JP5341244B2 - Operation control device, camera, operation control method, and operation control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control display timing and display position of information necessary for condition setting in a portable electronic device with simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: An operation control device controls to display first icons 42a-42c showing types of settable operation conditions on a display part 18; when it is determined that a first operation is performed on a touch panel 14 with, for example, the first icon 42a as a start point, to display a second icon 44 showing concrete choices of the operation condition shown by the first icon 42a in a position according to the first operation; and when it is determined that a second operation is performed to the displayed second icon 44, to select a concrete choice by the second icon 44 according to the second operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation control device mounted on a portable electronic device such as a camera, a camera equipped with the operation control device, an operation control method, and an operation control program.

  In portable electronic devices (for example, digital cameras), it is essential to reduce the device size from the viewpoint of portability. On the other hand, since such an electronic device is also equipped with abundant functions, various GUIs have been proposed in order to easily set various conditions with a small number of operation members. In addition, the touch panel has a great advantage that a desired item or condition can be easily input by a simple operation, and therefore, the use of the touch panel has been advanced.

  Under such circumstances, Patent Document 1 is an example of a GUI (graphical user interface) proposed for a digital camera which is one of portable electronic devices. In the image display device of Patent Document 1, the display unit on the back of the camera is configured by a touch panel, and a plurality of camera condition icons are arranged on this screen. Then, by touching an icon whose condition is to be changed, a submenu constituting the icon is displayed on the screen.

JP 2009-10775 A

  In the GUI for portable electronic devices, only a small screen can be used, and the information that can be displayed on the screen is limited. Therefore, it is not possible to display all the information collectively when setting the conditions. Therefore, as introduced in Patent Document 1, necessary information is displayed while appropriately switching. In addition, since the screen is small, it is also important where the necessary information is displayed on the screen.

  Thus, regarding information necessary for setting conditions (icons, menus, etc.), not only the display timing but also the display position of the information can be appropriately selected and set by a simple operation, which is an important issue as a GUI. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in a portable electronic device, an operation control device, a camera, and an operation control method capable of controlling the display timing and display position of information necessary for setting conditions with a simple operation And an operation control program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an operation control apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit on which a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen for setting an operation condition of a device is displayed, An operation unit that includes a touch panel disposed on the display unit and that inputs a user instruction to the GUI screen; and a GUI control unit that controls the GUI in response to the user instruction to the GUI screen; The GUI control unit displays a first icon indicating the type of operation condition that can be set on the display unit, and a first operation is performed from the first icon as a starting point in the operation unit. A second icon indicating a specific option of the operation condition indicated by the first icon is displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation, and the displayed first icon When it is determined that a second operation has been performed on the icon, control is performed to select a specific option with the second icon according to the second operation, and the first icon When the touch operation performed as a starting point is continuously moved in a predetermined manner, it is determined that the first operation has been performed, the second icon is displayed at the touch operation position to be moved, and the second operation is performed. A rotation operation input display including a plurality of graphic displays is displayed on the circumference below the position where the icon is displayed, and the second operation is performed by the user along the circumference indicated by the rotation operation input display. The second icon is controlled to select a specific option according to the length of the locus that rotates while touching.

  In the operation control device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the GUI control unit displays the rotation operation input display when the second operation is being performed, and the user ends the second operation. If it is determined that the rotation operation input display has been made, the rotation operation input display is controlled to be erased.

  In the operation control device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the GUI control unit may rotate and move while touching the rotation operation input display in the second operation. Determining that the second operation is being performed and controlling the operation to rotate while touching to stop, or determining that the second operation has ended when the touch operation is terminated. It is characterized by.

  In the operation control device according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the GUI control unit determines that the second operation is being performed, the rotation operation input display is sequentially blinked in the rotation operation direction. If it is determined that the second operation has been completed, the rotation operation input display is controlled to be erased.

  In addition, a condition setting unit that sets an operation condition of the device corresponding to the GUI screen is further provided, and the condition setting unit sets the operation condition with an option determined by the second operation. And

  In addition, a camera according to the present invention includes the operation control device according to any one of the above.

  The operation control method according to the present invention includes a display unit for displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen for setting an operation condition of the device, and a touch panel disposed on the display unit. An operation control method in an operation control device having an operation unit for inputting a user instruction to the GUI screen, wherein the GUI control step controls the GUI in response to the user instruction to the GUI screen The GUI control step displays a first icon indicating the type of the operating condition that can be set on the display unit, and the first operation is performed from the first icon in the operation unit. When the determination is made, a second icon indicating a specific choice of operating conditions indicated by the first icon is displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation. When it is determined that a second operation has been performed on the displayed second icon, control is performed so as to select a specific option with the second icon according to the second operation. When the touch operation performed starting from the first icon is continuously moved in a predetermined manner, it is determined that the first operation has been performed, and the second icon is placed at the touch operation position to be moved. The rotation operation input display including a plurality of graphic displays is displayed on the circumference below the position where the second icon is displayed, and the second operation is a circle indicated by the rotation operation input display. Control is performed so as to select a specific option with the second icon in accordance with the length of the trajectory that the user rotates while touching the circumference.

