Electronic apparatus, and method for controlling electronic apparatus

Abstract

To set an appropriate combination of functions as a combination of functions to be allocated to operations for an operating unit.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus of the present invention has: a first operating unit that can receive a first operation and subsequently a second operation; allocation means for allocating functions to the first operation and the second operation according to a user's selection; and processing means that, according to the first operation and the second operation, executes processing corresponding to the functions allocated to the first operation and the second operations. The electronic apparatus has control means that performs control to, when a function is not allocated to the first operation, cause the user to select a function to be allocated to the second operation from a first function group, and when a function is allocated to the first operation, cause the user to select a function to be allocated to the second operation from a second function group in which selectable functions are limited compared to the first function group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] In an image capture device such as a digital camera, a user can assign a function (e.g., autofocus) to a specific operation unit and execute a desired function by operating the specific operation unit when taking a picture. Image capture devices are equipped with a wide range of functions in addition to autofocus, and the number of functions that users can assign to the operation unit is increasing.

[0003] Some operation units are also capable of accepting a second operation following a first operation, and a function can be assigned to each operation. Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera equipped with a shutter release button that can be pressed down a first step and a second step. It also discloses that image data representing a movie image is recorded on a recording medium when the button is pressed down a first step, and image data representing a still image is recorded on a recording medium when the button is pressed down a second step. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-346080 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When functions can be assigned to both the first and second depression of the shutter release button, depending on the combination of functions selected by the user, the process executed by pressing the button may not be what the user intended.

[0006] For example, an autofocus function and an image playback function are assigned to the first and second presses, respectively. In this case, since the image playback function is not executed while the autofocus function is being executed, the process executed by the second press is not executed.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device having an operation unit capable of accepting a second operation following a first operation, which is capable of assigning appropriate functions when assigning functions to each of the first operation and the second operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the electronic device of the present invention is characterized in having a first operation unit capable of accepting a second operation following a first operation, an assignment means for assigning a function to each of the first operation and the second operation in accordance with a user selection, and a processing means for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation in accordance with the first operation, and executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation in accordance with the second operation, and having a control means for controlling, when no function is assigned to the first operation, to select a function to be assigned to the second operation from a first function group, and, when a function is assigned to the first operation, to select a function to be assigned to the second operation from a second function group having more limited selectable functions than the first function group. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in an electronic device having an operation unit capable of accepting a second operation following a first operation, it is possible to assign appropriate functions when assigning functions to each of the first operation and the second operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to this embodiment, in which (a) is an external view of the front of the imaging device 200, (b) is an external view of the back of the imaging device 200, and (c) is a diagram showing the configuration of an AF-ON button 212 that can accept multiple operations. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart of a process related to the AF-ON button 212 that can accept a plurality of operations. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen 400 for assigning functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram illustrating a detailed setting screen 500 for setting functions for half-pressing and full-pressing of each of the items AF-ON1 to AF-ON7. [Figure 6A] 11 is a flowchart of a setting process for assigning a function to a half-press or full-press of the AF-ON button 212. [Figure 6B] 11 is a flowchart of a setting process for assigning a function to a half-press or full-press of the AF-ON button 212. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a method for setting a function to be assigned to a half-press or full-press of the AF-ON button 212. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid repetitive description. In this embodiment, an image pickup device 200 is used as an example of an electronic device, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration of imaging device 200] The lens unit 100 is a lens unit equipped with an exchangeable lens 5. The lens 5 is usually made up of a plurality of lenses, but for simplicity, only one lens is shown here.

[0013] The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal through which the lens unit 100 communicates with the image capturing device 200, and the communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal through which the image capturing device 200 communicates with the lens unit 100.

[0014] The lens unit 100 communicates with the system control unit 40 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens system control circuit 4 inside the lens unit 100 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2, and focuses by displacing the position of the lens 5 via the AF drive circuit 3. The system control unit 40 also obtains the maximum aperture value and minimum aperture value of the lens unit 100 via these communication terminals 6 and 10.

[0015] The AE sensor 15 measures the luminance of the subject through the lens unit 100 .

[0016] The AF sensor 11 outputs information on the defocus amount to the system control unit 40. The system control unit 40 controls the lens unit 100 based on the information.

[0017] During exposure, the quick return mirror 12 is instructed by the system control unit 40 to be raised and lowered by an actuator (not shown).

[0018] By observing the focusing screen 13 through the pentaprism 14 and the viewfinder 16 , the user can check the focus and composition of the optical image of the subject captured through the lens unit 100 .

[0019] The focal plane shutter 17 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the image sensor 20 under the control of the system control unit 40 .

[0020] The optical filter 18 is generally composed of a low-pass filter or the like, and cuts out high-frequency components of the light entering through the focal plane shutter 17 , and guides the subject image to the imaging element 20 .

[0021] A charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is generally used as the image sensor 20. The image sensor 20 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the image sensor 20 through the lens unit 100 and captures it as an electrical signal.

[0022] The AMP circuit 21 amplifies the captured electrical signal with a gain according to the set photographing sensitivity.

[0023] The A / D conversion circuit 22 converts the analog signal, which has been converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element 20, into a digital signal.

[0024] The image processing circuit 23 performs filter processing, color conversion processing, and gamma / knee processing on the image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 22, and outputs the result to the memory controller 27. The image processing circuit 23 also has a built-in D / A conversion circuit. The image processing circuit 23 can also convert the image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 22 and the image data input by the memory controller 27 into an analog signal, and output the analog signal to the liquid crystal display unit 25 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 24. The image processing and display processing by the image processing circuit 23 are switched by the system control unit 40. The system control unit 40 also performs white balance adjustment based on color balance information of the captured image.

[0025] The liquid crystal display unit 25 is a rear monitor for displaying images. As long as it is a display that displays images, it is not limited to a liquid crystal type, and may be a display of another type such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0026] The memory controller 27 stores unprocessed image data input from the image processing circuit 23 in the buffer memory 26, and stores image data that has been image-processed in a recording medium (memory) 28. Conversely, the memory controller 27 also takes in image data from the buffer memory 26 or memory 28 and outputs it to the image processing circuit 23.

