Imaging control unit, control method, and program

Abstract

To prevent recording of an image from being stopped by an unintentional touch operation.SOLUTION: The present invention is an imaging control unit having touch detection means that detects a touch operation on display means; and control means that controls recording of an image to be photographed by imaging means and stoppage of the recording according to the touch operation detected by the touch detection means. When the recording of the image to be photographed by the imaging means is not being performed, the control means controls to start the recording of the image to be photographed by the imaging means according to a touch operation on a first area in the display means, and when the recording of the image to be photographed by the imaging means is being performed, controls to stop the recording of the image to be photographed by the imaging means according to a touch operation on a second area included in the first area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging control device, a control method, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, devices equipped with a touch panel that serves as both a display device and an input device have been widely used. It has become common for imaging control devices such as smartphones equipped with an imaging unit to also be equipped with a touch panel. A user can intuitively operate the imaging unit by touching operation buttons displayed on the touch panel of the imaging control device. However, with such imaging control devices, a user may make an erroneous operation, such as unintentionally touching the touch panel.

[0003] Among the erroneous operations, operations that require attention are those related to recording of images captured by the imaging unit. The operation button for starting recording of the captured image is required to be quickly touchable by the user so as not to miss a shooting opportunity. On the other hand, the operation button for stopping recording of the captured image is required to prevent the image recording from being stopped by an unintentional touch operation. In addition, some imaging control devices can remotely control the imaging unit via a communication function. In such imaging control devices, since information related to the imaging unit is displayed in addition to the operation buttons, the area in which the operation buttons can be displayed is limited.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses an imaging device that controls the operation reception sensitivity of a touch operation detection means to be higher during video shooting than when the video is not being recorded, in order to reduce the possibility of camera shake caused by touch panel operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5995637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the operation reception sensitivity of the START icon and the STOP icon is the same, so there is room for improvement in terms of the problem that image recording is stopped by an unintentional touch operation. An object of the present invention is to prevent image recording from being stopped due to an unintentional touch operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is an imaging control device having a touch detection means for detecting a touch operation on a display means, and a control means for controlling recording of an image captured by an imaging means and stopping of the recording in response to the touch operation detected by the touch detection means, wherein the control means controls to start recording of an image captured by the imaging means in response to a touch operation on a first area on the display means when recording of an image captured by the imaging means is not being performed, and controls to stop recording of an image captured by the imaging means in response to a touch operation on a second area included in the first area when recording of an image captured by the imaging means is being performed. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent image recording from being stopped due to an unintentional touch operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a smartphone. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the smartphone. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing an area where a touch operation of an operation button is accepted; FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of the smartphone. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an area that accepts a touch operation of an operation button according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an area that accepts a touch operation of an operation button according to the third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing an area that accepts a touch operation of an operation button according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment (System Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system. The imaging system includes a camera 100 as an imaging device, and a smartphone 200 as an imaging control device. The camera 100 and the smartphone 200 are connected via a communication network 300 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] The communication network 300 transmits and receives images, information on camera settings, and the like between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. The communication network 300 may use any communication method that can transmit and receive images, information on camera settings, and the like, and may use wireless or wired communication. For wireless communication, for example, a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a unique wireless communication method may be used. For wired communication, for example, a communication method such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark) may be used.

[0012] (Camera configuration) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of camera 100. Here, a case will be described in which camera 100 is a digital camera with a function for capturing moving images, but any device capable of capturing images will suffice. Therefore, camera 100 may be, for example, a tablet device, a personal computer, or the like capable of capturing images.

[0013] The control unit 101 controls each unit of the camera 100 in accordance with input signals and various programs. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by multiple hardware devices sharing the processing.

[0014] The imaging unit 102 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electric signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, and then the control unit 101 performs a predetermined calculation on the image data and records it on a recording medium 110 serving as a recording unit.

[0015] The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory in which various programs executed by the control unit 101 are recorded. The working memory 104 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores image data captured by the imaging unit 102, and a memory for displaying images on the display unit 106. The working memory 104 is used as a working area for the control unit 101, etc.

[0016] Operation unit 105 receives instructions from the user for camera 100. Operation unit 105 includes operation members such as a power button for the user to instruct ON / OFF of power to camera 100, a release switch for instructing shooting, and a playback button for instructing playback of image data. Operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel formed on display unit 106.

[0017] The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is pressed halfway, SW1 turns ON. When the release switch SW1 is pressed ON, the camera accepts instructions to prepare for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. When the release switch is pressed all the way, SW2 turns ON. When the release switch SW2 is pressed ON, the camera accepts instructions to shoot.

[0018] Display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays captured image data, displays characters for interactive operation, etc. Note that display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be built into camera 100. Camera 100 can be connected to internal or external display unit 106, and it is sufficient that it has at least a display control function for controlling the display of display unit 106.

[0019] Recording medium 110 can record image data captured by imaging unit 102. Recording medium 110 may be detachable from camera 100, or may be built into camera 100. In other words, camera 100 needs to have at least a means for accessing recording medium 110.

