Electronic device, its control method, and program

Abstract

When using an operating unit capable of accepting a first operation and a second operation following the first operation, an inappropriate combination of functions may be selected as the combination to be assigned to the operation. [Solution] The electronic device of the present invention includes: a first operating unit capable of receiving a first operation and a second operation following the first operation; an assignment means for assigning functions to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, according to the user's selection; a processing means for executing a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation in response to the first operation and a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation in response to the second operation; a notification means; and a control means for controlling whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the function selected by the user is not recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first and second operations, when the user selects a function to assign to either the first or second operation.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An electronic device such as a digital camera can assign a function (for example, autofocus) selected by a user to a predetermined operation unit and execute a function desired by the user by operating the predetermined operation unit at the time of shooting. Digital cameras are equipped with a wide variety of functions, not just autofocus, and the functions that a user can assign to the operation unit are also increasing.

[0003] Some operation units can accept a second operation following a first operation for one operation unit and assign a function to each operation. Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera provided with a shutter release button that can be depressed in a first stage and a second stage. It is disclosed that image data representing a movie image is recorded on a recording medium by depressing in the first stage, and image data representing a still image is recorded on the recording medium by depressing in the second stage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When functions are assigned to the operations of depressing the shutter release button in the first stage and the second stage, depending on the combination of functions selected by the user, the processing executed by the depressing operation may not be what the user intends.

[0006] For example, one could assign an autofocus function to the first-stage press-down operation and an image playback function to the second-stage press-down operation, respectively. In that case, since the image playback process is not executed while the autofocus process is running, the process resulting from the second-stage press-down operation will not be executed.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an electronic device that prevents the selection of an inappropriate combination of functions to be assigned to an operation when using an operation unit capable of accepting a first operation and a second operation following the first operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the electronic device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first operating unit capable of receiving a first operation and a second operation following the first operation; assignment means for assigning functions to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, according to the user's selection; processing means for executing processing corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation in response to the first operation and processing corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation in response to the second operation; notification means; and control means for controlling whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the function selected by the user is not recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation, when the user selects a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when using an operating unit capable of accepting a first operation and a second operation following the first operation, it is possible to prevent the selection of an inappropriate combination of functions to be assigned to an operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of the imaging device 200 according to this embodiment, where (a) is an external view of the front of the imaging device 200, (b) is an external view of the rear of the imaging device 200, and (c) is a diagram showing the configuration of the AF-ON button 212 that can accept multiple operations. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart describing the process related to the AF-ON button 212. [Figure 4] This is an example of a screen for assigning functions to half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the functions assigned to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. [Figure 6] This figure shows a table of information regarding the combinations of functions that can be assigned to a two-step operation. [Figure 7] This is an example of a component that allows for two-stage input other than the AF-ON button 212. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. In this embodiment, an imaging device 200 is given as an example of electronic equipment, but this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0012] [Configuration of imaging device 200] The lens unit 100 is a lens unit equipped with a replaceable lens 5. While the lens 5 is usually composed of multiple lenses, here it is shown as a single lens for simplicity.

[0013] The communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 100 to communicate with the imaging device 200 side, and the communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the imaging device 200 to communicate with the lens unit 100 side.

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

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

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

[0017] The quick return mirror 12 is moved up and down by an actuator (not shown) according to an instruction from the system control unit 40 during exposure.

[0018] The user can observe the focusing screen 13 via the pentaprism 14 and the finder 16 to confirm the focus and composition of the optical image of the subject obtained through the lens unit 100.

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

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

[0021] Generally, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) are used as the image sensor 20. The image sensor 20 captures the subject image formed on the image sensor 20 through the lens unit 100 by photoelectric conversion and as an electrical signal.

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

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 switched by the system control unit 40. The system control unit 40 also performs white balance adjustment based on the color balance information of the captured image.

[0025] The liquid crystal display unit 25 is a rear monitor for displaying images. Any display that displays images is not limited to liquid crystal displays; other types of displays, such as organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), may also be used.

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

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

[0028] The memory 28 is a removable recording medium such as a memory card. However, it may also be an internal memory. The system control unit 40 controls the drive timing of the image sensor 20 via the timing control circuit 32.

[0029] 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 system control unit 40. The power control circuit 35 also notifies the system control unit 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.

