Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus capable of reducing variation of an error detection and an operation detection state of each input operation while enabling a plurality of input operations in one operation member.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 100 includes: a key top 410 that is deviated by an operation of a user; an electrode pattern 510 that is deviated in accordance with a deviation of the key top 410; a reception plate metal 700 that is fixed to a neighbor of an electrode pattern 510; an electrostatic capacitance sensor 850 that is electrically connected to the electrode pattern 510, and detects the change of an electrostatic capacitance generated in the electrode pattern 510; a CPU 100a; and an operation part 400. The CPU 100a performs a control of the whole electronic apparatus 100 by a detection result by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 850, and the operation part 400 switches the electrode pattern 510 and the reception plate metal 700 to any one of a first state where they are electrically separated and a second state where they are conductively contacted in accordance with the deviation of the key top 410.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device having an operating member that accepts various types of input operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as an electronic device having an operating member that accepts various types of input operations, there is known an electronic device that detects an input operation by a user by detecting a change in capacitance that occurs in the electronic device due to an input operation of the user on the operating member. Specifically, a threshold is set for the amount of change in capacitance, and when the threshold is exceeded, the electronic device accepts a predetermined input operation.

[0003] Also disclosed is an electronic device that detects the amount of change in capacitance in multiple stages.

[0004] For example, the electronic device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to detect a change in capacitance caused by the approach and separation of a user's finger to and from an electrode portion mounted on an operation member of the electronic device. In addition, this electrode portion is a movable electrode portion that can be displaced by the user's finger pressing against the operation member, and the electronic device is disclosed as being capable of detecting a change in capacitance caused by the approach and separation of this movable electrode portion and a fixed electrode portion arranged in the electronic device.

[0005] In addition, in the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to simplify the configuration, a single detection means detects both the change in capacitance based on the distance from the object to be detected and the change in capacitance based on the distance between the electrodes due to a pressing operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-123430 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, a single capacitance change detection means detects multiple steps of capacitance changes corresponding to multiple user operations such as the approach, separation, and pressure of a user's finger to the movable electrode portion. For this reason, Patent Document 1 requires that a capacitance threshold be set according to each of these multiple user operations. In this case, multiple thresholds are set within the range of capacitance change detectable by the electronic device and the detection accuracy, but it is difficult to simultaneously ensure both a threshold margin necessary to avoid detection of unintended operations and a threshold difference to avoid confusion between multiple operations.

[0008] In addition, when detecting a pressing operation, the amount of change in capacitance differs depending on the state of contact of the user's finger with the operating member, which causes a problem of variation in the state of operation detection.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that allows a plurality of input operations to be performed with a single operating member while reducing erroneous detection of each input operation and variation in the operation detection state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device having an operating member that is displaced by user operation, a movable electrode that is displaced in response to the displacement of the operating member, a fixed electrode fixed in the vicinity of the movable electrode while being electrically connected to ground, and a detection unit that is electrically connected to the movable electrode and detects changes in capacitance occurring in the movable electrode, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a control means that controls the entire electronic device based on the detection result by the detection unit, and a switching means that switches the movable electrode and the fixed electrode between one of a first state in which they are electrically separated and a second state in which they are in conductive contact in response to the displacement of the operating member. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of each input operation and variation in the operation detection state while enabling a plurality of input operations to be performed with one operating member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the operation unit in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an operation unit in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a button flex according to a conventional technique. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a flexible button according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 2 is a graph showing a change in capacitance that occurs in an electrode pattern when a user operates the operation unit in FIG. 1 with a finger. [Figure 7] 11 is a cross-sectional view of an operation section of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a graph showing a change in capacitance that occurs in an electrode pattern when a user operates the operation unit in FIG. 7 with a finger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the components described in the embodiment are merely examples of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these components.

[0014] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The electronic device 100 includes a housing exterior 200 that constitutes the exterior of the electronic device 100, a display device 300 that is disposed on the housing exterior 200, a dial 350, and an operation unit 400.

