JP5534856B2 - Display control apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control apparatus that can be used by an operator, for example, a digital camera, by holding it vertically or horizontally, its control method, a program used for the display control apparatus, and a computer-readable computer storing this program Related to a storage medium.

  As a portable display control device equipped with an image display unit such as a liquid crystal panel, when the operator changes the vertical and horizontal directions, the entire screen display in the image display unit is switched, so that the operator can always face the screen. Those are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when the display direction of the image display section is switched, the screen state before switching is saved, and information such as graphics, images, and character strings that are included only in places that are not displayed after switching are displayed only after switching There is known a display control device that is moved to and redisplayed after switching (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Further, when the operator instructs to display the operation switch when the image is displayed over the entire display area of the image display unit or substantially the entire display area, the image is reduced and displayed, and the resulting empty space is generated. A display control device that displays an operation switch in an area is known (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP 2002-094838 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-110837 JP 2006-344168 A

  For such a display control device, an operator may operate an operation part on a screen such as an icon with a direction button provided as hardware.

  However, in such a case, in the conventional display control device, if the display is switched vertically or horizontally during the operation of the operator, the direction of the direction button is different from the direction in which the icon or the like on the image display unit is operated. There's a problem. In other words, there is a problem that it is difficult to continue the operation before and after the display is switched between vertical and horizontal.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a display control device in which an operation method using a direction button does not change while an operation part on which an icon or the like is displayed is easily faced to an operator when it is changed vertically and horizontally. Objective. It is another object of the present invention to provide a display control device control method, a program used for the display control device, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the display control apparatus according to claim 1 displays at least a pair of direction operation members and a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to operations of the at least one pair of direction operation members on the display unit. In accordance with the posture change detected by the tilt detection means, the tilt detection means for detecting the posture change in the rotation direction with the axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as the rotation axis, Control means for controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in icon units, and before and after rotating any one of the plurality of icons by the control means. the selected in the same order in response to the same direction operation for direction control member, and the icon selection means for selecting in reverse order, was closed in response to the other direction operation, wherein, If there is it a rotating overlaps with adjacent icons icon in a selectable icons by serial icon selection means, and control means controls so as not to overlap with the adjacent icon to shrink the icons To do.

  According to the present invention, when the operator operates the operation part on the screen such as an icon with the direction buttons provided as hardware, the operation part is not changed to the operator even if the display control device is moved vertically during operation. Displayed in a face-to-face state. Thereby, it is possible to perform an operation while the directions of the direction buttons and the direction in which the operation part on the screen is operated are matched.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which the digital camera based on 1st Embodiment is hold | maintained by the operator, (A) is horizontal and (B) is vertical. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reference example in which an icon is displayed by rotating the entire GUI operation unit in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the digital camera when the digital camera is changed from landscape to portrait. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the rotation display of an icon unit which implement | achieves the transition between the states shown by FIG. 3 (A) and (B). FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing in step S503 for rotating and displaying icon graphic data shown in FIG. 5; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which performs icon selection by pressing down a four-way button in the digital camera based on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example which performs icon selection by pressing down a four-way button in the digital camera based on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which changes selection of the icon displayed on the display part in the digital camera based on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which the digital camera based on 2nd Embodiment is hold | maintained vertically by the operator. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the rotation display of the setting state icon group in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state by which the digital camera based on 3rd Embodiment is hold | maintained by the operator, (A) is horizontal and (B) is vertical. 13 is an enlarged view of a function selection icon group shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (B), respectively. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing based on 3rd Embodiment, rotating and displaying per icon unit accompanying the reduction process of an icon. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the function selection icon group displayed on a display part in the state with which the digital camera based on 4th Embodiment is hold | maintained vertically. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the rotation display of the icon based on 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the present invention will be described by applying it to a digital camera.

<Schematic configuration of digital camera>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an operation unit composed of operation members such as various switches and buttons for receiving various operations by an operator, and a display unit 28 for displaying images and various information.

  As an operation unit, the digital camera 100 has a mode dial 60 for switching various modes, a shutter button 61 for instructing photographing, a rotatable controller wheel 73 for instructing selection items, and a power source for switching power on / off. A switch 72 is provided. Further, the digital camera 100 has a four-way button 74 (a circular member engraved with a substantially oval arranged in a cross shape) having two pairs of direction buttons disposed inside the controller wheel 73 as an operation unit. It has. Further, a set (SET) button 75 is arranged inside the four-way button 74.

  Furthermore, the digital camera 100 is provided with a function display button 76 for displaying on the display unit 28 icons for selecting and setting various functions executable by the digital camera 100.

  A connection cable 111 can be connected to the digital camera 100 via a connector 112. The digital camera 100 includes a storage medium slot 201 for storing the storage medium 200, and the storage medium slot 201 is opened and closed by a lid 203. FIG. 1 shows a state where the lid 203 is opened and the storage medium 200 is being inserted into the storage medium slot 201. The storage medium 200 is a memory card, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, or the like. When stored in the storage medium slot 201, the storage medium 200 can communicate with the main body of the digital camera 100.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 100.

