JP6168780B2 - Touch operation device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a touch operation device and a control method thereof .

  Unlike a mechanical operation member such as a button, a touch operation device such as a touch panel performs operation input according to the detection result of the touch sensor. Here, the conventional touch operation device is configured by a hard flat surface such as glass. For this reason, the feeling given to the finger is the same regardless of the position on the surface of the touch operation device. Therefore, in the case of a conventional touch operation device, it is difficult for the user to intuitively recognize whether the touch operation device has been correctly operated.

  In Patent Document 1, when a user touches the surface of the touch operation device with a finger, the touch operation device is vibrated in a two-dimensional direction to give a tactile sensation to the user's finger. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 notifies the touch position information by variously changing the vibration pattern of the touch operation device. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 proposes guiding the user's finger to a target position by changing the vibration pattern of the touch operation device.

JP 2003-058321 A

  In Patent Document 1, the entire touch operation device is vibrated in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, so that the vicinity of the touch position is vibrated. However, since the touch position is not directly vibrated, there is a possibility that a deviation occurs in the vibration position. If a deviation occurs in the vibration position, it becomes difficult to correctly give a tactile sensation to the user's finger.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a touch operation device and a control method thereof capable of directly giving a tactile sensation to a user's finger from an arbitrary position.

In order to achieve the above object, a touch operation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a position different from a finder display portion provided in a finder and displaying an image, and has piezoelectricity and flexibility. A piezo-electric element and a finder display that is arranged at a position corresponding to the piezo-electric element at a position different from the finder display unit and detects a touch operation, and the finder display is detected when looking into the finder display unit is detected. A signal is selectively applied to the portion of the piezoelectric element corresponding to whether or not the touch operation to the touch sensor corresponding to the position of the image of the operation button displayed on the portion is a slide operation. And an application portion to be bent.
In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling a touch operation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a position different from a finder display unit provided in a finder and displaying an image, and has piezoelectricity and flexibility. disposed corresponding to the piezoelectric element at a position different from the piezoelectric element, and the viewfinder display with bets, a method of controlling a touch operation device having a touch sensor for detecting a touch operation, wherein the finder When peeping into the display unit is detected, the piezoelectric element according to whether the touch operation to the touch sensor corresponding to the position of the image of the operation button displayed on the finder display unit is a slide operation or not. And selectively bending the portion of the piezoelectric element by applying a signal to the portion.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the touch operation apparatus which can give a tactile sensation directly to a user's finger | toe from arbitrary positions, and its control method can be provided.

1 is an external view of a digital camera equipped with a touch operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of a digital camera. It is a top perspective view of a piezoelectric element. It is sectional drawing of a piezoelectric element. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an application part. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a piezoelectric element. It is a top perspective view of a piezoelectric element in which signal electrodes are two-dimensionally arranged. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of a digital camera. It is a figure which shows a touch operation part. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a display example of the operation button, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a display example when the exposure button is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the process of piezoelectric element control. It is a figure which shows the example of the piezoelectric element control which dentes the piezoelectric element of the position corresponding to a touch position. It is a figure which shows the example of the piezoelectric element control which dents the piezoelectric element of the position corresponding to the adjacent position of a touch position. It is a figure which shows the example of the piezoelectric element control which expands the piezoelectric element of the position corresponding to a sliding direction. It is a figure which shows the structural example in the case of comprising a piezoelectric element by the array of several piezoelectric material.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) equipped with a touch operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1A is an external view seen from the front side (subject side) of the camera, and FIG. 1B is an external view seen from the back side of the camera. Here, a digital camera is shown as an example, but the technology of the present embodiment can be applied even to a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, or the like.

  In the case of a camera, the user often watches the subject so as not to miss a photo opportunity. In this case, the user's consciousness is directed to the subject, and the user performs the camera operation without checking with the eyes. In the present embodiment, correct camera operation can be performed without visual confirmation.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a photographing lens 102 is provided on the front surface of the main body of the camera 1. The photographing lens 102 has a cylindrical lens frame and an optical system housed in the lens frame. In this embodiment, the touch operation device 104 is formed around the lens frame. The user can execute manual focus and manual zoom using the touch operation device 104 instead of the focus ring and zoom ring.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, a display unit 106 is provided on the back of the main body of the camera 1. In this embodiment, the touch operation device 108 is formed on the display unit 106. The user can perform various operations using the touch operation device 108. Here, FIG. 1B shows an example in which the touch operation device 108 is formed on a part of the display screen of the display unit 106. On the other hand, the touch operation device 108 may be formed on the entire display screen. In the following, it is assumed that the touch operation device 108 is formed on the entire display screen of the display unit 106.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, a finder display unit 110 and an eye sensor 112 are provided on the upper part of the back of the main body of the camera 1. The camera 1 can perform the same display as the display unit 106 on the finder display unit 110. Whether to display on the display unit 106 or to display on the finder display unit 110 is switched according to the detection result of the eye sensor 112. Details will be described later.