[0016] The display device 300 is a liquid crystal display device that displays information related to the electronic device 100. In addition, the dial 350 and the operation unit 400 can be used to perform operations to change the control of the electronic device 100. By combining these, the user can operate the electronic device 100 while checking the response of the electronic device 100 on the display device 300.

[0017] Although not shown, the electronic device 100 also has a CPU 100a (control means) that controls the entire electronic device 100 including the display device 300, the dial 350, the operation unit 400, and the like.

[0018] The configuration of the operation unit 400 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the operation unit 400, and FIG.

[0020] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a state when a touch operation is performed on the operation unit 400. As shown in FIG.

[0021] The operation unit 400 is a push button, and is arranged so that a key top 410 (operation member) is exposed in a button hole 210, which is an opening on the housing exterior 200. A key flange 411 is formed on the outer periphery of the key top 410, and the key flange 411 abuts against the housing exterior 200 to regulate the position of the key top 410. A key rubber 450, which is an elastic member, is arranged on the back surface of the key flange 411. The key rubber 450 has a rubber engagement portion 451 that engages with the key top 410, and holds the key top 410 by engaging with a groove portion 410a on the side of the key top 410. When the key top 410 is pressed down by a user's finger, the key rubber 450 elastically deforms to displace the key top 410, and when the key top 410 is released, it returns to its original shape and pushes the key top 410 back to its original position. The key rubber 450 is shaped so that a clicking sensation is generated when the key top 410 is pressed down.

[0022] A flexible button 500 is disposed on the back surface of the key top 410, and is adhered and held to the back surface of the key top 410 by a double-sided tape 550 (FIG. 3). The flexible button 500 is electrically connected to the electronic board 800. The functions of the flexible button 500 and the electronic board 800 will be described later.

[0023] Furthermore, a receiving plate 700 (fixed electrode) made of a metal plate is disposed on the back surface of the flexible button 500 at a distance from the flexible button 500. The receiving plate 700 is fixed to the inside of the exterior housing 200 with a screw 750 while being electrically connected to ground, and serves as a receiving surface (stopper) when the key top 410 is pressed down.

[0024] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a state in which the key top 410 is pushed in and the flexible button 500 abuts against the receiving metal plate 700. FIG.

[0025] The key top boss 412 on the back surface of the key top 410 engages with the flexible button 500, and the attachment position of the flexible button 500 is aligned with respect to the key top 410. The sheet metal hole 710 is a hole for avoiding the key top boss 412 when the key top 410 is pressed in.

[0026] In this way, the operating unit 400 (switching means) switches between one of a state in which the button flex 500 and the receiving metal plate 700 are electrically separated (FIG. 2(a): first state) and a state in which they are in conductive contact (FIG. 2(b): second state) by displacement of the key top 410.

[0027] Next, a flexible button 500' according to the prior art and the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a flexible button 500' according to the prior art, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment.

[0029] The button flex 500' and 500 are the same in that both have a flex hole 505 and an electrode pattern 510 formed thereon, but the button flex 500 differs in that a pattern exposure portion 515 is further formed thereon.

[0030] The flexible hole 505 determines the position of the flexible button 500 relative to the key top 410 by inserting the key top boss 412 into it.

[0031] The electrode pattern 510 (movable electrode) is a pattern formed of copper foil. The flexible button 500 is electrically connected to the electronic board 800 as shown in Fig. 3, and a capacitance sensor 850 (detection unit in Fig. 3) that detects capacitance is mounted on the electronic board 800. With this configuration, the capacitance sensor 850 detects the amount of change in the charge stored in the electrode pattern 510 when a conductor approaches or moves away from the flexible button 500. In the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment, a large area is provided in the portion corresponding to the back surface of the key top 410, and the capacitance value changes greatly depending on the input operation to the operation unit 400.

[0032] The detection result of the capacitance sensor 850 is input to a program stored in the electronic device 100, and the presence or absence of an operation of the operation unit 400 is determined.