  The operation control program according to the present invention includes a display unit on which a GUI (graphical user interface) screen for setting the operation conditions of the device is displayed, and a touch panel disposed on the display unit. And a GUI control function for controlling the GUI in response to a user instruction on the GUI screen on a computer provided with an operation control device having an operation unit for inputting the user instruction to the GUI screen. The GUI control function causes the display unit to display a first icon indicating the type of operation condition that can be set, and determines that the first operation is performed from the first icon in the operation unit. A second icon indicating a specific choice of operating conditions indicated by the first icon is displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation. When it is determined that a second operation has been performed on the displayed second icon, control is performed to select a specific option with the second icon according to the second operation, and When the touch operation performed with the first icon as a starting point is continuously moved in a predetermined manner, it is determined that the first operation has been performed, and the second icon is displayed at the moving touch operation position. And a rotation operation input display comprising a plurality of graphic displays is displayed on the circumference below the position where the second icon is displayed, and the second operation is a circle indicated by the rotation operation input display. Control is performed so as to select a specific option with the second icon in accordance with the length of a trajectory that rotates while the user touches along the top.

  According to the present invention, in a portable electronic device, an operation control device, a camera, an operation control method, and an operation control program capable of controlling the display timing and display position of information necessary for setting conditions with a simple operation Can do.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of a digital camera equipped with an operation control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an operation example of the GUI screen in the first display pattern. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an operation example of the GUI screen in the second display pattern. FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of an operation control process. FIG. 5 is a schematic subroutine showing an example of processing of the first display pattern. FIG. 6 is a schematic subroutine showing a processing example of the second display pattern. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a modified example of the operation in the first display pattern. FIG. 8 is a schematic subroutine showing a processing example of the first display pattern shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a modification example of an operation having a different operation locus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an operation example in which the operation locus has the same mode. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changing the display position of the first icon group. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changing the display position of the mode icon.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of a digital camera equipped with the operation control apparatus of the present embodiment. The digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 11 including a CPU that performs instructions, data transfer, and the like to each unit configuring the digital camera 1 and comprehensively controls the operation of the digital camera 1. Further, the digital camera 1 includes a program data storage unit 12, a button operation unit 13, a touch panel 14 constituting the operation unit, an imaging unit 15, an SDRAM 16, a display image control unit 17, an image processing unit 19, a compression / decompression unit 20, a recording / decompression unit 20, and the like. Each unit of the playback unit 21 is provided. These units are connected to the control unit 11 by a bus line 25.

  The program data storage unit 12 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The program data storage unit 12 operates the digital camera 1 and uses a program for a CPU (for example, an operation control program) for realizing various functions of the digital camera 1 or during execution of the program. For example, GUI image data including icons to be displayed on a GUI (graphical user interface) screen described later is stored in advance.

  The button operation unit 13 includes a release button 13a (see FIG. 2 and the like) and the like that are disposed on the upper surface of the camera body and instruct the photographing timing.

  The imaging unit 15 includes a camera unit and an imaging processing unit. The camera unit is for the digital camera 1 to capture a subject image, and includes a photographing lens, an image sensor, an aperture, a shutter, an AF mechanism, an AF drive circuit, a zoom mechanism, a zoom drive mechanism, and the like. Here, the image pickup device is formed of a two-dimensional solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD or a CMOS sensor, and photoelectrically converts a subject image incident through a photographing optical system including a photographing lens and outputs it as an analog electric signal. In addition to including an image sensor driving circuit, the image processing unit performs analog signal processing such as AGC and CDS on the analog electric signal output from the image sensor, and then converts the analog electric signal into a digital electric signal using an A / D converter. It is for output.

  The SDRAM 16 is a memory used as a temporary storage memory or a working area, and temporarily stores a digital electrical signal output from the imaging unit 15, image data being processed by the image processing unit 19, and the like. It is also used to temporarily store image data being processed during display image creation.

  The display image control unit 17 includes an encoder, a D / A converter, and the like, and is a driver for displaying various information on the display unit 18. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the display unit 18 occupies most of the rear surface of the camera body, and is a thin display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an OELD (organic EL display device). It has been realized. The display unit 18 is for displaying various setting information including a GUI screen in addition to the captured image and the live view image. In addition, the display image control unit 17 creates a live view image and a reproduction image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and displays the GUI image for the GUI screen on the display unit 18 alone or superimposed on the live view image or the like. Is for.

  The image processing unit 19 performs various types of image processing such as pixel interpolation processing, color correction processing, and gamma processing on the digital electrical signal output from the imaging unit 15, and image data suitable for recording and display. Process to convert to. That is, at the time of recording (at the time of shooting), the image processing unit 19 performs image processing for recording on the recorded image, and performs simple image processing for display on the live view image for display. .

  The compression / decompression unit 20 records image data based on a well-known JPEG method or the like when recording image data of a captured image in the image storage unit 22 or displaying image data recorded in the image storage unit 22. Perform compression processing and decompression processing.

