ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, ITS CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An electronic apparatus includes an operation member that is rotationally operable, a rotational operation detector configured to detect a rotational operation onto the operation member, a touch operation detector configured to detect a touch operation onto the operation member, a state detector configured to detect a state of the electronic apparatus, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to execute a function in accordance with the rotational operation and the touch operation, and change setting about the rotational operation and the touch operation in accordance with the state.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

One of the aspects of the embodiments relates to an electronic apparatus including an operation unit operated by a user.

Description of Related Art

Japanese Patent No. 6676807 discloses, as an electronic apparatus described above, an image pickup apparatus including a dial on which a rotational operation can be performed and a touch operation unit that can be subjected to a tap operation and a slide operation. In this image pickup apparatus, sound generation can be prevented through an operation of the touch operation unit by a user during moving image capturing, and a stable operation feeling due to a click mechanism can be obtained through an operation of the dial during finder observation or the like.

Japanese Patent No. 5882721 discloses an electronic apparatus (image pickup apparatus) in which a capacitance detector configured to detect capacitance change is provided at the dial to enable a rotational operation and a touch operation onto the operation member.

Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2016-206358 discloses an image pickup apparatus that includes a lock mechanism configured to lock rotation of the dial and cancels rotation lock of the dial in a case where touch of fingers at two places or more on the dial is detected by using a plurality of touch detection electrodes provided at the dial. The image pickup apparatus stops power supply to the touch detection electrodes and locks rotation of the dial in a case where a rotational operation onto the dial is less likely to be performed, for example, during image capturing in a vertical posture, moving image capturing, or eye proximity to a finder.

However, in the image pickup apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6676807, the dial and the touch operation unit are separately provided, which may prevent the image pickup apparatus from being miniaturized.

In the electronic apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5882721, a rotational operation and a touch operation onto one operation member are enabled, but clearance including an air layer is provided between the surface of the operation member touched by the user in a touch operation and the capacitance detector. Thus, a signal output from the capacitance detector is unstable depending on the way of touch by the user, and a touch operation (slide operation, in particular) cannot be accurately detected in some cases.

The image pickup apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2016-206358 has a function only to cancel rotation lock of the dial by detecting touch on the dial by two fingers or more to perform a rotational operation onto the dial. The image pickup apparatus cannot change a setting value nor operation mode of the image pickup apparatus in accordance with a touch operation (slide operation, in particular) on the dial.

SUMMARY

An electronic apparatus according to one aspect of the embodiment includes an operation member that is rotationally operable, a rotational operation detector configured to detect a rotational operation onto the operation member, a touch operation detector configured to detect a touch operation onto the operation member, a state detector configured to detect a state of the electronic apparatus, a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to execute a function in accordance with the rotational operation and the touch operation, and change setting about the rotational operation and the touch operation in accordance with the state.

An electronic apparatus according to another aspect of the embodiment includes an operation member that is rotationally operable, a rotational operation detector configured to detect a rotational operation onto the operation member, a touch operation detector configured to detect a touch operation onto the operation member, an operation state detector configured to detect an operation state of the operation member, a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to execute a function in accordance with the rotational operation and the touch operation, and change setting about the rotational operation and the touch operation in accordance with the operation state.

A control method corresponding to each of the above electronic apparatuses also constitutes another aspect of the embodiment. A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the above control method also constitutes another aspect of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the term “unit” may refer to a software context, a hardware context, or a combination of software and hardware contexts. In the software context, the term “unit” refers to a functionality, an application, a software module, a function, a routine, a set of instructions, or a program that can be executed by a programmable processor such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or a specially designed programmable device or controller. A memory contains instructions or programs that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to perform operations corresponding to units or functions. In the hardware context, the term “unit” refers to a hardware element, a circuit, an assembly, a physical structure, a system, a module, or a subsystem. Depending on the specific embodiment, the term “unit” may include mechanical, optical, or electrical components, or any combination of them. The term “unit” may include active (e.g., transistors) or passive (e.g., capacitor) components. The term “unit” may include semiconductor devices having a substrate and other layers of materials having various concentrations of conductivity. It may include a CPU or a programmable processor that can execute a program stored in a memory to perform specified functions. The term “unit” may include logic elements (e.g., AND, OR) implemented by transistor circuits or any other switching circuits. In the combination of software and hardware contexts, the term “unit” or “circuit” refers to any combination of the software and hardware contexts as described above. In addition, the term “element,” “assembly,” “component,” or “device” may also refer to “circuit” with or without integration with packaging materials.

Illustrative embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIGS.1A and1Billustrate the front-surface-side appearance and back-surface-side appearance, respectively, of a lens interchangeable digital camera (simply referred to as a camera hereinafter)100as an electronic apparatus according to one example of the disclosure.FIG.2illustrates the internal configurations of the camera100and a lens unit (interchangeable lens)150mounted on a mount unit.

A display unit28provided on the back surface of the camera100includes an LCD panel, an organic EL panel, or the like and displays a live-view image, captured images (still and moving images), and various kinds of information including a menu screen. A touch panel70ais provided on a display surface (operation surface) of the display unit28and can detect a touch operation onto the display surface by a user. The touch panel70ais included in an operation unit70illustrated inFIG.2. An extra-finder display unit43is provided at an upper surface of the camera100and displays setting values of shutter speed, an aperture value (F-number), and the like.

A power switch72is operated by the user to power on and off the camera100. A mode switch60illustrated inFIG.2is operated by the user to switch various modes such as a still image capturing mode, a moving image capturing mode, and a playback mode.

The still image capturing mode includes an automatic imaging mode, an automatic scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture prioritized mode, a shutter speed prioritized mode, and a programmed AE mode. The user can select any of these modes through an operation of the mode switch60. A selection screen for the above modes may be displayed on a menu screen so that either mode can be selected through an operation of an operation member (for example, a sub electronic dial unit73to be described below) other than the mode switch60. Similarly, the moving image capturing mode includes a plurality of modes and either mode can be selected in the same manner as the still image capturing mode.

A shutter button61is operated by the user to instruct still image capturing in the still image capturing mode. A first shutter switch62and a second shutter switch64illustrated inFIG.2are turned on by a halfway press operation and a full press operation, respectively, of the shutter button61. A camera control unit50as a control unit illustrated inFIG.2controls image capturing preparation operation, which includes auto-exposure (AE) and autofocus (AF), in accordance with turn-on of the first shutter switch62(inputting of a signal SW1). The camera control unit50performs still image capturing in accordance with turn-on of the second shutter switch64(inputting of a signal SW2).

