Electronic equipment and control methods for electronic equipment

Abstract

To provide a technique to support setting a lock state to an operation member and releasing the lock state.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus has a lock function to set or release a lock state in which it disables a user's operation to an operation member, and the electronic apparatus has: a plurality of first operation members to which functions designated by the user can be allocated; allocation means that allocates the lock function to at least one first operation member selected by the user, of the plurality of first operation members; and display control means that, when receiving a predetermined operation from the user, displays information on a lock setting member that is the first operation member to which the lock function is allocated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] In a photographing device, the imaging parameters may be changed when an operation member moves contrary to the user's intention. To prevent such an erroneous operation, the photographing device may be equipped with a lock lever or a lock button and may have a lock function for setting and releasing the locked state of the operation member. Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that displays which operation member is the lock target when there is a lock operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even if the information of the operation member that has been locked is displayed, if the user forgets the operation member (such as a lock lever or a lock button) for setting and releasing the locked state, the user may not know how to release the lock and may be confused.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for assisting in setting and releasing the locked state of an operation member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electronic device according to the present invention is a plurality of operation members to which functions designated by a user can be assigned, Assignment means for assigning a function selected by the user to each of the plurality of operating members, wherein the functions that can be assigned by the assignment means include a lock function that sets / releases a locked state that disables operation on the operating member; A display control means that controls the display unit to display information of the operating member to which the lock function is assigned when a predetermined operation is received from the user. to have death, The display control means uses the information of the operating member to which the lock function is assigned as the operation Display information about symbols used to identify structural components. do It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that assists in setting and releasing a locked state for an operating member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external view of a digital camera. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a digital camera. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the display process for unlock setting release information in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the function assignment menu screen. [Figure 5] This is an example screen showing the number of the unlock button while the device is locked. [Figure 6] This is an example screen showing the number of the unlock button when the device is unlocked. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the display process for unlock setting release information in Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is an example screen showing the location of the unlock button. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Diagram of a digital camera's exterior> Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1(A) and 1(B) show an external view of a digital camera 100 as an example of an electronic device to which the present invention can be applied. Figure 1(A) is a front perspective view of the digital camera 100, and Figure 1(B) is a rear perspective view of the digital camera 100.

[0010] The display unit 28 is a display unit located on the back of the digital camera 100 and displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of the display unit 28. The viewfinder-external display unit 43 is a display unit located on the top surface of the digital camera 100 and displays various settings of the digital camera 100, including shutter speed and aperture. The shutter button 61 is an operating member for giving shooting instructions. The mode selector switch 60 is an operating member for switching between various modes. The terminal cover 40 is a cover that protects connectors (not shown) such as connection cables that connect the digital camera 100 to external devices.

[0011] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary control element, and by rotating it, settings such as shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The power switch 72 is a control element that switches the power of the digital camera 100 on and off. The sub-electronic dial 73 is a rotary control element, and by rotating it, the selection frame (cursor) can be moved and images can be advanced.

[0012] The delete button 70b is an operating component that erases the playback image when the image is displayed on the display unit 28. The four-way key (cross key) 74 is configured so that the up, down, left, and right parts can be pressed, and operations can be performed according to the part of the four-way key 74 that is pressed. The SET button 75 is a push button and is mainly used to confirm selection items.

[0013] The LV button 76 is a button (operating member) for switching between on and off of the live view display (hereinafter, LV display). In the video shooting mode, the LV button 76 is used to give an instruction to start or stop video shooting (recording).

[0014] The zoom button 77 is a button for switching between on and off of the zoom mode in the live view display of the shooting mode and for changing the zoom ratio in the zoom mode. In the playback mode, the zoom button 77 functions as a zoom button for enlarging the playback image and increasing the zoom ratio. The reduction button 78 is a button for reducing the zoom ratio of the enlarged playback image and reducing the displayed image.