[0020] The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 100 of this embodiment can transmit and receive data to and from the external device via the connection unit 111. Note that the connection unit 111 of this embodiment includes an interface for communicating with the external device via wireless LAN. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 111. Note that the communication method is not limited to wireless LAN.

[0021] The camera 100 of this embodiment can operate as a slave device in infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication, and can participate in a network formed by a surrounding access point (hereinafter, AP) by connecting to the AP. The camera 100 of this embodiment is a type of AP, but can also operate as a simple AP (hereinafter, simple AP) with more limited functions. The AP of this embodiment is an example of a relay device. When the camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the camera 100 forms a network by itself. The peripheral devices of the camera 100 recognize the camera 100 as an AP and can participate in the network formed by the camera 100. As described above, a program for operating the camera 100 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 103. The camera 100 of this embodiment is a type of AP, but is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a slave device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if the camera 100 receives data from another device participating in the network formed by the camera itself, the received data cannot be transferred to a network such as the Internet. The connection unit 111 may be an interface for wired communication instead of wireless communication. That is, the connection unit 111 may be an interface for wired communication such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet.

[0022] (Smartphone configuration) 3(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of smartphone 200. Here, a case will be described in which smartphone 200 has a telephone function, but it is sufficient if the smartphone 200 is a device that can communicate with camera 100 and control camera 100. Therefore, smartphone 200 may be, for example, an information processing device having a communication function, such as a portable media player, a tablet device, or a personal computer.

[0023] The control unit 201 controls each unit of the smartphone 200 according to an input signal or a program described later. The control unit 201 also detects a touch operation on the display unit 206 (touch detection) based on information from the operation unit 205, and controls the display by the display unit 206. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by multiple hardware devices sharing the processing.

[0024] The imaging unit 202 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electric signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, and then the control unit 201 performs a predetermined calculation on the image data and records it on the recording medium 210.

[0025] The non-volatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory. In the non-volatile memory 203, an OS (operating system), which is basic software executed by the control unit 201, various programs, etc. are recorded. In addition, the non-volatile memory 203 records a program for communicating with the camera 100. Note that the program for communicating with the camera 100 is installed as a camera control application.

[0026] The processing of the smartphone 200 of this embodiment is realized by reading a program provided by a camera control application. The camera control application includes a program for utilizing basic functions of the OS installed in the smartphone 200 (for example, a function for communicating using a wireless LAN or the like, a function for calling other applications, etc.). The camera control application also has a remote shooting function for remotely controlling the camera 100 to shoot images while displaying a live view image received from the camera 100 on the display unit 206. Furthermore, the camera control application also has a remote viewing function for remotely viewing image data recorded in the recording medium 110 of the camera 100 and receiving the image data. The OS of the smartphone 200 may have a program for realizing the processing of this embodiment.

[0027] The working memory 204 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores image data captured by the imaging unit 202, and a memory for displaying images on the display unit 206. The working memory 204 is used as a working area for the control unit 201, etc.

[0028] The operation unit 205 receives instructions from a user for the smartphone 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, an operation member such as a power button for instructing ON / OFF of the power of the smartphone 200, and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206. The touch panel notifies the control unit 201 of information on a touch operation on the display unit 206 by the user.

[0029] The display unit 206 displays image data, characters for interactive operations, etc. The display unit 206 does not necessarily have to be built into the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 only needs to be able to connect to the display unit 206 and have at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 206.

[0030] The recording medium 210 can record image data captured by the imaging unit 202 and image data received from the camera 100. The recording medium 210 may be detachable from the smartphone 200, or may be built into the smartphone 200. In other words, the smartphone 200 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 210.

[0031] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The smartphone 200 of this embodiment can transmit and receive data to and from the external device via the connection unit 211. Note that the connection unit 211 of this embodiment includes an interface for communicating with the external device via wireless LAN. The control unit 201 controls the connection unit 211 to realize wireless communication with the external device. The smartphone 200 of this embodiment can operate as a slave device in at least the infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication, and can participate in a network formed by surrounding APs. Also, the camera 100 may operate as a simple AP, so that the smartphone 200 can participate in the simple AP of the camera 100.

[0032] The public network connection unit 212 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The smartphone 200 can perform telephone calls and data communication with an external device via the public network connection unit 212. In the case of telephone calls, the control unit 201 inputs and outputs audio signals via the microphone 213 and the speaker 214. The public network connection unit 212 of this embodiment includes an interface for performing communication using 3G. The public network connection unit 212 is not limited to 3G, and may be other communication methods using 4G such as LTE (registered trademark), WiMAX (registered trademark), ADSL, and FTTH. In addition, the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not necessarily need to be configured as independent hardware, and may be shared by one antenna, for example.

[0033] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 has a power button 205a, a home button 205b, and a touch panel 205c. The power button 205a, the home button 205b, and the touch panel 205c are operation members included in the operation unit 205 described above.

[0034] When the user presses the home button 205b, the user can interrupt the use of a running application and display a home screen on the display unit 206, which allows the user to select another application. Display items corresponding to each application are arranged on the home screen of the smartphone 200, and each application can be started or an application running in the background can be called up.