[0033] The difference between a flexible button 500' (Fig. 4) according to the prior art and the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment (Fig. 5) is the configuration of the surface of the electrode pattern 510 facing the receiving metal plate 700. In the flexible button 500' (Fig. 4) according to the prior art, the surface of the electrode pattern 510 facing the receiving metal plate 700 is insulated by laminating the entire surface with polyimide. On the other hand, in the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment (Fig. 5), an opening is provided in the polyimide that laminates the surface of the surface of the electrode pattern 510 facing the receiving metal plate 700, and a pattern exposed portion 515 is set.

[0034] The effects of this difference in configuration will be described later.

[0035] Next, using FIG. 6, a difference between an operation detection method when a flexible button 500′ according to the conventional technology is used as the flexible button of the operation unit 400 and an operation detection method when the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment is used will be described.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a graph showing the change in capacitance that occurs in the electrode pattern 510 when a user operates the operation unit 400 with a finger. Fig. 6(a) shows a graph in the case where a flexible button 500' according to the conventional technology is used as the flexible button of the operation unit 400, and Fig. 6(b) shows a graph in the case where the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment is used as the flexible button of the operation unit 400.

[0037] In both graphs of FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the horizontal axis represents the distance X between the user's finger and the receiving plate 700, with the finger approaching the receiving plate 700 as it moves to the right.

[0038] The user's finger (detectable object) approaches the key top 410 from a position away from the key top 410 (X=X0), and when it comes into contact with the key top 410 (X=X1), the user's finger and the key top 410 move together and stop when the key top 410 hits the receiving metal plate 700 (X=X2).

[0039] 6(a) and 6(b), the vertical axis is the capacitance value C measured by the capacitance sensor 850 in response to changes in X. Generally, the capacitance value C is expressed as C=ε·S / D, where S is the electrode area, D is the distance to a nearby object, and ε is the dielectric constant (air).

[0040] 2(a), the capacitance of the electrode pattern 510 increases in the process (X=X0 to X1) of the user's finger, which is on the ground, approaching and contacting the key top 410 of the operation unit 400. As the user's finger further presses the key top 410 and hits the receiving plate 700 (FIG. 2(b)), the distance between the electrode pattern 510 and the receiving plate 700 decreases (X=X1 to X2), and the capacitance of the electrode pattern 510 increases.

[0041] The buckle flex 500' according to the prior art has the electrode pattern 510, which is a movable electrode, insulated from the receiving sheet metal 700, which is a fixed electrode, as described in the explanation of FIG. 4. Therefore, when the buckle flex 500' according to the prior art is used as the buckle flex of the operation unit 400, the value C of the capacitance changes as shown in the graph of FIG. 6(a).

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6(a), the manner of change in the value C of the capacitance along the approach of the user's finger when the buckle flex 500' according to the prior art is used for the operation unit 400 will be sequentially described.

[0043] In the state where X = X0, the user's finger is sufficiently separated from the key top 410, and the value C of the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 850 becomes the initial value C0. As the user's finger approaches the key top 410 and the electrode pattern 510 disposed on the back surface thereof from this state, the value C of the capacitance increases as described above.

[0044] When X = X1, the user's finger touches the key top 410. Let the value of the capacitance at this time (capacitance at contact) be C1. In the electronic device 100, a threshold value Ct (approach threshold value: C0 < Ct < C1) is set. When the capacitance sensor 850 detects that the value C of the capacitance has reached the threshold value Ct, the CPU 100a determines that a touch operation has been performed on the operation unit 400. At this time, the CPU 100a performs first control of the electronic device 100. Let the position of the user's finger when the threshold value Ct is reached be Xt. At this time, an icon indicating that a touch operation has occurred may be displayed on the display device 300. Further, for example, when the operation unit 400 is the release button of a camera, the CPU 100a determines that a half-press operation of the release button has occurred when X = X1, and executes various processes executed in response to the half-press operation, such as autofocus (AF) processing, as the first control. At this time, an icon indicating that the AF processing or the like is being executed may be displayed on the display device 300.