  Further, a release button as an example of an operation unit is provided on the upper portion of the camera 1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the camera 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 1 includes a photographing lens 102, a lens driving unit 103, a touch operation device 104, a display unit 106, a touch operation device 108, a viewfinder display unit 110, an eye sensor 112, and an operation. Unit 114, imaging unit 116, recording unit 118, clock unit 120, and control unit 122.

  As described above, the photographing lens 102 is configured by housing an optical system in a lens frame. The optical system of the photographic lens 102 includes a single lens or a plurality of lenses and an aperture, and condenses a light image of a subject (not shown) on the imaging surface of the imaging element 1161 of the imaging unit 116. The optical system is driven in the optical axis direction by the lens driving unit 103. The lens driving unit 103 includes a motor and its driving circuit, and drives the optical system in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 122. Thereby, focus drive and zoom drive of the optical system are performed.

The touch operation device 104 includes a touch sensor 1041, a piezoelectric element 1042, and an application unit 1043.

  The touch sensor 1041 has a plurality of detection points arranged along the circumferential direction of the lens frame of the photographing lens 102. Each detection point outputs a detection signal to the control unit 122 according to the touch of the user's finger. Here, as the touch sensor 1041, various types of detection type touch sensors such as a pressure-sensitive touch sensor and a capacitive touch sensor can be used. The pressure-sensitive touch sensor is a touch sensor that detects a finger touch by detecting a change in pressure generated at the detection point when the finger touches the detection point. On the other hand, the capacitive touch sensor is a touch sensor that detects a finger touch by detecting a change in capacitance that occurs between the finger and the detection point when the finger approaches the detection point. With such a touch sensor 1041, the user can perform a manual focus operation and a zoom operation.

The piezoelectric element 1042 is disposed so as to correspond to the touch sensor 1041 and is configured to bend and displace when a voltage is applied . Here, the piezoelectric element 1042 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to apply a voltage to each part corresponding to the detection point of the touch sensor 1041, and thereby bends to each part corresponding to the detection point of the touch sensor 1041. To do. The configuration and operation of the piezoelectric element 1042 will be described in detail later.

The applying unit 1043 is configured to apply a voltage independently for each portion of the piezoelectric element 1042. Here, applying unit 1043 applies positive and negative voltages with respect to ground potential of the piezoelectric element 1042. The configuration and operation of the application unit 1043 will be described in detail later.

  The display unit 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays an image based on image data input from the control unit 122 serving as a display control unit.

The touch operation device 108 includes a touch sensor 1081, a piezoelectric element 1082, and an application unit 1083.

  The touch sensor 1081 has a plurality of detection points arranged two-dimensionally on the display unit 106. Each detection point outputs a detection signal to the control unit 122 according to the touch of the user's finger. Here, the touch sensor 1081 can use touch sensors of various detection methods as in the touch sensor 1041. With such a touch sensor 1081, the user can perform various setting operations such as shutter speed setting, aperture setting, and exposure correction setting.

The piezoelectric element 1082 is disposed so as to correspond to the touch sensor 1081, and is configured to bend and displace when a voltage is applied . Here, the piezoelectric element 1082 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to apply a voltage to each portion corresponding to the detection point of the touch sensor 1081, thereby bending the portion corresponding to the detection point of the touch sensor 1081. To do. The configuration and operation of the piezoelectric element 1082 will be described in detail later.

The application unit 1083 is configured to apply a voltage independently for each portion of the piezoelectric element 1082. Here, applying unit 1083 applies positive and negative voltages with respect to ground potential of the piezoelectric element 1082. The configuration and operation of the application unit 1083 will be described in detail later.

  The finder display unit 110 is a display unit provided in the finder at the upper back of the main body of the camera 1. The finder display unit 110 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays an image based on image data input from the control unit 122 serving as a display control unit.

  The eye sensor 112 is provided in the vicinity of the finder, and detects when the user looks into the finder. The eye sensor 112 includes, for example, an infrared light emitting unit and an infrared light receiving unit. When the user is looking into the viewfinder, the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting unit is reflected by the user's face and received by the infrared light receiving unit. Thereby, the output signal in an infrared light-receiving part changes. On the other hand, when the user does not look into the viewfinder, the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting unit is not reflected, and the output of the infrared light receiving unit does not change. Therefore, it is possible to identify whether the user is looking into the finder from the output signal of the infrared light receiving unit.

  The operation unit 114 is a mechanical operation member provided in the main body of the camera 1 other than the touch operation device 104 and the touch operation device 108. The operation unit 114 includes, for example, a release button.