[0035] The display item 221 is an item for activating a camera control application for the smartphone 200 to communicate with the camera 100 . The display item 222 is an item for activating an image display application that enables the user to view images recorded in the smartphone 200 . The display item 223 is an item for starting a social network service (SNS) application for sharing images, text, and the like with other users by communicating with a server.

[0036] The camera control application of this embodiment is, for example, an application provided by the manufacturer of the camera 100 via an application distribution site. The image display application is, for example, an application preinstalled in the smartphone 200 (an application that is installed as standard on the OS of the smartphone 200). The SNS application is an application provided by an application developer via an application distribution site. On the home screen, for example, when display item 221 is pressed (touched), if the camera control application is not running, it is started anew and the screen is displayed. On the other hand, if the camera control application is already running in the background, it is not started again, but the camera control application is brought to the foreground and the screen is redisplayed.

[0037] Furthermore, in the smartphone 200, applications can be switched or executed without going through the home screen by inputting a specific instruction to the OS. At this time, the application being executed when the specific instruction is input is shifted to the background. Then, the application instructed to be switched is newly launched, or is shifted from the background to the foreground and executed.

[0038] In the following, the smartphone 200 may be described as being the subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 201 reads the programs stored in the non-volatile memory 203 and realizes various processes. Similarly, the camera 100 may be described as being the subject of processing, but similarly, the control unit 101 reads the programs stored in the non-volatile memory 103 and realizes various processes.

[0039] <Explanation of Screens Displayed on Display Unit 206 of Smartphone 200> 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 206 of the smartphone 200 by executing a camera control application. In this embodiment, the smartphone 200 can simultaneously communicate with multiple cameras 100 to change the setting values ​​of each camera 100 and to instruct each camera 100 to start and stop recording video. The smartphone 200 can also communicate with the camera 100 to receive images (live view images) being captured by the camera 100 and various current setting values ​​of the camera 100, and display them on the display unit 206.

[0040] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing a state before a moving image is recorded. Here, the smartphone 200 communicates with the cameras 100 to receive images captured by each camera 100 and various current settings of the camera 100 , and displays them on the display unit 206 . Camera image area 401 is an area that displays the image that the user primarily wants to check among the images received from each camera 100. Note that "STBY" is displayed in camera image area 401 in Fig. 4(a), which indicates that the camera 100 capturing the image displayed in camera image area 401 (hereinafter referred to as the main camera) is not recording video. The camera image area 402 is an area for displaying images received from each camera 100 side by side. The user can change the main camera by selecting an image displayed in the camera image area 402.

[0041] The operation button display area 403 is an area in which a plurality of operation buttons 404, 410 to 420 are displayed. Here, the operation buttons 404, 410 to 420 are displayed side by side in the left-right and top-bottom directions. Moreover, the operation buttons 404, 410 to 420 all have the same shape. In this embodiment, the operation buttons 404, 410 to 420 are rectangular.

[0042] Operation buttons 404, 410 to 420 are buttons for operating the main camera. Information indicating various current settings of the main camera and the state of the main camera received from the main camera is displayed superimposed on operation buttons 404, 410 to 420. Information indicating various current settings of the main camera and the state of the main camera is an example of information about the camera. A user can change the current setting value or state by touching any of operation buttons 404, 410 to 420. Note that smartphone 200 may transition to a screen for changing the current setting value or state in response to a touch operation of operation buttons 404, 410 to 420.

[0043] Operation button 404 is a button for instructing the start of video recording. Operation button 404 is a display item that is displayed when the main camera is not recording a video. In this embodiment, operation button 404 is displayed in a position biased toward one side (left side) in the left-right direction of display unit 206. "STBY" 405, which indicates that the main camera is not recording a video, is displayed superimposed on operation button 404. In addition, a display item 406 is displayed superimposed on operation button 404 to allow the user to recognize that this is a button for instructing the start of video recording. Display item 406 has a circular shape. Specifically, display item 406 has a shape consisting of a circle filled with a first color and a thin annular line surrounding the circle.

[0044] In response to a user touching operation button 404, control unit 201 of smartphone 200 transmits an instruction to start recording of a video to the main camera via connection unit 211. Meanwhile, control unit 101 of camera 100 starts recording of a video in response to receiving an instruction from smartphone 200. In addition, control unit 101 of camera 100 transmits to smartphone 200, via connection unit 111, a message that the state of camera 100 has changed from standby for video recording to recording video.

