JP2006197119A - Display controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display controller equipped with an operating member in which operability is ensured, and which is compact, and which is high in durability. <P>SOLUTION: This display controller having a pointing device for performing an operation related with the photographing or reproduction of an image is provided with a pointing device (23) having at least a selecting operation part arranged on a first face for operating an input related with a selecting operation and a deciding operation part arranged on a face different from the first face for operating an input related with a deciding operation, an operation input control means (50) for operating operation input control based on the input of the pointing device and an operating part display means (21) for performing display related with the operation at a position corresponding to the selecting operation part and the deciding operation part in order to operate the display controller. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device having a small and highly durable operation member that ensures operability.

  Digital cameras are equipped with many different functions using digital technology. However, while various functions can be realized, an operation panel for using the functions requires a large number of operation buttons corresponding to the installed functions.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a touch panel is disposed on a liquid crystal display panel, and a plus / minus key is set on the touch panel adjacent to the display corresponding to an operation mode. According to this technique, since the display for operation can be visually confirmed, the operation can be easily performed.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a dial is provided in a liquid crystal display device, a scale display unit is provided around the dial, and the display content of the scale display unit is changed in accordance with the camera mode. In this technique, it is possible to perform one dial required for each setting content.
JP 2000-253288 A JP 2001-83559 A

  By the way, in the case of a portable device such as a camera, downsizing is required, and good operability and high durability are also important.

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 can be applied to an on / off operation, but is insufficient to be applied to an analog adjustment operation such as a slide. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, since the dial is operated stepwise, it is not clear whether it can be applied to an analog adjustment operation such as a slide as in the above-described operation. Since it is a method of detecting the rotation of the dial, there is a possibility that a problem may occur in terms of durability.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display control device having a small and highly durable operation member that ensures operability.

  In order to solve the above problems, a display control apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a display control apparatus having a pointing device for performing an operation related to image capturing or reproduction, and inputs an input related to a selection operation. A pointing device having at least a selection operation unit arranged on the first surface to be performed, and a determination operation unit provided on a surface different from the first surface on which input related to the determination operation is performed, and an input of the pointing device Operation input control means for performing an operation input control based on the display control means, and an operation section display means for performing display related to an operation at a position corresponding to the selection operation section and the determination operation section for operating the display control device. It was.

  The display control device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the display control control device according to the above-described invention, wherein the determination operation unit is arranged at a substantially central position of the selection operation unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display control device according to the third aspect, wherein the selection operation unit is arranged around the determination operation unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display control device according to the above-described invention, wherein a plurality of the determination operation units are provided, and different determinations are made according to operations of the respective determination operation units. Input was made.

  The display control device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the display control control device according to the above-described invention, wherein the selection operation unit performs at least two different selection operations independently. The determination operation unit is configured to perform determination input with a common operation for the plurality of selection operations of the selection operation unit.

  The display control device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the display control control device according to the above-described invention, wherein the selection operation unit performs three different selection operations independently, The determination operation unit is configured to perform a determination input with a common operation for the plurality of selection operations of the selection operation unit.

  The display control device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the display control control device according to the above-described invention, wherein the determination operation unit is disposed at a position deep with respect to the selection operation unit.

  The display control apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention is the display control control apparatus according to the invention described above, wherein the selection operation unit and the determination operation unit are configured as an integral unit.

  The display control apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention is the display control control apparatus according to the above-described invention, wherein the operation input control means determines a selection result according to an input of the determination operation or Lock the selection result.

  The display control apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention is the display control control apparatus according to the above-described invention, wherein the operation input control means performs a manual operation at the time of shooting according to an input of the selection operation at the time of shooting. At least one of setting update and scaling operations was performed.

  The display control device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the display control control device according to the above-described invention, wherein the operation input control means is configured to rotate an image or frame according to an input of the selection operation during reproduction. It was designed to perform at least one of feed and menu scroll.