[0015] The playback button 79 is a button for switching between the shooting mode and the playback mode. By pressing the playback button 79 during the shooting mode, the camera can be switched to the playback mode, and the latest image among the images recorded on the recording medium 200 can be displayed on the display unit 28.

[0016] The quick return mirror 12 is a mirror for guiding the light passing through the lens to the viewfinder 16, and is moved up and down by an actuator (not shown) according to an instruction from the system control unit 50 (described later). The communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens side (detachable).

[0017] The viewfinder 16 is a peephole type finder for observing the focusing screen 13 (described later) to confirm the focus and composition of the optical image of the subject obtained through the lens unit 150. The lid 202 is a lid for the slot storing the recording medium 200. The grip portion 90 is a holding portion having a shape that is easy for the user to hold with the right hand when holding the digital camera 100.

[0018] The digital camera 100 has function assignment buttons to which the user can assign a specified function. The digital camera 100 may have multiple function assignment buttons. Each function assignment button is printed with a symbol to identify the button. The symbol printed on the function assignment button is, for example, a number. In the example in Figure 1, the LV button 76 is associated with 1, the zoom button 77 is associated with 6, and the zoom button 78 is associated with 5. Note that the symbol associated with the function assignment button is not limited to a number; it may also be an English letter or a mark. Also, Figure 1(B) shows an example where three buttons are numbered as function assignment buttons, but which buttons are designated as function assignment buttons may differ depending on the model.

[0019] <Block diagram of a digital camera> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 is a lens unit equipped with an interchangeable photographic lens. The lens 103 is usually composed of multiple lenses, but in Figure 2 it is simplified and shown as a single lens.

[0020] Communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 150 to communicate with the digital camera 100, and communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens unit 150. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via these communication terminals 6 and 10. The lens unit 150 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 using an internal lens system control circuit 4. The lens unit 150 also focuses by displacing the position of the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3 using the lens system control circuit 4.

[0021] The AE sensor 17 measures the brightness of the subject through the lens unit 150. The focus detection unit 11 outputs defocus amount information, which is the amount of shift in the optical axis direction of the focus, to the system control unit 50. The system control unit 50 controls the lens unit 150 based on the defocus amount information and performs phase-detection autofocus processing (phase-detection AF).

[0022] The quick-return mirror 12 (hereinafter referred to as mirror 12) switches the path of light by moving up and down on the lens 103 side instructed by an actuator (not shown) from the system control unit 50 during exposure, live view shooting, and video recording. In other words, mirror 12 switches the light beam incident from lens 103 to the eyepiece viewfinder 16 side and the image sensor 22 side. As shown in Figure 2, mirror 12 is normally positioned to reflect the light beam and guide it to the eyepiece viewfinder 16. However, when shooting or displaying live view, mirror 12 flips up on the lens 103 side to avoid the light beam so that the light beam is guided to the image sensor 22 (mirror up). In addition, the central part of mirror 12 is a half-mirror that allows some light to pass through. A portion of the light beam passes through the central part of mirror 12 and is incident on the focus detection unit 11 for focus detection.

[0023] The photographer can observe the focusing screen 13 through the pentaprism 14 and eyepiece viewfinder 16, thereby confirming the focus and composition of the optical image of the subject obtained through the lens unit 150.

[0024] The shutter 101 is a focal-plane shutter that allows the exposure time of the imaging unit 22 to be freely controlled by the system control unit 50.

[0025] The imaging unit 22 consists of an image sensor element such as a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. It is a child. The imaging unit 22 may have an imaging plane phase difference sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal.

[0026] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (such as resizing, pixel interpolation, and color conversion) on data from the A / D converter 23 or data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data. The system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This enables TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus), AE (automatic exposure), and FE (flash pre-flash) processing. The image processing unit 24 further performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation results.

[0027] The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15. Alternatively, the output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15 without going through the image processing unit 24. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data for display on the display unit 28. The memory 32 has sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of video footage, and audio.

