Electronic device, imaging device, control method, and program

Abstract

The system reduces the user's operational burden by offering at least three settings to choose from. [Solution] An electronic device comprising: an operating member having a non-operated state, a first operating state, and a second operating state, and configured to transition between the non-operated state and the second operating state via the first operating state; and a control means that, in response to a first condition being met in which the operating member transitions from the non-operated state to the first operating state, executes a predetermined function with a first setting; in response to the operating member transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state after the first operating state has continued for a predetermined time or longer, executes the predetermined function with a second setting different from the first setting; and in response to the operating member transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state before the first operating state has continued for the predetermined time, executes the predetermined function with a third setting different from the first and second settings.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There are imaging devices provided with an operation member (for example, a two-stage switch) capable of two-stage operation. By assigning functions to each stage of the two-stage switch, a user can call a plurality of functions without moving a finger.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing shooting under different shooting conditions according to whether the time (duration of the first-stage operation) from when the first-stage operation of the release button is performed until the second-stage operation is performed is shorter than a predetermined time when the second-stage operation of the release button is performed.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for performing shooting in different shooting modes according to whether the duration of the first-stage operation is shorter than a predetermined time when the second-stage operation of the shutter button is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As functions of an electronic device such as an imaging device, there are known functions that can be executed with a setting selected from at least three settings (slow playback, fast playback, normal speed playback), such as a video playback function.

[0007] If we were to apply a configuration to the conventional technology that compares the duration of the first-stage operation with two thresholds, it would be possible to execute the function with a setting selected from three options. However, in this case, the user would need to fine-tune the duration of the first-stage operation more precisely than when there is only one threshold. Therefore, the user's operational burden would increase.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The present invention aims to provide a technology that enables the execution of a specific function using one of three settings with an operating member that allows for two-stage operation, while suppressing an increase in the user's operational burden related to adjusting the duration of the first-stage operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides An operating member having a non-operated state, a first operating state, and a second operating state, and configured to transition between the non-operated state and the second operating state via the first operating state, A control means, When one or more conditions are met, including the first condition that the operating member has transitioned from the non-operated state to the first operating state, a predetermined function is executed with the first setting. After the first operating state continues for a predetermined time or longer, the operating member transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, and in response, the predetermined function is executed with a second setting different from the first setting. In response to the operation member transitioning from the first operation state to the second operation state before the first operation state continues for the predetermined time, the predetermined function is executed with a third setting different from the first and second settings. A control means that controls in this manner, The present invention provides an electronic device characterized by comprising the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, while suppressing the increased operational burden on the user regarding the adjustment of the duration of the first-stage operation, a two-stage operation member makes it possible to execute a specific function with any of the three settings.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the accompanying drawings and the description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the lens unit 100 and the imaging device 200. [Figure 2] (a) A diagram showing the external appearance of the imaging device 200 from the front. (b) A diagram showing the external appearance of the imaging device 200 from the rear. (c) A diagram showing the configuration of the AF start button 212 in detail. [Figure 3A] A flowchart of the processes performed by the imaging device 200 in response to the operation of the AF start button 212. [Figure 3B] A flowchart of the processes performed by the imaging device 200 in response to the operation of the AF start button 212. [Figure 3C] A flowchart of the processes performed by the imaging device 200 in response to the operation of the AF start button 212. [Figure 3D] A flowchart of the processes performed by the imaging device 200 in response to the operation of the AF start button 212. [Figure 4] (a) A setting screen for configuring the half-press function when pressing the button all at once. (b) A diagram showing a setting screen for setting the time used for judgment in S304. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0014] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a lens unit 100 and an imaging device 200. The lens unit 100 is a lens unit used as an interchangeable photographing lens for an imaging device 200, which is an example of an electronic device. Although the lens 5 is usually composed of a plurality of lenses, it is shown here simply as a single lens for simplicity.

[0015] The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 100 to communicate with the imaging device 200, and the communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the imaging device 200 to communicate with the lens unit 100. The lens unit 100 communicates with the microcomputer 40 via the communication terminals 6 and 10. The microcomputer 40 acquires the open aperture value and the minimum aperture value of the lens unit 100 via the communication terminals 6 and 10.

