JP2007006232A - Setting method of operation part, operation function setting system, and digital device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the setting method of an operation part, an operation function setting system, and a digital device, which enable a user to confirm the operation feeling of the operation part customized on the basis of contents customized by the user. <P>SOLUTION: A touch panel 20 is customized by the user, and the CPU 26 of a digital camera 1 expands firmware into an SDRAM 21 when the firmware is transferred to the CPU 26, and sets the camera to a trial mode. In the trial mode, the user can operate the touch panel 20 on the basis of customized firmware. Thus the user can confirm the operation feeling or the like of the touch panel 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation unit setting method, an operation function setting system, and a digital device.

  Portable digital devices such as digital cameras are equipped with many different functions that make use of 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.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, the customization content selected in the server is transferred to the electronic device, and the control program of the electronic device is rewritten, so that the operation unit and the like can be customized without using dedicated customization software. A customizable system has been proposed.
JP-A-10-162060 JP-A-10-207710 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-230046

  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.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, although the system and program transfer method and trial restrictions are disclosed, there is no mention about changing the shape or arrangement of the icon representing the operation unit of the touch panel, There is also no mention of a specific configuration for trial use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an operation unit setting method, an operation function setting system capable of confirming an operation feeling of a customized operation unit based on contents customized by a user, And to provide digital equipment.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for setting an operation unit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a pointing device that detects an input position, and an operation function corresponding to the position detected by the pointing device. The setting of the correspondence relationship between the position of the digital device including the operation unit that executes the processing and the operation function is changed, and the operation unit is set to a trialable state based on the changed setting of the correspondence relationship. The setting change input unit for waiting for the reception of the selection operation for selecting whether or not to change the setting of the changed correspondence can be set, and the operation unit can be used after the input of the setting change input unit is received. The state and the setting change input unit are canceled.

  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 on the display unit, and inputs at positions corresponding to the icons displayed on the display unit. If a digital device including an operation unit that executes processing related to the operation function corresponding to the detected position is detected, and the setting of the correspondence between the icon position of the operation unit and the operation function is set. An operation function setting system comprising: an operation function setting device to be changed; and a communication means for performing communication between the digital device and the operation function setting device, wherein the digital device is changed by the operation function setting device. Receiving means for receiving information relating to the setting of the correspondence relationship from the operation function setting device via the communication means, and relating to setting of the correspondence relationship received by the receiving means Based on the information, the operation unit is set in a trial-ready state, and a setting change input unit that accepts an input of a selection operation for selecting whether to set the correspondence relationship is set in the operation unit, and the setting change input unit And a trial means for canceling the trial-use possible state of the operation unit and the setting of the setting change input unit after receiving the input.

  In order to achieve the above object, the digital device according to the third aspect of the present invention displays a plurality of icons on the display unit and detects an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit. An operation function setting for changing the setting of the correspondence relationship between the position of the icon and the operation function of the operation unit. A digital device that is communicable with an external device having a communication unit, and receives information related to the setting of the correspondence changed by the operation function setting device from the operation function setting device via the communication unit Based on information relating to the setting of the correspondence received by the receiving means and the receiving means, the operation unit is set to a trialable state, and whether to set the correspondence is selected. A setting change input unit that accepts an input of a selection operation is set in the operation unit, and after accepting an input from the setting change input unit, a trial state in which the operation unit can be used and the setting change input unit is canceled Means.

  According to these first to third aspects, after the setting of the correspondence relationship between the position of the operation unit and the operation function is changed, the operation unit is brought into a trialable state with the setting. Thereby, the user can confirm the operational feeling of the operation unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation unit setting method, an operation function setting system, and a digital device that can confirm an operation feeling of a customized operation unit based on contents customized by a user.

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. Here, the PC 3, the communication unit 4, and the server 5 constitute an operation function setting device as an external device of the digital camera 1.

  In FIG. 1A, a digital camera 1 as an example of a digital device is the same as a 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 establishes communication connection between the PC 3 and the server 5 via the Internet, a LAN, or the like. 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 is configured to 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 a digital 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.

