JP2018085562A - Electronic apparatus and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve prevention of a malfunction caused by a touch operation to a touch panel and operation of a touch panel with high usability.SOLUTION: After a touch lock timer reaches a predetermined time, whether or not a transition is made to a touch lock state is determined. Depending on a position of a main subject and a detection start point, no transition is made to the touch lock state and a guidance showing that a touch lock is not on is displayed on a display screen together with the ground.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method for the electronic device, a program, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a technique suitable for use to prevent malfunction due to a touch operation on a touch panel.

  In recent years, digital cameras equipped with a touch panel have become widespread, and such digital cameras are intuitive such that a subject is touched while a live image is being checked to focus on the touched subject. Operation is possible. On the other hand, when the touch panel is touched by mistake, there is a problem that photographing by touch is performed in a situation not intended by the user. In order to solve this problem, a technique for determining whether or not to enable shooting by touching according to whether or not a subject exists in the screen is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-65993 A

  In the method described in Patent Document 1, the release operation using the touch panel is enabled when a predetermined subject (for example, a human face) is present in the live view image, and the release operation is disabled when there is no subject. Yes. By doing so, it is supposed that an erroneous operation of the release due to the touch is prevented.

  However, for example, assuming a use case where a user attaches a strap to a digital camera and hangs it from the neck, just because the subject exists in the screen, the release operation may not necessarily be effective, There is a possibility that incorrect operation will not be prevented. As a solution to this problem, it is conceivable to invalidate the touch operation when the operation is not performed for a predetermined time. However, when the touch operation is invalidated in this way, there is a possibility that an important shutter chance may be missed because the touch operation becomes invalid when the subject is chased without being operated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to prevent a malfunction caused by a touch operation on the touch panel and to allow the user to operate the touch panel with ease of use.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects a touch operation on the display unit, an operation unit that receives an operation different from the touch operation, and the touch operation or the operation unit is not performed for the first period. In such a case, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, control is performed so as to switch to a locked state in which the function corresponding to the touch operation is not performed without hiding the display on the display unit. And a control means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while preventing the malfunctioning by the touch operation with respect to a touch panel, a touch panel can be operated conveniently.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the electronic device of this embodiment. It is an external view of the electronic device of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the start / release process of the touch lock function and display off function of this embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates each display screen of the state where the touch operation with respect to the touch panel was set to enabled, and the state set to disabled. It is a figure which illustrates the menu screen which performs a touch lock setting. It is a figure which illustrates the menu screen which sets a display-off function. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence which determines whether it changes to a touch lock state. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen in the state where there is no space in a buffer. It is a figure for demonstrating the example with which the main to-be-photographed object remains in a screen within predetermined time ((DELTA) t1). It is a figure for demonstrating the example in which the main photographic subject remains in the screen before and after imaging | photography.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an electronic apparatus of the present invention is applied to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera including a tilt display unit provided with a touch panel will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Device configuration>
First, an external configuration and an internal configuration of the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In FIG. 1 showing the internal configuration of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, a photographing lens 104 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 105 has an aperture function. The imaging unit 106 is an imaging element configured by a CCD, a CMOS, or the like that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 107 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A / D converter 107 is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit 106 into a digital signal. The barrier 103 covers the imaging system including the imaging lens 104 of the digital camera 100, thereby preventing the imaging system including the imaging lens 104, the shutter 105, and the imaging unit 106 from becoming dirty or damaged. Note that the photographing lens 104 may be fixed to the digital camera 100 or removable.

  The image processing unit 102 performs resizing processing and color conversion processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction on the data from the A / D converter 107 or the data from the memory control unit 108. The image processing unit 102 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 101 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. Thereby, AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed. The image processing unit 102 further performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation result.

  Output data from the A / D converter 107 is directly written into the memory 109 via the image processing unit 102 and the memory control unit 108 or via the memory control unit 108. The memory 109 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 106 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 107 and image data to be displayed on the display unit 111. The memory 109 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images and audio.

  The memory 109 also serves as an image display memory (video memory). The D / A converter 110 converts the image display data stored in the memory 109 into an analog signal and supplies the analog signal to the display unit 111. Thus, the display image data written in the memory 109 is displayed on the display unit 111 via the D / A converter 110. The display unit 111 performs display according to an analog signal from the D / A converter 110 on a display such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD). The digital signal that has been A / D converted once by the A / D converter 107 and accumulated in the memory 109 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 110 and sequentially transferred to the display unit 111 for display, thereby displaying the electronic viewfinder. It functions as (EVF). Thereby, it is possible to display a live view by live view.

  The nonvolatile memory 114 is an electrically erasable / storable memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like. The nonvolatile memory 114 stores constants, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit 101. Here, the program is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in the present embodiment.

  The system control unit 101 controls the entire digital camera 100. By executing the program stored in the non-volatile memory 114 described above, each process of the present embodiment to be described later is realized. Reference numeral 112 denotes a system memory, which uses a RAM. In the system memory 112, constants and variables for operation of the system control unit 101, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 114, and the like are expanded. The system control unit 101 also performs display control by controlling the memory 109, the D / A converter 110, the display unit 111, and the like. Further, the system control unit 101 performs subject detection from the image data output from the A / D converter 107. A known method is used as a method for detecting the subject. The subject detection result is stored in the system memory 112 for a predetermined time.

  The system timer 113 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

  The shutter button 115, the mode switching dial 118, the power button 119, the operation unit 120, and the zoom operation unit 128 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 101.

