JP2011118529A - Apparatus having function of preventing button incorrect operation and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience for a handicapped person and an elderly person to depress a button. <P>SOLUTION: An apparatus having an accessibility mode includes: a means for limiting a usable function when the apparatus has been set up; a means for determining whether or not the usable function is liable to be operated incorrectly; a means for, when it is determined that the function is liable to be incorrectly operated, determining whether or not a button adjacent to the button that has been determined as being liable to be operated incorrectly is for an unused function; and a means for, when the button has been determined as the button for the unused function, assigning the function of the button determined as being liable to be operated incorrectly to the unused button redundantly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device such as a camera, a copier, or a printer that has an ACC mode to limit the functions that can be used to improve the operability of persons with disabilities and elderly people, and that can prevent erroneous button operations.

  Conventionally, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-281352, there has been a technique for freely assigning (rearranging) the functions of a device to buttons desired by a user in order to improve mere convenience. However, for the purpose of improving the operability of persons with disabilities and elderly people, the ACC mode is provided, and the functions that are easy to operate are intentionally the same as the buttons that are adjacent to the buttons that are easy to operate incorrectly. A technology for improving the operability so that a disabled person or an elderly person can operate according to his / her own intentions by assigning to each other has not been realized yet.

JP 2002-281352 A

  In the present invention, in a device having an ACC mode and capable of limiting usable functions, a button adjacent to a button that is determined to be erroneously operated is intentionally overlapped with a button that is determined to be erroneously operated. By assigning a device that can increase the possibility that a disabled person or an elderly person (especially a disabled person in the upper limb) can press a button as intended, or reduce the possibility of an erroneous operation by pressing an unintended button The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the device according to the first aspect, in the device having the ACC mode, when the ACC mode is set, means for limiting the functions that can be used, and operations of the functions that can be used. Means for determining whether or not a button is likely to be erroneously operated, and if it is determined that a button is easily erroneously operated, it is determined whether or not a button adjacent to the button that is determined to be easy to operate is a button of a function that is not used. And means for allocating the function of the button, which is determined to be easy to erroneously operate, to the unused button when it is determined that the button has a function that is not used.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for allowing a user to select a function that can be used in the ACC mode according to the first aspect.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for displaying a candidate for a function to be assigned and selecting a user when assigning to a button that does not use the function that is determined to be easily misoperated in the first aspect. Prepare.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided means capable of selecting a function to be assigned by the user himself / herself when the function that is determined to be easy to be erroneously operated in the first aspect is assigned to a button that does not use it.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a device having an ACC mode and capable of limiting functions to be used, a button adjacent to a button that is determined to be erroneously operated is intentionally provided with a button function that is determined to be erroneously operated. By assigning redundantly, the possibility that a disabled person or an elderly person (especially a disabled person in the upper limb) can press a button as desired, or a button that is not intended to be pressed, may reduce the possibility of an erroneous operation. it can.