  The imaging unit 116 includes an imaging element 1161 and an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit 1162.

  The imaging element 1161 is disposed on the optical axis of the optical system of the photographing lens 102 and at a position where the subject light beam is imaged by the optical system of the photographing lens 102. The imaging element 1161 has an imaging surface on which photodiodes constituting pixels are two-dimensionally arranged. Each photodiode generates a charge corresponding to the amount of light received. The electric charge generated in the photodiode is accumulated in a capacitor connected to each photodiode. The electric charge accumulated in this capacitor is read out as an image signal.

  The A / D converter 1162 converts the image signal read by the image sensor 1161 into a digital image signal (image data).

  The recording unit 118 is, for example, a flash memory that is built into the main body of the camera 1 or detachable from the main body of the camera 1, and is generated by the control unit 122 based on image data obtained through the imaging unit 116. Record the recorded image file.

  The clock unit 120 measures various times such as shooting date and time. For example, the shooting date and time is recorded in an image file.

The control unit 122 controls various operations of the camera 1. For example, the control unit 122 has a function as an imaging control unit, and performs driving control of the lens driving unit 103 and driving control of the imaging element 1161. The control unit 122 also has a function as a display control unit, and controls the operation of the display unit 106 or the finder display unit 110 to display an image on the display unit 106 or the finder display unit 110. The control unit 122 includes an image processing unit and performs image processing on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 116. The control unit 122 has a function as a touch position identification unit, and identifies the position (touch position) of the detection point touched by the user's finger in the touch sensor 1041 and the touch sensor 1081. The control unit 122 has a function as a piezoelectric control unit, and controls the application unit 1043 so as to drive the piezoelectric element 1042 corresponding to the touch position.

  Next, details of the piezoelectric element in the present embodiment will be described. Here, it is assumed that the piezoelectric elements 1042 and 1082 have the same configuration. In order to simplify the description, a configuration example of the piezoelectric element when the detection points are arranged in a one-dimensional direction will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the piezoelectric element. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the piezoelectric element, where (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3A-3A in FIG. 3, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3B-3B in FIG. It is the 3C-3C sectional view taken on the line of FIG.

An example piezoelectric element is configured by sandwiching a polylactic acid layer between two electrodes. Hereinafter, the configuration of the piezoelectric element will be described in more detail.
For example, a number of signal electrodes 204 corresponding to the number of detection points of the touch sensor 1041 are formed on the lower insulating layer 202 which is a resin layer of polyimide or the like of about several tens of μm. Each signal electrode 204 is made of a transparent electrode having flexibility of about 10 μm, for example. Each signal electrode 204 is connected to a corresponding application unit. For example, one detection point has five signal electrodes 204 as shown in FIG. The same voltage is applied to these five signal electrodes 204.

  In addition, a lower ground (GND) electrode 206 is formed on the lower insulating layer 202. The lower GND electrode 206 is connected to the ground potential set in the camera 1.

  A polylactic acid layer 208 is stacked on the signal electrode 204 and the lower GND electrode 206. The polylactic acid layer 208 is a layer having piezoelectricity and flexibility, and is formed by laminating an L-polylactic acid layer 2081 and a D-polylactic acid layer 2082. The L-polylactic acid layer 2081 has at least one (three in the drawing) L-polylactic acid thin film sheet. On the other hand, the D-form polylactic acid layer 2082 has at least one (three in the figure) D-form polylactic acid thin film sheet.

  On the polylactic acid layer 208, an upper ground (GND) electrode 210 is formed. That is, the polylactic acid layer 208 is formed so as to be sandwiched between the signal electrode 204 and the upper GND electrode 210. A through hole 212 is formed from the upper GND electrode 210 to the lower GND electrode 206, and the upper GND electrode 210 and the lower GND electrode 206 are electrically connected by the through hole 212. As a result, the potential of the upper GND electrode 210 is fixed to the ground potential.

  Further, an upper insulating layer 214 is laminated on the upper GND electrode 210. The upper insulating layer 214 protects the electrodes and the like inside the piezoelectric element.

  Further, as shown in the cross-sectional view, the lower insulating layer 202 is formed on the base material layer 218 via the soft material layer 216. The soft material layer 216 is a layer such as silicone rubber, and the base material layer 218 is a hard material layer such as glass.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the application unit. As shown in FIG. 5, the application unit includes constant voltage sources 3021 and 3022, switches 3041a and 3042a, switches 3041b and 3042b, a switch switching unit 306a, a switch switching unit 306b, and a decoder 308. ing. Here, the application section shown in FIG. 5 shows a configuration corresponding to the two signal electrodes 204. Actually, the application unit includes two switches and a switch switching unit corresponding to each of the signal electrodes 204.

