JP2006293678A - Operational function setting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To customize an operational section of a touch panel by updating firmware. <P>SOLUTION: A customized application determines whether a user performs a determining operation for arrangement of the operation section. When completing the determining operation for arrangement of the operation section of the touch panel 20, the customized application sends an instruction to generate the firmware to a server 5 on the basis of the determined results of the user for arrangement of the operation section. The server 5 generates the firmware reflecting the determined results of the user. The customized application downloads the generated firmware after generating the firmware, and transfers it to a digital camera. The digital camera updates its own firmware by reading the transferred firmware, and terminates customization for operational buttons of the touch panel 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation function setting system, and more particularly to an operation function setting system for setting an operation function of a touch panel type operation member.

  Many digital devices such as digital cameras are equipped with various functions that utilize digital technology. However, while many various functions can be installed, an operation unit for using these functions requires a large number of operation buttons corresponding to the installed functions. In view of this, various techniques have been proposed to compensate for the shortage of operation buttons by making the operation buttons of the operation unit into a touch panel type and changing the display content of the touch panel according to the usage. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a system that includes a fixed key, a touch panel, a communication unit, and a clock, and changes a menu displayed on the touch panel when a set time instructed by a host computer is reached.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-259542 discloses a system for downloading software by connecting to a host computer, in which the ability of the client to which the host computer is connected is determined and the download menu is changed and displayed so as to suit the client's ability. Has been proposed.
JP-A-10-162060 JP-A-10-207710

  Here, in the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the update of the display menu is shown, but there is no mention of changing the shape or arrangement of the icon representing the operation unit of the touch panel. .

  Moreover, in the technique of the said patent document 1 or the said patent document 2, since it changes with the already determined content, customization according to a user's liking etc. cannot be performed but it says that a new operation function is added. I can't do that either.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation function setting system capable of customizing an operation unit on a touch panel by updating firmware.

  In order to achieve the above object, an operation function setting system according to a first aspect of the present invention displays a plurality of icons representing an operation unit on a display unit at positions corresponding to the icons displayed on the display unit. Is an operation function setting system that is communicable with an external device that includes an operation unit that executes processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position when an input is detected. A selection display means for displaying a selection screen for selecting the shape of the icon and the arrangement of the icon to be changed in the display section, and the icon to be changed from the selection screen displayed on the selection display means Selection means for selecting the display form and the arrangement of the icon to be changed, the display form of the icon to be changed selected by the selection means, and the above Confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the arrangement of icons to be updated, determination means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means, and the change based on the result determined by the determination means It has a transmission means which transmits the information of the icon containing the data concerning the display mode of the icon used as object, and the data concerning the arrangement of the icon used as the change object to the external device.

  According to the first aspect, it is possible to change the icon display form and the icon arrangement representing the operation unit of the operation means provided in the external device by updating the firmware.

  In order to achieve the above object, the operation function setting system according to the second aspect of the present invention displays a plurality of icons representing the operation unit on the display unit, and corresponds to each icon displayed on the display unit. An operation function setting system configured to be able to communicate with an external device including an operation unit that executes processing related to an operation function corresponding to a detected position when an input at a position is detected, and a predetermined operation A selection display means for displaying a selection screen for selecting a function and an arrangement representing an operation section corresponding to the predetermined operation function in the display section, and a selection screen displayed on the selection display means. A selection means for selecting the predetermined operation function and an arrangement of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function; the predetermined operation function selected by the selection means; A confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming an icon arrangement representing an operation unit corresponding to a predetermined operation function, a determination means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means, and a determination result determined by the determination means A program for executing the predetermined operation function based on the result, data relating to an icon display form representing an operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function, and an operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function. Transmission means for transmitting icon information including data relating to the arrangement of the icons to be displayed to the external device.

  According to the second aspect, the operation function of the operation means can be added by updating the firmware.

  In order to achieve the above object, the operation function setting system according to the third aspect of the present invention displays a plurality of icons representing the operation unit on the display unit, and corresponds to each icon displayed on the display unit. When an input at a position is detected, the operation function setting system is configured to be able to communicate with an external device including an operation unit that executes processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position, A selection display means for displaying a selection screen for selecting the display form of the icon to be replaced with the icon to be replaced and the arrangement of the icon to be replaced in the display section, and the selection screen displayed on the selection display means from the selection screen Selection means for selecting the display form of the icon to be replaced and the arrangement of the icon to be replaced, the form of the icon to be replaced selected by the selection means, and the above Confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the arrangement of the icons to be replaced, determination means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means, and the determination means based on the result determined by the determination means And transmitting means for transmitting icon information including the data related to the display form of the icon to be replaced and the data related to the arrangement of the icon to be replaced to the external device based on the result determined in step (b). And

  According to the third aspect, the icon representing the operation unit provided in the operation unit can be replaced with another icon by updating the firmware.

