Electronic device

The electronic device highlights the fine adjustment operation member when the focus position enters a predetermined range, addressing the challenge of precise focus adjustment by making it more noticeable, thus improving user interaction and precision.

JP2026028430APending Publication Date: 2026-02-20CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024130835
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-07
Publication Date
2026-02-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional technologies fail to effectively guide users to utilize the fine adjustment operation member for focusing, leading to difficulty in precisely adjusting the focus position of an imaging unit.

Method used

An electronic device with a control mechanism that highlights a second operation member for fine-tuning the focus position when the focus enters a predetermined range, including a target or registered position, while accepting a first operation.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates easier and more precise adjustment of the focus position by making the fine adjustment operation member more noticeable to users, enhancing user experience and precision.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026028430000001_ABST
    Figure 2026028430000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To enable a user to easily notice an operation member for fine adjustment in a scene where the user wants to finely adjust a focal position during the operation of a main operation member.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control to display a first operation member configured to receive a first operation for adjusting a focal position of an image capturing unit and a second operation member configured to receive a second operation for finely adjusting the focal position, wherein the control unit performs control to emphasize the second operation member when the focal position enters a predetermined range including a target position that is an in-focus position or a registered position while the first operation is being received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to controlling the focus position of an imaging unit. [Background technology]

[0002] There are applications that can connect wirelessly to a camera and control it remotely. These applications run on remote devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, and personal computers, and are useful when users want to control a camera remotely.

[0003] In addition, such application software may display a main operation member and a fine adjustment operation member as operation members for adjusting the focal position of the camera. In this case, when the user wants to fine-tune the focal position, the user can use the fine adjustment operation member to easily adjust the focal position to the desired position.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a technology for increasing the operating sensitivity of an operating member by changing the limit range so that the command value for controlling the drive of an optical element is included in the limit range when the command value is not included in the limit range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-019696 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with conventional technology, even if a user wants to fine-tune the focus position while operating the main operation member, the user may not notice the operation member for fine adjustment (when all that is needed is to use the operation member for fine adjustment). If the user does not notice the operation member for fine adjustment, the operation member for fine adjustment will not be used, and the user will not be able to easily adjust the focus position to the desired position. This problem cannot be solved even with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to make it easier for a user to notice an operating member for fine adjustment when the user wishes to fine-tune the focus position while operating a main operating member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electronic device of the present invention has a control means that controls to display a first operating member that can accept a first operation to adjust the focus position of an imaging unit, and a second operating member that can accept a second operation to fine-tune the focus position, and the control means controls to highlight the second operating member when the focus position enters a predetermined range including a target position that is a focus position or a registered position while accepting the first operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when the user wishes to fine-tune the focus position while operating the main operation members, the user can easily notice the operation members for fine adjustment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a camera and a smartphone. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a camera control application. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the smartphone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In the system of FIG. 1, multiple cameras 100 and a smartphone 200 are connected to be able to communicate with each other. While FIG. 1 shows two cameras 100, the number of cameras 100 is not particularly limited. One camera 100 may be connected to the smartphone 200, or three or more cameras 100 may be connected to the smartphone 200. The communication method (standard) is also not particularly limited. For example, it may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a manufacturer-specific wireless communication method. Communication between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 does not have to be wireless communication, and may be wired communication. The communication method in the case of wired communication is also not particularly limited. For example, it may be RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark). Any communication method that allows transmission and reception of video and camera setting values ​​is applicable.

[0013] (Camera configuration) 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a camera 100 (video camera), which is an example of a data processing device according to this embodiment. Note that the data processing device is not limited to the camera 100. For example, the data processing device may be an electronic device such as a tablet device or a personal computer.

[0014] The control unit 101 controls each unit of the camera 100 in accordance with input signals and a program described below. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire camera 100, the entire camera 100 may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

[0015] The imaging unit 102 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs image data, which is digital data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, then undergoes predetermined processing by the control unit 101, and is recorded on the recording medium 110.

