Electronic apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Abstract

To improve usability when using an operation part capable of receiving a touch operation to an operation surface and a second depression operation following a first depression operation.SOLUTION: An assigning unit configured to assign a function to each of the first pressing operation and the second pressing operation in accordance with a setting by a user, wherein, in a case where a process corresponding to a predetermined function by a processing unit is executed by the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation, even if the touch operation is performed in a state where the first pressing operation is being performed or a state where the second pressing operation is being performed, A control unit configured to perform control so as not to execute processing corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, digital cameras have been known that have an operation unit to which a user can assign a desired function. For example, a user may assign a function (e.g., autofocus) to a specific operation unit, and the user may operate the specific operation unit to execute the assigned function. Also, various functions such as an autofocus (AF) function may be assigned to the operation unit.

[0003] Furthermore, some operation units provided in imaging devices are capable of two operations, a first-stage depression operation and a second-stage depression operation, per operation unit. Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera equipped with a shutter release button that can be depressed in both a first and second stages. It also discloses that when the shutter release button is depressed in the first stage, a movie image is recorded on a recording medium, and when the shutter release button is depressed in the second stage, a still image is recorded on the recording medium.

[0004] Furthermore, some operation units allow two operations for one operation unit: pressing the operation surface (pressing) and touching the operation surface (touch-move). Patent Document 2 discloses that performing a touch-move on the AF-ON button moves the focus point, and pressing the AF-ON button executes autofocus at the current focus point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-346080 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-181450 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If an operation unit capable of a first-stage press-down operation and a second-stage press-down operation is further enabled to perform touch-move on the operation surface, the number of functions assigned to one operation unit can be increased. In such an operation unit, a first-stage press-down operation is followed by a second-stage press-down operation without removing a finger from the operation unit. In this way, if a further press-down operation from the first stage to the second stage is performed without removing a finger from the operation unit, it is conceivable that the finger will move on the operation surface while the press-down operation is being performed. As a result, it is determined that a touch-move has been performed on the operation surface, and a process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch-move is executed against the user's intention.

[0007] For example, when a second-stage pressing operation, which is assigned with a function for stopping AF execution, is performed following a first-stage pressing operation, the finger may move on the operation surface, causing the imaging device to determine that a Touch Move has been performed on the operation surface. In such a case, not only is a process corresponding to the function for stopping AF execution being executed, but the focus point is also moved by the Touch Move, resulting in a process that the user did not intend due to the Touch Move.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can improve usability when using an operation unit that can accept a touch operation, a first press operation, and a second press operation following the first press operation on the same operation surface of a single operation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device of the present invention is characterized by having an operation unit capable of accepting a touch operation, a first press operation, and a second press operation following the first press operation on an operation surface of one operation unit; an assignment means for assigning a function to each of the first press operation and the second press operation in accordance with a user setting; a processing means for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation in accordance with the touch operation, for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first press operation in accordance with the first press operation, and for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second press operation in accordance with the second press operation; and a control means for performing control such that, when the first press operation or the second press operation causes a process corresponding to a predetermined function to be executed by the processing means, the process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation is not executed even if the touch operation is performed while the first press operation or the second press operation is being performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in an electronic device, usability is improved when using an operation unit that can accept a touch operation, a first pressing operation, and a second pressing operation following the first pressing operation on the same operating surface of a single operation unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device 200 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 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. [Figure 3]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the functions that can be assigned to the AF-ON button 212 according to this embodiment, where (a) is an example of a setting screen 300 for assigning functions to the AF-ON button 212, and (b) is a combination of functions that can be assigned to the AF-ON button 212. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for disabling TouchMove depending on the function assigned to the AF-ON button 212 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is an example of a setting screen 500 related to TouchMove according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments 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 designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. In this embodiment, an imaging device 200 is used as an example of an electronic device, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration of imaging device 200] The lens unit 100 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable lens 5. The lens 5 is usually made up of multiple lenses, but for simplicity, only one lens is shown here.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 acquires the maximum aperture value and minimum aperture value of the lens unit 100 via these communication terminals 6 and 10.

[0016] The AE sensor 15 measures the brightness of the subject through the lens unit 100 .