  In order to achieve the above object, the operation function setting system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention displays a plurality of icons representing the operation unit on the display unit, and corresponds to each icon displayed on the display unit. When an input at a position is detected, the operation function setting system is configured to be able to communicate with an external device including an operation unit that executes processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position, A selection screen for selecting an operation function of the external device, a display form of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the operation function, and an arrangement on the display unit of an icon representing the operation unit corresponding to the operation function Selection display means for displaying, the operation function from the selection screen displayed on the selection display means, a display form of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the operation function, and the operation Selection means for selecting an arrangement of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the function, the operation function selected by the selection unit, a display form of an icon representing the operation unit corresponding to the operation function, and the operation function A confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the arrangement of the icon corresponding to the operation unit corresponding to, a determination means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means, and a determination determined by the determination means Based on the result, the icon information including the program related to the operation function, the data related to the display form of the icon representing the operation function, and the data related to the arrangement of the icon representing the operation function is transmitted to the external device. And a transmission means for performing the above.

  According to the fourth aspect, the shape and arrangement of the icon representing the operation unit provided in the operation means and the operation function of the operation unit can be freely customized by updating the firmware.

  According to the present invention, the operation unit on the touch panel can be customized by updating the firmware.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1A is a system configuration diagram of a first example of an operation function setting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, a digital camera 1 having a touch panel type operation unit is connected to a personal computer (PC) 3 via a communication unit 2. The PC 3 is connected to the server 5 via the communication unit 4.

  In FIG. 1A, the digital camera 1 is the same as the conventional one except that it has a touch panel type operation unit. The communication unit 2 establishes communication connection between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3 by, for example, USB communication or wireless communication. The PC 3 is conventionally known except that a customization application described later is installed. The communication unit 4 communicatively connects the PC 3 and the server 5 via the Internet or a LAN. The server 5 generates firmware (f / w) for changing the setting of the touch panel type operation unit of the digital camera 1. The firmware can be downloaded from the server 5.

  FIG. 1B is a system configuration diagram of a second example of the operation function setting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1B, a digital camera 1 as an external device having a touch panel type operation unit is connected to a personal computer (PC) 3 via a communication unit 2. Firmware stored in the recording medium 6 such as a CD-ROM can be input to the PC 3.

  Hereinafter, the operation function setting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described without particularly distinguishing between FIG. 1 (a) and FIG. 1 (b). First, the configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  A digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a photographing lens 11, an image sensor 12, an image pickup circuit 13, an AE circuit 14, an AF circuit 15, an image processing circuit 16, a removable memory 17, a display unit 18, Display drive circuit 19, touch panel 20, SDRAM (memory) 21, FLASH memory 22, power SW 23, mode SW 24, operation member 25, CPU 26, communication unit 27, battery 28, and power supply circuit 29 And has.

  The taking lens 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, millions of pixels, and converts a subject image incident through the photographing lens 11 into an electric signal. The imaging circuit 13 performs analog processing such as CDS (correlated double sampling) processing for removing noise components in the output signal of the imaging device 12 and AGC (automatic gain control) processing for amplifying the output signal of the imaging device 12. In addition, various signal processes such as a process of generating image data by converting an output signal of the image sensor 12 into a digital signal are performed. The AE circuit 14 performs automatic exposure calculation based on the image data obtained by the imaging circuit 13. The AF circuit 15 performs automatic focus calculation based on the image data obtained by the imaging circuit 13.

  The image processing circuit 16 performs a white balance adjustment process for adjusting the white balance of the image data with respect to the image data obtained by the imaging circuit 13, and a color for converting the image data into an RGB signal having a digital camera standard color balance. Various image processing such as matrix conversion processing, gradation correction processing for correcting the gradation of image data, and Y / C conversion processing for converting image data into Y (luminance) signals and C (color) signals are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 16 compresses the image processed image data by a predetermined compression method such as the JPEG method, and records the compressed image data in the removable memory 17. Here, the removable memory 17 is a recording medium for recording image data, and for example, a memory card is assumed.

  The display unit 18 displays the image processed by the image processing circuit 16 and the image recorded in the removable memory 17. The display drive circuit 19 controls the display operation of the display unit 18. The touch panel 20 as an operation unit detects an input position on the surface by the user, and causes the digital camera 1 to execute processing related to an operation function corresponding to the input position.

  Here, the touch panel 20 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a resistive film type touch panel. The touch panel shown in FIG. 3 includes a glass 20a and a transparent film 20b that covers the glass 20a. ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) 20c, which is a transparent conductive material, is provided on the opposing surfaces of the glass 20a and the film 20b. An electrode grid 20d is formed on the ITO 20c.

  In a normal state, the glass 20a and the film 20b are separated. In this state, when the film 20b is pushed down with a finger, a pen or the like, the glass 20a and the ITO 20c of the film 20b come into contact with each other to form a conduction circuit. By measuring the partial pressure due to the resistance of the electrode grid 20d in the conduction circuit at this time, it is possible to detect the position pressed with a finger or a pen.

