JP5939187B2 - Imaging apparatus and imaging control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera and an imaging control method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a half-press function of a release button has been widely installed in an image pickup apparatus and is used for focus lock or the like. On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for saving the space of an imaging apparatus by using a touch panel and combining a release function and a zoom position determination function.

JP 2010-35107 A

  Since the conventional release button is stroke type, it has superior operational feeling compared to a touch panel and can perform reliable operations, but only one type of function is added compared to one-step pressing. In addition, there is a problem that delicate force adjustment is necessary to stop the release button at the intermediate position. Furthermore, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to move a finger greatly in order to switch between a shooting operation and a zoom operation, and for example, the line of sight must be moved on the touch panel. There is also a problem that it is difficult to operate, and there is a problem that the operability as a release button is inferior.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an imaging apparatus and an imaging control method capable of achieving both operability and multifunctionality of a release button.

Imaging apparatus of the present invention to solve the problems described above, a release button for stroke in a predetermined direction to perform the photographing operation with the finger, provided on the release button, the stroke for the photographing operation toward the direction According operation means for detecting the position of a finger to perform the photographing operation, the the position of the finger is detected by the operation unit, pre-assigned predetermined function for each position of the finger performing the photographing operation And a control means for executing photographing . Further, the imaging control method of the present invention, provided the release button to the stroke in a predetermined direction to perform the photographing operation with the finger, the finger performing the imaging operation to the direction of stroke for the photographing operation position the operating means for detecting the location, the position of the finger is detected, the control method of performing imaging by predetermined functions assigned in advance for each position of the finger performing the imaging operation, characterized in that it contains.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device and imaging | photography control method which can make compatible the operativity and release function of a release button can be provided.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an external structure of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a cross-sectional view of an operation element, and a diagram illustrating types of operations. It is a figure which shows the modification of the operation element used with the imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical internal configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart (1) which shows operation | movement of the imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (2) which shows operation | movement of the imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (3) which shows operation | movement of the imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (4) which shows operation | movement of the imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other Example of the operation element used for the imaging device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (1) which shows operation | movement of the imaging device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart (1) which shows operation | movement of the imaging device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as this embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same numbers are assigned to the same elements throughout the description of the present embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
First, the first embodiment will be described.

(Configuration of the embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external structure of an imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a cross-sectional view of an operator, and a diagram showing types of operations. An imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a digital camera. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a touch panel or a track point (registered trademark) described later is provided on the pressing surface of the camera housing 1 and the mechanical release button 21. And a button switch 2 to which a small operation element 22 is attached. In addition, the mounting form of the operation element 22 on the pressing surface of the release button 21 is not limited to sticking, and may be fixed or placed.

  The camera housing 1 includes various components for functioning as the imaging device 10. That is, although not shown, a strobe that emits light to obtain an appropriate exposure amount, a finder window where the user views the subject, a release button 21 (shutter button) that is pressed during shooting, and other functional components. It is provided in the camera housing 1. In addition, an external storage medium such as an SD memory card is detachable from the camera housing 1, and captured image data can be stored in the external storage medium.

  A cross-sectional structure around the release button 21 is shown in a round frame in FIG. According to FIG. 1, an operation element 22 having a planar cross section is mounted on the release button 21. The release button 21 is a mechanical switch that is pressed when performing a shooting operation, and the operator 22 detects the movement of a finger in a direction different from the stroke direction for the shooting operation by the release button 21. It is the touch panel in which the transparent electrode sheet which comprises the sensor for position inputs was formed.

  The touch panel detects a position touched by a finger with a sensor, specifies which position is designated, and executes a predetermined function defined under control by a control unit (11 in FIG. 3) described later. The touch panel is a “tap operation” for tapping the screen, “double tap operation” for tapping twice quickly, a “hold operation” with a finger on the screen, and a screen. A “drag operation” of tracing up with a finger is known and becomes a detection target when a predetermined function is assigned.