  The digital camera 100 includes a photographing lens 103 including a focus lens, a shutter 101 having a diaphragm function, and an imaging unit 22 including a CCD, a CMOS element, or the like that converts an optical image into an electric signal. The digital camera 100 also includes an A / D converter 23 that converts an analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal, and a barrier 102 that covers the imaging unit including the photographing lens 103. The barrier 102 prevents the imaging system including the photographing lens 103, the shutter 101, and the imaging unit 22 from being dirty or damaged.

  In the digital camera 100, the system control unit 50 performs overall control of the digital camera 100, and the image processing unit 24 performs predetermined pixel interpolation on the data from the A / D converter 23 and the data from the memory control unit 15. Resizing processing such as reduction and color conversion processing are performed. The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing unit 24. . Thereby, AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through-the-lens) method are performed.

  The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation result.

  Output data from the A / D converter 23 is directly written into the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15 or via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23 and image data to be displayed on the display unit 28. The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images, a moving image and sound for a predetermined time.

  The memory 32 also serves as an image display memory (video memory). The image display data stored in the memory 32 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 13 and supplied to the display unit 28, and thus an image is displayed on the display unit 28. The display unit 28 includes a display such as an LCD, and displays an image according to an analog signal from the D / A converter 13.

  The digital camera 100 includes a non-volatile memory 56 that is an electrically erasable / storable memory (for example, an EEPROM). The non-volatile memory 56 includes constants, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit 50. Is remembered. When the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 is executed by the system control unit 50, processes shown in various flowcharts described later are realized.

  Development of constants and variables for operation of the system control unit 50 and programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56 is performed in the system memory 52. For the system memory 52, for example, RAM is used. The system control unit 50 also controls the image display on the display unit 28 by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 13, the display unit 28, and the like.

  The operation unit 70 is an operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50, and mainly includes a mode dial 60, a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter provided in the shutter button 61. And a switch 64.

  By operating the mode dial 60, the operation mode of the system control unit 50 can be switched to a still image recording mode, a moving image recording mode, a reproduction mode, or the like.

  The first shutter switch 62 is turned on by a so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction) during the operation of the shutter button 61, and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The first shutter switch signal SW1 starts operations such as AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing.

  The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed, so-called full press (shooting instruction), and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. In response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 50 starts a series of shooting processing operations from reading a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing image data into the storage medium 200. The storage medium 200 can communicate with the system control unit 50 and the like via the interface 18.

  Each member (not shown in FIG. 2) provided as the operation unit 70 is appropriately assigned a function for each scene for selection and operation of various function icons displayed on the display unit 28. Acts as a function button. Examples of the function buttons include a menu button, an end button, a return button, an image advance button, a jump button, a narrowing button, and an attribute change button. When the menu button is pressed, various setting menu screens are displayed on the display unit 28.

  The operator can make various settings intuitively using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the controller wheel 73, the four-way button 74, and the set button 75.

  When the controller wheel 73 is rotated, an electrical pulse signal is generated according to the operation amount. The pulse signal includes information for determining the angle at which the controller wheel 73 is rotated, the number of rotations, and the like, and the system control unit 50 controls each part of the digital camera 100 based on the pulse signal.

  The controller wheel 73 may have any configuration as long as it can detect a rotation operation. For example, a dial operation member that rotates the controller wheel 73 itself to generate a pulse signal in accordance with the rotation operation of the operator may be used. Further, it may be a so-called touch wheel that is an operation member made of a touch sensor and detects the rotation operation of the operator's finger on the operation member without rotating the operation member itself.

  Details of the functions of the four-way button 74 and the set button 75 will be described later in association with operations on icons displayed on the display unit 28.

  In the digital camera 100, various drive components and electronic components are operated by power supplied from the power supply unit 30. The power supply unit 30 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, or an AC adapter. Function as.

  The power supply from the power supply unit 30 is controlled by the power supply control unit 80. The power control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery or an AC adapter is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Further, the power control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the storage medium 200 for a necessary period.

  In the digital camera 100, in a state where the display surface of the display unit 28 is parallel to the vertical direction, the digital camera 100 is in the horizontal orientation (see FIG. 3A described later) or the vertical orientation (see FIG. 3B described later). An inclination sensor 120 is provided as an inclination detection means for detecting A known vertical / horizontal detection sensor or acceleration sensor is used as the tilt sensor 120, and the tilt (posture) of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity can be detected.

  The hardware configuration in the schematic configuration of the digital camera 100 described above is common to the following first to fifth embodiments, and will be described below by various hardwares operating together according to the contents of a program (software). Various functions are performed.

<First Embodiment>
The first embodiment relates to a method for selecting an icon that can be selected with a four-way button 74 among icons displayed on the display unit 28 when the digital camera 100 is switched between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation by an operator. The first embodiment also relates to a configuration for rotating and displaying icons displayed on the display unit 28 in units of icons.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the digital camera 100 is held in a landscape orientation by the operator, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the digital camera 100 is held in a portrait orientation. In FIG. 3A, a downward arrow 2001 indicates the direction of gravity.