  Here, in the touch panel 20 of FIG. 1, a display unit (not shown) made of, for example, a TFT liquid crystal is provided on the bottom surface of the glass 20a of FIG. This display unit is provided to display an icon representing the operation unit of the touch panel 20. With such a configuration, it is possible to detect an input at the position of the icon displayed on the display unit on the touch panel 20 and execute a process related to an operation function corresponding to the position in the digital camera.

  Here, the touch panel 20 is not limited to the resistive film system shown in FIG. 3, and for example, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave system, an infrared light shielding system, a capacitive system, or an electromagnetic induction system touch panel may be used. 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. Furthermore, the touch panel 20 may be provided on the display unit 18.

  The SDRAM 21 in FIG. 2 is a memory for temporarily storing various data such as image data obtained by the imaging circuit 13 and image data processed by the image processing circuit 16. The FLASH memory 22 stores digital camera adjustment data and various operation programs. Further, the FLASH memory 22 of the first embodiment stores firmware as a control program for the touch panel 20. Here, the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 includes a program for displaying an icon of a predetermined display form on a display unit provided on the touch panel 20, data indicating the arrangement of each icon on the touch panel 20, A program for determining an operation function of the digital camera from an input position by the user is included.

  The power SW 23 is an operation member for turning on / off the power of the digital camera 1. The mode SW 24 is an operation member for switching the operation mode of the digital camera. Examples of this operation mode include a shooting mode for shooting, a playback mode for playing back images recorded in the removable memory 17, and a communication mode for communication between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3. The operation member 25 is an operation member for operating a predetermined function such as a release button exclusively.

  The CPU 26 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1. The CPU 26 also has a function as an updating unit, and updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 when the firmware is downloaded from the server 5. The communication unit 27 is a communication interface that mediates communication between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3. The communication unit 27 can use various communication interfaces corresponding to the communication method of the communication unit 2.

  The battery 28 is a power source for the digital camera 1. The power supply circuit 29 converts the voltage of the battery 28 into a voltage required for each part of the digital camera 1 and then supplies the voltage to each part of the digital camera 1.

  Next, the operation of the operation function setting system according to the first embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the first embodiment, the arrangement of the operation unit on the touch panel 20 with respect to the outer shape of the digital camera can be changed. In the first embodiment, when the user selects a desired operation unit arrangement from a plurality of operation unit arrangements prepared in advance, firmware corresponding to the change is downloaded from the server 5. Thereby, for example, the operation unit arrangement like the reference numeral 31c in FIG. 4A can be changed to the operation part arrangement like the reference numeral 31b in FIG. 4B.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the operation function setting system according to the first embodiment. Here, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is basically performed by the PC 3 having the functions of selection display means, selection means, confirmation display means, determination means, transmission means, and input means.

  When the communication connection between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3 is established, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started. First, the PC 3 activates a customization application for customizing the touch panel 20 (step S1).

  Next, the customization application reads camera information such as the camera ID and model name of the digital camera 1 and information related to the arrangement of the operation unit on the touch panel 20. Thereby, the type and arrangement of the operation unit on the touch panel 20 are discriminated, and an operation unit arrangement selection screen as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the monitor of the PC 3 according to the discrimination result (step S2). Here, on the operation unit arrangement selection screen, for example, a selection screen 41 on which arrangement sets 41 a to 41 c for selecting an operation unit arrangement on the touch panel 20 are displayed, and a current operation unit arrangement on the touch panel 20 is displayed. The setting display screen 42 is displayed.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the user has performed an operation for selecting the arrangement sets 41a to 41c (step S3). This selection operation is, for example, a cursor key input operation of the PC 3 by a user or a selection operation using a pointing device such as a mouse. If it is determined in step S3 that the arrangement set 41a to 41c is selected, step S3 is branched to step S4, and the customization application moves the cursor 41d according to the user's selection operation (step S4). ). On the other hand, in the determination of step S3, when the selection operation of the arrangement sets 41a to 41c is not performed, step S3 is branched to step S5.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the user has performed an operation for determining the arrangement sets 41a to 41c (step S5). This determination operation is, for example, an input operation of the ENTER key of the PC 3 by the user or a click operation of a pointing device such as a mouse. If it is determined in step S5 that the arrangement sets 41a to 41c are not determined, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the arrangement set 41a to 41c is determined, step S5 is branched to step S6, and the customization application is selected on the touch panel 20 with the operation unit arrangement selected and determined. A sample image 43 as a confirmation screen for confirming the arrangement is displayed on the monitor of the PC 3 as shown in FIG. 6B (step S6). When the sample image 43 is displayed, an enter button 44 and a reset button 45 are also displayed at the same time.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the selection button 44 or the reset button 45 has been selected by the user (step S7). If it is determined in step S7 that the selection button 44 or the reset button 45 is selected, step S7 is branched to step S8, and the customization application moves the cursor 46 in accordance with the user's selection operation. (Step S8). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the selection button 44 or the reset button 45 is not selected, step S7 is branched to step S9.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the determination operation of the determination button 44 or the reset button 45 by the user has been performed (step S9). If it is determined in step S9 that the determination button 44 or the reset button 45 has not been determined, the process returns to step S7. On the other hand, if the determination operation of the determination button 44 or the reset button 45 is performed in the determination of step S9, step S9 is branched to step S10, and the customization application selects the determined button as the reset button 45. It is determined whether or not (step S10). If it is determined in step S10 that the selected button is the reset button 45, step S10 is branched to step S3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the selected button is not the reset button 45, that is, the determination button 44, step S10 is branched to step S11, and the customization application changes the arrangement set by the user. The PC 3 is instructed to transmit the contents to the server 5. The server 5 generates new firmware reflecting the changed content transmitted from the PC 3 (step S11). That is, when the arrangement set is changed, data related to the display form of icons representing each operation unit on the touch panel 20 (for example, icon shape and icon color), data related to icon arrangement, It is necessary to change data related to the correspondence between the input position and the operation function of the digital camera. The server 5 generates firmware reflecting such changes.

