electronic equipment

Abstract

To allow an automatic change in settings related to a rotation operation and a touch operation on an operating member.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 100 has: an operating member 302 that is rotationally operable; rotation operation detection means 306, 307 that detect a rotating operation of the operating member; touch operation detection means 82a, 500 that detect a touch operation on the operating member; state detection means 55, 57, 91, 92 that detect the state of the electronic apparatus; and control means 50 that changes the settings related to the rotation operation and touch operation according to the state of the electronic apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device having an operation unit that is operated by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of such an electronic device, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device having a dial that can be rotated and a touch operation unit that can be tapped and slid. With this imaging device, noise can be suppressed by having the user operate the touch operation unit during video capture, and a stable operational feel can be obtained by operating the dial when observing through a viewfinder, etc., using a click mechanism.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic device (imaging device) in which a capacitance detection unit that detects changes in capacitance is provided on a dial, and the operation member can be rotated and touched.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an imaging device that has a locking mechanism that locks the rotation of a dial, and that unlocks the dial rotation when multiple touch detection electrodes provided on the dial detect finger touches on the dial at two or more locations. This imaging device also stops the power supply to the touch detection electrodes to lock the dial rotation when there is little possibility of rotating the dial, such as during portrait orientation imaging, video recording, or when the viewfinder is positioned close to the eye. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6676807 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5882721 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-206358 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the dial and the touch operation unit are provided separately, which may hinder miniaturization of the imaging device.

[0007] On the other hand, the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 2 allows rotation and touch operations for one operation member, but a clearance including an air layer is provided between the surface of the operation member that the user touches during the touch operation and the capacitance detection unit. For this reason, depending on how the user touches, the signal output from the capacitance detection unit may not be stable, and touch operations (especially slide operations) may not be detected accurately.

[0008] Furthermore, the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 3 only has a function of unlocking the rotation of the dial by detecting that two or more fingers have touched the dial to rotate it. In this imaging device, it is not possible to change the setting values ​​or operation modes of the imaging device by touching the dial (especially by sliding).

[0009] The present invention provides an electronic device that can automatically change settings related to rotation operations and touch operations for one operation member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As one aspect of the present invention Capable of imaging The electronic device includes an operation member that can be rotated, a rotation operation detection means that detects the rotation operation of the operation member, and a touch operation detection means that detects a touch operation on the operation member. a control means for executing a function according to a rotation operation and a touch operation; Electronic device status At least two of the following conditions must be considered: posture, movement, presence or absence of eye contact, volume of the environment in use, and presence or absence of gripping. a state detection means for detecting the A combination of at least two state detection results The present invention is characterized by having a setting means for changing settings relating to the rotation operation and the touch operation in accordance with the user's preference. Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device serving as an automobile, characterized by having an operating member that can be rotated, a rotation operation detection means for detecting the rotation operation of the operating member, a touch operation detection means for detecting a touch operation on the operating member, a control means for executing functions according to the rotation operation and the touch operation, a state detection means for detecting the running state and the stopped state of the automobile, and changing settings related to the rotation operation and the touch operation depending on whether the automobile is in the running state or the stopped state.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: an operating member capable of being rotated; a rotation operation detection unit that detects a rotation operation of the operating member; a touch operation detection unit that detects a touch operation on the operating member; and As the operation state of the operation member, any one of the contact area with the operation member, the external force applied to the operation member, and the number of fingers operating the operation member is selected. and a setting means for changing settings relating to the rotation operation and the touch operation in accordance with the operation state.

[0012] Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a touch panel having an operation member capable of performing a rotation operation and a touch operation. Capable of imaging The control method is applied to an electronic device. At least two of the following conditions must be considered: posture, movement, presence or absence of eye contact, volume of the environment in use, and presence or absence of gripping. detecting A combination of at least two state detection results The method is characterized by having a step of changing settings related to the rotation operation and the touch operation in accordance with the setting. Also, a control method for an electronic device such as an automobile having an operating member capable of rotational operation and touch operation, characterized by comprising the steps of detecting the running state and stationary state of the automobile, and changing settings related to rotational operation and touch operation depending on the running state and stationary state.Furthermore, a control method for an electronic device having an operating member capable of rotational operation and touch operation, characterized by comprising the steps of detecting, as the operating state of the operating member, any of the contact area with the operating member, the external force applied to the operating member, and the number of fingers operating the operating member, and changing settings related to rotational operation and touch operation depending on the operating state. Note that a program that causes a computer of an electronic device to execute processing according to the above control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can automatically change settings regarding rotation operations and touch operations for one operation member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sub electronic dial unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a dial and a first flexible substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the first flexible substrate. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sub electronic dial unit and the capacitance detection unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 7]5A and 5B are diagrams showing the correspondence between the state of the camera and the functions of the sub electronic dial unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of function displays of the sub electronic dial unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sub electronic dial unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the contact area of ​​a finger with respect to a dial in Example 2. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the contact area or the external force applied to the dial and the function of the sub electronic dial unit in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing how the dial is rotated with a finger in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the number of fingers used to rotate or slide the dial and the camera functions in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of touch operations on a dial in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a touch operation on a dial in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) respectively show the front and rear exterior views of an interchangeable lens digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as camera) 100 as an electronic device embodying the present invention. Figure 2 shows the internal configuration of camera 100 and a lens unit (interchangeable lens) 150 attached to its mount.

[0016] Display unit 28, provided on the rear surface of camera 100, is configured with an LCD panel, organic EL panel, or the like, and displays various information including live view images, captured images (still images and videos), and menu screens. A touch panel 70a is provided on the display surface (operation surface) of display unit 28, and can detect touch operations by the user on the display surface. Touch panel 70a is included in operation unit 70 shown in FIG. 2. Display unit 43 outside the viewfinder is provided on the top surface of camera 100, and displays various setting values ​​such as shutter speed and aperture value.

[0017] The power switch 72 is operated by the user to turn on / off the power of the camera 100. The mode changeover switch 60 shown in Fig. 2 is operated by the user to switch between various modes such as a still image capture mode, a video capture mode, and a playback mode.

[0018] The still image capture mode further includes an auto capture mode, an auto scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode, a shutter speed priority mode, and a program AE mode. The user can select one of these modes by operating the mode selector switch 60. Alternatively, a mode selection screen may be displayed on the menu screen, allowing one of the modes to be selected by operating an operating member other than the mode selector switch 60 (for example, the sub electronic dial unit 73, which will be described later). The video capture mode also includes multiple modes, and one of the modes can be selected in the same manner as the still image capture mode.

[0019] The shutter button 61 is operated by the user in still image capture mode to instruct still image capture. The first shutter switch 62 and second shutter switch 64 shown in Fig. 2 are turned ON by half-pressing and fully pressing the shutter button 61, respectively. The camera control unit 50 serving as control means shown in Fig. 2 controls image capture preparation operations including AE (auto exposure) and AF (auto focus) in response to the first shutter switch 62 being turned ON (input of signal SW1). The camera control unit 50 also performs still image capture in response to the second shutter switch 64 being turned ON (input of signal SW2).

[0020] 2 includes a touch panel 70a, as well as a main electronic dial unit 71 and a sub electronic dial unit 73 shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). The operation unit 70 also includes a cross key 74, a SET button 75, a video button 76, an AE lock button 77, a magnification button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, and a touch bar 82.