[0016] The lens system control circuit 4 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2. Also, the lens system control circuit 4 focuses by displacing the position of the lens 5 via the AF drive circuit 3.

[0017] The AE sensor 15 measures the luminance of a subject passing through the lens unit 100. The AF sensor 11 outputs defocus amount information to the microcomputer 40. The microcomputer 40 controls the lens unit 100 based on the defocus amount information.

[0018] The quick return mirror 12 is moved up and down by an actuator (not shown) according to an instruction from the microcomputer 40 during exposure.

[0019] The user can observe the focusing screen 13 through the pentaprism 14 and viewfinder 16 to confirm 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 allows for free control of the exposure time of the image sensor 20 under the control of the microcomputer 40.

[0021] The optical filter 18 is generally composed of a low-pass filter and the like, and cuts out high-frequency components of the light coming in from the focal-plane shutter 17, guiding the subject image to the image sensor 20.

[0022] The image sensor 20 is typically an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and it captures the image of the subject formed on the image sensor 20 through the lens unit 100 by photoelectric conversion as an electrical signal.

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

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

[0025] The image processing circuit 23 performs filtering, color conversion, and gamma / knee processing on the image data converted to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 22, and outputs it to the memory controller 27. The image processing circuit 23 also incorporates a D / A conversion circuit. The image processing circuit 23 can also convert the image data converted to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 22 and the image data input by the memory controller 27 into analog signals and output them to the liquid crystal display unit 25 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 24. These image processing and display processes by the image processing circuit 23 are controlled by the microcomputer 40. The microcomputer 40 also performs white balance adjustment based on the color balance information of the captured image.

[0026] The liquid crystal display unit 25 is a rear monitor for displaying images. The liquid crystal display unit 25 is not limited to liquid crystal displays; it may also be an organic EL display or other type of display, as long as it is a display that can display images.

[0027] The memory controller 27 stores unprocessed image data input from the image processing circuit 23 in the buffer memory 26, or stores processed image data in the recording medium 28. Conversely, the memory controller 27 can also take image data from the buffer memory 26 or the recording medium 28 and output it to the image processing circuit 23. Furthermore, the memory controller 27 can store image data sent via the external interface 29 in the recording medium 28, or conversely, output image data stored in the recording medium 28 to the outside via the external interface 29. Examples of external interfaces include USB, IEEE, and HDMI. The recording medium 28 is a removable recording medium such as a memory card. Alternatively, the recording medium 28 may be internal memory.

[0028] The power 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 control circuit 35 turns the power on and off in response to instructions from the microcomputer 40. The power control circuit 35 also notifies the microcomputer 40 of the current power status information detected by the power status detection circuit 34 and the current power type information detected by the power type detection circuit 33.

[0029] The microcomputer 40 controls the focal-plane shutter 17 via the shutter control circuit 36. The microcomputer 40 also controls the drive timing of the image sensor 20 via the timing control circuit 32.

[0030] The optical filter vibration control circuit 37 is a circuit that vibrates the piezoelectric element 19 connected to the optical filter 18. The optical filter vibration control circuit 37 vibrates the piezoelectric element according to the instructions of the microcomputer 40 so that the amplitude of the vibration, the vibration time, and the axis direction of the vibration are all predetermined values.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 38 is a non-volatile recording medium that can store user-defined settings such as shutter speed, aperture value, and shooting sensitivity, as well as other various data, even when the imaging device 200 is not powered on.

[0032] The volatile memory 39 stores data that needs to be temporarily remembered, such as the internal state of the imaging device 200 and information on the removable recording medium 28.

[0033] The in-finder liquid crystal display unit 41 displays, in accordance with the control of the microcomputer 40 via the in-finder liquid crystal drive circuit 42, a frame indicating the autofocus point currently being measured, and icons representing the settings of the imaging device 200.

[0034] The external LCD display unit 43 displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture, in accordance with the control of the microcomputer 40 via the external LCD drive circuit 44.

