Control device, electronic device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device that can ensure safety while suppressing a user's opportunity loss associated with restriction control against a rise in the temperature of the exterior of an electronic device.SOLUTION: The control device for controlling an electronic device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the contact time with a contact part being touched by a user, the material of the contact part, and the temperature of the contact part, a determination unit that determines an upper limit temperature on the basis of the contact time and material, and a control unit that executes an operation restriction on the electronic device when the temperature is greater than the upper limit temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, as electronic devices have become more sophisticated and thinner and smaller, the temperature of their exteriors has risen, which can be uncomfortable for users or harmful to the human body. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that performs power consumption reduction processing when the exterior of an imaging device reaches an uncomfortable temperature or an alert temperature just before a temperature that is harmful to the human body while the user is in contact with the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-82274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 does not take into account the impact on the human body due to differences in exterior surface materials or the duration of continuous contact with the exterior, and only restricts operation based on a temperature threshold. As a result, it is not possible to accurately determine whether something is actually harmful to the user, and restrictions are imposed on device operation even in situations where restrictions are not necessary, potentially resulting in lost opportunities for users to use the device.

[0005] The present invention can provide a control device that can ensure safety while suppressing opportunity loss for the user due to limiting control against an increase in exterior temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device as one aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls an electronic device, and is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires the contact time of a contact part that a user is in contact with, the material of the contact part, and the temperature of the contact part, a determination unit that determines an upper limit temperature based on the contact time and the material, and a control unit that executes operational restrictions on the electronic device when the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device that can ensure safety while suppressing opportunity losses for users that accompany limiting control against an increase in exterior temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an imaging device that is an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between safe temperatures in this embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of temperature limit control according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the temperature limit control of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the temperature limit control of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the temperature limit control of the present embodiment is applied to a head-mounted display. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the temperature restriction control of the present embodiment is applied to a smartphone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] 1A and 1B are external views of a digital camera (image capture device) 100, which is an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1A is a view of the digital camera 100 as seen from the front, and Fig. 1B is a view of the digital camera 100 as seen from the back.

[0011] The display unit 28 is provided on the back of the digital camera 100 and displays images and various information. The display unit 28 is connected to the rear exterior via a vari-angle mechanism and can be opened, closed, rotated, or otherwise adjusted from its position when stored in the display storage compartment 27 shown in FIG. 1(b). For example, the display unit 28 can be deployed as shown in FIG. 1(c) by opening and closing it. A display open / close detection sensor 28S is provided inside the display storage compartment 27 to detect whether the display unit 28 is open or closed. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 28. The outside-viewfinder display unit 43 is provided on the top surface of the digital camera 100 and displays various settings of the digital camera 100, such as shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is used to issue shooting instructions. The mode switch 60 is used to switch between various modes. The terminal cover 40 protects a connector (not shown) for connecting the digital camera 100 to an external device, such as a connection cable.

[0012] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operation member. Turning the main electronic dial 71 allows changes to be made to settings such as the shutter speed and aperture. The power switch 72 is used to turn the power of the digital camera 100 on and off. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operation member. Turning the sub electronic dial 73 allows movements of the selection frame (cursor) and images to be advanced. The four-way key 74 is configured so that the up, down, left, and right portions can each be pressed. By pressing the four-way key 74, processing corresponding to the portion pressed can be performed. The SET button 75 is a push button, and is mainly used to confirm a selected item.

[0013] The video button 76 is used to start or stop video shooting (recording). The AE lock button 77 is a push button. By pressing the AE lock button 77 in shooting standby mode, the exposure state can be fixed. The enlarge button 78 is used to switch the enlargement mode on and off in the live view display (LV display) of the shooting mode. By turning the enlargement mode on and operating the main electronic dial 71, the live view image (LV image) can be enlarged or reduced. In playback mode, the enlargement button 78 is used to enlarge the playback image or increase the magnification ratio. The playback button 79 is used to switch between shooting mode and playback mode. Pressing the playback button 79 in shooting mode switches to playback mode, and the most recent image recorded on the recording medium 200 (described later) can be displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is used to instruct the display unit 28 to display a menu screen. When the menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen on which various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the four-way key 74, and the SET button 75.