  After the new firmware is generated in the server 5, the customization application downloads the updated firmware from the server 5, and transmits the updated firmware to the digital camera (step S12). The transmitted firmware is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 21 in the digital camera. Thereafter, in response to an instruction from the customization application, the CPU 26 in the digital camera reads the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 and updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 (step S13). Thereby, the process of FIG. 5 is completed.

  Here, instead of the process of step S12, a plurality of types of firmware corresponding to each arrangement set may be stored in advance, and the customized application may download necessary firmware from these firmwares.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user selects a desired operation unit arrangement from a plurality of operation unit arrangements prepared in advance, and firmware that reflects the user's selection in the server 5 is installed. By generating, the operation unit of the touch panel 20 can be customized.
Here, the number and contents of the arrangement sets are not limited to those shown in FIG. 6A and can be arbitrarily changed. In the first embodiment, the example in which the customized application is installed in the PC 3 has been described. However, the customized application may be installed in the server 5.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, since the configuration of the operation function setting system according to the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a new operation function can be added to the touch panel 20. In the second embodiment, for example, a zoom button 51 as shown in FIG. 7B can be added to a digital camera having no zoom button on the touch panel 20 as shown in FIG. Here, if the digital camera of FIG. 7A does not have a zoom function, a zoom function is also added.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of the operation function setting system according to the second embodiment. When the communication connection between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3 is established, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 8 is started. First, the PC 3 activates a customization application for customizing the touch panel 20 (step S21).

  Next, the customization application reads the camera information such as the camera ID and model name of the digital camera 1 and the information related to the arrangement of the operation unit on the touch panel 20, and then, according to the result, the customization application shown in FIG. Such a function addition screen is displayed on the monitor of the PC 3 (step S22). Here, on the function addition screen, for example, an additional function selection screen 61 on which an additional function item for selecting an operation function to be newly added to the digital camera is displayed, and an icon corresponding to the additional function item selected by the user. Is displayed on an additional function layout screen 62 for setting the position on the touch panel 20.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the user has performed an operation for selecting an additional function item on the additional function selection screen 61 (step S23). If it is determined in step S23 that an additional function item is selected, step S23 is branched to step S24, and the customization application moves the cursor 61a according to the user's selection operation (step S24). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the additional function item is not selected, step S23 is branched to step S25.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not an operation for determining an additional function item has been performed by the user (step S25). If it is determined in step S25 that the additional function item has not been determined, the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, in the determination of step S25, when an operation for determining an additional function item is performed, step S25 is branched to step S26, and an icon (FIG. 9) representing the operation unit of the additional function item is displayed on the additional function layout screen 62. (Zoom button in the example of (a)) 62a is displayed (step S26). The user drags and drops the icon 62a into the additional function layout screen 62 to determine the arrangement of the icon 62a, and then presses the selection end button 62b to end the icon arrangement operation (step S27).