[0027] The memory controller 27 can store image data sent via an external interface 29 in the memory 28, and conversely, can output image data stored in the memory 28 to the outside via the external interface 29. Examples of the external interface include USB, IEEE, and HDMI (registered trademark).

[0028] The memory 28 is a removable recording medium such as a memory card, or may be a built-in memory. The system control unit 40 controls the drive timing of the image sensor 20 via a timing control circuit 32.

[0029] The power supply control circuit 35 is a circuit that controls the power supplied from the AC power supply unit 30 or the secondary battery unit 31. The power supply control circuit 35 turns the power on and off in response to an instruction from the system control unit 40. The power supply control circuit 35 also notifies the system control unit 40 of information on the current power supply state detected by the power supply state detection circuit 34 and information on the current type of power supply detected by the power supply type detection circuit 33.

[0030] The system control unit 40 controls the focal plane shutter 17 via the shutter control circuit 36 ​​.

[0031] The optical filter vibration control circuit 37 is a circuit that vibrates the piezoelectric element 19 connected to the optical filter 18. In accordance with instructions from the system control unit 40, the optical filter vibration control circuit 37 vibrates the piezoelectric element 19 with predetermined values ​​for the vibration amplitude, vibration time, and vibration axial direction.

[0032] The non-volatile memory 38 is a non-volatile recording medium, and can store settings such as shutter speed, aperture value, shooting sensitivity, etc., that are arbitrarily set by the user, as well as various other data, even when the imaging device 200 is not powered on.

[0033] The volatile memory 39 can store data that is to be stored temporarily, such as the internal state of the imaging device and information on the removable memory 28 .

[0034] A frame indicating the distance measuring point for which autofocus is currently being performed, icons indicating the camera setting status, and the like are displayed on the in-finder liquid crystal display section 41 via an in-finder liquid crystal drive circuit 42.

[0035] The outside-finder liquid crystal display unit 43 displays various camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture via an outside-finder liquid crystal drive circuit 44 .

[0036] The operation unit 70 includes various operation members as an input unit that accepts operations from the user. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation unit 70 includes a release button 201, a main electronic dial 202, a sub electronic dial 203, a power switch 204, and a protect button 205. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation unit 70 also includes a menu button 206, a delete button 207, an enlargement mode button 208, a menu screen instruction button 209, a single / multi switch button 210, a multi-controller 211, an AF-ON button 212, and a cross key.

[0037] The system control unit 40 is a control unit that controls each unit included in the imaging device 200. The system control unit 40 develops and executes a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 38 using the volatile memory 39 as a work memory, thereby performing various processes described below.

[0038] [Explanation of the external view of the imaging device 200] 2(a) is a front external view of the imaging device 200, and FIG. 2(b) is a rear external view of the imaging device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The release button 201 is a button for issuing instructions to prepare for shooting and to shoot, and when the button is pressed halfway, the brightness of the subject is measured and the focus is achieved. When the button is pressed all the way down, the shutter is released and an image is shot.

[0040] The main electronic dial 202 is a rotary operation member that allows the user to set settings such as shutter speed and aperture, and to finely adjust the enlargement ratio in enlargement mode by rotating the main electronic dial 202.

[0041] The sub electronic dial 203 is a rotary operation member. By rotating the sub electronic dial 203, the user can set settings such as aperture and exposure compensation, or advance one image at a time while the image is being displayed.

[0042] The power switch 204 is an operating member for turning the power on and off.

[0043] The protect button 205 is a button for carrying out processes such as protection and rating on images stored in a recording medium inside or outside the image capture device 200 .

[0044] The delete button 206 is a button for issuing an instruction to delete an image stored in a recording medium inside or outside the imaging device 200 .

[0045] The enlargement mode button 207 is a button that accepts operations for instructing a transition to the enlargement mode (instructing to start the enlargement mode) and for instructing an exit from the enlargement mode (instructing to end the enlargement mode) in the playback state.

[0046] The playback instruction button 208 is a button for causing the liquid crystal display unit 25 to display images stored in a recording medium inside or outside the imaging device 200 .

[0047] The menu button 209 is a button for displaying various setting screens on the liquid crystal display unit 25 .

[0048] The viewfinder eye-contact detection means 210 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the viewfinder 16 is being looked into.

[0049] The multi-controller 211 is an operating member that can be operated in multiple directions to set a distance measurement point that is the starting point for autofocus, and to move the enlargement frame (enlarged range) in an enlarged image display state.

[0050] [AF-ON button 212 configuration] The AF-ON button 212 is an operating member for instructing the start of autofocusing on a subject in an image. Fig. 2(c) is a configuration diagram of the AF-ON button 212, which allows multiple operations. The AF-ON button 212 is a two-stage button, and input is possible at both the first stage (hereinafter referred to as "half-press") and the second stage (hereinafter referred to as "full press").

[0051] The key top 213 is configured to be exposed externally as the part that the user touches first when pressing the AF-ON button 212 .

[0052] The conductive member 214 is connected to the key top 213 and is configured to be lowered by a force applied from above.

[0053] The ground spring 215 is connected to the conductive member 214 and is grounded.

[0054] Half-press detection spring 216 of AF-ON button 212 is configured to come into contact with conductive member 214 that has descended due to the force applied from key top 213. Since conductive member 214 is connected to ground spring 215 that is connected to ground, the half-press is detected when conductive member 214 comes into contact with half-press detection spring 216 of AF-ON button 212.

[0055] The spring 217 for detecting full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is configured to contact the conductive member 214 that has descended due to the force applied from the key top 213. Similar to the spring 216 for detecting half pressing of the AF-ON button 212, when the conductive member 214 contacts the spring 217 for detecting full pressing of the AF-ON button 212, full pressing is detected.