[0045] Thereafter, when the user's finger further presses the key top 410, the electrode pattern 510 approaches the receiving sheet metal 700, and the value C of the capacitance further increases.

[0046] When X = X2, in the case of the prior art, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the buckle flex 500' abuts against the receiving sheet metal 700, and the value of the capacitance C becomes C2. In the electronic device 100, a threshold value Cp (C1 < Cp < C2) is set. When the capacitance sensor 850 detects that the value C of the capacitance has reached Cp, the CPU 100a determines that the pressing operation of the operation unit 400 has been performed. At this time, the CPU 100a performs the second control of the electronic device 100. Let the position of the user's finger when Cp is reached be Xp. During this pressing operation, the click feeling accompanying the deformation of the key lever 450 is then transmitted to the user's finger as the user's finger further presses the key top 410. For example, when the operation unit 400 is the release button of the camera, the CPU 100a determines that there is a full-press operation of the release button when X = Xp, and executes the shooting process as the second control.

[0047] Here, in order for the CPU 100a to surely determine whether the operation unit 400 has been touched or pressed, it is necessary to set the difference between the capacitance C1 and Cp when the key top 410 and the user's finger are in contact as large as possible.

[0048] On the other hand, the values of C1 and C2 change depending on how the user's finger hits the key top 410. For example, the larger the contact area of the user's finger with respect to the key top 410, the higher the values of C1 and C2.

[0049] The dashed line in FIG. 6(a) shows the change in capacitance indicating a case where the contact area of the user's finger with respect to the key top 410 is larger than that in the solid line case of FIG. 6(a).

[0050] In the case shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6(a), the capacitance when the key top 410 is in contact with the user's finger (X=X1) is C1' (>C1), and the capacitance when the key top 410 hits the receiving metal plate 700 (X=X2) is C2' (>C2). Here, depending on the shape and material constraints of each component of the operation unit 400, it may not be possible to obtain a sufficient difference between C1' and Cp. In this case, if the user slightly presses the key top 410 when performing a touch operation on the operation unit 400, the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 850 exceeds Cp, and the electronic device 100 erroneously detects that a pressing operation has been performed.

[0051] In addition, in the case shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6(a), the position (pressing operation detection position) Xp' where the capacitance exceeds the threshold Cp is located in front of the pressing operation detection position Xp in the case shown by the solid line in FIG. 6(a). In other words, the pressing operation detection position varies depending on the contact area between the key top 410 and the user's finger, which is disadvantageous when accuracy is required for the timing of detecting the pressing operation. For example, in the case where the operation unit 400 is a release button of a camera, the CPU 100a judges that the pressing operation of the operation unit 400 (full pressing of the release button) has occurred at an earlier timing as the contact area of ​​the user's finger is larger. Also, if the CPU 100a judges that a full pressing operation has occurred at an earlier timing, the key rubber 450 may not be deformed enough to generate a clicking sensation. In such a case, the clicking sensation is not transmitted to the finger, and a problem occurs in that a photograph is taken at a timing when the user thinks that the full pressing operation is not completed unless the key top 410 is pressed a little more.

[0052] Next, with reference to FIG. 6(b), a change in the capacitance C as the user's finger approaches when the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment is used in the operation unit 400 will be described in sequence.

[0053] As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment has a pattern exposed portion 515 where the electrode pattern 510 is exposed on the surface on the side of the receiving metal plate 700. Therefore, when the flexible button 500 hits the receiving metal plate 700, the receiving metal plate 700 and the electrode pattern 510 are shorted (contacted to be conductive), and the capacitance value C becomes unmeasurable. Therefore, FIG. 6(b) shows a graph of the change in the capacitance value C when the flexible button 500 according to this embodiment is used as the flexible button of the operation unit 400. Thus, this embodiment is characterized in that it is configured to short when the pattern exposed portion 515 and the receiving metal plate 700 come into contact with each other. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration as long as it is configured to short when the flexible button 500 hits the receiving metal plate 700.