[0028] Furthermore, memory 32 also serves as memory for image display (video memory). The D / A converter 19 converts the image display data stored in memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28. In this way, the display image data written to memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 via the D / A converter 19. The display unit 28 displays the image on a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL display according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 19.

[0029] The digital signal, converted from A / D by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32, is converted to an analog signal by the D / A converter 19 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 28 for display, allowing the display unit 28 to function as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). In this way, the display unit 28 can perform through-image display (live view display) as an electronic viewfinder.

[0030] The in-viewfinder display unit 41 displays, via the in-viewfinder display unit drive circuit 42, a frame indicating the autofocus point currently being focused on (AF frame), and icons representing the camera's settings. The out-of-viewfinder display unit 43 displays various camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture, via the out-of-viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, and the like. The program referred to here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0032] The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor or circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 realizes each process in this embodiment by executing a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56. The system memory 52 is, for example, RAM. The system control unit 50 loads constants, variables, programs read from the non-volatile memory 56, etc., for the operation of the system control unit 50 into the system memory 52. ​​The system control unit also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, D / A converter 19, display unit 28, etc.

[0033] The system timer 53 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock.

[0034] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video and audio signals to and from external devices connected wirelessly or via wired cables. The communication unit 54 can also connect to wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. Furthermore, the communication unit 54 can communicate with external devices using Bluetooth® and Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images captured by the imaging unit 22 (including through images) and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and other various information from external devices.

[0035] The attitude detection unit 55 detects the orientation of the digital camera 100 relative to the direction of gravity. Based on the orientation detected by the attitude detection unit 55, it is possible to determine whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was taken with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add orientation information corresponding to the orientation detected by the attitude detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, or rotate the image. An acceleration sensor or a gyroscope can be used as the attitude detection unit 55.

[0036] The recording medium I / F18 interacts with recording media 200 such as memory cards and hard disks. -Face. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, etc.

[0037] The power control unit 80 consists of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching which blocks are energized, and the like, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the voltage to be used to each part, including the recording medium 200, for the required period. The power supply unit 30 consists of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries and Li batteries, an AC adapter, and the like.

[0038] The operation unit 70 is an input unit that receives operations from the user and is used to input various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 70 includes a mode switching switch 60, a shutter button 61, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, a delete button 70b, and other operating members. Other operating members of the operation unit 70 include, for example, a main electronic dial 71, a sub electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a SET button 75, an LV button 76, a zoom in button 77, a zoom out button 78, a playback button 79, etc.

[0039] The mode switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of the following: still image shooting mode, video shooting mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the still image shooting mode include auto shooting mode, auto scene detection mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide shooting settings for different shooting scenes. The mode switch 60 allows the user to directly switch the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of the following: still image shooting mode, video shooting mode, playback mode, etc. Alternatively, the user may switch to a list screen of shooting modes using the mode switch 60 and then select one of the displayed modes using other operating components. Similarly, the video shooting mode may include multiple modes.

[0040] The shutter button 61 is equipped with a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 turns on during the operation of the shutter button 61, specifically when it is half-pressed (indicating preparation for shooting), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The system control unit 50 starts operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and FE (flash pre-flash) processing in response to the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0041] The second shutter switch 64 turns on when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (a shooting instruction), generating the second shutter switch signal SW2. When the second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated, the system control unit 50 reads the signal from the imaging unit 22 and starts a series of shooting processes, from reading the captured image to writing the captured image as image data to the recording medium 200.

[0042] Some of the operating elements of the control unit 70 can be assigned functions as appropriate for each situation by selecting various function icons displayed on the display unit 28. Buttons assigned various functions (function-assigned buttons) function as, for example, an exit button, a back button, an image advance button, a jump button, a filter button, an attribute change button, a lock button, etc. For example, when the lock button is pressed and the device is set to the locked state, the digital camera 100 transitions to a state in which the operating element to be locked (hereinafter referred to as the locked element) is disabled to prevent accidental operation. When the lock button is pressed again in the locked state, the digital camera 100 transitions to a state in which the locked element is enabled.