[0056] Also, the spring 217 for detecting full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is configured to be a spring with a lower height than the spring 216 for detecting half pressing of the AF-ON button 212. With this configuration, when full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is detected, half pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is always detected as well. That is, if half pressing and full pressing are detected in sequence, the functions assigned to half pressing and full pressing are started in sequence, and while the function assigned to full pressing is started, the function assigned to half pressing continues.

[0057] [Processing related to the AF-ON button 212] First, using the flowchart of FIG. 3, the processing related to the AF-ON button 212 that can accept a plurality of operations will be described. This processing is a flowchart showing the processing related to the AF-ON button 212 in the shooting mode of the imaging device. In parallel with this processing, other processes such as shooting processing are also executed in response to the operation of the shutter button. Also, this processing is realized by the system control unit 40 expanding the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 38 into the volatile memory 39 and executing it.

[0058] In S301, the system control unit 40 determines whether the power switch 204 is in the ON state. If it is in the ON state, it proceeds to S302; otherwise, it returns to S301.

[0059] In S302, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not there has been an instruction from the user to set an assignment of a function to halfway pressing and full pressing of the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that there has been an instruction to set an assignment of a function to halfway pressing and full pressing of the AF-ON button 212, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S303, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S304.

[0060] In S303, the system control unit 40 performs a setting process to assign functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button 212. This process will be described in detail later.

[0061] In S304, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has half-pressed the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that the AF-ON button 212 has been half-pressed, the process proceeds to S305, and if not, the process returns to S302.

[0062] In S305, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not a function is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that a function is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S306, and if not, the process proceeds to S307 without executing the process of S306. Here, if no function is assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212, the item that displays the function set for the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212 is displayed as "disabled" on the setting screen 400 and detailed setting screen 500 described later.

[0063] In S306, the system control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to a function assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212.

[0064] In S307, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released. If it is determined that the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released, the process returns to S302; otherwise, the process proceeds to S308.

[0065] In S308, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has fully pressed the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to S309, and if not, the process returns to S307.

[0066] In S309, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not a function is assigned to the full press operation of the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that a function is assigned to the full press operation of the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S310, and if not, the process proceeds to S311 without executing the process of S310.

[0067] In S310, the system control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to a function assigned to the full press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0068] In S311, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the full press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released. If it is determined that the full press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released, the process proceeds to S312, and if not, the process returns to S311. Note that if the full press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released in S311, the process returns to S304, and if the AF-ON button 212 continues to be half-pressed, a function assigned to the half-press may be executed.

[0069] In S312, the system control unit 40 determines whether the power switch 204 is in the OFF state, and if it is determined that the power switch 204 is in the OFF state, ends the processing, otherwise returns to S302.

[0070] [About the setting screen 400 for assigning functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button] 4(a) to (c) show setting screen 400 for assigning functions to halfway and full press of the AF-ON button. Setting screen 400 for assigning functions to halfway and full press of the AF-ON button displays options of items 421 to 427 as combinations of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button 212 is halfway or fully pressed. Also displayed on setting screen 400 for assigning functions to halfway and full press of the AF-ON button are a cursor 401 indicating the selected item, a setting content display area 410 for the selected item, a detailed settings icon 402, and an OK icon 403.

[0071] The user can change the selected item by moving the cursor 401 to one of the items 421 to 427 by operating the cross key. The items 421 to 427 correspond to AF-ON1 to AF-ON7, respectively. The combinations of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway or fully pressed in AF-ON1 to AF-ON7 are determined in advance as shown in FIG. 4D and stored in the non-volatile memory 38. However, for the "user settings" that are set for the half press of AF-ON1, the full press of AF-ON2, and the full press of AF-ON6, "metering and AF start" is set as the initial setting. However, the user can change the functions that are set for the half press of AF-ON1, the full press of AF-ON2, and the full press of AF-ON6. When the function is changed, the system control unit 40 updates the information on the combinations of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway or fully pressed, which is stored in the non-volatile memory 38. Furthermore, the system control unit 40 reads out information about combinations of functions that can be set in response to half-pressing and full-pressing, which is stored in the non-volatile memory 38, and identifies the functions set for each item.

[0072] A setting 411 for pressing the AF-ON button halfway and a setting 412 for pressing the AF-ON button all the way for the selected item are displayed in a setting content display area 410. Settings 411 and 412 are displayed normally when they can be changed by the user, and are displayed grayed out when they cannot be changed. In this embodiment, settings that cannot be changed are displayed grayed out to distinguish them, but other methods of display may be used to distinguish them.

[0073] 4A shows a state in which AF-ON1 (item 421) is selected by the cursor 401, and the initial setting for the function set for pressing the AF-ON button halfway is "metering and start AF." And since no function is set for pressing the AF-ON button all the way, "disabled" is displayed.

[0074] The function set for pressing the AF-ON button halfway can be changed to a function desired by the user. On the other hand, no function is set for pressing the AF-ON button all the way, and the user cannot change it. For this reason, setting 411 is displayed normally, and setting 412 is displayed grayed out.

[0075] In FIG. 4B, AF-ON2 (item 422) is selected by the cursor 401, and since no function is set for pressing the AF-ON button halfway, "Disabled" is displayed. No function is set for pressing the AF-ON button halfway, and the user cannot change the function. The function set for pressing the AF-ON button all the way is "Metering and AF Start" as the default setting. The function set for pressing the AF-ON button all the way can be changed to a function desired by the user. Therefore, setting 411 is displayed grayed out, and setting 412 is displayed normally.

[0076] FIG. 4C shows a state in which AF-ON6 (item 426) is selected by cursor 401, and the function set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway is "metering and AF start." The function set when the AF-ON button is pressed all the way is "metering and AF start" as the initial setting. The function set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway is fixed, and the user cannot change the function. However, the function set when the AF-ON button is pressed all the way can be changed to a function desired by the user. For this reason, setting 411 is displayed grayed out, and setting 412 is displayed normally.