  Next, the customization application displays a sample image 63 as a confirmation screen for confirming the arrangement of the selected icon 62a on the touch panel 20 on the monitor of the PC 3 as shown in FIG. S28). When the sample image 63 is displayed, the enter button 64 and the reset button 65 are also displayed at the same time.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the selection button 64 or the reset button 65 has been selected by the user (step S29). If the selection button 64 or the reset button 65 is selected in step S29, step S29 is branched to step S30, and the customization application moves the cursor 66 according to the user's selection operation. (Step S30). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29 that the selection button 64 or the reset button 65 is not selected, step S29 is branched to step S31.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the determination operation of the determination button 64 or the reset button 65 by the user has been performed (step S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the determination button 64 or the reset button 65 has not been determined, the process returns to step S29. On the other hand, when the determination operation of the determination button 64 or the reset button 65 is performed in the determination of step S31, step S31 is branched to step S32, and the customization application selects the determined button as the reset button 65. It is determined whether or not (step S32). If it is determined in step S32 that the selected button is the reset button 65, step S32 is branched to step S23.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the selected button is not the reset button 65, that is, the determination button 64, step S32 is branched to step S33, and the customization application changes the function addition by the user. The PC 3 is instructed to transmit the contents to the server 5. The server 5 generates new firmware reflecting the changed content transmitted from the PC 3 (step S33). In the second embodiment, the data relating to the display form of the icon 62a representing the operation function added by the user and the data relating to the arrangement of the icon 62a are changed on the firmware. Furthermore, when the newly added operation function is not present in the digital camera, a program for executing the operation function is also added to the firmware. For example, in the case of a zoom function, this program is a program for enlarging / reducing an image according to a zoom magnification designated by the user.

  After the new firmware is generated in the server 5, the customization application downloads the updated firmware from the server 5, and transmits the updated firmware to the digital camera (step S34). The transmitted firmware is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 21 in the digital camera. Thereafter, in response to an instruction from the customization application, the CPU 26 in the digital camera reads the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 and updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 (step S35). Thereby, the process of FIG. 8 is completed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, an operation unit on the touch panel 20 can be added. Further, even if an operation function is not provided in the digital camera, the operation function can be added by synthesizing a program related to the operation function into firmware if the operation function can be realized by software.
Here, the operation functions that can be added are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, since the configuration of the operation function setting system according to the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the display form, arrangement, and operation functions of the operation unit on the touch panel 20 can be freely customized. In the third embodiment, for example, the shape and arrangement of the cross button 71a and the macro button 72a shown in FIG. 10A are changed to another shape and arrangement shown by reference numerals 71b and 72b in FIG. 10B. Can be changed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the operation function setting system according to the third embodiment. When the communication connection between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3 is established, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 11 is started. First, the PC 3 activates a customization application for customizing the touch panel 20 (step S41).

  Next, the customization application reads the camera information such as the camera ID and model name of the digital camera 1 and the information related to the arrangement of the operation unit on the touch panel 20, and then customizes as shown in FIG. A setting screen is displayed on the monitor of the PC 3 (step S42). Here, as the custom setting screen, for example, an icon selection screen 81 for selecting an icon display form (shape, color, etc.) representing an operation unit to be replaced with the operation unit of the touch panel 20 and the icon selection screen 81 are selected. A custom setting screen 82 on which an operation function selection screen 82b for selecting an operation function of the operation unit represented by the icon selected on the icon selection screen 81 and an arrangement setting screen 82a for setting the arrangement of the selected icons is displayed. A current setting display screen 83 showing the current operation unit arrangement on the touch panel 20 is displayed.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not an operation for selecting an icon on the icon selection screen 81 has been performed by the user (step S43). The determination in step S43 is performed until an icon selection operation is performed by the user. If it is determined in step S43 that an icon is selected, step S43 is branched to step S44, and the customization application displays the icon selected by the user on the arrangement setting screen 82a (step S44). . Next, the customization application determines whether or not the user has moved the icon displayed on the arrangement setting screen 82a (step S45). If it is determined in step S45 that an icon movement operation has been performed, step S45 is branched to step S46, and the customization application moves the icon according to the user's selection operation (step S46).

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the operation for moving the icon by the user has ended (step S47). If it is determined in step S47 that the icon movement operation has not ended, the process returns to step S45. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that the icon movement operation is completed, step S47 is branched to step S48, and the cursor 82c is displayed on the operation function item on the operation function selection screen 82b (step S48).

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not an operation function item selection operation on the operation function selection screen 82b has been performed by the user (step S49). If it is determined in step S49 that the operation function item is selected, step S49 is branched to step S50, and the customization application moves the cursor 82c according to the user's selection operation (step S50). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S49 that the operation function item is not selected, step S49 is branched to step S51.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not an operation function item determination operation has been performed by the user (step S51). If the operation function item determination operation is not performed in the determination in step S51, the process returns to step S49. On the other hand, in the determination of step S51, when the operation function item determination operation is performed, step S51 is branched to step S52, and it is determined whether or not the selection end button 82d is pressed by the user (step S52). . If it is determined in step S52 that the selection end button 82d has not been pressed, the process returns to step S43. On the other hand, if the selection end button 82d is pressed in the determination in step S52, step S52 is branched to step S53, and the customization application instructs the server 3 to transmit the change contents of the icon setting by the user to the server 5. To do. The server 5 generates new firmware reflecting the changed content transmitted from the PC 3 (step S53). In the third embodiment, the data related to the icon display form representing the operation function changed by the user and the data related to the icon arrangement are changed on the firmware. Furthermore, if the digital camera does not have the operation function represented by the icon, a program for executing the operation function is also added to the firmware.