The operation unit70illustrated inFIG.2includes a main electronic dial unit71and the sub electronic dial unit73illustrated inFIGS.1A and1Bin addition to the touch panel70a. The operation unit70also includes a directional pad74, a set button75, a motion image button76, an AE lock button77, a magnification button78, a playback button79, a menu button81, and a touch bar82.

The main electronic dial unit71and the sub electronic dial unit73each include a dial as an operation member that can be subject to a rotational operation by the user. Through a rotational operation onto the dial of the main electronic dial unit71, the setting values of the shutter speed, the aperture value, or the like can be changed. Through a rotational operation onto the dial of the sub electronic dial unit73, a selected region of an AE region, an AF region, or the like can be moved or image feed can be performed to switch images displayed on the display unit28.

The directional pad74is a four-directional key with an upper part, a lower part, a left part, and a right part that can be each subject to a press-down operation, the four-directional key. An item can be switched or selected in accordance with a part of the directional pad74subjected to a press-down operation by the user while a menu screen is displayed on the display unit28. The set button75is operated by the user for determination of a selected item or the like.

The motion image button76is operated by the user to instruct start or stop of moving image capturing (recording) in the moving image capturing mode. The AE lock button77is operated by the user to fix exposure in an image capturing wait state. The magnification button78is operated by the user to turn on or off a magnification mode while a live-view image is displayed. After the magnification mode is turned on, the live-view image can be scaled up or down by operating the main electronic dial unit71. A captured image displayed in playback can be magnified or the magnification can be increased by operating the magnification button78in the playback mode.

The playback button79is operated by the user to switch between a still-image/moving-image capturing mode and the playback mode. In a case where the playback button79is operated in the still-image/moving-image capturing mode, transition to the playback mode occurs and the latest image among captured images recorded in a recording medium160can be displayed on the display unit28. The menu button81is operated by the user to display a menu screen on the display unit28.

The touch bar82is a linear touch operation member (line touch sensor) configured to receive a touch operation by the user and provided separately from the touch panel70a. The user can perform, as a touch operation onto the touch bar82, a tap operation (operation of touching with a finger and then removing the finger without changing a touch position in a predetermined time) or a slide operation (operation of touching with a finger and then moving the finger while touching) in the right-left direction. The touch bar82in this example is a capacitive touch sensor. However, the touch bar82may be a touch sensor of another scheme such as a resistance film scheme, a surface acoustic wave scheme, an infrared scheme, an electromagnetic induction scheme, an image recognition scheme, or a light sensor scheme.

The touch bar82outputs a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a capacitance signal) in accordance with capacitance to a touch operation microcomputer82a. The capacitance signal from the touch bar82changes as the user touches (performs a touch operation onto) the touch bar82. The touch operation microcomputer82adetermines (detects), based on the change in the capacitance signal, which of a tap operation, a slide operation in the right direction (referred to as a right slide operation hereinafter), and a slide operation in the left direction (hereinafter referred to as a left slide operation) is performed among touch operations to the touch bar82. Then, the touch operation microcomputer82aoutputs a result of the determination to the camera control unit50. The camera control unit50performs change in various setting values or the like in accordance with the kind of the touch operation input from the touch operation microcomputer82a.

As illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, a grip portion90is a part gripped by the user with the right hand to hold the camera100. The shutter button61and the main electronic dial unit71are disposed at positions where an operation with the forefinger of the right hand is possible while the grip portion90is gripped with the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger of the right hand, and the sub electronic dial unit73and the touch bar82are disposed at positions where an operation with the thumb of the right hand is possible.

A grip detector92illustrated inFIG.2is a sensor configured to detect gripping of the grip portion90by the user and is, for example, a capacitive touch sensor or a pressure-sensitive sensor (piezoelectric element). The camera control unit50performs, for example, control to enable or disable some operation members included in the operation unit70in accordance with detection or non-detection by the grip detector92.

An audio detector91is a microphone configured to detect sound. The camera control unit50records sound detected by the audio detector91in an internal memory or the recording medium160with a captured image.

An attitude detector55is a sensor configured to detect the attitude (position) and motion of the camera100and is, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor. The camera control unit50controls the orientation of a live-view image or a captured image in accordance with the attitude or motion detected by the attitude detector55.

An eyepiece16is a part viewed by the user looks to see an electronic viewfinder (EVF)29. The user can see an image or information displayed at the EVF29through the eyepiece16. An eye proximity detector57is a sensor configured to detect viewing (eye proximity) of the eyepiece16by the user with the face (eye) being close to the eyepiece16and is, for example, an infrared proximity sensor. The camera control unit50displays the display unit28but does not display the EVF29while eye proximity is not detected by the eye proximity detector57, or does not display the display unit28but displays the EVF29while eye proximity is detected.

A communication terminal10is provided in the mount unit for the camera100to perform communication with a lens unit150. A terminal cover40is a member protecting an unillustrated connector that is connected to a cable connecting the camera100to an external instrument. A lid170is a member that closes a slot in which the recording medium160is stored.

InFIG.2, the lens unit150includes an image pickup optical system constituted by a plurality of lenses (illustrated as one lens in the diagram)103and an aperture stop1.

An image sensor22in the camera100includes a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like and converts an optical image formed through the image pickup optical system into an electric signal. A shutter101is a mechanical shutter (focal plane shutter) configured to control an exposure time of the image sensor22.

An AE sensor17detects the luminance of an object by using an output signal (luminance signal) from the image sensor22. A focus detector11detects a defocus amount by using an output signal (focus detection signal) from the image sensor22. The camera control unit50controls the opening diameter (aperture value) of the aperture stop1and the shutter speed based on luminance information from the AE sensor17and performs AF control based on defocus amount information from the focus detector11.

An A/D converter23converts an analog image signal from the image sensor22into a digital image signal (image capturing data) and outputs the image capturing data to an image processing unit (processing unit)24and a memory control unit15. The image processing unit24generates image data by providing the image capturing data from the A/D converter23with image processing such as pixel interpolation, resize processing, color conversion processing, and auto-white balance (AWB) processing. The image data is written to a memory32through the memory control unit15or directly. A D/A converter19receives the image data stored in the memory32through the memory control unit15, converts the image data into an analog image signal, and supplies the image data to the display unit28and the EVF29to display a live-view image.

An extra-finder display unit driving circuit44causes on the extra-finder display unit43to display various above-described setting values.

A nonvolatile memory56is an electrically erasable and recordable memory and is, for example, an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory56stores constants, computer programs, and the like for operation of the camera control unit50. The camera control unit50is a computer constituted by a processor and a peripheral circuit and controls the entire operation of the camera100and the lens unit150by executing a computer program stored in the nonvolatile memory56and loaded onto a system memory52such as a RAM.