  The recording / reproducing unit 21 is used for writing image data to the image storage unit 22 and reading image data from the image storage unit 22, and a unit corresponding to the type of the image storage unit 22 is used. Here, the image storage unit 22 is, for example, a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body such as an xD-Picture Card (registered trademark) or a Compact Flash (registered trademark) card, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  Here, the control part 11 of this Embodiment is provided with each function part of the GUI control part 11a, the condition setting part 11b, and the operation detection part 11c as a function performed by the program for operation control. The operation detection unit 11 c is a functional unit for detecting a user instruction on the GUI screen displayed on the display unit 18 for setting operation conditions of the digital camera 1 and the user operation by the button operation unit 13. Further, in the present embodiment, the touch panel 14 disposed so as to overlap the display unit 18 on which the GUI screen is displayed is provided as an operation unit, and the operation detection unit 11c detects a user operation on the touch panel 14. Thus, the detection operation of the user instruction on the GUI screen is executed. The GUI control unit 11a is a functional unit for controlling output to the user in accordance with a user instruction on the GUI screen of the display unit 18 and executing various control processes as will be described later regarding the GUI screen. The condition setting unit 11b is a functional unit for setting operating conditions of the digital camera 1 in accordance with a user instruction on the GUI screen.

  Next, as an example of the operation conditions of the digital camera 1, an outline of operation / control of the GUI screen and the like by the GUI control unit 11a and the like will be described in the case of operation condition setting in the shooting mode. Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a first display pattern and a second display pattern are prepared as display patterns for setting operating conditions. Which of the first display pattern and the second display pattern is displayed can be switched on a menu screen (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an operation example of the GUI screen in the first display pattern. When the display of the first display pattern is selected, the GUI control unit 11a causes the display unit 18 to display an initial screen of the first display pattern. That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the GUI control unit 11a displays, as the GUI screen 30, the first icon group 41 using, for example, the GUI image data near the center bottom of the screen. The first icon group 41 includes a plurality of first icons indicating the types (parameters) of operating conditions. For example, the first icon 42a for strobe, the first icon 42b for shutter speed, and the ISO sensitivity The first icons 42c are arranged in a horizontal row. The example shown in FIG. 2A shows a case where the strobe light emission prohibition, the shutter speed 1/100, and the ISO sensitivity 800 are initially set as the shooting operation conditions.

  Although not particularly illustrated, in such a screen display, a live view image may be displayed in the background, or a colorless background display may be used.

  On such a GUI screen 30, the user drags the first icon whose parameter is to be changed with a finger (or a touch pen or the like) to a desired position. FIG. 2B shows a case where the first strobe icon 42a is touched, for example, and FIG. 2C shows the first icon 42a as a starting point, and further touches on the GUI screen 30. FIG. It shows how the moving operation is performed. At this time, the GUI control unit 11a sequentially acquires the coordinate information of the operation locus 43a by the moving operation while touching based on the detection result of the operation detection portion 11c, and the mode of the operation locus 43a is the first operation. Determine whether or not. In the present embodiment, a predetermined threshold value (for example, a curvature equivalent to a coin, for example, 0.1 mm −1) is set in advance with respect to the curvature of the operation locus by the moving operation. Then, it is determined that the curvature of the operation locus is smaller than this threshold, that is, the linear movement operation is the first operation, and the curvature of the operation locus is larger than this threshold, that is, the rotational movement operation will be described later. The second operation is set to be determined.

  Here, in the example shown in FIG. 2C, the GUI control unit 11a moves the operation locus 43a as a linear operation with a small curvature, and the first operation starts from the first icon 42a. Judge that it was done. Then, the GUI control unit 11a displays a second icon 44 indicating a specific option of the operation condition indicated by the selected first icon 42a at a position corresponding to the first operation. In other words, the GUI control unit determines that the first operation is performed when the touch operation performed with the first icon 42a as a starting point is linearly and continuously moved, and the second touch position is set to the second touch operation position. Control to display the icon 44 is performed. In the present embodiment, since a so-called drag operation is assumed as the first operation, the dragged first icon 42a is switched to the second icon 44. The first icon 42a may be fixedly displayed at the position of the first icon group 41, and the second icon 44 may be displayed at the movement operation position.

  The second icon 44 shown in FIG. 2C is for a strobe. As a list of specific operating condition options, a strobe emission prohibition parameter 44a, a red-eye emission parameter 44b, and a strobe forced emission parameter 44c are displayed. Three parameters are arranged in a horizontal row, and a cursor 44d indicating a selection position is also displayed. The position of the cursor 44d is at the position of the strobe emission prohibiting parameter 44a according to the initial setting. Note that the second icon 44 displays a parameter list indicating specific options according to the selection of the first icon for shutter speed or ISO sensitivity.

  Then, after the user performs the first operation to the position where the second icon 44 is desired to be displayed, the user performs the second operation on the second icon 44, so that the second icon 44 is used. Choose the right choice. FIG. 2D shows a case where the second operation is started by a continuous operation such as one-stroke writing by continuing the moving operation while being touched after the first operation is finished. That is, the GUI control unit 11a sequentially acquires the coordinate information of the operation tracks 43a and 43b by the moving operation while touching based on the detection result of the operation detection unit 11c, and the mode of the operation tracks 43a and 43b is the first operation. Or the second operation.