  An image 3001 displayed on the display unit 28 is one frame of captured image data sequentially displayed to realize the electronic viewfinder function, and includes a subject in front of the imaging lens (in the case of this figure, including a building). (Landscape). According to the horizontal orientation and vertical orientation by the operator of the digital camera 100, the subject is captured as a horizontally long image in FIG. 3A, and the subject is captured as a vertically long image in FIG. 3B.

  Icons 7001 to 7007 for executing various functions are displayed on the image 3001 displayed on the display unit 28. These icons 7001 to 7007 are displayed / hidden when the function display button 76 is pressed.

  Icons 7001 to 7007 respectively indicate an operation mode, exposure correction, white balance, my color, photometry, image quality, and resolution in this order. Here, the shooting mode is selected as the operation mode, and the still image recording mode and the moving image recording mode are collectively referred to as a shooting mode. In the following description, the icons 7001 to 7007 are collectively referred to as “function selection icon group”.

  On the image 3001 displayed on the display unit 28, icons 7008 to 7013 indicating items that can be selected according to the set function are displayed. The display / non-display of the icons 7008 to 7013 is linked to the display / non-display of the icons 7001 to 7007.

  Icons 7008 to 7013 respectively indicate manual, digital macro, one-point color, switch color, stitch assist (from right to left), and stitch assist (from left to right). In the following description, the icons 7008 to 7013 are collectively referred to as “function setting icon group”.

  Icons 7001 to 7013 are used for setting / changing functions. By operating the four-way button 74, predetermined icons can be sequentially selected from the icons 7001 to 7013, and the selection is determined by pressing the set button 75. That is, the four-way button 74 functions as an icon selection unit.

  On the image 3001, icons 7020 to 7024 representing the setting state of the digital camera 100 are also displayed. Icons 7020 to 7024 represent ISO sensitivity, strobe, shooting method, vertical and horizontal automatic rotation, and remaining battery level in this order. In the following description, the icons 7020 to 7024 are collectively referred to as “setting state icon group”.

  The setting state icon group cannot be selected, that is, cannot be operated by the four-way button 74 or the like, and is displayed constantly when the shooting mode is selected. For example, when the ISO sensitivity is changed by operating the operation unit 70, the display of the icon 7020 automatically changes to the changed value.

  3B, icons 7001 to 7013 and 7020 to 7024 are directions opposite to the rotation direction of the digital camera 100 in units of icons while maintaining the positional relationship with respect to the display unit 28 from the state of FIG. It is displayed as rotated. This icon display control will be described in detail later with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  When the digital camera 100 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the state of FIG. 3A to the state of FIG. 3B, the function selection icon group remains along the short side of the display unit 28, and the icon As a result, the unit is displayed without being rotated (up, down, left and right are not changed) when viewed from the operator. Compared with the state of FIG. 3A, the digital camera 100 is rotated 90 degrees at the original display position while maintaining the positional relationship with other icons. Further, the function setting icon group is displayed along the long side of the display unit 28 without being rotated as a result when viewed from the operator in units of icons. Compared with the state of FIG. 3A, the digital camera 100 is rotated 90 degrees at the original display position while maintaining the positional relationship with other icons. The setting state icon group moves from the upper right corner to the lower right corner of the display unit 28, but is displayed without rotating as a result in icon units.

  In the digital camera 100, since the display unit 28 and the four-way button 74 are integrally configured as hardware, the positional relationship between the display unit 28 and the direction of the four-way button 74 is maintained, and the four-way button 74 for each icon. The mutual positional relationship with respect to is also maintained.

  For example, in the state shown in FIG. 3A, when the operator changes the selection state from “shooting mode” to “exposure correction” in accordance with a predetermined GUI operation method, the operator It is necessary to press the direction button 7014. Even if the operator changes the digital camera 100 from horizontal to vertical during this operation, each icon rotates in units of icons as shown in FIG. The mutual positional relationship with the icon to be held is maintained before and after the change. Therefore, the operator can change the selection state by pressing the direction button 7014 in the same order.

  Of course, when the digital camera 100 is switched from portrait to landscape, the state shown in FIG. 3B is changed to the state shown in FIG. 3A. At this time, the operability with the four-way button 74 is changed. Is retained.

  In FIG. 4, when the digital camera 100 is switched from landscape orientation to portrait orientation, the entire GUI operation unit such as an icon is rotated on the display unit 28 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the digital camera 100. A reference example is shown.

  In the state of FIG. 4, the function selection icon group is along the long side which is the left side of the display unit 28, the function setting icon group is along the short side which is the lower side of the display unit 28, and the setting state icon group is They are displayed in the upper right corner of the display unit 28, respectively.

  In the case of this reference example, there is a problem in that the correspondence between each direction of the four-way button 74 and the icon or the like displayed on the display unit 28 is changed by changing the operator.

  That is, for example, when the operator changes the selection state from “shooting mode” to “exposure correction” in accordance with a predetermined GUI operation method in the state shown in FIG. It is necessary to press the direction button 7014 in the menu.

  However, in the state of FIG. 4, the operator can change the selection state from “shooting mode” to “exposure correction” when the digital camera is changed from landscape to portrait during the operation by pressing the direction button 7016. This must be done and the finger position for pressing must be changed. Such a problem does not occur in the configuration in which the relationship of FIGS. 3A and 3B is satisfied.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process for rotation display in units of icons, which realizes the transition between the states shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B). Each process in the control process of the icon unit rotation display is realized by the system control unit 50 expanding and executing the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 in the system memory 52.