[0014] The communication terminal 10 is used when the digital camera 100 communicates with the lens unit 150, which will be described later. The eyepiece finder 17 is a peer-type finder. The user can view an image displayed on an internal EVF (Electronic View Finder) 29 through the eyepiece 16 of the eyepiece finder 17. The eyepiece detection unit 57 detects whether the user has placed their eye on the eyepiece 16. The grip unit 90 is a holding unit shaped to be easily held in the user's right hand when holding the digital camera 100. When the digital camera 100 is held by gripping the grip unit 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and main electronic dial 71 are located in positions that can be operated with the index finger of the right hand. In the same state, the sub electronic dial 73 is located in a position that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand. Thumb rest 91 is a grip member provided on the rear side of digital camera 100 in a position where it is easy to place the thumb of the right hand when gripping grip 90 without operating any of the operation members. Thumb rest 91 is made of a rubber member or the like to enhance holding power (grip feeling).

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 is configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 includes a lens 103. The lens 103 is usually made up of multiple lenses, but FIG. 2 shows only one lens for simplicity's sake. The communication terminal 6 is used when the lens unit 150 communicates with the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via the communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens system control circuit 4 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2. The lens system control circuit 4 also adjusts the focus by displacing the position of the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3.

[0016] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can control the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 under the control of the system control unit 50 .

[0017] The imaging unit 22 is an imaging element (image sensor) configured with a CCD, CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 22 may include an imaging surface phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0018] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, color conversion, etc.) on data from the A / D converter 23 or data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and focus detection control based on the arithmetic results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This allows TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, etc. to be performed. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL type AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the arithmetic results obtained.

[0019] The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, or is written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 and the EVF 29. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio.

[0020] The memory 32 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory). The D / A converter 19 converts the image display data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28 or the EVF 29. As a result, the image display data written to the memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29 via the D / A converter 19. The display unit 28 and the EVF 29 are each a display such as an LCD or an organic EL, and perform display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 19. The digital signal that has been A / D converted by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 19, and the analog signal is sequentially transferred to and displayed on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29, thereby enabling live view display.

[0021] The system control unit 50 is a control device that includes at least one processor and / or at least one circuit and that controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 realizes each process of this embodiment by executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, D / A converter 19, display unit 28, EVF 29, etc.

[0022] The system memory 52 is, for example, a RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, as well as programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, into the system memory 52.

[0023] The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM, etc. Constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, etc. are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56.

[0024] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0025] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video signals and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via a wired cable. The communication unit 54 can also be connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can also communicate with external devices via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including LV images) captured by the imaging unit 22 and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and various other information from external devices.

[0026] The orientation detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether an image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate and record the image. An acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used as the orientation detection unit 55. The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor of the orientation detection unit 55 can also be used to detect movement of the digital camera 100 (panning, tilting, lifting, whether the digital camera 100 is stationary, etc.).

[0027] The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects (detects proximity to) the eye (object) approaching (approaching) and moving away (moving away) from the eyepiece unit 16. The system control unit 50 switches the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 between on (display state) and off (non-display state) depending on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. Specifically, when the system is in a shooting standby state and the display destination switching setting is automatic switching, the display unit 28 is turned on as the display destination and the EVF 29 is turned off when the eye is not in contact with the camera. Furthermore, when the eye is in contact with the camera, the EVF 29 is turned on as the display destination and the display unit 28 is turned off. The eyepiece detection unit 57 can be, for example, an infrared proximity sensor, which can detect the approach of an object to the eyepiece unit 16 incorporating the EVF 29. When an object approaches, infrared light emitted from a light-emitting unit (not shown) of the eyepiece detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by a light-receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. The amount of received infrared light can also determine the distance an object approaches from the eyepiece 16 (eyepiece distance). In this way, the eyepiece detection unit 57 performs eyepiece detection, detecting the proximity of an object to the eyepiece 16. When an object approaching within a predetermined distance from the eyepiece 16 is detected from a non-eyepiece state (non-approaching state), it is detected as being in eye contact. When an object detected as being close moves away from the eyepiece state (approaching state) by a predetermined distance or more, it is detected as being disengaged. The threshold for detecting eye contact and the threshold for detecting disengagement may be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. Furthermore, after detecting eye contact, the eye is considered to be in the eye contact state until disengagement is detected. After detecting disengagement, the eye is considered to be in the non-eye contact state until contact is detected. The infrared proximity sensor is merely an example, and other sensors capable of detecting a state that can be considered as being in eye contact may be used for the eyepiece detection unit 57.