[0017] The AF sensor 11 outputs information about the defocus amount to the system control unit 40. The system control unit 40 controls the lens unit 100 based on this information.

[0018] The quick return mirror 12 is raised and lowered by an actuator (not shown) in response to an instruction from the system control unit 40 during exposure.

[0019] 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 obtained through the lens unit 100.

[0020] 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 .

[0021] 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 .

[0022] A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) 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.

[0023] The AMP circuit 21 amplifies the captured electrical signal with a gain corresponding to the set imaging sensitivity.

[0024] The A / D conversion circuit 22 converts the analog signal converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 20 into a digital signal.

[0025] 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 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 it 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 adjusts the white balance based on color balance information of the captured image.

[0026] The liquid crystal display unit 25 is a rear monitor for displaying images. Any display that displays images is not limited to a liquid crystal display type, and other types of displays such as organic EL (Electro Luminescence) may also be used.

[0027] 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 undergone image processing 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.

[0028] 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 external interfaces include USB, IEEE, and HDMI (registered trademark).

[0029] The memory 28 is a removable recording medium such as a memory card. However, it may be a built-in memory. The focus position can be stored (registered) in advance in the memory 28. The system control unit 40 controls the drive timing of the image sensor 20 via the timing control circuit 32.

[0030] 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 instructions 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.

[0031] The system control unit 40 controls the focal plane shutter 17 via the shutter control circuit 36 ​​.

[0032] 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 axis direction.

[0033] The non-volatile memory 38 is a non-volatile recording medium, and can store settings such as shutter speed, aperture value, and shooting sensitivity arbitrarily set by the user, as well as various other data, even when the imaging device 200 is not powered on.

[0034] 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 .

[0035] The in-finder liquid crystal display unit 41 displays, via an in-finder liquid crystal drive circuit 42, a frame indicating the distance measurement point for which autofocus is currently being performed, icons indicating the setting status of the camera, and the like.

[0036] 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 .

[0037] 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.

[0038] The system control unit 40 is a control unit that controls each unit included in the imaging device 200. The system control unit 40 executes various processes described below by expanding and executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 38 using the volatile memory 39 as a work memory.

[0039] Furthermore, the system control unit 40 can detect a touch operation or a press operation on the AF-ON button 212 based on a notification (output information) from the AF-ON button 212. Based on the output information from the AF-ON button 212, the system control unit 50 calculates the direction of movement of a finger or the like on the AF-ON button 212 (hereinafter referred to as the "movement direction") in eight directions: up, down, left, right, upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. Furthermore, based on the output information from the AF-ON button 212, the system control unit 40 calculates the amount of movement of a finger or the like on the AF-ON button 212 in two-dimensional directions along the x-axis and y-axis (hereinafter referred to as the "movement amount (x, y)").

[0040] The imaging device 200 controls AF so that a subject to be the target of AF is brought into focus in a captured image acquired by the imaging element 20. The system control unit 40 controls the image processing circuit 23 to display a frame indicating the position of the subject to be the target of AF in the captured image (hereinafter referred to as an AF frame) by combining it with the captured image. As will be described later, the system control unit 40 controls the display position of the AF frame in response to operation of the AF-ON button 212. Then, the system control unit 40 controls AF so that a subject at a position corresponding to the AF frame is brought into focus.

[0041] The system control unit 40 can further detect the following operations or states of the AF-ON button 212. The finger or the like that has not been touching the AF-ON button 212 touches the AF-ON button 212 again. In other words, the start of touching (hereinafter referred to as "touchdown"). The AF-ON button 212 is being touched with a finger or the like (hereinafter referred to as "touch-on"). The finger or other object is moving while touching the AF-ON button 212 (hereinafter referred to as "touch move"). The finger that was touching the AF-ON button 212 is released from the AF-ON button 212. In other words, the touch ends (hereinafter referred to as "touch-up"). A state in which nothing is touching the AF-ON button 212 (hereinafter referred to as "touch-off").

[0042] When a touch down is detected, a touch on is also detected at the same time. After a touch down, a touch on will normally continue to be detected unless a touch up is detected. A touch move is also detected when a touch on is detected. Even if a touch on is detected, if the movement amount (x, y) is 0, a touch move will not be detected. Once it is detected that all fingers that were touching have touched up, a touch off occurs.