  The shutter button 115 is an operation member for issuing a shooting preparation instruction or a shooting instruction. The power button 119 is an operation unit that switches power on and off. The operation unit 120 is an operation unit including operation members such as various switches, buttons, and a touch panel that receive various operations from the user. The zoom operation unit 128 is an operation unit for a user to give an instruction to change the zoom magnification between the tele end and the wide end.

  The mode switching dial 118 is a rotary operation member for switching the operation mode of the system control unit 101 to a still image shooting mode, a moving image recording mode, a reproduction mode, and detailed operation modes included in these operation modes.

  The first shutter switch 116 is turned on when the shutter button 115 provided in the digital camera 100 is being operated, so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing are started.

  The second shutter switch 117 is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 115 is completed, so-called full depression (shooting instruction), and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 101 starts a series of shooting processing operations from reading a signal from the imaging unit 106 to writing image data into the recording medium 124.

  The power supply control unit 121 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power supply control unit 121 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit 101, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 124 for a necessary period.

  The power supply unit 122 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a lithium ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like. In this embodiment, an example in which a secondary battery is applied as the power supply unit 122 will be described. The recording medium I / F 123 is an interface with a recording medium 124 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 124 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording a captured image, and includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

  The accessory I / F 125 communicates with an external accessory 126 such as an external electronic viewfinder or strobe as an external device that can be attached to the digital camera 100, and performs transmission / reception of video signals and audio signals, light emission control, and the like.

  The hardware configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, one piece of hardware may perform display control, communication control, shooting control, image processing control, and the like and function as each unit of the digital camera 100. Good. A plurality of hardware may function as one means in cooperation.

  In FIG. 2 showing the external configuration of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, a display unit 111 for displaying images and various information and a later-described operation unit 120 are provided on the back side of the digital camera 100 opposite to the photographing lens 104. Is provided. A photographing lens 104 and a zoom operation unit 128 are provided on the front part on the photographing lens 104 side. On the top surface of the digital camera 100, a shutter button 115, a mode switching dial 118, a power button 119, a part of the operation unit 120 described later, and an accessory shoe 208 are provided. Further, a slot for storing the battery 122 and the recording medium 124 and a lid 207 for opening and closing the slot for inserting and removing the battery 122 and the recording medium 124 are provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera 100. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the lid 207 is opened, the battery 122 and the recording medium 124 are taken out from the slot, and a part thereof is exposed. Furthermore, strap attachment portions 210 </ b> L and 210 </ b> R are provided on the left and right side portions of the digital camera 100.

  Each operation member of the operation unit 120 is appropriately assigned a function for each scene by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit 111, and functions as various function buttons. Examples of the function buttons include an end button, a return button, an image advance button, a jump button, a narrowing button, and an attribute change button. For example, when the menu button 201 is pressed, various setting menu screens are displayed on the display unit 111. The user can make various settings intuitively using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 111 and the cross button 202 and the SET button 203 having buttons in four directions, up, down, left, and right. The SET button 203 also serves as a FUNC button. When the FUNC button is pressed during shooting standby, a setting screen related to shooting can be displayed on the display unit 111 in a superimposed manner on the live view display. The controller wheel 204 and the electronic dial 205 are rotationally operable operation members included in the operation unit 120, and are used when a selection item is designated together with a direction button. When the controller wheel 204 or the electronic dial 205 is rotated, an electrical pulse signal is generated according to the operation amount, and the system control unit 101 controls each part of the digital camera 100 based on the pulse signal. Based on this pulse signal, it is possible to determine the angle at which the controller wheel 204 and the electronic dial 205 are rotated, how many rotations, and the like. The controller wheel 204 and the electronic dial 205 may be any operation member that can detect a rotation operation. For example, a dial operation member that generates a pulse signal by rotating the controller wheel 204 or the electronic dial 205 itself according to a user's rotation operation may be used. Further, an operation member made of a touch sensor may detect the rotation operation of the user's finger on the controller wheel 204 without rotating the controller wheel 204 itself (so-called touch wheel). The moving image recording button 206 is a button for instructing the start and stop of moving image recording.

  As one of the operation units 120, a touch panel 129 capable of detecting contact with the display unit 111 is provided. The touch panel 129 and the display unit 111 can be configured integrally. For example, the touch panel 129 is configured such that the light transmittance does not hinder the display of the display unit 111 and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 111. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel 129 are associated with the display coordinates on the display unit 111. Thereby, it is possible to configure a GUI as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 111. The system control unit 101 can detect the following operations on the touch panel 129. Touching the touch panel 129 with a finger or a pen (hereinafter, touchdown). The touch panel 129 is touched with a finger or a pen (hereinafter, touch-on). The touch panel 129 is moved while being touched with a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as touch move). The finger or pen that has been touching the touch panel 129 is released (hereinafter referred to as touch-up). A state in which nothing touches the touch panel 129 (hereinafter, touch-off).

  When touchdown is detected, it is also detected that touch-on is performed at the same time. After touch-down, unless touch-up is detected, normally touch-on continues to be detected. The touch move is detected in a state where touch-on is detected. Even if the touch-on is detected, the touch move is not detected unless the touch position is moved. After it is detected that all fingers or pens that have been touched are touched up, the touch is turned off.