[0028] The temperature detection unit 119 is configured with temperature detection means (second detection means) 119s, such as a thermistor, to detect the exterior temperature of the digital camera 100. The temperature detection means 119s is not limited to one type, and may be arranged near one or more exteriors.

[0029] The contact detection unit 120 is configured with contact detection means (first detection means) 120s to detect whether or not the user is touching the exterior of the digital camera 100. The contact detection means 120s is, for example, a pressure sensor, an optical proximity sensor, or a capacitance sensor, but is not limited to one type, and may be arranged near one or more exteriors.

[0030] The contact time detection unit 121 detects the continuous contact time (contact time) during which the user is continuously in contact with the exterior of the digital camera 100. As with the contact detection unit 120s, the contact time detection means (third detection means) 121s constituting the contact time detection unit 121 may be a pressure sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like, but is not limited to one type and may be arranged near one or more exteriors. Furthermore, the contact time detection means 121s and the contact detection means 120s may be a single detection means or different detection means. The system control unit 50 may be configured to acquire the contact time using information from the contact detection unit 120.

[0031] Various setting values ​​of the digital camera 100 such as shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the outside viewfinder display section 43 via an outside viewfinder display section drive circuit 44 .

[0032] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches between blocks that receive current, and other components, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery charge. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each component, including the recording medium 200. The power supply unit 30 is composed of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, or an AC adapter.

[0033] The recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0034] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that accepts operations from the user (user operations) and is used to input various operational instructions to the system control unit 50. The operation unit 70 includes a shutter button 61, a mode selector switch 60, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, and other operation members 70b. The other operation members 70b include a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a SET button 75, a video button 76, an AE lock button 77, a magnification button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, and the like.

[0035] The shutter button 61 includes a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is pressed halfway (a shooting preparation command) during operation, and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts shooting preparation operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0036] The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (photographing instruction) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The second shutter switch signal SW2 causes the system control unit 50 to start a series of photographing processing operations, from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image to the recording medium 200 as an image file.

[0037] The mode selector switch 60 is used to switch the operating mode of the system control unit 50 between a still image capture mode, a video capture mode, and a playback mode. Modes included in the still image capture mode include an auto capture mode, an auto scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide capture settings for specific capture scenes. Using the mode selector switch 60, the user can directly switch to one of these modes. Alternatively, after switching to a list screen of capture modes with the mode selector switch 60, the user may selectively switch to one of the displayed modes using another operating member. Similarly, the video capture mode may also include multiple modes.

[0038] The touch panel 70a is a touch sensor that detects various touch operations on the display surface of the display unit 28 (the operation surface of the touch panel 70a). The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured so that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with display coordinates on the display surface of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the user to directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0039] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations on the touch panel 70a or the state of the touch panel 70a.

[0040] A finger or pen that has not been touching the touch panel 70a touches the touch panel 70a again, that is, the start of touching (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down). A state in which the touch panel 70a is touched with a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as Touch-On) A finger or pen is moved while touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move). The finger or pen that has been touching the touch panel 70a is released from the touch panel 70a, that is, the end of touch (hereinafter referred to as "touch-up"). A state in which nothing is touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Off) When a touch down is detected, a touch on is also detected at the same time. After a touch down, a touch on is usually continued to be detected unless a touch up is detected. If a touch move is detected, a touch on is also detected at the same time. Even if a touch on is detected, a touch move is not detected unless the touch position moves. Once it is detected that all fingers or pens that were touching have touched up, a touch off occurs.

[0041] These operation and status information and the coordinates of the position where the finger or pen touches the touch panel 70a are notified to the system control unit 50 via the internal bus. The system control unit 50 determines what kind of operation (touch operation) was performed on the touch panel 70a based on the notified information. Regarding touch-move, the movement direction of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 70a can also be determined for each vertical and horizontal component on the touch panel 70a based on changes in the position coordinates. If a touch-move of a predetermined distance or more is detected, it is determined that a slide operation has been performed. An operation in which a finger is touched on the touch panel 70a, moved quickly for a certain distance, and then released is called a flick. In other words, a flick is an operation in which the finger is quickly traced across the touch panel 70a as if flicking. If a touch-move of a predetermined distance or more at a predetermined speed or more is detected and a touch-up is then detected, it is determined that a flick has been performed (it can be determined that a flick occurred following a slide operation). Furthermore, a touch operation in which multiple points (for example, two points) are touched together (multi-touch) and the touch positions are brought closer together is called a pinch in, and a touch operation in which the touch positions are moved farther apart is called a pinch out. Pinch out and pinch in are collectively called a pinch operation (or simply pinch). The touch panel 70a may be any of a variety of touch panel types, including resistive film type, capacitive type, surface acoustic wave type, infrared type, electromagnetic induction type, image recognition type, and optical sensor type. There are types that detect a touch by contact with the touch panel, and types that detect a touch by the approach of a finger or pen to the touch panel, and either type is acceptable.