It is an external view which shows the structure of the digital camera applied to this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera applied to this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the digital camera applied to this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting process procedure according to the first embodiment. 6 is a screen showing buttons of functions that can be used / not used in the ACC mode according to the first embodiment. 7 is a screen for a user to confirm a usable / unusable function in the first embodiment. It is a screen which shows the result of having duplicated the function in Example 1 to the button. FIG. 10 is a screen for notifying a user that duplication assignment to a function button in the first embodiment is completed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting process procedure according to the second embodiment. 12 is a screen for a user to confirm a function that can be used / not used in an ACC mode according to the second embodiment. 10 is a screen for selecting a usable / unusable function in the second embodiment by a user. It is a screen which shows the result of the function which can be used / not selected by the user in Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a screen for a user to confirm a usable / unusable function in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting process procedure according to the third embodiment. It is a screen in which a user confirms duplication assignment to the button of a function in Example 3. It is another screen regarding the duplication assignment to the button of the function in Example 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting process procedure according to the fourth embodiment. It is a screen in which a user confirms duplication assignment to the button of a function in Example 4. It is a selection screen of the duplication assignment to the button of the function in Example 4. It is a screen which shows the result in which the user in Example 4 assigned the function redundantly to the button. It is a screen in which a user confirms duplication assignment to the button of a function in Example 4.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a digital camera to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 28 denotes a display unit for displaying images and various information. Reference numeral 72 denotes a power switch for switching between power on and power off. 61 is a shutter button. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode switch for switching various modes. Reference numeral 111 denotes a connection cable for connecting the digital camera and an external device. Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector between the connection cable 111 and the digital camera. An operation unit 70 receives various operations from the user. The operation unit 70 includes operation members such as various buttons and a touch panel. Specifically, an erase button, a menu button, a SET button, a four-way key (up button, down button, right button, left button) arranged in a cross, a wheel 73, and the like can be given. Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. Reference numeral 201 denotes a recording medium slot for storing and communicating with the recording medium 200.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera applied to the present invention. Reference numeral 103 denotes a photographic lens, 101 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, and 22 denotes an imaging unit including a CCD, a CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. Reference numeral 23 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and is used when the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 is converted into a digital signal. Moreover, it is used also when converting the analog signal output from the audio | voice control part 11 into a digital signal. The barrier 102 covers the imaging unit including the lens 103 of the digital camera 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being dirty or damaged.

  A timing generator 12 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the imaging unit 22, the audio control unit 11, the A / D converter 23, and the D / A converter 13, and is controlled by the memory control unit 15 and the system control unit 50. Be controlled. An image processing unit 24 performs resize processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. Thereby, AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed. The image processing circuit 24 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  Output data from the A / D converter 23 is written into the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15 or directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 is a memory for storing a file header when the voice data recorded in the microphone 10, a captured still image or moving image, and an image file are configured. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a moving image and sound for a predetermined time.

  A compression / decompression unit 16 compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads a captured image stored in the memory 32 using the shutter 101 as a trigger, performs compression processing, and finishes the processing. The data is written to the memory 32. Further, the compressed image read into the memory 32 from the recording unit 19 or the like is read and decompressed, and the processed data is written into the memory 32. The image data written to the memory 32 by the compression / decompression unit 16 is filed in the file unit of the system control unit 50 and recorded on the recording medium 200 via the interface 18.

  The memory 32 also serves as an image display memory, 13 is a D / A converter, 28 is an image display unit including an LCD, and the display image data written in the memory 32 is D / A. The image is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the converter 13.

  An audio signal 10 output from the microphone is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 23 via the audio control unit 11 including an amplifier and the like, and then stored in the memory 32 by the memory control unit 15. Is done. On the other hand, the audio data recorded on the recording medium 200 is read into the memory 32, and then a signal controlled by the audio control unit 11 via the D / A conversion unit 13 is generated by the speaker 39.

  The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. Stores constants, programs, and the like for operation of the system control unit 50. Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control unit that controls the entire digital camera 100. A system memory 52 expands constants, variables, programs read from the non-volatile memory 56, and the like for operation of the system control unit 50.

  The first shutter switch SW1 (62), the second shutter switch SW2 (64), and the operation unit 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode switch, which can switch the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to any one of a still image recording mode, a moving image recording mode, a reproduction mode, and the like.

  The first shutter switch SW1 (62) is turned on while the shutter button 61 provided in the digital camera 100 is being operated (half-pressed), and AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) ) Process, EF (flash pre-emission) process and the like start operation.

  The second shutter switch SW2 (64) is turned ON when the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed (fully pressed), and starts a series of imaging processing operations from reading a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing image data on the recording medium 200. Instruct.

  Each operation member of the operation unit 70 is appropriately assigned a function for each scene by selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit 28, and functions as various function buttons. Examples of the function buttons include an end button, a return button, an image advance button, a jump button, a narrowing button, and an attribute change button. For example, when a menu button is pressed, a menu screen on which various settings can be made is displayed on the image display unit 28. The user can make various settings intuitively using the menu screen displayed on the image display unit 28, the four-way key, and the SET button.