[0043] One of the operating units 70, the touch panel 70a, can be integrated with the display unit 28. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured such that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is mounted on the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with the display coordinates on the surface of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that makes it seem as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0044] The system control unit 50 can detect the following operations or states on the touch panel 70a: • A finger or pen that was not previously touching the touch panel 70a now touches the touch panel 70a, i.e., the start of a touch (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Down). • The touch panel 70a is being touched with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as "Touch-On"). • The finger or pen is moving while touching the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Move). - The finger or pen that was touching the touch panel 70a has been removed (released), i.e., the touch has ended (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Up). • The state in which nothing is being touched on the touch panel 70a (hereinafter referred to as Touch-Off)

[0045] When a touchdown is detected, a touch-on is also detected simultaneously. After a touchdown, touch-ons are usually detected continuously unless a touch-up is detected. Touch-ons are also detected simultaneously if a touch-move is detected. Even if a touch-on is detected, a touch-move will not be detected if the touch position has not moved. After all fingers or pens that were touching have been detected as having touched up, a touch-off occurs.

[0046] These operations and states, as well as the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel 70a, are The information is then notified to the system control unit 50 via the internal bus. Based on the notified information, the system control unit 50 determines what kind of operation (touch operation) was performed on the touch panel 70a. Based on the direction of movement and changes in position coordinates of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 70a, the system control unit 50 can determine whether a touch move operation was performed for each vertical and horizontal component on the touch panel 70a. If the system control unit 50 detects a touch move of a predetermined distance or more, it determines that a slide operation was performed.

[0047] A flick is an operation in which a fingertip touches the touch panel 70a and is quickly moved away from it in a bouncing motion. In other words, a flick is an operation in which a finger quickly traces across the touch panel 70a as if flicking it. The system control unit 50 can determine that a flick has occurred when it detects a touch move of a predetermined distance or more at a predetermined speed or more and a touch-up (it can determine that a flick occurred following a slide operation).

[0048] Touching multiple points (for example, two points) simultaneously to bring them closer together is called a pinch-in, and touching them further apart is called a pinch-out. Pinch-out and pinch-in are collectively referred to as a pinch operation (or simply a pinch). The detection method for the touch panel 70a may be any of the various methods, such as resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, or optical sensor. Furthermore, the detection method for the touch panel 70a may be a method that detects a touch when there is contact with the touch panel, or a method that detects a touch when a finger or pen approaches the touch panel.

[0049] <Embodiment 1> In Embodiment 1, the digital camera 100 receives an operation (a predetermined operation) from the user on a lock setting member to which the lock function has been assigned, and when the lock function is activated, it presents the user with information to release the lock. The lock function is a function that sets and releases a lock state that disables user operations on the locked member. Hereinafter, the lock setting member will be described as a lock setting release button.

[0050] The digital camera 100 has multiple function-assignable buttons (first operating members) to which a user can assign a specified function. The user can assign a lock function to at least one of the multiple function-assignable buttons of their choice.

[0051] On the digital camera 100 body, each function assignment button is printed with a symbol to identify it. The symbols printed on the function assignment buttons may be numbers, letters, or marks. In the following explanation, the symbols printed on the function assignment buttons of the digital camera 100 body will be described as numbers. If the user sees the number corresponding to the function assignment button to which the lock function is assigned on the display unit 28, etc., they can easily set and release the lock state.

[0052] The lock function is designed to prevent users from unintentionally or accidentally operating buttons or other operating components. The operating components that are subject to the setting and unlocking of the lock state (second operating component, lock target component) may be pre-set or set by the user.

[0053] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the display process for unlock setting release information according to Embodiment 1. When the function assignment button (unlock setting button) to which the lock function is assigned is pressed, the digital camera 100 presents information about the unlock setting release button to the user when the lock function is activated. The unlock setting release button, when pressed, activates the lock function. This button is used to switch the mode on and off.