[0043] The system control unit 40 determines what type of operation (touch operation) has been performed on the AF-ON button 212 based on the operation state, movement direction, and movement amount (x, y). Regarding TouchMove, the system control unit 40 detects movement of a finger or the like on the AF-ON button 212 in eight directions (up, down, left, right, upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right), or two-dimensional movement in the x-axis direction and y-axis direction. The system control unit 40 determines that a TouchMove operation has been performed when movement in any of the eight directions, or movement in one or both of the two-dimensional directions (x-axis and y-axis direction) is detected. In this embodiment, the AF-ON button 212 has an infrared sensor capable of detecting a touch operation by the user. However, the sensor included in the AF-ON button 212 may be a sensor of another type, such as a resistive film type, a surface acoustic wave type, a capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, or an optical sensor type.

[0044] [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.

[0045] The release button 201 is a button for issuing instructions to prepare for photography and to take a photograph, and by pressing the button halfway, the brightness of the subject is measured and the focus is achieved. By pressing the button all the way, the shutter is released and an image is taken.

[0046] The main electronic dial 202 is a rotary operation member. By rotating the main electronic dial 202, the user can set settings such as shutter speed and aperture, and fine-tune the enlargement ratio in enlargement mode.

[0047] The sub electronic dial 203 is a rotary operation member. By turning 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 displayed.

[0048] The power switch 204 is an operating member for turning the power on and off.

[0049] The protect button 205 is a button for carrying out processing such as protection and rating on images stored in a recording medium inside or outside the image capturing device 200 .

[0050] 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 .

[0051] The enlargement mode button 207 is a button that accepts operations to instruct a transition to enlargement mode (instruction to start enlargement mode) and to instruct an exit from enlargement mode (instruction to end enlargement mode) in the playback state.

[0052] The playback instruction button 208 is a button for displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 25 an image stored in a recording medium inside or outside the imaging device 200 .

[0053] The menu button 209 is a button for displaying various setting screens on the liquid crystal display unit 25.

[0054] The viewfinder eye detection means 210 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the viewfinder 16 is being looked into.

[0055] The multi-controller 211 is an operation member that can be operated in multiple directions to set a distance measurement point, which is the starting point for autofocus, and to move the enlargement frame (enlarged range) in an enlarged image display state.

[0056] [AF-ON button 212 configuration] The AF-ON button 212 is an operating member for issuing an instruction to start autofocusing on a subject in an image. FIG. 2(c) is a configuration diagram of the AF-ON button 212, which allows for multiple operations. The AF-ON button 212 is a button that allows for two-stage pressing operations, with each operation allowing for different inputs. Hereinafter, of the two-stage pressing operations on the AF-ON button 212, the first pressing operation will be referred to as a "half-press," and the second pressing operation following the first pressing operation will be referred to as a "full press." Furthermore, when a "touch-move operation" is performed as a touch operation on the AF-ON button 212, this is detected, and processing according to the touch-move operation is executed.

[0057] The keytop 213 is configured to be exposed to the outside as the part that the user touches first when pressing the AF-ON button 212. The surface of this keytop 213 is a sensor that can receive touch moves. The surface of this keytop 213 is the "operation surface," and the AF frame can be moved by touch moves on the operation surface. Furthermore, as will be described later, the operation surface of this keytop 213 is also the surface that the user's finger or the like comes into contact with when half-pressing or fully pressing the keytop 213. In this way, with one operation unit, the AF-ON button 212, touch moves, half-presses, and fully presses are possible on the same operation surface of the keytop 213.

[0058] The conductive member 214 is connected to the key top 213 and is configured to move down when a force is applied from above.

[0059] The ground spring 215 is connected to the conductive member 214 and is grounded.

[0060] 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 force applied from the operating surface of key top 213. Since conductive member 214 is connected to ground spring 215 that is connected to ground, contact between conductive member 214 and half-press detection spring 216 of AF-ON button 212 detects a half-press.

[0061] The full-press detection spring 217 of the AF-ON button 212 is configured to come into contact with the conductive member 214 that has descended due to the force applied from the operating surface of the key top 213. As with the half-press detection spring 216 of the AF-ON button 212, the full press is detected when the conductive member 214 and the full-press detection spring 217 of the AF-ON button 212 come into contact.