  The display control device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the display control control device according to the above-described invention, wherein the operation input control means is a shooting function selected according to an input of the decision operation at the time of shooting. Is determined or locked, and at the time of reproduction, the reproduction function selected in accordance with the input of the decision operation is decided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the display control apparatus provided with the operation member which ensured operativity and was small and highly durable can be provided.

  First, a touch panel which is a pointing device used in the display control apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a resistive touch panel. The touch panel is composed of glass and a transparent film that covers the glass. ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), which is a transparent conductive material, is provided on each of the opposing surfaces of the glass and film in an electrode lattice.

  Normally, the glass and the film are separated from each other, but when the film is pushed down with a finger or a pen, the conductive film of the glass and the film comes into contact with each other to form a conduction circuit. Therefore, the position (XY coordinate) in the pressed plane can be detected by measuring the partial pressure due to the resistance of each electrode grid on the glass surface and the film surface.

  The touch panel is provided on a display unit (for example, TFT liquid crystal) that displays a plurality of operation parts, and by detecting the position pressed by the above-described method, the part operated by the user can be specified. . That is, a pointing device such as a touch panel can be used as an operation input unit having a predetermined operation function by being combined with a display unit. Further, for example, in addition to the TFT liquid crystal, the display unit may use a memory type liquid crystal display element in which the display image does not disappear even when the power is turned off.

  Note that the touch panel used in the present invention is not limited to the resistive film system described here, but a known touch panel such as an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave system, an infrared light shielding system, a capacitive system, or an electromagnetic induction system touch panel is used. May be.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of a display control apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking a digital camera as an example.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera 1 including the display control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The digital camera 1 includes a photographic lens system 11, an imaging device 12, an imaging circuit 13, AE15, AF16, an image processing circuit 17, a detachable memory 18, a display unit 21, a display drive circuit 22, a touch panel 23, a built-in memory 25, a power SW 26, A mode switch 27, an operation member 28, a CPU 30, a battery 31 and a power supply circuit 32 are provided.

  The taking lens system 11 includes a zoom optical system, a diaphragm, an autofocus optical system, and the like. The image pickup device 12 has a light receiving unit made up of, for example, several million pixels, and converts a subject image incident through the photographing lens system 11 into an electric signal. The imaging circuit 13 performs signal processing such as AGC (automatic gain control) processing and CDS (correlated double sampling) processing on the image data. The AE 15 performs automatic exposure calculation based on the image data. The AF 16 performs automatic focus calculation based on the image data.

  The image processing circuit 17 performs processing such as Y (luminance) / C (color) generation processing and color matrix processing relating to RGB signals having an appropriate color balance. The removable memory 18 is a recording medium for storing image data.

  The display unit 21 arranges and displays a plurality of operation parts for the touch panel. The display drive circuit 22 controls the display operation of the display unit 21. The touch panel 23 detects the position on the plane operated by the user. The input unit 24 is configured by combining the display unit 21, the display drive circuit 22, and the touch panel 23, and can function as an operation input unit.

  The built-in memory 25 stores various data. The power SW 26 turns on / off the power of the digital camera 1. The mode SW 27 is a switch for inputting information for identifying a user (beginner, advanced player) and an operation mode (communication mode, playback mode, shooting mode) of the digital camera. The operation member 28 is a member for operating a predetermined function such as a release button exclusively.

  The CPU 30 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1. The battery 31 and the power supply circuit 32 supply power to each part of the digital camera 1.

  Next, the operation of the display control apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the digital camera 1 as seen from the back. An input unit 24, a liquid crystal monitor 35, and a finder 36 are provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1, and a release button 37 is provided on the top surface of the digital camera 1.

  In addition, operation buttons 60 are displayed on the input unit 24. In addition, buttons for operating “flash”, “self-timer”, and “macro” that are basic functions relating to imaging, and “drive” that is a function relating to imaging. , Buttons for operating “photometry”, “exposure correction”, and “ISO” are displayed. Further, “cross key”, “menu”, and “decision” buttons for selecting / deciding various functions of the digital camera 1 are displayed.

  Here, the operation button 60 has a three-dimensional shape, and is configured to realize an adjustment operation in an analog manner. A function for performing a zoom operation is assigned to the operation button 60.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation button 60.