  These operations and the position coordinates where the finger or pen touches the touch panel 129 are notified to the system control unit 101 through the internal bus, and the system control unit 101 performs any operation on the touch panel 129 based on the notified information. It is determined whether or not. Regarding the touch move, the moving direction of the finger or pen moving on the touch panel 129 can be determined for each vertical component / horizontal component on the touch panel 129 based on the change of the position coordinates. In addition, it is assumed that a stroke is drawn when touch-up is performed on the touch panel 129 through a certain touch move from touch-down. The operation of drawing a stroke quickly is called a flick. The flick is an operation of quickly moving a certain distance while touching the finger on the touch panel 129 and releasing it, in other words, an operation of quickly tracing the touch panel 129 with a finger. When it is detected that a touch move is performed at a predetermined speed or more over a predetermined distance and a touch-up is detected as it is, it can be determined that a flick has been performed. In addition, when it is detected that a touch move is performed at a predetermined distance or more and less than a predetermined speed, it is determined that a drag has been performed. It is also possible to detect an operation to enter a specific area while touch-moving the touch panel 129 with a finger or a pen (hereinafter referred to as “move-in”), or an operation to move out of the specific area while performing a touch move (hereinafter referred to as “move-out”).

  The touch panel may be any of various types of touch panels such as a resistive film type, a capacitance type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, an image recognition type, and an optical sensor type. .

  The zoom operation unit 128 is a ring-shaped operation member that is provided around the lens barrel of the photographing lens 104 and can be rotated. By rotating the zoom operation unit 128 forward and backward, the zoom lens can be moved between the tele end and the wide end to perform an optical zoom operation. When the photographing lens 104 is fixed to the digital camera 100, it is possible to electrically perform a zoom operation with the operation unit 120.

  The accessory shoe 208 can mechanically and electrically attach an external accessory 126 such as a strobe to the upper surface of the digital camera 100.

  The display unit 111 is connected to the back surface of the digital camera 100 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction (around a horizontal axis orthogonal to the optical axis) about the hinge unit as a rotation axis and the display surface can be tilted with respect to the vertical direction. The user can freely change the rotation angle and tilt angle of the display unit 111. The position detection unit 127 detects a relative position of the display unit 111 with respect to the digital camera 100 or a change in relative position. Based on the rotation angle and tilt angle detected by the position detection unit 127, the system control unit 101 determines whether the display surface of the display unit 111 faces the shooting lens 104 side of the digital camera 100 or the side opposite to the shooting lens 104 side. It can be discriminated whether it is facing (the back side). The display unit 111 is not limited to the tilt type described above, and may be a vari-angle type that can be rotated about two orthogonal axes with the hinge unit as a rotation axis and the direction and angle of the display surface can be changed. .

  Straps can be attached to the strap attachment portions 210L and 210R. The user can hang the digital camera 100 around the neck by attaching a strap. When the digital camera 100 is hung from the neck, the back part of the digital camera 100 often comes into contact with or approaches the user's abdomen when the digital camera 100 is not operated (not held by hand). Therefore, it may be detected that the user's abdomen is in contact with or approached as a touch operation on the touch panel 129, and malfunction may occur. In the present embodiment, for example, such a malfunction due to a touch operation is reduced by activating a touch lock function or a display off function described later.

<Touch lock function>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the function which prevents a malfunctioning by the touch lock function of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 shows display screens when the touch operation on the touch panel in the shooting standby state is enabled and disabled, and FIG. 5 shows a menu screen for setting touch lock to disable the touch operation on the touch panel. Illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in a state where the touch operation on the touch panel is set to be effective, a frame is displayed on the touch screens 401 to 405 of the GUI that can be touched by being superimposed on the live view image 410 on the display screen. Yes. This frame indicates that the button is a touch button whose function is activated by tapping. The user can intuitively recognize that the touch operation of the part is effective by looking at the display form of the touch buttons 401 to 405. The touch button 401 is a touch button for indicating the current shooting mode and changing the shooting mode to another shooting mode. The touch button 402 is a quick setting button for changing to a setting change screen for changing various shooting settings (shooting settings) of the digital camera 100 by a touch operation. The touch button 403 is a touch button that displays a setting state for exposure correction and bracket shooting, which is one of the shooting settings, and displays a setting screen for changing the settings of exposure correction and bracket shooting by a touch operation. A touch button 404 is a touch button that displays a current setting value of ISO sensitivity, which is one of shooting settings, and displays a setting screen for changing the ISO sensitivity setting by a touch operation. The touch button 405 is a touch button for displaying an enlarged live view image having a higher magnification than the live view image 410. Note that when a position other than the touch buttons 401 to 405 on the display screen is touched, touch AF that performs autofocus processing so as to focus on the touched position is executed. When the touch shutter is turned on in advance in the setting menu, autofocus processing is performed in accordance with the touched position, shooting is performed, and the captured image is recorded on the recording medium 124.

  In a state where the touch operation is valid as shown in FIG. 4A, if the user carelessly touches the touch panel, a function corresponding to the touch operation is executed regardless of the user's intention. Therefore, there is a possibility that the shooting setting is changed against the user's intention, the shooting mode is changed, or the shooting is performed. In order to eliminate such an inconvenience, in the present embodiment, when the operation on the digital camera 100 is not performed for a predetermined period and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the user is in a state of performing a shooting operation or a setting operation. Judge that there is no. And it changes to the touch lock state which changes touch operation automatically from effective to invalid. In the touch lock state, touch detection on the touch panel is performed, but the event is not distributed to the functional block that performs various controls, and thus the above-described various functions are not executed even if a touch operation is performed. That is, the execution of the function corresponding to the touch operation is invalid in principle. However, guidance indicating that it is in the touch lock state is displayed.