[0042] The temperature limit control using the temperature detection unit 119, the contact detection unit 120, and the contact time detection unit 121 will be described below. Generally, if the temperature of a material is constant, more thermal energy can be conducted to other substances when contacting a material with a high thermal conductivity than when contacting a material with a low thermal conductivity. Therefore, the risk to the human body is greater. In addition, since the continuous contact time is a variable that determines the total amount of thermal energy conducted to the human body, it is an important parameter among the indicators of the degree of danger to the human body. These concepts are also specified by thermal safety standards (such as IEC62368-1).

[0043] FIG. 3 is a safety temperature relationship diagram of the present embodiment, showing the continuous contact time, which is the duration for which a user can contact the exterior of the digital camera 100 from the perspective of safety, with respect to the upper limit temperature of the exterior of the digital camera 100. FIG. 3(a) shows the safety temperature relationship 300a for a predetermined exterior material. Here, Ta1, Ta2, and Ta3 represent the exterior temperatures respectively, and the relationship among the three is Ta1>Ta2>Ta3. Also, t1, t2, and t3 represent the continuous contact times of the user with the exterior respectively, and the relationship among the three is t1<t2<t3. For example, when the exterior temperature is Ta2, the continuous contact time of the user is t2. If continuous contact is performed for a time exceeding the continuous contact time t2, it is harmful to the user's body, indicating that physical damage such as burns may occur. That is, for safety, if the exterior temperature is Ta2, continuous contact for a time longer than the user's continuous contact time t2 should not be performed. In the present embodiment, if the continuous contact time is t2, the temperature of the exterior surface should not exceed Ta2. Hereinafter, the temperature corresponding to Ta2 in the exterior temperature of the present embodiment will be expressed as the upper limit temperature Tm at the continuous contact time t2.

[0044] Figure 3(b) shows the safety temperature relationship 300b for an exterior material different from that in Figure 3(a). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the thermal conductivity λa of the exterior material Ma shown in the safety temperature relationship 300a is greater than the thermal conductivity λb of the exterior material Mb shown in the safety temperature relationship 300b. In this embodiment, the exterior material Ma is a metal such as a magnesium alloy, and its thermal conductivity is about 50 to 70 W / mK. The exterior material Mb is a resin or rubber material such as PC or NBR, and their thermal conductivities are about 0.1 to 0.5 W / mK, respectively. The exterior temperatures Tb1, Tb2, and Tb3 of the exterior material Mb indicate the upper limit temperature Tm corresponding to t1, t2, and t3, respectively, in the same manner as in the case of the exterior material Ma, and the relationship Tb1 > Tb2 > Tb3 holds.

[0045] Figure 3(c) is a diagram in which the safety temperature relationships 300a and 300b are plotted simultaneously, showing the safety temperature relationship 300ab. As shown in Figure 3(c), when the continuous contact times t1, t2, and t3 are common values respectively, the relationships Ta1 < Tb1, Ta2 < Tb2, and Ta3 < Tb3 hold. When contacting continuously for the same amount of time, since the risk to the human body is greater for the metal exterior surface than for the resin exterior surface, the upper limit temperature must also be lower. In this embodiment, the types of the exterior materials are two types, namely the exterior material Ma and the exterior material Mb, but the number of types may be three or more, or the entire exterior may be a single material. Although each safety temperature relationship diagram is represented as a graph, the relationship between the contact time and the upper limit temperature may be calculated using a function specific to the material, or a combination of several contact time and upper limit temperature points may be recorded as a table.

[0046] Hereinafter, referring to Figure 4, the method of temperature limit control executed by the system control unit 50 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the temperature limit control.

[0047] In step S401, the system control unit 50 determines whether the contact detection means 120s has detected a user's contact with the exterior of the digital camera 100. If the system control unit 50 determines that contact has been detected, it executes the process of step S402, and if it determines otherwise, it repeats the process of this step.