[0035] The operation unit 70 consists of various operating components that act as an input unit for receiving user input. The operation unit 70 includes at least the following operating components shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b): a release button 201, a main electronic dial 202, a sub electronic dial 203, a power switch 204, a protect button 205, a menu button 206, a delete button 207, a zoom mode button 208, a playback command button 209, and a multi-controller 211. The operation unit 70 also includes an AF start button 212.

[0036] The microcomputer 40 is a control unit that controls each part of the imaging device 200. The microcomputer 40 executes the various processes described later by loading the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 38 into the volatile memory 39 as work memory and executing it.

[0037] Figure 2(a) shows the external appearance of the imaging device 200 from the front, and Figure 2(b) shows the external appearance of the imaging device 200 from the rear. Figure 2(c) shows a detailed view of the configuration of the AF start button 212.

[0038] The release button 201 is used to give instructions for preparing and taking a picture. By half-pressing the release button 201, the user can measure the brightness of the subject and control the focus. By fully pressing the release button 201, the user can take a picture by releasing the shutter.

[0039] The main electronic dial 202 is a rotating control element. By rotating the main electronic dial 202, the user can set values ​​such as shutter speed and aperture, and fine-tune the magnification in magnification mode.

[0040] The sub-electronic dial 203 is a rotating operating component. By rotating the sub-electronic dial 203, the user can set values ​​such as aperture and exposure compensation, or advance images one frame at a time while an image is displayed.

[0041] The power switch 204 is an operating component for turning the power ON and OFF.

[0042] The protect button 205 is a button used to apply processing such as protection and rating to images stored on recording media inside or outside the imaging device 200.

[0043] The menu button 206 is used to display various settings screens on the LCD display unit 25.

[0044] The delete button 207 is a button used to instruct the deletion of images stored on recording media inside or outside the imaging device 200.

[0045] The magnification mode button 208 is a button that accepts commands to transition to magnification mode (instruction to start magnification mode) and to exit magnification mode (instruction to end magnification mode) while in playback mode.

[0046] The playback instruction button 209 is a button that displays images stored on recording media inside or outside the imaging device 200 on the liquid crystal display unit 25.

[0047] The viewfinder eyepiece detection unit 210 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the user is looking through the viewfinder 16.

[0048] The multi-controller 211 is a multi-directional control element used for setting the autofocus starting point (the distance measurement point) and for moving the magnified frame (the magnified area) when the image is displayed in a magnified view.

[0049] The AF start button 212 is an operating component for instructing the start of autofocus. The AF start button 212 is an input component that can accept two consecutive steps of operation, and has three states: no operation, a state in which the first step of operation has been performed (first operation state), and a state in which the second step of operation has been performed (second operation state). The AF start button 212 is configured to transition between the no operation state and the state in which the second step of operation has been performed (second operation state) via the state in which the first step of operation has been performed (first operation state). The function executed by the second step of operation (input) is executed with different settings depending on the holding time (duration) of the first step of operation.

[0050] Figure 2(c) illustrates in detail the configuration of the AF start button 212, which has a two-stage pressing configuration: half-press and full-press. In the following description, a full-press operation when the half-press holding time is short (an operation that transitions from the half-press state to the full-press state before the half-press state continues for a predetermined time) will be referred to as a "single-stroke press". A full-press operation when the holding time is not short (an operation that transitions from the half-press state to the full-press state after the half-press state has continued for a predetermined time or longer) will be referred to as a "normal full-press".

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

[0052] The conductive member 214 is connected to the keytop 213 and is configured to descend when a force is applied from above.

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

[0054] The half-press detection spring 216 is configured to come into contact with the conductive member 214, which descends due to the force applied from the keytop 213. Since the conductive member 214 is connected to a ground spring 215 which is connected to ground, the contact between the conductive member 214 and the half-press detection spring 216 detects a half-press of the AF start button 212.

[0055] The full-press detection spring 217 is configured to contact the conductive member 214, which has descended due to the force applied from the keytop 213. Similar to the half-press detection spring 216, the full press of the AF start button 212 is detected when the conductive member 214 and the full-press detection spring 217 come into contact.

