JP5736014B2 - Electronic device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus such as an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof.

  An imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera is provided with various operation devices (buttons, switches, etc.). However, as the imaging device is downsized, a space for arranging the operation devices is insufficient. ing. Although it is conceivable to reduce the size of the operation device in accordance with the size of the arrangement space, there is a limit to downsizing in consideration of a decrease in operability.

  For this reason, Patent Document 1 proposes an imaging apparatus that allows a user to give an instruction to the imaging apparatus without using an operation device by using a vibration sensor provided for detecting camera shake.

The technique described in Patent Document 1 enables an instruction that can be input also by an operation device to be input by vibrating the imaging apparatus. Even when the vibration is detected, an input from the operation device is accepted.
Therefore, when the user vibrates the imaging device to give a desired instruction, if an operating device such as a menu button is accidentally operated, an instruction different from the user's intention is given to the imaging device. There was a problem that.

JP 2000-125184 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 enables an instruction that can be input also by an operation device to be input by vibrating the imaging apparatus. Even when the vibration is detected, an input from the operation device is accepted.

  Therefore, when the user vibrates the imaging device to give a desired instruction, if an operating device such as a menu button is accidentally operated, an instruction different from the user's intention is given to the imaging device. There was a problem that.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem of the prior art. According to the present invention, even if the user operates the operation device such as the menu button by mistake when performing a predetermined operation such as vibrating the electronic device to give a desired instruction, the user's intention is The purpose is to prevent different instructions from being given to electronic devices.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a first operation device for operation by a user, provided on an outer surface of the electronic apparatus, and a shake detection unit that detects a shake of the electronic apparatus. And a control means for invalidating the operation on the first operation device based on the direction of the shake detected by the shake detection means, and the control means detects the shake in the first direction by the shake detection means. In such a case, control is performed so as to invalidate the operation with the first operation device , and when the shake detection means detects the shake in the second direction, the operation with the first operation device should not be invalidated. It is characterized by.

  When a user performs a predetermined operation such as vibrating an electronic device to give a desired instruction, even if an operation device such as a menu button is mistakenly operated, an instruction different from the user's intention is It can be prevented from being given to the device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a digital still camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a rear view showing an example of the appearance of the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, and aligns the coordinate axes set in the camera Figure expressed. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement which raises a camera alpha degree from a normal position centering on a Z-axis, (b) and (c) are the accelerations which the acceleration sensor of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention detects. The figure for demonstrating a direction. (A) is a figure which shows the example of the output signal of the acceleration sensor at the time of raising the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention alpha degree centering on Z axis from a normal position, (b) is the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention Is a diagram showing an example of an output signal of the acceleration sensor when the camera is swung down from the position swung up by α degrees around the Z axis to the normal position, (c) shows the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention around the Z axis. The figure which shows the example of an output signal of the acceleration sensor at the time of swinging down to the normal position from the position swung up by α degrees and further swung up by α degrees around the Z axis. (A) is a figure explaining a specific example of the acceleration waveform obtained by the swing motion according to the present invention in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, and (b) is an acceleration signal change rate obtained by removing an offset component from the acceleration output signal. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of user operation recognition processing in an imaging mode of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of image forwarding and user operation recognition processing in a playback mode of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart for demonstrating the outline | summary of the user operation recognition process in imaging mode of the camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a digital still camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) as an example of an electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Light incident from a subject is imaged as a subject image on an imaging surface of an imaging element 1003 that is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor by an optical system 1001 including a lens and a diaphragm. The mechanical shutter 1002 opens / blocks the optical path from the optical system 1001 to the image sensor 1003 under the control of the drive control unit 1007.

  The CDS circuit 1004 is a correlated double sampling circuit, and performs analog signal processing such as correlated double sampling on the analog image signal output from the image sensor 1003. An A / D converter (A / D) 1005 converts an analog signal output from the CDS circuit into a digital signal. The timing signal generator 1006 generates a signal for operating the drive control unit 1007, the image sensor 1003, the CDS circuit 1004, and the A / D converter 1005.

  The drive control unit 1007 drives the aperture and autofocus mechanism of the optical system 1001, the mechanical shutter 1002, and the image sensor 1003 based on a signal from the timing signal generator 1006.

  The signal processing unit 1008 performs signal processing necessary for generating image data for display and recording, such as color interpolation processing and white balance processing, on the digital image data output from the A / D converter 1005. An image memory 1009 stores image data processed by the signal processing unit 1008. The recording control unit 1011 records image data output by the signal processing unit on a recording medium 1010 that can be removed from the camera, such as a memory card. The recording control unit 1011 also reads out image data recorded on the recording medium 1010.

  The display control unit 1013 generates a display image signal from the image data output from the signal processing unit 1008 and displays it on the image display unit 1012. A system control unit 1014 controls the entire camera.

  A nonvolatile memory (ROM) 1015 includes a program describing the control performed by the system control unit 1014, control data such as parameters and tables used when executing the program, and a defective pixel address of the image sensor 1003. The correction data is stored. When the system control unit 1014 operates, the program, control data, and correction data stored in the ROM 1015 are transferred to the RAM 1016 and used.

  The operation unit 1017 includes operation devices such as buttons, switches, and a touch panel for the user to give instructions to the camera. The operation unit 1017 includes a mode switch, and can be set by switching each function mode such as power-off, imaging mode, playback mode, and PC connection mode.