[0048] In step S402, the system control unit 50 identifies (acquires) the contact exterior (contact portion) P that the user is touching, based on information about the position where the contact detection unit 120s is mounted.

[0049] In step S403, the system control unit 50 determines (obtains) the exterior material M of the contact exterior P. It is assumed that the digital camera 100 has information about the exterior material M of each exterior in advance.

[0050] In step S404, the system control unit 50 acquires the continuous contact time t with the contact exterior P from the contact time detection means 121s.

[0051] In step S405, the system control unit 50 refers to the safe temperature relationship 300 corresponding to the exterior packaging material M and determines the upper limit temperature Tm for the current continuous contact time t using the continuous contact time t.

[0052] In step S406, the system control unit 50 acquires the actual contact temperature T of the contact exterior P from the temperature detection means 119s.

[0053] In step S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether the upper limit temperature Tm determined in step S405 is lower than the contact temperature T acquired in step S406. If the system control unit 50 determines that the upper limit temperature Tm is lower than the contact temperature T, it executes the process of step S408, and if it determines that the upper limit temperature Tm is not lower than the contact temperature T, it executes the process of step S401.

[0054] In step S408, for the safety of the user, the system control unit 50 restricts the functions of the digital camera 100. The restriction on the functions of the digital camera 100 may be a restriction on the recording function, including the resolution and frame rate, a restriction on the function of the shutter button 61, a power saving process such as a forced power shutdown, or simply a warning display on the display unit 28 or the EVF 29.

[0055] A safety margin may be provided for the upper limit temperature Tm. For example, the temperature margin may be determined by referring to the value of the detection error of the temperature detection means 119s.

[0056] In this embodiment, the system control unit 50 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the continuous contact time t, the exterior material M, and the contact temperature T. The system control unit 50 also functions as a determination unit that determines the upper limit temperature Tm. Furthermore, the system control unit 50 functions as a control unit that restricts the functions of the digital camera 100 when the upper limit temperature Tm is lower than the contact temperature T.

[0057] Desirable mounting positions of the temperature detecting means 119s, contact detecting means 120s, and contact time detecting means 121s, as well as the detecting means, will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0058] Grip section 90 is shaped to be held by the user when using digital camera 100, and is the part of the exterior that the user will be in contact with the most of the time. For this reason, it is desirable to provide various detection means for detecting the contact state and temperature of grip section 90.

[0059] Due to the structure of the digital camera 100, the imaging unit 22 is often located on the front side of the interior, while a circuit board including the system control unit 50 is located on the back side. The system control unit 50 consumes particularly large amounts of power within the digital camera 100, generating a large amount of heat. This makes the display housing 27, which is the exterior of the camera, prone to high temperatures. Therefore, to ensure safety in the event of user contact, it is desirable to subject it to temperature limit control and provide various detection means for detecting the contact state and temperature of the display housing 27. It is desirable to use an optical proximity sensor for at least one of the contact detection means 120s and contact time detection means 121s of the display housing 27. By using an optical proximity sensor arranged to detect the exterior surface of the display housing 27, it is possible to detect the open / closed state of the display 28 in addition to the user's contact state. This makes it possible to eliminate the conventional display open / close detection sensor 28S. Furthermore, when detecting contact and temperature of the display housing 27, it is desirable to switch the detection ON / OFF depending on the open / closed state of the display 28, regardless of the detection means. Specifically, it is desirable to turn on contact and temperature detection when it is detected that display unit 28 is not housed in display unit housing 27, and to turn off contact and temperature detection when display unit 28 is housed in display unit housing 27, since the user cannot touch display unit housing 27. This allows the power consumption of digital camera 100 to be reduced.