A system timer53measures a time used for various kinds of control performed by the camera control unit50and the time of a built-in clock.

A power control unit80includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit configured to switch blocks to be energized. The battery detection circuit detects whether a battery is mounted, the kind of the battery, and the remaining amount of the battery. The power control unit80and controls the DC-DC converter and the switch circuit based on the remaining amount of the battery and an instruction from the camera control unit50and supplies needed voltage to blocks including the recording medium160for a needed duration.

A power supply unit30includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, or an AC adapter. A recording medium I/F18is an interface to the recording medium160such as a semiconductor memory card or a hard disk. A communication unit54is connected wirelessly or through a wired cable and transmits and receives image and sound signals.

The communication unit54performs communication of a captured image, a live-view image, or other information with an external instrument through a wireless LAN, the Internet, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), or the like.

In the lens unit150, a communication terminal6is provided for a lens control unit4, which is provided in the lens unit150, to perform communication with the camera control unit50through the communication terminal10on the camera side. The camera control unit50performs AF by driving the aperture stop1through control of an aperture driving circuit2through the lens control unit4and driving the lenses (focus lenses)103through control of an AF driving circuit3. The sub electronic dial unit73in this example will be described below in more detail. The sub electronic dial unit73can receive not only a rotational operation onto the dial but also the same touch operations (a tap operation, a right slide operation, and a left slide operation) as the touch bar82on an outer circumferential surface (outer surface) that is a side surface of the dial about the rotational center. The tap operations also include a tap operation in a right tap range (hereinafter referred to as a right tap operation) on the right side (first side) and a tap operation in a left tap range (hereinafter referred to as a left tap operation) on the left side (second side opposite the first side) on the outer circumferential surface of an operable portion of the dial to be described below.

A touch operation onto the outer circumferential surface of the dial is detected by a capacitive touch sensor (hereinafter referred to as a dial touch sensor) provided on the inner circumferential surface (inner surface) of the dial. Similarly to the touch bar82, the dial touch sensor outputs a capacitance signal that is a detection signal in accordance with capacitance to the touch operation microcomputer82a. A touch operation detector includes the dial touch sensor and the touch operation microcomputer82a.

As the user performs a touch operation onto the outer circumferential surface of the dial, the capacitance at the dial touch sensor changes and the capacitance signal output from the dial touch sensor changes. The change in the capacitance at the dial touch sensor due to the touch operation may be increase or decrease, but a case of the increase will be described below.

The touch operation microcomputer82adetermines which of a right tap operation, a left tap operation, a right slide operation, and a left slide operation is performed on the dial based on the change in the capacitance signal from the dial touch sensor, and outputs a result of the determination (the kind of the touch operation) to the camera control unit50. The camera control unit50performs, based on the above-described computer program, change and the like of various setting values in accordance with the kind of the touch operation input from the touch operation microcomputer82a. The camera control unit50also performs the above-described selected region movement or image feed in accordance with a rotational operation onto the dial.

The kind of the touch operation may be determined by inputting the capacitance signal from the dial touch sensor to a microcomputer different from the touch operation microcomputer82ato which the capacitance signal from the touch bar82is input.

The sub electronic dial unit73, which can receive a rotational operation and a touch operation onto one dial, is provided for the following reason. For example, in performing a rotational operation onto the dial to perform still image capturing while viewing into the eyepiece16, the user obtains a click feeling (operation feeling) due to a click mechanism in the sub electronic dial unit73and thus can perform a stable operation without viewing the dial. However, sound (click sound) is generated from the click mechanism due to the rotation of the dial. The sound generation can be prevented by performing a touch operation onto the dial at moving image capturing.

In this example, the touch bar82on which a touch operation is possible is provided separately from the sub electronic dial unit73on which a touch operation is possible, but the touch bar82may be omitted.

FIG.3illustrates a section of the sub electronic dial unit73in Example 1. The sub electronic dial unit73includes a dial302, a click plate303, the unillustrated click mechanism, a first flexible substrate (first flexible printed circuit: first FPC)305, a second flexible substrate (second FPC)306, a rotation detection contact piece307, a capacitance detector (capacitance detector)305a, and a signal transfer contact piece (signal transfer unit)308.

The dial302that is an operation member is formed of a resin material and includes a shaft portion302aand an outer circumferential surface302bas a side surface. The resin material of the dial302may contain glass fiber or the like for intensity improvement but may contain no conductive material such as carbon.

The shaft portion302aof the dial302is inserted from above into a hole provided through an upper surface part of an upper cover301of the camera100, and the click plate303is fixed at a lower end of the shaft portion302aby a screw304. Accordingly, the dial302and the click plate303are rotatably attached to the upper cover301. The user can perform a rotational operation onto the dial302by applying rotational force to the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302with a finger.

The click plate303is formed of a metal such as stainless steel or a resin material such as polyacetal resin (POM) in a circular plate shape, and unillustrated concave and convex parts are alternately formed on its outer peripheral part in the circumferential direction. In a case where the dial302is not rotating, a ball of the click mechanism is pressed by a spring and fitted into one concave part. As the dial302rotates and the click plate303rotates integrally with the dial302, the ball moves over the convex part and is fitted into the next concave part. Accordingly, a click feeling is provided to the user. However, click sound is generated as described above.

The second flexible substrate (rotation detection substrate)306is fixed at a position facing the click plate303on a bottom surface part of the upper cover301. The rotation detection contact piece307that is a conductive member for detecting rotation of the dial302is fixed to the click plate303. An unillustrated plurality of rotation detection conductive patterns that the rotation detection contact piece307can contact is formed of copper or the like on the second flexible substrate306. A rotational operation detector includes the rotation detection contact piece307and the rotation detection conductive patterns. In other words, (part of) the rotational operation detector is provided on the second flexible substrate306.

As the click plate303rotates together with the dial302, the rotation detection contact piece307becomes a contact (conduction) state or a non-contact (non-conduction) state with the plurality of rotation detection conductive patterns at mutually different timings. The camera control unit50detects rotation of the dial302and the rotational direction thereof based on change in combination of the contact and non-contact states, and changes a setting value in accordance with the rotation detection.

A photo sensor (interrupter (PI) or photo reflector (PR)) configured to switch, in accordance with rotation of the dial302(click plate303), a state in which light from a light emitting unit is received by a light receiving unit and a state in which the light is not received may be used as a rotation detector. The rotational direction of the dial302can be detected by using a plurality of PIs or PRs and differentiating timings at which the PIs or PRs become a light receiving state or a non-light receiving state. In this case, the PIs or PRs are provided on the second flexible substrate306.