[0045] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing a state in which a moving image is being recorded. In the camera image area 401 of FIG. 4(b), "REC" is displayed, indicating that the main camera is recording video. Also, in FIG. 4(b), the display mode of the operation button 404 displayed in FIG. 4(a) is changed, and a non-operation button 407 is displayed. The non-operation button 407 is a display item that indicates to the user that touch operation is invalid. The non-operation button 407 is displayed by changing the background color and the outline (outer frame) of the operation button 404 in FIG. 4(a). Specifically, the background color of the non-operation button 407 is changed to be the same as the color outside the operation button 404. Also, the non-operation button 407 is changed so that the outline is deleted. In this way, by changing to the non-operation button 407, it is displayed as if the operation button 404 has disappeared. Therefore, the non-operation button 407 of this embodiment allows the user to recognize that there is no reaction even if the area where the operation button 404 was displayed in FIG. 4(a) is touched. The non-operation button 407 of this embodiment can also be called a non-display area. Note that the background color of non-operation button 407 is not limited to be changed to be the same as the color outside operation button 404. For example, non-operation button 407 may be changed to a color (e.g., gray) different from the background color of operation button 404 so that the user can recognize that there is no reaction even if touched.

[0046] Moreover, on the non-operation button 407 (or the position where the operation button 404 was displayed), "REC" 408, which indicates that the main camera is recording a video, is displayed superimposed. That is, when the main camera records a video, "STBY" 405 in FIG. 4(a) is changed to "REC" 408 and displayed. On the non-operation button 407 (or the position where the operation button 404 was displayed), an operation button 409 for stopping the video recording is displayed. The operation button 409 also serves as a display item (also called display item 409) for making the user recognize that it is a button for instructing the user to stop the video recording. That is, when the main camera records a video, the display item 406 is changed to the display item 409 and displayed. The shape of the display item 409 is circular. Specifically, the shape of the display item 409 is made up of a circle filled with a second color and a thick annular line surrounding the circle.

[0047] By displaying in this manner, the user recognizes that he can start recording a video by touching operation button 404 shown in Fig. 4(a). On the other hand, the user recognizes that there is no reaction when he touches non-operation button 407 (or the position where operation button 404 was displayed) shown in Fig. 4(b), but that he can stop recording a video by touching operation button 409.

[0048] In response to a user touching operation button 409, control unit 201 of smartphone 200 transmits an instruction to stop recording of the video to the main camera via connection unit 211. Meanwhile, control unit 101 of camera 100 stops recording of the video in response to receiving the instruction from smartphone 200. In addition, control unit 101 of camera 100 transmits to smartphone 200, via connection unit 111, a notification that the state of camera 100 has changed from video recording to video recording standby.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining areas of operation button 404 and operation button 409 that accept touch operations. Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing an area that accepts a touch operation of the operation button 404. Note that the same components as those described in Fig. 4(a) are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The area that accepts the touch operation of the operation button 404 is the touch area 501 (first area). That is, the operation unit corresponding to the touch area 501 is the operation button 404. In FIG. 5(a), the outline of the touch area 501 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The shape of the touch area 501 is a rectangle. Also, the center of the touch area 501 is indicated as center Oa. Here, the center Oa of the touch area 501 is located at a distance L1a from the end of the touch acceptance area that can accept a touch operation (the end closest to the touch area 501). In this embodiment, touch area 501 is substantially the same as the display area of ​​operation button 404. When the user touches any position inside touch area 501, control unit 101 detects the touch operation of operation button 404 and transmits an instruction to start recording a video to the main camera.

[0050] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing an area that accepts a touch operation of the operation button 409. Note that the same components as those described in Fig. 4(b) are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Here, the outline of the non-operation button 407 is displayed to facilitate understanding. The area that accepts the touch operation of the operation button 409 is the touch area 502 (second area). That is, the operation member corresponding to the touch area 502 is the operation button 409. In FIG. 5(b), the outline of the touch area 502 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The shape of the touch area 502 is circular. Here, the center of the touch area 502 is indicated as a center Ob. The center Ob of the touch area 502 is located at a distance L1b from the end of the touch acceptance area that can accept a touch operation (the end closest to the touch area 501). In this embodiment, touch area 502 and the display area of ​​operation button 409 are substantially the same. When the user touches any position inside touch area 502, control unit 101 detects the touch operation of operation button 409 and transmits an instruction to stop recording of the video to the main camera. On the other hand, even if the user touches a position included in touch area 501 in Fig. 5(a) and outside touch area 502, the touch operation is not accepted, and control unit 101 does not transmit an instruction to stop recording of the video to the main camera.

[0051] Here, a touch area 501 in FIG. 5(a) is compared with a touch area 502 in FIG. 5(b). Touch area 502 is an area located inside touch area 501. In other words, touch area 502 is an area included in touch area 501. By positioning touch area 502 in this manner, it is possible to prevent a user from unintentionally touching touch area 502. Conversely, a user can easily touch touch area 501. Moreover, the area of ​​touch area 502 is smaller than the area of ​​touch area 501. The area of ​​touch area 502 is 3 / 4 or less, or even 1 / 2 or less, of the area of ​​touch area 501. By configuring touch area 502 in this manner, it is possible to prevent a user from unintentionally touching touch area 502. Here, the area of ​​touch area 502 is 1 / 20 or more, or even 1 / 10 or more, of the area of ​​touch area 501.