  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 as image display means displays an image processed by the image processing circuit 16 and an 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, the touch panel 20 can detect the position pressed with a finger or a pen. That is, it can be used as a pointing device.

  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 an operation button 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 as a storage unit 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 as the trial unit and the update unit controls the operation of the digital camera 1 in an integrated manner. Further, the CPU 26 updates the firmware stored in the FLASH memory 22 when the firmware is downloaded from the server 5. The communication unit 27 as a receiving unit 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. Here, FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the operation buttons before customizing the touch panel 20. The touch panel 20 shown in FIG. 4 includes a flash button 201 for emitting a flash device (not shown) as an example, a self-timer button 202 for performing self-timer shooting, a macro button 203 for performing macro shooting, and a display unit 18. Various operation buttons such as a menu button 204 for displaying a menu screen, a cross button 205 for selecting an item displayed on the menu screen, and a determination button 206 for determining an item are provided.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the customization process in the operation function setting system according to the first embodiment. When the digital camera 1 is connected to the PC 3 (step S1), a customization application for customizing the touch panel 20 is activated. As the customization application is activated, the user performs a customization operation on the customization screen 31 displayed on the monitor of the PC 3 as shown in FIG. 6, for example. As the customization operation, for example, the user selects a desired operation button arrangement from the operation button arrangements displayed on the operation button arrangement selection screen 32 displayed on the customization screen 31. In response to such an operation, the customization application instructs the server 5 to generate firmware that reflects the user's selection (step S2). Note that the customization process is not limited to the method described here. For example, a new operation button may be added to the touch panel 20, or the shape of an icon representing the operation button may be changed.

  When the firmware is generated in the server 5, the firmware is transferred from the server 5 to the digital camera 1 via the PC 3. When new firmware is transferred, the CPU 26 of the digital camera 1 transfers this firmware to the SDRAM 21 (step S3). Here, the firmware is not written into the FLASH memory 22. After the firmware transfer is completed, the CPU 26 sets a trial flag (step S4), and disconnects the communication between the digital camera 1 and the PC 3 (step S5). Thereby, the operation mode of the digital camera 1 shifts to the trial mode. In this trial mode, the operation buttons on the touch panel 20 are in a trial-ready state. This trial available state is a state in which the operation buttons 201 to 206 of the touch panel 20 can be operated in a state where customization by the user is reflected. When the user operates various operation units (including operation units other than the touch panel 20 here) during the trial mode, the digital camera 1 executes a camera operation corresponding to the user operation (step S6). . With such a trial mode, the user can confirm the operational feeling of the touch panel 20 and the like.

  Here, in the trial mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, a character display 181 of “in trial” indicating that the current mode is the trial mode is displayed on the display unit 18 of the digital camera 1. In addition, the touch panel 20 is provided with a customize button 207 as a setting change input unit. This customize button 207 is an operation button provided only in the trial mode, and is provided so as not to overlap the display position of other icons.

  In the trial mode, the CPU 26 of the digital camera 1 determines whether or not the customize button 207 has been pressed by the user (step S7), and waits in the trial mode until the customize button 207 is pressed. On the other hand, when the customize button 207 is pressed, a customization end menu screen as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the display unit 18 (step S8). On this customization end menu screen, a determination button for reflecting the firmware change and a cancel button for canceling the firmware change are displayed. These can be selected with the cross button 205 and can be selected with the decision button 206. The CPU 26 determines whether or not the determination button has been selected by the user (step S9). If the determination button is selected in step S9, step S9 is branched to step S10, and the CPU 26 writes the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 into the FLASH memory 22 (step S10). At this time, the customize button 207 is deleted. At this time, it is preferable to perform a warning display 182 as shown in FIG. 7C so that the power of the digital camera 1 is not turned off by the user and the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 is not lost. After the firmware writing is completed, the CPU 26 clears the trial flag (step S11). Thereby, the process of FIG. 5 is completed. Thereafter, the digital camera 1 shifts to normal camera operation. In this case, the touch panel 20 in a state customized by the user as shown in FIG. 8 can be used.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the enter button has not been selected, step S9 is branched to step S12, and the CPU 26 determines whether or not the cancel button has been selected by the user (step S12). If it is determined in step S12 that the cancel button has not been selected, the process returns to step S8. On the other hand, if the cancel button is selected in the determination in step S12, step S12 is branched to step S13, and the CPU 26 clears the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 (step S13), and then the FLASH memory 22 The firmware stored in is stored in the SDRAM 21 before customization by the user (step S14). Thereby, the process of FIG. 5 is completed. Thereafter, the digital camera 1 shifts to normal camera operation. In this case, the screen returns to the touch panel 20 in the state before customization shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, by providing the trial mode, it is possible to confirm the operational feeling of the touch panel 20 after customization before the firmware is actually rewritten.