[0016] The nonvolatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores programs executed by the control unit 101, which will be described later.

[0017] The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the image capturing unit 102, as an image display memory for the display unit 106, as a work area for the control unit 101, and the like.

[0018] The operation unit 105 is used to receive instructions for the camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button used by the user to instruct the camera 100 to power on / off, a release switch used to instruct shooting, and a playback button used to instruct image data playback. The operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel formed on the display unit 106. The release switch has a switch SW1 and a switch SW2. When the release switch is pressed halfway, switch SW1 turns ON. This allows the camera to perform various processes such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. When the release switch is pressed fully, the switch SW2 is turned on, and an instruction to perform photography is accepted.

[0019] The display unit 106 displays live view images (LV images) that are captured images showing a subject in almost real time, captured (recorded) captured images, characters for interactive operation, etc. The camera 100 does not necessarily have to incorporate the display unit 106. The camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106, and it is sufficient that the camera 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display on the display unit 106.

[0020] The recording medium 110 can store image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 110 may be detachable from the camera 100, or may be built into the camera 100. The camera 100 only needs to have at least the function of accessing the recording medium 110.

[0021] The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 100 can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 111. The connection unit 111 includes, for example, an interface for communicating with the external device via wireless LAN. The control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to realize wireless communication with the external device.

[0022] The camera 100 can operate as a slave device in infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication. When operating as a slave device, the camera 100 can connect to a nearby access point (hereinafter, AP) and participate in a network formed by the AP. Although the camera 100 is a type of AP, it can also operate as a simple AP (hereinafter, simple AP) with more limited functionality. An AP is an example of a relay device. When the camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the camera 100 forms a network by itself. Devices surrounding the camera 100 recognize the camera 100 as an AP and can participate in the network formed by the camera 100. A program for operating the camera 100 in this manner is stored in non-volatile memory 103. Although the camera 100 is a type of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for forwarding data received from a slave device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if the camera 100 receives data from other devices participating in the network it formed, it cannot forward the data to a network such as the Internet.

[0023] As mentioned above, the communication method with the external device is not particularly limited. The connection unit 111 may be an interface for performing wired communication using methods such as RS-232C, RS-422A, USB, or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0024] (Smartphone configuration) 2(B) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smartphone 200, which is an example of a control device according to this embodiment. Note that the control device is not limited to the smartphone 200. For example, the control device may be an electronic device such as a digital camera, a portable media player, a tablet device, a personal computer, or a mobile phone.

[0025] The control unit 201 controls each unit of the smartphone 200 in accordance with input signals and a program described below. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire smartphone 200, the entire smartphone 200 may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

[0026] The imaging unit 202 converts the subject light formed by the lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electrical signal. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, then the control unit 201 performs predetermined processing on the captured image data, and the data is recorded on a recording medium 210.

[0027] The nonvolatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory that stores an OS (operating system), which is basic software executed by the control unit 201, and various programs. A program for communicating with the camera 100 is also held in the nonvolatile memory 203 and installed as a camera control application. Note that processing by the smartphone 200 is realized by loading the camera control application program. The camera control application has functions for utilizing basic functions of the OS installed in the smartphone 200 (e.g., wireless LAN functions, Bluetooth functions, and functions for calling other applications). The camera control application also has a remote shooting function for remotely controlling the camera 100 from the smartphone 200 to shoot images while viewing LV images acquired from the camera 100 on the smartphone 200. The camera control application also has a remote viewing function for remotely viewing image data stored on a recording medium attached to the camera 100 and receiving the image data. Note that the OS of the smartphone 200 may have the functions described in this embodiment (e.g., the camera control application functions).

[0028] The working memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 202, as an image display memory for the display unit 206, and as a working area for the control unit 201, etc.