The rotational amount (rotational position) of the dial302may be detected and, for example, the above-described modes may be switched in accordance with the rotational position of the dial302.

The first flexible substrate305is fixed inside the dial302. The first flexible substrate305is provided with a capacitance detector305afixed to the inner circumferential surface (surface on the back side of the outer circumferential surface302b)302cof the dial302. The capacitance detector305ais a touch sensor configured to detect capacitance change as the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302is touched with a finger of the user.

A signal transfer contact piece308that is fixed to the dial302and integrally rotates with the dial302is connected to a wiring portion (or pattern)305bconnected to the capacitance detector305aon the first flexible substrate305. The signal transfer contact piece308contacts a signal transfer conductive pattern on the second flexible substrate306irrespective of the rotational position of the dial302. Accordingly, the capacitance signal from the capacitance detector305ais transferred to the signal transfer conductive pattern on the second flexible substrate306through the signal transfer contact piece308and input to the touch operation microcomputer82athrough the second flexible substrate306. For example, the camera control unit50changes various setting values in accordance with the kind of a touch operation determined by the touch operation microcomputer82a.

In this manner, the capacitance signal output from the capacitance detector305aof the rotating dial302can be transferred to the touch operation microcomputer82athrough the second flexible substrate306provided with the rotation detection conductive patterns.

The shaft portion302aof the dial302may be provided with a wiring pattern through which the capacitance signal from the capacitance detector305ais transferred from the first flexible substrate305to the rotation detection contact piece307provided at the click plate303. In this case, the capacitance signal from the capacitance detector305acan be transferred to the second flexible substrate306through the rotation detection contact piece307serving as a rotation detector (part thereof) and a signal transfer unit and can be input to the touch operation microcomputer82a. Alternatively, a non-contact communication unit of wireless communication, optical communication, or the like may be used as the signal transfer unit to transfer the capacitance signal from the capacitance detector305ato the second flexible substrate306and input the capacitance signal to the touch operation microcomputer82a.

FIG.4Aonly illustrates the dial302when viewed from its bottom surface side. The inside of the dial302is a concave part that is opened on the bottom surface side, the shaft portion302ais provided at the center of the concave part, and a cylindrical part is formed around the concave part. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical part is the outer circumferential surface302b, and the inner circumferential surface thereof is the inner circumferential surface302c. The outer circumferential surface302bhas a minute web-like irregular (knurled) shape for preventing slipping of a finger of the user.

FIG.4Bonly illustrates the first flexible substrate305when viewed from the bottom surface side. The first flexible substrate305has a shape in which the capacitance detector305ais provided around a wiring portion305bin a ring shape.

FIG.4Cillustrates a state in which the first flexible substrate305is fixed inside the dial302by, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape, a bonding agent, or fitting of a protrusion and a protrusion hole. The shaft portion302aof the dial302is inserted into an opening305cformed at the center of the wiring portion305bof the first flexible substrate305, the wiring portion305bis bonded to a ceiling surface inside the dial302, and the capacitance detector305ais bonded to the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface302cof the dial302.

The vicinity of an one end305a1of the capacitance detector305ain the circumferential direction and the vicinity of the other end305a2thereof may overlap each other. Although not illustrated inFIGS.4B and4C, the signal transfer contact piece308that is a conductive member for transferring the capacitance signal from the capacitance detector305ato the second flexible substrate306as described above with reference toFIG.3is provided at the wiring portion305b.

Instead of the configuration in which the dial302is fixed to the first flexible substrate305separately provided from the dial302, the capacitance detector305aand the wiring portion305bmay be integrally shaped with the dial302. In any case, the capacitance detector305aonly needs to contact the inner circumferential surface302con the back side of the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302directly or through a conductive double-sided adhesive tape or conductive grease that is a conductive member such that no clearance including an air layer is formed between the inner circumferential surface302cof the dial302and the capacitance detector305a. No air layer formed can prevent capacitance signal variance and S/N decrease in accordance with the way of touch on the outer circumferential surface302bby the user, thereby stably detecting a touch operation.

As illustrated inFIG.4B, the capacitance detector305aserving as a wiring portion may be provided on the ceiling surface inside the dial302to detect a touch operation onto an upper surface (top surface) of the dial302. Specifically, the capacitance detector may be provided in contact with an inner surface on the back side of the outer surface (the outer circumferential surface302band the upper surface) of the dial302directly or through a conductive double-sided adhesive tape or conductive grease.

FIG.5Aillustrates the first flexible substrate305when exploded in a flat plate shape.FIG.5Billustrates part A of the capacitance detector305ainFIG.5Ain an enlarging manner. The capacitance detector305ais provided with a touch sensor electrode500constituting the above-described dial touch sensor. The touch sensor electrode500includes a plurality of (first to third) electrodes501to503formed of a conductive member such as copper and disposed adjacent to each other at a small interval in a longitudinal direction of the capacitance detector305a(the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface302cof the dial302: hereinafter referred to as a sensor longitudinal direction). The first, second, and third electrodes501,502, and503are repeatedly disposed in the stated order from the one end305a1of the capacitance detector305ato the other end305a2in the sensor longitudinal direction.

As illustrated inFIG.5B, each of the first to third electrodes501to503is formed in a shape including a part504overlapping an adjacent electrode in the sensor longitudinal direction. Specifically, both ends of each electrode in the sensor longitudinal direction are formed at a tilt in a direction orthogonal to the sensor longitudinal direction. The one end305a1and the other end305a2of the capacitance detector are cut along the tilt of both ends of each electrode. With such an electrode shape, the capacitance signal can be stably output wherever a touch operation (tap operation and slide operation) is performed on the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302. In particular, this example can avoid discontinuity of the capacitance signal due to the interval between electrodes in a case where a slide operation is performed, thereby improving detection performance of the slide operation.

FIG.6Aillustrates the positional relation between the dial302and the capacitance detector305a(the touch sensor electrode500) when viewed from above. As understood fromFIGS.1A and1B, the dial302is disposed in a concave part provided at the upper cover301, and part of the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302is exposed through an opening600on the back surface side of the concave part. The user touches the part (hereinafter referred to as an operable portion) of the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302exposed through the opening600with a finger and performs a rotational operation and a touch operation. The operable portion of the dial302in this example has an angle range of 120 [degree] approximately about the rotational center of the dial302. However, the angle range may be 90 [degree] or 180 [degree] and is not particularly limited.