[0077] The advanced settings icon 402 indicates that the advanced settings can be accessed by pressing an INFO button (not shown) on the digital camera 100. The advanced settings can also be accessed by touching the advanced settings icon 402. When the user presses the INFO button or touches the advanced settings icon 402, an advanced settings screen 500 (FIG. 5), which will be described later, is displayed.

[0078] The OK icon 403 indicates that the settings for pressing the AF-ON button halfway and fully pressed are confirmed by pressing a SET button (not shown) of the digital camera 100. The settings for pressing the AF-ON button halfway and fully pressed can also be confirmed by touching the OK icon 403. That is, when the user presses the SET button or touches the OK icon 503, the settings 411 and 412 displayed in the setting content display area 410 are confirmed as the settings for pressing the AF-ON button halfway and fully pressed, respectively.

[0079] [About the detailed setting screen 500 for setting the functions for half-press and full-press for each item from AF-ON1 to AF-ON7] 5 shows a detailed setting screen 500 for changing and setting the functions for half-pressing and full-pressing for each of the items AF-ON1 to AF-ON7 by a user operation. The detailed setting screen 500 displays an item name 501 to be detailedly set, settings for half-pressing the AF-ON button 502, settings for full-pressing the AF-ON button 503, a detailed setting icon 504, and a back icon 505.

[0080] FIG. 5(a) shows a detailed settings screen 500 for AF-ON1, so an icon indicating AF-ON1 is displayed in item 501. Half-press settings 502 are "user settings," and the settings can be changed by the user. FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the "metering and AF start" function, which is the default setting, is set for half-pressing the AF-ON button. Full-press settings 503 shows "disabled," indicating that no function is set for full-pressing the AF-ON button.

[0081] The half-press setting of AF-ON1 can be changed by the user and is therefore normally displayed, whereas the full-press setting of AF-ON1 cannot be changed by the user and is therefore greyed out.

[0082] The advanced settings icon 504 indicates that the advanced settings can be accessed by pressing an INFO button (not shown) of the digital camera 100. The advanced settings can also be accessed by touching the advanced settings icon 504. When the user presses the INFO button or touches the advanced settings icon 504, a function list screen 506 that can be set to a half-press in the AF-ON1 item is displayed (FIG. 5(b)).

[0083] The function list screen displays the operation name (half press or full press) 507 to which the function selected on this screen is set, function icons 508 corresponding to the settable functions, a cursor 509, characters 510 indicating the function being selected by the cursor 509, and an OK icon 511.

[0084] The function list screen 506 in FIG. 5B is a screen for setting a function to a half-press of the AF-ON1 item, so that "Half-press" is displayed in the operation name 507. In addition, function icons of the first function group are displayed as function icons 508 corresponding to settable functions. When the user presses the SET button or touches the OK icon 511 on the function list screen 506, the function to be set to a half-press of the AF-ON1 item is changed to the function selected by the cursor 509, and the screen returns to the detailed setting screen 500. Then, the function selected on the function list screen 506 is displayed in the half-press setting 502 on the detailed setting screen 500. When the user presses the MENU button or touches the back icon 505 on the detailed setting screen 500, the screen returns to the setting screen 400.

[0085] Fig. 5(c) shows a detailed setting screen 500 for AF-ON2, and so an icon indicating AF-ON2 is displayed in item 501. Half-press setting 502 shows "Disabled," indicating that no function is set for half-pressing the AF-ON button. And full-press setting 503 is "User setting," and the setting can be changed by the user. Fig. 5(c) shows a state in which the default "metering and AF start" function is set for full-pressing the AF-ON button.

[0086] The AF-ON2 full press setting 503 can be changed by the user and is therefore normally displayed, whereas the AF-ON2 half press setting 502 cannot be changed by the user and is therefore displayed grayed out.

[0087] When the user presses the INFO button or touches the detailed settings icon 505, a function list screen 512 that can be set to full press in the AF-ON2 item is displayed (FIG. 5(d)).

[0088] The function list screen 512 in FIG. 5D is a screen for setting a function to full press of the AF-ON2 item, so that "full press" is displayed in the operation name 507. In addition, function icons of the third function group are displayed as function icons 508 corresponding to settable functions. When the user presses the SET button or touches the OK icon 511 on the function list screen 512, the function to be set to full press of the AF-ON2 item is changed to the function selected by the cursor 509, and the screen returns to the detailed setting screen 500. Then, the function selected on the function list screen 512 is displayed in the full press setting 503 on the detailed setting screen 500. When the user presses the MENU button or touches the back icon 505 on the detailed setting screen 500, the screen returns to the setting screen 400.

[0089] FIG. 5(e) shows a detailed setting screen 500 for AF-ON6, and therefore an icon indicating AF-ON6 is displayed in item 501. Half-press setting 502 shows that the "metering and AF start" function is set when the AF-ON button is half-pressed. Full-press setting 503 is a "user setting," and the setting can be changed by the user. FIG. 5(e) shows that the default setting, "metering and AF start," is set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed.

[0090] The AF-ON6 full press setting 503 can be changed by the user and is therefore normally displayed, whereas the AF-ON6 half press setting 502 cannot be changed by the user and is therefore displayed grayed out.

[0091] When the user presses the INFO button or touches the detailed settings icon 504, a function list screen 513 that can be set when AF-ON6 is fully pressed is displayed (FIG. 5(f)).

[0092] 5(f) is a screen for setting a function for full press of the AF-ON6 item, so "full press" is displayed in operation name 507. In addition, function icons of the second function group are displayed as function icons 508 corresponding to settable functions. When the user presses the SET button or touches OK icon 511 in function list screen 512, the function to be set for full press of the AF-ON button is changed to the function selected by cursor 509, and the screen returns to detailed setting screen 500. Then, in full press setting 503 in detailed setting screen 500, the function selected in function list screen 513 is displayed.