[0054] The processing of each step in the display process of the lock setting release information shown in Figure 3 is realized by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. The process shown in Figure 3 is started, for example, when the user turns on the power of the digital camera 100 or switches the operating mode of the digital camera 100 to shooting mode.

[0055] In step S301, the system control unit 50 transitions the digital camera 100 to a shooting standby state. The shooting standby state is a state in which the digital camera 100 is waiting for a shooting-related operation from the user.

[0056] In step S302, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the user has pressed any of the buttons on the digital camera 100. If a button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S303. If no button is pressed, the process returns to step S302.

[0057] In step S303, the system control unit 50 obtains information about the function assigned to the pressed button. If the button pressed in step S302 is a function-assigned button, the system control unit 50 reads the information about the function assigned to the button from the non-volatile memory 56.

[0058] The functions assigned to the function assignment buttons can be changed by the user. Figure 4 is an example of the function assignment menu screen 400. The function assignment menu screen 400 shown in Figure 4 displays a plan view image of the digital camera 100 and highlights the function assignment button 401 corresponding to button 9. The user can, for example, select key lock (lock function) from the list of functions displayed in a sub-window (not shown) and assign it to the function assignment button 401, which is button 9.

[0059] The function assignment menu screen 400 is not limited to a plan view of the digital camera 100, but also displays an image as seen from the side equipped with the function assignment buttons, and accepts the operation to assign a selected function to the highlighted function assignment button. In this way, the user can assign desired functions to multiple function assignment buttons on the function assignment menu screen 400. The user can also assign a single function to multiple function assignment buttons.

[0060] The system control unit 50 stores the function assignment button number and the function information assigned by the user in the non-volatile memory 56. The function information includes, for example, a value (setting value) that identifies the function assigned to the function assignment button, the name of the function, etc. The system control unit 50 can determine which function is assigned to each function assignment button by reading the function assignment button number and the corresponding function information from the non-volatile memory 56.

[0061] In step S304, the system control unit 50 determines, based on the function information obtained in step S303, whether or not the lock function is assigned to the button pressed in step S302. If the lock function is assigned, the process proceeds to step 305. If the lock function is not assigned, the process returns to step 302.

[0062] In step S305, the system control unit 50 determines whether the locking function is activated, that is, whether the member to be locked is set to the locked state. If the member to be locked is set to the locked state, the process proceeds to step 306. If the state is not set to "K", the process proceeds to step 307.

[0063] In step S306, the system control unit 50 releases the lock function. That is, the system control unit 50 releases the locked state of the member to be locked. Once the system control unit 50 releases the lock function, it proceeds to step S309.

[0064] In step S307, the system control unit 50 activates the lock function and sets the lock target member to a locked state. When the lock function is activated, user operation on the operating member set to the locked state will no longer be accepted.

[0065] In step S308, the system control unit 50 displays information about the lock release button on the display unit 28. As information about the lock release button, the system control unit 50 displays, for example, the number of the function assignment button to which the lock function is assigned.

[0066] Referring to Figures 5(A) and 5(B), an example of how the information of the function-assigned button to which the lock function is assigned will be explained. Figure 5(A) shows screen 500 before the lock function is activated. Screen 500 is an example of the screen when the camera transitions to the shooting standby state in step S301.

[0067] Figure 5(B) illustrates a screen 510 that displays information about the lock release button when the lock function is activated and the device is locked. Screen 510 displays an icon 511 indicating that the lock target component is in a locked state. The number 9, corresponding to the lock release button, is displayed within the icon 511. The display of the number 9, corresponding to the lock release button, allows the user to easily confirm how to release the lock state. Therefore, the user can easily release the lock state of the lock target component at the desired time.

[0068] If there are multiple unlock buttons, the display unit 28 may display multiple numbers corresponding to each unlock button. However, even if there are multiple unlock buttons, the display unit 28 may only display the number corresponding to the unlock button (function assignment button) pressed in step S302. Also, the number of the unlock button may be displayed around the icon 511 rather than within the icon 511. The information of the unlock button displayed by the icon 511 is displayed until the lock state is released.