FIG.6Billustrates the touch sensor electrode500provided on the back surface (inner circumferential surface302c) of the operable portion of the dial302. As illustrated in the diagram, at least one of each of the first to third electrodes501to503is provided on the back surface of the operable portion of the dial302. At least one of each of the first to third electrodes501to503may be provided on the back surface of the operable portion irrespective of the rotational position of the dial302.

The rotational position of the dial302is determined in a case where the above-described ball is fitted into a concave part of the click plate303. Thus, the concave parts of the click plate303are formed at a circumferential direction pitch with which at least one of each of the first to third electrodes501to503is provided on the back surface of the operable portion of the dial302. Accordingly, a tap operation and a slide operation onto the dial302can be excellently detected as described below.

Tap Operation

A tap operation is an operation of touching the operable portion of the dial302with a finger and then removing the finger without changing a touch position (canceling the touch) in a predetermined time. InFIG.6A, in a case where a finger of the user touches a right tap range601of the operable portion of the dial302, the touch on the right tap range601is detected based on capacitance change at the first electrode501illustrated inFIG.6B. Thereafter, in a case where the finger is removed from the right tap range601in the predetermined time, the touch cancellation in the right tap range601is detected based on capacitance change at the first electrode501. With such capacitance (signal) change, the touch operation microcomputer82adetects a right tap operation and the camera control unit50executes a function (operation or control) allocated to the right tap operation.

In a case where a finger of the user touches a left tap range602of the operable portion of the dial302, the touch on the left tap range602is detected based on capacitance change at the third electrode503. Thereafter, in a case where the finger is removed from the left tap range602in the predetermined time, the touch cancellation in the left tap range602is detected based on capacitance change at the third electrode503. With such capacitance change, the touch operation microcomputer82adetects a left tap operation and the camera control unit50executes a function allocated to the left tap operation.

A center tap operation using capacitance change at the second electrode502may be provided. Moreover, a tap operation may be detected in a case where touch with a finger continues for a first predetermined time or longer after the touch and then the touch is canceled in a second predetermined time.

Slide Operation

A slide operation is an operation of touching the operable portion of the dial302with a finger and then moving the finger (touch position) while touching. In a case where a finger of the user touches the right tap range601of the operable portion of the dial302, the touch on the right tap range601is detected based on capacitance change (increase) at the first electrode501. As the finger moves from the right tap range601to the left tap range602while touching the operable portion, capacitance sequentially changes in the order of the first electrode501, the second electrode502, and the third electrode503, and accordingly, movement of the touch position in the left direction is detected. In a case where the finger is removed from the left tap range602, the touch cancellation in the left tap range602is detected based on capacitance change (decrease) at the third electrode503. With such capacitance change, the touch operation microcomputer82adetects a left slide operation and the camera control unit50executes a function allocated to the left slide operation.

In a case where a finger of the user touches the left tap range602of the operable portion of the dial302, the touch on the left tap range602is detected based on capacitance change at the third electrode503. As the finger moves from the left tap range602to the right tap range601while touching the operable portion, capacitance sequentially changes in the order of the third electrode503, the second electrode502, the first electrode501, and accordingly, movement of the touch position in the right direction is detected. In a case where the finger is removed from the right tap range601, the touch cancellation in the right tap range601is detected based on capacitance change at the first electrode501. With such capacitance change, the touch operation microcomputer82adetects a right slide operation and the camera control unit50executes a function allocated to the right slide operation.

In a case where movement of the touch position is detected after touch (in other words, even though touch cancellation is not detected), the movement may be detected as a slide operation and a function allocated to the slide operation may be executed.

A position initially touched by a finger in right and left slide operations may be a center range corresponding to the second electrode502at the operable portion of the dial302. In this case, in a case where a finger of the user touches the center range, the touch on the center range is detected based on capacitance change at the second electrode502, and a left slide operation is detected based on sequential change in capacitance in the order of the second electrode502and the third electrode503as the finger moves in the left direction. In addition, a right slide operation is detected based on sequential change in capacitance in the order of the second electrode502and the first electrode501as the finger moves in the right direction after the touch on the center range is detected.

The three electrodes (first to third electrodes) are disposed at the operable portion of the dial in this example, but may be two electrodes or four or more electrodes.

This example can accurately detect a touch operation (tap operation and slide operation) on the dial302on which a rotational operation can be performed in the camera100having a small size.

Switching Between Rotational Operation and Touch Operation

In a case where a rotational operation onto the dial302is provided with a click feeling to enable selected region movement or image feed for each click as described above, a false operation is unlikely to occur in a case where the user performs a blind operation while viewing the eyepiece16, which is an advantage. With a slide operation onto the dial302, a setting value can be continuously changed, and moreover, a silent operation with which sound such as click sound is not generated is possible, which is an advantage. Thus, a rotational operation function to detect a rotational operation onto the dial302and execute a function in accordance with the rotational operation and a touch operation function to detect a touch operation and execute a function in accordance with the touch operation may be switched depending on a state or environment in which the user uses the camera100.

The camera control unit50as a setting unit can detect or determine the state (use state or use environment) of the camera100through the attitude detector55, the eye proximity detector57, the audio detector91, and the grip detector92as state detectors illustrated inFIG.2. For example, the use state of the camera100such as motion (pan, tilt, lift-up, or carry) or rest can be determined by using acceleration obtained by the attitude detector55. Specifically, for example, a pan/tilt image capturing state can be determined in a case where acceleration of the camera100, which is equal to or larger than a threshold value is continuously detected, or a rest state in which the camera100is fixed to a tripod or the like or a hand-held image capturing state can be determined in a case where acceleration smaller than the threshold value is detected. In addition, a state in which the user performs image capturing while viewing the eyepiece16(while viewing the inside of the electronic apparatus) can be determined by the eye proximity detector57. In a case where eye proximity is not detected by the eye proximity detector57, a state in which the user performs image capturing while viewing the display unit28(while viewing the outer surface of the electronic apparatus) can be determined. Moreover, in a case where the volume of sound around the camera100, which is detected by the audio detector91is smaller than a threshold value, it can be determined that the use environment is a silent environment. Furthermore, a state in which the user performs image capturing while grasping the grip portion90can be determined by the grip detector92.

FIGS.7A and7Billustrate setting about the rotational operation function and the touch operation function in accordance with a detection result of the state of the camera100. The camera control unit50changes, based on the above-described computer program, setting about the rotational operation function and the touch operation function in accordance with the state of the camera100.

FIG.7Aillustrates ON/OFF (enablement/disablement or detection/non-detection of a rotational operation and a touch operation) of the rotational operation function and the touch operation function in accordance with detection results in a case where grasping (grip) detection by the grip detector92and eye proximity detection by the eye proximity detector57are enabled. The user can select enablement/disablement of grip detection and eye proximity detection through a menu screen displayed on the display unit28.