The constant voltage sources 3021 and 3022 are power supplies that generate a voltage to be applied to the signal electrode 204. Here, the constant voltage source 3021 is a power source that generates a voltage (for example, +5 V) having a positive potential with respect to the ground potential. The constant voltage source 3022 is a power source that generates a voltage (eg, −5 V) having a negative potential with respect to the ground potential.

  The switch 3041a is openably and closably connected between the constant voltage source 3021 and one signal electrode 204a of the signal electrodes 204, and the constant voltage source 3021 and the signal electrode 204a are connected in accordance with a control signal from the switch switching unit 306a. Is in a conductive state or an open state. The switch 3042a is openably and closably connected between the constant voltage source 3022 and the signal electrode 204a, and the constant voltage source 3022 and the signal electrode 204a are in a conductive state or an open state according to a control signal from the switch switching unit 306a. And

  The switch 3041b is openably and closably connected between the constant voltage source 3021 and another signal electrode 204b of the signal electrodes 204, and is connected to the constant voltage source 3021 and the signal electrode in accordance with a control signal from the switch switching unit 306b. A connection state or an open state is established between the terminal 204b and the terminal 204b. The switch 3042b is openably and closably connected between the constant voltage source 3022 and the signal electrode 204b, and is connected or disconnected between the constant voltage source 3022 and the signal electrode 204b in accordance with a control signal from the switch switching unit 306b. And

  The switch switching unit 306a is provided corresponding to the signal electrode 204a, and inputs a control signal to the switch 3041a and the switch 3042a in accordance with an input from the decoder 308. Here, the switch switching unit 306a inputs a control signal so that the switch 3042a is turned off when the switch 3041a is turned on, and the switch 3041a is turned off when the switch 3042a is turned on.

  The switch switching unit 306b is provided corresponding to the signal electrode 204b, and inputs a control signal to the switch 3041b and the switch 3042b in accordance with an input from the decoder 308. Here, the switch switching unit 306b inputs a control signal so that the switch 3042b is turned off when the switch 3041b is turned on, and the switch 3041b is turned off when the switch 3042b is turned on.

The decoder 308 decodes the piezoelectric element drive instruction from the control unit 122, and inputs a control signal to the switch switching units 306a and 306b so that a voltage is applied to the signal electrode corresponding to the decoded piezoelectric element drive instruction.

Next, the operation of the piezoelectric element will be described.
When a positive voltage (for example, +5 V) is applied to the signal electrode 204 corresponding to a detection point of the touch sensor, the L polylactic acid layer 2081 extends due to an electric field generated between the signal electrode 204 and the upper GND electrode 210. As a result, the D polylactic acid layer 2082 shrinks. The displacement amount of the polylactic acid layer 208 is larger in the short side direction than in the long side direction. The polylactic acid layer 208 is laminated in the order of an L-polylactic acid layer 2081 and a D-polylactic acid layer 2082. Therefore, as a whole, the polylactic acid layer 208 is bent so as to be recessed as shown in FIG. The upper insulating layer 214, the upper GND electrode 210, the signal electrode 204, and the lower insulating layer 202 are also bent by the force generated by the bending of the polylactic acid layer 208, so that the piezoelectric element is deformed so as to be recessed as a whole. The force generated by the bending of the polylactic acid layer 208 is absorbed by the soft material layer 216 and is not transmitted to the base material layer 218.

When a negative voltage (for example, −5 V) is applied to the signal electrode 204 corresponding to a detection point of the touch sensor, an L-type polylactic acid layer is generated by an electric field generated between the signal electrode 204 and the upper GND electrode 210. 2081 shrinks and the D polylactic acid layer 2082 extends. As described above, the amount of displacement of the polylactic acid layer 208 is greater in the short side direction than in the long side direction. The polylactic acid layer 208 is laminated in the order of an L-polylactic acid layer 2081 and a D-polylactic acid layer 2082. Therefore, the polylactic acid layer 208 as a whole bends so as to swell as shown in FIG. The upper insulating layer 214, the upper GND electrode 210, the signal electrode 204, and the lower insulating layer 202 are also bent by the force generated by the bending of the polylactic acid layer 208, so that the piezoelectric element is deformed so as to swell as a whole. The force generated by the bending of the polylactic acid layer 208 is absorbed by the soft material layer 216 and is not transmitted to the base material layer 218.

  In this manner, the piezoelectric element in the present embodiment can directly dent or bulge the portion corresponding to each detection point of the touch sensor. Thereby, it is possible to give a tactile stimulus to the user from an arbitrary position of the piezoelectric element.

  Here, the polylactic acid layer 208 is formed by laminating an L-polylactic acid layer 2081 and a D-polylactic acid layer 2082. This is to provide a large piezoelectric property (a large piezoelectric constant). Depending on the magnitude of the tactile stimulus given to the user, only the L-type polylactic acid layer 2081 or the D-type polylactic acid layer 2082 may be laminated to form the polylactic acid layer 208.

