JP5412591B2 - machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device having a user interface capable of controlling operations by applying vibrations such as swinging and hitting a main body, and an operation setting which is a setting related to the operation of the device every time a motion is given from the outside. The present invention relates to a device that can sequentially change a plurality of selection candidates prepared in advance according to a predetermined selection order.

  It is effective in reducing the number of operation members such as dials and switches by enabling the user to operate the camera by performing an operation such as lightly shaking or hitting the camera. In addition, enabling operation without using an operation member can provide a new operation method to the user, and can be expected to improve operability. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a technique that enables different operations by changing the direction of vibration applied to the camera.

JP 2000-125184 A

  In Patent Document 1, when it is detected that a vibration is applied in the right direction of the camera, it moves to the next frame, and when it is detected that a vibration is applied in the left direction, it is displayed so as to move to the previous frame. A technique for switching images to be displayed is disclosed.

  When the user of the camera switches the image to be reproduced and displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the camera is held with the left hand so that the image display monitor faces forward (facing the user), It is assumed that the count-up display is switched by applying vibration to the right side face of the camera with the right hand. Here, count-up display switching means switching from an image captured earlier (older) to an image captured more recently (newer).

  When the display is switched to a new image (the count-up display is continuously switched), the user continues to apply vibrations to the right side face toward the camera with the right hand.

  Here, consider the case where it is necessary to return the display to an image older than the currently displayed image after the above-described count-up display switching. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12B, the user needs to change the camera to the right hand with the image display monitor facing forward, and to apply vibration to the left side of the camera with the left hand. is there.

  As described above, switching the camera each time the display switching direction is changed may make the operation complicated. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a user interface with better operability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the device according to the present invention is configured as described in the claims.

  According to the present invention, even if the movement given from the outside to the device is along the same direction, different operation settings can be made by changing the magnitude of the movement or the movement pattern.

It is a perspective view which shows the front side external appearance of the digital camera to which this invention is applied. Similarly, it is a perspective view which shows the back side external appearance of a digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure inside a digital camera. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by the system controller in the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process following the process shown by the flowchart of FIG. 4A. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by the system controller in the digital camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process following the process shown by the flowchart of FIG. 5A. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by the system controller in the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process following the process shown by the flowchart of FIG. 6A. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process performed by the system controller in the digital camera which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart explaining the process following the process shown by the flowchart of FIG. 7A. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing log data obtained by measuring and accumulating signals output from an acceleration sensor when a user performs a vibration operation on the digital camera, and shows the magnitude of movement given to the digital camera. It is a figure which shows two examples from which length differs. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing log data obtained by measuring and accumulating signals output from an acceleration sensor when a user performs an excitation operation on the digital camera, and a pattern of movement given to the digital camera It is a figure which shows two examples from which are different. It is a figure explaining a mode when a reproduction display image is switched with the digital camera which concerns on the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention, (a) is an initial state, (b) is one new image. (C) is a figure explaining a mode when a display is switched, and (c) is a mode when a display is switched to one old image. It is a figure explaining a mode when a reproduction | regeneration display image is switched with the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd and 4th embodiment of this invention, (a) is an initial state, (b) is one new image. The state when the display is switched, (c) is the state when the display switching direction of the reproduced image is switched to the opposite direction, and (d) is the state when the display is switched to the one older image. FIG. It is a figure explaining a mode that a display image is switched by operation which applies a vibration to the digital camera concerning a prior art, and (a) is a state which performs operation which applies a vibration to the right side. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where an operation of applying vibration to the left side surface is performed.

-First embodiment-
Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described. 1 and 2 are external perspective views showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera 100 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 shows a state seen from the front side of the digital camera 100 (the side directed to the subject during shooting). FIG. 2 shows a state seen from the back side of the digital camera 100 (the side facing the user of the digital camera 100 during shooting). Hereinafter, the user of the digital camera 100 is simply referred to as “user”. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that an image generated by the digital camera 100 has a horizontally long aspect ratio, for example, an aspect ratio of 4: 3.

  In the following, the digital camera 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the user places the digital camera 100 in a horizontal position (so that an image obtained by shooting is horizontally long, and the horizontal line and the long side of the image are substantially parallel). Assuming the prepared state, each surface of the digital camera 100 is defined as follows. That is, the surface of the digital camera 100 facing the subject is the front surface, the surface facing the user is the back surface, the side surface on the right side as viewed from the user is the right surface, the side surface on the left side is the left surface, and the upper side in the vertical direction. The surface facing the upper side and the surface facing the lower side in the vertical direction is called the bottom surface.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the Y axis is taken in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, the X axis is taken in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction for the user in the horizontal plane, and the longitudinal direction for the user in the horizontal plane. The Z-axis is taken in a direction parallel to. The coordinate value at the position (origin O) where these three axes X, Y, and Z intersect is (0, 0, 0). The direction in which the X coordinate value increases is referred to as + X direction, and the direction in which the X coordinate value decreases is referred to as -X direction. The rotation direction around the X axis is referred to as the θx direction. At this time, when it is necessary to specify which direction around the X axis is to be rotated, the clockwise direction as viewed from the origin is referred to as + θx direction, and the counterclockwise direction is referred to as −θx direction. The + Y direction, −Y direction, θy direction, + θy direction, −θy direction, + Z direction, −Z direction, θz direction, + θz direction, and −θz direction are also described above with respect to the X axis and the X axis. Define similarly. That is, for the digital camera 100, the pitch rotation axis extends parallel to the X axis, the yaw rotation axis extends parallel to the Y axis, and the roll rotation axis extends parallel to the Z axis.

  The above definition will be described in detail. When viewed from the user holding the digital camera 100 in the horizontal position, the direction from the left toward the right toward the digital camera 100 is the + X direction, and the direction from the bottom to the top in the vertical direction. Is the + Y direction, and the direction from the user to the subject is the + Z direction. Further, for the digital camera 100 held in the horizontal position, rotation in the θx direction corresponds to pitching, rotation in the θy direction corresponds to yawing, and rotation in the θz direction corresponds to rolling.

  The digital camera 100 includes a photographing lens 102, a flash light emitting device 104, a power switch 106, a release switch 108, an acceleration sensor 114, a playback switch 120, a menu switch 122, an excitation operation permission switch 124, a zoom. Instruction switches 126 and 128, a cross key switch 130, and a display device 132 are provided.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which the photographic lens 102 has a configuration in which the lens barrel unit does not protrude from the main body of the digital camera 100 during the image recording mode. You may have. The flash light emitting device 104 is for emitting light as needed to irradiate a subject at the time of shooting, and may be configured to include a high-pressure discharge circuit and a xenon tube, It may have a light emitting part such as a high brightness LED.