  In addition, as the operation element 22, a track point (registered trademark) may be used instead of the touch panel. The track point (registered trademark) is a pointing device having a protruding operation point 220 as shown in FIG. 8 as another embodiment, and by applying pressure to the operation point 220 with a fingertip. , A process corresponding to the direction in which the pressure is applied is executed. Therefore, unlike the touch panel described above, only “operation for applying pressure” is a detection target when a predetermined function is assigned.

  The release button also serves as a track point (registered trademark). When the center of the release button is pushed in, a shooting operation is performed, and pressure is applied in a direction different from the shooting operation, so that processing corresponding to the pressure application direction is executed. You can do it.

  2A and 2B show modified examples of the shape of the operation element 22. FIG. The touch panel 22a shown in FIG. 2 (a) has a spherical contact surface with the finger, and the touch panel 22b shown in FIG. 2 (b) has a planar shape and a convex center. Both are formed of a flexible transparent conductive sheet corresponding to a spherical surface. According to the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 2 (a), the operation is facilitated and the detection performance is increased as compared with the flat-shaped touch panel shown in FIG. 1, and the width is increased according to the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 2 (b). Can be narrowed.

  The electrical internal configuration of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an imaging unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a power supply unit 18. However, the signal lines for address, data, and control are commonly connected to a bus 19 composed of a plurality of lines.

  The imaging device 10 is, for example, a digital camera that can capture a moving image in addition to a still image, and operates with the control unit 11 as a core. The control unit 11 operates by supplying power from the power supply unit 18 composed of a secondary battery, and controls the overall operation of the imaging apparatus 10 according to various programs recorded in the storage unit 12, and is not shown in the control unit 11. A CPU (Central Processing Unit), a built-in memory, and the like are provided. When the movement of the finger is detected by the operation element 22, the control unit 11 executes a predetermined function assigned in advance for each movement of the finger. For example, when “tap operation”, “double tap operation”, or “hold operation” is detected, auto focus, aperture, shutter speed, zoom, etc. are controlled according to the position, and when “drag operation” is detected, The flash is used / not used depending on the direction.

  The control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 13 described later according to the movement of the user's finger detected by the operation element 22, and performs autofocus processing (AF processing), exposure adjustment processing (AE processing), zoom processing, and the like. Execute or perform white balance adjustment and color interpolation processing as various types of image processing on the image data from the imaging unit 13, and also perform aberration correction processing and image processing in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, etc. A compression process for compressing the compressed data, a decompression process for decompressing and restoring the compressed data, and the like are executed.

  The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a ROM, a flash memory, and the like, and stores, for example, a program composed of the flowcharts (processing procedures) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 assigned to the program area. The storage unit 12 further has a work area in addition to an image storage area for storing captured images. The storage unit 12 may be configured to include a removable portable memory (recording medium) such as an SD card or an IC card. For example, the storage unit 12 is predetermined when connected to a network by the communication unit 16. The external server side storage area may be included.

  The imaging unit 13 constitutes a camera unit capable of photographing a subject with high definition. The imaging unit 13 includes an optical lens, a diaphragm, and an imaging element, and images a subject that is imaged on the imaging element from the optical lens through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is arranged between the optical lens and the imaging device on the imaging surface, and has a configuration in which a plurality of plates (diaphragm blades) are overlapped to have a nearly circular opening. The image sensor is an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. Although not shown, the imaging unit 13 includes an optical lens, a diaphragm, an imaging device, an optical system driving unit, an illumination strobe, an analog processing circuit, a signal processing circuit, and the like. The diaphragm and the image sensor are movable in parallel to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and are connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) that translates the diaphragm and the image sensor.

  The display unit 14 uses, for example, any one of a high-definition LCD (Liquid Crystal Device) display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and an electrophoretic display (electronic paper) to display an image with high definition. Thus, it functions as a finder screen (monitor screen) for displaying a captured image (through image: live view image) or as a playback screen for displaying a saved image. For example, a capacitive touch screen (touch screen) may be configured by stacking a transparent touch panel that detects finger contact on the surface of the display unit 14.