  After the new firmware is generated in the server 5, the customization application downloads the updated firmware from the server 5, and transmits the updated firmware to the digital camera (step S54). The transmitted firmware is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 21 in the digital camera. Thereafter, in response to an instruction from the customization application, the CPU 26 in the digital camera reads the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 and updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 (step S55). Thereby, the process of FIG. 11 is completed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the display form, arrangement, and operation functions of the operation unit on the touch panel 20 can be freely customized.

  Here, the additional icons and operation functions displayed on the custom setting screen are not limited to those shown in FIG. In addition, an image personally input by the user may be converted into an icon.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, since the configuration of the operation function setting system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Note that the digital camera in the fourth embodiment is assumed to be a digital camera in which no operation function is set on the touch panel 20.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the operation function setting system according to the fourth embodiment. When the communication connection between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3 is established, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 13 is started. First, the PC 3 activates a customization application for customizing the touch panel 20 (step S61).

  Next, the customization application displays all functions that can be added on the monitor of the PC 3 as indicated by reference numeral 91 in FIG. 14A (step S62). The user selects an operation function that the user wants to add to the digital camera (step S63). The operation function selected by the user is highlighted as shown in FIG. 14B, for example.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the selection end button 93 has been pressed by the user (step S64). If it is determined in step S64 that the selection end button 93 has not been pressed, the process branches from step S64 to step S65 to determine whether the user has pressed the redo button 92 (step S65). If it is determined in step S65 that the redo button 92 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S63. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S65 that the redo button 92 has been pressed, the operation function selection information by the user is cleared (step S66), and the process returns to step S63.

  If the selection end button 93 is pressed in the determination in step S64, step S64 is branched to step S67, and the customization application displays a screen as shown in FIG. The screen of FIG. 14C is a screen for selecting an operation function for displaying an icon representing an operation button on the touch panel 20 in the selected operation unit. The user selects an operation function that the user wants to display as an icon (step S67). The operation function selected by the user is displayed in reverse video as shown in FIG. Here, an operation function that has not been selected can be called and executed from a menu button described later.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the selection end button 96 has been pressed by the user (step S68). If it is determined in step S68 that the selection end button 96 has not been pressed, step S68 is branched to step S69, and it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the redo button 95 (step S69). If it is determined in step S69 that the redo button 95 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S67. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S69 that the redo button 95 has been pressed, the operation function selection information by the user is cleared (step S70), and the process returns to step S67.

  If the selection end button 96 is pressed in the determination in step S68, step S68 is branched to step S71, and the customization application is based on the content selected by the user, as shown in FIG. Such a sample image 97 is displayed (step S71). In the sample image 97, the operation function selected in step S67 is displayed as an icon representing an operation button such as reference numeral 97a. At the same time, an icon representing a cross button, a determination button, or a menu button is displayed as a reference numeral 97b, assuming that the touch panel 20 is a minimum necessary function. Further, in the sample image 97, a menu display 97d displayed when the menu button 97c is pressed is also displayed. In this menu display 97d, a list of operation functions not selected in step S67 is displayed.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the determination button 99 has been pressed by the user (step S72). If it is determined in step S72 that the enter button 99 has not been pressed, step S72 is branched to step S73, and it is determined whether or not the redo button 98 has been pressed by the user (step S73). If it is determined in step S73 that the redo button 98 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S72. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the redo button 98 has been pressed, the process returns to step S63.

  If the determination button 99 is pressed in the determination of step S72, step S72 is branched to step S74, and the customization application displays a customization processing screen as shown in FIG. S74). And it is determined whether the start button 100 was pushed by the user (step S75). If it is determined in step S75 that the start button 100 has not been pressed, step S75 is branched to step S76, and the customization application determines whether or not the cancel button 101 has been pressed by the user (step S76). . If it is determined in step S76 that the cancel button 101 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S74. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S76 that the cancel button 101 has been pressed, the process returns to step S63.

  If the start button 100 is pressed in the determination in step S75, step S75 is branched to step S77, and the customization application displays a customization execution screen as shown in FIG. It is displayed above (step S77), and the firmware of the digital camera is updated (step S78). In this firmware update process, as described in the first to third embodiments, the customization application first instructs the PC 3 to transmit the change contents of the icon setting by the user to the server 5. The server 5 generates firmware based on the content transmitted from the PC 3. In the fourth embodiment, data related to an icon display mode representing an operation function selected by the user and data related to the arrangement of the icons are generated. These may be set in advance. Furthermore, a program for executing the operation function selected by the user is added to the newly generated firmware. A program for executing the cross button operation function, the enter button operation function, and the menu button operation function is automatically added.