  Here, various switches among the above-described elements of the digital camera 100 will be described first. Various switches described below are configured to be able to accept user operations.

  The power switch 106 is a switch for instructing activation and shutdown of the digital camera 100. The release switch 108 is a switch for instructing start of a photographing operation. The zoom instruction switches 126 and 128 are switches for instructing the zooming operation of the photographing lens 102 when the digital camera 100 is set to the image recording mode.

  The playback switch 120 is a switch for instructing an operation for switching the digital camera 100 in the image recording mode to the playback mode or an operation for switching the digital camera 100 in the playback mode to the image recording mode. The menu switch 122 is a switch for instructing to call a menu screen for instructing to change various settings of the digital camera 100 in the image recording mode or the reproduction mode. The menu switch 122 is also used when instructing the display device 132 to stop displaying the menu screen.

  As will be described in detail later, the vibration operation permission switch 124 allows the digital camera 100 to detect vibration applied to the digital camera 100 by the user, and allows the digital camera 100 to operate according to the type of vibration detected. This switch is allowed to enter the mode.

  The cross key switch 130 is a switch that is operated by the user when the menu switch 122 is operated and the menu screen is displayed on the display device 132 to give instructions to change various settings of the digital camera 100. When the digital camera 100 is set to the image recording mode, the cross key switch 130 also switches the light emission mode (e.g., light emission prohibition, automatic light emission, forced light emission, etc.) of the flash light emitting device 104 by the user, It is also used as a switch for accepting setting change instructions such as macro shooting mode and self-timer shooting mode.

  The acceleration sensor 114 is configured to be able to detect vibration applied to the digital camera 100. As the acceleration sensor 114, a sensor using MEMES (micro electro mechanical systems) has already been put into practical use. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the acceleration sensor 114 is configured to detect accelerations in the ± X direction, ± Y direction, and ± Z direction described above.

  In other words, the acceleration sensor 114 has a sensitivity of 3 degrees of freedom in the translation direction. Of course, the acceleration sensor 114 may have sensitivity of three degrees of freedom in the rotational directions of the ± θx direction, the ± θy direction, and the ± θz direction. Alternatively, the acceleration sensor 114 may have a sensitivity of one degree of freedom, for example, sensitivity only in the ± X direction.

  By analyzing the signal output from the acceleration sensor 114, the user taps the digital camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as “tap”) or shakes the user (there is a user's operation on the digital camera 100). Thus, it is possible to detect that operations that give movement from the outside are collectively referred to as “vibration operations”.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 includes a system controller 300, a photographing lens 102 including a diaphragm device 140, a zooming mechanism 142, a diaphragm driving unit 144, an image sensor 335, an image sensor interface circuit 336, and a memory card interface 338. SDRAM 342, flash memory 344, power supply circuit 322, display driver 326, display device 132, operation switch 332, and acceleration sensor 114. The operation switch 332 is a generic name for various switches described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  A battery 324 is attached to the digital camera 100, and power is supplied to each part in the digital camera 100 via the power supply circuit 322. A memory card 340 is also connected to the digital camera 100 via a memory card interface 338.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the taking lens 102 is a zoom lens having a variable focal length. Based on a control signal from the system controller 300, the zooming mechanism 142 moves a plurality of lens elements in the photographing lens 102 along the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 102, and changes the focal length of the photographing lens 102.

  The aperture driving unit 144 changes the aperture diameter of the aperture device 140 based on a control signal from the system controller 300.

  The image sensor 335 is configured by a CCD, a C-MOS, or the like, and generates an image signal by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens 102. The image sensor interface circuit 336 drives the image sensor 335, reads an image signal from the image sensor 335, and outputs the image signal to the system controller 300.

  The system controller 300 performs processing such as γ correction, color conversion, and demosaicing on the image signal output from the image sensor interface circuit 336, performs image compression processing, and stores the image on the memory card 340 via the memory card interface 338. Record the data. The system controller 300 also inputs from the image sensor interface circuit 336 when the digital camera 100 is in a shooting preparation state (the digital camera 100 is set to the image recording mode and the user points the digital camera 100 toward the subject). The displayed image data is processed at a frame rate such as 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second, and through image data is output to the display driver 326.

  The display driver 326 performs processing for displaying an image based on the image data output from the system controller 300 on the display device 132. At this time, the moving image displayed on the display device 132 is referred to as a through image or a live view image.

  The system controller 300 reads image data from the memory card 340 via the memory card interface 338 when the digital camera 100 is set to the image playback mode, generates display image data, and outputs the display image data to the display driver 326. . The display driver 326 displays an image (reproduced image) based on the display image data output from the system controller 300 on the display device 132.

  The SDRAM 342 is used as a work area when the system controller 300 performs the above-described processing. A control program 346 recorded in the flash memory 344 is read onto the DRAM 342 and executed by the system controller 300. Thereby, the system controller 300 controls the operation of the digital camera 100 in an integrated manner.

  The power supply circuit 322 includes a DC / DC converter, and distributes (supplies) power to the system controller 300 and other functional blocks that require power supply. At this time, the power supply circuit 322 boosts or lowers the voltage to a voltage required for each power supply target, that is, the system controller 300 and other functional blocks. Distribution of power by the power supply circuit 322 is controlled based on a command signal output from the system controller 300. The battery 324 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. Instead of the battery 324, power may be supplied from the outside of the digital camera 100.

  The display device 132 includes a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL display panel, or the like, and is configured to be able to display color images, icons, characters, and the like.

  As described above, the operation switch 332 is a general term for the various switches shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, and includes a tact switch, a dial switch, a touch sensor type switch, or a slide switch. The The memory card 340 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a small hard disk drive, and the like, and is detachably attached to the digital camera 100.

  The flash memory 344 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory built in the digital camera 100. The flash memory 344 includes a control program 346 executed in the system controller 300, shooting parameters set in the digital camera 100, parameters adjusted according to individual differences of the digital camera 100, and the total number of shot frames. In addition, a serial number included in the file name given to the image data, a control parameter 350 including information specifying a folder name for recording the image data, and the like are recorded.