  In the process of FIG. 5, the normal camera operation is returned after the process is completed. However, when the process of FIG. 5 is completed, a display that prompts the user to turn off the power of the digital camera 1 is performed. 1 may be turned off. In this case, the contents of the firmware written in the FLASH memory 22 at the next power-on are read out. In this case, the processes in steps S13 and S14 are not necessary.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the operation of the digital camera in the trial mode is limited. Here, for example, there is a limit on the number of times of shooting (number of recorded images). Other configurations and processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a camera operation process corresponding to a user operation, corresponding to the process in step S6 of FIG. During the trial mode, the CPU 26 determines whether or not there is an input from the various operation units by the user (step S21). If it is determined in step S21 that there is no input from the operation unit, the process exits the flowchart in FIG. 9 and proceeds to step S7 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that there is an input from the operation unit, step S21 is branched to step S22, and the CPU 26 determines whether or not the input operation unit is a release button ( Step S22). If it is determined in step S22 that the input operation unit is a button other than the release button, step S22 is branched to step S23, and the CPU 26 executes processing corresponding to the input operation unit. (Step S23). Thereafter, the process exits the flowchart of FIG. 9 and proceeds to step S7 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the input operation unit is a release button, step S22 is branched to step S24, and it is determined whether or not the release prohibition flag is set to release prohibition ( Step S24). If the release prohibition is set in step S24, the process exits the flowchart in FIG. 9 and proceeds to step S7 in FIG. In this case, the photographing operation is prohibited and no image is recorded.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that release prohibition is not set, step S24 is branched to step S25, and the number of releases indicating the number of times of shooting since the trial mode is entered is counted up (step S25). . Then, the photographing operation is started, and the image obtained thereby is recorded in the removable memory 17 (step S26). Next, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the number of releases has exceeded a predetermined number (step S27). If it is determined in step S27 that the number of releases does not exceed the predetermined number, the process exits the flowchart in FIG. 9 and proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the number of releases exceeds the predetermined number, step S27 is shifted to step S28, and the CPU 26 sets the release prohibition flag to release prohibition (step S28). Thereafter, the process exits the flowchart of FIG. 9 and proceeds to step S7 of FIG. As a result, when the release button is pressed next time, the photographing operation is prohibited in step S24 and no image is recorded.

  The release prohibition flag is released after the customize button 207 is pressed and the trial mode is ended.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, an image is not unnecessarily recorded in the trial mode because the number of photographing is limited.