[0054] The change in capacitance value C from when the user's finger is sufficiently away from the key top 410 until it touches the key top 410 is the same as that in the case where the conventional flexible button 500 is used for the operation unit 400, as described with reference to Fig. 6(a). In other words, the initial capacitance value is C0, and when it exceeds the threshold value Ct, the CPU 100a determines that a touch operation has been performed on the operation unit 400.

[0055] After that, when the user's finger further presses the key top 410, the distance between the electrode pattern 510 and the receiving plate 700 becomes closer, and the capacitance value C further increases, but when X=X2, the button flex 500 hits the receiving plate 700. At this time, the receiving plate 700 and the electrode pattern 510 are shorted, and the capacitance cannot be measured. In the electronic device 100 of the present invention, when the capacitance sensor 850 detects this state (the receiving plate 700 and the electrode pattern 510 are shorted), it is determined that the user has pressed the operation unit 400. That is, in this embodiment, even if the threshold value Cp is not set, when the button flex 500 hits the receiving plate 700 by pressing the key top 410 and the capacitance sensor 850 detects the above short, the CPU 100a can determine that a pressing operation has occurred. Therefore, erroneous detection of a pressing operation on the operation unit 400 is reduced, and the accuracy of the timing of detecting the pressing operation is improved.

[0056] In order to ensure that the pattern exposed portion 515 and the receiving metal plate 700 come into contact with each other when the button flex 500 hits the receiving metal plate 700, it is preferable to provide the pattern exposed portion 515 near the center of the back of the key top 410. In addition, it is preferable to form a metal plate protrusion 715 (protrusion) on the receiving metal plate 700 at a portion facing the pattern exposed portion 515.

[0057] In the above manner, in the electronic device 100, when the CPU 100a determines that a touch operation or a press operation has been performed on the operation unit 400, the electronic device 100 executes a corresponding control in response to each operation.

[0058] For example, if the electronic device 100 is an electronic photography device, the exposure value may be changed when the user turns the dial 350 while touching the operation unit 400, and the ISO value may be changed when the user turns the dial 350 while pressing the operation unit 400. Also, when the user touches the live view screen on the display device 300 while touching the operation unit 400, the AF position may be changed to the touched position, and when the user presses the operation unit 400, an AF mode change operation screen may be displayed on the display device 300. In this way, the operation unit 400 can be used in various ways.

[0059] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation unit 400-2 of an electronic device 100-2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0060] In the electronic device 100-2, the same components as those of the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the operation unit 400-2.

[0062] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing the operation standby state of the operation unit 400-2. In the operation unit 400-2, in addition to the operation unit 400 of the first embodiment, an elastic member 600 fixed to the receiving sheet metal 700 with a double-sided tape 650 is arranged. Further, the elastic member 600 has a donut shape, and a sheet metal convex portion 715 is exposed from the central opening.

[0063] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a state where the key top 410 is pushed in and the button flex 500 abuts against the elastic member 600.

[0064] From this state, the user can further apply force to push in the key top 410 to compress the elastic member 600 and press it down until the button flex 500 abuts against the receiving sheet metal 700 as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0065] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the change in the capacitance value C generated in the electrode pattern 510 when the user operates the operation unit 400-2 with a finger will be described.

[0066] In FIG. 8(a), X0, X1, C0, and C1 are all the same as the graph in FIG. 6(b). That is, when X = X0, the user's finger is at a position sufficiently separated from the receiving sheet metal 700, and C0 is the capacitance value measured by the capacitance sensor 850 at this time, which is the capacitance value in the standby state. Also, when X = X1, the user's finger is at a position touching the key top 410, and C1 is the capacitance value measured by the capacitance sensor 850 at this time.

[0067] In addition, in FIG. 8(a), the value of X when the button flex 500 abuts against the elastic member 600 is defined as XR, and the capacitance value measured by the capacitance sensor 850 at this time is defined as CR.