  The acceleration sensor 114 includes an X-axis acceleration sensor 404, a Y-axis acceleration sensor 406, and a Z-axis acceleration sensor 408. These X-axis acceleration sensor 404, Y-axis acceleration sensor 406, and Z-axis acceleration sensor 408 are configured to be able to output a signal that changes according to the magnitude of motion (acceleration) given to the digital camera 100.

  Incidentally, as a means for detecting vibration applied to the digital camera 100, a gyroscope can be used in addition to the acceleration sensor. This will be described. When the camera is vibrated during photographing, so-called camera shake may occur, and the sharpness of the obtained image may be reduced. There is a camera having a function (camera shake correction function) that can suppress image quality deterioration due to camera shake. In this camera, a gyroscope (angular velocity sensor) is used as a sensor for detecting camera shake.

  In a camera having such a sensor for detecting camera shake, the output signal from the gyroscope is integrated during the exposure operation to determine the camera shake amount (camera shake), and the image blur is reduced in accordance with this amount. Shift the lens element in the taking lens. Alternatively, instead of shifting the lens element, the image sensor can be shifted in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing lens. When the digital camera 100 has such a camera shake correction function, it is possible to detect an excitation operation by the user using an output signal from the gyroscope.

  Based on the change in the output signal from the acceleration sensor 114, the system controller 300 performs a digital camera 100 such as an upper tap, a lower tap, a right tap, a left tap, a front tap, and a rear tap as defined below by the user. The applied vibration operation can be detected.

  The upper tap means an operation of tapping the digital camera 100 in the −Y direction. That is, it means an operation of tapping the upper surface of the digital camera 100.

  The lower tap means an operation of tapping the digital camera 100 in the + Y direction. That is, it means an operation of tapping the bottom surface of the digital camera 100. The upper tap and the lower tap can be detected based on a signal output from the Y-axis acceleration sensor 406.

  The right tap means an operation of tapping in the −X direction. That is, it means an operation of tapping the right side surface of the digital camera 100.

  Left tap means an operation of tapping in the + X direction. That is, it means an operation of tapping the left side surface of the digital camera 100. The right tap and the left tap can be detected based on a signal output from the X-axis acceleration sensor 404.

  The front tap means an operation of tapping in the −Z direction. That is, it means an operation of tapping the front of the digital camera 100.

  The back tap means an operation of tapping in the + Z direction. That is, it means an operation of tapping the back of the digital camera. The front tap and the back tap can be detected based on a signal output from the Z-axis acceleration sensor 408.

  In addition to the operations described above by the user, the system controller 300 performs an operation for giving acceleration by translating the digital camera 100 along the ± X, ± Y, or ± Z directions, that is, a swing operation. It can also be configured to be detectable. In addition, it is possible to detect the rotation operation along the ± θx direction, ± θy direction, and ± θz direction, but in the following, only the above tap operation can be detected to simplify the explanation. Will be described.

  The operation of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. 4A and 4B are flowcharts schematically showing a processing procedure for performing shooting, image reproduction display, and the like, which is executed by the system controller 300 when the power of the digital camera 100 is turned on. The processing shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed by copying the control program 346 stored in the flash memory 344 onto the DRAM 342 and sequentially reading and executing the control program by the system controller 300.

  In the following description, when the system controller 300 detects the operation of the operation switch by the user, it will be described that the operation of a specific operation switch is detected among the various operation switches shown in FIGS. In this case, the name of the switch is specifically shown. On the other hand, when explaining that the system controller 300 detects the operation of an unspecified operation switch among the various operation switches shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. The expression “detects the operation” is used.

  In S400, the system controller 300 determines whether or not a shooting mode is selected. When the determination in S400 is affirmative, that is, in S415, which is a branch destination when it is determined that the shooting mode is selected, the system controller 300 detects the operation of the operation switch 332 by the user, and the detected switch The photographing operation is performed according to the operation, and the process returns to S400.

  If the determination in S400 is negative, the process proceeds to S402. In S402, the system controller 300 determines whether the menu switch 122 (FIG. 2) has been operated. If the determination in S402 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S416. In S416, the system controller 300 detects the operation of the operation switch 332 by the user, performs a photographing operation according to the detected switch operation, and returns to S400.

  In S404, which is a branch destination when the determination in S402 is negative, the system controller 300 determines whether or not the playback mode has been selected, that is, whether or not the playback switch 120 has been operated. If the determination in S404 is negative, the process returns to S400. On the other hand, if the determination in S404 is affirmed, the process proceeds to S406, and the system controller 300 reads the reproduction condition parameter. The reproduction condition parameters can be read out from those recorded in the flash memory 344.

  As the playback condition parameter, the display form when displaying an image on the display device 132, for example, one frame playback display, thumbnail playback display, or thumbnail playback display is displayed. Information related to displaying thumbnail images of frames may be included.

  The playback condition parameter may further include information related to a pointer that specifies an image to be displayed. For example, when a shooting operation is performed, a pointer for designating an image to be displayed corresponds to the image data generated by the last shooting. When the power is turned off in the playback mode, the power is turned on again, and the playback mode is selected without going through the shooting operation. Pointer information corresponding to the image displayed before the power is turned off Can be included. In the following description, it is assumed that the single frame playback display mode is set as the playback condition.

  In step S <b> 408, the system controller 300 reads image data specified by the pointer included in the reproduction condition parameter from the memory card 340, generates display image data, and performs a process of displaying the reproduction image on the display device 132. An example of a reproduced image displayed on the display device 132 is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the file name of the image is displayed along with the reproduced image. The reproduced image displayed on the display device 132 by the processing in S408 is as shown in FIG.

  In S410, the system controller 300 determines whether the currently selected operation mode is the switch operation mode or the tap operation mode. The switch operation mode is an operation mode in which the user can control the operation of the digital camera 100 by operating the operation switch 332. The tap operation mode is an operation mode selected by the user operating the vibration operation permission switch 124, and the user can control the operation of the digital camera 100 by performing the tap operation described above. Operation mode.

  If it is determined in S410 that the switch operation mode is selected, the process branches to S417. Then, the system controller 300 detects the operation of the operation switch 332 by the user, and performs a process of displaying a reproduced image corresponding to the detected operation. For example, the process of switching the reproduced image to another one, the process of enlarging and displaying the image being reproduced, and the like are performed in S417. When the process in S417 is completed, the system controller 300 returns to the process in S400.