[0021] The main electronic dial unit 71 and the sub electronic dial unit 73 have dials as operating members that can be rotated by the user. By rotating the dial of the main electronic dial unit 71, it is possible to change settings such as shutter speed and aperture value. By rotating the dial of the sub electronic dial unit 73, it is possible to move selection areas such as the AE area and AF area, and to switch images displayed on the display unit 28.

[0022] The cross key 74 is a four-way key that can be operated by pressing the top, bottom, left, and right portions. When a menu screen is displayed on the display unit 28, the user can switch or select an item depending on which portion of the cross key 74 is pressed by the user. The SET button 75 is operated by the user to confirm a selected item, etc.

[0023] The video button 76 is operated by the user in video capture mode to instruct the start / stop of video capture (recording). The AE lock button 77 is operated by the user to fix the exposure in a capture standby state. The enlarge button 78 is operated by the user to turn enlargement mode on / off when a live view image is displayed. By turning enlargement mode on and then operating the main electronic dial unit 71, the live view image can be enlarged / reduced. Furthermore, by operating the enlargement button 78 in playback mode, the captured image being played back and displayed can be enlarged or the magnification can be increased.

[0024] The playback button 79 is operated by the user to switch between the still image / video shooting mode and the playback mode. When the playback button 79 is operated in the still image / video shooting mode, the mode switches to the playback mode, and the latest image among the captured images recorded on the recording medium 160 can be displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is operated by the user to display a menu screen on the display unit 28.

[0025] The touch bar 82 is a line-shaped touch operation member (line touch sensor) that receives touch operations by the user, and is provided separately from the touch panel 70a. The user can perform touch operations on the touch bar 82, such as a tap operation (touching with a finger and then releasing the finger within a predetermined time without changing the touch position) and a slide operation in the left-right direction (touching with a finger and then moving the finger while still touching). The touch bar 82 in this embodiment is a capacitive touch sensor. However, other types of touch sensors, such as a resistive film type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, or an optical sensor type, may also be used.

[0026] The touch bar 82 outputs a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a capacitance signal) corresponding to the capacitance to the touch operation microcomputer 82a. When the user touches (touches) the touch bar 82, the capacitance signal from the touch bar 82 changes. Based on the change in the capacitance signal, the touch operation microcomputer 82a determines (detects) whether a tap operation, a slide operation to the right (hereinafter referred to as a right slide operation), or a slide operation to the left (hereinafter referred to as a left slide operation) has been performed on the touch bar 82. The determination result is then output to the camera control unit 50. The camera control unit 50 changes various setting values ​​according to the type of touch operation input from the touch operation microcomputer 82a.

[0027] 1, grip section 90 is the portion that the user holds with the right hand to hold and position camera 100. When grip section 90 is held with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, shutter button 61 and main electronic dial unit 71 are located in positions that can be operated with the index finger of the right hand, and sub electronic dial unit 73 and touch bar 82 are located in positions that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand.

[0028] 2 is a sensor that detects whether the user is gripping the grip unit 90, and may be a capacitance-type touch sensor, a pressure-sensitive sensor (piezoelectric element), etc. The camera control unit 50 performs control such as enabling or disabling some of the operation members included in the operation unit 70 depending on whether the grip detection unit 92 detects or does not detect anything.

[0029] The audio detection unit 91 is a microphone that detects audio. The camera control unit 50 records the audio detected by the audio detection unit 91 in an internal memory or a recording medium 160 together with the captured image.

[0030] The attitude detection unit 55 is a sensor that detects the attitude (position) and movement of the camera 100, and an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. are used. The camera control unit 50 controls the orientation of the live view image and the captured image according to the attitude and movement detected by the attitude detection unit 55.

[0031] The eyepiece 16 is the portion through which the user looks to view the electronic viewfinder (EVF) 29. The user can view images and information displayed on the EVF 29 through the eyepiece 16. The eyepiece detection unit 57 is a sensor that detects when the user brings their face (eyes) close to the eyepiece 16 and looks into the eyepiece 16 (eye contact), and an infrared proximity sensor or the like is used. When the eyepiece detection unit 57 does not detect eye contact, the camera control unit 50 sets the display unit 28 to a display state and the EVF 29 to a non-display state, and when the eye contact is detected, sets the display unit 28 to a non-display state and the EVF 29 to a display state.

[0032] The communication terminal 10 is provided in the mount portion so that the camera 100 can communicate with the lens unit 150. The terminal cover 40 is a member that protects a connector (not shown) to which a cable that connects the camera 100 to an external device is connected. The lid 170 is a member that covers a slot that stores the recording medium 160.

[0033] In FIG. 2, the lens unit 150 has an imaging optical system made up of a plurality of lenses (one lens is shown in the figure) 103 and an aperture 1.

[0034] The image sensor 22 in the camera 100 is configured with a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and converts an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal. The shutter 101 is a mechanical shutter (focal plane shutter) that controls the exposure time of the image sensor 22.

[0035] The AE sensor 17 detects the brightness of a subject as an object using an output signal (brightness signal) from the image sensor 22. The focus detection unit 11 detects the defocus amount using the output signal (focus detection signal) from the image sensor 22. The camera control unit 50 controls the aperture diameter (aperture value) of the diaphragm 1 and the shutter speed based on the brightness information from the AE sensor 17, and performs AF control based on the defocus amount information from the focus detection unit 11.

[0036] The A / D converter 23 converts the analog imaging signal from the imaging element 22 into a digital imaging signal (imaging data) and outputs the imaging data to an image processing unit (processing means) 24 and a memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 performs image processing such as pixel interpolation, resizing, color conversion, and AWB (auto white balance) processing on the imaging data from the A / D converter 23 to generate image data. The image data is written to a memory 32 directly or via the memory control unit 15. The D / A converter 19 receives image data stored in the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15, converts it into an analog image signal, and supplies it to the display unit 28 or EVF 29 to display a live view image.

[0037] The viewfinder external display drive circuit 44 causes the viewfinder external display 43 to display the various setting values ​​described above.

[0038] The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, and an EEPROM or the like is used. The nonvolatile memory 56 stores constants, programs, and the like for operation of the camera control unit 50. The camera control unit 50 is a computer made up of a processor and peripheral circuits, and controls the overall operation of the camera 100 and lens unit 150 by executing programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 and expanded in the system memory 52, such as RAM.

[0039] The system timer 53 measures the time used for various controls performed by the camera control unit 50 and the time of a built-in clock.

[0040] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit that switches between blocks to which power is applied. The battery detection circuit detects whether a battery is installed, the battery type, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter and switch circuit based on the remaining battery power and instructions from the camera control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage to each block, including the recording medium 160, for the required period of time.

[0041] The power supply unit 30 is composed of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries or lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, or Li batteries, and also an AC adapter. The recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 160 such as a semiconductor memory card or a hard disk. The communication unit 54 is connected wirelessly or via a wired cable and transmits and receives video signals and audio signals.

[0042] The communication unit 54 communicates captured images, live view images, and other information with external devices via wireless LAN, the Internet, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), and the like.

[0043] In the lens unit 150, a communication terminal 6 is provided so that the lens control unit 4 provided in the lens unit 150 can communicate with the camera control unit 50 via the camera-side communication terminal 10. The camera control unit 50 controls the aperture drive circuit 2 via the lens control unit 4 to drive the aperture 1, and controls the AF drive circuit 3 to drive the lens (focus lens) 103 to perform AF.