A signal processing board 50 is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1, and a protective cover 51, a touch panel 23, a display unit 21, and a base member 52 are laminated on the signal processing board 50.
The signal processing board 50 is provided with a display control circuit 22 that controls the display operation of the display unit 21 and an interface circuit that detects a position signal of the touch panel 23. The protective cover 51 is a transparent member for protecting the touch panel 23 from dirt and wrinkles. The display unit 21 is configured using a flexible surface displayable material such as an organic EL. The base member 22 forms a three-dimensional shape of the operation button 60. It is desirable that the base member 22 be made of a material that provides appropriate elasticity when the operation button 60 is operated with a finger or a pen tip.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of the operation button 60.

  The outer shape of the operation button 60 has a convex peripheral portion and a concave central portion. In FIG. 5, dots indicated by small circles indicate the positions of the electrodes, and indicate positions where it is detected that the finger is touched.

  The zoom operation can be performed by stroking the convex portion around the operation button 60 left and right. Then, when the central concave portion is brought into contact, the angle of view is fixed. In a state where the angle of view is fixed, the angle of view does not change even if the convex portion is operated. When the concave portion is contacted again, the angle of view is released and zoom operation becomes possible. FIG. 6 shows a state where the zoom operation is performed. The liquid crystal monitor 35 displays an enlarged landscape as compared with FIG.

  As described above, with the operation button 60 used in the display control apparatus of the first embodiment, definitive setting can be performed by touching the central concave portion, and adjustment operation can be performed by stroking the peripheral convex portion. . Therefore, the operation button 60 is not limited to the above example, and can be used, for example, when a menu is scrolled and the display is confirmed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the menu display selection operation. Hereinafter, this processing procedure will be described with reference to the rear view of FIG. It is assumed that the above-described operation button 60 has a function for performing a menu display operation.

  In step S01, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the CPU 30 performs various initial settings. For example, the table value is set to a default value, or the previous setting state is restored. In step S02, a shooting operation is waited.

  When the menu button is pressed in steps S03 to S04, the menu is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 35. In steps S05 to S07, when it is detected that the finger moves while contacting the convex portion, the menu display is scrolled and displayed according to the movement amount. In steps S08 to S09, when it is detected that the finger is in contact with the recess, scrolling of the menu display is stopped and fixed in that state.

  When the menu button is pressed again, the menu display operation is terminated, and a shooting operation is waited for in step S02. Then, when the power is turned off, this process is terminated.

  According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be expected.

  a. Since the operation part has a three-dimensional shape and is provided with a selection operation function and a determination operation function, the switch has no mechanical part and has good operability.

  b. Furthermore, it can operate reliably by changing the shape of a selection part and a determination part.

  c. Furthermore, it can unitize by forming integrally with another operation member.

  The shape of the operation button is not limited to the above example, and various variations of design can be freely designed.

[Variation 1 of the first embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation button 60 according to the variation. This operation button 60 is different from the first embodiment in that an OK button 31 is provided at the center. Here, the crosses in the figure indicate the positions of the electrodes. Note that the operation button 60 may have a three-dimensional shape or a planar shape.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the menu display selection operation. Hereinafter, this processing procedure will be described with reference to the rear view of FIG. It is assumed that the above-described operation button 60 has a function for performing a menu display operation.

  In step S15, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the CPU 30 performs various initial settings. For example, the table value is set to a default value, or the previous setting state is restored. In step S16, a shooting operation is awaited.

  When the menu button is pressed in steps S17 to S18, the menu is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 35. In steps S19 to S20, when it is detected that the finger moves while contacting the electrode, the menu display is changed and displayed according to the movement amount. In steps S21 to S22, when it is detected that the OK button 61 is depressed, the menu display is fixed in that state.

  When the menu button is pressed again, the menu display operation is terminated in step S23, and a shooting operation is waited for in step S16. Then, when the power is turned off in step S24, this process is terminated.