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

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

[0032] 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.

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

[0034] The in-viewfinder LCD display unit 41, via the in-viewfinder LCD drive circuit 42, displays a frame indicating the autofocus point currently being focused on, as well as icons representing the camera's settings.

[0035] The external LCD display unit 43 displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture, via the external LCD drive circuit 44.

[0036] The control unit 70 consists of various operating components that act as an input unit for receiving user input. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 70 includes a release button 201, a main electronic dial 202, a sub electronic dial 203, a power switch 204, and a protect button 205. The control unit 70 also includes a menu button 206, a delete button 207, a zoom mode button 208, a menu screen instruction button 209, a single / multi switch button 210, a multi controller 211, an AF-ON button 212, and a directional pad.

[0037] The system control unit 40 is a control unit that controls each part of the imaging device 200. The system control unit 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.

[0038] [Description of the external view of the imaging device 200] Figure 2(a) is an external view of the front of the imaging device 200, and Figure 2(b) is an external view of the rear of the imaging device 200.

[0039] The release button 201 is used to give instructions for preparing and taking a picture. Half-pressing the button measures the brightness of the subject and focuses. Fully pressing the button releases the shutter and takes a picture.

[0040] The main electronic dial 202 is a rotating control element. By rotating this main electronic dial 202, the user can set values ​​such as shutter speed and aperture, and fine-tune the magnification in magnification mode.

[0041] The sub-electronic dial 203 is a rotating control element. By rotating this 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.

[0042] The power switch 204 is an operating component for turning the power ON and OFF.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The delete button 206 is a button that instructs the deletion of images stored on recording media inside or outside the imaging device 200.

[0045] The magnification mode button 207 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 208 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 menu button 209 is used to display various settings screens on the LCD display unit 25.

[0048] The viewfinder eyepiece detection means 210 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the user is looking through the viewfinder 16.

[0049] 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.

[0050] [Configuration of AF-ON button 212] The AF-ON button 212 is an operating component used to instruct the camera to start autofocus on a subject in the image. Figure 2(c) is a diagram showing the configuration of the AF-ON button 212, which allows for multiple operations. This AF-ON button 212 has a two-stage configuration, and of the two stages of operation on the AF-ON button, the first operation is a "half-press," and the second operation following the first operation is a "full-press."

[0051] The keytop 213 is configured to be exposed externally as the first part that the user touches when pressing the AF-ON 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 installed in the ground.

[0054] The spring 216 for detecting a half-press of the AF-ON button 212 is configured to contact a conductive member 214 that has descended due to a force applied from the keytop 213. Since the conductive member 214 is connected to a ground spring 215 which is connected to ground, a half-press is detected when the conductive member 214 and the spring 216 for detecting a half-press of the AF-ON button 212 come into contact.

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

[0056] Furthermore, the spring 217 for detecting a full press of the AF-ON button 212 is configured to be lower in height than the spring 216 for detecting a half press of the AF-ON button 212. With this configuration, when a full press of the AF-ON button 212 is detected, a half press of the AF-ON button 212 is also always detected. In other words, when a half press and a full press are detected in sequence, the function assigned to the half press and the function assigned to the full press are started in sequence, and while the function assigned to the full press is running, the function assigned to the half press continues.

[0057] [Processing related to AF-ON button 212] First, the process related to the AF-ON button 212 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3. This flowchart shows the process related to the AF-ON button 212 in the shooting mode of the imaging device. In parallel with this process, other processes such as shooting are also executed in response to shutter button operation. Furthermore, this process is realized by the system control unit 40 executing a program that has been stored in the non-volatile memory 38 by loading it into the volatile memory 39.

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

[0059] In S302, the system control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has instructed the system to assign functions to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. If it determines that the user has instructed the system to assign functions to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212, the system proceeds to S303; otherwise, it proceeds to S304.

[0060] In S303, the system control unit 40 performs a process to set the functions assigned to half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. This process will be explained in detail later.

[0061] In S304, the system control unit 40 determines whether the AF-ON button 212 has been half-pressed by the user. If it determines that the AF-ON button 212 has been half-pressed, the process proceeds to S305; otherwise, it returns to S302.