  The shake detection sensor 1018 is an acceleration sensor in the present embodiment, and detects vibration applied to the camera. The vibration determination unit 1019 determines the validity of the instruction given from the operation unit 1017 based on the output of the shake detection sensor 1018. The signal output unit 1020 detects camera vibration based on the output of the shake detection sensor 1018, and recognizes an instruction given by the user by vibrating the camera from the detected vibration information. In the present embodiment, the instruction is recognized according to the direction of the detected vibration, but other information about the vibration such as the magnitude and number of vibrations may be considered. Based on the recognition result, a signal representing any instruction that can be given by operating the operation device included in the operation unit 1017 is output to the system control unit 1014.

  The signal output unit 1020 includes, for example, a table (not shown) in which information about vibration such as the direction and number of vibrations and corresponding instructions are associated with each other, and vibration detected based on the output of the shake detection sensor 1018. The table is referred to by the information regarding and the instruction is recognized. In the present embodiment, the signal output from the signal output unit 1020 to the system control unit 1014 is the same as the signal output to the system control unit 1014 when any of the operation devices included in the operation unit 1017 is operated. That is, in the camera of the present embodiment, at least a part of the instructions that can be given using the operation unit 1017 can be given by causing the device to vibrate in a specific direction.

  A vertical / horizontal position detection sensor 1021 provided as necessary detects whether the camera is in the horizontal position or the vertical position, and outputs the detection result to the system control unit 1014. Note that vibration of the camera may be detected using the vertical / horizontal position detection sensor 1021. In this case, the shake detection sensor 1018 is not necessary.

Next, an imaging operation (normal still image imaging operation) using the mechanical shutter 1002 in the camera having such a configuration will be described.
Prior to the imaging operation, when the operation of the system control unit 1014 starts (when the camera is turned on, etc.), the system control unit 1014 transfers necessary programs, control data, and correction data from the ROM 1015 to the RAM 1016 and stores them. Shall. Further, the system control unit 1014 may use additional programs and control data by transferring them from the ROM 1015 to the RAM 1016 or reading the data in the ROM 1015 as necessary.

FIG. 2A is a rear view showing an example of the appearance of the camera according to the present embodiment.
In the example shown in FIG. 2A, a release button 2001 and a zoom lever 2002 for changing the focal length of the zoom lens of the optical system 1001 are provided on the upper surface of the camera. Also, on the back of the camera, a mode dial 2003 for changing the imaging mode and a function button 2004 for making various settings including an up / down / left / right key and an enter key are provided. On the back of the camera, a menu button 2005 for displaying various setting menus on the image display unit 1012 and a display button 2006 for switching display of the image display unit 1012 are further provided. These buttons, dials, and keys are all included in the operation unit 1017.

  The release button 2001 has a structure in which the first switch is turned on when the release button 2001 is pushed in half, and the second switch is turned on when the release button 2001 is pushed down to the end. When the first switch is turned on, the system control unit 1014 starts an imaging preparation operation including AE processing and AF processing. Then, the system control unit 1014 drives the aperture and lens included in the optical system 1001 via the drive control unit 1007 to form a subject image with appropriate brightness on the image sensor 1003. When the second switch is turned on, the system control unit 1014 starts an imaging operation (main imaging operation), opens the mechanical shutter 1002 through the drive control unit 1007, and opens an appropriate exposure time based on the AE process, and the imaging element. 1003 is exposed. Note that in the case where the imaging element 1003 has an electronic shutter function, a necessary exposure time may be ensured in combination with the mechanical shutter 1002.

  The image sensor 1003 is driven by a drive pulse generated from an operation pulse generated by a timing signal generator 1006 controlled by the system control unit 1014, photoelectrically converts the formed subject image into an electrical signal, Output as an analog image signal. The analog image signal output from the image sensor 1003 is converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 1005 after the clock synchronization noise is removed by the CDS circuit 1004 operated by the operation pulse generated by the timing signal generator 1006. Converted.

  Next, in the signal processing unit 1008 controlled by the system control unit 1014, image processing such as color conversion, white balance, and gamma correction, resolution conversion processing, and image processing are performed on the digital image signal output from the A / D converter 1005. Image data is generated by performing compression processing or the like.

  The image memory 1009 is used to temporarily store a digital image signal being processed by the signal processing unit 1008 or to store image data that is a digital image signal that has been subjected to signal processing. The image data generated by the signal processing unit 1008 is converted into data suitable for the recording medium 1010 (for example, file system data having a hierarchical structure) by the recording control unit 1011 and recorded on the recording medium 1010. Further, after the resolution of the image data is converted by the signal processing unit 1008, the display control unit 1013 converts the image data into a signal suitable for the image display unit 1012 (for example, an NTSC analog signal) and displays the image data on the image display unit 1012. The

  Here, the signal processing unit 1008 may output the image data as it is to the image memory 1009 or the recording control unit 1011 without performing image processing on the digital image signal in accordance with a control signal from the system control unit 1014. . Further, when requested by the system control unit 1014, the signal processing unit 1008 receives information about digital image signals and image data generated in the process of signal processing, or information extracted from the information, and the system control unit 1014. Output to. Such information includes, for example, information on the spatial frequency of the image, the average pixel value in the designated area, and the data amount of the compressed image. Further, the recording control unit 1011 outputs information such as the type and free capacity of the recording medium 1010 to the system control unit 1014 in response to a request from the system control unit 1014.