  First, the tilt sensor 120 detects the angle at which the digital camera 100 is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit 28 as a central axis in units of 90 degrees with respect to the direction of gravity (step S501). Then, the system control unit 50 determines which side of the square display unit 28 is the base based on the detection signal of the tilt sensor 120 (step S502).

  Next, the system control unit 50 rotates the graphic data of various icons displayed on the display unit 28 so that the side determined to be the bottom side in step S502 is down (step S503) and displays the graphic data on the display unit 28 (step S503). Step S504).

  Here, the processing in step S503 for rotating and displaying icon graphic data will be described in detail. The rotation of the graphic data of the icon is achieved by performing a drawing process by rotating around the center point of a square surrounding the icon as a rotation axis. That is, the position of the center point of the square surrounding each icon on the display surface of the display unit 28 does not change before and after the rotation.

  However, the graphic data of the icon to be displayed may be registered for each posture of the digital camera 100 and the graphic data may be switched and displayed according to the posture detected by the tilt sensor 120. The posture of the digital camera 100 in this case is the posture at the time of normal use (see FIG. 3A), 90 degrees from the posture at the time of normal use (see FIG. 3B), 180 degrees, and 270 degrees rotated. 4 postures of each posture.

  Here, a method of displaying graphic data of an icon to be displayed for each posture of the digital camera 100 and displaying the icon on the display unit 28 by switching the graphic data according to the detected posture is described below. explain.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S503 for rotating and displaying icon graphic data shown in FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the system control unit 50 assigns icon numbers i to N icons displayed on the display unit 28 and sequentially performs rotation display from the smallest icon number i. Therefore, the system control unit 50 first starts processing with the icon number i = 1 (step S601), next determines whether the icon number i is N or more (step S602), and i ≧ N. In the case (“YES” in S602), the process ends.

  If i <N (“NO” in S602), it is determined whether or not the icon of the icon number i is an icon that can be selected by the four-way button 74 (step S603). If the icon is selectable (“YES” in S603), the process proceeds to step S604. If the icon is not selectable (“NO” in S603), the process skips step S604 and proceeds to step S605.

  In step S604, the graphic data registered for the i-th icon is read from the graphic data that can be displayed with the side determined to be the bottom side in step S502. Thereafter, the icon number i is incremented (step S605), and the process returns to step S602. Thereafter, the processing of step S602 and subsequent steps is repeated for the next icon number i until the condition of step S602 is satisfied.

  Next, an icon selection operation by pressing the four-way button 74 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which icon selection is performed by pressing the four-way button 74, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example in which icon selection is performed by pressing the four-way button 74.

  As described above, the icons 7001 to 7007 are a function selection icon group, and are icons for selecting various functions. Icons 7008 to 7013 are function setting icons, and are icons indicating setting options according to the selected function. A serial number i is assigned to these icons, and an icon is selected by a function assigned to each direction button pressed in the four-way button 74.

  Assume that the following functions are assigned to the buttons in each direction in the four-way button 74. A pair of direction buttons 7014 and 7015 are used when a desired icon is selected from the function selection icon group (icons 7001 to 7007). Here, the direction button 7014 is a + (plus) direction button, and the direction button 7015 is a-(minus) direction button. A pair of direction buttons 7016 and 7017 are used when a desired icon is selected from the function setting icon group (icons 7008 to 7013). Here, the direction button 7016 is a + (plus) direction button, and the direction button 7017 is a-(minus) direction button.

  When the + (plus) direction button is pressed, selection is performed from the currently selected icon to an icon assigned a number one higher than that icon within the range of the same icon group. Further, when the-(minus) direction button is pressed, selection is made from the currently selected icon to an icon assigned a number one smaller than the icon within the range of the same icon group. By arranging the arrangement of the numbered icons and the direction button to be pressed in the same direction, the operator can intuitively understand the direction button to be pressed when selecting a desired icon. As already described, when the set button 75 is pressed after selecting an icon, the selection of the icon is confirmed.

  In FIG. 7A, the background of the icon 7001 is different from that of the other icons 7002 to 7007, which indicates that the icon 7001 is currently selected. For example, the selected icon can be clearly indicated by setting the background of the selected icon to red and the background of the non-selected icon to black. In each of FIGS. 7 and 8, for the selected icon, the image (character or graphic) is black, the background is hatched, and the non-selected icon is white (background is black).

  For example, when the operator wants to change the selection from “shooting mode” (icon 7001) to “exposure correction” (icon 7002), he selects the icon 7002 to which one larger number is assigned from the currently selected icon 7001. It is necessary to perform the transition operation. In this case, since an icon with a larger number is selected, if the direction button 7014 which is a + (plus) direction button is pressed among the direction buttons 7014 and 7015 used for selecting the function selection icon group. Good.

  As described above, the arrangement of the numbered icon array and the direction button pressed on the four-way button 74 are aligned in the same direction. Thus, the operator can intuitively grasp the direction button to be pressed without being aware of the number when selecting from “shooting mode” to “exposure correction”.