  Here, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2D, the GUI control unit 11a indicates that the movement operation of the operation locus 43b is a rotational operation in which the curvature is larger than the threshold value, and the operation locus 43a is switched to the operation locus 43b. It is determined that the second operation is started from the first operation at the point Pc. Then, the GUI control unit 11a fixes the display position of the second icon 44 and then selects a specific option on the second icon 44. The GUI control unit 11a displays a rotation operation input display for guiding the selection operation of specific options.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, the rotation operation input display is made by arranging a plurality of circles on the circumference of a circle smaller than a coin, for example, at a position immediately below the second icon 44. The rotation UI 45 to be displayed is sequentially blinked in the rotation operation direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), when the user continues to perform the second operation with the operation locus 43b having a large curvature guided by the rotation UI 45, it is indicated by a dashed arrow according to the amount of the rotation operation. Thus, the cursor 44d moves in the left-right direction on the second icon 44. FIG. 2E shows a state in which the cursor 44d has moved to the position of a parameter that is the strobe forced light emission parameter 44c.

  In the second operation on the second icon 44, the display of the rotation UI 45 is not indispensable and may be omitted, or the circled portions are sequentially displayed as the user performs the second operation. The display may indicate that the second operation is being performed.

  FIG. 2F shows a state where the user's finger (or touch pen or the like) has been released from the screen and the second operation on the second icon 44 has been completed. When the touch operation is terminated after the second operation is performed on the second icon 44, the GUI control unit 11a determines the option selected as the operation condition. Here, in order to clearly indicate that it has been confirmed, as shown in FIG. 2G, the display of the second icon 44 is switched to the first icon 42a corresponding to the strobe forced light emission parameter 44c. Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (h), the switched first icon 42a is returned to the original position in the first icon group 41 to return to the initial screen corresponding to FIG. 2 (a). The display of the second icon 44 is deleted. Furthermore, the condition setting unit 11b sets the operation condition again with the option determined by the second operation, here the parameter of the strobe forced light emission parameter 44c.

  On the other hand, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing an operation example of the GUI screen in the second display pattern. When the display of the second display pattern is selected, the GUI control unit 11a causes the display unit 18 to display the initial screen of the second display pattern. That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, the GUI control unit 11a displays the mode icon 51 as, for example, the vicinity of the lower left corner of the screen using the GUI image data as the GUI screen 30. The mode icon 51 follows the currently selected shooting mode, and FIG. 3A shows the case where the current sports mode is set.

  In such a state, when a tap operation (click) is performed on the displayed mode icon 51 as a specific operation as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the GUI control unit 11 a corresponds to the mode icon 51. The first icon group 41 to be displayed is positioned around the mode icon 51 and displayed on the GUI screen 30. The plurality of first icons 42 a to 42 c constituting the first icon group 41 are displayed in association with the mode icon 51 by connecting them with a connection line of string-like expression.

  The subsequent steps are the same as those described with reference to FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3C, when a touch operation is performed on a parameter to be changed, for example, the first icon 42a for strobe, and the first operation is started by a drag operation starting from the first icon 42a. As shown in FIG. 3D, the second icon 44 is displayed in accordance with the moving touch operation position.

  When it is determined that the second operation is started from the first operation at the switching point Pc from the operation locus 43a to the operation locus 43b as shown in FIG. 3D, the GUI control unit 11a After the display position of the icon 44 is fixed, as shown in FIG. 3E, a specific option on the second icon 44 is selected. When a parameter is selected by the second operation on the second icon 44, and the touch operation is completed and the finger is released as shown in FIG. 3F, the option selected as the operating condition, here, the strobe The forced light emission parameter 44c is determined. Then, by moving the first icon 42a by the strobe forced light emission parameter 44c to the original position in the first icon group 41, the screen returns to the screen corresponding to FIG. 3B, and the second icon 44 is displayed. To erase. Further, as shown in FIG. 3G, the display of the first icon group 41 is erased to return to the initial screen of the second display pattern corresponding to FIG.

  Next, an example of operation control by the control unit 11 for realizing display control of the GUI screen 30 as described above, control associated with a user operation, and the like will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control processing executed by the GUI control unit 11a of the control unit 11 and the like. The operation control process targeted in this embodiment is executed by designating a shooting mode by an operation of a setting button or the like (not shown).

  First, it is determined whether or not a shooting mode is designated (step S11). If the shooting mode is not designated (step S11: No), it is the playback mode, and processing for the playback mode is executed (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not a mode switching operation has been performed using a setting button or the like (not shown) (step S13). If there is a mode switching operation to the shooting mode (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21 described later. If there is no mode switching operation (step S13: No), it is determined whether or not an end operation such as turning off the power switch has been performed (step S14). If there is no end operation (step S14: No), the process returns to step S13. If there is an end operation (step S14: Yes), the process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the shooting mode is designated (step S11: Yes), processing for the shooting mode is executed (step S21). The process for the shooting mode is, for example, a process of moving the retracted shooting lens to the shooting position. Then, it is determined whether or not the display pattern is set to the first display pattern (step S22). If it is set to the first display pattern (step S22: Yes), the processing of the first display pattern is executed (step S23). On the other hand, if the first display pattern is not set (step S22: No), the second display pattern is set, and the processing of the second display pattern is executed (step S24).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a mode switching operation has been performed using a setting button (not shown) (step S25). If there is a mode switching operation to the reproduction mode (step S25: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. If there is no mode switching operation (step S25: No), it is determined whether or not an end operation such as turning off the power switch has been performed (step S26). If there is no end operation (step S26: No), it is determined whether or not a release operation has been performed by operating the release button 13a (step S27). If there is a release operation (step S27: Yes), the photographing process is executed (step S28), and the process returns to step S22. Also when there is no release operation (step S27: No), it returns to step S22. If there is an end operation (step S26: Yes), the process is ended.