  After new firmware is generated in the server 5, the customization application downloads the updated firmware from the server 5, and transmits the updated firmware to the digital camera. Thereafter, the CPU 26 in the digital camera reads the transmitted firmware and updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22. After the firmware update is completed, the customization application displays a customization end screen as shown in FIG. 15C on the monitor of the PC 3, and ends the process of FIG.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the user can freely set the operation function of the touch panel 20. Further, in the fourth embodiment, among the operation units on the touch panel 20, only the operation functions that the user feels particularly necessary are displayed as icons, and other operation functions can be executed from the menu buttons.

  Here, in the fourth embodiment, the icon display form and arrangement may be changed. Moreover, you may make it display the screen shown to Fig.15 (a)-FIG.15 (c) by the 1st-3rd embodiment.

  For example, the recording function shown in FIG. 14A cannot be added to a digital camera without a microphone. Therefore, by identifying the camera ID, model name, etc. of the digital camera, it is possible to prevent the operation functions that do not need to be displayed from the beginning.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram of an operation function setting system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the operation function system of the fifth embodiment includes a digital camera 1 and a docking station 7. Here, the digital camera 1 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the docking station 7 shown in FIG. The docking station 7 shown in FIG. 17 includes a camera mounting unit 7a, a station monitor unit 7b, a station operation unit 7c, and a coin slot 7d. In addition, a program for executing the customized application is installed in the control unit of the docking station 7.

  The camera mounting portion 7a is a mounting portion for mounting the docking station 7 and the digital camera 1 so that data communication is possible. The station monitor unit 7b displays a user interface (UI) set that can be selected by the user. Here, the UI set is firmware including data related to a display form of an icon representing an operation unit of the touch panel 20, data related to arrangement, and data related to an operation function, which are set according to various applications. . For example, the “boy” set has an icon design that looks like a boy, and the “easy to see” set is a set that emphasizes the visibility of the icon on the touch panel 20.

  The station operation unit 7c is an operation unit for the user to perform a UI set selection operation or a determination operation. The coin slot 7d is a part where the user inserts coins. Note that the coin insertion slot 7d is not necessary when the service of the fifth embodiment is performed free of charge.

  Next, processing of the operation function setting system according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the docking station 7 determines whether or not the digital camera 1 is mounted on the camera mounting portion 7a (step S81). The determination in step S81 is continued until the digital camera 1 is mounted on the camera mounting unit 7a.

  If it is determined in step S81 that the digital camera 1 is mounted on the camera mounting unit 7a, step S81 is branched to step S82, and the docking station 7 activates a customization application for customizing the touch panel 20. (Step S82).

  Next, the customization application displays a UI set as shown in FIG. 17 on the station monitor unit 7b (step S83). Here, the currently selected UI set is displayed in reverse video, for example. Thereafter, the customization application determines whether or not a UI set selection operation has been performed by the user (step S84). In the determination in step S84, if a UI set selection operation is performed, step S84 is branched to step S85, and the customization application moves the cursor in accordance with the user selection operation (step S85). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S84 that no UI set selection operation has been performed, step S84 is branched to step S86.

  Next, the customization application determines whether or not the user has performed a UI set determination operation (step S86). If it is determined in step S86 that the UI set determination operation has not been performed, step S86 is branched to step S87, and the customization application determines whether or not the selection cancel operation has been performed by the user (step S87). ). If it is determined in step S87 that a cancel operation has been performed, the process in FIG. 18 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S87 that no cancel operation has been performed, the process returns to step S84.

  In the determination in step S86, if the user performs a UI set determination operation, step S86 is branched to step S88, and the customization application sets the farm user corresponding to the selected UI set to the digital camera. Transfer (step S88). This firmware is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 21 in the digital camera. Thereafter, in response to an instruction from the customization application, the CPU 26 in the digital camera reads the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 and updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 (step S89). Thereby, the process of FIG. 18 is completed.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, a service for customizing the display form, arrangement, and operation functions of the operation unit on the touch panel 20 by simply selecting a UI set set in advance according to the application. Can receive.

  Here, a plurality of types of icon display forms, arrangements, and operation functions are provided for each UI set, and a hierarchical UI set can be selected so that the user can further select his / her favorite UI set. You may do it.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are naturally possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

For example, the screen displayed on the PC 3 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be changed.
Each function described in the above embodiment may be configured using hardware, or may be realized by reading a program describing each function 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. In addition, 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.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an operation function setting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a digital camera. It is a figure for demonstrating the resistive film type touch panel. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure shown about an example of the screen displayed on a monitor during operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure shown about an example of the screen displayed on a monitor during operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure shown about an example of the screen displayed on a monitor during operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a 1st figure shown about an example of the screen displayed on a monitor during operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure shown about an example of the screen displayed on a monitor during operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the operation function setting system concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a docking station. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the operation function setting system which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 2, 4, 27 ... Communication part, 3 ... Personal computer (PC), 5 ... Server, 6 ... Recording medium, 7 ... Docking station, 7a ... Camera mounting part, 7b ... Station monitor part, 7c ... Station operation unit, 7d ... coin insertion slot, 11 ... photographing lens, 12 ... imaging device, 13 ... imaging circuit, 14 ... AE circuit, 15 ... AF circuit, 16 ... image processing circuit, 17 ... removable memory, 18 ... display unit , 19 ... Display drive circuit, 20 ... Touch panel, 21 ... SDRAM (memory), 22 ... FLASH memory, 23 ... Power SW, 24 ... Mode SW, 25 ... Operation member, 26 ... CPU, 28 ... Battery, 29 ... Power supply circuit