  Thus, when the direction button 7014 is pressed by the operator, as shown in FIG. 7B, the icon position being selected for “exposure correction” assigned a number one higher than “shooting mode” is set. The display shown (background is hatched) transitions.

  When the direction button 7014 in the + (plus) direction is further pressed in the state shown in FIG. 7B, the same processing is performed, and “white balance” (icon 7003) to which a larger number is assigned. Is selected. When the set button 75 is pressed in this state, the selection of the icon 7003 is completed. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the “-(minus) direction button 7015 is pressed from the state where“ exposure correction ”is selected, the number is one smaller than“ exposure correction ”. Transition to the “shooting mode” to which is given.

  A case where the operator holds the digital camera 100 vertically and changes the selection state from “shooting mode” to “exposure correction” will be described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 3, when the digital camera 100 is changed from the state shown in FIG. 7A to the state shown in FIG. 8A, the icons maintain the relative positional relationship. It is displayed on the display unit 28 so as to face the operator.

  In order to select “exposure correction” to which one number larger than “shooting mode” is assigned, direction buttons 7014 and 7015 used when selecting a desired icon from the function selection icon group, The direction button 7014 in the + (plus) direction may be pressed. When the direction button 7014 is pressed, “exposure correction” (icon 7002) is selected, and as shown in FIG. 8B, “exposure correction” indicates the position of the selected icon (background is hatched). Transition to a state where

  As described above, the arrangement of numbered icons and the arrangement of each direction button of the four-way button 74 to be pressed are aligned in the same direction, and the relationship is constant regardless of the vertical and horizontal states of the digital camera 100. is there. Thereby, even if the digital camera 100 is changed in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, a common operation can be performed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of changing the selection of the icon displayed on the display unit 28. Each process shown in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 developing and executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 in the system memory 52.

  The system control unit 50 detects whether or not the function display button 76 (see FIG. 1) has been pressed (step S801), and if the pressing of the function display button 76 is not detected (“NO” in S801), the process ends. Let When pressing of the function display button 76 is detected (“YES” in S801), a function selection icon group and a function setting icon group are displayed on the display unit 28 (step S802).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 detects which direction button of the four-direction buttons 74 is pressed (step S803). When the pressing of the direction button is detected (“YES” in S803), the system control unit 50 determines the pressed direction button (steps S8041, S8042, S8043, and S8044). Furthermore, the system control unit 50 develops the function assigned to the confirmed direction button (steps S8051, S8052, S8053, and S8054). For example, if the pressed direction button is the + (plus) direction button 7014 for function selection (“YES” in S8041), the system control unit 50 selects the currently selected function selection icon group. The selection is changed to an icon assigned a number one larger than the current icon (step S8051).

  Next, the system control unit 50 detects whether the set button 75 has been pressed (step S806). If it is detected that the set button 75 has been pressed, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if pressing of the set button 75 is not detected, the process returns to step S803 and the above-described process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operability when the operator operates the function selection / setting icon displayed on the display unit 28 with the direction buttons provided as hardware is improved. That is, regardless of whether the digital camera 100 is in landscape orientation or portrait orientation, the icon is displayed facing the operator, and the correspondence between each direction of the four-way button 74 and the direction in which the icon is operated is maintained. As a result, continued operation becomes possible.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of display on the display unit 28 in the “shooting mode” using the display unit 28 as an electronic viewfinder. However, a so-called “playback mode” using the display unit 28 as an image playback viewer is shown. However, similar function settings are possible. The operator changes the digital camera 100 according to whether the shooting direction of the image to be browsed is vertical or horizontal. At this time, it is possible to display an image on the entire display unit 28 without providing a margin or the like, and the correspondence between each direction button of the four-way button 74 and the operation direction of the icon is maintained, which is comfortable. The operation can be performed.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment relates to a configuration in which, when the digital camera 100 is changed vertically and horizontally by an operator, icons that are not operable with the four-way button 74 are rotated and displayed as a whole so as to face the operator. . Of the icons displayed on the display unit 28, icons that can be operated with the four-way button 74 are rotated and displayed in units of icons as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the digital camera 100 is held vertically by the operator. FIGS. 3B and 10 each show another form when the digital camera 100 is changed from the horizontal orientation shown in FIG. 3A to the vertical orientation.

  The icons shown in FIG. 10 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. That is, icons 7001 to 7007 are a function selection icon group, icons 7008 to 7013 are a function setting icon group, and icons 7020 to 7024 are a setting state icon group. The icons 7001 to 7007 and 8 to 13 can be operated by the four-way button 74, but the icons 7020 to 7024 cannot be operated to select / set a function by the four-way button 74. .

  The function selection icon group and the function setting icon group are displayed between FIG. 3 (A) and FIG. 10 so as to face each other by rotating in icon units while maintaining the mutual positional relationship. The positional relationship with each direction of the four-way button 74 is maintained.