  In addition to the release button 21, the operation unit 15 includes various push button-type keys for performing shooting condition setting operations such as exposure and shutter speed, and playback operations for instructing playback of captured images. 11 executes, for example, photographing processing, photographing condition setting, reproduction processing, data input processing, and the like as processing according to the input operation signal from the operation unit 15. In the case where a touch panel is used as the operator 22, the touch panel is also included in the operation unit 15.

  The communication unit 16 is a communication interface for connecting to the network in order to connect the imaging apparatus 10 to an external server (not shown). The power supply unit 18 is a secondary battery, and supplies driving power to the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the imaging unit 13, the display unit 14, the operation unit 15, and the communication unit 16 connected to the bus 19.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts (1) to (4) shown in FIGS. Here, in particular, an example of function assignment to the operation pattern of the operation element 22 will be described. Here, the “operation pattern” refers to a combination of an operation type (tap, double tap, hold, drag) and an operation position (center, left end, right end, front end, rear end).

  When the control unit 11 detects the “tap operation” of the finger by the operation element 22 (step S101 “Yes” in FIG. 4), the control unit 11 further determines the tap position (step S102), and if it is in the center (step S102 “ Yes "), control for automatically switching the exposure mode is executed (step S103). Further, when the tap operation position by the operation element 22 is at the left end (step S104 “Yes”) and the photographing mode is prioritized to the aperture (step S105 “aperture”), the control unit 11 sets the aperture to the aperture side. (Step S106). When the shutter speed priority is given (step S105 "shutter speed"), the control to switch the shutter speed to the low speed side is executed (step S107).

  Further, the control unit 11 opens the aperture when the tap position by the operation element 22 is the right end (“Yes” in step S108) and the shooting mode is set to the aperture priority (step S109 “aperture”). When the shutter speed is prioritized (step S109 “shutter speed”), control for switching the shutter speed to the high speed side is executed (step S111). Further, when the tap position by the operation element 22 is the front end (step S112 “Yes”), the control unit 11 executes a control for performing the zoom operation by one step toward the telephoto side (step S113). S114 “Yes”), control is performed to perform the zooming operation by one step toward the wide-angle side (step S115). If the tap position is not the rear end (“No” in step S114), the above-described example process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the “operation for applying pressure” in the front-rear and left-right directions at the track point (registered trademark) corresponds to the “touch operation” in which the tap operation positions on the touch panel are the front end, the rear end, the left end, and the right end. To do.

  Next, when the control unit 11 detects a double tap operation of the finger by the operation element 22 (step S120 “Yes” in FIG. 5), the control unit 11 further determines the position (step S121), and if it is in the center (step S121). “Yes”), control for switching the autofocus target is executed (step S122). Further, when the tap operation position by the operation element 22 is at the left end (step S123 “Yes”) and the photographing mode is prioritized to the aperture (step S124 “aperture”), the control unit 11 sets the aperture to the aperture side. The control for switching to the minimum speed is executed (step S125), and when the shutter speed is prioritized (step S124 "shutter speed"), the control for switching the shutter speed to the minimum speed is executed (step S126).

  Further, when the tap operation position by the operation element 22 is at the right end (step S127 “Yes”) and the photographing mode is set to the aperture priority (step S128 “aperture”), the control unit 11 further reduces the aperture. Control for switching to the maximum on the open side is executed (step S129). If priority is given to the shutter speed (step S128 "shutter speed"), control for switching the shutter speed to the maximum speed side is executed (step S130). Further, when the tap operation position by the operation element 22 is the front end (step S131 “Yes”), the control unit 11 performs control to perform the maximum zoom operation on the telephoto side (step S132), and in the case of the rear end (step S133). “Yes”), control for performing the maximum zoom operation on the wide angle side is executed (step S134). If it is not the rear end (step S133 “No”), the above-described example process is terminated.

  Next, when the control unit 11 detects a finger hold operation by the operation element 22 (step S140 “Yes” in FIG. 6), the control unit 11 further determines the position (step S141), and if it is in the center (step S141 “ Yes "), AF (autofocus) control is executed (step S142). Also, if the tap position by the operator 22 is the left end (step S143 “Yes”), since no function is assigned at present, the process ends without doing anything. If the hold position is at the right end (step S144 “Yes”), the control unit 11 performs autofocus control and performs bracket shooting by pressing the release button 21 while holding a position corresponding to the hold position ( Step S145).