[0029] The operation unit 205 is used to receive instructions from the user for the smartphone 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, an operation member such as a power button that the user uses to instruct the smartphone 200 to power on / off, and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

[0030] The display unit 206 displays images, characters for interactive operations, etc. Note that the smartphone 200 does not necessarily have to have a built-in display unit 206. The smartphone 200 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 206, and it is sufficient that the smartphone 200 has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 206.

[0031] The recording medium 210 can store image data output from the imaging unit 202, image data received from the camera 100, etc. The recording medium 210 may be detachable from the smartphone 200, or may be built into the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 only needs to have at least a function to access the recording medium 210.

[0032] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The smartphone 200 can exchange data with the external device via the connection unit 211. The connection unit 211 includes, for example, an interface for communicating with the external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 201 controls the connection unit 211 to realize wireless communication with the external device.

[0033] The smartphone 200 can operate as a slave device in infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication and can participate in a network formed by surrounding APs. The camera 100 may operate as a simple AP, and the smartphone 200 may participate in the network formed by the camera 100.

[0034] The public network connection unit 212 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The smartphone 200 connects to other devices via the public network connection unit 212, enabling data communication with the other devices and telephone calls with users of the other devices. During telephone calls, the control unit 201 acquires audio signals via a microphone 213 and outputs audio signals via a speaker 214. The public network connection unit 212 includes an interface for communication using, for example, 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communication method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, or FTTH. The connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not necessarily need to be configured as independent hardware; for example, a single antenna may serve as both the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212.

[0035] In the following description, the smartphone 200 may be described as being the subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 201 reads and executes programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 203 to realize various processes. Similarly, the camera 100 may be described as being the subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 101 reads and executes programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 to realize various processes.

[0036] (Example of a smartphone screen) 3(A), 3(B), 4(A), and 4(B) are schematic diagrams showing example screens of a camera control application displayed on the display unit 206 of the smartphone 200. The camera control application connects to multiple cameras simultaneously and enables operation of each camera. The camera control application also communicates with the cameras to receive LV images and various data from the cameras and display them on the display unit 206. The display unit 206 is assumed to be a display unit capable of receiving touch operations, such as a display unit with a touch panel.

[0037] Fig. 3A shows an example of an LV display screen. In Fig. 3A, the control unit 201 is connected to a camera using a camera control application, receives an LV image and various current settings of the camera from the camera, and displays them on the LV display screen 301.

[0038] The control unit 201 displays a header section 310 for changing various settings at the top of the LV display screen 301. For example, the control unit 201 displays a camera connection setting button 311 and an LV display switch 312 in the header section 310.

[0039] The camera connection setting button 311 is a setting button for connecting to or disconnecting from a camera. When the user touches the camera connection setting button 311, the control unit 201 transitions the display screen (the displayed screen) to a setting screen for connecting to or disconnecting from a camera.

[0040] The LV display switch 312 is a switch for switching between enabling and disabling the LV display. When the user touches the LV display switch 312, the control unit 201 switches between enabling and disabling the LV display. In FIG. 3(A), the LV display switch 312 is in an enabled state. The enabled state of the LV display switch 312 means that the LV display is enabled, and the disabled state of the LV display switch 312 means that the LV display is disabled.

[0041] The control unit 201 also displays an LV area 320 and a sub LV area 330 on the LV display screen 301. The control unit 201 displays an LV image (main image) acquired from the camera to be operated in the LV area 320. In FIG. 3(A), an LV image 321, which is the main image, is displayed in the LV area 320. The control unit 20 displays a focus guide 322 and a focus position guide 323 superimposed on the LV image 321. The focus guide 322 is displayed at a target position (target area) for focus adjustment that adjusts the focal position, and is an item that indicates the positional relationship (focus level) between the focus position (target position), which is the focal position at which focus is achieved at the target position, and the current focal position. The focus position guide 323 indicates a registered position 324 (target position), which is the focal position registered by the user or automatically, and the current focal position 325. , are items that indicate their positional relationship. The focal position mentioned here is the focal position of the camera to be operated.