  The power switch 72 switches between power on and power off. A power control unit 39 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each part including the recording medium 200 for a necessary period.

  A power supply unit 30 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery and a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, and a Li battery, an AC adapter, and the like. Reference numerals 33 and 34 denote connectors, which connect the power supply unit 30 and the power supply control unit 39.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an RTC (Real Time Clock), which holds a power supply unit therein separately from the power supply control unit 39, and continues the clock operation state even when the power supply unit 30 is turned off. The system control unit 50 performs timer control using the date and time acquired from the RTC 40 at startup.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk, and reference numeral 35 denotes a connector for connection between the recording medium 200 and the interface 18. A recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects whether or not the recording medium 200 is attached to the connector 35.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 19 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 37 with the digital camera 100, and a connector 36 for connecting the recording medium 200 and the digital camera 100.

  The communication unit 110 performs various communication processes such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. A connector (antenna in the case of wireless communication) 112 connects the digital camera 100 to another device via the communication unit 110.

[First Embodiment of the Invention]
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the digital camera 100 configured as described above. When the power switch 72 is operated and the power is turned on, the system control unit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like in S301. Also, make initial settings for various operations. Details of the initial setting process in S301 will be described later. Subsequently, management processing relating to the file recorded on the recording medium 200 is started (S313). In step S303, the system control unit 50 determines the set position of the mode switch 60. If the still image recording mode is set, the process advances to step S304. If the mode changeover switch 60 is set to the moving image recording mode in S309, the process proceeds to the moving image recording mode S310. In the case of the playback mode in S311, the process proceeds to playback mode processing S312. If any other mode has been set, the process proceeds to S305, and the system control unit 50 executes a process according to the selected mode. If the process is completed, the process proceeds to S306. As other modes, for example, a communication mode for transmitting and receiving files stored in the recording medium 200 is included.

  In step S306, the system control unit 50 determines the set position of the power switch 72. If the power switch 72 is set to power on, the process returns to step S303. If the power switch 72 is set to power off in S306, the process proceeds to S307 to perform a predetermined end process. The termination process includes the following process. The display on the display unit 28 is changed to the end state, and the lens barrier 102 is closed to protect the imaging unit. Parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. Shut off the power to parts that do not require power supply. When the termination process is completed, the process proceeds to S308 and the process is terminated.

  The above-described initial setting process of S301 of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, depending on whether or not the ACC mode has been set in step (1), in the case of Yes, in step (2), as shown in the display unit 28 on the back of the digital camera 100 in FIG. Buttons (operation unit) 70 of functions that can be used and functions that cannot be used are displayed. In the present invention, as functions that can / cannot be used in the ACC mode, functions existing on the back surface of the digital camera 100 will be described as an example. In step (3), a screen to be confirmed by the user is displayed on the display unit 28 and the user's instruction is asked (illustrated in FIG. 6). In the case of Yes, it progresses to the following step (4), and in No, this process is complete | finished. In step (4), it is determined whether or not there is a button 70 that can be easily operated by a function that can be used (for example, when the interval between the buttons 70 is very narrow. If determined Yes, the process proceeds to step (5). If No, the process ends. In step (5), it is determined whether or not the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is likely to be erroneously operated is a function button 70 that can be used. If Yes, the process proceeds to step (6). Ends this processing. In step (6), the function of the button 70 that is determined to be erroneously operated is redundantly assigned to the button 70 that is adjacent to the button 70 that is determined to be easily erroneously operated. Subsequently, in step (7), the result of assigning the function to the button 70 is displayed on the display unit 28 (illustrated in FIG. 7). Next, in step (8), the user is notified that the duplicate assignment of functions has been completed (illustrated in FIG. 8), and the process ends.