  On the other hand, when the hold position by the operator 22 is the front end (step S146 “Yes”), the control unit 11 performs control to perform the zoom operation on the telephoto side (step S147), and when the hold position is the rear end (step S148 “Yes”). "), Control to perform zooming to the wide angle side is executed (step S149). If it is not the rear end (step S148 “No”), the above-described example process is terminated.

  Next, when the control unit 11 detects a finger drag operation by the operation element 22 (step S150 “Yes” in FIG. 7), the control unit 11 further determines the direction (step S151), and may be dragging from the left to the right. If this is the case (step S151 “Yes”), flash use / non-use switching control is performed (step S152). On the other hand, dragging from the right to the left (step S153 “Yes”), dragging from the front to the rear (step S154 “Yes”), dragging from the back to the front (step S155 “Yes”), or from the center If it is a drag in the left direction (step S156 “Yes”), since no function is assigned at present, the process ends without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if the drag is from the center to the right (step S157 “Yes”), the control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 13 to execute focus lock control (step S158), and drags from the center to the front. If so (step S159 “Yes”), switching to automatic focus control is executed (step S160). In this automatic switching control, the control unit 11 can switch from manual focus to automatic focus when detecting that the imaging device 10 has shifted from the moving state to the stopped state by using an acceleration sensor (not shown), for example. . If the drag is from the center to the rear (step S161 “Yes”), the control unit 11 performs automatic focus switching control (step S162). For example, the control unit 11 can be switched by detecting a change in the through image output from the imaging unit 13.

  Next, when the control unit 11 detects the left rotation of the edge of the operation element 22 (Step S163 “Yes”), the countdown starts when the release button 21 is pressed, and the self-timer time is counted to increase the number of seconds until the shutter is pressed. The change control is performed (step S164). On the other hand, when the right rotation of the edge of the operation element 22 is detected (step S165 “Yes”), the count-down control of the self-timer time is started so that the countdown starts when the release button 21 is pressed and the number of seconds until the shutter is pressed is decreased. This is performed (step S166).

  In addition, since the function assignment to the operation pattern of the operation element 22 is arbitrary, and the function is executed by software control by the control unit 11, the imaging device 10 can be customized (personalized) so as to be easy for the user to use. Thus, various shooting operations can be performed using the operation element 22 such as a touch panel or a track point (registered trademark) while leaving the feeling of using the release button 21.

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the first embodiment detects the tap, double tap, hold, and drag operation before the release operation, and the setting corresponding to the tap, double tap, hold, and drag operation before the release operation by the subsequent release operation. When the release operation for shooting is detected (simultaneously) and the position of the finger after the release operation (continuously) is detected, the position of the finger is detected. The shooting process and the process after shooting are executed with the contents set accordingly.

(Configuration of the embodiment)
The configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  When detecting the pressing operation of the release button 21 (step S201 “Yes” in the figure), the control unit 11 further determines the position of the finger at the time of the pressing operation, and if it is in the center (step S202 “Yes”), The process proceeds to step S207 without performing any special setting. If the finger position at the time of the pressing operation by the release button 21 is the left end (step S203 “Yes”), self-timer shooting is set (step S209), and if the finger position is the right end (step S204 “Yes”). "), The control part 11 sets bracket imaging | photography (step S210).

  On the other hand, when the position of the finger at the time of the pressing operation by the release button 21 is the front end (step S205 “Yes”), the control unit 11 performs setting to perform the maximum zoom operation on the telephoto side (step S211). (Step S206 “Yes”), a setting for performing the maximum zoom operation on the wide angle side is performed (Step S212). If it is not the rear end (“No” in step S206), no special setting is performed and the process proceeds to step S207.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 performs autofocus (AF), automatic exposure (AE), and auto white balance (AWB) (step S207), changes the shooting setting to the set content, and executes shooting (step S207). S208).