  If it is determined in S410 that the tap operation mode is selected, the process proceeds to S412. In S <b> 412, the system controller 300 permits execution of an interrupt process for measuring an output signal from the acceleration sensor 114. When the interrupt permission process in S412 is performed, the interrupt processes in S440 and S442 shown in FIG. 4B are executed, for example, every 1 millisecond. That is, the measurement of the output signal from the acceleration sensor 114 in S440 and the measurement data accumulation process in S442 are executed by the system controller 300 at 1 millisecond intervals. By referring to the log data generated in this way, the system controller 300 can grasp the vibration (change in acceleration) applied to the digital camera 100. As for this log data, it is desirable to always store the latest 1,000 measurements, and to sequentially delete older data.

  In S420, the system controller determines whether or not the playback mode has been canceled. When the determination in S420 is affirmative, that is, in S418, which is a branch destination when it is determined that the playback mode has been canceled, the system controller 300 measures the output signal from the acceleration sensor 114 as described above. Is prohibited. When the process in S418 is completed, the system controller 300 returns to the process in S400.

  If the determination in S420 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the playback mode is maintained, the process proceeds to S422. In S422, the system controller 300 analyzes the vibration operation by the user based on the log data generated by the processing results of S440 and S442 performed in the interrupt processing at intervals of 1 millisecond.

  In S424, the system controller 300 determines whether a right tap operation by the user has been detected based on the analysis result in S422. If the determination in S424 is negative, that is, if it is determined that a right tap operation has not been detected, the process returns to S420. On the other hand, if the determination in S424 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that a right tap operation has been detected, the process proceeds to S426 (FIG. 4B).

  In step S426, the system controller 300 determines whether or not the detected magnitude of the right tap operation, that is, the magnitude of the movement given to the digital camera 100 meets the first condition. Here, the first condition illustrated in FIG. 4B will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a graph conceptually showing log data obtained by measuring the output signal from the acceleration sensor 114, where the horizontal axis represents time [seconds] and the vertical axis represents the measurement value of the output signal from the acceleration sensor 114. [V] is shown. Actually, since it is measured discretely every 1 millisecond, the graph should be represented as a set of points rather than lines, but is shown in a simplified manner. Note that the log data may be recorded after filtering processing is performed on signals sequentially output from the acceleration sensor 114, or may be recorded without performing such processing. Good.

  The first condition Vref1 <Vpeak ≦ Vref2 described in S426 of FIG. 4B will be described. The waveform denoted by reference numeral 8A in FIG. 8 (hereinafter referred to as “waveform 8A”) matches the first condition. It will be a thing. That is, when the peak value (Vpeak) of the waveform 8A exceeds the first threshold value (Vref1) and is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value (Vref2), the magnitude of the movement given to the digital camera 100 satisfies the first condition. It is determined that they match.

  If the determination in S426 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S428, and if negative, the process proceeds to S432. In S <b> 428, the system controller 300 increments the pointer that designates the display target image, reads out the image data designated by the updated pointer from the memory card 340, generates display image data, and displays it on the display device 132. Process. Incrementing the pointer means moving the pointer so as to specify image data (one new image data) generated at the timing immediately after the timing at which the image data corresponding to the currently displayed image is generated Or a process of incrementing the pointer value by one.

  In addition, when the image currently displayed is the image that was captured and generated last, the oldest image data among the images recorded in the memory card 340 is designated when the process of incrementing the pointer is performed. You may make it carry out, and you may make it continue displaying the image produced | generated last.

  In S430, the system controller 300 performs a process of displaying an operation direction instruction on the image being displayed. As a result of the processing in S428 and S430, an image as illustrated in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display device 132. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the four characters (file number) after the portion excluding the extension (.jpg) in the file name change from 0055 to 0056. In FIG. The visible moon was sinking and part of it was hidden on the edge of the mountain. That is, FIG. 10B shows a state in which an image generated at the timing immediately after the timing at which the image shown in FIG. 10A is generated is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the operation direction instruction mark 12A is displayed on the display image so that the user can intuitively detect how the digital camera 100 has detected the tap operation by the user. Can know.

  In S432, which is a branch destination when the determination in S426 is negative, the system controller 300 determines that the magnitude of the detected right tap operation, that is, the magnitude of the movement given to the digital camera 100, is the second condition. It is determined whether or not they match.

  Here, the second condition illustrated in FIG. 4B will be described with reference to FIG. 8 again. With respect to the second condition Vref2 <Vpeak described in S432 of FIG. 4B, the waveform denoted by reference numeral 8B in FIG. 8 (hereinafter referred to as “waveform 8B”) matches this second condition. . That is, when the peak value (Vpeak) of the waveform 8B exceeds the second threshold value (Vref2), it is determined that the magnitude of the motion given to the digital camera 100 matches the second condition.

  If the determination in S432 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S434, and if negative, the process returns to S420. In S434, the system controller 300 decrements the pointer for designating the display target image, reads out the image data designated by the updated pointer from the memory card 340, generates display image data, and displays it on the display device 132. Process.

  Decrementing the pointer means moving the pointer to specify the image data (one old image data) generated at the timing immediately before the timing at which the image data corresponding to the currently displayed image was generated Or a process of subtracting one pointer value.

  When the image currently displayed is the oldest image recorded in the memory card 340, the image recorded in the memory card 340 when the pointer is decremented is performed. The newest image data may be designated, or the oldest image may be continuously displayed.

  In S436, the system controller 300 performs an operation direction instruction display process on the displayed image, and then returns to S420. As a result of the processing in S434 and S436, an image as illustrated in FIG. 10C is displayed on the display device 132. Here, it is assumed that the image illustrated in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display device 132 before the image illustrated in FIG. 10C is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 10 (c), the file number in the file name changes from 0056 to 0055, and in FIG. 10 (b), the entire moon that has been sunk and partially hidden at the edge of the mountain can be seen. Yes. That is, FIG. 10C shows a state in which the image generated at the timing immediately before the timing at which the image shown in FIG. 10B is generated is displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the operation direction instruction mark 12B is displayed on the display image so that the user can intuitively detect how the digital camera 100 has detected the tap operation by the user. Can know. In the example shown in FIG. 10C, the operation corresponding to the left tap is performed because the user has performed the right tap, because it matches the second condition as described above. It shows that.

  In this way, the user can select and switch different operation settings by changing the magnitude of movement given to the digital camera 100 in the same direction without holding the digital camera 100. Further, by confirming the operation direction instruction marks 10A and 10B, the user can easily confirm whether or not the operation intended by the user has been performed successfully.