  When reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium 1010, the recording control unit 1011 reads out the image data to be reproduced from the recording medium 1010 according to a control signal from the system control unit 1014. Then, the signal processing unit 1008 performs image expansion processing when the image data is a compressed image in accordance with the control signal from the system control unit 1014, and stores it in the image memory 1009. Image data stored in the image memory 1009 is converted into a display resolution corresponding to the resolution of the image display unit 1012 by the signal processing unit 1008, and then converted into a signal suitable for the image display unit 1012 by the display control unit 1013. It is displayed on the image display unit 1012.

Next, the vibration determination unit 1019 will be described.
In this embodiment, the shake detection sensor 1018 is an acceleration sensor, detects an acceleration component of shake applied to the camera, and functions as shake detection means for detecting the shake operation of the camera. The shake detection sensor 1018 independently detects accelerations in the three directions of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction in the coordinate system (referred to as a camera coordinate system) shown in FIG. The posture of the camera as shown in FIG. 2B is called a normal position. Here, for example, in the camera coordinate system at the normal position, the Y-axis direction is a direction opposite to gravity, the Z-axis direction is parallel to the optical axis of the optical system 1001, and the X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis and Z-axis. (Horizontal direction).

  Note that the type, number, and arrangement of sensors are not particularly limited as long as vibrations in one or more specific directions can be detected. For example, an angular velocity sensor or a gravity sensor can be used instead of the acceleration sensor. Note that if the camera has a camera shake detection sensor or a vertical / horizontal position detection sensor 1021, they may be used as the vibration detection sensor in this embodiment. In FIG. 2B, the origin of the camera coordinate system is described so as to coincide with one vertex when the camera casing is regarded as a rectangular parallelepiped, but the position of the origin is not particularly limited.

<Acceleration detection waveform during swing motion>
An output signal indicating the acceleration in each axial direction obtained by the shake detection sensor 1018 is input to the vibration determination unit 1019. FIGS. 4A to 4C and FIG. 5A show examples of signals input from the shake detection sensor 1018 to the vibration determination unit 1019. FIG.

  FIGS. 4A to 4C are signal waveforms showing the time change of the X-axis direction component of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 when the camera is raised or lowered. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the acceleration component when the camera is swung up from a horizontal posture.

  FIG. 4A is a signal waveform showing the time change of the X-axis direction component of the acceleration when the camera is accelerated from the horizontal state at the start timing of swinging up, decelerated at the end of swinging up and stopped. Corresponding to the state shifted from the state 40 in FIG. 3A to the state 41, acceleration is detected at the time of acceleration at the start of swing (peak 501) and at the time of deceleration at the end of swing (peak 502). Since the camera coordinate system shifts from the state of FIG. 3B to the state of FIG. 3C, the X-axis direction component of the gravitational acceleration in the stationary state before and after the swing is 0 g level as shown in FIG. To (sin α) · g level as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4B shows the X-axis component of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 when the camera is swung up and down from a state where it has been swung up, and decelerated and stopped when swung down to a horizontal position. It is a signal waveform which shows a time change. That is, corresponding to the state transitioned from the state 41 in FIG. 3A to the state 40, acceleration is detected at the beginning of swing (peak 503) and decelerated at the end of swing (peak 504). Since the camera coordinate system shifts from the state of FIG. 3C to the state of FIG. 3B, the X-axis direction component of the gravitational acceleration in the stationary state before and after swinging is expressed as (sin α ). The level changes from the g level to the 0 g level as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4C shows a signal waveform indicating the time change of the X-axis component of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 when the camera is swung up and then swung down. As can be seen from the comparison of FIGS. 4A to 4C, the signal waveform of FIG. 4C is a waveform obtained by adding the signal waveforms of FIGS. 4A and 4B. A peak 505 in FIG. 4C is an acceleration peak that appears due to acceleration when the swing-up operation is executed. A peak 506 is a peak of acceleration that appears when the deceleration at the time of swinging up and the acceleration at the time of swinging down are combined in a state where the swinging is finished and the swinging is about to be started. A peak 507 is a peak of acceleration that appears at the time of deceleration at the end of the swing-down operation. The peak 505 indicating the acceleration at the start of the swing-up is the first acceleration waveform, the peak 506 obtained by combining the acceleration at the end of the swing-up and the start of the swing-down is the second acceleration waveform, and the peak indicating the acceleration at the end of the swing-down. Let 507 be the third acceleration waveform.

  Among these, the peak 506 that is the second acceleration waveform has a tendency to increase by the amount corresponding to the gravitational acceleration, and can be effectively used when the motion of shaking the camera is detected based on the acceleration. FIG. 4 (c) shows the signal waveform of the acceleration detected by the operation of swinging up and then swinging down. In the case of the operation of swinging up and swinging down once, the signal waveform shown in FIG. 4 (c). The waveform is opposite to that of the waveform.

  FIG. 5A shows the X-axis direction of acceleration detected by a shake detection sensor 1018 (acceleration sensor in the present embodiment) when the camera is swung up and then swung down similarly to FIG. 4C. An example of the signal waveform of a component is shown. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the output of the shake detection sensor 1018. The sign represents the direction of acceleration.

  The first threshold value A and the threshold value −A are threshold values for determining whether or not the camera of the present embodiment is moving. Specifically, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera is not moving if the absolute value of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 is less than A, and the absolute value of the acceleration is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. Then, it is determined that the camera is moving.

  On the other hand, the second threshold value B and threshold value -B are threshold values for determining whether the camera is shaken in a predetermined manner. The thresholds are set in a relationship of threshold-B <threshold-A and threshold A <threshold B. If the absolute value of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 is greater than or equal to the threshold A and less than the threshold B, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera is moving but is not being shaken in a predetermined manner. . On the other hand, if the absolute value of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 is greater than or equal to the threshold value B, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera is moving and is shaken in a predetermined manner.