[0044] Next, the sub electronic dial unit 73 in this embodiment will be described in more detail. The sub electronic dial unit 73 not only allows rotational operation of the dial, but also allows touch operations (tap operation, right slide operation, and left slide operation) similar to the touch bar 82 on the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) that is the side surface around the rotation center of the dial. Furthermore, as tap operations, a tap operation on a right tap range on the right side (first side) of the outer peripheral surface of an operable portion of the dial (described later) (hereinafter referred to as a right tap operation) and a tap operation on a left tap range on the left side (second side opposite the first side) (hereinafter referred to as a left tap operation) are possible.

[0045] A touch operation on the outer circumferential surface of the dial is detected by a capacitance-type touch sensor (hereinafter referred to as a dial touch sensor) provided on the inner circumferential surface (inner surface) of the dial. Like the touch bar 82, this dial touch sensor also outputs a capacitance signal, which is a detection signal according to the capacitance, to the touch operation microcomputer 82a. The dial touch sensor and the touch operation microcomputer 82a constitute a touch operation detection means.

[0046] When a user touches the outer surface of the dial, the capacitance of the dial touch sensor changes, and the capacitance signal output from the dial touch sensor changes. Note that the change in capacitance of the dial touch sensor due to the touch operation may be an increase or decrease, but in the following description, it is assumed to be an increase.

[0047] The touch operation microcomputer 82a determines whether a right tap operation, left tap operation, right slide operation, or left slide operation has been performed on the dial based on a change in the capacitance signal from the dial touch sensor, and outputs the determination result (type of touch operation) to the camera control unit 50. The camera control unit 50 changes various setting values ​​according to the type of touch operation input from the touch operation microcomputer 82a in accordance with the above-mentioned program. The camera control unit 50 also moves the selected area and advances images as described above according to the rotation operation of the dial.

[0048] The capacitance signal from the dial touch sensor may be input to a microcomputer other than the touch operation microcomputer 82a to which the capacitance signal from the touch bar 82 is input, to determine the type of touch operation.

[0049] The reason for providing the sub electronic dial unit 73 that allows both rotation and touch operations on a single dial is as follows: For example, when the user rotates the dial to capture a still image while looking through the eyepiece 16, the click mechanism within the sub electronic dial unit 73 provides a clicking sensation (operation sensation), allowing stable operation without looking at the dial. However, rotation of the dial generates a sound (click sound) from the click mechanism. Therefore, when capturing video, the generation of sound can be suppressed by performing a touch operation on the dial.

[0050] In this embodiment, a touch bar 82 that can be touched is provided separately from the sub electronic dial unit 73 that can be touched, but the touch bar 82 may be eliminated. [Example]

[0051] 3 shows a cross section of the sub electronic dial unit 73 in Example 1. The sub electronic dial unit 73 has a dial 302, a click plate 303, a click mechanism (not shown), a first flexible substrate 305, a second flexible substrate 306, a rotation detection contact 307, a capacitance detection unit (capacitance detection means) 305a, and a signal transmission contact (signal transmission means) 308.

[0052] Dial 302, which is an operating member, is made of a resin material and has shaft 302a and outer peripheral surface 302b as a side surface. The resin material of dial 302 may contain glass fiber or the like to improve strength, but it is preferable not to contain conductive materials such as carbon.

[0053] Shaft 302a of dial 302 is inserted from above into a hole provided in the upper surface of upper cover 301 of camera 100, and click plate 303 is fixed to the lower end of shaft 302a with screws 304. This allows dial 302 and click plate 303 to be rotatably attached to upper cover 301. A user can rotate dial 302 by applying a rotational force to outer circumferential surface 302b of dial 302 with their fingers.

[0054] The click plate 303 is formed in a disk shape from a metal such as stainless steel or a resin material such as polyacetal resin (POM), and its outer periphery has concave and convex portions (not shown) formed alternately in the circumferential direction. When the dial 302 is not rotating, a ball of the click mechanism is biased by a spring and fits into one of the concave portions. When the dial 302 rotates and the click plate 303 rotates integrally with it, the ball passes over the convex portion and fits into the next concave portion. This gives the user a clicking sensation. However, as mentioned above, a clicking sound is generated.

[0055] Second flexible substrate (rotation detection substrate) 306 is fixed to a position on the bottom surface of upper cover 301 facing click plate 303. Rotation detection contact 307, which is a conductive member for detecting the rotation of dial 302, is fixed to click plate 303. A plurality of conductive patterns for rotation detection (not shown) are formed of copper or the like on second flexible substrate 306, with which rotation detection contact 307 can come into contact. Rotation detection contact 307 and the conductive patterns for rotation detection constitute a rotation operation detection means. In other words, second flexible substrate 306 is provided with (a part of) the rotation operation detection means.

[0056] When click plate 303 rotates together with dial 302, rotation detection contact piece 307 comes into contact (conductive) or out of contact (non-conductive) with the plurality of conductive patterns for rotation detection at different times. Camera control unit 50 detects the rotation and direction of dial 302 from the change in the combination of contact and non-contact, and changes the setting value in response to the rotation detection.

[0057] Furthermore, a photosensor (interrupter (PI) or photoreflector (PR)) that switches between a state in which light from a light-emitting portion is received by a light-receiving portion and a state in which light is not received in response to the rotation of dial 302 (click plate 303) may be used as the rotation detection means. By using a plurality of PIs or PRs and varying the timing at which they enter the light-receiving state and the light-non-receiving state, the rotation direction of dial 302 can be detected. In this case as well, the PIs and PRs are provided on second flexible substrate 306.

[0058] The rotation amount (rotation position) of the dial 302 may be detected, and the above-mentioned mode switching may be performed according to the rotation position of the dial 302.

[0059] First flexible substrate 305 is fixed to the inside of dial 302. First flexible substrate 305 is provided with capacitance detection unit 305a fixed to inner circumferential surface 302c (surface behind outer circumferential surface 302b) of dial 302. Capacitance detection unit 305a is a touch sensor that detects a change in capacitance when outer circumferential surface 302b of dial 302 is touched by a user's finger.

[0060] A signal transmission contact 308, which is fixed to the dial 302 and rotates integrally with the dial 302, is connected to the wiring pattern 305b on the first flexible substrate 305, which is connected to the capacitance detection unit 305a. The signal transmission contact 308 is in contact with the signal transmission conductive pattern on the second flexible substrate 306 regardless of the rotational position of the dial 302. Therefore, the capacitance signal from the capacitance detection unit 305a is transmitted via the signal transmission contact 308 to the signal transmission conductive pattern of the second flexible substrate 306, and input to the touch operation microcomputer 82a via the second flexible substrate 306. The camera control unit 50 changes various setting values, etc., depending on the type of touch operation determined by the touch operation microcomputer 82a.

[0061] By transmitting the capacitance signal to the touch operation microcontroller 82a via the second flexible substrate 306 having a conductive pattern for rotation detection provided thereon, it is possible to transmit the capacitance signal output from the capacitance detection unit 305a of the rotating dial 302 to the touch operation microcontroller 82a.

[0062] A wiring pattern may be provided on the shaft 302a of the dial 302 to transmit the capacitance signal from the capacitance detection unit 305a from the first flexible substrate 305 to the rotation detection contact 307 provided on the click plate 303. In this case, the capacitance signal from the capacitance detection unit 305a can be transmitted to the second flexible substrate 306 via the rotation detection contact 307, which serves both as (a part of) the rotation detection means and the signal transmission means, and input to the touch operation microcomputer 82a. Alternatively, the capacitance signal from the capacitance detection unit 305a may be transmitted to the second flexible substrate 306 by a non-contact communication means such as wireless communication or optical communication as the signal transmission means, and input to the touch operation microcomputer 82a.