[0093] When the user presses the MENU button or touches the back icon 505 on the detailed setting screen 500, the screen returns to the setting screen 400.

[0094] In the case of AF-ON6, the function set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway is fixed to "metering and AF start," so the functions set when the AF-ON button is pressed all the way are limited to functions that can be executed simultaneously with "metering and AF start." Therefore, the number of functions in the second function group displayed on the function list screen 513 is smaller than the number of functions in the first function group and the third function group displayed on the function list screens 506 and 512.

[0095] For example, the first and third function groups include functions for displaying setting screens, functions to assist in setting, and functions related to playback. Functions for displaying setting screens include functions for displaying the shooting mode setting screen, menu screen, quick setting screen, and white balance setting screen. Functions that assist in setting include functions related to display panel illumination and information switching on the display panel. Functions related to playback include functions related to image playback, enlarging played-back images, erasing played-back images, and rating played-back images. These functions are not related to "metering and AF start," and are therefore not included in the second function group.

[0096] [Settings for assigning functions to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button] 6A and 6B are flowcharts of the setting process (processing of S303) for assigning functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button 212. As shown in FIG. 4(d), combinations of functions that can be set to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button 212 are set in advance. The user can select a function to be assigned to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button 212 from among these combinations. In the places in FIG. 4(d) that are described as "user setting," the function can be set by user selection. The process of FIG. 6 is realized by loading a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 38 into the volatile memory 39 and executing it by the system control unit 40.

[0097] In S601, the system control unit 40 displays the setting screen 400 for assigning functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button.

[0098] In S602, the system control unit 40 determines whether the cross key has been operated and an instruction has been input from the user to change the selection of an item (AF-ON1 to AF-ON7) on the AF-ON button setting screen 400. If it is determined that an instruction to change the selection of an item has been input, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S603, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S604.

[0099] In S603, the system control unit 40 moves the cursor 401 on the setting screen 400 for assigning functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button from the currently selected item to another item, thereby changing the selected item. Then, the system control unit 40 displays the settings 411 for half-pressing the AF-ON button and the settings 412 for full-pressing the AF-ON button, which are set for the selected item, in the setting content display area 410.

[0100] In S604, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the SET button has been pressed on the AF-ON button setting screen 400. If it is determined that the SET button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S605, and if not, the process proceeds to S606.

[0101] In S605, the system control unit 40 assigns the functions displayed in the setting content display area 410 in the setting screen 400 to the half-press and full-press operations of the AF-ON button 212. In other words, the functions set in the item being selected in the setting screen 400 are assigned to the half-press and full-press operations of the AF-ON button 212. Here, if the user determines that the pre-set function combination is acceptable, the pre-set functions can be assigned to the half-press and full-press operations. However, if the pre-set function combination does not include the function combination desired by the user, the processing from S606 onwards allows the user to set the desired function for the operation described as "user setting" in FIG. 4(d). As a result, the function combination desired by the user can be assigned to the half-press and full-press operations, respectively.

[0102] In S606, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the INFO button has been pressed on the setting screen 400. If it is determined that the INFO button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S607, and if not, the process returns to S601.

[0103] In S607, the system control unit 40 displays a detailed setting screen 500 for setting the functions of half-press operation and full-press operation in the selected item. That is, the system control unit 40 displays a detailed setting screen 500 (for example, Figs. 5(a), (c), and (e)) according to the items selected in S602 and S603. In the detailed setting screen 500, for the selected item to be detailedly set, an item name 501, a half-press setting 502 of the AF-ON button, and a full-press setting 503 of the AF-ON button are displayed, and further, a detailed setting icon 504 and a back icon 505 are displayed. The half-press setting 502 and the full-press setting 503 display functions that are set in advance as shown in Fig. 4(d). For "user setting", the currently set function (initial setting function or function changed by the user) is displayed.

[0104] In S608, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the detailed setting screen for AF-ON1 among the items is displayed. If it is determined that the detailed setting screen for AF-ON1 is displayed, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S609, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S618.

[0105] In S609, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the MENU button has been pressed on the detailed setting screen of AF-ON 1. If it is determined that the MENU button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S610, and if not, the process proceeds to S612.

[0106] In S610, the system control unit 40 performs control to return to the AF-ON button setting screen 400, and proceeds to S601. Here, to return to the AF-ON button setting screen 400 from the AF-ON1 detailed setting screen 500, the cursor 401 is set to select AF-ON1 on the AF-ON button setting screen 400, as shown in Fig. 4A. In addition, when returning to the AF-ON button setting screen 400, the functions currently set for half-press and full-press of AF-ON1, respectively, and displayed in half-press setting 502 and full-press setting 503, respectively, are displayed in setting 411 and setting 412, respectively.

[0107] In S611, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the INFO button has been pressed on the detailed setting screen of AF-ON 1. If it is determined that the INFO button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S612, and if not, the process returns to S609.

[0108] In S612, the system control unit 40 displays a function list screen 506 (FIG. 5B) in which a first group of functions selectable as functions that can be set when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed is displayed in the AF-ON1 item.

[0109] In S613, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the cross key has been operated and an instruction to change the selection of a function icon on the function list screen 506 has been input from the user. If it is determined that an instruction to change the selection of a function icon has been input, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S614, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S615.

[0110] In S614, the system control unit 40 moves the cursor 509 from the currently selected function icon to another function icon on the function list screen 506 that displays the first group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is half-pressed, thereby changing the selected function icon.

[0111] In S615, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the SET button is pressed on the function list screen 506 that displays a first group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is half-pressed. If it is determined that the SET button is pressed, the process proceeds to S616, and if not, the process returns to S613.

[0112] In S616, the system control unit 40 sets the function selected on the function list screen 506 to half-pressing AF-ON1.

[0113] In S617, the system control unit 40 performs control to return to the AF-ON1 detailed setting screen 500, and proceeds to S609. Here, the function selected in S614 is displayed in the half-press setting 502 on the AF-ON1 detailed setting screen 500.