[0062] In S305, the system control unit 40 determines whether a function is assigned to the half-press of the AF-ON button 212. If it determines that a function is assigned to the half-press of the AF-ON button 212, it proceeds to S306; otherwise, it proceeds to S307 without executing the process in S306. Here, if no function is assigned to the half-press of the AF-ON button 212, the item that displays the function set for the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 in the detailed settings screen 400 (described later) is displayed as "Disabled".

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

[0064] In S307, the system control unit 40 determines whether the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released. If it determines that the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 has been released, it returns to S302; otherwise, it proceeds to S308.

[0065] In S308, the system control unit 40 determines whether the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed by the user. If it determines that the AF-ON button 212 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to S309; ​​otherwise, it returns to S307.

[0066] In S309, the system control unit 40 determines whether a function is assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212. If it determines that a function is assigned to fully pressing the AF-ON button 212, it proceeds to S310; otherwise, it proceeds to S311 without executing the process in S310.

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

[0068] In S311, the system control unit 40 determines whether the AF-ON button 212 has been released from its fully pressed state. If it determines that the AF-ON button 212 has been released from its fully pressed state, the system proceeds to S312; otherwise, it returns to S311. Alternatively, if the AF-ON button 212 is released from its fully pressed state in S311, the system may return to S304, and if the AF-ON button 212 is still being half-pressed, the system may execute the function assigned to the half-press.

[0069] In S312, the system control unit 40 determines whether the power switch 204 is in the OFF state. If it determines that the power switch 204 is in the OFF state, it terminates the process; otherwise, it returns to S302.

[0070] [Screen for assigning functions to half-press and full-press of AF-ON button 212] In this embodiment, functions other than the function of instructing the start of autofocus can be assigned to the AF-ON button 212. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can assign any function to either a half-press or a full press of the AF-ON button 212. This allows the user to assign a desired function to either a half-press or a full press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0071] Figure 4(a) shows the detailed settings screen 400 for changing and setting the functions assigned to half-press and full-press via user operation. This detailed settings screen 400 is displayed by the following process: After selecting the "Button Customization" item on the menu screen, select the "AF-ON Button 212" item and select a combination of functions that can be set to half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212, where both are "Disabled". Here, "Disabled" means that no function is assigned to half-press or full-press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0072] This detailed settings screen 400 displays the setting for half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 401, the setting for fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 402, and the completion icon 403 (Figure 4(a)). The settings for half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 401 and fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 402 each display "Disabled," indicating that no function is assigned to half-pressing or fully pressing the AF-ON button 212.

[0073] In the detailed settings screen 400, the user selects the setting 401 for half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 (by touch), which displays the function assignment screen 414 for half-pressing (Figure 4(b)). In the function assignment screen 414 for half-pressing, selectable functions are displayed as icons, which are arranged in a grid. The display format of the icons corresponding to the functions is changed to indicate that the user has selected that function. For example, highlighting the icon of the selected function indicates that the function is selected. In Figure 4(b), the border of the icon for disabled 411 has been changed to a thick border, indicating that disabled 411 is selected.

[0074] Functions that can be assigned to a half-press include starting autofocus (AF Start 404), transitioning to the menu screen (MENU 405), playing back captured images (Image Playback 406), and zooming in on the live view image (Zoom 407). Additionally, functions such as enlarging the played-back image (Enlarging Playback Image 408), assigning a rating to the image (Image Rating 409), and starting video recording (Video Recording 410) are also available.

[0075] On the function assignment screen 414 for half-press, the user can change the function assigned to the half-press from disabled 411 to a user-desired function through a selection operation (touch operation). For example, in Figure 4(b), disabled 411 is selected as the function assigned to the half-press, but in Figure 4(c), image playback 406 is selected as the function assigned to the half-press. When image playback 406 is selected, if the user selects the complete icon 413 (touch operation), the instruction to change the function assigned to the half-press is received, and the user returns to the detailed settings screen 400 (Figure 4(d)). In Figure 4(d), image playback is displayed in the setting 401 for the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 on the detailed settings screen 400. Note that if image playback 406 is selected in Figure 4(c), and the user selects the cancel icon 412 (touch operation), the user returns to the detailed settings screen 400 without receiving an instruction to change the function assigned to the half-press. In this case, the function assigned to the half-press is not changed, and disabled remains assigned to the half-press. Therefore, in the detailed settings screen 400, the setting 401 for half-pressing the AF-ON button 212 is displayed as "Disabled" (Figure 4(a)).