  Although only the case where the digital camera 100 accepts a right tap operation has been described above, other vibration operations such as an upper tap and a back tap may be accepted. At this time, the operation of switching the display image with the upper tap may be performed, or the display image may be switched with the right tap, and the display magnification of the display image may be changed with the upper tap.

  For example, it is possible to perform control such that the display magnification is decreased when the upper tap matches the first condition, and the display magnification is increased when the upper tap matches the second condition. Also in this case, it is desirable to display something similar to the operation direction instruction marks 10A, 10B (for example, a downward arrow or an upward arrow).

-Second Embodiment-
The second embodiment of the present invention will also be described on the assumption that the present invention is applied to a digital camera. Since the configuration of the digital camera is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Since the difference from the first embodiment is only the processing executed inside the digital camera 100, the difference will be mainly described.

  5A and 5B schematically illustrate processing procedures for performing shooting, image reproduction display, and the like executed by the system controller 300 when the digital camera 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is powered on. It is a flowchart shown in FIG. The processing shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is performed by copying the control program 346 stored in the flash memory 344 onto the DRAM 342, and sequentially reading and executing the control program by the system controller 300.

  5A and 5B, the same step numbers as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B are attached to the same processes as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 5A is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 4A. Comparing the flowchart of FIG. 4B with the flowchart of FIG. 5B, the difference is that S426 and S432 in the flowchart of FIG. 4B are replaced with S500 and S502 of the flowchart of FIG. 5B, respectively.

  That is, the difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is the difference in the determination conditions set as the first condition and the second condition. Hereinafter, the difference in the determination conditions will be mainly described.

  In S500, the system controller 300 determines whether or not the detected right tap operation pattern, that is, the motion pattern given to the digital camera 100, matches the first condition.

  FIG. 9 is a graph conceptually showing log data obtained by measuring the output signal from the acceleration sensor 114, as in FIG. 8. The horizontal axis represents time [seconds], and the vertical axis represents the time from the acceleration sensor 114. The measured value [V] of the output signal is shown. Actually, since the measurement is performed discretely every 1 millisecond, the graph should be represented as a set of points instead of a line, but the simplified illustration is similar to FIG. Furthermore, the log data may be recorded after filtering processing is performed on signals sequentially output from the acceleration sensor 114, or may be recorded without performing such processing. Good.

  The first condition described in S500 of FIG. 5B, which is one tap in the time of Tref, will be described. The waveform denoted by reference numeral 9A in FIG. 9 (hereinafter referred to as “waveform 9A”) is the first condition. It will meet the conditions. That is, when one peak waveform exceeding the second threshold value (Vref2) is observed within the time Tref (for example, 0.5 seconds) after the value of the waveform 9A exceeds the second threshold value (Vref2), the user Thus, it is determined that the movement pattern given to the digital camera 100 matches the first condition.

  2 taps within the time Tref, which is the second condition described in S502 of FIG. 5B, will be described. In FIG. 9, the waveform denoted by reference numeral 9B (hereinafter referred to as “waveform 9B”) matches the second condition. That is, when two peak waveforms exceeding the second threshold value (Vref2) are observed within the time Tref (for example, 0.5 seconds) after the value of the waveform 9B exceeds the second threshold value (Vref2), the second It is determined that this condition is met.

  More specifically, the first peak is observed after the value of the waveform 9B exceeds the second threshold value (Vref2), and then the waveform once falls below the first threshold value (Vref1) and then rises. When the peak exceeding the second threshold (Vref2) is observed again, it is desirable to set the tap count to 2 (2 taps). When the number of taps measured within the time Tref is 2, it is determined that the motion pattern given to the digital camera 100 by the user matches the second condition.

  When it is detected based on the determination result in S500 that the user has performed one tap (single tap) operation, the state illustrated in FIG. 10A is illustrated in FIG. 10B. The display content is switched to the state.

  Further, when it is detected that the user has performed a 2-tap operation based on the determination result in S502, the state illustrated in FIG. 10B is changed to the state illustrated in FIG. 10C. Display contents can be switched.

  At this time, as described in the first embodiment, how the digital camera 100 detects the tap operation by the user by displaying the operation direction instruction mark 10A or 10B on the display image. The user can know intuitively. That is, the user can confirm whether or not the operation intended by the user is actually performed on the digital camera 100.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10 (c), the user did the right tap, but it matched the second condition as described above (2 taps within the time of Tref). It shows that the operation corresponding to the left tap has been performed. In this way, the user can select and switch different operation settings by changing the motion pattern applied to the digital camera 100 in the same direction without changing the digital camera 100.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the user can select different operation settings by changing the magnitude of movement given to the digital camera 100 in the same direction without changing the digital camera 100. And can be switched.

  Although only the case where the digital camera 100 accepts a right tap operation has been described in the second embodiment, other vibration operations such as an upper tap and a back tap may be accepted. At this time, the operation of switching the display image with the upper tap may be performed, or the display image may be switched with the right tap, and the display magnification of the display image may be changed with the upper tap.

  For example, it is possible to perform control such that the display magnification is decreased when the upper tap matches the first condition, and the display magnification is increased when the upper tap matches the second condition. In this case, as described in the first embodiment, it is desirable to display something similar to the operation direction instruction marks 10A and 10B (for example, a downward arrow or an upward arrow).

-Third embodiment-
The third embodiment of the present invention will also be described on the assumption that the present invention is applied to a digital camera. Since the configuration of the digital camera is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Since the difference from the first embodiment is only the processing executed inside the digital camera 100, the difference will be mainly described.

  6A and 6B schematically illustrate processing procedures for performing shooting, image reproduction display, and the like executed by the system controller 300 when the digital camera 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is powered on. It is a flowchart shown in FIG. The processing shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is performed by copying the control program 346 stored in the flash memory 344 onto the DRAM 342, and sequentially reading and executing the control program by the system controller 300.

  6A and 6B, the same step numbers as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B are assigned to the same processes as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 6A is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 4A. Comparing the flowchart of FIG. 4B with the flowchart of FIG. 6B, the difference is that S428 and S434 in the flowchart of FIG. 4B are replaced with S600 and S602 of the flowchart of FIG. 6B, respectively.

  In other words, the difference between the first embodiment and the third embodiment is the difference in processing after it is determined in S426 and S432 that the right tap matches the first condition or the second condition. is there. Hereinafter, the difference in processing after the positive determination is made in S426 and S432 will be mainly described.