[0056] Furthermore, the spring 217 for detecting a full press is configured to be lower in height than the spring 216 for detecting a half press. With this configuration, when a full press of the AF start button 212 is detected, a half press of the AF start button 212 is also always detected. In other words, the half-press state of the AF start button 212 is a state where a half press is detected but a full press is not, and the full-press state of the AF start button 212 is a state where both a half press and a full press are detected. The AF start button 212 is configured to pass through a half-press state (first operation state) when transitioning between an unoperated state and a fully-pressed state (second operation state).

[0057] The AF start button 212 can be assigned functions other than the function of instructing the start of autofocus. Furthermore, different functions can be assigned to the AF start button 212 depending on the operating mode of the imaging device 200.

[0058] In the following description, it is assumed that the AF start button 212 is assigned the video playback function in the operating mode for viewing images stored on the recording medium 28 (image viewing mode). The user can select the desired video from among multiple videos displayed as thumbnails on the LCD display unit 25 using the cursor, and then play the selected video by operating the AF start button 212.

[0059] The video playback function has three settings for its operation. For example, the first setting is for slow playback, the second setting is for fast playback, and the third setting is for normal speed playback. When the user operates the AF start button 212, the video playback function is executed with different settings depending on the nature of the operation.

[0060] Figures 3A to 3D are flowcharts of the processes performed by the imaging device 200 in response to the operation of the AF start button 212. Unless otherwise specified, each step in this flowchart is performed by the microcomputer 40 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 38 into the volatile memory 39 and executing it. In this flowchart, it is assumed that the operating mode of the imaging device 200 is image viewing mode, and that the AF start button 212 is assigned the video playback function.

[0061] In S301, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is in a half-pressed state. The microcomputer 40 repeats the determination in S301 until a half-press of the AF start button 212 is detected. Once a half-press of the AF start button 212 is detected, the process proceeds to S302.

[0062] In S302, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the setting for executing the half-press function when the button is pressed all at once is set to "execute". The "setting for executing the half-press function when the button is pressed all at once" specifies whether to execute the function with the setting corresponding to a half-press before executing the function with the setting corresponding to a full press when the AF start button 212 is pressed all at once. If the setting for executing the half-press function when the button is pressed all at once is set to "execute", the process proceeds to S401 (Figure 3C). Otherwise (if the setting for executing the half-press function when the button is pressed all at once is set to "do not execute"), the process proceeds to S303.

[0063] Figure 4(a) shows the settings screen for configuring the half-press function when the button is pressed all the way down. By operating the control unit 70, the user can display the settings screen shown in Figure 4(a) on the liquid crystal display unit 25 and set whether to "execute" or "do not execute".

[0064] In S303, the microcomputer 40 starts measuring time.

[0065] In S304, the microcomputer 40 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of time measurement in S303. If the predetermined time has elapsed (in other words, if the AF start button 212 has been in a half-pressed state for a predetermined time), the process proceeds to S310; otherwise, the process proceeds to S305.

[0066] Figure 4(b) shows the setting screen for setting the time used in the judgment in S304. By operating the operation unit 70, the user can display the setting screen shown in Figure 4(b) on the liquid crystal display unit 25 and set the desired time (for example, 0.5 seconds). The time set here will also be used in S403, which will be described later.

[0067] In S305, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is fully pressed or not. If the AF start button 212 is fully pressed, the process proceeds to S308; otherwise, the process proceeds to S306.

[0068] In S306, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 remains in a half-pressed state. If the half-pressed state is still active, the process returns to S304; otherwise (i.e., the half-pressed state has been released), the process proceeds to S307.

[0069] In S307, the microcomputer 40 terminates the time measurement and returns processing to S301.

[0070] In S308, the microcomputer 40 terminates the time measurement.

[0071] In the S309, the microcomputer 40 executes the video playback function with a setting that corresponds to a single press of the AF start button 212 (high-speed playback setting).

[0072] At S310, the microcomputer 40 terminates the time measurement.

[0073] In the S311, the microcomputer 40 executes the video playback function with a setting that corresponds to half-pressing the AF start button 212 (slow playback setting).

[0074] In S312, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is still in a half-pressed state. If it is still in a half-pressed state, the process proceeds to S313; otherwise, the process returns to S301. If the function executed in S311 is a continuous function such as a video playback function, the microcomputer 40 stops the execution of the function when returning the process from S312 to S301.