[0062] Furthermore, the full-press detection spring 217 of the AF-ON button 212 is configured to be a spring with a lower height than the half-press detection spring 216 of the AF-ON button 212. With this configuration, whenever a full press of the AF-ON button 212 is detected, a half-press of the AF-ON button 212 is also detected. In other words, when a half-press and a full press are detected in that order, the function assigned to the half-press and then the function assigned to the full press are started in that order, and while the function assigned to the full press is started, the function assigned to the half-press continues.

[0063] [Functions that can be assigned to the AF-ON button 212] In this embodiment, functions other than the function of instructing the start of autofocus can be assigned to the AF-ON button 212.

[0064] 3(a) shows a setting screen 300 for assigning functions to halfway and full presses of the AF-ON button 212. This setting screen 300 is displayed by selecting the "Button Customization" item on the menu screen and then selecting the "AF-ON button 212" item. The setting screen 300 displays options for items 321 to 325 as combinations of functions that can be set in response to halfway and full presses of the AF-ON button 212. The setting screen 300 also displays a cursor 301 indicating the selected item, a setting content display area 310 for the selected item, a detailed settings icon 302, and an OK icon 303.

[0065] The user can use the cross keys to move the cursor 301 to one of the items 321 to 325 and change the selected item. The items 321 to 325 correspond to AF-ON1 to AF-ON5, which are combinations of functions assigned to halfway and full presses of the AF-ON button 212, respectively. The combinations of functions that can be set in response to halfway and full presses of the AF-ON button 212 for AF-ON1 to AF-ON5 are shown in FIG. 3B. Information on these function combinations is stored in the non-volatile memory 38. The default setting for full presses of AF-ON1 and AF-ON3 is "AF stop," but the user can change this to "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position." The "optional functions" for full presses of AF-ON2, AF-ON3, AF-ON4, AF-ON5, and AF-ON5 are functions that can be selected by the user. When a function is selected or changed, the system control unit 40 updates the information on the combination of functions that can be set in response to a halfway press or full press, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 38. The system control unit 40 also reads out the information on the combination of functions that can be set in response to a halfway press or full press, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 38, and identifies the function set for each item.

[0066] The setting content display area 310 displays a function 311 set for a selected item when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed halfway and a function 312 set for a selected item when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed all the way down. For example, if the displays 311 and 312 of the functions set for a halfway press and a full press of the AF-ON button 212 cannot be changed by the user, the functions may be displayed in gray.

[0067] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing the combinations of functions that can be set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway or all the way. In the case of AF-ON1 (item 321), the function set when the AF-ON button is pressed halfway is "Start metering and AF," and the function set when the AF-ON button is pressed all the way is "Stop AF." The function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed all the way can be changed to "Move AF frame to pre-registered focus position."

[0068] In the case of AF-ON2 (item 322), the function set for half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "start metering and AF." The function set for fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 is any function other than "stop AF" and "move AF frame to pre-registered focus position." The function set for fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 can be selected by the user.

[0069] Optional functions other than "AF stop" and "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" include, for example, a function to display a setting screen, a function to assist with settings, and a function related to playback. The function to display a setting screen includes a function to display a shooting mode setting screen, a menu screen, a quick setting screen, a white balance setting screen, etc. The function to assist with settings includes a function related to illumination of the display panel, switching of information on the display panel, etc. Furthermore, the function related to playback includes a function related to image playback, enlarging a played-back image, erasing a played-back image, rating a played-back image, etc.

[0070] In the case of AF-ON3 (item 323), the function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed halfway is "stop AF" or "move AF frame to pre-registered focus position," and the function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed all the way is any function. The function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed all the way can be selected by the user. For example, it includes "start metering and AF," a function to display a setting screen, a function to assist settings, a function related to playback, etc.

[0071] In the case of AF-ON4 (item 324), the function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed halfway is any function other than the AF-related functions, and the function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed all the way is "metering and AF start." Here, the AF-related functions include "metering and AF start," "AF stop," and "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position." The optional functions other than the AF-related functions include a function to display a setting screen, a function to assist with settings, a function related to playback, etc.