[0069] In step S309, the system control unit 50 determines whether the shooting standby state has ended. The system control unit 50 can determine that the shooting standby state has ended, for example, when shooting has started or when the operating mode has been switched to a mode other than shooting mode. If the shooting standby state has not ended, the process returns to step S302. If the shooting standby state has ended, the display process of the lock setting release information shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0070] According to Embodiment 1 described above, when the digital camera 100 receives an operation (a predetermined operation) on the lock release button for setting the lock target member to a locked state, it displays information about the lock release button on the display unit 28. This allows the digital camera 100 to assist the user in releasing the locked state.

[0071] <Modified form of Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 accepts an operation from the user on the lock release button, and when the lock target member is set to the locked state, it presents the user with information on the lock release button. In a modified version of Embodiment 1, it accepts an operation from the user on the lock release button, and when the locked state is released, it presents the user with information on the lock release button. In a modified version of Embodiment 1, after the lock state of the lock target member is released in step S306 of Figure 3, the system control unit 50 displays information about the lock setting release button on the display unit 28. Note that the modified version of Embodiment 1 can also be applied to a digital camera 100 in combination with Embodiment 1.

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates a screen 600 that displays information about the lock release button when the lock is unlocked. Screen 600 displays an icon 601 indicating that the lock target component is in an unlocked state. The number 9, corresponding to the lock release button, is displayed within the icon 601. By displaying the number 9 corresponding to the lock release button, the user can easily confirm how to set the lock state. Therefore, the user can easily set the lock target component to a locked state at the desired time.

[0073] If there are multiple unlock buttons, the display unit 28 may display multiple numbers corresponding to each unlock button. However, even if there are multiple unlock buttons, the display unit 28 may only display the number corresponding to the unlock button (function-assigned button) that was pressed when the lock state was released. Also, the numbers of the unlock buttons may be displayed around the icon 601 rather than within the icon 601 itself. The information about the unlock buttons displayed by the icon 601 may be displayed while the lock state is released.

[0074] According to the above modification, when the digital camera 100 receives an operation (a predetermined operation) on the lock release button to release the locked state of the locked component, it displays information about the lock release button on the display unit 28. This allows the user to easily check which function assignment button the lock function is assigned to and set it to the locked state again, even if the locked state of the locked component has been released. In this way, the digital camera 100 can assist the user in setting the lock state.

[0075] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 1, the digital camera 100 presents information about the unlock button to the user when it receives an operation from the user for the unlock button. In contrast, in Embodiment 2, the digital camera 100 presents information about the unlock button to the user when it receives an operation (a predetermined operation) from the user for the lock target component that is set to the locked state.

[0076] Similar to Embodiment 1, the digital camera 100 has a plurality of function assignment buttons (first operating member). The user can assign the lock function to at least one of the plurality of function assignment buttons of the user's choice.

[0077] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the display process for setting release information according to Embodiment 2. When the lock target component is pressed while locked, the digital camera 100 presents the user with information about the lock setting release button.

[0078] The processing of each step in the display process of the lock setting release information shown in Figure 7 is realized by the system control unit 50 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing it. The process shown in Figure 7 is started, for example, when the user turns on the power of the digital camera 100 or switches the operating mode of the digital camera 100 to shooting mode.

[0079] Since the processes in steps S701 to S707 are the same as those in steps S301 to S307 in Figure 3, a detailed explanation will be omitted, and the different processes will be explained. After releasing the lock function in step S706 and activating the lock function in step S707, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0080] In step S704, the system control unit 50 determines whether the button pressed in step S702 is assigned a lock function. If the button pressed in step S702 is not assigned a lock function, the process proceeds to step S708.