  The third threshold value C and threshold value -C are threshold values for determining whether the camera is shaken within a predetermined strength range. The thresholds are set in a relationship of threshold-C <threshold-B and threshold B <threshold C. If the absolute value of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 is greater than or equal to the threshold value B and less than the threshold value C, the vibration determination unit 1019 is shaken within a predetermined swing method and a predetermined strength range. Is determined. On the other hand, if the absolute value of the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 is greater than or equal to the threshold value C, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera shake is too strong. If the camera is shaken strongly, there is a high possibility that the camera will accidentally fall off the hand, so a warning is given if it is determined that the camera is shaken too strongly. As a warning method, a warning message may be displayed on the image display unit 1012, or a warning sound may be emitted from a speaker (not shown).

  Note that the vibration determination unit 1019 may compare the acceleration value detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 with the threshold value without comparing the absolute value with the threshold value. For example, when comparing the detected acceleration with the first threshold, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera is not moving (was shaken) if the detected acceleration is greater than −A and less than + A. To do. The vibration determining unit 1019 determines that the camera is moving if the detected acceleration is −A or less or + A or more. The same applies to other threshold values.

  Note that, among the peaks 301 to 303 in the signal waveform of FIG. 5A, the intended operation is likely to be shaken more strongly than the preparatory operation, and therefore the peak 302 having the largest absolute value of the acceleration is shown in FIG. It is assumed that this corresponds to the second acceleration waveform in (c). That is, when the purpose is to swing the camera down, the swing-down operation is shown. When the purpose is to swing up, the swing-up operation is shown. In this case, the peak 301 is the first acceleration waveform in FIG. 4C, and if the target operation is swinging down, it is an acceleration of the swing-up operation that is the preparation operation. A peak 303 is the third acceleration waveform in FIG. 4C, which is a waveform when deceleration during swing-down is detected. If the target motion is a swing-up motion, the waveform is axisymmetric with respect to the X axis (positive and negative are reversed), and the first acceleration waveform 301 and the third acceleration waveform 303 are Upwards. Note that the waveform having the largest absolute value of acceleration does not necessarily indicate the intended operation. A method of detecting the intended operation in the present invention will be described later.

  Reference numeral 310 denotes a point in time when the first acceleration waveform 301 crosses the threshold value A (or -A). Reference numeral 311 denotes a time point when the second acceleration waveform 302 first crosses the threshold value A (or -A), and reference numeral 313 denotes a time point when the second acceleration waveform 302 crosses the threshold value A (or -A) again. Reference numeral 314 denotes a time point when the third acceleration waveform 303 straddles the threshold A (or -A) once and then straddles again. The threshold S1 and the threshold S2 are thresholds for the time t1 when the second acceleration waveform representing the intended motion (main motion) is continuously equal to or higher than the threshold A or equal to or lower than the threshold −A. That is, it is the time from when the second acceleration waveform 302 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold A to the next A (or after becoming equal to or less than the threshold −A and then to the threshold −A). In the present embodiment, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the second acceleration waveform (main operation) has been detected when the condition of threshold S1 ≦ time t1 ≦ threshold S2 is satisfied.

  Further, the vibration determination unit 1019 is a position where the swing motion is stopped when a state in which it is determined that the camera is not moving (a state in which the acceleration is greater than the threshold −A and less than the threshold A) has passed for a time equal to or greater than the threshold E. It is determined that In this case, when the vibration determination unit 1019 is in a state in which it is determined that the camera is not moving, a state in which the time equal to or longer than the threshold E has not elapsed, the acceleration first becomes the threshold A or higher or the threshold −A or lower. It is determined that the operation started at the time is continued (one swing operation).

Therefore, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines, for example, the third acceleration waveform 303 in FIG. 5A as a series of operations with the first acceleration waveform 301 and the second acceleration waveform 302. When the acceleration is greater than the threshold value -A and less than the threshold value A from the time indicated by 314 after the time of the threshold value E has elapsed, if the acceleration is again lower than the threshold value -A or greater than or equal to the threshold value A, vibration is generated. The determination unit 1019 determines that a new operation has been started.
FIG. 5A shows the case where three threshold values A, B, and C having the same absolute value are used as the acceleration level threshold value, but one or more absolute values of a positive threshold value and a negative threshold value are used. May be different.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a change with time of the acceleration signal change rate obtained by removing the offset component from the acceleration output signal of FIG. The acceleration signal change rate may be used as the threshold value for determining whether the camera is moving or not moving as described with reference to FIG. In this case, THh and THl are used instead of the threshold value ± A in FIG. Note that THh and THl may be used instead of ± B and ± C in FIG. 5A, and the threshold value of the acceleration signal change rate may be determined separately.

  The vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the camera vibrates in the axial direction based on an acceleration signal output or an acceleration signal change rate in one axial direction as shown in FIG. 5A or 5B. It is determined whether or not, and the determination result is output to the system control unit 1014. Based on the determination result, the system control unit 1014 enables or disables the operation of the camera by the operation device included in the operation unit 1017.

<User operation recognition processing>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the user operation recognition process when the camera of the present embodiment is in the imaging mode.
First, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the camera is vibrating in the X-axis direction from the acceleration output signal in the X-axis direction of the shake detection sensor 1018 (S8001). The vibration determination unit 1019 determines, for example, whether the camera is vibrating in the X-axis direction based on the magnitude, direction, and frequency of the acceleration signal output or acceleration signal change rate peak in the X-axis direction.