[0063] 4(a) shows the dial 302 alone as seen from the bottom side. The inside of the dial 302 is a recessed portion that opens to the bottom side, with a shaft portion 302a provided at the center of the recessed portion and a cylindrical portion formed to surround the recessed portion. The outer peripheral surface of this cylindrical portion is outer peripheral surface 302b, and the inner peripheral surface is inner peripheral surface 302c. The outer peripheral surface 302a is provided with a fine mesh-like unevenness (knurling) to prevent the user's fingers from slipping.

[0064] 4(b) shows the first flexible substrate 305 seen from the bottom side. The first flexible substrate 305 has a shape in which a capacitance detection unit 305a is provided so as to surround a ring-shaped wiring unit 305b.

[0065] 4(c) shows a state in which first flexible substrate 305 is fixed to the inside of dial 302 by double-sided tape, adhesive, or fitting a dowel into a dowel hole, etc. Shaft portion 302a of dial 302 is passed through opening 305c formed in the center of wiring portion 305b of first flexible substrate 305, wiring portion 305b is affixed to the inner ceiling surface of dial 302, and capacitance detection portion 305a is affixed around the entire periphery of inner peripheral surface 302c of dial 302.

[0066] It is desirable that the vicinity of one end 305a1 and the vicinity of the other end 305a2 of the capacitance detection unit 305a overlap each other in the circumferential direction. Although not shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), the wiring unit 305b is provided with a signal transmission contact 308, which is a conductive member for transmitting a capacitance signal from the capacitance detection unit 305a to the second flexible substrate 306, as described with reference to Figure 3.

[0067] Note that instead of a configuration in which a separate first flexible substrate 305 is fixed to the dial 302, the capacitance detection unit 305a and the wiring unit 305b may be integrally formed with the dial 302. In either case, it is sufficient that the capacitance detection unit 305a is in direct contact with the inner circumferential surface 302c, which is the back surface of the outer circumferential surface 302b of the dial 302, or via a conductive member such as conductive double-sided tape or conductive grease, so that a clearance including an air gap is not formed between the inner circumferential surface 302a of the dial 302 and the capacitance detection unit 305a. By not forming an air gap, it is possible to suppress variations in the capacitance signal and a decrease in the S / N ratio depending on how the user touches the outer circumferential surface 302b, and to stably detect touch operations.

[0068] 3(b), a capacitance detection unit 305a that also serves as a wiring unit may be provided on the inner ceiling surface of the dial 302 so as to detect a touch operation on the upper surface (top surface) of the dial 302. That is, the capacitance detection unit may be provided so as to come into contact with the inner surface behind the outer surface (outer peripheral surface 302b or upper surface) of the dial 302 directly or via conductive double-sided tape or conductive grease.

[0069] FIG. 5(a) shows the first flexible substrate 305 developed in a plane. FIG. 5(b) shows an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 5(a) of the capacitance detection unit 305a. The capacitance detection unit 305a is provided with a touch sensor electrode 500 constituting the dial touch sensor described above. The touch sensor electrode 500 is made of a conductive material such as copper and has a plurality of (first to third) electrodes 501 to 503 arranged adjacent to each other at short intervals in the longitudinal direction of the capacitance detection unit 305a (the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 302a of the dial 302; hereinafter, referred to as the sensor longitudinal direction). The first, second, and third electrodes 501, 502, and 503 are repeatedly arranged in this order from one end 305a1 to the other end 305a2 of the capacitance detection unit 305a in the sensor longitudinal direction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5(b), each of the first to third electrodes 501 to 503 is formed to have an overlapping portion 504 with respect to the adjacent electrode in the sensor longitudinal direction. Specifically, both ends of each electrode in the sensor longitudinal direction are formed to be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the sensor longitudinal direction. One end 305a1 and the other end 305a2 of the capacitance detection portion are also cut along the inclination of both ends of each electrode. This electrode shape allows a stable output of a capacitance signal regardless of where a touch operation (tap operation or slide operation) is performed on the outer peripheral surface 302b of the dial 302. In particular, it is possible to prevent the capacitance signal from becoming discontinuous due to the gap between the electrodes when a slide operation is performed, thereby improving the detection performance of the slide operation.

[0071] FIG. 6(a) shows the positional relationship between the dial 302 and the capacitance detection unit 305a (touch sensor electrode 500) as viewed from above. As can be seen from FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the dial 302 is disposed in a recess provided in the upper cover 301, and a portion of the outer circumferential surface 302b of the dial 302 is exposed through an opening 600 on the rear side of the recess. A user performs rotation operations and touch operations by touching with a finger the portion of the outer circumferential surface 302b of the dial 302 exposed through the opening 600 (hereinafter referred to as the operable portion). In this embodiment, the operable portion of the dial 302 has an angular range of approximately 120° around the rotation center of the dial 302. However, this angular range may be 90° or 180° and is not particularly limited.

[0072] 6(b) shows the touch sensor electrode 500 provided on the back surface (inner peripheral surface 302c) of the operable portion of the dial 302. As shown in this figure, at least one each of the first to third electrodes 501 to 503 is provided on the back surface of the operable portion of the dial 302. It is desirable that at least one each of the first to third electrodes 501 to 503 is provided on the back surface of the operable portion regardless of the rotation position of the dial 302.

[0073] Meanwhile, the rotational position of dial 302 is determined by the aforementioned ball fitting into the recess in click plate 303. For this reason, the recess in click plate 303 is formed at a circumferential pitch such that at least one each of first to third electrodes 501 to 503 is provided on the back surface of the operable portion of dial 302. This allows tapping and sliding operations on dial 302 to be detected satisfactorily, as will be described below. (Tap operation) A tap operation is an operation in which a user touches an operable portion of the dial 302 with a finger and then releases the finger (releases the touch) within a predetermined time without changing the touch position. In FIG. 6(a), when a user's finger touches a right tap area 601 in the operable portion of the dial 302, a touch on the right tap area 601 is detected by a change in capacitance in the first electrode 501 shown in FIG. 6(b). Thereafter, when the finger is released from the right tap area 601 within a predetermined time, a release of the touch on the right tap area 601 is detected by a change in capacitance in the first electrode 501. The touch operation microcomputer 82a detects a right tap operation based on this change in capacitance (signal), and the camera control unit 50 executes a function (operation or control) assigned to the right tap operation.

[0074] Furthermore, when the user's finger touches left tap range 602 in the operable portion of dial 302, a touch on left tap range 602 is detected by a change in capacitance in third electrode 503. If the finger is then removed from left tap range 602 within a predetermined time, a release of touch on left tap range 602 is detected by a change in capacitance in third electrode 503. This change in capacitance causes touch operation microcomputer 82a to detect a left tap operation, and camera control unit 50 executes a function assigned to the left tap operation.