[0081] In step S708, the system control unit 50 determines whether the button pressed in step S702 is a lockable component and whether it is set to the locked state. If the button pressed in step S702 is in the locked state, the process proceeds to step S709. If the button pressed in step S702 is not in the locked state, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0082] In step S709, the system control unit 50 displays information about the lock release button on the display unit 28. When the lock target member is set to the locked state, user operations on the lock target member are invalid. By displaying information about the lock release button on the display unit 28, the user can easily confirm how to release the lock state. Therefore, the user can release the lock state at the desired timing and enable user operations on the lock target member.

[0083] The information about the unlock button displayed in step S709 may be an icon 511 displayed along with the function assignment button number, as in Figure 5(B). The system control unit 50 may also display the physical location of the unlock button as information about the unlock button. Figure 8 shows an example of a screen 800 that displays the location of the unlock button. In the example in Figure 8, the unlock button is assigned to function assignment button (assign button) number 9.

[0084] Screen 800 displays an image 801 of the digital camera 100 showing the location of the lock release button 802. In the image 801 of the digital camera 100, the lock release button 802 is highlighted, for example, by a different color from the other buttons. The lock release button 802 only needs to be highlighted in a way that is different from the other buttons, and may be indicated by flashing lights or the like. Screen 800 may also display a message 803 to indicate to the user that the device is locked (key locked) and that the lock release button 802 is assigned to the assign button 9. Furthermore, screen 800 may display an icon 511 indicating that the device is locked, similar to Figure 5(B).

[0085] The system control unit 50 may hide image 801 and message 803 after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the lock target member was pressed in step S702. When the information regarding the position of the lock release button is hidden, the display unit 28 returns to the display it was in before the lock target member was pressed in step S702. Even when the information regarding the position of the lock release button is hidden, the icon 511 indicating that the lock is set may remain displayed.

[0086] In step S710, the system control unit 50 determines whether the shooting standby state has ended, similar to step S309 in Figure 3. If the shooting standby state has not ended, the process returns to step S702. If the shooting standby state has ended, the display process of the lock setting release information shown in Figure 7 is terminated.

[0087] In Embodiment 2, information about the lock release button is displayed when the locked component is pressed, but in combination with Embodiment 1, the lock release button is displayed The information may also be displayed when the button is pressed. That is, after releasing the lock function in step S706, the system control unit 50 may display information about the lock release button, similar to the modification 1 of Embodiment 1. Alternatively, after activating the lock function in step S707, the system control unit 50 may display information about the lock release button, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0088] According to Embodiment 2 described above, when the digital camera 100 receives an operation (a predetermined operation) on a lock target component that is set to a locked state, it displays information about the lock release button on the display unit 28. Even if the user operates the lock target component in a locked state and the desired function is not executed, the user can easily release the lock state based on the information displayed on the display unit 28. In this way, the digital camera 100 can assist the user in releasing the lock state.

[0089] The above embodiments 1 and 2 show examples where information about the lock release button is displayed when a predetermined operation is received from the user while the device is in shooting standby mode. However, the information about the lock release button is not limited to being displayed while the device is in shooting standby mode. Each embodiment is applicable to electronic devices equipped with a lock function that are capable of receiving operations from the user.

[0090] However, if the information about the unlock button is displayed in a way that would interfere with visibility during shooting, such as when shooting video with the digital camera 100, the system control unit 50 may control it so as not to display the information about the unlock button. For example, if the information about the unlock button is displayed, when the user starts shooting video, the system control unit 50 will hide the information about the unlock button. Also, even if the system control unit 50 receives a predetermined operation from the user while shooting video, it will control it so as not to display the information about the unlock button. By not displaying the information about the unlock button while shooting video, the user can more easily check the screen of the display unit 28 and concentrate on shooting.