[Variation 2 of the first embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation button 60 according to the variation. This operation button 60 is provided with a circular portion 62 divided into four at the center portion, and an annular band 63 having a predetermined width around it. Then, electrodes are arranged on each of the divided portions of the circular portion 62 and the annular band 63. The operation button 60 is not limited to a planar shape, and may be a three-dimensional shape as shown in FIG.

  With this operation button 60, decisive setting can be performed by contacting the divided part of the circular portion 62, and adjustment operation can be performed by stroking the peripheral annular band 63. For example, the movement of the focus of the digital camera 1 and the operation of rotating the image can be performed by an operation of stroking the annular band 63.

  In addition, with the operation button 60, an operation for selectively selecting a plurality of functions can be performed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an operation for selecting four types of menus. Hereinafter, this processing procedure will be described with reference to the rear view of FIG. Note that the operation button 60 described above is provided with a function for selectively selecting four menus.

  In step S28, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the CPU 30 performs various initial settings. For example, the table value is set to a default value, or the previous setting state is restored. In step S29, a shooting operation is awaited.

  When the menu button is pressed in steps S30 to S31, the menu name is displayed in the four divided areas of the circle 62, and any one of the four menus is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 35. . In steps S32 to S33, when it is detected that the finger has moved in contact with the electrode of the annular band, the 4-option menu display is changed and displayed according to the movement amount. At the same time, it is clearly shown which menu is selected by changing the color of the divided area of the circle 62. In steps S34 to S35, when it is detected that one of the four divided areas of the circle 62 has been depressed, a menu corresponding to the depressed key is displayed and fixed.

  If the menu button is pressed again, the menu display operation is terminated in step S36, and a shooting operation is waited for in step S29. Then, when the power is turned off in step S37, this process ends.

[Variation 3 of the first embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation button 60 according to the variation. The operation button 60 has a three-dimensional shape of a cross key. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a part for detecting an operation. Each part (A, B, C, D) of the cross representing the four directions has a convex shape. Electrodes are also provided on the end faces (I, J, K, L) of each part of the cross. Further, the central part (OK) of the cross and the part (E, F, G, H) in the direction intersecting the cross are concave (or flat). The operation button 60 can provide an operation in which the function of the conventional cross key is expanded.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the cross key operation. Hereinafter, this processing procedure will be described with reference to the rear view of FIG. It is assumed that the above-described operation button 60 has a function for operating a cursor in the menu.

  In step S41, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the CPU 30 performs various initial settings. For example, the table value is set to a default value, or the previous setting state is restored. In step S42, a shooting operation is waited.

  In step S43, when the menu button is pressed, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 35, and a standby state for cursor operation is entered. In steps S44 to S45, when it is detected that any of the cross keys (A, B, C, D) is pressed, the cursor in the menu is moved in the pressed direction (up / down / left / right). In step S46 to S47, when OK is pressed, the position of the cursor is determined.

  In steps S50 to S51, when it is detected that any of the recesses (E, F, G, H) is pressed, the in-menu cursor is moved in the pressed direction (diagonal direction). In step S52 to S53, when OK is pressed, the position of the cursor is determined.

  In steps S56 to S57, when it is detected that any one of the end portions (I, J, K, L) is pressed, the in-menu cursor is moved at a high speed in the pressed direction (up, down, left and right). In step S58 to S59, when OK is pressed, the position of the cursor is determined.

  When the menu button is pressed again, the menu display operation is terminated, and a shooting operation is waited for in step S42. Then, when the power is turned off in step S60, this process is terminated.

  In addition, if the operation button 60 according to this variation is used, it can be used conveniently in an image reproduction operation. For example, when the left and right cross keys (B, D) are pressed, the image is updated and displayed one frame at a time, and when the left and right edges (J, L) are pressed, the image is skipped and updated every 10 frames. Can be displayed.

[Variation 4 of the first embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation button 60 according to the variation. The operation button 60 is provided with a cross key (65, 66) on the inner side and an annular band 68 having a predetermined width around it.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an operation by the operation button 60 according to the variation. Hereinafter, this processing procedure will be described with reference to the rear view of FIG. It is assumed that the operation button 60 described above has a function for operating image reproduction.