Further, the stacking order of the L polylactic acid layer 2081 and the D polylactic acid layer 2082 may be reversed. When the stacking order is reverse, the piezoelectric element bends so as to swell when a positive voltage is applied by the application unit, and bends so that the piezoelectric element dents when a negative voltage is applied .

  Furthermore, FIG. 3 is a configuration example of a piezoelectric element in which signal electrodes are arranged one-dimensionally. On the other hand, the signal electrodes may be arranged two-dimensionally. FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a piezoelectric element in which signal electrodes are two-dimensionally arranged. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the piezoelectric element shown in FIG. 3 is used as one piezoelectric element array, and a plurality of such piezoelectric element arrays are arranged. Hereinafter, the configuration of the piezoelectric element will be described in more detail.
A signal electrode 204 is formed on the lower insulating layer 202. One piezoelectric element array has a plurality (five in the figure) of signal electrodes 204 arranged in the vertical direction. A lead electrode 220 is formed on each signal electrode 204 constituting one piezoelectric element array. Each signal electrode 204 constituting one piezoelectric element array is connected to the application unit 1043 or 1083 via the extraction electrode 220.

  The lower insulating layer 202 has one lower GND electrode 206 for one piezoelectric element array.

  A polylactic acid layer 208 is stacked on the signal electrode 204 and the lower GND electrode 206. The polylactic acid layer 208 is configured by laminating an L polylactic acid layer 2081 and a D polylactic acid layer 2082.

  On the polylactic acid layer 208, one upper GND electrode 210 is formed for one piezoelectric element array. A through hole 212 is formed from the upper GND electrode 210 to the lower GND electrode 206, and the upper GND electrode 210 and the lower GND electrode 206 are electrically connected by the through hole 212.

  Further, an upper insulating layer 214 is laminated on the upper GND electrode 210. The upper insulating layer 214 protects the electrodes and the like inside the piezoelectric element.

  With the configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the signal electrodes 204 can be two-dimensionally arranged. Thereby, even if the detection points of the touch sensor are arranged two-dimensionally, it is possible to configure a piezoelectric element correspondingly.

  Next, the operation of the camera 1 having the touch operation device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the camera 1. The operation in FIG. 9 is controlled mainly by the control unit 122. Further, the operation of FIG. 9 is started, for example, when the camera 1 is turned on.

  When the operation of FIG. 9 is started, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the operation mode of the camera 1 is the shooting mode (step S101). The camera 1 has a shooting mode and a playback mode as operation modes. The operation mode is set, for example, according to the operation of the operation unit 114 or the touch sensor 1081 by the user.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the operation mode is the shooting mode, the control unit 122 causes the display unit 106 to display a through image (step S102). As a through image display, the control unit 122 activates the imaging unit 116 and acquires image data for through image display. After acquiring the image data, the control unit 122 performs image processing for general through image display such as white balance correction and gamma correction on the acquired image data. After the through-image display image processing, the control unit 122 inputs the processed image data to the display unit 106 and causes the display unit 106 to display the image.

  After displaying the through image on the display unit 106, the control unit 122 determines from the detection result of the eye sensor 112 whether or not the user has looked into the finder display unit 110 (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the viewfinder display unit 110 is not looked into, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the user touches the display screen of the display unit 106 based on the detection result of the touch sensor 1081. Determination is made (step S104).

  If it is determined in step S104 that the user has touched the display screen of the display unit 106, the control unit 122 performs still image shooting (step S105). As a still image shooting operation, the control unit 122 performs AF control to focus the optical system of the shooting lens 102 and performs AE control to determine an exposure condition during still image shooting. Here, in step S105, AF control and AE control are performed so that the subject at the touched position is focused and exposed. Subsequently, the control unit 122 causes the imaging unit 116 to perform an imaging operation for recording a still image according to the exposure condition determined by the AE control. After the image capturing operation for recording a still image, the control unit 122 performs general still image processing such as white balance correction, gamma correction, and still image compression processing on the image data obtained as a result of the image capturing operation of the image capturing unit 116. Perform image processing for image recording. After image processing for recording a still image, the control unit 122 generates a still image file based on the compressed image data, and causes the recording unit 118 to record the generated still image file. After such still image shooting, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the viewfinder display unit 110 is viewed, the control unit 122 causes the viewfinder display unit 110 to display a through image (step S106). The process in step S106 is the same as that in step S102, except that image data for through image display is input to the finder display unit 110 to display an image.

  After the through image display on the finder display unit 110, the control unit 122 ends the through image display on the display unit 106 (step S107). It is considered that the display unit 106 is not used when the user is looking into the finder display unit 110. Therefore, the through image display on the display unit 106 is terminated to save energy.