  Subsequently, a processing example of the first display pattern in step S23 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic subroutine showing an example of processing of the first display pattern in step S23. When the first display pattern mode is set, the GUI control unit 11a first displays an icon in the first pattern (step S30). This corresponds to the display of the first icon group 41 shown in FIG.

  In such a display state, the GUI control unit 11a determines whether any of the first icons 42a to 42c in the first icon group 41 has been operated (step S31). If not operated (step S31: No), the process returns. On the other hand, when one of the first icons 42a to 42c, for example, the first icon 42a is operated as shown in FIG. 2B (step S31: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a performs the operation. Is a first operation (step S32). Here, the GUI control unit 11a determines that the first operation is the first operation if the touch operation performed with the first icon 42a as a starting point is continuously moved along a linear operation locus (drag operation). Determination is made (step S32: Yes). Then, the dragged first icon, for example, the first icon 42a is switched to the second icon 44 and displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation (step S33). The display example of the second icon 44 shown in FIG.

  During such a first operation, the GUI control unit 11a monitors whether or not the second operation has been started (step S34). If the second operation has not been started (step S34: No), it is determined whether or not the first operation is released by releasing the finger from the screen (step S35). If the first operation has not been released (step S35: No), the process returns to step S34 to allow the first operation to be continued. Further, when the first operation is canceled before the second operation is started (step S35: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a switches the second icon 44 to the first icon 42a, for example. Thus, the original display position is restored (step S40). Thus, by releasing the finger from the screen, the first operation can be canceled in the middle of the first operation.

  On the other hand, when the linear operation trajectory 43a corresponding to the first operation is shifted to the rotational operation trajectory 43b corresponding to the second operation in a continuous operation, the GUI control unit 11a displays the operation trajectories 43a, It is determined that the second operation is started at the switching point Pc of 43b (step S34: Yes). Then, the GUI control unit 11a fixes the display position of the second icon 44 (step S36). The display example of the second icon 44 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the GUI control unit 11a moves the cursor 44d of the second icon 44 in response to the second operation on the second icon 44 whose display position is fixed (step S37). As a result, the option is specifically selected on the second icon 44. The display example shown in FIG.

  During such a second operation, the GUI control unit 11a determines whether or not the second operation is released by releasing the finger from the screen (step S38). If the second operation has not been released (step S38: No), the process returns to step 37 to continue the state in which the cursor 44d can be moved. When the second operation is released (step S38: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a determines parameters according to the position of the cursor 44d at that time (step S39). The display example shown in FIG. Thereafter, the GUI control unit 11a, for example, switches the second icon 44 to the first icon 42a and returns to the original display position, thereby erasing the display of the second icon 44 (Step S40). The display examples shown in FIG. 2G and FIG.

  A processing example of the second display pattern in step S24 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic subroutine showing an example of processing of the second display pattern in step S24. When the second display pattern mode is set, the GUI control unit 11a first displays an icon in the second pattern (step S51). The display of the mode icon 51 shown in FIG.

  In such a display state, the GUI control unit 11a determines whether or not the mode icon 51 has been tapped (step S52). If the tap operation has not been performed (step S52: No), the process returns. On the other hand, when the mode icon 51 is tapped (step S52: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a displays the first icon group 41 in the vicinity of the mode icon 51 (step S53). The display example shown in FIG.

  The subsequent process control (steps S54 to S63) is performed in the same manner as the process control (steps S31 to S40) in the first display pattern. However, in step S63, the GUI control unit 11a switches, for example, the second icon 44 to the first icon 42a, returns the first icon 42a to the original display position, and then the first icon 42a. Only the mode icon 51 is displayed by deleting the display of 42a. The display example shown in FIG.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the GUI control unit 11a causes the display unit 18 to display the first icons 42a to 42c indicating the types of operation conditions that can be set, and the first icon 42a on the touch panel 14 is displayed. When it is determined that the first operation has been performed starting at .about.42c, the second icon 44 indicating specific options of the operating conditions indicated by the first icons 42a to 42c is placed at a position corresponding to the first operation. When it is determined that the second operation has been performed on the displayed second icon 44, the second icon 44 is controlled to select a specific option according to the second operation. The display timing of information necessary for setting the operating conditions and the display position thereof can be controlled with a simple operation. That is, at the timing at which the specific content of the operating condition is to be changed, the display position of the second icon 44 can be specified and specified simply by selecting the corresponding first icon 42a to 42c and performing a moving operation while touching. It is possible to display various options at the same time. As described above, the display position of the specific option (display position of the second icon 44) can be easily specified on the screen. For example, even when the live view image is displayed on the background of the screen, the display of the option can be performed. It can be easily prevented from interfering with subject confirmation. Alternatively, even when the live view image is not displayed, it is possible to display specific options (display the second icon 44) at a position where it can be easily operated with a finger physically on the screen. The operability can be improved according to the user's preference in various situations such as the vertical posture, horizontal posture, left-hand operation, and right-hand operation of the camera 1.