[0076] On the detailed settings screen 400, the user selects the setting 402 for full press of the AF-ON button 212 (by touch), which displays the function assignment screen 415 for full press (Figure 4(e)). Similar to the function assignment screen 414 for half press, the function assignment screen 415 for full press displays selectable functions as icons, which are arranged in a grid. The selectable functions displayed on the function assignment screen 415 for full press are the same as those displayed on the function assignment screen 414 for half press.

[0077] On the function assignment screen 415 for full press, the user can change the function assigned to the full press from disabled 411 to a user-desired function through a selection operation (touch operation). For example, in Figure 4(e), disabled 411 is selected as the function assigned to the full press, but in Figure 4(f), image rating 409 is selected as the function assigned to the full press. Furthermore, Figure 4(f) notifies the user whether the function selected by the user for the full press is a recommended function in combination with the function assigned to the half press. Specifically, image rating 409, selected by the user for the full press, is a recommended function in combination with image playback, which is the function assigned to the half press. Therefore, the function assignment screen 415 for full press displays guidance 416 stating, "This is a recommended function combination." This guidance may also include the reason for the recommendation. On the other hand, in Figure 4(g), the function selected by the user for the full press is video recording 410. This video recording function 410 is not recommended as a function to be used in combination with image playback, which is a function assigned to a half-press. Therefore, on the function assignment screen 415 for a full press, guidance 417 will be displayed stating, "This is a combination of functions that is not recommended." This guidance may also include the reason why it is not recommended.

[0078] With the image rating 409 in Figure 4(f) selected, if the user performs a selection operation (touch operation) to the complete icon 413, the system accepts an instruction to change the function assigned to the full press and returns to the detailed settings screen 400 (not shown). This assigns the recommended function combinations to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. Then, on the detailed settings screen 400, if the user performs a selection operation (touch operation) to the complete button 403, the recommended function combinations are set for the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0079] Furthermore, if the user selects the cancel icon 412 (touch operation) while the image rating 409 in Figure 4(f) is selected, the system will return to the detailed settings screen 400 without accepting the instruction to change the function assigned to the full press (Figure 4(d)). In this case, the function assigned to the full press will not be changed, and the full press will remain assigned as disabled. Therefore, on the detailed settings screen 400, the setting 402 for the full press of the AF-ON button 212 will be displayed as disabled (Figure 4(d)).

[0080] With video recording 410 selected in Figure 4(g), if the user selects the complete icon 413 (touch operation), the system accepts an instruction to change the function assigned to the full press and returns to the detailed settings screen 400 (Figure 4(j)). This assigns a combination of functions that is not recommended to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. However, it is possible to assign a function to the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 again. In the detailed settings screen 400 in Figure 4(j), the user selects the setting 401 for the half-press of the AF-ON button 212 (touch operation), and the function assignment screen for the half-press 414 is displayed (Figure 4(k)). In the function assignment screen for the half-press 414, image playback 406 is selected. Image playback 406 is a function that is not recommended to be used in combination with video playback, which is a function assigned to the full press. Therefore, in the function assignment screen for the half-press 414, a guidance message 418 stating "This is a combination of functions that is not recommended" is displayed. However, on this function assignment screen 414 for half-presses, the user can select a function again.

[0081] In this way, after the user selects a function to assign to a half-press, and then selects a function to assign to a full-press, the system notifies the user whether the selected function is a recommended function in combination with the function assigned to the half-press. Similarly, after the user selects a function to assign to a full-press, the system notifies the user whether the selected function is a recommended function on the half-press function assignment screen 414 when selecting a function to assign to a half-press. This makes it easier for the user to select an appropriate combination of functions to assign to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0082] Furthermore, when the user selects a function to assign to a half-press and then selects a function to assign to a full-press, the system will notify them whether the selected function is not recommended in combination with the function already assigned to the half-press. Similarly, when the user selects a function to assign to a half-press after selecting a function to assign to a full-press, the system will notify them on the half-press function assignment screen 414 whether the selected function is not recommended. This prevents the user from selecting inappropriate combinations of functions to assign to the half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212.