  On the other hand, since the set state icon group is not operated by the four-way button 74, the operability of the four-way button 74 is not affected even if it is not rotated in units of icons. Rather, since the setting state icons are not related to the operability by the four-way button 74, they are always displayed in the same layout (upper right as viewed from the operator) without depending on the horizontal / vertical orientation of the digital camera 100. However, the operator can easily grasp the setting state.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the setting state icon group is not rotated while maintaining the mutual positional relationship in units of icons, but is rotated and displayed as a whole. Thereby, the operator can visually recognize the information regarding the setting state with a common layout regardless of the horizontal / vertical orientation of the digital camera 100.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the setting state icon group is always laid out at a fixed position in the screen such as the upper right of the screen of the display unit 28. Thereby, in 2nd Embodiment, the operator can grasp | ascertain a setting state easily irrespective of landscape orientation / portrait orientation.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the rotation display control processing of the setting state icon group. Each process shown in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 developing and executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 in the system memory 52.

  First, the tilt sensor 120 detects the angle at which the digital camera 100 is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit 28 as a central axis in units of 90 degrees with respect to the direction of gravity (step S1201). Next, the system control unit 50 determines which side of the square display unit 28 is the base, based on the detection signal of the tilt sensor 120 (step S1202).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 rotates the icon that can be operated by the four-way button 74 so that the side determined to be the bottom side in step S1202 is down (step S1203). The processing in step 1203 is the same as step S503 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above, that is, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The icon group that is not rotated in step 1203 (that is, the setting state icon group) is rotated while maintaining the positional relationship so that the side determined to be the bottom side is positioned downward (step S1204). The system control unit 50 is rotated with a layout in which the graphic data display position of the rotated icon is changed to a position different from that before the digital camera 100 is rotated (a position equivalent to the operator). The setting state icon group or the like is displayed on the display unit 28 (S1205). The processing in step S1205 is the same as the processing in step S504 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained in the operation on the function selection icon group and the function setting icon group. In the second embodiment, the set state icon group not related to the operation by the four-way button 74 is rotated as a whole, and is laid out at a certain position in the screen. Thereby, regardless of whether the digital camera 100 is in landscape orientation or portrait orientation, the visibility of information regarding the setting state is improved, and the operator can easily grasp the setting state.

<Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, when the digital camera 100 is changed vertically and horizontally by an operator, when there is an icon that overlaps an adjacent icon when the icon displayed on the display unit 28 is rotated in units of icons as it is, The present invention relates to a configuration that avoids duplication. Specifically, by overlapping a predetermined icon, overlapping of icons is avoided.

  12A and 12B are a diagram illustrating a state in which the digital camera 100 is held in a landscape orientation by the operator, and a diagram in which the digital camera 100 is retained in a portrait orientation (B). FIG. It is an enlarged view of the icon group for function selection shown by each figure.

  The icons 7001, 7003 to 7007, 7008 to 7013, and 7020 to 7024 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are the same as the icons described with reference to FIG. Icons 7002a and 7002b are included in the function selection icon group and represent the number of images that can be shot and stored in the current shooting setting state.

  The icons included in the function selection icon group and the function setting icon group can be operated by the four-way button 74. On the other hand, operations such as function selection / setting using the four-way button 74 cannot be performed on the icons included in the setting state icon group.

  Also, the function selection icon group and the function setting icon group are displayed between FIGS. 12A and 12B so as to face the operator by rotating in icon units while maintaining the mutual positional relationship. The positional relationship with each direction of the four-way button 74 is maintained.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 13A, the icon 7002a is displayed on the display unit 28 as a horizontally long rectangle when the digital camera 100 is in the landscape orientation. Therefore, when the operator changes the digital camera 100 in the vertical orientation, if the operator rotates the icon unit while maintaining the mutual positional relationship as in the first embodiment, the icons 7001 and 7003 overlap each other. The problem arises.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B, an icon 7002a that overlaps with the adjacent icons 7001 and 7003 when rotated in icon units while maintaining the mutual positional relationship. Is displayed as an icon 7002b. Thus, each icon is displayed so as to face the operator without causing duplication of icons.

  The transition from the state shown in FIG. 12A to the state shown in FIG. 12B is basically performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, and at that time, the process of step S503 is performed. It is executed by performing according to the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the description of the contents of the processing in steps S501, 502, and 504 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is omitted here.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control processing shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 that is rotated and displayed in units of icons while accompanying the icon reduction processing. Each process shown in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 developing and executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 in the system memory 52.

  The system control unit 50 assigns an icon number i to the N icons displayed on the display unit 28, and sequentially performs rotation display from the smallest icon number i. Therefore, the system control unit 50 first starts processing with the icon number i = 1 (step S1501), and then determines whether the icon number i is N or more (step S1502), and i ≧ N. In the case (“YES” in S1502), the process ends.

  If i <N (“NO” in S1502), it is determined whether or not the icon with the icon number i does not overlap with the adjacent icon (step S1503). If it is determined that the icons do not overlap (“YES” in S1503), the process proceeds to step S1504. If it is determined that the icons overlap (“NO” in S1503), the process proceeds to step S1505.

  In step S1504, the graphic data registered for the i-th icon is read out that can be displayed with the side determined to be the bottom in step S502 (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, in step S1505, the i-th icon is reduced to a size that does not overlap with an adjacent icon even if it is rotated, so that the side determined as the base in step S502 (see FIG. 5) is placed downward. Rotate the data.