  In the touch lock state shown in FIG. 4B, the live view image 410 is displayed on the display screen, but the touch buttons 402 and 405 are not displayed. The touch buttons 401, 403, and 404 are not displayed in a display form indicating that the touch operation is valid, but are simply changed to display items 401b, 403b, and 404b that are information displays indicating the current shooting settings. (Only responsible for displaying information). By changing the display mode of the touch buttons in this way, the user can easily recognize that the touch operation is invalid. Further, when the display screen is touched in the touch lock state, a guidance 411 indicating that the touch operation is invalid is displayed as shown in FIG. 4C to notify the user that the touch lock state is set. The guidance 411 also displays that the touch lock setting can be canceled by operating an operation member such as a button or a dial other than the touch operation. The user can release the touch lock setting by operating the operation member, and can execute a function corresponding to the operation of the operation member. For example, when the shutter button 115 is pressed (half pressed or fully pressed) in the touch lock state, the touch lock setting is released, and the shooting preparation operation and the shooting operation are started. Also, for example, when the menu button 201 is pressed in the touch lock state, the touch lock setting is released, the menu screen is displayed, and various setting operations can be immediately performed. In this way, since a special operation for canceling the touch lock setting is unnecessary, the operability is not deteriorated with respect to a function that requires quickness such as a photographing operation.

  As one of the transition conditions to the touch lock state described above, it has been described that the digital camera 100 is not operated for a predetermined period. The operations on the digital camera 100 in this case include the operation and state of the digital camera 100 due to external changes such as the detection of the attachment of the external accessory 126 and the zoom operation in addition to the operation of operation members such as buttons and dials including touch operations. This includes cases where changes are made. The conditions for canceling the touch lock setting are the same as the conditions for transitioning to the touch lock state described above except when there is no touch operation.

  The touch lock function is intended to prevent malfunction caused by a touch operation during shooting standby, and is activated only in a shooting standby state. Therefore, for example, when it is considered that the digital camera 100 is being operated as in the menu screen or the playback mode, it is not activated. Further, when the touch operation is assumed, the touch lock function is not activated. For example, when a subject displayed on the screen is selected by touch operation, a setting screen for changing the shooting parameters of the digital camera 100 by touch operation while the subject is being recognized and tracked or while a live view image is displayed is displayed. This is the case. The touch lock function is not activated even when the display unit 111 is inverted 180 degrees and is directed to the photographing lens 104 side (front side) (in a self-shooting mode in which the photographer shoots himself / herself).

  Below, the setting method of a touch lock function is demonstrated with reference to the menu screen illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), there are setting items for the touch lock function in the first layer of the camera setting menu, and when any item is selected, the menu second layer (touch) as shown in FIG. 5 (b). Transition to the lock function setting menu screen). Here, it is possible to select “Yes” or “No” for the touch lock setting and the time until the touch lock function is activated. When the touch lock function is set to “No”, the touch lock state is not changed regardless of the non-operation time of the digital camera 100. As shown in FIG. 5C, the time until the touch lock function is activated can be selected from 6 seconds of 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 7 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, and 20 seconds in this embodiment. . In the touch lock setting menu screen, the setting of “ON” or “NO” for the touch lock function selected / set by the user and the time until the touch lock function is activated (touch lock time) are stored in the nonvolatile memory 114. Remembered.

  The digital camera 100 of this embodiment is also equipped with a display off function for the purpose of power saving. Similar to the touch lock function, the display off function can turn off the power of the display unit 111 and reduce power consumption when an operation on the digital camera 100 is not performed for a predetermined period. In addition, when the display is turned off, the touch operation is disabled as in the touch lock function, and an erroneous operation due to an inadvertent touch operation can be prevented. Similar to the touch lock function, the display off function transitions to the display off state when no operation is performed on the digital camera 100 for a predetermined time. However, unlike the touch lock function, the state is not limited to the shooting standby state, and all the states where the shooting process is not performed are targets for the display off function. In addition, the release condition of the display off function is the same as that of the touch lock function, but there are some cases where the function is not activated after the display off function is released by the operation member. While the display is off, the screen display is turned off and the user cannot check the state of the digital camera 100. Therefore, basically, the operation of the operation member does not activate the function from the display off, but only cancels the display off function. However, for an operation that requires quickness such as a shooting operation, the function is activated simultaneously with the release of the display off function. For example, when the menu button 201 is pressed from the display-off state, only the display-off is performed, but when the shutter button 115 is operated, the photographing process is started at the same time as the display-off is released. As described above, the function activation method is different between the display-off state in which the screen display does not appear and the touch lock in which the live view image is displayed.

  Here, a display off function setting method will be described with reference to a menu screen illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, there is a display-off setting item in the first layer of the camera setting menu, and when any item is selected, a display-off setting menu screen shown in FIG. 6B is displayed. The time until the display off function is activated can be selected. In this embodiment, it is possible to select from 6 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes. The time until the display off function selected and set by the user on the setting menu screen of the display off function is stored in the nonvolatile memory 114.

  The upper limit that can be set for the time until the display-off function is activated is 3 minutes. On the other hand, the settable upper limit of the time until the touch lock function is activated is 20 seconds. Since the display-off state for power saving also becomes an invalid state of the touch operation, it also serves as a touch lock state for the purpose of preventing malfunction due to the touch operation. Therefore, the upper limit time that can be set for the display off function is longer than the upper limit time for the touch lock function. If you want to set the time to activate the touch lock function to 20 seconds or longer, use the display off function setting. Longer than 20 seconds. In addition, since touch lock and display off are independent functions, it is possible to set to use both functions at the same time.