  The predetermined number of times in step S24 may be set as a fixed value, for example, or may be set according to the capacity of the removable memory 17 or the like. In the second embodiment, the number of shootings is limited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a limit may be set on the number of operations of the operation unit itself. Also, the trial mode may have a time limit.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This third embodiment is an example in which trial mode end processing such as rewriting of firmware is performed when the power-off operation of the digital camera 1 is performed without the customization button 207 being pressed. Other configurations and processes are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating customization processing in the operation function setting system according to the third embodiment. Note that description of the same processing as in FIG. 5 is omitted. In FIG. 10, the process of step S1-step S7 is the same as that of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S7 that the customize button 207 has not been pressed, step S7 is branched to step S31, and the CPU 26 determines whether or not the power off operation, that is, the power SW 23 has been turned off by the user (step S7). Step S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the power-off operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S6 and the operation in the trial mode is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that a power-off operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S8. The subsequent processing is almost the same as in FIG. However, in the third embodiment, the process of step S14 in FIG. 5 is omitted. This is because the power-off operation is performed by the user. That is, the firmware is read at the next power-on.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the user performs a power-off operation during the trial mode, the same processing as when the customize button 207 is pressed is performed. Thereby, for example, even if the user mistakenly performs a power-off operation of the digital camera during the trial mode, the firmware can be rewritten.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment is a modified example of the third embodiment, and the customization button 207 is omitted, and the trial operation such as rewriting of firmware is performed when the digital camera 1 is powered off during the trial mode. It is an example which performs the completion | finish process of a mode.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating customization processing in the operation function setting system according to the fourth embodiment. Note that description of the same processing as in FIG. 5 is omitted. In FIG. 11, the process of step S1-step S6 is the same as that of FIG.

  In step S6, after setting the digital camera to the trial mode, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a power off operation has been performed by the user (step S41). If it is determined in step S41 that the power-off operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S6 and the operation in the trial mode is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S41 that a power-off operation has been performed, step S41 is branched to step S42, and the CPU 26 writes the firmware stored in the SDRAM 21 into the FLASH memory 22 (step S42). After the writing of the firmware is completed, the CPU 26 clears the trial flag (step S43) and turns off the power of the digital camera 1. Thereby, the process of FIG. 11 is completed.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the customize button 207 in the trial mode.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment is an example in which a function similar to the customize button 207 can be executed from the menu button 204.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating customization processing in the operation function setting system according to the fifth embodiment. Note that description of the same processing as in FIG. 5 is omitted. In FIG. 12, the process of step S1-step S6 is the same as that of FIG.

  In step S6, after setting the digital camera to the trial mode, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the menu button 204 has been pressed by the user (step S51). If it is determined in step S51 that the menu button 204 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S6. On the other hand, if the menu button 204 is pressed in the determination in step S51, the process branches from step S51 to step S52, and the CPU 26 causes the display unit 18 to display a top menu as shown in FIG. 13 (step S52). . Then, it is determined whether or not the customization item 183 in the top menu has been selected by the user (step S53). If the customization item 183 is not selected in the determination in step S53, the process branches from step S53 to step S54, and the CPU 26 determines whether an item other than the customization item 183 in the top menu is selected by the user. (Step S54). If no item other than the customization item 183 is selected in the determination in step S54, the process returns to step S52 and waits until a user operation is performed. If an item other than the customization item 183 is selected in the determination in step S54, step S54 is branched to step S55, and the CPU 26 executes a camera operation corresponding to the user selection (step S55). Then, it returns to step S6.

  If the customization item 183 is selected in step S53, the process proceeds to step S8. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.

  Even in the method of the fifth embodiment as described above, it is not necessary to provide the customize button 207 in the trial mode.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, customization of the touch panel 20 in the sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, for example, customization is performed on a customization screen 41 displayed on the monitor of the PC 3 as shown in FIG. When the user selects a function that the user wants to add in the additional function selection item in the customization screen 41, a button corresponding to the function is displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, the zoom function 41 a is selected. In this case, an icon 42 a indicating a zoom button is displayed in the customization screen 41. By dragging and dropping this icon into the additional function layout screen 42, the position of the zoom button on the touch panel 20 is determined. Here, based on the set information, the server 5 generates firmware and transmits the generated firmware to the digital camera 1.