[0052] Furthermore, a distance L1b from an end of the touch reception area to a center Ob of the touch area 502 is longer than a distance L1a from the end of the touch reception area to a center Oa of the touch area 501. By positioning the touch area 502 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the touch area 502 with finger F holding the smartphone 200. Note that the reference is not limited to the edge of the touch reception area, and the edge 503 of the housing of the smartphone 200 may be used as the reference. In other words, the distance from the edge 503 of the housing of the smartphone 200 to the center Ob of the touch area 502 is longer than the distance from the edge 503 of the housing of the smartphone 200 to the center Oa of the touch area 501.

[0053] Next, a process in which the control unit 201 of the smartphone 200 receives a touch operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. The flowchart of Fig. 6 is started when the control unit 201 of the smartphone 200 starts a camera control application. In S601, the control unit 201 determines whether or not a touch operation has been detected on the display unit 206. If a touch operation has been detected, the process proceeds to S602, and if a touch operation has not been detected, the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0054] In S602, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the coordinates of the touch operation are in the touch area 501 (first area) corresponding to the operation button 404. If the coordinates of the touch operation are within the touch area 501 shown in FIG. 5(a), the process proceeds to S603.

[0055] In S603, the control unit 201 determines whether the camera 100 is in a standby state for moving image recording. Based on the camera status information received from the main camera, the control unit 201 determines whether the main camera is in a standby state for moving image recording or is currently recording a moving image. If the main camera is in a standby state for moving image recording, the process proceeds to S604, and if the main camera is currently recording a moving image, the process proceeds to S606.

[0056] In S604, the control unit 201 controls the camera 100 to record a moving image. Specifically, the control unit 201 transmits an instruction to start recording a moving image to the main camera via the connection unit 211.

[0057] In S605, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of the operation button 404 displayed on the display unit 206. Specifically, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of the operation button 404 shown in Fig. 5(a) to a non-operation button 407 shown in Fig. 5(b), thereby displaying as if the operation button 404 had disappeared. In addition, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of the display item 406 shown in Fig. 5(a) to a display item 409 (operation button 409) shown in Fig. 5(b). Furthermore, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of "STBY" 405 shown in Fig. 5(a) to "REC" 408 shown in Fig. 5(b). When the process of S605 ends, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 ends.

[0058] If the camera is not in standby for moving image recording in S603 described above (if moving image recording is in progress), the process proceeds to S606. Note that if moving image recording is in progress, the control unit 201 has already performed the process of S605, and therefore the non-operation button 407 and the operation button 409 shown in FIG. 5(b) are displayed. In S606, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the coordinates of the touch operation are in the touch area 502 (second area) corresponding to the operation button 409. If the coordinates of the touch operation are within the touch area 502 shown in FIG. 5B, the process proceeds to S607.

[0059] In S607, the control unit 201 controls the camera 100 to stop recording the moving image. Specifically, the control unit 201 transmits an instruction to stop recording the moving image to the main camera via the connection unit 211.

[0060] In S608, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of the non-operation button 407 displayed on the display unit 206. Specifically, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of the non-operation button 407 shown in FIG. 5(b) to the operation button 404 shown in FIG. 5(a), so that the user recognizes that video recording can be started by touching the operation button 404. Furthermore, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of the display item 409 (operation button 409) shown in FIG. 5(b) to the display item 406 shown in FIG. 5(a). Furthermore, the control unit 201 changes the display mode of "REC" 408 shown in FIG. 5(b) to "STBY" 405 shown in FIG. 5(a). When the process of S608 ends, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 ends.

[0061] If the coordinates of the touch operation are not within the touch area 502 in the above-mentioned S606, the process branches to NO, and the control unit 201 ends the process of the flowchart in Fig. 6 without reacting to the touch operation. Here, the case where the coordinates of the touch operation are not within the touch area 502 and the process branches to NO corresponds to the case where a moving image is being recorded and a touch operation is performed outside the touch area 502 shown in Fig. 5(b). In this case, taking into consideration the possibility that the user performed a touch operation unintentionally, the control unit 201 performs control so as to continue recording of the moving image without stopping the recording.

[0062] Moreover, in the above-mentioned S602, if the coordinates of the touch operation are not within the touch area 501, the process proceeds to S609. In S609, the control unit 201 performs other processes according to the touch operation. For example, when the user touches the operation buttons 410 to 420 shown in Fig. 4(a), the control unit 201 changes the current setting value or state, or transitions to a screen for changing the current setting value or state, according to the touch operation of the operation buttons 410 to 420. When the process of S609 ends, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 ends.

[0063] Thus, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 performs control to stop recording of a moving image in response to a touch operation on the touch area 502 (second area) included in the touch area 501 (first area) while recording a moving image. This prevents the user from unintentionally touching the touch area 502 (second area), thereby preventing the stopping of recording of a moving image due to an erroneous operation. On the other hand, when no moving image is being recorded, the control unit 201 performs control so as to start recording of the moving image in response to a touch operation on the touch area 501 (first area) including the touch area 502 (second area). Therefore, the user can easily instruct the start of recording of the moving image by performing a touch operation on the touch area 501 (first area), and therefore it is possible not to miss an opportunity to record a moving image.