Specifically, as an example, the vibration determination unit 1019
(1) A cycle in which the peak of the acceleration signal output or acceleration signal change rate in the X-axis direction deviates from a predetermined threshold range (A to -A for acceleration signal output, THh to THl for acceleration signal change rate) is predetermined Less than the period and (2) a state where continuous peaks satisfy the opposite direction continues for a certain period of time.
Alternatively, when a predetermined number of continuous peaks satisfy the conditions (1) and (2), it is determined that the vibration is in the X-axis direction.

As another example, the vibration determination unit 1019
(A) When the acceleration signal output in the X-axis direction is out of a predetermined threshold range (for example, threshold value ± A in FIG. 5A), it is determined that shake has been detected.
(B) When it is determined that a shake is detected in (a), a state where the acceleration signal output in the X-axis direction is within a predetermined threshold range has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, threshold E in FIG. 5A). Then, it is determined that the swing motion is stopped.
The time from (a) to (b) is the operation even if the acceleration signal output in the X-axis direction is within a predetermined threshold range (for example, within the range of the threshold ± A in FIG. 5A). Is determined to be ongoing.

  On the other hand, when these criteria are not satisfied, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the vibration does not occur in the X-axis direction. The vibration determination unit 1019 can similarly determine the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Note that this vibration determination method is merely an example, and the presence or absence of vibration may be determined by other methods.

If it is determined that the camera is not vibrating in the X-axis direction, the vibration determining unit 1019 determines whether the camera is vibrating in the Y-axis direction from the acceleration output signal in the X-axis direction of the shake detection sensor 1018 (S8002). .
If it is determined that the camera does not vibrate in the Y-axis direction, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the camera is vibrating in the Z-axis direction from the acceleration output signal in the Z-axis direction of the shake detection sensor 1018 (S8003). ).

  The vibration determination unit 1019 outputs the determination result in each axial direction to the system control unit 1014. Then, when the system control unit 1014 obtains a determination result that it vibrates in any of the axial directions, the system control unit 1014 invalidates the operation of the camera by the operation unit 1017 (S8005). When the operation by the operation unit 1017 is invalid, the system control unit 1014 ignores the input from the operation unit 1017. Thus, for example, when the user tries to give a desired instruction by vibrating the camera, even if the operation unit 1017 such as the menu button 2005 or the mode dial 2003 is accidentally operated, the intention of the operation unit 1017 It is possible to prevent an input not to be made.

  However, in the present embodiment, the operation of the release button 2001, in particular, the turning on of the second switch is not ignored by the system control unit 1014 even if the operation by the operation unit 1017 is invalidated. Whether the operation by the operation unit 1017 is valid or invalid can be stored, for example, in the RAM 1016 as a flag.

  Although not specifically described in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when recognizing vibration in a specific axial direction as an input of a command or instruction, the system control unit 1014 recognizes based on a detection result output from the vibration determination unit 1019. Process. Then, the system control unit 1014 executes an operation according to the recognized command or instruction.

  The vibration determination unit 1019 may output a determination result for each determination in each axial direction, or may output determinations for all the axial directions collectively. Further, the vibration determination unit 1019 may output only the determination result in the axial direction in which it is determined that the object is vibrating. That is, if there is no axial direction that is determined to be vibrating, the determination result is not output. Alternatively, when it is determined that the vibration determination unit 1019 is vibrating in a certain axial direction, the determination process for the remaining axial direction may be omitted (recognizing a specific combination of vibration directions as an instruction input) Except when configured to do so).

  If it is determined that no vibration occurs in any axial direction, the system control unit 1014 validates the operation of the camera by the operation unit 1017 (S8004). Normally, the operation unit 1017 is effective. Therefore, if the operation is not invalidated, the system control unit 1014 does not need to perform the process for validating the operation in S8004.

  The system control unit 1014 determines whether an instruction to start imaging is input, specifically, whether the second switch of the release button 2001 is on (S8006). If the second switch is off, the processing from S8001 is repeated. When the second switch is on, the system control unit 1014 performs an imaging process even if the operation of the camera by the operation unit 1017 is invalid (S8007).

  That is, in the camera of the present embodiment, imaging is executed when the second switch of the release button 2001 is detected to be turned on. This is because the full press operation of the release button 2001 with the second switch turned on is considered to be highly likely to be an intentional operation rather than an erroneous operation. On the other hand, the turning on of the first switch by the half-press operation of the release button 2001 is ignored when the operation unit 1017 is invalidated. However, while the first switch is kept on, vibrations in any of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the camera are not detected, and the camera operation by the operation unit 1017 becomes effective. The first switch is turned on. Then, in response to turning on the first switch, the system control unit 1014 starts an imaging preparation operation such as AF processing and AE processing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a camera capable of inputting instructions and commands by vibrating the device, unintended input by the user by operating an unintended button or key when the device is vibrating. Can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the user can instruct forward or reverse of images to be played back on the mobile device by shaking the mobile device (such as a camera that can set at least one of the playback mode and the imaging mode). Features. The user can view the image recorded on the recording medium 1010 through the image display unit 1012 or the like by setting the portable device to the reproduction mode. Note that the camera described in the first embodiment is used as an example of the portable device according to the present embodiment. Therefore, descriptions of the hardware configuration, the swing motion detection method, and the like are omitted. Also in this embodiment, the camera swing motion is determined by detecting the acceleration in the X-axis direction.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing related to one swing operation. First, the system control unit 1014 determines whether the camera is set to the playback mode (S700). If the playback mode is selected, the system control unit 1014 executes the processing from S701 onward. When the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 crosses the threshold A or the threshold −A shown in FIG. 5A (point 310 in FIG. 5A), the vibration determination unit 1019 detects that the camera has moved. When the vibration determination unit 1019 detects that the camera has moved (was shaken), the system control unit 1014 invalidates the operation by the operation unit 1017 (S702).