  Here, in the sixth embodiment, when the firmware is received, the received firmware is added to the FLASH memory 22. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the previous firmware is not overwritten. Hereinafter, the pre-customization firmware written in the FLASH memory 22 from before is referred to as firmware A, and the customized firmware received from the server 5 is referred to as firmware B.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating customization processing in the operation function setting system according to the sixth embodiment. When the firmware is received from the server 5 via the PC 3, the CPU 26 develops the received firmware in the SDRAM 21 and shifts to the trial mode (step S61), and executes a camera operation corresponding to the user operation (step S62). . After setting the digital camera to the trial mode, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the menu button 204 has been pressed by the user (step S63). If it is determined in step S63 that the menu button 204 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S62. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the menu button 204 is pressed, step S63 is branched to step S64, and the CPU 26 causes the display unit 18 to display a top menu as shown in FIG. Step S64). Then, it is determined whether or not the switching item 184 in the top menu has been selected by the user (step S65). If it is determined in step S65 that the switching item 184 has not been selected, step S65 is branched to step S66, and the CPU 26 determines whether or not an item other than the switching item 184 in the top menu has been selected by the user. (Step S66). If it is determined in step S66 that no item other than the switching item 184 has been selected, the process returns to step S62 and waits for a user operation. If it is determined in step S66 that an item other than the switching item 184 is selected, step S66 is branched to step S67, and the CPU 26 executes a camera operation corresponding to the user selection (step S67). Thereafter, the process returns to step S62.

  If the switching item 184 is selected in step S65, step S65 is branched to step S68, and the CPU 26 displays an operation system switching menu as shown in FIG. It is displayed (step S68). Next, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the item A in the operation system switching menu has been selected (step S69). If it is determined in step S69 that the item A is selected, step S69 is branched to step S70, and the CPU 26 reads the firmware A from the FLASH memory 22 and develops it in the SDRAM 21 (step S70). Thereafter, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a power-off operation has been performed by the user (step S71). If it is determined in step S71 that the user has not performed a power-off operation, the process returns to step S62. On the other hand, if the user performs a power-off operation in the determination in step S71, the CPU 26 performs a power-off process to turn off the digital camera 1. Thereby, the process of FIG. 15 is completed.

  If it is determined in step S69 that the A item is not selected, step S69 is branched to step S72, and the CPU 26 determines whether the B item in the operation system switching menu is selected (step S69). Step S72). If it is determined in step S72 that the item B is selected, step S72 is branched to step S73, and the firmware B is read from the FLASH memory 22 and developed in the SDRAM 21 (step S73). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S71. Thereafter, when the user performs a power-off operation in the determination in step S71, the CPU 26 performs a power-off process to turn off the digital camera 1. On the other hand, if the item B is not selected in the determination in step S72, the process returns to step S68 and waits for a user operation.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the firmware before customization can be read and the touch panel 20 can be operated in the trial mode.

  When the user performs a power-off operation, the firmware that is not selected at that time may be erased from the FLASH memory 22.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment, and is an example in which the firmware is not switched in the operation system switching menu but is switched by operating a dedicated switching button.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating customization processing in the operation function setting system according to the seventh embodiment. When the firmware is received from the server 5 via the PC 3, the CPU 26 develops the received firmware in the SDRAM 21 (step S81). Thereafter, the CPU 26 sets the B flag, which is a flag indicating that the firmware B has been read, to 1 and shifts to the trial mode (step S82). Here, in the seventh embodiment, the switch button 208 shown in FIG. 18 is provided on the touch panel 20 when shifting to the trial mode.

  In the trial mode, the CPU 26 executes a camera operation corresponding to the user operation (step S83). In the trial mode, the CPU 26 determines whether or not the switching button 208 has been pressed by the user (step S84). If it is determined in step S84 that the switch button 208 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S83. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S84 that the switch button 208 has been pressed, step S84 is branched to step S85, and the CPU 26 sets the A flag, which is a flag indicating that the firmware A has been read, to 1. It is determined whether it is set to (step S85). If it is determined in step S85 that the A flag is set to 1, step S85 is branched to step S86, and the CPU 26 reads the firmware B from the FLASH memory 22 and develops it in the SDRAM 21 (step S86). Thereafter, the CPU 26 sets the B flag to 1 (step S87). Next, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a power-off operation has been performed by the user (step S88). If it is determined in step S88 that the user has not performed a power-off operation, the process returns to step S83. On the other hand, if the user performs a power-off operation in the determination in step S88, the CPU 26 performs a power-off process to turn off the digital camera 1. Thereby, the process of FIG. 17 is completed.