  S600 is a branch destination when it is determined in S426 that the right tap satisfies the first condition (Vref1 <Vpeak ≦ Vref2). In S600, the system controller 300 changes the pointer for designating the display target image according to a predetermined selection order, reads the image data designated by the changed pointer from the memory card 340, generates display image data, and displays it. Processing to display on the device 132 is performed.

  Here, the “default selection order” will be described. In S600, the image displayed on the display device 132 of the digital camera 100 set to the playback mode is changed to another one. Regarding the change of the display image, in the first and second embodiments, the user gives to the digital camera 100 whether to display a newer image or an older image than the currently displayed image. It is configured to specify directly by changing.

  For example, there are two switches, A and B. When switch A is pressed, a newer image is displayed than what is currently displayed, and when switch B is pressed, an image older than the currently displayed image is displayed. It is similar to being done. In such a situation, instead of pressing the switch A and the switch B, the movements given to the digital camera 100 are different in the first and second embodiments.

  On the other hand, the thing of 3rd Embodiment is similar to what has a toggle switch and a push switch, for example. That is, it is similar to the case where a change is made in the direction selected (designated) by the toggle switch by pressing the push switch after selecting either the forward or reverse change direction by the toggle switch.

  That is, the “default selection order” corresponds to the change direction specified by the toggle switch in the example having the toggle switch and the push switch. In the third embodiment, the “predetermined selection order” switches the display from the image currently displayed on the display device 132 to one new image when an operation for changing the display image is performed by the user. (If you consider the change direction of the file number, it will be “switching in ascending order”), or switch the display from the currently displayed image to the one older image (similarly, if you consider the change direction of the file number, “decreasing order”) This is used to specify whether or not to “switch”.

  By the way, flash emission modes that can be selected when the digital camera 100 is switched to the shooting mode include an automatic emission mode, a red-eye reduction emission mode, a forced emission mode, and an emission inhibition mode. In the prior art, the selection order of these modes is fixed, and each time the operation switch is pressed, for example, automatic flash mode → red-eye reduction flash mode → forced flash mode → flash prohibit mode → auto flash mode is sequentially switched. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the above-described operation setting related to the flash emission can be configured to be switched by a user's vibration operation. With regard to the selection order at that time, for example, when the automatic flash mode → red-eye reduction flash mode → forced flash mode → flash prohibit mode → auto flash mode is defined as “forward selection order”, “reverse selection order” It is configured to be switchable. That is, when the selection order is switched in the reverse direction, the selection order is automatic light emission mode → light emission inhibition mode → forced light emission mode → red-eye reduction light emission mode → automatic light emission mode. That is, the “default selection order” in S600 means the operation setting selection order (forward selection order or reverse selection order) determined at the time of executing the process of S600.

  With reference to FIG. 6B again, the selection order inversion processing in S602 will be described. The selection order reversal process is a process of switching to a selection order opposite to the selection order currently set. That is, to explain using the above-described forward selection order and reverse selection order, when the selection order set immediately before the processing of S602 is the forward selection order, This is a process for setting the selection order in the reverse direction. On the contrary, when the selection order set at the time point is the selection order in the reverse direction, it is a process of setting the selection order in the forward direction.

  FIG. 11 shows a display device in response to the user performing a vibration operation when the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B is executed by the system controller 300 and the playback mode is set in the digital camera 100. It is a figure explaining a mode that the image displayed on 132 is switched.

  Assume that the image illustrated in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display device 132 when the process in S408 of FIG. 6A is executed. The selection order set at this time can be based on the information recorded in the reproduction condition parameter read in S406.

  In FIG. 11A, the selection order is an example in which, when counting up, that is, when switching the display to the next image, a newer image than the currently displayed image is displayed. It is shown. Correspondingly, an operation direction instruction mark 11A is displayed.

  When the determination in S426 of FIG. 6B is affirmed and the process of S600 is executed in a state where the image as illustrated in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display device 132, the processing in S600 is illustrated in FIG. 11B. A displayed image is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the file number in the file name changes from 0055 to 0056. In FIG. 11A, the moon that has been entirely visible has sunk and a part is hidden at the end of the mountain. That is, FIG. 11B shows a state in which an image newer than the image shown in FIG. Also in FIG. 11B, the operation direction instruction mark 11A is displayed. This is because the selection order inversion process has not yet been performed at the time when the image of FIG. 11B is displayed.

  Subsequently, in a state where the image illustrated in FIG. 11B is displayed on the display device 132, when the determination in S432 of FIG. 6B is affirmed and the process of S602 is executed, the process illustrated in FIG. An image as illustrated is displayed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11C, the displayed image is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 11B, and the operation direction instruction mark 11B is displayed instead of the operation direction instruction mark 11A. This indicates that the selection order of the operation setting has been switched to the reverse selection order.

  When the determination in S426 of FIG. 6B is affirmed again and the process of S600 is executed in a state where the image as illustrated in FIG. 11C is displayed on the display device 132, the process of S600 is performed in FIG. An image as illustrated is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 11 (d), the file number in the file name changes from 0056 to 0055. In FIG. 11 (c), the moon that was sunk and partially hidden at the end of the mountain is shown in FIG. 11 (d). The whole is visible. That is, FIG. 11D shows a state in which an image older than the image shown in FIG. 11C (an image generated earlier) is displayed. Also in FIG. 11D, the operation direction instruction mark 11B is displayed.

  In the third embodiment described above, when the right tap matches the first condition (Vref1 <Vpeak ≦ Vref2), the display image is changed in S600, and the second condition (Vref2 < If it matches Vpeak), selection order reversal processing is performed in S602. That is, as can be seen from the waveform illustrated in FIG. 8, the display image change process is performed when the magnitude of the movement given to the digital camera 100 by the user is relatively small, and Selection order reversal processing is performed.

  In this way, when the user performs an operation of switching the selection order to the reverse of the selection order currently set, it is necessary to give a greater movement to the digital camera 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the switching of the selection order even though the user performs an operation intended to change the display image.

  When the selection order is switched, a display (operation direction instruction marks 13A and 13B) indicating the selection order set as a result is displayed on the display device 132. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp whether the image is changed to an image older than the currently displayed image or a new image when an operation for changing the display image is performed.

  Also in the third embodiment, the user can select and switch different operation settings by changing the magnitude of movement given to the digital camera 100 in the same direction without holding the digital camera 100. Become.