[0114] In S618, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the detailed setting screen for AF-ON2 among the items is displayed. If it is determined that the detailed setting screen for AF-ON2 is displayed, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S619, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S628.

[0115] In S619, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the MENU button has been pressed on the detailed setting screen of AF-ON 2. If it is determined that the MENU button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S620, and if not, the process proceeds to S621.

[0116] In S620, the system control unit 40 performs control to return to the AF-ON button setting screen 400, and proceeds to S601. Here, to return to the AF-ON button setting screen 400 from the AF-ON2 detailed setting screen 500, the cursor 401 is set to select AF-ON2 on the AF-ON button setting screen 400, as shown in Fig. 4B. In addition, when returning to the AF-ON button setting screen 400, the functions currently set for half-press and full-press of AF-ON2, respectively, and displayed in half-press setting 502 and full-press setting 503, respectively, are displayed in setting 411 and setting 412, respectively.

[0117] In S621, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the INFO button has been pressed on the detailed setting screen of AF-ON2. If it is determined that the INFO button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S622, and if not, the process returns to S619.

[0118] In S622, the system control unit 40 displays, in the AF-ON2 item, a function list screen 512 (FIG. 5(d)) in which a third function group that can be selected as a function that can be set when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed is displayed. Note that the third function group includes the same functions as the first function group. In other words, the first function group and the third function group include the same number and types of functions.

[0119] As described later, AF-ON1 and AF-ON2 are also options that can be selected when a user wants to use either half-press or full-press operations. In this way, when a user wants to use only one operation, it is easy for the user to use if the set of functions that can be set for half-press and full-press operations is the same.

[0120] In S623, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the cross key has been operated and an instruction to change the selection of a function icon on the function list screen 512 has been input from the user. If it is determined that an instruction to change the selection of a function icon has been input, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S624, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S625.

[0121] In S624, the system control unit 40 moves the cursor 509 from the currently selected function icon to another function icon on the function list screen 512 that displays a third group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed, thereby changing the selected function icon.

[0122] In S625, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the SET button has been pressed on the function list screen 512 that displays the third group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed. If it is determined that the SET button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S626, and if not, the process proceeds to S623.

[0123] In S626, the system control unit 40 sets the function selected on the function list screen 512 to the full press of AF-ON2.

[0124] In S627, the system control unit 40 performs control to return to the AF-ON2 detailed setting screen 500, and proceeds to S619. Here, the full press setting 503 on the AF-ON2 detailed setting screen 500 displays the function selected in S624.

[0125] In S628, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the detailed setting screen for AF-ON6 among the items is displayed. If it is determined that the detailed setting screen for AF-ON6 is displayed, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S629, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S638.

[0126] In S629, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the MENU button has been pressed on the detailed setting screen of AF-ON 6. If it is determined that the MENU button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S630, and if not, the process proceeds to S631.

[0127] In S630, the system control unit 40 performs control to return to the AF-ON button setting screen 400, and proceeds to S601. Here, to return to the AF-ON button setting screen 400 from the AF-ON6 detailed setting screen 500, the cursor 401 is set to select AF-ON6 on the AF-ON button setting screen 400, as shown in Fig. 4C. In addition, when returning to the AF-ON button setting screen 400, the functions currently set for half-press and full-press of AF-ON6, respectively, and displayed in half-press setting 502 and full-press setting 503, respectively, are displayed in setting 411 and setting 412, respectively.

[0128] In S631, it is determined whether or not the INFO button has been pressed on the detailed setting screen of AF-ON 6. If it is determined that the INFO button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S632, and if not, the process returns to S629.

[0129] In S632, the system control unit 40 displays, in the AF-ON6 item, a function list screen 513 (FIG. 5(f)) on which a second group of functions selectable as functions that can be set when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed is displayed.

[0130] Here, as in S304 to S310 in FIG. 3, when a half-press operation and a full-press operation are performed in order, the function assigned to the half-press operation and the function assigned to the full-press operation are executed in order. That is, after a function assigned to the half-press operation is executed, a function related to the function is executed consecutively. Therefore, the second function group is limited to functions that can be executed after the function assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button is executed. Alternatively, the second function group may be limited to functions related to the function assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button, rather than being limited to functions that can be executed after the function assigned to the half-press operation of the AF-ON button is executed. Since the half-press operation and the full-press operation are consecutive operations on the same AF-ON button 212, the related operations have better operability. In this way, since the functions of the second function group are limited, the number of the second function group is smaller than the number of the first function group and the third function group.

[0131] In S633, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the cross key has been operated and an instruction to change the selection of a function icon on the function list screen 513 has been input from the user. If it is determined that an instruction to change the selection of a function icon has been input, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S634, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S635.

[0132] In S634, the system control unit 40 moves the cursor 509 from the currently selected function icon to another function icon on the function list screen 513 that displays a second group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed, thereby changing the selected function icon.

[0133] In S635, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the SET button has been pressed on the function list screen 513 that displays the second group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed. If it is determined that the SET button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S636, and if not, the process proceeds to S633.

[0134] In S636, the system control unit 40 sets the function selected on the function list screen 513 to the full press of AF-ON6.

[0135] In S637, the system control unit 40 performs control to return to the AF-ON6 detailed setting screen 500, and proceeds to S629. Here, the full press setting 503 on the AF-ON6 detailed setting screen 500 displays the function selected in S634.

[0136] In S628, if it is determined that the detail setting screen 500 for AF-ON6 is not displayed, the detail setting screen 500 for any of AF-ON3, AF-ON4, AF-ON5, and AF-ON7 is displayed. In the detail setting screens 500 for AF-ON3, AF-ON4, AF-ON5, and AF-ON7, functions are preset for half press and full press and cannot be changed by the user, so the half press setting 502 and full press setting 503 are displayed in gray. Since neither the half press setting 502 nor the full press setting 503 can be changed, the detail setting icon 504 is not displayed, and even if the INFO button is operated, there is no transition to the function list screen.