[0075] It is also possible to provide a center tap operation using a change in capacitance in the second electrode 502. Furthermore, the tap operation may be detected when, after touching with a finger, the touch continues for a first predetermined time or more and the touch is released within a second predetermined time. (Slide operation) A slide operation is an operation in which a user touches an operable portion of the dial 302 with a finger and then moves the finger (touch position) while keeping the touch. When the user's finger touches a right tap area 601 in the operable portion of the dial 302, a touch on the right tap area 601 is detected by a change (increase) in capacitance at the first electrode 501. When the finger moves from the right tap area 601 to the left tap area 602 while keeping the finger touching the operable portion, a movement of the touch position to the left is detected by sequential changes in capacitance at the first electrode 501, the second electrode 502, and the third electrode 503. When the finger is released from the left tap area 602, a release of touch on the left tap area 602 is detected by a change (decrease) in capacitance at the third electrode 503. The touch operation microcomputer 82a detects a left slide operation based on this change in capacitance, and the camera control unit 50 executes a function assigned to the left slide operation.

[0076] Furthermore, when the user's finger touches a left tap range 602 in the operable portion of the dial 302, a touch on the left tap range 602 is detected by a change in capacitance at the third electrode 503. When the finger moves from the left tap range 602 to the right tap range 601 while still touching the operable portion, a movement of the touch position to the right is detected by sequential changes in capacitance at the third electrode 503, the second electrode 502, and the first electrode 501. When the finger is removed from the right tap range 601, a release of touch on the right tap range 601 is detected by a change in capacitance at the first electrode 501. The touch operation microcomputer 82a detects a right slide operation based on such a change in capacitance, and the camera control unit 50 executes a function assigned to the right slide operation.

[0077] Note that when movement of the touch position is detected after touch (that is, even if touch release is not detected), this may be detected as a slide operation, and a function assigned to the slide operation may be executed.

[0078] Furthermore, the position where the finger first touches in a left / right sliding operation may be the central range of the operable portion of the dial 302, which corresponds to the second electrode 502. In this case, when the user's finger touches the central range, a touch to the central range is detected due to a change in capacitance at the second electrode 502, and when the finger moves leftward, a leftward sliding operation is detected due to sequential changes in capacitance at the second electrode 502 and then the third electrode 503. Furthermore, after a touch in the central range is detected, when the finger moves rightward, a rightward sliding operation is detected due to sequential changes in capacitance at the second electrode 502 and then the first electrode 501.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which three electrodes (first to third electrodes) are arranged on the operable part of the dial, but two electrodes or four or more electrodes may also be arranged.

[0080] According to this embodiment, in the compact camera 100, touch operations (tap operations and slide operations) on the dial 302 that can be rotated can be detected with high accuracy.

[0081] (Switch between rotation and touch operations) As described above, by adding a clicking sensation to the rotation of the dial 302 and enabling the selection area to be moved or the image to be advanced with each click, there is an advantage that the user is less likely to make an erroneous operation even when performing blind operations while looking through the eyepiece 16. Another advantage is that the setting value can be changed continuously by sliding the dial 302, and silent operation is possible without generating any clicking noises. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to switch between a rotation operation function that detects a rotation operation of the dial 302 and executes a function corresponding to that rotation operation, and a touch operation function that detects a touch operation and executes a function corresponding to that touch operation, depending on the state and environment in which the user uses the camera 100.

[0082] The camera control unit 50, which serves as a setting unit, can detect or determine the state (usage state and usage environment) of the camera 100 through the attitude detection unit 55, eyepiece detection unit 57, audio detection unit 91, and grip detection unit 92, which are state detection units shown in FIG. 2 . For example, the acceleration obtained by the attitude detection unit 55 can be used to determine the usage state, such as the movement of the camera 100 (pan, tilt, lifted, or carried state) or the stationary state. Specifically, when acceleration of the camera 100 equal to or greater than a threshold is continuously detected, it can be determined that the camera 100 is in a pan / tilt imaging state, etc., whereas when acceleration below the threshold is detected, it can be determined that the camera 100 is in a stationary state secured by a tripod or in a handheld imaging state. Furthermore, the eyepiece detection unit 57 can determine that the user is imaging while looking into the eyepiece 16 (looking inside the electronic device). If the eyepiece detection unit 57 does not detect eye contact, it can also determine that the user is imaging while looking at the display unit 28 (looking at the external surface of the electronic device). Furthermore, when the volume of sound around the camera 100 detected by the audio detection unit 91 is below a threshold, it can be determined that the usage environment is quiet. Furthermore, the grip detection unit 92 can determine whether the user is holding the grip unit 90 while capturing an image.

[0083] 7(a) and (b) show settings related to the rotation operation function and the touch operation function according to the detection result of the state of the camera 100. The camera control unit 50 changes the settings related to the rotation operation function and the touch operation function according to the state of the camera 100 in accordance with the above-mentioned program.

[0084] 7(a) shows the ON / OFF (enable / disable or detect / non-detect) of the rotation operation function and the touch operation function according to the detection results when grip detection by the grip detection unit 92 and eyepiece detection by the eyepiece detection unit 57 are enabled. The user can select whether to enable or disable grip detection and eyepiece detection via the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0085] In state A, both the grip and the eyepiece are detected, and the camera control unit 50 determines that the user is holding the grip unit 90 and capturing an image while looking through the eyepiece 16. In state A, the user operates the dial 302 blindly, which makes it easy for the user to perform erroneous touch operations. For this reason, the camera control unit 50 turns off the touch operation function and turns on the rotation operation function, which allows for reliable rotation operation via a click feeling. In this case, instead of turning off the touch operation function, the sensitivity to touch operations may be weakened. This also applies to other states, described below, in which the touch operation function is turned off. Furthermore, when the rotation operation function is turned on, the spring force that urges the ball into the recess of the click plate 303 in the click mechanism serving as resistance generating means—that is, the resistance to the rotation of the dial 302—may be set to a weaker value (first strength) to facilitate rotation of the dial 302. There are no particular limitations on the configuration for changing the spring force of the click mechanism. For example, the spring force can be varied by increasing or decreasing the amount of spring charge using a cam mechanism.

[0086] This also applies to other states, which will be described later, in which the rotation operation function is turned on.

[0087] In state B, neither the grip nor the eyepiece is detected, and the camera control unit 50 determines that the camera is in a non-imaging state in which the user is not holding the grip unit 90 and is not looking into the eyepiece unit 16. In state B, the camera control unit 50 turns off both the rotation operation function and the touch operation function. At this time, the resistance to the rotation of the dial 302 may be set to a strong resistance (second strength) to make it difficult for the dial 302 to rotate. This is the same as in other states, described below, in which the rotation operation function is turned off.

[0088] In state C, the grip is detected but the eyepiece is not, and the camera control unit 50 determines that the user is holding the grip unit 90 and preparing to capture images or making various settings while viewing a live view image displayed on the display unit 28. In state C, the user can visually observe the dial 302 and the display unit 28, making it unlikely that an erroneous touch operation will be performed, so the camera control unit 50 turns the rotation operation function OFF and turns the touch operation function ON. At this time, if the sensitivity to touch operations was reduced instead of turning the touch operation function OFF in states A and B, the sensitivity to touch operations may be increased. This is the same for other states, described below, in which the touch operation function is ON.

[0089] Figure 7(b) shows the ON / OFF of the rotation operation function and touch operation function when, in addition to grip detection by the grip detection unit 92 and eyepiece detection by the eyepiece detection unit 57, posture detection by the posture detection unit 55 and sound detection by the sound detection unit 91 are enabled.

[0090] State D is a moving state in which the orientation detection unit 55 detects acceleration above a threshold, and the camera control unit 50 turns off both the rotation operation function and touch operation detection regardless of the detection results from other detection units to prevent erroneous operation.