[0072] AF-ON5 (in the case of item 325), the function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed halfway is any function other than the AF-related functions, and the function set when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed all the way is any function other than "metering and AF start." Any functions other than the AF-related functions include a function to display a setting screen, a function to assist settings, a function related to playback, etc. Any functions other than "metering and AF start" include "stop AF," "move AF frame to a pre-registered focus position," and any function other than the AF-related functions.

[0073] In this embodiment, it is not assumed that the same function is assigned to half-pressing and full-pressing.

[0074] [Process to disable the function executed by TouchMove depending on the function assigned to the AF-ON button 212] 4, a process for disabling TouchMove depending on the function assigned to the AF-ON button 212 will be described. This process is a flow showing the process related to the AF-ON button 212 in the shooting mode of the imaging device, and other processes such as shooting processes in response to release button operation are also executed in parallel with this process. This process is realized by the system control unit 40 loading a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 38 into the volatile memory 39 and executing it.

[0075] In S401, the system control unit 40 determines whether the power switch 204 is ON or not, and if it is ON, proceeds to S402, and if not, returns to S401.

[0076] In S402, 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 system control unit 40 proceeds to S403, and if not, the system control unit 40 returns to S401.

[0077] In S403, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not a function is assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that a function is assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S404; otherwise, the process proceeds to S409 without executing the process of S404.

[0078] In S404, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "metering and AF start." If it is determined that the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "metering and AF start," the process proceeds to S405; otherwise, the process proceeds to S421.

[0079] In S405, the system control unit 40 starts photometry and AF processing, and then the process proceeds to S406.

[0080] In S406, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has performed a touch-move on the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that the user has performed a touch-move on the AF-ON button 212, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S407; otherwise, the system control unit 40 skips the process of S407 and proceeds to S409.

[0081] In S407, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the setting (FIG. 5) related to TouchMove to the AF-ON button 212 is enabled (ON). If the setting related to TouchMove to the AF-ON button 212 is enabled (ON), the system control unit 40 proceeds to S408, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S409 without executing the processing of S408.

[0082] The user can configure settings related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212. When the user selects an item related to the touch function on the menu screen of the imaging device 200, a settings screen 500 in FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 25. On this settings screen 500, the user can configure whether to enable or disable TouchMove by selecting Enable (ON) 501 or Disable (OFF) 502. If the setting related to TouchMove is Enable (ON) 501, processing corresponding to the function assigned to TouchMove is executed. On the other hand, if the setting related to TouchMove is Disabled (OFF) 502, processing corresponding to the function assigned to TouchMove is not executed even if TouchMove is performed. In other words, if TouchMove is configured to be enabled, the AF frame is moved by TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212, and if TouchMove is configured to be disabled, the AF frame is not moved by TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212.

[0083] In S408, the system control unit 40 moves the AF frame in response to the touch-move performed by the user, and then the process proceeds to S409.

[0084] In S409, 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 S402; otherwise, the process proceeds to S410.

[0085] In S410, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed. If it is determined that the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to S411; otherwise, the process returns to S409.

[0086] In S411, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not a function is assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that a function is assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S412; otherwise, the process proceeds to S415 without executing the process of S412.

[0087] In S412, the system control unit 40 determines whether the function assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is "AF stop" or "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position." If it is determined that the function assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is "AF stop" or "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position," the process proceeds to S413; otherwise, the process proceeds to S417.

[0088] In S413, the system control unit 40 disables (OFF) TouchMove regardless of the setting related to TouchMove, and proceeds to S414. In other words, even if the setting related to TouchMove is enabled, the process corresponding to the function assigned to TouchMove is not executed, and the AF frame is not moved. As a result, even if the user fully presses the AF-ON button to stop AF or move the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position, the AF frame is not moved in response to TouchMove due to an erroneous user operation, and the process intended by the user can be executed.

[0089] In S414, the system control unit 40 stops AF or moves the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position, and then proceeds to S415.

[0090] In S415, 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 S416; otherwise, the process proceeds to S409.

[0091] In S416, the system control unit 40 determines whether the power switch 204 is in the OFF state, and if it is in the OFF state, ends the processing, otherwise returns to S402.