[0137] In S638, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the MENU button has been pressed while the detailed setting screen for any one of AF-ON3, AF-ON4, AF-ON5, and AF-ON7 is displayed. If it is determined that the MENU button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S639, and if not, the process returns to S638.

[0138] In S639, the system control unit 40 controls to return to the setting screen 400 for assigning functions to half-pressing and full-pressing the AF-ON button, and proceeds to S601.

[0139] As described above, when no function is set to either halfway pressing or full pressing, as in the case of AF-ON1 and AF-ON2, there is no need to restrict the options for the function to be set to the other of halfway pressing or full pressing. This increases the degree of freedom of the functions that can be set to the AF-ON button 212. When a user only uses halfway pressing by pressing the button with a weak force and wants to execute the function assigned to the halfway pressing, it is possible to set the button so that no function is assigned to the full pressing. When a user only uses full pressing by pressing the button with a strong force and wants to execute the function assigned to the full pressing, it is possible to set the button so that no function is assigned to the halfway pressing. In this way, it is possible to switch the combination of functions assigned to halfway pressing and full pressing according to how the user uses the button.

[0140] Furthermore, in cases like AF-ON6 where a function is assigned to either half-press or full-press, and the other operation is "user-defined," the following function restrictions are applied. In accordance with the function assigned to one operation, the options for functions that can be set for the other operation that is "user-defined" are restricted. This makes it possible to assign an appropriate combination of functions to half-press and full-press operations.

[0141] In the above embodiment, in AF-ON6, when half-pressing is preset to "exposure metering and AF start" and full-pressing is "user setting", the functions that can be set by full-pressing AF-ON6 are limited to functions related to "exposure metering and AF start". However, it is also possible to provide an item of AF-ON8 in which functions such as "exposure metering and AF start" are preset to full-pressing and half-pressing is "user setting". In this case, when setting a function for half-pressing AF-ON8 on the function list screen, it is preferable to configure it so that the settable functions are limited from the second function group to a restricted function group that is related to the function set for full-pressing and can be executed simultaneously.

[0142] (Embodiment 2) In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the imaging device 200 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the user can not only select from AF-ON1 to AF-ON7, which are combinations of functions that can be set for half-press and full-press operations, as in the first embodiment, but also set a desired combination of functions for half-press and full-press operations. (1) When the user sets “shooting mode setting” for the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212 Fig. 7 shows a detailed setting screen for the AF-ON button. When the user sets "shooting mode setting" for half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 (Fig. 7(a)), a function list screen is displayed (Fig. 7(b)) showing a fourth group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the icon 701 for the shooting mode selection function included in the fourth group of functions is grayed out with an "X" displayed, and cannot be selected.

[0143] If the process executed by the two operations is the same, the process may become invalid when the user performs the operation twice. To avoid such a case, the functions set for a half-press and a full press are made different, so that the functions set for a half-press are made unselectable among the functions that can be set for a full press. This makes it possible to prevent the shooting mode setting screen from disappearing even if the user mistakenly performs a full press after performing a half-press operation. (2) When the user sets the "protect button" for the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212 Fig. 7 shows a detailed setting screen for the AF-ON button. When the user has set the "protect button" for the half-press operation of the AF-ON button 212 (Fig. 7(c)), a function list screen is displayed (Fig. 7(d)) ​​showing a fifth group of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is fully pressed. As shown in Fig. 7(d), the icon 702 for the image deletion function included in the fifth group of functions is grayed out with an "X" displayed, and cannot be selected.

[0144] If an image protected by the function of marking important images is mistakenly deleted, it will cause a disadvantage to the user. Therefore, among the fifth function group, the image deletion function is made unselectable. This makes it possible to prevent images from being deleted even if the user mistakenly presses the button all the way after pressing it halfway.

[0145] (Other embodiments) 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. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0146] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0147] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0148] (Configuration 1) a first operation unit capable of receiving a second operation following a first operation; an assignment means for assigning a function to each of the first operation and the second operation in response to a user selection; a processing means for executing, in response to the first operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the first operation, and for executing, in response to the second operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the second operation, when no function is assigned to the first operation, a function to be assigned to the second operation is selected from a first function group; a control means for controlling, when a function is assigned to the first operation, to select a function to be assigned to the second operation from a second function group having selectable functions more limited than those of the first function group; 1. An electronic device comprising:

[0149] (Configuration 2) 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the processing means does not execute processing in response to the first operation if the assignment means does not assign a function to the first operation.

[0150] (Configuration 3) 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the second group of functions includes a function related to a function assigned to the first operation.

[0151] (Configuration 4) When the function assigned to the first operation is a function for performing autofocus, 4. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means controls the selection to be made from the second function group related to autofocus.

[0152] (Configuration 5) The electronic device described in configuration 1, characterized in that when a function is not assigned to the second operation, the control means controls the function to be assigned to the first operation to be selected from a third function group different from the second function group.

[0153] (Configuration 6) 6. The electronic device according to configuration 5, wherein the first functional group and the third functional group are the same.

[0154] (Configuration 7) 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the number of functions in the second functional group is smaller than the number of functions in the first functional group.

[0155] (Configuration 8) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, further characterized in that the electronic device has a second operation unit different from the first operation unit and capable of accepting the first operation and the second operation.

[0156] (Configuration 9) 9. The electronic device according to configuration 8, wherein the second operation unit is a shutter button.

[0157] (Configuration 10) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the first operation is a half-press operation on the first operating unit, and the second operation is a full-press operation on the first operating unit.

[0158] (Configuration 11) The assignment means selects from a plurality of items in which functions to be assigned to the first operation and the second operation are set, 12. An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that a function set in one item selected in response to a user operation is assigned to each of the first operation and the second operation.

[0159] (Configuration 12) The plurality of items include items to which functions are assigned in advance for the first operation and the second operation, and items to which functions are assigned in advance for either the first operation or the second operation, 12. The electronic device according to configuration 11, further comprising an item that allows the function to be assigned to be set in response to a user operation.