[0042] The control unit 201 displays all LV images acquired from the connected cameras in the sub LV area 330. In FIG. 3(A), four cameras (Cameras 1 to 4) are connected, and four LV images 331 to 334 acquired from the four cameras, respectively, are displayed side by side in the sub LV area 330. When the user touches any of the LV images 331 to 334, the control unit 201 selects the touched LV image as the main image and selects the camera corresponding to the touched LV image as the operation target. In FIG. 3(A), the LV image 331 (Camera 1) is selected. The control unit 201 displays a cursor surrounding the LV image 331 as a cursor indicating that the LV image 331 is selected. Then, the control unit 201 displays an LV image 321 that is the same as the LV image 331 in the LV area 320.

[0043] The control unit 201 also displays an operation area 340 on the LV display screen 301. The control unit 201 displays a wheel 341 and a fine adjustment button 342 in the operation area 340. The wheel 341 is an operation member for adjusting the focal position of the camera to be operated, and is capable of accepting a slide operation (touch move) in which the wheel 341 is touched and the touch position is moved by rotating the wheel 341 right or left. In this embodiment, the control unit 201 moves the focal position to the far side in response to a slide operation rotating the wheel 341 right, and moves the focal position to the near side in response to a slide operation rotating the wheel 341 left. The control unit 201 also moves the focal position at a speed corresponding to the speed of movement of the touch position in the slide operation, so that the focal position moves at a faster speed as the wheel rotates faster. Note that instead of the wheel 341, another operation member such as a slider bar that can accept left-right or up-down slide operations may be displayed.

[0044] The fine-tuning button 342 is an operation member for adjusting the focal position of the camera to be operated, and can accept an operation of touching the fine-tuning button 342. In response to a single touch on the fine-tuning button 342 (a tap operation in which the button is touched and then released within a predetermined time), the control unit 201 moves the focal position at a predetermined speed (for example, the minimum speed) for a predetermined time or by a predetermined amount. Furthermore, when a long-touch operation in which the fine-tuning button 342 is touched for a predetermined time or longer is performed, the control unit 201 continues to move the focal position at a predetermined speed while the touch continues. In this embodiment, there are two fine-tuning buttons 342, one on the left and one on the right, and the control unit 201 moves the focal position to the far side in response to a touch operation on the right fine-tuning button 342, and moves the focal position to the near side in response to a touch operation on the left fine-tuning button 342. Note that instead of the two fine-tuning buttons 342, another operation member, such as a single operation member that integrates the two fine-tuning buttons, may be displayed.

[0045] Fig. 3(B) shows an example of an LV non-display screen. For example, when the user touches the LV display switch 312 while the LV display screen 301 of Fig. 3(A) is being displayed, the control unit 201 transitions the display screen from the LV display screen 301 of Fig. 3(A) to the LV non-display screen 302 of Fig. 3(B). The LV non-display screen 302 is a screen in which the LV area 320 is hidden. With the LV area 320 hidden, the LV image 321, focus guide 322, and focus position guide 323 are also hidden. In Fig. 3(B), the LV display switch 312 is disabled.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the focus position enters a predetermined range including the target position, which is the in-focus position or the registered position, while receiving a touch operation on the wheel 341, the control unit 201 highlights the fine adjustment button 342. The predetermined range is, for example, a range centered on the target position. The predetermined range may also be a range centered on a position shifted from the target position.

[0047] FIG. 4A shows an example of the LV display screen in which the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted. 1 emphasizes the fine-tuning button 342 by changing the size and color of the fine-tuning button 342 from the normal size and color shown in FIG. 3(A). In this embodiment, the control unit 201 also emphasizes the focus guide 322 and the focus position guide 323 by changing the colors of the focus guide 322 and the focus position guide 323 from their normal colors. The color of the emphasized fine-tuning button 342, the color of the emphasized focus guide 322, and the color of the emphasized focus position guide 323 are the same. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 201 displays an item indicating the fine-tuning button 342. In FIG. 4(A), a message 401 prompting the user to use the fine-tuning button 342 is displayed as an item indicating the fine-tuning button 342.