[0064] In the above embodiment, when changing the display mode from the operation buttons 404 to the non-operation buttons 407, the display mode may be changed by changing at least one of the shape, color, and line width. In the above-described embodiment, when the display mode is changed from display item 406 to display item 409, the display mode may be changed by changing at least one of the shape, color, and line width.

[0065] Second embodiment 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an operation button display area 700 in the second embodiment. Information indicating the status of the main camera received from the main camera is displayed in a superimposed manner in the operation button display area 700. Specifically, information indicating the status of the camera, such as remaining media capacity 700a, camera recording operation status 700b, time code 700c, remaining battery capacity 700d, etc., are displayed together in the operation button display area 700.

[0066] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of the operation button display area 700 before recording a moving image. An operation button 701 is displayed in the operation button display area 700. The operation button 701 is a button for instructing the start of video recording. The operation button 701 is a display item that is displayed when the main camera is not recording a video. The operation button 701 is circular in shape. Specifically, the operation button 701 is shaped like a ring of thin lines. A display item 702 is displayed superimposed on the operation button 701. The display item 702 is circular in shape. Specifically, the display item 702 is a filled-in circle.

[0067] The area of ​​the operation button 701 that accepts a touch operation is a touch area 703 (first area). That is, the operation unit corresponding to the touch area 703 is the operation button 701. In Fig. 7(a), the outline of the touch area 703 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The shape of the touch area 703 is circular. In this embodiment, touch area 703 is substantially the same as the display area of ​​operation button 701. When the user touches any position inside touch area 703, control unit 101 detects the touch operation of operation button 701 and transmits an instruction to start recording a video to the main camera.

[0068] Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing a state in which a video is being recorded. In Fig. 7(b), the camera status, such as remaining media capacity 700a, camera recording operation status 700b, time code 700c, remaining battery capacity 700d, etc., are changed and displayed as the video is recorded. In Fig. 7(b), the display mode of the operation button 701 is changed to display a non-operation button 704. The non-operation button 704 is displayed by changing the line width from the thin circular line of the operation button 701 in Fig. 7(a) to a thick line. On the other hand, the display item 702 is displayed in the same display mode as in Fig. 7(a), and also serves as a button (also called the operation button 702) for instructing to stop recording of a video.

[0069] The area that accepts a touch operation of the operation button 702 is a touch area 705 (second area). That is, the operation member corresponding to the touch area 705 is the operation button 702. In FIG. 7(b), the outline of the touch area 705 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The shape of the touch area 705 is circular. The touch area 705 is an area located inside the touch area 703. In this embodiment, touch area 705 and the display area of ​​operation button 702 are substantially the same. When the user touches any position inside touch area 705, control unit 101 detects the touch operation of operation button 702 and transmits an instruction to stop recording of the video to the main camera. On the other hand, even if the user touches a position included in touch area 703 in Fig. 7(a) and outside touch area 705, the touch operation is not accepted, and control unit 101 does not transmit an instruction to stop recording of the video to the main camera.

[0070] FIG. 7C is a diagram for comparing the positions and sizes of touch area 703 and touch area 705. The touch area 705 is an area located inside the touch area 703. In other words, the touch area 705 is an area included in the touch area 703. The position of the center O of the touch area 703 is the same as the position of the center O of the touch area 705. In addition, the distance Ra from the center O to the outline of the touch area 703 is longer than the distance Rb from the center O to the outline of the touch area 705. By setting the position and size of touch area 705 in this way, it is possible to prevent the user from touching touch area 705 unintentionally.

[0071] Third embodiment 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of an operation button display area 800 according to the third embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of the operation button display area 800 before a moving image is recorded. The area of ​​the operation button 701 that accepts a touch operation is a touch area 803 (first area). That is, the operation unit corresponding to the touch area 803 is the operation button 701. In Fig. 8(a), the outline of the touch area 803 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The shape of the touch area 803 is a rectangle. In this embodiment, touch area 803 is larger than the display area of ​​operation button 701. Also, the shape of touch area 803 (rectangle) is different from the shape (circle) of operation button 701. When the user touches any position inside touch area 803, control unit 101 detects the touch operation of operation button 701 and transmits an instruction to start recording a video to the main camera.

[0072] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing a state in which a moving image is being recorded. The area that accepts a touch operation of the operation button 702 is a touch area 805 (second area). That is, the operation member corresponding to the touch area 805 is the operation button 702. In FIG. 8(b), the outline of the touch area 805 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The shape of the touch area 805 is a rectangle. The touch area 805 is an area located inside the touch area 803. In this embodiment, touch area 805 is larger than the display area of ​​operation button 702. Also, the shape of touch area 805 (rectangle) is different from the shape (circle) of operation button 702. When the user touches any position inside touch area 805, control unit 101 detects the touch operation of operation button 702 and transmits an instruction to stop recording of the video to the main camera.

[0073] FIG. 8C is a diagram for comparing the positions and sizes of touch area 803 and touch area 805. The touch area 805 is an area located inside the touch area 803. In other words, the touch area 805 is an area included in the touch area 803. The position of the center O of the touch area 803 is the same as the position of the center O of the touch area 805. In addition, the distance L2a from the center O to the outline of the touch area 803 is longer than the distance L2b from the center O to the outline of the touch area 805. By setting the position and size of the touch area 805 in this way, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the touch area 805 unintentionally.