  The acceleration is detected at a predetermined detection cycle of the shake detection sensor 1018. Further, the vibration determination unit 1019 stores the detection value of the shake detection sensor 1018, and after the detection value falls below the threshold value -A at the point 310, the detection value obtained for each detection cycle is the peak value (minimum value). The peak value (minimum value) memorized is updated every time. Therefore, the vibration determination unit 1019 can measure the peak value (minimum value) of the detected value after the detected value falls below the threshold value -A. The vibration determination unit 1019 can measure the peak value (maximum value) in the same manner for the upward peak.

  When it is detected in step S702 that the camera has moved and processing for detecting motion is started, the vibration determination unit 1019 first performs first acceleration waveform detection. The vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the first acceleration waveform has been detected when the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 crosses the threshold A or -A after it is determined that the camera has moved.

  When the first acceleration waveform is detected, the vibration determination unit 1019 subsequently performs a second acceleration waveform detection process. Next, when the detected acceleration crosses the threshold A (or -A) (point 311), the vibration determination unit 1019 detects the start of the second acceleration waveform. The vibration determination unit 1019 then detects the end of the second acceleration waveform when the detected acceleration crosses the threshold A (or -A) again at time t1 that satisfies the condition of threshold S1 ≦ time t1 ≦ threshold S2 (point 313). To do. As described above, if the time t1 does not satisfy the above condition, the vibration determination unit 1019 does not consider that the second acceleration waveform has been detected. Furthermore, if the detected acceleration straddles the threshold value B (or -B) (point 312) and does not reach the threshold value C (or -C) between points 311 and 313, the vibration determination unit 1019 shakes the camera correctly. (S703, Yes).

  Further, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the camera is swung up or down from the sign of the threshold value B across which the second acceleration waveform is straddled. On the other hand, when the second acceleration waveform does not straddle the threshold value B (or -B) or reaches the threshold value C (or -C), the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera has not been shaken correctly ( S703, No). In this case, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the magnitude of the swing motion (the magnitude of the detected acceleration) is greater than a predetermined value (threshold value ± C in FIG. 5) in S710. When the peak value of the second acceleration waveform does not exceed the threshold value B (or -B), the vibration determination unit 1019 ends the swing motion detection in S708 (S708). Then, the system control unit 1014 enables the operation unit 1017 (S709). On the other hand, when the peak value of the second acceleration waveform reaches the threshold value C (or -C), the vibration determination unit 1019 issues a warning as described above (S710). Thereafter, the processing after S708 is as described above.

  Note that the second acceleration waveform needs to be detected by a threshold having a different sign from the threshold used for detecting the first acceleration waveform. For example, when the first acceleration waveform is detected based on the threshold value -A (when the first acceleration waveform is a downwardly convex peak), the second acceleration waveform is detected based on the threshold value A. There is a need. This is because the first acceleration waveform corresponds to the preparatory operation before the main operation and is an operation opposite to the main operation.

  When the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the camera has been shaken correctly in S703, the system control unit 1014 displays the image displayed on the image display unit 1012 through the display control unit 1013 when the end of the second acceleration waveform is detected. Is changed (S704). The detection time point of the end of the second acceleration waveform is a time point (point 313 in FIG. 5) when the second acceleration waveform again crosses the threshold value A (or -A). When changing the image to be displayed, it may be changed in the order of the file name and number, or may be changed in the order of the date and time of image capture and the date and time recorded on the recording medium 1010. The order of changing the image may be switched between the forward direction and the reverse direction according to the sign of the threshold value used for detecting the first or second acceleration waveform. However, when a mode in which images are displayed in a random order such as random reproduction is set, the image to be displayed is changed regardless of the threshold code.

  In step S <b> 705, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the acceleration detected by the shake detection sensor 1018 is within a range greater than the threshold value −A and less than the threshold value A. While the state where the detected acceleration is in the range greater than the threshold value −A and less than the threshold value A continues, the vibration determination unit 1019 measures the shake duration time t2 (S706). Then, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether or not the shake continuation time t2 is greater than or equal to the threshold (S707). When the shake continuation time t2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value E, the vibration determination unit 1019 regards the camera as stationary and ends the detection of the swing motion (S708). Then, the system control unit 1014 validates the operation by the operation unit 1017 (S709).

  As described above, when it is determined that the camera is moved, the operation of the camera by the operation unit 1017 is not validated unless the state where the magnitude of acceleration (absolute value) is less than a predetermined value does not continue for a predetermined time or longer. For example, in the example of FIG. 5A, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines that the swinging operation is being performed until a predetermined time E has passed from the point 310 to the point 314. Therefore, even if the acceleration signal output in the X-axis direction is within the range of the threshold value ± A, the operation by the operation unit 1017 is invalid until the state continues for a predetermined time E.

  On the other hand, in S705, when the detected acceleration is equal to or less than the threshold −A or equal to or greater than the threshold A, the vibration determination unit 1019 initializes the shake continuation time) t2 (S712). Then, the process returns to S705, and the vibration determination unit 1019 determines again whether or not the absolute value of the detected acceleration is in a range less than the threshold value A.