[0092] As described above, when the item selected by the user as the function of the AF-ON button 212 is AF-ON1, the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "metering and start AF" (Yes in S404). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed, whether or not the AF frame is moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212 is switched depending on the setting related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212. Also, for the item AF-ON1, the function assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "stop AF" or "move the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" (Yes in S412). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed, the AF frame is not moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the setting related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212.

[0093] In S417, the system control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the full press of the AF-ON button 212, and then proceeds to S418.

[0094] In S418, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has performed a touch-move on the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that the user has performed a touch-move on the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S419; otherwise, the process of S419 is not executed and the process proceeds to S415.

[0095] In S419, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is enabled (ON). If the setting related to TouchMove is enabled (ON), the system control unit 40 proceeds to S420, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S415 without executing the processing of S420.

[0096] In S420, the system control unit 40 moves the AF frame in response to the touch-move of the AF-ON button 212, and then proceeds to S415.

[0097] As described above, when the item selected by the user as the function of the AF-ON button 212 is AF-ON2, the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "metering and start AF" (Yes in S404). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed, whether or not the AF frame is moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212 is switched depending on the setting related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212. Also, when the item selected by the user is AF-ON2, the function assigned to full-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is any function other than "stop AF" or "move AF frame to pre-registered focus position" (No in S412). Therefore, even when the AF-ON button 212 is full-pressed, whether or not the AF frame is moved by Touch-Move is switched depending on the setting related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212.

[0098] In S421, the system control unit 40 determines whether the function assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is "AF stop" or "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position." If it is determined that the function assigned to half pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is "AF stop" or "moving the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position," the process proceeds to S422; otherwise, the process proceeds to S428.

[0099] In S422, the system control unit 40 disables (OFF) TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212, and proceeds to S423. In other words, even if the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is enabled, the process corresponding to the function assigned to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is not executed, and the AF frame is not moved. As a result, even if the user stops AF or moves the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position by half-pressing the AF-ON button 212, movement of the AF frame in response to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is not executed due to an erroneous operation by the user. Therefore, the process intended by the user can be executed.

[0100] In S423, the system control unit 40 stops AF or moves the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position, and then proceeds to S424.

[0101] In S424, 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 proceeds to S402; otherwise, the process proceeds to S425.

[0102] In S425, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed. If it is determined that the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to S426; otherwise, the process returns to S424.

[0103] In S426, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not a function is assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that a function is assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S426; otherwise, the process proceeds to S415 without executing the processing of S426.

[0104] In S427, the system control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the full press of the AF-ON button 212, and then proceeds to S415.

[0105] As described above, when the item selected by the user is AF-ON3, the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "stop AF" or "move the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" (Yes in S421). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed, the AF frame is not moved by TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212. Even if any function is assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 (Yes in S426), "stop AF" or "move the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" is assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212. In other words, even when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed, "stop AF" or "move the AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" is executed by half-pressing the AF-ON button 212. Therefore, even when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed, the AF frame is not moved by touching the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the settings related to touching the AF-ON button 212.

[0106] In S428, the system control unit 40 disables (OFF) TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 regardless of the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212, and proceeds to S429. In other words, even if the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is enabled, processing corresponding to the function assigned to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is not executed, and the AF frame is not moved. This makes it possible to execute a function other than an AF-related function when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed by the user, and to prevent the AF frame from being moved by an erroneous operation by the user.

[0107] In S429, the system control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212, and then proceeds to S430.

[0108] In S430, 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 S402; otherwise, the process proceeds to S431.

[0109] In S431, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed. If it is determined that the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to S432; otherwise, the process returns to S430.

[0110] In S432, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not a function is assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212. If it is determined that a function is assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212, the process proceeds to S433; otherwise, the process proceeds to S415 without executing the process of S433.

[0111] In S433, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the function assigned to full pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is "metering and AF start." If it is determined that the function assigned to half pressing of the AF-ON button 212 is "metering and AF start," the process proceeds to S434; otherwise, the process proceeds to S438.

[0112] In S434, the system control unit 40 starts photometry and AF processing, and then the process proceeds to S435.