[0074] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the areas that accept touch operations of the operation button 404 and the operation button 901 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an area that accepts a touch operation of operation button 404. Operation button 410 is displayed adjacent to operation button 404. Note that the same components as those described in Fig. 4(a) are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The area that accepts the touch operation of the operation button 404 is a touch area 501 (first area). The center Oa of the touch area 501 is located at a distance L3a from the outline of the operation button 410 adjacent to the touch area 501.

[0075] Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an area that receives a touch operation of the operation button 901. Note that the same components as those described in Fig. 4(b) are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The area that accepts a touch operation of the operation button 901 is a touch area 902 (second area). The center Ob of the touch area 902 is located at a distance L3b from the outline of the operation button 410 adjacent to the touch area 902.

[0076] Here, the touch area 501 in Fig. 9(a) is compared with the touch area 902 in Fig. 9(b). A distance L3b from the outline of the adjacent operation button 410 to the center Ob of the touch area 902 is longer than a distance L3a from the outline of the adjacent operation button 410 to the center Oa of the touch area 501. By positioning the touch area 902 in this way, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching the touch area 902 with the finger F when touching the adjacent operation button 410.

[0077] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. In addition, parts of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the case where the smartphone 200 transmits instructions to start and stop recording of a video via the connection unit 211 in accordance with a camera control application has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the present invention may be applied to a case where the user performs a touch operation on the display unit 206 when the imaging unit 202 of the smartphone 200 captures a video and records the video in the recording medium 210 of the smartphone 200.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the image captured by the camera 100 is a video, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image captured by the camera 100 may be a panoramic image or a still image captured continuously. That is, when the camera 100 receives an instruction to start recording images from the smartphone 200, the camera 100 starts recording the panoramic image or the still images captured continuously. When the camera 100 receives an instruction to stop recording images from the smartphone 200, the camera 100 stops recording the panoramic image or the still images captured continuously.

[0081] The disclosure of the present embodiment also includes the following configuration, method, program, and recording medium. (Configuration 1) a touch detection means for detecting a touch operation on the display means; a control unit that controls recording of an image captured by the imaging unit and stopping of the recording in response to a touch operation detected by the touch detection unit, The control means when recording of an image captured by the imaging means is not being performed, control is performed so as to start recording of the image captured by the imaging means in response to a touch operation on a first area of ​​the display means; An imaging control device characterized by controlling, when recording of an image captured by the imaging means is being performed, to stop recording of the image captured by the imaging means in response to a touch operation on a second area included in the first area. (Configuration 2) The control means The imaging control device according to configuration 1, characterized in that, when an image captured by the imaging means is being recorded, if a touch operation is performed on an area included in the first area and outside the second area, the imaging control device controls so that recording of the image captured by the imaging means continues. (Configuration 3) a display control means for controlling a display on the display means, The display control means The imaging control device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that a first operation unit corresponding to the first area is displayed, and a display mode of the first operation unit is changed depending on whether an image captured by the imaging means is not being recorded or is being recorded. (Configuration 4) The display control means The imaging control device according to configuration 3, characterized in that at least one of the shape, color and line width of the first operation unit is changed depending on whether an image captured by the imaging means is being recorded or not. (Configuration 5) The display control means The imaging control device according to configuration 3 or 4, characterized in that, when an image captured by the imaging means is being recorded, a display mode of the first operation unit is changed so as to notify a user that a touch operation on the first operation unit is invalid. (Configuration 6) The display control means The imaging control device according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, characterized in that, when an image captured by the imaging means is being recorded, the display mode of the first operation unit is changed so that the first operation unit is not displayed. (Configuration 7) a display control means for controlling a display on the display means, The display control means The imaging control device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that a second operation unit corresponding to the second area is displayed, and the display mode of the second operation unit is changed depending on whether an image captured by the imaging means is not being recorded or is being recorded. (Configuration 8) The display control means The imaging control device according to configuration 7, characterized in that at least one of the shape, color and line width of the second operation unit is changed depending on whether an image captured by the imaging means is being recorded or not. (Configuration 9) 9. The imaging control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein a center position of the first area and a center position of the second area are different from each other. (Configuration 10) The imaging control device described in configuration 9, characterized in that the distance from the end of a touch reception area capable of receiving a touch operation on the display means to the center of the second area is longer than the distance from the end of the touch reception area to the center of the first area. (Configuration 11) The imaging control device described in configuration 9 or 10, characterized in that the distance from the outline of a third operation unit displayed adjacent to the first area to the center of the second area is longer than the distance from the outline of the third operation unit to the center of the first area. (Configuration 12) 9. The imaging control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the position of the center of the first area is the same as the position of the center of the second area. (Configuration 13) The imaging control device according to configuration 12, characterized in that the distance from the center of the first region to the outline of the first region is longer than the distance from the center of the second region to the outline of the second region. (Configuration 14) A communication means for communicating with the imaging means, The display means includes: 14. The imaging control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein an image received from said imaging means via said communication means and information relating to said imaging means are displayed. (Configuration 15) 15. The imaging control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the image captured by the imaging means is any one of a moving image, a panoramic image, and continuously captured still images. (Method 1) a touch detection step of detecting a touch operation on a display means; a control step of controlling recording of an image captured by the imaging means and stopping of the recording in response to the touch operation detected by the touch detection step, In the control step, when recording of an image captured by the imaging means is not being performed, control is performed so as to start recording of the image captured by the imaging means in response to a touch operation on a first area of ​​the display means; A control method for an imaging control device, characterized in that, when recording of an image captured by the imaging means is being performed, control is performed to stop recording of the image captured by the imaging means in response to a touch operation on a second area included in the first area. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as a control means of an imaging control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Recording medium 1) A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as a control means of an imaging control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100: Camera (imaging device) 102: Imaging section 110: Recording medium 200: Smartphone (imaging control device) 201: Control section 206: Display section 501: Touch area (first area) 502: Touch area (second area)