[0048] 4A, the focus position is near the in-focus position and near the registered position, so the focus guide 322 and the focus position guide 323 are emphasized. When the focus position is near the in-focus position but not near the registered position, the focus position guide 323 is not emphasized, and the focus guide 322 is emphasized. When the focus position is near the registered position but not near the in-focus position, the focus guide 322 is not emphasized, and the focus position guide 323 is emphasized.

[0049] Fig. 4(B) shows an example of the LV non-display screen in which the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted. As in Fig. 4(B), the control unit 201 highlights the fine adjustment button 342 by changing the size and color of the fine adjustment button 342 from the normal size and color shown in Fig. 3(A). Also, as in Fig. 4(A), the control unit 201 displays a message 401 indicating the fine adjustment button 342.

[0050] (Smartphone operation) Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of smartphone 200. The operation of Fig. 5 is realized by control unit 201 expanding a program (for example, a camera control application program) recorded in non-volatile memory 203 into working memory 204 and executing it. For example, when an instruction to start the camera control application is given, the operation of Fig. 5 starts. In the following description, camera 100 is the camera to be operated.

[0051] In S501, the control unit 201 communicates with the camera 100 via the connection unit 211.

[0052] In S502, the control unit 201 receives data from the camera 100 via the connection unit 211. This data includes the status and capabilities of the camera 100, settings, LV images, and the like.

[0053] In S503, the control unit 201 acquires screen information indicating the type of screen to be displayed on the display unit 206 from the work memory 204. When the smartphone 200 (camera control application) is started, the control unit 201 stores screen information indicating the LV display screen in the work memory 204. When the screen is changed in response to a user operation, the control unit 201 updates the screen information stored in the work memory 204. The screen information indicates, for example, the LV display screen or the LV non-display screen.

[0054] In S504, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the screen displayed on the display unit 206 is the LV display screen (whether or not the screen information acquired in S503 indicates the LV display screen). If it is the LV display screen, the process proceeds to S505, and if not, the process proceeds to S506.

[0055] In S505, the control unit 201 displays the LV display screen on the display unit 206. For example, the LV display screen 301 shown in Fig. 3(A) is displayed.

[0056] In S506, the control unit 201 displays the LV non-display screen on the display unit 206. For example, the LV non-display screen 302 shown in FIG.

[0057] In S507, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the wheel 341 is being operated. If the wheel 341 is being operated, the process proceeds to S508, and if not, the process proceeds to S520.

[0058] In S508, the control unit 201 determines whether the focal position of the camera 100 is near the in-focus position. If the focal position is near the in-focus position, the process proceeds to S509; if not, the process proceeds to S511. The determination of whether the focal position of the camera 100 is near the in-focus position is a determination of whether the focal position is within a predetermined range that includes the in-focus position. The predetermined range is, for example, the range of the depth of focus, or a range narrower than the range of the depth of focus.

[0059] In S509, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the focus guide 322 is currently being displayed. If the focus guide 322 is currently being displayed, the process proceeds to S510; if not, the process proceeds to S515. Cases where the focus guide 322 is not currently being displayed include when the display screen is an LV non-display screen, when the focus guide 322 is not being displayed on the LV display screen, and the like.

[0060] In S510, the control unit 201 emphasizes the focus guide 322 as shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0061] In S511, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the focal position of the camera 100 is near the registered position. If the focal position is near the registered position, the process proceeds to S512; if not, the process proceeds to S514. The determination of whether or not the focal position of the camera 100 is near the registered position is a determination of whether or not the focal position is within a predetermined range including the registered position.