<Activation / release processing of touch lock function and display off function>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a process for activating / releasing the touch lock function and the display off function of this embodiment will be described.

  3 is realized by developing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 in the system memory 112 and executing it by the system control unit 101 when the display of the shooting standby screen is started.

In S301, when display of the shooting standby screen is started, the system control unit 101 first determines whether or not the touch lock function can be activated. The conditions under which the touch lock function can be activated do not match when the following touch lock function is not activated, the touch lock setting must be set to “Yes”, and the camera must be in shooting standby mode. And In the shooting standby state, a live view image is displayed as shown in FIG. Note that there are the following cases when the conditions for enabling the touch lock function are not met (when the touch lock function is not activated).
-Touch lock setting on the touch lock setting screen is set to "None"-While displaying the menu screen or the lower layer screen of the menu screen, while displaying the FUNC menu screen, when displaying the quick setting screen, in playback mode During playback image display, bulb shooting, long-second exposure, self-timer countdown, display surface 111 is facing the photographic lens 104 (inverted 180 ° upward)
・ During subject tracking (touch AF, catch AF, face selection), during automatic zoom control according to the detected face using the framing assist function, during focus lock, while the taking lens is retracted, the touch lock function is activated in S301. If it can be activated, the process proceeds to S302; otherwise, the process proceeds to S303. If S302 is skipped and the process proceeds to S303, the touch lock timer has not been started, and therefore the determination of whether the touch lock timer in S309 described later has reached a predetermined time is NO.

  In S302, the system control unit 101 resets (initializes) the touch lock timer and starts it.

  In step S303, the system control unit 101 resets (initializes) the display off timer and starts it. The display off timer starts even if the above-described conditions for enabling the touch lock function are not met. For example, it starts even when a menu screen or a playback screen is being displayed.

  In S304, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the power button 119 has been pressed, and if it has been pressed, the display of the shooting standby screen is terminated.

  In S305, the system control unit 101. It is determined whether or not the display off timer has reached the display off time (value read from the nonvolatile memory 114) set on the display off setting menu screen. When the display off time is reached, a process of activating display off is performed in S306 to S308. That is, in S306, the system control unit 101 stops and resets the display off timer. In S307, the system control unit 101 stops the distribution of the touch event. As a result, the touch operation becomes invalid, and the corresponding function is not executed even if the touch operation is detected. Note that the touch operation detection itself may not be performed. In S308, the system control unit 101 executes display off by turning off the power of the display unit 111 and turning off the display screen. As a result, it is possible to reduce the power required to display the display unit 111 and to reduce power consumption.

  In step S309, the system control unit 101 determines whether the touch lock timer has reached the touch lock time (N seconds) set on the touch lock setting screen. The touch lock time is a value read from the nonvolatile memory 114. If the touch lock timer has reached the touch lock time (N seconds), in S336, it is determined whether or not the touch lock timer can be changed to the touch lock based on the state of the subject or the camera. Thereafter, the touch lock activation process is executed in S310 to S314. The process of S336 will be described later.

  Next, the process which transfers to a touch lock state is performed by S310-S314. That is, in S310, the system control unit 101 stops and resets the touch lock timer. In S311, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the display is off. If the display is not off, the system control unit 101 proceeds to S312; otherwise, the process proceeds to S313. In step S <b> 312, the system control unit 101 changes the touch button displayed on the display unit 111 to a display form that is not displayed or is not a touch button. As a result, as described above, the touch buttons 402 and 405 in FIG. 4A are hidden as shown in FIG. 4B. Further, the display forms of the touch buttons 401, 403, and 404 in FIG. 4A are changed as shown in the display items 401b, 403b, and 404b in FIG. 4B. In S313, the system control unit 101 stops the delivery of the touch event. As a result, the touch operation becomes invalid, and the corresponding function is not executed even if the touch operation is detected. For example, touch AF and touch shutter are not performed even if the live view image 410 is touched. Further, even if the touch button is touched, the function of the button is not executed. In the touch lock state, the touch detection itself on the touch panel 129 is not invalidated. This is because a guidance indicating that the touch lock is being performed can be displayed according to the touch operation as described later. As a result, the digital camera 100 enters the touch lock state, and in S314, the system control unit 101 stores the state in which the touch lock setting is on in the system memory 112. If it is determined in S311 that the display is off, the display change is unnecessary, and the touch button non-display process (S312) is skipped.

  Next, guidance display processing during touch lock in S315 to S322 will be described.

  In S315, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not there is a touchdown on the touch panel 129. If the touchdown is determined, the process proceeds to S316, and if not, the process proceeds to S322.

  In step S316, the system control unit 101 refers to the system memory 112 to determine whether or not the touch lock state is set. If the touch control state is set, the process proceeds to step S317; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S321.

  In step S317, the system control unit 101 refers to the system memory 112 and determines whether the display is off. If the display is off, the guidance is not displayed and the process proceeds to S326. If the display is not off, the process proceeds to S318.

  In step S318, the system control unit 101 resets (initializes) the display off timer and starts it. That is, the time until the display is turned off is extended by the touch operation in the touch lock state.

  In S319, the system control unit 101 starts a guidance display timer. The guidance display timer measures the time for displaying the guidance (the time until the displayed guidance is automatically hidden), for example, 4 seconds.

  In S320, the system control unit 101 displays on the display unit 111 a guidance 411 indicating that the touch operation is invalid because the touch lock is being performed. As a result, the guidance 411 described with reference to FIG. 4C is displayed.