[0091] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0092] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0093] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, programs, and media. (Composition 1) An electronic device equipped with a locking function that sets and releases a locked state that disables user operation on an operating member, Multiple first operating members to which a user can assign a specified function, An assignment means for assigning the lock function to at least one of the multiple first operating members selected by the user, When a predetermined operation is received from the user, a display control means displays information of the lock setting member, which is the first operating member to which the lock function is assigned. An electronic device characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The system further comprises a second operating member that is subject to the setting and release of the aforementioned locked state, The predetermined operation is an operation on the lock setting member for setting the second operating member to the locked state. The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The system further comprises a second operating member that is subject to the setting and release of the aforementioned locked state, The predetermined operation is an operation on the lock setting member to release the locked state of the second operating member. The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 4) The system further comprises a second operating member that is subject to the setting and release of the aforementioned locked state, The predetermined operation is an operation on the second operating member which is set to the locked state. The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 5) The information of the lock setting member includes an image showing the position of the lock setting member. The display control means hides the image after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the predetermined operation. The electronic device according to configuration 4, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 6) It further has imaging means, The display control means does not display the information of the lock setting member while the imaging means is recording a video. An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 7) The second operating member is set by the user. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 2 or 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 8) The display control means displays information about the multiple lock setting members to which the lock function is assigned, if there are multiple lock setting members to which the lock function is assigned. An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 9) The display control means, when there are multiple lock setting members to which the lock function is assigned, displays information about the lock setting member to which the predetermined operation has been performed. An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 10) The information of the lock setting member includes symbolic information for identifying each of the first operating members. An electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized by the features described herein. (method) A control method for electronic equipment that includes a lock function for setting and releasing a locked state that disables user operation on an operating member, An assignment step in which the lock function is assigned to at least one of the multiple first operating members to which a user can assign a user-specified function, selected by the user; A display control step in which, when a predetermined operation is received from the user, information of the lock setting member, which is the first operating member to which the lock function is assigned, is displayed. A method for controlling electronic equipment, characterized by having the following features. (program) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the electronic devices described in any one of the configurations 1 to 10. (medium) The computer functions as one of the electronic devices described in any one of items 1 to 10. A computer-readable storage medium containing a program for performing an action. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100: Digital camera, 50: System control unit, 28: Display unit, 70: Operation unit

Claims

1. Multiple operating components to which the user can assign a specified function, Assignment means for assigning a function selected by the user to each of the plurality of operating members, wherein the functions that can be assigned by the assignment means include a lock function that sets / releases a locked state that disables operation on the operating member; A display control means that controls the display unit to display information of the operating member to which the lock function is assigned when a predetermined operation is received from the user. It has, The display control means displays information about a symbol for identifying the operating member as information about the operating member to which the lock function is assigned. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The predetermined operation is an operation on the operating member to which the lock function is assigned, for setting the lock state. The electronic device according to feature 1.

3. The predetermined operation is an operation on the operating member to which the lock function, which sets / releases the locked state, is assigned. The electronic device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned predetermined operation is an operation on the operating member that is in the locked state, when the locked state is set. The electronic device according to feature 1.

5. The display control means displays an image indicating the position of the operating member to which the lock function is assigned, in response to the predetermined operation, and hides the image after a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined operation was received. The electronic device according to feature 4.

6. Imaging unit, The system further includes imaging control means for controlling the imaging unit, The display control means does not display information about the operating member to which the lock function is assigned while recording a video captured by the imaging unit. The electronic device according to feature 1.

7. The operating member that is subject to the locked state by the locking function is set by the user. The electronic device according to feature 2.

8. The display control means displays information about the multiple operating members to which the lock function is assigned when the lock function is assigned to multiple operating members. The electronic device according to feature 1.

9. The display control means, when the lock function is assigned to multiple operating members, displays information about the operating member to which the lock function related to the predetermined operation is assigned. The electronic device according to feature 1.

10. An assignment step to assign a user-specified function to each of a plurality of operating members to which the user can assign a specified function, wherein the functions that can be assigned in the assignment step include a lock function that sets / releases a lock state that disables operation on the operating member, A display control step that controls the display unit to display information of the operating member to which the lock function is assigned when a predetermined operation is received from the user. It has, In the display control step, the information of the operating member to which the lock function is assigned is displayed as information of a symbol for identifying the operating member. A method for controlling electronic equipment characterized by the following features.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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