-Fourth embodiment-
The fourth embodiment of the present invention will also be described on the assumption that the present invention is applied to a digital camera. Since the configuration of the digital camera is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In the third embodiment, whether or not the user's right tap satisfies the first condition and the second condition is determined based on the magnitude of movement given to the digital camera 100. . In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the digital camera 100 determines whether or not the first condition and the second condition are met, as described in the second embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that it is performed based on the motion pattern given to.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate processing procedures for performing shooting, image reproduction display, and the like executed by the system controller 300 when the digital camera 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is powered on. It is a flowchart shown in FIG. The processing shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is performed by copying the control program 346 stored in the flash memory 344 onto the DRAM 342, and the system controller 300 sequentially reads and executes the control program.

  7A and 7B, the same processing as that of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, or FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B includes the processing shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, or FIG. 6A and FIG. The same step numbers as the step numbers given in the flowchart are given, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 7A is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 4A or 6A. Comparing the flowchart of FIG. 6B with the flowchart of FIG. 7B, the difference is that S426 and S432 in the flowchart of FIG. 6B are replaced with S700 and S702 of the flowchart of FIG. 7B, respectively.

  In other words, the difference between the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment is in the determination of whether or not the right tap matches the first condition or the second condition.

  In S700, the same processing as the determination processing in S500 described in the second embodiment with reference to FIGS. 5B and 9 is performed. That is, when it is detected in S700 that a one-tap operation has been performed within the time Tref, the system controller 300 determines that the movement pattern given to the digital camera 100 matches the first condition.

  Similarly, in S702, the same processing as the determination processing in S502 described with reference to FIGS. 5B and 9 in the second embodiment is performed. That is, if it is detected in S702 that a 2-tap operation has been performed within the time Tref, the system controller 300 determines that the motion pattern given to the digital camera 100 matches the second condition.

  The operation after the determination described above in S700 and S702 is performed is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

  Assume that the image illustrated in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display device 132 when the process in S408 of FIG. 7A is executed. The selection order set at this time can be based on the information recorded in the playback condition parameter read in S406. In FIG. 11A, the selection order is an example in which, when counting up, that is, when switching the display to the next image, a newer image than the currently displayed image is displayed. It is shown. Correspondingly, an operation direction instruction mark 11A is displayed.

  If the determination in S700 of FIG. 7B is affirmed while the image as illustrated in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display device 132, and the process of S600 is executed, the process illustrated in FIG. A displayed image is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 11 (b), the file number in the file name changes from 0055 to 0056, and in FIG. 11 (a), the moon which has been entirely visible has sunk and a part is hidden at the end of the mountain. That is, FIG. 11B shows a state in which an image newer than the image shown in FIG. Also in FIG. 11B, the operation direction instruction mark 11A is displayed.

  Subsequently, in a state where the image illustrated in FIG. 11B is displayed on the display device 132, when the determination in S702 of FIG. 7B is affirmed and the process of S602 is executed, the process illustrated in FIG. An image as illustrated is displayed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11C, the displayed image is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 11B, and the operation direction instruction mark 11B is displayed instead of the operation direction instruction mark 11A. This indicates that the selection order of the operation setting has been switched to the reverse selection order.

  When the determination in S700 of FIG. 7B is affirmed again and the process of S600 is executed in a state where an image as illustrated in FIG. 11C is displayed on the display device 132, the process of S600 is performed in FIG. An image as illustrated is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 11 (d), the file number in the file name changes from 0056 to 0055. In FIG. 11 (c), the moon that was sunk and partially hidden at the end of the mountain is shown in FIG. 11 (d). The whole is visible. That is, FIG. 11D shows a state in which an image older than the image shown in FIG. 11C (an image generated earlier) is displayed. Also in FIG. 11D, the operation direction instruction mark 11B is displayed.

  In the fourth embodiment described above, when the right tap matches the first condition (one tap within the Tref time), the display image is changed in S600, and the second condition ( When it matches 2 taps within the Tref time, selection order reversal processing is performed in S602.

  That is, as can be seen from the waveform illustrated in FIG. 9, when the movement pattern given to the digital camera 100 by the user is relatively simple, the display image change process is performed. The selection order reversal processing is performed. That is, the first condition and the second condition are defined by the complexity of the motion given to the digital camera 100, and the complexity of the motion pattern defined by the second condition is defined by the first condition. Higher than the complexity of the movement pattern.

  In this way, when the user performs an operation of switching the selection order to the reverse of the selection order that is currently set, the digital camera 100 needs to be given a more complicated pattern movement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the switching of the selection order even though the user performs an operation intended to change the display image.

  When the selection order is switched, the display (operation direction instruction marks 11A and 11B) indicating the selection order set as a result is displayed on the display device 132. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp whether the image is changed to an image older than the currently displayed image or a new image when an operation for changing the display image is performed.

  Examples of the above-described “relatively high” complexity of motion patterns include the following examples in addition to the example in which taps are performed a plurality of times within a predetermined time as described above. For example, the magnitude of the movement given to the digital camera 100 by taps performed a plurality of times may be different. For example, the combination of the strengths of the two tap operations may be weak / strong, strong / weak, strong / strong, weak / weak. Moreover, it is good also as a combination of the intensity | strength of three or more tap operations.

  Further, like Morse code, combinations of time intervals of tap operations performed a plurality of times (time intervals between the first tap and the second tap, time intervals between the second tap and the third tap,... When it is detected that the combination) matches a predetermined pattern, it is possible to determine that the operation is relatively high in complexity. Of course, not only a tap operation but also a swing operation or a rotation operation or a combination of these operations can be detected as a relatively high complexity operation.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, the user can select and switch different operation settings by changing the movement pattern applied to the digital camera 100 in the same direction without holding the digital camera 100. .

  As described above, in the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to the digital camera 100 and a playback mode for reproducing and displaying an image on the display device 132 is selected and a display image is changed will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, increase / decrease the display magnification of the display image, switch between single-frame display / thumbnail image display, increase / decrease the number of display frames when displaying thumbnail images, and information displayed together with the image (file name, shooting) The present invention can be applied when selecting a date, a histogram, and the like.

  The present invention can also be applied when selecting an operation setting when the digital camera 100 is set to the shooting mode. Hereinafter, selection of operation settings in the shooting mode will be described.

  Some examples of operation settings in the shooting mode are: flash firing mode, set ISO sensitivity, image size and compression ratio when recording images, exposure mode (program auto, aperture priority auto, shutter speed priority) Auto, manual setting), white balance setting (auto, clear sky, cloudy, fluorescent light, tungsten light, manual setting), set aperture value, set shutter speed, set focal length, etc.