  In step S65, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the CPU 30 performs various initial settings. For example, the table value is set to a default value, or the previous setting state is restored. In step S66, a shooting operation is awaited.

  In steps S67 to S68, when the reproduction mode is instructed, the captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 35, and the operation button 60 is waited for. In steps S69 to S70, when it is detected that any one of the up and down keys 65 is pressed, image frame advance / frame return is executed in units of days corresponding to the pressed key. In steps S71 to S72, when it is detected that any of the left and right keys 66 is pressed, image frame advance / frame return is executed in units of months corresponding to the pressed key. In steps S73 to S74, when the annular band 68 moves with the finger in the circumferential direction, image frame advance / frame return is executed in units of years corresponding to the amount of movement.

  Then, when the power is turned off in step S75, this process ends.

  When the finger moves in the circumferential direction in the circumferential direction, the displayed image may be rotated and displayed in accordance with the movement of the finger.

  Each function described in the above embodiment may be configured using hardware, or may be realized by reading a program describing each function into a computer using software. Each function may be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.

  Furthermore, each function can be realized by causing a computer to read a program stored in a recording medium (not shown). Here, as long as the recording medium in the present embodiment can record a program and can be read by a computer, the recording format may be any form.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

The figure explaining the principle of a resistive film type touch panel. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera including a display control device according to a first embodiment. Rear view of digital camera The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of an operation button. The figure which shows the cross-sectional shape of an operation button. The rear view of a digital camera. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of menu display selection operation. The figure which shows the structure of an operation button. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of menu display selection operation. The figure which shows the structure of an operation button. The figure which shows the structure of an operation button. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of operation which selects four types of menus. The figure which shows the structure of an operation button. The figure explaining the site | part which detects operation. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of a cross key operation. The figure which shows the structure of an operation button. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of operation by an operation button.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 21 ... Display part, 23 ... Touch panel, 24 ... Input part, 50 ... Board | substrate, 60 ... Operation button, 62 ... Circular part, 63 ... Ring belt, 65 ... Cross key, 66 ... Cross key, 68 ... Annular belt.

Claims (12)

A display control apparatus having a pointing device for performing an operation related to photographing or reproduction of an image,
A pointing device having at least a selection operation unit disposed on a first surface for performing an input related to a selection operation, and a determination operation unit provided on a surface different from the first surface for performing an input related to a determination operation; ,
Operation input control means for performing operation input control based on the input of the pointing device;
A display control apparatus comprising: an operation unit display unit configured to perform display related to an operation at a position corresponding to the selection operation unit and the determination operation unit in order to operate the display control device.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination operation unit is disposed at a substantially central position of the selection operation unit.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection operation unit is arranged around the determination operation unit.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the determination operation units are provided, and different determination inputs are performed according to operations of the respective determination operation units.   The selection operation unit is configured to independently perform at least two different selection operations, and the determination operation unit is configured to perform a determination input with a common operation for a plurality of selection operations of the selection operation unit. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control apparatus is configured as follows.   The selection operation unit is configured to perform three different selection operations independently, and the determination operation unit is configured to perform a determination input with a common operation for a plurality of selection operations of the selection operation unit. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control apparatus is made.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination operation unit is disposed at a position deeper than the selection operation unit.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection operation unit and the determination operation unit are configured as an integral unit.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation input control unit determines a selection result or locks the selection result according to an input of the determination operation.   2. The operation input control unit is configured to perform at least one of update of manual operation setting at the time of shooting and zooming operation according to an input of the selection operation at the time of shooting. The display control apparatus according to 1.   11. The operation input control unit according to claim 10, wherein at the time of reproduction, the operation input control unit performs at least one of an image rotation, a frame advance, and a menu scroll according to an input of the selection operation. Display control device.   The operation input control means determines or locks the shooting function selected according to the input of the determination operation during shooting, and determines the playback function selected according to the input of the determination operation during playback. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

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