  When the photographing is executed, the control unit 11 further determines the position of the finger after the end of the pressing operation (step S213 in FIG. 10), and if it is in the center (step S213 “Yes”), the special setting is It progresses to step S218, without performing. If the finger position after the pressing operation by the release button 21 is the left end (step S214 “Yes”), the self-timer cancellation is set (step S219), and if the finger position is the right end (step S215 “Yes”). "), The control part 11 sets the extension of a review display (step S220).

  On the other hand, when the position of the finger at the time of the pressing operation by the release button 21 is the front end (step S216 “Yes”), the control unit 11 performs the setting for performing the enlarged zoom display of the review display (step S221). (Step S217 “Yes”), a setting to delete the captured image is performed (Step S222). If it is not the rear end (“No” in step S217), no special setting is performed, and thereafter, the processing is executed with the set contents and the photographing is finished (step S218).

(Effect of embodiment)
As described above, according to the imaging device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 11 moves the finger in a direction different from the stroke direction for the shooting operation provided on the release button 21 that performs the shooting operation. When a finger movement is detected by the operation element 22 (touch panel or track point (registered trademark)) for detecting the movement, a predetermined function assigned in advance for each movement of the finger is executed. For this reason, since the user can perform an operation related to photographing with the finger placed on the release button 21, it is not necessary to move the finger greatly for photographing, and it is necessary to move the line of sight to the operator 22. Therefore, a quick shooting operation is possible.

  According to the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the operation element 22 detects the movement of the finger based on the contact position of the finger with the operation element 22. For this reason, abundant functions can be provided by software such as autofocus, zoom, aperture and shutter speed shooting control, etc., depending on the operation pattern. Further, by using the operation element 22 having a spherical contact surface with the finger or having a planar shape and a convex central portion, the operation can be performed as compared with the case where the planar operation element 22 is used. And the detection performance of the finger contact position is also improved.

  In addition, since the predetermined function executed by the control unit 11 is changed by any of tap, double tap, and hold operation on the operation element 22 and by the contact position of the finger, a rich variety of functions can be obtained by combining these functions. Can be provided. The control unit 11 can also provide abundant functions by detecting the drag direction by the drag operation of the operation element 22 with a finger and executing the corresponding predetermined function. In addition, by detecting the movement of the finger in a different direction depending on the pressure of the finger on the operation element 22, the operation becomes easy even if the area of the release button 21 touched by the finger is small. The predetermined functions executed by the controller 11 can be changed according to the direction in which the operation element 22 is pressed, thereby providing abundant functions.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the function assigned by software control is variable by using a touch panel or a track point (registered trademark) for the operator 22, and various applications are possible. Is possible. Further, since the mechanical release button 21 is arranged under the operation element 22, it can be used with the same feeling as a conventional mechanical shutter.

  In addition, according to the imaging device 10 according to the present embodiment, the operation element 22 has been described as detecting the finger position by an electrostatic method, but the finger movement in different stroke directions is performed by a pressure-sensitive method that detects pressure. In this case, the assigned function changes according to the direction in which the operation element 22 is pressed. Further, for example, the same effect can be obtained by a photoelectric method that detects a fingerprint by reflection of light and detects the movement of the fingerprint. Moreover, you may use together with the half press of the mechanical release button 21,