[0062] In S512, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the focus position guide 323 is currently being displayed. If the focus position guide 323 is currently being displayed, the process proceeds to S513; if not, the process proceeds to S514. If the focus position guide 323 is not currently being displayed, this includes cases where the display screen is an LV non-display screen, where the focus position guide 323 is not being displayed on the LV display screen, and the like.

[0063] In S513, the control unit 201 highlights the focus position guide 323 as shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0064] In S514, the control unit 201 determines whether the wheel 341 is rotating at a slow speed. If the wheel 341 is rotating at a slow speed, the process proceeds to S515; if not, the process proceeds to S520. The determination of whether the wheel 341 is rotating at a slow speed may be interpreted as a determination of whether the focal position is moving at a slow speed (a speed slower than a threshold) in response to the operation of the wheel 341. The determination of whether the wheel 341 is rotating at a slow speed may be a determination of whether the operation of rotating the wheel 341 at a slow speed (an operation of moving the touch position at a slow speed so as to rotate the wheel 341 at a slow speed) continues for a predetermined period of time or more. The control unit 201, for example, records and manages the duration of the slow rotation of the wheel 341 in the working memory 204.

[0065] In S515, the control unit 201 reduces the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 by reducing the amount of movement of the focus position relative to the amount of rotation of the wheel 341. After reducing the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341, when the process returns to S515, the control unit 201 maintains the state in which the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 is reduced. When the focus position moves away from both the in-focus position and the registered position and the wheel 341 no longer rotates at a low speed, the control unit 201 increases (returns) the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 to the original operation sensitivity.

[0066] In S516, the control unit 201 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 was reduced. It is determined whether the predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S517, and if not, the process proceeds to S520. For example, if the focal position remains near the in-focus position for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to S517. The control unit 201, for example, records and manages the elapsed time since the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 was lowered in the working memory 204.

[0067] In S517, the control unit 201 determines whether the number of times the fine adjustment button 342 is operated after the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted is less than the threshold. If the number of times the fine adjustment button 342 is operated is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to S518; if not (if the number of times the fine adjustment button 342 is operated has reached the threshold), the process proceeds to S520. The control unit 201, for example, records and manages the number of times the fine adjustment button 342 is operated after the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted in the working memory 204.

[0068] In S518, the control unit 201 highlights the fine tuning button 342 as shown in FIG. 4(A) or 4(B). As described above, in this embodiment, the fine tuning button 342 is highlighted by changing the size and color of the fine tuning button 342. However, the method of highlighting the fine tuning button 342 is not limited to this, and the fine tuning button 342 may also be highlighted by, for example, blinking or changing its shape. Similarly, the method of highlighting the focus guide 322 and the focus position guide 323 is not particularly limited.

[0069] In S519, as shown in Fig. 4(A) or 4(B), the control unit 201 displays a message 401, which is an item indicating the fine tuning button 342. Note that the item indicating the fine tuning button 342 is not limited to the message 401, and may be, for example, an icon indicating the fine tuning button 342.

[0070] In S520, the control unit 201 determines whether a user operation has been received. If a user operation has been received, the process proceeds to S521; if not, the process proceeds to S522. The user operation is, for example, a touch operation on a touch panel provided on the display unit 206.

[0071] In S521, the control unit 201 determines whether the user operation received in S520 is an operation to end the application. If it is an operation to end the application, the operation in Fig. 5 ends, and if not, the process proceeds to S522.

