the fine adjustment button 342 is operated after being emphasized reaches a threshold, the emphasis on the fine adjustment button 342 and message 401 is released. In this way, the continuous emphasis on the fine adjustment button 342 and message 401 can be suppressed, and user discomfort caused by the continuous emphasis on the fine adjustment button 342 and message 401 can be suppressed.

[0088] Note that the various types of control described above can be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit) or otherwise. Processing can be shared among multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) to perform control of the entire device.

[0089] Furthermore, the processors mentioned above are processors in a broad sense, encompassing both general-purpose and special-purpose processors. Examples of general-purpose processors include central processing units (CPUs), microprocessor units (MPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs). Examples of special-purpose processors include graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and programmable logic devices (PLDs). Examples of PLDs include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0090] The above embodiments (including variations) are merely examples. Any configurations obtained by appropriately modifying or changing some configurations of the embodiments within the scope of the subject matter of this disclosure are also included in this disclosure. This disclosure also includes other configurations obtained by appropriately combining various features of the embodiments.

[0091] According to this disclosure, in scenarios where a user wants to finely adjust the focus position during operation of the main operation component, the user can easily notice the operation component used for fine adjustment.

[0092] Other embodiments

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0094] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: The control unit is configured to perform control to display a first operating member capable of receiving a first operation for adjusting the focus position of the camera unit and a second operating member capable of receiving a second operation for finely adjusting the focus position. During the first operation, if the focus position falls within a predetermined range including a target position that serves as a focus position or a registration position, the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operation member.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first operation is the operation of touching the first operating component and moving the touch position, and The control unit controls the focus position to move at a speed corresponding to the movement speed of the touch position in the first operation.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second operation is the operation of touching the second operating component, and The control unit controls the movement of the focus position at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time or a predetermined amount in response to a touch on the second operating member.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit controls the movement of the focus position at the predetermined speed during the duration of touch on the second operating member.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit is capable of controlling the display of an item representing the positional relationship between the focal position and the target position, and During the receipt of the first operation, if the focus position falls within the predetermined range, the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operating component and the item.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit is capable of controlling the display of the real-time viewfinder image obtained by the camera unit. When displaying the live view image, the control unit controls the display of the item, and during the first operation, if the focus position falls within the predetermined range, the control unit controls the emphasis of the second operating element and the item. Without displaying the live view image, the control unit does not perform control to display the item, and during the receipt of the first operation, if the focus position falls within the predetermined range, the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operation component.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, During the receipt of the first operation, if the focus position falls within the predetermined range, the control unit controls the use of the same color to emphasize the second operating component and the item.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, While the focal position is moving at a speed below a threshold according to the first operation, the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operating element, regardless of whether the focal position is within the predetermined range.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, During the receipt of the first operation, if the focus position falls within the predetermined range, the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operating element and display an item representing the second operating element.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit performs control to continuously emphasize the second operating element until the number of times the second operation is performed after the second operating element is emphasized reaches a threshold.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, During the receipt of the first operation, if the focus position falls within the predetermined range, the control unit performs control to reduce the operational sensitivity of the first operating component.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, During the receipt of the first operation, the control unit controls to not emphasize the second operating member until the state in which the focus position falls within the predetermined range continues for a predetermined time after the operating sensitivity of the first operating member is reduced, and during the receipt of the first operation, if the state in which the focus position falls within the predetermined range continues for the predetermined time after the operating sensitivity of the first operating member is reduced, the control unit controls to emphasize the second operating member.

13. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising the following steps: Control is performed to display a first operating member capable of receiving a first operation for adjusting the focus position of the camera unit and a second operating member capable of receiving a second operation for finely adjusting the focus position; as well as During the receipt of the first operation, if the focus position falls within a predetermined range including a target position as a focus position or a registration position, control is performed to emphasize the second operation component.

14. A computer program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform the steps of the control method according to claim 13.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform the steps of the control method of claim 13.

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