[0083] In this embodiment, a method of displaying guidance was described as a way to notify users of recommended or unrecommended functions. However, notification may also be done by changing the display format of icons for recommended and unrecommended functions. For example, as shown in Figure 4(h), recommended functions may be displayed as dots, and unrecommended functions as diagonal lines. Alternatively, whether a function is recommended or not may be notified by changing the color of the icon itself, the color of the text on the icon, or the color of the icon's border. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(i), recommended functions (recommended) and unrecommended functions (not recommended) may be grouped together and displayed.

[0084] [Process to set the functions assigned to half-press and full-press of AF-ON button 212] Using the flowchart in Figure 5, we will explain the process of setting the functions assigned to half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212 (process S303).

[0085] The user can select the function to be assigned to half-pressing and fully pressing the AF-ON button 212, respectively. The process shown in Figure 5 is achieved by the system control unit 40 executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 38, which is then loaded into the volatile memory 39.

[0086] In S501, the system control unit 40 displays a detailed settings screen 400 for setting functions for half-pressing and fully pressing the AF-ON button (Figure 4(a)). This detailed settings screen 400 is displayed by the following process: On the menu screen, select the "Button Customization" item, then select the "AF-ON Button 212" item, and select a combination where all the functions that can be set for half-pressing and fully pressing the AF-ON button 212 are "Disabled".

[0087] In S502, the system control unit 40 determines whether the user has performed a selection operation (touch operation) to select setting 401 with a half-press on the detailed settings screen 400. If it is determined that the user has performed a selection operation to select setting 401 with a half-press, the system proceeds to S503; otherwise, it proceeds to S511.

[0088] In S503, the system control unit 40 displays the function assignment screen 414 for half-presses (Figure 4(b)).

[0089] In S504, the system control unit 40 determines whether a change operation (touch operation) has been performed on the function assignment screen 414 for half-presses to determine whether a change operation has been performed to determine the function assigned to the half-press. If it is determined that a change operation has been performed to determine the function assigned to the half-press, the system proceeds to S505; otherwise, it proceeds to S506. Specifically, in Figure 4(b), "Disable" 411 is selected as the function assigned to the half-press. If the user changes the function and "Image Playback" 406 is selected, the system proceeds to S505; if the user does not change the function and "Disable" 411 remains selected, the system proceeds to S506.

[0090] In S505, the system control unit 40 changes the selected function in the function assignment screen 414 for half-presses when an operation to change the function to be assigned to a half-press is performed. Specifically, in Figure 4(b), although Disable 411 is selected as the function to be assigned to a half-press, if Image Playback 406 is selected, the selected function is changed from Disable 411 to Image Playback 406.

[0091] In S506, the system control unit 40 changes the display format of the icon corresponding to the selected function. Specifically, it changes the border of the icon corresponding to the selected image playback function 406 to a thick border (Figure 4(c)).

[0092] In S507, the system control unit 40 determines whether a function is assigned to the full press. If it determines that a function is assigned to the full press, it proceeds to S508; otherwise, it proceeds to S509.

[0093] In S508, the system control unit 40 displays guidance on whether the function selected to be assigned to a half-press is a recommended function in combination with the function assigned to a full-press (Figure 4(k)). This guidance is displayed on the function assignment screen 414 for half-presses. Thus, the guidance is displayed before the function is set. Because the user can check the combination of functions to be assigned to half-presses and full-presses in advance, the subsequent settings can be made smoothly.

[0094] In S509, the system control unit 40 determines whether the user has made a selection operation (touch operation) to the complete button 413 on the function assignment screen 414 for half-presses. If it is determined that the user has made a selection operation to the complete button 403, the system proceeds to S510; otherwise, it proceeds to S504.

[0095] In S510, the system control unit 40 returns to the detailed settings screen 400 (Figure 4(a), (d), or (j)).

[0096] In S511, the system control unit 40 determines whether the user has performed a selection operation (touch operation) to select setting 402 by pressing all buttons on the detailed settings screen 400. If it is determined that the user has performed a selection operation to select setting 402 by pressing all buttons, the system proceeds to S512; otherwise, it proceeds to S520.

[0097] In S512, the system control unit 40 displays a function assignment screen 415 for full press (Figure 4(e)).