  If the absolute value of the detected acceleration is less than the threshold A but the shake continuation time t2 is less than the threshold E (No in S707), the vibration determination unit 1019 increases the value of the shake continuation time t2, while S705 Repeat the process from.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even if the absolute value of the detected acceleration is less than the first threshold value (less than the threshold value A), if the state does not continue for the time of the threshold value E, the detected acceleration is the first. It is considered that the operation from the time when the threshold A or -A is reached is continued (one swing operation). Therefore, it can be determined that the third acceleration waveform is a new swing motion.

  The camera according to the present embodiment performs a swing operation by determining an error if the acceleration is applied too short or too long or too strong, even if the detected acceleration is greater than a certain size. Is not detected. As a result, the waveform is detected more accurately, and an intuitive and easy-to-understand operation system is provided. If the stationary state does not last for a certain period of time, the first, second, and third acceleration waveforms corresponding to this operation from the preparatory operation can be accurately determined by assuming that one swing operation is continuing. Can be detected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that can change an image by shaking the camera in a predetermined direction while the image is displayed, such as in a playback mode. Further, even if the user operates the operation unit by mistake in the operation of shaking the camera, an instruction different from the user's intention is not reflected.

  In the present embodiment, the swing motion detection process has been described by taking as an example the case where the display image changing function is assigned to the swing motion in a state where an image is displayed in the playback mode. However, the same detection process can be performed when a function related to imaging in the imaging mode is assigned to the swing operation. That is, once it is determined that the camera has been moved, the operation by the operation unit is not validated if the time when the magnitude of the acceleration (absolute value) is smaller than a predetermined value does not elapse for a predetermined time.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the second switch of the release button 2001 is detected to be turned on, imaging is performed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, when the release button 2001 is operated in the playback mode, the camera may shift from the playback mode to the imaging mode. At this time, the on-state of the first switch due to the half-press operation of the release button 2001 in the playback mode is ignored, and when the on-state of the second switch of the release button 2001 is detected, the playback mode is switched to the imaging mode. May be. In this case, while the first switch is kept on, vibrations in any of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the camera are not detected, and the camera operation by the operation unit 1017 is enabled. The first switch is turned on.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the configuration of the camera of this embodiment may be the same as that of the first embodiment, description of the configuration is omitted. In the present embodiment, an operation device provided on the top surface of the camera and an operation provided on the back surface of the operation unit 1017 according to the position of the camera (vertical position or horizontal position) and the detected direction of vibration. It is characterized by individually controlling validity / invalidity with a device. In the present embodiment, the operation device that controls validity / invalidity does not need to be used on the upper surface and the rear surface of the camera, and may be an operation device provided on an arbitrary surface of the camera housing. That is, this embodiment can be applied to an operation device provided on any one surface and the other surface among operation devices provided on at least two surfaces of the camera casing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the user operation recognition process in the imaging mode of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
First, the system control unit 1014 determines the posture of the camera from the output of the vertical / horizontal position detection sensor 1021 (S9001). Here, in the case of the normal position or the inverted position (a position rotated 180 degrees with the optical axis of the optical system 1001 as the rotation axis with respect to the normal position), the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the vibration is in the X-axis direction. (S9002). When it is determined that the vibration is in the X-axis direction, the system control unit 1014 invalidates the operation of the operation devices included in the operation unit 1017 provided on the upper surface of the camera and is provided on the rear surface of the camera. The operation of the operation device is valid (S9003). This is because when the camera is vibrated in the X-axis direction, it is considered highly likely that the operation device provided on the upper surface of the camera is erroneously operated.

  Next, the system control unit 1014 determines whether or not the second switch of the release button 2001 is on (S9004). If the second switch is on, an imaging operation is performed (S9008). When the second switch of the release button 2001 is off, the system control unit 1014 determines whether the operation device on the upper surface of the camera has been operated (S9005). If the operation device on the upper surface of the camera is not operated, the system control unit 1014 returns the process to the camera posture determination step (S9001).

  On the other hand, when the operation device on the upper surface of the camera is operated, the system control unit 1014 determines whether or not the second switch of the release button 2001 is on (S9006), and performs the imaging operation if the second switch is on. (S9008). When the second switch of the release button 2001 is off, the system control unit 1014 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the operation device on the upper surface of the camera was detected in S9005 (S9007). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the system control unit 1014 continues the determination step of S9006. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the system control unit 1014 returns the process to the camera posture determination step (S9001).

  If it is not determined in S9002 that the camera is vibrating in the X-axis direction, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the camera is vibrating in the Y-axis or Z-axis direction (S9009). When it is determined that neither the Y-axis direction nor the Z-axis direction vibrates, the system control unit 1014 validates the operation of all operation devices included in the operation unit 1017 (S9013), and returns the process to S9001. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the camera vibrates in the Y-axis or Z-axis direction, the system control unit 1014 validates the operation of the operation device provided on the upper surface of the camera, and the operation device provided on the rear surface of the camera. The operation is invalidated (S9010). This is because when the camera is vibrated in the Y-axis or Z-axis direction, it is considered that there is a high possibility that an operation device provided on the back surface of the camera is erroneously operated.

Next, the system control unit 1014 determines whether or not the second switch of the release button 2001 is on (S9011), and when the second switch is on, performs an imaging operation (S9008). When the second switch of the release button 2001 is off, the system control unit 1014 determines whether the operation device on the back of the camera has been operated (S9012). If the operation device on the back of the camera is not operated, the system control unit 1014 returns the process to the camera posture determination step (S9001).
When the operation device on the upper surface of the camera is operated, the system control unit 1014 executes the processes after S9006 described above.