[0060] The strap attachment portion 301 is designed to support the digital camera 100 and lens unit 150 when the strap is in use. Because high durability is required, it is often made of metal. One example of a material for the strap attachment portion 301 is zinc die-cast, which has a very high thermal conductivity of approximately 100 W / mK, posing a high risk to the human body when its temperature rises. Furthermore, metal materials in general, not just zinc die-cast, have high thermal conductivity. Therefore, it is desirable to provide various detection means for detecting the contact state and temperature of the strap attachment portion 301. It is also desirable to use a capacitance sensor for at least one of the contact detection means 120s and contact time detection means 121s of the strap attachment portion 301. Due to the structure of the strap attachment portion 301, applying a pressure sensor or optical proximity sensor requires the respective sensors to be located on the exterior surface. On the other hand, a capacitance sensor can detect contact by locating the detection unit inside the digital camera 100, incorporating the strap attachment portion 301 as a detection circuit, and configuring it to detect the capacitance of the strap attachment portion 301 itself. This eliminates the need to place a sensor on the exterior surface, reducing the risk of sensor failure due to impacts, etc., and also making it possible to avoid false detection due to pressure detection, etc., when using a strap. Note that when a capacitance sensor is used for at least one of the contact detection means 120s and the contact time detection means 121s, it is desirable to set a detection threshold that detects the capacitance of the human body while not detecting objects other than the human body (such as gloves).

[0061] The temperature detection means 119s does not necessarily have to be mounted in close proximity to the contact detection means 120s or the contact time detection means 121s, for example, on the same board. Also, it is not necessary to directly detect the temperature of the exterior, and it is possible to predict the temperature of a specific exterior by understanding in advance the correlation between the temperature of the exterior and the temperature at the mounting position of the temperature detection means 119s.

[0062] Below, we will explain a method of temperature restriction control that is different from the flow in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing another example of temperature restriction control. In the following explanation, the contact detection means 120s and the contact time detection means 121s are considered to be the same detection means, and will be collectively referred to as contact detection means 120s.

[0063] In step S501, the system control unit 50 determines whether the contact detection unit 120s has detected a user's contact with the exterior of the digital camera 100. If the system control unit 50 determines that contact has been detected, it executes the process of step S502; if it determines that contact has not been detected, it executes the process of step S509.

[0064] In step S502, the system control unit 50 acquires the continuous contact time t. At this time, by acquiring the current continuous contact time t as the value obtained by adding the time for one sampling to the continuous contact time t at the previous sampling, it is possible to perform both contact detection and continuous contact time detection using only the contact detection means 120s.

[0065] The processes in steps S503 to S508 are similar to those in steps S402, S403, and S405 to S408 in FIG. 4, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0066] In step S509, the system control unit 50 acquires the continuous non-contact time I by performing the same calculation as for the continuous contact time t. The continuous non-contact time I is the antonym of the continuous contact time t, and is the duration during which the user does not touch the exterior of the digital camera 100 (the time from when it is detected that the user is not touching the exterior to when it is detected that the user is touching the exterior).

[0067] In step S510, the system control unit 50 determines whether the continuous non-contact time I is shorter than a reset margin time (predetermined time) R. The reset margin time R is the amount of time allowed from the last contact detection until the continuous contact time t is reset. That is, if no contact is made in the sampling period following the last contact detection, the continuous contact is discontinued, and the continuous contact time t becomes 0. However, the continuous contact time t is not reset until the reset margin time R has elapsed since the last contact detection. That is, if the continuous non-contact time I is shorter than the reset margin time R, the continuous contact time t is not reset. If the system control unit 50 determines that the continuous non-contact time I is shorter than the reset margin time R, it executes the process of step S511. If it determines that the continuous non-contact time I is not shorter than the reset margin time R, it executes the process of step S512.

[0068] In step S511, the system control unit 50 adds the continuous non-contact time I to the continuous contact time t. By controlling in this manner, even if a user action occurs in which continuous contact is not made for a very short period of time, such as when re-gripping the grip portion 90, continuous contact can be maintained as the contact determination, and a harmful contact state can be avoided.

[0069] In step S512, the system control unit 50 determines that the non-contact state has continued sufficiently and the risk has been reduced, and resets the continuous contact time t.

[0070] Below, we will explain a method of temperature limit control that is different from the flows of Figures 4 and 5. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing another example of temperature limit control.

[0071] The process of step S601 is the same as the process of step S401 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] The process of step S602 is the same as the process of step S502 in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The processes in steps S603 to S606 are similar to the processes in steps S402, S403, S405, and S406 in FIG. 4, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0074] In step S607, the system control unit 50 determines whether the contact temperature T is lower than the contact temperature (previous contact temperature) T0 acquired during the previous sampling. If the system control unit 50 determines that the contact temperature T is lower than the previous contact temperature T0, that is, if the temperature has decreased over time, it executes the process of step S608. If the system control unit 50 determines that the contact temperature T is not lower than the previous contact temperature T0, that is, if the temperature has increased over time, it executes the process of step S609.