[0098] In S513, the system control unit 40 determines whether a change operation (touch operation) has been performed on the function assignment screen 415 for full press to change the function assigned to the full press. If it is determined that a change operation has been performed for the function assigned to the full press, the system proceeds to S514; otherwise, it proceeds to S515. Specifically, in Figure 4(e), "Disable" 411 is selected as the function assigned to the full press. If "Image Rating" 409 is selected by a user change operation, the system proceeds to S514; if "Disable" 411 remains selected without a user change operation, the system proceeds to S515.

[0099] In S514, the system control unit 40 changes the selected function in the function assignment screen 415 for full press when an operation to change the function to be assigned to full press is performed. Specifically, in Figure 4(e), although Disable 411 is selected as the function to be assigned to full press, if Image Rating 409 is selected, the selected function is changed from Disable 411 to Image Rating 409.

[0100] In S515, the system control unit 40 changes the display format of the icon corresponding to the selected function. Specifically, it changes the border of the icon corresponding to the selected image rating 409 function to a thick border (Figure 4(f)).

[0101] In S516, the system control unit 40 determines whether a function is assigned to the half-press. If it determines that a function is assigned to the half-press, it proceeds to S517; otherwise, it proceeds to S518.

[0102] In S517, the system control unit 40 displays guidance on whether the function selected to be assigned to a full press is a recommended function in combination with the function assigned to a half press (Figure 4(f) or Figure 4(g)). This guidance is displayed on the function assignment screen 415 for full presses. Thus, the guidance is displayed before the function is set. Because the user can check the combination of functions to be assigned to half presses and full presses in advance, the subsequent settings can be made smoothly.

[0103] In S518, the system control unit 40 determines whether the user has selected (touched) the complete button 413 on the function assignment screen 415 for full press. If it determines that the complete button 413 has been selected, the system proceeds to S519; otherwise, it proceeds to S513.

[0104] In S519, the system control unit 40 returns to the detailed settings screen 400 (Figure 4(a) or (d)).

[0105] In S520, the system control unit 40 determines whether the user has selected (touched) the Complete button 403 on the detailed settings screen 400. If it determines that the Complete button 403 has been selected, the system proceeds to S521; otherwise, it proceeds to S502.

[0106] In S521, the system control unit 40 sets the function to be assigned to half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212, and then terminates the process.

[0107] [Combinations of functions to assign to half-press and full-press of AF-ON button 212] When the AF-ON button 212 is half-pressed and then fully pressed in sequence, the function assigned to the half-press and the function assigned to the full-press are executed in that order. In other words, after the function assigned to the half-press is executed, a function related to that function will be executed consecutively. Therefore, the recommended function to assign to the full-press of the AF-ON button 212 is a function that can be executed after the function assigned to the half-press of the AF-ON button has been executed. On the other hand, functions unrelated to the function assigned to the half-press are not recommended as functions to assign to the full-press. In other words, the recommended (not recommended) function to assign to the full-press of the AF-ON button 212 is a function that cannot be executed after the function assigned to the half-press of the AF-ON button has been executed. In addition, the recommended (not recommended) function to assign to the full-press of the AF-ON button 212 is a function that can be executed after the function assigned to the half-press of the AF-ON button has been executed, but is undesirable.

[0108] Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing an information table regarding the combinations of functions assigned to half-press and full-press of the AF-ON button 212. Figure 6(a) shows the combination information table 600, assuming that after the function assigned to half-press is executed, a function related to that function is executed consecutively. The imaging device 200 stores the combination information table 600 in the non-volatile memory 38. The system control unit 40 displays guidance by referring to the combination information table 600 (S508 and S517 in the flowchart of Figure 5).

[0109] For example, if the function assigned to a half-press is image playback and the function selected to be assigned to a full press is image rating, then this combination corresponds to number 2 in the combination information table 600. Since combination number 2 is marked as "recommended," in S517, the system control unit 40 displays guidance 416 on the function assignment screen 415 for full presses, stating, "This is a recommended combination of functions."

[0110] On the other hand, if the function assigned to a half-press is image playback and the function selected to be assigned to a full press is video recording, then this combination corresponds to number 8 in the combination information table 600. Since combination number 8 is "not recommended", in S517 the system control unit 40 displays guidance 417 on the function assignment screen 415 for full press stating, "This is a combination of functions that is not recommended."