State A is a state in which grip and eye proximity are both detected, and the camera control unit50determines the state as a state in which the user grasps the grip portion90and performs image capturing while viewing the eyepiece16. In State A, since the user performs a blind operation onto the dial302, a false touch operation is likely to be performed. Thus, the camera control unit50turns off the touch operation function and turns on the rotational operation function to enable a reliable rotational operation with a click feeling. In this case, sensitivity to a touch operation may be decreased instead of turning off the touch operation function. This is the same for any other state to be described below, in which the touch operation function is turned off. In addition to turning on the rotational operation function, spring force that presses the ball of the click mechanism as a resistance generation unit against a concave part of the click plate303, that is, resistance against rotation of the dial302may be set to be weak (first intensity) so that a rotational operation onto the dial302can be easily performed. A configuration for changing the spring force in the click mechanism is not particularly limited, but the spring force may be set to be variable by increasing and decreasing the charge amount of the spring through, for example, a cam mechanism.

This is the same for any other state to be described below, in which the rotational operation function is turned on.

State B is a state in which grip and eye proximity are both not detected, and the camera control unit50determines the state as a non-image capturing state in which the user does not grasp the grip portion90nor view the eyepiece16. In State B, the camera control unit50turns off both the rotational operation function and the touch operation function. In this case, resistance against rotation of the dial302may be set to be strong (second intensity) so that the dial302cannot easily rotate. This is the same for any other state to be described below, in which the rotational operation function is turned off.

State C is a state in which grip is detected but eye proximity is not detected, and the camera control unit50determines the state as a state in which the user grasps the grip portion90and performs image capturing preparation or various kinds of setting while viewing a live-view image displayed on the display unit28. In State C, since the user can visually recognize the dial302and the display unit28and is unlikely to perform a false touch operation, the camera control unit50turns off the rotational operation function and turns on the touch operation function. Sensitivity to a touch operation may be increased in a case where sensitivity to a touch operation is decreased instead of turning off the touch operation function in States A and B. This is the same for any other state to be described below, in which the touch operation function is turned on.

FIG.7Billustrates ON/OFF of the rotational operation function and the touch operation function in a case where attitude detection by the attitude detector55and sound detection by the audio detector91are enabled in addition to grip detection by the grip detector92and eye proximity detection by the eye proximity detector57.

State D is a moving state in which acceleration equal to or larger than a threshold value is detected by the attitude detector55, and the camera control unit50turns off both the rotational operation function and the touch operation function irrespective of a result of detection by any other detector, for preventing a false operation.

States E, F, G, and H are image capturing states in which acceleration smaller than the threshold value or no acceleration is detected by the attitude detector55. State E is a state in which a sound level lower than a threshold value is detected by the audio detector91. The camera control unit50determines that the use environment is a silent environment, turns off the rotational operation function, and turns on the touch operation function. Accordingly, the user can perform a touch operation as a silent operation in a case where quietness is required at an art museum, a public place, or the like.

States F, G, and H are states in which a sound level (noise) equal to or higher than the threshold value is detected. State F is a state in which grip and eye proximity are both detected, and State H is a state in which grip is detected but eye proximity is not detected. The camera control unit50performs, for States F an H, the same ON/OFF setting as that for States A and C described above, respectively.

State G is a state in which grip and eye proximity are both not detected, and the camera control unit50determines the state as an image capturing state based on an acceleration detection result. For example, the state is determined as an image capturing state in which the camera100is fixed to a tripod. In State G, since the user can visually recognize the dial302and the display unit28and is unlikely to perform a false touch operation, the camera control unit50turns off the rotational operation function and turns on the touch operation function.

As described above, the camera100according to this example can automatically change setting about the rotational operation function and the touch operation function of the sub electronic dial unit73in accordance with the state of the camera100.

The user can perform setting to turn off operation of the shutter101and use electronic shutter operation of the image sensor22in the still image capturing mode. The user can also set the moving image capturing mode in which a moving image is captured together with sound. In a case of specific setting with which a silent operation is required as described above, the camera control unit50performs setting to prioritize a touch operation over a rotational operation irrespective of a detection result of the state of the camera100by each above-described detector. More specifically, the camera control unit50turns off the rotational operation function and turns on the touch operation function, or increases resistance against a rotational operation and increases sensitivity to a touch operation.

FIG.8Aillustrates a display example of a rotational operation icon701in the display unit28or the EVF29for notifying the user that the rotational operation function is turned on.FIG.8Billustrates a display example of a touch operation icon702for notifying the user that the touch operation function is turned on. In a case where the icons701and702are displayed, the user can clearly recognize which of a rotational operation and a touch operation is possible on the sub electronic dial unit73(dial302).

Although the electronic dial unit provided in the camera100is described above in this example, an electronic dial unit having the same configuration may be mounted on an automobile as the electronic apparatus. In a case where various setting values of an audio, navigation, or air conditioning system are to be changed in the automobile, the rotational operation function that allows a reliable operation with a click feeling of a dial can be turned on in a traveling (driving) state in which the dial should not be viewed. The touch operation function that allows a smooth operation can be turned on in a stopping state. The driving state and the stopping state can be determined based on whether acceleration or brake is turned on or off.

For the dial302on which a rotational operation and a touch operation are possible, a touch operation is potentially falsely detected in a case where the user unintentionally touches the dial302with a finger in or after a rotational operation. Thus, false detection of a touch operation is prevented in Example 2.

FIG.9illustrates a section of a sub electronic dial unit73′ in this example in a state in which a thumb901of the user touches the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302. InFIG.9, the same constituent component as inFIG.3is denoted by the reference sign as inFIG.3and description thereof is omitted.

With the sub electronic dial unit73′ according to this example, not only contact of the thumb901with the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302is detected by the capacitance detector305a(touch sensor electrode500) but also the contact area of the thumb901on the dial302is detected based on the size of capacitance. A distortion sensor1201is provided between the upper cover301and the shaft portion302aof the dial302. The distortion sensor1201is disposed between the upper cover301and the shaft portion302aof the dial302in the radial direction of the dial302, is distorted by force (external force) transferred from the shaft portion302ain a case where the thumb901touches the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302, and outputs a signal in accordance with the amount of the distortion. The camera control unit50determines, based on the magnitude of the distortion amount indicated by the signal, whether the user is performing a rotational operation or a touch operation onto the dial302. The capacitance detector305aand the distortion sensor1201correspond to an operation state detector.