[0075] In S313, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is fully pressed or not. If the AF start button 212 is fully pressed, the process proceeds to S314; otherwise, the process returns to S312.

[0076] In the S314, the microcomputer 40 executes the video playback function with a setting that corresponds to the normal full press of the AF start button 212 (normal speed playback setting).

[0077] In S315, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 remains fully pressed. The microcomputer 40 repeats the determination in S315 as long as the AF start button 212 remains fully pressed. If the fully pressed state is no longer maintained (i.e., the fully pressed state is released), the process returns to S303. If the function executed in S309 or S314 is a continuous function such as a video playback function, the microcomputer 40 stops executing the function when returning the process from S315 to S303.

[0078] Thus, if the setting for executing the half-press function during a full press is "do not execute," the function is executed with the setting corresponding to the half-press depending on whether the half-press state continues for a predetermined time. If a full press is performed before the half-press state continues for the predetermined time (i.e., a full press is performed), the microcomputer 40 executes the function with the setting corresponding to the full press, without executing the function with the setting corresponding to the half-press.

[0079] As mentioned above, if the setting for executing the half-press function when pressing the button all the way is "execute", the process branches from S302 to S401. In S401, the microcomputer 40 executes the video playback function with the setting corresponding to the half-press of the AF start button 212 (slow playback setting).

[0080] In S402, the microcomputer 40 starts measuring time.

[0081] In S403, the microcomputer 40 determines whether a preset time has elapsed on the settings screen shown in Figure 4(b) after the start of time measurement in S402. If the preset time has elapsed (in other words, if the AF start button 212 has been in a half-pressed state for a preset time), the process proceeds to S409; otherwise, the process proceeds to S404.

[0082] In S404, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is fully pressed or not. If the AF start button 212 is fully pressed, the process proceeds to S407; otherwise, the process proceeds to S405.

[0083] In S405, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is still in a half-pressed state. If the half-pressed state is still active, the process returns to S403; otherwise (i.e., the half-pressed state is released), the process proceeds to S406. If the function executed in S401 is a continuous function such as a video playback function, the microcomputer 40 stops the execution of the function when returning the process from S405 to S301.

[0084] In S406, the microcomputer 40 finishes measuring time and returns to processing in S301.

[0085] In S407, the microcomputer 40 terminates the time measurement.

[0086] In the S408, the microcomputer 40 executes the video playback function with a setting that corresponds to a single press of the AF start button 212 (high-speed playback setting).

[0087] At S409, the microcomputer 40 terminates the time measurement.

[0088] In S410, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is still in a half-pressed state. If it is still in a half-pressed state, the process proceeds to S411; otherwise, the process returns to S301. If the function executed in S401 is a continuous function such as a video playback function, the microcomputer 40 stops the execution of the function when returning the process from S410 to S301.

[0089] In S411, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 is fully pressed or not. If the AF start button 212 is fully pressed, the process proceeds to S412; otherwise, the process returns to S410.

[0090] In the S412, the microcomputer 40 executes the video playback function with a setting that corresponds to the normal full press of the AF start button 212 (normal speed playback setting).

[0091] In S413, the microcomputer 40 determines whether the AF start button 212 remains fully pressed. The microcomputer 40 repeats the determination in S413 as long as the AF start button 212 remains fully pressed. If the fully pressed state is no longer maintained (i.e., the fully pressed state is released), the process returns to S402. If the function executed in S408 or S412 is a continuous function such as a video playback function, the microcomputer 40 stops executing the function when returning the process from S413 to S402.

[0092] In the explanation above, the video playback function was used as an example of a function that can be assigned to the AF start button 212. However, the function that can be assigned to the AF start button 212 is not limited to the video playback function.

[0093] For example, in image viewing mode, the rating function may be assigned to the AF start button 212. In this case, three rating settings can be used: "1 star" for half-press, "2 stars" for full-press, and "3 stars" for full-press. The user can select a desired image from among multiple images displayed as thumbnails on the LCD display 25 using a cursor, and then set a rating of "1 star," "2 stars," or "3 stars" for the selected image by operating the AF start button 212.