  When it is determined in step S104 that there is no in-screen touch or after the through image display on the finder display unit 110, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the user has touched the touch operation unit based on the detection result of the touch sensor 1081. Is determined (step S108). The touch operation unit is an area of the touch sensor 1081 that can be operated while the user looks into the finder display unit 110. For example, when the user is right-handed, the right end region 108a of the touch operation device 108 is set as the touch operation unit as shown in FIG. Although not shown, when the user is left-handed, the left end area of the touch operation device 108 is set as a touch operation unit.

  When it is determined in step S108 that there is a touch on the touch operation unit, the control unit 122 performs piezoelectric element control (step S109). Details of the piezoelectric element control will be described later.

  After the piezoelectric element control, the control unit 122 executes control according to the touch position on the touch operation unit (step S110). For example, when the touch operation unit is first touched, the control unit 122 superimposes the display buttons 402, 404, and 406 indicating operation buttons on the through image of the finder display unit 110 as illustrated in FIG. A P (program) button 402 is a button for setting a program mode of the camera 1 (how to determine an exposure condition during still image shooting). The St (strobe) button 404 is a button for setting a strobe. The exposure correction button 406 is a button for setting exposure correction. The functions assigned to these operation buttons are examples and can be changed as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when the display 402, 404, and 406 indicating the operation buttons are displayed on the finder display unit 110, the user traces the touch operation unit portion of the touch operation device 108 with a finger. The movement of the finger at this time is detected via the touch sensor 1081. The control unit 122 identifies the touch position from the output of the touch sensor 1081, and recognizes that the corresponding operation button is selected when the touch position is a position corresponding to one of the operation buttons. At this time, the selected operation button is displayed in a thick frame, for example, so that the user can recognize that the operation button has been selected. FIG. 11A shows an example in which the exposure correction button 406 is selected.

  When any one of the operation buttons is selected, the control unit 122 performs a display corresponding to the selected operation button on the finder display unit 110. Here, FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a display example when the exposure correction button 406 is selected.

  When the exposure correction button 406 is selected, the control unit 122 causes the finder display unit 110 to display a display 4061 indicating that exposure correction is being set, for example. In addition, the control unit 122 causes the finder display unit 110 to display a bar 4062 for designating the exposure correction amount.

  When the user traces the touch operation unit with a finger while the bar 4062 is displayed, the control unit 122 identifies the movement (slide) of the finger from the output of the touch sensor 1081, and the finder display unit according to the slide of the finger. The position of the indicator 4063 displayed on the 110 bar 4062 is moved. Then, when recognizing that the finger is stopped, the control unit 122 displays a display 4064 indicating the value of the exposure correction amount according to the position of the index 4063 at that time. Thereafter, the control unit 122 performs correction so that the exposure of the image data is increased or decreased by the exposure correction amount. In this way, the user can perform exposure correction while looking into the finder display unit 110.

  When the P button 402 is selected or when the St button 404 is selected, an operation similar to the exposure correction button 406 is performed. Detailed description is omitted here. Further, for example, when the user's finger moves to a region different from the touch operation unit during exposure correction, the display of FIG. 11B is returned to the display of FIG.

  When it is determined in step S108 that there is no touch on the touch operation unit or after step S110, the control unit 122 determines whether or not there is a finger movement (slide) on the lens frame based on the detection result of the touch sensor 1041. Is determined (step S111). If it is determined in step S111 that there is a finger slide on the lens frame, the control unit 122 performs piezoelectric element control (step S112). Details of the piezoelectric element control will be described later.

  After the piezoelectric element control, the control unit 122 instructs the lens driving unit 103 to drive the optical system according to the finger slide detected by the touch sensor 1041 (step S113). Whether focus driving or zoom driving is performed by operating the touch operation device 104 is set in advance. Alternatively, a focus driving and zoom driving touch operation device 104 may be provided in the lens frame.

  When it is determined in step S111 that there is no finger slide on the lens frame or after step S113, the control unit 122 determines whether or not a shooting operation has been performed by the user (step S114). The photographing operation is, for example, a pressing operation of a release button of the operation unit 114. If it is determined in step S114 that the shooting operation has not been performed, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S114 that a shooting operation has been performed, the control unit 122 performs still image shooting (step S115). As a still image shooting operation, the control unit 122 performs AF control to focus the optical system of the shooting lens 102 and performs AE control to determine an exposure condition during still image shooting. In step S115, for example, AF control is performed so that the center subject or the closest subject is in focus. Subsequently, the control unit 122 causes the imaging unit 116 to perform an imaging operation for recording a still image according to the exposure condition determined by the AE control. After the image capturing operation for recording a still image, the control unit 122 performs general still image processing such as white balance correction, gamma correction, and still image compression processing on the image data obtained as a result of the image capturing operation of the image capturing unit 116. Perform image processing for image recording. After image processing for recording a still image, the control unit 122 generates a still image file based on the compressed image data, and causes the recording unit 118 to record the generated still image file. After such still image shooting, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S101.