[0113] In S435, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not there has been a touch-move by the user on the AF-ON button. If it is determined that there has been a touch-move by the user on the AF-ON button 212, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S436; if not, the system control unit 40 skips the process of S436 and proceeds to S415.

[0114] In S436, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is enabled (ON). If the setting related to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 is enabled (ON), the system control unit 40 proceeds to S437, and if not, the system control unit 40 proceeds to S415 without executing the processing of S437.

[0115] In S437, the system control unit 40 moves the AF frame in response to the touch-move of the AF-ON button 212, and then proceeds to S415.

[0116] As described above, when the item selected by the user as the function of the AF-ON button 212 is AF-ON4, the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is any function other than an AF-related function (No in S421). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed, the AF frame is not moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the settings related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212. Also, the function assigned to full-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is "Metering and AF Start" (Yes in S426). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is full-pressed, whether or not the AF frame is moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212 is switched depending on the settings related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212.

[0117] In S438, the system control unit 40 executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the full press of the AF-ON button 212, and then proceeds to S415.

[0118] As described above, when the item selected by the user as the function of the AF-ON button 212 is AF-ON5, the function assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is any function other than an AF-related function (No in S421). Therefore, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed, the AF frame is not moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the settings related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212. Also, because any function other than "metering and AF start" is assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212, the AF frame is not moved by Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212, regardless of the settings related to Touch-Move of the AF-ON button 212.

[0119] As described above, in the first embodiment, whether TouchMove is enabled or disabled when a pressing operation is performed (pressed state) is controlled according to the function assigned to half-pressing or full-pressing the AF-ON button 212. This makes it possible to prevent a process corresponding to the function assigned to TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 from being executed by a TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212 unintentionally by the user.

[0120] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment is an example of a case where a button on the operation unit 70 other than the AF-ON button 212 is pressed. TouchMove is disabled when the AF-ON button 212 is pressed, depending on the functions assigned to the operation of a button other than the AF-ON button 212, the halfway press of the AF-ON button 212, and the full press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0121] If "Stop AF" or "Move AF frame to pre-registered focus position" is assigned to a button other than the AF-ON button 212, for example, the release button 201, the following operation occurs: Regardless of the functions assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 or fully pressing the AF-ON button 212, TouchMove is disabled when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed or fully pressed. In other words, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed or fully pressed, the AF frame is not moved by TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212.

[0122] Furthermore, if "metering and AF start" is assigned to a button other than the AF-ON button 212, for example, the release button 201, the following operation will occur: If "stop AF" or "move AF frame to pre-registered focus position" is assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212, TouchMove is disabled when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed or fully pressed. In other words, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed or fully pressed, the AF frame will not be moved by TouchMove of the AF-ON button 212.

[0123] Furthermore, if "metering and AF start" is assigned to a button other than the AF-ON button 212, for example, the release button 201, the following operation occurs. If "stop AF" or "move AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" is assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212, Touch Move is disabled when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed. In other words, when the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed, the AF frame is not moved by Touch Move of the AF-ON button 212. On the other hand, even if "stop AF" or "move AF frame to a pre-registered focus position" is assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212, a function other than these may be assigned to half-pressing the AF-ON button 212. In such cases, when the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed, whether or not the AF frame is moved by Touch Move of the AF-ON button 212 is switched depending on the setting related to Touch Move of the AF-ON button 212.

[0124] (Other embodiments) Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, 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.

[0125] 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.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0126] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0127] (Configuration 1) an operation unit capable of receiving a touch operation, a first pressing operation, and a second pressing operation subsequent to the first pressing operation on an operation surface of the operation unit; an assignment means for assigning a function to each of the first pressing operation and the second pressing operation in accordance with a user setting; a processing means for executing a process corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation in response to the touch operation, for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first pressing operation in response to the first pressing operation, and for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second pressing operation in response to the second pressing operation; a control means for performing control so that, when a process corresponding to a predetermined function is executed by the processing means in response to the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation, the process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation is not executed even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed; An electronic device comprising:

[0128] (Configuration 2) 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the touch operation is a touch-move.

[0129] (Configuration 3) The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the function assigned to the touch operation is movement of a frame indicating a position where autofocus is to be performed.