[0160] (Configuration 13) The control means, with respect to an item among the plurality of items for which a function to be assigned to either one of the first operation and the second operation can be set in response to a user operation, 13. The electronic device according to configuration 12, wherein a function set for one of the operations in the item is changed in response to a user operation.

[0161] (Configuration 14) The control means setting a function selected from the first function group for the second operation in an item in which no function is set for the first operation and a function can be set for the second operation by a user operation; When a function is set for the first operation and the second operation is an item for which a function can be set by a user operation, a function selected from the second function group is set for the second operation. 14. The electronic device according to configuration 12 or 13, characterized in that the electronic device is controlled as follows.

[0162] (Configuration 15) A selection means for selecting one item from the plurality of items in response to a user operation; Display control means for controlling to display a combination of functions set for the first operation and the second operation in the item selected by the selection means; The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 12 to 14, characterized by having .

[0163] (Configuration 16) The assignment means assigns the functions set for the selected item to the first operation and the second operation respectively according to a user operation for determining the item selected by the selection means. The electronic device according to Configuration 15, characterized by this.

[0164] (Configuration 17) The display control means is as follows. When an item for which a function to be assigned can be set according to a user operation for either one of the first operation and the second operation is selected by the selection means, in response to a user operation for changing the function set for the one operation, controls to display a list screen of a group of functions that can be set for the one operation; When an item for which a function can be set by a user operation for the second operation and no function is set for the first operation is selected by the selection means, in response to a user operation for changing the function set for the second operation, controls to display the first function group on the list screen; When an item for which a function can be set by a user operation for the second operation and a function is set for the first operation is selected by the selection means, in response to a user operation for changing the function set for the second operation, controls to display the second function group on the list screen. The electronic device according to Configuration 15 or 16, characterized by this.

[0165] (Configuration 18) an assignment step of assigning a function to each of a first operation and a second operation that can be accepted by the first operation unit in response to a user selection; a processing step of executing, in response to the first operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the first operation, and executing, in response to the second operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the second operation, when no function is assigned to the first operation, a function to be assigned to the second operation is selected from a first function group; a control step of controlling, when a function is assigned to the first operation, to select a function to be assigned to the second operation from a second function group having selectable functions more limited than those of the first function group; 13. A method for controlling an electronic device comprising:

[0166] (Configuration 19) 20. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an electronic device according to configuration 18.

[0167] (Configuration 20) A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an electronic device according to configuration 18.

Claims

1. a first operation unit capable of receiving a second operation following a first operation; an assignment means for assigning a function to each of the first operation and the second operation in response to a user selection; a processing means for executing, in response to the first operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the first operation, and for executing, in response to the second operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the second operation, when no function is assigned to the first operation, a function to be assigned to the second operation is selected from a first function group; a control means for controlling, when a function is assigned to the first operation, to select a function to be assigned to the second operation from a second function group having selectable functions more limited than those of the first function group; 1. An electronic device comprising:

2. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing means does not execute the process in response to the first operation when the assignment means has not assigned a function to the first operation.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the second function group includes a function related to a function assigned to the first operation.

4. When the function assigned to the first operation is a function for performing autofocus, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the selection from the second function group relating to autofocus.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when no function is assigned to the second operation, the control means controls the function to be assigned to the first operation to be selected from a third function group different from the second function group.

6. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the first function group and the third function group are the same.

7. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the number of functions in the second functional group is smaller than the number of functions in the first functional group.

8. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a second operation unit different from the first operation unit and capable of accepting the first operation and the second operation.

9. 9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the second operation unit is a shutter button.

10. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation is a half-press operation on the first operation unit, and the second operation is a full-press operation on the first operation unit.

11. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the assignment means assigns, to each of the first operation and the second operation, a function set in one item selected in response to a user operation from a plurality of items in which functions to be assigned to the first operation and the second operation are respectively set.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of items include an item in which a function to be assigned to the first operation and the second operation is pre-set, and an item in which a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation can be set in accordance with a user operation.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that, for an item among the plurality of items in which a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation can be set in response to a user operation, the control means changes the function set for the one operation in the item in response to the user operation.

14. The control means setting a function selected from the first function group for the second operation in an item in which no function is set for the first operation and a function can be set for the second operation by a user operation; When a function is set for the first operation and a function can be set for the second operation by a user operation, a function selected from the second function group is set for the second operation.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that the electronic device is controlled as follows.

15. a selection means for selecting one item from the plurality of items in response to a user operation; a display control means for controlling to display a combination of functions set for the first operation and the second operation in the item selected by the selection means; 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising:

16. 16. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the assignment unit assigns a function set in the selected item to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, in response to a user operation for confirming the item selected by the selection unit.

17. The display control means when an item for setting a function to be assigned to one of the first operation and the second operation in response to a user operation is selected by the selection means, control is performed so as to display a list screen of a group of functions that can be set to the one operation in response to a user operation for changing the function to be set to the one operation, when no function is set for the first operation and an item for which a function can be set by a user operation for the second operation is selected by the selection means, control is performed so that the first function group is displayed on the list screen in response to a user operation for changing the function to be set for the second operation; when a function is set for the first operation and an item for which a function can be set for the second operation by a user operation is selected by the selection means, control is performed so that the second function group is displayed on the list screen in response to a user operation for changing the function to be set for the second operation.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16 .

18. an assignment step of assigning a function to each of a first operation and a second operation that can be accepted by the first operation unit in response to a user selection; a processing step of executing, in response to the first operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the first operation, and executing, in response to the second operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the second operation, when no function is assigned to the first operation, a function to be assigned to the second operation is selected from a first function group; a control step of controlling, when a function is assigned to the first operation, to select a function to be assigned to the second operation from a second function group having selectable functions more limited than those of the first function group; 13. A method for controlling an electronic device comprising:

19. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 18.

20. 20. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 18.

Images