  In S9001, if the camera posture is other than the normal position or the inverted position, the camera posture is a position where the camera grip is above or below (typically 90 ° from the normal position with the optical axis of the lens as the rotation axis). Or a position rotated by -90 degrees). In this case, the vibration determination unit 1019 determines whether the camera is vibrated in any of the X axis, Y axis, or Z axis (S9014). If no vibration is detected in any axial direction, the system control unit 1014 validates the operation of all the operation devices included in the operation unit 1017 (S9013), and returns the process to S9001. On the other hand, when vibration in any of the axial directions is detected, the system control unit 1014 enables the operation of the operation device provided on the upper surface of the camera and is provided on the rear surface of the camera. The operation of the operation device is invalidated (S9015). If the camera is in a posture with the grip up or down, if the camera is vibrated in either direction, the operation device provided on the back of the camera is likely to be erroneously operated. Because.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 1014 performs the same processing as S9011 and S9012 in S9016 and S9017.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation of the operation device provided on the upper surface of the camera and the operation of the operation device provided on the rear surface according to the posture of the camera and the vibration direction of the camera. Enable / disable individually. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, fine control can be performed according to an operation device that is highly likely to be erroneously operated and an operation device that is not.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when vibrations in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are detected in S9002 and S9009, the system control unit 1014 previously determines the vibration direction (or It is recognized as an instruction or command associated with a combination. Then, the system control unit 1014 executes an operation corresponding to the recognized instruction or command.

(Modification of the third embodiment)
As a modification of the third embodiment, a combination of the second embodiment and the third embodiment is possible in the playback mode. That is, as in the third embodiment, a method of invalidating the operation of the camera operation device in accordance with the posture and the swing direction can be considered. In this case, the invalid time is set as the time during which the swing motion is detected. That is, when the acceleration signal output deviates from a predetermined threshold range (for example, less than the threshold ± A in FIG. 5A), it is determined that the swing motion has started, and the state where the acceleration signal output is within the predetermined threshold range is a predetermined time ( For example, when the threshold value E) in FIG. 5A or more has elapsed, it is determined that the swing motion has stopped. In this case, the determination in step S701 in FIG. 7 is performed for each axial direction (S9002, S9009, and S9014 in FIG. 8), and the process of invalidating the operation unit in step S702 in FIG. 7 is performed according to the surface (FIG. 8). S9003, S9010, S9015).

(Other embodiments)
Among the above-described embodiments, the first and third embodiments do not invalidate the operation corresponding to the imaging start instruction (full press of the release button 2001) among the operations of the operation device. However, the operation corresponding to the imaging start instruction may be invalidated. In this case, in S8005 of the first embodiment, the operation of all the operation devices is invalidated, and in S9003 of the third embodiment, it is provided on the upper surface of the camera including the full press of the release button 2001. All operation of the operation device is invalid.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (14)

A first operation device provided on an outer surface of the electronic device for a user to operate ;
Shake detecting means for detecting shake of the electronic device;
Control means for invalidating the operation with the first operation device based on the direction of shake detected by the shake detection means;
When the shake detection means detects a shake in the first direction, the control means controls to invalidate the operation with the first operation device , and the shake detection means makes a second direction An electronic apparatus characterized by not invalidating an operation on the first operation device when a shake is detected. A second operation device provided on an outer surface of the electronic device for a user to operate ;
The control means invalidates the operation with the first operation device without invalidating the operation with the second operation device when the shake detection means detects the shake in the first direction. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is controlled as follows. When the shake detecting means detects the shake in the second direction, the control means invalidates the operation on the second operation device without invalidating the operation on the first operation device. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device is controlled so as to perform. A third operation device provided on the outer surface of the electronic device for a user to operate ;
When the shake detecting means detects the shake in the first direction, the control means does not invalidate a specific operation on the third operation device among the plurality of operation devices. When control is performed so that the operation on the device is invalidated and the shake detection means detects the shake in the second direction, the operation on the first operation device and the third operation device is invalidated. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is not. It further has an imaging means,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third operation device is an operation device that instructs imaging by the imaging unit. Wherein, when detecting a shake of said first direction by said vibration detecting means controls so as to invalidate the imaging preparation instruction by the operation of the third operation device, said third operation device The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging instruction by the operation is not invalidated. The shake detection means detects and outputs a shake acceleration component,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a direction determination unit that determines a direction of a shake applied to the electronic apparatus from an output of the shake detection unit. The shake detection means is a triaxial acceleration sensor,
The direction determining means determines the direction of shake based on the sign of the output of the triaxial acceleration sensor and whether or not the absolute value of the output of the shake detection means is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the first operation device and the second operation device are provided on different outer surfaces among a plurality of outer surfaces of the electronic device. It further has posture determination means for determining the posture of the electronic device,
The control means invalidates at least a part of the plurality of operation devices based on the attitude detected by the attitude determination means and the direction of shake detected by the shake detection means. Item 10. The electronic device according to any one of Items 1 to 9. 11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first operation device is any one of a button, a switch, a touch panel, a dial, and a lever. A method for controlling an electronic apparatus in which a first operation device for a user to operate is provided on an outer surface,
A shake detection step of detecting a shake of the electronic device;
A control step of disabling the first operating device based on the direction of shake detected in the shake detection step,
In the control step, when a shake in the first direction is detected in the shake detection step, control is performed so as to invalidate the operation with the first operation device , and in the shake detection step, the second direction is controlled. A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein when a shake is detected, an operation on the first operation device is not invalidated. The program for functioning a computer as each means of the electronic device as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 .

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