[Second Embodiment of the Invention]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment enables the user to select a function that can be used in the ACC mode and a function that cannot be used in the initial setting process of S301. That is, when No is selected on the confirmation screen shown to the user in step (3) in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, a selection screen for selecting a function that can be used and a function that cannot be used by the user is displayed. It is. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, depending on whether or not the ACC mode is set in step (1), in the case of Yes, in step (2), as shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, the functions that can be used in the ACC mode cannot be used. A function button 70 is displayed. Next, in step (3), a screen for confirmation is displayed to the user and the user's instruction is requested (illustrated in FIG. 10). If Yes, the process proceeds to step (6). If No, the process proceeds to step (4), and the selection screen of the button 70 for the usable / unusable function is displayed on the display unit 28 on the back of the digital camera 100. In step (5), the result selected by the user is displayed (illustrated in FIG. 12), and a screen to be confirmed by the user is displayed for the user's instruction (illustrated in FIG. 13). If yes in step (5), proceed to step (6); if no, return to step (4). When the process proceeds to step (6), it is determined whether or not there is a button 70 that is easy to misoperate with a function that can be used (in this embodiment, the up / down / left / right selection button 70 is determined as a button 70 easy to misoperate). In the case of No, the process proceeds to Step (7), and in the case of No, this process is terminated. In step (7), it is determined whether or not the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is likely to be erroneously operated is a usable function button 70. If Yes, the process proceeds to step (8). Ends this processing. In step (8), the function of the button 70 that is determined to be easy to operate incorrectly is assigned to the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is determined to be easy to operate incorrectly. Subsequently, in step (9), as shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the result of the redundant assignment of the function to the button 70 is displayed on the display unit 28. Next, in step (10), as shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, the user is notified that the duplicate assignment of functions has been completed, and this processing is terminated.

[Third embodiment of the invention]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, in the initial setting process of S301 described above, when a button 70 that does not use a function that is determined to be erroneously operated is redundantly assigned, a candidate for the function to be assigned is displayed and can be selected by the user. is there. A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step (1), depending on whether or not the ACC mode is set, in the case of Yes, in step (2), buttons 70 of functions that can be used and functions that cannot be used in the ACC mode are displayed (the first embodiment). Of FIG. 5). Next, in step (3), a screen to be confirmed by the user is displayed to ask for the user's instruction (illustrated in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment). If Yes, the process proceeds to step (6). If No, the process proceeds to step (4), and the selection screen of the button 70 for the usable / unusable function is displayed on the display unit 28 on the back of the digital camera 100. (Illustrated in FIG. 11 of the second embodiment), the result selected by the user in step (5) is displayed (illustrated in FIG. 12 of the second embodiment), and a user confirmation screen is displayed to confirm the user (Illustrated in FIG. 13 of the second embodiment). If yes in step (5), proceed to step (6); if no, return to step (4). When the process proceeds to step (6), it is determined whether or not there is a button 70 that is easy to misoperate with a function that can be used (in this embodiment, the up / down / left / right selection button 70 is determined as a button 70 easy to misoperate). In the case of No, the process proceeds to Step (7), and in the case of No, this process is terminated. In step (7), it is determined whether or not the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is likely to be erroneously operated is a usable function button 70. If Yes, the process proceeds to step (8). Ends this processing. In step (8), the function of the button 70 that is determined to be easy to operate incorrectly is assigned to the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is determined to be easy to operate incorrectly. Subsequently, in step (9), the result of assigning the function to the button 70 is displayed on the display unit 28 (illustrated in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment). Next, in step (10), as shown in FIG. 15, a screen to be confirmed by the user is displayed and the user is instructed. In the case of Yes, in step (13), the user is notified that the duplicate assignment of functions has been completed (illustrated in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment), and this processing is terminated. In the case of No, the process proceeds to step (11) to display another screen regarding function duplication assignment (which is different from the function duplication assignment previously displayed) (illustrated in FIG. 16), and again in step (12). Then, a screen for confirmation is displayed to the user and the user's instruction is asked (illustrated in FIG. 15). If yes, go to step (13); if no, go back to step (11).