[0091] States E, F, G, and H are imaging states in which the orientation detection unit 55 detects acceleration below a threshold or no acceleration. State E is a state in which the audio detection unit 91 detects an audio level below a threshold. The camera control unit 50 determines that the usage environment is a quiet environment, and turns off the rotation operation function and turns on the touch operation function. This allows the user to perform touch operations as quiet operations when silence is required, such as in a museum or public place.

[0092] States F, G, and H are states in which an audio level (noise) equal to or greater than the threshold is detected. State F is a state in which both the grip and the eyepiece are detected, and state H is a state in which the grip is detected but the eyepiece is not, and the camera control unit 50 performs the same ON / OFF setting as in states A and C described above.

[0093] In state G, neither the grip nor the eyepiece is detected, but the camera control unit 50 determines that it is in an image capturing state based on the acceleration detection result. For example, it determines that this is an image capturing state in which the camera 100 is fixed to a tripod. In state G, the user can visually check the dial 302 and the display unit 28, and the possibility of an erroneous touch operation is low, so the camera control unit 50 turns off the rotation operation function and turns on the touch operation function.

[0094] As described above, according to the camera 100 of this embodiment, the settings relating to the rotary operation function and touch operation function of the sub electronic dial unit 73 can be automatically changed depending on the state of the camera 100.

[0095] The user can set the still image capture mode to turn off the operation of the shutter 101 and use the electronic shutter operation of the image sensor 22. Also, a video capture mode can be set to capture video along with audio. When such a specific setting requiring silent operation is made, the camera control unit 50 sets the camera to prioritize touch operations over rotation operations, regardless of the detection results of the state of the camera 100 by the above-mentioned detection units. Specifically, the rotation operation function is turned off and the touch operation function is turned on, or the resistance to rotation operations is increased to increase sensitivity to touch operations.

[0096] Fig. 8(a) shows an example of a display of a rotation operation icon 701 on the display unit 28 or EVF 29 to notify the user that the rotation operation function is ON. Fig. 8(b) shows an example of a display of a touch operation icon 702 to notify the user that the touch operation function is ON. By displaying these icons 701 and 702, the user can clearly recognize whether the sub electronic dial unit 73 (dial 302) can be operated by rotation or touch.

[0097] In this embodiment, an electronic dial unit provided in the camera 100 has been described, but an electronic dial unit with a similar configuration can also be mounted on an automobile as an electronic device. In an automobile, when changing various setting values ​​for the audio, navigation, or air conditioning system, it is possible to turn on a rotary operation function that allows reliable operation with a click feeling of the dial when the automobile is running (driving) and it is better not to look at the dial. Also, when the automobile is stopped, it is possible to turn on a touch operation function that allows smooth operation. It is possible to distinguish between a running state and a stopped state by the ON / OFF state of the accelerator or brake. [Example]

[0098] In the case of the dial 302 that can be rotated and touched, there is a possibility that a touch operation will be erroneously detected if the user unintentionally touches the dial 302 with their finger during or after a rotation operation by the user. Therefore, in the second embodiment, erroneous detection of a touch operation is prevented.

[0099] 9 is a cross section of the sub electronic dial unit 73′ in this embodiment, showing a state in which the user's thumb 901 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 302b of the dial 302. In FIG. 9, the same components as those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0100] In the sub electronic dial unit 73 of this embodiment, the capacitance detection unit 305a (touch sensor electrode 500) not only detects that the thumb 901 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 302b of the dial 302, but also detects the contact area of ​​the thumb 901 with the dial 302 based on the magnitude of the capacitance. A strain sensor 1201 is provided between the upper cover 301 and the shaft 302a of the dial 302. The strain sensor 1201 is disposed between the upper cover 301 and the shaft 302a of the dial 302 in the radial direction of the dial 302. When the thumb 901 touches the outer circumferential surface 302b of the dial 302, the strain sensor 1201 is distorted by a force (external force) transmitted from the shaft 302a, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of distortion. Based on the magnitude of the distortion indicated by this signal, the camera control unit 50 determines whether the user is performing a rotation operation or a touch operation on the dial 302. The capacitance detection unit 305a and the strain sensor 1201 correspond to an operation state detection means.

[0101] 10(a) schematically shows the contact area of ​​the thumb 901 with the dial 302 when the user touches the outer peripheral surface 302b of the dial 302. FIG. 10(b) schematically shows the contact area of ​​the thumb 901 with the dial 302 when the user rotates the dial 302.

[0102] The contact area of ​​the thumb 901 with the dial 302 and the external force applied to the dial 302 differ when the dial 302 is touched with the thumb 901 and when it is rotated. That is, in the touch operation shown in FIG. 10( a), the thumb 901 simply traces the outer peripheral surface 302b of the dial 302. In contrast, in the rotation operation shown in FIG. 10( b), the thumb 901 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface 302b of the dial 302 to hook it into the knurled shape. Therefore, in the rotation operation, the contact area of ​​the thumb 901 with the dial 302 is larger than in the touch operation, and the external force applied to the dial 302 is also larger, resulting in a larger amount of strain in the strain sensor 1201 arranged between the dial 302 and the upper cover 301.

[0103] In this way, the camera control unit 50 detects the contact area of ​​the thumb 901 and the magnitude of the external force (amount of distortion) as the operation state of the dial 302. Then, based on the detection result, it determines whether the user intends to perform a rotation operation or a touch operation on the dial 302, and switches the operation to be detected (settings related to the rotation operation and touch operation). This makes it possible to prevent the user's unintentional touch of the finger on the dial 302 during or after the rotation operation from being erroneously detected as a touch operation. The camera control unit 50 performs such processing according to a program.

[0104] The camera control unit 50 may determine the operation using both the contact area and the magnitude of the external force, or may determine the operation using only one of them.

[0105] 11 shows the correspondence between the contact area of ​​a finger on the dial 302 and the magnitude of the external force applied to the dial 302, and the ON / OFF (enabled / disabled) detection of touch operations and rotation operations. A "small" contact area / external force indicates that the detected contact area or external force is less than the first threshold, and a "medium" contact area / external force indicates that the detected contact area or external force is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold. Furthermore, a "large" contact area / external force indicates that the detected contact area or external force is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0106] If at least one of the contact area and the external force is between 0 and less than the first threshold, the camera control unit 50 determines that the user has not performed an intended operation on the dial 302, and turns off both the detection of touch operations and the detection of rotation operations. This prevents erroneous detection of a touch operation, for example, when the user unintentionally touches the dial 302 with their finger while operating an operation member other than the dial 302. As in the first embodiment, instead of turning off the detection of a touch operation, the sensitivity to touch operations may be weakened, or the resistance to rotation of the dial 302 may be strengthened together with turning off the detection of a rotation operation.

[0107] Furthermore, if at least one of the contact area and the external force is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the camera control unit 50 determines that the user has touched the dial 302 with the intention of performing a touch operation, and turns on the detection of the touch operation and turns off the detection of the rotation operation. As in the first embodiment, instead of turning on the detection of the touch operation, the sensitivity to the touch operation may be increased.

[0108] Furthermore, if at least one of the contact area and the external force is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the camera control unit 50 determines that the user has touched the dial 302 with the intention of rotating the dial 302, and turns off the detection of the touch operation and turns on the detection of the rotation operation. As in the first embodiment, the resistance to the rotation of the dial 302 may be weakened together with the detection of the rotation operation being turned on.