[0072] In S522, the control unit 201 performs processing in accordance with the user operation received in S520, such as changing the display screen or changing the setting parameters of the camera 100.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted in situations where the user wants to fine-tune the focus position while operating the wheel 341. For example, the fine adjustment button 342 is highlighted when the focus position falls within a predetermined range that includes the in-focus position or registered position while operating the wheel 341, or when the wheel 341 is rotating at a low speed. This makes it easier for the user to notice the fine adjustment button 342 in situations where the user wants to fine-tune the focus position while operating the wheel 341.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, message 401 is displayed when the user wishes to fine-tune the focus position while operating wheel 341. This makes it easier for the user to notice fine adjustment button 342 when the user wishes to fine-tune the focus position while operating wheel 341.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the focus position falls within a predetermined range including the in-focus position while operating the wheel 341, the focus guide 322 is also highlighted. This makes it easier for the user to know that the focus position is near the in-focus position. Also, when the user wants to fine-tune the focus position while operating the wheel 341 to adjust the focus position to the in-focus position, On the other hand, the fine tune button 342 is more noticeable.

[0076] Similarly, in this embodiment, if the focus position enters a predetermined range including the registered position while operating the wheel 341, the focus position guide 323 is also highlighted. This makes it easier for the user to know that the focus position is near the registered position. Furthermore, the fine adjustment button 342 makes it easier for the user to notice when they want to fine-tune the focus position while operating the wheel 341 to adjust the focus position to the registered position.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the focus guide 322, the focus position guide 323, and the fine adjustment button 342 are highlighted in the same color. This makes it easier for the user to understand that the highlighting of the focus guide 322, the focus position guide 323, and the highlighting of the fine adjustment button 342 are related to each other, thereby enhancing the above-mentioned effect.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fine-tune button 342 and message 401 are not highlighted until a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 was lowered, and are highlighted when the predetermined time has elapsed since the operation sensitivity of the wheel 341 was lowered. This allows the fine-tune button 342 and message 401 to be highlighted only in situations where the user is fine-tuning the focus position with the wheel 341 (situations where it is highly likely that the user will want to fine-tune the focus position). As a result, unnecessary highlighting of the fine-tune button 342 and message 401 can be suppressed. By suppressing unnecessary highlighting of the fine-tune button 342 and message 401, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of discomfort to the user due to such unnecessary highlighting.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the number of times fine tuning button 342 is operated after fine tuning button 342 is highlighted reaches a threshold, the highlighting of fine tuning button 342 and message 401 is released. This prevents fine tuning button 342 and message 401 from being continuously highlighted, and prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the continuous highlighting of fine tuning button 342 and message 401.

[0080] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0081] The above processor is a processor in the broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Dedicated processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, 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. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0083] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit that realizes one or more functions.

[0084] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and medium. (Configuration 1) a control means for controlling to display a first operation member capable of accepting a first operation for adjusting the focal position of the imaging unit and a second operation member capable of accepting a second operation for finely adjusting the focal position; and The control means controls the second operation member so as to be highlighted when the focus position enters a predetermined range including a target position that is a focus position or a registered position during reception of the first operation. An electronic device characterized by: (Configuration 2) the first operation is an operation of touching the first operation member and moving the touch position, The control means controls the focus position to move at a speed corresponding to the speed of movement of the touch position in the first operation. 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) the second operation is an operation of touching the second operation member, The control means controls the focus position to move at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time or by a predetermined amount in response to a single touch on the second operation member. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The control means controls the focus position to continue moving at the predetermined speed while the second operation member is being touched. 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) The control means It is possible to control to display an item indicating the positional relationship between the focus position and the target position, When the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, the second operation member and the item are controlled to be highlighted. 5. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The control means It is possible to control the display device to display a live view image obtained by the imaging unit, control the display of the item when the live view image is being displayed, and control the display of the item when the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, so that the second operation member and the item are highlighted; When the live view image is not being displayed, the item is not displayed, and when the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, the second operation member is highlighted. 6. The electronic device according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) When the focus position enters the predetermined range during reception of the first operation, the control means controls the second operation member and the item to be highlighted in the same color. 7. The electronic device according to configuration 5 or 6. (Configuration 8) The control means controls the second operation member to be highlighted while the focus position is moving at a speed slower than a threshold value in response to the first operation, regardless of whether the focus position is within the predetermined range or not. 8. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) When the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, the control means controls the display so as to highlight the second operation member and display an item indicating the second operation member. 9. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) The control means performs control so as to continue highlighting the second operation member until the number of times the second operation is performed after highlighting the second operation member reaches a threshold value. 10. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) The control means controls the first operation member to lower its operation sensitivity when the focal position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted. 11. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) The control means, during the acceptance of the first operation, The second operation member is not emphasized until the state in which the focus position is within the predetermined range continues for a predetermined time after the operation sensitivity of the first operation member is reduced, When the state where the focus position is within the predetermined range continues for a predetermined time after the operation sensitivity of the first operation member is lowered, the second operation member is emphasized. Control it so that 12. The electronic device according to configuration 11. (method) a control step of controlling to display a first operation member capable of accepting a first operation for adjusting the focal position of the imaging unit and a second operation member capable of accepting a second operation for finely adjusting the focal position; and In the control step, when the focus position enters a predetermined range including a target position that is a focus position or a registered position during the acceptance of the first operation, the second operation member is controlled to be emphasized. A method for controlling an electronic device. (program) 13. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. (medium) 13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 200: Smartphone 201: Control unit