[Fourth Embodiment of the Invention]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in the initial setting process of S301 described above, when the button 70 that does not use a function that is determined to be erroneously operated is assigned redundantly, the user can select the function to be assigned. A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step (1), depending on whether or not the ACC mode is set, in the case of Yes, in step (2), buttons 70 of functions that can be used and functions that cannot be used in the ACC mode are displayed (the first embodiment). Of FIG. 5). Next, in step (3), a screen to be confirmed by the user is displayed to ask for the user's instruction (illustrated in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment). If Yes, the process proceeds to step (6). If No, the process proceeds to step (4), and the selection screen of the button 70 for the usable / unusable function is displayed on the display unit 28 on the back of the digital camera 100. (Illustrated in FIG. 11 of the second embodiment), the result selected by the user in step (5) is displayed (illustrated in FIG. 12 of the second embodiment), and a user confirmation screen is displayed to confirm the user (Illustrated in FIG. 13 of the second embodiment). If yes in step (5), proceed to step (6); if no, return to step (4). When the process proceeds to step (6), it is determined whether or not there is a button 70 that is easy to misoperate with a function that can be used (in this embodiment, the up / down / left / right selection button 70 is determined as a button 70 easy to misoperate). In the case of No, the process proceeds to Step (7), and in the case of No, this process is terminated. In step (7), it is determined whether or not the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is likely to be erroneously operated is a usable function button 70. If Yes, the process proceeds to step (8). Ends this processing. In step (8), the function of the button 70 that is determined to be easy to operate incorrectly is assigned to the button 70 adjacent to the button 70 that is determined to be easy to operate incorrectly. Subsequently, in step (9), the result of assigning the function to the button 70 is displayed on the display unit 28 (illustrated in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment). Next, in step (10), as shown in FIG. 18, a screen to be confirmed by the user is displayed and the user is instructed. In the case of Yes, in step (13), the user is notified that the duplicate assignment of functions has been completed (illustrated in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment), and this processing is terminated. In the case of No, the process proceeds to step (11) to display a function overlapping assignment selection screen on the display unit 28 (illustrated in FIG. 19), and in step (12), the result selected by the user is displayed (FIG. 20). ), A screen for confirmation to the user is displayed and the user's instruction is asked (illustrated in FIG. 21). If yes, go to step (13); if no, go back to step (11).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital camera 39 Speaker 10 Microphone 11 Audio | voice control part 12 Timing generation part 13 D / A converter 28 Display part 102 Barrier 103 Lens 101 Shutter 22 Imaging part 23 A / D converter 24 Image processing part 15 Memory control part 32 Memory 16 Compression / decompression unit 70 Operation unit 61 Shutter button 62/64 Shutter switch 60 Mode selector switch 72 Power switch 39 Power control unit 33/34 Power connector 30 Power unit 50 System control unit 40 RTC
98 Recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 52 System memory 56 Non-volatile memory 110 Communication unit 112 Connector (antenna)
111 Connection cable 18 Digital camera side recording medium I / F
35/36 Digital camera / recording medium connector 37 Recording medium side recording medium I / F
19 Recording section 200 Recording medium 201 Recording medium slot

Claims (4)

  In a device having accessibility mode (hereinafter referred to as ACC mode), when ACC mode is set, means for limiting usable functions, means for determining whether operation of usable functions is likely to be erroneously operated, and erroneous operation If it is determined that the button adjacent to the button that is determined to be easy to operate is a button for a function that is not used, and a button that is a function that is not used In addition, the apparatus further comprises means for allocating the function of the button, which is determined to be easy to operate erroneously, to the unused button.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for allowing a user to select a function that can be used in the ACC mode when the ACC mode is set.   When an ACC mode is set, a function for displaying a candidate for a function to be assigned and selecting a user when a button that does not use a function that is determined to be erroneously operated is redundantly assigned is provided. The device according to claim 1.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting a function to be assigned by the user himself / herself when allocating redundantly to a button that does not use a function that is determined to be erroneously operated when the ACC mode is set. The equipment described.