[0068] In the electronic device 100-2, a threshold value Cp1 (depression threshold value: C1 < Cp1 < CR) is set. When the capacitance sensor 850 detects that the capacitance value C has reached the threshold value Cp1 (X = Xp1), the CPU 100a determines that the first depression operation of the operation unit 400-2 has been performed.

[0069] After that, when the user's finger further presses the key top 410, the elastic member 600 is compressed, and when X=X2, the pattern exposed portion 515 of the flexible button 500 comes into contact with the receiving metal plate 700. As a result, the flexible button 500 and the receiving metal plate 700 are shorted, and when the capacitance sensor 850 becomes unable to detect the capacitance value C (X=Xp2), the CPU 100a determines that a second pressing operation of the operation unit 400-2 has been performed.

[0070] The detection position Xp1 of the first pressing operation is a position where the key top 410 is pressed to a certain degree from the position X1 where the user's finger touches the key top 410, and the detection position Xp2 of the second pressing operation is substantially the same position as X2.

[0071] In this embodiment, two-stage detection is possible with one operating member, as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, when the user's finger touches the key top 410, it is determined that a touch operation has been performed on the operating unit 400, so there is a problem that if the user touches the key top 410 unintentionally, it is erroneously detected that an input operation has been performed. On the other hand, in this embodiment, an input operation is not detected as having been performed unless the user presses the key top 410 with their finger to a certain extent. This makes it possible to avoid erroneous detection.

[0072] However, to detect an input operation at a position where the key top 410 is pressed to a certain extent, the capacitance threshold must be increased compared to when detecting a touch. For this reason, if the conventional button flex 500' is used as the button flex of the operation unit 400-2, a problem occurs in that the difference between the threshold Cp1 of the first pressing operation and the threshold Cp of the second pressing operation becomes small. On the other hand, in the configuration of this embodiment, the threshold Cp is not used for detecting the second pressing operation, and the determination condition is that the capacitance sensor 850 can no longer measure the capacitance (the above-mentioned short circuit has been detected), so such a problem does not occur.

[0073] The operation unit 400-2 according to this embodiment can be used as a release button of an electronic imaging device. That is, the CPU 100a can perform focusing when it determines that a first pressing operation has been performed on the operation unit 400-2, and can perform imaging processing when it determines that a second pressing operation has been performed on the operation unit 400-2.

[0074] 8(b), in the second embodiment, a threshold value Ct may be set in the same way as in the first embodiment, so that three levels of input operation can be performed with one operating member (key top 410). That is, when the capacitance value C detected by the capacitance sensor 850 exceeds the threshold value Ct, the CPU 100a determines that a touch operation has been performed. This enables three levels of input operation, namely, a touch operation, a first pressing operation, and a second pressing operation, with one operating member.

[0075] In this way, the CPU 100a performs shooting standby such as canceling sleep mode when a touch operation is performed on the operation unit 400-2 provided in the electronic imaging device, for example. Also, the CPU 100a can be used to perform focusing when a first pressing operation is performed, and to perform shooting processing when a second pressing operation is performed.