  Setting operations that can be selected in the flash emission mode include an automatic emission mode, a red-eye reduction emission mode, a forced emission mode, and an emission inhibition mode, as described in the third embodiment. At this time, it is assumed that the automatic light emission mode → red-eye reduction light emission mode → forced light emission mode → light emission inhibition mode → automatic light emission mode is determined as the forward selection order.

  In the example of the flash emission mode switching described above, in the first and second embodiments, if it is determined that the right tap matches the first condition, the operation mode is set according to the forward selection order. Selected sequentially. If it is determined that the second condition is met, the operation modes are sequentially selected in accordance with the reverse selection order, which is opposite to the above-described forward selection order. For example, when the forced light emission mode is currently selected, when it is determined that the first condition is met, the mode is switched to the light emission inhibition mode, while when it is determined that the second condition is met, the red eye Switch to reduced light emission mode.

  Similarly, in the flash mode switching example described above, in the third and fourth embodiments, if it is determined that the right tap matches the second condition, the selection is opposite to the current selection order. Switch to rank. When it is determined that the right tap meets the first condition, the operation modes are sequentially selected according to the selection order. For example, assuming that the current selection order is the reverse selection order and the forced light emission mode is currently selected, and it is determined that the right tap meets the second condition, the selection order is the forward direction. Switch to selection order. In this state, when it is determined that the right tap matches the first condition, the operation mode is switched to the light emission inhibition mode.

  As the set ISO sensitivity, for example, 50 → 100 → 200 → 400 → 800 → 1600 → 3200 → auto sensitivity setting → 50, the movement given to the digital camera 100 by the user is detected as described above. Based on the result, it can be made sequentially selectable.

  The image size and compression ratio when recording an image are: RAW → (Large / Low compression) → (Large / Medium compression) → (Large / High compression) → (Middle / Low compression) → (Middle / Medium compression) → (Middle / High compression) → (Small / Low compression) → (Small / Medium compression) → (Small / High compression) → RAW is given to the digital camera 100 by the user as described above with RAW as the forward selection order. Selection can be made sequentially based on the result of motion detection.

  The same applies to other cases. That is, as the exposure mode, the program auto mode → aperture priority auto mode → shutter speed priority auto mode → manual exposure mode → program auto mode can be selected in the forward direction.

  As the white balance setting, it is possible to set the order of selection in the forward direction as follows: auto → clear sky → cloudy sky → fluorescent lamp → tungsten lamp → manual → auto. As the aperture value, 2.8 → 3.4 → 4 → 4.8 → 5.6 → 6.7 → 8 → 9.5 → 11 → 2.8 can be selected in the forward direction. .

  As the set shutter speed, 1 second → 1/2 second → 1/4 second → 1/8 second →... → 1/2000 second → 1/4000 second → 1 second can be set as the forward selection order. As the set focal length, the equivalent focal length can be selected in the forward direction as follows: 28 mm equivalent → 35 mm equivalent → 50 mm equivalent → 75 mm equivalent → 105 mm equivalent → 150 mm equivalent → 200 mm equivalent → 28 mm equivalent.

  Then, as described in the first to fourth embodiments, the selection can be made sequentially based on the result of detecting the movement given to the digital camera 100 by the user. For example, when the set aperture value is changed, the system controller 300 issues a control signal to the aperture drive unit 144 to change the aperture opening of the aperture device 140 during the exposure operation in accordance with the changed aperture value. it can. When the set focal length is changed, the system controller 300 can send a control signal to the zoom mechanism 142 (FIG. 3) to change the focal length of the taking lens 102.

  The present invention can be applied not only to the above-described digital camera but also to other devices such as a storage viewer, a digital photo frame, a mobile phone, a voice recorder, an image recording / playback device main body, a remote control device, a personal computer, a PDA, etc. It is. For example, telephone directory search on a mobile phone, recording sound quality on a voice recorder, recording format, switching of operation settings such as stereo / monaural, switching of playback direction, playback speed and switching of broadcast channels by performing vibration operation on the remote control device Etc. can be performed by one-handed operation.

  The present invention is applicable to a digital still camera, a digital movie camera, a storage viewer, a digital photo frame, a mobile phone, an image recording / playback apparatus, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital camera 102 ... Shooting lens 104 ... Flash light-emitting device 106 ... Power switch 108 ... Release switch 114 ... Acceleration sensor 120 ... Reproduction switch 122 ... Menu switch 124 ... Excitation operation permission switch 126, 128 ... Zoom instruction switch 130 ... Cross Key switch 132 ... Display device 140 ... Aperture device 142 ... Scaling mechanism 144 ... Aperture drive unit 300 ... System controller 322 ... Power supply circuit 324 ... Battery 326 ... Display driver 332 ... Operation switch 335 ... Image sensor 336 ... Image sensor interface circuit 338 ... Memory card interface 340 ... Memory card 342 ... SDRAM
344 ... Flash memory 346 ... Control program 350 ... Control parameter 404 ... X-axis acceleration sensor 406 ... Y-axis acceleration sensor 408 ... Z-axis acceleration sensor

Claims (2)

An acceleration sensor capable of outputting a signal corresponding to a vibration operation by a user;
A controller that selects one setting by sequentially switching a plurality of settings according to a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction each time the vibration operation is given;
A display unit that displays an operation direction instruction mark for indicating whether the selection is performed according to the first direction or the second direction ;
The control unit is configured such that the excitation operation is in a predetermined direction with respect to the device based on a signal output from the acceleration sensor, and the magnitude exceeds the first threshold and is equal to or less than the second threshold. Is determined, the plurality of settings are sequentially switched according to the first direction to select one setting, and the excitation operation is in the predetermined direction with respect to the device and the size thereof. An apparatus configured to be able to select one setting by sequentially switching the plurality of settings according to the second direction when it is determined that the second threshold is exceeded. An acceleration sensor capable of outputting a signal corresponding to a vibration operation by a user;
A controller that selects one setting by sequentially switching a plurality of settings according to a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction each time the vibration operation is given;
A display unit that displays an operation direction instruction mark for indicating whether the selection is performed according to the first direction or the second direction ;
The control unit, based on a signal output from the acceleration sensor, the first direction when the excitation operation is in a predetermined direction with respect to the device and is detected once within a predetermined time. The plurality of settings are sequentially switched to select one setting, and when the vibration operation is detected in the predetermined direction with respect to the device twice and within the predetermined time, the second The apparatus is configured to be able to make one setting by sequentially switching the plurality of settings in accordance with the direction of the.

Images