  When determining in step S101 that the operation mode is not the shooting mode, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the operation mode is the reproduction mode (step S116). When determining in step S116 that the operation mode is not the playback mode, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S101.

  If it is determined in step S116 that the operation mode is the playback mode, the control unit 122 causes the display unit 106 to display a list of image files recorded in the recording unit 118 (step S117). Subsequently, the control unit 122 determines whether or not an image file has been selected by the user (step S118). If it is determined in step S118 that no image file has been selected, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S117. In this case, the list display is continued.

  If it is determined in step S118 that an image file has been selected, the control unit 122 reproduces the image file selected by the user (step S119). In the reproduction process, the control unit 122 reads the image file selected by the user from the recording unit 118, and decompresses the read image file. Then, the control unit 122 inputs the decompressed image data to the display unit 106 and displays the image.

  After the reproduction of the image file, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the user has instructed the end of the reproduction of the image file (step S120). If it is determined in step S120 that the reproduction end of the image file has not been instructed, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S119. In this case, the reproduction of the image file is continued. If it is determined in step S120 that the end of reproduction of the image file has been instructed, the control unit 122 returns the process to step S101.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling the piezoelectric element. In the present embodiment, a tactile sensation is given to the user by controlling the piezoelectric elements arranged on the touch sensor so that the user can operate without looking at the touch operation device.

  When the piezoelectric element control is started, the control unit 122 determines whether the finger is not sliding from the outputs of the touch sensors 1041 and 1081 (step S201).

  When it is determined in step S201 that the finger is not sliding, that is, when it is considered that the display of FIG. 11A is being performed, the control unit 122 determines that the current touch position is the position of the operation button. It is determined whether or not there is (step S202).

If it is determined in step S202 that the touch position is the position of the operation button, the control unit 122 instructs the application unit 1043 to dent the piezoelectric element 1042 at a position corresponding to the touch position (step S203). ). Applying unit receives this 1043 applies to the corresponding signal electrode 204 voltage (positive voltage). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 13, it bends so that the position corresponding to a touch position may dent. By denting the position of the operation button in this manner, the user can feel that the operation can be performed at the current finger position as well as the slip prevention.

If it is determined in step S202 that the touch position is not the position of the operation button, that is, the touch position is deviated from the operation button, the control unit 122 is a position adjacent to the touch position and adjacent to the operation button. The application unit 1043 is instructed to dent the piezoelectric element 1042 (step S203). Applying unit receives this 1043 applies to the corresponding signal electrode 204 voltage (positive voltage). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14A, the position near the touch position is bent so as to be recessed. By denting the position near the touch position in this way, the finger can be guided to the position of the operation button as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the finger is sliding, the control unit 122 determines whether or not the touch position is an end position of the touch operation device 104 or 108 (step S205). Since the touch operation device 108 is formed along the lens frame, there is no end in the circumferential direction of the lens frame. Therefore, in step S205, it is determined that the touch position is not the end position.

If it is determined in step S205 that the touch position is the end position, the control unit 122 ends the process of FIG. If it is determined in step S205 that the touch position is not the end position, the control unit 122 inflates the piezoelectric element 1042 or 1082 at a position adjacent to the touch position and adjacent to the finger sliding direction. Thus, the application unit 1043 or 1083 is instructed (step S206). Applying unit receives this 1043 or 1083 is applied to the corresponding signal electrode 204 voltage (negative voltage). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 15, it bends so that the position of the vicinity of a touch position may swell. By inflating the position in the vicinity of the touch position in this way, it is possible to give an operational feeling to the finger when the user performs a slide operation.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to bend a piezoelectric element for each part by forming a signal electrode for each part of the piezoelectric element formed in the touch sensor. Thereby, an arbitrary position on the touch sensor can be bent independently of the others. Thereby, it is possible to give a tactile sensation directly to the user's finger.

  In the present embodiment, a piezoelectric element is configured by sandwiching a polylactic acid layer between two electrodes. Since the polylactic acid layer is a transparent material, even if a piezoelectric element is formed on the display unit 106, the possibility that the display on the display unit 106 is obstructed can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the bending displacement by laminating the D-form polylactic acid layer and the L-form polylactic acid layer.

  Here, the piezoelectric element can also be used as a touch sensor by connecting an electrode to any one of the polylactic acid layers. That is, the touch position can be detected by detecting a voltage signal corresponding to the bending of the polylactic acid layer when the user's finger is touched. In such a configuration, the piezoelectric element and the touch sensor can be combined into one.