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, it cannot be overemphasized that the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The claims appended at the time of filing this application will be appended below.
[Claim 1]
A release button that strokes in a predetermined direction to perform a shooting operation with a finger;
An operation means provided on the release button for detecting a position or movement of a finger performing the photographing operation in a direction different from a direction of a stroke for the photographing operation;
An imaging apparatus comprising: control means for executing a predetermined function assigned in advance to the position or movement of the finger when the position or movement of the finger is detected by the operation means.
[Claim 2]
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of predetermined functions assigned in advance to the position or movement of the finger.
[Claim 3]
The operation means detects a movement of a finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke simultaneously or continuously independently of the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation. 2. The imaging device according to 2.
[Claim 4]
The operation means includes
The movement of the finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation is detected based on a change in the contact position of the finger with respect to a predetermined operation means provided in a predetermined portion of the release button. Item 4. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.
[Claim 5]
The operation means includes
A contact surface with the finger is provided, and movement of the finger in a direction different from a stroke direction for the photographing operation is detected by a change in a contact position of the finger on the contact surface. 4. The imaging device according to 4.
[Claim 6]
The contact surface with the finger of the operating means is:
6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the imaging device has a spherical shape.
[Claim 7]
The contact surface with the finger of the operating means is:
6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the substantially central portion has a convex shape.
[Claim 8]
The operation means includes
The movement of the finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation is detected by a change in a part of the finger located on the operation means, the contact surface having the contact surface with the finger. 4. The imaging device according to 4.
[Claim 9]
The predetermined function executed by the control means is:
In addition to the movement of the finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation, it further varies depending on the contact position of the finger by any of tap, double tap, and hold operation to the operation means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 4 to 8.
[Claim 10]
The control means includes
9. The predetermined function corresponding to a drag direction in a direction different from a stroke direction for the photographing operation by the drag operation of the operation means by the finger is executed. The imaging device according to any one of the above.
[Claim 11]
The operation means includes
Detecting the movement of the finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the shooting operation by a pressure in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the shooting operation by the finger with respect to the operation means; The imaging device according to claim 4.
[Claim 12]
The release button
Stroke is possible in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation,
The operation means includes
The movement of the finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the shooting operation of the finger performing the shooting operation is detected by a stroke in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the shooting operation of the release button. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 13]
The predetermined function executed by the control means is:
The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the imaging apparatus changes in accordance with a pressing direction detected by the operation means.
[Claim 14]
The control means includes
When a movement of a finger in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the shooting operation is detected simultaneously or continuously with the detection of the stroke for the shooting by the operation means, the direction of detection is determined. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processing is executed simultaneously with or continuously with the photographing operation.
[Claim 15]
Operation means for detecting the position or movement of the finger performing the photographing operation in a direction different from the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation, provided on a release button that strokes in a predetermined direction for performing a photographing operation with a finger And a control method for executing a predetermined function pre-assigned to the position or movement of the finger when the position or movement of the finger is detected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera housing, 2 ... Button switch, 10 ... Imaging device, 11 ... Control part (control means), 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... Imaging part, 14 ... Display part, 15 ... Operation part, 16 ... Communication part, 18 ... Power supply unit, 19 ... Bus, 21 ... Release button, 22, 22a, 22b ... Operator (operating means)

Claims (5)

A release button that strokes in a predetermined direction to perform a shooting operation with a finger;
The release button provided on an operation means for detecting the position of the finger performing the photographing operation towards the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation,
When position of the finger is detected by said operating means, imaging, characterized in that and a control means for executing imaging by predetermined functions assigned in advance for each position of the finger performing the photographing operation apparatus. The operation means further detects the position of the finger after completion of the shooting operation performed in the direction of the stroke for the shooting operation,
When the finger position after completion of the photographing operation is detected by the operation means, the control means executes a predetermined function after execution of photographing assigned in advance for each finger position after completion of the photographing operation. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A release button that strokes in a predetermined direction to perform a shooting operation with a finger;
This provided a release button, an operation means for detecting the position of the finger after the completion of the photographing operation performed in the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation,
When position of the finger is detected by the operating means, that it and a control means for executing a predetermined function after preassigned shot execution for each position of the finger after the completion of the photographing operation An imaging device that is characterized. Provided the release button to the stroke in a predetermined direction to perform the photographing operation with the finger, the operating means for detecting the position of a finger to perform the photographing operation to the direction of stroke for the photographing operation, the finger When position is detected, the control method for performing photography by the photographing operation pre-assigned predetermined function for each position of the finger performing an imaging control method, which comprises. Provided the release button to the stroke in a predetermined direction to perform the photographing operation with the finger, the operating means for detecting the position of the finger after the completion of the photographing operation performed in the direction of the stroke for the photographing operation, When position of the finger is detected, the control method for performing pre-assigned photographing performed after a predetermined function for each position of the finger after the completion of the photographing operation, the image pickup control method, which comprises.

Images