  In S321, the system control unit 101 refers to the system memory 112 and determines whether the display is off. If the display is off, the process corresponding to the touch is not performed, so the process proceeds to S323. If the display is not off, the process proceeds to S322.

  In S322, the system control unit 101 performs a process according to the touch operation that starts from the touchdown detected in S315. For example, when touchdown is performed on any of the touch buttons 401 to 405, the display form of the touched touch button is changed to a touchdown display indicating a touched state when the touchdown is performed. When touch-up is detected, if the touched-up position is the position of the touch button, the function of the touch button is executed. As for the touch buttons 401 to 405, the functions executed by touch-up are as described above. If the touch-down is on the live view image 410 other than the position of the touch button, the touch AF or touch shutter described above is performed on the touch position.

  In S323, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the guidance display timer has reached a predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds). If it has reached the predetermined time, the system control unit 101 proceeds to S324, and if not, proceeds to S326.

  In S324, the system control unit 101 stops and resets the guidance display timer.

  In step S325, the system control unit 101 hides the displayed guidance 411.

  In step S326, the system control unit 101 determines whether a physical operation event has occurred. The system control unit 101 determines that a physical operation event has occurred when any of the following occurs. The operation on the operation unit other than the touch panel 129 includes, for example, operations on the following operation members. That is, the menu button 201, the cross button 202, the SET button 203, the moving image recording button 206, the pressing of the shutter button 115, and the like. Furthermore, this includes rotation of the electronic dial 205, controller wheel 204, and mode switching dial 118, mechanical rotation detection of the display unit 111, detection of attachment of the external accessory 126 to the accessory shoe 208, and the like. Note that a touch operation on the touch panel 129, a change in the posture of the digital camera 100, and the like are not determined as physical operation events. If it is determined in S326 that there is a physical operation event, the process proceeds to S327, and if not, the process returns to S304 and the process is repeated.

  In step S327, the system control unit 101 refers to the system memory 112 to determine whether or not the touch lock state is set. If the touch control state is set, the process proceeds to step S328. If not, the process proceeds to step S331.

  Next, the touch lock setting release processing in S328 to S330 will be described.

  In S328, the system control unit 101 changes the display on the display unit 111 to a display state in which touch buttons are displayed. Accordingly, as described above, the display state of FIG. 4B is changed to the display state of FIG. 4A (returns to the original display state). That is, the touch buttons 402 and 405 are displayed, and the display forms of the display items 401b, 403b, and 404b are the display forms of the touch buttons 401, 403, and 404, respectively. In S329, the system control unit 101 resumes the delivery of the touch event. Thereby, the touch operation becomes valid, and when the touch operation is detected, a function corresponding to the touch is executed. In S330, the system control unit 101 stores a state in which the touch lock setting is off in the system memory 112. The release of the touch lock setting is also performed according to mechanical rotation detection of the display unit 111 and detection of attachment of the external accessory 126 to the accessory shoe 208. For example, when the display unit 111 is rotated from a position facing the opposite side (back side) of the digital camera 100 to the photographing lens 104 to a position facing the photographing lens 104, the touch lock setting is canceled. Alternatively, the touch lock setting is also released when the lens is rotated from a position facing the photographic lens 104 to a position facing the photographic lens 104.

  In step S331, the system control unit 101 refers to the system memory 112 and determines whether the display is off. If the display is off, the process proceeds to S332 to cancel (return) the display off. If not, the process proceeds to S335.

  In S <b> 332, the system control unit 101 turns on the power of the display unit 111 to cancel the display off, and restarts the display on the display unit 111. In S333, the system control unit 101 resumes the delivery of the touch event. Thereby, the touch operation becomes valid, and when the touch operation is detected, a function corresponding to the touch is executed.

  In S334, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not the physical operation event detected in S326 is an instruction for processing to be executed even while the display is off. If the instruction is for processing to be executed even while the display is off, the process proceeds to S335. If not, the process returns to S301 to reset and restart the touch lock timer and the display off timer, and repeat the process. An instruction for processing to be executed even when the display is off is, for example, pressing of the shutter button 115. If the shutter button 115 is pressed, the display off is canceled and the process proceeds to S335, where AF is executed in response to half-pressing or shooting is executed in response to full-pressing.

  In S335, the system control unit 101 executes processing according to the operation event detected in S326. For example, when the menu button 201 is pressed, a menu screen is displayed. When the electronic dial 205 or the controller wheel 204 is operated, the shooting setting is changed according to the operation. When the display unit 111 is rotated from a position facing the photographic lens 104 of the digital camera 100 to a position facing the photographic lens 104, the displayed display item is reversed or the live view image is mirrored. Perform processing to display. Then, returning to S301, the touch lock timer and the display off timer are reset and restarted, respectively, and the process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to a touch operation on the touch panel while suppressing a decrease in operability of the digital camera 100. The basic touch lock behavior has been described above. Next, in the present embodiment, the process of S336 for determining whether or not the touch lock state is caused by factors other than the operation on the digital camera will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for determining whether or not to transition to the touch lock state after the touch lock timer reaches a predetermined time in S336 of FIG.
First, in step S <b> 701, the system control unit 101 confirms whether there is an empty shooting buffer. If there is an empty buffer, the process proceeds to S703, and if there is no empty buffer, the process proceeds to S702. Here, the state in which there is no space in the buffer means a state in which the development process of the previous shooting is performed and the next shooting cannot be performed. When the buffer is full with no space, the display unit 111 displays as shown in FIG. 8A, and no live view image is displayed. Thus, when there is no space in the buffer, since the live view image is not displayed, the user is waiting until the next shooting can be performed. In this state, the transition to the touch lock is not convenient because the touch lock time (N seconds) has elapsed. Therefore, in S <b> 702, the system control unit 101 displays guidance as shown in FIG. 8B on the display unit 111 for a certain period of time without transitioning to touch lock. If it displays for a fixed time, it will change to S315 and will repeat the process until it changes to a touch lock again. In addition, after performing the processing of S702, the touch lock time of the touch lock timer may be set to M seconds (<N seconds) and may be started. By doing so, even if the transition to the touch lock is not made, the process of determining whether or not to make the transition to the touch lock in FIG.