  Further, the GUI control unit 11a determines that the first operation is performed when the touch operation performed with the first icons 42a to 42c as a starting point is moved in a predetermined manner, for example, linearly and continuously, and moves. Since the second icon 44 is controlled to be displayed at the touch operation position, the display position of the second icon 44 can be set based on the touch operation on the first icons 42a to 42c, and the position setting can be easily performed sensuously. Can be done.

  Further, the GUI control unit 11a determines whether the operation is the first operation or the second operation according to the difference in the mode of the operation trajectories 43a and 43b by the moving operation while being touched by the user on the touch panel 14. Thus, the display position of the second icon 44 can be determined and choices can be selected by a moving operation while touching, and the operation feel can be improved.

  In addition, when the GUI control unit 11a shifts from the operation locus 43a corresponding to the first operation to the operation locus 43b corresponding to the second operation by a continuous operation, the GUI control unit 11a performs the first change at the switching point Pc between these operation tracks 43a and 43b. Since it is determined that the operation No. 2 has been started and the display position of the second icon 44 is fixed, control is performed to select a specific option on the second icon 44. The parameter change operation can be performed by one action without releasing the finger from the screen.

  Further, the GUI control unit 11a determines that the movement operation with the relatively small curvature of the operation locus 43a among the movement operations while being touched is the first operation, and the movement operation with the relatively large curvature of the operation locus 43b. Is determined as the second operation, the first operation and the second operation can be switched only by properly using the linear motion and the rotational motion, and the operability is improved. .

  In addition, when the touch operation is terminated after the second operation is performed on the second icon 44, the GUI control unit 11a determines the option selected as the operation condition, and the second icon Since the display of the display 44 is controlled to be erased, the options can be determined with a simple operation, which is easy to use.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing a modification of the operation in the first display pattern. First, when the display of the first display pattern is selected, the GUI control unit 11a displays the first icon group 41 as, for example, a screen as the GUI screen 30, as shown in FIG. Display near the bottom of the center. On such a GUI screen 30, the user drags the first icons 42a to 42c whose parameters are to be changed to a desired position. FIG. 7A shows a case where the first strobe icon 42a is touched, for example. FIG. 7B shows the first icon 42a as a starting point, and further touches on the GUI screen 30. FIG. It shows how the moving operation is performed.

  Here, in the case of the operation illustrated in FIG. 7B, the GUI control unit 11a determines that the first operation has been performed starting from the first icon 42a. Then, the GUI control unit 11a displays a second icon 44 indicating specific options for the operation condition indicated by the selected first icon 42a at a position corresponding to the first operation.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the user performs the first operation to the position where the second icon 44 is to be displayed, and then lifts his finger from the screen as shown in FIG. 7D. This completes the first operation. When the GUI control unit 11a determines that the first operation has been completed by releasing the finger, the display position of the second icon 44 is fixed as illustrated in FIG.

  Then, the GUI control unit 11a causes a specific option to be selected on the second icon 44 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the user performs the second operation on the second icon 44 as shown in FIG. 7E, the cursor 44d is moved to the second icon as indicated by the dashed arrow according to the amount of rotation operation. Move left and right on the icon 44.

  Then, after moving the position of the cursor 44d to a desired position, the user ends the second operation by releasing the finger from the screen as shown in FIG. The GUI control unit 11a determines that the second operation is completed when the finger is released. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 7G, when a click operation is performed as an end operation on the second icon 44, the GUI control unit 11 a finally determines the option selected as the operation condition. Then, the display of the second icon 44 is switched to the first icon 42a based on the selected strobe forced light emission parameter 44c. Then, as shown in FIG. 7H, the switched first icon 42a corresponding to the forced flash emission is returned to the original position in the first icon group 41, which corresponds to FIG. 7A. Returning to the initial screen, the display of the second icon 44 is erased. Furthermore, the condition setting unit 11b sets the operation condition again with the option determined by the second operation, here the parameter of the strobe forced light emission parameter 44c.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic subroutine showing a processing example of the first display pattern shown in FIG. When the first display pattern mode is set, the GUI control unit 11a first displays an icon in the first pattern (step S71). This corresponds to the display of the first icon group 41 shown in FIG.

  In such a display state, the GUI control unit 11a determines whether any of the first icons 42a to 42c in the first icon group 41 has been operated (step S72). If not operated (step S72: No), the process returns. On the other hand, when one of the first icons 42a to 42c, for example, the first icon 42a is operated as shown in FIG. 7A (step S72: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a performs the operation. Is a first operation (step S73). Here, the GUI control unit 11a determines that it is the first operation if the drag operation is performed with the first icon 42a as a starting point (step S73: Yes). Then, the dragged first icon, for example, the first icon 42a is switched to the second icon 44 and displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation (step S74). The display example of the second icon 44 shown in FIG.

  When the first operation is started in this way, the GUI control unit 11a moves the display position of the second icon 44 along with the first operation (step S75). The display example shown in FIG. In parallel with this, the GUI control unit 11a monitors whether or not the first operation is ended by releasing the finger from the screen (step S76). If the first operation has not been completed (step S76: No), the GUI control unit 11a returns to step S75, and continues to move the display position of the second icon 44 associated with the first operation. On the other hand, when the first operation is finished (step S76: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a fixes the display position of the second icon 44 (step S77). The display example shown in FIG.