Claims

1. A touch detection unit that detects touch operations on the display unit, An imaging control device having control means for controlling the recording of an image captured by an imaging unit and the stopping of said recording in response to a touch operation detected by the touch detection unit, The control means is If the image captured by the imaging unit is not being recorded, the system controls the system to start recording the image captured by the imaging unit in response to a touch operation on the first area of ​​the display unit. The imaging control device is characterized in that, when recording of an image captured by the imaging unit is in progress, it controls the device to stop recording of the image captured by the imaging unit in response to a touch operation on a second area smaller than the first area, which is included in the first area.

2. The control means is The imaging control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when recording of an image captured by the imaging unit is being performed, if a touch operation occurs that is included in the first region but outside the second region, the device controls the device to continue recording of the image captured by the imaging unit.

3. The display unit has a display control means for controlling the display, The display control means is The imaging control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays a first operation unit corresponding to the first region, and changes the display mode of the first operation unit depending on whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is being recorded.

4. The display control means is The imaging control device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the shape, color, and line width of the first operation unit is changed depending on whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is being recorded.

5. The display control means is The imaging control device according to claim 3, characterized in that when recording of an image captured by the imaging unit is in progress, the display mode of the first operation unit is changed to make the user aware that touch operation to the first operation unit is invalid.

6. The display control means is The imaging control device according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that the display mode of the first operation unit is changed so that the first operation unit is not displayed when recording of an image captured by the imaging unit is being performed.

7. The display unit has a display control means for controlling the display, The display control means is The imaging control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays a second operation unit corresponding to the second region, and changes the display mode of the second operation unit depending on whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is being recorded.

8. The display control means is The imaging control device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the shape, color, and line width of the second operation unit is changed depending on whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is being recorded.

9. The imaging control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the position of the center of the first region and the position of the center of the second region are different.

10. The imaging control device according to claim 9, characterized in that the distance from the edge of the touch reception area capable of receiving touch operations on the display unit to the center of the second area is longer than the distance from the edge of the touch reception area to the center of the first area.

11. The imaging control device according to claim 9, characterized in that the distance from the outline of the third operation unit displayed adjacent to the first region to the center of the second region is longer than the distance from the outline of the third operation unit to the center of the first region.

12. The imaging control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the position of the center of the first region and the position of the center of the second region are the same.

13. The imaging control device according to claim 12, characterized in that the distance from the center of the first region to the outline of the first region is longer than the distance from the center of the second region to the outline of the second region.

14. It has a communication unit for communicating with the aforementioned imaging unit, The display unit includes: The imaging control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it displays an image received from the imaging unit via the communication unit and information related to the imaging unit.

15. The imaging control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the image captured by the imaging unit is one of the following: a video, a panoramic image, or a series of still images.

16. Having a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit, The display control means controls the display unit to display a first operation unit corresponding to the first region and a plurality of operation units for changing setting values ​​related to shooting by the imaging unit. The imaging control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the external shape of the first operation unit and the plurality of operation units displayed on the display unit are the same.

17. The display control means controls the display of the live view image captured by the imaging unit in the image display area, and the first operation unit and the plurality of operation units to be displayed in the operation unit display area. The imaging control device according to claim 16, characterized in that the image display area and the operation unit display area are displayed simultaneously.

18. A touch detection step for detecting touch operations on the display unit, A control method for an imaging control device, comprising: a control step that controls the recording of an image captured by the imaging unit and the stopping of said recording in response to a touch operation detected by the touch detection step, In the control step described above, If the image captured by the imaging unit is not being recorded, the system controls the system to start recording the image captured by the imaging unit in response to a touch operation on the first area of ​​the display unit. A control method for an imaging control device, characterized in that, when recording of an image captured by the imaging unit is being performed, the device controls the device to stop recording of the image captured by the imaging unit in response to a touch operation on a second area smaller than the first area, which is included in the first area.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging control device described in claim 1.

20. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing the computer to function as each means of the imaging control device described in claim 1.

Images