FIG.10Aschematically illustrates the contact area of the thumb901on the dial302in a case where the user performs a touch operation onto the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302.FIG.10Bschematically illustrates the contact area of the thumb901on the dial302in a case where the user performs a rotational operation onto the dial302.

The contact area of the thumb901on the dial302and the external force applied to the dial302are different between a case where a touch operation is performed on the dial302by the thumb901and a case where a rotational operation is performed on the dial302by the thumb901. Specifically, the thumb901traces the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302in the touch operation illustrated inFIG.10A. However, the thumb901is pressed against the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302to stick to the knurled shape in the rotational operation illustrated inFIG.10B. Thus, in the rotational operation, the contact area of the thumb901on the dial302is larger than in the touch operation, and the external force applied to the dial302is larger as well, and accordingly, the distortion amount of the distortion sensor1201disposed between the dial302and the upper cover301is larger.

In this manner, the camera control unit50detects the contact area of the thumb901and the magnitude of external force (distortion amount) as the states of an operation onto the dial302. Then, the camera control unit50determines which of a rotational operation and a touch operation the user is going to perform on the dial302in accordance with results of the detection, and switches an operation to be detected (setting about a rotational operation and a touch operation). Accordingly, unintentional touch on the dial302by the user with a finger in or after a rotational operation can be prevented from being falsely detected as a touch operation. The camera control unit50performs such processing in accordance with the computer program.

The camera control unit50may perform the operation determination by using both or only one of the contact area and the magnitude of external force.

FIG.11illustrates the correspondence between the contact area of a finger on the dial302or the magnitude of the external force applied to the dial302and ON/OFF of detection of a touch operation and a rotational operation (enablement/disablement of a touch operation and a rotational operation). “Small” of contact area/external force corresponds to a case where the detected contact area or external force is smaller than a first threshold value, and “intermediate” of contact area/external force corresponds to a case where the detected contact area or external force is equal to or larger than the first threshold value and smaller than a second threshold value. In addition, “large” of contact area/external force corresponds to a case where the detected contact area or external force is equal to or larger than the second threshold value.

In a case where at least one of the contact area and the external force is equal to or larger than zero and smaller than the first threshold value, the camera control unit50determines that no intentional operation is performed on the dial302by the user, and turns off touch operation detection and rotational operation detection. Accordingly, a touch operation can be prevented from being falsely detected in a case where, for example, the user unintentionally touches the dial302with a finger in a case where operating an operation member different from the dial302. Similarly to Example 1, sensitivity to a touch operation may be decreased in place of turning off touch operation detection, and resistance against rotation of the dial302may be increased in addition to turning off rotational operation detection.

In a case where at least one of the contact area and the external force is equal to or larger than the first threshold value and smaller than the second threshold value, the camera control unit50determines that the user touches the dial302with an intention to perform a touch operation, and turns on touch operation detection and turns off rotational operation detection. Similarly to Example 1, sensitivity to a touch operation may be increased in place of turning on touch operation detection.

In a case where at least one of the contact area and the external force is equal to or larger than the second threshold value, the camera control unit50determines that the user touches the dial302with an intention to perform a rotational operation, and turns off touch operation detection and turns on rotational operation detection. Similarly to Example 1, resistance against rotation of the dial302may be decreased in addition to turning on rotational operation detection.

In addition to the above-described determination of a rotational operation and a touch operation based on the contact area and the external force, whether a finger that is conductive or a non-conductive object other than a finger contacts the dial302may be determined based on capacitance change detected by the capacitance detector305a. In a case where contact with a non-conductive object is determined, the camera control unit50may turn off rotational operation detection and touch operation detection. Accordingly, false actuation of the camera100can be prevented in, for example, a case where a non-conductive object other than a finger in a bag contacts or rotates the dial302while the camera100is in the bag or a case where clothes contact the dial302while the user is hanging the camera100from the neck.

Not only rotational operation detection and touch operation detection but also setting options of modes, exposure, and the like, and setting functions of the feed amount and feed speed of a setting value, and the like may be changed in accordance with the contact area and the external force. In a case where the setting functions are to be changed, the setting functions may be changed in accordance with the intensity of a rotational operation or a touch operation by determining a rotational operation or touch operation with which weak external force is applied on the dial or a rotational operation or touch operation with which strong external force is applied on the dial.

This example can prevent false detection of a rotational operation and a touch operation (false operation of the camera100) due to unintentional contact with the dial302by the user, and cause the camera100to execute a function in accordance with the intensity of a rotational operation or a touch operation onto the dial302.

Example 3 will be described below. In Example 3, setting about the rotational operation function and the touch operation function is changed in accordance with the number of fingers operating the dial302. In this example as well, the camera control unit50performs such processing in accordance with the computer program.

FIG.12Aillustrates a state in which the user touches the dial302with one finger (the thumb901) and performs a rotational operation onto the dial302.FIG.12Billustrates a state in which the user touches both sides of the dial302in the radial direction with two fingers (the thumb901and a forefinger902) and performs a rotational operation onto the dial302. The user may perform a rotational operation onto the dial302with a larger number (three, for example) of fingers.

The number of fingers touching the dial302can be detected by the touch sensor electrode500. Specifically, the number of fingers touching the dial302can be detected based on the number of electrodes the capacitance of which largely changes among a plurality of electrodes (501to503) included in the touch sensor electrode500. Alternatively, the number of fingers touching the dial302may be determined based on the total capacitance detected by the touch sensor electrode500. Moreover, a plurality of kinds of touch sensor electrodes500may be provided and outputs from the electrodes may be checked.

The number of fingers performing a slide operation onto the dial302may be detected in addition to the case of a rotational operation onto the dial302.

FIG.13Aillustrates an example of the correspondence between the number of fingers performing a rotational operation onto the dial302and a function (operation) of the camera100. A case where the number of fingers is zero and the dial302rotates corresponds to a case where an object (such as the body of the user or a bag) other than a finger contacts the dial302and rotates the dial302without intention of the user. In this case, the camera control unit50causes the camera100to execute no function and prevents change in setting values and the like. In a case where a rotational operation is performed on the dial302with one finger, the camera control unit50changes an exposure correction value. In a case where a rotational operation is performed with two fingers, the camera control unit50changes the operation mode of the camera100such as the image capturing mode. In a case where a rotational operation is performed with three fingers, the camera control unit50powers on or off the camera100. For example, the camera control unit50powers off the camera100in a case where the rotational operation is performed in the clockwise direction, or powers on the camera100in a case where the rotational operation is performed in the anticlockwise direction.