  If it is determined in step S85 that the A flag is not set to 1, step S85 is branched to step S89, and the CPU 26 determines whether or not the B flag is set to 1 (step S85). S89). If it is determined in step S89 that the B flag is set to 1, step S89 is branched to step S90, and the CPU 26 reads the firmware A from the FLASH memory 22 and develops it in the SDRAM 21 (step S90). The A flag is set to 1 (step S91). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S88.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S89 that the B flag is not set to 1, abnormality processing such as displaying a warning as abnormal is performed (step S92).

  Even in the method of the seventh embodiment as described above, the firmware before customization can be read and the touch panel 20 can be operated during the trial mode.

  Next, firmware reading and writing will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 19A is a diagram for explaining reading and writing before customization is performed, and FIG. 19B is a diagram when firmware rewrite processing in the first to fifth embodiments is performed. FIG. 19C is a diagram for explaining reading and writing when firmware addition processing is performed in the sixth and seventh embodiments.

  Before customization, firmware A (indicated as PrgA in the figure) is written in the FLASH memory 22 together with various setting information. The firmware A is read from the FLASH memory 22 when the digital camera 1 is powered on, for example, expanded in the SDRAM 21 and executed from the SDRAM 21 (FIG. 19A).

  On the other hand, in the case of the first to fifth embodiments, a new firmware B (indicated as PrgB in the figure) transmitted from the server 5 via the PC 3 after the user customizes the firmware. Are first stored in the SDRAM 21. Thereafter, through the trial mode, the firmware B is read from the SDRAM 21 and the firmware A written in the FLASH memory 22 is overwritten (FIG. 19B).

  In the sixth and seventh embodiments, after firmware customization by the user, new firmware B transmitted from the server 5 via the PC 3 is first stored in the SDRAM 21. After that, through the trial mode, the firmware B is read from the SDRAM 21 and written in an area different from the area where the firmware A is stored in the FLASH memory 22 (FIG. 19B).

  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 in the trial mode in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be changed. For example, in the above-described customization, the touch panel 20 is customized by rewriting the firmware, but other methods may be used.
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). The recording medium in this case may be any recording format as long as it can record a program and can be read by a computer.

  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 the figure shown about the state of the touch panel before the customization of firmware. It is a figure for demonstrating the customization process in the operation function setting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example about the customization of the firmware in 1st-5th embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating trial mode. It is the figure shown about the state of the touch panel after the customization of firmware. It is a figure for demonstrating the camera operation | movement process according to user operation in the operation function setting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the customization process in the operation function setting system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the customization process in the operation function setting system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the customization process in the operation function setting system which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about the top menu screen in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example about the customization of the firmware in 6th and 7th embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the customization process in the operation function setting system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a top menu screen in the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an operation system switching menu. It is a figure for demonstrating the customization process in the operation function setting system which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about a switching button. It is a figure for demonstrating the reading and writing of firmware.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 2, 4, 27 ... Communication part, 3 ... Personal computer (PC), 5 ... Server, 6 ... Recording medium, 11 ... Shooting lens, 12 ... Imaging element, 13 ... Imaging circuit, 14 ... AE circuit , 15 ... AF circuit, 16 ... image processing circuit, 17 ... detachable memory, 18 ... display unit, 19 ... display drive circuit, 20 ... touch panel, 21 ... SDRAM (memory), 22 ... FLASH memory, 23 ... power SW, 24 ... Mode SW, 25 ... Operating member, 26 ... CPU, 28 ... Battery, 29 ... Power supply circuit

Claims (15)