[0075] If the temperature has decreased (been decreasing) over time, this means that contact has continued from a temperature higher than the current contact temperature T, and therefore the risk of personal injury such as burns is higher than if contact continued at the current contact temperature T. Therefore, in step S608, the system control unit 50 sets the current contact temperature to the previous contact temperature T0 (the current contact temperature is not updated).

[0076] If the temperature rises over time, it is expected that the continuous contact time will gradually decrease when the object is gripped continuously. Therefore, in step S609, the system control unit 50 sets the current contact temperature to the contact temperature T acquired in step S606 (updates the current contact temperature).

[0077] In step S609, the final contact temperature T is recorded as the previous contact temperature T0 so that it can be used for the next sampling.

[0078] The processes in steps S610 and S611 are similar to those in steps S407 and S408 in FIG. 4, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0079] As described above, even if the exterior temperature changes over time, control is possible so that the user can always use digital camera 100 within a safe temperature range. Here, in the flow of FIG. 6, whether or not to update the current contact temperature is determined by comparing contact temperature T with previous contact temperature T0 in step S607, but whether or not to update may also be determined based on the state of digital camera 100. For example, when image capture unit 22 performs an image capture operation, heat is generated, which promotes a rise in the temperature of the exterior of digital camera 100. Therefore, while it is determined that image capture unit 22 is performing an image capture operation, contact temperature T acquired in step S606 is used in the determination in step S610. On the other hand, when image capture unit 22 is not performing an image capture operation, the temperature of the exterior is assumed to be decreasing, and the current contact temperature is set to the previous contact temperature T0.

[0080] Below, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, we will explain modified examples in which the temperature limit control of this embodiment is applied to various digital devices. In the following explanation, the temperature detection unit 119s, the contact detection unit 120s, and the contact time detection unit 121s will be collectively referred to as the detection unit. However, as mentioned above, the contact detection unit 120s and the contact time detection unit 121s may be a single detection unit or may be different detection units. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit 119s does not necessarily have to be mounted in close proximity to the contact detection unit 120s or the contact time detection unit 121s, for example, on the same board, and it does not necessarily have to directly detect the temperature of the exterior.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the temperature restriction control of this embodiment is applied to a head-mounted display 700. The head-mounted display 700 includes a first detection unit 701 and a second detection unit 702. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the user holds the head-mounted display 700. Because the head-mounted display 700 has a face contact area 703 that is continuously in contact with the face, it may be designed to dissipate heat from a heat source to an exterior other than the face contact area 703. Therefore, by arranging the first detection unit 701 and the second detection unit 702, it is possible to restrict operation against dangerous temperatures even when the user continuously holds an exterior that is a target for concentrated heat dissipation. On the other hand, when the user does not touch the exterior, control is possible to avoid unnecessary operation restrictions, thereby preventing usability from being impaired. The first detection unit 701 and the second detection unit 702 may be arranged symmetrically when viewed from the front, taking into account factors such as dominant hand.

[0082] FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the temperature limit control of this embodiment is applied to a smartphone. The smartphone 710 includes a first detection unit 711, a second detection unit 712, a touch panel 713, and an exterior cover 714. The amount of heat generated by the smartphone 710 tends to increase as the smartphone 710 becomes more multifunctional, more sophisticated, and has improved imaging performance. Furthermore, when a user uses the smartphone 710, the smartphone 710 may be held in the user's hand or placed on a desk or tripod without being touched. Furthermore, the expected contact points on the exterior of the smartphone 710 are almost all parts of the exterior, and the materials vary depending on the location, for example, the touch panel 713 is made of glass, while the exterior cover 714 is made of resin, etc. Conventionally, operation is limited by contact detection, but the temperature limit is not changed depending on the exterior material being touched, or the temperature limit is not controlled based on the duration of continuous contact. As a result, there is a possibility that the user may unnecessarily impose operation restrictions even when the temperature is within a safe range.