  After steps S1504 and 1505, the icon number i is incremented (step S1506), and the process returns to step S1502. Thereafter, the processing after step S1502 is repeated for the next icon number i until the condition of step S1502 is satisfied.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the operator changes the digital camera 100 vertically and horizontally, the icons can be displayed so as to always face the operator without causing the icons to overlap each other. . As a result, the operator can accurately visually recognize the information displayed on the icon and perform an appropriate operation.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the fourth embodiment, when the digital camera 100 is changed vertically and horizontally by an operator, when there is an icon that overlaps an adjacent icon when the icon displayed on the display unit 28 is rotated as it is in units of icons, It relates to another configuration for avoiding duplication. Specifically, the overlap between icons is avoided by changing the interval between icons adjacent to a predetermined icon.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a function selection icon group displayed on the display unit 28 in a state where the digital camera 100 is held vertically. Corresponding to FIG. 15, the display examples of the function selection icon group when the digital camera 100 is held in the horizontal direction are the same as those shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 13 (A).

  An icon 7002c shown in FIG. 15 represents the number of images that can be shot and stored in the current shooting setting state, similar to the icon 7002b shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B. The icons 7001, 7003 to 7007 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 13A, the icon 7002a is a horizontally long rectangle. Therefore, when the icons 7002a are rotated in units of icons while maintaining the mutual positional relationship, the adjacent icons 7001 and 7003 are displayed. And overlap. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the interval between the icons 7001 and 7003 adjacent to the icon 7002a is changed while the mutual positional relationship is maintained, and the icon 7002a is displayed as the icon 7002c. . Accordingly, the function selection icon group can be displayed on the display unit 28 in a state of facing the operator without overlapping the icons.

  The transition from the state shown in FIGS. 12A and 13A to the state shown in FIG. 15 is basically performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, and at that time, step S503 is performed. This process is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the description of the contents of the processing in steps S501, 502, and 504 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is omitted here.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control process for widening the interval between icons adjacent to a predetermined icon and rotating these icons in units of icons. Each process shown in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 50 developing and executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 in the system memory 52.

  The system control unit 50 assigns an icon number i to the N icons displayed on the display unit 28, and sequentially performs rotation display from the smallest icon number i. Therefore, the system control unit 50 first starts the process with the icon number i = 1 (step S1701), next determines whether the icon number i is N or more (step S1702), and i ≧ N. In the case (“YES” in S1702), the process ends.

  If i <N (“NO” in S1702), it is determined whether the icon with the icon number i does not overlap with the adjacent icon (step S1703). If it is determined that the icons do not overlap (“YES” in S1703), the process proceeds to step S1704. If it is determined that the icons overlap (“NO” in S1703), the process proceeds to step S1705.

  In step S1704, the graphic data registered for the i-th icon is read from the graphic data registered in step S502 (see FIG. 5) with the side determined as the bottom side down. On the other hand, in step S1705, the interval between the i-th icon and the adjacent icon is changed so that the i-th icon does not overlap with the adjacent icon, and the side determined as the base in step S502 (see FIG. 5). Rotate the graphic data so that it is below.

  After steps S1704 and 1705, the icon number i is incremented (step S1706), and the process returns to step S1702. Thereafter, the processing after step S1702 is repeated for the next icon number i until the condition of step S1702 is satisfied.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the operator changes the digital camera 100 vertically and horizontally, the icon can be displayed so as to always face the operator without causing the icons to overlap each other. . As a result, the operator can accurately visually recognize the information displayed on the icon and perform an appropriate operation.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Various forms of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are also contained in this invention. Moreover, each embodiment mentioned above only shows one Embodiment of this invention, It is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

  For example, in the digital camera 100, the system control unit 50, which is one piece of hardware, performs overall control of the digital camera 100. However, the entire digital camera 100 is controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing. It may be configured.

  In the digital camera 100, since the function selection icon group and the function setting icon group are displayed on the display unit 28, the four-way button 74 including two pairs of direction buttons is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the configuration in which only the function selection icon group is displayed on the display unit 28, for example, a button including at least a pair of direction buttons is used instead of the four-way button 74. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to devices such as personal computers and PDAs. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a display control device such as a mobile phone terminal, a portable image viewer, a display for selecting and confirming a print image provided in a printer, and a digital photo frame.