[0094] As another example, in image viewing mode, the image advance function may be assigned to the AF start button 212. In this case, three settings for the image advance function can be used: "1 frame" corresponding to a half-press, "10 frames" corresponding to a normal full press, and "100 frames" corresponding to a full press. When a specific image is displayed on the LCD display 25, the user can operate the AF start button 212 to advance images according to the setting corresponding to the operation of the AF start button 212.

[0095] As another example, in image shooting mode, the AF start button 212 may be assigned a drive mode selection function or an AF method selection function. For the drive mode selection function, three settings are available: "Single Shot" corresponding to half-press, "Slow Continuous Shooting" corresponding to normal full-press, and "High-Speed ​​Continuous Shooting" corresponding to full-press. For the AF method selection function, three settings are available: "Full-Range AF" corresponding to half-press, "Spot AF" corresponding to normal full-press, and "Single-Point AF" corresponding to full-press.

[0096] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the imaging device 200 (electronic device) includes an AF start button 212 (operating member) which has an unoperated state, a half-pressed state (first operating state), and a fully pressed state (second operating state), and is configured to transition between the unoperated state and the fully pressed state via the half-pressed state. When one or more conditions are met, including a first condition that the AF start button 212 has transitioned from the unoperated state to the half-pressed state, the imaging device 200 controls the system to execute a predetermined function (e.g., a video playback function) with a first setting (e.g., a slow playback setting). When the AF start button 212 has transitioned from the half-pressed state to the fully pressed state after the half-pressed state has continued for a predetermined time or longer, the imaging device 200 controls the system to execute a predetermined function with a second setting different from the first setting (e.g., a normal speed playback setting). In response to the AF start button 212 transitioning from a half-pressed state to a fully pressed state before the half-pressed state continues for a predetermined time, the imaging device 200 controls the system to execute a predetermined function using a third setting (for example, a high-speed playback setting) that is different from the first and second settings.

[0097] Thus, in this embodiment, there is only one threshold (a predetermined time) compared with the duration of the half-press state, but a predetermined function is executed with one of the three settings. Therefore, according to this embodiment, while suppressing an increase in the user's operational burden regarding the adjustment of the duration of the first-stage operation, it is possible to execute a specific function with one of the three settings using an operating member that allows for two-stage operation.

[0098] Furthermore, the "one or more conditions" that must be met in order to perform a predetermined function with the first setting may include, in addition to the first condition that the AF start button 212 transitions from an unoperated state to a half-pressed state, a second condition that the half-pressed state (first operating state) continues for a predetermined time.

[0099] In the settings screen shown in Figure 4(a), if "Do not execute" is selected for "Setting to execute half-press function when pressed all at once," then "One or more conditions" includes the second condition. Therefore, if the AF start button 212 transitions to a fully pressed state before the half-press state continues for a predetermined time (i.e., when pressed all at once), the imaging device 200 will execute the predetermined function with the third setting without executing the predetermined function with the first setting.

[0100] In the settings screen shown in Figure 4(a), if "Execute" is selected for "Setting to execute half-press function when pressed all at once," then "One or more conditions" does not include the second condition. In this case, "One or more conditions" is met regardless of how long the half-press state continues, as long as the AF start button 212 transitions from an inactive state to a half-press state, and the predetermined function is executed with the first setting at S401 in Figure 3C.