  After that, the GUI control unit 11a monitors whether or not a click operation that is an end operation has been performed on the second icon 44 (step S78), and if no click operation has been performed (step S78: No). Then, it is monitored whether or not the second operation has been started on the second icon 44 (step S79). When the click operation is performed (step S78: Yes), the process proceeds to step S84. That is, the GUI control unit 11a considers that the parameter changing operation has been canceled before the second operation is started, and switches the second icon 44 to the first icon 42a, for example, to return to the original display position ( Step S84).

  On the other hand, when the second operation is started (step S79: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a moves the cursor 44d of the second icon 44 according to the second operation (step S80). As a result, the option is specifically selected on the second icon 44. The display example shown in FIG. In parallel with this, the GUI control unit 11a monitors whether or not the second operation is ended by releasing the finger from the screen (step S81). If the second operation has not been completed (step S81: No), the GUI control unit 11a returns to step S80 and continues to move the cursor 44d of the second icon 44 in accordance with the second operation. To do.

  When the second operation is finished (step S81: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a determines the parameter (option) selected as the operation condition (step S82). Further, it is monitored whether or not a click operation has been performed on the second icon 44 as an end operation (step S83). As shown in FIG. 7G, when a click operation is performed (step S83: Yes), the GUI control unit 11a selects the display of the second icon 44 as the operating condition and finally confirms it. The selected parameter (option) is switched to the first icon 42a based on the finally determined strobe forced light emission parameter 44c, and the switched first icon 42a is returned to the original position in the first icon group 41 (step S84). The display example shown in FIG.

  According to such a modification, since the first operation and the second operation are finished by releasing the finger from the screen, the determination of the first operation and the second operation becomes easy. . Therefore, the restrictions regarding the mode of the first operation and the second operation can be relaxed. As a result, as a second operation for selecting an option, for example, a finger is placed on the cursor 44d on the second icon 44 and the position of the cursor 44d is directly moved in the left-right direction. Is also possible.

  In addition, the difference between the operation trajectory modes of the first operation and the second operation in the case where the first operation and the second operation are performed like a single stroke by a moving operation while touching is as follows. It is not limited to the difference in curvature. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a modification example of an operation having a different operation locus. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, for example, when there is a movement operation in a mode in which a vertically upward operation locus 52a starts from the first icon 42a, it is determined that the operation is the first operation. 9 (b) and FIG. 9 (c), the second icon 44 is displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 9D, when the operation locus 52a corresponding to the first operation is shifted to the moving operation in the form of the operation locus 52b in the horizontal direction by the continuous operation, this operation is changed to the first operation. It is determined that the second operation. Then, it is determined that the second operation is started at the switching point Pc between the operation loci 52a and 52b, and the display position of the second icon 44 is fixed. Further, a specific option on the second icon 44 may be selected by moving the position of the cursor 44d by the second operation that becomes the horizontal operation locus 52b.

  Also, as shown in the modified examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, if it is determined that the first operation or the second operation has been completed by releasing the finger from the screen, the first operation and the second operation are performed. It is not necessary to change the mode of the operation trajectory of the operation, and the same mode may be used. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an operation example in which the operation locus has the same mode. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, for example, when there is a movement operation in which the operation locus 53a is in the horizontal direction starting from the first icon 42a, it is determined that the operation is the first operation. As shown in FIG. 10B, the second icon 44 is displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the finger is removed from the screen, it is determined that the first operation is finished, and the display position of the second icon 44 is fixed.

  After that, if there is a movement operation in which the operation locus 53a is in the horizontal direction with respect to the second icon 44, it is determined that the operation is the second operation, and as shown in FIG. The cursor 44d is moved to a position corresponding to the operation 2. When the finger is removed from the screen, it is determined that the second operation has been completed, and the parameters are determined. Further, the display of the second icon 44 is switched to the first icon 42a based on the selected strobe forced light emission parameter 44c, and the switched first icon 42a is changed to the first icon 42a as shown in FIG. You may make it return to the original position in the icon group 41.

  In addition, in FIG. 2A, the first icon group 41 is displayed near the center bottom of the screen as the initial screen of the first display pattern, but the display position may be changeable. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, by dragging the blank portion of the first icon group 41, the display is changed to a desired position near the left side of the screen center, near the top side of the screen center, or near the right side of the screen center. It may be.

  The same applies to the initial screen of the second display pattern. In FIG. 3A, the mode icon 51 is displayed near the lower left corner of the screen, but the display position may be changeable. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, by dragging the mode icon 51, the display may be changed to a desired position in the vicinity of the upper left corner of the screen, the upper right corner of the screen, or the lower right corner of the screen. Good.

  Furthermore, although each processing function as shown in FIG. 8 in the present embodiment has been described as being processed by software by the control unit 11 in the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, a specific example of the configuration is limited to this. is not. It is a design matter to perform these processes in any one of hardware processing and software processing or in an appropriate combination.