With such function setting, an operation highly frequently performed by the user, such as change in the exposure correction value can be performed fast with one finger. An operation that is less frequently performed and would cause large influence when falsely performed, such as power on and off can be enabled only when the user intentionally performs a rotational operation onto the dial302with a plurality of fingers. Accordingly, this example can improve convenience of the user while preventing false operation.

FIG.13Billustrates the correspondence between the number of fingers performing a slide operation onto the dial302and a function of the camera100. In this example, the function of the camera100is image feed in a case where captured images are played back, and a setting value of image feed is the number of captured images fed per one slide operation (one operation). In a case where the number of fingers is zero, a slide operation cannot be performed and thus image feed is not performed. In a case where a slide operation is performed on the outer circumferential surface302bof the dial302with one finger, the camera control unit50performs image feed in the units of one image. In a case where a slide operation is performed with two fingers, the camera control unit50performs image feed in the units of 10 images. In a case where a slide operation is performed with three fingers, the camera control unit50performs image feed in the units of 100 images. With this image feed control, the user can roughly select, with a plurality of fingers, an image capturing scene in which a target image is captured, and can reliably find the target image with one finger. In other words, the user can perform fast search and detailed check of a target image through simple slide operations on one dial302.

Not only the number of images to be fed but also the change amount of a setting value such as the shutter speed may be changed in accordance with the number of fingers performing a slide operation. Moreover, the change amount of a setting value may be changed in accordance with the number of fingers performing a rotational operation onto the dial302, and a function of the camera100may be changed in accordance with the number of fingers performing a slide operation. The number of fingers performing a rotational operation and a slide operation may be equal to or larger than three and may be, for example, four.

A function (operation) of the camera100in accordance with relative motion of two fingers performing a slide operation onto the dial302will be described below with reference toFIGS.14A to14C. Each arrow in the drawings represents the slide direction of a finger performing a slide operation. The following description will be made on a function of the camera100related to captured image playback.

FIG.14Aillustrates a case where the thumb901and the forefinger902are both slid in the anticlockwise direction. In this case, the camera control unit50performs image feed. The camera control unit50switches the direction of image feed in accordance with the slide direction of the thumb901and the forefinger902(the clockwise direction or the anticlockwise direction).

FIG.14Billustrates a case where the thumb901is slid in the anticlockwise direction and the forefinger902is slid in the clockwise direction, in other words, a pinch-in operation is performed so that the thumb901and the forefinger902approach each other. In this case, the camera control unit50performs scaling-down processing of scaling down a playback image. In a case where a pinch-out operation is performed so that the thumb901and the forefinger902having approached each other are slid in directions opposite the arrows, in other words, the thumb901and the forefinger902are separated from each other, the camera control unit50performs scale-up processing of scaling up the playback image as a function different from that in the pinch-in operation. In the state of the diagram, in a case where the thumb901is slid in the clockwise direction and the forefinger902is slid in the anticlockwise direction, as well, the camera control unit50scales down the playback image as the two fingers approach each other, and scales up the playback image as the two fingers become separated from each other. In this manner, the playback magnification of the playback image is changed in accordance with the distance between the two fingers, and thus the user can perform an intuitive operation.

FIG.14Cillustrates a case where the thumb901does not move while touching the dial302but the forefinger902slides in the clockwise direction or the anticlockwise direction. In this case, the camera control unit50sets the rating of a playback image as a specific function of the camera100. Specifically, the rating is increased in a case where the forefinger902slides in the clockwise direction, and the rating is decreased in a case where the forefinger902slides in the anticlockwise direction. Typically, in rating, a rating indicator such as a star mark (*) is displayed together with a playback image, and the degree of rating is represented by the number of rating indicators. In this example, the number of rating indicators is increased or decreased in accordance with the direction in which a finger slides, and thus the user can perform an intuitive operation.

In this manner, the camera100can execute various functions related to image playback in accordance with a slide operation with at least one of two fingers contacting the dial302. The camera100is not limited to the case of two fingers and functions related to image playback but may execute various functions in accordance with the relative positional relation among a larger number of fingers.

FIG.15Aillustrates a state in which a slide operation is performed on the dial302with the thumb901. In this example of the diagram, a slide operation is performed in the anticlockwise direction as illustrated with the arrow. In the example, the camera100is set to the playback mode in which captured images are played back, and image feed is performed in the units of 10 images in a direction in accordance with the direction of a slide operation with one finger.

FIG.15Billustrates a state in which a rotational operation is performed on the dial302in the anticlockwise direction without removing the thumb901from the dial302(while contact with the thumb901is detected) after the slide operation illustrated inFIG.15A. In this case, the camera control unit50does not perform change in the exposure correction value, which is set for a rotational operation with one finger as illustrated in 13A, but performs image feed in the units of one image per click. The user can roughly feed playback images by performing a slide operation and can reliably feed playback images one by one by performing a rotational operation in the units of clicks thereafter. In this case, the dial302does not need to be grasped differently as in the above-described case of changing the number of images to be fed by changing the number of fingers, and thus the number of images to be fed can more easily changed.

In this manner, in a case where a slide operation and a rotational operation are continuously performed without removing a plurality of fingers from the dial302, the camera control unit50applies a function of the camera100, which is set for the slide operation, to the rotational operation as well and does not execute a function originally set for the rotational operation. In other words, the user performs a rotational operation without changing fingers touching the dial302for a first slide operation and the number of fingers, thereby causing the camera100to perform a function set for a slide operation with a different number of fingers. Accordingly, simplicity and immediacy of an operation improve.

The user may perform a slide operation without removing fingers after performing a rotational operation onto the dial302. In this case, the camera control unit50applies a function set for the rotational operation to the slide operation as well and changes the change amount of a setting value in accordance with the slide operation. Accordingly, this example can smoothly perform such an operation that a setting value is largely changed through a slide operation after the setting value is finely changed through a rotational operation.

The above-described operations may be performed on the dial302with a plurality of fingers. The camera100may execute a function other than image feed for the above-described operations.

Although the electronic dial unit provided in the camera100is described above in Examples 2 and 3, an electronic dial unit having the same configuration is applicable to various electronic apparatuses such as an automobile, an audio instrument, and a medical instrument. For example, with an electronic dial unit mounted on an automobile, vehicle speed and inter-vehicular distance in cruise control or temperature and air volume in automatic air conditioning can be set through a rotational operation and a touch operation onto a dial. With an electronic dial unit mounted on an audio instrument, sound volume can be roughly and finely adjusted through a rotational operation and a touch operation onto a dial.

Other Embodiments

Each example can provide an electronic apparatus capable of automatically changing setting about a rotational operation and a touch operation onto one operation member.