Electronic Device Control Method for Switching Setting Items

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for switching setting items in electronic devices are cumbersome, making it difficult for users to quickly change and then revert to the original setting item, especially in situations requiring rapid adjustments during image capturing.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a control unit that manages two operation units, allowing users to switch setting items by operating a first unit and controlling the change in setting values based on continuous operation of a second unit for a predetermined period, enabling seamless switching and return to the original setting item.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user releases the touch on the display item, the setting item is returned to the item selected before touching, but unless the user performs an operation for changing the item in the manner as described in the method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-143343, the setting item is prohibited from being changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of switching setting itemVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the function of the second operation unit (touch panel) changeable based on the state of the first operation unit (rotating member). When the rotating member is being operated, the touch panel enables item switching; when the rotating member is not being operated, the touch panel prohibits item switching. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its functionality based on real-time operational context, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of unintended changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If a user releases the touch on the display item, the setting item is returned to the item selected before touching, but it is difficult for the user to quickly switch the item when the user wishes to temporarily change the setting item and immediately return the item to the original item

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to switch and return setting itemVSAvoidease of temporarily switching item

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the item switching function in advance while the rotating member is being operated. Instead of requiring the user to complete a multi-step process and then return to the original item, the system proactively enables switching during the rotation operation itself. This allows users to quickly switch items and immediately return them by simply releasing the touch, significantly reducing the time and complexity of temporary item switching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

The setting value for the selected item can be changed while the setting items are touched when the setting items are selected, but the setting item is prohibited from being changed when the user releases the touch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in changing setting itemVSAvoidease of returning to original item

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the function of the second operation unit (touch panel) changeable based on the state of the first operation unit (rotating member). When the rotating member is being operated, the touch panel enables item switching; when the rotating member is not being operated, the touch panel prohibits item switching. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its functionality based on real-time operational context, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of unintended changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10419659B2Electronic device and control method thereof to switch an item for which a setting value to be changed

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 CANON KK

AI summary

An electronic device includes first and second operation units. Where an item, allocated as a setting item for which a setting value is changed according to an operation on the first operation unit, is a first item, the first item setting value is changed per the operation on the first operation unit. After a predetermined operation of releasing an operation on the second operation unit, or performing a particular operation to be performed after releasing the operation on the second operation unit, the allocated item becomes different depending on whether the operation on the second operation unit is continuously performed for a first period or longer after the operation is performed on the second operation unit when the first item is set as the allocated item, until the operation on the second operation unit is released.