[0130] (Configuration 4) The electronic device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the function assigned to the first pressing operation is a function for stopping autofocus execution or moving a frame indicating the position for performing autofocus to a focus position stored in the electronic device, the control means controls so as not to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed.

[0131] (Configuration 5) The electronic device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the function assigned to the second pressing operation is a function for stopping autofocus execution or moving a frame indicating the position for performing autofocus to a focus position stored in the electronic device, the control means controls so as not to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, even if the touch operation is performed while the second pressing operation is being performed.

[0132] (Configuration 6) The electronic device includes: The touch panel further includes a setting unit for setting the execution of a process corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation by the user, The electronic device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the control means controls so as not to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation is being performed or while the second pressing operation is being performed, regardless of the setting state by the setting means.

[0133] (Configuration 7) The electronic device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the function assigned to the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is a function for starting autofocus execution, the control means performs control to switch whether to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, depending on the setting state by the setting means, even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed.

[0134] (Configuration 8) 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the first pressing operation is a half-press on the operation unit, and the second pressing operation is a full-press on the operation unit.

[0135] (Configuration 9) A control method for an electronic device having an operation unit capable of accepting a touch operation, a first pressing operation, and a second pressing operation subsequent to the first pressing operation, on the same operation surface of one operation unit, comprising: an assigning step of assigning a function to each of the first pressing operation and the second pressing operation in accordance with a user setting; a processing step of executing, in response to the touch operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation, in response to the first pressing operation, a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first pressing operation, and in response to the second pressing operation, a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second pressing operation; a control step of performing control so that, when a process corresponding to a predetermined function by the processing step is executed by the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation, the process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation is not executed even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed; 1. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

[0136] (Configuration 10) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an electronic device according to configuration 9.

[0137] (Configuration 11) 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 9.

Claims

1. an operation unit capable of receiving a touch operation, a first pressing operation, and a second pressing operation subsequent to the first pressing operation, on the same operation surface of the operation unit; an assignment means for assigning a function to each of the first pressing operation and the second pressing operation in accordance with a user setting; a processing means for executing, in response to the touch operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation, in response to the first pressing operation, a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first pressing operation, and in response to the second pressing operation, a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second pressing operation; a control means for performing control such that, when a process corresponding to a predetermined function is executed by the processing means in response to the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation, the process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation is not executed even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed; An electronic device comprising:

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the touch operation is a touch-move.

3. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the function assigned to the touch operation is a function of moving a frame indicating a position of a subject to be autofocused in a captured image.

4. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the function assigned to the first pressing operation is a function for stopping autofocusing or a function for moving a frame indicating the position of a subject for which autofocusing is to be performed in a captured image to a position stored in the electronic device, the control means controls the electronic device so as not to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed.

5. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the function assigned to the second pressing operation is a function for stopping autofocusing or a function for moving a frame indicating the position of a subject for which autofocusing is to be performed in a captured image to a position stored in the electronic device, the control means controls so as not to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, even if the touch operation is performed while the second pressing operation is being performed.

6. The electronic device includes: The touch panel further includes a setting unit for setting the execution of a process corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation by the user, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the device so that, regardless of the setting state by the setting means, even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation is being performed or the second pressing operation is being performed, the processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation is not executed.

7. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the function assigned to the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is a function for starting autofocus execution, the control means controls to switch whether to execute processing corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation, depending on the state of setting by the setting means, even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed.

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

9. A control method for an electronic device having an operation unit capable of accepting a touch operation, a first pressing operation, and a second pressing operation subsequent to the first pressing operation, on the same operation surface of one operation unit, comprising: an assigning step of assigning a function to each of the first pressing operation and the second pressing operation in accordance with a user setting; a processing step of executing, in response to the touch operation, a process corresponding to a function assigned to the touch operation, in response to the first pressing operation, a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first pressing operation, and in response to the second pressing operation, a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second pressing operation; a control step of performing control so that, when a process corresponding to a predetermined function by the processing step is executed by the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation, the process corresponding to the function assigned to the touch operation is not executed even if the touch operation is performed while the first pressing operation or the second pressing operation is being performed; 1. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 9.

11. 10. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the electronic device control method according to claim 9.

Images