[0109] Furthermore, in addition to the discrimination between a rotation operation and a touch operation based on the contact area and external force described above, a change in capacitance detected by capacitance detection unit 305a may be used to discriminate between a conductive finger and a non-conductive object other than a finger when dial 302 is in contact. If contact by a non-conductive object is determined, camera control unit 50 desirably does not detect either a rotation operation or a touch operation. This prevents camera 100 from malfunctioning in cases such as when a non-conductive object other than a finger inside a bag contacts or rotates dial 302 while camera 100 is inside a bag, or when clothing comes into contact with dial 302 while the user is wearing camera 100 around their neck.

[0110] Furthermore, in addition to switching between detecting a rotation operation and detecting a touch operation depending on the contact area or external force, it is also possible to change setting items such as mode and exposure, the amount of feed of setting values, feed speed, etc. When changing the setting function, it is also possible to change the setting function depending on the strength of the rotation operation or touch operation, such as a rotation operation or touch operation that applies a weak external force to the dial and a rotation operation or touch operation that applies a strong external force.

[0111] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of rotation operations or touch operations (malfunction of camera 100) due to the user unintentionally touching dial 302, and to cause camera 100 to execute a function according to the strength of the rotation operation or touch operation on dial 302. [Example]

[0112] Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, settings relating to the rotation operation function and the touch operation function are changed according to the number of fingers operating the dial 302. In this embodiment as well, the camera control unit 50 performs such processing according to a program.

[0113] Fig. 12(a) shows a state in which a user touches the dial 302 with one finger (thumb 901) and rotates the dial 302. Fig. 12(b) shows a state in which a user touches both radial sides of the dial 302 with two fingers (thumb 901 and index finger 902) and rotates the dial 302. The user can also rotate the dial 302 using more fingers (e.g., three fingers).

[0114] The number of fingers touching the dial 302 can be detected by the touch sensor electrode 500. Specifically, the number of fingers touching the dial 302 can be detected from the number of electrodes (501 to 503) that the touch sensor electrode 500 includes, whereby the capacitance has changed significantly. The number of fingers touching the dial 302 may also be determined from the total amount of capacitance detected by the touch sensor electrodes 500. Furthermore, multiple types of touch sensor electrodes 500 may be provided, and the output of each electrode may be checked.

[0115] It is also possible to detect the number of fingers performing a sliding operation on the dial 302, in addition to the rotation operation of the dial 302.

[0116] FIG. 13(a) shows an example of the correspondence between the number of fingers rotating the dial 302 and the functions (operations) of the camera 100. When the dial 302 is rotated with zero fingers, this means that an object other than a finger (such as the user's body or a bag) has come into contact with the dial 302, causing the dial 302 to rotate unintentionally by the user. In this case, the camera control unit 50 does not cause the camera 100 to execute any function and prevents changes to setting values, etc. Furthermore, when the dial 302 is rotated with one finger, the camera control unit 50 changes the exposure compensation value. When the dial 302 is rotated with two fingers, the camera control unit 50 changes the operation mode, such as the imaging mode, of the camera 100. When the dial 302 is rotated with three fingers, the camera 100 is turned on / off. For example, when the dial 302 is rotated clockwise, the power is turned off, and when the dial is rotated counterclockwise, the power is turned on.

[0117] With this function setting, operations that are frequently performed by the user, such as changing the exposure compensation value, can be performed quickly with one finger. Furthermore, operations that are less frequently performed and have a high risk of being operated by mistake, such as turning the power on and off, can be enabled only when the user intentionally rotates the dial 302 with multiple fingers. In other words, user convenience can be improved while preventing operation mistakes.

[0118] FIG. 13(b) shows the correspondence between the number of fingers used to slide the dial 302 and the functions of the camera 100. Here, the function of the camera 100 is image scrolling when playing back captured images, and the setting value for image scrolling is the number of captured images scrolled per slide operation (one operation). If the number of fingers is 0, no slide operation is possible, and no image scrolling occurs. When a single finger is used to slide the outer surface 302b of the dial 302, the camera control unit 50 scrolls through images one by one. When a two-finger slide operation is used, ten images are scrolled through, and when a three-finger slide operation is used, 100 images are scrolled through. Controlling image scrolling in this manner allows the user to roughly select a scene in which a target image was captured using multiple fingers and then reliably find the target image with a single finger. In other words, a quick search for a target image and detailed confirmation can be performed with a simple slide operation on the single dial 302.

[0119] It should be noted that not only the number of images to be advanced but also the amount of change in various setting values ​​such as shutter speed may be changed according to the number of fingers performing the sliding operation. Also, the amount of change in the setting value may be changed according to the number of fingers performing the rotating operation on dial 302, and the function of camera 100 may be changed according to the number of fingers performing the sliding operation. Furthermore, the number of fingers performing the rotating operation or sliding operation may be three or more, such as four.

[0120] 14(a) to 14(c) explain the functions (operations) of the camera 100 according to the relative movement of two fingers performing a slide operation on the dial 302. The arrows in the figures indicate the sliding direction of each finger performing the slide operation. Here, the functions of the camera 100 related to the playback of captured images will be explained.

[0121] 14(a) shows a case where both thumb 901 and index finger 902 are slid counterclockwise. At this time, camera control unit 50 performs image forwarding. Camera control unit 50 switches the image forwarding direction depending on the sliding direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of thumb 901 and index finger 902.

[0122] FIG. 14(b) shows a case where a pinch-in operation is performed by sliding the thumb 901 counterclockwise and the index finger 902 clockwise, i.e., by moving the thumb 901 and index finger 902 closer to each other. At this time, the camera control unit 50 performs a reduction process to reduce the playback image. Furthermore, when the thumb 901 and index finger 902 are slid in the direction opposite to the arrow from the state where the thumb 901 and index finger 902 are close to each other, i.e., a pinch-out operation is performed by moving the thumb 901 and index finger 902 away from each other, the camera control unit 50 performs a magnification process to enlarge the playback image, which is a function different from that of the pinch-in operation. Furthermore, when the thumb 901 slides clockwise and the index finger 902 slides counterclockwise from the state shown in this figure, the camera control unit 50 reduces the playback image as the two fingers move closer to each other and enlarges the playback image as the two fingers move apart. In this way, the playback magnification of the playback image is changed according to the distance between the two fingers, allowing the user to perform intuitive operations.

[0123] FIG. 14(c) shows a case where the thumb 901 remains stationary while touching the dial 302, and only the index finger 902 slides clockwise or counterclockwise. In this case, the camera control unit 50 performs a rating on the reproduced image as a specific function of the camera 100. Specifically, the rating increases when the index finger 902 slides clockwise, and decreases when the index finger 902 slides counterclockwise. Generally, ratings are given by displaying a rating indicator such as a star mark (☆) together with the reproduced image, and the level of the rating is indicated by the number of stars. In this example, the number of rating indicators increases or decreases depending on the direction in which the finger slides, allowing the user to perform intuitive operations.

[0124] In this way, camera 100 can be caused to execute various functions related to image playback in response to a slide operation of at least one of two fingers in contact with dial 302. Note that camera 100 may be caused to execute various functions according to the relative positional relationship of a larger number of fingers, not limited to functions related to two fingers or image playback.

[0125] 15(a) shows a state in which a sliding operation is being performed with thumb 901 on dial 302. In the example shown in this figure, the sliding operation is being performed in the counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow. Here, camera 100 is set to a playback mode in which captured images are played back, and images are forwarded in groups of 10 in the direction corresponding to the direction of the sliding operation of one finger.