  In step S <b> 703, the system control unit 101 determines whether the main subject has been detected from the captured live view image. If the main subject is detected, the process proceeds to S704. If not, the process proceeds to S310, and the touch lock state (touch lock ON) is set by the subsequent process of S314.

  The main subject detection process performed by the system control unit 101 is a process of automatically detecting a subject that seems to be the main subject. When a face that is determined to be the main subject is detected by face detection, and when an object that seems to be the main subject is detected by the object, it is determined that the main subject has been detected (exists). When the face detection detects a human face or animal face near the center of the live view image or with a size larger than a predetermined size, it is determined that the face is the main subject and the main subject exists. Even if the face can be detected, if the face is detected at the outer edge outside the predetermined range from the center of the live view image, or if it is detected below the predetermined size, the face is not regarded as the main subject. Also, in the live view image, the contrast edge is clear and the subject that is detected to be greater than or equal to the predetermined size, and the distance to the subject is clearly closer to the camera than the other parts, and may be greater than or equal to the predetermined size. The detected subject can also be regarded as the main subject. On the contrary, when the camera is put in the bag with the camera powered on, the contrast edge (outline) cannot be detected because it is dark overall. Alternatively, since the inner wall of the bag is too close to focus, it is blurred as a whole and the edge (contour) cannot be detected. When the edge cannot be detected in this way, the main subject is not detected.

In step S704, the system control unit 101 determines the main subject detected in step S703 from the center excluding the outer edge in the live view image within a predetermined time (Δt1) from the current time t to the previous time t1. It is determined whether it was detected within the range. FIG. 9A shows an example in that case. The subject 901 is detected at the right end of the live view image (however, inside the predetermined range) at time t1, and at the current time t, it is detected at the left side of the live view image (however, inside the predetermined range). As described above, when a certain main subject is detected within a predetermined range in the live view image for a certain period of time, the user can frame the camera for the purpose of photographing the subject even if no operation is performed, thereby taking a photographing opportunity. The possibility of waiting is high. Therefore, transitioning to the touch lock state even if no operation is performed may reduce usability. As a result of the determination in S704, if the main subject is detected within the predetermined range within the predetermined time (Δt1), the process proceeds to S705, and if not, the process proceeds to S706.

  In step S <b> 705, the system control unit 101 displays on the display unit 111 that the transition to the touch lock state is not performed without transition to the touch lock state. A display example at this time is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9B, the user can understand why the touch lock is not generated by displaying the guide 902 indicating that the live view image is not displayed and the reason why the touch lock state is not changed. it can. In this state, the user may instruct touch AF or touch shutter by a touch operation on the live view image. Therefore, the guide 902 is displayed small toward the edge of the live view image so that the guide 902 overlaps and obstructs visual recognition and touch of the live view image as much as possible. Do not show. Note that after the processing of S705, the touch lock time of the touch lock timer may be set to M seconds (<N seconds) and may be started. In this way, even if the touch lock is not entered, the process for determining whether or not to transition to the touch lock in FIG. 7 is not repeated immediately, but can be performed after M seconds.

When the main subject is detected in the live view image, but the main subject is detected at a location outside the predetermined range, the following processing is performed. In step S706, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not a shooting operation has been performed during a predetermined time (Δt2) from the current time t to the previous time t2. If the photographing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S707. If not, the process proceeds to S310, and the touch lock state (touch lock ON) is performed by the subsequent process of S314.

In step S707, the system control unit 101 determines whether the same subject has been detected within a predetermined time before and after shooting within a predetermined time (Δt2). If the same subject has been detected, the process proceeds to S708 without making a transition to the touch lock state. If not, the process proceeds to S310, and the touch lock state (touch lock ON) is made by the subsequent processing of S314.

  In step S708, the system control unit 101 performs guide display as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10A shows an example in which the same subject is detected within a predetermined time before and after shooting, and the main subject 1001 is detected in the live view image for a certain time before and after shooting. . The fact that the subject has been detected for a while after shooting as described above is considered to be highly likely that the user is waiting for the next photo opportunity after shooting the subject. Therefore, the touch lock state is not changed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user can understand why the touch lock is not generated by displaying the guide 1002 indicating that the state does not transition to the touch lock state and the reason thereof. In this state, the user may instruct touch AF or touch shutter by a touch operation on the live view. Therefore, the guide 1002 is displayed in a small size toward the end of the live view image so that the guide 1002 overlaps and obstructs the viewing and touching of the live view image as much as possible, so that the main subject is likely to exist. Is not displayed. In addition, after the process of S708, you may start by setting the touch lock time of a touch lock timer to M second (<N second). In this way, even if the touch lock is not entered, the process for determining whether or not to transition to the touch lock in FIG. 7 is not repeated immediately, but can be performed after M seconds.