[0111] Furthermore, if the AF-ON button 212 is fully pressed and then half-pressed in sequence, it is possible that the function assigned to the full press and the function assigned to the half-press will be executed in that order. In this case, the function assigned to the full press will be executed first, followed immediately by functions related to that function. Therefore, it is necessary to consider not only recommending or discouraging combinations of functions to assign based on the function assigned to the half-press, but also recommending or discouraging combinations of functions to assign based on the function assigned to the full press.

[0112] Therefore, Figure 6(b) shows an information table 601 that considers both the case where the function assigned to half-press is used as the reference and the case where the function assigned to full-press is used as the reference. The imaging device 200 stores the information table 601 regarding combinations in the non-volatile memory 38. The system control unit 40 displays guidance by referring to the information table 601 regarding combinations (S508 and S517 in the flowchart of Figure 5).

[0113] Specifically, in Figure 6(b), number 1 has image playback assigned to a half-press and image zoom assigned to a full press. In this case, image zoom is a desirable function to perform after image playback. Also, image playback is a desirable function to perform after image zoom. Therefore, combination number 1 is marked as "recommended". On the other hand, in combination number 2, the function assigned to a half-press is image rating 1, which is the lowest of 5 levels. The function assigned to a full press is image rating 3, which is the middle of 5 levels. In this case, image rating 3 is a desirable function to perform after image rating 1. However, image rating 1 is an undesirable function to perform after image rating 3. Therefore, combination number 2 is marked as "not recommended".

[0114] In this embodiment, we have described a case where an AF-ON button 212 capable of accepting half-press and full-press inputs is used as a component that allows for two-stage operation. However, the operating component can also be a rotating component 700, as shown in Figure 7(a). By rotating the operating component 700 counterclockwise, the user transitions from the no-input state to the first stage and then to the second stage. Conversely, by rotating the rotating component 700 clockwise from the second stage, the user returns to the first stage, the no-input state. Furthermore, it does not have to be composed of a single component. For example, two components having two states, ON and OFF, can be combined and considered as a single component to configure the system to transition from the no-input state to the first stage and then to the second stage. Moreover, the system can be configured to return from the second stage to the first stage, the no-input state.

[0115] Figure 7(b) shows an example of combining two components, each having two states, ON and OFF. Initially, buttons 701 and 702 are not pressed (no input). Pressing button 702 transitions to the first stage, and pressing button 701 transitions to the second stage. From a state where both buttons 701 and 702 are pressed, depressing button 701 transitions to the first stage, and depressing button 702 returns to the initial state of no input.

[0116] Figure 7(c) shows an example of combining two components, each having two states, ON and OFF, different from Figure 7(b). Initially, buttons 701 and 702 are not pressed (no input). Pressing either button 701 or 702 transitions to the first stage, and pressing the other button that was not pressed in the first stage transitions to the second stage. Furthermore, from a state where both buttons 701 and 702 are pressed, leaving one of the buttons unpressed transitions back to the first stage, and leaving both buttons unpressed returns to the initial state of no input. Here, the buttons may be any two of the operating units 70 of the imaging device 200, or any one of the operating units 70 may be combined with a button included in the lens unit 100.

[0117] When combining two buttons in this way, the recommended / not recommended combination of functions may be changed depending on the arrangement of the two buttons. For example, when a user is looking through the viewfinder 16 and holding the main body of the image sensor 200, and wants to perform a two-step operation using two buttons located on the front (user side) of the main body, it may be difficult to keep both buttons pressed down. Figure 6(c) is a diagram showing an information table of function combinations that can be assigned to two buttons. Numbers 1 and 2 in Figure 6(c) are examples where the first function is assigned to the function of tracking an AF subject, and the second function is assigned to the function of using eye-tracking input. Since the function of using eye-tracking input requires the user to be looking through the viewfinder 16, it is difficult for the user to simultaneously press the two buttons on the front of the main body while holding the main body of the image sensor 200. For this reason, combination number 1 is "not recommended". On the other hand, if the two buttons are located on the front and lens side of the main body of the image sensor 200, it is possible to press both buttons simultaneously even while holding the main body of the image sensor 200. For this reason, combination number 2 is "recommended".