[0126] FIG. 15(b) shows the state in which, after the slide operation shown in FIG. 15(a), the dial 302 is rotated in the same counterclockwise direction without releasing the thumb 901 from the dial 302 (while the contact of the thumb 901 is still detected). At this time, the camera control unit 50 advances images one by one with each click, without changing the exposure compensation value that was set for the rotation operation with one finger as shown in FIG. 13(a). The user can roughly advance the playback images by performing a slide operation, and then reliably advance the playback images one by one by performing a rotation operation with each click thereafter. In this case, there is no need to re-grasp the dial 302, as in the case of changing the number of images to be advanced by changing the number of fingers as described above, and therefore the number of images to be advanced can be changed more easily.

[0127] In this way, when a slide operation and a rotation operation are performed consecutively without removing multiple fingers from the dial 302, the camera control unit 50 applies the camera 100 function that was set for the slide operation to the rotation operation as well, and does not execute the function that was originally set for the rotation operation. In other words, the user can make the camera 100 perform the function that was set for the slide operation with a different number of fingers by performing a rotation operation without changing the number and type of fingers that were touching the dial 302 for the initial slide operation. This can improve the ease and immediacy of operation.

[0128] The user can also perform a slide operation without releasing their finger after rotating the dial 302. In this case, the camera control unit 50 applies the function set for the rotation operation to the slide operation as well, and changes the amount of change in the setting value by the slide operation. This makes it possible to smoothly switch from making small changes to the setting value by the rotation operation to making large changes to the setting value by the slide operation.

[0129] It is also possible to perform the same operation as above with multiple fingers on the dial 302. Furthermore, the camera 100 may be caused to execute a function other than image forwarding in response to the above operation.

[0130] In the above second and third embodiments, an electronic dial unit provided in the camera 100 has been described, but electronic dial units with a similar configuration can be used in various electronic devices, such as automobiles, audio equipment, and medical equipment. For example, an electronic dial unit installed in an automobile can set the vehicle speed and following distance in cruise control by rotating and touching the dial, or set the temperature and air volume in an automatic air conditioner. Furthermore, an electronic dial unit installed in an audio device can perform coarse and fine volume adjustments by rotating and touching the dial. (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0131] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 50 Camera control unit 73 Sub-electronic dial unit 82a Touch operation microcomputer 100 digital cameras 302 Dial 305 First flexible substrate 305a Capacitance detection unit 306 Second flexible substrate 500 touch sensor electrodes

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of taking images, an operating member that can be rotated; a rotation operation detection means for detecting a rotation operation of the operating member; a touch operation detection means for detecting a touch operation on the operation member; a control means for executing a function according to the rotation operation and the touch operation; a state detection means for detecting at least two of the states of the electronic device, including a posture, a movement, whether or not the electronic device is held in contact with an eye, the volume of the sound in the environment in which the electronic device is used, and whether or not the electronic device is being held; an electronic device comprising: a setting unit that changes settings relating to the rotation operation and the touch operation in accordance with a combination of detection results of the at least two states;

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit changes the settings of whether the rotation operation and the touch operation are enabled or disabled in accordance with a combination of the detection results of the at least two states.

3. a resistance generating means for generating resistance against the rotation operation; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the setting means changes the setting of the strength of the resistance depending on whether the rotation operation is enabled or disabled.

4. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the setting means changes the setting of whether the rotation operation is enabled or disabled according to a combination of the detection results of the at least two states, and changes the setting of the sensitivity of the touch operation detection means to the touch operation.

5. An electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the posture detection result indicates a moving state of the electronic device, the setting means disables the rotation operation and the touch operation regardless of the detection results of other states.

6. 6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the touch operation is a slide operation on the operation member.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when a specific setting is made in the electronic device, the setting means makes a setting to prioritize the touch operation over the rotation operation regardless of the combination of the detection results of the at least two states.

8. the electronic device has a mechanical shutter that controls an exposure time of an image pickup element that captures an image; 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the specific setting is a setting that uses an electronic shutter in the image sensor without using the mechanical shutter.

9. The electronic device described in Claim 7, characterized in that the specific setting is a setting for capturing video.

10. An electronic device as an automobile, an operating member that can be rotated; a rotation operation detection means for detecting a rotation operation of the operating member; a touch operation detection means for detecting a touch operation on the operation member; a control means for executing a function according to the rotation operation and the touch operation; a state detection means for detecting a running state and a stopped state of the automobile; The electronic device is characterized in that settings relating to the rotation operation and the touch operation are changed between the running state and the stopped state.

11. 11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a valid operation of the rotation operation and the touch operation is displayed on a display unit provided in the electronic device.

12. an operating member that can be rotated; a rotation operation detection means for detecting a rotation operation of the operating member; a touch operation detection means for detecting a touch operation on the operation member; an operation state detection means for detecting, as an operation state of the operation member, any one of a contact area with the operation member, an external force applied to the operation member, and the number of fingers operating the operation member; a control means for executing a function according to the rotation operation and the touch operation; An electronic device comprising: a setting unit that changes settings relating to the rotation operation and the touch operation according to the operation state.

13. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the setting unit changes settings of whether the rotation operation and the touch operation are enabled or disabled depending on the operation state.

14. a resistance generating means for generating resistance against the rotation operation; 14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the setting means changes the setting of the strength of the resistance depending on whether the rotation operation is enabled or disabled.

15. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the setting means changes a setting of whether the rotation operation is enabled or disabled according to the operation state, and changes a setting of sensitivity of the touch operation detection means to the touch operation.

16. 16. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the touch operation is a slide operation on the operation member.

17. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the setting unit changes a setting of a function executed by the electronic device in response to at least one of the rotation operation and the touch operation, depending on the number of fingers.

18. The setting means changing a setting value in the electronic device in response to at least one of the rotation operation and the touch operation; The electronic device according to claim 12 , wherein a setting of a change amount of the setting value per operation is changed according to the number of fingers.

19. An electronic device described in any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the control means detects an increase or decrease in the distance between multiple fingers performing the touch operation on the operating member through the touch operation detection means, and performs different functions depending on the increase or decrease in the distance.

20. 20. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit executes a specific function in response to detection by the touch operation detection unit of a finger that remains stationary while in contact with the operation member and a finger that moves.

21. The electronic device described in any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that when one of the rotation operation and the touch operation is performed after the other operation without the touch operation detection means detecting that the finger has been released from the operating member, the control means changes the setting value of the electronic device that was changed by one of the operations by an amount of change different from the amount of change per one of the operations in accordance with one of the other operations.

22. A control method for an electronic device capable of capturing images, having an operation member that can be rotated and touched, comprising: detecting at least two of the following states as the state of the electronic device: posture, movement, presence or absence of eye contact, volume of the usage environment, and presence or absence of grip; A control method comprising the step of changing settings related to the rotation operation and the touch operation according to a combination of detection results of the at least two states.

23. A method for controlling an electronic device such as an automobile having an operating member capable of rotational operation and touch operation, comprising: detecting a running state and a stopped state of the vehicle; A control method comprising the step of changing settings related to the rotation operation and the touch operation between the running state and the stopped state.

24. A method for controlling an electronic device having an operation member that can be rotated and touched, comprising: detecting, as an operation state of the operation member, any one of a contact area with the operation member, an external force applied to the operation member, and the number of fingers operating the operation member; A control method comprising the step of changing settings relating to the rotation operation and the touch operation according to the operation state.

25. 25. A program for causing a computer of the electronic device to execute a process according to the control method of claim 22, 23 or 24.

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