  When all or part of the embodiment is executed by software processing, the control unit 11 reads and executes the operation control program stored in the program data storage unit 12 such as a flash memory. Thus, since such software processing is realized, an operation control program relating to such software processing is also the present invention. A recording medium on which such an operation control program is recorded is also the present invention. The recording medium for storing the program is not limited to the flash memory, but an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, a magnetic recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, or a semiconductor memory such as an IC card. It may be. Further, as a search program, a program obtained from an external recording medium via a network, for example, a program downloaded from a homepage is naturally included. In such a case, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that are downloaded by the user are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the operation control apparatus is described as being mounted on the digital camera 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation control device of this embodiment may be applied to various electronic devices such as a mobile phone or an image display device (image viewer). The camera is not limited to the digital camera 1 and may be applied to a camera unit of a personal computer, a camera unit of a mobile phone, or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 11a GUI control part 11b Condition setting part 14 Touch panel 18 Display part 30 GUI screen 42a-42c 1st icon 43a, 43b Operation locus 44 2nd icon 45 Rotation UI
51 Mode icon

Claims (8)

A display unit on which a GUI (graphical user interface) screen for setting the operating conditions of the device is displayed;
An operation unit that includes a touch panel disposed on the display unit, and that inputs a user instruction to the GUI screen;
A GUI control unit that controls the GUI in response to a user instruction on the GUI screen;
The GUI control unit causes the display unit to display a first icon indicating the type of operation condition that can be set,
When the operation unit determines that the first operation has been performed with the first icon as a starting point, a second icon indicating a specific option of the operation condition indicated by the first icon is displayed as the first operation. Is displayed at a position according to
When it is determined that a second operation has been performed on the displayed second icon, a specific option is selected with the second icon according to the second operation,
Further, when the touch operation performed with the first icon as a starting point is continuously moved in a predetermined manner, it is determined that the first operation has been performed, and the second icon is placed at the touch operation position to be moved. And a rotation operation input display composed of a plurality of graphic displays is displayed on the circumference below the position where the second icon is displayed. The second operation is indicated by the rotation operation input display. An operation control apparatus that controls to select a specific option with the second icon according to a length of a locus that rotates while touching on a circle by a user.   The GUI control unit displays the rotation operation input display when the second operation is performed, and erases the rotation operation input display when the user determines that the second operation is completed. The operation control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation control device controls the operation to be performed.   In the second operation, the GUI control unit determines that the second operation is being performed when the user is rotating while touching along the rotation operation input display. 3. The operation control device according to claim 2, wherein control is performed so as to determine that the second operation has ended when the operation of rotating while touching is stopped or when the touch operation is ended.   When the GUI control unit determines that the second operation is being performed, the rotation operation input display is sequentially blinked in the rotation operation direction, and it is determined that the second operation has been completed. 4. The operation control device according to claim 2, wherein control is performed so as to erase the rotation operation input display. A condition setting unit configured to set an operation condition of the device corresponding to the GUI screen;
The operation control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition setting unit sets the operation condition with an option determined by the second operation. A camera equipped with the operation control device according to claim 1. A display unit for displaying a GUI (graphical user interface) screen for setting an operation condition of the device and a touch panel arranged on the display unit are provided. A user instruction is given to the GUI screen. An operation control method in an operation control device having an input operation unit,
A GUI control step for controlling the GUI screen in response to a user instruction for the GUI screen;
The GUI control step displays a first icon indicating the type of the operating condition that can be set on the display unit,
When the operation unit determines that the first operation has been performed with the first icon as a starting point, a second icon indicating a specific option of the operation condition indicated by the first icon is displayed as the first operation. When it is determined that a second operation has been performed on the displayed second icon, specific options can be selected using the second icon according to the second operation. Control to choose,
Further, it is determined that the first operation has been performed when the touch operation performed with the first icon as a starting point is continuously moved in a predetermined manner, and the second icon is positioned at the touch operation position to be moved. Control to display
A rotation operation input display including a plurality of graphic displays is displayed on the circumference below the position where the second icon is displayed, and the second operation is performed on the circumference indicated by the rotation operation input display. An operation control method comprising controlling to select a specific option with the second icon in accordance with the length of a trajectory that rotates while the user touches along. A display unit for displaying a GUI (graphical user interface) screen for setting an operation condition of the device and a touch panel arranged on the display unit are provided. A user instruction is given to the GUI screen. And a computer provided in an operation control device having an input operation unit, to execute a GUI control function for controlling the GUI screen in response to a user instruction to the GUI screen,
The GUI control function displays a first icon indicating the type of operation condition that can be set on the display unit, and determines that the first operation is performed from the first icon in the operation unit. In addition, a second icon indicating specific options of the operating condition indicated by the first icon is displayed at a position corresponding to the first operation, and a second icon is displayed for the displayed second icon. When determining that an operation has been performed, control to select a specific option with the second icon according to the second operation,
Further, it is determined that the first operation has been performed when the touch operation performed with the first icon as a starting point is continuously moved in a predetermined manner, and the second icon is positioned at the touch operation position to be moved. Control to display
A rotation operation input display including a plurality of graphic displays is displayed on the circumference below the position where the second icon is displayed, and the second operation is performed on the circumference indicated by the rotation operation input display. A control program for controlling to select a specific option with the second icon in accordance with the length of a trajectory that rotates while the user touches along.