  In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric element is configured using the polylactic acid layer. However, this is an example, and the polylactic acid layer is not necessarily used to configure the piezoelectric element. Moreover, a piezoelectric element may be configured by arranging a plurality of piezoelectric bodies in an array. FIG. 16 shows a configuration example in the case where the piezoelectric element is configured by an array of a plurality of piezoelectric bodies. The piezoelectric element of FIG. 16 has a plurality of piezoelectric bodies 504 arranged in an array, and each piezoelectric body 504 is composed of a signal electrode 502 (actually, the signal electrodes are insulated) and a ground (GND) electrode 506. It is configured by sandwiching. Even with such a configuration, any position of the touch operation device can be bent independently of the others.

In the above-described example, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element by the applying unit is of two types, positive and negative. On the other hand, if the number of constant voltage sources is increased, it is possible to apply three or more kinds of voltages to the piezoelectric element. By increasing the types of voltages that can be applied to the piezoelectric element, it is possible to change the amount of bending displacement according to the contents of the operation buttons, for example. Further, instead of increasing the number of constant voltage sources, the number of applied voltages may be increased by a technique such as resistance division.

  Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are naturally possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Further, in the description of each operation flowchart described above, the operation is described using “first”, “next”, and the like for convenience, but this does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in this order. Absent.

  In addition, each processing method by the image processing apparatus in the above-described embodiment, that is, the processing shown in each flowchart can be stored as a program that can be executed by the control unit 122. In addition, memory cards (ROM cards, RAM cards, etc.), magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), storage media of external storage devices such as semiconductor memories, etc. are distributed. be able to. And the control part 122 can perform the process mentioned above by reading the program memorize | stored in the storage medium of this external storage device, and operation | movement being controlled by this read program.

  Further, the above-described embodiments include various stages of the invention, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some configuration requirements are deleted from all the configuration requirements shown in the embodiment, the above-described problem can be solved, and this configuration requirement is deleted when the above-described effects can be obtained. The configuration can also be extracted as an invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera, 102 ... Shooting lens, 103 ... Lens drive part, 104 ... Touch operation apparatus, 106 ... Display part, 108 ... Touch operation apparatus, 110 ... Finder display part, 112 ... Eye sensor, 114 ... Operation part, 116 ... Imaging 118, recording unit, 120, clock unit, 122, control unit, 202, lower insulating layer, 204, signal electrode, 206, lower ground (GND) electrode, 208, polylactic acid layer, 210, upper ground ( GND) electrode, 212 ... through hole, 214 ... upper insulating layer, 216 ... soft material layer, 218 ... base material layer, 1041,1081 ... touch sensor, 1042,1082 ... piezoelectric element, 1043,1083 ... application section

Claims (7)

A piezoelectric element provided in the finder and disposed at a position different from a finder display unit for displaying an image, and having piezoelectricity and flexibility;
A touch sensor that is arranged corresponding to the piezoelectric element at a position different from the viewfinder display unit and detects a touch operation;
When peeping into the finder display unit is detected, the piezoelectric device according to whether or not the touch operation to the touch sensor corresponding to the position of the image of the operation button displayed on the finder display unit is a slide operation. An application section for selectively applying a signal to the element portion to bend the piezoelectric element portion;
A touch operation device comprising:   The application unit is configured to selectively apply a signal to a portion of the piezoelectric element corresponding to the specific position when a touch on the specific position is detected as the touch operation. The touch operation device described in 1.   The application unit corresponds to a position adjacent to the shifted position and adjacent to the specific position when a touch to a position shifted from the specific position is detected as the touch operation. The touch operation device according to claim 2, wherein a signal is selectively applied to the portion of the piezoelectric element.   The application unit includes a piezoelectric element corresponding to a position adjacent to the specific position and adjacent to the direction of the slide operation when a slide operation from the specific position is detected as the touch operation. The touch operation device according to claim 2, wherein a signal is sequentially applied to the element portion. The piezoelectric element is
A signal electrode formed for each portion of the piezoelectric element;
A ground electrode arranged to face the signal electrode;
A piezoelectric body sandwiched between the signal electrode and the ground electrode;
The touch operation device according to claim 1, comprising:   The touch operation device according to claim 5, wherein the piezoelectric body is configured by laminating an L polylactic acid layer and a D polylactic acid layer. A piezoelectric element having a piezoelectricity and a flexibility disposed at a position different from a finder display section provided in the finder and displaying an image, and a position corresponding to the piezoelectric element at a position different from the finder display section. A touch sensor that is disposed and detects a touch operation, and a control method for the touch operation device,
When peeping into the finder display unit is detected, the piezoelectric device according to whether or not the touch operation to the touch sensor corresponding to the position of the image of the operation button displayed on the finder display unit is a slide operation. A method for controlling a touch operation device, comprising: selectively applying a signal to an element portion to bend the piezoelectric element portion.