[0076] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0077] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An electronic device having an operating member that is displaced by user operation, a movable electrode that is displaced in response to the displacement of the operating member, a fixed electrode that is fixed in the vicinity of the movable electrode while being electrically connected to ground, and a detection unit that is electrically connected to the movable electrode and detects changes in capacitance that occur in the movable electrode, characterized in that the electronic device also comprises: a control means that controls the entire electronic device based on the detection result by the detection unit; and a switching means that switches the movable electrode and the fixed electrode between one of a first state in which they are electrically separated and a second state in which they are in conductive contact in response to the displacement of the operating member. (Configuration 2) The electronic device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that when, in the first state, a detectable object approaches the operating member and the capacitance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than an approach threshold, the control means performs a first control of the electronic device, and when the second state is reached, performs a second control of the electronic device based on a change in capacitance detected by the detection unit. (Configuration 3) The electronic device according to configuration 2, wherein the approach threshold is smaller than a value of contact capacitance detected by the detection unit when the object to be detected comes into contact with the operation member. (Configuration 4) The electronic device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that, in the first state, the control means performs a first control of the electronic device when the movable electrode approaches the fixed electrode and the capacitance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a press threshold, and performs a second control of the electronic device based on the change in capacitance detected by the detection unit when the electronic device reaches the second state. (Configuration 5) The electronic device according to configuration 4, wherein the pressing threshold is greater than a contact capacitance value detected by the detection unit when an object to be detected comes into contact with the operation member. (Configuration 6) The electronic device described in Configuration 5, characterized in that the control means further performs a third control of the electronic device when, in the first state, a detectable object approaches the operating member and the capacitance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than an approach threshold value. (Configuration 7) The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the approach threshold is smaller than the value of the contact capacitance. (Configuration 8) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 4 to 7, characterized in that the fixed electrode has an elastic member on an opposing surface of the movable electrode, and the press-down threshold is less than the electrostatic capacitance detected by the detection unit when the movable electrode comes into contact with the elastic member. (Configuration 9) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the fixed electrode is a stopper that regulates the amount of displacement of the operation member in the displacement direction. (Configuration 10) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the movable electrode is disposed on the interior of the operation member, and the fixed electrode is disposed on an opposing surface of the movable electrode. (Configuration 11) In the electronic device according to configuration 10, the movable electrode includes an exposed electrode that becomes conductive when in contact with the fixed electrode. (Configuration 12) The electronic device according to configuration 11, wherein the fixed electrode has a protrusion facing the exposed electrode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100,100-2 Electronic equipment 400,400-2 Operation section 410 Keytop 500',500 Button Flex 505 Flex hole 510 Electrode Pattern 515 Pattern exposed part 700 Supporting plate 850 Capacitive Sensor

Claims

1. An operating member that is displaced by a user's operation; a movable electrode that is displaced in response to the displacement of the operation member; a fixed electrode fixed in the vicinity of the movable electrode in a state of being electrically connected to ground; a detection unit electrically connected to the movable electrode and detecting a change in capacitance occurring in the movable electrode; An electronic device having: a control unit that controls the entire electronic device based on a detection result by the detection unit; a switching means for switching the movable electrode and the fixed electrode between a first state in which the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are electrically separated from each other and a second state in which the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are in conductive contact with each other in response to a displacement of the operating member; An electronic device comprising:

2. The control means When a detection object approaches the operation member in the first state and a capacitance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a proximity threshold, a first control of the electronic device is performed; A second control of the electronic device is performed based on a change in capacitance detected by the detection unit when the electronic device is in the second state.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the approach threshold is smaller than a value of contact capacitance detected by the detection unit when the object to be detected comes into contact with the operation member.

4. The control means in the first state, when the movable electrode approaches the fixed electrode and the capacitance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a press threshold, a first control of the electronic device is performed; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a second control of the electronic device is performed based on a change in electrostatic capacitance detected by the detection unit when the electronic device is in the second state.

5. 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the depression threshold is greater than a contact capacitance value detected by the detection unit when an object to be detected comes into contact with the operation member.

6. The control means The electronic device according to claim 5, further comprising: a third control of the electronic device, when in the first state, a detectable object approaches the operating member and the capacitance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than an approach threshold value.

7. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the approach threshold is smaller than the value of the contact capacitance.

8. the fixed electrode includes an elastic member on a surface facing the movable electrode; 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the depression threshold is less than the capacitance detected by the detection unit when the movable electrode comes into contact with the elastic member.

9. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed electrode is a stopper that restricts the amount of displacement of the operation member in a displacement direction.

10. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the movable electrode is disposed on an inner surface of the operation member, and the fixed electrode is disposed on an opposing surface of the movable electrode.

11. 11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the movable electrode includes an exposed electrode that is electrically connected to the fixed electrode when the exposed electrode is in contact with the fixed electrode.

12. 12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the fixed electrode has a protrusion facing the exposed electrode.

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