[0118] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Some of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0121] (Composition 1) A first operating unit capable of receiving a first operation and a second operation following the first operation, Assignment means for assigning functions to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, according to the user's selection, Processing means that, in response to the first operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation, and in response to the second operation, executes processing corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation, Notification methods, When the user selects a function to assign to either the first operation or the second operation, the control means controls whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the selected function is not recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first operation or the second operation. An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

[0122] (Configuration 2) The electronic device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that when the user selects a function to assign to either the first operation or the second operation, the control means controls whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the function selected by the user is recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first operation or the second operation.

[0123] (Composition 3) The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the function selected by the user is a deprecated function that is unrelated to the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation.

[0124] (Composition 4) The electronic device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the function selected by the user is a recommended function that is related to the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation.

[0125] (Composition 5) The control means is If the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation is image playback, As a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, if the user selects to enlarge the played image or assign a rating to the image, the notification means will not notify the user that the selected function is not recommended. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that, as a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, when the user selects to shoot a video, the notification means is controlled to notify the user that the function selected is not recommended.

[0126] (Composition 6) The control means is If the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation is image playback, As a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, when the user selects to enlarge the played image or assign a rating to the image, the notification means is controlled to notify the user that the selected function is recommended. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, as a function assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, when the user selects to shoot a video, the notification means is controlled not to notify the user that the function selected by the user is recommended.

[0127] (Composition 7) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the first operating unit receives the first operation and the second operation in response to a user operation on a single operating member.

[0128] (Composition 8) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the first operation is a half-press and the second operation is a full-press.

[0129] (Composition 9) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a second operating section different from the first operating section, the second operating section capable of receiving the first operation and the second operation following the first operation.

[0130] (Composition 10) The electronic device according to configuration 9, characterized in that the second operating section is a shutter button.

[0131] (Composition 11) An assignment step for assigning functions to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, to a first operation unit that can accept a first operation and a second operation following the first operation, depending on the user's selection; A processing step which, in response to the first operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation, and in response to the second operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation, Notification methods, When the user selects a function to assign to either the first operation or the second operation, a control step is provided to control whether or not the notification means notifies the user that the selected function is not recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first operation or the second operation. A method for controlling electronic equipment, characterized by having the following features.

[0132] (Composition 12) A program for causing a computer to perform the control method of an electronic device described in claim 11.

[0133] (Composition 13) A computer-readable recording medium having recorded a program for causing a computer to perform the control method of the electronic device described in claim 11.

Claims

1. A first operating unit capable of receiving a first operation and a second operation following the first operation, Assignment means for assigning functions to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, according to the user's selection, Processing means that, in response to the first operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation, and in response to the second operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation, Notification methods, When the user selects a function to assign to either the first operation or the second operation, the control means controls whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the function selected by the user is not recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first operation or the second operation. An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the user selects a function to assign to either the first operation or the second operation, the control means controls whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the function selected by the user is recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first operation or the second operation.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the function selected by the user is a deprecated function that is unrelated to the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the function selected by the user is a recommended function that is related to the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation.

5. The control means is If the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation is image playback, As a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, if the user selects to enlarge the played image or assign a rating to the image, the notification means is controlled not to notify the user that the selected function is not recommended. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, as a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, when the user selects to shoot a video, the notification means is controlled to notify the user that the function selected is not recommended.

6. The control means is If the function assigned to the other of the first operation and the second operation is image playback, As a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, when the user selects to enlarge the played image or assign a rating to the image, the notification means is controlled to notify the user that the selected function is recommended. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, as a function to be assigned to either the first operation or the second operation, when the user selects to shoot a video, the notification means is controlled not to notify the user that the function selected by the user is recommended.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operating unit receives the first operation and the second operation in response to a user operation on a single operating member.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation is a half-press and the second operation is a full-press.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a second operating section different from the first operating section, the second operating section capable of receiving the first operation and the second operation following the first operation.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second operating section is a shutter button.

11. An assignment step for assigning functions to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, to a first operation unit that can accept a first operation and a second operation following the first operation, depending on the user's selection; A processing step which, in response to the first operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the first operation, and in response to the second operation, executes a process corresponding to the function assigned to the second operation, Notification methods, A control step that controls whether or not to notify the user via the notification means that the function selected by the user is not recommended, depending on the function assigned to the other of the first and second operations, when the user selects a function to assign to either the first or second operation, A method for controlling electronic equipment, characterized by having the following features.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of an electronic device described in claim 11.

13. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the electronic device described in claim 11.

Images