  As described above, even when the touch lock timer expires, when the process proceeds to S702, S705, or S708, the touch lock state is not changed. In addition, although the example which displays a guide was demonstrated in S702, S705, and S708, it does not need to change to a touch lock state, and you may make it not display a guide in S702, S705, and S708.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in an imaging device that disables touch operation when there is no operation for a certain period of time, it is inconvenient when the composition of the subject is determined or when shooting is attempted. The touch lock state is not entered. For this reason, it is possible to determine the composition with peace of mind, and it is possible to satisfy both the requirements of preventing erroneous operation using the touch panel and not missing a photo opportunity.

  Note that the various controls described as being performed by the system control unit 101 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. Furthermore, each embodiment mentioned above shows only one embodiment of this invention, and it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the digital camera 100 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the touch operation is enabled / disabled for a display having a touch panel. Any device can be used. That is, the present invention can be applied to a personal computer, a tablet that is a kind thereof, a mobile phone terminal or a smartphone that is a kind thereof, a PDA, a printer device including a display, a digital photo frame, an electronic book reader, a medical device, and the like.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

100 Digital Camera 101 System Control Unit 111 Display Unit

Claims (24)

Detection means for detecting a touch operation on the display means;
Operation means for accepting an operation different from the touch operation;
When the touch operation or the operation with respect to the operation means is not performed for the first period and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the touch operation is performed without hiding the display on the display means. Control means for controlling to switch to a locked state in which the execution of the function according to is not performed. Further comprising subject detection means for detecting the main subject from the image taken by the imaging means;
The predetermined condition includes a condition in which a main subject is not detected by the subject detection unit from an image captured by the imaging unit when the first period has elapsed. Electronic equipment. Further comprising subject detection means for detecting the main subject from the image taken by the imaging means;
The predetermined condition is that the main subject is detected from an image captured by the imaging unit when the first period elapses, and further in a second period retroactive from the time elapse of the first period. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition having a period in which the main subject is not detected. Further comprising subject detection means for detecting the main subject from the image taken by the imaging means;
Further, the predetermined condition is that a third subject dating back from the time point when the main subject is detected from the image picked up by the image pickup means when the first period has passed and the first period has passed. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition in which a photographing operation is performed during the period and the main subject is not detected either before or after the photographing operation is performed.   5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition in which development processing is not executed when the first period has elapsed. 6.   The said control means displays on the said display means that it cannot switch to the said locked state, when the said predetermined conditions are not satisfy | filled, The said display means is any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Electronics.   The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit displays not only the fact that it cannot be switched to the locked state but also the reason why the control unit cannot be switched to the locked state.   The control means controls to hide the display of the display means when the touch operation or the operation on the operation means is not performed for a fourth period longer than the first period. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an electronic device.   The control unit, when receiving an operation on the operation unit in the locked state, controls to release the locked state and switch to a state of executing a function corresponding to the touch operation. The electronic device according to any one of 1 to 8.   When the control unit accepts an operation on the operation unit in the locked state, the control unit switches to a state in which the lock state is released and the function corresponding to the touch operation is executed, and the function corresponding to the operation on the operation unit The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is controlled so as to execute.   11. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the touch operation is detected by the detection unit in the locked state, the control unit performs control so as to display a guidance indicating that the locked state is displayed. The electronic device as described in.   The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the guidance includes an operation method for releasing the locked state. The control means controls to execute a specific function assigned to the touched touch button in response to a touch operation on the touch button displayed on the display means in a state other than the locked state,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein in the locked state, control is performed so that the specific function is not executed regardless of a touch operation.   The control unit is configured to change the display form of a touch button for changing the setting of a specific setting item displayed on the display unit in a state that is not in the locked state to the specified state in response to the switching to the locked state. 14. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as to change to a display form for displaying information indicating a setting state of the item.   In the shooting standby state in which a live view image is displayed, the display operation is performed when the touch operation or the operation with respect to the operation unit is not performed for the first period and the predetermined condition is satisfied. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit configured to set whether to switch to the locked state without hiding the display of the live view image on the unit. Electronics.   In the second state different from the shooting standby state, the control unit does not switch to the locked state even if the touch operation or the operation on the operation unit is not performed for the first period. The electronic device according to claim 15.   The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the second state is a state in which an image is reproduced and displayed.   The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the second state is a state in which a menu screen for performing various settings of the electronic device in which a live view image is not displayed is displayed. The control means controls to perform autofocus processing based on the touched position in response to a touch operation on the live view image displayed on the display means in a state other than the locked state,
19. The control according to claim 15, wherein in the locked state, control is performed so that autofocus processing is not performed even when a touch operation is performed on a live view image displayed on the display unit. Electronic equipment. The display means is connected to the electronic device so that the position thereof can be changed, and has a position detection means for detecting the position of the display means,
In the locked state, when the position detecting unit detects that the position of the display unit is at a predetermined position, the control unit releases the locked state and executes a function corresponding to the touch operation. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is controlled to be switched to a state.   When it is detected that an external device is connected to the electronic device in the locked state, the control means controls to release the locked state and switch to a state in which a function corresponding to the touch operation is executed. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a device. An electronic device control method comprising: a detecting unit that detects a touch operation on a display unit; and an operating unit that receives an operation different from the touch operation.
When the touch operation or the operation with respect to the operation means is not performed for the first period and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the touch operation is performed without hiding the display on the display means. A control method for an electronic device, comprising: a control step of controlling to switch to a locked state in which a function corresponding to the function is not executed.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the electronic device of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 21.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.