Claims

1. a control means for controlling the display to display a first operation member capable of accepting a first operation for adjusting the focal position of the imaging unit and a second operation member capable of accepting a second operation for finely adjusting the focal position; and The control means controls the second operation member so as to be highlighted when the focus position enters a predetermined range including a target position that is a focus position or a registered position during reception of the first operation. An electronic device characterized by:

2. the first operation is an operation of touching the first operation member and moving a touch position, The control means controls the focus position to move at a speed corresponding to a moving speed of the touch position in the first operation.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

3. the second operation is an operation of touching the second operation member, The control means controls the focal position to move at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time or by a predetermined amount in response to a single touch on the second operation member.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

4. The control means controls the focus position to continue moving at the predetermined speed while the second operation member is being touched.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The control means It is possible to control to display an item indicating the positional relationship between the focus position and the target position, When the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, the second operation member and the item are controlled to be highlighted.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

6. The control means It is possible to control the display device to display a live view image obtained by the imaging unit, When the live view image is being displayed, the item is displayed, and when the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, the second operation member and the item are highlighted. When the live view image is not being displayed, the item is not displayed, and when the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted, the second operation member is highlighted.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5,

7. The control means controls the second operation member and the item to be highlighted in the same color when the focus position enters the predetermined range during acceptance of the first operation.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5,

8. The control means controls the focus position to be highlighted in accordance with the first operation, regardless of whether the focus position is within the predetermined range or not, while the focus position is being moved at a speed slower than a threshold value. Control it like this 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

9. When the focus position enters the predetermined range during reception of the first operation, the control means controls to highlight the second operation member and display an item indicating the second operation member.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

10. The control means performs control so as to continue highlighting the second operation member until the number of times the second operation is performed after highlighting the second operation member reaches a threshold value.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

11. The control means controls the first operation member so as to lower its operation sensitivity when the focus position enters the predetermined range while the first operation is being accepted.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

12. The control means, while accepting the first operation, The second operation member is not emphasized until the state in which the focus position is within the predetermined range continues for a predetermined time after the operation sensitivity of the first operation member is reduced, When the state where the focus position is within the predetermined range continues for a predetermined time after the operation sensitivity of the first operation member is lowered, the second operation member is emphasized. Control it so that 12. The electronic device according to claim 11.

13. a control step of controlling to display a first operation member capable of accepting a first operation for adjusting the focal position of the imaging unit and a second operation member capable of accepting a second operation for finely adjusting the focal position; and In the control step, when the focus position enters a predetermined range including a target position that is a focus position or a registered position during the acceptance of the first operation, the second operation member is controlled to be emphasized. A method for controlling an electronic device.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Operating device, optical device, and imaging apparatus

    JP2023019696A