A pointing device that detects an input position, and a correspondence relationship between the position and the operation function of the digital device including an operation unit that executes processing related to the operation function corresponding to the position detected by the pointing device. Change the settings,
A setting change input unit for setting the operation unit to a trialable state based on the changed correspondence setting and waiting for acceptance of a selection operation for selecting whether or not to change the changed correspondence setting Set
After accepting the input of the setting change input unit, cancel the trialable state of the operation unit and the setting of the setting change input unit,
A method for setting the operation unit. An operation unit that displays a plurality of icons on the display unit and that executes processing related to an operation function corresponding to the detected position when an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit is detected. A communication device that communicates between the digital device and the operation function setting device, a digital device comprising: an operation function setting device that changes a setting of a correspondence relationship between the position of the icon of the operation unit and the operation function; An operation function setting system comprising:
The above digital equipment
Receiving means for receiving information related to the setting of the correspondence changed by the operation function setting device from the operation function setting device via the communication means;
A setting change input unit for setting the operation unit to a trialable state based on the information related to the setting of the correspondence received by the receiving unit and receiving an input of a selection operation for selecting whether or not the setting of the correspondence is possible Is set in the operation unit, and after accepting the input of the setting change input unit, a trial means for canceling the trial available state of the operation unit and the setting of the setting change input unit,
An operation function setting system comprising:   The trial use unit displays the specific icon on the display unit and sets the setting change input unit by setting an operation function corresponding to the position of the specific icon. 2. The operation function setting system according to 2.   The operation function setting system according to claim 3, wherein the trial unit displays the specific icon at a position different from the icon position at which the setting of the correspondence relationship of the display unit is changed.   4. The operation according to claim 3, wherein the operation function corresponding to the position of the specific icon is a function for performing a display for selecting whether or not to confirm the setting of the changed correspondence relationship. Function setting system.   The operation function setting according to claim 3, wherein the operation function corresponding to the position of the specific icon is a function for switching the setting of the correspondence relationship between a setting before the change and a setting after the change. system. The digital device further includes image display means for displaying an image,
The trial unit displays on the image display unit that the operation unit has been set to the trial available state when the operation unit is set to the trial available state, and accepts input from the setting change input unit. The operation function setting system according to claim 2, further comprising: deleting the display indicating that the operation unit has been set to a trial-ready state. Storage means for storing information related to the setting of the correspondence relationship received by the receiving means;
The operation function setting system according to claim 2, wherein the trial unit sets the operation unit to a trialable state based on information relating to the setting of the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit.   When the setting change input unit selects to change the setting of the correspondence relationship, the information related to the setting of the correspondence relationship to be changed by the information related to the setting of the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit 9. The operation function setting system according to claim 8, further comprising update means for updating the function.   When the setting change input unit selects not to change the setting of the correspondence relationship, the updating unit is configured to store the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit based on information related to the setting of the correspondence relationship before the change. The operation function setting system according to claim 9, wherein information related to the setting is updated.   10. The update unit according to claim 9, wherein the update unit performs the update after the digital device is turned off until the next time the power is turned on, or after the power is turned on next time. Operation function setting system.   The trial unit sets the operation unit in a trialable state when the communication unit receives information related to the setting of the correspondence relationship and communication between the digital device and the operation function setting device is interrupted. The operation function setting system according to claim 2.   The operation function setting system according to claim 2, wherein the trial unit sets a restriction on the operation of the digital device when the operation unit is set in a trial-ready state. The digital device is a digital camera,
The operation function setting system according to claim 13, wherein the limitation of the operation is a limitation of the number of times of photographing by the digital camera. An operation unit that displays a plurality of icons on the display unit and that executes processing related to an operation function corresponding to the detected position when an input at a position corresponding to each icon displayed on the display unit is detected. A digital device capable of communicating with an external device having an operation function setting unit that changes a setting of a correspondence relationship between the position of the icon of the operation unit and the operation function,
Receiving means for receiving information related to the setting of the correspondence changed by the operation function setting device from the operation function setting device via the communication means;
A setting change input unit for setting the operation unit to a trialable state based on the information related to the setting of the correspondence received by the receiving unit and receiving an input of a selection operation for selecting whether or not the setting of the correspondence is possible Is set in the operation unit, and after accepting the input of the setting change input unit, a trial means for canceling the trial available state of the operation unit and the setting of the setting change input unit,
A digital device characterized by including:

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