Claims (9)

When a plurality of icons representing the operation unit are displayed on the display unit and an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit is detected, processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position is performed. An operating function setting system capable of communicating with an external device having an operating means to be executed,
Selection display means for displaying a selection screen for selecting the shape of the icon to be changed and the arrangement of the icon to be changed in the display unit;
Selecting means for selecting a display form of the icon to be changed and an arrangement of the icon to be changed from the selection screen displayed on the selection display means;
Confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the display form of the icon to be changed selected by the selection means and the arrangement of the icon to be changed;
Determining means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means;
Transmission means for transmitting icon information including data relating to the display form of the icon to be changed and data relating to the arrangement of the icon to be changed to the external device based on the result determined by the determining means When,
An operation function setting system comprising: When a plurality of icons representing the operation unit are displayed on the display unit and an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit is detected, processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position is performed. An operating function setting system capable of communicating with an external device having an operating means to be executed,
A selection display means for displaying a selection screen for selecting a predetermined operation function and an arrangement in the display unit of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function;
Selecting means for selecting the predetermined operation function and an arrangement of icons representing the operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function from the selection screen displayed on the selection display means;
Confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the predetermined operation function selected by the selection means and the arrangement of icons representing the operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function;
Determining means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means;
A program for executing the predetermined operation function based on a result determined by the determination means, data relating to an icon display form representing an operation unit corresponding to the predetermined operation function, and the predetermined operation function Transmitting means for transmitting icon information including data relating to the arrangement of icons representing the operation unit corresponding to the external device;
An operation function setting system comprising: When a plurality of icons representing the operation unit are displayed on the display unit and an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit is detected, processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position is performed. An operating function setting system capable of communicating with an external device having an operating means to be executed,
A selection display means for displaying a selection screen for selecting a display form of an icon to be replaced with an icon to be changed and an arrangement in the display unit of the icon to be replaced;
Selecting means for selecting a display form of the icon to be replaced and an arrangement of the icon to be replaced from a selection screen displayed on the selection display means;
Confirmation display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the form of the icon to be replaced selected by the selection means and the arrangement of the icon to be replaced;
Determining means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means;
Based on the result determined by the determining means, transmitting means for transmitting icon information including data relating to the display form of the icon to be replaced and data relating to the arrangement of the icon to be replaced to the external device;
An operation function setting system comprising: When a plurality of icons representing the operation unit are displayed on the display unit and an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit is detected, processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position is performed. An operating function setting system capable of communicating with an external device having an operating means to be executed,
To select an operation function of the external device to be changed, a display form of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the operation function, and an arrangement in the display unit of an icon representing the operation unit corresponding to the operation function Selection display means for displaying a selection screen of
From the selection screen displayed on the selection display means, select the operation function, the display form of the icon representing the operation unit corresponding to the operation function, and the arrangement of the icon representing the operation unit corresponding to the operation function Selection means to
A confirmation screen for confirming the operation function selected by the selection means, a display form of an icon representing an operation unit corresponding to the operation function, and an arrangement of icons representing the operation unit corresponding to the operation function; Confirmation display means for displaying;
Determining means for determining a confirmation result in the confirmation display means;
Based on the determined result determined by the determining means, the program related to the operation function, the data related to the display form of the icon representing the operation function, and the data related to the arrangement of the icon representing the operation function. Transmitting means for transmitting information of the included icon to the external device;
An operation function setting system comprising: The operation means includes a menu button for displaying an operation function item as an operation unit,
The selection means includes an operation function selection means for selecting an operation function to be displayed as an icon on the display unit from the selected operation functions,
The operation function setting system, wherein the operation means of the external device can call an operation function not selected by the operation function selection means from the menu button.   6. The operation function setting system according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing information on the icon.   6. The operation function setting system according to claim 1, further comprising input means for inputting the icon information to the external device.   6. The external device includes update means for updating icon information of the external device based on the icon information transmitted from the transmission means. Operation function setting system.   The information of the icon of the external device includes data or a program for displaying the icon on the display unit, data relating to the arrangement of the icon in the display unit, and a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit Including at least one of data or a program for determining an operation function represented by the icon at the detected position when an input at the position is detected, and a program for executing the operation function represented by the icon, The operation function setting system according to claim 8.

Images