Touch Panel Operation Item Display Control for Image Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing apparatuses in image pickup devices, such as digital cameras, face issues where operation items like icons are always displayed on the touch panel, obstructing the user's view of images and can lead to unintended operations due to accidental touches.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that includes a distance detection unit to determine the proximity of an operation element to the screen, with a first display control unit displaying operation candidate items when the distance is within a certain threshold and a second display control unit changing the display form of these items based on proximity to make them operable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operation items are always displayed on the touch panel, then the user can easily access operation functions, but the operation items obstruct the user's view of images and can lead to accidental touches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of operation functionsVSAvoidobstruction of image viewing and accidental touches

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display state of operation items is dynamically changed based on the detected distance between the operation element and the touch panel. When the operation element is far from the panel, operation items are displayed to ensure ease of operation. When the operation element approaches the panel, the display state changes to reduce obstruction and prevent accidental touches, thus resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and viewing clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the display parameters of operation items based on the distance parameter detected by the detection sensor. By adjusting display characteristics (such as visibility or position) according to the distance between the operation element and touch panel, the system optimizes both operational ease and prevents harmful effects like accidental touches while maintaining good image visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If operation items are displayed on the touch panel, then operation functions are accessible, but the operation items overlap with images and hinder viewing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of operation functionsVSAvoidimage viewing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display state of operation items is dynamically adjusted based on the detected distance between the operation element and the touch panel. When the operation element is far from the panel, operation items are displayed to ensure ease of operation. When the operation element approaches the panel, the display state changes to reduce obstruction and prevent accidental touches, thus resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and viewing clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system preliminarily detects the distance between the operation element and the touch panel before the user interacts with operation items. Based on this preliminary detection, the system proactively adjusts the display state of operation items to minimize overlap with images, ensuring that image viewing quality is maintained while operation functions remain accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents operation items from hindering image viewing and reduces accidental operations by intelligently managing the display of operation items based on the user's intended interaction with the device.

Implementation Method 1

a distance detection unit configured to detect a distance between the screen and the operation element to obtain a detected distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistance detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8947352B2Image processing apparatus capable of displaying operation item, method of controlling the same, image pickup apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus which is capable of preventing the display of an operation item, such as an icon, from hindering user's viewing an image which the user desires to view. A distance and position-detecting section and a system controller detect a distance between a screen and an operation element. The system controller displays at least one operation candidate item on the screen when the detected distance becomes not larger than a first threshold distance. Further, when the detected distance becomes not larger than the first predetermined threshold distance, the system controller changes a display form of the operation candidate item depending on the detected distance and displays the operation candidate item as an operable item.