[0083] By applying the temperature limit control of this embodiment, it is possible to detect the user's contact state and determine the limit temperature based on the thermal conductivity of the exterior material in contact and the duration of continuous contact, thereby limiting operation to an appropriate dangerous temperature according to the user's contact state. On the other hand, by not limiting operation when the user does not continuously contact the exterior, or by determining the limit temperature based on the thermal conductivity of the exterior material in contact, it is possible to control operation without unnecessary restrictions, thereby preventing usability from being impaired. Furthermore, input from the touch panel 713 may be at least one of the contact detection means 120s and the contact time detection means 121s, rather than being limited to the first detection unit 711 and the second detection unit 712, or a detection unit may be provided on the rear exterior of the smartphone 710. [Other Examples] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0084] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A control device for controlling an electronic device, an acquisition unit that acquires a contact time of the contact portion that the user is in contact with, a material of the contact portion, and a temperature of the contact portion; a determination unit that determines an upper limit temperature based on the contact time and the material; a control unit that, when the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature, imposes an operational restriction on the electronic device. (Configuration 2) 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the determination unit determines the upper limit temperature using data indicating a relationship between the contact time and the upper limit temperature for each of the materials. (Configuration 3) The control device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that if the time from when it is detected that the user is not in contact with the contact portion to when it is detected that the user is in contact with the contact portion is shorter than a predetermined time, measurement of the contact time is continued. (Configuration 4) 4. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein if the temperature decreases, the temperature is not updated, and if the temperature increases, the temperature is updated. (Configuration 5) A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4; a first detection means for detecting a contact of the user with the contact portion; and second detection means for detecting the temperature of the contact portion. (Configuration 6) 6. The electronic device according to configuration 5, further comprising a third detection means for detecting the contact time. (Configuration 7) 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the first detection means and the third detection means are the same means. (Configuration 8) 8. The electronic device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the first detection means and the third detection means is a pressure sensor. (Configuration 9) 8. The electronic device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the first detection means and the third detection means is an optical proximity sensor. (Configuration 10) 8. The electronic device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the first detection means and the third detection means is a capacitance sensor. (Configuration 11) the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, The electronic device according to any one of configurations 6 to 10, wherein the temperature is updated when the imaging unit is performing an imaging operation, and the temperature is not updated when the imaging unit is not performing an imaging operation. (Configuration 12) the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, 12. The electronic device according to configuration 11, wherein the contact portion is a grip portion. (Configuration 13) the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, 13. The electronic device according to configuration 11 or 12, wherein the contact portion is a display portion housing portion. (Configuration 14) the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, 14. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 11 to 13, wherein the contact portion is a strap attachment portion. (Method 1) A control method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: acquiring a contact time of a contact portion that a user is in contact with, a material of the contact portion, and a temperature of the contact portion; determining an upper temperature limit based on the contact time and the material; and when the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature, executing an operation restriction on the electronic device. (Configuration 15) A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in Method 1.

[0085] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 50 System control unit (control device, acquisition unit, decision unit, control unit) M Exterior material (material of contact part) P Contact exterior part (contact part) t Continuous contact time (contact time) Tm Upper temperature limit T contact temperature (temperature of contact area)

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an electronic device, an acquisition unit that acquires a contact time of a user with respect to a contact portion, a material of the contact portion, and a temperature of the contact portion; a determination unit that determines an upper limit temperature based on the contact time and the material; a control unit that, when the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature, imposes an operational restriction on the electronic device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines the upper limit temperature using data indicating a relationship between the contact time and the upper limit temperature for each of the materials.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that if the time from when it is detected that the user is not touching the contact portion to when it is detected that the user is touching the contact portion is shorter than a predetermined time, measurement of the contact time is continued.

4. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein if the temperature decreases, the temperature is not updated, and if the temperature increases, the temperature is updated.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2; a first detection means for detecting a contact of the user with the contact portion; and second detection means for detecting the temperature of the contact portion.

6. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, further comprising a third detection means for detecting the contact time.

7. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the first detecting means and the third detecting means are the same means.

8. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first detecting means and the third detecting means is a pressure sensor.

9. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first detecting means and the third detecting means is an optical proximity sensor.

10. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first detecting means and the third detecting means is a capacitance sensor.

11. the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the temperature is updated when the imaging unit is performing an imaging operation, and the temperature is not updated when the imaging unit is not performing an imaging operation.

12. the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, The electronic device according to claim 11 , wherein the contact portion is a grip portion.

13. the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the contact portion is a display portion housing portion.

14. the electronic device is an imaging device having an imaging unit, The electronic device according to claim 11 , wherein the contact portion is a strap attachment portion.

15. A control method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: acquiring a contact time of a contact portion that a user is in contact with, a material of the contact portion, and a temperature of the contact portion; determining an upper temperature limit based on the contact time and the material; and when the temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature, executing an operation restriction on the electronic device.

16. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 15.

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