  Furthermore, the present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program code. It is a process to be executed. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

28 Display Unit 50 System Control Unit 60 Mode Dial 72 Power Switch 73 Controller Wheel 74 Four-way Button 75 Set Button 76 Function Display Button 100 Digital Camera (Display Control Device)
7001 to 7013, 7020 to 7024 Icon 7002a to 7002c Icon 7014 to 7017 Button

Claims (18)

At least a pair of direction operation members;
Display control means for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to the operation of the at least one pair of directional operation members;
Inclination detecting means for detecting a change in posture in the rotational direction with an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as a rotation axis;
Control means for controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in units of icons in accordance with the posture change detected by the inclination detection means;
Any one of the plurality of icons is selected in the same order according to the same direction operation on the pair of direction operation members before and after being rotated by the control means, and in the reverse order according to the other direction operation. in possess and icon selection means for selecting, the,
When there is an icon that overlaps an adjacent icon when the icon is selectable by the icon selection means, the control means reduces the icon so that the icon does not overlap with the adjacent icon. A display control device. At least a pair of direction operation members;
Display control means for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to the operation of the at least one pair of directional operation members;
Inclination detecting means for detecting a change in posture in the rotational direction with an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as a rotation axis;
Control means for controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in units of icons in accordance with the posture change detected by the inclination detection means;
Any one of the plurality of icons is selected in the same order according to the same direction operation on the pair of direction operation members before and after being rotated by the control means, and in the reverse order according to the other direction operation. And an icon selection means to select in
When the icon that can be selected by the icon selection unit includes an icon that overlaps with an adjacent icon when the control unit is rotated as it is, the control unit changes the interval between the adjacent icons to change the icons to each other. A display controller characterized by controlling so as not to overlap. At least four direction operation members having a set button on the inside;
Display control means for controlling the direction operation member to display a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to a direction operation in any of the four directions on the display unit;
Inclination detecting means for detecting a change in posture in the rotational direction with an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as a rotation axis;
Control means for controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in units of icons in accordance with the posture change detected by the inclination detection means;
Display control comprising: icon selection means for selecting any of the plurality of icons in the same order according to the same direction operation on the direction operation member before and after being rotated by the control means. apparatus. The plurality of icons displayed on the display unit include an icon that can be selected by the icon selection means and an icon that cannot be selected.
Wherein, among the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit, the only selectable icons by icon selection means, according to claim 1, characterized in that rotating the icon unit in response to the attitude change - 4. The display control apparatus according to any one of items 3 . 5. The display control apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein, when there are a plurality of icons that cannot be selected by the icon selection unit, the control unit rotates the plurality of icons as a whole in accordance with the posture change. The control means, the display control device according to the display position on the display unit of the plurality unselectable icon by said icon selecting means, to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that changed according to the posture change. 5. The control unit according to claim 4 , wherein the rotation is controlled in units of icons so that display positions of a plurality of icons that can be selected by the icon selection unit do not change before and after the rotation. The display control apparatus according to any one of 6 . The control unit is configured to rotate the icon unit so that a relative positional relationship between the arrangement of the plurality of icons that can be selected by the icon selection unit and the arrangement of the pair of direction operation members does not change before and after the rotation. the display control device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the controls to the. When the icon that can be selected by the icon selection unit includes an icon that overlaps with an adjacent icon when the control unit is rotated as it is, the control unit changes the interval between the adjacent icons to change the icons to each other. The display control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control apparatus is controlled so as not to overlap. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inclination detecting means is characterized by an acceleration sensor. The display control device, the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit. The display according to claim 11 , wherein the display control unit performs control to sequentially update and display an image captured by the imaging device together with a plurality of icons that can be selected by the icon selection unit. Control device. A plurality of icons that can be selected by the icon selection means, the display control device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the selected icon for setting an imaging at the imaging means. A control method of a display control device having at least a pair of direction operation members,
A display control step for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to the operation of the at least one pair of directional operation members;
An inclination detection step for detecting a change in posture in a rotation direction with an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as a rotation axis;
A control step of controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in units of icons in accordance with the posture change detected by the tilt detection step;
Any one of the plurality of icons is selected in the same order according to the same direction operation on the pair of direction operation members before and after being rotated by the control step, and in the reverse order according to the other direction operation. in possess and icon selection step of selecting, the,
In the control step, when there is an icon that overlaps with an adjacent icon when rotated as it is in the icons that can be selected in the icon selection step, the icon is reduced so that the icon does not overlap with the adjacent icon. A control method for a display control device. A control method of a display control device having at least a pair of direction operation members,
A display control step for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to the operation of the at least one pair of directional operation members;
An inclination detection step for detecting a change in posture in a rotation direction with an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as a rotation axis;
A control step of controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in units of icons in accordance with the posture change detected by the tilt detection step;
Any one of the plurality of icons is selected in the same order according to the same direction operation on the pair of direction operation members before and after being rotated by the control step, and in the reverse order according to the other direction operation. And an icon selection step to select with
The control step stage changes the interval between the adjacent icons by changing the interval between the adjacent icons when there is an icon that overlaps the adjacent icons when rotated as it is in the icons that can be selected in the icon selection step. A control method for a display control device, wherein control is performed so that the two do not overlap. A control method of a display control device having at least four direction operation members having a set button on the inside,
A display control step for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of icons that can be sequentially selected according to a direction operation in any of the four directions with respect to the direction operation member;
An inclination detection step for detecting a change in posture in a rotation direction with an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit as a rotation axis;
A control step of controlling each of the plurality of icons displayed on the display unit to rotate in units of icons in accordance with the posture change detected by the tilt detection step;
Display control comprising: an icon selection step of selecting any one of the plurality of icons in the same order in accordance with the same direction operation on the direction operation member before and after being rotated by the control step. Control method of the device. The program for functioning a computer as each means of the display control apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 .

Images