[0101] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0102] [summary] The embodiments described above disclose, but are not limited to, the inventions shown in at least the following items. (Item 1) An operating member having a non-operated state, a first operating state, and a second operating state, and configured to transition between the non-operated state and the second operating state via the first operating state, A control means, When one or more conditions are met, including the first condition that the operating member has transitioned from the non-operated state to the first operating state, a predetermined function is executed with the first setting. After the first operating state continues for a predetermined time or longer, the operating member transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, and in response, the predetermined function is executed with a second setting different from the first setting. In response to the operation member transitioning from the first operation state to the second operation state before the first operation state continues for the predetermined time, the predetermined function is executed with a third setting different from the first and second settings. A control means that controls in this manner, An electronic device characterized by comprising the following features. (Item 2) The above one or more conditions include a second condition that the first operating state continued for the predetermined time. The electronic device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The above one or more conditions are satisfied in response to the operation member transitioning from the non-operational state to the first operating state, regardless of the duration of the first operating state. The electronic device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 4) The system further includes a selection means for selecting whether or not to include the second condition, which is that the first operating state continued for a predetermined time, in the one or more conditions. If it is chosen not to include the second condition in the one or more conditions, then the one or more conditions shall be satisfied in accordance with the transition of the operating member from the non-operated state to the first operating state, regardless of the duration of the first operating state. The electronic device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 5) The operating member is a button that has a half-press state as the first operating state and a fully pressed state as the second operating state. An electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 6) The system further includes setting means for setting the length of the predetermined time, An electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 7) The aforementioned predetermined function is a video playback function, The first setting mentioned above is a setting for slow playback. The second setting mentioned above is the high-speed playback setting. The third setting is the setting for normal speed playback. An electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 8) An electronic device as described in any one of items 1 through 7, Imaging means, An imaging device characterized by comprising: (Item 9) A control method performed by an electronic device comprising an operating member having a non-operated state, a first operating state, and a second operating state, and configured to transition between the non-operated state and the second operating state via the first operating state, A control process, When one or more conditions are met, including the first condition that the operating member has transitioned from the non-operated state to the first operating state, a predetermined function is executed with the first setting. After the first operating state continues for a predetermined time or longer, the operating member transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, and in response, the predetermined function is executed with a second setting different from the first setting. In response to the operation member transitioning from the first operation state to the second operation state before the first operation state continues for the predetermined time, the predetermined function is executed with a third setting different from the first and second settings. A control process that controls in this manner, A control method characterized by comprising: (Item 10) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the electronic devices described in any one of items 1 through 7.

[0103] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 40...Microcomputer, 70...Control panel, 100...Lens unit, 200...Imaging device, 212...AF start button

Claims

1. An operating member having a non-operated state, a first operating state, and a second operating state, and configured to transition between the non-operated state and the second operating state via the first operating state, A control means, When one or more conditions are met, including the first condition that the operating member has transitioned from the non-operated state to the first operating state, a predetermined function is executed with the first setting. After the first operating state continues for a predetermined time or longer, the operating member transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, and in response, the predetermined function is executed with a second setting different from the first setting. In response to the operation member transitioning from the first operation state to the second operation state before the first operation state continues for the predetermined time, the predetermined function is executed with a third setting different from the first and second settings. A control means that controls in this manner, An electronic device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The above one or more conditions include a second condition that the first operating state continued for the predetermined time. The electronic device according to feature 1.

3. The above one or more conditions are satisfied in response to the operation member transitioning from the non-operational state to the first operational state, regardless of the duration of the first operational state. The electronic device according to feature 1.

4. The system further includes a selection means for selecting whether or not to include the second condition, which is that the first operating state continued for a predetermined time, in the one or more conditions. If it is chosen not to include the second condition in the one or more conditions, then the one or more conditions shall be satisfied in accordance with the transition of the operating member from the non-operating state to the first operating state, regardless of the duration of the first operating state. The electronic device according to feature 1.

5. The operating member is a button that has a half-press state as the first operating state and a fully pressed state as the second operating state. The electronic device according to feature 1.

6. The system further includes setting means for setting the length of the predetermined time, The electronic device according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned predetermined function is a video playback function, The first setting described above is a setting for slow playback. The second setting mentioned above is the high-speed playback setting. The third setting is the setting for normal speed playback. The electronic device according to feature 1.

8. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Imaging means, An imaging device characterized by comprising:

9. A control method performed by an electronic device comprising an operating member having a non-operated state, a first operating state, and a second operating state, and configured to transition between the non-operated state and the second operating state via the first operating state, A control process, When one or more conditions are met, including the first condition that the operating member has transitioned from the non-operated state to the first operating state, a predetermined function is executed with the first setting. After the first operating state continues for a predetermined time or longer, the operating member transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, and in response, the predetermined function is executed with a second setting different from the first setting. In response to the operation member transitioning from the first operation state to the second operation state before the first operation state continues for the predetermined time, the predetermined function is executed with a third setting different from the first and second settings. A control process that controls in this manner, A control method characterized by comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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